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.
Note 1 The first Note then of Sincerity 1may be Universality: 2when our repentance and obedience is not partial but general, when we are careful to shun, not one or two only, this or that sin, but all known sin whatsoever, and to endeavour our selves to walk in all the good ways of God, without exception of any. So it is said of Josiah, thatm he turned unto God with all his heart, all his soul, all his mind and his might, according to all that was contained in the Law. And so saith David of himself,n I have refrained my feet, not from one or two, but from every evil way, that I might keep thy Statutes. And,o Then shall I not be confounded, when I have respect unto all thy Precepts. And,p Therefore do I esteem all thy Precepts concerning all things to be right; and every wrong way do I even abhor. And hereby doth he approve unto God his sincerity and the uprightness of his heart with God.q I have kept the ways of God, and have not wickedly gone away from my God. For all his Commandments were before me, and I put not any of his Statutes wilfully away from me: But was upright before him, and kept my self from mine own sin. And of Zechariah and Elizabeth it is said,r They were righteous in Gods sight, walking blamelessly in all Gods Commandments and Ordinances. For as it is said of Vices, sHe that hath any one of them, hath all of them.t A fool, saith the Heathen man, is free from no fault. u
Virtues much more, have a kind of consanguinity and natural nearness between them; they are tied in such an indissoluble band together, that they cannot possibly be severed or dis-joined one from another. And therefore
because no one Virtue ever entereth alone, but it bringeth •ver in somewhat of each other Virtue with it.
Note 1 The first Note then of Sinceritie 1may bee Vniversalitie: 2when our repentance and obedience is not partiall but generall, when we are carefull to shunne, not one or two onely, this or that sin, but all knowne sinne whatsoever, and to endevour our selves to walke in all the good wayes of God, without exception of any. So it is said of Iosias, thatm he turned unto God with all his heart, all his soule, all his minde and his might, according to all that was contained in the Law. And so saith David of himselfe,n I have refrained my feet, not from one or two, but from every evill way, that I might keepe thy Statutes. And,o Then shall I not be confounded, when I have respect unto all thy Precepts. And,p Therefore doe I esteeme all thy Precepts concerning all things to be right; and every wrong way doe I even abhorre. And hereby doth he approve unto God his sinceritie and the uprightnesse of his heart with God.q I have kept the wayes of God, and have not wickedly gone away from my God. For all his Commandements were before me, and I put not any of his Statutes wilfully away from me: But was upright before him, and kept my selfe from mine owne sinne. And of Zacharie and Elizabeth it is said,r They were righteous in Gods sight, walking blamelesly in all Gods Commandements and Ordinances. For as it is said of Vices, sHee that hath any one of them, hath all of them.t A foole, saith the Heathen man, is free from no fault. uSo it is much more true of Vertues, *He that hath any one of them, hath all of them; and consequently,x He hath none, that wanteth any. For Vices indeed are contrary and adverse one to another; asy False-hood is to False-hood, though Truth never to Truth. zVices are Extremes, Vertue is the Meane. And“ Extremes crosse either other, as well as the Meane. And thereforea of them there is some doubt made (thoughb there need not) by some: butc of the other it is generally agreed by all; that ⟨p. 220⟩as he saith ofd Arts and Sciences, so moralle Vertues much more, have a kinde of consanguinitie and naturall neernesse betweene them; they are tied in such an indissoluble band together, that they cannot possibly be severed or dis-joyned one from another. And thereforef any on Vertue, where it entreth, expelleth all Vice, gbecause no one Vertue ever entreth alone, but it bringeth •ver in somewhat of each other Vertue with it.
sQui habet unum vitium, habet omnia. Sen. de benes. l. 5. c. 15.
tStultus omnia vitia habet. Idem ib. lib. 4. c. 27. Omnia omnibus insunt. Malus quisque nullo vitio vacat. Ibid. c. 26.
uFraterna enim quadam sibi copulantur necessitudine tum vitia, tum virtutes. Ambros. de Abra. l. 2. c. 6.
*[Greek or Hebrew]. Chrysip. apud Plut. in Stoic. contr. Qui unam habet, caeteras habet. Sen. ep. 95. Didicimus, cui virtus aliqua contingat, omnes inesse. Plin. in paneg.〈non-Latin alphabet〉. Chrysip. apud Plut. in Stoic. contr. Qui unam habet, caeteras habet. Sen. ep. 95. Didicimus, cui virtus aliqua contingat, omnes inesse. Plin. in paneg.
xUt si un•m virtutem confessus sis te non habere, nullam necesse sit te habiturum. Cic. Tuscul. l. 2.Vt si un•m virtutem confessus sis te non habere, nullam necesse sit te habiturum. Cic. Tuscul. l. 2.
yHinc Aristot. prior. l. 2. c. 2. [Greek or Hebrew]. Ex falsis falsum, verumque aliquando lo sequetur: Ex veris possent non nisi vera sequi.Hinc Aristot. prior. l. 2. c. 2. 〈non-Latin alphabet〉. Ex falsis falsum, verumque aliquando lo sequetur: Ex veris possent non nisi vera sequi.
z[Greek or Hebrew]. Aristot ethic. l. 2. c. 6. Virtus est medium vitiorum, & utrinque reductum. Horat. epist. 18. l. 1.〈non-Latin alphabet〉. Aristot ethic. l. 2. c. 6. Virtus est medium vitiorum, & utrinque reductum. Horat. epist. 18. l. 1.
“[Greek or Hebrew]. Aristot. ibid. c. 8. Bonum malo contrarium est, malum & bono & malo.〈non-Latin alphabet〉. Aristot. ibid. c. 8. Bonum malo contrarium est, malum & bono & malo.
aDe vitiis ambigitur: quia & virtuti uni vitia duo opponuntur; & vitium vitio tollitur. Aug. epist. 29.
bSee the Spiritual Watch, Point 2. §. 20. & Aquin. infra.See the Spirituall Watch, Point 2. §. 20. & Aquin. infra.
cConstans scitum Philosophorum, Inseparabilitas virtutum. Aug. ibid.
dHabent artes omnes commune quoddam vinculum, & cognatione quadam continentur. Cic pro Arch.
e[Greek or Hebrew] Chrysip. apud Plut. & Zeno apud Laert. [Greek or Hebrew]. Stoici apud Stob. Virtutes individuas esse, & inter se connexas. Apul de Philos. Individuus est virtutum comitatus. Sen. epist. 68. Omnes inter se nexae & conjugatae sunt. Cic. Tuscul. l. •. Sic copulatae connexaeque s•nt virtutes, ut omnes omnium participes sint: nec alia ab alia possit separari. Idem de fin. lib. 5. Connexae sibi sunt concatenataeque virtutes, etiamsi vulgi opinione sejunctae; ut qui unam habet, plures babere videatur. Ambr. offic. l. 2. c. 9 & in Luc c 6. Et cognatae sibi juvicem sunt virtutes. Idem offic l. 1.27.〈non-Latin alphabet〉 Chrysip. apud Plut. & Zeno apud Laert. 〈non-Latin alphabet〉. Stoici apud Stob. Virtutes individuas esse, & inter se connexas. Apul de Philos. Individuus est virtutum comitatus. Sen. epist. 68. Omnes inter se nexae & conjugatae sunt. Cic. Tuscul. l. •. Sic copulatae connexaeque s•nt virtutes, ut omnes omnium participes sint: nec alia ab alia possit separari. Idem de fin. lib. 5. Connexae sibi sunt concatenataeque virtutes, etiamsi vulgi opinione sejunctae; ut qui unam habet, plures babere videatur. Ambr. offic. l. 2. c. 9 & in Luc c 6. Et cognatae sibi iuvicem sunt virtutes. Idem offic l. 1.27.
fNon singula vitia ratio, sed omnia pariter prosternit; in un versum semel vincit. Sen. ad Helv. c. 13.
gVirtus ergò ubi una ingressa fuerit, quoniam secum caeteras ducit, vitia ibi •adunt omnia. Aug. ep 29. Prudentia enim nec ignava, nec injusta, nce intemperans essè potest: Fortitudo nec injusta, nec imprudens, ne intemperans, &c. Aug. ibid & Ambr. offic. l. 1. c. 27 & lib. 2. cap. 9. & Greg mor. l. 21. c. 1.
Nor is it so in Moral Virtues only, as they are commonly termed; but it is so in Spiritual Graces also. There ish a Concatenation as well of the one, as of the other; they are so inseparably linked and chained together in an holy band, in a divine league, thati one cannot nor will not be without the other. And thereforek every true Christian hath each sanctifying Grace in some measure.l As a Child, so soon as it is borne, is a perfect man for integrity of parts and entireness of limbs, though not for bigness and bulk of body: So every good Christian that is indeed trulym regenerate, is no sooner soundly converted, but he is in partn renewed in all parts, and hath in some degree or other a beginning of all Christian Grace, though he be not any thing yet near hiso due and full growth in any: Andp he hath not any as yet consequently, if he wholly want any: as also on the other side again, if he have any one spiritual grace, he is in some degree freed fromq every spiritual Vice. Forr as Health is in the body, so is Grace in the Soul. sAs Health freeth from all diseases, according to the degree of it: (fort in it also there are degrees:) So sanctifying Grace freeth from all Vices that are contrary thereunto, according to the measure and proportion of it.u Nor is a man therefore said to be in good health, so long as any one disease holdeth him and hangeth on him;x nor clean, while the Leprosy possesseth any one part of him: nor a Saint, (and yety such an one is every true Christian)z so long as any Vice, what ever it be, ruleth and reigneth in him, or he wilfully lieth and liveth in any one Sin.
Nor is it so in Morall Vertues onely, as they are commonly tearmed; but it is so in Spirituall Graces also. There ish a Concatenation as well of the one, as of the other; they are so inseparably linked and chained together in an holy band, in a divine league, thati one cannot nor wil not be without the other. And therforek every true Christian hath each sanctifying Grace in some measure.l As a Childe, so soone as it is borne, is a perfect man for integritie of parts and entirenesse of limbs, though not for bignesse and bulke of body: So every good Christian that is indeed trulym regenerate, is no sooner soundly converted, but he is in partn renewed in all parts, and hath in some degree or other a beginning of all Christian Grace, though he be not any thing yet neare hiso due and full growth in any: Andp he hath not any as yet consequently, if he wholly want any: as also on the other side againe, if hee have any one spirituall grace, hee is in some degree freed fromq every spirituall Vice. Forr as Health is in the body, so is Grace in the Soule. sAs Health freeth from all diseases, according to the degree of it: (fort in it also there are degrees:) So sanctifying Grace freeth from all Vices that are contrary thereunto, according to the measure and proportion of it.u Nor is a man therefore said to be in good health, so long as any one disease holdeth him and hangeth on him;
iUna sine aliis nulla est. Greg. mor. l. 21. c. 1. Nec veraulla virtus est, si mixta virtutibus aliis non est. Ibid. l. 1. c. 39.Vna sine aliis nulla est. Greg. mor. l. 21. c. 1. Nec veraulla virtus est, si mixta virtutibus aliis non est. Ibid. l. 1. c. 39.
pQui unam habet, omnes habet: & qui unam non habet, nullam habet. Aug. ep. 29. In qu• aliqua harum principalis est virtus, in eo etiam caeterae praesto sunt: quia ipsae sibi sunt connexae concretaeque virtutes. Ambr. de parad. c. 3.
Again, as it is in Christian Graces; so† is it also in Gods Commandments. aThe whole Law, say they well in the Schools, is one Copulative. The Law for the sanction indeed is disjunctive; for the Injunction it is Copulative. The sanction runneth in the Disjunctive, bEither do thus, or die: the Injunction in the Copulative, nor either do this or that; but, Do both this, and that too. cLove God above all, and thy Neighbour as thy self. dTake the true God alone for thy God: and worship him according to his Will: and use his Name reverently, and Sanctify his Sabbaths, &c. And therefore saith our Saviour ⟨p. 221⟩to the Pharisees, eThese things ought ye to have done, and not to have left the other undone. Now it is a rule in the Art of Reasoning, thatf in a Disjunctive, if any one part hold, the whole is held to be true; in the Copulative, if any one part hold not; the whole is held to be untrue. So in a Disjunctive Injunction, if a man perform the one part, he is freed thereby from the other; the Woman that was enjoined to bring for her Purification ga pair either of Turtles, or of Pigeons, was thereby bound to bring the one only, she needed not to bring both: and in the legal sanction, hhe that doth, dieth not, ihe that dieth, doth not; for no man is thereby bound to both, both to do, and to die, to do the one, and yet to endure also the other. But in a Copulative Injunction it is far otherwise;k nothing is done to any purpose, if a man observe not every part: It is as in a Lease that is grounded upon many conditions, ten or twenty suppose, any one of them not observed, make a forfeiture of the whole. He isl accursed that persisteth not in every thing contained in the Law of God to fulfil it. Andm though he do not all these things, saith God by the Prophet, if he do but any none of them, because he hath done any of these abominations, (for so I take it, the words would be read) he shall die. Yea, Saint James therefore goeth further, and sticketh not to affirm,o That whosoever keepeth the whole Law, but faileth only in one point, he is guilty of the whole. Which words of his yet are not so to be takenp as if* a man in stealing did break the Commandment of not committing adultery, or in telling a lie, the Commandment of sanctifying the Sabbath:
Againe, as it is in Christian Graces; so† is it also in Gods Commandements. aThe whole Law, say they well in the Schooles, is one Copulative. The Law for the sanction indeed is disiunctive; for the Injunction it is Copulative. The sanction runneth in the Disiunctive, bEither doe thus, or die: the Injunction in the Copulative, nor either doe this or that; but, Doe both this, and that too. cLove God above all, and thy Neighbour as thy selfe. dTake the true God alone for thy God: and worship him according to his Will: and use his Name reverently, and Sanctifie his Sabbaths, &c. And therefore saith our Saviour ⟨p. 221⟩to the Pharisees, eThese things ought ye to have done, and not to have left the other undone. Now it is a rule in the Art of Reasoning, thatf in a Disiunctive, if any one part hold, the whole is held to be true; in the Copulative, if any one part hold not; the whole is held to bee untrue. So in a Disjunctive Injunction, if a man performe the one part, he is freed thereby from the other; the Woman that was enjoyned to bring for her Purification ga paire either of Turtles, or of Pigeons, was thereby bound to bring the one onely, shee needed not to bring both: and in the legall sanction, hhe that doth, dieth not, ihe that dieth, doth not; for no man is thereby bound to both, both to doe, and to die, to doe the one, and yet to endure also the other. But in a Copulative Injunction it is farre otherwise;k nothing is done to any purpose, if a man observe not every part: It is as in a Lease that is grounded upon many conditions, ten or twentie suppose, any one of them not observed, make a forfeiture of the whole. He is
†[Greek or Hebrew]. Eustath. in ascet. Et ex eodem Simeon Magist. Homil. 1.〈non-Latin alphabet〉. Eustath. in ascet. Et ex eodem Simeon Magist. Homil. 1.
aLex tota est •n a copulativa. Illyric. in Clav. Script. & in Gloss. N. T.
fIn omni conjuncto, s•ve copulato, si unum est mendacium, etiamsi vera sint caetera, tota esse mendacium dicitur. Ex omnibus verò quae disjunguntur, unum esse verum sufficit. Gel. noct. Attic. l. 16. cap. 8. Ve um enunciati copulati judicium pendet ex omnium partium veritate; falsum saltemex una part falsa. Ram. dialect. lib. 2. c. 5.In omni conjuncto, s•ve copulato, si unum est mendacium, etiamsi vera sint caetera, tota esse mendacium dicitur. Ex omnibus verò quae disjunguntur, unum esse verum sufficit. Gell. noct. Attic. l. 16. cap. 8. Ve um enunciati copulati judicium pendet ex omnium partium veritate; falsum saltemex una parte falsa. Ram. dialect. lib. 2. c. 5.
or“ as if a man that did at any time of infirmity sin against any one Commandment of God, (as† who doth not9 oft, even* the holiest that is?) did stand guilty in Gods sight as a wicked wretch, and one that had no regard at all of any. But his meaning is, that that man that would seem to make conscience of keeping all the Commandments of God save one, but maketh no conscience, or hath no care of keeping that one,q doth not in deed and truth, whatsoever he may pretend or seem to do, make conscience of any, no not of those that in that manner he seemeth to observe. The reason that the Apostle addeth there is indeed very forcible. It isr the same God that enacted and delivered the whole Law, that hath enjoined one good duty as well as another, hath inhibited one sinful act as well as another. If a man therefore for Conscience of Gods Will and Word do exercise himself in anyone good duty, he will consequently exercise himself in all other good duties that concern him; because the same God in his Word hath alike enjoined all. If for Conscience of Gods Will and Word he forbear or abhor any one sin, she will for conscience of the same Word and Will of God, forbear and abhor all other Sins; because the same God in his Word hath alike forbidden all. ⟨p. 222⟩And on the contrary therefore, he that doth not either exercise himself in every known duty that concerneth him of the one sort, or is not careful to shun every kind of evil act of the other sort, doth not either observe ought in the one kind, or eschew ought in the other kind, out of any true care or conscience of his duty and obedience to God, but for some other by ends and by-respects. It is a good Rule in the Schools, tHe that hath any one sin remitted, hath all sins remitted: And so,u He that hath sincerely repented of any one sin, hath repented him of all. And he that hath not repented him of all known sin, hath not repented yet of any. For what is true Repentance, butx a returning again into the right way? And how is it possible for a man to return into the right way,* as long as he wandereth still in any by-path? Or how can a man repent of this or that particular sin, because it is contrary to Gods Will, or offensive in his sight, but he must needs withal repent him of whatsoever he knoweth to be in like manner a breach of his Law, and a business that he abhorreth?
or“ as if a man that did at any time of infirmitie sinne against any one Commandement of God, (as† who doth not9 oft, even* the holiest that is?) did stand guilty in Gods sight as a wicked wretch, and one that had no regard at all of any. But his meaning is, that that man that would seeme to make conscience of keeping all the Commandements of God save one, but maketh no conscience, or hath no care of keeping that one,q doth not in deed and truth, whatsoever he may pretend or seeme to doe, make conscience of any, no not of those that in that manner he seemeth to observe. The reason that the Apostle addeth there is indeed very forcible. It isr the same God that enacted and delivered the whole Law, that hath enjoyned one good dutie as wel as another, hath inhibited one sinnefull act as well as another. If a man therefore for Conscience of Gods Will and Word doe exercise himselfe in anyone good dutie, hee will consequently exercise himselfe in all other good duties that concerne him; because the same God in his Word hath alike enjoyned all. If for Conscience of Gods Will and Word he forbeare or abhorre any one sinne, she will for conscience of the same Word and Will of God, forbeare and abhorre all other Sinnes; because the same God in his Word hath alike forbidden all. ⟨p. 222⟩And on the contrary therefore, hee that doth not either exercise himselfe in every knowne dutie that concerneth him of the one sort, or is not carefull to shunne every kinde of evill act of the other sort, doth not either observe ought in the one kinde, or eschew ought in the other kinde, out of any true care or conscience of his dutie and obedience to God, but for some other by ends and by-respects. It is a good Rule in the Schooles, tHe that hath any one sin remitted, hath all sinnes remitted: And so,u Hee that hath sincerely repented of any one sinne, hath repented him of all. And he that hath not repented him of all knowne sinne, hath not repented yet of any. For what is true Repentance, but
“Dod on the Decalogue.
†1 King. 8.46. [Greek or Hebrew]. Crates apud Laert.1 King. 8.46. 〈non-Latin alphabet〉. Crates apud Laert.
qNisi enim attentisuerimus in omnibus mandatis ej•s, suerint q•ae alia praeterita, alia pro voluntate observata, rectum justificationis ordinem non tenemus. Hilar. in Psal. 118. Nulli siquidem servorum licet, ex his quae Dominus suus imperat eligere pro arbitrio, & quod placuerit assumere, quod displicuerit repudiare; & jussiones ex parte audire, ex parte contemnere. Si enim pro arbitrio suo servi Dominis obtemperant, neque in eis quidem in quibus obtemperaverint, obsequuntur. Salvian. de provid. lib. 3.
sOmnem odit iniquitatem, qui habet hanc gratiam. Bern. Qui autem omnem viam iniquitatis odit, ad universa Dei praecepta corrigitur & emendatur. Ambr. in Psal. 118.
tUbi unum aliquod peccatum remittitur, ibi omnia remittuntur. Impossibile est unum sine aliis remitti. Thom. Aqum. sum p. 3. q. 86. a. 3.
Nor doth that man indeed study sincerely and out of a love of God to please him in any thing, that doth not as the Apostle Paul prayeth in the behalf of the Colossians, endeavour and strivey to fructify in every good work, that he may please the Lord in all things. zHe doth not Gods Will, saith Salvian well, but his own Will, that doth it no further than himself will: that doth not by labouring with the Apostle Paul, to keep“ a good conscience in all things, †endeavour to approve himself and his courses unto God, as well in some things as in others. This Universality therefore of care and endeavour is a good argument of Sincerity. As on the other side it is a shrewd sign of unsoundness and insincerity, awhen men will seem to make conscience of performance of some good duties, and yet are wholly careless and regardless of others: or when they will seem to make conscience of the forbearance of some sins, and yet lye and live in the ordinary practice of others, which yet they cannot be so ignorant as not to know, or so unmindful, as not to consider to be sins. Thus was Herod's hypocrisy detected and discovered. He stood in some awe of John, knowing him to be a very holy man: and because he would be esteemed religious, and would seem to respect him,b he heard him oft, and at his motion did many good things: yea and it is like enough that he outwardly reformed many things amiss, that John found fault with, either in his Court, or in himself. But yet he would not leave the keeping of his Brothers wife for all that; and thereforec when John began to deal plainly with him in that point, he then brake off all, and committed John to ward; and made it evidently appear thereby, that all his former reformation and well-doing, was but in show only, and for other ends. And hereby also was Jehues zeal descried to be unsound. He made a great show a while of zeal for God and his worship: andd Jonadab must needs along with him and see it. He was zealouse against Baal, that wasf the ruin of Ahab's house, andg against Ahab's house, which it wash not for his safety, as he thought, to let stand, or to leave any remainder of: buti he gave way to the Calves, though no less abominable in Gods ⟨p. 223⟩sight, and as dishonourable unto him, becausek that seemed to be the stay of his estate. And so he showed thereby that all his Piety was no better than mere Policy;
Nor doth that man indeed studie sincerely and out of a love of God to please him in any thing, that doth not as the Apostle Paul prayeth in the behalfe of the Colossions, endevour and strivey to fructifie in every good worke, that he may please the Lord in all things. zHe doth not Gods Will, saith Salvian well, but his owne Will, that doth it no further than himselfe will: that doth not by labouring with the Apostle Paul, to keepe“ a good conscience in all things, †endevour to approve himselfe and his courses unto God, as well in some things as in others. This Vniversalitie therefore of care and endevour is a good argument of Sinceritie. As on the other side it is a shrewd signe of unsoundnesse and insinceritie, awhen men will seeme to make conscience of performance of some good duties, and yet are wholly carelesse and regardlesse of others: or when they will seeme to make conscience of the forbearance of some sinnes, and yet lye and live in the ordinary practice of others, which yet they cannot be so ignorant as not to know, or so unmindfull, as not to consider to be sinnes. Thus was Herods hypocrisie detected and discovered. He stood in some awe of Iohn, knowing him to be a very holy man: and because hee would be esteemed religious, and would seeme to respect him,b he heard him oft, and at his motion did many good things: yea and it is like enough that he outwardly reformed many things amisse, that Iohn found fault with, either in his Court, or in himselfe. But yet hee would not leave the keeping of his Brothers wife for all that; and thereforec when Iohn began to deale plainly with him in that point, he then brake off all, and committed Iohn to ward; and made it evidently appeare thereby, that all his former reformation and well-doing, was but in shew onely, and for other ends. And hereby also was Iehues zeale descried to bee unsound. He made a great shew a while of zeale for God and his worship: andd Ionadab must needs along with him and see it. Hee was zealouse
and that he sought but his own ends in either. And in like manner when men and women shall be content to reform their lives, and conform themselves to the Will and Word of God in some things, but stand out wilfully in some other things, refusing to practise the like reformation, or to show the like conformity in them, albeit they be in heart and conscience convinced of their duty therein, it is an evident Argument of unsoundness.
and that he sought but his owne ends in either. And in like manner when men and women shall be content to reforme their lives, and conforme themselves to the Will and Word of God in some things, but stand out wilfully in some other things, refusing to practise the like reformation, or to shew the like conformitie in them, albeit they be in heart and conscience convinced of their dutie therein, it is an evident Argument of unsoundesse.
Note 2 A second Note of Sincerity is Uniformity. As an Universality, so an Uniformity in well doing:1 when a man keepeth* an equable tenor in his courses and carriage, not strict in some things, and slack in other, though it may be, not wholly regardless of them; but holdeth an even hand generally in his care and observance of things enjoined him by God.“ I charge thee, saith the Apostle to Timothy, that thou observe all these things, without preferring one before another, and that thou do nothing partially. And saith David, as before,l I have all thy Precepts concerning all things in esteem; and I forbear not only, but even abhor all wicked ways. And again,m By thy Commandments I get understanding; and therefore I abhor not some one or two, but each wicked way. His zeal was not partial, but indifferently against all. And it is† an evident sign, saith one of the Ancients, that our zeal is of God, when in like manner we find our selves alike affected in regard of all sin, whatsoever God may be dishonoured by, as well in one kind as in another.
Note 2 A second Note of Sinceritie is Vniformitie. As an Vniversalitie, so an Vniformitie in well doing:1 when a man keepeth* an equable tenour in his courses and carriage, not strict in some things, and slack in other, though it may bee, not wholly regardlesse of them; but holdeth an even hand generally in his care and observance of things enjoyned him by God.“ I charge thee, saith the Apostle to Timothy, that thou observe all these things, without preferring one before another, and that thou doe nothing partially. And saith David, as before,l I have all thy Precepts concerning all things in esteeme; and I forbeare not onely, but even abhorre all wicked waies. And againe,m By thy Commandements I get understanding; and therefore I abhorre not some one or two, but each wicked way. His zeale was not partiall, but indifferently against all. And it is† an evident signe, saith one of the Ancients, that our zeale is of God, when in like manner we finde our selves alike affected in regard of all sinne, whatsoever God may be dishonoured by, as well in one kinde as in another.
1Uniformity.Vniformitie.
*Virtutem ostendit constantia, & omnium inter se actionum concordia; quando idem semper quis est, & in omni actu par sibi. Sen. epist. 120. Tunc directae sunt viae nostrae, cùm par fuerit in omnia aequalisque custodia. Hilar. in Psal. 119. Omne bonum quod fit propter Deum, in omnibus rebus aequaliter observatur. Quod autem in omnibus rebus non aequaliter observatur, propter homines fit. Author oper. imperf. in Mat. hom. 45.Virtutem ostendit constantia, & omnium inter se actionum concordia; quando idem semper quis est, & in omni actu par sibi. Sen. epist. 120. Tunc directae sunt viae nostrae, cùm par fuerit in omnia aequalisque custodia. Hilar. in Psal. 119. Omne bonum quod fit propter Deum, in omnibus rebus aequaliter observatur. Quod autem in omnibus rebus non aequaliter observatur, propter homines fit. Autor oper. imperf. in Mat. hom. 45.
“1 Tim 5.21. Non est justa causatio, cur praeferuntur aliqua ubi facienda sunt omnia. Salvian de provid. l. 3.
†[Greek or Hebrew]. Psal. 119.139. [Greek or Hebrew]. Eustath. in ascetis. l. 2. q. 165.〈non-Latin alphabet〉. Psal. 119.139. . Eustath. in ascetis. l. 2. q. 165.
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 then the 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, ⟨p. 224⟩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 too be condemned) and in some other like businesses of lesser moment; but in other matters more weighty they showed nothing the 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.t 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 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 sinnes, yea sometime but supposed sinnes, even to then the abhorring of mens persons for them; but have nothing the like intention of zeale and fervour 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 bee 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 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, selfe-love, or emulation, or vaine-glory, or the like, that shrowdeth it selfe in the habit of Pietie and zeale. Thus our Saviour discovered the hypocrisie of the Scribes and Pharisees in his time.p Woe bee unto you Scribes and Pharisees, hyprorites, saith our Saviour; for you tithe Mint and Anise, and Cumin, and every kinde of Potherb; but judgement, mercie, fidelitie, ⟨p. 224⟩and the weightier things of the Law ye neglect; qyee straine at a Gnat, and rswallow a Camell. 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 condemne them therein, though themselves too be condemned) and in some other like businesses of lesser moment; but in other matters more weightie they shewed nothing the like strictnesse, and are by our Saviour therefore censured for no better than hollow-hearted hypocrites. And assuredly as inequalitie of the pulse argueth much distemper in the body; so this inequalitie of cariage argueth little soundnesse in the soule.t
n[Greek or Hebrew]. Greg. Naz. in apolog.〈non-Latin alphabet〉. Greg. Naz. in apolog.
o[Greek or Hebrew]. Plut. de iracund. [Greek or Hebrew]. Idem de tranquill.〈non-Latin alphabet〉. Plut. de iracund. 〈non-Latin alphabet〉. Idem 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 overloose 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 arey no 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. 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 hee 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 Idoll; but were overloose and carelesse of their cariage otherwise. Every 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 body 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 body: So he is not as a Monster, *one that hath the head or hand, backe or belly bigger than the whole body besides, but hath a comely symmetrie of each part with part. As there arey no Dwarfes in Christs Body, none that grow not at all, but stand ever 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 excessively outstrip all the rest,z that the rest in regard of it should scarce bee seene. Neither is a Christian man like a new upstart Courtier, who because hee is not able to furnish himselfe all over compleatly at first, is faine to weare his apparell unsutable in the severall 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 have 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 unequall and unsutable in their courses and dispositions, in some one or two things demeaning themselves 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 prove, much lesse make a man the richer; nay* it hindereth rather, and is a meanes to cast him more behinde hand: nor doth the other prove, much lesse make a man truly religious;
uTurcarum siquidem meminit. Quod & observarunt Pamel. Grav. Coccus, Rivet.Turcarum siquidem meminit. Quod & observarunt Pamel. Grav. Cocus, Rivet.
*[Greek or Hebrew]. de Cancro Poeta apud Plut. de adulat. Et de Papavere Symphos. aenig. 40. Grande mihi caput est, intus sunt membra minuta.〈non-Latin alphabet〉. de Cancro Poeta apud Plut. de adulat. Et de Papavere Symphos. aenig. 40. Grande mihi caput est, intus sunt membra minuta.
yW. Bradshaw.
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, ⟨p. 225⟩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 upon some one particular that he pleaseth himselfe in; as where the matter that should nourish and support the whole body, is conveighed all to some one part, ⟨p. 225⟩not so much to feed it, as to feed a wen that groweth upon it.
Note 3 A third Note of Sincerity, is Ubiquity: 1when a man is in some measure alike in all places, as well“ 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; 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 boundi to discover themselves in this kind, ork to maintain matter of religious discourse in all companies. It was one of Pythagoras 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:
Note 3 A third Note of Sinceritie, is Vbiquitie: 1when a man is in some measure alike in all places, as well“ in bad company as in good, in private as in publike, in Church, out of Church, at home and abroad. To this purpose it is that David saith of himselfe;a I have set the Lord alwayes before my face. And,b All my waies are in thy sight. Asc all Gods waies in his sight; so all his wayes in Gods sight: and therefore wheresoever he was, asd being ever in Gods eye, he endevoured to approve himselfe unto God. Those things that are naturall 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 minde. 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 hee is about, and it is painfull 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 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 himselfe, thatf howsoever he had purposed to forbeare speaking of ought that was good while he was in company with some wicked, and some prophane ones were in presence, yet it was no small paine to him, and he was hardly able to restrain or to contain himself. It was with him as it was somtime with Ieremie in somewhat the like case, but of greater necessity; when he saw what evill 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 keepe long that his unwarrantable resolution; Gods Word was as a fire in his brest, and as a flame h
1Ubiquity.Vbiquitie.
“Bonus non fuit, quem malorum pravitas non probavit. Greg. in Evang. 38. Neque enim perfectè bonus est, nisi qui fuerit & cum malis bonus. Idemin Ezech. l. 1. hom. 9.
eCoelum, non animum mutant, qui trans mare currunt. Horat. l. 1. ep. 11. Hinc Socrates; Quid miraris peregrinationes tibi non prodesse, cùm te circumferas. 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 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 ⟨p. 226⟩our ordinary affairs: Nor when we shall be in the presence only o• others, either good or bad, familiars, or strangers, but when we shall be retired also and alone by our selves.
we must bee wary where and before whom we speake; and take heed how by our indiscreet cariage in such kinde wee wrong religion it selfe, and make it ridiculous. But that even* among such we retaine still a religious disposition; and the restraint of good imployments be grievous unto us, though no necessitie lie upon us, as uponn Ieremie there did, having no just opportunitie for such imployment at the present; which may be a meanes to seale up our sinceritie unto us. In like manner when we shall be religiously affected, not when we are in the Church onely, or about some solemne part of Gods service, (at which time the solemnitie of the action, and the very sight of others enforceth a kinde of conformitie and outward semblance of holinesse on those many times that are most prophane,) but even out of the Church also, and out of Gods solemne service, even when wee are about ⟨p. 226⟩our ordinary affaires: Nor when wee shall be in the presence onely o• others, either good or bad, familiars, or strangers, but when we shall be retired also and alone by our selves.
*Quomodo de Platone Plut. de adulat. [Greek or Hebrew].Quomodo 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 asp Gold, 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 every way, and keepeth the same site, wheresoever or which way soever you seat it: He is asp Gold, 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, wheresoever 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 theq Chameleon, ready to change their live 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 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 in put upon 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 ⟨p. 227⟩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 theq Chamaeleon, ready to change their liue 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 selfe easily and instantly to the shape and fashion of every 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 every way, and to fix them on every one that commeth in the way, or that casteth his eye on them; can bee religious among such, and prophane among other such, be such ever as the company is that they are in: Or like theu Buskins anciently used in Tragoedies, that would serve either leg alike; are as fit for one societie as for another: Or like thex Plaiers that used them, such as acting Princely parts, weare royall apparell, keepe state, and demeane themselves gravely and soberly so long as they are in publike view upon the Stage; but when they have done Acting, are no sooner off the Stage, but they passe presently into another, a cleane contrary, habit, retaine neither Prince-like behaviour nor apparell, but are most beggerly, base and debauched, either in private by themselves, or among their companions like themselves: In the Church and publike assemblies, cary themselves very devoutly, 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 private conversation have little or no care at all of ought in that kinde; 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 in put upon them for the present.y It is no true devotion, saith Lactantius, that leaveth 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-service, Such
q[Greek or Hebrew]. Plut. de adulat. Colorem mutat subinde Chameleon, redditque quemcunque proximè attingit. Plin. hist. not. l. 8. c. 33. & Solin. Poly. hist. c. 43.〈non-Latin alphabet〉. Plut. de adulat. Colorem mutat subinde Chamaeleon, redditque quemcunque proximè attingit. Plin. hist. nat. l. 8. c. 33. & Solin. Poly. hist. 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]. Gregor. 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〉. Gregor. 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 thatb never wept or mourned for her father, 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 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, butk longed 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 thatb never wept or mourned for her father, but when there was some body by to see her;c Hee mourneth not heartily that affecteth to be 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 have his religion seene, and that never 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, even then when he is alone by himselfe, as well as when hee 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 indeed, thate the publike Service is of exceeding great benefit, and thereforef highly to be esteemed, asg having a more powerfull, lively and effectuall worke of the Spirit in it, andh a more speciall 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 himselfe with his owne private meditations and devotions, butk longed exceedingly, and prayed most instantly to have free liberty of accesse againe to the publike assemblies of the Saints: yet when upon a mans sicke or death-bed Satan shall bee busie about him, and calling his sinceritie in question, a man may in such case be more comforted, and receive better assurance of his sinceritie, by consideration of his frequencie and diligence in holy duties in private, because in them there can bee least danger or suspicion of hypocrisie,l
bAmissum non flet. cum sola est, Gellia patrem: Si quis adest, jussae prosiliunt lachrymae. Martial. epig. 34. lib. 1.
cNon dolet hic, quisquis laudari, Gellia, quaerit: Ille dolet verè, qui fine teste dolet. Ibid. Testes doloris quisquis captat, haud dolet.
dSic vive cum hominibus tan•uam Deus videat: sic loquere cum Deo, tanquam homines audiant. Sen. epist. 10. Praeceptum est Philosophiae: Sic loquendum esse cum hominibus, tanquam Dii audiant; sic cum Diu, tanquam homines audiant. Macrob. Saturn. l. 1.
Note 4 A fourth Note of Sincerity is Perpetuity, 1Constancy, 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.n I have applied my self to keep thy Commandments continually, saith David: And,o I will delight my self continually in thy Commandments, 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 ⟨p. 228⟩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.y Those that receive the seed on the stony ground, hear the Word at first with some delight, but shortly 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.
Note 4 A fourth Note of Sinceritie is Perpetuitie, 1Constancie, permanence, continuance: when we are not godly and religious by fits and starts onely, upon some speciall and extraordinarie occasions, butm in a constant and continued course, at all times, even when such occasions cease.n I have applied my selfe to keepe thy Commandements continually, saith David: And,o I will delight my selfe continually in thy Commandements, which I love. And,p Blessed is the man that feareth continually, saith Salomon. This constant delight in the Word of God, this constant applying of our selves to the doing of the Will of God, this continuall standing in awe of God, is a sound note of sinceritie. Butq when men seeme to be so affected onely upon some extraordinary occasions, and when those are once over, all is gone againe, it is a shrewd signe that nothing was ever sound or sincere with them. And this well weighed will easily discover the unsoundnesse 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 ravished with it. The noveltie and the strangenesse of the Doctrine ⟨p. 228⟩delivered, (as they say at Athens, rWee will heare thee once againe, because thou tellest us of new Doctrine, such as we never heard of before;) or the eloquence and powerfull delivery of the Preacher, (somes Apollos, it may be, or somet sonne of Thunder, uone that speaketh so as they never heard man speake before;) or the consideration of suchx glorious matters as are in it propounded, of an Heaven and an Happinesse, and Blessednesse beyond conceit, and without end; may much affect even a naturall man, at the first hearing especially, and make him to bee wondrously delighted in it: and yet may the Word have no sound or saving worke on him: all may prove but a flash, and so be by and by gone againe.
1Perpetuity.Perpetuitie.
mQualitatis verae tenor permanet: falsa non durant. Sen. epist. 120. Perpetua ac solida sunt, quae verasunt: simulata non perseverant. Ambr. offic. lib. 2. c. 22.
qMagnam rem puta unum hominem agere. Praeter sapientem nemo nuum agit: caeteri multiformes sunt. Modo frugi videntur & graves; modò prodigy & vani. Mutamus subinde personam, & contrariam ei sumimu• quam exuimus. Senec. epist. 120.Magnam rem puta unum hominem agere. Praeter sapientem nemo nuum agit: caeteri multiformes sunt. Modo frugi videntur & graves; modò prodigi & vani. Mutamus subinde personam, & contrariam ei sumimu• quam exuimus. Senec. epist. 120.
rQuod sanitas in corpore, sanctitas in corde. Bern. de divers. 16.
sSicut ad corporis sanitatem non est satis, ut peste quis, vel pleuritide careat, sed ab omnibus in universum morbis immune esse oportet: Sic ad animi sanitatem requiritur sordium ac vitiorum omnium in universum obdicatio. Spin. de just. Christ.
tVise Galenum de sanit. tuend. lib. 1. contra Erasistrati sententiam agentem.
uNon est cardiacus (Craterum dixisse putato) Hic aeger: rectè est igitur, surgetque? negábit; Quod latus aut renes morbo teneantur acuto. Horat. serm. l. 2. c. 3.
xLeprosus si part ulla tantum sit immundus, extra castra ablegatur. Hesych. in Levit. l. 4. c. 13.Leprosus si parte ulla tantum sit immundus, extra castra ablegatur. Hesych. in Levit. l. 4. c. 13.
one of them, because hee hath done any of these abominations, (for so I take it, the words would be read) he shall die. Yea, Saint Iames therefore goeth further, and sticketh not to affirme,
kDelinquens in part, in totum reus est. Regula generalis. Gloss. ad Digest. l. 29. tit 5. l. 3. Si quis unum custodiat, & reliqua praevaricetur, nih. lei prodest. Amb. in Psal. 118. serm. 13. & Hesych in Levit. lib 4. cap. 13.Delinquens in parte, in totum reus est. Regula generalis. Gloss. ad Digest. l. 29. tit 5. l. 3. Si quis unum custodiat, & reliqua praevaricetur, nih. lei prodest. Amb. in Psal. 118. serm. 13. & Hesych in Levit. lib 4. cap. 13.
*Quod in ascet. •ustath. [Greek or Hebrew]. Et Simeon Logoth. serm. de virt. & vit.Quod in ascet. •ustath. 〈non-Latin alphabet〉. Et Simeon Logoth. serm. de virt. & vit.
as long as he wandreth still in any by-path? Or how can a man repent of this or that particular sinne, because it is contrary to Gods Will, or offensive in his sight, but hee must needs withall repent him of whatsoever he knoweth to bee in like manner a breach of his Law, and a businesse that he abhorreth?
Vbi unum aliquod peccatum remittitur, ibi omnia remittuntur. Impossibile est unum sine aliis remitti. Thom. Aqum. sum p. 3. q. 86. a. 3.
uPeccata quamvis non sint connexa quantum ad conversionem ad honum conmutabile, sunt tamen quantum ad aversionem à bono incommutabili: & in hac part habent rationem offensae, quamper poenitentiam oportet tolli Aquin ibid.Peccata quamvis non sint connexa quantum ad conversionem ad honum conmutabile, sunt tamen quantum ad aversionem à bono incommutabili: & in hac parte habent rationem offensae, quamper poenitentiam oportet tolli Aquin ibid.
It is no true Religion or Pietie, but dissimulation and hypocrisie, that is not in all things like it selfe;
shut up in his bones, so that he soone grew wearie of it, and he could not by any means keepe it in. Not that at all times and in all places men are bound
religion (Saint Iames saith it,) is but vaine and unsound. Nor is that religion any better that affecteth view and sight, that loveth to bee seene; (it
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.
Hi quibus sceptrum & chlamydem in scena fabulae assignant, cum praesente populo elati incesserunt & cothurnati, simul exierunt, excalceantur, & ad staturam suam redeunt. Senec. epist. 76.
*Quidam alternis Vatinii; alternis Catenes sunt. Sic maximè coarguitur animus imprudens: alius prodit atquealius; &, quo turpius nihil judico, impar sibi est. Senec. epist. 120.
yNon est vera religio, quae cum templo relinquitur. Lactant.
which none but God and his owne soule hath beene privy unto, than by all that he hath performed either publikly or privately in the presence of others.
Those that receive the seed on the stony ground, heare the Word at first with some delight, but shortly 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, as
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 bee Sermon-sicke.
Heb. 6.5
.
yMatth 13.5, 20, 21. & 8.6, 13. Quae simulata sunt, diuturna esse non possunt, sed tanquam ad tempus virentia, citò decidunt. Quod fictum est, in principio vernat, in processu tanquam flosculus dissipatur & solvitur: quod autem verum & sincerum, alta radice fundatur. Ambros. de offic. l. 2. c. 22.
aGreenham observ. title Sermons.
bQuidam ad magnificas voces excitantur, & transeunt in affectum dicentium, alacres vultu & animo: nec aliter concitantur, quàm solent Phrygia tibicinis sono Semiviri, & ex imperio furentes. Rapit illos instigat que rerum pulchritudo, non verborum inanium sonitus. •uvat protinus, quae audiunt facere. Afficiuntur illi; & sint quales jubentur, si illa animo sorma permaneat, si non impetum insignem protinus populus honesty dissuasor excipiat. Pauci illam, quam conceperant, mentem domum perferre potuerunt. Sen. epist 108.Quidam ad magnificas voces excitantur, & transeunt in affectum dicentium, alacres vultu & animo: nec aliter concitantur, quàm solent Phrygi• tibicinis sono Semiviri, & ex imperio furentes. Rapit illos instigat que rerum pulchritudo, non verborum inanium sonitus. •uvat protinus, quae audiunt facere. Afficiuntur illi; & sint quales jubentur, si illa animo sorma permaneat, si non impetum insignem protinus populus honesti dissuasor excipiat. Pauci illam, quam conceperant, mentem domum perferre potuerunt. Sen. epist 108.
