1. Of this sort are they;] Compare Mat. 23.14,25. with 2 Pet. 2.1. & Joh. 5.7,8,9. and it con­firms the same. That is, Such as are branded with divers of the former evills; Covered over with a forme of God­linesse, a show of Love, and Zeal, and De­vetion, accompanied with much Praying, Fasting, Preaching; Strict in [Page 3]outward Observation of Sabbath's, and severe prosecution of cir­cumstantiall things. Rom. 10.2. Matt. 23.14.27. Luk. 18.11. But have not the Word of Reconciliation in their heart, and the Spirit of grace therein, writing the Epistle of Christ in their heart, and so leading them in a Christ-like minde, To move others to be recon­ciled to Christ, as the Servants of Christ have. Joh. 15.4,7. Rom. 8.2,14. 2 Cor. 3.3,18. and 8.14,19. Of these they seem to bee; with these they sometime are, from among these they come; but of them they are not. 1 Joh. 2.19. But of the former sort, to whom they belong, and with whom they are, (and ought to be) numbred; Which.

2. Creep into Houses,] This is their way, they subtilly, and se­cretly, and by degrees, creep, or wind themselves into houses; Two things are here to be rightly Understood; First, What is here meant by houses; and Secondly, what is meant, or intimated in this Word; Creep into.

First by houses, is here meant Churches, or Societyes of such as doe beleeve, and make Profession of the Gospel: (For the Apostle was before directing Timothy about the Doctrine, suitable to be in, and to build up the House of God. Chap. 2.1,20,26.) Warning him of some that had departed from the Faith, and overthrowne the Faith of some, Chap 3.18. and of some to be recovered, Vers. 25, 26. And here fore-warning of such-like Perills; He to admonish Timo­thy, minds him of his owne example. Chap. 3.10,11. in Doctrine, and life; Now then, of what houses are here meant, is easie to discerne; So Wisedome hath built her house. Prov. 9.1. And whose house wee are. Heb. 3.3.6. A spirituall house. 1 Pet. 2.5. Now as this great house is one, and called the Church of Christ. 1 Cor. 12.28. So, the particular Con­gregations, societyes, or Famillies are called Churches, and here houses. Gal. 1.2.

Secondly, By this word Creep, is meant, and intimated three things, about their incomming to be Teachers in such Societies or Houses.

1. Their want of Authority, and comming in at the doore; They have not the word of Grace put into their hearts by the Spirit of Christ, and so have not been in the Heavenly Call chosen out of [Page 4]the Condition, and fellowship of the world, into union and fellow­ship with Christ, and his Chosen ones, and so have not the Spi­rit of Christ to move, and lead them forth in that Christ-like mind, and Charity, as all his servants, whom hee sendeth, have. 2 Cor. 3.2,3,18 & 4.6. & 5.14.18,19,20. 1 Joh. 1.1,2,3. As the will & Ap­pointment of the Father. (Heb. 10.1,10.) is that Door, by which JESUS CHRIST himself entered; for Jesus Christ himself is the DOOR of the Fathers Will, and Appointment, by which all Accep­table entrance in to God, or the house of God is. Joh. 10.2.7.9. & 14.6.

And this spirituall making knowne of the Father, and Christ; so as thereby to draw out of the World, and bring into Christ; and then giving in the word into the heart, enabling with the heart to beleeve unto Righteousnesse, and with the mouth to make confession unto salvation, in CHRIST his opening of, or putting in any by the Doore. Joh. 17.38,8. Rom. 3.10.

To such, he hath given Commission to declare the Gospel, and for such Hee hath prayed, for their Sanctification, Preservation, and prosperous blessing in their Ministration of the Gospel, and he hath given his Commission, and prayed for such blessing in Mini­stration, for none but such as these, none that yet remaine in the Condition of, and fellowship with the world. Joh. 17.9,14,18,20,21,23.

And therefore such as are not thus fitted, warranted, and led by Christ, that they may say as Paul. 2 Cor. 5.14,18,18,19,20. They have no commission from Christ, nor doe they come into the house by the Door; But run without his sending, and clime up, or creepe in some other way; Though they be called Prophets. Jerem. 23.14,21. Joh. 10.1.

2. By creeping, is also meant their subtilty in hiding their Doctrine, and mindes, with cloakes of guile, till they be recei­ved; And that is two wayes.

I. In hiding their grand opinion of slighting the Foundation and Corner-Stone; The Vision of all, and preferring some other Do­ctrine [Page 5]before it. Isai. 28.12.14,16. & 29,10,11,12. Psal. 118.22. Act. 4.11,12. 2 Cor. 2.17. and 4.2.

II. In hiding their Intention, and Issue that will follow on the re­ceipt or their Teachings, which is to unsettle, and pervert them from the simplicity that is in Christ. 2 Cor. 11.3,4.

To bring them in some Bondage under the Law of works. Gal. 1.6. & 4.21.

To take off their Affections from spirituall Teachings, and sin­cere Preachers of the Gospel, and to gaine their Choice Affecti­ons to themselves; and so to subdue them to their own Judgements, that they might be Lords of their faith. Gal. 4.17. All which till they be received; they colour over, and hide with good words, and fayre speeches. Rom. 16.17,18. Pretences of Zeal, Love, and Devo­tion. Col. 2.18. 2 Cor. 11.15. Promises of great Attainments, and li­berty. 2 Pet. 2.19. 2 Cor. 11.3. Pretences of Spirit, and wresting words of Scripture, and counterfeiting, as if the sinceere Preachers of the Gospel, said as they doe, and had so written. 2 Thes. 2.2. And through this subtilty, they winde and creep into houses, or So­cieties of Beleevers.

III. By creeping is here meant, and intimated also, some neglect, and over-sight in the Beleevers, especially the Multitude of them, who if they had dilligently heeded the foundation, & the savour, and Teach­ings of that Unction they received from Christ, and kept full esti­mate thereof; They might have seen the Darknnesse and unlikenesse of: the Teachings of these creepers thereto, and so how there was no need thereof to them. 1. Joh. 2.19,20,27. Gal. 3.1,2. Cor. 11.4. Gal. 2.4. Jude 4. And so had they consulted with Christ, and re­sorted to their overseers, while the Church of Beleevers had the Power of Choyse, and the Choyse was of men, taught of God.

[Page 6]The Church then, as the woman cloathed with the Sunne, &c. Rev. 12.1. Such might have been kept out, though in such time, when the outward Court is left to the Gentiles, and the man of fin gets his seat therein, and gives forth his Lawes; Then are the houses so weakned, That these Seducers come in openly enough, and the Witnesses Prophesie in Sackcloth; And so the perill greater. Rev. 11.2,3.

And the Apostle doth not Prophecy: That in a full and out­ward sense, in those times they shall Creep, but saith, That of that sort, there were in his owne time, that did then creep; For surely, else they had not been then admitted in the outward Assemblies of Beleevers to be Teachers, as in the evill times foretold they may; Though into the more speciall fellowships of Beleeuers; They are fain't still to use their Creeping.

3. And lead Captive,] This is their businesse, and the worke they doe, and the effect of their Teachings; After they are received, and begin to be entertained, and esteemed, which they laboured for; and then they begin to discover something plainly their opinion, and in­tention, They then Lead Captive, they withdraw from simple and unfained Faith, and Confidence in Christ, and rejoycing in him on­ly. 2 Cor. 11.3. Phil. 3.2,3. They pervert, and Trouble the minds of those that were inclined to the right way. Gal. 3.3,5. & 4.21. & 5.1,4,8. & 6.12. Prov. 9.15,16. And so entangle them with bondage un­der the law of Workes; then they under them, to their owne judge­ments, exalting themselves, as knowing high things, and perswa­ding their Disciples, that in submission to them, they shall attaine perfection in holinesse, and great Liberty. Gal. 4.17. 2 Cor. 11.15. Gal. 3.1,5. 2 Pet. 2.19.

And so they lead them Captive; This is their: work, and their bu­sinesse, and the effect of their Teaching.

4. Silly Women, laden with sinnes, lead away with divers Lusts▪ over learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the Truth,] Here the Apostle sets forth, with whom these Seducers prevaile, and who, and what they are that are seduced by them, and he sets them [Page 7]forth by divers Charracters meeting together on them. Ʋiz. If they are filly women, so called; not so much in respect of the sex, (as if all, or only females,) as in respect of their weaknesse, in not standing against the force of Assaults, and suffering themselves to be overcome by such seemings, and shaddowes, to part with that where­in they had seen and tasted substance, whether Male or Female; All is one; in reproof of their weaknesse, they are called women; For how­ever in Nature, and in Humane, and Morall respects, there is male, and female, and which grace destroyeth not, but ordereth. Ephe. 5. & 6. Yet in receipt, and enjoyment of the grace of God by union in Christ. There is no difference between Male and Female. Col. 3.10,11. So the like may be said in respect of folly, weaknesse, and losse by departing from Christ to another Doctrine. Gal. 5.4. And so these seduced ones, both Male, and Female, are called women, be­cause of their fillynesse, (Women not so able ordinarily to see and know the worth of a rare and rich Pearle, and Jewell, as men,) Why is there a price in the hand of a fool, to get wisedome, and hee hath no heart. Prov. 17.16. Besides the over-readinesse to beleeve every word without tryall. Prov. 14.15. and herein their weakness, as Ezek. 16. When God had done so much for them, And yet they were drawne away by vanity. vers. 13. How weake is thine heart, saith the Lord, seeing thou dost all these things, The worke of an Imperious and Whorish woman; (yet were they both Male and Female.)

And so when the mighty are taken away, and babes and children rule the people. Isai. 19.16 Jer. 30,37 & 51.30. Isa. 3.3,4. It is called Women ruling over you. Vers. 12. And so on the other side. 1 Cor. 16.13. Watch yee, stand fast in the Faith, quit you like men, be strong, was spoken to all the Beleeving Corinthians, Male and Female; as heere for sillynesse, and weaknesse, in being turned from substance, by o­thers holding forth shaddows, both Male and Female, are called Women.

2. They are laden with sinnes, which cannot be understood of going on in divers open and known froms: for that would not have stood with the forme of godlynesse in these Seducers, who would scarce vovchsafe an open corverse with such, especially in their Re­ligious Discourse; Nay, they will fault others for such conversing [Page 8]with them. Mat. 9.10,14. Joh. 7.48.49. But they are laden, and oppressed, and burthened with the risings, and motions, and Accu­sations of sinnes, that by the strength they have from the Law, Do­mineere in the Conscience: That they are fearfull, not able to look up beleevingly, and take quiet in Christ. 1 Cor. 15.56. Rom. 6.14. Though they have been lovingly envited thereto. Matt. 11.28. And they have heard of the great love of God in the gift of his Sonne; The salvation and Peace that he hath made, and the life that is in him; And that in beleeving, they shall Receive Remission of sinnes, and Eternall Life; and been helped to beleeve, and like this report; yet to beleeve in him, and quiet their hearts in him: They dare not; They cannot; oh the secret thoughts of Worldlinesse, uncleannesse, wrath, discontent; yea Pride and Atheisme, with some motions and Temptations thereunto! Oh the hardnesse and Impenitence of heart! The deadnesse too, and wandrings in Prayer, hearing the Word, &c. And till they be more humbled, and purged, and better quallifyed, and enlarged, They Dare not; They cannot, They will not beleeve in Christ: And though in the Gospel it be testified to them; That if they did so honour him in the word of grace, or report of the Gospel: They have heard, and in some measure beleeved, as to beleive, and quiet their hearts in him, and accept Christ for Remission of sinnes; Righteousnesse, Holinesse, and life; They should not on­ly receive Remission of sinnes by the Spirits application of his blood, but also purging, and operations of Spirit, that would humble, re­new, sanctifie and confirme them to Christ. Isa 28.12,16. & 30.15,16,18. Joh. 7.37,38,39. 2 Cor. 3.3.18. Tit. 3.4,5.

And that till they first beleeve in Him, These things will never be rightly wrought in them. Joh. 15.4,5. Yet they say, They must have them first, before they can beleeve; And though in attention to the word of grace; They have met with some sweet tastes, and hints of ease, and Refreshing, encouraging to beleeve, and divers examples of others, as much laden as themselves, in beleeving helped: yet may they be complained of. How long will it be ere they beleeve? Numb. 14.11. This their unbelief, their great sinne, that holds them under all their other sinnes, is yet least complained of; but the for­mer is their burthen, whence they are ever, and anon in heavy [Page 9]Doubts, and feares: And these are apt for the Seducers, with their forme of godlynesse, and Precepts, and law of works to work upon; promising them great Freedome that waye, and in meane season, That their troubled condition is better then theirs, that are so con­fident, and that the Doubting faith is the best faith; And so these so laden with sinne, are most easily captived by them.

3. Lead away with divers Lusts,] This is that which made them so weake, and gives such an Advantage to the Seducers, to captive them, and that through which they are led away; They have divers lusts; They have a lust or desire, that God would approve and speake Peace. They would have Eternall Life, though they doe not whol­ly submit to the way. Mat. 19.16,27. Joh. 5.40.

They also desire to be approved of such as have taught the Gospel to them: And they desire to be approved of these Seducers, because of their forme of godlinesse, and zeal, and pretence of strictnesse in du­ties, whereby they fault all that are not as they. Thus loving the praise of men, and seeking Approbation from them, and not singly that which comes from God alone: This diversity of their Lusts stops them from beleeving in Christ: And turnes them aside from those that speake only in his Name. And apts them for Seducers that speak of themselves, and so they are led away. Joh. 5.4,44. & 7.46,53. & 12.42,43.

4. They are ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the Truth:] They are ever Learning, oft hearing, and questioning a­bout the truth of the Gospel, that sets forth Christ; But they re­ceive not the love of the Truth, They accept it not, that Christ in the Gospel offereth them; That in letting goe other delights, wayes, and confidences, casting themselves on him in beleeving, they shall finde in him, and receive through him pardon, justification, renewing, sancti­fication, &c. which not Accepting, they are in stead of beleeving, still questioning, and asking both of one, and another of the Children of the Free-woman, and of the Children of the Bond-woman; And so abi­ding under the Accusation of sinne by the Law; or if some ease, yet lust­ing after Approbation on both sides; They so entangle themselves; That they are at no time able to come to the knowledge of the Truth; and so fits themselves for delusions. 2 Thess. 2.10. 1 Joh. 2.19,20,27,28.

[Page 10]That in Jesus Christ, there is a Redemption wrought, and Life obtained, and that onely through the freenesse of his grace; in be­leeving in Him, Remission of sinnes, and Justification is received, and he righteousnesse to the Beleever: some of them in some measure understand, and rejoyce for Gal. 3.1.5 & 4.15.

But that he is Sanctification to the Beleevers, and hath taken on himself, by Spirit, to worke Salvation in them; To purge, renew, sanctify, and perfect all that concerneth them. 1 Thess. 5.24. Isai. 26.12. Psal. 138.8.

And that in beleeving on him, so as through the beliefe of his grace in the former; They are united to him in Dependence on him, for the latter; They shall receive it, and hee will effect it in due season. Rom. 4.24,25. and 5.1,11.

This full forme of CHRIST is not in them; They are no whit experimented in this Knowledge; nor so perswaded of the truth, whence they are ready to receive the Doctrine of the Sedu­cers, to attaine this Sanctification by Workes, and observances of the law of Workes. Gal. 4.19. & 5.1,5,8. & 1.9. 2 Cor. 11.15.

And these weake unsetled ones are they, with whom the Sedu­cers prevaile.

5. Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses; so doe these also resist the Truth;] This is the manner of their working, for accom­plishing their businesse, in which, two things are observeable. Viz.

1. That they resist the Truth; That is the Gospel, and the Truth of CHRIST in the Gospel: yet rightly to understand this busi­nesse, wee must distinguish, as the Apostle doth, betweene the time in which the Apostle wrote, and while they and their Labourers watched over the Churches, while Anti-Christ could get no seat, nor Authority, so much as in the outward Court thereof, In which time were yet some perrills by these Seducers more secretly creeping in. v. 6. 2 Thes. 2.7,8. 1 Joh. 2.18,19. And the times of which the Apostle prophesyeth. v. 1. chap. 4.3. In which through the Gentiles comming into the outward Court, Antichrist should get a seat, and Authority therein. Rev. 11.1.2. 2 Thes. 2.4.

And so the Seducers come more openly, and boldly. 2 Thess. 2.10,11. being also more evill, growing worse, and worse. 1 Tim. 3.13. and so the times more perrillous. Vers. 1. Chap. 4.3.

[Page 11]In the Apostles times; they did not denie the extent of the Ran­some, nor Justification freely by the grace of God in Christ, by faith only, to be received, (as the Pharisaicall Did,) but onely the so freely preaching the Gospel to All men before; or having fellow­ship with them, and they not yet undered to the observances of the Mosaicall Law. And also, denying Sanctification of Body and soul, preservation in Grace, Conformity to Christ, Justification of up­rightnesse to God, and so growth to perfection, to be had by Faith, in Dependence on God in Christ, for effecting it, without being un­dered to the workes of the Law, for that businesse. 1 Thess. 2.1 6. Gal. 2.9.20. and 3.1,2,3,4,5. 2 Cor. 11.3,4,15.

And in denying both these, they denyed the Truth; even the Go­spell, and Christ in the Gospel, and so the power of godli­nesse.

But in the more perrilous times prophecyed of; They will pro­ceed further; many denying both these parts of truth, which they confessed: some denying Justification before God, to be onely by grace received by Faith; Affirming it to be by mans own workes, to­gether with Faith. 1 Tim. 6.6,7. 2 Tim. 4.3,4.

Others denying the entent of the Ransome; According to the plaine Affirmations of the Gospel; And thereby shutting the doore of Repentance against most men, and so teaching them to denie the Lord that bought them. 2 Pet. 2.1,2.

And both sort denying that Portion of the Spirit, given with su­pernaturall light, motion, and power to teach, and witnesse the things of Christ; and worke his minde in the Beleevers, which hee giveth since his comming in the Flesh. 2 Pet. 1.19. & 3.17,18. 1 Joh. 3.24. & 4.1,6. Jude 19.

2. That they resist the truth; as Jannes and Jambres withstood Mo­ses. First; In their pride, and high-mindednesse (as the Magicians thought by Enchantment to doe as much as Moses by the Power of GOD; so) they presume, by their fleshly Wisedome & Knowledge, to set forth the meaning of the Gospel, and the wayes of God, as much, and as well, as those that are through the word of Grace en­lightened, and taught of God, and have the word of Grace, and ex­periments of his goodnesse in their heart. Joh. 11.12. Col. 2.18. Revel. 9.1,2.

[Page 12]Being ready to reply against the Teachers of the Truth, as Zede­kiah, the sonne of Chenaanah. 1 King. 22.24. Which way went the Spirit of the Lord from me to speake unto thee?

Secondly; By their subtilty, and craft, in use of their fleshly witt, and skill; As the Magicians, when Moses used only the Word of the Lord, and held forth his Rod: They used sorceries and enchant­ments; So when the Servants of God use nothing but Scripture, and Scripture Interpretations, and hold forth the Word of Life in, and according to the plaine sayings of the Gospel; These Sedu­cers make use of humane, and fleshly Wisedome, and use the enti­sing words of mans Wisedome. 1 Cor. 2.1,4.

And not allowing the Gospel to be delivered, vnderstood and be­leeved, as it is in the still and plaine sayings thereof; And ashamed with plaine and open face; (few so brazen-faced,) to denie, and con­tradict the same; To helpe all, and colour their opposition, and deceive their hearers; They frame out of it, here a Precept, and there a Precept, one unto another, To teach and enjoyne, and then adde here a line, and there a line, one upon another, to comfort. Isai. 28.12,13. And having in their heart no Gospel that is full, true and cer­taine, to Preach plainly, and positively, as true, before men beleeve; That for the goodnesse and truth of it, men might beleeve. 1 Cor. 9.26. Nor liking it, that others should have such a Gospel, and so preach it; They are full of subtill Questions, and surmizes of ab­surdities; if the plaine sayings of the Cospel be understood in their own expressions; and therefore devise them another meaning, with their faire glosses. Mat. 22,23.28. 1 Tim. 1.6. 2 Tim. 2.14.16.

And thirdly; with this their pride, and cunning, they counter­feit by their Teachings, the doing of the same things, that the ser­vants of the Truth in their Ministration doe, as convincing men of sinne, making them to loath earthy pleasures, bringing them to much fasting, Prayer, Zeal, and many duties. Rom. 10.3. 1 Tim. 1.7.

And so beguile, and deceive many: And lastly, they get into, and have Authority in great Mens, and Princes Courts, and by all, seek to hinder People from acknowledging the power of God in the Go­spel. Act. 13.8. even as the Magicians did with Pharach, and the [Page 13] Egyptians, whence also these Seducers are compared too, and called in the Scriptures, Inchanters and Witches. Isa. 8.18,19,20. and those that are seduced by them are said to be bewitched. Gal. 3.1.

6. Men of corrupt mindes, reprobate (or of no Judgement) concer­ning the Faith.] Here is the true, and plaine Carracter of these Se­ducers, however they cloak themselves, in which two things are ob­servable.

1. They are of corrupt minds, and that both in the conception, and inclination thereof.

First, In the conception of their minds; They are corrupt, in that.

I. They think that their Humane, and Artificiall Knowledge, Wise­dome, and Prudence, in the livingnesse thereof, is an help, and handmaid meet to be Sanctified, to help to finde out the Spirituall Knowledge of the Deep things of GOD, that are in CHRIST, to bestow on his Chosen, contrary to the Testimony of the Holy Ghost, That saith; They are onely discerned by the enlightning, and Revelati­on of the Spirit, and that that other Wisedome, and Knowledge shall be confounded and brought to naught, before they can be rightly used for ex [...]ssion. Matt. 11.25. & 16,17. & 21.16. 1 Cor. 1.19,20,27. and 2. [...].9,14.

II. They thinke, the only necessary way for them to Prosper in their Ministration, is to be Alive, and have great esteeme in the hearts of such as heare them, for great Learning, Knowledge, and Skill, con­trary to the Judgement, and experiment of those taught of GOD, who have Abased themselves in that respect, and affirmed that when Death wrought in them, life wrought in others. Prov. 30.2,3. 2 Cor. 4,5,12.

[Page 14] III. They are not of one mind; some more grosse, as the Saduces, and some more refined as the Pharisees in their conception of the way.

Secondly, In the inclination of their mindes, not to exilt Christ onely, but themselves, as Lords and Rabbyes, liking it best that the Peo­ple should rest on their Judgements for points of Faith, and interpreta­tion of Scripture, and not to presume to know beyond; contrary to the Ʋpright, that were not content, till they knew as themselves knew, and had their evidence from God, that they might not depend on them, and would have them still be trying by Scripture, and wait for that Know­ledge; and rejoyced when they had it. 2 Cor. 4.5. Joh. 3.29,30. 2 Pet. 1.18,19,20. besides the glary, honour, wealth, and great places, they Desire, and seek for themselves. Gal. 4.17.

From which corrupt Mindes, proceed their corrupt reasoning, and Practice; First, Their corrupt reasoning, and Arguments: can it be, that so many great Learned and Godly Devines, Ministers, and Professors, Annas and Cayaphas; The high Priests; The Priests and Elders; The Scribes and Pharisees, that sit in Moses Chayre; and all their Disciples, whom the great Church so long Reverenced, should be ignorant of the Truth, and erre; and that a Carpenter, the Sonne of a Carpenter; and a few Fishers, a Publican, a Tent­maker; men that are Gallileans, whom scarce any follow, but the common Illiterate People, that know not the Law, should k [...]w the mind of God, and be in the Truth? Joh. 7.47,52. As the Anti­christian Brood reason.

Is it likely so many Godly Fathers, Divines, Bishops, Counsells, The great Church for so many Hundreth yeares; should erre, and a few despi­sed upstarts should be in the Truth?

Secondly; Their corrupt practise of worshipping Angels, (Messen­gers,) Adoring these great learned Officers, as if they could not erre; and so to be Depended on for all knowledge, and certainty of the word of Truth, not presuming to know; but what they have declared, nor looking for further light then in their sayings; And so calling them the Church; Thereby (as their Fathers the Pharisees [Page 15]of old, shaddowed Christ, with two heads, by having two High Priests,) making Christ two Bodies, or Churches, one Spirituall; another Secular, one of the Clergy; another of the Laity; one of Publike Officers, and Members, Another of private members, without Office, that the one may depend on the other, and neither hold the head, and both neglect the True Body. Col. 2.18,20. Con­trary to 1 Cor. 12. Chap. like that 1 Cor. 1.12.

2. They are Reprobate, and of no judgement concerning the Faith concerning Letters, Tongues, Etimology of words, Philoso­phy, Logick, diversity of Bookes, Histories, Genealogies, Moralli­ties, To move subtill Questions; To answer knotty Questions; To Dipute about Law, &c. They may be of great skill. 1 Cor. 1.19,20. 1 Tim. 1,2.

But concerning the Faith, in that they are of no judgement; whether we respect the Doctrine; and object of Faith, or the Spirit, Grace, and opperation of Faith: For; How all men should be re­conciled to God in Christ, and yet most men in themselves, and their own hearts, enemies to Christ, and so to God still? 2 Cor. 5.19,20. How Christ should have paid the price for, and bought all men into his dispose, and yet justly Judge many of them to eternall Death? Rom. 14.8,12. How enough should be done for All men, by Christ, that they might be saved, and yet many not infallible, atter­narly saved? Joh. 3.17,19. How man being dead in sinnes, &c. And having no Power or freedome of will, to choose life, and yet so much done by Christ, to make his Will free, That the fault of his not be­ing [...]lly saved, should be found in his owne will, and not in the Will of God, and Christ? Joh. 3.17,19. & 1.9. Prov. 1.23,26. Ezek. 18.23.32. & 33.11. How there should be such a Will in God, To have all men saved, and then brought to acknowledge the truth; And that Christ should Accomplish this his will, and condemne any to Eternall Death? 1 Tim. 2.4,5,6. 2 Pet. 2.1.

How God should Order all things in his Counsells, and work all things according to the Counsell of his owne Will; and yet not so ne­cessitate any to destruction; But that their destruction is of themselves; They loose their owne souls, and bring upon themselves Destructi­on? Ephes. 1.11. Hos. 13.9. Mat. 16.26. 2 Pet. 2.1,2.

[Page 16]They cannot rightly conceive, or declare: Againe, in the distin­ction, the Spirit in the Scripture maketh between the Salvation, Iesus Christ wrought in his owne body with God for men. 1 Pet. 2.24. And the salvation which in Application of the former; hee by his Spirit work­eth in men to God. Revel. 5.9. 2 Cor. 5.18.

The Salvation he came down from heaven, & was abased to work, that he might bring us to God. Joh. 16.28. Heb. 10.1,10. 1 Pet. 3.18. And the Salvation, he ascended to heaven, was glorifyed to Worke, in making sonnes, and bringing them to God. Psal. 68.18.20. Act. [...]5.31.32. Be­tween the divers ends of Christ, in laying down his Life.

• 1. To be a Ransome, and Propitiation for sinnes. Heb. 9.22. Rom. 3.24,25.
• 2. To seale, and confirme the New Testament of Precious Promises. Heb. 9.15,16,17.
• 3. To be an example to us of Sufferings. 1 Pet. 2.23. And the diffe­rent extent of these ends. 1 Joh. 2.1,2,3.

And between the mission of Christ, To be the Saviour of the World, in Dying, and giving himself [...] a Ransome for All. 1 Joh. 4.14. Joh. 1.29. and 3.17. and his Mission to Preach the Gospel, and confirme it with Miracles, which was to the Iewes, and for the Circumcision. Matt. 15.24. Rom. 18.8,9.

Between his giving Himself to die, and offer Sacrifice, and his gi­ving himself to Advocate, and apply the vertue of his Sacrifice. 1 Tim. 2.6. 1 Joh. 2.1,2. Ephe. 5.25,26,27.

Between his Purchasing of his Father, by blood-shedding. Rom. 14.9. 2 Pet. [...].1.

And the Purchasing from among men, by his spirituall Application of his blood that was shed. Rev. 5.9. Act. 20.28.

Between that which is full, compleat and true, in Christ for All men, That they may beleeve, and in beleeving, receive it. Rom. 3.23,25. and 5.18. 1 Joh. 5.10,11,12. And these high and peculiar Priviledges in Christ, further to dispense to such as through grace, are enabled to Beleeve, Joh. 1.12,13. and 7.36.39. Yea, between the extent and scope of the generall Affirmations of the Gospel, as Propositions for Faith in the Third Person. Joh. [...].19. [...]. Tim. 2.6. and Applicative Affirmations, in First or Second Person. Rom. 8.3 [...]. Gal. 2.20. In all, or most of these [Page 17]Distinctions, they are ignorant, and confound them in one, as of like large extent; whence issues their setting the Scriptures at va­viance, to be reconciled by their prooflesse Glosses; And their corrupt opinion, that all Christ dyed for, must of necessity be eter­nally saved, and their false conjectures and Reports of those that be­leeve CHRIST gave himself a Ransome for All Men, as that they hold men by nature to have Free-Will; or that Men may live as they list, &c. And as they are thus void of Judgement about the Do­ctrine, and object of Faith; so also about the Spirit, grace, and op­peration of Faith. How by the very evidence of the Spirit, in the appearance of Grace, manifested in the Blood and Sacrifice of Christ; and fulnesse in him; A man should be overcome to beleeve, and therein receive remission of sinnes, Peace with God, and hope, without encouragement from any works, frames, or quallifications of his own, or use of humane reasonings, or thoughts to help to faith. Tit. 3.4,5,7. Ephes. 2.8. Rom. 4.25. & 5.1. 2 Joh. 3.5.

How through the Spirit, in this very beleeving, a man should be brought to depend on Christ, for subduing lusts, and Satan, for San­ctification, preservation, in grace; The precious Promises, and eter­nall life, without his owne humane reasonings, workings, and self application of Promises. Rom. 5.11. 1 Joh. 2.24,25. Zach. 4.6,7. Gal. 5.5. 1 Thess. 5.24.

How in this confident Beleeving, the Spirit writes the Law of grace in the heart, and by Discoverie of glorious Grace in Christ, Takes off from earthy Excellencies, Melts, Humbles, Renewes, and Conformes to the likenesse of Christ, and fills with spirituall moti­ons, and fruits, leading into all Truth, and unto all Services of Charity, without a mans own helpfulnesse of him by workings af­ter the Law of workes, and yet with no contrariety to it. Phil. 3.3,9. 2 Cor. 3.3.18. Gal. 5.16.18,22,23. and 6.8. Joh. 16.13,14. Rom. 8.2.14.

How by abiding in this Faith, love shall work out all righteous­nesse, that law requireth in a free bringing it forth, and the Beleever grow in Sanctification, and fruitfulnesse, without being undered to the Law of Workes, to bring it forth; Yet having Commande­ments as Servants, to Order the exercise of Charity. Rom. 13.10. [Page 18]2 Cor. 5.14. Gal. 5.13,18. Joh. 15.1.10. Of these things they are ig­norant, and of no Judgement, whence they make use of Arguments and Reasons, from frames, and quallifications to make up Faith. 2 Cor. 10.7.12.18. And turne aside to be Teachers and imposers of the Law, for Sanctification. 1 Tim. 1.5.6,7.

That nothing be said of those higher, and more mysterious Com­munications of Spirit, through Faith, in which the Beleever is brought to see within the Vaile, To receive the heavenly Oracles, To see unexpressible beauty, and receive unutterable entercourses of Love, &c. 1 Cor. 2.9. Phil. 3.20. Cant. 1,2, &c.

The very uttering of the experiments whereof; These Seducers are such Strangers to them, that they count them follyes, call them Sattannicall Delusions, and Enthusiasmes, and Distempered Fren­zies. Joh. 7.20. Act. 26.24. 1 Cor. 2.14.

And thus are they marked out, To be of corrupt mindes, and of no Judgement concerning the Faith.

7. But they shall proceed no further;] Here is their period, or full stop: The extent of their Worke; Both in what they shall doe, and with whom they shall prevaile, to seduce and leade them cap­tive.

1. The utmost of their Worke, is but to trouble, and con­vince of sinne, To presse to Duties, and helpe to such hopes as are still under question, and in the Issue, gender to bondage, and Cap­tive to the Judgement of the Seducers: This is the utmost of their worke; That they may be still admiring, and relying on them also. Gal. 4.17.22,31. &. 5.8,12. Rom. 7.9. Phil. 3.1,2,7.

But receipt of Spirit, and freedome in Christ, and experiment of fellowship with Christ, is not received in their Ministration. Gal. 3.1,5. & 5.1,3.

2. The utmost of their prevailing, is onely with those that are yet unstable in the Faith, and lusting after approbation of men; whence, as those that are stable, and stedfast, are likened to men, and called men. 1 Cor. 16.13.

So these unstable Ones, that are turned aside, are compared to Women, and called Women; And so the Apostle Intimates the Gallatians turning aside, to be for want of the forme of CHRIST, [Page 19]in them. Gal. 4.19. And preferre faith; they are such as are un­learned, (not taught of God: as Isai. 34.13,17.) And Unstable (in the Faith,) That pervert the Scriptures, to their Destruction; And such they are, that fall from the Doctrine; In which their sted­fastnesse is, and might be attained; and are so carryed away with the errour of the wicked. 2 Pet. 3.16,17,18.

With none but such shall they prevaile; They shall proceed no further.

8. But their folly shall be manifest to all men, as theirs also was;] Here is the last Issue of their businesse; And that is, when they still at­tempt, as the Magicians Did to proceed to doe the same things that God by his servants doth: Their folly appears.

1. In their Attempting so to preach Gospel, as to bring their seduced, and Imbondaged from their bondage, and into the King­dome, and Liberty of CHRIST; There they fall short, and turne a­side to vaine Janglings, Fables, Genealogyes, and strive about Words, saying, and affirming, that they understand not; and are in many things, ever and anon unsaying againe. 1 Tim. 1.6. & 4,7. & 6.4,5,20. 2 Tim. 2.14,15. Wherein their folly becomes ma­nifest.

2. In their deasings with those, who experimentally know, and are established in the Faith; they both faile of their purpose; and their folly appeares to them, and may by them be made mani­fest to others; and in due season shall be manifest to All Men. 1. Joh. 2.18,28. Isai. 60.14.

And thus, as this place may be found opened by, and agreeing with other places of Scripture, are these Seducers discovered; that they may be knowne.

Yet I know, There is one exposition of the Word Houses here, by which, some would turne all aside: Namely.

That by HOUSES, are meant PRIVATE-HOUSES, or mens Divelling Houses, built of Timber and Clay, Lime, and stone, &c.

[Page 20]Though I suppose, they conceive these to have theire Denomi­nation from the house, houshold, or Family Inhabiting in them, else what meaneth that, 1 Cor. 1.11. Them of the House of Cloe. And againe, Though such Houses, as they speake of, have been, are, and may be Preached in; yet consider.

I. What Divinity is in this Interpretation; when the Apostle is treating of the House of GOD, and the Doctrine and behaviour therein, and of the evills of Seducers in the same, to understand houses so grosly? 1 Tim. 3.15. 2 Tim. 2.3.

II. What Christianity is in this Interpretation, To lay down a sense so to condemne some, as they therein condemne Christ Jesus, and his Apostles, and Disciples, who as they Preached the Gospel in the Temple, and Synagogue, so they did Preach in mens houses also; and from house to house. Mat 9.10.17 & 12.46.48. Act. 5.42. & 20.20. Yea, in their own houses. Ioh. 1.39.43. Yea, even hired houses.

III. Let this Interpretation be granted; yet there is neither Wisedome; nor Truth in their Application of it.

For first, Reason would tell a man; That these Seducers so care­full of their honour, and safety; would not commit Buglary in breaking into mens houses; nor as Theeves, creep in at the win­dows, nor as silly ones, come in secretly, by the inletting of false ser­vants, nor yet without the Invitation and Admittance of the Go­vernours of those Houses: And then they are false witnesse bearers; which in such a sense say, They creep in: And

Secondly; The truth is, The Apostle saith, Houses; Addeth nei­ther mens Houses, nor private Houses, and what are they that adde, or take away from the words of Scripture, as the Divell did in his Allegation thereof. Deut. 4. Matt. 4.6.

[Page 21]And is not the publick place, where People meet to Worship God, called a house also. Joh. 2.16.

And are not such as have not not the Word of Grace in their hearts, and so want Authority from heaven, and secretly get out­ward Authority, and come into these Houses, (without the fore­knowledge, and desire of those that maintaine the same, and meet therein,) to be their Teachers; Creepers into Houses?

And can they that have the Word of Grace in their hearts occa­sionally Declaring it; not presuming to be Teachers in these Houses without a lawfull outward Gall? Act. 13.15.

Nor in private Houses, without the Admittance of the Gover­nours of those houses. Act. 10.33. Be said to creep into Houses, let either right Reason, or Religion judge this, and how contrary it is to. 1 Pet. 2.2,3,4,5,9.

And as for this Grosse Interpretation, for a mis-application, to condemne the use of Spirituall gifts in Beleevers fellowship in the Gospel, in Declaration of the same, and praying together in mens houses; Is it not contrary to the Spirit of Christ. 1 Cor. 12.7.

The Practise of Christ and his Apostles; The end of Christ, his Assention, and giving of Spirit. Ephes. 4.7,12. and the growth of the body. vers. 16.

Doth it not sad the hearts of Beleevers, and strengthen the hands of unbeleevers? Ezek. 33.3,22. Who receiveth it, doth not the World? 1 Joh. 4.5.

Doth it not occasion some that sit in the gate, to speake and doe that they should not against Beleevers, and the Drunkards to make songs, and the Hypocrites to make Jeasts of them, and the Abjects to rave against them? Psal. 69.7,12. and 35.15,16.

And while they would by this meanes engrosse all to themselves, and exalt themselves, as the onely Teachers; Is not that verifyed in their teaching, that is Prophecyed. Ezek. 34.1,6.

And are not their common Approvers, those Prophecyed of. 2 Tim. 4.3,4.

And let but this corrupt Interpretation, and mis-application be rejected: And then this sense of the Word Houses, may be added in the second place to that at first mentioned; and stands well for [Page 22]receiving all that is said about this businesse: Let the Scripture be viewed, and so the place considered: And then let any, that will not wilfully blind themselves, consider, and give Answer, as in their owne Conscience and Judgement, they conceive; And say.

1. Who, or of what Number are these Seducers to be reckoned? and of what sort will you count the Seducers? whether of those

[Page 26]Now whether the Seducers in respect of outward, and Ecclesi­asticall Authority, get in more secretly; as they were faine to doe in in the Apostles dayes, or more openly, as they doe in the dayes the A­postle Prophesied of. 2 Tim. 3.6.1. and 4.3. To teach in private or Publick Houses, if any be doubtfull, of which of these two sorts they are, let him reade. 2 Tim. 3.2,6.

2. Againe, who are they that creep into houses Publike or Private. Those▪

3. Or who doth the work of these Seducers? Those that entangle with bondage, or those that endeavour to bring to liberty in Christ. And so it may be Demanded, according to what is fore-mentioned in this wright­ing, by which all that know & Beleeve the Scripture, may give Answer, & so both truly discerne, and say: who these Seducers. bee; which may also.

• 1. Warne all that beleeve, and professe the Gospel, to beware of these Seducers, and of being spotted with their spots; and of Inward, and intimate fellowship with them; or receiving their Peachings, [Page 27]but the more abundantly to Preach the Gospel, and contend for the faith. 1 Tim. 6.3,5. 2 Tim. 3.5. & 4.2,3,4. Jude 1,2,3,4.
• 2. Stirre up all, not to rest, till they be established in the Faith; That so they may be out of the Danger of being overcome by these Seducers. Gal. 4.17. 2 Pet. 1.10,19.
• 3. Comfort us all that are establish in CHRIST: These Se­ducers shall not carry away the least established babe. 1 Pet. 1.3,5. and 2.2,9. with Matth. 16.16.18.