A Christian library, or, A pleasant and plentiful paradise of practical divinity in 37 treatises of sundry and select subjects ... / by R. Younge ...

CHAP. 9. How it discovers whether we be true Believers or Hypocrites.

6 SIxthly, that we may experimentally know our selves, and be known of others; whether we be true Believers, or Hypocrites.

First, our selves: divers play Alexander on the Stage, but few or none in the Field. Many can suffer Martyrdom in speculation, who, being put to it; cannot concoct a foul word. We are all valiant Souldiers, till we come to fight: excellent Philosophers; till we come to dispute: Good Christians; till we come to master our own lusts: but, it is opposition that gives the trial, when corruptions fight against the graces, and cause Ar∣gent to seeme more bright in a sable field. Many, while wealth lasts, are very honest men and square dealers, at least seem so: yea, they will main∣tain that all hardnesse is to be endured, rather then Conscience violated, or God offended: but fall they into poverty, and then that they may main∣tain themselves; they will lie, deceive, steal, prostitute their Chastity, sell their Consciences, and what not. Even Hazael before he met with an opportunity, could say, What? is thy servant a dog? And Balaam could brag, Though thou wouldest give me thine house full of gold, I would not, &c. Yet when it came to the triall, he did as bad for little or nothing: but, a man is indeed, what he is in triall. If with the Pome-citron, Limon, and Orenge-tree, we are alwayes green and fruitfull, Summer and Winter: if our souls shall like of Christ for a suitor, when we finde no other Ioyn∣ture but the Crosse; we are sure we are Christians.

2. That others may know us. A Souldier is best known in the front of a Battel: A Pilot in a storm: a nimble active man in a Race: and a Cham∣pion in the lists. How well the strings of an instrument are tuned and set, is best known when they are touched by the hand of a skilfull Musician. There must be differences amongst you, (saith Saint Paul) that the approved may be known, 1 Cor. 11.19. For, as Thrashing separates the straw: and Winnowing; the chaff from the Corn: So Persecution separates the Hy∣pocrite from the company of beleevers, Luke 22.31. When a serving-man follows two men walking together, we cannot tell which is his master till they part: so when the Gospel and outward prosperity go together; it is hard to judge which is most respected. Our Churches are full (blessed be God:) but, come we not to please others, as the Poet made his Plays? or, as Simon Magus was christened for company? or, is it not more for fear of the Law, then for love of the Gospel? It is a great question, until per∣secution arising because of the Word, puts it out of question: but then is that of Claudius Taurinensis more then verified, They worship the dead Saints in a cold profession, while they worry the living in a cruel persecution: so that if the Bramble had been the King of Trees; the Vine could not have met with worse usage.

We all call our selves Christians? Why? it is an honourable thing to be so accounted: but who are such; is known onely where the power of godliness is in contempt: Where (as Saint Augustine speaks) a Christian in name will scoff at a Christian indeed: for Christ, (saith Nazianzen) is stoned by many that are called Christians, though no otherwise then the Heathen Images are called gods, as Iustine Martyr notes: or, as another hath it; many superstitiously adore the Crucifix, that are enemies to the Cross of Christ.

That Childe (saith old Simeon, meaning Christ) is appointed for a sign to be spoken against, that the thoughts of many hearts may be opened, Luke 2.34, 35. O how wicked men manifest their hatred and enmity against God and his people, so soon as Persecution ariseth, because of the Word▪ Yea, it would put a wise man into an extasie; to think how prophane men in such times will rail upon those, whom one day they will wish they had imita∣ted; as Iustin Martyr speaks.

But it's well enough: for, by this means, both the malice of Satan and the World are better known and avoided. Demetrius the Silver-smith re∣sisted Paul, perhaps not so much for great Diana's sake, as the little Sil∣ver Shrines by which his gain came in. The carnal Capernaites followed Christ while he fed them, Iohn 6.26. Pamachius an Heathen could say to the Pope, Make me a Bishop, and I'le be a Christian.

Aygolandus (the better to make his peace with Charles the Great) would become a Christian, and be baptized: But when he came to the Court, where he saw at a table in a room, thirty poor people, (in mean habits, and at ordinary fare,) which the Emperour told him were the Servants of God; he replyed, That if God kept his servants so poorly, he would be none of his servant. Iudas can be content to bear the cross, so he may bear the bag: but, Iob will trust in God, though he kill him, Iob 13.15. and David in deepest distress or desertion, will hang on still, Psal. 43.5. Now, who will not say, Give me the Bird that will sing in Winter, and seek to my window in the hardest frost?

There is no trial of friendship but in adversity: he that is not ashamed of my bonds, not daunted with my checks, not alienated with my disgrace; is a friend for me: one dram of that mans love, is worth a world of inconstant formality: But, that friend is fals-harted, who observes me onely for his own ends; like those the Philosopher speaks of, who were not his friends, but friends to his wealth: or like him in Clemens, not his, but his riches kinsman. For these Wasps that make such Musick about the Gally-pot, shew, it was but the Honey they came for. And even the most hoggish Gadarens will worship Christ, during the spring-tides of Gods favours: not when they enjoy the light of his countenance, but when his steps drop fainess, and their Corn and Wine increaseth.

But alas, they are but bad works that need rewards to crane them up withall: for neither pain nor loss, much less, the censure of lewd persons; will trouble a well planted minde.

An Hypocrite, like a fresh-water-souldier, may be Sea-••ick in a calm: but, the sincere Christians stomach endures all weathers: great changes ne∣ver change him: Neither the Kings favours, or honours, nor the Lions den, could make Daniel lose one dram of his integrity. Neither the preposte∣rous affection of the Lycaonians, when they would deifie Paul and Barna∣bas: nor their devillish rage, when they go about to stone them; could pro∣cure either to yield one hairs breadth: and so of all the Martyrs; (that noble Army) whom neither the threatnings of fire, nor the fair and large promises of their cunning and cruel adversaries; could cause them to shrink from Christ.

Affliction trieth whether a man hath grace in his heart or no. Set an empty Pitcher (the resemblance of a wicked man) to the fire; it cracks pre∣sently; whereas the full (which resembles the Childe of God) will abide boiling: Gold embroidered upon Silk, if cast into the fire; loseth his fa∣shion, but not his weight; Copper loseth his fashion and weight also. Perse∣cution is the sword whereby our Solomon will try which is the true natu∣ral mother, which, the pretended. Afflictions are the waters where our Gi∣deon will try whether we are fit Souldiers to fight the battel of Faith. A faithful Wife (said Bradford) is never tried so to be, until she be assaulted; nor a faithful Christian so approved, till proved by affliction. Peace and prosperity hides many a false heart, as the Snow-drift covers an heap of dung: but when affliction like Simeons sword, pierceth through the soul; then the thoughts of many hearts are discovered: then it appears plain∣ly, that the love of Gods children was not meretricious, nor their obedience mercenary.

Many a man will do for another, that will not suffer for him: slight Stuff will shrink when it comes to wet••ing: counterfeit coin will prove dross when it shall be rubb'd on the test, or cast into the crusible. Behold, (saith the Angel to the Church of Smyrna) it shall come to pass that the Devil shal cast some of you into prison, that you may be tried, Revel. 2.10. Strong drink trieth the brain, and hard meat; the stomach. Gold and Silver are tried in the fire: men; in the furnace of adversity. As the furnace proveth the Potters Vessel; so do temptations try mens thoughts, Eccles. 27.5.

None but a regenerate heart can chuse rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, then to enjoy the pleasures of sin. An easie importunity wil perswade Orpah to return from a mother in law, to a mother in nature: from a toilsom journey, to rest: from strangers, to her kindred: from a hope∣less condition, to likelihoods of contentment. A little intreaty will serve to move nature to be good to it self; but, to persist in actions of goodness,

though tyranny, torment, death and hell stood in our way; this is that conquest which shal be crowned with glory. Nuture is like Glass, bright, but brittle: the resolved Christian, like Gold, which if we rub it, or beat it, or melt it, it will endure the test, the touch, the hammer, and still shine more orient, For Vertues, like the Stars, shine brightest in the night; and fairest, in the frost of Affliction.

But this is not all: for affliction will try and make known the truth and measure of each grace in particular. A temptation is like a questi∣on, that examines; what is in a man: As Balaam was tried and exami∣ned; whether he feared God, or loved the world most; when Balak told him, am not I able indeed to promote thee to honour. And Ioseph no lesse, when in the arms of his tempting Mistresse: but, the one; basely yields, and is cashiered for an hypocrite; the other comes off with an holy scorn, and God seals him chaste, with a probatus est.

2 Again secondly, Affliction is a notable means, to try whether we have faith or not. The house built upon the sand carries as good a shew as the house built on the Rock; and in a clear Sun-shine day glisters as gallantly: but, the windes and tempests, when they are up, will quickly shew the difference. Nothing is more easie then to trust God, when our Barnes and Coffers are full; And to say, give us our daily bread, when we have it in our Cubbords: But, when we have nothing, when we know not how, nor whence, to get any thing; then to depend upon an invisible bounty; This is a true and noble act of faith.

3 Thirdly & fourthly; what our wisdom and humility is. Plato being de∣māded how he knew a wise man; answer'd; When being rebuked, he would not be angry: and being praised; he would not be proud. Our disposition is never well known, untill it be crossed; nor did Proteus ever change shapes, till he was straightned and held fast. Magistracy and misery will soon shew what manner of men we be: either will declare us better or worse then we seemed. Indeed Prosperity (saith one) best discovers vice, but Adversity doth best discover Vertue: but he that is not good in both e∣states, would not be excellent in either: he who cannot bear honour with moderation, cannot bear contempt, with patience: whereas a true Moses can be a moderate favourite at Court: and, a well-contented Shepheard in the field, can turn and apply himself to any condition, and therewith be content, as Saint Paul was, Phil. 4.11.

5. Fifthly; what patience we have: The Sea, when it is calme weather, is as still and quiet, as any river: but let the windes once arise, and you shall soon see a difference; then appears nothing but raging & foaming out mire and dirt. And that we are indeed, which we are in temptation: for, can we not abide a drawing plaister, to drain away corrupt blood, and humours? much less can we finde ease in cutting off joynts and members, and pulling out eyes: which Repentance must do.

6 Sixthly, a man is made known whether he be feeble or strong by the provocation of an enemy: even calm tempers when they have been stirred, have bewrayed impetuousness of passion. And indeed, how shall a man shew his strength unless some burthen be laid upon his back? Now, he that over∣cometh his own anger (saith Chilo) overcometh a strong enemy: but he that is overcome by it, is a White-liver (saith Hermes) for wrath proceedeth from feebleness of courage, and lack of discretion, as may appear in that, Women are sooner angry then men: the sick sooner then the healthy: and old men, sooner then young. Again, it's nothing to endure a small trial or affliction: every Cock-boat can swim in a River, every Sculler sail in a calm, every man can hold up his head in ordinary gusts, but when a black storm arises, a tenth wave flows, deep calls unto deep: Nature yields, Spirit faints; Heart fails; Whereas grace is never quite out of heart; yea, is confident when hopes are adjourn'd, and expectation is delay'd.

7 Again, seventhly: How excellently was Iobs sincerity made known by Satans malice, when he brought forth those Angelical words! What? shall we receive good at the hand of God, and not receive evil? Job 2.10. When he stood like a Centre unmoved, while the circumference of his e∣state was drawn above, beneath, about him: when in prosperity; he could say, If my mouth hath kist my hand: and in adversity; The Lord giveth, and the Lord taketh, blessed be the Name of the Lord; he was not so like the wicked as they are like Dogs, that follow the meat; not the man.

8 Again, eighthly: God suffers us to suffer much, more especially to cry our perseverance, which is a grace so good and acceptable, that without it, there is nothing good, nor acceptable. The Spaniel which fawneth when he is beaten, will never forsake his Master: and Trees well rooted will bear all storms: The three Children walked up and down in the fiery flames praysing God: And a Blade well tried deserves a triple price. How did the Church of Pergamus approve her self! Yea, how was she approved of God which hath the sword with two edges; when she held out in her works, even where Satan dwelt and kept his Throne! I know thy works (saith God) and that thou keepest my Name, and hast not denied my faith, even in those dayes when Antipas my faithful Martyr was slain among you, where Satan dwelleth; yea, where his Throne is; and where some maintain the Do∣ctrine of Balaam and the Nicolaitans, and teach that men ought to eat things sacrificed to Idols, and to commit fornication, &c. Revel. 2.13, 14.

But, how can I lay down my life for Chriss, when I cannot for his sake quietly disgest a few reproachful speeches? he will scarce hear blows for him; that will now quietly put up, and digest ill words.

Finally: Affliction, and Persecution, is both a Whet-stone, and a Touch-stone to each particular grace: It humbleth the spirits of the re∣pentant, trieth the faith and patience of the sincere Christian; but harden∣eth

the hearts of the ungodly: for, wicked men grow worse after affli∣ction, as water grows more cold after an heat; yea, like some Beasts; they grow mad with baiting: if crosses or losses rush in upon them; they fall to the language of Iobs wife, Curse God and die: or to that of the King of Israels messenger, Why should I serve God any longer? 2 Kings 6.33.