A68877:206
Gods husbandry
Gods husbandry: the first part. Tending to show the difference betwixt the hypocrite and the true-hearted Christian. As it was delivered in certain sermons, and is now published by William Whately, preacher of the Word of God in Banbury in OxfordshireGods husbandry: the first part. Tending to shew the difference betwixt the hypocrite and the true-hearted Christian. As it was deliuered in certaine sermons, and is now published by William Whately, preacher of the Word of God in Banbury in Oxfordsheire
London: printed by Bernard Alsop and Felix Kyngston for Thomas Man, 1622
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.
and therefore also refuse to trust himself, with those hollow-hearted believers of his time? Did not he give Judas his right name, when he carried himself most fairly and commendably to the world-wards? even then, entitling him as he was worthy to be entitled, a devil, when as yet, he remained disguised with the visor of Apostleship? Doubtless, as no wisdom, counsel, nor ⟨p. 11⟩understanding can prevail against the Lord, to disappoint him, (as Solomons Proverb affirmeth;) So neither can any fraud, guile, or dissembling, prevail to beguile him. And is it possible that his pure eyes should discover him, and his just and almighty hand not be stretched out to destroy him? Nay verily: for as he sees him,1 so he loathes him also, and loathes him in a very high degree, even as we do loth a rotten sepulchre for all its paintings: and as we would abhor a cup full of filthy gear within, though the outside were never so cleanly washed, and fairly scoured: and as we could not but do him, that should bear great outward semblance of friendship and goodwill unto us, when his heart did harbour nothing but neglect of us, or malice against us. A false friend is always more detestable unto a man, when once his falsehood is made known, then the most violent, but professed enemy. Do you not think that David was as much or more embittered against Ahithophel, then against the Philistine or Moabite, that ever he fought with? The hypocrite, by seeming good, declares that he knows what is good, and how it should be embraced: And by but seeming alone, he proveth that he hath no love to that which he confesseth to deserve love; and so sinning against the light that is enkindled in him, must he not needs provoke the holy eyes of the Divine Majesty against him? In truth, an hypocrite even of the closer kind, doth exceeding grossly abuse the Lord, and all his ordinances, and exceeding heinously ⟨p. 12⟩pervert his patience and kindness, and turn the great mystery of our salvation, into a very fable, seeing that he is not good in good earnest, but in Jest, as one might well call it: and how then can it be otherwise, but that the wrath and indignation of God should burn against him even unto hell?2