THe Enemies to this Truth are many and various, and their great Endea­vours are to Proselyte; but when that cannot be done, they labour to keep the Orthodox in Church-Communion with themselves, by representing this Doctrine as a thing indifferent, That it is not a Principle of such Consequence, for [Page 2]which to leave Communion; but what may be believ'd or disbeliev'd without danger: That it is a My­sterious Point, and the knowledge of such Mysteries can neither be necessary to Salvation or Church Communion.

The Design of this Discourse therefore is to represent the Nature of this Principle, and put it in its true Light. Wherein I shall offer to shew that it is a Principle of such a Nature, that they who assert, and they who deny, believe and dis-be­lieve it, ought not to have Com­munion together, which evidently appears from the Reasons following.

1. It is a Principle of that Conse­quence, That either they who believe it, or they that disbelieve it must be Idola­ters; and they must esteem each other either guilty of Blasphemy or Idolatry. We all know there is an infinite di­stance between Creator and Crea­ture; between God and the high­est Creature whatsoever. Idolatry is to give Divine Honour and Worship [Page 3]to a Creature only; 'tis not Idolatry only to give Divine Adoration to a mean Creature, but any Creature: They who Adore the Stars, are not less Idolaters than they who Adore Wood and Stone; they who adore the Angles are not less Idolaters than they who adore the Stars: Because that Idolatry consists not in render­ing Divine Honour to a mean Crea­ture, but simply in rendring it to a Creature; for, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, Matt. 4.10 Deut. 6.13and him only shalt thou serve. Now if Christ be not God, such as give him Divine Honour can be no less than Idolaters; because they give Divine Honour to a Crea­ture only, and they who believe he is not God, and yet worship him, are guilty of Formal Idolatry, because they give Divine Honour to one whom they believe to be a Crea­ture only.

And, as they who deny this Prin­ciple, cannot but esteem such Idola­ters that worship him, as the most high God that is not so: So they [Page 4]who assert it, cannot but account it Blasphemy in them, to make him that is God from Eternity no more then a Creature, to rob Christ of his Deity, and all that Worship that is due to him as God, they that love the Lord Jesus cannot bear this, and how can the others if they have any Religion, bear to see the Glory due to God given to a Creature on­ly. It is a Principle therefore of great Importance. For Idolatry is a crime that violates the express Law of God, Matt. 4.10 and is Opposite to the two great ends of Religion. viz. The Glo­ry of God, and our own Salvation.

1. The glory of God: Because it is a taking away of his Glory and giving it to another, contrary to Isa. 42.8.

2. To the Salvation of Men: for the Spirit of God expresly de­clares, That Idolaters shall not enter into the Kingdom of Heaven, 1 Cor. 6.9.

If Jesus Christ be of the same Essence with his Father, then he ought to be adored in the same [Page 5]manner with him, and they cannot without impiety refuse to acknow­ledge him as such. If he is not, we cannot without Idolatry confound him with the most High God. So that the actions are inevitably either Idolatry, or gross Impiety. It being then such a Principle that either we are Idolaters, or not Idolaters, and they Blasphemers or not Blasphe­mers, according to the Falsity or Truth of it. Persons of both Opini­ons ought not to have Communion together.

Secondly, It is a principle of that Consequence as they who deny it, deny the Person of the Son of God, and thereupon deny the true Christ, and bring another in his stead: so that they believe in different Objects. This is evident, for if the Person of Christ consists of the Divine and Humane Nature, and this is the whole of his Person, then they who deny both Natures in Christ: as is manifestly the Opinion of some, or those that deny his God-head only, [Page 6]as the Socinians, they necessarily de­ny the Person of Christ.

Objection. It is objected, That the difference between us is not Who is the Person, for both believe in him, that was born of the Virgin Mary, that suf­fered under Pontius Pilate, was dead and buried, &c. But what is the Per­son, and therefore it is alledged they do not deny the Person of Christ, and bring another in his Stead.

Answer. I answer, If they may be truly said to deny God, that deny what is Essential to the God-head, then they may be truly said to deny Christ, that deny what is Essential to his Person, I think none will de­ny the former, and the latter will follow; For if a Person should deny the Essential Perfections of the God­head, it may be said with as much reason he don't deny God, for the difference is not Who he is, for he believes it is he that made Heaven and Earth, &c. but what he is, but notwithstanding, it is most evident, that he which denies those Perfecti­ons [Page 7]which are Essential to the God­head must deny God: as to instance, without holiness he cannot be God, it is Essential to his Nature, there­fore he that denieth he is Holy, de­nieth he is God: in like manner we assert, The Divine Nature is Essen­tial to the Person of Christ, with­out that he cannot be the Immanuel, the Mediator between God and Man; he could not make Satisfaction to Divine Justice, nor answer the Demands of the Law, nor Work out Salvation for us: It is evident there­fore, that as he who denieth the Nature of God denieth God: So he that denieth the Natures of Christ denieth his Person, yea it is better, as the Reverend Mr. Charnock on the At­tributes, page 496. Charnock saith, to deny there is a God, than to deny his Perfections: as Plutarch had rather it should be said, there never was such a Man as Plutarch, than it should be said he was a vile Man, or a base Fellow; So it is worse to deny what is Essential to Christ, than to deny there ever was [Page 8]such an one; it it better to say there never was any Christ, any Messiah, than to deny he was God; for, as it will be seen in the sequel, this is but to make him an Impostor and a Deceiver. The Socinians assert, That Christ was that Man whom God anointed; certainly therefore they would account such who should deny he was a Man anointed by God, to Deny Christ; and yet they might at the same time answer, We disa­gree not about the Person of Christ; for we both believe its He that was born of the Virgin Mary, &c. From whence it is plain, there is nothing in the Objection, but they who de­ny the Natures of Christ, deny his Person, and hereby the true Object of the Christian Faith is removed, viz. Immanuel, or God-Man, in one Person. This Object we are to be­lieve in, for Eternal Life and Sal­vation; but he that denies He is God-Man removes that Object; and he which asserts He is of another Nature, brings in another Object [Page 9]in his Room: For Faith depends not upon an empty Name, but hath respect to the Nature of the Person believed in.

There can be no Act without an Object, the Object of our Faith is not the bare Name, but the Nature of the Person believed in: No Man can be said to believe in God, that knows nothing of his Nature, Psal. 9.10. They that know thy Name will put their trust in thee, viz. The Nature of God signified by his Name. In like manner, No Man can be said to be­lieve in Christ that denies his Na­ture. From whence it is evident, That they who deny, and they who assert this Principle, do not believe in the same Person. The Christ of God is Immanuel, God-man. The Eutychians, the Arians, the Socini­ans, Christ is not God-Man. There­fore the Christ they worship is not the Christ of God. And can they walk together that disagree about the Object of their Faith? Can any have Communion with them [Page 10]who deny the true Christ, and bring another in his Room? Hereupon

Thirdly, It is a Principle of that Importance, That a Man cannot be said to be a true Believer in Jesus Christ that denieth it; For if there can be no Act of Faith without the true Object of Faith, and this is Jesus Christ the Son of God, or the Imma­nuel God with us, then they who believe the contrary, wanting the Object of Faith viz. The true Christ, they have no Faith in him, and so are yet Unbelievers, and therefore should remember that Text, John 3.18. He that believeth on him, is not condemned: But he that believeth not, is condemned already, because he hath not believed on the Name of the only begotten Son of God. By the Name of God in Scripture his essential Perfections are signified, Exod. 34.5, 6. and if we thus understand the Name of Christ in the Text, they are yet unbelievers, that believe not his Divine Nature, and the Per­fections thereof, or which is all one, [Page 11]that Record which God hath given of him, which is, 1 John 5.10. that as he hath giv­en Eternal Life so that Eternal life is in his Son; or as mentioned v. 20. That he is True God and Eternal Life. And a like Argument they have against us, and therefore it is very plain there can be no Communion together for we must not have Com­munion with Unbelievers, 2 Cor. 6.14.

Fourthly, Hereupon likewise, it is a Principle of such a Nature as they who deny it, deny the Lord that hought them, as the False Teachers, 2 Pet. 2.1. By denying the Lord here, it cannot be supposed, the Apo­stle means a direct denying of Jesus Christ to be the Messiah: Because,

First, They should be teachers a­mong them, which they could not be, if they openly denyed Christ.

Secondly, They should do it pri­vily, and this would be an open de­nyal.

Thirdly, They did it by those damnable Heresies which they pri­vily [Page 12]brought in; they should bring in such Heresies that should deny the Lord that bought them, and what He­resie can there be that more plainly denieth the Lord, than that which denieth what he is: He that denieth I am of the nature of Man, certain­ly denieth me who am a Man; and so, he that denies Christ is of the Nature of God, certainly denieth that Lord who is God.

If the Person of Christ consists of the Divine and Humane Nature then he which denieth the Natures denieth the Person; for if that Name belongs to a Person of such Na­tures, then take away the Natures, and you leave only an empty Name, a Name of nothing, it is in vain therefore to say, that both own Je­sus Christ. They who deny the Natures of Christ, deny his Person, and they who deny his Person deny the Lord that bought them, and there­fore are Incommunicable.

Sixthly, This Principle is that Rock upon which Christ hath built his Church. [Page 13]Peter makes his Confession of Christ, Matth. 16.15, 19, 17, 18. Thou art Christ the Son of the living God; And our Lord saith, upon this Rock will I build my Church; Whoso­ever therefore denieth this Princi­ple, cannot be founded on that Rock which the Church of Christ is built upon; and consequently, can be no Member of it.

Objection. It is objected, That both Parties believe that Proposition, That Christ is the Son of the living God.

Answer. I Answer, It is impossible: For if we don't understand the same thing by it, we have not the same Faith, whilst one asserts by the Son of God, is meant his Divine Nature, and the other, that by it, is meant Humane Nature only: Both cannot believe the Truth contained in this Proposition, and each Party must suppose the other to deny that Rock upon which Christ hath built his Church, and therefore cannot be Members thereof.

Seventhly, It is a Principle of such Consequence that the Christian [Page 14]Religion stands or falls with it. As there is but one God, so there can be but one true Religion. Now There are three Religions in the World, each of which plead to be the true Religion, viz. The Ma­hometan, the Jewish, and the Christi­an. I shall therefore, following Monsieur Abbadie in his French Treatise of the Divinitie of our Lord Jesus Christ shew,

First, That if Jesus Christ is not true God, of the same Essence with his Father, That the Mahometan Religion is preferable to the Chri­stian, and Mahomet was a greater Prophet than Christ.

Secondly, That if Jesus Christ is not true God, of the same Essence with his Father, He was an Impostor and deceiver. The Jews did justly in sentencing of him to Death for Blasphemy; They do well in main­taining the sentence of their Sanhe­drim, in rejecting of the Preaching of the Apostles and Ministers of Christ. That Christian Religion is [Page 15]Idolatry and Superstition; and the Messiah is not yet come.

First, If Jesus Christ is not true God &c. the Mahometan Religion is preferable to the Christian, and Maho­met was a greater Prophet than Jesus Christ And the Reason is this, be­cause the Christian Religion brings in Idolatry, and the Mahometan abolishes it.

For if Jesus Christ be a Creature only (as he must be if he be not of the Essence of God) then that Reli­gion that teacheth Divine Adora­tion ought to be given to him (as is plain this doth) brings in Idola­try, and they who deny his Deity cannot but believe we are Idolaters. Whereas the Mahometan Religion denies a Trinity, denies Christ to be God, teaches he ought not to be worshipped; Now if these things are true, the Mahometan Religion is the best, for that Exalts God in the Throne, and puts Jesus Christ in his due place viz. in the rank of Creatures only; whereas the Chri­stian [Page 16]Religion doth the direct con­trary, as will be proved in the fol­lowing Discourse.

Objection. It is objected, His Religion is full of Fictions, and Idle Fables.

Answer. But we ask, Since they have made the Christian Religion and his, of so near a-kin, how do they know which is the True from the False?

If Mahomet hath rid the World of Christian Idolatry (for so is the worship of Jesus Christ if he is not God) we ask by what Spirit he did this great Work; by the Spirit of God, or by the Spirit of the devil? if it be by the Spirit of God then how is he an Imposter? And how can it be supposed so great a thing should be done by the Spirit of the Devil? It is a Rule Christ gives in his Gospel to know Teachers by their Fruits, Matt. 7.16 and if Christ be not God how can we then but have a great Opinion of Mahomet, and own him for a great Prophet of God? For he hath taught men not to confound the Sovereign Being [Page 17]with a Creature, and hath delivered many Nations for many Ages from this Idolatry, and what is greater and more Holy than such a Design? What can bespeak a Man more in­spired of God, than to undertake and be so successful in such a Work; to disperse the darkness of this pro­found Superstition from so great a part of the Universe. Surely (if this were true, as they must acknow­ledge) he was a very great Prophet and all that he taught ought to be owned as Divine. Yea, hence it will appear that he is a greater Prophet than all the Prophets under the Law; yea, that he is preferable to Jesus Christ. The Prophets under the Law they spoke only to the Peo­ple of Israel; But Mahomet hath spoken to the most Considerable part of the Universe; they suc­ceeded one another because they could not live long enough to in­struct the People in different Ages; he needed no Companion, nor any Successor to banish Idolatry; the [Page 18]Antient Prophets work'd many Miracles to ruine Idolatry: But Ma­homet hath ruined it without a Mi­racle; yea if that Principle is true that Jesus Christ was no more than a Man, Mahomet is preferable to Christ himself, which will appear if you consider either his Doctrine or the Success of his Ministry, If you consider the latter, Jesus Christ hath spread his Doctrine in the Universe, but it hath had no other effect than to pull down one piece of supersti­tion and to set up another in its place; to pull down Pagan Idolatry, and to set up Christian Idolatry: for the same Gospel as forbade them to worship Pagan Idols, taught them to worship Jesus Christ: But Maho­met hath established his Religion up­on firm Foundations, and hath ta­ken far wiser Methods, that Idola­try should not return after it was once destroyed. And if we consi­der his Doctrine (if Christ is not God) we shall find that Jesus Christ hath a vast disadvantage to Maho­met, [Page 19]the Doctrine of Mahomet hath a natural Character which is opposed to Idolatry, and it is not so of Jesus Christ, if you consider his Language spoken by himself or his Apostles. We shall compare the Language of Christ and of Mahomet together, and it will plainly appear (upon this Supposition) that Maho­met was much wiser and better than Jesus Christ. Christ tells us by himself and servants, That he was before John Baptist, that he was before Abraham, before the making of the World, that he is Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the Ending, the First and the Last: That he was in the beginning with God, that he was God in the beginning, That all things were made by him and with­out him nothing was made that was made; That he in the beginning laid the foundations of the Earth and the Heavens are the work of his Hands. And that none might doubt of the sense in which these Expressions are used, he, and his Disciples, which were inspired by his Spirit, did ap­ply [Page 20]to him such Scriptures of the Prophets which are only applicable to the most High God. 1 Kings 8.39. The Prophet saith, God only knows the hearts of the Sons of Men. Jesus Christ attributes this glorious Title to himself, that he might beget to himself the Fear and Adoration of Men. Rev. 2.23. And all the Churches shall know that I am he which searches the reins and hearts, and I will give unto every one of you accor­ding to your works. It is said in the Law, Deut. 6. According to the Expositi­on of Christ, Mat. 4.10. Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God and him only shalt thou serve. Heb. 1.6. And the Author of the Epi­stle to the Hebrews tells us, That when God brought his Son into the World he said, Let all the Angels of God worship him. &c. Now compare the Language of Mahomet with this, and it will readily appear, if Christ is not God, Mahomet had greater Truth, Wisdom, and Charity to the Souls of Men, and had greater Care of and Zeal for the Glory of God than Jesus Christ, who when he [Page 21]speaks either by himself or his Dis­ciples, makes himself One with the most High God, both speaking of himself (as hath been instanced) such things as can agree to none but the Supream Being, and applying such Scriptures as can agree to none else. Mahomet doth not thus; he declares almost in every Page of his Alcoran, That there is no other but the Eternal Father, which is God; he saith of himself, he is a Pro­phet, a Man inspired by God, but he would not pass for God; he ac­knowledges Jesus Christ was sent from God: But he would not have him have the Name of God, nor of the Son of God; his Words are not so obscure, nor equivocal. He saith plainly, That they are Unbelievers and Infidels who say that the Son of Mary is God; he saith the Chri­stians are Infidels, making Three Gods when there is but One, and he would that Men should call upon the Creator of Heaven and Earth, which made the Light, and the [Page 22]Darkness. Now I say, if Christ was not God, Mahomet spoke more truly and plainly than Christ. He had more Wisdom, and took more Care, not to intangle the Souls of Men; he was more zealous of the Glory of God, and would not At­tribute to himself the Names and Nature of GOD as Christ did. These are such Consequences as our hearts abhor, as full of Blasphemy; but they are such as we must be con­strained to receive for Truth, if Jesus Christ is not of the same Es­sence with his Father.

2. If Christ is not true God, of the same Essence with his Father, then he was an Imposter, his Disciples Deceivers, the Jewish Sanhedrim did justly in sentencing him to Death for Blasphemy, the Jews do well in main­taining that Sentence; in rejecting the Preaching of the Apostles and Ministers of Christ. That Christian Religion is a Cheat, it is Superstition and Idolatry, and the Messiah is not yet come. And certainly if this be proved true, all [Page 23]will allow with me, that this Prin­ciple is of such a consequence that they who assert, and they who deny it, ought not to have Communion together.

In order to the Proof of what is asserted, I take it for granted, That none will deny, the Jewish Sanhedrim (being a Council, of Gods own appointing, to judge in Capital Matters relating to their own Tranquility, either in Church or State, to the Preservation of their Religion and Laws.) But that they had a right to judge, to condemn, and to put to Death for Blasphe­my. The only thing therefore to prove is. That if Jesus Christ was not God, then he was a Blasphe­mer, and they had reason to con­demn him for Blasphemy; which ap­pears in what followeth. It is Blas­phemy for a meer Creature to call himself by those Names that are pro­per only to the Divine Being, with the Names, to ascribe to himself the Nature of God. And those Per­fections [Page 24]which distinguish him from all Creatures, to assert that he is e­qual with God, that he ought to have Divine Homage and Adorati­on given him; And Lastly to as­cribe those Scriptures of the Old Testament to himself, which are spoken of none but the most High God. I think none will vindicate such a Person from being a Blasphe­mer, and his Disciples, who attri­bute these things to him, to be Ido­laters. It remains then only to prove, That he did these things, which is evident from the Writ­ings of his Disciples; before the proof of which I will only remark, that what his Disciples asserted of him must be look't upon as asserted by himself, because that they spoke as they were Inspired by his Spirit; it was one and the same-Spirit that dwelt in both.

First, That the Name of God is gi­ven him, is beyond all Contradiction. John 20.28.

The great God, Tit. 2.13. Where [Page 25]the Learned note, that the Greek Ar­ticle put before the Great God, and which agrees to Saviour also, is in the original a certain Mark that these two Terms are understood of the same Person, and that it is Jesus Christ who is called the Saviour and great God both together. The True God, Rom. 9.5. 1 John 5.20. Yea, God above all Blessed for ever. The Mighty, Most Mighty, Psal. 45.3. Heb. 1.8. Yea Almighty is ascribed to him, Rev. 1.8.

Secondly, That the Incommunicable Names of God (viz. Such as can be­long to none but the Supream Being) are ascribed to him is evident.

Jehovah is a Name only belonging to the most High God. Psal. 83.18. Pray read these Scrip­tures. Thou whose name alone is Jehovah and this is attributed to Christ, if you compare Isa. 6.1. with John 12.41, and Psal. 102.25. with Heb. 1.10. Where note, that Lord in these Texts, is Jehovah in the Original.

I am that I am, is an incommuni­cable Name of God, Exod. 3.14. this Jesus Christ attributes to himself, John S. 58. He [Page 26]saith not, before Abraham was, I was, but before Abraham was I am. Which would not be sence if he did not signifie he was the [I am] before Abraham, and the significancy of that Name, viz. Eternity and Im­mutability he claims to Himself, Rev. 1.8. From whence it is evi­dent he is of the same Essence, &c. Or he was a Blasphemer; because no meer Creature can, without Blas­phemy, ascribe these Names of the most High God to himself.

2. With the Name, the Nature of God and the most distinguishing Cha­racters thereof, he claimes to himself.

It is the highest Blasphemy for a meer Creature to claim Eternity: For nothing can be Eternal but God. There can be but One Be­ing, that never was made: But Jesus Christ claims this incommuni­cable Perfection of the God-head to himself, and that in such Terms as the Father expresses his own Eter­nity. Isa. 43.6. Thus saith the Lord the King of Israel, I am the first and the last, [Page 27]and besides me there is no God; and thus saith Jesus Christ, Rev. 1.8. Chap. 2.8. ver. 18. I am the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.

Omnisciency is an incommunicable Property of the Divine Being, 1 Kings 8.39. For thou, even thou, only knowest the Hearts of all the Chil­dren of Men: And the same Jesus Christ saith of himself, I am he which searcheth the Reins and Hearts, Rev. 2.23. John 21.17. And his Disciples ascribe this to him, Thou knowest all things; which must be Blasphemy if he was not God.

Omnipresence belongs only to God, And yet this Christ claims to himself, Math 18.20. and Chap. 28.19. And asserts he was in Hea­ven, whilst he was on Earth, John 3.13. which cannot be said of any Creature without manifest Impiety.

Omnipotency is an Attribute be­longing only to the Supream Being, and this is spoken of Christ, John 5.19, 21. Phil. 3.21.

Immortality is so ascribed to [Page 28]Christ, as it is proper only to the Eternal God, 1 Tim. 6.16. who on­ly hath immortality dwelling in that light which no man can approach unto. This can be only said of the Su­pream Being. Jesus Christ is of the same Essence therefore, or He is a Blasphemer: for it is He of whom this is spoken, as plainly appears by the preceding Verse.

Immutability is an Attribute be­longing only to God, it can only be said of God, Jam. 1.17 In him is no vari­ableness neither shadow of turning. And was he not God of the same essence with the Father, what Blasphemy would it be to say, Heb. 13.8 Chap. 1.10.11.12. Jesus Christ the same yesterday, to day, and for ever. And Thou Lord, in the beginning, hast laid the Foundations of the Earth, and the Heavens are the Work of thy Hands; they shall perish, but thou re­mainest, and they shall wax old as doth a Garment, and as a Vesture shalt thou fold them together but thou art the same and thy Years shall not fail

Of what meer Creature can it be [Page 29]said, He is Eternal Life, without Blasphemy yet of Jesus Christ is it said, This is the True God, 1 John 5.20.and Eternal Life.

From all which nothing is more evident, that he is either True God, of the same Essence with his Father, or he was a Blasphemer, and his Disciples Idolaters: For either a meer Creature may assume all this without Blasphemy, or else these things are not so; and certainly, we may as well deny the Light at Noon-Day, as the clearness of this Evidence.

2. To strengthen this, Those works which are peculiar to the Deity, that none did, or could do, but the Most High God, his Disciples ascribe to him and positively assert he did them; which cannot be without Blasphe­my, if he did them not. It is God only Created the World; this was the distinguishing Character of God in the Old Testament, that He made Heaven and Earth, And this is be­yond all contradiction ascribed to [Page 30]Jesus Christ, John 1.1, 2, 3.14. Col. 1.16. Heb. 1 10. That all things were made by him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. That in the beginning he laid the Foundati­ons of the Earth, and the Heavens are the works of his Hands.

It is the Almighty God only that Sustains this mighty Universe; all things are upheld in being by the Word of his Power, and yet of Je­sus Christ these words are spoken Ʋpholding all things by the word of his power: Heb. 1.3. I ask what can be said greater of God than this, and what can be greater Blasphemy, if he was a Creature only?

Yea, he assumes to himself the power of forgiving sins; Mat. 9.6. of Quicken­ing whom he will, of bestowing eternal life.

The Peculiar Character of SA­VIOƲR, Isa. 43.11. Chap. 41.21. whereby the God of Israel is distinguished from all other Gods, he eminently claims, I am the Lord and besides me there is no Saviour. This is spoken on purpose to beat men off from trusting in any other, [Page 31]as a Saviour, but the God of Israel; and this is ascribed to Christ in the most eminent manner. The savi­our of all men,1 Tim. 4.10 John 4.42. Rom.the Saviour of the World, who is to be believed in and trusted in as such.

Fourthly, That you may be assured all this was spoken properly of him, the Evangelists acquaint us he made himself equal with God, John 5.18. He said also God was his Father, making himself equal with God. John 10.30. I and my Father are one, whereupon the Jews took up Stones to stone him for Blaphemy, because he being a Man made himself God. ver. 33. And least any should think it was only the Jews mistake, the Apostle Paul assures us, That Jesus Christ thought it no robbery to be equal with him. For he saith without any manner of hesitation, Phil. 2.6. that he was in the form of God, and thought it no robbery to be equal with God.

In Isa. 40.25. the Lord makes a challenge, to whom then will you liken me or shall I be equal, saith the Holy one. [Page 32]Heaven and Earth and all the Crea­tures in it cannot be Compared with him, v. 17.18. they are nothing, less than nothing and Vanity, But the Apostle Paul likens, compares, and equals Jesus Christ to him, and lets us know, Jesus Christ himself thought it no Robery to be equal to the most High God; who being in the Form of God thought it no robery to be equal with God. It is the more to be remark't, because it is the Apostle Paul that thus speaks, who above all the Apostles exalts God, and debases the Creature. 2 Cor. 4.7. We have this treasure in earthen Vessels, to the end that the excellency of the Power may be of God, and not of us. Who very well knew, that Jesus Christ was accused, of Blasphemy, and was Condemned, and Crucified for making himself equal with God. Who also knew the Prophet Isaiah had asserted there was none to be likened or compared with Him, and yet with the greatest assurance asserts, He was in the Form of God, and was equal to him. [Page 33]Jesus Christ therefore is of the same Essence with the Father, or he was the greatest of Blasphemers.

5. To put the Matter out of doubt, that all this was spoken in a true and proper Sense, he requires Di­vine Adoration, and his Disciples assert, it is due to him, and Divine Adora­tion cannot be given to the high­est Creature without Idolatry; it is most certain they which adore God, adore none but under that Idea: But they gave Adoration to Jesus Christ. The Evangelists tell us, That at his Birth he was adored; first by the Shepherds of Bethlehem, and then by the Wise Men; and the Au­thor to the Hebrews expresly tells us, Heb. 1.6. That when he was brought into the World; God said, let all the An­gels of God Worship him. He requi­red, John 5.23. that Men should Honour the Son, as they honoured the Father. That as they believed in God, Chap. 14.1.they should believe in him, and can there be Faith in Christ without Paying Divine Homage to him? Rom. 15.2. In him [Page 34]shall the Gentiles trust. And a Curse is pronounced against trusting in a Creature. Jer. 17. Both outward and in­ward Worship is required to be given Him.

1. He requires we should Dedi­cate our selves to him, and there­fore must be Baptized in his Name; Matth. 18.19. whereby we are Devoted to Him.

2. Divine Invocation is given to him by his Disciples, Acts 7.59. 1 Cor. 1.2.

2. Divine Praises are offered up to him, Rev. 5.9. Chap. 7.9, 10. Chap. 11.15, 17.

4. He received Worship from the Leper, Mat. 6.2.

From his Disciples, Mat. 28.17. When they saw him they Worshipped him.

From the Mariners, Matth. 14.33. This the Angel would not receive from John, because he was a Creature only, but charges him to Worship God, Rev. 22.8, 9. From whence one of these Three Things will follow, that either

1. The Angel was mistaken, his Charge to John needless, and his Direction to Worship God Alone, in Vain. Or,

2. That Jesus Christ was God by Nature, and so Divine Worship belonged to him (which is certain­ly the Truth.) Or,

2. He was an Impostor, and was guilty of Blasphemy in receiving that Worship and Honour as be­longed to God only.

Objection. I know it is Objected, That the Honour required by Jesus Christ was not the Honour due to God alone.

Answer. I Answer, The contrary is easi­ly Evinced, That Jesus Christ requi­red that Honour as is due to God a­lone: For He required Divine Ado­ration in Thought, in Word, and Deed.

1. In Thought, He Attributes to himself the Names and Nature of God, his Eternity, Almighty Pow­er, Immutability, &c. And for what End can this be, but that we [Page 36]might think him to be the most High God.

2. In Word, For to what end doth he take to himself the Names and Titles of the most High God, but that we might call him by those Names, and speak of him as he that made all Things, &c.

2. In Deed: And this appears, because he requires to be honou­red and loved above all, that we should love him above all our Re­lations, Father, Mother, Wife, and Children, &c. That we should give him not the Sacrifice of Ox­en, of Calves of a Year Old, &c. But of our Blood, he requires us to loose our Lives for the Honour of his Name, to Sacrifice our selves, and all we have for his Sake; whoever doth this, must own him to be very God, because these are Duties that are owing Only to the most High.

Objection. It is further Objected, That he did declare to the World, that the Father is greater than he, and [Page 37]therefore what hath been said, [...]s not to be understood in a proper and litteral Sence, but in a figura­tive only.

Answer. I Answer, If he was not of the same Essence with his Father, this is so far from an excuse, as it would increase his Guilt, that he should notwithstanding this acknowledge­ment, assume an equality with the most High God, in Names, Nature, Works, and Worship.

Should a Minister of State take to himself the peculiar Titles of the King, take the Name of Sovereign, stamp his Image on the Coin, as­cribe to himself the peculiar Glo­ries of the Prince, and receive Ho­mage, as such, would it excuse him to say he still acknowledged the King to be greater than he.

Suppose Moses, when he came down from the Mount, with the Glory on his Face, had called him­self by the Names of God, Attri­buted to himself his Nature, and required the People to give him [Page 38]Adoration. I ask, whether the People of Israel ought not to have accounted him a Seducer, and re­jected him as such, in as much as he taught them it was a Law writ­ten with the Finger of God, Exod. 20. Thou shalt have no other Gods be­fore me. In like manner the Jews were obliged to reject Jesus Christ (if he were not of the Essence of his Father) when he called himself by the Names of God, attributed to himself his Nature, and required the People to give him Adoration, in as much as he taught them, Matth. 4.10. Thou shalt Worship the Lord thy God, and him Only shalt thou serve. It is no excuse, to say these Things are spoken Hyperbo­lically and Figuratively, for such Hyperbolies, and such Figures would be Impious and Wicked, and open a wide door for Blasphe­my, for why might not Peter or Paul ascribe these Things to them­selves, and what hinders any from attributing to themselves the Names, [Page 39]the Natures, the Offices, and Works of Jesus Christ, if they may excuse themselves after this Man­ner.

6. That these Things were spo­ken properly of Jesus Christ is be­yond all scruple Confirmed, in that those Scriptures of the Old Testament that are applicable to none but the most High God, are ascribed to Him. Here I might give you a large Ca­talogue, but it shall suffice to give some Instances,

The first is, Isa. 6.1, 2, 3, 4. In the Year that King Ʋzziah died, I saw also Jehovah sitting upon a Throne, high and lifted up, and his Train filled the Temple. Ver. 2. Above it stood the Seraphims, &c. Ver. 3. And one cried unto another, and said Holy, Holy, Holy, is the Lord of Hosts, the whole Earth is full of his Glory. Jehovah, the King, the Lord of Hosts, and Holy, Ho­ly, Holy, are peculiar Characters of the most High God, and none can without Blasphemy, ascribe [Page 40]these to a meer Creature. But John the Evangelist applies these to Jesus Christ, John 12.39, 40, 41. These Things said Isaiah, when he saw his Glory and spake of him. And the Things that are here mention­ed, ver. 39, 40. Isaiah saith, when he had that Vision, ver. 9, 10.

Instance. 2 Psalm 68.17, 18, 19. The Cha­riots of God are Twenty Thousand, even Thousands of Angels: The Lord is among them as in Sinai, in the Ho­ly Place, Ver. 18. Thou hast ascen­ded on high, thou hast led Captivity Captive: Thou hast received Gifts for Men; yea for the rebellious also, that the Lord God might dwell among them, Ver. 19. Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with his Benefits, even the God of our Salvation, Selah. These are Characters belonging only to the most High God. But this Text is expresly applied to Je­sus Christ by the Apostle Paul, Eph. 4.6, 9. Wherefore He saith, when he ascended up on high, he led Captivity Captive, and gave Gifts [Page 41]to Men. Now He that ascended was He that descended first into the lower Parts of the Earth, which was Jesus Christ.

Instance. 3 Isa. 40. v. 3. The Voice of him that crieth in the Wilderness, prepare ye the way of the Lord, make straight in the Desert a high way for our God. Ver. 4. Every Valley shall be exalted, and every Mountain and Hill shall be made low; and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough places plain. Ver. 5. And the Glory of the Lord shall be revealed, &c. Ver. 9. Say unto the Cities of Judah, behold your God. Ver. 10. Behold the Lord will come with strong Hand, and his Arm shall rule for him; behold his Reward is with him, and his Work before him. Ver. 11. He shall feed his Flock like a Shepherd, he shall ga­ther the Lambs with his Arms, and carry them in his Bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with Young. Ver. 12. Who hath measured the Wa­ters in the hollow of his Hand, and meeted out Heaven with a Span, and [Page 42]comprehended the Dust of the Earth in a measure, and weighed the Moun­tains in Scales, and the Hills in a Bal­lance, &c. These are without any difficulty the Characters of the most High God, and the Evangelist plain­ly applies these to Christ, in ma­king John Baptist to be this Voice, John 1.23. and Christ to be this Lord, of whom plainly all these are spoken, Luke 3.4, 5, 6. As it is written in the Book of the Words of Isaias the Prophet saying, the Voice of one cry­ing in the Wilderness, prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his Paths straight, &c.

Instance. 4 Isa. 35.4, 5, 6. Say to them that are of a fearful Heart, be strong, fear not, behold your God will come with Vengeance, even God with a re­compense, he will come and save you, Ver. 5. Then the Eyes of the Blind shall be opened, and the Ears of the Deaf shall be unstopped. Ver. 6. Then shall the Lame Man leap as an Hart, and the Tongue of the Dumb sing: For in the Wilderness shall Wa­ters [Page 43]break out, and Streams in the Desert. Read Matth. 15.4, 5. and you will see that Christ makes a visible Application of this Scripture in the Answer, he gives to the Disciples of John Baptist. Hereup­on he declares himself to be the God of Israel, the God of Vengeance, and Recompence, and the God of their Sal­vation. All which are Titles given by this Scripture to the most High.

Instance. 5 Isa. 8.13, 14. Sanctifie the Lord of Hosts himself, and let him be your fear, and let him be your dread. Ver. 14. And he shall be for a Sanctuary, but for a Stone of stumbling, and for a Rock of offence to hoth the Houses of Israel, for a gin, and for a snare to the Inhabitants of Jerusalem. This Scripture that is applicable to none but to the most High God, is ap­plied to Christ, Luke 2.34. Rom. 9.33. and 1 Pet. 2.8. Hereupon His Disciples declares him to be the Lord of Hosts himself, who is to be our fear and dread whom we are to sanctifie, as such, in our Hearts.

Instance. 6 Isa. 45.21, 22, 23. Have not I the Lord, and there is no God else beside me, a just God and a Saviour, there is none beside me, Ver. 22. Look unto me, and be ye saved all the ends of the Earth, for I am God, and there is none else. Ver. 23. I have sworn by my self, the Word is gone out of my Mouth in Righteousness, and shall not return, that unto me every Knee shall bow, every Tongue shall swear. This Scripture that contains so many distinguishing Characters of the most High God is applied to Christ, Rom. 14.9, 10, 11. For to this end Christ both died and rose, and revi­ved, that he might be Lord both of the Dead, and of the Living. Ver. 10. — For we shall all stand be­fore the Judgment Seat of Christ. Ver. 11. For it is written, as I live, saith the Lord, every Knee shall bow to me, and every Tongue shall confess to God. It is likewise applied to him, Phil. 2.10, 11. From whence it is evident, Jesus Christ is the Lord, and there is no God else beside [Page 45]him, a just God and Saviour, and none beside him. That all the ends of the Earth are to look to him and be saved, for he is God and there is none else. That he is the Object of his own Oath, that He swears by him­self, because he cannot swear by a greater.

Instance. 7 Psalm 102.25. Of Old hast thou laid the Foundation of the Earth: And the Heavens are the Work of thy Hands. Ver. 26. They shall perish, but thou shalt endure, yea all of them shall wax old like a Garment, as a Vesture shalt thou change them, and they shall be changed, Ver. 27. But thou art the same, and thy Years shall have no end. Notwithstanding this Text is so peculiar to the Supream Being, distinguishing him from all that is not God; the Author to the Hebrews, as hath been Instanced, expresly ascribes it to Christ, Heb. 1.10. And thou Lord in the begin­ning hast laid the Foundations of the Earth, &c. Now I say, it is very strange and surprizing, that the [Page 46]Disciples of Christ (unless they were the worst of Men) should make such Applications to Jesus Christ, if he is not of the same Es­sence with the Father. And fur­ther, we cannot imagine they would ascribe the peculiar Glories of the Divine Nature to him, if we con­sider,

1. That the Light of Nature sufficiently taught them, that they ought not to make Applications of those Things to a Creature, which belongs to the Creator, exclusive of all Creatures.

2. If you respect them as taught in the Schools of the Prophets, this cannot be imagined: Because there is nothing can equal the Circumspe­ction of the Prophets in this respect; it will necessarily follow therefore, if Jesus Christ is not God of the same Essence with his Father, he was a Blasphemer, and the Jewish Sanhedrim did very justly to Sen­tence him to Death for it. And to corroborate what hath been said, [Page 47]consider if he was not God by Na­ture, what Reason the Jews had thus to proceed against him.

1. The very first Precept in their Decalogue (which they had conti­nually before their Eyes) was, Thou shalt have no other Gods before me; Exod. 20.3 this they taught their Chil­dren, their Servants, and all under their Care.

2. They well knew it was Ido­latry to give Divine Worship to a Creature only, and Blasphemy for a meer Creature to take to himself the Glory due to God; their Pro­phets well instructed them in that Doctrine, that God would not give his Glory to another.

2. They well knew, that the bles­sed God had given himself Names on purpose to distinguish Him from all Creatures whatsoever, as Jeho­vah, &c. The which Names they had in mighty Reverence.

4. They knew that it was Blas­phemy for a meer Creature to as­sume his Names, Nature, Works, [Page 48]and Worship, and that it was Ido­latry to attribute these to such an one.

5. The Prophets were very di­ligent to prevent Idolatry, which was the Sin this People was exceed­ingly addicted to? and therefore warned them against the least ap­pearance thereof, and this they did for the Glory of the God of Israel, that none might be acknowledged for the true God besides; and for the Salvation of Men, because Ido­laters were not to enter into the Kingdom of Heaven.

6. Jesus Christ did say, He and His Father were one, John 10.30. That therefore they who had seen him had seen the Father. John 14.9. That he was in the Father and the Father in him. Thereby he did make him­self equal with God, John 5.18. which is plain, in that his Disci­ples that were inspired with his Spirit, assert the same Thing of him, as hath been evidenced; for this the Jews accused him; [Page 49]him; for this they condemned him, and that with the greatest Reason, if He where not true God of the same Essence with the Father, and so equal with him.

These are the Things that the Jews alledge in their Defence, for crucify­ing of Jesus Christ; and we demand how any Man, or any Company of Men whatsoever, that deny the Divinity of our Lord, can take off the force of them; it was according to their own Law which God had given them, and according to his own Exposition of it, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve, Matth. 4.10. And it was for that which we must al­low Blasphemy in another Case; for suppose any Person among the Chri­stians should attribute to himself, the Names, and Natures, the Works, and Offices of Jesus Christ, If he should say he was the Lamb of God that takes a­way the Sins of the World, that he is the great Prophet and High-Priest of the New Testament, a Priest for ever after the Order of Melchizedeck, the wonderful [Page 50]Counsellor, the mighty God, the Ever­lasting Father, the Prince of Peace, Im­manel, God with us, Jesus a Saviour, Christ the Anointed, the Eternal Word, the Saviour of the World, the Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the Ending, &c. That he is the only begotten Son of God, that there is no other Name given under Heaven, whereby Men can be saved but his, that he is the Way, the Truth, and the Life, and no Man comes unto the Father but by him. Would not such an one be justly esteemed a­mong Christians as an Impious and Blasphemous Person. In like man­ner, for Jesus Christ to attribute to Himself the Names, the Nature, the Works, and Worship of the most High God; and at the same time was not so, he could not be esteemed a­mongst the Jews then, nor can with any just Reason be esteemed by any since, to be otherwise, than a noto­rious Blasphemer, and from hence it would follow, his Disciples were de­ceivers, that the Jewish Sanhedrim did well in sentencing Christ to Death, [Page 51]that the Jews do well in maintaining that Sentence, and in rejecting the Preaching of his Disciples, that Chri­stian Religion is Superstition and Ido­latry, and the Messiah is not yet come. For what is Idolatry, but to give the essential Glory of God to a Creature only; if Herod was guilty of Idolatry, for permitting the Peo­ple to say it is the Voice of God, and not of a Man, if though those that of­fered one Grain of Incense to an Idol, were guilty of this Crime, and they who swore by the Head of the Empe­rour were not Innocent, though at the same Time they did not imagine the Emperour to be God, what a piece of Idolatry and Superstition must that Systeme be, that gives the incommunicable Glory of God to a Man only, and requires Divine Ado­ration to be rendered to him? yea, if Christ is not God of the same Es­sence of his Father it represents him, as an Actour on a Stage, that takes the Name, the Apparel, and Acts the Part of a Prince, when at the same [Page 52]time he is one of the meanest Subjects, for it represents Christ as God, God over all blessed for ever, the Almighty, All-seeing, Eternal, Immutable. The True God, and Eternal Life, as he that laid the Foundations of the Earth, &c. When in Deed and in Truth he was but a meer Creature, and in reality had none of these Excellencies in him, there is a necessity therefore to give up the Truth of the Christian Religion, and turn either Mahometans, or Jews if this Principle is not true, That Jesus Christ is true God, of the same Essence with the Father. From whence it is evident, that this is a Principle of such a Nature, that the Christian Religion stands or falls with it, and therefore they who assert, and they who deny it cannot have Christian Communion together.

8. They which assert, and they which deny this Principle, ought not to have Communion together at the Lords Table, because one or the other must be ignorant of what it represents, and signifies, they would have different Ideas [Page 53]represented by the same Elements. To the one it would represent Jesus Christ, giving himself for us an Offer­ing and a Sacrifice to God of a sweet smelling Savour, the Humane Nature offered up, and by Reason of its Uni­on with the Divine making Satisfacti­on, to Divine Justice, answering the demands of the Law, and obtaining Salvation for us.

Whilst it represents to the Secinians nothing else but a meer Man Suffering as an Example of Patience and Sub­mission to the Will of God. It sets forth to the one the Infinite and ama­zing Love of God in giving his Son, his only begotten Son, that lay in his Bosom, and was his delight from E­ternity to become a Sacrifice for Sin­ners, to bear their Griefs, Isa. 53.4, 5.and carry their Sorrows, to be wounded for their Transgressions, and bruised for their Ini­quities, to give him up to Death, even that shameful, painful, and accursed Death of the Cross. And it sets forth the amazing Love of Jesus Christ, 2 Cor. 8.9. or as the Apostle speaks the [Page 54]Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was Rich, for their sakes he became Poor, that through his Poverty they might be made Rich. Phil. 2.6. That he that was in the form of God, and thought it no robbery to be equal with him made himself of no Reputation, &c. But it represents no such thing to the o­ther; no more Love, than to make a glorious Man, and set him to be an Example of Holiness, Patience, and Humility both in his Life, and Death; and ought they to have Communion together at the Lords Table, that are not agreed what the Ordinance re­presents and signifies? can they be said to discern the Lords Body, that dis­cern it not to be a Sacrifice offered up to God for our Sins? Heb. 13.10 This is an Altar, of which they have no right to Eat.

9. They ought not to have Com­munion together, because they must esteem each other, either Ʋnbelievers or Hereticks, and neither are communi­cable, I have already shewn, that if Christ be God, &c. then those that [Page 55]never believed it cannot be said to be Believers in Christ, inasmuch as they cannot be said to Believe that Thing, who deny what is Essential to it, and they denying what is essential to the Person of Christ, cannot be said to believe in that Person, and as for those that have believed it, and de­parted from this Faith, they cannot but be looked upon to be Hereticks, for there is nothing Heresie if this be not Heresie, which Roots up the ve­ry Foundations, and denies the Lord that bought them, which overthrows the Christian Faith, and turns it out of the World.

Objection. An Heretick is one that is condemn­ed of himself, and unless they are con­demned in their own Consciences, Tit. 2.10, 11. that what they hold is Heresie, they are not Hereticks.

Answer 1. Then it will follow, that it can never be known who is a Heretick in­asmuch as we cannot know the Con­sciences of Men, and then the Apostle might have kept that Rule to himself, Ver. 10. A Man that is an Heretick [Page 56]after the first and second Admonition re­ject, for it were absurd for him to give an Injunction, as a Rule of Discipline in the Church that was impossible to followed.

2. Therefore a Man is condemned of himself, that renounceth the great Truths he hath owned; he that once professed Jesus Christ to be the Messi­ah the Son, and sent of God, was de­voted to him by Baptism, and ac­knowledged the Doctrines revealed by him, and since hath apostatized there-from is condemned of himself, his own Actions shew him to be self-condemned, for there is no better rule than to judge of the Tree by its Fruit, and Actions speak more than Words.

The Foundation Principles of Chri­stianity carry very great Evidence with them, they recommend them­selves to every Mans Conscience in the sight of God, we have the great­est Reason therefore to judge those self-condemned, condemned in their own Consciences, who have departed from the Faith, Ver. 11. Knowing he [Page 57]that is such, is subverted, and sinneth, being condemned of himself, it follows hence, they are not communicable, because an Heretick after the first and second Admonition reject.

10. They who maintain a Separa­tion, because of Principles of far lesser Moment, must acknowledge that they who assert, and they who deny this, ought not to have Communion toge­ther; and if we look upon professed Christians of all Persuasions, we shall find they do so.

The Idolatry of the Church of Rome, for which the Protestants sepa­rate from them, is not so gross as this, for this is directly and formal­ly giving Divine Adoration to a Creature only, especially in those that deny his Deity, and yet give him Di­vine Worship.

The Reasons for which the Presby­terians and Independants separate from the Church of England are very Tri­fles in Comparison of this.

Most baptized Churches maintain a Separation from those that are unbap­tized, [Page 58]and many will allow Commu­nion with none that are not in the Profession and Practice of those six Principles, Heb. 6.1, 2. But what is Baptism, or Laying on of Hands, to this Principle; can any urge that they are of that Consequence, that they who assert, or they who deny them must be either Blasphemers or Idola­ters? That they deny the true Christ, and bring in another in his stead, that they deny the Lord that bought them, that Christianity it self stands or falls with it. If then a Separation between the Baptists and Pedo-baptists is war­rantable, that they which are rightly Baptized, and those which are not, ought not to have Communion toge­ther; much more ought not they, that assert and deny, that Believe and Disbelieve this great Princi­ple.

Objection. Obj. There are but few who are capable to understand this great My­stery, and therefore it cannot be a Principle of such Consequence.

Answer. The meanest Christian is capable to believe what is required of them in this Case, the Holy Scriptures re­veal as we have shewn, that Jesus Christ is God, Eternal, Almighty, &c. That be is Man of the Seed of the Wo­man, of the Seed of David according to the Flesh, and did partake of our Flesh and Blood. So that he was both God and Man this is plain. But how these two Natures did unite, or after what manner this Union was made, as it is past our Capacity to reach it, so this is our Comfort, we are not obliged to understand it. True Faith believes the Thing, notwithstanding Reason cannot Fathom the manner of them; and this Answers all the cla­mours made in this Case, for gene­rally those Christians that are not concerned in these Controversies, be­lieve this Truth with the greatest stedfastness; they read in Scripture, that Jesus Christ is the true God and Eternal Life, that he is God over all Blessed for ever, that he made the World and all Things in it: And they read [Page 60] that he was Man like unto us in all Things, Sin only excepted, and they believe these Things firmly and true­ly, because God hath said them, and ask not with a carping mind how can these Things be, they adore it as a Mystery, but humbly believe it as an undoubted Truth.

Objection. There are many whose Lives and Conversations (for many Years past) declare them to be good Christians, that are Holy and Pious Men, Men of great Study, Labour, Sufferings, and Self-denial, that are desirous to know what is the Mind and Will of God, and yet believe not this Prin­ciple, but the Contrary, ought we not therefore in Charity to esteem them good Christians, and have Com­munion with them notwithstanding.

Answer. I Answer, 1. In the Words of the Apostle, Gal. 1.8, 9. Though we or an Angel from Heaven Preach any o­ther Gospel unto you, then that which we have preached unto you, let him be ac­cursed.

2. We are to distinguish between the Seducers that cunningly lye in wait to deceive, and those who thro' Ignorance, Simplicity, or flexible­ness of Spirit are seduced by them, to the first we are not to give Place no not for an hour, Gal. 2.5. Mat. 7.15.beware of false Pro­phets, the Elders of Churches are pe­culiarly charged to keep these out of the Flock, Acts 20.28, 29, 30, 31. The Apostle Treats these with the greatest Severity, Beware of Dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the Concision, Phil. 3.2. Whose Mouths must be stopped, Tit. 1.11. Because their Words will eat as doth a Canker, 2 Tim. 2.17.

2. To those that are seduced by them, we are to carry it with the greatest Love and Tenderness in Or­der to regain them, so the Apostle Treats the seduced Galatians, Gal. 4.19.My lit­tle Children, of whom I Travel in Birth again: He mixeth Intreaties with his sharp Rebukes. 2 Tim. 2.25, 26. Thus we should in meekness instruct those that oppose them­selves, that they may be recovered out of the Snare of the Devil.

2. If after all means used, they per­sist in their Heresies they are to be rejected, for a little Leaven leaveneth the whole Lump, Tit. 2.10, 11.after the first and se­cond Admonition reject, and this fully answereth the Objection; for let their Lives and Conversations be never so exact, let them be Men of never so great Study, Labour, Sufferings and Self-denial, yet they are to be rejected by the Church; which shews, that not­withstanding this, they are not good Christians, and therefore their Piety but seeming and not real, because good Christians are not to be reje­cted from the Communion of the Church as Hereticks.

And as for their being willing to know the Truth, we find by Expe­rience, that after they have once espoused and broached their Here­sies, they set themselves with all cun­ning subtlety and obstinacy to op­pose the Truth, and maintain their Errors; shutting their Eyes against all the Evidence that the Truth car­ries with it, and using all ways what­soever [Page 63]to evade the force thereof, whereby whatsoever they may say, it is plain to every Observer; that they are not willing to know any Thing to be Truth, that is contrary to their professed Principles; hence then it is so far from Christian Chari­ty, that it is against the express Rule and Law of Christ Jesus, the Head and Lord of Christians to have Commu­nion with them.