Certain sermons, first preached, and after published at several times, by M. Thomas Gataker…Certaine sermons, first preached, and after published at severall times, by M. Thomas Gataker…
Certain sermons, first preached, and after published at several times, by M. Thomas Gataker B. of D. and pastor at Rotherhith. And now gathered together into one volume: the several texts and titles whereof are set down in the leaf followingCertaine sermons, first preached, and after published at severall times, by M. Thomas Gataker B. of D. and pastor at Rotherhith. And now gathered together into one volume: the severall texts and titles whereof are set downe in the leafe following
Thomas Gataker 1574–1654London: printed by John Haviland and Anne Griffin, 1637London: printed by Iohn Haviland and Anne Griffin, 1637
[8], 347, [1] p. · 173k words · STC 11652b.5 · ESTC S124946
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 surely what difference will there be between a Christian Parent and an Heathen, a Christian School-master and a Pagan; if the Parent or School-master teach his Children and Scholars, matter of civility or humane learning alone? Do not Heathen even the same? As the Apostle speaketh in another case,s He that provideth not for his Family, is worse than an Infidel: So here, that Parent that bringeth up his Child idly, is worse than many an Infidel: he that traineth him up in some worldly trade only is no better than they. That School-master that teacheth them not at all that be committed unto him, is worse than many an Infidel; he that giveth them humane learning only, is little better than they. That Parent or Teacher that doth not teach them Civility, comes far short of many Heathen ones; he that doth teach Civility, and not Piety withal, goeth no further than they have gone.
And surely what difference will there be betweene a Christian Parent and an Heathen, a Christian Schoole-master and a Pagan; if the Parent or Schoole-master teach his Children and Scholers, matter of civilitie or humane learning alone? Doe not Heathen even the same? As the Apostle speaketh in another case,s He that provideth not for his Familie, is worse than an Infidell: So here, that Parent that bringeth up his Childe idly, is worse than many an Infidell: he that traineth him up in some worldly trade only is no better than they. That Schoole-master that teacheth them not at all that be committed unto him, is worse than many an Infidell; hee that giveth them humane learning onely, is little better than they. That Parent or Teacher that doth not teach them Civilitie, comes far short of many Heathen ones; he that doth teach Civilitie, and not Piety withall, goeth no further than they have gone.
Whereby shall a boy, or a Child, saith David, make his path pure, but by taking heed to it according to Gods word?
Vse 2 Lastly, Children also must learne to feare and to serve God. If your Governours must teach you it, then questionlesse you must learne it.t Remember thy Creator, saith Salomon, in the dayes of thy youth. And,u Whereby shall a boy, or a Childe, saith David, make his path pure, but by taking heed to it according to Gods word?
It is an idle conceit of many, that Religion and Godliness is not for Children, that such things concern them not. There is no age freed from it. And therefore John writeth unto, and directeth, what he writeth, unto all,x not to old men, and young men, strong grown men only, but to Children and little ones also. And surely most equal it is, that as the yfirst-fruits of other things, so the first-fruits of our years should go also to God.
It is an idle conceit of many, that Religion and Godlinesse is not for Children, that such things concerne them not. There is no age freed from it. And therefore Iohn writeth unto, and directeth, what hee writeth, unto all,x not to old men, and young men, strong growne men onely, but to Children and little ones also. And surely most equall it is, that as the yfirst-fruits of other things, so the first-fruits of our yeeres should goe also to God.
It is but a Devilish Proverb, A young Saint, and an old Devil. The Holy Ghost by Solomon assureth us the contrary:z Teach a Child, saith he, in the trade of his way, and he will not depart from it, when he is old. It is true indeed, that those that have made most show of piety,a when they fall away again, prove usually most profane. Butb where it hath once truly taken root in the heart, there it will continue constantly even to all eternity, and never dye or decay again.
It is but a Devillish Proverb, A young Saint, and an old Devill. The Holy Ghost by Salomon assureth us the contrary:z Teach a Childe, saith he, in the trade of his way, and hee will not depart from it, when hee is old. It is true indeed, that those that have made most shew of piety,a when they fall away againe, prove usually most prophane. Butb where it hath once truly taken root in the heart, there it will continue constantly even to all eternity, and never dye or decay againe.
Let this therefore, good Children,1 be your principal care and study: (For what shall it avail you to be cunning in Tully, Virgil, Homer, and other profane Writers, if you be unskilful in Gods book? to have learned Greek and Latin, if you learn not withalc the language of Canaan? to have your speech agreeable to the rules of Priscian or Lily, if your lives and courses be not consonant to the rules and laws of Christianity? to have knowledge of the Creatures, when you are ignorant of the Creator? to have learned that whereby you may live a while here, and neglect that whereby you may live eternally hereafter?) Learn to fear God, to serve God; and then God will bless you. Ford He will bless those that fear him, be they great or small. Yea he will take charge of you, and provide for you, if your Parents be taken from you.e Though my Father and Mother, saith David, should leave me, yet would God take me up. fHe will be a Father unto you:g he will see you shall not want. If your Parents have wrought the Fear of God into you;h they shall be sure to leave Gods blessing to you; they may boldly bequeath it you; and you shall be sure to partake with them in it.
Let this therefore, good Children,1 be your principall care and studie: (For what shall it availe you to be cunning in Tully, Virgil, Homer, and other prophane Writers, if you be unskilfull in Gods booke? to have learned Greeke and Latine, if you learne not withallc the language of Canaan? to have your speech agreeable to the rules of Priscian or Lilie, if your lives and courses be not consonant to the rules and lawes of Christianitie? to have knowledge of the Creatures, when you are ignorant of the Creator? to have learned that whereby you may live a while here, and neglect that whereby you may live eternally hereafter?) Learne to feare God, to serve God; and then God will blesse you. Ford Hee will blesse those that feare him, be they great or small. Yea hee will take charge of you, and provide for you, if your Parents be taken from you.e Though my Father and Mother, saith David, should leave mee, yet would God take mee up. fHee will be a Father unto you:g he will see you shall not want. If your Parents have wrought the Feare of God into you;h they shall be sure to leave Gods blessing to you; they may boldly bequeath it you; and you shall be sure to partake with them in it.
1Sapientiam non amittitur; in stultitiam non revolvitur. Sen. epist. 76.
To end where we began; it is the commendation of Timothy, and of his Parents withal, thati he had known the holy Scriptures from a Child; and had been evenk nursed up in the words of faith and good doctrine; lsucking piety and godliness in, with his Mothers milk, and beginning to be acquainted with it even at the breast. Let the like course be taken of, and with others, and it will make them prove in time also like Timothy, mwise to salvation, and enabled to every good work.
To end where wee began; it is the commendation of Timothie, and of his Parents withall, thati hee had knowne the holy Scriptures from a Childe; and had been evenk nursed up in the words of faith and good doctrine; lsucking piety and godlinesse in, with his Mothers milke, and beginning to be acquainted with it even at the breast. Let the like course be taken of, and with others, and it will make them prove in time also like Timothie, mwise to salvation, and enabled to every good worke.
Beloved in Christ Jesus; that which was preached sometime at the request of the one of you, untoa a solemn Assembly, whereof he then was Chief, is now further presented jointly to you both, (and well to you both, byb a double bond, as well of Nature as Grace, Brethren) together with the rest of yours, as all Branches of one Stock, through Gods gracious provision, neither far severed in abode, and combined sweetly in the holy band of true Love. The main subject Matter of it is nothing in effect, but a Motive or incitement unto that, which it standeth us all upon, in the first place, and with our best care and endeavour, as well to seek after, as to seek into: To seek into, that we may know it, and learn it; to seek after, that we may be possessed and seized of it. Since it is that alone whereinc Mans Happiness wholly consisteth: and it isd not the bare notice of it, but the owning and enjoying of it, that can make men truly and eternally happy. That we may therefore know and understand what it is, wherein it consisteth, and by what means it may be attained (and* till we be thus acquainted with it, we can never come to be possessed of it) we must make ⟨p. 22⟩diligente search and enquiry into Gods Word, for it is that alone that canf fully andg infallibly inform us of it: Other writings only so far forth as they are drawn out of it, agree with it, and are grounded thereupon. This Word therefore ought to beh the constant Matter of our daily Meditation; (as containing the fundamental Laws and Constitutions of the Kingdom here propounded; together with the Conditions and Capitulations required on the part of all those that are to partake in it, and the royal Privileges and Prerogatives annexed thereunto;) if we desire or expect ever to have part and portion therein. But becausei no Art is easily without a Teacher attained: and, in this more specially, allk outward teaching without the inward is uneffectuall: Asl all holy helps are to be used, them public Ministry especially to be diligently frequented; (n the Church iso the place wherein he ordinarily teacheth, who hathp his School on earth, thoughq his Chair in Heaven:)
BEloved in Christ Iesus; that which was preached sometime at the request of the one of you, untoa a solemne Assembly, whereof hee then was Chiefe, is now further presented joyntly to you both, (and well to you both, byb a double bond, as well of Nature as Grace, Brethren) together with the rest of yours, as all Branches of one Stock, through Gods gracious provision, neither farre severed in aboad, and combined sweetly in the holy band of true Love. The maine subject Matter of it is nothing in effect, but a Motive or incitement unto that, which it standeth us all upon, in the first place, and with our best care and endevour, as well to seeke after, as to seeke into: To seek into, that wee may know it, and learne it; to seeke after, that wee may be possessed and seized of it. Since it is that alone whereinc Mans Happinesse wholly consisteth: and it isd not the bare notice of it, but the owning and enjoying of it, that can make men truly and eternally happie. That wee may therefore know and understand what it is, wherein it consisteth, and by what meanes it may be attained (and* till wee be thus acquainted with it, wee can never come to be possessed of it) wee must make ⟨p. 22⟩diligente search and enquirie into Gods Word, for it is that alone that canf fully andg infallibly informe us of it: Other writings only so farre forth as they are drawne out of it, agree with it, and are grounded thereupon. This Word therefore ought to beh the constant Matter of our daily Meditation; (as containing the fundamentall Lawes and Constitutions of the Kingdome here propounded; together with the Conditions and Capitulations required on the part of all those that are to partake in it, and the royall Privileges and Prerogatives annexed thereunto;) if wee desire or expect ever to have part and portion therein. But because
aA meeting of the Worshipful Company of Skinners.A meeting of the Worshipfull Company of Skinners.
b[Greek or Hebrew]. Chrysost. in Rom. hom. 19. Fratres in seculo; fratres in Domino; quae posterior major est & melior fraternitas: uti Author Ambr. nom. Serm. 9. & 79. Aug. de verb. Apost. 25. & Max. de divers. 4.〈non-Latin alphabet〉. Chrysost. in Rom. hom. 19. Fratres in seculo; fratres in Domino; quae posterior major est & melior fraternitas: uti Autor Ambr. nom. Serm. 9. & 79. Aug. de verb. Apost. 25. & Max. de divers. 4.
dAliud est divitias multas nose, & aliud possidere: nec notitia divitem facit, sed possessio, Bern. in Can. 23.Aliud est divitias multas nosse, & aliud possidere: nec notitia divitem facit, sed possessio, Bern. in Can. 23.
f2 Tim. 3.16, 17. In iis quae apertè posita sunt in Scripturis, inveniuntur illa omnia, quae continent sidem, moresque vivendi, Aug. Doctr. Christ. l. 2. c. 9.
so earnest prayer is to be used for a blessing from God on all such our courses and endeavours either public or private, that he will be pleased with his good Spirit to second and assist his own Ordinances, that therebyr the eyes of our minds may be opened, ands our understandings so enlightened, that we may be able in some due measure to see and discern this estate what it is, and to conceive and apprehend the Mysteries appertaining unto it. Again, because it will little avail us to know it, unless we have our share in it, to be well seen in the Statutes and Ordinances of it, unless we have part in the Immunities and Royalties that are therein to be enjoyed: (It is but a double misery for a man to know what is to be had, if he have it not himself:) Our next endeavour therefore must be (for the effecting whereof alsot the assistance of Gods Spirit is humbly and instantly to be craved) to have that which we have learned, or do learn, out of Gods word, concerning this Royal and blessed estate, to be effectuallyu wrought into us: (and indeed till it be so wrought into us, it isx never truly, soundly, or effectually learned of us:) ⟨p. 23⟩That is, we must strive and labour to have true faith, repentance, and other spiritual graces surelyy settled in our souls; whereby we may both have a right and title to this Kingdom, and be in some good sort and measure also possessed and seized of it. The rather since thatz after this life none shall partake in it, but those only that in some degree or other were possessed of it, while they lived here. As it is with us therefore in regard of worldly possessions: so should it be in regard of this heavenly Inheritance. For worldly possessions, we will get, if we can, a title to them; when we have it, we will be sure that our title be good, and use all means to make it sure: and when we have so done, we are not yet then at rest neither; we cannot be quiet, till we be seized and possessed of it, yea till we be in an absolute, quiet, and peaceable possession, not of some part of it, but of the whole. In like manner should it be with us for thisa heavenly Inheritance: we must first labour to get ab right and title unto it: which byc faith must be procured: for it is that alone on our part, that byd Justification and freee Adoption giveth us a title thereunto.
so earnest prayer is to be used for a blessing from God on all such our courses and endevours either publike or private, that he will be pleased with his good Spirit to second and assist his owne Ordinances, that therebyr the eyes of our mindes may be opened, ands our understandings so illightned, that wee may be able in some due measure to see and discerne this estate what it is, and to conceive and apprehend the Mysteries appertaining unto it. Againe, because it will little availe us to know it, unlesse wee have our share in it, to be well seene in the Statutes and Ordinances of it, unlesse wee have part in the Immunities and Royalties that are therein to be enjoyed: (It is but a double misery for a man to know what is to be had, if he have it not himselfe:) Our next endevour therefore must be (for the effecting whereof alsot the assistance of Gods Spirit is humbly and instantly to be craved) to have that which wee have learned, or doe learne, out of Gods word, concerning this Royall and blessed estate, to be effectuallyu wrought into us: (and indeed till it be so wrought into us, it isx never truly, soundly, or effectually learned of us:) ⟨p. 23⟩That is, wee must strive and labour to have true faith, repentance, and other spirituall graces surelyy setled in our soules; whereby wee may both have a right and title to this Kingdome, and be in some good sort and measure also possessed and seized of it. The rather since thatz after this life none shall partake in it, but those only that in some degree or other were possessed of it, while they lived here. As it is with us therefore in regard of worldly possessions: so should it be in regard of this heavenly Inheritance. For worldly possessions, wee will get, if wee can, a title to them; when wee have it, wee will be sure that our title be good, and use all meanes to make it sure: and when wee have so done, wee are not yet then at rest neither; wee cannot bee quiet, till wee be seized and possessed of it, yea till wee be in an absolute, quiet, and peaceable possession, not of some part of it, but of the whole. In like manner should it be with us for this
In the next place we must endeavour to get somef good assurance that this our title to it is good: that which must by theg trial of our faith be effected: Forh (to omit, that by seeming titles many oft are deluded) though our title to it be never so good, yet we may not be aware of it, and so miss may we of much comfort, until we have taken some due trial of it. And lastly, we must strive and contend to get our selves more and more possessed of it: which must be donei by thek exercise andl growth of our faith, and other the graces of God in us, and bym a constant usage of all good means whereby the same may ben nourished, ocorroborated, andp increased. Forq the more spiritual grace spreadeth and groweth powerful in us, the more ground get we of our corrupt nature: Andr the more conquest we make of this our inward corruption, the further proceed we in possession of this ours heavenly Inheritance. Now because so long as we live here int an estate of Imperfection, (foru no perfection is to be had, or to be hoped for of us while we are here) we can never fully be acquainted with the Rules and Rights of this Kingdom, or the parts and parcels ⟨p. 24⟩of this Inheritance: For so long as* we know these, aso all other things, but in part, pwe cannot but of some part of them remain ignorant still: Nor can we attain to such a full and plenary assurance of our right to it, but that some doubt and scruple about it will be sometime troubling us: For since that as our other parts, soq our faith also is imperfect; and our notice of it as weak ordinarily, as our faith it self is; and that where faith is so imperfect, there must needs be somer infidelity more or less mixed with it; it can hardly be avoided but that some* wavering should be: especially considering that we have to deal with a most wily Adversary, that is wont oft to be questioning of this our right and title, & by many subtle quirks, and fallacies, and colourable pretences, endeavouring to shake this our assurance: And much less can we attain to any full and absolute, (while buts in part as yet we are sanctified, and butt in hope only glorified;) yea or quiet and peaceable possession of it;u the enemy being & abiding yet within our gates, andx daily working our disturbance:
In the next place wee must endevour to get somef good assurance that this our title to it is good: that which must by theg triall of our faith be effected: Forh (to omit, that by seeming titles many oft are deluded) though our title to it be never so good, yet wee may not be aware of it, and so misse may wee of much comfort, untill wee have taken some due triall of it. And lastly, wee must strive and contend to get our selves more and more possessed of it: which must be donei by thek exercise andl growth of our faith, and other the graces of God in us, and bym a constant usage of all good meanes whereby the same may ben nourished, ocorroborated, andp increased. Forq the more spirituall grace spreadeth and groweth powerfull in us, the more ground get wee of our corrupt nature: Andr the more conquest wee make of this our inward corruption, the further proceed wee in possession of this ours heavenly Inheritance. Now because so long as wee live here int an estate of Imperfection, (foru no perfection is to be had, or to be hoped for of us while wee are here) wee can never fully be acquainted with the Rules and Rights of this Kingdome, or the parts and parcels
For this cause therefore, and in regard hereof, is our Seeking of this Kingdom, not to be practised for a spurt, or taken up for some time, and then to be let fall and laid down again, as if no further need were of it, buty last it must, & continuez so long as this life lasteth. Stilla searching we must be into it, that we mayb grow better acquainted with it: and stillc strengthening our assurance, that we may taked faster hold of it: and still striving toe grow in grace, that we mayf get further possession of it: And a principal part must it be of our daily Prayer, thatg This Kingdom may come; that not only it mayh come into us to take possession of us, but thati we may come at length also to a full fruition of it,k attaining to the lend of our faith, and hope, and sanctification, the eternal msalvation of our souls andn bodies. This is the course that in this discourse you are incited unto; which I doubt not but that you have also made both an happy entrance into, yea and good progress in already: yet if any spur may be found therein, that may help to prick you on (or any of you, or any other that have more need than you) to a more eagero pursuing, putting on, and pressing hard (with the Apostle) to the mark-ward, for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus; ⟨p. 25⟩or if any rub may thereby be removed, that either hath been, or hereafter may be cast into your way, either by the World, orp the Prince of it, or any homebred confederate of his, whereby you might be (as the people were byq Amasa's corps) either stayed, or turned aside, or disheartened, or slacked in this your religious course; a plentiful recompense I shall esteem it of my pains therein taken, and I beseech God to that purpose to give his blessing thereupon. I have unto the Sermon annexed a short Catechetical Sum, which may help, though not your selves, being now past such helps, yet your younger ones, that arer not past the breast yet, (for which sort in mine own Family at first I contrived it;) in the enquiry after, and discovery of the way to this Kingdom: wherein from the grounds of sacred Scripture is briefly declared, how at first we weres possessed of it, how we came to bet deprived of it, and by what means we may beu restored again to it: As also it may help to fit and prepare them for the participation of the Sacrament of the Lords Supper.
For this cause therefore, and in regard hereof, is our Seeking of this Kingdome, not to be practised for a spurt, or taken up for some time, and then to be let fall and laid downe againe, as if no further need were of it, buty last it must, & continuez so long as this life lasteth. Stilla searching wee must be into it, that wee mayb grow better acquainted with it: and stillc strengthning our assurance, that we may taked faster hold of it: and still striving toe grow in grace, that wee mayf get further possession of it: And a principall part must it be of our daily Prayer, thatg This Kingdome may come; that not only it mayh come into us to take possession of us, but thati we may come at length also to a full fruition of it,k attaining to the lend of our faith, and hope, and sanctification, the eternall msalvation of our soules andn bodies. This is the course that in this discourse you are encited unto; which I doubt not but that you have also made both an happy entrance into, yea and good progresse in already: yet if any spurre may be found therein, that may helpe to prick you on (or any of you, or any other that have more need than you) to a more eager
hLuk. 17.21. Ut in nos veniat, Ambr. Dion. de Sacr. l. 5. c. 4. Et in nobis maneat, Tertul. ad Marc. l. 4.Luk. 17.21. Vt in nos veniat, Ambr. Dion. de Sacr. l. 5. c. 4. Et in nobis maneat, Tertul. ad Marc. l. 4.
iMatth. 25.34. Ne forte veniat, & nobis non veniat. Multis enim non est obventurum, quod est tamen venturum, Aug. hom. 42.
PuritansEngland
Rector of Rotherhithe; member of the Westminster Assembly.
. Ego solis Scripturatum libris Canonicis didici hunc honorem timoremque deferre, ut nullum eorum Autorem scribendo aliquid erase firmissimè credam. Alios autem ita lego, ut quantalibet sanctitate doctrinaque praepolleant, non ideò verumputem, quia ipsi ita senserunt, sed quia mihi vel per illos autores Canonicos, vel probabili ratione, quod a vero non abhorreat, persuadere potuerunt, Aug. epist. 19. & apud Grat. dist. 9.
Ioh. 17.17. Iames 1.18. 2 Pet. 1.19. Ego solis Scripturatum libris Canonicis didici hunc honorem timoremque deferre, ut nullum eorum Autorem scribendo aliquid errasse firmissimè credam. Alios autem ita lego, ut quantalibet sanctitate doctrinaque praepolleant, non ideò verumputem, quia ipsi ita senserunt, sed quia mihi vel per illos autores Canonicos, vel probabili ratione, quod a vero non abhorreat, persuadere potuerunt, Aug. epist. 19. & apud Grat. dist. 9.
iArsnulla absque Magistro discitur, Hieron. ad rustic.
k1 Cor. 3.7. 1 Job. 2.20.27. Spiritus Sanctus necesse est operetur intrinsecus, ut valeat medicina quae adhibetur extrinsecus, August. in 1 Joan. tr. 3. Meliusque dicit & docet; qui intus habitat, quam qui foris clamat, Idem in Joan. tr. 3. Nolite putare quen quam hominem quicquam discere ab homine. Sonus verborum nostrorum aures percutit; Magister qui docet, intus est. Inanisque fit strepitus sermonis nostri, nisi qui doceat, intus sit, Idem ubi sup. [Greek or Hebrew]. Plut. de Socr. dam.1 Cor. 3.7. 1 Iob. 2.20.27. Spiritus Sanctus necesse est operetur intrinsecus, ut valeat medicina quae adhibetur extrinsecus, August. in 1 Ioan. tr. 3. Meliusque dicit & docet; qui intus habitat, quam qui foris clamat, Idem in Ioan. tr. 3. Nolite putare quen quam hominem quicquam discere ab homine. Sonus verborum nostrorum aures percutit; Magister qui docet, intus est. Inanisque fit strepitus sermonis nostri, nisi qui doceat, intus sit, Idem ubi sup. 〈non-Latin alphabet〉. Plut. de Socr. dam.
oChristi docentis Auditorium, Bern. in Cant. 23. 2 Cor. 13.3.
pMagister unus qui co•da docet, scholam habet in te iris, cathedram in coelis, August. in 1. Joan. 3. & de divers 12. & 41. & de Sanct. 23.Magister unus qui co•da docet, scholam habet in te •ris, cathedram in coelis, August. in 1. Ioan. 3. & de divers 12. & 41. & de Sanct. 23.
wee cannot but of some part of them remaine ignorant still: Nor can wee attaine to such a full and plenary assurance of our right to it, but that some doubt and scruple about it will be sometime troubling us: For since that as our other parts, so
our faith also is imperfect; and our notice of it as weake ordinarily, as our faith it selfe is; and that where faith is so imperfect, there must needs be some
wavering should be: especially considering that we have to deale with a most wily Adversary, that is wont oft to be questioning of this our right and title, & by many subtill quirkes, and fallacies, and colourable pretences, endevouring to shake this our assurance: And much lesse can wee attaine to any full and absolute, (while but
Amasa's corps) either stayed, or turned aside, or disheartned, or slacked in this your religious course; a plentifull recompence I shall esteeme it of my paines therein taken, and I beseech God to that purpose to give his blessing thereupon. I have unto the Sermon annexed a short Catecheticall Summe, which may help, though not your selves, being now past such helps, yet your younger ones, that are
not past the breast yet, (for which sort in mine owne Family at first I contrived it;) in the enquiry after, and discovery of the way to this Kingdome: wherein from the grounds of sacred Scripture is briefly declared, how at first wee were
