2. But then, besides these, there is another sort, and they go further than these. For to them the word came, not in word only, but also in power: though not in that or in such a power, as is sufficient, absolutely against all atempts whatsoever, to bring the soul to glory. Of these we read in several places; to wit, that they have tasted of the powers of the world to come; but not so as to bring them safe to glory. Yet thus far they go.

Heb. 6.4.1. They attain light or illumination, to see much of their state by nature with.

1 King. 21.27, 28, 29.2. This light standeth not in bare speculation, but lets fall upon the conscience, convincing arguments to the bowing and humbling of the spirit.

3. They submit to these convictions, and reform, and may for a time, not only come out from them that live in error,2 Pet. 2.18, 19, 20. but escape the pollutions of the world, by the knowlege of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.Gal. 3.4. chap. 4.20.

4. Yea, so powerful will this dispensation be, that it will prevail with them, to do and suffer many things for the vindication of the truth of that Gospel which they profess. For

1. The word will be sweet unto them.

2. Christ, the gift of God,Heb. 6.4.5. will be relished by them.

3. The powers of the world to come will be in them.

4. Some workings of the Holy Ghost will be in them.

5. And joy,Luk. 8.13. which is as oyl to the wheels, will be with their souls.

Thus, I say, it is with some professors, who yet cannot be said to depart from iniquity, that is, for all ado, because the things that now are upon them, abide with them but awhile. For awhile, they believe;Luk. 8.13. Joh. 5.35. 2 Pet. 2.11 they rejoyce in the light for a season. So they clean escape from them, who live in error for a little, or awhile; and after that return to their old course, and are again intangled with their inquities and overcome. This is called, A turning with the Dog to his own vomit again, and with the Sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire. And some of these are set forth by this and such like sayings.Mat. 12.43, 44, 45, When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places seeking rest, and finding none. Then he saith I will return into my house, from whence I came out; and when he is come, he findeth it empty, swept, and garnished. Then goeth he, and taketh with himself seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter in and dwell there, and the last state of that man is worse than the first.

Now the causes of this declension, returning, or falling away again unto iniquity, are many.

First, One is for that this work, this work of power that they have been made partakers of, has not been thorough enough upon all the powers of their souls. Their understandings, their Judgments and Consciences have been dealt with, but the power of God has not been upon their wills and minds,Psal. 110.3. and affections rightly to subdue them to the grace of the Gospel. Indeed there seems to be a subjection of the will, and an overruling of the mind, and affections also, else they could not for a time lay aside their iniquity, come off from the pollutions of the world, and for a season rejoyce in the word and be pleased with the light thereof. But we may consider, that this may be, not for that a sound work of God hath passed upon these powers of the soul, but that rather this was by reason of those reflex acts, that the understanding now inlightened, the judgment now informed, and the conscience now convinced, had upon these other powers of the soul. And I the rather think it so, because willingness, mindfulness of, and affection for this Gospel, lasted no longer than the light shined in their understandings, or than the things were relished by their judgment and conscience. So that when the light of their Candle went out, and when the taste of this sugar-plumb was out of their mouth, their wills and affections, not being possessed with the fear of God, they returned again to their course, and went away as before with iniquity.

Nor do I by any thing here discoursed, lay blame or fault at the door of God. For,

1. He is a free agent to do what he pleaseth, and may if he please refuse 〈1 page duplicate〉 〈1 page duplicate〉 to give any thing, or if he gives something, why may he not give what he pleases also? He may give special grace to one, and that which is not so to another: he may open Baalams eyes, Numb. 24.3. Acts 16.14. Heb. 6. Cant. 5.1. and open Lydia's heart; he may give some but a taste, and cause some to eat abundantly. He may suffer some to fall away, and keep others by his power, through faith unto salvation.

2. Besides, Gods withdrawing, to wit, of those common workings, if they were withdrawn without a cause given, (which yet I question) yet why may they not be withdrawn from these, as well as from his own peculiar ones. He knows but little, that doth not know that God ofttimes hides his face from his own, and also withdraws from them the light and great influences of the Holy Ghost: and turns them over at least in their own apprehensions to the ungodly, and to fallen Angels for their Chastisement, or Tryal, or Instruction, &c.

3. And why may not God, since these Rebels had such working with them, as that their minds, by their understandings, their will and affections, by their judgment and consciences were somewhat taken and allured, cause a withdrawing of these for tryal, and to see if they would cry after him to return.

But we will let these things pass, and call you again to a remembrance of what is in hand: we are now shewing that there be them that name the name of Christ, that yet depart not from iniquity, and in shewing the cause of their not so doing, one was for that the Gospel came to them in word only; and the other was for that though it came to others in power, yet not in power, or in that power, that effectually keepeth some to salvation. Upon this second reason I now am, and am shewing how it comes to pass that they that are under the power of the things that we have afore discoursed, should notwithstanding that return to their vomit again. One cause of this declension, or going back to iniquity I have just now touched upon, and we have some more behind.

Secondly, Therefore such persons upon the withdrawing of those influences that at present are mighty upon them, do forthwith forget, both what they had, and what work it made upon them. Straightway they forget what manner of men they were: 'Tis said of Israel they sang his praises, they soon forgot his word. So these they forget.

1. They forget what light and what conviction they had.

2. They forget what sorrow for sin they had.

3. They forget what tastes of Christ and his word they had.

4. They forget what joy and comfort they had.

5. They forget how fair for heaven they were.

6. And they forget how cleansed once they were.

2 Pet. 1.9. They have forgotten that they were purged from their old sins. Now forgetfulness makes things that are past, as nothings; and if so, then it can lay no obligations upon the mind to ingage it to the delight of them, and to the injoying of them, no not in the thoughts of them, as if they were remembred by us. For • etfulness is a very dangerous thing; • t makes preaching vain,1 Cor. 15.1, 2. profession • ain, faith vain and all to no pur • ose. Such profession is but a dream, • nd the professors but as dreamers; • ll vanishes in the morning. This made Paul so caution the Corinthi • ns, that they forgot not the preach • ng; and the Author to the Hebrews, • o earnestly call them, in their back • liding, back to the remembrance of former days, and to the recollecting of what it was that then had made them so willingly indure their great fight of affliction.Heb. 10.32, 33.

Forgetfulness, I say, makes things, no • hings; It makes us as if things had never been; and so takes a way from the soul one great means of stay, support and incouragement, when choice David was dejected, the remembrance of the Hill Hermon was his stay: when he was to go out against Goliah; the remembrance of the Lyon and the Bear was his support: so when those that have had the power of the things of God upon them, can think of this; when they are withdrawn, it will, even the thinking of it will have some kind of operation upon the soul. And therefore you shall find that the recovering of a backslider, usually begins at the remembrance of former things▪ Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, Revel. 21.2, 3. and repent, and do thy first works.

'Tis marvelous to see how some men are captivated with this forgetfulness. Those that sometimes have prayed, cryed, groaned, and sighed for eternal life: Those that sometimes thought no pains too much, no way too far, no hazzards too great to run for eternal life; those who sometimes were captivated with the word, and with the comforts and joy thereof, and that, had it been possible, could have pulled out their eyes,Gal. 4.14.15. and have given them to a Gospel Minister, so dear, and sweet were the good tidings which they brought to such.

I say 'tis marvelous to see how such men are captivated with the forgetfulness of this. They are as if they never had been them men; they are, as if they never had had such things; or as if they had never had thought about them. Yea, they are strange, and carry it strangely to all those that still are under the power of that word, and of that mighty hand, by which sometimes themselves were guided.

Should one say to some, Art not thou the man that I once saw crying under a Sermon, that I once heard cry out, what must I do to be saved, and that sometime ago I heard speak well of the holy word of God: how askew will they look upon one; or if they will acknowledge that such things were with them once, they do it more like images and rejected Ghosts, than men. They look as if they were blasted, withered,Joh. 15. cast out and dryed to powder, and now fit for nothing, but to be cast into the fire, and burned. The godliness from which they are departed, and the iniquity unto which again they have joyned themselves, has so altered, so metamorphosed, and changed their heart, and mind, and ways. This therefore is the second thing which shews why some that have been under something of the power of things, are again with iniquity, entangled and overcome.

Thirdly, Another thing that makes these enlightened ones that they continue not to depart from iniquity, is the persecution that always attends the word: for persecution always attends the word, that of the Tongue, or that of the Sword: Now these men that were once enlightened, though they cannot remember what they were themselves, yet Satan helps them to think that their neighbours remember what they were: and having now lost the savor, the sence of what they once had, and sinned away that spirit that brought it to them, they grow weak; ye are above all men the most unable to stand up, to abide the shock, and tryal, that for their profession is coming upon them. Wherefore,Mat. 4.16, 17. Luk. 8.13. by and by they are offended; to wit, with their own profession, and call themselves an hundred fools, for being so heedless, so witless, and unwary to mind Gods holy things, in such a time and day. Then they bethink with themselves how to make an honourable retreat, which they suppose they usually do, by finding fault first with their own unadvisedness, and of the over-perswasiveness of others; they also now begin to say farewel conscience, yea, God and Heaven and all, and joyn in confederacy with the world again. Thus are they in fear, where no fear is; and the sound of a shaken leaf doth chase them. And there are four things are the cause of this.

First, For that, notwithstanding the former power that attended the word to their hearts, their hearts did still abide as hard as a rock, there was no true and sound breaking, nor softning in that: wherefore there the word wanted depth of earth, as our Lord is pleased to call it; and anon when the Sun was up, that which remained was presently scorched, and so withered away.

Secondly, Notwithstanding what they had sometimes injoyed, yet the grace of the fear of God was wanting in them; so wanting,Eccl. 7.16, 17, 18. that what should hinder but that they should return to go as they came, and leave Christ, the Gospel, and the people of God to shift as well as they can for themselves.

Psal. 78.30, 36, 37. Thirdly, All that they injoyed did not estrange their heart from their lusts, though when they were in the power of things they were deader to them than formerly; I say than formerly: And it is even with such, as with them, who are for a time taken off from what yet they love, by some new imploy in which they are ingaged. Saul went out to look for David to kill him, but when he came at Naioth in Ramah, 1 Sam. 19.18.24. the spirit of God came upon him and he prophesied. But this lasted but for a while, Saul soon returned to his old envy against the holy man again.

Fourthly, It comes upon them even of judgment and wrath, for since they so soon give way to sin, and forget, God suffereth them to fall into fear of men, and to force their hearts to comply with bad things, even as Judas and Demas did; till they are swallowed up of that Gulph, into which the ungodly descend. As for such Psal. 125.5. as turn aside unto their own crooked ways the Lord shall lead them forth with the workers of iniquity. Psal. 125.5.

When once God is angry with a people; He can deal with them, He can give them up to those lusts in judgment, that they will not be separated from by mercy. Yea, he can make a way for his anger to overtake them that have made a way by the deceits of their hearts, to go a Whoring from under him.

And these are the causes, why those that were once inlightned and have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, return with the Dog to his own Vomit again, and so though they have or do name the name of Christ, yet depart not from iniquity.

Thirdly, A third Reason, why they that name the name of Christ,The third reason. do not depart from iniquity, may be, because Grace is weak, and corruption strong. I speak now of them that are truly gracious: for as those that never had nothing but notion, did never at all depart from iniquity; and as those that never had saving grace, though common workings were with them, do but a little depart from iniquity: so those that yet have the grace of God in them, in truth, do not, as they should, depart from iniquity: wherefore the exhortation is as much to them as it is to any body else; And let them that name the name of Christ, with gracious lips, depart from iniquity. For though there is a great difference 'twixt these, and the two sorts that I mentioned before, these having the true principles of holiness in them; but the other nothing thereof: yet they, even they, also have need of this exhortation: for they do not as they should, depart from iniquity. Their graces as I said are weak, and that is the reason thereof.

That these do not depart from iniquity as they should, is clear.

1. For that their highest acts of holiness,Isa. 64.6. Psal. 143.2. Heb. 13.15. Mat. 6.12. are tainted therewith, and made imperfect thereby: this is manif • st, because they s • ill are afraid to shew themselves before God in their own works, and because they betake them for acceptation with God, to the Priestly Office of Christ, and pray by him, Forgive us our trespasses.

2. This is clear also,2 Pet. 3.18. Heb. 6.12. Phil. 3.12, 13, 14. 2 Cor. 7.1. because we are, while in this world, no where by the word, said to have attained to the mark and point of absolute perfection; but are bid to grow, to follow on, to press forward, and to perfect holiness in the fear of God. Yea, the best of us all, even the Apostles and Prophets, have not only made it manifest by their imperfections, that as yet they have not departed from iniquity, as they should; but they have confessed, and denyed not, that they were yet in the pursuit of righteousness, and had not already attained.

3. This is clear also, for that the righteousness, by the which the best of Saints are justified in the sight of God, is a righteousness of another, not their own; the righteousness of another man, for that there is not any upon earth that doth good and sins not. And what need we pray, forgive us our trespasses, approach God in the perf • ctions of another, and be bid to perfect holiness, if we had already attained, or were already perfect, or were so departed from iniquity as we should?

4. Ala • , the complaints of God concerning this matter doth sufficiently testifie the truth of what I say. When God came to his people in Egypt, and bid them forsake the Idols of Aegypt, they did not. But they rebelled against me, says he, and would not hearken unto me: they did not, every man, cast away the abominations of his eyes, neither did they forsake the Idols of Aegypt. Well, He saved them out of Aegypt, and brought them into the Wilderness, and said to them there, Obey my Laws and my Commandments; But the House of Israel rebelled against me in the Wilderness, they walked not in my Statutes, they despised my judgments. Well, then he had them from the Wilderness to Canaan, and then said to them,Ezek. 20. Keep my Laws. But when he had brought them into the Land, then they also polluted themselves, and sinned against him as before.

Again,Hag. 2.14· when God brought them out of captivity, both they and every thing that they did was unclean.

To be short,Jam. 3.2. 1 Jo. 1.9. what says Paul in the seventh to the Romans? what says James in the third Chapter of his Epistle? And what says John in his first Epistle, and first Chapter? Do they not all confess, though themselves were Apostles, and so for Grace and Gifts beyond any that breath in this world, that sin and iniquity was yet with them; and so consequently that there was not as yet, that departing by them, therefrom, as there should.

And the reason, as I have said, is because grace is weak, weak in the best and most strong of the Saints of God. Hence the greatest Saints use to complain, when much assaulted with corruptions, or attended with very hard service for God, of their weakness, and insufficiency, as to a compleatness of doing the will of God.

1. Moses, when God did but bid him nourish and succour Israel in the Wilderness,Numb. 11.11, 12, 13, 14, 15. and carry them in his bosom, as the Nursing-father beareth the sucking Child, was stricken with such fear of miscarrying, through the weakness of his graces and the power of his corruptions, that he cryed to God saying, I am not able to bear all this people alone, because it is too heavy for me. And if thou deal thus with me, kill me, I pray thee, out of hand, and let me not see my wretchedness.

2. Job, when he was, for a proof of his integrity, to be exercised awhile with some of the judgments of God, crys out in a sence of his w • akness to bear them, and to go through as he should: Is my strength the stre • gth of stones, Job 6.12. chap. 7.12. chap. 13.24, 25. or is my flesh brass? And again, Am I a Sea, or a Whale, that thou settest a watch over me? Wilt thou break a leaf driven to and fro? And wilt thou pursue the dry stubble?

3. So Daniel, when he was but to stand and talk with the Angel, how weak did he find himself; There remained, Dan. 10. saith he, no strength in me; and, O my Lord, by the vision my sorrows are turned upon me, and I have retained no strength. For how can the servant of this my Lord, talk with this my Lord? for as for me, straightway there remaineth no strength in me, neither is breath left in me. Some may say, but this is natural weakness. But I ask, how came nature to be so weak, but through sin? the remains whereof abiding still upon the best of Saints, make them, notwithstanding their graces, uncapable to do any thing as they should.

4. Paul, a man of men, who had so much Grace, revelation of grace, and Communion with Christ, that sometimes he knew not whether he was in or out of the body, and yet you find him making bitter complaint of the weakness of his grace, and of the power of his corruptions. I am Carnal, saith he, and what I hate, that do I. How to perform that which is good I find not; when I would do good, evil is present with me. Rom. 7. But I see another Law in my members, warring against the Law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the Law of sin, which is in my members. O wretched man that I am, &c. What complaints, what confessions, what bewailings of weakness is here? And what need was there of any of this, if Paul could, as he would, have departed from iniquity?

I have instanced in these four men, because as to failings and miscarriages, they are as free (by what the holy record saith) as any four of whose lives you shall read in all the Bible: but you see that they were too weak to do, and depart from iniquity as they would.

Grace may be said to be weak, either when a lower or less degree thereof, is compared with a higher and greater degree of the same; or it may be said to be weak when, in what degree of it you will, it shall be ingaged by, or ingage it self against sin, &c.

1. There are degrees of grace in the world: some have less, and some bigger measures thereof, and according to the measure of grace received, so is a Christian capable of action. He that has little, acts but weakly; he that has much, acts more strongly; and he of the Saints that has most, acteth best of all: but yet none of these three can act so as they should and would, and, consequently, so depart from iniquity as is their duty. Witness those four that I mentioned but now, for they are among the first rate of Saints, yet you see what they did, and hear what they said.

Sin is a mighty Tyrant: it is also installed in our flesh, and has moreover that in it which suiteth with what ever is sensual in us: The flesh relisheth it well, though the spirit of the Christian is against it.

Sin is an Active beast, and will not admit that the soul should attempt to put forth it self in any good thing, without opposition, and contradiction. When I should do good, evil is present with me.

Sin is of a polluting and defiling nature; and what grace soever it toucheth, it staineth, and in staining, makes it weaker, than were it not so defiled it would be. Besides, not a grace, nor an act of grace in the soul can escape untouched.

Vnbelief stands ready to annoy faith in the grace, as well as in the act of faith.

Hardness of heart will not let love so affectionately, and sympathisingly act as it should.

Sence and reason being polluted, will not let hope be so stedfastly fixed upon unseen things as it should.

Pride will not let us be so humble as we ought; nor self, so self denying: passion often interrupts our patience, and angry motions our meekness. By these and more that might be named, it appears that sin is in us, opposeth our graces, and letteth them from acting as they should. And because this sin has part of our self in its possession; therefore, though our more noble part be utterly against it, yet we depart not from it as we should.

Numb. 20.12. Psal. 106.32. Job 38.2. chap. 42.6. Dan. 4.8. Rom. 7.24.God chargeth Moses with rash and unadvised words, and so he doth Job also: Daniel did wear the name of an Idol God; and Paul freely confesseth himself unfirm.

Nor may what hath now been said, be applied to those that are weak in faith, and so in every other grace; for the strongest grace when acted as well as we can, cannot cause that we depart from iniquity as we should.

1. Because the strongest grace, cannot act without opposition.

2. Because we that are the actors are lame, infirm, and made weak by sin that dwells in us.

3. Because grace and a state of grace, is not that wherein the perfection designed for us doth lie; for that is in another world.

1. This is a place to act faith in.

2. This a place to labour and travel in.

3. This is a place to fight and wrestle in.

4. This is a place to be tryed in.

And therefore this is no place of perfection, and consequently no place, where Gods people can depart from iniquity as they should.

Now there is a twofold way of departing from iniquity.

1. One is when the mind is set against it, and withdrawn from the love and liking of it.

2. The other is when the practice of it is shunned by the whole man.

The first of these ways, the Saints though they truly do depart from iniquity, yet depart not from it as they should.

1. Their understanding sees not the utmost baseness that is in it.

2. Their judgment is not informed about the vileness of it to perfection.

3. The conscience has not yet been convinced of all the evil that is in it. Then,

1. How should the soul abhor it as it should.

2. How should the desires depart from it, with that fervency as they should.

3. And the will and affections so turn away from it as they should.

Secondly, As to the shunning of the acts of sin, there we also come wonderful short.

We shun not the sins of others as we should: This is made appear,

1. For that we shun not the company of base men as we should.

2. Nor shun or refuse to imitate them in their evil, as we should. How easily are good men perswaded to comply with bad mens ways: Yea, Jehosaphat himself said to Ahab that base one; Behold, 1 Kings 22.4. I am as thou art, my people as thy people, my horses as thy horse. Joseph could learn in Pharaohs Court,Gen. 42.15, 16. Gal. 2.11, 12, 13 14. to swear by Pharoahs life. Peter also when dissembling was in fashion among the people, could learn to dissemble likewise.

We shun not our own sins, or the sins of our own company as we should.

Christians learn to be proud one of another; to be covetous one of another; to be treacherous and false one of another; to be cowardly in Gods matters one of another; to be remiss and negligent in Christian duties one of another.

Besides, If I should go about to shew here,2 Sam. 12.12. Exod. 32.22, 23, 24. Judg. 6.29, 30, 31. how Christians will hide iniquity, as David; how they will excuse it, as did Aaron, how they will plead for it, as did the men of the City of Joash for Baal, and the like, I might soon make it abundantly 〈1 page duplicate〉 〈1 page duplicate〉 appear, that Christians do not depart from iniquity as they should. And therefore the exhortation stands good, and of use to the best of Saints on earth, that they and every of them should depart from iniquity. Yea, the observation also that they do not do it as they should, doth still stand good against us.

Wherefore, as it is true in those that have nothing but notion, and that it is true in those that are wrought upon, but not effectually: so it is true, upon those that are truly gracious; observation, proves it fears; of damnation prove it; the outcry of the world, proves it; and the confession of the best men, proves it.

I come now to another observation, with which I will present you, and that is this, namely, that every one that in way of profession and religion names the name of Christ, should depart from iniquity. I say, that every one that in a way of profession and Religion, nameth the name of Christ, should depart from iniquity. This truth needs more practice than proof: For I think there are none that have either Scripture or reason by them, but will freely consent to this.

Nor is there any thing ambiguous in the observation that we need now to stand upon the explaining of. For,

What iniquity is, who knows not?

That it cleaves to the best, who knows not?

That it is disgraceful to profession, who knows not? and therefore that it ought to be departed from, who knows not?

But because the motives in particular may not be so much considered as they ought, and because 'tis Satans design to tempt us to be unholy, and to keep iniquity and the professing man together: therefore I will in this place spend some arguments upon you that profess, and in a way of profession do name the name of Christ, that you depart from iniquity; to wit, both in the inward thought, and in the outward practice of it. And those arguments shall be of four sorts, some respecting Christ, some his Father, some our selves, and some the World.

First, The Christ, whom you profess, whose name you name, and whose Disciples you pretend to be, is holy.Heb. 7.26. Be ye holy, for I am holy. This is natural to our discourse: for if Christ be holy, and if we profess him, and in professing of him, declare that we are his Disciples, we ought therefore to depart from iniquity, that we may shew the truth of our profession to the world.

Secondly, They that thus name the name of Christ, should depart from iniquity, because This Christ, whose name we name, is loving. Those that have a loving Master, a Master that is continually extending his love unto his Servants, should be forward in doing of his will, that thereby they may shew their sence, and acceptation of the love of their Master. Why, this is his will, that we depart from iniquity, that we throw sin away:1 Thes. 5.22. that we fly every appearance of evil.

Thirdly, They that thus name the name of Christ should depart from iniquity, Because of the honour and reputation of their Lord. 'Tis a disparagement to Christ, that any of his servants, and that any that name his name, should yet abide by, and continue with iniquity.Mal. 1.6. A son honoureth his Father, and a servant his Master: If then I be a Father, where is mine honour? and if I be a Master, where is my fear? saith the Lord of Hosts, unto you, O Priests, that despise my name? and ye say, wherein have we despised thy name.

Fourthly, They that name the name of Christ should depart from iniquity, because of his name, that his name may not be evil spoken of by men: for our holiness puts a lustre and a beauty upon the name of Christ, and our not departing from iniquity draws a cloud upon it. Wherefore we ought to depart from iniquity, that the name of the Lord Jesus may be glorified, and not reproached through us.

Fifthly, They that name the name of Christ should depart from iniquity, because of the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. That the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ, which they profess, may not be evil spoken of by our neighbours. The Gospel is called holy;2 Pet. 2.21. therefore let them be holy that profess it: The which they can by no means be, if they depart not from iniquity. Men cannot serve the designs of the Gospel, and their own worldly and fleshly designs. But they that profess the name of Christ, they should be tender of his Gospel, that they keep that in good esteem and reputation in the world. The which they can by no means do, unless they depart from iniquity.

Sixthly, They that name the name of Christ should depart from iniquity, Because the very profession of that name is holy. The profession; is an holy profession. Be ye clean that bear the vessels of the Lord: The vessels, that is, the profession for by that, is as it were, carried about the name, and Gospel of Jesus Christ. We must therefore lay aside all iniquity, and superfluity of naughtiness, and do as persons professing Godliness, as professing a profession,1 Tim. 2.10. Heb. 3.1. that Christ is the Priest of, the High-Priest of. It is a reproach to any man to be but a bungle • at his profession, to be but a sloven in his profession. And it is the honour of a man to be excellent in the managing of his profession. Christians should be excellent in the managment of their profession, and should make that which is good in it self, good to the Church and to the world, by a sweet and cleanly managing of it.

Seventhly, They that profess the name of Christ, or that name it religiously, should to their utmost depart from iniquity, because of the Church of Christ which is holy. He that religiously professeth the name of Christ, has put himself into the Church of Christ, though not into a particular one, yet into the universal one. Now that is holy. What agreement then hath the temple of God with Idols? I, or any Pillar, or Post, or Pin,2 Cor. 6.16. or member of that temple. One black sheep is quickly espied among five hundred white ones, and one mangie one will soon infect many. One also among the Saints, that is not clean, is a blemish to the rest, and, as Solomon says,Eccl. 9.18. one sinner destroyeth much good.

Eightly, They that profess the name of Christ, or that name that name religiously, should depart from iniquity, Because of the Ordinances of Christ, for they are holy. Men of old before they went in to meddle with holy things,Exod. 30.17, 18.19.20.21. were to wash their hands and their feet in a vessel prepared for that purpose. Now since they that name that name religiously do also meddle with Christs appointments, they must also wash and be clean: cleanse your hands ye sinners if you mean to meddle with Christ in his appointments: Wash lest God cut you off for your not departing from iniquity.

Ninthly, They that name the name of Christ religiously, should depart from iniquity, because of Christs observers. There ar • many that keep their eye upon Christ, and that watch for an opportunity to speak against him even through the sides of those that profess him. Behold, Luk. 2.34. this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel: And for a sign that shall be spoken against. Some take occasion to speak against him, because of the meanness of his person; here some again speak against him, because of the plainness of his doctrine; also some speak against him, because of the meanness of his followers; and some speak against him, because of the evil deeds of some that profess him. But if he that gives just occasion of offence to the least of Saints had better be drowned in the Sea with a Mill-stone about his neck: what think you, shall his judgment be, who, through his mingling of his profession of Christs name, with a wicked life shall tempt or provoke men to speak against Christ?

I come now to those arguments that respect God the Father.

First, Then, they that profess the name of Christ should depart from iniquity; because of God the Father, because God the Father has made Christ to be to us what he is; to wit, the Apostle and High-Priest of our profession.1 Cor. 1.30. Joh. 5.23. chap. 15.8. He that honoureth not the Son, honoureth not the Father, which hath sent him. Nor can the Father be honoured by us, but by our departing from iniquity. All our talk and profession of Christ, adds no glory to his Father, who has made him our King, and Priest, and Prophet: if it be not joyned to an holy conversation. Wherefore, if you profess the name of Christ, and would hold the word in hand, that you have believed in him, depart from iniquity, for the Fathers sake that hath sent him.

Secondly, As it is the Father which has made Christ to us what he is; so it is the Father, who hath called us to partake of Christ and all his benefits:1 Cor. 1.9. Heb. 3.14. Wherefore we must depart from iniquity, that profess the name of Christ, that we may glorifie him for his call. He has called us to the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ; That is, to partake of all that good that is in him, as Mediator, and to be done by him for those that trust in him. Nor had we ever come out of a cursed and condemned condition, to Christ for life and blessedness, but by the call of the Father; For 'tis not of works, Rom. 9.10, 11. but of him that calleth: now since he has called us to this priviledge, [even us whom he has called] and left others in their sins to perish by his judgments,Heb. 3.1. 2 Pet. 1.2, 3. it is meet, we should depart from iniquity. Specially since the call by which he called us, is heavenly, and holy, and because he has not only called us to glory, but to vertue.

Thirdly, We that religiously name the name of Christ, should depart from iniquity, because God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ has commanded us so to do. Wherefore gird up the loyns of your minds, be sober, and hope to the end, for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. As obedient Children, not fashioning your selves according to your former lusts in your ignorance; but as he that has called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation: Because it is written, Be ye holy, as I am holy.

Fourthly, They that religiously name the name of Christ, should depart from iniquity, that they may answer the end for which they are called to profess his name. The Father has therefore called them to profess his name, that they might be trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he might be glorified. Dost thou then profess the name of Christ; bring forth those fruits that become that holy profession, that you may be called trees of righteousness, and that God may be glorified for, and by your professed subjection to the Gospel of his Son.Isa. 61.3.

Fifthly, They that name (as afore) the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, should depart from iniquity, that they may shew to the world the nature and power of those graces, which God the Father has bestowed upon them that do religiously name the name of Christ. And the rather, because, he that religiously nameth that name, declareth even by his so naming of him, that he has received grace of the Father, to enable him so to do. Now he cannot declare this by deeds, unless he depart from iniquity:Tit. 1.16. and his declaring of it by words alone signifies little to God or man.

Sixthly, We therefore that religiously name the name of Christ, should also depart from iniquity; because the spirit of the Father will else be grieved.Eph. 4.30. The countenancing of iniquity; the not departing therefrom, will grieve the holy spirit of God, by which you are sealed to the day of redemption: and that is a sin of an higher nature than men commonly are aware of. He that grieveth the spirit of God shall smart for it here, or in Hell, or both. And that spirit that sometimes did illuminate, teach and instruct them, can keep silence, can cause darkness, can withdraw it self, and suffer the soul to sin more and more; and this last is the very judgment of Judgments.1 Thes. 5.19. He that grieves the spirit, quenches it; and he that quenches it, vexes it; and he that vexes it, sets it against himself, and tempts it to hasten destruction upon himself. Wherefore take heed, professors,Isa. 63.10. Acts 5.9. I say take heed, you that religiously name the name of Christ, that you meddle not with iniquity, that you tempt not the spirit of the Lord to do such things against you, whose beginnings are dreadful, and whose end in working of judgments is unsearchable. A man knows not whither he is going, nor where he shall stop, that is but entring into temptation; nor whether he shall ever turn back, or go out at the gap that is right before him. He that has begun to grieve the Holy Ghost, may be suffered to go on untill he has sinned that sin which is called the Sin against the Holy Ghost. And if God shall once give thee up to that, then thou art in the Iron cage, out of which there is neither deliverance nor redemption. Let every one therefore that nameth the name of Christ, depart from iniquity, upon this second consideration.

Thirdly, In the next place, I come now to those arguments that do respect thy self.

First, Those that religiously name the name of Christ should, must depart from iniquity, because else our profession of him is but a lie.1 Joh. 1.6. If we say we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie. And walk in darkness: that is, and walk in iniquity, and depart from a life that is according to the course of this World. He that saith, chap. 2 4. I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a lyer, and the truth is not in him: The truth that he professes to know, and that he saith he hath experience of, is not in him.1 King. 17.24. Every man that nameth the name of Christ, is not therefore a man of God, nor is the word in every mans mouth, truth; though he makes profession of that worthy name. It is then truth in him, and to others with reference to him, Rev. 2.2, 9. chap. 3.9. when his mouth and his life shall agree. Men may say they are Apostles, and be lyers: they may say, they are Jews, that is Christians, and lie, and be lyers, and lie in so saying. Now this is the highest kind of lying, and certainly must therefore work the saddest sort of effects. Thus mans best things are lies. His very saying, I know him, I have fellowship with him, I am a Jew, a Christian, is a lie. His life giveth his mouth the lie:Acts 5.4. Rev. 21.8.27. chap. 22.15. and all knowing men are sure he lies. 1. He lies unto God: he speaks lies in the presence, and to the very face of God. Now this is a daring thing: I know their lies, saith he: and shall he no • recompence for this? See these Scriptures in the Margent, and take heed. I speak to you that religiously name the name of Christ, and yet do not depart from iniquity. 2. He lies unto men; every knowing man; every man that is able to judge of the tree by the fruit, knows that that man is a lier, and that his whole profession as to himself is a lie, if he doth not depart from iniquity. Thus Paul called the slow bellies, the unsound professors among the Cretians, Tit. 1.12, 13, 14, 15, 16. liers. They were so in his eyes, for that their profession of the name of Christ was not seconded with such a life as became a people professing godliness. They did not depart from iniquity. But again, 3. Such a man is a lier to his own soul. What ever such an one promiseth to himself, his soul will find it a lie. There be many in the world that profess the name of Christ, and consequently promise their soul the injoyment of that good, that indeed is wrapt up in him, but they will certainly be mistaken hereabout, and with the greatest terror, will find it so, when they shall hear that direful sentence,Luk. 13.27. Depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity. Christ is resolved that the loose-lived pr • fessor shall not stand in the judgment, nor any such sinners in the congregation of the righteous. They have lied to God, to men, and to themselves; but J • sus then will not lie unto them: He will plainly tell them that he hath not known them, and that they shall not abide in his presence. But,

Secondly, Those that religiously name the name of Christ should depart from iniquity, else, as they are liers in their profession, so they are self-deceivers. I told you but now such lie to themselves, and so consequently they deceive themselves. But be ye doers of the word, Jam. 1.22. not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. 'Tis a sad thing for a man, in, and about eternal things, to prove a deceiver of others; but for a man to deceive himself, his own self of eternal life, this is saddest of all: Yet there is in man a propenseness so to do. Hence the Apostle says, be not deceived, and let no man deceive himself. And again,Vers. 26. If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this mans Religion is vain. These words [But deceiveth his own heart] I have much mused about: for they seem to me to be spoken to shew how bold and prodigiously desperate some men are, who yet religiously name the name of Christ: desperate I say at self deceiving. He deceiveth his own heart; he otherwayes perswadeth it, than of its own self it would go: Ordinarily men are said to be deceived by their hearts, but here's a man that is said to deceive his own heart, flattering it off from the scent and dread of those convictions, that by the word sometimes it hath been under: perswading of it that there needs no such strictness of life be added to a profession of Faith in Christ, as by the Gospel is called for: or that since Christ has died for us, and rose again, and since salvation is alone in him, we need not be so concerned, or be so strict to matter how we live. This man is a self deceiver: he deceives his own heart. Self deceiving, and that about spiritual, and eternal things, specially when men do it willingly, is one of the most unnatural, unreasonable, and unaccountable action in the world. 1. It is one of the most unnatural actions. For here a man seeks his own ruin,Prov. 1.18. and privily lurks for his own life. We all cry out against him that murthers his Children, his Wife, or his own body, and condemn him to be one of those that has forgot the rules, and love of nature: But behold the man under consideration is ingaged in such designs as will terminate in his own destruction: he deceiveth his own soul. 2. This is also the most unreasonable act; there can no cause, nor crum of cause that has the least spark or dram of reason, or of any thing that looks like reason, be shewen why a man should deceive himself, and bereave his soul of eternal life. Therefore, 3. Such men are usually passed over with astonishment and silence. Be astonished O Heavens at this! Jer. 2.11, 12, 13. and be ye horribly afraid, for my people have committed two evils, they have forsaken me the fountain▪ of living waters, and hewed them out Cisterns, broken Cisterns, that can hold no water.

But above all; This, as to this head, is the most amazing place, where 'tis said that the self deceiver makes his self deceiving, his sport:2 Pet. 2.13. Sporting themselves with their own deceivings. These are a people far gone to be sure, that are arrived to such an height of negligence, carelesness, wantonness, and desparateness of spirit, as to take pleasure in, and make a sport of that which will assuredly deceive them forever. But this is the fruit of professing of Christ, and of not departing from iniquity. The wisdom and judgment of God is such, as to give such over to the sporting of themselves in their own deceivings.

Thirdly, Those that religiously name the name of Christ, should depart from iniquity, because of the scandal that will else assuredly come upon Religion, and the things of Religion through them. Upon this head I may begin to write, with a sigh; For never more of this kind than now. There is no place where the professors of religion are, that is clean and free from offence and scandal. Iniquity is so intailed to religion, and baseness of life to the naming of the name of Christ, that one may say of the professors of this age, as 'twas said of them of old,Isa. 28.8. All places are full of vomit and filthiness, so that there is no place clean. Where are they even amongst those that strive for the rule, that mind it at all, when it pinches upon their lusts, their pride, avarice and wantonness? Are not, now adays, the bulk of professors like those that strive at a Gnat and swallow a Camel? Yea,Mat. 23.24. Jer. 2.33. do not professors teach the wicked ones to be wicked? Ah! Lord God, this is a lamentation, and will be for a lamentation. What asore disease is now got into the Church of God, that the Generality of professors should walk with scandal!

No fashion, no vanity, no profuseness, and yet no niggardliness but is found among professors. They pinch the poor and nip from them their due, to maintain their own pride and vanity. I shall not need to instance particulars, for from the Rich to the Poor, from the Pastor to the People, from the Master to his Man, and from the Mistress to her Maiden, all are guilty of scandal, and of reproaching, by their lives, the name of the Lord. For they profess, and name that worthy name of Christ, but are not, as they should, departed from iniquity.

1. Hence the name of God is polluted and reproached even till God is weary and cries out, pollute ye my name no more with your gifts, Ezek. 20.39. and with your Idols. O do not pollute my name, says God: Rather leave off profession, and go every one to his wickedness. Tell the world, if you will not depart from iniquity, that Christ and you are parted, and that you have left him, to be imbraced by them to whom iniquity is an abomination. 'Twould far better secure the name of God from scandal and reproach, than for you to name the name of Christ, and yet not to depart from iniquity. Then, though you sin as now you do, the poor world would not cry out, Ay! this is your Religion! Then they would not have occasion to vilifie religion, because of you; since you tell them that Christ and you are parted. But,

2. If you will not leave off to name the name of Christ, nor yet depart from iniquity, you also scandal the sincere professors of Religion; and that is a grievous thing. There are a people in the world that have made it their business ever since they knew Christ, to cleanse themselves from all filthiness of flesh and spirit, and that desire to perfect holiness in the fear of God: and you scandalous professors mixing your selves with them,2 Pet. 2.13. Jud. 12. make their gold look dim. You are spots and blemishes to them; you are an evil mixing it self with their good, and a scandal to their holy profession. They are you that make the heart of the righteous sad, whom God would not have sad. They are you that offend his little ones. O! the Millstone that God will shortly hang about your necks, when the time is come that you must be d • owned in the Sea, and Deluge of Gods wrath.

3. If you will not leave off to name the name of Christ, nor yet depart from iniquity; you continue to extend your scandal also to the word and doctrine of God. They that name the name of Jesus religiously, should so carry it in the world, that they might adorn the doctrin of God their Saviour: but thou that professest, and yet departest not from iniquity; thou causest the name and doctrine which thou professest, to be blasphemed,1 Tim. 6.1. Tit. 2.5, 10. and reproached by the men of this world; and that is a sad thing, a thing that will bring so heavy a load upon thee, when God shall open thine eyes (and he will open them either here or in hell-fire, that thou wilt repent it with great bitterness of soul. The Lord smite thee to the making of thee sensible to thy shame, and conversion, if it be his blessed will. Amen. But,

4. If thou wilt not leave off to name the name of Christ, nor yet depart from iniquity, thou wilt bring reproach, scorn and contempt upon thy self. For sin is a reproach to any people. Prov. 14.34. 1. These are they that God will hold in great contempt and scorn: See the first of Isaiah. 2. These are they that his people shall have in great contempt. Therefore, saith he,Mal. 2.9. Jer. 25.9, 18. have I also made you contemptible and base before all the people, according as you have not kept my ways, but have lifted up the face against my Law. 3. Such shall also be contemned, and had in derision of the men of this world. They shall be an hissing, a by-word, a taunt and a reproach among all people. For him that honoureth me, saith God, I will honour, 1 Sam. 2.30. but he that despiseth me, shall be lightly esteemed. I remember that Philpot used to tell the Papists that they danced BAREARSED in a Net, because of the evil of their ways; and the Lord bids professors have a care that the shame of their nakedness does not appear, or lest they walk naked, and their shame be discovered. For those professors that depart not from iniquity, however they think of themselves, their nakedness is seen of others. And if it be a shame to the modest to have their nakedness seen of others, what bold and brazen brows have they who are not ashamed to shew their nakedness, yea, the very shame of it, to all that dwell about them? And yet thus doth every one that religiously names the name of Christ, and yet doth not depart from iniquity.

Fourthly, Those that religiously name the name of Christ, and do not depart from iniquity; They are the cause of the perishing of many. Mat. 18.7. Wo, saith Christ, to the world because of offences: And again, wo to that man by whom the offence cometh. These are they that cause many to stumble at sin, and fall into Hell. Hark, you that are such, what God says to you.Mal. 2.8. You have caused many to stumble at the Law, and at religion. Men that are for taking of occasion, you give it them: men that would enter into the Kingdom; you puzle, and confound them with your iniquity, while you name the name of Christ, and do not depart therefrom. One sinner destroyeth much good: these are the men that incourage the vile to be yet more vile; these be the men that quench weak desires in others; and these be the men that tempt the ignorant to harden themselves against their own salvation. A professor that hath not forsaken his iniquity, is like one that comes out of the Pest-house among the whole, with his Plague sores running upon him. This is the man that hath the breath of a Dragon, he poysons the Air round about him. This is the man that slays his children, his kinsmen, his friend, and himself. What shall I say? A man that nameth the name of Christ, and that departeth not from iniquity; to whom may he be compared? The Pharisees, for that they professed religion, but walked not answerable thereto, unto what doth Christ compare them, but to Serpents and Vipers; what does he call them, but hypocrites, Whited Walls,Mat. 23. Painted sepulchers, fools, and blind? and tells them that they made men more the children of H • ll than they were before. Wherefore such an one cannot go out of the world by himself: for as he gave occasion of scandal, when he was in the world; so is he the cause of the damnation of many.Prov. 11.30. The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life: but what is the fruit of the wicked? of the professors that are wicked? why, not to perish alone in their iniquity.Job 22.20. These, as the Dragon, draw many of the Stars of Heaven,Rev. 12.4. and cast them to the earth with their most stinking tail: cast many a professor into earthly and carnal delights, with their most filthy conversations.

Acts 20.30. Phil. 3.18, 19.The Apostle did use to weep, when he spake of these professors, such offence he knew they were and would be in the world.

These are the chief of the Engines of Satan, with these he worketh wonders. One Balaam, one Jeroboam, one Ahab, O how many fish bring such to Satans net. These are the Tares that he strives to sow among the wheat, for he knows they are mischief to it. Wherefore let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.

Fifthly, Those that religiously name the name of Christ, and do not depart from iniquity: how will they die, and how will they look that man in the face, unto the profession of whose name, they have intailed an unrighteous conversation? Or do they think that he doth not know what they have done, or that they may take him off with a few cries and wringing of hands, when he is on the Throne to do Judgment against transgressors. O! it had been better they had not known, had not profest: yea, better they had never been born. For as Christ said of Judas, so may it be said of these; It had been good for that man, if he had never been born. And as Christ says it had been good, so Peter says, it had been better. Good they had not been born,Mark 14.22. 2 Pet. 2.20, 21. and better they had not known and made profession of the name of Christ.

But perhaps some may ask me, Quest. what iniquity they must depart from, that religiously name the name of Christ?

I answer, first, in general,Answ. 1. Those that religiously profess the name of Christ, must depart from all iniquity.Heb. 12.2. 1 Thes. 5.22. They should lay aside every weight; they should fly all appearance of evil. Many there be that are willing to part with some sins, some pleasures some unjust Prophets, if they may be saved: but this selling of all, parting with all, forsaking of all, is a very hard chapter.

And yet the Lord Jesus lays it there,Luk 14.33. saying so likewise, whosoever he be of you (of any of you that professeth my name) that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple. Christ by this Text requireth more of them that are his than to forsake all iniquity: Wherefore to be sure, every sin is included. No less than Vniversal obedience,Hos. 10.2. will prove a man sincere. A divided heart is a faulty one. He that forsaketh not every sin,Job 20.13. Joh. 14.21, 22, 23, 24. is partial in the Law, nor can he have respect to all Gods Commandments. There can be no true love to Christ where there are reserves; he that will hide any one sin in his bosom, or that will keep it, as the phrase is, under his tongue, is a secret enemy to Jesus Christ. He loveth not Christ that keepeth not his sayings. To halt between two is nought, and no man can serve two Masters. Christ is a Master, and sin is a Master: yea, and Masters are they, so opposite, that he that at all shall cleave to the one, shall by the other be counted his enemy. If sin at all be countenanced, Christ counts himself despised. What man would count himself beloved of his Wife, that knows she hath a bosom for another? Thou shalt not be for another man, saith he,Hos. 3.3. so will I be for thee. Would the King count him a Loyal subject, who would hide in his house, nourish in his Bed, and feed at his Table, one that implacably hateth and seeketh to murder his Majesty? Why, sin is such an enemy to the Lord Jesus Christ: therefore as Kings command that Traitors be delivered up to Justice; so Christ commands, that we depart from iniquity. Take away all iniquity, is a good prayer, and to resist unto blood, striving against sin, Hos. 14.2. Heb. 12.4. 2 Cor. 10.5. is a good warfare, and he that brings every thought to the obedience of Christ gets a brave victory. Grace leaveneth the whole soul, and so consequently all the parts thereof: now where the whole is leavened, the tast must needs be the same throughout. Grace leaves no power, faculty, or passion of the soul unsanctified; wherefore there is no corner in a sanctified soul, where sin may hide his head, to find rest, and abode without controul: consequently, he that has harbour for this or that sin, and that can find an hiding place, and an abode for it in his heart, is no Christian man. Let them then that christianly name the name of Christ, make it manifest that they do not do it feignedly, by departing from iniquity. But,

Answ. 2. Secondly, And more particularly: They that name the name of Christ, as above, let them depart from their Constitution-sin, or if you will, the sin that their temper most inclines them to. Every man is not alike inclined to the same sin, but some to one and some to another: Now let the man that professes the name of Christ religiously, consider with himself, unto what sin or vanity am I most inclined; is it Pride? is it Covetousness? is it fleshly lust? And let him labour, by all means, to leave off and depart from that. This is that which David called his own iniquity, and saith, I was also upright before him, and I kept my self from mine iniquity. Psal. 18.23 Rightly are these two put together; for it is not possible that he should be an upright man that indulgeth, or countenanceth his constitution-sin; but on the contrary, he that keeps himself from that will be upright as to all the rest: and the reason is, because if a man has that grace as to trample upon, and mortifie his darling, his bosom, his only sin, he will more easily and more heartily abhor and fly the rest.

And indeed, if a man will depart from iniquity, he must depart from his darling sin first: for as long as that is entertained, the other, at least those that are most suiting with that darling, will always be haunting of him. There is a man that has such and such haunt his house, and spend his substance, and would be rid of them, but cannot: but now, let him rid himself of that, for the sake of which they haunt his house, and then he shall with ease be rid of them. Thus it is with sin. There is a man that is plagued with many sins, perhaps because he imbraceth one; well, let him turn that one out of doors and that's the way to be rid of the rest. Keep thee from thy darling, thy bosom, thy constitution-sin.

Motives to prevail with thee to fall in with this exhortation, are several.

1. There can no great change appear in thee, make what profession of Christ thou wilt, unless thou cast away thy bosom sin. A mans constitution-sin, is, as I may call it, his visible sin; 'tis that by which his neighbours know him and describe him: whether it be pride, Covetousness, lightness, or the like; now if these abide with thee, though thou shouldest be much reformed in thy notions, and in other parts of thy life. Yet say thy neighbours, he is the same man still: his Faith has not saved him from his darling: he was proud afore, and is proud still; was covetous afore, and is covetous still; was light and wanton afore, and is so still. He is the same man, though he has got a new mouth. But now, if thy constitution-sin be parted with, if thy darling be cast away, thy conversion is apparent, 'tis seen of all, for the casting away of that is death to the rest, and ordinarily makes a change throughout.

2. So long as thy constitution-sin remains, as winked at by thee, so long thou art an hypocrite before God; let thy profession be what it will: also when Conscience shall awake and be commanded to speak to thee plainly, what thou art, it will tell thee so, to thy no little vexation and perplexity.

3. Besides, do what thou canst, so long as thou remainest thus, thou wilt be of a scandalous life. No honour is brought to religion by such. But,

Again, As they that name the name of Christ should depart from their constitution-sin: so they should depart from the sins of other mens • empers also. Much harm among • rofessors is done by each others sins. There is a man that has clean escaped from those who live in error: has shaken off the carnal world and the men thereof, and is come among professors, but behold, there also he meeteth with wicked men, with men that have not departed from iniquity, and there he is intangled. This is a sad thing, and yet so it is. I doubt there are some in the world, I mean professors, that will curse the day that ever they were acquainted with some professors. There are professors that are defilers, professors that are wicked men,Jer. 5.26. Jer. 2.33. professors of whom a wicked man may learn to sin. Take heed of these, lest having fled from thine own sins, thou shouldest be taken with the sins of others. Be not partakers of other mens sins, is the counsel and caution that Paul giveth to Timothy, 1 Tim. 5.22. if he would keep himself pure.

4. Dost thou profess the name of Christ, and dost thou pretend to be a man departing from iniquity? Then take heed thou dost not dedeceive thy self, by changing one bad way of sinning, for another bad way of sinning. This was a trick that Israel plaid of Old: for when Gods Prophets followed them hard with demands of Repentance and Reformation, then they would gad about to change their ways;Jer. 2.36. but behold, they would not change a bad way for a good, but one bad way for another; hopping as the Squirrel, from bow to bow, but not willing to forsake the tree. Hence they were said to return, but not to the Most High.Hos. 7.16. Take heed I say of this: Many leave off to be drunkards, and fall in with covetousness: many fall off from covetousness to pride and lasciviousness: take heed of this. This is a grand deceit, and a common one too, a deceit of a long standing, and almost a disease Epidemical among professors.

Many times men change their darling sins, as some change their Wives and Servants; that which would serve for such an one this year, may not serve to be so for the year insuing. Hypocrisie would do a while ago, but now Debauchery. Profaneness would do, when Profaneness was in fashion; but now a deceitful Profession. Take heed, professor, that thou dost not throw away thy old darling sin for a new one. Mens tempers alter. Youth is for Pride and wantonness, Middle age for cunning and craft, Old age for the world and Covetousness. Take heed therefore of deceit in this thing.

5. Dost thou profess the name of Christ, and dost thou pretend to be a man departing from iniquity? take heed lest thy departing from iniquity should be but for a time: Some do depart from iniquity, as persons in wrangling fits depart from one another; to wit, for a time, but when the quarrel is over, by means of some intercessor, they are reconciled again. O! Satan is the intercessor between the soul and sin, and though the breach between these two may seem to be irreconcileable; yea, though the soul has sworn it will never give countenance to so vile a thing as sin is, more ▪ yet he can tell how to make up this difference,2 Pet. 2.18, 19, 20, 21, 22. and to fetch them back to their vo •• t again, who one would have thought, had quit • escaped his sins, and been gone. Take heed therefore, O professor: For there is danger of this, and the height of danger lies in it. And I think that Satan, to do this thing, makes use of those sins again, to begin this rejoynder, which he findeth most suitable to the temper and constitution of the sinner. These are, as I may call them, the Master sins; they suit, they jump with the temper of the soul: these as the little end of the Wedge, enter with ease, and so make way for those that come after, with which Satan knows he can rend the soul in pieces. Wherefore,

6. To help this, take heed of parlying with thy sins again, when once thou hast departed from them: Sin has a smooth tongue; if thou harken to its inchanting language, ten thousand to one but thou art intangled. See the saying of the Wiseman,Prov. 7.21, 22. with much fair speech she caused him to yield, with the flattering of her lips, she forced him. He goeth after her straightway, as a • Ox goeth to the slaughte • , or as a Fool to the correction of the Stocks. He heard her Charm,Vers. 27. and by hearing, is noosed, and led away to her house, which is the way to Hell, going down to the Chambers of Death. Take heed therefore of listning to the charms, wherewith sin inchanteth the soul. In this be like the deaf Adder, stop thine ear, plug it up, to sin: and let it only be open to hear the words of God.

Thirdly, Let them that name the name of Christ,Answ. 3. depart from the iniquity of the times. There are sins that may be called the iniquity of the day. It was thus in Noahs day, it was thus in Lots day, and 'twas thus in Christs day; I mean in the days of his flesh: and 'tis a famous thing for professors to keep themselves from the iniquities of the times. Here lay Noahs excellency, here lay Lots excellency, and here will lie thy excellency, if thou keep thy self from the iniquity of this day.Act. 2.40. Keep or save your selves from this untoward generation, is seasonable Counsel: but taken but of few; the sin of the time, or day, being as a strong current or stream that drives all before it. Hence Noah and Lot were found as it were alone, in the practice of this excellent piece of righteousness, in their Generation. Hence 'tis said of Noah that he was a just man, and perfect in his Generations. And again, The Lord said unto Noah, come thou and all thy house into the Ark;Gen. 6.9. for thee have I seen righteous before me, in this Generation. The meaning is, he kept himself clear of the sin of his day,Chap. 7.1. or o • the Generation among which he lived.

The same I say of Lot, he kept himself from the sin of Sodom: and hence Peter crys him up for su • h a right • ous man. Just Lot, saith he, that righteous man,2 Pet. 2.7, 8. whose righteous soul was vexed with the fil • hy conv •• sation of the wicked. Mark a Just man, a Righteous man, his righ • eous soul, &c. But how obtained he this char • cter? Why h • ab • orred the sin of his time, he fell not in with the sin of the people, but was afflicted and vexed there about: yea, it was to him a daily burden. For that righteous man dwelling a • ong them, in seeing and hearing, vexed his righteous soul from day to day, Psal. 119.158. with their unlawful deeds. So David, I beheld, saith he, the transgressors, and was gri • ved because they kept not thy word. The sin of the times, is to God the worst of sins, and to fall in with the sin of the times, is counted as the highest of transgressions. Consequently, to keep from them, though a man should through infirmity be guilty of others, yet he is accounted upright. And hence it is (I think) that David was called a man after Gods own heart; to wit, because he served his own generation, by the will of God, or as the Margent reads it,Acts 13. after he had in his own age served the will of God. By the sin of • he t • mes Satan, as it were, set up his Standard in defiance to God; seeking then to cause his name in a signal way to be dishonoured, and that by the professors of that age. And hence it is that the Lord doth manifest such wrath against his people, that are guilty of the common sin of their day, and that he shews such special favour to them that abstain therefrom. Was there no more, think you, but Noah, in his generation that feared • od: yes several no doubt, but he was the man, that kept clear of the sin of his day, therefore he and his family must be partakers of Gods deliverance: The other must die before, and not be permitted to the mercy of the Ark, nor to see the new world with Noah. Vnbelief was the sin of the day, when Israel was going from Aegypt to Canaan; therefore all that were guilty of that transgression, must be denyed to go in to see that good Land, yea, though it were Moses himself. And the Lord said to Moses and Aaron,Numb. 20.12. because ye believed me not, to sanctifie me in the eyes of the Childr • n of Israel, therefore ye shall not bring this Congregation into the Land which I have given them.

The sin of the day, is an high transgression; from the which because Caleb, and Joshua kept themselves, God kept them from all the blasting Plagues, that overtook all the rest, and gave them the Land which he had promised to their Fathers. But my servant Caleb, Numb. 14.22, 23, 24. because he had another spirit in him, and hath followed me fully, him will I bring into the Land, whereunto he went, and his seed shall possess it. Idolatry was the sin of the day, just before Israel were carried captive into Babylon. Now those of the Priests that went astray then, Ezek. 44.10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16. even they say, God shall bear their iniquity. But the Priests, the Levites the sons of Zadok that kept the charge of my Sanctuary, when the children of Israel went astray from me, they shall come near unto me, to minister unto me, and they shall stand before me to offer unto me the fat and the blood, saith the Lord God. They shall enter into my Sanctuary, and they shall come near to my table to minister unto me, and they shall keep my charge.

Great complaints have we now among professors, of deadness in duties, barrenenss of the ministry, and of the withdrawing of God from his people; But I can tell you a cause of all this, namely, the sin of the day is got into the Church of God, and has defiled that holy place. This is the ground and cause of all these things: nor is it like to be otherwise, till the cause shall be removed. If any should ask me what are the sins of our day. I would say they are conspicuous, they are open,Isa. 3.9. they are declared as Sodoms were. They that have imbraced them, are not ashamed of them: Yea, they have got the boldness to plead for them, and to count them their enemies that seek to reform them. All tables are full of Vomit and filthiness. And for Pride and Covetousness for loathing of the Gospel, and contemning holiness, as these have covered the face of the Nation: so they have infected most of them, that now name the name of Christ.

And I say again, when you find out a professor that is not horribly tainted with some of these things, (I exclude not the Ministers nor their families) let him be as a Beacon upon an Hill, or as an Insign in our Land. But say one, would you have us singular? and says another would you have u • make our selves ridiculous? and says a third, such and such more Godly Wise than we, do so. But I answer, if God has made you singular, and called you to grace, that's singular; and bid you wa • k in ways that are singular, and diverse from the ways of all others. Yea, if to depart from iniquity will make you ridiculous, if to be holy in all manner of conversation will make you ridiculous, then be contented to be counted so. As for the Godly-wise you speak of, let them manifest themselves to be such by departing from iniquity. I am sure that their being tainted with sins of the day, will not prove them godly-wise. Behold, I have taught you, said Moses, Statutes and Judgments, even as the Lord my God commanded me; that ye should do so in the Land whither ye go to possess it. Keep therefore, and do them, for this is your wisdom, and your understanding in the sight of the Nations, which shall hear of all these Statutes, and say, surely this great Nation is a wise and understanding people. Here then is wisdom, and this is that that manifesteth a people to be understanding, and godly-wise, even the keeping of the commandments of God. And why, follow the apish fashions of the world; hath the God o • wisdom set them on foot among us? or is it because the Devil and wicked men (the inventors of these vain toyes) have out-witted the law of God? What Nation is there so great, Deut. 4.5, 6, 7, 8. who hath God so nigh unto them as his people have, and as he is in all things that we call upon him for? and what Nation is there so great, that hath Statutes and Judgments so righteous, as all this law, said Moses, which I set before you this day. This then is that which declareth us to be godlywise, when we keep our soul diligently to the holy words of God: and sit not only our tongues and lips, but also our lives thereto.

Fourthly, But again, let them that name the name of Christ depart from the iniquity, that is,Answ. 4. as I may call it, from family-iniquity. There is an house-iniquity; an iniquity that loves not to walk abroad, but to harbor within doors. This the holy man David was aware of, therefore he said that he would behave himself wisely, in a perfect way; yea, saith he,Psal. 101. • .2. I will walk within my house, with a perfect heart.

Now this house-iniquity standeth in these things.

1. In Dom • stick broyls and quarrels.

2. In Domestick Chambrings, and wantonness.

3. In Domestick misorders of Children and Servants.

First, For house broyles and quarrels, it is an iniquity to be departed from, whether it be betwixt Husband and Wife, or otherwise. This, as I said, is an iniquity that loves not to walk abroad, but yet it is an horrible plague within doors. And many that shew like Saints abroad, yet act the part of Devils when they are at home, by giving way to this house iniquity; by cherishing of this house-iniquity. This iniquity meeteth the man and his wife at the very threshold of the door, and will not suffer them to enter, no not with one foot into the house in peace, but how far this is from walking together as heirs of the grace of life, is easie to be determined.Ephe • 5.21▪ • 2 23, 24. • 5, 26, 27, 28. 1 • et. 3.7. Men should carry it in love to their wives, as Christ doth to his Church; and wives should carry it to their husbands, as the Church ought to carry it to her Saviour: and untill each relation be managed with respect to these things: this house-iniquity will be cherished there. O! God sees within doors as well as without, and will judge too for the iniquity of the house as well as for that more open.

2dly, As house-iniquity standeth in domestick broyls, and Contentions: So it also standeth in Chambrings and wantonness. Ro. 13.13. Wherefore the Apostle puteth them both together, saying, not in chambring and wanness, not in strife and envy. This chambring and wantonness is of a more genneral extent, being entertained by all, insomuch that sometimes from the head to the foot all are horribly guilty. But, it is a shame to speak of those things that are done of some in secret:Eph. 5.12. For through the lusts of their own hearts, Rom. 1.24, 27. they dishonour their own bodies between themselves, working that which is unseemly, to their ignominy and contempt; if not with their fellows, yet with God, who sees them;Psal. 139.12. for the darkness hideth not from him. It was for this kind of iniquity with other, that God told Ely that he would judge his house for ever:1 Sam. 3.13. also the words that follow are to be trembled at,Vers. 14. that say, The iniquity of Eli's house shall not be purged with sacrifice nor offering for ever. Such an evil thing is house-iniquity in the eyes of the God that is above.

Thirdly, As domestick iniquity standeth in these, so also in the disorders of children and servants. Childrens unlawful carriages to their Parents, is a great house-iniquity, yea, and a common one too.2. Tim. 3.2, 3. Disobedience to Parents is one of the sins of the last days. O! 'Tis horrible to behold how irreverently, how irrespectively, how sawcily and malapertly, children, yea, professing children, at this day, carry it to their Parents; Snapping, and checking, curbing and rebuking of them, as if they had never received their beings by them, or had never been beholding to them for bringing of them up: yea as if the relation was lost, or as if they had received a dispensation from God to dishonour, and disobey Parents.

I will add that this sin reigns in little and great, for not only the small and young, but men are disobedient to their Parents; and indeed, this is the sin with a shame, that men shall be disobedient to Parents; the sin of the last times, that men shall be disobedient to Parents, and without natural affection. Where now adays shall we see children that are come to men and womens estate, carry it as by the word they are bound. to their aged and wornout P • rents? I say, where is the honour they should put upon them? who speaks to their aged Parents with that due regard to that relalation, to their age, to their wornout condition, as becomes them? Is it not common now adays for Parents to be brought into bondage, and servitude by their children? For Parents to be under, and children above; for Parents to be debased, and children to Lord it over them. Nor doth this sin go alone in the families, where it is: no, those men are lovers of their own selves, Covetous Boasters, proud, Blaspheemers,2 Tim. 3.2. that are disobedient to their Parents. Isa. 3.4, 5. This is that the Prophet means, when he saith, the child shall behave himself proudly aginst the antient; and the base against the honourable. This is a common sin, and a crying sin, and to their shame be it spoken that are guilty; a sin that makes men vile to an high degree, and yet it is the sin of professors. But behold how the Apostle brands them: he saith, such have but a form of godliness, 2 Tim. 3.2, 3, 4, 5. and deny the power thereof, and bids the godly shut them out of their fellowship. This sin also is, I fear, grown to such a hight in some, as to make them weary of their Parents, and of doing their duty to them. Yea, I wish that some are not murtherers of Fathers and Mothers, by their thoughts, while they secretly long after, and desire their death; that the inheritance may be theirs,1 Tim. 1.9. and that they may be delivered from obedience to their Parents. This is a sin in the house, in the family, a sin that is kept in hugger mugger, close; but God sees it, and hath declared his dislike against it,Ephes 5.1, 2, 3. by an implicit threatning, to cut them off that are guilty of it. Let them then that name the name of Christ, depart from this iniquity.

Disorders of Servants, is also an house-iniquity, and to be departed from by the godly.Psal. 101.7. 2 Chro. 9.4. He that worketh deceit shall not dwell within my house, said David; and he that telleth lies, shall not tarry in my sight. One of the rarities in Solomons house, and which the Queen of Sheba was so taken with, was the goodly order of his Servants.

Some of the disorders of Servants are to be imputed to the Governors of families, and some to the Servants themselves. Those that are to be i • puted to the Governors of Families are such as these.

1. When the Servant learns his vileness of his Master, or of her Mistress.

2. When Servants are countenanced by the Master against the Mistress; or by the Mistress against the Master: or when in opposition to either, they shall be made equals in things.

3. When the extravagancies of Servants are not discountenanced, and rebuked by their superiors, and the contrary taught them by word and life.

Those to be imputed to the Servants themselves are.

1. Their want of reverence to their superiors.

2. Their backbiting and slandring of them.

3. Their unfaithfulness, in serving of them.

4. Their murmuring at their lawful commands, &c.

From all these Domestick iniquities let every one depart that religiously nameth the name of Christ. And before I leave this head, let me, to inforce my exhortation, urge upon you a few considerations to work with you, yet further to depart from these house-iniquities.

First, A mans house, and his carriage there doth more be speak the nature and temper of his mind, than all publick profession. If I were to judge of a man for my life, I would not judge of him by his open profession, but by his Domestick behaviours. Open professio • is like a mans best Cloak, the which is worn by him, when he walketh abroad, and with many is made but little use of at home. But now what a man is at home, that he is indeed. There is abroad, my House, my Closet, my heart; and my House my Closet shew most what I am: though not to the world, yet to my family, and to Angels. And a good report from those most near, and most capable of advantage to judge, is like to be truer than to have it only from that which is gotten by my observers abroad. The outside of the Platter,Mat. 23.25, 26, 27, 28. and Cup may look well, when within they may be full of excess: The outward shew and profession may be tolerable: When, within doors may be bad enough.Jos. 24.15. I and my house will s • rve the Lord, is the character of a godly man.

Secondly, As the best judgment is made upon a man from his house: so that man is like to have the approbation of God for good, that is faithful in all his house. I know Abraham, says God,Gen. 18.17, 18.19. that he will command his children and his houshold after him, and they shall keep the way of the Lord. To make religion, and the power of godliness the chief of my designs at home, among those, among whom God by a special hand has placed me, is that which is pleasing to God, and that obtaineth a good report of him. But to pass these, and to come to other things.

1. A Master of a family, and Mistress of the same, are those that are intrusted of God, with those under their tuition and care to be brought up for him; be they children or servants. This is plain from the Text last mentioned: wherefore here is a charge committed to thee of God: look to it, and consider with thy self, whether thou hast done such duty and service for God in this matter, as, setting common frailties aside, thou canst with good Conscience lift up thy face unto God: The which to be sure, thou canst by no means do, if iniquity, to the utmost, be not banished out of thy house.

2. And will it not be a sad complaint that thy servant shall take up against thee, before the Judge at the last day, that he learnt the way to destruction in thy house, who art a professor. Servants though themselves be carnal, expect when they come into the house of professors, that there they shall see religion in its spangling colors; but behold, when he enters thy door, he finds sin and wickedness there. There is pride instead of humility, and heighth and raillery instead of meekness and holiness of mind. He looked for an house full of Vertue, and behold, nothing but Spiders-webbs. Fair and plausible abroad, but like the Sow in the Mire at home. Bless me, saith such a servant, are these the religious people! Are these the servants of God, where iniquity is made so much of, and is so high • y entertained! And now is his • eart filled with prejudice against all religion, or else he turns • ypocrite like his master and his mistress, wearing, as they, a cloak of religion to cover all, abroad, while all naked and shameful at home. But perhaps thy heart is so h •• d, and thy mind so united to the pleasing of thy vile affections, that thou wilt say, what care I for my servant. I took him to do my work, not to train him up in religion. Well, suppose the soul of thy servant be thus little worth in thine eyes: Yet what wilt thou say for thy children, who behold all thy ways, and are as capable of drinking up the poyson of thy footsteps, as the Swine is of drinking up swill: I say, what wilt thou do for them? Children will learn to be nought of Parents, of professing Parents soonest of all: They will be tempted to think all that they do is right. I say, what wilt thou say to this? Or art thou like the Ostrich, whom God hath deprived of wisdom and has hardned her heart against her Young?Job 39.13.14, 15, 16. will it please thee when thou shalt see that thou hast brought forth Children to the murderer? or when thou shalt hear them cry, I learnt to go on in the paths of sin by the carriages of professing Parents. If it was counted, of old,Hos. 9.13. a sad thing for a man to bring forth children to the Sword, as Ephraim did: What will it be for a man to bring up children for Hell, and damnation? But,

Fifthly Let those that name the name of Christ,Answ. 5. depart from the iniquity of their Closet. This may be called part of the iniquity of the house: But because it is not publick, but as a retired part, therefore I put it here by it self. There are are many Closet sins that professors may be guilty of, and from which they have need to depart: as,

First, There is the pride of a library, that is, the study or Closet, and I doubt this sin and iniquity to this day is with many great professors: and in my judgment it is thus manifested.

1. When men secretly please themselves to think 'tis known what a stock of Books they have; or when they take more pleasure in the number of, than the matter contained in their books.

2. When they buy books rather to make up a number, than to learn to be good and godly men thereby.

3. When, though they own their books to be good and godly, yet they will not conform thereto.

This is an iniquity now on foot in this Land, and ought to be departed from. 'Tis better to have no books, and depart from iniquity, than to have a thousand, and not to be bettered in my soul thereby.

Secondly, There is an iniquity that attends the Closet, which I may call by the name of vacancy. When men have a Closet to talk of, not to pray in; a Closet to look upon, not to bow before God in; a Closet to lay up Gold in, but not to mourn in for the sins of my life. A Closet, that could it speak, would say, my owner is seldom here upon his knees before the God of Heaven: seldom here humbling himself, for the iniquity of his heart, or or to thank God for the mercies of his life.

Thirdly, Then also a man is guilty of Closet-iniquity, when though he doth not utterly live in the neglect of duty, he formally, carnally, and without reverence and godly fear performs it. Also when he asketh God for that which he cannot abide should be given him, or when he prayeth for that in his Closet, that he cannot abide in his house, nor his life.

Fourthly, Then also a man is guilty of Closet-iniquity, when he desireth that the sound of the devotion he doth there, may be heard by them without in the house; the street, or of those that dwell by.Mat. 6.6, 7. For a Closet is only for the man, and God, to do things in secretly.

These things let the professor beware of, lest he add to his iniquity, sin; untill he, and it comes to be loathsom. The Closet is by God appointed for men to wait upon him in, and to do it without hypocrisie. To wait there for his mind, and his will, and also for grace to perform it. And how can a man that went last time out of his Closet to be nought, have the face to come thither again? If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear my prayer; and if so, then he will not meet me in my Closet; and if so, then I shall quickly be weary thereof, being left to my self, and the vanity of my mind.

It is a great thing to be a Closet-Christian, and to hold it: he must be a Close-Christian, that will be a Closet-Christian. When I say, a Close-Christian, I mean one that is so in the hidden part, and that also walks with God. Many there be that profess Christ, who doe oftener (in London) frequent the Coffee-house than their Closet; and that sooner in a morning run to make bargains, than to pray unto God, and begin the day with him. But for thee, who professest the name of Christ, do thou depart from all these things; do thou make conscience of reading, and practising, do thou follow after righteousness; do thou make conscience of beginning the day with God: for he that begins it not with him, will hardly end it with him. He that runs from God in the morning, will hardly find him at the close of the day: Nor will he that begin • with the world and the vanities thereof, in the first place, be very capable of walking with God all the day after. 'Tis he that finds God in his Closet, that will carry the savour of him into his house, his shop, and his more open conversation: when Moses had been with God in the Mount,Exo. 34. his face shone; he brought of that glory into the Camp.

Sixthly, I add again,Answ. 6. let those that name the name of Christ, depart from the iniquity that cleav • th to opinions. This is a sad age • or that; let opinions, in them • elves, be never so good, never • o necessary, never so innocent, • et there are spirits in the world • hat will entail iniquity to them, • nd will make the vanity so inseparable with the opinion, that 'tis almost impossible with some to take in the opinion and leave out the iniquity, that by craft and subtilty of Satan, is joyned thereto. Nor is this a thing new, and of yesterday. It has been thus almost in all ages of the Church of God, and that not only in things small, and indifferent, but in things fundamental, and most substantial. I need instance in none other for proof hereof, but the doctrine of faith, and holiness. If faith be preached as that which is absolutely necessary to Justification; then faith-fantastical, and loosness and remisness in life (with some) are joyned therewith. If holiness of life be preached, as necessary to salvation, then faith is undervalued, and set below its place; and works as to justification with God set up and made co-partners with Christ • merits in the remission of sins. Thu • iniquity joyneth it self with the great and most substantials of th • Gospel, and 'tis hard to receive an • good opinion,Ephes. 5.12, 13. what ever, but iniquity will joyn it self thereto Wicked spirits do not only tempt men to transgress the moral law, but do present themselves in heavenly things, working there, and labouring in them, to wrest the judgment, and turn the understanding and conscience awry in those high and most important things. Wherefore, I say, we must be the more watchful, and careful lest we be abused in our notions and best principles, by the iniquities that joyn themselves thereto.

'Tis strange to see at this day, how, notwithstanding all the threatnings of God, men are wedded to their own opinions, beyond what the law of grace and love will admit. Here's a Presbyter, heres an Independent, an Anabaptist, so joyned each man to his own opinion, that they cannot have that communion one with another, as by the testament of the Lord Jesus, they are commanded and injoyned. What is the cause? Is the Truth? No! God is • he author of no confusion in the Church of God.1 Cor. 14.33. It is then because every man makes too much of his own opinion, abounds too much in his own sence, and takes not care to separate his opinion from the iniquity that cleaveth thereto. That this confusion is in the Church of Christ, I am of Paul, I of Apollo, I of Cephas, & I of Christ, is too manifest. But what unbecoming language is this for the Children of the same Father, members of the same body, and heirs of the same glory to be accustomed to? whether it is Pride, or Hypocrisie, or Ignorance, or Self, or the Devil, or the Jesuite, or all these joyntly working with the Church, that makes and maintains these names of distinction. This distance, and want of love, this contempt of one another, these base and undervaluing thoughts of brethren, will be better seen, to the shame and confusion of some, in the Judgment.

In the mean time, I advise thee with whom I am at this time concerned, to take heed of this mixture, this sinful mixture of trut • and iniquity together. And to help thee in this thing: keep thine eye much upon thine own base self, labour also to be sensible of the imperf • ctions that cleave to thy best performances, be clothed with humility, and prefer thy brother before thy self: and know that Christianity lieth not in small matters, neither before God, nor understanding men. And it would be well if those that so stickle by their private and unscriptural notions (which only is iniquity cleaving to truth): I say it would be well if such were more sound in faith, and morals, and i • by their lives they gave better conviction to the world, that the truth and grace of Christ is in them.

Sometimes, so much iniquity is mixed with good opinions that it prevails, not only to hurt men in this world, but to drown them in misery everlasting. 'Twas good that the J • ws did own and allow the ceremonies of the law, but since the iniquity that joyned it self thereto, did prevail with them to make those ceremonies copartners with Christ in those matters that pertained to Christ alone: therefore they perished in them. The Galatians also with many of the Corinthians had like to have been overthrown by these things. Take heed therefore of that iniquity that seeketh to steal, with the truth, into thy heart, thy judgment and understanding.

Nor doth one iniquity come without another, they are linked together, and come by companies, and therefore usually they that are superstitious in one thing, are corrupted in several other. The more a man stands upon his points to justifie himself, and to condemn his holy brethren: the more danger he is in of being overcome of divers evils. And it is the wisdom of God to let it be so, that flesh might not glory in his presence. His soul, that is lifted up;Hab. 2.4. to wit, with his good doings, with his order, and methods in religion, his soul is not upright in him. I have often said in my heart, what is the reason that some of the brethren should be so shy of holding communion, with those every whit as good, if not better, than themselves? Is it b • cause they think themselves u • worthy of their holy fellowship? No verily: it is because they exalt themselves, they are leavened with some iniquity that hath mixed it self with some good opinions that they hold, and therefore it is that they say to others, stand by thy self, come not near me, Isa. 65.5. for I am holier than thou: But what is the sentence of God concerning those? Why, these are a smoke in my nose, a fire that burneth all the day. Wherefore, as I said before, so I say now again, take heed of the iniquity that cleaveth to good opinions. The which thou wilt in no wise be able to shun, unless thou beest clothed with humility. But,

Seventhly, Let them that name the name of Christ, Answ. 7. depart from Hypocrisies. This exhortation is as the first, general; for hypocrisies are of that nature, that they spread themselves (as the leprosie of the body) all over; not the faculties of the soul only, but all the duties of a man. So that here is a great iniquity to be parted from, an over-spreading iniquity. This sin will get into all thy profession,Mat. 23.15. Luk. 20.19, 20. Ezek. 8.12. Mat. 26.20, 21. 2 Tim. 1.5. 2 Cor. 6.6. Mal. 2.23. Mat. 23.15. Col. 2.23. Mat. 6.2. 1 Cor. 13.3. Luk. 12.1.2. into every whit of it, and will make the whole of it a loathsome stink in the nostrils of God. Hypocrisie will be in the Pulpit, in Conference, in Closets, in Communion of Saints, in Faith, in Love, in Repentance, in Zeal, in Humility, in Alms, in the Prison, and in all duties. So that here is, for the keeping of thy soul upright and sincere, more than ordinary diligence to be used. Hypocrisie is one of the most abominable of iniquities. It is a sin that dares it with God. It is a sin that saith, God is ignorant, or that he delighteth in iniquity. It is a sin that flattereth, that dissembleth, that offereth to hold God, as it were, fair in hand about that which is neither purposed nor intended. It is also a sin that puts a man upon studying and contriving to beguile,Hypocrisie a vile sin. and deceive his Neighbour, as to the bent and intent of the heart, and also as to the cause and end of actions. It is a sin that perswadeth a man to make a shew of Civility, Morality, or Christian religion as a cloak, a pretence, a guise to deceive withal. It will make a man preach for a place, and praise, rather than to glorifie God and save souls; It will put a man upon talking that he may be commended; It will make a man, when he is at prayer in his Closet, strive to be heard without doors; It will make a man ask for that he desireth not, and shew zeal in duties, when his heart is as cold, as senseless, and as much without savour, as a clod: It will make a man pray to be seen and heard of men, rather than to be heard of God. It will make a man strive to weep, when he repenteth not, and to pretend much friendship, when he doth not love. It will make a man pretend to experience, and sanctification, when he has none; and to faith and sincerity, when he knows not what they are. There is opposed to this sin, simplicity, innocency, and godly sincerity, without which three graces, thou wilt be an Hypocrite, let thy notions, thy knowledge, thy profession, and commendations from others be what they will.Pro. 16.2. Pro. 21.2. Luk. 16.15. Helps against this sin there are many, some of which I shall now present thee with.

1. Believe that Gods eye is always upon thy heart to observe all the ways, all the turnings, and windings of it.

2. Believe that he observeth all thy ways, and marks thy actions. The ways of man are before the eyes of the Lord, Pro. 5.21. and he pondereth all his goings.

3. Believe that there is a day of judgment a coming, and that then all things shall be revealed and discovered as they are.Luk. 12.2, 3. For there is nothing covered that shall not be revealed, nor hid, that shall not be known. Therefore whatsoever ye have spoken in darkness, shall be heard in light, and that which ye have spoken in the ear in Closets, shall be proclaimed upon the house tops.

4. Believe that an Hypocrite, with the cunning and shrouds for his hypocrisie, can go unseen no farther than the grave, nor can he longer flatter himself with thoughts of life.Job 20.5, 6, 7, 8. For the triumphing of the wicked is short, the joy of the Hypocrite but for a moment. Though his exellency reach up to the heavens, and his head reacheth unto the clouds: yet he shall perish for ever like his own dung, they which have seen him, shall say where is he? He shall fly away as a dream and not be found; yea, he shall be chased away as a vision of the night.

5. Believe that God will not spare an Hypocrite, in the judgment;Luk. 20.47. no nor punish him neither with ordinary damnation: but as they have here sinned in a way by themselves, so there they shall receive greater damnation.

Of all sins, the sin of Hypocrisie bespeaks a man most in love with some lust, because he dissembleth both with God and man to keep it.

For a conclusion upon this sevenfold answer to the question above propounded; let me advise those that are tender of the name of Christ, to have regard to these things.

First, Be well acquainted with the word, and with the general rules of holiness; to wit, with the moral law, the want of this is a cause of much unholiness of conversation. These licentious and evil times, wherein we live, are full of iniquity, nor can we (though we never so much love God) do our duty as we are injoyned, if we do not know it. The law is cast behind the back of many, when it should be carried in the hand, and heart, that we might do it to the end, the Gospel, which we profess, might be glorified in the world. Let then the law be with thee to love it, and do it in the spirit of the Gospel, that thou be not unfruitful in thy life. Let the law, I say, be with thee, not as it comes from Moses, but from Christ; for though thou art set free from the law, as a Covenant for life, yet thou still art under the law to Christ, and it is to be received by thee, as out of his hand, to be a rule for thy conversation in the world.1 Cor. 9.18. What then thou art about to do, do it or leave it undone as thou shalt find it approved, or forbidden by the law. And when ought shall come into thy mind to be done, and thou art at a stand, and at a loss about the lawfulness, or unlawfulness thereof, then betake thy self to the law of thy God, which is in thy hand, and ask if this thing be good, or to be avoided.

If this were practised by professors, there would not be so much iniquity found in their Beds, their Houses, their Shops, and their conversations as there is.

Secondly, As thou must be careful to find out the lawfulness or unlawfulness of a thing before thou puttest forth thy hand thereto: so thou must also consider again, whether that which is lawful is expedient. A thing may be lawful in it self, and may yet be unlawful to thee, to wit; if there be an inconveniency, or an inexpediency attending the doing of it.1 Cor. 6.12. chap. 10.23. All things are lawful for me, says the Apostle, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edifie not. This then thou must consider, and this also thou must practise.

But this is a hard lesson, and impossible to be done except thou art addicted to self-denial. For this Text, and so the practice of what is contained therein, has respect chiefly to another, to wit, to thy neighbour, and his advantage and edification; and it supposeth, yea, injoyneth thee, if thou wilt depart from iniquity, to forbear also some things that are lawful, and consequently profitable to thee, for the sake of, and of love to thy neighbour. But how little of this is found among men? Where is the man that will forbear some lawful things, for fear of hurting the weak thereby. Alas! how many are there that this day profess, that will not forbear palpable wickedness: No, though the salvation of their own souls are endangered thereby; and how then should these forbear things that are lawful, even of godly tenderness to the weakness of their neighbour?

Thus much have I thought good to speak, in answer to this question, what iniquity should we depart from, that religiously name the name of Christ: and now we will make some use of what hath been spoken.

And the first shall be an use of examination. Art thou a professor?Use. 1. Dost thou religiously name the name of Christ? If so, I ask, dost thou according to the exhortation here, Depart from iniquity. I say, examine thy self about this matter, and be thou faithful in this work: for the deceit in this will fall upon thine one pate. Deceive thy self thou maiest, but beguile God thou shalt not. Be not deceived, Gal. 6.7. God is not mocked, for what a man soweth, that shall he reap ▪ Wherefore let no man deceive himself, either in professing, while he lives viciously; or in examining whether his profession of this name, and his life and conversation do answer one another. What departing from iniquity is, I have already shewed, in the former part of this book: Wherefore I shall not here handle that point farther, only press upon thee, the necessity of this exhortation, and the danger of the not doing of it faithfully. The necessity of it is urged,

1. From the deceitfulness of mans heart, which will flatter him with promises of peace and life, both now and hereafter, though he live in iniquity, while he professeth the name of Christ. For there are that say in their hearts, or that have their hearts say unto them, I shall have peace, Deut. 29.19. though I walk in the imagination of my heart, to add drunkenness to thirst. And what will become of them that so do, you may see by that which followeth in the Text. The heart therefore is not to be trusted, for it will promise a man peace in the way of death and damnation. I doubt not but many are under this fearful judgment to this day. What means else their quietness of mind, their peace and boasts of Heaven, and glory, though every step they take, as to life and conversation,Jer. 17.9. Pro. 28.26. is an apparent step to Hell and Damnation; these sayings, The heart is deceitful: and, he that trusts his heart is a fool; were not written without a cause. Let as many therefore as would examine themselves about this matter have a jealous eye over their own heart, and take heed of being beguiled thereby: let them mix hearty prayer with this matter, unto God, that he will help them to be faithful to themselves, in this so great a matter, yea, let them compare their lives with the holy Commandment, and judge by that rather than by the fleshly fondness, that men naturally are apt to have for, and of their own actions. For by the Verdict of the word, thou must stand and fall, both now, at Death, and in the day of Judgment. Take heed therefore of thy Heart,Joh. 12.48. thy carnal heart, when thou goest into thy Life, to make a search for iniquity. Take the word with thee, and by the word do thou examin thy self.

2. It is urged from the cunning of Satan. Wouldest thou examin thy self faithfully as to this thing, then take heed of the flatteries of the Devil: Can he help it, thou shalt never find out the iniquity of thy heels. He will labour to blind thy mind, to harden thy heart, to put such vertuous names upon thy foulest vices, that thou shalt never, unless thou stoppest thine ear to him, after a godly sort, truly examin and try thy ways,Lam. 3.40. 2 Cor. 13.5. according as thou art commanded. Wherefore take heed of him, for he will be ready at thy side when thou goest about this work. Now for thy help in this matter, set God, the Holy God, the All-seeing God, the sin-revenging God, before thine eyes; for our God is a consuming fire. Heb. 12.29. And believe that he hath pitcht his eyes upon thy heart, also that he pondereth all thy goings,Pro. 5.21. chap. 21.2. and that thy judgment, as to thy faithfulness, or unfaithfulness, in this work, must proceed out of the mouth of God. This will be thy help in this thing, that is, if thou usest it faithfully; also this will be thy hindrance, if thou shalt neglect it, and suffer thy self to be abused by the Devil.

3. It is urged from the dangerousness of the latter days. Wouldest thou examin thy self, then make not the lives of others any rule to thee in this matter. 'Tis prophesied long ago, by Christ and by Paul, Mat. 24.12. 2 Tim. 3.1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.7, 8. concerning the latter times, that iniquity shall abound, and be very high among professors. Therefore it will be a rare thing to find an exemplary life among professors. Wherefore cease from man, and learn of the word, try thy self by the word, receive conviction from the word; and to take off thy self from taking of incouragemnt from others, set the judgment before thine eyes, and that account that God will demand of thee then; and know that it will be but a poor excuse of thee to say, Lord such an one doth so, did so, would do so: and they professed, &c. Whether thou wilt hear me, or not, I know not, Prov. 9.12. yet this I know, If thou be wise, thou shalt be wise for thy self: but if thou scornest, thou alone shalt bear it.

Let me then, to press this use farther upon thee, shew thee in a few particulars, the danger of not doing of it, that is of not departing from iniquity, since thou professest.

First, The iniquity that cleaveth to men that profess, if they cast it not away, but countenance it, will all prove Nettles and Bryers to them: And I will assure thee, yea, thou knowest, that Nettles and Thorns will sting and scratch but ill-favouredly. I went, saith Solomon,Pro. 24.30, 31. by the field of the slothful, and by the vineyard of the man void of understanding. And lo, it was all grown over with Thorns, and Nettles had covered the face thereof, and the stone wall thereof was broken down.

Suppose a man were, after work all day, to be turned into a bed of Nettles at night: or after a man had been about such a business, should be rewarded with chastisements of Bryers and Thorns: this would for work be but little help, relief, or comfort to him; why this is the reward of a wicked man, of a wicked professor, from God; Nettles and Thorns are to cover over the face of his Vineyard, his Field, his Profession, and that at the last of all; for this covering over the face of his Vineyard, with Nettles and Thorns, is to shew what fruit the slovenly, slothful, careless, professor will reap out of his profession, when reaping time shall come.

Nor can he whose Vineyard, whose profession is covered over with these Nettles and Thorns of iniquity, escape being afflicted with them in his conscience: For look as they cover the face of his Vineyard through his sloth now, so will they cover the face of his conscience, in the day of judgment. For profession and conscience cannot be separated long: If a man then shall make profession without conscience of Gods honour in his conversation, his profession and conscience will meet in the day of his visitation. Nor will he, whose condition this shall be, be able to ward off the guilt, and sting of a slothful and bad conversation, from covering the face of his conscience, by retaining in his profession the name of Jesus Christ: For naming, and professing of the name of Christ, will, instead of salving such a conscience, put venom, sting, and keenness into those Nettles, and Thorns, that then shall be spread over the face of such consciences. This will be worse than was that cold wet cloth that Hazael took and spread over the face of Benhadad, 2 King. 8.15. that he died. This will sting worse, tear worse, torment worse, kill worse. Therefore look to it.

2. Nor may men shift this danger by their own neglect of inquiring into the truth of their separation from iniquity, for, that God himself will search them. I search the reins and the heart, saith he, to give unto every one of you according to his ways. Revel. 2.23.

There are many that wear the name of Christ for a Cloak, and so make their advantages by their iniquity; but Christ at death and judgment, will rent this Cloak from off such shoulders, then shall they walk naked, yea, the shame of their nakedness shall then appear. Now since no man can escape the search of God, and so, not his judgment: it will be thy wisdom to search thine own ways, and to prevent judgement by judging of thy self.

3. Christ will deny those to be his that do not depart from iniquity, though they shall name his name among the rest of his people. Depart from me, saith he,Luk. 13.25, 26, 27. all you that departed not from iniquity. Yea, they that shall n • me his name religiously, and not depart from iniquity, are denyed by him all along.

1. He alloweth them not now to call him Lord.Luk. 6.46. And why call ye me Lord, Lord, saith he, and do not the things which I say? He cannot abide to be reputed the Lord of those that presume to profess his name,Ezek. 2.39. and do not depart from iniquity. The reason is, for that such do but profane his name, and stave others off from falling in love with him and his ways.Rom. 2.24. Jer. 44.26. Hence he says again, Behold I have sworn by my great name, saith the Lord, that my name shall no more be named in the mouth of any man of Judah.

Psal. 66.18.2. He regardeth not their prayers. If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear my prayer. And if so, then what ever thou hast at the hand of God, thou hast it, not in mercy, but in judgment, and to work out farther thine everlasting misery.

3. He will not regard their soul, but at the last day will cast it from him, as a thing abhorred by him. As is evidently seen by that thirteenth of Luke, but now noted in the margent.

Wherefore from these few hints, thou, whoever thou art, maiest well perceive what an horrible thing it is to make a profession of the name of Christ, and not to depart from iniquity. Therefore let me exhort thee again to examin thy self, if thou hast, and dost, (since thou professest that name) depart from iniquity.

And here I would distinguish, for there is two parts in iniquity, to wit, the guilt, and filth. As for the guilt, that is contracted by inquity, I perswade my self, no man who knows it, needs to be bid to desire to depart from that; nay, I do believe that the worst Devil in Hell would depart from his guilt, if he could, and might: but this is it, to wit, to depart from the sweet, the pleasure, and profi • of iniquity. There are that call evil good, iniquity good, and that of professors too: this is that to be departed from, and these are they that are exhorted to forsake it upon the pains and penalties before threatened. Therefore, as I said, let such look to it, that they examin themselves if they depart from iniquity. And come, now thou art going about this work, let me help thee in this matter.

1. Ask thy heart, what evil dost thou see in sin?

2. How sick art thou of sin?

3. What means dost thou use to mortifie thy sins?

4. How much hast thou been grieved to see others break Gods Law, and to find temptations in thy self to do it.

For the First, 1. There is a soul-polluting evil in iniquity,

2. There is a God provoking evil in iniquity.

3. There is a soul-damning evil in iniquity. And untill thou comest experimentally to know these things, thou wilt have neither list, nor will, to depart from iniquity.

For the Second. I mean not sick with guilt, for, so the damned in hell are sick, but I mean sick of the filth,Numb. 11.14, 15. 1 Chro. 4.9, 10. Rom. 7.24. 2 Cor. 5.1, 2, 3. Philip. 3.10, 11, 12, 13, 14. and polluting nature of it. Thus was Moses sick of sin, thus Jabez was sick of sin, and thus was Paul sick of sin.

For the Third. You know that those that are sensible of a sickness, will look out after the means to be recovered; there is a means also for this disease, and dost thou know what that means is, and hast thou indeed a desire to it? Yea, couldest thou be willing even now to partake of the means that would help thee to • hat means, that can cure thee of this disease? There are no means can cure a man that is sick of sin, but glory; and the means to come by that is Christ, and to go out of this world by the faith of him. There is no grace can cure this disease; yea, grace doth rather encrease it: For the more grace any man has, the more is he sick of sin; the greater an offence is iniquity to him. So then, there is nothing can cure this disease but glory: but immortal glory. And dost thou desire this Medicine. 2 Cor. 54. And doth God testifie that thy desire is true, not feigned. I know that there are many things that do make some even wish to die: but the question is not whether thou dost wish to die: for death can cure many diseases: but is this that that moveth thee to desire to depart; to wit, that thou mightest be rid, quite rid, and stript of a body of death, because nothing on this side the grave can rid thee and strip thee off it. And is hope, that this day is approaching, a reviving cordial to thee? And doth the hope of this strike arrows into the heart of thy lusts, and draw off thy mind, and affections, yet farther, from iniquity.

To the Fourth. How much hast thou be • n grieved to see others break Gods Law, and to find temptations in thy self to do it? I beheld the transgressors and was grieved, Psal. 119.158. said David, because men kept not thy word. The same also had Paul, be • ause of that body of sin and death which was in him. Professor, I beseech thee be thou serious about this thing, because it will be found, wh • n Go • comes to judge, that those that profess Christ, and yet abide with their iniquity, are but wooden, earthy professors, and none of the silver or golden ones: and to consequently such as shall be Vessels, not to honour, but to dishonour; not to glory, but to shame.

Vse 2. Secondly, My next shall be a use of terror. Has God commanded by the mouth of his holy Apostles and Prophets, that those that name the name of Christ, should depart from iniquity: Then what will become of those that rebel against his word. Where the word of a King is▪ t • ere is power; and if the wrath of a King be as the roaring of a Lyon, what is, and what will be the wrath of God, when with violence it falls upon the head of the wicked?

Sirs, I beseech you consider this, namely, that the man that professeth the name of Christ, and yet liveth a wicked life, is the greatest enemy that God has in the world, and consequently, one that God, in a way most eminent, will set his face against. Hence he threatneth such so hotly, saying, And the destruction of the transgressors, Isa. 1.28. chap. 33.14. and of the sinners shall be together; and that they that forsake the Lord shall be consumed. But what sinners are these? why, the sinners in Zion, the hypocrites in the Church. So again, The Lord shall purge out from among you the Rebels, Ezek. 20.38. Amos 9.10. and them that transgress against him. All the sinners of my people shall die with the sword, which say, the evil shall not overtake nor prevent us. For though such do think that by professing of the name of Christ, they shall prevent their going down to hell, yet they shall go down thither, with those that have lived openly wicked and profane:Jer. 9.26. Egypt, and Judah, the circumcised with them that are not; for it is not a profession of faith that can save them. Whom dost thou pass in beauty, saith God? wherein art thou bettered by the profession, than the wicked? go down, and be thou laid wi • h the uncircumcised. Ez • k. 32.19.

This in general: But more particularly, the wrath of God manifesteth it self against such kind of professors.

In that the Gospel, and means of salvation shall not be effectual for their salvation, but that it shall work rather quite contrary effects. It shall bring forth, as I said, quite contrary effects.2 Cor. 2.15.16. As,

1. The preaching of the word shall be to such, the savour of death unto death, and that's a fearful thing.

2. Yea Christ Jesus himself shall be so far off from being a Savour unto them,Isa. 8.13.14, 15. that he shall be a snare, a trap and a gin to catch them by the heel withal;chap. 28.13. That they may go and fall backward, and be broken, and snared, and taken.

3. The Lord also will chose out such delusions for such,chap. 66.3, 4. Psal. 125.5. as will best suite with the workings of their flesh, as will effectually bring them down, with the Bullocks and with the Bulls to the slaughter: yea, he will lead such forth with the workers of iniquity.

4. Such, above all, lie open to the sin against the Holy Ghost, that unpardonable sin, that must never be forgiven. For alas, it is not the poor ignorant world, but the enlightened professor that committeth the sin that shall never be forgiven.

I say, 'tis one inlightened,Heb. 6.4. 1 Joh. 5.16. one that has tasted the good word of God, and something of the powers of the world to come; 'tis one that was counted a brother, that was with us in our profession: 'tis such an one that is in danger of committing of that most black and bloody sin. But yet all and every one of those that are such, are not in danger of this; but those among these that take pleasure in unrig •• eousness,2 Thes. 2.10, 11, 12. and that rather than the • will lose that pleasure, will commit it presumptously. Presumptuously, that is, against light, against convictions, against warnings, against mercies. Or thus, a presumptuous sin is such an one as is committe • in the face of the command, in a desperate venturing to run the hazzard, or in a presuming upon the mercy of God, through Christ to be saved notwithstanding: This is a leading sin to that which is unpardonable, and will be found with su • h professors that do hanker after iniquity. I say, it is designed by the Devil, and suff • red by the just judgment of God, to catch and overthrow the loose & carnal Gospelers. And hence it is that David cries unto God, that he would hold him back from these sort of sins. Cleanse thou me from my s • cret faults, says he. And then adds, keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins, let them not have dominion over me; then shall I be upright, Psal. 19.12, 13. and I shall be innocent from the great transgression.

If there were any dread of God, or of his word, in the hearts of the men of this generation, the consideration of this one Text is enough to shake them in pieces: I speak of those that name the name of Christ, but do not depart from iniquity. But the word of God must be fulfilled; In the last days, iniquity must abound; wherefore these days will be perilous and dangerous to professors.Mat. 24.12. 2 Tim. 3. In the last days perilous times shall come, for men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blaspheemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy. I do the oftner harp upon this Text at this time,Vers. 5. because it is a prediction of what shall be in the latter days, to wit, what a Sea and Deluge of iniquity, shall in the latter days over-spread and drown those that then shall have a form of godliness, and of Religion. So that this day is more dangerous than were the days that have been before us. Now iniquity, even immorality, shall with professors be in fashion, be pleaded for, be loved and more esteemed,Vers. 3. than holiness it self. Now godliness, and self-denyal shall be little set by; even those very men that have a form of godliness, hate the life, and power thereof; yea, they shall despise them that are good. Now therefore Ministers must not think that what they say of the Doctrine of self denial among professors, will be much, if at all regarded. I say, regarded, so as to be loved and put in practice by them that name the name of Christ. For the strong hold that iniquity shall have of their affections, will cause that but little, effectualness to this end will be found to attend the preaching of the word unto them.

But what will these kind of men do, when God that is just, God that is holy, and God that is strong to execute his word, shall call them to an account for these things?

Quest. Now some may say, But what shall we do to depart from iniq • ity?

Answ. I answer, 1. Labour to see the odio • sness and unprofitableness thereof; which thou maiest do by the true knowledge of the excellent nature of the holiness of God: For until thou seest a beauty in holiness, thou canst not see odiousness in sin and iniquity. Danger thou maiest see in sin before, but odiousness thou canst not.

2. Be much in the consideration of the Power, Justice, and Faithfulness of God to revenge himself on the workers of iniquity.

3. Be much in the consideration of the greatness and worth of thy soul.

4. Be often asking of thy self, what true profit did I ever get by the commission of any sin.

5. Bring thy last day often to thy bed side.

6. Be often thinking of the cries, and roarings of the damned in Hell.

7. Be often considering the lastingness of the torments of H • ll.

8. Be often thinking what would those that are now in Hell give, that they might live their lives over again.

7. Consider often of the frailty of thy life, and that there is no repentance to be found in the Grave, whither thou goest.

10. Consider that Hell is a doleful place, and that the Devils are but uncomfortable companions.

11. Again, Consider together with these, how the patience of God has been abused by thee; yea, how all his Attributes have been despised by thee, who art a professor, that does not depart from iniquity.

12. Moreover, I would ask with what face thou canst look the Lord Jesus in the face, whose name thou hast profaned by thine iniquity?

13. Also; how thou wilt look on those that are truly godly, whose hearts thou hast grieved, while they have beheld the dirt and dung that hath cloven to thee and to thy prof • ssion.

14. But especially consider with thy self, how thou wilt bear, together with thine ow • , the guilt of the damnation of • th • rs. For as I have often said, a p • o • essor, if he perishes, seldom perishes alone, but casteth others down to hell with himself: The reason is, because others, both weak professors, and carnal men, are spectators, and observers of his ways. Yea, and will presume also to follow him specially in evil courses, concluding that he is right.Rev. 12.4. Isa. 9.14, 15. We read that the Tail of the Dragon, or that the Dragon by his Tail, did draw, and cast down abundance of the Stars of heaven to the earth: The Tail. The prophet that speaketh lies, he is the Tail. The Prophet that speaketh lies, either by opinion or practice, he is the Tail, the Dragons Tail,Isa. 9.14.15. the Serpentin Tail of the Devil. And so in his order, every professor that by his iniquity draweth both himself and others to hell, he is the Tail. The Tail, says the holy ghost, draws them down: draws down even the Stars of heaven. But whither doth he draw them? The answer is, from Heaven, the throne of God; to earth, the seat of the Dragon. For he is the God of this wo • ld. The professor then that is 〈1 page duplicate〉 〈1 page duplicate〉 dishonourable in his profession, he is the Tail. The antient and honourable, he is the Head; and the Prophet that speaketh lies, he is the Tail. Nor can Satan work such exploits by any, as he can by unrighteous professors. These he useth in his hand, as the Giant useth his Club; he, as it were, drives all before him with it. ('Tis said of Behemoth, that he moveth his Tail like a Cedar:Job 40.17. Behemoth is a Type of the Devil, but behold how he handleth his Tail, even as if a man should swing about a Cedar.Rev. 9.) This is spoken to shew the hurtfulness of the Tail: as it is also said in another place. Better no professor than a wicked professor: better open profane, than a hypocritical namer of the name of Christ: And less hurt shall such an one do to his own soul, to the poor ignorant world, to the name of Christ, and to the Church of God.

Let professors therefore take heed to themselves, that they joyn to their naming of the name of Christ, an holy and godly conversation: for away they must go else with the workers of iniquity to the pit, with more guilt, and bigger load, and more torment by far than others. But,

Thirdly, Vse 3. My next word shall be to those that desire to be tru • , sincere professors of the name of Christ.

First, Do you bless God, for that he has put not only his name into your lips,Mark 9.49. but grace into your hearts, that thereby that prof • ssion which thou makest of him, may be seasoned with that salt; Every sacrifice shall be seasoned with salt. Now naming of the name of Christ is a sacrifice, and a sacrifice acceptable, when the salt of the Covenant of thy God is not lacking,Heb. 13.15. Levit. 2.13. but mixed there with. Therefore I say, since God has put his name into thy mouth to profess the same, and grace into thy heart to season that profession with such carriage, such behaviour, such life, and such conversation as doth become the same: thou hast great cause to thank God. A man into whose mouth God has put the name of Christ to profess it, is as a man that is to act his part upon a stage in the Market-place; if he doth it well, he brings praise both to his Master and himself: but if he doth it ill, both are brought into contempt. No greater praise can by man be brought to God, than by joyning to the profession of the name of Christ a fruitful life and conversation.Joh. 15.8. Herein, saith Christ, is my my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit, so shall ye be my Desciples. Fruitful lives God expecteth of all that profess the name of Christ. And, let every one that nameth the name of Christ, depart from iniquity. Bless God therefore if he hath kept thee from blotting, and blemishing of thy profession; if thy conversation has not been stained with the blots and evils of the times. What thou feelest, fightest with, and groanest under by reason of the working of thine inward corruptions, with that I meddle not, nor is thy conversation the worse for that, if thou keepest them from breaking out. Thou also shalt be counted holy unto God through Christ, if thou be of an upright conversation: though plagued every day with the working of thine own corruption.

As Gods grace is the salt of Saints, so Saints are the salt of God.Mat. 5.13. The one is the salt of God in the heart, and the other is the salt of God in the world. Ye are the Salt of the earth: that is, the salt of God in the earth. For the earth would be wholly corrupt, and would altogether stink, if professors were not in it: But now if the professor, which is the salt, shall inde • d lose his savour, and hath nothing in his conversation, to season that part of the earth, in which God has placed him, where with shall it be seasoned? The place where he dwels, as well as his profession, will both stink odiously, in the nostrils of the Lord: And so both come to ruin and desolation.

Indeed, as I have shewed, the professor will come to the worst of it: for that God doth deny further to give him salt.Luk. 14.35. If the salt has lost its savour, wherewith shall it be salted? wherewith shall the salt be salted? with nothing. Therefore it is thenceforth good for nothing: No, not for the Dunghill, but to be cas • out, and troden under foot of men. He tha • hath ears to hear, let him hear.

How much therefore, is the tender hearted, and he that laboureth to beautifie his prof • ssion with a Gospel conversation, bound to bless God for the salt of his grace, by the which his heart is seasoned, and from his heart, his conversation.

Secondly, As such Christians should bless God, so let them watch, l • t them still watch, let them still watch and pray, watch against Satan, and pray yet for more grace, that they may yet more and more beautifie their profession of the worthy name of Christ, with a suitable conversation. Blessed is he that watcheth and keepeth his garment; that is, his conversation clean, nor is their any thing, save the overthrowing of our Faith, that Satan seeketh more • o destroy. He knows holiness in them that rightly, as to doctrine, name the name of Christ, is a maul and destruction to his Kingdom, an allurement to the ignorant, and a cutting off those occasions to stumble, Levit. 19.14. that by the dirty life of a professor is laid in the way of the blind. He knows that holiness of lives, when they shine in those that profess the name of Christ, doth cut off his lies that he seeketh to make the world believe; and the slanders that he seeketh to fasten upon the professors of the Gospel. Wherefore as you have begun to glorifie God in your body and in your spirit, which are Gods: so I beseech you do it more and more.

Thirdly, To this end,1 Tim. • 6.5. 2 Tim. 2.22. shun those prof • ssors that are loose of life and conversation: From such withdraw thy s • lf, saith Paul, and follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart. If a man, if a good man takes not good heed to himself, he shall soon bring his soul into a snare.Isa. 1.4. Loose professors are defilers, and corrupters; a man shall get nothing but a blot by having company with them. Besides, as a man shall get a blot by having much to do with such; so, let him beware that his heart learn none of their ways. Let thy company be the excellent in the earth; even those that are excellent for knowledge and conversation. He that walketh with wise men, shall be wise; but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.

Be content to be counted singuler, for so thou shalt, if thou shalt follow after righteousness, &c. in good earnest, for holiness is a rare thing now in the world. I told thee before that it is foretold by the word, that in the last dayes, perilous times shall come, and that men shall walk after their own lusts, yea, professors, to their destruction. Nor will it be easie to keep thy self therefrom. But even as when the Pestilence is come into a place, it infecteth, and casteth down the healthful: So the iniquity of the last times will infect and pollute the godly. I mean the generality of them. Were but our times duly compared with those that went before, we should see that which now we are ignorant of. Did we but look back to the Puritans, but specially to those that but a little before them, suffered for the word of God, in the Marian days, we should see another life than is now among men, another manner of conversation, than now is among professors. But I say, predictions and prophecies must be fulfilled, and since the word says plainly, that in the last days there shall come scoffers, 2 Pet. 3.3, 17. walking after their own lusts; and since the Christians shall be endangered thereby, let us look to it, that we quit our selves like men, seeing we know these things before; lest we being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from our own stedfastness.

Singularity in godliness, if it be in godliness, no man should be ashamed of. For that is no more than to be more godly, than to walk more humbly with God than others: and for my part, I had rather be a pattern, and example of piety: I had rather that my life should be instructing to the Saints, and condemning to the world, with Noah, and Lot; than to hazard my self among the multitude of the drossie.

I know that many professors will fall short of Eternal life, and my judgment tells me, that they will be of the slovenly sort of professors, that so do. And for my part, I had rather run with the foremost and win the prize,1 Cor. 9.24. 2 Tim. 2.4.5. Tit. 2.14. than come behind, and lose that, and my labour and all. If a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, ex • ept he strive lawfully. And when men have said all they can, they are the truly redeemed, that are zealous of good works.

Not that works do save us, but faith, which laieth hold on Christs righteousness for justification, sanctifies the heart, and makes men desirous to live in this world, to the glory of that Christ, who died in this world to save us from death.

For my part I doubt of the faith of many, and fear that it will prove no better at the day of God, than will the faith of Devils. For that it standeth in bare speculation, and is without life and soul to that which is good. Where is the man that walketh with his Cross upon his shoulder? Where is the man that is zealous of moral holiness? Indeed, for those things that have nothing of the Cross of the Purse, or of the Cross of the Belly, or of the Cross of the Back, or of the Cross of the Vanity of houshold affairs; for those things I find we have many, and those very busie sticklers: but otherwise, the Cross, self-denial, charity, purity in life and conversation is almost quite out of doors among professors. But man of God, do thou be singular as to these,Ephes. 5.7. and as to their conversation. Be not therefore partaker with them, in any of their ways, but keep thy soul diligently; for if dammage happeneth to thee, thou alone must bear it.

But he that will depart from iniquity, must be well fortified with Faith, and Patience, and the love of God, for iniquity has its beauty spots, and its advantages attending on it:Zech. 5.7▪ 8. hence it is compared to a Woman; for it allureth greatly. Wherefore, I say, he that will depart therefrom had need have faith, that being it which will help him to see beyond it, and that will shew him more in things that are invisible,2 Cor. 4. •• . than can be found in sin, were it ten thousand times more intangling than it is. He has need of patience also to hold out in this work of departing from iniquity. For indeed to depart from that is to draw my mind off from that, which will follow me with continual solicitations. Samson withstood his Dulilah for a while, but she got the mastery of him at the last; why so? Because he wanted patience,Judg. 16.15, 16, 17. he grew angry and was vexed, and could withstand her solicitation no longer. Many there be also that can well enough be contented to shut sin out of doors for a while; but because sin has much fair speech, therefore it overcomes at last.Pro. 7.21. For sin and iniquity will not be easily said nay:Jer. 3. It is like her of whom you read, she has a Whores fore-head, and refuses to be ashamed. Wherefore departing from iniquity is a work for length, as long as life shall last. A work, did I say? 'tis a War; a continual combate: Wherefore he that will adventure to set upon this work must needs be armed with Faith and Patience, a daily exercise he will find himself put upon,Mat. 24.13. Revel. 3.10. by the continual attempts of iniquity to be putting forth it self. This is called an enduring to the end, a continuing in the word of Christ, and also a keeping of the word of his patience. But what man in the world can do this, whose heart is not seasoned with the love of God, and the love of Christ? Therefore he that will exercise himself in this work, must be often considering of the love of God to him in Christ: for the more sense, or apprehension a man shall have of that, the more easie and pleasant will this work be to him. Yea, though the doing thereof should cost him his hearts blood. Thy loving kindness is before mine eyes (says David) and I have walked in thy truth. Psal. 26.1, 2, 3. Nothing like the sense, sight or belief of that, to the man of God, to make him depart from iniquity.

Object. But what shall I do, I cannot depart therefrom as I should?

Answ.Keep thine eye upon all thy shortnesses, or upon all thy failures, for that is profitable for thee.

1. The sight of this will make thee base in thine own eyes.

2. It will give thee occasion to see the need, and excellency of repentance.

3. It will put thee upon prayer to God for help, and pardon.

4. It will make thee weary of this world.

5. It will make grace to persevere the more desirable in thine eyes.

Also it will help thee in the things which follow.

1. It will make thee see the need of Christs righteousness.

2. It will make thee see the need of Christs intercession.

3. It will make thee see thy need of Christs advocateship.

4. It will make thee see the riches of Gods patience.

5. And 'twill make Heaven and eternal life the sweeter to thee when thou comest there.

But to the question. Get more grace. For the more grace thou hast, the further is thine heart set off of iniquity, the more also set against it, and the better able to depart from it, when it cometh to thee, tempteth thee, and intreats thee for entertainment. Now the way to have more grace, is to have more knowledge of Christ, and to pray more fervently in his name: also to subject thy soul and thy lusts with all thy power to the authority of that grace thou hast, and to judge and condemn thy self most heartily before God, for every secret inclination that thou findest in thy flesh to sin-ward.

The improvement of what thou hast, is that, as I may say, by which God judges how thou wouldest use, if thou hadst it, more; and according to that, so shalt thou have, or not have, a farther measure. He that is faithful in that which is least, is faithful (and will be so) also in much, and he that is unjust in the least, is (and will be) unjust also in much. I know Christ speaks here about the unrighteous Mammon,Luk. 16.10, 11, 12. but the same may be applied also unto the thing in hand.

And if ye have not been faithful in that which is another mans, who will commit unto you that which is your own? That is a remarkable place to this purpose in the Revelations. Behold, saith he, I have set before thee an open door (that thou maiest have what thou wilt, as was also said to the improving Woman of Canaan) and no man can shut it:Revel. 3.8. Mat. 15.28 for thou hast a little strength, and hast held fast my word, and hast not denyed my name.

A good improvement of what we have of the grace of God at present, pleases God, and ingages him to give us more: but an ill improvement of what we at present have, will not do so.Mat. 25.24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30. To him that hath, (that hath an heart to improve what he hath) to him shall be given; but to him that hath not, from him shall be taken, even that which he hath. Well weigh the place and you shall find it so.

I know that to depart from iniquity so as is required, that is to the utmost degree of the requirement, no man can; for it is a copy too fair for mortal flesh exactly to imitate, while we are in this world. But with good Paper, good Ink, and a good Pen, a skillful and willing man may go far. And 'tis well for thee if thy complaint be sincere; to wit, that thou art troubled that thou canst not forsake iniquity, as thou shouldest: for God accepteth of thy design and desire, and 'tis counted by him as thy kindness.Pro. 19.22. But if thy complaint in this matter be true, thou wilt not rest, nor content thy self in thy complaints, but wilt, (as he that is truly hungry, or greatly burdened, useth all lawful means to satisfie his hunger, and to ease himself of his burden) use all thy skill and power to mortifie and keep them under by the word of God. Nor can it otherwise be, but that such a man must be a growing man. Every branch that beareth fruit, Joh. 15.2. he purgeth it, that it may br • ng forth more fruit. Suc • a man shall not be a stumbling in Religion, nor a scandal to i • , in his calling, but shall (according to Gods ordinary way with his people) be a fruitful and flourishing bough.

And I would to God this were the sickness of all them that profess in this nation. For then should we soon have a new leaf turned over in most corners of this Nation: Then would graciousness of heart, and life, and conversation be more prized, more sought after, and better improved, and practised, than it is. Yea, then would the throats of ungodly men be better stopt, and their mouths faster shut up, as to their reproaching of religion, than they are. A Christian man must be the object of the envy of the world; but 'tis better, if the will of God be so,1 Pet. 2. & 3 chapters. that we be reproached for well doing, than for evil. If we be reproached for evil doing, 'tis our shame; but if for well doing, 'tis our glory. If we be reproached for our sins, God cannot vindicate us; but if we be reproached for a vertuous life, God himself is concerned, will espouse our quarrel, and in his good time will shew our foes our righteousness, and put them to shame and silence. Briefly, A godly life annexed to faith in Christ, is so necessary that a man that professes the name of Christ, is worse than a beast without it.

But thou wilt say unto me, Why do men profess the name of Christ, that love not to depart from iniquity?

I answer, There are many reasons for it.

1. The preaching of the Gospel, and so, the publication of the name of Christ, is musical and very taking to the children of men. A Saviour! A Redeemer! A loving sin-pardoning Jesus! What better words can come from man? What better melody can be heard? Son of man, said God to the Prophet, Lo thou art to them as a very lovely Song, Ezek. 33.32. or as a Song of loves, of one that hath a pleasant voice, and can play well on an instrument. The Gospel is a most melodious note, and sweet tune, to any that are not prepossessed with slander, reproach and enmity against the professors of it. Now its melodious notes being so sweet, no marvel, if it intangle some, even of them (that yet will not depart from iniquity) to take up and profess so lovely a profession. But,

2. There are a generation of men that are and have been frightned with the law, and terrified with fears of perishing for their sins, but yet have not grace to leave them. Now when the sound of the Gospel shall reach such mens ears, because there is by that made publick the willingness of Christ to die for sin, and of God to forgive them for his sake; therefore they presently receive and profess those notions, as the only ones that can rid them from their frights and terrors, falsely resting themselves content with that faith thereof, which standeth in naked knowledge; yea, liking of that faith best, that will stand with their pride, Covetousness, and leachery, never desiring to hear of practical holiness, because it will disturb them: wherefore they usually cast dirt at such, calling them legal preachers.

3. Here also is a design of Satan set on foot. For these carnal Gospellers, are his Tares, the children of the wicked one. Those that he hath sowed among the wheat of purpose, if possible, that that might be rooted up by beholding and learning to be vile and filthy of them.Mat. 13.36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42.

4. Another cause hereof is this, the Hypocrites that begin to profess, find as bad as themselves already in a profession of this worthy name: and, think they, these do so, and so, and therefore so will I.

5. This comes to pass also through the righteous judgment of God, who through the anger that he has conceived against some men for their sins, will lift them up to Heaven,Mat. 11.20, 21, 22, 23, 24. before he casts them down to Hell, that their fall may be the greater, and their punishment the more intolerable. I have now done, when I have read to you my Text over again; And let every one that nameth the name of Christ, depart from iniquity.