THE ONLY RVLE to walke by: Guiding Christs Ministers, and all his members, how to frame their conuersation in the way to saluation.
A Sermon preached at a Synod, or meeting of Ministers in S. Michaels Church in Couentry the second of October. 1615.
By S. GIBSON, Preacher of the Word, and Pastor in the same City.
LONDON, Printed by George Purslowe for Ralph Mab, and are to be sold in Pauls Church-yard, at the signe of the Grey-hound. 1616.
To the right VVorshipfull Si [...] ROBERT COKE, sonne and heire to the right honourable, Sir EDVVARD COKE, Lord chiefe Iustice of England, and to the noble and vertuous Lady, the Lady THEOPHILA [...] COKE his Wife.
WHen I had resolued to publish this Sermon, which I lately preached to a mixt Audience and thought whose name [...] should vse in the fore-front fo [...] protection and countenance of it, I considered that to your right Honourable Father I ough [...] most duty; who (when I was deiected, for th [...] losse of two noble Lords, both deceased in [...] [Page] [...] [Page] [...] [Page] short space, which acknowledged me in their life time,) to supply that want readily at the first motion of a Gentleman, a good friend of mine, accepted of me, and that with sweete words of singular incouragement. Since which time (as by speciall duty I haue beene bound) I haue vs'd his Honors name, by his permission and allowance, in my publike prayers. But fearing, in regard of his superexcellent worth, and the little value of that which I had now ready to exhibite to him, it might be thought too great presumption, to present such an vnpolisht piece of worke to his learned eyes, I thought it my best way rather to descend from the Father to the Sonne; and of all the generation, for peculiar respects, to single out your selfe, with due remembrance of your Honourable Lady.
It pleased God after your happy marriage [...]o place you both for a time in that Religious and well-gouern'd City, where I am an vnwor [...]hy Preacher and Pastor, and there (your Honourable Father first accepting of the Recordership, in his loue to the Citie, and in the good opinion he had of the inhabitants for Religion) [Page] your selfe also tooke an affection to the people; and their loue being reciprocall to you againe, you soone became euen a member of the Corporation, and were elected to be a Parliament-man vnanimi consensu. And for the time you there continued, thanks be to God, many had comfort of you: The poore hauing great reliefe at your doore through your Christian bounty, and all sorts good example by your diligent frequenting of the publique exercises both vpon the Sabaoth and the weekedayes. And though my charge lay in another Parish, yet it pleased you both to take the paines to be partakers also of my poore Ministry in the other Church. These fruits being found in young beginners, haue giuen good hope of your further progresse in the way to life. I haue therefore now taken an occasion in all duty to be an exhorter vnto you to this end, that ye neuer abate any thing of your loue to GOD and his truth; nor suffer your selues to bee withdrawne from the Christian Faith, which you haue receiued by any seducers or bad examples, which abound in this licentious age: But that ye walk on constantly & labour to grow in [Page] grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord Iesus; knowing that this will bee your only comfort another day, when all the world shall not stand you in any stead.
To prouoke you forward heereunto, let me but propound vnto you your Honourable Fathers example, whose steps God and Nature bindeth you most to obserue. In the Faith no man more sound, making the sacred Canon of the Scripture the onely rule of his beliefe: and in the exercise of his authority, and execution of his great Office, and in the course of his life, following the holy rules thereof religiously.
Now as other Ornaments of Art and Nature make him illustrious to them that know him, so [...]t is remarkable, that his religious practices do not any whit eclipse his reputation, but make him the more to bee magnified in the sight of good men, aboue others of his ranke. As Schollers and learned men in all Sciences honour him for those abilities which are most in [...]equest with them, so for better things the Church of Christ taketh comfort in him, the Tribe of Leui blesseth him, and the GOD of [...]eauen crowneth him with multiplicity of his [Page] mercies. In the race therefore that you haue to runne (Right Worshipfull) like a good Sonne, follow a good Fathers steps. Now let time be precious with you, & dum vires anni (que) sinunt, while strength serueth, be studious, and industriously labour for knowledge and true wisedome. Remember your Creator in the dayes of your youth; and serue the GOD of heauen constantly with a perfect heart, that the blessings of Wisedomes right hand and left may be vpon you heere, and that you may find mercy and saluation in that great Day; when neither birth, nor blood, nor riches, nor any worldly priuiledge, but onely a good conscience shall be regarded. And so I humbly take my leaue, praying GOD to knit your hearts firmely one to another, and more firmely vnto God, that louing and liuing together in his feare for the time you haue to spend in thi [...] world, you may both be partakers of the grac [...] of life together in his heauenly Kingdome.
To the READER.
GOod Reader, as hitherto I haue, vpo [...] good considerations, been bashful [...] backward to publish any thing i [...] these learned times: so neither a [...] I now growne to any setled resolut [...] on, to trouble the Presse often with my worthlesse l [...] bours. But being of late somewhat earnestly solic [...] ted, to bestow one of my Sermons this way; I hau [...] for some competent respects condescended to th [...] motion this once: If vpon what reasons I haue don [...] it, any be desirous to know, I will reueale to him [...] part, what in my owne mind I haue opposed again [...] the discouragements occurring. First, my owne d [...] fects I acknowledge [...], and ingenuous [...] without dissembling, and I am not so simple but know the maner of many conceited Youths in th [...] age, rashly to giue their disdainfull censures, of [...] most whatsoeuer commeth to their view: yet I [...] withall, that euen in these times, scribimus i [...] [Page] [...]octi doctique; all sermons that come forth are [...]ot excellent, and though some Readers be curious, [...]thers are not, and euen printed Tractates are [...]ot without their operation; and therefore who [...]noweth whether this (by the blessing of God) thogh [...] be regardless with some, may not proue altogether [...]ruitlesse to others? and howsoeuer the enuious and [...]ainer sort may hence take aduantage to carpe and [...]eward mee for my paines, with nothing but words [...]f disgrace, yet I expect better measure from bet [...]er men, and consider withall, that I shall hereby [...]aue opportunity to gratifie those friends, to whom [...] most desire to giue contentment; and this hath not [...]een of least force to animate and embolden mee to [...]hat which I haue done, euen in contempt of arro [...]ancy. I see also that vnsound members, though of [...]o credit or worth for learning, haue both tongues [...]nd pennes against the truth; and this hath exci [...]d me the rather thus to diuulge, what I haue late [...] spoken for the truth, in the common cause of the [...]hurch and of Religion. Now, if passing abroad [...]hrough many hands, it find approbation amongst [...]hose that be sound hearted & orthodoxe, I passe not [...]r the rash and vniust iudgement of such, as be ei [...]her contentious or corrrupt, what face soeuer they [Page] carry. The argument that I haue light vpon, is very necessary for these times, of any other: bee content (good Reader) with the single and naked truth, vndeckt with the ornaments of art. The matter being good, beare with the manner; curious and exact discourses I leaue to our rare preachers that come seldome into the pulpit. These (I trow) may very wel preach euery time in print; but of vs it is not to be expected, that are exercised so oftē weekly, throughout the yeer: and for my own part, as I can haue but little time vsually for any of my ordinary sermons, so for this, my warning was exceeding short: if I should say I had two dayes to prouide for it, I might be disproued by some that know the contrary, and it falling to my lot altogether vnexpected, it gaue impediment to all prouident forecast. Yet it pleased God to giue mee some good successe in the deliuery of it, and after, no small incouragement from th [...] most religious and learned hearers then present Since which time, I haue perused my notes, and hau [...] added a little in the margent specially. Of some it may be, it will be contemptibly reiected, because [...] vse so many quotations of Scripture, and so few of Fathers, and Schoolemen, and other Authors: but am of minde that it were good for these that set [Page] light by diuine authority, in respect of humane that they had lesse learning, and more grace. For my owne part, were my reading and ability sufficient to do it, I affect no such course in the Pulpit as they delight in, as sauouring too much of the flesh, and of no vse to the hearers; if by others that distaste any thing but English in a Sermon, I be excepted against for that little liberty I haue taken aboue some others, I thinke they also are in the extreme, and that a meane betweene both these would doe well. Freely to deliuer my iudgement and affection, touching this matter, thus I conceiue as yet: That our maine aime being at the glory of God in the administration of his word, and our care to that end not to hinder the vnderstanding of the illiterate peo [...]le in that which concerneth them to marke: Doubtlesse a man may lawfully haue some respect al [...]o to the learned auditors, when the congregation is [...]ixt; and now and then vse a few words in ano [...]her language, which they vnderstand as well as [...]imselfe: and yet I reuerence those worthy Prea [...]hers, that vse to follow their Text and matter [...]undly, and substancially and profitably, though [...]hey altogether forbeare what they are well able to [...]e in this kind. Which way soeuer thou inclinest in [Page] thy opinion concerning this point, iudge not me, I iudge not thee. God giue vs all grace, that we may euer seeke that, for which chiefly we are set on work by our heauenly Master, to wit, that transgressors may bee taught his wayes, and sinners conuerted vnto him; and, good Christian Reader, pray thou for vs, that the will of the Lord may prosper in our hands.
The chiefe Points handled in this SERMON.
- 1. That we all owe Canonicall obedience vnto God, and are to walke by that rule which he hath giuen vs in his Word.
- 2. That the Canon of the Scripture is the only rule of the Church, which Christians are to walke by.
- 3. That there ought to be correspondency in iudgement amongst vs, as well as in affection, specially amongst Teachers.
- 4 That the liues of Preachers and professors ought to bee answerable to their doctrine and profession, and they ought to be examples in all goodnesse.
The first of these points is applied against all irregular persons, that will haue their owne way, and not frame themselues to doe what God and Christ Iesus requireth of them.
The second against our aduersaries of the Church of Rome, that magnifie their Church with derogation from the Scripture.
The third against all that hold paradoxes, and affect singular opinions, some particulars are touched by name.
The fourth and last against scandalous Preachers, which deliuer good doctrine, and giue bad example to their flocke.
THE ONELY RVLE to walke by.
Neuerthelesse, wherto we haue already attain'd, let vs walk by the same rule, let vs mind one thing. Brethren, bee followers together of me, and marke them which walke so, as yee haue vs for an ensample.
THe words are exhortatory, and the exhortations contained in them are very pertinent to the present assembly; the former is to vnanimitie, the latter to conformity: the first is not barely propounded, but withal the way is declared, how we may attaine to it. Let vs walk by one rule, that's the way to be of one minde: and whereas the imperfections of some, in comparison [Page 2] of others, might be a great meanes to hinder this vnitie and harmony in iudgement; some excelling, some being farre short of others in knowledge. Neuerthelesse, saith the Apostle, though there bee such difference, and some are weake and very defectiue in respect of others: yet so farre as we haue attained, whether to more or lesse, let vs walk orderly by one rule or Canon, [...] est ver [...] militare, [...]tur mili [...] [...] cū [...]e proce [...] iuxta ca [...]m sibi ab [...]ratore [...]xum. which is, the word of God and doctrine of the Apostles, which teacheth vs to aime at the glory of God, and the peace of the Church, so shall we grow to consent in one, and be of one minde. To this exhortation to vnanimitie or agreement in opinion, he addeth another in the seuenteenth verse, to conformitie, or imitation of good examples, where he maketh himselfe the forme or type, [...]. to which he would haue them conforme: yet doth he not propound himselfe alone for an example, but hee ioyneth others with him, [...] &c. whom hee would haue the Philippians to imitate also, wherein they walked as hee walked. In the first exhortation there are diuers things worthy to bee obserued and considered of: of which, I desire to speake rather profitably then plausibly.
Doctrine 1 1. It is remarkable, that he requireth walking [Page 3] by rule: That we [...] Canonica [...] [...] bedience God. [...] and thence we are taught this point, that we are not left to our selues, to follow our owne way, and doe what seemeth good in our owne eyes, but we haue our rule giuen vs of God, which we are to follow constantly and religiously, neither turning to the right hand nor to the left. Let vs walke by rule. From the beginning it hath bin thus. God neuer left man to himselfe to do his owne will, but at the first Adam had his rule giuen him by liuely voyce,Gen. 2, 3. & 4.3 Heb. 1.1 and after, the Lord declared his will to the fathers in visions, and at length deliuered his mind in writing: he gaue his word vnto Jacob, his statutes and his iudgements vnto Israel, Psal. 147.19.Psal. 147.1 [...] and that both for their direction in the worship to be done to himselfe, and also for the well ordering of their conuersation, to his will. First, briefly and summarily in two tables,Deut. 10. [...] written with his owne finger. Then more largely and amply in other Propheticall bookes, where hee hath set his people a course,Micah. 6. [...] and shewed what he requireth of them. And cursed bee hee, saith the Lord, that continueth not in all things written in the law to do them. Deut. 27.Deut. 27. And as in the old Testament, so in the new we haue our rules,Gal. 3.10. as for the worship [Page 4] of God both inward and outward, [...]. 24 [...]. 10.28 [...]. 6.6 [...]. 11.12 [...] 21.34 [...] 6 30. &c. [...]. 7.12 so wee haue our rules also of sobriety and charity, and righteousnesse towards men; both together make one complete and exact rule for the whole catholike Church to walke and order their steps after: as the Iewes vnder Moses, so wee vnder Christ are vnder rule still; and great reason we should be so: for 1 1. hereby almighty God, that made vs, and Christ that hath redeemed vs, exerciseth his authority and dominion ouer vs, and we, our obedience and subiection vnto him; whilest he giueth vs our rule, we yeeld our selues to be ruled by him, and to do whatsoeuer hee commandeth vs, and not what pleaseth our selues. 2 2. It is necessary, that a rule should be giuen vs of God to walke after, in regard of our naturall blindnesse and folly, and vnaptnesse (of our selues) to doe that which is right in the sight of the Lord. We see, when in the worship of God men haue followed their owne deuices, and not walked by rule, in stead of honouring the most high God, they haue vilified him with their base manner of seruing of him; as the Apostle sayth, Romans 1.21. They glorified him not as God: [...]. 1.21.23 1. with worship suteable to his Maiesty, but turned [Page 5] the glory of the incorruptible God into the similitude of a corruptible man, and of birds and foure-footed beasts and creeping things: and the Israelites swaruing from their rule, offended in a high degree,Exod. 32.10. and prouoked the Lord to great wrath against them with their idolatrous seruice: and as in the worship of God, so in their conuersation and carriage towards men; all are subiect to erre and do amisse. It is not in man to walke, and to direct his steps aright without a rule: and therefore, necessary it is to haue direction from God, and to follow that, that wee may doe well, and haue comfort of our waies in the end, when we haue run our race and finished our course. Which maketh against all vnruly and lawlesse persons, sons of Belial, that will not submit themselues to bee ruled by the word of God, but cast off the yoke, Psal. 2.3. and rebelliously breake out of all compasse, following their owne way which is the way of sin and errour, as if they were their owne men and had no master. Christ shall be no Lord of theirs to appoint them what to do, they hate to be directed and restrained by any. I would these knew it, [Page 6] that according to their workes, [...]om. 2.6 so shall it be vnto them in the day of iudgement: vengeance shall be rendred vnto them by Christ, [...]. Thes. 1.8 for their rebellion. 2 If they will not be ruled by him here, they shall not bee saued by him hereafter. Others in some things are content to follow the rule giuen them, but (withall) in other things they will haue their owne way: 1. In the matter of Gods worship; none more presumptuous this way then our aduersaries of the Church of Rome, [...]xod. 20.4 [...]ee popish Ca [...]ech. [...]n [...]ituled: The Christi [...]n Doctrine, [...] manner of a Dialogue, be [...]ween the Ma [...]er and the dis [...]iple. God [...]eepe the chil [...]ren of Chri [...]ians from [...]ch masters. who in euery part will haue their owne inuentions, and thereby haue mard all. Our rule is, not to make to our selues any grauen image. But first, they haue broken this rule, and then they haue put it out of their Catechismes, and will not haue it mention'd with the rest of the commandements; great image-makers, and image-worshippers they are, after the manner of the heathen they haue turned the glory of the incorruptible God into the similitude of a corruptible man, and of birds, picturing God the Father like an old man, the holy Ghost like a Doue: vnderNihil f [...]lsius, [...]uam licere obis omnia [...]cere, que [...]eus facit V [...] [...]n in L [...]. 166. pretence of such appearances, & Christ Iesus is counterfeited as it pleaseth the Painter; and [Page 7] before an image, that goeth vnder the name of Christs Image, though nothing like him, theyGreg. de Valent. Tom. 4. disp. 1. Gretserus & alij. teach men to bowe downe and worship. I am sure they haue no rule for this, from God; but rather for the contrary:Scriptura v [...] [...] dānat, sic [...] laudat, Fest. Hom. p. 229. disp. 37. de imag. in the Sacrament also they are as audacious, to do cōtrary to the institutiō. Substantial bread they haue turned to little round wafers of vnsolid frothy stuffe, and wine they haue taken from the Lords people,Licet Christ [...] instituerit sub utra (que) specie, & licet in primitiua ecclesia reciperetur à fidelibus sub vtra (que) specie, &c. Concil. Const. sess. 13 notwithstanding the rule of Christ, Drinke ye all of this, which the primitiue and auncient Churches constantly kept. Thus likewise in other things they are a rule vnto thē selues, and wil not do Christ that honor, as to bee directed by him in all things. No, Antichrist is mounted vp too high to stoope so low, as to let Christ onely reigne ouer his people. But that proud Vsurper is not got so aloft, but hee shall bee brought downe low at the length: whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, 2. Thes. 2.8 and with the brightnesse of his comming. Euen so come, Lord Iesus, Reu. 22.20 come quickly. 2 2. In course of life: it is the sinne also of many of our own people, they obey the Lord IESVS but by halfes: [Page 8] in some things they are content to follow him, in other things they will haue their owne way; some giuen too much to their pleasures, and to the pampering of the flesh, passe beyond the bounds of sobrietie: and others carryed with passion in cases of wrong are very irregular, and will not be kept within compasse, by the good rules that our Sauiour hath giuen to all Christians of patience and meekenes: Math. 5.39.44 Rom. 12.21 Col. 3.12 but specially in things that concerne their profit: we see many professors break square, though otherwise of note for Religion.
Hence much falsehood and deceit in bargaining, among those that should giue better example; hence Vsurie growne so common, though in theExod. 22.25 Leuit. 25.37 Deut. 23.19. Psal. 15.5 Luke 6.35 Philip. 4.8 Word of God there bee much against it, nothing for it; and hence sacrilegious withholding of the goods of the Church from the right owners thereof: but this cannot stand with that integrity which religion requireth, neither will it serue the turne in some things to be conformable and obedient to the lawe of Christ, but we are to order our steppes thereafter in all our occasions. Wherefore, [Page 9] to dra [...] to a conclusion of this point, let all of vs, as we would be sure to go the rig [...] way, which leadeth to life, Psal. 119.6 learne to haue due respect to the Canon and rule giuen vs of God in all things: in the seruice and worship we perform to God; and in our carriage towards all sorts, whether superiors or inferiors, rich or poore, frie [...]s or enemies, in our words and in our w [...]kes, in those things that concerne o [...] profit or pleasure, as well as in other things: in all things let vs haue an eye to th [...] rule which is giuen vs. For he only walketh safely, that walketh by rule, and hee that followeth his own way, Esay 53.6 goeth out o [...] the way: out of the way to heauen, o [...]t of the way to Euerlasting life. And [...]hus much for the first point, touching [...]he Canonical obedience we owe to God.
Doctrine 2 It is f [...]rther obseruable that the holy Apostl [...] speaketh not of rules, but only of one [...]ule, which hee would haue all to walke by. And thence this doctrine ariseth, that there is but one rule onely for [...]e whole Church of Christ and all Ch [...]istians to follow: one rule of faith, ar [...] one rule of life; let vs walke by the [Page 10] same rule. And this point is plentifully set forth in Scripture. To the lawe and to the testimonies, Esa. 8.20.Isay 8.20 They haue Moses and the Prophets, Luk 16.29.Luke 16.29 and it is written, sayth our Sauiour, when he contended with Satan, Mat. 4.7.Matth. 4.7 and when questions were asked him, What is written, how readest thou? Luke 10.26.Luke 10.26 and wee may not presume aboue that which is written, 1. Corin. 4.6.Cor. 4.6. Hence hath the Scripture the honourable title of Canonical appropriated to it: and proper it is thereunto to bee giuen by inspiration; Tim. 3.16 Pet. 1.21. & so, that alone is the sure rule that cannot deceiue vs. Neither is there any need of any other rule, this is so perfect and complete of it selfe, and wil bring the religious follower thereof directly to eternall life, [...]h. 5.39 as 2. Tim. 3.15.Tim 3.15 It is able to make vs wise to saluation, and is profitable to teach, to improue, to correct, to instruct in righteousnes, that the man of God may be absolute and perfect to euery good work. What vse then is there of other rules? Let vs walke by the same rule: and hence let all be warned to take heed of the false and counterfait rules of our aduersaries, which they haue brought in, to the dishonour [Page 11] of the diuine Canon and of the author of it.Regulae monasticae nihil aliud sunt, quam stultae, & inanes hominum superstitio for ū [...] praescriptiones circa res l [...]dicras &c. Festus Hom. disp. 29. Not to speake of their ridiculous Monasticall rules, which seuerall sectes keepe so precisely, which are nothing but foolish and vaine prescriptions of superstitious men about idle matters, which are aduerse to Gods pure seruice and to Christian liberty.
That which is most intolerable is, that they make the Scripture imperfect and defectiue, and so but partialem regulam, Bellarm. de verbo D [...]i no [...] scripto c [...]p. 12. a piece of a rule, and magnifie the Fathers, and Councels, and Traditions, and the Church specially, and the Popes definitiue sentence ex cathedra, making that to bee the maine infallible rule of Faith.
But alas, if wee should harken to them herein, we could neuer be at a certainty for our Faith. For 1. As for the Fathers, they agree not amongst themselues, but are one opposite to another in many things, and amongst many Truths haue some great Errors. Origen was an Allegorist; an vnsound Interpreter. Tertullian aFrom who [...] he held that prodigious error against second mariag [...] his argumen [...] answered by Beza de poly Montanist, Iustin Martyr aOne that dream'd of a golden worl [...] to continue 1000. yeeres after the res [...] rection, wh [...] in Christ should reign [...] with the Sai [...] on earth. Chiliast or millenary; Eusebius halfe an Arrian. And others had their seuerall [Page 12] errors. And therfore there's no building vpon them.
2 As for Councels, they were not only subiect to erre, but did erre, and of the best and most eminent of them: as the 1. Nicen Councel in a point ofCanone 19. [...], iubent [...] & Can. 12 pro [...]ibent eos re [...]ire ad militiā, qui cingulum [...]biecissent, quod est cōtra Luke 3.14. Anabaptisme, and another foule Error they had like to haue committed, had it not beene forAbs (que) Paph [...]anxissent, nenini Ecclesia [...]icorum pronissum esse [...]ormire cum [...]xore, quam [...]um Laicus es [...]t, duxisset, [...]elas. test. Paphnutius.
3 As for Traditions, they are vncertaine, many of them are forged and counterfeit, as our aduersaries confesse.
4 As for Popes, their owne stories shew, how some of them haue been Haeretikes, and how they haue crost one another. As what Pope Formosus decreede, Pope Stephen the sixt abolished. After, Iohn the ninth disanulled the acts of Stephen, and establisht againe what Pope Formosus had done. After, Sergius the third disanulleth what Formosus and Iohn had done, and reestablished the acts of Stephen. Here's Pope against Pope, and one contrary to another: Hee were a wise man therefore, that would builde his faith vpon the Popes iudgement.
5 As for the Church; the Catholike [Page 13] Church sometimes is inuisible: and as for any particular Church, it is subiect to erre and fall away, as did Israel, where the chaire of Moses was,Reuel. 2, & 3 and the Churches of Asia, to which the Spirit spake, and Christ wrote by his seruant Iohn. And as for the Romane Church, there's great difference betweene the olde, and the present.
1 In the Apostles time there was no praying in an vnknowne tongue there, as now there is, hee flatly condemneth it. 1. Cor. 14.1. Cor. 14
2 In the Apostles time the people were not forbid to read the scriptures, as now they are: the Beraeans are commended for it, Acts 17.11.Act. 17.11 and Timothy was brought vp in them from a child. 2. Tim. 3.15.2. Tim. 3.15
3 In the Apostles time Mariage was honourable among all men, Heb. 13.4.Heb. 13.4 and Peter himselfe had a wife, Luke 4.38.Luke 4.38 Math. 8.14.Math. 8.14 But now a Concubine is fitter for a Priest then a wife: and disgracefully they speake of the Ministers of reformed Churches, because they marrie; for which, by the way,Epist. ad Ocean. they may be answered, as S. Ierome answered a dissolute [Page 14] adulterer that condemned Carterius a married Bishop. For vs it is written, Mariage is honourable among all men, Col. 2.18 Reu. 21 8, 9 and the bed vndefiled: but for them it is added, whoremongers & adulterers God will iudge.
4 In the Apostles time they worshipped none but God: now Angels, Saints, Images.
[...]. Cor. 11.25.285 In the Apostles time they had the Communion in both kindes, all the Lords people both eat and drunke at the Lords Table, according to the order appointed by the Lord of the Sacrament: now, only a little w [...]fer is pop't by the Priest into their mouthes; but to drinke of the sacramentall cup they are not allowed. In these, and many other things there's great difference betweene the old Roma [...]e Church and the present.
Wherefore it remaineth, that the scripture is the only sure infallible rule that we can trust to. 1 For 1. There wee are sure is no error. 2 2. There is no opposition, but a sweet harmony betweene Moses and the Prophets, Christ and the Apostles. 3 3. That is euer the same without any alteratiō: though Churches vary, that is euer the same. 4 4. Whereas it may be more [Page 15] questionable, which is the Church; whether the Greek or Latine, or Protestant, euery one challēging the name. 4 That the scripture is the Word of God, is out of question amongst vs, and all agree that that conteineth the Truth, and nothing but the Truth. And therefore, let vs walke by this rule: it is wisdome for vs to make that the onely rule of our faith, and to cleaue fast thereunto; it is the safest course to preserue vs from error: and so many as walke after this rule, Gal. 6.16 peace shall be vpon them, and mercie, and vpon the Israel of God. And hitherto of the counsel of the Apostle tending to vnity.
Now of the maine exhortation, to vvhich the former vvas but subordinate, Bee of one minde, or, [...] Minde one thing: which (as appeareth by the former verses) is rather to bee referred to the iudgement then to the affection. For, he desired before their consent in opinion, and still hee vrgeth the same thing: hee sawe there was difference amongst them, & some were in an error, of whom notwithstanding he speaketh like himselfe in the spirit of meeknes fauourably, charitably, hopefully, God will reueale: Verse 15 [Page 16] yet still calling vpon them to leaue their priuate opinions, and to ioine with the Church of God in the truth without opposition or dissent. Be of one mind.
Doctrine 3 Our lesson hence is, that those of the same faith in Iesus Christ, should labour by all meanes to agree in points of religion: as there should be correspondency in affection, so likewise agreement in iudgement amongst vs. This he most instantly and vehemently perswadeth the Philippians vnto with all sweet termes of loue, Cap. 2.1. &c. If there be any consolation in Christ, Philip. 2.1 if any comfort of loue, if any fellowship of the spirit, if any bowels and mercies, fulfill my ioy, that ye be like minded, hauing the same loue, being of one accord, of one minde: and 1. Cor. 1.10. [...]. Cor. 1.10. There's his most earnest request vnto them for the same. The thing there desired, is vnity, and it is three-fold, Verball, Reall, and Mentall. 1. In word, That ye speake one thing. 2. In deed, That there bee no dissensions amongst you. 3. In minde, That you bee knit together in one minde and in one iudgement. Then marke how affectionately he desireth it of them. 1. Vsing a lowly obsecration, I beseech you. [Page 17] 2. A louing compellation, Brethren. 3. An earnest adiuration, by the name of our Lord Iesus Christ. I beseech you brethren by the name of our Lord Iesus Christ, that yee speake one thing, and that there bee no dissentions amongst you; but be you knit together in one mind, and in one iudgement.
And in his second Epistle to the same Church, Chapter 13. Verse 11.2. Cor. 13.11. when in conclusion he giueth them the Vale, hee giueth them a speciall charge for this, to be of one minde, and liue in peace. All which sheweth, that it is a matter of great importance, that there should bee concord in iudgement: and sure the contrary is of dangerous consequence. For first, specially when teachers differ in opinion, it is an occasion to make vngrounded hearers to start aside, and become to bee of no religion. Of olde this turned many from the true faith,Sozom. lib. 1. cap. 16. [...], the dissonancie and diuersitie of opinions that was amongst learned men, was the cause that many would not [...], embrace the Christian Religion.
And such pretences at least haue bin made by some, that haue forsaken our Church, and proued Romane Proselytes: they haue pretended that the hearing of one Preacher, to contrary that which another taught, was the cause of their turning. Now, though herein they haue done foolishly, not considering that this is not peculiar to our religion, but hath euer bin in the Church of God,A noble challenge is made them by Dr. White, p. 154. where he offereth to proue, that there is no point wherein they differ frō vs, but they differ among thē selues. and that in the Church of Rome there is great diuersity of opinions, as well as in ours; yet woe be to them, by whom the offence commeth. They haue much to answere for, that haue giuen the occasion by their opposite doctrine. Well, this sheweth, there had need be great heede how we differ. 2. Vpon difference of iudgement, ordinarily followeth difference in affection, and so contention arising betweene the Pastors, much mischiefe must necessarily follow.
In ancient Churches there haue been prodigious quarrels hereupon,Niceph. lib. 14. cap. 47 and sometimes murthers haue been committed, as wee may see in Ecclesiasticall Histories. And therefore there had need be great care in euery one to maintaine vnity, [Page 19] and to forbeare opposition. This then is to be applyed against all of what sort so euer, that affect singularity in opinion, and loue to be in oppositum, and so cause diuision and contention. The sinne of many yet made a light matter: some are of such strange spirits, that they make a tush at the peace of the Church. Whereas the Scripture biddeth vs, not onely liue in peace, but make peace, 2. Cor. 13 11 Iames. 3.18 Psal. 34.14 1. Thes. 4.11 and follow after it, and seeke and ensue it, and study to be quiet: they study to bee vnquiet, and to disquiet themselues and others. And whereas Augustine helde the sinne of scisme greater then the sinne of idolatry, Aug de bap. contra Donatistas lib. 2. ca [...] & omnia bo [...] pacis & vni [...] tis toleranda lib. 6. cap. 22 they make nothing of it. Nay, some euen place Religion in making a breach and a rent, and thinke therefore to bee magnified for their zeale. Sometimes, amongst the people, wee shall see some that loue to bee singular (and not contenting themselues to differ from the Church, in such things as some of the grauer and learneder sort contend about) they wil be sure to haue some trick by themselues aboue all the Ministers in towne and country, of one sort or other, and in that they wil be open too, that the [Page 20] congregation may take notice of them: this argueth a great deale of vanity in their minds, and is against that modesty which the scripture cōmendeth to Christians, and which is to bee found in men better sanctified. Quis ego sum (sayth learned Zanchius) qui quod tota Ecclesia approbauit, [...]anch. confes. improbem? Who am I, that I should disallow that, which the whole Church hath allowed? A worthy patterne of humble modesty, and may make more ignorant ones ashamed of their malepert insolency. Against this rule of the Apostle it is directly, if men do not their endeuour, not to dissent from the Church, but if it be possible, to be of one mind. Be of one mind.
But the greatest blame will lye vpon those Teachers that transgresse this Apostolicall rule, and with their Paradoxes and singular opinions trouble our Israel, and are instruments of euill. I will now deale particularly, onely against those that hole and broach errors, tending to Popery or prophanenesse. For these are the most pestilent members: to some the Pope is beholding; for they would proue that he is not that Antichrist, and [Page 21] iustification by workes,Artie. 11. Of the iustification of man. is not onely taught in Rome, but in the Church of England also by some corrupt Rabines, though it bee against an article of our Religion. These would either be made to be of one minde with our Church, or els it were to bee wished they were sent to Rhemes, or S. Omers, or Ʋalladolyd in Spaine, or some such pest-house, which they are fitter for, then to be teachers in Israel.
Others speake disgracefully of preaching, specially of often preaching. There is an idle position of late set on foote, which the drones of the Church are very ready to harken to, that forsooth reading is preaching; I deny not but in a large sense it may bee so tearmed, and so may receiuing the Sacrament also, wherein wee shew forth the Lords death till he come, [...], 1. Cor. 11.2 and as it were preach Christ crucified thereby. But what should anie goe about to confound those parts of Gods seruice, which the holy Ghost and the Church hath euer distinguished? In the Scripture, where preaching is required of the Minister of the Gospell,2. Tim. 4.2 it is meant hee should open and apply the [Page 22] Word aright. [...]an. 45 And the Canon requiring preaching euery Sabboth, requireth expresly, [...]nswerable to [...]at, 1. Cor. .3 that we sincerely diuide the word of truth to the glory of God, and to the best edification of the people, shewing vs that that is meant by preaching.
As for the disgracers of diligent preaching, they also are against the Church in this: for in the Church-booke of Common-prayer, as we are appointed to call vpon baptized Christians to heare Sermons, as if they could not heare too many: [...]ollect on [...]ers day. so in one of the Collects wee pray, that God would make all Bishops and Pastors diligently to preach his holy word; and that prayer is excellently grounded vpon that triple pas [...] of our Sauiour to Peter, [...]. 21.15 John 21.15, 16, 17. Feed, feede, feede.
Thence are wee taught to pray, that those which haue the place of spirituall Shepheards and Pastors in the Church, may diligently feede the flock of Christ. But this diligent preaching (they think) would hinder learned preaching, and they rather ascribe diligence to themselues that come with elaborate discourses, and shew much reading, and impute [Page 23] negligence to them that take lesse time for a Sermon.
I answere,Quorum aemulari exopto negligentiam, potius quā ist [...] rum obscura [...] diligentiam, vt in prolog. Heauton. Te [...] it is better for the poore people that a man preach to them often and plainly, then seldome and obscurely: and I am sure a great deale of paines is taken by some to preach vnprofitably, and they should haue more comfort in the day of Christ, if they would condescend more to the capacity of the simpler sort, and seeke themselues lesse, and Gods glory more, in the handling of the Scripture. Wherefore, let them not scornefully inueigh against those that are profitable instruments in the Church, for that which is rather to be cōmended in them, and wherein they are to be imitated. It were more credit for Preachers to bend their speech rather against loyterers, then against religious and industrious men,1. Tim. 5.17 that labour in the Word and Doctrine faithfully and fruitfully.
The last most impious paradoxe that I will now name, is concerning the Sabboth: some think the day may be changed, and some giue out that men may take their pleasure, and haue their pastimes vpon that day, and the sanctifying thereof [Page 24] is not necessary. But where now is Zanchies modestie? Quis ego, &c. quis tu? Who art thou, whosoeuer thou art, that thou shouldest presume to call that into question, which was neuer before called vnto question by any orthodoxe, Vide Sprint of [...]e Sabb. Church, or Father? With what face dare any speak against that, which hath euer been religiously obserued by good men since the Apostles times vnto ours, and to what end, and with what meaning is it? [...]he Sabbath [...] great anti [...]ity, Gen. 2 3 except to ouerthrow Religion, and bring in ignorance, and Atheisme? for from the beginning of the world, the hallowing of the Sabbath hath bin the vpholder of religion & godlinesse, and once take away the Sabbath, and the sanctity thereof, and farewell all solemne worship of God, and neuer looke that Piety and Religion can goe forward: giue men but leaue to breake this commaundement, and the rest will be poorely kept: but if no other considerations will preuaile with the Antisabbatist; let me put him in mind, that as herein he is against the Catholike Church in all ages, so also against our owne Church, which still vpholdeth the sanctifying of that day, [Page 25] and to that end appointeth, as all the Commandements to be read continually,In the booke of Common. Prayer. so that Commandement also of keeping holy the Sabbath, without leauing out one word; and withall hath added a prayer for the people, that presently vpon the hearing of their dutie in that respect, they should lift vp their hearts and voices to heauen, that God would incline their hearts to keep that lawe. Now what odde dealing is this with the people, when a Minister in his lower pue shall bid them remember to keepe holy the Sabbath day, and require their prayer for the same purpose, and in the pulpit teach them that they neede not doe it? here is saying and vnsaying, teaching and vnteaching by one and the same man.
These are dangerous errors, and as you see, not onely against the Scripture, and against the Truth, and against Gods ordinance, and against Religion, but against the Church also, whereof wee are members: that of iustification by vvorkes is against one of the Articles of our Religion; that likewise of reading, against diligent preaching, [Page 26] against one of the praiers of the Church, and against one of the late Canons: that against the Sabbath is against one of the ten Morall Commandements, and against the Commandement of the Church, that appointeth that Law to bee read with the rest; and to be receiued of the people with a speciall Prayer for the keeping of it.
Such therefore are not to be suffred as maintaine such poynts, but either they are to be reformed or made examples; this should be the care of those in authority, that according to the rule of the Apostle, wee should be of one minde. And those that hold singular Opinions, are to be censur'd. I speake not this, as if I desired rigor to bee vsed to euery one that in any thing dissenteth from the Church. That is not the way to make peace, and to make all of one minde; it is necessary that there be discretion and moderation in gouernment, and a difference put betweene the errors held, and the persons that differ, betweene sober men and turbulent spirits, else it may marre all.Georg. Cass. consultatio [...]e de relig. ad [...]erdinand. 1. & [...]aximil. 2. [...]p. cap. de. [...]cclesia. Cassander spake to the purpose, when he told his great masters before [Page 27] the Councell of Trent, that the chiefe cause of the destruction of the Church in his time,Nullam ecclesiae firmam pacē sperandam puto, nisi qui Ecclesiasticae gubernationi praesunt de nimio illo rigore aliquid remittant, ac multorum piorum votis & monitis obsequentes manifestos abusus ad regulam diuinariū literarum & veteris ecclesiae, corrigant. haec ille. was to be imputed to them that beeing puft vp with their Ecclesiasticall power, proudly and disdainefully contemned and repelled those that modestly admonished them. And hee was perswaded that there would neuer bee firme peace, till they remitted somewhat of their extreme rigour and reformed manifest abuses. There must be yeelding euen by those in authoritie, as well as by others, ere there can be firme concord.
But when the Opposition of any is preiudiciall to Religion and Pietie; and there is contumacie too, then they are not to bee tolerated or fauour'd. Rulers in Church or common-wealth may haue comfort in seuere proceedings against such.Cal. in 1. cor 11. verse. 16. Nunquam co [...] tentionum eri [...] finis, si certan [...] do velis hominem pugnacen [...] vincere, quia [...] centies victus [...] nunquam fat [...] gabitur, lege [...] tiam prudēti [...] Caluin well iudgeth peeuish and froward persons: Authoritate magis compescendos, &c. ought rather to be schooled by Authority, then with long disputations to bee confuted; for some are of that spirit that centies victi, as hee sayth, if they be conuicted an 100 times, they will not yeeld. Some rougher course therefore is to be taken with them.
I speake now in season of these matters. This is one speciall vse of Synods. Nazianzene spake bitterly,Nazianz. in Epist. ad Pro [...]op. Nazian. [...]. Danaeus de po [...]estate ecclesiae [...]ap. 36. when speaking of greater Synods then these, hee sayd hee neuer saw any good end of them. I will suppose with Danaeus, that he is to be vnderstood of the Councels & Synods of his time, when they did all to please the Emperor and the most potent Praelats. Good vse (no questiō) there is of such meetings of Ministers, as that those may grow to knowledge and acquaintance one with another, that bee vnder the same iurisdiction, and to maintaine Loue and amitie amongst vs, so specially to end such controuersies as arise by any stirring heads, or contentious persons. If this bee put in practice, no doubt wee shall see good come of Synods. Well, let euery one in his place doe his part that this Apostolicall Rule may be kept. And we specially that teach others concord, let vs looke that we agree among our selues; the way the Apostle hath taught vs, let vs walke by the same Rule: And then, [...]sal. 133.1. ecce quam bonum, &c. a ioyfull sight it is to GOD and men and Angels, when brethren in the Ministery [Page 29] liue together in vnity, it is the ornament of the Church, and the honour of Religion. And thus much of the first exhortation to Ʋnanimity.
Now a little briefely giue me leaue to adde concerning the other part, because it doth much also concerne vs. In the next place the holy Apostle would haue all to be followers of him, and of such as walked as he walked.
Doctrine 4 Where 1. it is to be obserued, that he taketh it for granted, that as his Doctrine was sound, so his example was also good, so was it with others also of the same Faith. Whence our lesson is, that the life and practice of teachers and professors ought to be answerable to their doctrine and profession: it is a thing much prest vpon al Christians,Ephe. 4.1. Philip. 2.15. 1. Pet. 2.12. that they walk worthy of their vocation, Ephes. 4.1. and that they haue their conuersation honest and vnreproueable, 1. Pet. 2.12. and specially of Ministers of the Gospell, wee find it required: Be thou an example in conuersation, &c. saith Paul to Timothy, 1. Tim. 4.12.1. Tim. 4.12. And shew thy selfe a patterne of good workes, to Titus, Chapter 2.7.Tit. 2.7.
And of all Elders this is required, 1. Pet. 5.3.2. Pet. 5.3 to be types or examples to the flocke: necessary this is; because the common sort look as much, if not more, to a mans doings as to his doctrine, and to his practice as to his profession. For they know it is an easie matter to talke of holinesse and righteousnesse, and to make a profession of great matters: but when they see a shew of zeale and forwardnesse this way in any, and yet the life vngodly, and the practice vniust, it maketh them conclude, that their profession of such strictnesse is but in hypocrisie, and in stead of beeing drawne to religious courses, they are the more hardned, and moued the more to abhorre the way of godlinesse to their owne destruction. Though it bee but the sinne of some particular persons to giue this scandall; yet from particulars the world is apt to conclude a generall, and the worst way euer; because some that are forward in religion are vnreproueable, and without exception, they will not conceiue that all the forward sort are good, but if they see one do euill, they will conclude peremptorily they are all naught, and there [Page 31] is no heed to take what any of them say or professe. And therefore it is necessary, that he that is a Teacher of righteousnes, be also a practiser of it, and that those that seeme more holy then others, liue without offence, that so the mouthes of the vngodly may be stopt, and the Gospell adorned, Tit. 2.10 and their calling approued to be of God, and so they may further the conuersion of soules to Christ.
For this cause it concerneth both Preachers and Professors to looke to their liues. The application concerneth all, but my exhortation at this time is specially to my brethrē of the Ministry, that they would haue a religious care, that they make not their holy Doctrine of none effect by their mis-liuing. As we teach godlinesse and sobriety, and condemne all excesse and vanity, so let our practice and example be answerable: let vs neither despise that holinesse in any which wee teach others, nor giue incouragement to any to do what they ought not to doe, by our example, lest it bee thought that wee vnderstand not what wee say, or that wee beleeue not that which wee haue written. Farre be it [Page 32] from vs to make so light of the Script [...] or of any thing there taught. The word which wee preach, is no fable, nor deuice of man, but giuen by inspiration from heauen; and necessary it is to saluation both for Preachers and Hearers, to do what is there required, and to eschew what is there forbidden. Nay, God giue vs repentance if idle words proceede out of our mouths. Mat. 12.36. For, of euery idle word men shall giue account in the day of Iudgement. So CHRIST hath taught vs, so wee teach others: according let our example be, that so wee may giue testimony of our Faith, and of the reuerence wee beare to euery part of Gods word. This was the holy care of the Apostle, as his doctrine was pure, so his life was such, that hee durst propound himselfe for a patterne to all Christians.
Then let not vs be like those statues or posts that are in some wayes, that point the right way to passengers, but stir not one foot with them; wee must not thinke we haue done all that belongeth to vs, when we haue taught others the way of the Lord; but as good guides wee are to go before them, and leade [Page 33] them on the way to life, that wee may with our obedient hearers be rewarded in the day of CHRST, and be partakers of the grace of life together with them. And this is the way to draw reuerence from the people to our persons, and to make our Ministery fruitfull.
It is sayd, that Herod himselfe reuerenced and feared IOHN, Mar. 6.20.Marke 6.20 Why was that? Not so much because he was a good Preacher, as because hee was a good man. Herod feared Iohn, knowing that hee was a iust man and an holy, and reuerenced him, &c. And this made him be more honourd of the people, though homely attyred, Mat. 3.4 then all the Prelates of Ierusalem, with all their pompe and Ornaments.
Whereas if a man preach well & liue ill, it causeth contempt of all:1. Sam. 2.17 As Elies sonnes by their wicked courses made themselues and the Lords sacrifice to bee abhorred. It is not well done of those that contemne the ordinance of God, for the vnworthinesse of him that doth the seruice: the word is pure, though the preacher be impure, and the Pharises sitting in Moses chaire were to be heard, and [Page 34] their good Doctrine was to be followed. But few are come to that degree of grace, as to carry themselues as they ought in this case; and therefore we are carefully to looke, that we be examples also to the people of that wee teach them, that so they may haue no stumbling blocke, but that they may reuerently attend to what the Spirit saith in the word, and readily doe the will of the Lord, and walke in his wayes, vnto their saluation. I should in the next place shew how good examples being giuen, are to be followed and imitated, that the Apostle requireth in this exhortation, Be followers, &c. But the time being past, I must heere breake off. The Lord giue a blessing to that which hath been taught.