SECT. I.

The Sincerity or Hypocrisy of such a Pro­fessor, will appeare and lye much in this, as he hath or hath not within him a Principle and Foundation for what is acted, and doth ap­peare without him. That he (pretending to be a Christian) be so indeed, 1 Tim. 5. 3. Ioh. 1. 47. 8. 31. That he be by the immorrall seed of the word of God, brought to be a believer in Christ, and so in Christ by his Faith, and Christ by his spirit in him; For otherwise there is no being of a Christian, no more then there is of a man that hath a Body and no Soule, Gal: 2. 20. Coll. 3. 12. and 1. 27. And if so, then Christ is formed in him, and he is thereby made at the same instant a new Creature like to Christ himselfe, 1 Pe. 1. 23. Io. 1. 12. 13. Io: 3. 4, 5. Gal. 4. 19. [Page 35] That there be within him the foundation or root of Repentance from dead Works, and Faith in God, Heb. 4. 1. And thereby that Jesus Christ be laid in the heart, for hereby only a man doth become a living and true Christian, 1 Cor. 3. 11. Mat. 13. 21. herein lyeth a foundation for sincerity. And Hypocrisie ly­eth in the contrary hereof, where a man shall pretend to be a Believer in Christ, assume the body, name, and shape of a Christian, and pre­tend to be a new Creature, and true Christian, and is not so indeed. He is not as yet begotten againe, 1 Pet: 1. 3. He never saw his case by nature, his need of Christ, never was broken in heart; went to Christ laden, and as a sick man to his Physitian, he never sought by Faith, to have him into his heart, but if he did look after Christ, it was perhaps for some thing else, Io. 5. 40. Esay 66 2. Mat 11. 28. Io. 3. 13, 14, 15. 16. Io. 6. 26, 27. This man seemeth to be a living Christian, but is dead, Rev. 2. 1. as a building without any foundation, Mat. 7. 24, 25. &c. A tree without a root, Mat. 13. 21. Rev. 3. 9. That say, they are Jews and are not. Rom. 9. 6. They are not all Israel, that are of Israell. &c. Nor are all they that appeare to be Christians, and are so called, Christians indeed, Io. 1. 47. Rom. 2. 28, 29. He is not a Jew that is one outwardly, &c. But he is a Jew, that is one inwardly, &c. Esay 48. 1, 2, 3, [Page 36] &c. and 41. 1. Rom. 2. 17. and 9. 6. Io: 8. 33. Mat. 3. 9. And this may be the case of many professing Christians in the World at this day, among Protestants of all sorts, Lutherans, Cal. vinists, Presby erians, Independents, new Bap­tized men, 5 Monarchie men, Arminians, Qua­kers, and the rest, and also amongst Papists.

SECT. II.

2. It lyeth much in this, as the Professor is taught of Christ. The true Christian he doth first of all come to Christ, and is taught of him by his word, and knows the Truth of the Go­spell, as it is in Jesus, and carrieth the same with him to direct his way in his opinion and conversation. For the first thing that the true convert doth at his conversion, is to aske what he is to doe. As did Paul. Acts 9. 6. and the Gaylor, Acts 16. 30. And the Converts Act. 2. 37, 38. and to learne the knowledge of Gods ways, Esay 22. Ephes 1. 18, 19. Mat. 11. 25. 1 Cor. 2. 14. 2 Ioh. 1. 2, 3. &c. By this knowledge of the truth only are men regenerate, 1 Cor. 4. 15. 1 Pet. 1. 3. And by this knowledge are men sa­ved 1 Tim. 2. 4. Ephes 1 13. And therefore all the saved are said to be such as know the truth, 2 Io. 1. 1. On the other side Hypocrisie lyeth in this. That a man pretending to be a true Chri­stian [Page 37] is ignorant and hath no ground or war­rant for what he holdeth or practiseth, but is led aside by his own or other Fancies into error in opinion or practise, be he never so cordiall in it, yet it is a peece of Insincerity, 1 Tim 4. 2. Speaking lies in Hypocrisie. Hence is that exhor­tation Eccles. 5. 1. and 1 Chron. 28. 8. And so was Paul Hypocriticall in what he did before his conversion, 1 Tim. 1. 13. Hence is that Phill. 1. 9. Io. 6. 45. Pro. 17. 2. Gal. 6. 16. 1 Cor: 2. 13, 14.

SECT. III.

3. It lyeth much in his Obedience to what he is taught. The sincere Christian doth give himselfe up wholly to the obedience and pra­ctise of the will of Christ, so revealed to him by his word, that he is not only a hearer, but a doer thereof, and is made conformable to it, and to bring forth the fruit of it, his heart is so dissolved and melted by the work of the Spirit in it, that it is become like wax made soft. As this will take any impression of the Seale, so that any Impression of the Spirit; That he doth believe any thing which God doth promise, and will doe any thing which God doth command, especially the Gospell and doctrine of Salva­tion by Jesus Christ, which he receiveth in the love thereof, and resignes up himselfe to his [Page 38] obedience: and is exact and circumspect in a holy walking with God, according to the will of Christ, Psal: 119, 1. 3. Phil: 3. 17. 3 Io 4. Psal: 26. 1. 6. Tit: 2. 11, 12. Act. 9. 6, 7. Io. 1. 45, 46, 47. 2 Cor. 3 18. Acts 2. 37. 38, 42. Acts 16. 31, 32. &c. Isa. 2 2. Let us learne the knowledge of his ways and we will walk therein, Rom: 2. 13. Iames 1. 22. Mat. 3. 8. 9. Mat. 13. 22, 23. the good hearer. But otherwise for a man to heare Gods word ne­ver so much, and so carefully and constantly, to have or seem to have some love to, and delight in it, and to profit never so much in the know­ledge of it, and not at least in his desire and en­deavour, to live up, and be made conformable [...]o it; but to be loose and carelesse in his conver­sation and life, is but a piece of Hypocrisie. And so are all that are enemies to, or the false friends of Jesus Christ. Mat. 7. 22, 23. Many will say we have prophesied in thy name &c. Luke 13. 26. We have eaten and drank in thy presence, and thou hast taught in our streets, but he shall say, I know ye not, de­part from me ye workers of Iniquity. Notwithstand­ing all their faire pretences (more then most have) they were workers of iniquity, even then when they wrought miracles. For he saith I never knew you, Mat: 7. 23. (that is,) I never loved you nor approved of you, no not then when you eat in my presence, preached in my name, and by a faith of Miracles (which Hypo­crites [Page 39] may have) cast out Devills. The three sorts of bad hearers, Herod, Luke 6. the Pharises, Luke 19. 14. Jo. 15. 18. 2 Thes. 2. 10. Hosea 7. 8, 14. Ezek. 33. 31. They heare thy words, but doe them not. Rom: 16. 17. Amos 5. 10. Esay 1 13 2. &c 48. 1, 2. &c. Psal. 50. 16, 17. thou hatest to be refor­med. &c. 1 Tim: 1. 2. &c. Psal. 58. 2.

SECT. IV.

4. Sincerity and Hypocrisie lye much in a mans labour, or neglect to cleanse his heart. The sincere Christian, he doth desire and lab­our, not only the cleansing of the outside, and to seem to be good, but also and especially the cleansing of the inside, and rather to be then seem to be good, Psal. 119. 80. Let my hart be sound, 1 Pet. 3. 3, 4. whose adorning, let it not be the outward adorning &c. but let it be the hidden man of the heart, &c. Mat. 23. 27. 1 Tim: 1. 5. The end of the Commandement (that is, the scope or sub­stance of it,) is love out of a pure heart, & of a good conscience, Psal. 58. 2 and 52. 3. Acts 20. 13, 20, 21. Jo. 13. 26, 27.

SECT. V.

5. Sincerity and Hypocrisie lye also much in the universality and partiality of a mans o­bedience. [Page 40] The true Christian his desire and la­bour is to be universally holy, pure, obedient: and conformable to the whole will of God, in opinion and practise, in heart and life, and to be compleat and perfect, he will doe no more nor lesse then what God requireth in reference to Religion, and what is betwixt God and him: And in reference to his converse and com­merce with men. Either as to his office, or to his calling, or to his Trading, or to his Family, or to the poore or to the Rich: Iob: 31. 24, 25, 26, 27, 33. Psal i 78 72. And in his externall o­bedience to the word, to be the same in all things. He doth all that is commanded. He is for all kind of works; workes of Piety, Chari­ty, Justice, and Righteousnesse. And for all sorts of Duties, publique and private, greater & lesser, those that are in, and those that are out of request, he is for prayse, as well as pray­er. Luke 17. 13, 15. And avoydeth all that God forbiddeth as David Psal. 119. 6. 128. Zacharias and Elizabeth, Luke 1. 6. and the Apostles Acts 2. 42. Ephe. 5. 1. Mat: 16. 24. Phil. 2. 12. & doth so in al times, and alwayes: In times of prosperity as well as in times of adversity. In times of the flourishing, as well as in times of the persecu­ted estate of the Gospell, as David Psal. 119. 44. 112. and 34. 1. and Cornelius Acts 10. 2. Phil, 2. 12. In all places secretly and openly: abroad [Page 41] and at home, Psal: 101, 1, 2. Phil: 2. 12. Mat: 6. 5, 6. In all Cases, in Health in Sicknesse, in peace in trouble, in plenty in want, Psal: 119. 54. 81, 82, 83. In all Companies good or bad, Friends or Enemies, Psal: 119. 46 and 18. 21, 23. 24. And it lyeth much in this, as he is in his acts of Truth, Mercy, Justice, and Righteous­nesse towards men, Mat. 23. 14, 23. Esay 1. 11, 12, 17, Psal: 119. 10 [...]. I have refrained my feet from every evill way, that I may keep thy word. And on the other side, herein lyeth much of Hypocrisie, that a man doth not labour to be holy throughout, but in part perhaps, in his life only, and doth allow of some evill in his heart, against the will of God. And for this that his externall obedi­ence is lame and defective in some things: that either he doth too much, he joyneth with Gods commands the commands of men, with the Counsells of the word, humane Traditions and his own fancies. So the Pharisees Mat: 15. 2, 3, &c. Luke 18. 10, 11, 12. and the Jewes, Hosea 5 1, 2, &c. Zeph: 1. 2, 3, 5. Esay 65. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7. Mat: 5. 19. or he doth too little and lacketh some­thing, as the young man, Luke 18. 22. Either he doth not all that is commanded, or he doth not avoid all that is forbidden, or he doth by halves that he doth, as the Pharisees, Mat. 15. 3, 6. as Herod, Marke 6. 20, 21, 27. and Jehu, 2 Kings 10. 1, 2, 31. &c. and the Jewes Exod: 16, 28, 29. and [Page 42] as some think Naaman, 2 Kings 5. 18. and Saul, 1 Sam: 10. 10. compared with 14. 33, 34. Hosea 7. 8, 13, 16. and Balaam, Num. 31. 11. the Jews Isa. 1. 12, 13. &c. the Pharises, Mat. 23. 23. or that a man doth all that is required, but not at all times, not in time of adversity, as in time of Prosperity: so Jobs Hypocrite, Joh. 27. 10. So Saul, 1 Sam: 13. 8, 9, 10. and 28. 7. and 15. 22, 23. Psal: 78. 33, 34, 35, 36. Nor alwaies but doth start aside, or fall quite away, 2 Tim. 4. 10. 1 Jo: 2. 19. Mat. 13. 20, 22, 23. Or not in all places, he is better abroad then at home; in publick then in private, Psal: 101, 1, 2 Mat. 6. 2, 5. Or not in all cases, in Religion Flourishing Cases, but not in Religion, Suffering Cases, as Jobs Hypocrite, Iob. 27. 10. the stony ground, Mat: 13. 20, 22, 23. 2 Tim: 3. 10, 16. or that a man is not the same in all company, 2 Chron. 24. 2. Gal. 2. 13.

SECT. VI.

6. Sincerity and Hypocrisie lye much in these things, as a man is more or lesse Reall and cordiall in what he appeareth to be, and that he doth more or lesse, really and cordially, what he doth, Eccles. 9. 10. And for this, 1. As he doth more or lesse appeare the same, or o­therwise then he is. Or is indeed and Truth as [Page 43] he is in word or shew: or as he is more or lesse in shew, and not in Truth and Substance: or as he is, all leaves and no fruit. Or 2. As he is more or lesse one and the same in his sayings & doings, or is all for saying, & nothing for do­ing, or as his Saying and doings be not alike. 3. As he doth more or lesse pretend to what he doth not intend: Or that what he pretendeth be not intended, either for the matter, or end thereof. 4. As he doth more or lesse in what he doth feignedly, or against the heart in all or part, And as he doth' more or lesse en­tirely or partially, throughly or by halves, effectually or ineffectually act what he did in­tend to doe, Ier. 12. 2 Mark. 7. 6. Esay 29. 13. Psal. 119. 10. 1 Tim: 1. 5. Rom: 6. 17. Psal: 78. 34. 35. Mat: 23. 13. Rev: 3. 9. Rom: 2. 28 29. And therefore where a man doth pretend to be Religious, his Sincerity will lye in this, that he be so indeed, where a man doth pretend to Re­pentance, Faith, Reformation of life, Fasting, Prayer &c. that he doe it truly and not in a flattering or feyned way, or by halves, much lesse to cover over any horrible wickednesse, or to a wicked end, as those in Hosea 7. 7, 8. and Zeph: 1. 5. 2 Kings 17. 32, 33. and Psal: 78. 32, 33, Iames 4. 3. 1 Kings 21. 8, 9, &c. Mat: 5. 1, 2, 3, &c. Esay 29. 13. Psal: 119. 10. Ier: 3, 10. 1 Tim: 1: 5, 2 Tim: 1: 5. And where a man doth [Page 44] pretend to a publick Reformation as a Magi­strate, his Sincerity or Hypocrisie therein, will lye in this, as he doth it not in part only, as Jehu and others 1 King. 10 28, 29. but through­ly to set up all that is good, and take away all that is evill, as did Josias, Jehosaphat, Nehemiah and others, 2 Chron: 34. 33. 2 Kings 23. 1, 2. &c. and 18. 5. 7. 1 Kings 10. 28, 29. And where a man doth come pretending respect to God his word and Servants, to heare, &c. It will lye in this, as he doth or doth not intend any such thing, or have the contrary in his heart, as those Luke 10. 28 and 18. 18. Mat: 22. 15 &c. Io: 8. 4. Prov: 29. 5. Mark: 1. 24. And where a man doth vow or promise to God, his Since­rity or Hypocrisie therein will lye in this, As he doth more or lesse, mind and intend what he promiseth, and take care to performe it, Josh: 1. 16. Mat: 8. 19. Psal: 22 25. and 60. 13. Eccles. 5. 4, 5. And where a man pretends acts of kindnes and friendship without to men. His Sincerity or Hypocrisy therein will lye in this, as he doth more or lesse intend it accordingly, or intend the contrary to doe mischiefe, Psal. 35 16. compared with Psal: 41. 6. 1 Sam: 18. 21. Ier. 41 6 Psal. 69 10. And where a man in his trouble shall repaire to Gods people, and pretend a desire to have their prayers and ad­vice, his Sincerity or Hypocrisie herein, will lye [Page 45] in this, as he doth more or lesse really and in­deed, desire and esteeme, and intend to make use of it, Ezek. 14. 1, 2. Iames 5. 13, 14, 16. Ier. 42. 1, 2, 3, 19, 20, 21. and 43. 2, 4. And where a man pretends to draw nigh to God in his ser­vice, his Sincerity or Hypocrisie therein will lye in this, As his heart is more or lesse present in, and with, or farre away, and absent from the worke, Ezech. 33. 31, 32. Esay 29. 13. and 58. 1, 2, 3. Mark. 7. 6. Mark. 5. 1, 2, 3. Prov. 23. 26. Psal. 9. 1. and 119. 10. And where a man pre­tends to be a Teacher, and to goe himselfe, and lead others to Salvation by the Truths of God. His Sincerity or Hypocrisie will lye in this, as he is more or lesse therein a true Teacher, and goes himselfe, and leads others in the Truth to­wards Salvation, or by Error to destruction, Esay 42. 18, 19. Mat. 23. 13, 15, 24.

SECT. VII.

Sincerity and Hypocrisy also doth lye much in the Purity or impurity of a mans Actings, and his mind therein, 2 Chron. 25. 2. 1 Cor. 5. 8. 1 Tim. 1. 5. The end of the Commandement is Love out of a pure heart, &c. 1. In his designe and aime in his first undertaking. As the same is more or lesse at, or for God and his Glory, and [Page 46] the good of other men, or at or for himselfe, and his own ends, Psal. 101. 2. Io. 21. 15. Pro. 7. 14. Mat. 23. 6, 7, 13. Rom: 15. 17, 18. Mat: 6. 6. Hosea 7. 7, 8, 9. Micha 3. 11, 2. In his Principle and motive. As he doth therein more or lesse look upon himselfe, his selfe-Credit, Selfe­ease, Selfe-content, Selfe-profit, Selfe-praise, or Selfe-safety, and is carried forth therein, out of love to himselfe. Or looks upon God, and is carried forth from the love of God, the feare of God, and his displeasure, a desire to please him, Love to the thing to be done, and love of men, and Conscience of his obedience to the command of God therein. Or as he is car­ried forth with a love of, and a desire after the praise of men. Or is carried forth from the feare to displease, or care to please men, 1 Cor: 13. 1. 1 Sam: 15. 22, 23, 24, 30. Mat. 14. 5. and 21. 46. Heb. 6. 10. 2 Cor. 11. 11. and 5. 14. 1 Pe. 1. 8. and 3. 14. Ephes. 4 15. Psal: 116. 1. Iob 31. 4, 14, 23. Io. 5. 41, 42, &c. 1 Kings 18. 3. Exod. 1. 16, 17. Mat. 6. 6. Hosea 7. 7, 8. Tit. 1. 10. Mark. 11. 18. Acts 20. 30. Psal: 78, 33, 34, 36: Io. 9. 22. and 12. 43. 3. In his way in the ge­nerall; As the Religion he falls into, be more or lesse pure and undefiled, and according to the word of God, or corrupt and false, & as the thing he doth is more or lesse good or evill, for­bidden or not commanded. James 1. 17. Hosea [Page 47] 7. 8. 2 Kings 17. 33. Zeph. 1. 5. Rev. 3. 15. 16. Mat. 23. 4, 16. 4. As he that doth act is, or is not a man of a pure heart, as his heart is, or is not cleansed by the blood of Christ, applyed by Faith in his justification, and by the Spirit and word of Christ in his Sanctification, 1 Tim. 1. 5. Mat. 23. 27, 28. and 12. 34. Io. 15. 3, 4. 5. In the manner of doing thereof. 1. As it is done more or lesse after the pure Rule of Gods word, or after his own or other mens fancies and in­ventions, Gal. 6. 16. Acts 13. 36. Mat. 15. 1, 2, 3. &c. 2. As it is done more or lesse with the whole heart, and cheerfully and willingly, or faintly and coldly, unwillingly or grudgingly, Psal: 119. 10, 24. Heb: 10. 12. Goll: 3. 22. Acts 17. 11. Psal. 110. 3. 1 Pe. 5. 1, 2. &c. 3. As it is done with a mind and heart more or lesse prepared, or unprepared to the work, 2 Chron. 12. 14. and 20. 33. and 19. 3. and 29. 36. Psal. 108. 1. 4. As it is done more or lesse in and with the feare of God, as well as in the Feare of men, Coll. 3. 22. Ephes. 6. 6. 2 Sam. 23. 3. 5, As it is done more or lesse in the love of God, arising from his love to him in Christ, and from his love to other men, or from his love to himselfe alone, 1 Cor. 13. 1, 2: Gal. 5. 13. 1 Tim. 1. 10. Phil. 1. 15. 6. As it is done more or lesse with Faith unfey­ned, or ignorantly and doubtingly in unbelief, 1 Tim. 1. 10. Rom. 14. 1, 2, 3. &c. Heb. 11. 46. [Page 48] 7. And as it is done more or lesse to Right and pure ends, either to God, or to a mans selfe, as to his ultimate, highest, and chief end, Hosea 7. 7, 8. Esay 58. 1, 2, &c. Ephes. 6. 6. 1 Cor. 6. 20. and 10. 31. That is with these considerations. 1 That in the work (how meane soever it be) he hath to doe not only with men, but with God also, Ephes 6. 6. 2. That the eye of God as well as of man is upon him in it, Psal: 16. 8. Ephes. 6. 6. 3. That he shall be rewarded by God, for what he doth according to his doing thereof, Ephes. 6. 8. 2 Tim, 4. 8. Coll, 3. 24. Mat. 6. 2. 4. And with an ayme and desire most of all to please God in it, Ephes: 6. 8. Gal: 1. 10. 2 Cor. 5. 9. Coll: 3. 17, 22, 23. 1 Thes. 2. 4. 2. And as his ends in the thing to be done, are more or lesse upon himselfe. Either to remove or pre­vent some evill felt or feared only, Hosea 7. 14. Psal 78. 33, 34. Or to gaine some good, as the praise, applause and favour of men, Riches, pleasure, ease, or content, Mat: 6. 6. and 23. 4. 13. 1 Sam: 15. 25, 30. Acts 8. 13, 19. 1 Pe. 5. 2. Rom: 16. 17, 18. Micha. 3. 11. Or to cover over some wickednesse in doing or to be done, Prov. 7. 14, 21, 22. Mat: 23. 14. and 6. 5, 6. Or as his ends are more or lesse upon, and for the glory and praise of God. Coll. 3. 22. Gal: 2. 10. Io. 17. 4. Phill: 1. 21. 1 Cor. 10. 31. 2 Cor. 5. 14. And to please men, Acts 12. 3. Ier: 3. 10. Ephes. 6. 6. [Page 49] or as his ends are more or lesse for the good and profit of men, especially good men, and espe­cially the good of their soules, 2 Cor. 5. 9, 10. Gal. 1. 10. and 6. 10. Acts 13. 36. 1 Cor. 10. 31, 33. Io. 21. 15. And this is discovered or may appeare more or lesse, as the glory of God, or our own advantage, is more or lesse upon our hearts, or we make it our designe or work, and as we can more or lesse doe or not doe it, or be contented or not contented with, or displeased at it, when it is to our own losse and disadvan­tage, 2 Cor. 13. 7, 8, 9. &c. As for examples in the work, of Rule of Churches, Common­wealths and Families, the Sincerity or Hypo­crisy lyeth, and is much shewed by the putting forth of their power to the uttermost, or by halves, in the work of Reformation, by their care and industry, or negligence, by their faith­fulnesse or trechery, but especially by the ten­dernesse of the good of the Ruled, that the Ru­lers doe preferre the good of those, over whom they have Rule, before their own good, Psal. 78. 72. 1 Tim. 2. 2, 3. Rom. 12. 8. 1 Pet. 5. 2, 3. 2 Kings 15. Nehem. 5. 14. Rom: 10. 1, 2, &c. Ezra, Nenemiah, Jehosaphat, Josias, and others. And on the other side, Jehu, Saul, and others. And in the work of Preaching, much is to be seen there­of in the man, as he Preacheth more or lesse the Truth of the Gospell, without any mixture of [Page 50] Error, or of mens inventions, as he doth more or lesse, advance the grace and glory of God, and not his own glory, as he doth more or lesse labour to please God, more then men, as he doth more or lesse, seek the good of the soules of the people, more then his own good. And as his Preaching is with more or lesse faith­fulnesse and ingenuity, without subtilty and deceit; playnes without craft or obscurity; boldnesse without feare; wisdome, watchful­nesse, care and industry, without improvidence and neglect; Freedome without flattery; Cheer­fullnesse without wearinesse; humility without Lording; tendernesse and meeknesse without harshnesse; peaceablenesse without contention, and Love without envy, and the like. And by these things also, the Hypocrisy of men herein may be much seen, as they are more or lesse im­perious, contentious, seditious, crafty, menplea­sing, self seeking, & the like, 2 Cor: 4. 2. 5, 1 Thess: 2. 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. 2 Tim: 1. 7, 14. & 2. 15. 1 Pet. 4. 11. 1 Tim, 1. 3. and 4. 2, 16. 2 Cor: 3. 12, 13. 1 Cor: 2. 4. and 4. 5. Luke 12. 42. Mat: 13. 52. 1 Pet: 5. 2, 3. Phil: 1. 16. 1 Cor: 9. 22. Rom, 10. 1, 2, &c. So in Masters to their Servants, and Servants to their Masters in the service they doe. The Ser­vants in their services, as they doe it more or lesse In all things with feare and trembling, in single­nesse of heart as unto Christ, not with eye service, as [Page 51] men pleasers, but in singlenesse of heart fearing God, and as the Servants of Christ, that in whatsoever they doe of the will of God, they doe it heartily with good will, doing service as to the Lord and not to men; knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doth, the same he shall receive of the Lord. And as Masters doe the same things, and not oppresse their Servants, Coll: 3. 22, 23, 24, 25. Ephes. 6. 6, 7, 8, 9.

SECT. VIII.

8. Sincerity and Hypocrisy doe lye and are much seen in this, in mens constancy, perseve­rance, and holding out in their Appearances of good, or in their starting aside, Apostasy and backsliding from it, Mat: 13. 22, 23. 1 Jo. 2. 19. Jo. 10, 28. 1 Io. 3. 9. Phil. 4. 12. Io: 8. 68. Rev. 2. 10. 2 Tim. 2. 17, 18. 1 Sam. 13. 8. and 28. 7. 2 Kings 1. 2. Psal: 27. 4. 2 Tim. 4. 10, 14. 1 Tim. 1. 20. Acts 20. 30. Io 19. 38. and 9. 22. and 7. 13. and 6, 66.

SECT. IX.

9. It lyeth also much in this, as a man with all his parts, gifts, and works, is more or lesse lifted up within himselfe, with selfe-conceited­nesse of his own excellency to despise others; and doth trust in himselfe and his own righte­ousnesse; or hath low or mean thoughts of [Page 52] himselfe, esteeming others better then himselfe, and accounts of all that he hath done, when he hath done all he can, but as lesse then his duty, and himselfe but an unprofitable servant there­in, and being poor in spirit, as he doth more or lesse trust to the Mercy of God in Jesus Christ, and take up his eternall rest, and lodging in Je­sus Christ alone for salvation, Heb. 4. 4. Luke 18. 11, 15. Psal: 130. 3. 1 Tim. 1. 15. Luke 17. 10. Isa 65. 5. Ezek: 20. 43. Gal. 6. 14. Esay. 66. 2.

SECT. X.

10. And lastly. Sincerity and Hypocrisie in a man lies much in this, that being fallen into sinne, as he doth more or lesse deny, defend, hide, shift or mince it, or quarrell with them that reprove him, and hold it fast. Or as a man is more or lesse willing to see his sinne, to be re­proved, and loves the reprover, and as a man doth more or lesse readily, and ingeniously confesse it, and labour to leave it, 2 Sam: 12. 7, 8, &c. 13. Psal. 141. 5. Pro. 28. 13. 1 Io. 1. 9. Gen. 3. 10. and 4. 9. 1 Sam: 15. 14, 15. Iob. 31. 33.

We shall now in the next place, endeavour to cleare a doubt that lyeth in the way, in refe­rence to our Subject matter in hand, and to an­swer some objections touching the same.

SECT. I.

ANd now we shall make some Inferences upon, and improvement of all that we have said in our Explicatory part.

The first improvement we shall make of these things we have laid downe, shall be; For the tryall of our selves upon these heads. 1. How farre an Hypocrite may goe in his perswasion, practice, and performance. Or what he may be or have within, or doe without him, that the true Christian is, hath, and doth. 2 What is lacking in him, and what the true Christian is, must be, have, and doe more then the Hypo­crite; And wherein he doth goe beyond, and excell him. And then secondly, for the tryall of our works & services. 1. For the first. 1. This is agreed in the generall by all men, That a man may be not only almost, but altogether (at least in his perswasion) converted from be­ing a Jew, Turke, or Heathen, to be a Christi­an; from being a Papist or other Heretick, to be a Protestant and Orthodox, from being pro­phane [Page 74] and unrighteous, to be a morall or civill man, from being an Atheist or irreligious, to be a Formalist, or a man seemingly Religious, and all this by the Preaching of the Gospell, and yet be an Hypocrite: So Judas Mat. 27. 1, 2 &c. Symon Magus, Acts 8. 1, 2 &c. and many others. Acts 5. 1, 2 Mat. 23. 15.

2, The Hypocrite may be as rich, honoura­ble, and prosperous in the world, as the true Christian, Psal. 52. 1, 2. 1 Sam. 22. 9.

3. He may come of a Godly Parentage, and have a Godly education, Phil: 3. 4, 5. Acts 22. 3.

4. The Hypocrite may have and enjoy as much in the outward Ordinances and Privi­ledges of the Church, as the true Christian may have and enjoy, 1 Cor. 10. 1, 2. 9. 4, 5. Moreo­ver brethren, I would not that you should be ignorant, how that all our Fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the Sea. And were all Baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the Sea, and did all eat the same spirituall meat, and did all drink the same spiritu­all drink, for they drank of that spirituall Rock that followed them, and that Rock was Christ, (that is to say) that the Fathers did (upon the matter) enjoy the same spirituall benefits, and outward Sacraments.) But with many of them God was not well pleased, &c. Heb: 3. 18, 26. But some when they heard did provoke &c. And to whom did he sweare &c. [Page 75] but to them that believed not. Luke 13. 25, 26, 27. When the Master is up and hath shut the doore &c. and ye begin to stand without, and to knock, saying Lord; Lord, open to us: And he shall answer and say, I know you not whence yee are, then shall yee begin to say. We have eaten and drank in thy presence, and thou hast taught in our streets. But he shall say, I tell you I know not whence yee are. Heb. 4. 2. For unto us was the Gospell Preached, as well as unto them, but the word Preached did not profit them, &c. Jude 4. Acts 22 3.

5, The Hypocrite may have as great a share in the Manifestation of Gods presence with a people by outward protections, deliverances, Salvations, and Mercies, as the true Christian may have. Jude v. 5. I shall therefore put you in re­membrance, though yee once knew it: how that the Lord having saved the people out of the Land of Egypt, after­ward destroyed them that believed not. 1 Cor: 10. 1, 2, &c.

6. The Hypocrite for his outward station and condition, may be placed as nigh to God as the best Christian may be. He may be the chief officer of a Church, or a Nation, or the like, Jude v. 5. And the Angells which kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation, he hath reser­ved in everlasting chaynes under darknesse, &c. So Ju­das Rev. 2. Demas, Philemon 24. and others. But more particularly.

SECT. II.

The Hypocrite as to his practise and perfor­mance, and for his outside and appearance therein, may be visibly changed into another man, 1 Sam: 10. 6. He can and may doe as much and goe as farre as the best Christian whatsoe­ver. Nay he may possibly doe and suffer as much, and in appearance before men, with as great, and as much Spirit and zeale as any man. Yea seem more glorious, and for matter and manner both, go beyond the best Christian, as the lustre of false gold, may exceed the lustre of true gold; and as an Artificiall picture, and painted face, may excell the naturall face; and as a Stage-player may more lively act a man, or thing said or done, then the man or thing he doth act to be said or done; He may therefore leave not only some, but all the outward evills of his life, and do in appearance all that is good, he may seem to deny all ungodlinesse and worldly lusts, and live soberly, righteously and Godly, and so in shew, make a compleat out­ward reformation. He may take up the whole forme of Godlinesse and Religion, go round from day to day, in the practise of piety, keep the Sabbath, Pray, heare, read, conferre, ex­pound, receive the Sacraments, Fast and pray, [Page 77] and do all other duties publick and private, incumbent on a Christian, he may seem good amongst good, as Saul, 1 Sam: 10. 10. and bet­ter then most of the best of the time, and place as he did, 1 Sam. 14. 33, 34. observe all Gods commands, and desire to know what is lacking, Mat. 19. 20. In a way of Religion, he may ad­vance farre, and goe beyond others, comply with the designe of Christians, and professe, and doe as the true Christian: and so doing hold out till Christ come, Mat. 25. And be drawn to all this by the operation of the word; so that for his outside. he may seem to be as glorious as the house built upon the Rock, Mat: 7. 24, 25, 26, 27. and as faire for heaven as the wise Virgins, Mat. 25. 1, 2, 3. &c. Gal: 1. 13, 14. Ye have heard of my conversation in time past, in the Jews Religion, &c. and profited above many of my e­qualls. Phill. 3. 4, 5, 6. If any other man thinketh he hath whereof he might trust in the flesh. I more. Cir­cumcised the 8 ^th day &c. touching the Law a Phari­see, concerning zeale persecuting the Church. touching the righteousnesse which is in the Law blamelesse. 2 Pet. 2 20. For if after they have escaped the polluti­ons of the world, through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they be againe entangled and o­vercome, &c. it happeneth to them according to the Pro­verb. The Sow that was washed to be wallowing in the myre. Mat: 12. 43, 44, 45. So the foolish Virgins, [Page 78] Mat. 25. 1, 2, 3, &c. The man not having on the wedding garment, Mat. 22. 11, 12. The young man, Mat. 19. 20. The pharisee Luke 18. 11, 12. Herod, Mark 6. 20. Ioash, 2 Chron. 24. 25, 26. But yet more particularly for this Outwork. 1. The Hypocrite being a master of a Family, or Magi­strate, he may goe very farre, and doe and suffer very much in the work of Reformation, for the suppressing of evill, and the advancement of good: so did Iehu 2 Kings 10. 16, 17, 18. &c. v. 29, 30. and Ioash, 2 Chron, 23. 1, 2, &c. 2. And being a Minister or other Officer of the Church, he may Preach, or write, or both, as much, and as well for the truth, as any man, and seem ve­ry zealous therein; And thereby, or otherwise in Goverment of the Church, he may be very active, and doe very much toward the advance­ment of Christs, and overthrow of Satans King­dome: So Iudas Mat. 10. 1, 2. &c. Luke 9. 1, 2, &c. Demas Coll. 4. 14. 2 Tim. 4. 10. Philemon 24. And for any man he being publickly trusted, he may be faithfull to his trust in any publick work, Esay 8. 2. Nehem: 13. 13. 3. A man may be ex­ternally called, Heb. 3. 1, 2. Or be converted to Christianity, 1 Tim. 1. 20. 1 Cor: 1. 2, 3, &c. He may be Baptized, 1 Tim. 1. 20. Acts 8. 9, 13, 18. He may make a publick confession of his Sinnes, and of particular Sinnes, and of his Faith in Christ, and his voluntary subjection to him, 1 [Page 79] Tim: 1. 20. 1 Cor: 5. 1, 20. Mat. 7. 22. 23. 1 Sam: 15. 24, 30. Mat. 3. 16. compared with Io. 5. 35. He may be convinced, that a Church of Christ is a blessed Society, and upon this become a member of a visible and pure Church, and walk orderly by Christs rule therein, 1 Tim: 1. 20. Phill: 1. 5. 1 Cor: 5. 1, 2, 3. All this must needs be true of them who were cast out of the Church, for they could not have been cast out, if they [...]d not been in the Church, 1 Io. 2. 19. He may be a bold Professor of the Faith, Acts 16. 17. Mat. 25. 1, 2, 3, 4. &c. He may associate himselfe with Saints, Mat: 25. 1, 2, 3. He may dispense the Sacraments, divinely and purely. He may Preach the word by voyce, or pen, or both, have a singular gift, and take much pains therein, 1 Cor. 13. 1. Luk 9. 1, 2. Mat. 7. 22. Many will say to me in that day Lord Lord, &c. then will I professe unto them I never knew you, &c. And in his Preach­ing, or writing, he may be a sharp reprover of Sinne, he may cry out against the prophanenes of the wicked, civill honesty, and Hypocrisy of others, coldnesse of the best. And perhaps say very much against Hypocrisie it selfe, Io. 12. 3, 4, 5, 6. Mat: 7. 3, 4, 5. He may partake of the Lords Supper. Luke 13. 25, 26. And ye shall knock and say, Lord open to us. And he shall answer, I know you not whence yee are, then shall yee begin to say, we have eaten and drank in thy presence, and thou hast [Page 80] taught in our streets. But he shall say, I tell you, I know you not, whence ye are, depart from me, &c. He may heare and repeat Sermons, Heb. 4. 1, 2. Perhaps heare and delight to heare, the best and most searching Preachers, Io. 5. 35. He may read and study the Scriptures much, so did the Pharises, and were by this means exceeding skilfull therein, He may Prophesy or expound Scriptures, and have a great gift, and take much paines therein, 1 Cor: 13. 2. And though I have the gift of Prophesy &c. He may pray and pray much, and fast and pray, and fast and pray often, and have a singular gift of the Spirit in prayer, and make long prayers, and seem very devout there­in, 1 Cor. 13. 1, 2. Though I speak (to God or man) with the tongue of Angells &c. Mat. 23. 14. and 9. 14. Luke 11. 1. He may use to pray alone or perhaps in private, Luke 11. 10. and 18. 10. But see more for the proofe of all these things Mat. 10. 7. 1 Cor. 5. 1, 2, &c. Rom. 2. 20. 1 Tim. 4. 16. &c. Luke 22. 14, 15, 16, &c. 2 Tim. 4. 10. Isa. 1. 11, 15. Mark 3. 12, 19. He may in all this service of God be very diligent and industrious, Esay 58. 2. Yet they seek me daily, and delight to know my ways, as a Nation that did Righteousnesse, and forsook not the Or­dinances of their God, they aske of me the Ordinances of Justice, they take delight in approaching to God. He may in case of some trouble, or upon some o­ther speciall occasion, make a solemne engage­ment [Page 81] to God and man, of amendment of life, and in especiall to forbear such and such things, or doe such and such duties, Psal: 78. 34, 35, 36. He may have or seem to have, and take some delight in all these things, Isa. 58. 2, 3. He may doe as much in the outworke, or upon the out­ward man, in mortification and selfe-deniall, by fasting and the like; and goe as farre in ap­pearance of like zeale, and devotion without by Teares &c. as any true Christian shall doe, Mat. 6. 16. so Jehu and Paul when a Pharisee, Phill. 3. 6. Acts 22. 3. He may bestow much to good uses, and doe many singular good works, He may build Churches, give maintenance to Mi­nisters for Preaching, give to the poore, and the like,: Yea he may give all that he hath to such uses, 1 Cor. 13. 3. And though I give all my goods to feed the Poore, and have not love, it profiteth me nothing, Acts 5. 1. Ananias gave his estate. And in all these things he may seem to be the most forward of all others, as was Joash 2 Chron. 24. 4, 5, 6. And in all his externall carriage, he may seem to seek after, and to follow Christ fully, John 6. 2, 26, 66. and 7. 34, 36. Mat. 19. 22. And this he may continue to doe all the time of his life, Mat. 25. 11. Mat. 19. 20. And for this he may suffer much persecution all his life time, and at the last dye in the defence of the Truth as a Martyr, as the thorny ground [Page 82] hearers, Mat. 13. 21, 22. 1 Cor. 13. 1, 2. And though I give my body to be burnt, and have not Love, it profiteth me nothing. See for these things, 1 Tim: 1. 19, 20. 2 Tim. 4. 14, 15. Acts 6. 5. Rev. 2. 15. Gal. 3. 4.

Ob. Against this it is objected out of Mat. 13. 21. that in time of persecution they fall away.

Ans. This is meant of the one sort of hearers that are represented by the stony ground, not them that are noted by the thorny ground, which went farther and endured the scorching of the Sun, and fell away after. 5. And when there were extraordinary gifts in the Church, as when there was the gift of Miracles, extraor­dinary Prophesy or the like, the Hypocrite had as large a share therein, as the true Christian had, Mat. 7. 22. 1 Cor: 13. 2. Thus a man may strive to enter, and not be able, Luke 13. 24. And so neere he may come to the Kingdome of God, and yet goe without it, Marke 12. 34. And how many that are called Christians, come short of this?

SECT. III.

But the Hypocrite, whose heart is yet un­changed, may goe farther, and neerer to the Kingdome of God (which is within) Ro: 14. [Page 83] 17. then all this, and yet come short of it. For he may be another man as Saul was 1 Sam. 10. 9. he may be seemingly regenerate, come very neere to, or have the semblance of all the saving graces, and workes of the true Christian in the soule. And therefore there are found in some of their hearts, all these following things.

SECT. IV.

If it be asked how it comes to passe, that an Hypocrite doth goe so farre. We answer. 1. That he may be drawn or driven to it by some or all of these following means. 1. He may be drawn hereunto by the work of his naturall Conscience, Rom: 2. 15. Rom. 1. 32. For when the Gentiles that have not the law, doe by nature the things contained in the Law, these having not the Law, are a Law to themselves, which shew the work of the Law written in their hearts, their Consciences also [Page 94] bearing witnesse &c. Prov. 20. 27. The spirit of a man is the Candle of the Lord, searching all the inward parts of the belly. Or by occasion and reason of some eminent and miraculous work of God done before their eyes, Io. 4. 41, 44, 45, 46. &c. Except ye see signes and wonders ye will not believe; or by occasion of some eminent work of Gods Provi­dence done for his people, or against their ene­mies; or by the feare of death, or some great affliction upon him, Psal. 78. 34. When he flew them then they sought him &c. Psal. 106. 11, 12. And the waters covered their enemies &c. then believed they his words, they sang his praise, they soon forgat his works, &c. Or by occasion of some light breaking in, and some powerfull conviction upon the Con­science by the word and Spirit of God, where­by it is pressed and moved to doe what it doth. Perhaps it cannot otherwise be in peace; It may be it is convinced, there are some good and de­sireable things to be had, and duties to be done in the profession of the Christian Faith, and happily it may find more temporall good in such a life, then in a wicked loose life. 2. He may be moved or brought hereunto by Educa­tion, discipline, or example of Parents, or such like persons, under whom he hath been brought up. So by Education many Creatures have been brought to be quite contrary to their nature, and so doe many strange things: And by this [Page 95] means he hath perhaps taken in some truths, and taken up a profession, or customary practise of doing some good. And by custome herein he hath (as it were) gotten another nature, and now doth act almost as freely as he that acts Naturally by grace, and so he doth continue till by strength of temptation he be taken off, and so discovered Luke 8. 12, 13, 14. This seems to be the case of Joash, who continued good all the dayes of Jehoiadah, 2 Kings 12. 2. This be­ing that which moved him, when this was gone, his Action ceased. 3. But there are many car­nall and corrupt ends, that draw in, and bring on so many into a profession of Religion, and that doth make them to engage so farre, as to follow Christ a great way, and a great while therein. For some enter into a profession of Religion out of a designe, and desire to doe mischiefe in it. And this sometimes doth make men act vigorously, as if Religion were their principall aime; So some [...]ve joyned them­selves to the Church of Christ, and preached and made profession of the Gospell, of purpose to destroy the Gospell, and overthrow the Church of Christ, Gal. 2. 4. False brethren, &c. who came in privily, &c. that they might bring us into bondage, Phil: 1. 16, 17. Some preach Christ of envy &c. supposing to add afflictions to my bonds: (that is) by drawing away the more to the Profession of the [Page 96] Gospell, and so enraging the enemy the more against mee, or by exalting and preferring of themselves before me, so as to hinder the fruit of my Ministry. Some engage in a profession of Religion, that thereby they might cover some wickednesse they are intending to doe or in do­ing, Prov. 7. 14. 1 Kings 21. 9, 12. But most commonly and most men herein, are carried forth in their profession of Religion from selfe love, to and for selfe-ends, as selfe-praise or Applause, Acts 20. 30. Mat: 6. 2. Selfe honour or advancement, Mat. 23. 6, 8. Selfe-greatnesse in office or command, James 3. 1. 1 Pet: 5. 3. Mat: 23. 4, 5, 6, 7, Selfe profit or gaine, Mat: 23. 14. 2 Pet. 2. 3. Selfe-case, Mat. 23. 4 Selfe con­tent, Gen 34. 18, 19. Selfe-pleasure, 2 Tim. 2. 3. and so to satisfy their lusts Iames 4. 3. There are many professors of the Christian Religion now (as heretofore) that suppose gaine to be Godli­nesse, 1 Tim: 6. 5. (that is) that the Religion which brings most worldly advantage, to the professors thereo [...] [...] the best Religion. And whose God is their belly &c. who mind earthly things, Phill. 3. 18, 19. That serve not the Lord Jesus, but their own bellyes, &c. Rom. 16. 18. That serve the Crea­ture more then the Creator &c. Rom. 1. 25. that are lovers of pleasure more then Lovers of God. 2 Tim: 3. 4. That are lovers of their own selves &c. Men of cor­rupt minds, 2 Tim. 3. 2, 5, 7. That seek their own not [Page 97] the things of Iesus Christ, Phill: 2. 21. Phill: 1. 16, 17. That love the wages of unrighteousnesse, 2 Pet. 2. 15. And these things, or some of them doubt­lesse, were the things that carried forth, and made so many followers and disciples of Christ in the dayes of his flesh; They might see, and Historically believe what was prophesied of him, and by this, and what they heard from, and saw in him, might expect he would be great, and able to doe great things for them; and some good they had at the present by him. And this was it, that doubtlesse did make Judas engage so farre with him, Io. 6. 26. Io. 12. 6. And hereof Christ did sometimes give caution to his Disciples, who were all of them a little sick of this disease, Io. 6. 27. Marke 10. 14. Luke 18. 17. Mat. 18. 1. Luke 22, 24, 26. So that it is in the state of the Kingdome of Christ, and where the Preaching of the Gospell is, as where a man hath a corrupt stomack, and all the meats, the purest and the best he taketh in, do corrupt in it. And as the Sunne by his shining upon a stinking dunghill, draws forth the smell, and doth make the stink thereof to be the more, and the greater: So the foulenesse and corruption of some mens hearts is so great, and so much, that it corrupts all the pure truths of the word of God that comes in it; And the word gives occasion to them, or rather they take occasion [Page 98] by it, to shew forth their heart-corruption the more; And to them it is a savour of death unto death, 2 Cor: 2. 16. And where the preaching of the Gospell is, there is begotten in man occa­sionally, and by accident, from the same Go­spell, and from the corruption of mans heart together, a Resolution to become a Gospell professor, that is like to a false Conception, Phill. 1. 16. 2 Pet. 2. 3. out of which at last there is bred and brought forth by a seeming act of Regeneration, a kind of changed or a new Creature, like to a false Birth, one like to a Christian, but one that is no Christian indeed. And this being made up of such corrupt matter, as the principles, foundation, and ends thereof, (which are altogether carnall.) It is said to be a Birth of the flesh, and the will of man, and not of God by his Spirit and word, as the Regene­ration of the true Christian is. Mat. 16. 16, 17. Io. 1. 13. 1 Pet. 1. 23, 24, 25. And therefore these men as they are but dead pictures of the true Christian, so are all the seeming works, gifts, and graces of such men, but the similitude and appearance only of the graces and works of the true Christian, 2 Tim. 3 5. Psal. 78. 35, 36. And hence it is that they and their graces and works are said to be carnall, temporall, perishing, for this life only; and of the nature of all earthly things, which are but as grasse, and the flower [Page 99] of the field that withereth & falleth away, Io: 3. 6. That which is borne of the flesh is flesh. (that is) carnall, and savoureth of the things of flesh and corrupt nature: But that which is borne of the spirit is spirit: that is: is spirituall and savoureth the things of the spirit, or of a nature renewed by the spirit, 1 Pet. 1. 21, 22. Being borne again not of corruptible seed, but of Incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever; for all flesh is as grasse, and all the glory of man, as the flower of the grasse, the grasse withereth &c, Phill: 3. 4, 5. If any man thinke he hath whereof he might trust in the flesh: I more, circumcised &c. 1 Cor: 15. 19. Mat: 13. 22, 23. Io. 6. 26. 1 Cor. 8. 13. 2 Cor. 1. 12. James 3. 15. Jude 19. And this corrupt matter we speak of, hath frequently a great influence upon men professing Religion in their actings in publick works, that whiles they act much, and goe very farre therein, they are carried forth in it by some of these sinister respects. So Ru­lers in Churches and Commonwealths in their work of Ruling, and Preachers of the Gospell in their work of Preaching, whereof the Pro­phet complaineth, Micah. 3: 11. The Heads judge for reward, and the Priests thereof teach for hire, and the Prophets thereof Divine for money: yet leane upon the Lord, &c. 2 Pet. 2. 15. Ro. 16. 18. And it is much to be feared, that in this golden time, wherein it is with us, as it was with the Jewes [Page 100] in the time of Esther. Esther 8. 17. The Jewes had joy and gladnesse, a feast, and a good day, and many of the people of the land became Jewes; For the feare of them fell upon their enemies. So now the profession of the Gospell of Christ is so much in request, that the same is the high way to ad­vancement and favour. To be a zealous able Preacher of the Gospell, or a carefull painfull Magistrate in the Common wealth, after the example of the greatest men of the time, is a way to bring much furtherance to a mans selfe­ends. And therefore it is to be doubted, that these selfe-ends and sinister respects, may have a great influence now upon some of the Prea­chers of the Gospell, That their engagement therein, may be, and is, only, or especially, that they may be Rulers of Congregations, masters of Assemblies, Lords over Gods Heritage, or for filthy lucres sake, to have a livelihood, and maintenance to live by, and not to glorify God, winne the soules of men, feed the flock of Christ, and the like, the which hath been, and ought alwaies to be, the main and principall motive of the servants of Christ herein. 1 Tim: 3 3, 8. 1 Pet: 5. 2. Tit. 1. 7, 11. 2 Cor. 4. 2. 1 Cor. 10. 33. Rom: 10. 11. Psal: 78. 72. Io. 21. 15. 1 Pet: 5. 2. And it is very probable that some of these corrupt ends have carried forth some a­mongst us, that have of late times appeared so [Page 101] eminently, and singularly in ways of new light, Quaking, and the like, that it hath been to draw away disciples after them, or some other such like advantage to be made thereby to them­selves: Jude 11. 2 Pet: 2. 3, 15. Acts 20. 30. If it be asked why the Hypocrite doth stick here, and go no farther, what is lacking, and how it is, that he and the work wrought upon him, doth miscarry, and why he doth not hold out, and come to perfection, as the sincere Christian doth? We shall answer. 1. He is not within the purpose of Gods Election in Christ, 1 Pet. 1. 2. Elect according to the fore-knowledge of God, &c. 2 Thess. 2 13. 2. He never was upon or within the foundation of Christ by Faith, Ephes. 2. 20. 1 Cor. 3. 10. Other foundation can no man lay, then what is laid Jesus Christ, Ephes. 2. 20. 3. He never had the spring of the spirit of God within him, Io. 4. 13, 14. The water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up to everlasting life, Io 7. 38. He that believeth on me, out of his belly shall flow, &c. this he spake of the Spirit that they that believe on him should receive. 4. He hath not within him that good and honest heart, compared to the good ground, Mat. 13. 23. Which is the new heart promised, Ezech. 36. 26. 5. He never had in him the true love of God, for that never failes, 1 Cor. 13. 8. 6. He never did throughly know, because he did never throughly examine [Page 102] his own heart and state, Io. 3. 20. 2 Cor. 13. 5. 7. He hath too hastily, that is, without good ground, taken in the apprehension of the pro­mise of Christ, and supposed him to be his, and so that his estate is sure, Mat. 25. 1, 2, 3. as the foolish Virgins, Mat 7. 22. Luke 18. 21. 8. He did not when he first entred upon the profession of Religion, sit down, and cast what it would cost him, and provide accordingly, Luke 14. 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30. &c. And there went great multitudes with him: and he turned, and said unto them, if any man come to me, and hate not his Father &c. And who­soever doth not beare his Crosse, cannot be my Disciple. For which of you intending to build a tower, sitteth not downe first and counteth the cost &c. Or what King &c. So likewise whoever he be of you, that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my Disciple. 9. He will not goe to the price, he will not be at the cost and paine required to have Christ, he will not for­sake all for him, sell all that he hath to pur­chase him. Mat. 6. 24. he would be content to serve Christ and the world together, but not to leave the world for Christs sake, Luke 18. 27, 28. Mat: 13. 46. Mat. 10. 37. Mat. 19. 21. Goe sell all that thou hast, and come and follow me, &c. Mark. 10. 21. Luke 12. 33. & 22. 36. 10. He doth some­times take offence at the crosse of Christ, or meet with some other Temptation in his pro­fession, that he expected not, and was unprovi­ded [Page 103] for, and thereupon falls away. Luke 8. 13. They on the rock &c. And in time of temptation fall a­way. Mat: 13. 21. When tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended. 11. He hath rooted in his heart with the seeming, and ungrounded good, so much grounded and and rooted evill, that it eats up, and destroyeth all the seeming good that is there, Luke 8. 14. They that fell amongst thornes &c. they go forth and are choaked with cares, and riches, and pleasures of this life. Mat: 13. 22. 12. The Hypocrite, and the work that is wrought upon him, and in him, as it is wrought by man, and is of the will of man, and but an externall work, and all the work he doth, is from corrupt principles, to corrupt ends, so is it but carnall, and therefore corrup­tible, mortall and perishing, and will not carry him that hath it in him to everlasting life, no more then Honours, Riches, meat and drink, and the like, which last but for this life only, 1 Pe: 1. 22, 23. Phill. 3 3, 4, 5, 19. Acts 22. 3. 1 Tim: 3. 5, 8. Io. 1. 12. 13. 2 Cor: 1. 12. Io. 3. 6. 1 Cor. 15. 19, 15. Io. 6 27. 2 Pet: 3. 4. and 2. 15. Iames 5. 2. Luke 12. 21, 25. & 16. 25, 26. Pro: 6. 16. Mat. 6. 19, 20. And it is not like to the true & sa­ving work of Regeneration, and of true grace in the true Christian, which is called Spirituall, Ro: 8. 6. Life, Ro. 8. 6. the hidden man, 1 Pe. 3. 4. the true Treasure and Riches, Luke 16. 11. Mat. [Page 104] 6. 19, 20. Iames 2. 5. Heb: 11. 26. That which is wrought by God himselfe, Mat. 16. 16, 17. by his Word and Spirit, Io. 3. 2, 3. &c. And that which is incorruptible, 2 Pe. 3. 4. And that which will abide for ever, 1 Cor. 13. 8, 13. 1 Io, 3 9. 1 Pe. 1, 23, 24. And shall never perish, but endure to everlasting life. Io. 6. 27. Heb. 10. 34. Eccl. 7. 12. It is therfore to be observed, that in the parable of the seed sown in the bad ground a­mongst thornes and bryars, which is in an evill and Hypocriticall heart, a heart of a contrary making to the good and honest heart, that it miscarried, and never came to any perfection. Luke 8. and Mat. 13.

SECT. I.

The first of these is as the Root in relation to the Tree, or tree to the fruit, or spring to the streames. We shall open it first in the Root or Spring, and then in Fruit or Streames. The maine thing wherein the difference seems to lye, is in something which is secret and invisible, which is called a hidden life, Coll. 3. 3. The hid­den man of the heart. 2 Pet. 3. 4. and that which is within us. Luke 17. 20, 21. and the hidden Manna, a white stone, and therein a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it, Rev. 2. 17. and the Inward part, and hidden part, Psal: 51. 6. And it is said to passe knowledge and under­standing, Phill 4 7. To be unspeakable, 1 Pet. 1. 8. And they in whom it is, are called Gods Secret, or hidden ones, Psal: 83. 3. The foolish Virgins wanted nothing that the wise had in sight, but they wanted this hidden wisdome, 1 Cor: 2. 7. The secret and inward work of Grace in their hearts. This Secret and hidden work then li­eth in this, That the true Christian (in order [Page 107] to the execution of Gods eternall decree for his Salvation) having a new nature wonderfully formed in him by his spirit, is by faith (in a Spirituall and Mysticall way) to be united to Christ, as a body to the head, and building to its foundation, and to have his Spirit dwelling in him: And the Soule and the Body, is as one body, animated by Christ, as the Soule thereof; so that Christ is said to live in him, dwell in him, and walk in him; And the Christian to live by him. So that as we all in the state of corrupt nature, partake of the nature of the first Adam, even so all that are saved, partake of the divine nature of Christ the second Adam, 2 Pet. 1. 4. Gal: 2. 20. I am crucified with Christ, neverthelesse I live, yet not I, but Christ liveth in me, and the life which I now live in the flesh, I live by the saith of the Sonne of God, Joh: 5. 26. 2 Cor: 13. 5. 2 Tim: 2. 14. Rom. 8. 10, 11. If Christ be in you &c. But if the spirit that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead, shall quicken your mortall bodies by his spirit that dwell­eth in you, Jo. 14. 16, 17. 1 Io: 5. 12. He that hath the Sonne hath life, &c. And together with this u­nion, ariseth our Regeneration, or the new Creature, called the New man, Ephes. 4. 24. which after God is created in Righteousnesse and true Holinesse: Compared to a new engrafted Tree, that brings forth the fruits of Love, joy, Peace, [Page 108] Long-suffering, Gentlenesse, Goodnesse, Faith, Meeknesse and Temperance, Gal. 5. 22, 23. This great work in reference to the Fruits and effects of it, is compared to, and set forth by severall things, as (1.) By the Oyle in the vessell which the foolish Virgins wanted, Mat: 25. 1, 2, 3. &c. to note that there must be something within to feed and maintaine the life of grace and holi­nesse in a true Christian, which Christ by his Spirit doth give forth to every true believing Christian, that is a member of his mysticall bo­dy, Io. 15, 1, 2, &c. Heb. 1. 9. Psal: 133. 2. (2.) By the Root of a Tree, or Hearb in relation to the Tree or hearb, Rev: 22. 16. I am the Root &c. Rom: 15. 12. There shall be a root of Jesse, and he that shall rise to raigne. Rom. 11. 17. Job: 19. 28. To note that the true Christian hath all his life and vertue from Christ by his spirit, as the Tree hath its life and vertue from the root of it, Coll. 2. 6, 7. As ye have therefore received Christ Iesus the Lord, so walke ye in him, rooted and built up in him &c. (3.) By the earth that feeds the Tree, Mat. 13. 6. To note that Christ must feed the true Chri­stian, or he will not be fruitfull. (4.) By the Tree in relation to the branches thereof, Io: 15. 1, 2, 3. &c. I am the true vine &c. Every branch in mee, &c. To note that the Christian hath his rise, support, growth, and feeding from Christ. (5.) By the strong foundation of a Building, in [Page 109] relation to the building, Ephes: 2. 20. And are built upon the foundation &c. Iesus Christ himselfe the chief corner stone &c. In whom you also are builded together for an habitation by the spirit. Coll. 2. 7. roo­ted and built up in him, 1 Cor. 3. 11. 1 Pe. 2. 4, 5. To note that the true Christian, as a Chri­stian hath all his Rise and Support from Christ. 6. By the engrafting of a Cion of a Sprig in a Tree, in relation to the Stock, Rom. 6. 5. To note that all the good that comes from him, is from Christ, being incorporated into him. (7.) By a lively spring, in relation to the streams thereof; Zach: 13. 1. Jo. 4. 14. & 7. 38, 39. To shew that all the operations of grace within us, issue from the spirit of Christ within us. (8.) And by a new Birth, or Resurrection from death to life, in Relation to the operations of Life, Jo. 3. 3. Ephes. 2. 1. Jo. 5. 25. To note that all the motions, Acts and works of grace in the true Christian, move from this new life, Coll. 3. 3. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God, 2 Cor. 4 10. That the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortall flesh, &c. Now this union between Christ and the true Christi­an soule, and the presence of Christs Spirit in the soule, is not at all to be found in the case of the Hypocrite, and that work that is wrought in his heart, for he hath neither the Spirit of God, nor Faith, Jude v. 19. Jo. 6. 64. There is [Page 110] no such root of the matter in him, which we have spoken of, Iob. 19. 28. But rather there is still in him the root of Bitternesse, Acts 8. 23. that will bear fruit accordingly, and he stands by himselfe, and at a distance from Christ; He is therefore a Lamp burning, that hath no more to maintain it, but what is in it selfe, and therefore cannot burne long; or as a Tree that hath no Root, or as a branch of a tree cut or broken off the tree, and put into the ground, or as the Cions of a Tree grafted into another stock, that doth not grow into, and up with it kindly. These and such as these, will never bear fruit kindly, and lastingly. So that then the Christian which is not in Christ by Faith, and in whom Christ dwells not by his Spirit, cannot bear good fruit at all, much lesse can he bear good fruit long, Ioh. 15. 1, 2. &c. As the branch cannot bear fruit of it selfe, except it abide in the vine, no more can ye except ye abide in me. And as a stone not well put into the building, but hang­ing loose by it will fall out, and the building that hath a bad foundation will never stand long; So will it be with the Hypocrite, Mat: 7. 24. Luke 8. 13. Rom: 8. 9, 10.

SECT. II.

If it be asked how this Indwelling of Christ by his Spirit in the soule, and the union of the Christian thereby to Christ, may be known? We answer. That this is not known so much by it selfe, as by some fruits and effects, as also by some reflect acts of the soule upon these fruits, Io. 3. 2, 3, 8, 9. Marvaile not that I said unto thee, ye must be borne againe. The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth. So is every one that is borne of the Spirit, but it may be known by the fruits of it, Gal: 5. 20. The fruit of the Spirit is Love, joy, Peace, Long-suffering, gentlenesse, good­nesse, faith, mecknesse, temperance, Rom. 14. 17. The Kingdome of God is not &c. But Righteousnesse, peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost. This is one thing that doth ever accompany or follow this work in the soule, that it makes a very great and a generall change therein, there is a new light and a new life in the soule; and this is discove­red by such like effects and works, as discover the life of the body, such as are constant brea­thing, the use of the Spirituall senses, Hunger, thirst, walking, talking, and the like The soule doth long and breath after God and Christ, and the things of God, it can heare, see, and relish [Page 112] divine things, it doth hunger and thirst after righteousnesse, and the meanes of grace, Gods word, and the like, it can walk with some strength in Gods waies, talk of good things: And this change is very great, so that of a Lyon the man is made a Lamb, Esay 11. 6. Of dark­nes he is become light; Ephes. 5. 8. Ye were some­times darknesse but now are light in the Lord, Ephes. 2. 1, 2. &c. You that were dead hath he quickned, &c. All things are become new in him, and there­fore is he said to be a new Creature, 2 Cor: 5. 17. If any man be in Christ he is a new Creature, old things are past away, behold all things are become new. He hath a new Name, Rev. 3. 12. A new life, Psal. 51. 10. He hath a new Heart, a new un­derstanding, judgement, will and affections, new principles, new motions, new qualities: his Heart of stone is become a heart of flesh, E­ zech. 36. 26. A new heart will I give you, &c. Ezek: 11. 19, 20. And I will put a new Spirit within you. And I will take the stony heart out of them, and give them a heart of flesh, that they shall walk in my statutes. So that when by reflect acts of Faith upon this Change wrought in him, and upon these fruits of the spirit, he looketh upon himselfe, he may now say with Paul, Gal. 2. 20. I am Crucified with Christ. Neverthelesse I live, yet not [...], but Christ in me, and the life which I now live in the flesh, I live by the saith of the Sonne of God, who loved me and [Page 113] gave himselfe for me. Now he seeth God as he is, and judgeth of God and Christ, and the things of God and the world as they are, and finding himselfe beloved of God and Christ, he loves them againe, more then the world, more then himselfe, he delights himselfe much in God, willeth him as his last end, and his chiefe good, and willeth Gods will, and being now made partaker of the divine nature. 2 Pe. 1. 4. and having Gods Image of Righteousnesse and ho­linesse reinstamped upon him, he hath the same mind in him that is in Christ, and he doth walk in this World, as Christ walked in this world, his words, works, and life are clean changed Ephes. 4. 24. And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in Righteousnesse and true holinesse. 1 Cor. 15. 49. Coll. 3. 10. And instead of the Fruits of Adultery, Fornication, uncleanesse, lasciviousnesse, wantonnesse, Idolatry, witch­craft, hatred, variance, emulation, wrath, strife, sedition, Heresies, which are the works of the flesh, Gal. 5. 24, 25. and were the fruits he brought forth before. Now his work is, and the fruits he bringeth forth are, Love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentlenesse, goodnesse, faith, meeknesse, temperance, which are the fruits of the Spirit; And by reflecting upon them he knoweth them. But these reflect acts and ope­rations of Christs spirit, are not to be found in [Page 114] the heart of an Hypocrite, his heart is still the same, or worse then ever it was, as full, or more full of Pride, malice, coveteousnesse, and all manner of secret wickednesse, then ever it was, Mat. 23. 25, 27. within they are full of Extortion and excesse, and of all uncleannesse, Acts 8. 23. thou art in the gall of bitternesse, &c. Psal. 58. 2. In heart ye work wickednesse. &c. Mat. 12. 34. Prov. 26. 24, 25, 26. And it must of necessity be so with him, for he hath no Faith, which doth purify the heart. Acts 15. 9. 1 Jo. 3. 3. And hence it is that the Hypocrite is still called upon to repent, and wash his heart, Esay 1. 10. Jer. 4. 14.

If it be objected that there is in the heart of an Hypocrite, some work of the spirit, much like to the work that is wrought in the heart of the true Christian?

To this we Answer. That there is some like­nesse between the common, and the speciall work of the spirit, in the hearts of good and bad; And yet if these workings be well obser­ved, these differences may be found between them. (1.) In the heart of the true Christian, as the heart it self is rooted in Christ, So is grace by Christs Spirit rooted in the heart, & springs from the spirituall life that is within it, which is Christ who dwelleth in it, Ephes. 3. 17. That Christ may dwell in your hearts by Faith. Coll. 2. 7. Rooted and built up in him. &c. Rom. 6. 5. For if wee [Page 115] have been planted together &c. But that which is in the heart of an Hypocrite, is without root or foundation, the [...]e is no spring within, to feed or maintaine it, but it is as a plant ungrasted, or as water in a poole or cisterne, Mat. 13. 21. Mat. 7. 26. The parables of the severall sorts of hea­rers, and of the house built on the sand.

2. True grace in the heart of a true Christi­an, doth flow naturally from it, as the water out of a spring, that will still issue forth, and as the operations of life move in a living body, which cannot be stopt while the body is alive, Acts 19. 20. We cannot but speak the things we have seen and heard, Io. 7. 38. Out of his belly shall flow ri­vers of living water, this he spoke of the spirit, which they that believe on him should receive &c. 1 Io 3. 3. Acts 15. 9. Phill. 2. 20. Psal. 119. 174. and 40. 8. and 39. 3. Pro. 10. 11. 1 Pe. 2. 2 But the mo­tions and operations of that seeming grace which is in the heart of an Hypocrite are for­ced, and come heavily, as water drawne up by a Pumpe, bucket, or such like engine, and as the motions of seeming life, in a dead body, made by art, after the fashion of men and beasts, which have been made to act, and doe like to living beasts and men. He is as a Cisterne that hath no water any longer then it is powred in it. Mat. 13. 21. Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while.

3. The true grace in the heart of a true Christian, is for the most part quick, lively, a­ctive, and vigorous, as the spring water is, and the motions of life in the living part of the bo­dy are, the more it doth, the more it may move and act, Heb. 6. 10. Your labour of love, Acts 15. 9. Purifying their hearts by Faith, 1 Io. 3. 3. And every man that hath this hope in him, purifyeth himselfe &c. Jo. 7. 38, 39. 1 Pe. 1. 3. Ʋnto a lively hope &c. But the common work of the spirit in the Hypocrite is not so, but dull, dead, and ineffectuall. Iames 2. 20. Faith without works is dead. He is not so a­ctive within in his heart towards God, as he is without in his tongue, but his heart acts ano­ther way, for this doth naturally in him work wickednes, Ps. 58. 2. Ezek. 33. 33. With their mouth they shew much love, but their heart goeth after their coveteousnesse. And he doth no more in his heart, towards the things that are good, then an Arti­ficiall leg or tooth, to the motions of life in the body, Jam. 2. 17.

4. True grace out of the heart of a true Christian, doth commonly flow out abundant­ly, as the water out of a lively Spring, Jo. 7. 38, 39. Out of his belly shall flow Rivers, &c. But that which is within the heart of an Hypocrite is but little, and of another kind; That therefore that the Hypocrite receiveth herein, is compared to a Tast, that which is as by a Gargarisme in [Page 117] the mouth received in; but that the true Chri­stian receiveth to eating and drinking, or to the vertue and strength he gets: by strong a Cordi­all which remaineth, Heb: 6. 4, 5.

5. The true grace in the heart of the true Christian is fixed, constant and certaine as the Root of a tree, and doth establish him that hath it, Heb. 13 9. But that which appeares in an Hypocrite, is fleeting, transient, and incertaine, like to a thin vapour or Cloud, Jade v: 12. Clouds they are without water, carried about with wind, Hosea 6. 4. Your goodnesse is as a morning cloud, and as the early dew it goeth away.

6. The true grace in the true Christian, is commonly increasing & growing as the young tree, or child, Psal. 84. 7. They goe from strength to strength. 2 Thess. 1. 3: Your faith groweth exceedingly. Psal. 1. 2. But otherwise it is in that which is in the Hypocrite, because it lacketh root, it doth not grow but wither away, Ma. 13. 6, 21. Be­cause they had no root they withered away.

7. The true grace albeit it doth grow, yet it doth commonly grow leasurely and by degrees, Heb 5. 12. Jer: 14, 9. Luke 24. 25. But that which is in the Hypocrite, is soon up, and groweth ve­ry fast, Mat: 13. 20, 21. And in him the proverb is fulfilled, Soon ripe soon rotten.

8. True Grace in the true Christian, as it is pure in it selfe, so is it of a purifying and clean­sing [Page 118] nature, it worketh out sinne and corrupti­on out of the heart. As the Spring the dirt that is within it, Acts 15. 9. Purifying their hearts by faith, 1 Pe. 1. 22. Seeing ye have purified your soules, &c 1 Io. 3. 3. Io 7. 38, 39. But otherwise it is in the heart of the Hypoc [...]ite, which is still as fil­thy as ever it was, Acts 8. 23 Thou art in the gall of bitternesse &c. Mat. 23: 25, 27. Within they are full of wickednesse.

9. The true Grace in the heart of the true Christian is very powerfull, prevalent and vi­ctorious, as a lively Spring, or flood of water, that doth carry all before it, it will make its way through all difficulties, till it hath attai­ned its end 1 Io. 5. 4. Whatsoever is borne of God overcometh the World. Ro. 8. 35, 38, 39. What shall separate us &c Ephe. 1. 19. And what is the exceed­ing greatnesse of his power to us word who believe &c. Cant: 8. 6, 7. Love is as strong as death. Rom. 8. 37. We are more then conquerors &c. 1 Cor. 4 20. The kingdome of God is not in word but in power, 1 Thess. 1. 5. But the common work of the Spirit in the heart of an Hypocrite, hath no such power or prevalency in it, but it may be easily interrup­ted and abated by temptation or opposition. Mat. 13. 6, 21. Job: 8. 13.

12. And lastly true Grace out of the heart of the true Christian, doth issue continually without end, as a lively Spring that is seldome [Page 119] or never dry, Io: 7. 38, 39. Psal: 1. 3. But it is otherwise with the common work in the heart of the Hypocrite, this like a standing poole in a dry Summer, doth often faile altogether; it is therefore said to be mortall and corruptible, 1 Pe. 1. 23. And very often Hypocrites doe dis­cover themselves, by a totall and finall Aposta­sie, Job. 8. 13. Mat. 13. 6, 21, 22. 1 Io. 2. 9. If yet you shall desire to see more particularly, the differences that there are, between the true Christian and the Hypocrite, we shall in the next place lay downe some of them.

SECT. I.

For the first. The difference that there is be­tween the true and counterfeit Christian, in their outside, or by their externall works: we are to know, that the Hypocrite (As we have said) may have as faire an Outside, as the best Christian in the World; And some Hypocrites are such, and continue so to their dying day; and can say with that young man, Mat. 19 17, 18, 19. All these things have I kept from my youth up. And yet in most of them perhaps, if they be narrowly watched, some halting may be found in this also, as to their conversation. The true Christian is altogether a Christian, doth follow Christ fully in all things, and whether soever [Page 121] he goes, and allwaies. And he being wrought upon so effectually by the word and spirit, as to be cast into the mould, or transformed into the likenesse thereof: he is for a present compliance with the whole will of God in all things, he doth walke in all the commandments of God blamelesse; He escheweth all that is evill, and doth all that is good, Ephes: 4. 28. Zach. 13. 4, 5 Isa. 1. 16, 17. He is for all duties to God, and duties to man, he is for piety, justice, and so­briety. And he is for Godlinesse not only in the forme, but in the power thereof; he is for greater, for lesser, for publick for private duties; he is for duties that are in esteeme, and duties out of esteeme, he is for more and for lesse pro­fitable duties and performances; for duties of mercy and charity, as well as for duties that have outward profits and advantages attending them, and in them all he is alike constant and industrious in their proper places. And as to all the will of God, and duty and work thereby in­cumbent on man, he is universall and uniforme amongst all persons, in all times, places, and cases, one and the same, and changeth not, but continueth so to his dying day, Psal: 18. 21, 23, 24. For I have kept the waies of the Lord, and have not wickedly departed from my God. I was also upright before him. And I kept my selfe from mine iniquity, Luke 1. 6. It is said of Zacharie and Elizabeth, they [Page 122] were both righteous before God, walking in all the com­mandements of God blamelesse. Caleb, that he did fully follow the Lord, in Deut. 1. 36. Numb. 14. 24. and 32. 11, 12. Of Auna, Luke 2 37, She served God with fastings and Prayers night and day. Of Cornelius Acts 10 2. He was a devout man and one that feared God with all his house, which gave much almes unto the people, and prayed to God alwaies Psal. 101. 2. I will walk uprightly in the midst of my house, Acts 2. 43. And they continued steafastly in the Apostles doctrine, Psal: 101. 1, 2, 3 I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes, Ephes: 5 1. Mat: 8. 10. and 16. 24. Jo. 4. 24. 1 Sam. 12. 3, 4. 2 Cor. 7. 2. But the Hypocrite is but almost, or halfe a Christian, doth but some things and follow Christ in part. And he (as to this) is commonly faulty in one of these par­ticulars. 1. Either he will put off, and delay to doe what he is commanded. Luke 9 59. Suffer me first to goe and bury my Father, &c. 2 Or he will doe it but by halves when he doth it, Hosea 7. 8, 16. Numb. 32. 11. 3. Or he will doe too much, more then is given him in command by God, being led therein by his own fancy, or the com­mandements of men, or some humane Traditi­on: and so it is a Will worship, Mat. 15. 2, 3, 6. &c. Why do thy Diseiples transgresse the Traditions of the Elders &c. But he answered why doe you also trans­gresse the commandements of God by your Tradition. For God commanded &c. In vaine doe you worship me [Page 123] teaching for Doctrines the commandements of men. So Jehu, 2 Kings 15. 1, 2. &c. Luke 18. 10, 12. Psal: 119. 81, 82. Hosea 5. 11. 4. Or else (and this is more common with him) he doth too little; he doth lesse then God commandeth, and in the rest will doe his own will, Hosea 7. 7. 5. Or he is all for the duties of the first table, he is to­wards God religious, but towards man unjust, cruell, unfaithfull, &c. Esay 1. 11, 12, 13. For what purpose are the multitude of your sacrifices, &c. your hands are full of blood &c. Mal. 2. 6. Have been partiall in the Law. Ezech: 22. 26. 6. Or he hath somewhat of both, but he hath a reserve, he must be borne and dispensed with in some things, he hath some beloved sinne or other of Profit and Pleasure, as Naaman, 2 Kings 5. 18. the Jewes Exod. 16. 28, 29. Saul, 1 Sam: 15. 8. He­rod, Morke 6. 20. and others. 7. Or he is very exact in the lesser, but very carelesse in the grea­ter things, Mat. 23. 23. Woe to you Scribes, &c. Ye pay Tithe of Mint, Annis, and Cummin, but have o­mitted the weighty matters of the Law, judgement, mer­cy, and Faith, &c. 8. Or he is all for duties that are more publick, and not at all for private. 9. Or he is for duties that are in request, and of selfe advantage, and for none others, Acts 8. 21. There is scarce an Hypocrite to be found, but lives in some known sinne or other, and under [Page 124] the power of some lust which he serveth. He will serve two masters, Mat: 6. 24. He supposeth the love of God and the world may stand toget her, and that he may serve both, Iames 4. 4 The dog hath his kennell, and the Sow her swill. And if you mark well his stepps, you will finde him in time of Temptation drawn, or driven to the o­mitting of some good, or doing of some foule evill. And to take the boldnesse, at least at some time, or in some places, or amongst some company, or in some case to offend wickedly, Ezek. 33. 30, 31. compared with Ezek. 8. 7, 8, 9. 1 Sam: 10. 10. and 14. 33, 34. Mark. 6 20, 21, 22, 27. 2 Kings 5. 18. Mat: 13. 22, 23. Iob. 27. 10. Isa. 65. 3, 4, 5, 6, 7. Hos. 7. 7, 8, 9, 10. &c. Zeph: 1. 5. Iob. 27. 10. Luke 17. 15. And sometimes he takes offence, at some word or work of God, or by some other occasion, and falls clean away by Apostasy. 1 Jo: 2, 19. 2 Tim. 4 10. 1 Sam: 13. 8. 28. 7. Luke 18. 22. Mark. 6. 20. And thus much of the differences between them in their out­side.

SECT. II.

We come now to the Second head, to speak of their Inside. And herein shall observe the dif­ferences, [Page 125] that there are between the saving, and reall Graces of the true Christian, and the counterfeit Graces of the Hypocrite in some particulars.

SECT. III.

The Hipocrite may have and hath (as wee have shevved) a zeale, and this zeale may bee upon religious grounds, as is and must bee the zeale of the true Christian, and according to the dictates of his Conscience But vve shall find a vvidc difference betvvene the zeale of the one and of the other, in these things 1. The true Christians zeale is after knovvledge received from the Word of God, and it is for Christ and his truth, Isa. 8. 16. Rev. 3. 19. Tit. 2. 14. Numb. 25. 11, 13 But the zeal of the Hypocrite is nofter the knowledge of Gods Word, but [Page 130] after his own, or other mens opinions and in­ventions, Rom 10, 2. They have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge, Mat. 15. 9 Gal. 4. 17, 18. and against Christ, as that of Paul was at first, Phil. 3. 6, 9. 2. The true Christians zeal is, and springs from the work of Gods Spirit, and his own faith in Gods word, Jer: 20. 9. Acts 19 19, 20. But the Hypocrites zeal ariseth from some humane Motive, Tradition, Custom, Educati­on, or some such like thing without, and the corruption of his own heart within, Act. 22. 3. I was zealous toward God as ye all are this day. Mat. 15. 9. Teaching for doctrines the cōmandments of men, Joh. 4. 20. 3. The true Christians zeal is accompa­nyed with a deep sense of his original and in­ternal wickedness, which the Hypocrite mind­eth not, Luke 18. 10, 11, 12. The Publican went up to pray, &c. He stood afar off, &c. 4. The true Christian being sensible of his own heart-emp [...]i­ness of Grace, and the insufficiency of all things without Christ to fill it, sets a low value upon all other things in comparison of Christ, and longs after, and looks for all from Christ, Phil. 3. 8. Luke 1. 53. But the Hypocrite hath with his zeal, a heartfulness, and self-confidence of his own sufficiency, Luke 1. 53. Mat. 5. 6. Rom. 10 2, 3. For they being ignorant of Gods righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, &c.

SECT. IV.

The true Christian loveth God, and so he must: for this is the whole duty of man, Mat. 22. 37. And so perhaps the Hypocrite may doe. But there is a wide difference betwixt the one love and the other love: thus. The sincere love of the true Christian is, 1 A rational and under­standing love; it ariseth from the knowledge of God, his excellencies, loveliness, goodness, beautie, and works, and especially as he is re­vealed in Christ by the Gospel, Psal. 63. 2, 3. O God thou art my God, early will I seek thee, my sonl thirsteth for thee, &c. to see thy pow­er and thy glory, &c. For thy loving kindness is better than life, &c. Psal. 9. 10. Heb 1. 3. Joh. 14 9. 2 It ariseth from Gods love, and the sense there­of to him, and the apprehension he hath, that God is a reconciled Father to him, 1 Joh. 4 10. We love him, because he first loved us, Joh. 3. 16. Luke 7. 47: 2 Thes. 2. 16. 3 It is a natural love, as the love of a childe to the father, arising from his new nature, as he is born and brought forth a childe of God: And so he loveth God as in the relation of a Father to him, Gal. 4. 6. And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit [Page 132] of his Son into your hearts, crying Abba Father, Rom. 8. 15. 4. It is a pure love; he loves God for his own sake, and for the good he seeth to be in him, and for the good he doth to others, as well as for the good he doth to him. And in this it is like to the true love of a man to a woman, when he loves her only for her person and qualities sake, and not for her portion, Psal. 34 8. Cant. 1. 4, 15. Psal. 63. 1, 2, 3. 5 It is an open and ingenuous love, it moves the heart towards God, as the heart of one faithful friend to another, James 2 23. Ioh 3. 29. Ioh. 15. 14, 15. 1 Cor. 13. 4. 6 It is a strong, transcendent, and supernaturall love. And more, and greater than his love is to his Father, Mother, Brother, Sister, Wife, Children, Self, or any thing else in the world: for he looks on God as his chief good, and cannot be satisfied with any thing else in the world, without him; can acqui [...]sce in, and be satisfied with him without all things else; and for his sake he can, and will do, or suffer any thing; and for the enjoyment of him, he can, and will part with his right eye, right hand, or any thing else whatsoever, never so near, or dear to him; and in him is all his delight, Mat. 10. 37. Heb. 11. 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 35. Rev. 12. 11. Cant. 8 6, 7. Luke 18. 28. Psal 63. 1. & 116. 7, & 8 4. 2. 5, 7. Psal. 37. 25. Luke 14. 27. 7 It labours to improve it self by [Page 133] all advantages, and tha [...] it may love more, Psal 116. 1. 8 It is a laborious and working love, Gal. 5. 6. 1 Thess. 1. 3. 9 It is a true love that runs through the whole man inward and outward.

SECT. V.

The true Christian loves Christ: And so he must; for without this he cannot be a true Christian, 1 Cor. 16. 22. 1 Cor. 13. 1, 2. And the Hypocrite may have a kind of love to Christ also, Mat. 19 16. But herein also we shall find a wide difference between them

1 The true Christian he ha thnot onely a good will to Christ, Ioh: 3. 26. to 30. Ioh. 3. from 1 to 11. but a longing desire after him, Cant. 1. 2. Rev 22. 17, 20. And satisfaction in him, Cant. 3. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5.

2 The love of the true Christian to Christ, is like to his love to the father; and so doth manifest [Page 137] it self as the love of the child of God doth manifest it self to God. As,

1 It ariseth from the knowledge of Christ by the preaching of the Gospel, and that dis­covery he hath thereby of Christs beauty, glory, excellency, and necessity, in reference to his soul, Psal. 45. 2. &c. Cant. 2. 3. and 5 10. 6. 1 Joh. 6. 6. 68. Lord to whom shall we goe, thou hast the words of eternal life? And from his faith in him. Iohn 69. And we believe and are sure that thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God, 1 Pet. 1 8. whom having not seen, ye love, &c. Yet believing, &c. And from the good which he hath experimentally got by him, Cant. 1. 3. 4. 15. and 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. and 5. 10. Luke 7. 38, &c. Psal. 45 6: 11. 15 Isa. 33. 17 and 45. 22.

3 It ariseth from Christs love, and the sense thereof to him, Ephes. 5. 2. Rev. 1. 5. to him that lo­ved us, and washed us in his blood.

4 It is pure also; for he loves Christ as well for himself, and the loveliness he sees to be in him, his odoriserous smel, and for his sweet tast, as for the need he hath of him, and the benefit he may have by him, Cant. 1. 3, 4, 15. Ioh. 7. 7. and 21. 16. 17.

5 It is a strong and transcendent love that is in the soul of the true Christian to Christ; it will part from all rather than part from him, Cant. 8. 6, 7. It is as strong as death, the coals thereof [Page 138] are coals of fire, which have a most vehement flame: Many waters cannot quench love, neither can the floods drown it, Luke 18. 28 and 14. 26, &c. 10. 37, 38. Rev. 12. 11. Acts 21. 13.

6 It is a laborious love, Heb. 10. 6. Iames 1. 4.

7 It is a constant, lasting, and unchangeable love, Cant. 8. 6, 7. it cannot be quenched.

8 And it is a love that is like to the love of a dear Wife to her loving Husband, or the love of a contracted Virgin, betrothed to her lover a young man, where the love is exceeding strong, and doth manifest it self by such like effects as these.

1 By a high esteem of his love, and all the ma­nifestations thereof by tokens, letters, kisses, &c. Cant. 1. 2. and 7. 10.

2 She looks upon all that ever he is, and doth as lovely, Cant. 1. 4, 6. and 2. 1. and 5. 10.

3 She doth highly esteem all that is about him, and doth concern him. So hath every true Christian an high esteem of Christs love, and the manifestations of it: thinks well of all he is, and doth, loves all his ordinances and gra­ces, Cant. 2. 3. and 5. 10.

4 She thinks much of him in his absence.

5 She hath an earnest desire after a fuller as­surance and evidence of his love, and the full and perfect enjoyment of him, that as man and wife they may for ever dwel together, and [Page 139] never be sundred any more. And so the Chri­stian hath after Christ; and therefore the true Christian soul doth long for his appearing, and the consummation of all things, Cant. 2. 4. 8. 6. and 7. 12. And till this may be attained, and for the present he hath a desire of union with him; an earnest desire after, and delight and reioycing in the manifestations of his presence by his Spi­rit within, and amongst his people, and in his ordinances without, as the wife hath, in as near an approach to, and entercourse with her Hus­band as she may, Cant. 1. 2. and 2. 4. and 8. 14. and 4. 16. and 7. 11, 12. Is. 26. 2. Jer. 22. 24. In order to this,

1 The Spouse of Christ doth alwaies entreat him, and wooe him for his company, Cant. 2. 7, 8, 9.

2 She doth enquire after him, where she may meet with him, and they may have conference together, Cant. 1. 7.

3 She makes her way through all difficulties to come to him, Cant. 5. 7, 8, 9. and 8. 7.

4 She when she hath gotten him, labours by all means to keep him with her, and not to let him go. And for this,

1 She is glad, and takes hold of all oppor­tunities whereby she may manifest her love to him, Cant. 7. 12.

2 She labours in every thing to please him, [Page 140] give him all the content she may, and every way to seem as lovely to him as she may, and is very careful not to grieve him, Cant. 2. 12. and 8. 2, 3. And therefore,

1 She is mighty careful to keep his comman­dements (as a wife to keep the charge of her husband) in head, heart tongue, and life, Iohn 14. 15. 21. 23. and 15. 10, 14.

2 She will suffer any thing from him, as his rebukes, &c. John 21. 15, 16, 17, or for him, 1 Cor. 13. 4.

3 She will part with any thing to him, or for his sake, Luke 13. 28. 1 Cor. 1. 4.

4 She loves all his friends, and doth manifest it by doing all she can for them, especially for their soules, and is extreamly glad with their prosperity, and sad in their adversity, 1 Pet. 1. 8. 1 John. 3. 13, 14. Iohn 21. 15, 16.

3 And she is extreamly troubled when he is gone, especially if she find he hath received any discontent, and she will not be quiet till they be friends, and he come again, Cant. 3. 1, 5, 6: and 6. 2.

But the love of Christ that is in the heart of the Hypocrite, it is not such a love; it is not so rooted and grounded in Christ, or in the heart, and therefore fadeth and dyeth in times of per­secution; nor doth it arise from the love of Christ to him, and the view of Christs loveli­ness, [Page 141] nor is it a pure love for Christs sake but from the love of himself; nor are there such effects as we have observed to be in the heart and life of the true Christian, but the contrary ther­of are found to be in him: For this pretended love towards Christ, such as it is, is onely, or e­specially for some outward advantage that hee that loveth hath, or hopeth to have by Christ, as Saul loved David for the ease he gave him by his Musick, 1 Sam. 16. 21. And so many of them that followed Christ, and had some love to him, that they did herein was doubtless for their outward advantage only, & therfore upon the least occa­sion of dislike, they took offen [...]e at something in his work or words, when they saw it to be more for their outward advantage to leave him they fell off from him. Luke 9. 57. A certain man said unto him, Lord, I will follow thee whither soever thou goest. And Jesus said unto him, Foxes have holes, &c. but the Son of man hath no where to lay his head. Mark 10 17, 18. 19, &c. There came one running, and kneeled to him, saying: Good master what shall I doe that I may inherit eternal life, &c. And he said, Go sell that thou hast, &c. and thou shalt have treasure in heaven, &c. and follow me. And he was said at that saying, and went away grieved; for he had great possessions. The stony ground hearers, Mat. 13. 21. when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the Word, by and by he is offended. Joh. 6. 26. Ye seek [Page 142] me not because ye saw the miracles, but because ye did eat of the loaves, and were filled. Labour not for the meat which perisheth, &c. Joh. 6. 66. From that time many of his Disciples went back, and walked no more with him.

SECT. VI.

The true Christian doth love the godly, and those that are true Christians; and so he must doe, or he cannot be a true Christian, Joh. 13. 35. By this shall all men know ye are my disciples if ye love one another, 1 Joh 2 9, 10, 11. and 3. 14, 15. And so we have said, that there is, and may be in an Hypocrite a kind of love to the godly also, but with these differences.

1 The sincere love of the true Christian ari­seth from Gods love in him, 1 Joh 5. 1, 2. Every one that loveth him that begat, loveth him that is be­gotten of him.

2 It is a pure love: For,

1 It is from the heart, that is pure being puri­fied by Faith, 1 Tim. 1. 5. 1 Pet. 1. 22.

2 Because God commands it, 1 Iohn 4 21.

3 He loves all the Saints, Phil. 1. 1. Col. 1. 3, 4.

4 It is for Gods sake, as the child that doth love for the Fathers sake, because he beleeveth them to be Saints, beloved of God, and because [Page 143] he seeth the true Image of God upon them, which is beautifull in his eye, and the more thereof he seeth upon them, the more he lo­veth them. And because there is a likeness and relation between them, and him, as children of the same Father; there is a Brotherhood be­tween them, and they are follow members of one body, 1 Iohn 5. 2, 3, and 4. 21. and 5. 1, 2. Mat. 10. 12. 1 Pet. 2. 17. 1 Cor. 12. 12, 25, 26.

3 It is an unfeigned love, moved, and carry­ed out for the good of him that is beloved, 1 Pet 1. 22. Ʋnto unfeigned love of the brethren, &c. Heb. 6. 10. 1 John 3. 17. 18. Rom: 12. 9.

4 It is a kindly affectioned love, Rom. 12. 10. like the dear love between Father and Chil­dren.

5 It is a courteous love, it maketh him cour­teous towards him that is beloved of him, 1 Pet. 3. 8. Love as brethren, &c. be courteous.

6 It is a servent love, 1 Pet 1. 22. See that yee love one another out of a pure heart servently, 1 John 3. 16.

7 It is a real love, 1 Iohn 3. 16, 17, 18. Wee ought to lay down our lives, &c. But whose hath this worlds good, and seeth his Brother have need, and shut­eth up his bowels of compassion &c. Let us not love in word, &c. but in deed and in truth.

8 It is uniting to the person beloved, 1 Pet. 3. 8. Be of one mind, &c. Love as brethren.

[Page 144] 9 It is a transcendent supernatural love, 1 Iohn 3. 16. And we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren, John 13. 35. James 2. 15, 16.

10 It is a lasting and continuing love, 1 Cor. 13. 8. Charitie never saileth, &c. Heb 13. 1. Let Brotherly love continue. And this love doth yet fur­ther appear by such like effects and operations as these which follow.

1 It desireth to be united to the person belo­ved, and to have as much of his company as it can, Psal. 119. 63. I am companion of them that feare thee. &c. and 16. 3. But to the Saints, &c. in whom is all my delight.

2 It turns into mercy when the person belo­ved is in misery, 1 John 3. 17. Whoso hath this worlds good, and seeth his brother hath need, and shutteth up his compassion. &c. How dwelleth the love, &c. 1 Pet. 3 8. Love as brethren, be pittiful, &c. Heb. 9. 10. James 2. 15 16

But for the further opening of the properties of this love, see 1 Cor. 13 4, 5, 6. 7. Charity suffer­eth long (i.) it will suffer much and long for the sake of him it loveth, what cause soever is gi­ven, and it makes a man of a patient spirit. And is kind (i.) It is open hearted, and this makes it open handed' ready to distribute, tender and compassionate, and ready to do any kindness to others that it can doe; it is easie to be made use of, and ready to communicate itself, and what [Page 145] it hath to do any good offices it can doe for to­thers; it is as tender of others as it is of its own good; it rejoyceth at the good, and not at the hurt of another, and it spends itself, and is spent for the good of others. It envieth not (i.) It is very well pleased at, and contented with the happiness of others, and doth not grudge it. It vaunteth not it self, is not puffed up (i.) It keepeth the man from vain ostentation, insolen­cy, and scornful thoughts against, and ill de­meanour towards others. Doth not behave it self unseemly (i.) It will not disgrace another, nor suffer him that hath it to use unseemly words or gesture towards another. Seeketh not her own (i.) It is communicative, and cannot content it self to doe good to it self, but it must be doing good to others also. It is not easily provoked (i.) It will dissemble injuries, and swallow down wrongs; it is slow to wrath, and not quickly angry, what cause soever be given. And when it is angry, it is not extreamly, and irreconcila­bly angry. Thinketh not evill (i.) As it doth not speak or act, so it doth not imagine mis­chief against others. Rejoyceth not in inquity but in the truth (i.) It takes no pleasure in doing, or speaking evill; it is glad to see the good, and sad to see evil in others; or it is glad when it seeth others falsly accused to be cleared; or it taketh part with good men, and good things Beareth [Page 146] all things (i.) It helpeth to bear others burdens, their weakness and wants, by contribution to their help. Beleeveth all things (i.) It is not lightly credulous, nor easily suspitious; but it is candid and ingenuous; it beleeveth all the good it hears, or can have any ground in chari­ty to beleeve; it will cover as much as it can the faults of others, and therefore doth cha­ritably interpret the words and deeds of others. It will make the most of the good, and the least of the evil another saith or doth, and is apt to construe all things in the best sense; and as far as may be it will conceal the evils of others for their good. Hopeth all things (i.) It hopeth the best where there is no apparent reason to the contrary. It hopeth all the good it can hope, and that which cannot be well beloved. And it doth never so far despair, as not to use means. Endureth all things (i.) It will bear the greatest, rather than doe the least injury: it will bear all things it may bear with a good consci­ence: it will suffer much evil it self, to doe a little good to others.

But otherwise it is in this particular also in the heart of an Hypocrite: For either he doth hate, envy, or contemn the true Christian (and this is most common) 2 Chron. 18. 7. Or else he doth dissemble love, 1 John 3. 17, 18. Or if there be any love in him towards them, it is but to­wards [Page 147] some of them; or he loves the wicked as much as them; or he loves the godly coldly, or but a little while; or he loves them onely out of respect to himself, and for self ends, and to serve his own turn by them, because they are, or may be of use to him; or (at the best) because they are harmless men, or men of fine parts, or because the time favours them, or they are beloved of most men, or for some such like cause. Nor is there such evidence and demon­stration of his love, as there is of the love of the true Christian; for he commonly is proud, scornfull, censorious, harsh, hasty, and the like Isa. 66. 5. Your brethren that hated you, &c. Joh. 15. 18, 24, 25. They have both hated me and my father &c. Psal. 39. 19. Them that hate me without a cause. Luke 19. 14. Isa. 1. 13. 1 Pet. 1. 22, 23. Ps. 41. 6. compared with Ps 35. 16. With hypocritical mockers in feasts, &c.

SECT. VII.

The true Christian doth love the Word of God, Psal. 119. 13. And so he must. But the Hypocrite hath a kind of love to the Word al­so The differences lye in these things.

1 The true love of the true Christian ariseth from his love to God and Christ, whose Word it is, and from the excellency of it, as having [Page 148] his likeness upon it, Psal. 119. 129. Thy testimo­nies are wonderful, therefore doth my soul keep them, Psal. 19. 7, 8.

2 It is a natural love, arising from the new creature within him, as he is a new born childe of God, and hath a new life, whence ariseth hunger and thirst to this Word, the proper food apointed of God to feed it, and maintain the life thereof, 1 Pet. 2. 2. As new born babes desire the sincere Milk of the Word, &c.

3 It is a pure love, he loveth it for it self, and for the puritie and perfection of it, Rom. 7. 12. 22. Psal. 19. 7. The Law of God is perfect, &c.

4 It is a vehement love, as that of a childe to the mothers breast; he hath an high esteem of the Word, a strong desire after it, cannot live with­out it, no more than the childe without the breast, and will not part with it for the whole world, 2 Pet 2. 2. Psal. 119. 97. 20. 72. O how I love thy Law, &c. My soul breaketh for the longing, &c.

5 It is an universal, and impartial love, it is to all the VVord, and that part most of all that shall detect and correct his most secret sin, Psal. 141. 5. Rom. 7. 12, 13, 14.

6 It is a fruitfull, changing, and efficacious love: it makes the man in whom it is by the use of this VVord to grow still, and be changed into the very likeness of it; and so to love the [Page 149] knowledge of it, as to fall into the practise, and obedience of it. He loves to do it, as well as to know it, 2 Cor. 3. 18. But we all with open face be­holding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord, 1 Pet. 2. 2. As new born babes de­sire the sincere milk of the Word, that ye may grow thereby, Rom. 6. 17. But ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine. Job 23. 12. Neither have I gone back from the commandement of his lips, &c. 1 Pet. 1. 22. But the false love, and so the short and sleight delight of the Hypocrite to and in this VVord, hath none of all this; for it is commonly to a part of it onely; he cannot brook that part thereof that shall discover and correct his sin, e­specially his secret and beloved sin, John 3. 20, 21. Mark 6. 17, 18. 3 Luk. 19 20. 2 Chron. 18. 7. And that love he hath to the rest doth usually arise from the excellencies or noveltie of the matter treat­ed of therein, the singular gifts of the Preach­er, or some view he hath of the sweet promises of the Gospel contained therein, the Redemp­tion by Jesus Christ, and the happiness of such as believe in him, and that he by mistake doth apprehend he hath a share therein: But it works no change at all in him, nor is he at all confor­med thereunto in his heart and life. He doth hear, but not doe it: he casteth it behinde his back, and commonly he hateth it, Ezek. 33. 31, [Page 150] 32, 33. Isa. 58. 2. and 59. 2. Ps. 50. 16, 17. Rom. 2. 13, 23. James 1. 22. Jer. 7. 23, 24.

SECT. VIII.

The true Christian doth love and delight in all the rest, the Ordinances of God, the Sabbo [...]h, Sacrament, Prayer, and the like. And some kind of love and delight there may be also in the heart of an Hypocrite, but with a great deal of difference. The love of the sincere Christian to them is as they are pure Ordinances from God, and are by divine institution, and serve to his glory, and the good of souls, and as they serve to bring God and us near together, and to maintain our communion with him: And it is his meat and drink to use th [...]m, Rom. 7. 22. Heb. 8. 10. His Laws are put into their mind, and written in their hearts. Rom. 7. 22. He doth delight in the Law of God after the inward man. And to­gether with his use of them he doth joyn Re­formation of heart and life, Psal. 119. 14 I have rejoyced in the waies of thy Testimonies, Psal. 119. 10, I have refrained my feet from every evil way, Ps. 40. 8. But that which is in the heart of an Hypocrite of delight and pleasure in them, is very little and short. And that is onely for his self ends at the most, because he conceiveth there is a ne­cessity of the doing of them in order to salva­tion: [Page 151] And so an Hypocrite may like of, and use them as a bridge to goe over to heaven, or as men use Physick. But commonly he doth ac­count all these things as a burthen, and he doth use them as a cloak to his wickedness, Isa. 58. 2, 3, 4, &c. Isa. 59. 2, 3, &c. Ezech. 33 32. Amos 8. 5. When will the New Moon be gone, &c. the Sabboth, &c? And he doth continue still in his wicked­ness (at the least of the heart) as before. Psal. 58. 2, 3 Yea in heart ye work wickedness, &c. Mat. 23. 27. Acts 8 22, 23.

SECT. IX.

The true Christian doth, and must love and desire Grace. And the Hypocrite also, as he hath a kinde of love to Gods VVord, and to godly men: so hath he a kind, or appearance of desire, and love to Grace. But there is a great deal of difference between them: For, 1 The love & desire of the true Ch [...]istian is a true and natural love, arising from his new nature, and Gods Spirit in him: The love of Grace is Grace, and a part of the new creature. 2 His love to it is for it self, and its loveliness in his eye, and the likenesse it hath to God, and the agreement that there is between the true Chri­stians changed nature and it, and because it makes him like to God. But that which is in [Page 152] the Hypocrite is counterfeit, and not from a new nature: for he is not regenerate, neither hath he the Spirit of God in him. But that seeming love and desire of Grace which is in him is onely for himself, and his own end; and so he may have a confused desire of it, as ap­prehending it may be a means to escape the wrath of God, and the condemnation of hell, and to obtain heaven and happiness for him. 3 The true Christians desire after Grace is ve­hement, active, and unsatiable, Psal. 84. 2. 7. Cant. 4. 16. He cannot be satisfied with any measure of it, but hungers and thirsts still for more, Ps. 119. 97. O how I love thy Law, &c. My soul breake [...]h for the longing, &c. Phil. 3. 12. Rom. 7. 24. Luke 1. 53. Mat 5 6. Isa. 55. 1, 2. But the love that is in the Hypocrite is a weak, cold, careless, and unactive love, he thinks he hath e­nough, and cares for no more, Rev. 3. 17. Be­cause thou saist I am rich, &c. Luke 6 25. and 1. 53. Luke 18. 12. But more of this afterwards in the fifteenth Section.

SECT. X.

The true Christian doth beleeve, and trust in God, Iohn 14. 1. Psal. 31. 1. And so he must do, 2 Chron. 20. 20. Psal. 130. 7. The Hypo­crite also hath a kind of trust and hope in [Page 153] God, Psal. 106. 12. Job 8. 14. But there is a great deal of odds between the faith, trust and hope of the one and of the other.

1 The faith and hope of the true Christian is grounded upon the Word of God, and the Promise and Covenant of God in Christ, which he doth well understand, and wherein he hopes himself to be included, Psal. 78. 7, 8. Psal. 119. 42. 94. I am thine save me, Psal. 9. 10. They that know thy Name will put their trust in thee, &c. But the Hypocrite doth commonly trust in himself, or somewhat else besides God. Luke 18. 11. 21. Rom. 10. 3. That which the Hypocrite hath, is oft times wrought by something else besides the Word of God, Psal. 106. 12, 13. John 2. 23. and 6. 2. and 4. 48. And that kind of trust he hath in God is a groundless trust, it hath no root, Micah 3. 11. Luke 8. 13.

2 The true faith, and trust of the true Chri­stian brings forth obedience, and submission to all Gods will in doing and suffering, Hab. 2. 4. The just shall live by his faith. Isa. 25. 9. Psal. 40. 1. But the faith and hope of the Hypocrite is fruit­less to himself and others, Job 8 14. The hope of the Hypocrite shall fail him, and be as the spiders webb, Ps. 106. 6, 7, 13.

3 It is a continuing and a growing trust, but the faith and trust of the Hypocrite is a tempo­rary and vanishing faith and trust, Psal. 106. 12, [Page 154] 13. Then beleeved they his words, &c. they soon for­gat his works, &c. Exod. 14. 31. Mat. 13. 6, 20, 21. Ps. 78. 34, 35.

SECT. XI.

The true Christian is such a one as doth be­lieve in Christ, and so he must, John 14. 1. But the Hypocrite (as we have shewed) may believe in Christ also, John 2. 23, 24, 25. Luke 8 13. But there is a vast difference between the faith of the true, and the faith of the false Christian herein.

1 The one, the unfeigned faith of the true Christian is a grace of the Regenerating Spirit, and alwaies accompanied with Regeneration, John 1. 12, 13. But as many as received him, to them he gave power to be the Sons of God, even to them which beleeve in his Name, which was born not of blood, &c. Eph. 2. 8. Gal. 5. 22. John 3. 5.

2 The faith of the true Christian is grounded upon the promise, and is alwaies accompanied with the knowledge of the promise of the Go­spel it doth beleeve, Ephes. 1. 13, 14. In whom ye also trusted after that ye heard the word of truth the Go­spel, &c. Isa. 53. 11. By his knowledge shall my righ­teous servant justifie many, &c. John 17. 3. It is life eternal to know thee, &c. 1 John 5. 10, 11. Rom. 10. 14.

3 He takes, accepts, and receives Christ for [Page 155] salvation, and that upon his own terms, Luke 9. 23. If any man will come after me let him deny himself, John 1. 12. Acts 6. 31.

4 It is a faith whereby a man takes Christ to him, and gives himself up to Christ, Heb. 11. 13. Having seen the promises afar off, &c. and embraced them, &c. Phil. 3. 12. John 5. 24. and 6. 37, 38. Rom. 12. 1.

5 It is a soul melting faith, Zach. 12. 10. They shall look on him whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn, &c.

6 It is a soul-purifying faith, Acts 15. 9 Puri­fying their hearts by faith, &c. and 26. 18. Which work it doth, 1 By application of the VVord against sin, John 17. 17. 2 By application of Christs blood, Zach. 13. 1. 3 By an inward ef­ficacy and operation, so it is a part of sanctifica­tion, Gal. 5. 22.

7 It is a soul-conflicting Faith, it hath many doubts, fears, and difficulties to encounter with, Mark 9. 24. And stratway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord I beleeve, help thou mine unbelief. Phil. 2. 12. Work out your own sal­vation.

8 It is an obedient-making faith: it makes a man sincerely obedient, Heb 11. 7. 8. 17. and fruitfull in good works, Gal 5. 6. But faith which worketh by love. Tit. 3. 8. Heb. 11 throughout. James 2. 17, 20. and ready and chearful therein, Gal. 5. 7

[Page 156] 9 It is a soul-supporting faith in time of trouble, Hab. 2. 4. But the just shall live by his faith. Job 13. 15, 16. and 19. 26. 27.

10 It is a prevalent and a conquering faith; it makes a man able to doe the hardest things, to break through all difficulties, overcome all temptations, part with his dearest interests, trample under his feet all the threats, pleasures, profits, and honours of the world, and makes a man hang loose from them, James 4. 7. 1 Per, 5. 9. Heb. 11. By faith Noah, &c. prepared an Ark, &c. ver. 24. 25. By faith Moses when he came to years refused, &c. chusing rather, &c. 2 Thes. 1. 11. 1 Thes. 1. 3. Acts 17. 32, 34.

11 It is a quickning, powerful, lively, and a laborious faith, 1 Thes. 1. 3. Remembering with­out ceasing your work of Faith, &c. Rom. 1. 17. Gal. 2. 20. James 2. 18.

12 It is very apprehensive of unbelief, Mark 9, 24. Luke 17. 5. And the Apostles said to the Lord, Increase our faith.

13 It hath with it a spirit of Prayer, Rom. 10. 14. Psal 116. 10.

14 It hath with it some peace, Rom. 5. 1. Be­ing justified by faith we have peace with God.

15 It is a growing and increasing faith. 2 Cor. 10. 15. Rom. 1. 17. 2 Thes. 1. 3. Your faith groweth exceedingly.

But the faith of the Hypocrite is a groundless [Page 157] faith, that for which he hath no promise; it is either Historical onely, as was that of Agrip­pa, Acts 26. 27. and of the devils, James 2. 19. that he doth beleeve the things written in the VVord to be true. The devils beleeve and tremble. Or that of miracles, which Judas and others had, by which they did miraculous and wonderfull things, Mat. 27. 22, 23. Or an imaginary, fear­less, and confident faith, a meer fancy, and dream of the brain, whereby a man doth con­ceive his estate to be good, and in Christ, and yet is still in his carnal estate without any fruits of faith, James 2. 14, 17, 20, 26. And this indeed is presumption. Or it is a temporary faith, which doth usually vanish like a Comet in time of tri­al, and he that hath it falls away by Apostasie, Luke 8. 13. with Mat. 13. 20, 21. Mark 10. 17. And is not accompanied with the purifica­tion of the heart, or reformation of the life, or any such lively effects as we have before obser­ved to be in the faith of the true believer, but it is like the corn, either withered by the Sun, or choaked by the thorns, Luke 8. 5, 6, 7, 12, 13, 14. Acts 8. 21, 22.

SECT. XII.

The true Christian must be convinced of his sin, inwardly grieved and humbled for his sin, [Page 158] and this before and after his calling and conver­sion, and must be changed and converted in heart and life from it, Luke 13. 3. Acts 17. 30. Acts 11. 18. Isa. 1. 11. to 29. Tit. 1. 15. Psal. 66. 18. Wee find also that there is a kind of grief and sor­row, and that there are gripings and affright­ings in the heart, and some effects thereof in the life of the Hypocrite, Mat. 27. 3. Psal. 68. 35, 36. But there is between the one and the other a great difference.

1 In the first conversion and repentance for sin in general.

And 2 in particular conversions upon parti­cular falls.

As to the first: That of the true Christian is wrought by the VVord of God with the ope­ration of the Spirit, discovering to him his sin and danger thereby, Acts 2. 37, 38. Jer. 31. 19. After that I was instructed, I smote upon my thigh. But the repentance of the Hypocrite may arise out of the working of his natural conscience, and the fear of eternal vengeance, which he may have so much faith to beleeve will light upon sinners.

2 In the ordinary way of Gods working on the heart in true Repentance: Hee first of all convinces of the sinfulness and danger of sin, and then wounds the heart, as John 16. 18, 19. Acts 26. 18. Ezek. 36. 31. Hosea 2. 6, 7. Acts 2. 37. Luke 15. 17, 18, 19. And by this, as by a prepara­tive, [Page 159] makes way for repentance and conversion, and a coming to Christ; so Acts 2. 37, 38. where Peter adviseth the Iews then pricked in their hearts to repent, compared with Mat. 11. 28. and Mat. 9. 13. And so being in Christ, there is a true turning to God, Hosea 7. 16. and 2. 5. and 3. 5. But the conviction and sorrow of the Hypocrite is without any turning to Christ, as Iudas, Mat. 27. 3 or to God in Christ; either he goeth to the devil, 1 Sam. 8. 28. or wicked men, with Iu­das, Mat: 7. 2, 4. or to the creature, or from one sin to another; he returneth not to the Lord; his returning is therefore compared to a cake half baked, Hosea 7. 8, 14, 15, 16.

3 The sorrow of the true Christian is a deep and thorough sorrow, Zach. 12. 10, 11, 12. And they shall mourn as one for his only son, &c. Mat. 26. 75. He wept bitterly, Ier. 31. 18, 19. Ezek. 33. 10. But that of the Hypocrite is a sudden flash, or sleight qualm of grief only, Ps. 78. 36. 1 Kings 21 29.

4 The sorrow of the true Christian is a dura­ble sorrow, it lasteth as long as his sin lasteth, Ps. 51. 3. and 42. 5. Rom. 7 24 2 Cor. 7. 10. But that which is in the heart of the Hypocrite is a short & transient sorrow, like to the fit of an Ague or Sea sickness, Hosea 7. 14. They have not cried to mee with their hearts.

5 The sorrow of the true Christian is for all sin alike, Ps. 51. 5. 14. But that of the Hypocrite [Page 160] is commonly for some speciall sin that hath (as he supposeth) brought, or may bring some spe­cial evil upon him; so Iudas, Mat. 27. 3, 4.

6 The sorrow of the true Christian is a god­ly sorrow, Zach. 12. 10. 2 Cor. 7. 8, 9, 10. But the sorrow of the Hypocrite a worldly sorrow. That of the true Christian it is a godly sorrow: For 1 it is joyned with a holy shame, confusion of face, and self abhorring, Ezek. 36. 31. Then shall ye remember your own evil wayes, &c. and shall loath your selves, &c. Ezek. 33. 10. Isa. 26. 11. 2 It hath more respect to the sin than to the punish­ment, 2 Sam. 24. 10, 17. I have sinned, &c. But these sheep what have they done, let thy hand be on me, &c. 3 It is heightned with the thought of this, that it hath broken the Law of God, which it▪ doth know to be holy, just, and good, Rom. 7. 12. 22. 4 There is in it a grief and displeasure a rising from hence, especially that thereby hee hath offended a gracious Father, and shewed himself unkind to a gracious Redeemer; it is as the mourning of a Son over an offended Fa­ther, Zach. 12. 10. I will pour out my spirit, &c. and they shall mourn for him as one would mourn for his onely son, &c. Psal. 51. 4. 5 It hath with it the hatred of the sin, Rom. 7. 15, 16. For what I would that doe I not, &c. but what I hate, that doe I, &c. O wretched man that I am, &c. 6 It hath also in or with it the fear of God offended by its [Page 161] sin, Acts 9. 6. And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to doe? 2 Cor. 7. 11. 7. There is with it, or in it, a resolution never so to offend God again, Psal. 17. 3. I am purpo­sed that my month shall not transgress. 8 It is al­waies accompanied with a change of heart and life, Ez [...]k. 18. 31. Hee is changed in his heart, Ro. 8. 2. From a carnal to a spiritual estate, from darknes to light, Acts 26. 18. Eph. 5. 8. From a death in sin to a life in grace, Eph. 2. 1: Luk. 15. 32 From wickednlss to holiness; from being un­der the power of Satan into the kingdome of Christ, Acts 26. 18. Rom 6. 17, 18. and 10. 13: The conversation of this man is also changed: for he is wrought from a sinfull to a gracious course of life, and doth conform himself to, and comply with the whole will of God in all things, Acts 9. 6. Lord what wilt thou have me to do? Mat. 18. 3. Isa. 55. 7. And much of this we have together in that place, Jer. 31. 18, 19. I have sure­ly heard Ephraim bemoaning himself (thus) thou hast chastised me, and I was chastised, as a bullock unac­customed (to the yoke) turn thou me, and I shall be turn­ed; for thou art the Lord my God. Surely after that I was lu [...]ned, I repented, and after that I was instructed I s [...]o [...]e upon my thigh: I was ashamed, yea even confoun­ded, because I did bear the rrpeoach of my youth. But the sorrow of the Hypocrite that is for and a­bout his sin, is a worldly and carnal sorrow: [Page 162] It is either because he cannot sin so much, or prosper so well in his sin as he would, or be­cause of some evil of punishment within, or vvithout, feared or felt. It may be he is under the sense of the guilt of his sin, the fear of the wrath of God, and the suffering of eternal vengeance for it, and so under the anguish of a tormenting and unquiet conscience: And hee takes more care to be rid of this than of his sin, and more troubled with this than with the sin. And so he may mourn for his sin, and re­solve upon some kind of reformation for feare that his sin otherwise may be his ruin. And this is as the grief of the slave for fear of the whip. Gen. 4 13, 14. My punishment is greater than I can bear, &c. Exod. 8. 28 and chap. 10. 16, 17. Forgive I pray thee my sin, &c. and entreat the Lord to take away this death. And in his case there is no Re­formation accompanying or following of it: for he is (at the least in his heart) worse and not better afterwards, Mat. 12 43, 45. and 23. 27. Prov. 27. 25. So Ahab 1 Kings 21. 27, 29. Seest thou how Ahab humbleth himself before mee, &c. And Saul, 1 Sam. 15. 24, 30. I have sinned, yet honour me amongst the people, &c. And Judas, Mat 27. 7. I have sinned betraying innocent blood, &c. Numb. 14. 39, 40, 41, 44. compared with Deut. 21. 41, 42, 43. they mourned, &c. for we have sinned, &c. and yet notwithstanding they did presently transgresse [Page 163] the commandement of God, and rebelled a­gainst him, Isa 58. 6, 7, 8. Gen. 4. 13, 14.

2 Much after the same manner is the repen­tance and sorrow of the Saints upon their par­ticular falls into gross sins, Psal. 51. 1. And for their daily weaknesses and frailties there is a daily and continual repentance and mourning for it, Rom, 7. 24.

SECT. XIII.

The true Christian must be, and is of an hum­ble and lowly frame of spirit; and hath low and mean thoughts of himself, and of his own works and worth, and hath an humble confidence in the free Grace of God in Christ only for all the good he looks for here and hereafter, Mat. 18. 8. Psal. 131 1. Gen. 32. 10. The Hypocrite we grant hath a kind of humility also, Col. 2. 18, 23. The difference between them lyeth in this.

1 The true Christian being truly humble doth declare it by his whole conversation in word & deed, Psal. 131. 2. Neither doe I exercise my self in great matters, or in things too high for me. The Hy­pocrites humility is shewed onely in some parti­culars, and in other things he sheweth himselfe very proud, Mat 23. 5, 6. The true Christian doth prefer other men and their gifts before himself and his own gifts, and hath an honou­rable [Page 164] esteem of all such as are of worth, but suspecteth himself. 1 Tim. 1. 15. Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the chief, Luke 18. 13. But the Hypocrite having high thoughts of himself, and his works and worth, [...]tusts to himself, and despiseth others better than himself, Luke 18. 11. The Phaiisee stood up and praied thus with himself: God I thank thee that I am not as other men are. Extortioners, unjust, adulte­rers, or even as this Publican, Hab. 2. 4. Behold his soul that is lifted up is not upright in him, &c.

SECT. XIV.

The true Christian doth, may, and must re­joice and delight in God and Christ, and in the things of God, 1 Chron. 29. 9. 17. Psal. 119. 47. But the Hypocrite hath also some delight and joy in God, and in his Word, &c. But there is a great difference between this affection in the one, and in the other.

1 The true Christian doth rejoice and delight in God and Christ, and the matters of God for themselves, and the goodness and holiness ther­of. Psal. 27. 1, 2, &c. Psal. 63. 1, 2, &c. and 84. 2, 3, &c. Rom. 7. 22. But the Hypocrite doth not de­light in God at all, Iob 27. 10. Will he delight him­self in the Almighty? Or if his delight be in the Word of God, it is for some good it seems to [Page 165] hold forth, or that he apprehends in it to him­self.

2 The delight and sweetness that is wrought in the heart of the true Christian ariseth from an inward principle, or new nature that is within him, which was formed by the power of the Spirit of Christ, Ps 110. 3. But there is none of this in the Hypocrite; for he is without the Spirit of Christ, Jude 19. and he was never chan­ged by it.

3 The joy and delight of the true Christian is a deep, large, and transcendent joy, Ps 119. 14. 72. Phil. 4 7. It passeth all understanding. Ps. 71. 23. Psal. 4 7. But the joy of the Hypocrite is but a shallow, sleight, and superficiall joy, compared to the taste of a thing, Heb. 6. 10. He hath much more joy and delight in his just, as Iudas in his covetousness, and Herod in his Hero­dias, than in God, and the things of God, Psal. 4. 8.

4 The joy of a true Christian is a clear and pure joy, and there is no sorrow in it, Prov. 10. 22, But the joy of the Hypocrite is an obscure and mixed joy, Prov. 14. 13. Even in laughter their heart is sorrowful, &c.

5 It is in the upright accompanied with god­ly sorrow that goeth before, or with it, Psal. 2. 11. Acts 2. 37, 38. But all the joy that is in the heart of the temporary is without this, as in [Page 166] Herod, Mark 6. 20. Ezek. 33. 32. Mat. 13. 20.

6 The joy of the upright man grows up by grees and leisurely, Acts 2 37. 38, 46. Isa. 64. 5. But the Hypocrites joy is up and very high upon a suddain, Mat. 13 20.

7 The joy of a sincere man is a lasting and permanent joy, Isa. 35. 10. Psal. 35 10. But the joy of the Hypocrite is but for a moment, it is soon up and soon down, Job 20. 5. Mat. 13. 20, 21. Psal. 106. 12. 13. Then beleeved they his words, they sang his praise, they soon forgat his works. &c.

8 There is strength in the joy of the sincere man, Neh 8. 10. For it will help him to bear his cross, Rom. 5. 1, 2. Psal. 119 92. Phil. 4. 7. But o­therwise it is of the Hypocrites joy, for when tribulation comes, he falls off, and hath no strength to bear it, Mat 13. 21. Luke 8. 31.

9 It will make him that is sincere more care­full and active for God whiles he is on his feet, and when he falls it will help to recover him, Luke 1. 74, 78, 79. Acts 9. 18, 19, 20. Psal. 119. 32, 93. Psal. 77. 6.

SECT. XV.

The true Christian hath, and must have good desires, motions, and dispositions to good, Ps. 37. 4. Isa. 26. 8, 9. 2 Cor. 7. 11. The Hypocrite also hath somewhat like to this, Numb. 23. 10. [Page 167] Joh. 6. 34. Luke 14. 15. But there is a great diffe­rence.

1 Those desires of the sincere Christian are eager and earnest, 1 Cor. 14. 1. Psal. 42. 1. As the Hart panteth, &c. Cant. 2. 5. I am sick of love. Psal. 143. 7 and 119. 20. Mat: 5. 4, 6. But these of the Hypocrite are weak and faint desires, that can away with delay and denial, Numb. 23. 10. Iohn 5. 34, 35, 36.

2 The desires of the upright are laborious and diligent desires, that make a man industri­ous in the use of all means to attain them, as in the bodily hunger, which will break through stone walls, as that in Paul, Phil. 3. 8, 9. I count all things but losse, &c. and dung to win Christ, verse 13, 14. I presse towards the mark, &c. and David, Ps. 119 20, 40, &c. But these of the Hypocrite are sloggish, and he is notwithstanding them lazie, like to the sluggard, Prov. 21. 22. 26, and 13. 5. So those Iohn 6. 34, 35. So Balaam, Numb. 23. 10. de­sired to die the death, but would not take the pains to live the life of the righteous.

3 The true desires are constant and restless desires, Psal. 119. 20. My soul breaketh for, &c. at all times, Psal. 84. 2. My soul longeth, &c. But these of the Hypocrite are unconstant and sickle de­sires, Iames 1. 7, 8. a double minded man is unsta­ble, &c. and he is like a deceitful bow, Hosea 6. 16.

SECT. XVI.

The true Christian must fear God, 1 Pet. 3 14, 15. Jer 5. 22. Mat. 10. 8. And he doth so Nehe­miah 7. 2. Mal. 3. 16. But there is also a kinde of fear of God in the heart of the Hypocrite. But the differences are many and great between the one and the other.

1 The fear that is in the heart of the true Christian is a Sonne-like fear, and joyned with love; and he doth fear the Lord as well for his goodness and mercy, as for his judgments, Hos. 3. 5. They shall fear the Lord and his goodness. But the fear of the Hypocrite is as the fear of a slave, or a servan towards the master, or as a prisoner to the Judge. And he fears the Lord for his judgements onely, Isa. [...]3. 14. Fearfulness hath surprised the Hypocrites who among us shall dwel, &c.

2 In the measure or degree. The fear of God in the true Christian is a transcendent fear, hee feareth God above all, Heb. 11. 22, 23. Mat. 10 26, 28. Gen. 39. 9. But the Hypocrite feareth man more than God, Mat. 21. 26, 27.

3 The fear of God in the true Christian cau­seth him to depart from all that is evil, and to doe all that is good, Prov. 8. 13. and 16. 16. But the fear of the Hypocrite makes him ra­ther to forbear the doing of good, and to ad­venture [Page 169] upon the doing of evil, Mat. 25. 24, 25.

4 It is a lasting fear, but that of the Hypo­crite onely temporary and soon gone, Exod. 14. 31. and 15. 23, 24.

SECT. XVII.

The true Christian doth, and must reform his life. And the Hypocrite seemeth to doe so; for the evill spirit seems to be cast out of him also, Mat. 12. 45. But there is a great deal of odds in the frame and disposition of their hearts therein, both in the first undertaking, and in their fur­ther acting, and that in the leaving or omission of evil, and in the doing of good, and their motives and ends therein: The true Christian in his first undertaking of the profession of Re­ligion, doth design and aim at an universal and compleat obedience & conformity to the whole will of God, to keep all his Commandments, Ps. 101. 1, 2 3, &c. 119. 6. When I have respect to all thy Commandements. Heb. 13. 18. We trust we have a good conscience in all things, willing to live honestly. Acts 24. 16. But the design of the Hypocrite is to go so far and doe so much therein as may serve to his own end, which is not to please and glorifie God, but to please and advance him­self. And hence it is that it doth sometimes for­bear [Page 170] to doe the good he ought to do, and some­times forbear to do the evil he ought not to do, sometimes doe the good he ought to doe, Mat. 14. 5. Mark 12. 12. Luke 20. 19. and 22. 2. Joh. 9. 22. And in his further acting in what he doth, and in what he forbeareth to doe. All that the Hypocrite doth think of in the forbearance of, or flying from evil, is to forbear it for his own end therein. But the true Christian therein is moved from the fear of God, Gen. 39. 9. Prov. 14. 1. and the hatred of sin, Ier. 4. 4. And all that he doth think of in doing of good, is the work to be done, as in Praier, only to pray, &c. But the true Christian is carefull of the manner and order of his doing, of the disposition of his heart, and his aim and ends therein. That in it he be carried out from the conscience of the command of God, and his obedience thereunto; his love to God, 2 Cor. 5 14. That hee be swayed more therein by the fear of God than the fear of men, and with desire to please God rather than to please men, and that he take more care to fulfill the will of God than of men, Gal. 1. 10 Nor do I seek to please men, &c. Psal. 119. 24. That what he doth be done by the rule of Gods Word, Luke 18. 20, 21. That he doe it with his whole heart, willingly and cheerfully, Psal. 110. 3. Thy people shall be willing in the day of thy power. As for ex­ample with this acknowledgement of sin, there [Page 171] is joyned a heart broken for sin, hating it, re­solving against it, and faith in the blood of Christ, 2 Sam. 24. 10. Psal. 51. 4. Luke 18. 10. Dan. 7. 7, 8, 9. Ezra 10. 2. Mark 1. 15. And he hath an end beyond himself, and the saving of his soul. To please God, to doe it to the Lord, for Gods sake, as well for his own sake, for the advance­ment and glory of the name of God and Christ, as well as for the good of his own soul, Phil. 1. 21. For me to live is Christ (that is) Christ is both the author and end of my life: I live for him, I live in him, I live by him, I live to him, or all the gain that I aim at in life or death is to glori­fie him, Acts 20. 24. and 21. 13. I am ready to dye for the name of the Lord Iesus, Mat. 6. 9, 13. Rom. 9. 3. Lam. 2. 18. But otherwise it is in the heart of the Hypocrite in all that hee doth of good, and forbeareth to do of evil. It is for his own end. He leaves his sin, but loves it stil. He hath not left it for love of God, possibly he may leave it for some fear of God and his Judge­ments, or fear of men, as Magistrates, Ministers, Parents, and the like, and fear of some harme that may come to him by them; for he hath a slavish fear, Gen. 28. 8. Mat. 14. 5. but bee is the same man, and hath the same mind still as he had, Prov. 1. 22, 28, 29. He loveth simplicitie. &c. So he may confess sin without any heart broken for or broken from sin, without any hatred of sin, [Page 172] or purpose to leave it, or faith in Christ at all, as Iudas, Saul, and Cain did, 1 Sam. 15 24, 25. Mat. 27. 2, 3 Gen. 4. 4, &c. Deut. 1, 41. Prov. 28. 13. And he leaveth evill and doth good from the love to himself, and for his self-satisfaction, and that he may doe himself good thereby, either for his own ease, or for his own glory and applause, or some other advantage that hee hath, or ho­peth to have thereby to accrew to himself; for he is mercenary, John 6. 26. Ye seek me not because, &c. but because ye eat of the loaves, and were filled. He may make again by godliness; and so for self. ends, and out of self love doth seek himselfe, and serve his own ends altogether whiles he pre­tendeth to seek God, out of love to him, and to serve the Lord Jesus Christ. Rom. 16. 18. Serve not our Lord but their own belly Phil. 3, 19. whose God is their belly, 2 Tim. 3. 4, 5. Lovers of their own selves, &c. Lovers of pleasure more than lovers of God: Having a form of Godliness, &c. Rom. 1. 25. Served the creature more than the creator, &c. That doe all for reward, Jude 11. Mic. 3. 11. 2 Pet. 2. 3. through covetousnesse shall with feigned words make merchan­dize of the soules of men, Acts 20. 30. And so he may forbear to doe the evil that otherwise he would doe, and doe the good that otherwise he would not do. So the Scribes and Pharisees did fast and pray to get praise and wealth, Mat. 6 2. 16. Mat. 23, 14, 15. Zach. 7. 5. Did ye fast unto me, [Page 173] even to me, &c. Hosea 7. 14, 15. And they have not cried unto me with their heart; they assemble themselves for corn and wine, &c. and 10. 1. He bringeth forth fruir to himself. Sometimes the fear of man keeps him from the doing of evil, Mat. 14. 5. and 21. 46. Sometimes this also may provoke him to some good, Gen. 28. 8. And as there is a great deal of difference in their minds as to their do­ings, so there is as to their sufferings also for Christ. The true Christian must suffer for Christ, and must be ready, and will be able to leave all for him. The Hyocrite also may, and somtimes doth suffer many things for Christ. But the one of them hath first learned to deny himself be­fore he take up his cross; the other takes up his cross before that he hath learned to deny him­self. The one doth suffer out of love to Christ for Righteousness and the Gospels sake, for the glory of Christ, and advantage of Christians; The other out of a self-love, for his own sake, as for his own glory and praise, or for some earthly advantage to himself. So Judas suffered with the rest for Christ, to fill his purse, and to be great in Christs kingdom, which hee thought would be an earthly kingdom, 1 Cor. 13. 3. And though I give my body to be burned, and have not cha­ritie, it profiteth me nothing. Psal. 44. 22. 2 Tim. 2 10. Mark 10. 28, 29. Gal. 3. 4. Jerem. 15. 15. Mat. 10. 39. and 16. 25.

And thus much for the differences between them in their outside and inside considered a­sunder. It remains now that we lay down some few differences that there are between them in their outside and inside considered together.

SECT. XVIII.

The Hypocrite is naturally a sinner, and so is the true Christian, There is no man good, no not one, Rom. 3. 10. And they both sin; for there is no man liveth and sinneth not. 1 Kings 8. 46. And in many things we offend all, James 3. 2. And if we say wee have no sin we make him a lyar, &c. we deceive our selves, and the truth is not in us, 1 John 1. 8, 10. Psal. 19. 12. Who can understand his errors? Psal. 38. 4. and 40. 12. and 65. 3. and 130. 3. But more particu­larly.

1 The true Christian hath in him originally the same pravitie and corruption of nature that the Hypocrite hath, and by nature they are both alike sinfull, Ephes. 2. 1, 2, 3.

2 The true Christian hath after his conversi­on somewhat of the corruption of his nature still remaining in him. And therefore there is still in him some propensitie and inclination to all sin, and a possibilitie of his falling into any sin but the sin against the Holy Ghost; there is [Page 175] still flesh and spirit in him, Rom. 7. 15, 16, 17. Gal. 5. 17, 18. James 1. 13, 14.

3 He may be somewhat tainted and touched with any of the sins of the time and place, as were the true Christians and members of the best Churches in all times more or less, which is to be perceived by the Epistles of the Apostles writ­ten to them.

4 This corruption may somtimes in the heart boyl up & break out to som height in the inward motions and lusts thereof, as in uncleanness, im­patiencie, pride, and the like; as in David, 2 Sam. 11. 2, 3. in Asa. 2 Chr. 14. 1, 2 compared with 16. 1, 2, 3. 7. 10. Jonah 4. 1, 2, 3. and others.

5 For the lesser sins of Infirmity, these hee may commit daily all his life long, Rom. 7. 15.

6 He may occasionally fall into foul & scan­dalous sins, Murder, Adultery, Drunkenness, and the like, as Noah, Peter, David, Lot, and others did, 2 Sam 11. 2, 3, &c. Gen. 9. 24. Gen. 19. 32, 33. But for this see more in chap. 8. at the beginning of it.

7 There may be very much of the will going along with his commitment of these sins for the present time, as in Davids case, Ps. 19. 13.

8 These acts of sin may by him be repeated again and again, Gen. 19. 33. 34, 35.

9 He may after his commission thereof rest and continue secure therein for a while with­out [Page 176] repentance, as David did, 2 Sam. 11. 12.

In all these things there is little or no diffe­rence to be found in outward appearance be­tween the true Christian, and the Hypocrite, but that for a time they may be alike. And yet there is an vast, an real difference to be found between the Hypocrite and the true Christian herein also as to their committing of, and continuance in their sin; and that before the sin done; 2 In the commission of the sin; 3 After the sin com­mitted: For he that is born of God cannot, may not so sin as the Hypocrite can and may do, 1 Joh. 5. 18. Deut. 32. 5. Their spot is not the spot of his children, &c. And there are to be found these differences between the sin of the one and of the other.

1 Before the sin committed the sincere Chri­stian doth generally hate all sin, for the evill that is in it, as well as for the evil consequences of it: And he hates it in all men, more in those that are near about him, most of all in himself, 2 Chron. 15. 16. Ps 101 1, 2, 3. He looks up­on sin as a filthiness, and flies it; he hath a reso­lution against it, yea he cannot love or delight in it; there being as great a contrarietie between him and it, as between light and darkness. And it is against his new nature, as it is contrary to the nature of a sheep to wallow in the dirt. al­though happily this hatred in the very act of the [Page 177] commission of the sin may be suspended, hee is like a neat huswife in a kitchin, that doth keep her not onely from the fire, hut from the filth and soyl of the place. He doth not seek sin, Psal. 119. 128. I hate every false way. Rom. 7. 15. But what I hate that I doe. Psal. 119. 57. I have said I will keep thy words. Psal. 19. 12, 13, 14. Cleanse me, &c. keep hack thy servant, &c. Psal. 97. 10. Prov. 8: 13. But the Hypocrite doth not hate sin; for if hee did, he would hate all as well as some sin. But he doth naturally love and delight in sin, and in his own sin, which comes from a natural prin­ciple thereof within him, Job 20. 12, 13. Though wihkedness be sweet in his mouth, &c. Yea he loveth the sin he hath left, and dareth not to commit it for some inconveniencies onely that may fol­low upon it to him, Psal. 36. 4. He abhorreth not evii. Hosea 127. He is a Merchart, &c. he love [...]h to oppress. Psal. 52. 3. Thou lovest evil more than good. He is resolved to continue in his sin, unless he see it be for his earthly advantage to leave it, and therefore doth he plead so much for it, and la­bour so much as he doth to continue it, and doth continue in it. Psal. 36. 4. He setteth himself in a way that is not good. Psal. 2. 3. It suteth wel with his cor­rupt nature & impure heart. It is with him ther­fore as with a sluttish Cook-maid, who doth not care to keep her self from the soyl and filth, but from the fire of the kitchin. So if the Hypocrite [Page 178] can keep himself from the fire of hell, he cares not to be kept from the filth of sin. He hath (and this is the best of his case) some desire to be clean and cleansed of sin, as it is necessary to save him from the fire of hell, and carry him to heaven, and no further. And for these things see 1 Sam. 21. 7. Rom. 1. 32. 2 Pet. 2. 15. 22. Psal 50 16, 17. They hate to be reformed. 2 He doth watch and pray against it, Psal. 9. 12, 13. Mat. 6. 13. Job 31. 1, 2. But so doth not the Hypocrite, but rather watch an opportunity to commit it, being that which he desireth, delighteth, and purposeth to doe, Mark 6. 21, 2 In the sin committed. 1 It is against the main bent, purpose, and resolution of the heart of a true Christian to sin; for his firm purpose is to follow God fully, and to doe his whole will, and he doth strengthen himselfe here [...]n. He doth not contrive and forecast to sin, but when he doth so, he is (for the most part) surprized therein. Psal. 119. 33, 117, 106. I have sworn and will perform it, that I will keep thy righteous Judgements, Psal. 17. 3. I am purposed that my mouth shall not transgresr. James 3. 2. Job 31. 1, 2. I made a covrnant, &c. Psal. 101. 2. Acts 11 23 Deut. 4. 4. Heb. 13. 18. Gal. 6. 1. Ro. 7. 16. [...]9. Heb. 10. 26. And therefore is hee apt to hearken to any counsell that may prevent his sin. 1 Sam. 25. 32, 33. But the Hypocrite his purpose is to sin, he doth fore­cast, and devise mischief. Psal. 52. 2. Prov. 6. 14. He [Page 179] keeps a Method in his sin, his plot is to sin, but to sin so secretly as it may not be known. His sin is premeditated, and (as we say) in coole blood: he watcheth his time for it; and that he doth herein is with the full consent of his will. Isa. 5. 18. They draw iniquitie with cords of va­nitie, and sin as with cartropes, Psal. 50. 19. thou givest thy mouth to evil. Psal. 7 12, 13. and 36. 3. He sets himself in a way, &c. So the Pharisees, Judas, J [...]hu, and others. They yeeld themselves as ser­vants to the service of sin, Rom. 6. 16. and sell themselves, as Ahab, to do wickedly 1 King. 21. 25. 2 The true Christian doth very rarely fall into grosse sin; but some Hypocrites so com­monly, that they make it, as it were their trade, to doe wickedly, and by a customary acting of it, have gotten such a customary habit thereof, that they cannot leave, Jer. 9. 5. They have taught their tongue to speak lies, and wearted themselves to commit iniquitie. Jer. 13. 23. Can the Aethiopian change his skin, &c. then may ye also doe good that are accustomed to doe evil. But the true Christian doth for the most part keep himself unspotted from the sins of the times; he doth as the travel­ler, albeit he meet with dirt in his way, yet doth he as much as much as he may keep from the of­fence of it; so the true Christian as much as he can keeps himself from being solved by the sins of the time and place, 2 Pet. 2. 7. 3 The [Page 180] true Christian doth not sin so universally as the Hypocrite doth. The true Christian doth not act sin with all the faculties and powers of his soul and body as the Hypocrite doth, but there is some reluctancy in the heart therein. There is in him flesh and spirit, a regenerate and an un­regenerate part, Rom. 7. 18, 22. I delight in the Law of God in the inward man, &c. that which I do I allow not, &c. the evil I have that doe I, Gal. 5. 17. Psal. 32. 2. Nor doth the true Christian, or he is not ready to commit all sorts of sin, and at all times and alwaies as the Hypocrite is, who maketh it his trade to sin. Psal. 50. 19. Thou givest thy mouth to evil, and thy tongue frameth deceit, thou sittest and speakest, &c. And therfore he labour­eth to be as skilful in it as he can, Jer. 9. 5. They have taught their tongues to speak lyes. And he giveth up himself wholly to it, and to act all kinde of sin, as a man of a trade doth give himselfe up to his trade, to doe all that belongs to it, and to doe it alwaies. Now he that is born of God cannot thus sin. Joh. 3. 9. It is not his ordinary practise so to sin; but if happily he fall into a sin, he doth not often; his sin is occasional, like to the true mans going out of the highway, who comes in again presently, and like a river that is turned out of its channel by some stop or diver­sion, which will get in again as soon as it can. He doth not go in the way of Gods commandments [Page 181] as the Hypocrite doth; for hee like as the thiefe comes in the true mans way, for the present to serve his turn, and to doe mischief onely; else he keeps by-waies and obscure places. Nor doth the true Christian give and yeeld up himself to the service of sinne, as a servant to his masters work, Rom. 6. 16. but as a prisoner is carried a­way from it against his will, he yeeldeth himself for the present, as being unable to prevent it, Rom. 7. 23, 24. But I see another law in my members, bringing me into eaptivitie, &c. Nor doth the true Christian, or can he fall totally and finally, Mat. 24. 24. deceive if possibly the very elect, as the Hypo­crite may doe, and oftentimes doth. The true Christian is like to the good tree, that doth or­dinarily bring forth good fruit, which yet hap­pily may by some accidents faile some years; or he is as a man of healthy constitution that fall­eth once, or more than once into a fit of sicknes, but otherwise is healthy alwaies. But the Hy­pocrite he is iike to one that hath one of his no­ble parts, his liver or his lungs corrupted and rotten, he is alwaias, and all over sick. And sin in the sincere Christian is in some of these re­spects fitly compared by some to the dirt in a lively pure spring, that will not suffer it to bee quiet, bvt will be working it out. But it is in the Hypocrite as in the standing pool that gathereth the mud, and keeps in when it hath it; or as it [Page 182] is in a bad stomack that loves, devoureth, and feedeth upon trash, and retains it to the destru­ction of the body, but a good stomack will not endure it, but cast it out one way or other; or if it continue till it corrupt the body, it pusheth out the corruption by boyls and the like; so the good soul cannot, wil not endure sin long with­in it in peace. 4 After the sin committed, i. The true Christian having sinned doth not rest secure in his sin, hee doth not allow or approve of what he hath done, much less doth he justifie or defend, leest of all doth he glory in it, as the Hypocrite doth: but finding himself to be pol­luted and wounded by it, hee labours with all speed to be cleansed and cured. He is therfore displeased with himselfe, and grieved for it, re­penteth of it, is afraid of Gods displeasure by it, as a child of the displeasure of a father when he hath done a fault; and therefore he is glad of any help herein for his cure: For the sin of the true Christian to him, is as the cruel service of the Israelites under their cruell Taskmasters in Aegypt was to them. Rom. 7. 24. O wretched man that I am, who shall deliver me, &c. Or as a man that being fallen into the fire, and like to bee burnt, is snatcht out of the same, and so esca­peth the danger; so the true Christian he is rea­dy to confess, and willing to forsake his sin, as David, 2 Sam. 12. 13. And doth forsake it, 2 Cor. [Page 183] 4. 2. And afterwards make amends to God and man what he can for it, Luke 19. 18. and Zacheus stood up, &c. And Peter, Mat 26. 70, 72, 75.

For ordinary and daily frailties, the true Christian doth mourn for them daily, as hee doth commit and observe them, Psal. 19. 12. Who can understand his errors? cleanse thou me, &c. Rom. 7. 22. If he fall into greater sins, hee is more deeply humbled for them, and doth more emi­neutly repent thereof, as Peter, Mat. 26 75. Da­vid, Psal. 51. 1, 2, 3, &c. 2 Sam. 24, 1, 2, &c. Job 40. 1, 4, 5, &c. But otherwise it is with the Hy­pocrite in all these particulars. Hee is pleased with his sin, and not troubled with it, but when it brings him into trouble. Otherwise hee is re­solved to continue in his sin, and his sin in him, Psal: 36. 2, 3. He flattereth himself in his own eyes till his iniquitie be found to be hatefull: Takes a spe­cial contentment in it, is never better but when he is acting of it. And he is secure in it, and as one that is fast asleep cannot endure to be wa­ked, so hee cannot endure to be told of his sin, to be troubled about it: For he stiffens himself in it, is resolved because it serves his turn, and sutes with his disposition that he will not leave it, and therefore doth deny, excuse, defend, ju­stifie, or perhaps glory in it. Psal. 36. 4. Phil. 3. 19. Whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame. Hosea 12. 7, 8. Rom. 2. 32.

[Page 184] 2 Hee is after his fall into sinne made more watchfull and heedfull than before, that he fall not into the like sin again, Joh. 21. 15, 17. Ps. 119. 29. Remove from me the way of lying, &c. (that is) let me no more not dissemble with God and Man as I have done, but let me be sincere according to thy Law. But there is no such thing in the Hy­pocrite, the more he doth, the more he may sin, and groweth worse and worse. And therefore the sin of the true Christian is not at all impu­ted to him. Psalm 32. 2. Ʋnto whom the Lord imputeth not inquitie, and in whose spirit there is no guile.

SECT. XIX.

The true Grace of the true Christian doth not use to decay, but to grow, 2 Pet. 3. 18. 2 Thes. 1. 3. Revel. 219. And the seeming grace of the Hy­pocrite (as we have elswhere hinted) doth seem­ingly grow also. But there are these differences herein.

1 The true Grace hath root and life, & grow­eth indeed. John 15. 4, 5. I am the Vine ye are the branches, &c. He thut abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit. Psal. 84. 7. They goe from strength to strength. Rom. 7. 3. 4. Mat. 13. 23. It floweth from the eternal Spirit of God in the [Page 185] soul of a Beleever, as water from a lively spring, John 4. 14. But the counterfeit Grace of the Hypocrite hath neither root nor life in it, and grow [...]th but in appearance onely, and it is like to a standing poole of dead and corrupt water, which will fail in the summer time when there is most need of it. Job 10. 16. Mat. 13. 21, 22.

2 It is a lively and working Grace, 3 Thes. 1. 3. Your work of faith and labour of love. Heb. 6. 10. Your work and labour of love. 2 Cor. 5. 14. The love of Christ constraineth us, &c. and 7. 10. Godly sorrow worketh, &c. and 8. 24. The proof of your love. James 1 4. and 2. 8 2 Thes. 1. 11. Gal. 5. 6. But the com­mon Grace of the Hypocrite is dead, and with­out fruit, Mat. 13. 22. He becometh unfruitful. Jam. 2. 17. 20.

3 The true Grace is a pure and incorruptible Grace, and therefore an enduring, increasing, and immortal Grace, 2 Thes. 1. 3. Your faith groweth exceedingly. 2 Pet. 1. 118. Psal. 119. 33. 1 Io. 3 9. Whosoever is born of God doth not sin; for his seed remaineth in him, &c. But the common worke of Grace that is wrought in the Hypocrite is but a wordly, carnall, and corrupt work, and there­fore it decaieth, withereth, and never comes to perfection, 1 Iohn 2. 19. They went out from us, &c. But ye have an unction, &c. Mat. 13. 20, 21, &c. But he that received the seed in the stony places, the same is he that heareth the Word, and anon with [Page 186] joy receiveth it, yet bath he no root in himself but du­reth for a while, &c. Heb. 6. 7, 8. For the earth, &c. But that which bringeth thorns and briars is rejected, and is nigh to cursing, &c. 1 Cor. 15. 19. 2 Cor. 7. 10.

SECT. XX.

The true Christian doth and must mortifie sin, keep under his body, &c. Col. 3. 5. Rom. 8. 13. The Hypocrite he doth something in this also. But herein there is this difference between them. All, or the greatest part of that which the Hypocrite doth herein is upon the outside; his care and pains is only to appear and seem beau­tiful, Mat. 23. 25, 27. Ye make clean the outside, &c. but within are ful of all uncleanness, 1 Kings 21. 1, 2, 3, &c. But the maine study and labour of the sincere Christian is to mortifie his evil affections, to put out the fire of his lust, his covetousnes, pride, un­cleanness, envy, anger, and the like, Job 31. 1. I made a covenant with mine eyes, why then should I think on a maid? and v. 24. If I have made gold my hope, &c. Psalm 19. 12. Cleanse thou me from secret faults, &c. 1 Cor. 9. 27. But I kee, under my body, Rom. 8. 3. Col. 3. 15.

SECT. XXI,

The sincerre Christian, as he is a new creature, so he is to yeeld and perform a new obedience to God in Christ, in his doing and suffering of the will of God, according to the Gospel, Rom. 16. 19. 26. 1 Pet. 1. 22. Rom. 6. 17. The Hypocrite he doth somewhat like unto this; for the un­clean spirit seems to be cast out of him. Mat. 12. 13. But there is a vast difference between them herein also. 1 In the person doing. 2 In the thing done. 1 In the person doing. The sincere Chri­stian looks to it, that he himself be rightly quali­fied for the work, that he himself be good and accepted of God, that he be in Christ by faith, & so a new creature, otherwise his works cannot be accepted. Deut. 33. 10, 11. Gen. 4. 4, 5. God had respect to Abel and his offering, &c. But the hypocrite hath no regard of this, but being stil in his sins, & without the wedding garment of Christs righte­ousness upon him, his work is not accepted, God heareth not sinners, Joh 9. 31. Mat. 24. 11, 12. Pro. 28. 9. 2 In the thing done. The obedience of the sincere Christian flows from the true and right principle, viz the new nature from his being re­newed by the Spirit of God, Phil. 1. 11. But the the obedience of the Hypocrite floweth from corrupt principles, 1 Pet. 1. 22, 23.

2 The new obedience of the sincere Christian is regular and orderly. He is first taught, and commanded, he heareth what he is to beleeve and doe, and then hee is obedient to it. Jer. 31. 19. After that I was instructed, I smote upon the thigh, &c. Acts 9. 6. and 16. 30. and 2. 37, 38. Isa. 2. 2. Ephes. 1. 13. In whom ye trusted after that ye heard the word, &c. Rom. 10. 14, 15. But the obedience of the Hypocrite is oft times a blind and irregu­lar obedience not grounded upon, and warran­ted by the Word of God, but upon his own, or some other mans fancy and opinion. Rom. 10. 1, 2. They have a zeal of God, but not according to know­lege.

3 He doth it knowingly and beleevingly; he not onely hath a word for what he beleeveth, and doth, but he knoweth he hath such a word for it, and so doth it in faith, which the Hypo­crite heedeth little, and therefore is not accep­ted, Rom. 14. 1, 2, 3, &c. Heb. 11. 4, 6. Acts 17. 23.

4 The new obedience of the sincere Christi­an is an exact and compleat obedience; 1 it is universal. He is holy in all manner of conversa­tion, and yeelds himself to do and suffer all that God will have him. 1 Pet. 1. 15. But that of the Hypocrite is lame and defective. And the obe­dience of the sincere Christian it is universal.

1 As to the things to be obeyed.

2 It is entire, as to the man that doth obey [Page 189] As to the first; the Hypocrite he is lame and de­fective in this. His obedience is but by halves, or in part onely, as Jehu, Saul, and others, Mal. 2. 9. And have been partial in my Law. Hosea 7. 8. Ephraim is a cake not turned. He doth as Herod, Mark 6. 20. did many things, not all that God comman­ded. But the true Christian, he is through paced in his goings herein, as were Caleb and Joshua, who followed the Lord fully, Numb. 14. 24. and 32. 12. Deut. 1. 36. and David, who had respect to all Gods commandements. Psal. 119. 6. and Paul, who had a conscience voyd of offence towards God, and towards man, Acts 24. 16. and Zacharie and Elizabeth, who walked in all the commandements and ordinances of the Lord blameless, Luke 1. 6. But more particularly. The sincere Christian he ceaseth from doing all that is evil, and he doth all that is good, Isa. 1. 6. The Hypocrite, he doth not cease from all that is evil; for either he is erroneous in his opinion, as those in 2 Pet. 2. and Jude 1, 2, &c. 1 Cor. 15. 12. or in his practise, or in both. Or (at the most and at the best) he doth depart from evil onely in his outside, his heart is where it was still, psal. 58. 2. Yea in heart ye work wickedness, Psal. 52. 3. And some evill or other hee doth most commonly re­tain in his life still, as Judas he kept his cove­tousness still, Joh. 12. 6. Herod he kept his bro­thers wife still, Mark 6. 18. 20. Iehu whiles hee boasts so much of the zeal he had for the Lord, [Page 190] and the uprightness of his heart therein, depart not from the sins of Iereboam which made Israel to sin. 2 Kings 10. 15, 31. Saul whiles he pretends so much tenderness of conscience in smaller mat­ters, yet carrieth still within him his murdrous intentent to kill David, 1 Sam. 14. 33, 44. and 18. 10. and 20. 5. Exod. 16. 28, 29 2 Kings 5. 18. Zephan. 1. 5. Hosea 7. 7, 8, 9, 10. Isaiah 65. 3, 4, 5, 6. But the sincere Christian hee leaves all that is evil, in opinion, in practise, in heart, in life. The sin of his love and delight, inclination, age, temper, and constitution, profit, trade, office, calling; that which he is most tempted to, his open, his secret, his greater and his lesser sinnes. So David, Psal. 119. 128. I hate every false way, and 101. 3. I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes. and 119. 101. I have refrained my feet from every evil way. and 18. 23. I kept my self from mine intiquitie Psal, 19. 12. Cleanse thou me from secret faults. So Job from the sin of his inclination, he would not look on a maid; of his calling, as a Magistrate, he despised not the cause of the meanest; of his condition, as a rich man, hee would not oppress the poor; he kept from the sin of his affection, occasion, and profit, Job 31. throughout the chapter. And for the second part; the sincere Christian as hee doth cease from all that is evil, so hee doth all that is good. The Hypocrite, many of them I mean, have not an [Page 191] appearance of some Graces, Acts 8. 21. Thine heart is not right, &c. Mat. 9. 13. Either he is failing in his doing, or in his suffering. Hee is commonly failing in the doing of some duties or works. So the Pharisees, Mat. 23. 23, 24. and have omitted the weighty matters of the Law, judge­ment, mercy, and truth, &c. Hosea 7. 7. 8, &c. Eph­raim hath mixed himself amon [...]st the people, &c. he is a cake half baked, &c. Mat. 15. 2. Ye transgressed the commandements of God by your traditions. But the sincere Christian hee is compleat in all the will of God, he hath somewhat of every Grace, Col. 2. 10. You are compleat in him. Heb. 13. 21. He is careful to perform all duties to God and man, to other men, to himself. To other men, to good men, to bad men, to friends, to enemies, to ac­quaintance, to strangers. In relation, as Magi­strate, Minister, People, Husband, Wife, Parent, Child, Master, Servant, &c. Duties of Word, of Work, greater, lesser, publick, private; of more and less advantage, as Cornelius, Acts 10. 2. who was a devout man, one that gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God alwayes. Luke 1 6. And he doth also suffer all that God shall call him to suffer. Acts 21. 12. 13. And all this for the leaving of evil, and the doing of good. The sincere Christian doth his duty, 1 In all places. The Hypocrite he is not so carefull and exact in some, as he is in other places, at home and in [Page 192] private, as he is abroad and in publick, Mat. 6. 5. The Pharisees were in appearance very devout, and did much in the Sinagogues, and in the streets, but did nothing at all in their closets. But the sincere Christian having his eye upon God, who is in all places alike, is alike carefull and exact in all places, in private as in publick, at home as abroad, in his closet as in his house, secretly as openly. So Joseph, Gen. 39. 9, 10. when tempted by his wanton Mistris to commit secret wickedness with her, answereth her, How can I doe this great wickedness and sin against God? Psalm 101. 2. I will walk within my house with a perfect heart.

2 In all times, cases and conditions. The Hy­pocrite, he is good at some times, and in some cases, as in times of peace and prosperitie, and times wherein he may gain, and not lose by his goodness, or whiles he is a wed by the presence of good men, Parents, Magistrates, or Ministees, and the like, and no longer. And so it seems it was with Joash, 2 Chron. 24. 2. Who did tho▪ which was right in the sight of the Lord all the daies of Jehoiadah the Priest. And such are those servants, Ephes 6. 6. That serve their masters with eye service as men pleasers, &c. Job 27. 10. Will he alwaies call upon God? But the true Christian is alike good and carefull in all times, cases, changes, and conditions, in time of health as time of sicknes, [Page 193] in time of peace as in time of trouble, Phil. 4. 11. I have learned in whatsoever estate I am therewith to be content. Job 1. 8. 12, 21, 22. And he is the same in the presence of God onely, and when no other eye is upon him, Phil. 2. 12. As ye have alwaies o­beyed not in my presence onely, but much more in my ab­sence, &c. Ephes. 6. 5, 6, 7. Servants be obedient, &c. in singleness of heart as unto Christ, &c. Col. 3. 22. And he is the same in time of the persecuted, as he is in the time of the flouring state of the Go­spel. He can (if need be) leave all for Christ, and the Gospels sake, 2 Cor. 6. 4, 5. But in all things approving our selves, &c. in afflictions, &c. 2 Cor. 8. 9. We had the sentence of death in our selves, &c. v. 12. in simplicitie and godly sinceritie, wee have had our conversation, &c. Mark 10. 28. We have left all and followed thee. Acts 21. 12, 13. I am ready not on­ly to be bound, but also to dye at Jerusalem for the Name of the Lord Iesus, 2 Cor. 11. 26, 27. Psalm 119. 157, 161.

3 In all company. The Hypocrite he is com­monly better in some, than he is in other com­pany, 2 Chron. 24. 2. But the true Christian he is alike in all company, in the company of good, of bad men, of friends, of enemies, Psalm 119. 46. I will speak of thy testimonies before Kings, Phil. 2. 12. as ye have obeyed not onely in my presence, &c.

4 The true Christian holds out to the end: The Hypocrite, he is at the best, unstable in all his [Page 194] waies, James 1. 8. as a cloud without water carried by the wind. Iude v. 12. apt to start aside like a de­ceitful bow. Hosea 7. 16. He is very like to start aside in times of trial. Iob 27. 10. Will he alwaies call upon God? And he doth very often fall clean away to prophaness in life, heresie, and opinion, or to both. 1 Iohn 2. 19. they went out from us, but they were not of us. 2 Pet. 2 22. It is happened to them according to the Proverb, The Dog is turned to the vomit again. and the low that was washed to her wallowing in the mire. 2 Tim. 4. 10. 1 Sam. 13. 8. and 28. 7. Mat. 13. 21, 22. But this the sincere Christian connot doe Mat. 24. 14. They shall deceive if it were possible the very elect. For this new obedience of his is both a growing and increasing obedience Rev. 2. 19. His last works are better than his first. And it is a lasting, persevering, and con­tinuing obedience. Psal. 119. 112. I have enclined my heart to perform thy statutes, alwaies even to the end, v. 24. continnally for ever and ever, Luke 2. 37. Yea and he doth commonly grow better & better, Ephes. 2. 21. 2 Thes. 1. 3. But the Hypocrite hee doth commonly grow worse and worse, 2 Tim. 3. 13. But Seducers wox worse and worse, de­ceiving, and being deceived, &c. 2 Pet. 2. 20. This new obedience therefore of the new creature is such, as it breaks through, and gets over all im­pediments, Acts 2. 42. Such as these (i.) mens com­mands and threats. Acts 4. 19. Whether it be right in [Page 195] the sight of God to hearken to you more than unto God judge ye? and 5. 29. We ought to obey God rather than men, Dan. 3. 12. 16.

2 Mens examples of all sorts. Iosh. 24. 15. Choose you this day whom you will serve, &c. But as for me and my house we will serve the Lord. Gen. 6. 9. and 7. 1.

3 Worldly profits and advantages, such as honour, pleasure, riches, and the like. Heb. 11. 8. By faith Abraham when he was called to goe out, &c. went, &c. and Moses v. 24, 25. when he came to years he refused, &c. choosing rather, &c.

4 Carnal reasonings. Heb. 11. 7. By faith Noah being warned of God in a dream, Gal. 1. 16, 17. I conferred not with flesh and blood. &c.

5 Relations and natural affections dependant upon them. Heb. 11. 17. By faith Abraham when he was tried offered up, &c. his sonne, his only sonne, Deut. 33. 9.

But 2. the obedience of the sincere Christian is compleat and entire also as to him that obey­eth; for it is the obedience of his whole man bo­dy and soul. The obedience of the Hypocrite is commonly counterfeit, and not from his heart; sometimes with a part of his heart only, and never with his whole heart, Ezek. 33. 31. There is action without affection, the lips are without the heart in it. It cometh coldly from him, without any vigour or life of the inner [Page 196] man, Ezech. 33. 31. their heart goeth after their co­vetousness, Isa. 29. 13. This people draw nigh to mee with their mouth but their heart is far from me, Ps. 78. 34, 35, 36. They returned and enquired early after God, nevertheless they did flatter him with their mouth, &c. for their heart was not right with him, &c. Jer. 3. 10. And yet, &c. her treacherous Sister Judah hath not turned unto me with hgr whole heart but feignedly, &c. Amos 8. 5, 6. Hosea 7. 14. But the new obedience of the sincere Christian is a cordial and affectionate obedience of the whole inward and outward man both together. That which he beleeveth, and that which he doth, or leaveth undone, it is all frrom his very heart. Rom. 6. 17. You have obeyed from the heart the Doctrine, &c. And it is with the whole heart, Ps. 119. 10, 145 With my whole heart have I sought thee, &c. So that what he doth he doth with his whole soul, mind, conscience, wil, & affections all concurring with him therein. He doth with all his might and strength desire, and endeavour to doe the whole will of God, Psal. 119. 10. 34. 69. I will keep thy precepts with my whole heart, Acts 8. 37. If thou believest with al thy heart, &c. His grace within, and his work without is un­feigned, 2 Tim. 1. 5. 2 Cor. 6. 6. 1 Sam. 12. 20. Ezek. 11. 19, 20. Rom. 12. 8.

5 As he is careful to doe all God requireth, and with the whole man, so is he careful to doe no more than God requireth. But the Hypo­crite [Page 197] hath additions of his own and other mens inventions, Jer 32. 35. Ps. 106. 39. Mat. 15. 2, 3. &c.

6 The new obedience of the sincere Christian is a real obedience. 1 That of the Hypocrite is onely verbal and complemental, Mat. 21. 28, 29, 30. A certain man had two sons, and he said to one of them, Goe and work to day in my vine­yard; And he said, I go sir, but went not. 1 Ioh. 3. 17, 18. Let us not love in word, neither in tongue, but in deed and in truth. Luke 6. 45. And why call ye me Lord, Lord, and do not the thing which I say? But the obedience of the sincere Christian is an obedience that is in deeds as well as in words, Rom. 15. 18. Col. 3. 17. 2 That of the Hypocrite is feigned and counterfeit, as we have shewed, Ps. 78. 36. But this of the sincere Christian is as he himself is indeed what he seemeth.

7 This new obedience of the sincere Christian as it is exact and compleat for the matter so for the manner of it, and the mind of the doer ther­in. The Hypocrite he onely mindeth the worke done, and not how it bee done, or with what minde hee doth it. But the sincere Christian is careful not only what he doth, but how & with what mind he doth it. And for this he doth and suffereth it (i.) in Christs name, where the Hy­pocrite doth dare adventure to goe to God in his own name, and upon his own account, with­out the name of Jesus Christ, as Mat. 22. 1, 2, 13 &c. [Page 198] He saw there a man that had not on a wedding gar­ment, &c. Luke 18. 11 the Pharisee praied, and said, God I thank thee, I am not, &c. Iohn 6. 64. and 7. 5. or otherwise ask doubtingly, Iames 1. 7, 8. The sincere Christian he dares not come to God but with Iesus Christ in his heart and mouth; and so coming, he beleeves that he shall be ac­cepted both in his person and service. Hee doth ask in faith: his Prayer is the prayer of Faith, Iames 5. 15, 16. 1 Tim. 2. 8. Iames 1. 6. Heb. 11. 4, 6. By Faith Abel offered to God a more excellent sa­crifice than Cain, &c. But without Faith it is impos­sible to please him; for he that cometh to God must be­leeve, Iohn 16, 23, 24. & 14 6.

2 He doth, and suffereth preparedly: where the Hypocrites heart in his coming to God in service is altogether unprepared for it, as being voyd of the love and fear, and reverence of God in it, 2 Chron 12. 14, and 20 23. Psal. 78. 34, 35, 36. Isa. 29. 13. The sincere Christian his heart is ready and prepared to and for his obedience in doing or suffering as an instrument when set in tune is ready to be plaid upon. He loves and fears God; hee hath high, holy, and reverend thoughts of Gods name, wayes, and worship, &c. 2 Chron. 30 9. Psalm 108. 1. Psal. 57. 7 Rom. 1, 15 Mal 1. 6, 7, 8, 17. Deut. 10. 12. Acts 21. 13.

3 He doth it sincerely, where the Hypocrite doth it with a double and deceitful heart all [Page 199] that he doth, Psal. 78. 34, &c. James 4. 8. The sincere Christian he doth it with a true & plaine heart, Heb. 10 22. Rom. 12. 8, 9. 1 Pet. 1 2. So the Magistrate ruling, Rom. 12. 7, 8. The Minister in preaching, 2 Cor. 1. 12. 1 Thes 2. 4, 5, 6, &c. but to this we have spoken before.

4 He doth it cheerfully and joyfully. Where the Hypocrite is in his obedience (especially in the service of God) unwilling to, and unchear­full in it, and takes little or no delight, but is soon weary of, and tyred in it, Amos 8. 5. When will the new Moon be gone? &c. Mal. 1. 15. Behold what a weariness it is. Job 27. 10. The true Chri­stian he delights in it, it is his meate and drink; the yoak herein upon him is an easie yoake to him, Psal. 40 8. Mat 11. 30. Psal. 119 47. I shall delight my self in thy Commandments, 2 Cor, 8. 19. 1 Pet 5. 2. 2 Cor 9 7. Isa. 58. 13. If thou call the Sabbath a delight. 1 Cor. 29 9. Heb. 10. 34. Ye took joyfully the spoyling of yourgoods. Judges 5. 2. And hence are the sincere Christians said to be a will­ing people, Ps. 110. 3.

5 He doth it patiently. Where the Hypocrite is commonly in that which he doth and suffer­eth impatient and complaining against God, Mal. 3. 14, 15. Ye say it is in vain to serve the Lord, &c. 2 Kings 6. 33. This evil is from the Lord, what should I wait, &c. Ezek. 18. 25, 29 and 33. 17. 20. Numb. 14. 17. Psal. 106. 25. Mat. 20. 12, 15. Mat. [Page 200] 25. 23, 24. The sincere Christian hee is patient, and doth quietly submit to the will of God therein, 1 Sam. 3. 17, 18. It is the Lord let him do what seemeth him good. 2 Kings 20. 19, Good is the word of the Lord. Job 1. 21. The Lord gave and the Lord hath taken, &c.

6 He doth it diligently, where the Hypocrite is commonly in his obedience especially in Gods service careless and negligent, Mal. 1. 14. Which hath in his flock a male, and sacrificeth to the Lord a corrupt thing, &c. Mat. 25. 24. He that had but one talent. The sincere Christian is usuually ve­ry diligent and exact herein, 2 Pet. 1. 12. I will not be negligent, &c. 2 Cor. 8. 22. 1 Tim. 4. 14.

7 Hee doth it humbly, where the Hypocrite doth his work proudly, and conceitedly, as the Pharisee, Luke 18. 11. The sincere Chri­stian doth it with the sense of his sinne, and with a broken and contrite heart. Luke 18. 13.

8 He doth it fervently, where the Hypocrite is cold and perfunctory in his service. Rev. 3. 15. The sincere Christian is fervent in spirit, and doth what hee doth fervently, Coll. 4. 12. James 5 16. Rom. 12. 14.

9 He doth it lovingly, where the Hypocrite doth it often with corrupt affections. James 15. 16. amd 1. 19, 20. The sincere Christian doth [Page 201] it with love to God and man, 1 Tim. 2. 8. 1 Cor. 13. 1. 1 Cor. 5. 8. Hee doth it not with the leaven of malice tnd wickedness, but with the unlea­vened bread of sinceritie and truth.

10 He doth it purely and holily. The obedi­ence of the sincere Christian is not onely pure for the manner, but it flows from pure princi­ples and motives; and is done by a pure rule, and [...]o pure ends.

2 It comes from a pure heart. That of the Hypocrite comes from a filthy heart, Acts 8. 21, 22. Mat. 23. 25. But this of the sincere Christian comes from a pure heart, a heart purified by the blood of Christ, and by the Spirit of Christ. 1 Tim. 1. 5,

2 It is pure in the motives. by, and from which it is moved and carried. That which doth move and carry the Hypocrite in his obedience, is his self-love, and self-ends, and not any thing at all of God: he loveth not the commander, the command, nor the thing commanded for themselves. Or if there be any thing of God in it, it is so much only as may serve his own ends therein, Mat. 6 1, 2, &c. Mat. 23. throughout. So Jehu. Saul, Judas, and the rest.

Hee may sometimes bee kept from the do­ing of evil perhaps by the fear of men, but very seldom by the fear of God, Mark 12. 12. Luke [Page 202] 20. 19, 22. 2 John 9. 22. and 7. 17. and 19. 38. Mat. 14. 5. Mark 11. 32. Gen. 39. 9. But that espe­cially which doth move the sincere Christian in his obedience, is the love and fear of God. And from thence his desire to please, and his feare to offend God, the goodness of the thing to bee done or suffered, the conscience of his duty therein, and of his obligation thereunto by the love of God. Hee beleeves the promises because God saith, and obeyes the commands because God gives them. He loves the Law maker that commands, the Law or command it self, and the thing commanded. These, and such like things as these doe especially stir up, and carry on the sincere Christian to his obedience. So Heb. 11. 7. By Faith Noah being warned of God of things not seen, moved with fear prepared an Ark, &c. Psalm 119. 161. My heart standeth in awe of thy word, 2 Cor. 5. 14. For the love of Christ constraineth us, &c. 1. 17. Some out of love, Psalm 116. 1. I love the Lord, &c. John 21 15. and 16, 17. Ps. 119. 97. 127. I loae thy Law Psalm 40. 8. I delight to doe thy will, O God. Gen 39. 9. Job 31. 4. 14. 23. 2 Chron. 19. 6, 7. Ephes. 6. 6, 7.

And this fear of God makes him careless of the commands and threats of men, Exod. 1. 17. The Midwives feared God, &c. Heb. 11. 27. By Faith be forsook Aegypt, not fearing the wrath of the King.

2 It is pure in the Rule by which his obe­dience is governed. The Hypocrite, he makes his own fancie, and the commands and inventi­ons of other men his rule and warrant for what he doth therein. Mat. 15. 2. Why doe thy disciples transgress the traditions of the Elders? &c. Gal. 1. 14. John 4. 21, 22. Acts 17. 22. Mat. 23. 16, 17. But the sincere Christian, he makes the pure Word of God alone his rul e and warrant for whatsoever he beleeveth, doth and suffereth, Col. 3. 10. The new man is said to be renewed in knowledge, Gal. 1. 9. Gal. 6. 16. Acts 13. 36.

3 It is also pure for the manner of it, as is already shewed.

4 This new obedience is pure in the ends of it. The Hypocrites end in all that he doth and suffereth is himself, as he is moved in his obedi­ence from self-love, so is he carried to self-ends. He seeks himself, not God and Christ, his main design and intention in all that hee doth and suffereth from the beginning to the end thereof, is especially, if not only his own glory or praise, his own profit, or pleasure, or some way or o­ther to satisfie his own lusts. He lookes no fur­than at earthly pleasures, comforts, and advan­tages in this world. God is not in al his thoughts, or if hee be, it is onely to thinke how hee may serve himself upon him. And if God be in his eye, yet he lookes at something beyond, above, [Page 204] above or before him. In shew he seeks God, but in truth he seeks himself. He seems to fol­low God and Christ, but it is not for God and Christ, but for his own sake. He follows Christ for the loaves, as the nine Leapers to be healed onely, Iohn 6. 26. Luke 17. 12. And as the sheep doe follow the shepheard as long as the bot­tle of hay is in his hand, and no longer; and not as a childe that follows the father out of love, who wil follow him every where. The Pharisees did pray and give almes to be seen of men, Mat. 6. 2. They made long praiers to the end they might devoure widowes houses. Hosea 7. 14. Ye assemble for wine and corn. Zach 7. 5. Did ye at all fast unto me? &c. Micah 3. 11. They judge for ieward, and divine for money, and yet lean upon me, &c. Acts 20 30. Phil. 1. 17. Preached Christ out of envy. But the sincere Christian in all his active and passive obedience, as hee is carryed forth therein especially from the love and feare of God and Christ, so doth he act therein for God and Christ as well as for himself. And indeed God is his great object, motive, end, and all in all: He followeth them as wel for their owne sakes as for his owne sake. They are his principal and ultimate end, and the center to which he tends in all that he doth and suffer­eth. His main scope and special aim therein to which all is in his intention referred is to glori­fie [Page 205] God, and advance the Name of the Lord Je­sus Christ, and to testifie his love to God; for the love of God shewed to him in Christ. And therefore it doth not satisfie him to do any thing as for the publick good, the Common wealth, or the like. So the Heathen men have done, un­less he goe higher, and shoot as far as the utmost white and mark of all, which is Gods glory; he cannot be satisfied to come short of this, or to goe beyond it with reference to any thing else. Rom. 14. 8. Whether we live we live to the Lord, &c. Phil. 1. 21. For me to live is Christ, &c. Luke 17. 12. The Leapers one of them when hee saw hee was healed returned and glorified God, &c. 1 Tim. 1. 17. Now to the King immortal, &c. 1 Tim. 6. 16. Rev. 4. 11. Thou art worthy to receive glory, &c. Rev. 5. 12. Saying with a loud voice, worthy is the Lamb, &c. Psalm 115. 1. Not unto us, but to thy Name, &c. So John the Baptist of Christ, John 3. from verse 27 to the end. Iohn 1. 19, 20, &c. This is the re­cord of John, &c. And he confessed and denied not, but confessed, I am not the Christ, &c. He is from heaven, &c. He must increase, &c. 2 Cor. 4. 5. Wee preach not our selves, but Christ Iesus the Lord, &c. Ioshua 7. 9. What wilt thou doe for thy great Name, &c. Psalm 111. 9. Holy and reverend is his Name. Iohn 14. 14. Psalm 44. 22. For thy sake are wee killed all the day long, we, &c. Luke 2. 14, 20. Canticl. 7. 13. Deut. 28. 58. Hab. 3. 17. [Page 206] 1 Thes. 2. 4. Even so we speak not as pleasing men, but God, &c. Gal. 1. 10. or doe I seek to please men, &c. And therefore he doth so, because this is required by the Gospel of him, 1 Cor. 6. 20. Ye are bought with a price wherefore, glorifie him, &c. 1 Cor. 10. 31. do all to the glory of God, &c. Col. 3. 17. Whatsoever ye doe in word or in deed, doe all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God, and the Father by him, Mat. 6. 9. 13.

And next to Gods glory the true Christian he doth in his obedience active and passive aim at, and design the good of all men, especially of godly men: So Paul, 1 Cor. 10. 33. Even as I not seeking mine own profit, but the profit of many that they may be saved. So David, Acts 13. 36. After hee had served his own generation, &c. Ps. 78. 72. Luke 7. 5, 6. Gal. 6. 10. Acts 20. 35. 1 Cor. 8. 8, 9, 10.

And in the last place next to Gods glory, and the good of other men, he doth design his own spiritual good here, and the salvation of his body and soul hereafter, 1 Cor. 9. 27. 1 Tim. 4. 16. Acts 2. 40.

And in this order of his working to those ends he doth not onely follow the light of Gods Word, but the light of Nature, which some of the Heathen saw and taught. That man was not born for himself; but first for God, next for his country, and lastly for himself.

SECT. XXII.

And finally the sincere Christian also doth more or less commonly outstrip the Hypocrite in all these things that follow.

1 He doth more or less love, long, pray, and prepare for Christs appearing to judgment, Rev. 22. 17. The Spirit and the Bridegroom say come. Cant. 1. 14. Make hast my beloved. 1 Cor. 1. 7. Waiting for the coming of our Lord Iesus, Mat. 25. 1, 2, 3, &c. 2 Tim. 4. 8. This the Hypocrite cannot endure to hear of, or think upon, or prepare for, Is. 33. 14. The sinners in Sion are afraid, fearfulness hath surprised the Hypocrites. Rev. 6. 16. And said to the mountains and rocks fall on us, and hide us from the face, &c. And from the wrath of the Lamb.

2 He can love his enemies, and doe good for evil, Acts 7. 59. 60. They stoned Stephen. And hee cried, &c. Lord lay not this sin to their charge. Job. 31. 29, 30. If I rejoiced at the destruction of him that [Page 208] hated me, &c. Mat. 23. 32. and 5. 43, 44. But this the Hypocrite cannot do, Mat. 5. 46. If ye love them that love you, what reward have you.

3 He doth grieve and mourn for, and make op­sition against the sins of the time and place wherein hee liveth, 2 Pet. 2. 7. For that righ­teous man in seeing and hearing vexed his righte­ous soul from day to day with their unlawful deeds, Ps. 119. 136. Rivers of water run down mine eyes, because they keep not thy Law. But it is otherwise with the Hypocrite, who doth many times rather re­joyce in the sinnes of others and joyn with them then mourne because of the same, Psalm 50. 16. 18.

4 He can doth more or less sympathize and fellow-feel in the troubles of his brethren, pity and help them, 2 Cor. 11. 29. Who is weak and I am not weak? &c. Nehem. 1. 2, 3, 4. When I heard these words I sate down and wept &c. Ps. 112. 4. Rom. 12. 4, 5. at which many Hypocrites doe rather rejoice. Obadiah 12. 13. But thou shouldest not have looked on the day of thy brother, &c. neither shouldest thou have rejoyced over the children of Judah in the day of their destruction. Psalm 35. 25. So would wee have it, Mat. 27. 41. The chief Priests mocking him said, he saved others, &c.

5 Hee can and doth more or less live a­bove the world, and trample the honours, plea­sures, and profits thereof under his feet, Rev. [Page 209] 12. 1. A woman cloathed with the Sun, and the Moon under her feet. Galat. 6. 14 God forbid I should re­joice in any thing but the crosse of our Lord Jesus, by whom the world is crucified to mee, and I unto the world. Job 31. 24, 25. If I have made gold my hope, &c. or rejoiced because my wealth was great, &c. Heb. 11. 24, 25. 2 Tim. 3. 2, 4. Phil. 3. 7. 19, 20. But the Hypocrite is not so, but commonly is covetous, a lover of the world, his pleasure, his profit, or his honour. 2 Tim. 3. 2, 4. Lovers of themselves, covetous. 2 Tim. 4. 10. Lovers of pleasures. Mat. 23. 25.

6 He can, and doth, having a low esteeme of himself and his own deserts, thankfully acknow­ledge his receipts of benefits from God. Gen. 32. 10. I am not worthy of the least of all thy mercies, &c. Mat. 8. 8. Lord I am not worthy that thou shouldst come under my roof, Luke 17. 15. And one of them when he saw that hee was healed turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God. Psalm 26. 7. 2 Sam. 7. 18. But the Hypocriee having high thoughts of himself, and his own worth and works, as if God were beholding to him for his service to him, he is commonly very unthankful for what he receives from God. Luke 17. 14, 15. As in nine of the ten Leapers. Isa. 58. 3. We have fasted, and thou regardest it not.

7 The sincere Christian hee is careful to sub­mit [Page 210] to Gods means, and goe Gods waies for the attainment and accomplishment of Gods ends. But the Hypocrite hee wil not stick at the use of any unlawful meanes to bring to passe Gods end, when it may also sute with his own end therein, Hab. 2. 3, 4.

8 The sincere Christian hee doth much more labour against the sins of his own family, and relations. But the Hypocrite he looks al abroad, and takes no care at home, hee is bitter against the sinnes of others, and seems very active many times in the reformation of the evil that is a­broad, but doth nothing at hom. Mat. 7. 1, 3. Mat. 23. 15. Why seest thou the mote, &c.

9 The sincere Christian is commonly of a more composed spirit and behaviour in prosperitie and adversitie than the Hypocrite is, Phil. 4. 11. I have learned in whatsoever state I am therewith to bee content. Job 2. 9, 10, and 21. The Lord hath given, and the Lord hath taken, &c. But the Hypocrite, in such times is commonly more discomposed, and disturbed in time of adversitie he doth de­spair, 2 Kings 6. 33. What should I waite for the Lord any longer. And in time of prosperity hee is lifted up to forget the Lord and himself both, Psal. 106 throughout

10 Hee is, and doth shew himselfe to bee really more merciful, just, true, loving, meek, [Page 211] humble, and peaceable in heart, word, and work than the Hypocrite is, who is, and very often shews himself more fraudulent, unjust, ambitious, cruel, envious, contentious. John 1. 30. and 3. 28. 1 Cor. 4. 6. Micah 6 8 Mat. 33. 5, 6, 12, 13. 3 Joh. 9. Luke 18. 10, 12. Isa. 65 5. Job 31 throughout.

11 And lastly, some sincere Christians are by the witnesse of the Spirit of God in them, some more, some lesse, assured of their inte­rest in Christ, and their part in eternal life, 1 Io. 5. 6, 7, 8, 9, 10. Hee that beleeveeth, &c. hath the witness in himself, &c. Heb. 10. 15. 1 Iohn 4. 13. Hereby know we that wee dwel in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit, Rom. 8. 16. The Spirit it self beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God. Ephes. 1. 13. Ye were sealeo by that holy Spirit of promise. And in this the Hypocrite hath no share at all. But many of them lye and dye under the feare of eternal vengeance from God, as the just reward of his Hypocrisie, and none of them ever had any true and well grounded assurance, Ier. 33. 14. The sinners in Sion are afraid, fearfulness hath surpri­the Hypocrites. Rev. 6. 16.

SECT. XXIII.

So that now (upon the whole matter) wee may perceive that the sincere Christian doth out strip, and go beyond the Hypocrite through­out.

1 Quoad principium gratiae, as to his Foundati­on, Root, or Spring, the immortal, and incor­ruptible seed of Grace in the New Creature, he is Regenerate. But the Hypocrite is not so. And therefore that which is wrought in him is a cor­ruptible thing that will never come to good.

2 Quoad incrementum gratiae, as to the increase of Grace he doth more or less grow and increase in Grace. But it is otherwise with the Hypo­crite, who commonly after a little while doth grow worse and worse.

3 Quoad exercitium gratiae; as he hath every grace so it is as true that his graces put him up­on the exercise of them, but the graces of hy­pocrites are but seemingly such, their faith be­ing but a dead Faith. And as for that work of Grace in a sincere Christian which lyeth in the external actings hee doth excell also in these things.

1 That which he doth he doth by the right rule of Gods Word, which shews the wil of God, and he doth all that. But the Hypocrite he fol­loweth [Page 213] his own, and the will of other men, and at the most he doth but a part of Gods wil only.

2 Hee doth that which hee doth in a right manner with the whole heart. But the Hypo­crite otherwise.

3 He doth that which he doth to the right end, to Gods glory, and not to the praise of himself as the hypocrite doth.

SECT. XXIV.

But by all this we have spoken of the com­pleat and exact obedience of the sincere Chri­stian, we do not intend, nor would be understood that the sincere Christians life is perfect, and without sinne; for that is to affirm contrary to what the Holy Ghost affirmeth, and experience hath evidenced to us of the lives of all men, and the best men that ever lived, that they all had their faults, and to assure us thereof, some of them, yea very many of them are recorded in Scripture, and left us for our learning, to let us know that there is not a man that liveth & sin­eth not. The phrases of speech therefore which we have used, and that which we have affirmed of the obedience of the sincere Christian, that hee leaveth all sinne, and doth all duties at all times, and in all places, cases, &c. And the Phrases of the Scripture applyed to the Saints, that they followed the Lord fully, were [Page 214] in all the commandements of God blamelesse, and were perfect, they are to be understood not in a legal or in a litteral, but in an Evangelical sense: For doubtlesse the utte [...]most obedience that is expected, or that can be performed by the most absolute and perfect Christian that is most sincere is. That hee hath a real and unfai­ned will, and desire, and a real intention and purpose, and doth his endeavour with all his might to doe and fulfil the whole wil of God therein. And he is grieved that he cannot doe it more perfectly. And that which he doth of it he doth in sincerity. And when he hath done all, he thinketh himself to be but an unprofitable ser­vant, and to have done lesse than was his duty to doe. And he doth not trust to himself there­in but to the Righteousness of God in Christ. And in this only or especially in this point doth the sincere Christian eminently excel and out­strip all the Hypocrites, yea the most refined Hy­pocrites in the world, who have not any such un­fained wil, desire, purpose, or intention (but rather the contrary thereof) in them. Nor do they endeavour at all so to doe in all things as we have shewed elswhere at large. And this progress towards the perfect doing in the sincere Christian is esteemed with God as the perfect doing of the thing it self, Heb. 11. 17. By Faith Abraham when hee was tried offered up [Page 215] Isaac, &c. 1 Cor. 8. 12. For if there bee first a willing minde it is accepted according to that a man hath, &c.. VVe are here also to adde this cau­tion further in reference to all that wee have spoken to this head, that the faigned Graces of the Hypocrites and their gifts, are in some hearts so like to true Grace, that it is hard to distin­guish them. And in the hearts of the most sincere, corrupt affections and motions stirre so much, that it is hard to conclude any thing cer­tainly and definitively herein, more or further than this. That the more we find of the motions and operations of Sinceritie, the more cause we have to judge our selves sincere. And the more we see of the motions and operatious of Hypo­crisie, the more cause wee have to suspect our selves thereof. All these things therefore are cautiously to be heeded and used. But for this see more in the beginning of the next Chapter. If yet you shall desire to see some more certain signes of the sincere man, and of the Hypocrite, we shall endeavour to give you some of them in the nevt Chapter.

SECT. I.

1 It savoureth much of sinceritie, and it is very much a sign of a sincere man, That he do esteem, value, and preferre God and Christ a­bove all, and that he do in all things seek God and Christ above himselfe, and above all men and things. Psalm 24. 6. This is the generation of them that seek him, that seek thy face, &c. Hee doth greatly love and delight in God and Christ. Ps. 97. 10. Yee that love the Lord. Ps. 18. 1. I will love thee, O Lord, &c. Io. 21. 15. Lord thou know­est [Page 221] that I love thee. Revel. 12. 11, And can, and will leave all for their sakes. Philip. 7. 8. Mark 10. 28, We have left all and followed thee. Hee cares not how little bee given to him, so that much be given to God, for whom he thinkes nothing too good, or too much. Psalm 115. 1. Not unto us, O Lord, not unto us, but to thy Name give glory, &c. So John the Baptist, he confessed, and denied not, I am not the Christ. Hee is preferred before me, whose shooes latchet I am not worthy to unloose, &c. John 1. 19, 20, 27. John 3. 28. Hee trusts in God. 1 Pet. 3. 5. Holy women that trusted in God, &c. And hee doth more fear to offend, and la­bour to please God than all the world besides. Exod. 1. 15. 16. But the Midwives feared God, and did not as the King commanded them. Job 31. 4. 14. 23. Doth not hee see my waies, &c. What shall I doe when God ariseth? &c. 1 Kings 18. 3. Now Obadiah feared the Lord greatly. Isaiah 29. 13. 1 Pet. 3. 14. And on the other side it savour­eth much of Hypocrisie, and is very much a sign of an Hypocrite, That a man as hee loves other things more than God and Christ, so in all things hee doth preferre and seek himself more than God and Christ, his owne interest more than Gods. Hosea 2. 13. She went af­ter her lovers, and forgat mee. John 5. 41, 42. I know you, that ye have not the love of God in you. [Page 222] Phil. 3. 9. Whose belly is their God. Rom. 1. 25. Who changed, &c. and worshipped the creature more than the crearor, &c. 2 Tim. 3. 4. Lovers of pleasures more than God. He is ready to assume the glory due to God to himself. Acts 12. 22, 23. And the people gave a shout saying, the voice of God, &c. And immediately the Angel of the Lord smote him because he gave not God the glory, And therefore in the forbearing or do­ing of good, or evil, hee is more moved by his desire to please, and feare to offend men than God. Iohn. 9. 22. Mat. 14. 5. Luke 20, 19. and 22. 2. Iohn 7. 13. Mark 23. 5. Iohn 12. 42. He doth in Gods service think any thing good enough for God. Mal. 1. 6. 8. O Priests that de­spise my Name, &c. offer it now to thy Governour, will he accept it? &c. The love of God is not in him. Iohn 5. 42. Hee hath low and undervaluing thoughts of God and Christ, and the ordinances and institutions of Christ. Mal. 1. 1, 2, 3, &c. Ye despise my Name, &c. ye offer polluted bread, &c. Yee say the Table of the Lord is contemptible, &c. He doth more eye the praise and applause, honour and esteem, favour and good will of men than of God. Mat. 6. 1. to the 12. You do your almes before men to be seen of them, &c. Gal. 1. 10. Or doe I seeke to please men? for if I [...]et pleased men I should not bee the servant of Christ. John 7. 18. John 8, 50. 1 Sam. 15. 30. I have sinned, yet honour me now I pray [Page 223] thee before the Elders of my people, &c. He trusts more in other things than in God, Isa. 30. 2, 3. They cover with a covering, &c. That walk to goe into E­gypt. Hosea 7. 14. Hee gives more respect to the Traditions and Inventions of men than to the Word and Command of God. Mat. 15. 1, 2, &c. Thus have you made the commandements of God of none effect by your tradition. Isa. 65. 4. Isa. 29. 30. Mark 7. 3, 4, &c. And to save himself he can be con­tented to lose Christ.

SECT. II.

2 It is a good proofe of a mans sinceritie, when there is joyned to his profession of Religi­on and the light of his understanding in the Word of God a holy conversation. 2 Cor. 1. 12. For our rejoycing is this, the testimonie of our conscience, that in simplicitie and godly sinceritie, &c. wee have had our conversation in the world, &c. Phil. 3. 20. Our conversation is in heaven, &c. Psalm 119. 1, 3. They doe no iniquitie. Psalm 101. 3. I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes. Phil. 3. 17. Psal. 26. 1, 6. 2 Sam. 22 24. Tit. 2. 11, 12. And it is a dan­gerous evidence of Hypocrisie when a man is loose and careless herein. 1 John 2. 4. Hee that saith I know him, and keepeth not his commande­ments is a lyar, and the truth is not in him. 2 Tim. 3. 1, 2, 6. Men shall be lovers of their own selves, co­vetous, [Page 224] hoasters, proud, disobedient to parents, &c. truce breakers, &c. having a form of godliness. Luke 13. 26, 27. Then shall yee begin to say, wee have eaten and drunk in thy presence, and thou hast taught in our streets. But he shall say, &c. Depart from me all yee workers of iniquitie. Psalm 56. 1, 2. The transgres­sions of the wicked, &c. untill his iniquitie bee found hatefull. Hosea 7. 8. 14. 16. Rom. 15. 17. Amos 5. 10. Isaiah 1. 1, 2. &c. and 48. 1, 2. Tit. 3. 8. Ps. 58. 2.

SECT. III.

3 It savours much of sinceretie, and is very much a sign of a sincere Christian, when a mans main study and labour is to make and keep cleane his heart, and to bee indeed as well as to seem to be good within and without, when hee labours to be what he desires to seem to be, and doth affect the thing as wel as the name; to be within indeed what hee is without in appea­rance. Psalm 73. 13. Verily I have cleansed my heart in vain, &c. Psalm 101. 1, 2. I will walk within my house with a perfect heart. I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes: I hate the work of them that turn aside, 2 Tim. 1 3. I serve with pure conscience, &c 1 Pet. 3. 3, 5. Whose adorning let it not be outward, &c. but the hidden man of the heart; for so holy wo­men which trusted in God adorned themselves. Tit. 2. [Page 225] 11, 12. Psalm 51. 10. And on the other side it sa­vours as much of Hypocrisie, and is very much a sign of an Hypocrite, when the main study & labour of a man is, to make and keep cleane the outside onely, and that he cares not to be, but to seeme to bee holy, when he takes no care at all of his thoughts, and such faults as he can com­mit privately, and conceale from the world, when he hath a care to keep his flesh cleane, and suffereth his inward vitals to bee corrupt and rotten, Matth. 23. 14, 25, 27. Yee are like pain­ted sepulchers, &c. Matth. 5. 6, 10. that you may appeare, &c. Luke 18. 12, 13. Psalm 56. 24. He flattereth himselfe untill, &c. he deviseth mischief on his bed, &c. he abhorreth not evill, &c. In heart ye work wickednesse, you, &c. Acts 8. 13, 20, 21. Repent, &c. For thou art in the gall of bitternesse, &c. Psalm 52. 3. Thou lovest evil more than good, &c. Hosea 12. 7, 8. John 13. 26, 27. Heb. 12. 15. Acts 7. 51.

SECT. IV.

4 It savours much of Sinceritie, [...]nd it is very much a signe of a sincere Christian, that hee loves and desires holinesse as much as happinesse, and to live the life, as dye the death of the Righteous. Philip. 3. 11, 12, 13. [Page 226] If by any means I might attaine to the resurre­ction of the dead, &c. Not as though I had al­ready attained, &c. or were perfect, &c. and reaching forth to the things before, &c. Luke 17. 5. The Apo­stles said to the Lord, Increase our Faith. Mark 9. 24. Lord I beleeve, help thou mine unbeliefe. Prov. 22. 12. 2 Cor. 5. 9, 10. And on the other side it savours as much of Hypocrisie, and is very much a sign of an Hypocrite, when he doth not love nor desire holiness at all, and hee doth onely desire and labour to seem like to godly men, and not to be godly, when a man shall hate to bee reformed. Psalm 50. 16, 17. And shall love evil more than good. Psalm 52. 3. When a man shall desire onely to dye the death, and not to live the life of the godly. Numb. 23. 10. 27. Matth 23. 27. We to you Scribes, &c. for ye are like unto sepulchers, &c. but arewithin ful of dead mens bones, and all uncleannes. Mat. 7. 21, 22, 23. For we take it to be a certain sign of an Hypocrite, in a man professing Re­ligion to live in the allowance, and under the any known sin. Mat. 23. 27, 28. Mark 6. 17, 18. Rom. 7. 15. Acts 8. 20, 23.

SECT. V.

It savours much of sincerity, and it is very much the signe of a sincere Christian when a man is apt to look of, and forget the good that [Page 227] is in him, and hath been done by him, and when he is apt to think of, and doth look much upon the evil that is in him, and hath been done by him, when a man looking upon himselfe, and his own vilenesse by nature and practise, he is very much displeased with, and despaires of himselfe, and lookes to the grace of God in Christ onely for Righteousnesse. He hath low thoughts of himself, and of his own worth and works. Rom. 7. 18, 23. 24. In my flesh dwelleth no good thing. 1 Tim. 1. 15. Sinners of whom I am chief. Psalm 51. 3. my sinne is ever before me. Luke 18. 11. Lord be merciful to me a sinner. Psalm 49. 12. Innumerable evils have taken hold on me, &c. Phil. 3. 13. I forget the things that are behinde. Ezek. 20. 43. And ye shall loath your selves in your own sight for all your evils that ye have committed. And when hee is apt to judge of others better than himselfe, and to speak the best of them and their actions, and the worst of himself and his own actions. He looketh upon and accounteth the moats in his own eye as a beam, and the beam that is in another mans eye as a moate. Mat. 7. 3. But on the other side it savours as much of Hypocrisie, and is very much the signe of an Hypocrite, when a mans eye is alwaies upon the better, and not at all upon the worser part of his heart and life, when he can see his virtues, and not his vices, when he shall brag as the proud Pharisee, Luke 18. 9, 10, 11. I am [Page 228] I am not as other men, &c. or as this Publican, &c. and as in Isaiah 58. 3. when they said, where­fore have we fasted, and thou seest not, &c. and Isa. 65. 5. Come not near mee, I am holier than thou, &c. 1 Sam. 15. 13. And when a man out of a self conceit and opinion of his own excellen­cy shall trust to himselfe that hee is righteous, and thinks himself better than others, and de­spise and censure them that perhaps are better than himself, and without any cause at all, Luke 18. 9. And he spake this parable unto certain men which trusted in themselves that they were righteous. Two men went up into the Temple, &c. Luke 16. 5. Ye are they which justifie your selves, Prov. 20. 6. Most men proclaim their own goodness. Mat. 12. 2, 3, &c. Mat. 23. 30, 31. &c. Luke 7. 39. and 5. 30. John 7. 48, 49.

SECT. VI.

6 It is an universal and infallible sign of sin­ceritie when a mans practise sutes with his pro­fession of the true Religion, that a man is a doer as well as a hearer and speaker of the Word of God, Rom. 6. 7. ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine. Gen. 26. 5. Because Abraham obeyed my voice, and kept my charge, &c. 1 Tim. 2. 10. But which becometh women professing godliness with good works. Acts 2. 41, 42. Job 31. throughout: [Page 229] And on the other side it is a bad sign, and savou­reth much of Hypocrisie for a man to be a great talker, but a little doer of good, a great hear­er but a little doer of the Word, hee makes a great flourish, and fair protestations of his good­ness, but hath none, he is nothing but leaves and shews, Mat. 23. 3. They say and doe not, Ezek. 33. 31. they hear thy words but will not doe them. Luke 6. 46. Why call ye me Lord, Lord, and doe not the things I say? Mat. 21. 30. And he answered and said, I go Sir, and went not.

SECT. VII.

7 It savours much of Sinceritie, and is a very good sign of a true Christian, when a man is universal and uniform in his obedience, hee is for all good commanded, and against all evil forbidden. Hee is careful to avoyd all sinnes, and performe all duties: And most of all care­full to performe the more weighty duties: hee doth not pick and choose what will stand with his lusts, but doth all, be it never so cross to him, as knowing, that not to doe all, is to do nothing at all to the purpose. Iames 2. 10, 11. For whosoever shall keep the whole Law, and yet of­fend in one point, hee is guiltie of all. And this hee doth in all places, times, compa­ny, and cases, as having God in his eye, and [Page 230] seeing himself to be before God in all that hee doth▪ Luke 1. 6. walked in all the Commandements and Ordinances of the Lord. Job 1. 8. feareth God, and escheweth evil. Psalm 101. 1, 2. I will set no wicked thing, &c. Psalm 119 2, 3. But on the o­ther side it savours much of Hypocrisie, & is very much a signe of his Hypocrisie in a man, when he is partial, or local, or temporal in his obe­dience; when he doth onely forbear some evils, and doe some duties; or he is for lesser, and not for greater duties; or he doth all but at some times, and in some places, cases, & in some com­pany, and he is changeable and unconstant, wher he is all for publick, and not at all for private duties; where he is better abroad than at home, and [...]n time of prosperity than in time of ad­versi [...]tie, Mat. 23. 23. Ye have omitted the weighties matters of the Law, Judgement, &c. these ought yee to have dune, and not to have left the other undone, &c. Mark 7. 4. Mat. 27. 6, 7, &c. And such was the obedience of Saul, Jehu, Herod, and others, noted for Hypocrisie in Scripture. Mat. 15. 2, 3, &c. Job. 27. 10. Will he alwaies call upon God? 2 Chron. 25. 9, 10, 16. 2 Chron. 24. 2.

SECT. VIII.

8 It is a good sign of Sinceritie to be tender and merciful, as to impositions upon the con­sciences [Page 231] of others, but rather to bee severe a­gainst a mans selfe. A sincere Christian can spare others in that wherein hee will not spare himself. He dareth not to impose hard things upon the conscience of others, and such as he is not willing to bear himself. Acts 15. 28. And it savours much of hypocrisie, and is very much a sign of an hypocrite, where a man is severe and rigid to presse and impose hard burdens, either such as God imposeth otherwise than God imposeth them: or Impositions of men that God never imposed; when a man shall ri­gorously in his reproofs inveigh against other mens sins, make every moa [...]e a beam, and pres [...] duties much upon others, whereof he will not bear any part himself: hee is very partial and favourable to himself, his beam shall be but a moate, and he can indulge and spare himself in the neglect, or careless performance of duties. Matth. 23. 4. Luke 11. 46. You binde heavy bur­dens, &c,

SECT. IX

9 It savours much of Sincerity, and is very much a sign of a sincere Christian, where a man is very glad to see his sins, and to be reproved for his sinnes, and can love the Reprover, hee can like of a close Reproof, and that faithful [Page 232] Ministerie, which hee is at present under, and when being shewed his sinne, he is very ready to confesse and forsake it. Iohn 3. 21. He that doth truth, cometh to the light. Psalm 141. 5. Let the righ­teous smite me, 2 Cor. 7. 11. 2 Sam. 12. 7, 8, 13. Iob 31. 33. But on the other side it savours as much of Hypocrisie, and is as much a signe of an Hy­pocrite, when a man cannot endure to be faith­fully dealt with in this thing, and to have his his sinne detected; and laboureth by all means to hide and retain it: either he doth cloak it, mince it, shift it, justifie, or excuse it, or impudently deny it, and hates the reprover of him for it. Hee cannot endure the faithful Mi­nistery hee is under for the present. Matth. 23. 30. And say if we had been in the dayes of our Fathers, we would not have been par­takers with them in the blood of the Prophets. So Herod for this distasted John the Baptist, and tooke away his life, as may appeare by Mark 6. 17, 18, 19, 20. compared with 14, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, &c. 1 Kings 22 8. There is another, &c. But I hate him, &c. Amos 5. 10. They hate him that rebuketh, &c. They abborre him that speaketh up­rightly, Mal. 1. 6. And yee say wherein have wee des­pised thy name? Prov. 28. 13. 2 Cor. 7. 11.

SECT. X.

10 It is a good sign of Sinceritie in a Christi­an Professor, that hee doth love them that ap­pear to be true Christians, because they are such, and that he doth shew his love to them by word and deed, and amongst the rest of the manife­stations thereof doth shew it by delight in their company, 2 Cor. 6. 4. 6. In all things approving our selves as the Ministers of GOD, &c. By love unfeigned, 1 John 3. 14. Wee know that wee have passed from death to life, because we love the brethren. Hee that loveth not his Brother abideth in death. Psalm 26. 1, 4, 5. I have not sate with vain persons, &c. 1 John 2. 10. He that loveth his brother abideth in light. Psalm 119. 63. In whom is all my delight. And on the side it is a very shrewd signe of Hypocrisie to hate them that appear to be sincere Christians, to look upon them as signes and wonders, Isa. 8. 18. to deale hardly with them, to decline their company, and to keep the company of suspected Hypocrites, Isa. 66. 5. Your brethren that hated you, that cast you out for my names sake, &c. John 17. 14. The world hath ha­ted them, &c. 1 Iohn 3. 14. Hee that loveth not his brother abideth in death. 2 Chron. 18. 7 [Page 234] But I hate him. 1 John 3. 10. In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil, who­soever loveth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother. Mat. 23. 33. Psal. 69. 9. Cant. 1. 5, 7, James 3. 17.

SECT. XI.

11 It savou [...]s much of Sinceritie, and is much a sign of a sincere Christian in a man, that hee still findes fault with himselfe for his defect in Grace and duty: he never thinks he hath grace enough, and hee mourns under his weaknesse therein, and want thereof; and findes dislike in his own performances, albeit hee doe his best therein, doth alwayes hunger and thirst after, and labour for more grace, and for perfection herein. But he doth provoke others to goe be­yond him, and is glad that others doe God better service than himself. Phil. 3. 14, 15, &c. I presse forward, &c. Mat. 5. 6. they that hunger and thirst after righteousnesse. Rom. 7. 24, 25. O wretched man who shall deliver me, &c. Psalm 84. 2. 7. My soul longeth, &c. for the Courts of the Lord, &c. they goe from strength, &c. 2 Cor. 7. 1. And it savours as much of hypocrisie to set a stint to a man [...] selfe in his grace and obedience, and to thinke he hath enough, and to care or labour for no more: when hee thinketh he is, and doth good enough, and doth not care to be better than hee [Page 235] and to doe more than he doth: And to thinke every man else must keep his pace, and that hee that goeth not so farre, goeth not far enough. And that he that goeth farther and faster, goeth too fast, and too far, Rev. 3. 17. Because thou sayest I am rich, &c. and have need of nothing, &c. Psalm 36. 3. He hath left off to be wise, and to doe good: Luke 6. 25. Wo unto you that are full, &c. and 18. 12, 13. and 1. 53.

SECT. XII

12 It savoureth much of sinceritie to have a great love to, and constant delight in the Word of God. Ps. 119. 20. 97. O how I love thy Laws, &c. My foul breaketh for the longing it hath to thy Judge­ments at all times. Job 23. 12. I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary food. 1. Pet. 2. 2. As new born babes desire the sincere milk of the Word, &c. Rom. 7. 22. I delight in the Law of God as to the inward man. And it savours of hypocrisie to hate the Word. John 3. 20▪ For every one that doth evil hateth the light, &c. or faignedly or sleight­ly, or for a time only to love it. Ezek. 33. 31. And they heard thy words, but will not doe them; for with their mouthes they shew much love, &c. Isa. 58. 2. yet they seek me daily, and delight to know my waies, &c. Luke 8. 12, 13, 14.

SECT. XIII.

13 It savoureth much of Sinceritie that a man is of an humble spirit, that he thinks every man better than himself, and himselfe the worst of the company where ever he comes: not having, he doth not affect nor seek titles of honour, and having he doth not value them, he cares not for precedency or superioritie, but can, and doth prefer others (perhaps beneath himself in place and parts before him. Psalm. 131. 2. I am as a weaned child. 1 Tim. 1. 15. Sinners of whom I am the chief. Mat. 18. 3. Except yee bee converted and become as little children, &c. Iob 31. 14, 15. Rom. 12. 10. And it savours of Hypocrisie in profes­sors, ambitiously to desire and seek greatnesse of place or title, precedencie or superioritie, to think a mans self to be the best of the company wherever he goes, and to exalt a mans self over others. Mat. 23. 5, 6. 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12. They love the uppermost roomes at feasts, and the chiefe seats in the Synagogues, &c. and to be called of men, Rabbi, Rab­bi, &c. Whosoever shall exalt himself shall bee abased. Luke 18. 11. The Pharisee, &c. 3 John v. 9. Dio­trephes who loveth to have preheminence, &c. Iames 3. 1. Be not many Masters, &c.

SECT. XIV.

14 It is a great sign of sincerity in a man where he sets himself with all his might, and most of all against spiritual and heart sins, and inward lusts, and amongst them against his most inti­mate and beloved sins, that serve most to answer his worldly ends; when hee looks on sinne as a Toad, and keeps it as far from his bosom as hee can. So David, Psalm 18. 22. I was also upright, &c. and kept me from mine iniquitie. Job 31. 1, &c. I have made a covenant with mine eyes, &c. Psalm 19. 12. Cleanse me from secret faults. And a great signe of Hypocrisie in a man, when hee shall by all means labour to keep, conceal, and retaine such sins. Job 20. 12, 13. Though wickedness be sweet in his mouth, and he hide it under his tongue, &c. Mat. 23. 25. compared with Luke 16. 14. the Pharisees were covetous, and ful of covetousness, and this they did maintain by all the means they might, Mat. 23. 14.

SECT. XV.

15 It savoureth much of sinceritie in a man when he chooseth to be most carefull of secret, and spiritual duties and performances, as secret prayer, meditation, self-examination, & the like, [Page 238] But thou when thou prayest enter into thy closet, &c. Acts 10. 9. Peter went up upon the house to pray, &c. Gen. 24. 63. Isaac went out into the field to meditate &c. Ps. 119. 59. I thought on my waies, &c. And it savoureth as much of hypocrisie when a man is very zea­lous of publick or outward, but very careless of private and spiritual duties and observances. Mat. 23. 5. But all their works they doe to bee seen of men. Mat. 6. 1, 2, 5. They love to pray standing in the sinagogues, &c. Take heed ye doe not your almes before men, &c. to be seen, &c.

SECT. XVI.

16 It savoureth much of Sinceritie, and is very much a signe of a sincere man, when the motives and ends of all his actings are pure and heavenly, when hee doth all that he doth out of a pure heart, from the love and fear of God, and principally and chiefly for the workes sake, to the end to please and glorifie God, and not for any corrupt end to himselfe, and therefore hee careth not to be seen of men in what hee doth. But it is a vehement cause of suspition in a man, when hee is not moved at all by such motives, nor aimeth at such ends, but his mo­tives and ends are corrupt, when hee doth what hee doth alone or chiefly for selfe-ends, selfe-praise, honour, or other advantage, when he [Page 239] doth ambitiously or vain-gloriously seeke the setting up of himselfe more than God therein. Mat. 23. 14. yee make long praiers, and under colour thereof devour widdows houses. Mat. 23. 5. All their works they doe to be seen of men.

SECT. XVII.

17 It is a very good sign of Sinceritie in a man when he is ever doubtful and feareful of himselfe, in the general, and especially in the point of Sinceritie, and when he is often try­ing and searching of himselfe, and doth all that hee can to know himself, and is therefore willing to bee discovered, and reproved by o­thers; glad to have himselfe and his worke brought to the light. Psalm 26. 2. I have walked in mine integrity, &c. Ioh. 3. 21. He that doth truth cometh to the light, &c. Psalm 26. 2. and 139. 23. Search me, &c. Iob 31. 6. Psalm 119. 50. And it is a dangerous signe of Hypocrisie in a man when hee is confident of, and secure in himselfe herein, when hee never suspects himself, nor will he endure to be suspected, or to put himself, or to be put by others upon the trial herein. Iohn 3. 20. Every one that doth evil hateth the light, &c.

SECT. XVIII.

18 It savoureth much of sinceritie, that a man is orderly in his obedience to Gods commands, and that he doe it in a due manner; that he doth preferre the greater before the lesser, the first Table before the second, &c. Fundamentals in Faith and Practice, and things absolutely neces­sary to salvation before lesser things; substantial before circumstantial things. And it savours of Hypocrisie where a man is preposterous herein, Mat. 23. 23. You tythe Mint and Annis, and have o­mitted the weightier matters, &c.

If yet you would see further the signs of such things as accompany sinceritie you shall have them in the next place.

SECT. I.

Our being in Christ, and his Spirit abiding in us, may be known by such like signs as these.

1 By the death of sin, and life of grace in us, by holyness in heart and life, opinion and pra­ctise, Rom. 8. 9, 10, 11. Ye are not in the flesh, &c. if so be that the Spirit of God dwel in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ he is none of his. And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin. But the Spirit is life because of Righteousnes. But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwel in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you Gal. 5. 24. 1 Joh. 3. 6. Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not. Whosoever sinneth, hath not seen him, nor known him. Ephes. 2. 21, 22. 1 Pet. 1. 2. Jude v. 19.

2 By the fruits of the Spirit. The tree is known by his fruit. Mat. 12. 33. The fruit of the Spirit is Love, Ioy, Peace, Long-suffering, Gentleness, Goodness, Faith, Meekness, Temperance, &c. Gal. 5. 5. 22. Eph. 5. 9.

3 By our Regeneration, he that is in Christ is a new creature, hath a new soul, and doth ma­nifest it by a new life. 2 Cor. 5. 17. He that is in Christ is a new creature. Gal. 6. 15. For in Christ Iesus neirher Circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircum­cision, but a new creature.

4 By the spirit of Prayer (an essential part of [Page 243] the work of Grace) he that is in Christ hath this in him, Gal. 4. 6. And because ye are sonnes God hath sent the Spirit of his Son, crying Abba father, Eph. 2. 18. Zach. 12. 10. Rom 8. 15.

5 By a rooted and grounded love to God and his people. Eph. 3. 16, 17, 18. That he would grant to you according to the riches of his glory to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the Inner man, that Christ may dwel in your hearts by Faith, that ye being rooted and grounded in love may be able, &c. 1 John 4. 12. If we love one another God dwelleth in us.

6 By having of the same mind in us as was in Iesus Christ. Phil. 2. 5. Let this mind be in you, which also was in Christ Iesus. and 3. 9. I account all things but loss that I may win Christ that I may know him, &c. and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conform­able unto his death, &c. 1 Pet. 4. 1.

7 By a walking and living after the example of Christ. 1 Iohn 2. 5, 6. Hereby we know that we are in him. He that saith he abideth in him, ought himselfe also to walk as he walked.

8 By a care to keep the Commandments of God and Christ. 1 Ioh 3. 24. And he that keepeth his Cōmandments dwelleth in him, & he in him. And hereby we know he abideth in us by the Spirit he hath given us.

9 By growth and increase in grace. Eph. 4. 15. That we henceforth be no more children. &c. But speaking the truth, &c. may grow up into him in all thines which is the head, even Christ. Eph. 2. 21. 2 Thes. 1. 3. Your faith groweth exceedingly, &c.

SECT. II.

1 An understanding heart to know God and Jesus Christ whom he hath sent. 1 John 5. 18, 20. And we know that whosoever is born of God, &c. And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us understanding that wee may know him that is true, &c. Joh. 5. 24. Iohn 17. 3.

2 Faith in Christ. 1 Iohn 5. 1. Whosoever be­leeveth that Iesus is the Christ, is born of God. John 1. 12.

3 Holyness and Righteousnesse of life with­out, and puritie of heart within. 1 John 2. 29. Every one that doth righteousnesse is born of him. 1 Joh. 3. 9, 10. Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin, for his seed remaineth in him, and he cannot sin because he is born of God. Whosoever doth not righteousnesse is not of God. 1 John 3. 3. He that hath this hope purifieth himself as he is pure. 1 Iohn 5. 18, 20.

4 Love of God; it is as natural for the new born children of God to love God, as for chil­dren to love their parents. Iohn 1. 12, 13.

5 Love to the godly: 2 Iohn 4. 7. Every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. 1 Iohn 3. 9, 10. Whosoever doth not righteousnesse is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother. 2 Cor. 6. 6. 1 Iohn 2. 10.

6 Victory over the world. 1 Iohn 5. 4. Who­soever [Page 245] is born of GOD overcometh the world.

7 A strong love to, and desire after the Word of God, and a conformity of heart and life to it. Psalm 119. 97. Oh how I love thy Law, &c. I have esteemed the words of his mouth better than my ne­cessary food. Iob 23. 12. Luke 8. 15. 1 Pet. 2. 3.

SECT. III

Now of all that wee have spoken as to this point in hand, and head of tryal, this is then the summe; That a man may enjoy all outward Gospel Priviledges, such as the manifestations of Gods presence, &c. all Gospel Ordinances, and means of Grace, as Word, Sacraments, Sab­baths, all advantages imaginable, by parents, education, society, &c. Have great gifts and parts, and doe much with them, as Preach, Pray, and the like: That he may in appearance be converted from the world, be changed in his outward conversation, cast off all his outward pollutions, be so much reformed that hee may appear unblameable in the sight of men, have much light from the Word of God, be clearely convinced of the truth of it, have such a taste of perswasion, that the good thereby promised and offered doth belong to him as thereby to bee drawn to come to Christ in an open profession, and some inward affections close with his [Page 246] Church, be a Church-member, bee taken of o­thers, and take himselfe to bee a true member', seemingly own Iesus Christ for his Lord, and submit to his Law, live orderly with Christians in Church-fellowship, and there make a glorious profession of the Gospel, proceed to have many singular gifts and seeming graces, do many ex­cellent things, and so live and dye, yea live and dye a Martyr in the defence of the Gospel hee professeth; yea he may have such a discovery of the Grace of God in Christ by the Gospel, and such a seeming worke of Faith and Love in his soul, as that he may bee perswaded that Christ and Heaven is his. And upon this have a little love or shew of love to God and his people, and live in a kinde of hope, joy, and expecta­tion of Heaven to his dying day; and yet be in his corrupt and unregenerate estate and perish. And that he onely that is regenerate, renewed by the Holy Ghost and VVord of God in his nature to be like Christ shall bee reputed sincere, and so saved at last. But to give a shorter ac­count hereof, let the summe of all bee this: That the most certaine and infallible character of the true and living Christian, and one that is a Christian indeed. John 1. 47. And that whereby he may bee best known, and distin­guished from the counterfeit and painted Chri­stian [Page 247] the Hypocrite, is, by that which is with­in him, where the Kingdome of God is. Luke 17. 20, 21. Hee is the sincere Christian that is so inwardly. Rom. 2. 29. And in him these things following are to bee found. The Spi­rit of God and Christ is given unto him. 1 Iohn 3. 24. 1 Iohn 4. 3. Rom. 8. 10, 11, 15. Galat. 4. 6. Rom. 8. 9. 1 Cor. 2, 12. 1 Iohn 4. 13. And according to the new Covenant. Isaiah 44, 3. and 32. 15. Ezek 39. 29. Ioel 2. 29. Zachar. 12. 10. compared with Acts 2. 17. This spirit hee receives in the Preaching of the Gospel. Galat. 3. 2. By this spirit in the Gospel hee is convinced of his own desperate and helplesse case out of Christ, and that his help is in Christ alone. Iohn 26. 8. And thereupon is drawne to Christ whom hee doth embrace by Faith. Iohn 6. 44. Hebrews 11 13. Philip. 3. 12. Ephes. 3. 16, 17. Iohn 6. 56. 2 Corinth. 4. 13. This Spirit and GOD the Father in it abideth and dwelleth in him, 1 Corinth. 3. 24. 1 Iohn 4. 13. Iohn 6. 56. E­phes. 2. 22. And hee in whom this Spirit is abideth and dwelleth in GOD. 1 Corinth 3. 24. 1 John 4. 13. John 6. 56. By this Holy Spirit Christ and the soule are firmely united together, and doe become even as Husband and VVife. Romans 7. 4. Canticles 1, 2, &c. [Page 248] and are so joyned as the Tree and Branches. Iohn 15. 1, &c. Head and Body, 1 Cor. 11. 3. Eph. 5. 23. Body and Soul, Ephes. 2. 5. Hence follow­eth presently a very great & an universal change of the soul within, appearing in the life with­out. The change is from darkness to light, from bondage to liberty, from sinne to grace, from death to life, &c. and is called Regeneration, by which here is produced a new creature (the soul whereof is this Spirit of God abiding in him) compared to the natural generation, con­ception and birth, Iohn 3. 6. Iohn 12. 13. 1 Pet. 1. 22. Tit. 3. 5. Galat. 4. 19. 2 Cor. 5. 17. Galat. 5. 15. This Spirit of God being as the soul in the bo­dy in this new creature, doth animate it, Ephes. 2. 5, 6. Rom. 8. 11. And by it the old man is changed into a new man; there is a new nature, hee partakes of the divine nature. 2 Pet. 1. 4. a new life. Gal. 2. 20. Col. 3. 21. 1 Iohn 5. 12. This change is from the state of nature to the state of grace; from the likeness of the old, to the likenesse of the new Adam, he hath now in him the minde of Christ, Ephes. 4. 24. Phil. 2. 5. 1 Cor. 15. 46, 47. Phil. 3. 9. Hee now lives the life of Christ, 1 Pet. 4. 6. 1 Iohn 2. 5, 6. 1 Iohn 3. 24. and according to the Gospel of Christ. 2 Cor. 3. 18. The Holy Spirit thus dwelling, and animating in, and acting of this new creature, and being in [Page 249] it self a spirit of light, life, and grace, Zach. 12. 10. Rom. 1. 4. 1 Pet. 1. 4. It governs him in whom it is, and hee is led by it, and walks after it ac­cording to the Word of God. 1 Pet. 1. 22. 2 Cor. 3. 18. And as the lively pure spring doth worke out the mire and mudde out of it self, so this spirit doth work out of the heart the ignorance and corruption thereof, and make, and keep it pure, Acts 15. 9. It killeth sin. Rom. 8. 10, 13. De­stroyeth the workes of the Devil and Flesh. 1 Iohn 3. 8. Such as are Adultery, Uncleannesse, Lasciviousnesse, Idolatry, Witchcraft, Hatred, Variance, Emulation, VVrath, Strife, Sedition, Heresies, Envyings, Murder, Drunkenness, and such like. Gal. 5. 17. And quickneth, inclineth, and disposeth the whole heart, and consequently the whole man to grace and goodnesse. Rom. 8. 10. And such like fruits as these following, Righteousnesse, Joy, Love, Long suffering, Gen­tlenesse, Faith, Goodnesse, Meeknesse, Tempe­rance and the like. Gal. 5. 19. Rom. 14. 17. and the manifestation and exercise thereof in the life, are the natural and proper works, fruits, & effects of this spirit. Gal. 5. 22, 23. Rom. 14. 17. 2 Cor. 5. 13. Rom. 8. 26. 2 Cor. 8. 17. Acts 2. 4. Gal. 4. 6. And he in whom these things are found is certainly a sincere Christian, and an adopted childe of God. All this seems to be put toge­ther in the words of our Saviour Christ. Iohn 1. [Page 250] 12, 13. But as many as received him] that is, by faith and obedience as the true Messias: to them gave he power] that is, the dignity, right, or privilege to become the Sons of God] 1 John 3. 1 Gal. 4. 6. which were born] that is born again, as John 3. not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man] not in a natural course and way wher­in men have children in their owne likeness, Gen. 5. 3. But of God] and according to his own likeness, Gen. 1. 26. and 5. 1. But the Hypo­crite being still in his natural estate (let his place and gifts bee otherwise what they will] understandeth none of these things. 1 Cor. 2. 11, 14. and is a stranger to them. John 3. 1, 4, 8, 9. Nor can any man know these things but he that receiveth them. Rev. 2. 17. So that now by comparing of a mans heart and life to the VVord of God in the particulars before layd down, a man may know as much of his own, as touching his Sincerity in his professi­on of Religion as can be known. And by co [...]paring another mans life to the Word of God, a man may know as much as touching his Sincerity in his Profession, as can be known by another man.

SECT. IV.

Objest. If it be said some are sanctified from the womb, and some are changed insensibly.

Answ. We answer: They are changed from the state of natural men, whose state is to bee seen in the glasse of the VVord, and by their contrarietie to natural men that are in the world being opposite to them. So that by a carefull comparing of these things together, a man may see much herein.

But out of all this an objection may be made thus.

Object. If there go so much to the making up of a true Christian, and that in his heart there be such a work of Grace as we have shewed, and no lesse than this will speak him sincere, who then shall be saved?

Answ. To this we do answer.

1 That wee know there is some Hypocrisie, more or lesse in the best Christian under heaven; for we are not perfect here. And therefore when we press Sincerity, and a necessity of it, we mean not such a sincerity that is so perfect and com­pleat that it hath no deceit or falshood joy­ned with it. But as other graces are but in part, wee know but in part, wee love but in part, so likewise we are sincere but in part. So David, a man after GOD's own heart, [Page 252] yet cryeth out, who can understand his errours? Ps. [...]9. 12. Yea there is more Hypocrisie and selfe, ends in the best than he can perceive. So much is discovered even to the best man as to make him humble▪ and to trust in Christ onely, and to make him cry out with David, Ps. 51. 6. for truth in the inward parts.

2 As we doe not judge of a mans integrity by one act, and call him a sincere man that doth some things in a natural uprightness of heart, as Abimelech. Gen. 20. 5. and as some think of Ʋ ­riah, whom the Prophet Isaiah calleth a faithfull witnesse, that hee was the same grosse Idolater named 2 Kings 16. 10. Is. 8. 2. So do we not judg a man an Hypocrite by any particular act or carriage at one time, but by the constant course of his life, his constant walking and way. And so the godly man is said to walke in his upright­nesse. Prov 14. 2.

3 VVe have said that the best Christian hath a time of Infancy and tender age, when hee is but weak, and his strength small.

4 VVee doe not understand or intend that there is, or of necessity must be such a lively and constant acting of grace by every sincere Chri­stian at all times, and such manifestations ther­of by the signes and characters, we have before given, so as there shall bee no ebbe, stop, or interruption therein. VVe know the state of a [Page 253] Christian here is a warfare between the flesh and the spirit, typed out by the house of David and Saul: And that it is in this in the soul as it is in the body, it hath its distempers; it is sometimes sick, weak, and faint, and sometimes it seems to be dead for many daies, and yet alive. The true Christian may grow lukewarme, perhaps cold for a time: there are times of temptation with him, that as in the winter there doth outwardly appear no difference between a dead tree and a living tree, both are without fruit and leaves, so between a true and counterfeit Christian. But in the worst time somewhat more or lesse will appear of what we have observed herein.

SECT. V.

Quest. But then it may be asked, what (at the least) is required of the true Christian, and yet is to bee found in the lowest, least, and weakest state of true Grace?

Answ. For answer to this wee are to know, That as there is a strong, so a weak Christian. Rom. 15. 1. and there are little children as well as young men and fathers in Christianity. 1 Iohn 2. 13. so amongst them that are weak there are two sorts, or Christians are weak in two cases, or under two considerations.

1 Such as are now weak by accident but [Page 254] have been stronger at other times, and so the strongest Christian may become weak as a man that is strong in his natural strength of his body may by sicknesse, fasting, or the like bee brought to be so weak that a child may push him down, or he may be ready to fall of himselfe. And as the natural body by a distemper, from a disease, a blow on the head, or some other accident may lye a while for dead, so it is with the spiritual body of the new man, and with his spiritual strength. It may be by some extra­ordinary pressures and burdens of affliction, or temptation (for the present) brought to a very low and weak estate, and perhaps into a kinde of swound, to have in appearance very little or no sign of life left, but to bee as it were starke dead. But there are another sort of weake Christians, and they are such as were never stronger. And such are (for the most part) all Christians at their first comming into Christ, they are rude, and raw, and have but little faith; such were Christs disciples, Mat. 17. 17. Luke 9. 41. Matth. 6. 30. and 8. 26. and 16. 8. Mark 9 19, 24. Nathaniel, John 1. 45, 46, 20, 27. and o­thers, 1 Cor. 9. 22. And yet it is so possibly with some (as it seems it was with Paul) that they have very much of the Spirit given them, and they are very strong Christians at the first. But for the most, even of true Christi­ans, [Page 255] they are weak and childish in the things of God a while after the first conversion; and some of them may happily continue so for a long time, as some children as to their naturall strength doe by some distemper continue weak, and grow but a little for a long while: Yea possibly it may be so in the first conversion of a sinner to God, that as the seed of Corn that is cast into the earth dyeth, and lyeth long be­fore it ariseth, yet having a seed of life in it, it doth at length arise and grow. 1 Cor. 16. 36, 37. and come to perfection. So little of spiritual life, or the life of the new creature may appear for a long time in that soul which may notwith­standing be quickned and truly alive to God in Christ. We shall say a word to both of these kindes of weaknesse, and weak Christians; touching whom we say, That ordinarily in the weakest of true Christians of this second sort, and in the lowest and weakest estate of Christia­nity, considered apart, and free from violent temptations, assaults and oppositions, these things are alwayes seen, and are necessarily re­quired in every true Christian.

1 The weakest Christian must bee in Christ by Faith and a new creature. As one can­not bee sayd to bee of the nature of man, or of mankinde till that hee bee born and brought forth of the womb of his mother, [Page 256] So neither can one bee, or bee said to bee a true Christian till he be born again, and Christ be formed in him. John 1. 12. But to as many as recei­ved him, to them gave he power to be the sonnes of God, even to them that beleeve on his name, which were born, &c. 2 Cor. 5. 17. If any man be in Christ he is a new creature.

2 He must by this means be spiritually alive, and risen from the death of sin, Eph. 2. 1. You that were dead hath hee quickned. Gal. 2. 20. Christ liveth in me, and the life I now live, &c.

3 He is then of the same nature, and therefore must be more or less like unto the strongest Chri­stian, as children to men, lambs to sheep, and the most tender branches to the great bows of tree. So the weakest Christian notwithstanding his weakness, is partaker of the divine nature of God in Christ, 2 Pet. 1. 4. Whoreby are given us ex­ceeding great and pretious promises, that by these you might be partakers of the divine nature.

4 Hee must have of the light of the saving knowledge of God. Ephes. 5. 4, 8. Ye were dark­ness, but now are ye light, &c. Isa. 52. 2. my people shall know my name. Heb. 8. 11. They shall know the Lord. 1 Iohn 2. 13, 19, 20, 27. Mat. 13. 11.

5 He hath a tender care to please, and fear to offend God. Isa. 66. 2. I will look to him that is poor, and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word, &c. 1 Iohn 3. 23. 2 Kings 22. 3, 10, 12, 19.

[Page 257] 6 He is very sensible of his own weakness, Mat. 9. 23, 24. And straightway hee cried out with tears Lord I beleeve help thou my unbelief. Luke 11. 1. Lord teach us to pray, &c.

7 He hath a Spirit of prayer and can more or lesse open his case to God thereby. Gal. 4. 6. And because ye are sons God hath sent the Spirit of his Sonne into your he arts, crying Abba Father. Rom. 8. 15.

8 He is from the sight and sense of his owne weakness poor in spirit, and moved to looke to­wards Christ, and to hunger and thirst after him. Mat. 5. 3, 4.

9 He desireth strength, and therefore loveth and plyeth all the means of Grace (especially the Word of God) whereby he may be strength­ned, he maketh after Christ in and by his owne Ordinances. Mat. 9. 23, 24. Luke 11. 1. 1 Pet. 2. 2. as new born babes desire the sincere milk of the Word, &c. Luke 17. 5. The Apostles said to the Lord, In­crease our faith, John 45, 46, 47.

10 He will not be taken off this way but will follow Christ alwaies. Joh. 6. 67, 68. Will ye also go away? Then Peter answered, Lord to whom shall wee go? thou hast the words of eternal life. John 10. 27.

11 He doth commonly grow and increase in strength, as children, trees, and herbs. Mal. 4. 2. Ye shall go forth and grow as the calves of the stall. Eph. 4. 15.

12 He doth not purpose, nor doth he make it [Page 258] his trade to sin. 1 John 3. 8, 9. He that committeth sin is of the devil, &c. Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin, for his seed remaineth in him, &c. (that is) he cannot so sin as to purpose it, and make it his trade as wicked men do.

13 He hath a love to all the children of God, and true Christians as Christians. 1 Iohn 5. 1. Whosoever beleeveth that Iesus, &c. is born of God. And every one that loveth him that begat, loveth him also that is begotten of him. 1 Iohn 4. 7. Every one that loveth is born of God, v. 8. He that loveth not knoweth not God. 1 Iohn 3. 14. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death. Mat. 25. 42.

14 He hath the use of his spiritual senses in some degree at one time or other; as Sight, Hear­ing, &c. He seeth somewhat of God and Christ, sin, and wrath, grace and glory. And giveth ear to the things that are spoken thereof, and hath some rellish and savour, sense and feeling, and can speak something sensibly thereof; and hath some breathings and stirrings of good desires and wishes after Christ, some power and motion to do good. And he that can finde these things real­ly and in truth in any degree in him may con­clude of himself that though he be but a weak, yet he is a childe of God, and a sincere Christian. And that his sinnes are forgiven for his Name fake. 1 Iohn 2. 12. And he shall never be moved. Psalm 15. 5. And herein also we are to know, That [Page 259] these signs and symptomes are not in all, nor in the same person at all times alike cleare and visi­ble to others, or to the party himself in whom they are; but they ebbe and flow occasionally and have their degrees, stops and changes. It is sometimes with the spiritual man as it is with the natural man, and his natural strength: the same may bee by some accident or distemper very much decaied and impaired, and the man though otherwise a strong man grow very weak, and seeme to bee dying. So it is in this case, a sincere Christian (sometime strong) may by a relapse into sinne, or some grievous pressure of affliction inward or outward, or both, grow for a time very weake in grace, his pulse beat weak, and his breath short, as if hee were near dying, yea sometimes (though very rarely) it falls out so, that all the motions, exercises and operations of Grace in the true Christian, may be for a while so much suspended, that they may seem (in appearance) to be totally extinct. So that as in the natural body it falls out sometimes by some accident or distemper, all the motions and symptomes of life, as sight, hearing, breathing, and the like seemes to be stopped, and nothing of the natural life ap­peareth. So it is in this spiritual body, little or nothing of spirituall life may appeare (-for the present) in it, and yet it may bee alive. [Page 260] And ordinarily where this spiritual life is, it doth appear more or less, by all, or some of the signs and manifestations thereof we have before layd down. See for these things Psal. 88. 1, 2. &c. v. 16, 17. Ps. 51. 9, 10, 11. Ps. 77. 1, 2, 7. Ps. 38. 1, 2, 5, 6. Job 1, 2, &c. and 30. 15, 16, 17.

We have done with the tryal of persons, and have dispatcht the differences we have thought upon to be between the sincere Christian & Hy­pocrite in their inside & outside apart, & in their inside and outside together. And now it remain­eth we say a word as to the trial of their works and services, and to lay downe what is requisite to the making of a work good.

SECT. I.

1 For Information. 1 To shew us somewhat of the reason of the Disciples speech to Christ, and his answer to them in Luke 23. 23, 24. Lord, are there f [...]w that shall be saved? And hee said unto them, strive to enter in at the strait gate; for many I say unto you will seek to enter and shall not be able, &c. And of Christs words, Matth. 7. 13, 14. Strait is the gate, and narrow is the way that leadeth to life, and few there bee that finde it. And of that in 1 Pet 4. 18. If the Righteous scarcely bee saved, where shall the ungodly and sinners appeare. 2 To shew us, that there is great cause to doubt, that amongst the many glorious Professors of Religion in these days, there may be very few sincere, & very many [Page 272] And if so, may we not in our time take up the complaints and lamentations of the holy men of former times, and of such times wherin were godly Kings, and wherein Religion flourished, as in the time of the Prophet David. Psal. 12. 1 Help Lord for the godly faile &c. and of the Prophet Jeremiah Ierem. 5. 1 run too and fro &c. and see &c. and seeke if he can find a man, if there be any that executeth judgment, that seeketh the truth &c. And of the Prophet Isaiah Isai. 59. 15. Yea truth faileth, and he that de­parteth from evill maketh himselfe a prey. And of the Prophet Micah. Micah 7. 1. 2. 4. the good man is perished out of the earth, and there is none upright amongst men: they are as the grape gleanings of the vintage &c. the best of them is as a brier, the most upright is sharper then a thorn-hedge; where we have the best of them of the time, compared to thorns and briers, which are of a hurtfull, catching, scratching pricking, vexing, greiving nature, to all that come neer unto, or medle with them. Ezech 28. 24. Numb. 34. 55. Iudges 9. 14. 15. Iosh. 23. 13. And are not most of the glorious Proffessors of Religion of our dayes such one towards ano­ther. VVhat meaneth else the bitter Envy, ma­lice, wrath, jealousie. contempt, and evill sur­misings of mens hearts within: And from with­out, the strife, debate, contention, whispering, [Page 273] back-biting, slandering, censuring, judging, threatning, provoking, scoffing, scorning, ray­ling, reproaching, sleighting by gestures, words, and deeds, pass from one of them towards ano­ther. And what else mean the manifold Heresies, Seditions, Calumniations, Invectives, Confusions and evil works, that are to be found every where amongst the eminent Professors of the Gospel (agreeing together in the Head Christ and sub­stance of Doctrine) about differences of cere­monie and circumstance. Have not parties, facti­ons, and interests, almost devoured and eaten up all appearance of Sinceritie amongst us. Prov. 20. 6. Most men proclaim every man his goodness, but a faithfull man who can find? 3 To shew that the sin­cere Christian is a rare piece and precious jewel in Gods account, his delight is much in, his heart is much upon him. John 1. 47. Behold an Israelite indeed, &c. Psal. 11. 7. His countenance doth behold the upright, &c. 4 To shew the gross mistake, and horrible slander that generally doth pass a­mongst the worst, and against the best men of the time. That all they are a sort of notorious Hypocrites who are a sort of the most eminent Professors of the Christian Faith, whereas we have made it appear that such a glorious pro­fession is of necessity to make up the sincere Chri­stian. And that such Professors if they are not the men, they are the most like to them of any men in the world. [Page 274] 5 To shew the desperate estate of men that are openly wicked, that do nothing at all for, or to­wards their attainment of heaven, but al they can against it. If the sincere Christian be saved with much difficulty, and if they that bid so faire for Christ as some Hypocrites do, go without him, they that bid nothing at all for him are never like to have him. These are not so much as comming towards, or neere to the kingdome of God as the young man in the Gospell. Mark. 12. 34. 1 Pet 4. 18, If the righteous scarsly be saved, where then shall the ungodly and sinners appear. If the seeming friends, followers, and servants of Christ that have owned him as their Lord, seemed to honour, love, and respect him, and his people, and to give some heed to his word, and have brought forth some fruit therof unto him, that have done many things, and some great things for him, and suffered also much for him; if all these shall bee sent away notwithstanding with a Dep at from me ye that work iniquity, I know you not, &c. Mat. 6. 21, 22, 23. Luke 13. 24, 25, 26, &c. 1 Cor. 13. 1, 2, &c. Mat. 13 20, 21, 22. And if every tree which bring­eth not forth good fruit will bee cast in the fire, Mat. 3. 10. where shall such appear▪ and what will be the end of them that shew themselves to be the enemies of Christ, that hate him, and his people for his sake, Luke 19 14. Iohn 15. 24, 25. That say we wil not have this man to rule over us. Luk. 19. [Page 275] 14. But let us break their bonds, and cast away their cords. Psal 2. 3. and 50. 17. That refuse to hear Christ speaking, Heb. 12. 25. That neglect the offer of his grace therein, and will have none of him. Ps. 81. 11. Mat. 23. 37. Heb. 2. 3. That scoff at it, Acts 2. 30. That blaspheme and contradict it. Acts 13. 15. That persecute it, the Preachers and Professors of it. Acts 13. 50. and 8. 1. with slanders, railings, revilings, and every way be­sides even to the death, as time doth serve for it. Mat. 5 10, 17. Mat. 21. 33, 34. Mat. 25. 48, 49. That bring forth no fruit but wild grapes. Is. 5. 2. Bri­ars and thorns. Heb. 6. 8. What will be the end of these men? Their end is to be burned. Heb. 6. 8. They shall be dashed in pieces like a Potters ves­sel. Psal. 2. 9. They shall be torn in pieces. Ps. 50. 22. He will miserably destroy such wicked men. Mat. 21. 41. They shall be brought forth and slain before his face. Luke 19. 27. They shall be cut a­sunder, and have their portion with hypocrites. Mat. 25. 50 And they shall not escape. Heb. 2. 3. Nor shall there be any to deliver. Ps. 50. 22. And as to such as were once the professed friends of Christ, and after become his professed enemyes, what will the end of such men be? we have it in the sin and punishment both together, in Heb. 10. 26, 27. &c. in these words: For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sinns, but a certain [Page 276] fearfull looking for of judgement and fierie indignation. which shall devoure the adversaries. Hee that despised Moses Law dyed without mercy under two or three wit­nesses. Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye shall he be thought worthy who hath trampled under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the Covenant wherewith he was sanctified an unholy thing, and hath done despight to the spirit of Grace, &c.

SECT. II.

2 Our word for caution or admonition is this, That seeing there is so much guile and deceit herein, and it is so common an evil amongst Pro­fessors of Religion, that wee take great heed of it. 1 That we be not deceived by others, either in their example herein to imitate them. Gal. 2. 13. or to trust them before wee have well tried them, Acts 9. 26. or in their doctrine, especially in and about the main fundamentall points of salvation. This caveat Christ and his Apostles gave us, Mat. 24. 3, 4. 1 Joh. 3. 7. 2 Thes. 2. 5. and it is not without cause: For 1 we are very prone to be deceived herein. Tit. 3. 3. 2 Tim. 3. 13. 2 It is now as it was foretold, and it hath been in for­mer times, many deceivers are in the world, 2 Ioh. 7. Mat. 24. 11. 3 Their deceits as a snare are deeply and dangerously layd. Eph. 4. 14. 2. Thes. 2. 8, 10. Rom 16. 18. 4 Their deceits are very dan­gerous to the soul. 2 Pet. 2. 1. 2 Tim. 2. 18. 5 Many [Page 277] are and shall bee seduced and deceived by them. Rev. 11. 23, and 13. 14, 16. Mat. 24. 5, 11. 6 Yea the very Elect shall be in danger of it. Mat. 24. 24. And for this, 1 be forewarned of them. Mat. 24. 25. 2 Pet. 3. 17. 2 Pray alwaies to bee preserved. Mat. 6. 13. 3 Try all things before we trust and hold them. 1 John 4. 1. Acts 17. 11. 4 When we see it to be truth, receive it, and receive it in the love of it. 2 Pet. 3. 14. 2 Thes. 2. 10. 5 See we grow in grace. 2 Pet. 2. 17, 18. 2 Let us not go about as Impostors to deceive others. Mat. 15. 14. Mat. 21. 15. 1 For we are all very prone to this evil. Tit. 3. 3. 2 Tim. 3. 13. 2 Deceivers are evil men. 3 They shall wax worse and worse. 2 Tim. 3, 13. 4 Herein we shall deceive our selves most of all. Jam. 1. 22, 27. But be ye doers, &c. and not hearers, &c. Mat. 23. 23. 5 We may deceive men we cannot deceive God. Luke 16. 15. Gal. 6, 7. 1 Cor. 15. 15. 33. 3 Let us not deceive our own selves. This caution is given us often. 1 Cor. 3. 18. Gal. 6. 7. For we are very prone to this also, and it may be very pernitious to us. Gal. 6. 3. And for our preserva­tion from them let us heed what follows in the nextuses.

SECT. III.

Our third word of Exhortation is. 1 To the Professing followers and appearing friends of Christ [Page 278] 2 To others. to them which seem to be friends of Christ, to all such as are entered into the Profes­sion of the Gospel of Christ. We perswade them, That seeing there is so much deceit, and so many are mistaken and do miscarry in it, that they do therefore take the more care of themselves and others herein. And for this. That 1 they doe the more fear and suspect themselves, that they also may be deceived. Is it not seasonable to advise men to take heed what money they receive when there is much counterfeit coyn going abroad a­mongst men? And when we hear of many Ship­wracks by Sea of Ships richly laden with many precious Jewels in the way wee and others are to pass, is it not then a good time to perswade our selves and others that are to go that way to fear, and to look well to our tackling and our way? Many there are, doubtless very many, that think they are good Christians, and are accepted, and approved of for such amongst others, but are not so, Rev. 2. 9. call themselves Jews and are not. Luke 16. 15. And so it will appear at the last. Mat. 7. 21, 22, 23. Lord, Lord in thy name, &c. and I shall pro­fess I never knew you, &c. Mat. 25. 1, 2, &c. 2 In the second place, Let us try our selves by the Word of God, by the light and heat where of wee may discover the true and sincere from the false and counterfeit persons and things, as the Eagle doth her genuine young ones by the light and heat of [Page 279] the natural Sun-beams. Let us view our selves well by this Looking glass, and see what man­ner of persons we are, whether true or counter­feit Christians. And there is great reason for it why wee should so doe. 1 It is commanded of God, 2 Cor. 13. 5. Try your selves whether you be in the faith or no. 2 The godly do so Psal. 139. 23, 24. Search me O God, &c. try me, &c. Lam. 3. 40. Let us search and try our waies, &c. 3 The thing is of mighty concernment to us, there is life and death, yea life and death eternal in it; if we bee deceived in this point wee are everlastingly un­done. Mat. 25. 1, 2, 3, &c. the foolish Virgins. Mat. 7. 22, 23. 4 It can doe us no hurt, nay it cannot but doe us some good, to doubt and suspect, and to labour to know our selves; for all knowledge is sweet, but that of our selves sweetest of all. And if we finde our case good and safe, wee shall be the more settled and established in it. If our case be bad, and we find out, it may be yet amen­ded. Psal. 50. 1, 2, &c. v. 16, 22. And if now any man ask us, what if upon search I find my case doubtful and dangerous, what shall I doe? Wee answer; The best way is to begin all again, as a man that hath layd the foundation of his build­ing amiss, or is going in a wrong way to his jour­neys end; for the Hypocrite and the worst of wicked men as they are alike evil, so is their case alike dangerous, Mat. 24. 51. compared with Luke [Page 280] 12. 46. In the third place, then our Exhortation shal be to such as these that have laid an ill foun­dation, and to our selves, and all others who are entring into, or entred, or shall hereafter enter in­to the profession of Religion, and are following, or to follow Christ therein, That they and we doe seriously consider of what wee are going a­bout, that therein our case is as the case of a man that is going a long and a dangerous journey, or run a race for a great prize, or engage in a de­sperate battel alone, or with others, Eph. 6. 12. 2 Tim. 4. 7. or are going about to set up a great building, or going to make a great purchase. Mat. 11. 12. It is compared therefore to a pilgri­mage, and the Christian therein to a Pilgrim, Ps. 39. 12. 1 Pet. 2. 11. And it was shadowed out by the life, travel, and difficulty of the Jews passage from Egypt to Canaan. And therefore that it wil be our wisdom wel to consider before hand what it is we are going about, and how we are prepa­red for it, and to prepare accordingly. This is our Saviours advice in the very cose. Mat. 14. 25, &c. for which of you intending to build a Tower sitteth not down first and counteth the cast. And that therefore we doe as men to go such a journey, or doe such a work, these two things. 1 Remove all hinde­rances. 2 Provide our selves with al necessaries for the way and work. Amongst other hinderances herein, let us take heed, 1 of unbelief, a dange­rous sin, by which the Israelites were kept & hin­dered [Page 281] from their entrance into the earthly Ca­naan. Iude 5. Heb. 4. 1, 2, &c. And this now wil keep a man from entring into the heavenly Canaan. Luke 12. 46. 2 The love of the world, which like as the weeds amongst corn, that do choak & hin­der the growth of it; doth hinder the worke of grace in the heart. Mat. 13. 22, 23. 2 Tim. 2. 4. And for provision for our journy or our work, 1 Let us look wel to our foundation that it be wel laid Mat. 7. 24. 13. 22. that it be layd upon Christ; for other foundation can no man lay than that which is al­ready layd, which is Iesus Christ. 1 Cor. 33. 11 Eph. 2 [...] 20. and that we lay it low enough. And that for this, we find our hearts by the Word and Spirit of God not only deeply convinced of our mise­rable estate by the sin of Adam, and by our owne original, and actual sin, but that we be broken and humbled in heart for and converted from it. Hab. 6. 1. Acts 2. 37, 38. Ezek. 36. 31. And having a discoverie made by this VVord and Spirit, that there is a Remedy to be had in this case by the Lord Jesus Christ, That he will be to the repenting beleeving sinner, as the City of Refuge was to the Manslayer. Numb. 35. And as the poole of Bethesda was to him that was first put into it after the Angel had troubled it, 10. 5. 2, &c. And as the brazen Serpent was to them that were stung by the fierie Serpent in the wil­derness Numb. 31. 6. And that in him there dwell­eth all fulnesse for the supply of all our wants, [Page 282] and cure of all our maladies. Joh. 1. 16. Col. 1. 19. And so by faith rowle and leave our selves upon him, and take up our eternal rest and lodging in him alone. Cant. 8. 5. Joh. 6. 67, 68. Mat. 4. 22 Mark 10. 28. Mat. 19. 21. and 13 46 Phil 3. 7, 8. 1 Pet. 2. 4, 5. Heb. 4. 4, 5. And being thus got into Christ by faith, let us be assured of help, that our sin is pardoned, and that we are taken into favour by him. Then in the next place let us looke to the progress of our building, that being thus rooted, engrafted into, and built upon Christ, we make it out by the work of Regeneration & Sanctifi­cation in us, that we be partakers of the Divine nature, that we have a seed & principle of grace within us, that Christ lives in us, and we in him; that we are now Christ like, of his minde, and making, and that we live, walk, and do as he did in this world. Heb. 3. 14. 2 Pet. 1. 4. Ephes. 1. 10. 1 Cor. 10. 17. Ephes. 3. 17. Col. 2. 7. 1 Pet. 1. 23. & 4. 1. 1 Joh 2. 6. And thus being built upon and root­ed in Christ, and making it so to appear. Let us see we abide and grow up in him, and be more & more fruitful to his praise. Eph. 2. 21. and 4. 15. Luke 8. 11, 12, 13. Rom. 7. 4. and 12. 1. Ps. 92. 14. Heb. 6. 9, 10. But for a more particular provision and preparation for this great work; let us pro­vide our selves especially with these things. [...] Get much of the knowledge of God and his waies within us; so men use to doe that have a [Page 283] long and dangerous journey to go, to take notes of all the Towns they are to go through, and places of danger they are to go by; and they that go by sea, to have their Card and Compass. And for this, to see we be well skilled in the Word of God, which will be a light to our feet, Ps. 119. 105. And like the Star, Mat 2. 7, 9. to leade us to Christ. And enquire much, and ask often of o­thers that know the way, and can tel us the dan­gers, as men doe in a journy in places unknown. But especially pray for the teaching and guid­ance of the Spirit of God, promised to Gods people in this case, for this end, Isa. 30. 21. Luke 11. 13. And keep in mind and forget not what we have learned, that being forewarned we be fore­armed. Mat. 24. 25. Luke 14. 25. 2 Let us carry much faith with us, for this is a victorious grace as it engageth Gods strength with us and for us, and draws virtue from the promise. This will make the hardest things easie, and that nothing shall be impossible. Hab 2. 4. 2 Cor. 1. 24. 1 Pet. 1. 7. 1 Joh. 5. 4. Heb. 11, throughout. 1 Pet. 1. 5. 2 Cor. 4, 5, 6. Eph. 6. 16. 1 Pet. 5. 9. 3 Patience, wee shall have need and use of this alwaies, and therefore we are much, and often pressed to get much of it about us. Heb. 10. 36. Luke 21. 19. Rom. 12. 12. Rev. 13 10. James 5. 7. 4 The love of God, for this will make us willing and able to doe and suffer any thing for God. 1 Cor. 13 7 Gen. 29. 20. 5 So­briety [Page 284] and Temperance. 1 Pet. 5. 8. 5 Let us see we set these graces still on Work as there is occa­sion. Iames 1. 4. Heb. 12. 1. Our faith especially in our contemplation of the glory that is to come. Heb. 12. 2. For which cause wee faint not, but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day, &c. while we look not at the things which are seen but at the things which are not seen, &c. 6 Let us see we be not srcure but watchful, Rev. 16. 5. Ephes. 6. 8. 2. Cor. 6. 5. Rev. 3. 2. Mat. 24. 42, 43, 44, 48. 1 Pet. 5. 8. 7 Let us not be idle but diligent in Gods work. Math. 24. 46. & 25. 16, 17. Mat. 20. 6. 2 Pet. 3. 4. 2 Pet. 1. 6 Pray alwayes, and watch thereunto with all perseverance for Gods presence, guidance, sup­port, &c. Eph. 6. 18. Jude 20. Ps. 119. 9. Ps. 56. 13.

Our fourth word of Exhortation shall bee to perswade all men to have a high esteem, & make a great account of all such who give evidence of their integrity in the profession of Religion. Let them be the men of our choice for our company, Ps. 16. 3. and 119. 63. For our places of Trust in the Commonwealth. 1 Sam. 22. 13. Neh. 9. 8. and 13. 13. 2 Tim. 2. 2. Prov. 25. 13. For our servants in our families. Ps. 101. 6. And for all our other works and business. Ps. 15. 4.

Our fifth word of Exhortation is to all men professing Religion, That seeing it is so (as wee have shewed) That so many goe so far towards, [Page 285] and yet go without it; they strive for it, and yet cannot get it, that we strive the more earnestly, and labour the more abundantly herein. And this is the very use that our Saviour doth make of this point. Luke 13. 23, 24. Lord, are there few that shall be saved? And he said nnto them, strive to enter in at the strait gate, &c. Shall we come so near to it and goe without it? Mark 12. 34. Shall we doe and suffer so much for it in vain? Gal. 3. 4. Shall we get on Mount Nebo in sight of Canaan and not enter it? Shall we bid almost to one penny the full price for Christ, and let another come after us and take away our bargain from us? God for­bid. Let us resolve, though it cost us our blood we will have it, and that we will goe beyond all the Hypocrites in the world, let them go as far as they can. But happily some man may say here, To what purpose shall we strive if there be such a difficulty in it; it is impossible by all the labour in the world to be done. To this we answer. 1 It is certain the work is hard & difficult, and yet it is not so hard as to be impossible, but it is possible may be done. 2 Tim. 4. 7. 1 Cor. 9. 24. Mat. 11. 12. & Mat. 7. 7. 2 There is no possibilitie of having it without this paines and labour. And it will bee therefore in this, as in men that are eligi­ble to a place or office for which many do stand each of which and no others are capable; in this case any one of them that stand for it may possibly have it, but hee that never labours [Page 286] for it will never have it. Mat. 11. 12. should not this provoke a man to labour the more for it. And so should the difficultie in this case provoke all men to be the more industrious to attain it. 3 If we have it not we are without question, & ine­vitably lost and undone for ever. Our case in this therefore is like the Leprous men, 2 Kings 7. 4. If we sit still in our naturall and impenitent estate, we are sure to dye there. Let us therefore resolve as they did, Let us fall into the host of the Syrians, if they save us alive we shall live; and if they kill us we shall but die. So let us say, we will doe our ut­most for heaven, we will put our selves upon the mercy of God in Christ Jesus, and strive with all our might for heaven, if we perish, we perish, we can but dye. 4 But in the last place: If we shall doe our utmost endeavour in truth to attaine it, we have no cause to doubt the assistance of Gods grace, and our acceptance and success the rein; for God is gracious, and Christ is ready to re­ceive us, and hath promised so to doe, and he is faithful and able to perform what he promiseth. Math. 11 28. Joh. 5. 40 Joh. 7. 37. Joh. 6. 37 Mat. 7. 7. Phil. 1. 6. and 2. 12, 13. 2 Pet. 3 9. And laying a­side every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us. let us run with patience the race that is set before us, H. b. 12. 1, 2. and 2. 1, 2, &c. and so much the rather be diligent to adde one grace to another, and one degree of Grace to another, &c. 2 Pet. 1. 6, 7. &c. And let us [Page 287] work out our salvation with fear and trembling. Phil. 2. 12. Let us endure the cross, despise the shame. Heb. 12. 2. Take up the cross and follow Christ. Mark 10. 21. Suffer and die with him. 2 Tim. 2. 11, 12. Leave all for his sake, Mark 10. 28. Strive to enter into Heaven. Luke 13. 24. and take it by force. Mat. 11. 12. Fight the good fight of Faith, and finish our course. 2 Tim. 4. 7. do the singular things required of us. Mat. 5. 47. Afflict our soules. Lev. 16. 29. James 4. 9. Put a knife to the throat. Prov. 23. 3. Mortifie the deeds of the body. Rom. 8. 13. Crucifie the old man, the flesh with the affections and lusts. Gal. 5. 21. Rom. 6. 6. Deut. 10 16. Let the fore-skin of our hearts be circum­cised, and let us circumcise our selves to the Lord, and let us break up our fallow grounds. Jer. 4. 3. 4. Be cru­cified to the world and the world to us. Gal. 6. 14. Keep down our bodie, 1 Cor. 9. 27. Pull out our right eye, and cut off our right hand, that causeth us to offend. Mat. 5. 29, 30. Suffer the losse of all things, and count them but dung for Christ. Phil. 3. 8. 9. Refrain our seet from e­very evil way. Ps. 119. 10. Strive for Masterie. 1 Cor. 9. 25. and rejoice as not rejoicing. 1 Cor. 7. 30. And thus doing we may be sure and certain that we are not cast-awaies, 1 Cor. 7. 27 Gods wrath shall not break forth upon us. Jer. 4. 4. We shall not come into condemnation. John 5 24. nor be cast into hell fire. Mat. 5. 29. and 188. that we shall never fall. 1 Pet. 1. 10. that wee shall not die but live, not perish but have everlasting life and glory. John 3. 15. 2 Tim. 2. 9. 10. [Page 288] 11. Mark 10. 30. Rom. 8. 13. And we may be confi­dent that we shall enter into joy. Mat. 25. 23. life. Mat. 18. 8. rest. Heb. 4. 2 Thes. 2. 8. live and raign with Christ 2 Tim. 2. 11, 12. Rom. 8. 13. Have and enjoy the incorruptible crown of Righteousness, life and glory 1 Tim. 4. 8. 1 Cor. 9. 24, 25. Rev. 2. 10. be received into everlasting habitations. Luke 16. 9. enjoy the fulness of pleasures at Gods right hand. Ps. 16. 11. and be satis­fied. Ps. 17. 5. Sit down and feast for ever with Christ and his people. Mat. 8. 11. and that we shall go into life eternal, Mat. 46. And we cannot misse it, for ours is the kingdom of heaven: we have eternal life; and are passed from death to life (i.) we are as sure of it as if done already.

Our sixth and last word of Exhortation is to all that now doe, or hereafter shall appeare as Christians, and follow Christ in the profession of Religion, and have a form of godliness. To per­swade them to Sincerity and against Hypocrisie herein, to be pure and upright in heart and life. And that they lye not to God and men, whiles they pretend to be, and have the name of Chri­stians, and are not so indeed but counterfeit ones onely. To perswade them (and oh that we might prevail herein) that they would lay aside al man­ner of guile and deceit herein: And labour to be plain & simple hearted in thought word & deed. That they do not compass God about with lyes, and flatter and dissemble with him whiles their [Page 199] hearts are not right and perfect before him. That they do not pretend to prefer God above all, & have no other God but him, whiles they love, fear, and trust in themselves, and other men and things more than God, seeke the praise of men more than the praise of God: That they call not God their Father and Master whiles they despise his Name, and do not honour him as a sonne his father, nor fear him as a servant his master. That they doe not teach Gods fear by the precepts of men. That they give not to God a worse, when they have a better to give him in his service. That they do not pretend to enquire after, seek, serve, and obey him with their whole heart, whiles they seek themselves, and to serve themselves upon God therein. That they do not pretend to faith, love, repentance, fear, and the like towards God, whiles they know there is no such thing, but the contrary thereof in their heart. That they doe not pretend to draw nigh to God in his worship, whiles their hearts are far removed from him & it. That they do not pretend to form of godly­ness, whiles they deny the power thereof. That they do not say they know him, and keep not his commandements. That they doe not professe to know God, whiles in their works they deny him. That they do not say they are Saints, whiles they live like not devils. That they do name the Name of the Lord, unless they depart from iniquity [Page 290] And as for Rulers of Churches, Christian Com­monwealths, and Families, Judges, and such like men; that they say not they rule and judge for God, and lean upon him, whiles they seek them­selves, and their own things, and not the things of God, and the peoples good. And for Christian Teachers, &c. That they say not they are of God, sent of Christ, Ministers of the Gospel, & workers with Christ, &c. whiles they appear to be deceit­ful workers, to speak lyes in hypocrisie, to deceive the simple with fair words, to seek to please men, to seek their own things, and not the things of Jesus Christ, to serve their bellyes, to make mer­chandize of mens soules, to hunt after filthy lu­cre, and so goe themselves, and lead others with them to destruction. And that neither Heads, Priests, nor Prophets leane upon the Lord & say, He is amongst us, whiles they judge for reward, teach for hire, and divine for mony. Mic. 3. 11. Ps. 50. 16, 17. Mat. 23. 27, 28. Isa. 29. 13. 1 Joh. 2. 4. Mat. 7. 22, 23. Is. 43. 24. Ps. 78. 36, 37. But on the other side let us perswade such men professing godlines, That they get the new life, the immediate prin­ciples and habits of Grace, and the operations, motions, effects, and fruits thereof. And then that they labour for, and get a perfect heart, a heart perfect with the Lord. 1 Chron. 29. 19. That they walk before God in truth, and with a perfect heart. 2 Kings 20. 3. 2 Chron. 29. 2. Gen. 17. 1. That [Page 291] they do the thing that is good and right, & with a perfect heart as in Gods sight. 2 Kings 20. 3. 2 Chron. 25. 2. That they draw near to, serve & seek God with their whole heart, with a perfect heart and willing mind, with a true heart, in sinceritie and truth. 1 Chr. 28. 9. Deut. 10. 12. Heb. 10. 22. Hos. 7. 14, 15, 16. That whatever they do in their pro­fession they doe it to, and for the Lord, and no [...] to, or for themselves, or for other men. Col. 3. 23. Hos. 7. 14, 15. That their repentance towards God, faith towards the Lord Jesus, their love to, fear of, and joy, and delight in God, and Christ, and their profession and declaration thereof bee unfeigned, and with all their heart and soul. Prov. 23. 26. Deut. 30. 10. 2 Kings 23. 25. 2 Cor. 6. 6. Ps. 78. 34, 35, 36. That they follow God fully Numb. 14. 24. and Christ wheresoever he shall goe, or call them. Mat. 8. 19. That whatsoever they doe unto men be not done with eye-service, as men plea­sers, but as doing the wil of God from the heart, heartily, with singleness of heart, with good wil, as the servants of Christ, as serving him, fearing God, and as unto the Lord. Col. 3. 22. Eph. 6. 6, 7, 8. That such as pretend to the faith, love, and obedience of, and suffering for the Lord Jesus Christ, that they doe it in sinceritie to exalt his honour, and the honour of the Father in him. Eph. 6. 24. Joh. 5. 23. That whatsoever they speak to men be the truth, and from their heart. 1 Thes. [Page 292] 46 Ps. 52. 2. Jer. 9. 5, 6, 8. Prov. 26. 22, 23. &c. Gen. 34. 13. 2 Sam. 3 27. Psal. 15. And that they talke, walk, and live like Saints, that they be not only hearers and talkers but doers of the Word of God. James 1. 2 2. and that their hearts be puri­fied, and their hands be cleansed. Iames 4. 8. that those as name the Name of Christ depart from iniquity. 2 Tim. 2. 19. Mat. 7. 22, 23. Psal. 119. 1, 2, 3. That the Rulers be Ministers of God for good to the people, revengers to execute wrath upon him that doth evil. Rom. 13. 2, 3. And that they be not a terrour to good works but to the evil. That they rule in the fear of God. 2 Sam. 23 3. To the glory of God, and the good of them that are ruled, especially of the people of God amongst them. 2 Sam. 23. 2. Ps. 78 72. 1 Tim. 3. 4, 12. That the Judges professing godlyness, be such as feare God, men of truth, hating covetousness. Exod. 18. 21. That in their judgement they doe take heed to what they do, and consider that they judge not for man but for the Lord, who is with them in the judgement. And that the fear of the Lord be upon them, and that they doe take heed and doe it, as considering that there is no iniquitie with the Lord, nor respect of persons, nor taking of gifts. 2 Chron. 19. 6, 7. And that the Teachers and Preachers preach the Truth. Feed the Flock of God, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; not as Lords over Gods heritage, but as ensamples to the flock. [Page 293] 1 Pet. 5. 1, 2, 3. That herein they seek not their own, but the things of Iesus Christ. Phil. 2. 21. and the good of others. 1 Cor. 10. 24. 33. not to please themselves or men, but to please God. Gal. 1. 10. 1 Cor. 10. 33. that they give no offence to God or man. 1 Cor. 9. 20. And that in all they doe God may bee glorified, the Name of the Lord Jesus exalted. 1 Cor. 10. 31. & 6. 20. the peoples souls saved. Gal. 6. 10. and they themselves be able to give up their account ther­of with joy at the last day. Heb. 13. 17. And now for our last word to others, that do not so much as appear to be the friends, but rather the enemies of Christ; Let us perswade them onely to lay down their weapons and give over their opposi­tion against Christ; for he will be too strong for them. It is hard to kick against the priks. Acts 9. 5. 1 Cor. 10. 22. Do we provoke the Lord to jealousie? are we stronger than he? Mat. 21. 44. And therefore what the Prophet, Ps. 2. 10, 11. said to great men, we say to all. Be wise now therefore, &c. kiss the son, &c. And now having set forth wherein the Chri­stians life doth consist, and the difficulty thereof, it is high time we lay down some motives or en­couragements and helps therein.