Lectures upon the vvhole Epistle of St. Paul to the Philippians, deliuered in St. Peters Church in Oxford: by the reuerend and faithfull seruant of Christ Henry Airay ... and now published for the vse of Gods Church by C.P. ...

LECTƲRE XXV.

PHILIP. 2. Verse 2.

That yee be like minded, hauing the same loue, being of one accord, and of one iudgement: that nothing bee done through contention, &c.

WE haue heard the manner of the Apostles exhortation, and therein foure very pathe∣ticall arguments couched, to perswade the things whereunto hee exhorteth: all so closely followed, and so passionately vr∣ged, as that the manner of the exhortation could not be deuised more effectuall to perswade the things whereunto hee exhorteth, If there bee, &c. It remained to speake of the matter of the Apostles exhortation. Wee spake only of that which I tooke to be onely a motiue prefixed be∣fore the matter of the exhortation, in these words, Fulfill my ioy. Now wee are to proceed vnto the maine matter of the Apostles exhortation, which is, that they be like minded, hauing the same loue, &c. By which matter of the exhortation, this in generall appeareth, that some things were amisse amongst them, there was not that loue and concord amongst them,

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nor that humilitie which should he in them; many things were done amongst them through contention, through vain-glory, through selfe-seeking of their owne things: so that though many things were to be much commended in them, yet were some things likewise to be reformed in them, which hindered the course of that Christian conuersation which be∣commeth the Gospell of Christ Iesus.

Whence I obserue in generall, what the state euen of the best reformed Churches, and so of the most holy men is: no Church so reformed, no men so sanctified, but that many things are amisse amongst them; though many things bee much to be commended in them, yet some things likewise are still to be reformed in them. Looke into all those Chur∣ches vnto which our Apostle wrote his Epistles: yee shall not finde any of them so commended for embracing the truth, and for standing fast in the truth, as this Church of Philippi. Hee giueth indeed testimonie vnto the Galathians, that they were sometimes such as (if it had beene possible) would haue pluckt out their owne eyes, and haue giuen them vnto him: so loued they him, and the truth which he taught. But quickly were they remoued to another Gospell, as the Apostle wit∣nesseth, whereas the Philippians still stood so fast, that the Apostle was perswaded, that he that had begunne that good worke in them, would performe it, vntill the day of Iesus Christ. Yet here ye see, that some things were amisse amongst them. Againe, looke into those seuen Churches, vnto which Iohn writeth in the Apocalyps, and there yee shall see that some were fallen, others decayed, some were proud, others negli∣gent. Of all the rest of those Churches, the Church of Smyrna and the Church of Philadelphia, are there most commended. Yet in both those Churches, by the right vnderstanding of those Epistles that were written to them, it will appeare that there were some amongst them, who professed themselues to be good Christians, whereas indeed they were no better than a Synagogue and sinke of Satan. Againe, looke into the re∣formed Churches euer since that time vnto this day, and at this day, and still yee shall see, that as in those seuen Churches of Asia, so in these there were and are, as many things to bee

commended, so likewise many things to be reprehended. And so long as the Church is militant vpon earth, it cannot be but that shee should be blacke; blacke I say not onely in respect of her afflictions whereby her beloued doth sometimes proue her, and sometimes chastise her, but blacke also in respect of her blemishes, imperfections, and sinnes which are the causes of her afflictions. For all men while they carry about with them the earthly house of this tabernacle, vnto what degree of perfection in faith, knowledge, or other graces of the spi∣rit so euer they be growne, had still neede to pray, O Lord in¦crease our faith, our knowledge &c; and vnto what perfection in innocencie, obedience, or the like they be growne, yet still they are taught to pray, O Lord forgiue vs our debts and tres∣passes. For here we know in part, we beleeue in part, we loue in part, we obey in part, and our greatest perfection is but great imperfection whiles we liue here at home in the bodie, as that of the Apostle sheweth. And so long as we are clothed with cor∣ruption, if we say we haue no sinne we deceiue our selues, and truth is not in vs. That which is in part either in knowledge, or in loue, or in obedience, or in the like graces of the spirit shall be abolished, our imperfections shall be taken away, and we shall be made perfit. But where and when? Not here otherwise then by imputation, but then and there when and where cor∣ruption shall put on incorruption, and mortalitie shall put on immor∣talitie, as the former place to the Corinthians sheweth: and the Church shall be presented vnto Christ Iesus her beloued, not hauing spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing, but pure, and holy, and without blame; but then when shee shall bee made glo∣rious, when her vile bodie shall be changed and be fashioned like vnto his glorious bodie, as that place to the Ephesians sheweth.

This then should teach vs to long to be of that triumphant Church, to long to enter into the holiest of holies, to long to be loosed and to be with Christ. Here the father of the faith∣full, holy Abraham; here the man after Gods owne heart, holy Dauid; here that vpright and iust man, holy Iob; here that chosen vessell to beare Christ his name before the Gen∣tiles, our holy Apostle shall haue their faults, and their falls.

Here Abraham and Lot will bee sometimes at variance, here Paul and Barnabas will sometimes not be of one accord, here Paul and Peter will sometimes not be of one iudgement; here we shall haue our falls, we shall haue our imperfections what∣soeuer we be. Only in the Citie which is aboue shall all teares be wiped from our eyes, all wanes supplied, all imperfections perfited, all sinne cease, and all enemies be vtterly destroyed: only there our knowledge, our iudgment, our loue, our peace, our ioy shall be perfit. How should we not long then to re∣moue out of the bodie, and to dwell with the Lord? And yet to earthly minded are we many of vs, that here we could bee content to pitch our tabernacles, and neuer to remoue hence euen as if we loued darknes better then light, and had rather dwell in the valley of teares then in the valley of blessing, where we are but strangers then at home in our owne Citie. Let vs, beloued, remember that here the best of vs haue our blemi∣shes, and that when it is it the best with vs, we are but in the way vnto that which is best of all for vs; that the best refor∣med Church on earth is not thorowly reformed, and that the most sanctified man on earth is but onely in part sanctified: And let vs make this benefit hereof daily more and more to grow out of loue with this life, and in loue with that life in which there shall be no more death; daily more and more to weyne our selues from the vanities of Ierusalem which is on earth, where many things will be done through contention, and vaine-glory, and to haue our conuersation in heauen, where we shall all be like minded, hauing the same minde, and being of one accord, and of one iudgement. And let this suffice to be ob∣serued in generall from the matter of the Apostles exhorta∣tion, whereby ye see the state euen of the best reformed Chur∣ches, and so of the most holy men, and what vse is to be made of the imperfections which follow the most perfit in this life. Now let vs come vnto the seuerall points whereunto the A∣postle exhorteth the Philippians, and in them vs.

The first thing wherevnto hee exhorteth them is, in gene∣rall that they be like minded, or like affectioned, as the same phrase is translated else where, hauing their affections, likings, and desires set on the same things: for in this as in the gene∣rall

are comprised, as I take it, those particulars which follow in this verse. So that when he exhorteth them to be like min∣ded, it is in generall that their affections be set on the same things, louing the same things, according in desire of the same things, and according in iudgment of the same things, but all in the Lord. Whence I obserue a necessarie dutie in all Chri∣stians called to the knowledge of God by the Gospell of Christ Iesus, which is that they be like minded in the Lord, set∣ting their affections, likings, and desires on the same things in the Lord. A duty which our Apostle prescribeth almost as oft as any other duty. In the beginning of his former to the Corin∣thians he beseecheth them by the name of our Lord Iesus Christ, that they all speake one thing, and that they be knit together in one minde, and in one iudgement. Where yee see he beseecheth them and in them vs, euen by the name of our Lord Iesus Christ, to be all of one minde; and because disagreeing in words en∣gendreth dissension of minde, therefore that wee may the ra∣ther be all of one minde, hee beseecheth vs all to speake one thing. In the end likewise of his latter to the Corinthians, he commendeth this dutie vnto them, saying, Finally brethren, fare yee well, be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one minde: as thinking this dutie so necessarie, that both in the beginning, and in the end, and at all times they were to be put in minde of it. In this place likewise yee see how roundly and deeply he adiureth and chargeth the Philippians, and in them vs to be ••ike minded, saying, If there be any consolation in Christ &c. ful∣fill my ioy, that yee be like minded. And in the last chapter saue one to the Romanes, he maketh a most earnest praier vnto God for them, that they might be like minded one towards another, saying, Now the God of patience and consolation giue you that yee ••e like minded one towards another according to Christ Iesus, that ••ee may with one minde, and with one mouth praise God euen the Father of our Lord Iesus Christ. Where first the Apostle im∣••lieth that if they be like minded, God must giue them this to ••e like minded, and therefore hee praieth vnto God to giue ••hem this grace, that they be like minded one towards another. Secondly, he noteth how he would haue both them and vs ••o bee like minded one towards another, viz: according to

Christ Iesus, to consent in that truth which hee hath taught, and in that loue which hee hath commanded: for otherwise if we be like minded but not according to Christ Iesus, not in the Lord, what great thing doe we doe? Are not the Iewes like minded among themselues, the Turkes amongst themselues, the aduersaries of the truth amongst themselues? Were not the Priests, Scribes, and Pharisies of one minde, when they condemned the innocent bloud; and the whole multitude of the Iewes when they cried all at once saying, Crucifie him, cru∣cifie him, away with him, and deliuer vnto vs Barrabas? And are not they all of one minde that cast their heads together with one consent, and consult to worke wickednesse in what kinde soeuer it be? And to consent and be like minded in these and the like things, is it not rather a conspiracie then an vnitie? We a••e not then onely to be like minded, but to bee like min∣ded in the Lord, to be like minded according to Christ Iesus. And lastly, the Apostle sheweth to what end he would haue vs to be like minded, namely that with one minde, and one mouth we may praise God euen the Father of our Lord Iesus Christ, not onely with one minde, but also with one mouth; nor onely with one mouth, but also with one minde. Thi•• then yee see it to be a dutie so necessarie in vs and in all Chri¦stians that wee be like minded in the Lord, that the Apostle still commendeth it vnto vs, beseeching vs to be like minded, charging and adiuring vs to be like minded, and praying vnto God that we be like minded.

But why is it so necessarie a dutie that we be like minded i•• the Lord? Many reasons might be alleaged, but I will one•• mention two. As first because we haue one Lord, one faith, one baptisme, one God and Father of vs all: for meete it i•• that so many as are ioyned together in the vnitie of these, be also knit together in one minde, and in one iudgment accor∣ding to Christ Iesus, euen as our Apostle vrgeth this same rea∣son to this same purpose else where. Secondly, because there is not a better remedie against dissensions and schismes the•• to be like minded in the Lord, as without which it cannot be but that there be dissensions and schismes. For what was the cause of the dissensions & contentions wherewith the Church

of Corinth was troubled? Was it not because they were not like minded in the Lord? One held of Paul, another of Apol∣los, one of Cephas, another of Christ; one would pray and pro∣phecie bare-headed, another with his head couered, and when they came vnto the Lord his Supper one was hungry, and another was drunken. And how can it bee but that there should bee dissensions and contentions, when one likes this, and another that, one would haue this, and another that, one drawes this way, and another that way? In a little house, yee know, if the husband be of one minde, and the wife of an∣other; the Parents of one minde, and the children of an∣other; the master of one minde, and the seruants of another, and euery of them will needs follow their owne minde, and fancie their owne way, how troubled must needs that house be? And therefore our blessed Sauiour being now ready to be offered, in that holy praier for all his children praied, that we might be all one euen as He and the Father were one, that wee might all be one in the Father and in him, euen that we might bee like minded in the Lord. And in the next chapter our Apostle prescribeth it as a remedie against dissensions in the Church to proceede by one rule, and to minde one thing. If then we will walke as becommeth the Gospell of Christ, we are not onely to bee ioyned in one faith, and in hope, but in all things wee are to be like minded one towards another accor∣ding to Christ Iesus; we are to loue and like, affect and fancie, will and desire the same things as they are pleasing vnto the Lord; being at one with God, wee are to be of one minde amongst our selues.

Here then our aduersaries will aske of vs, if this be so neces∣sarie a dutie, how happens it that ye are not all like minded? What meane the tearmes of Zuinglians, Lutheranes, Calui¦nists amongst you? How is it that amongst you some are Brownists, some Baroists, some Puritanes, some Protestants? How is it that touching ceremonies, touching discipline, and the like there is such difference amongst you? Doth not these things plainely argue that yee are not like minded amongst yourselues? For answere whereunto, 1. Of them that aske vs these questions I demand of them the like: are they all like

minded? What meane then the tearmes of Thomists, Sco∣tists, Ockamists, Canonists, and Diuines amongst them? How is it that amongst them some are White, some Blacke, some Gray Friers, some Franciscans, some Dominicans, some Ie∣suits, some barely Priests? How is it that not touching cere∣monies, or discipline alone, but touching maine and great points of doctrine there is such difference amongst them? Touching the Scriptures, doth not Arius Montanus say, that the bookes of the old Testament not found in the Hebrue Canon are Apocryphall; and doth not Bellarmine denie it? Doth not Canus say, that the Hebrue text is wholy corrupt by the malice of the Iewes, and doth not Bellarmine denie it? Doth not Bellarmine himselfe for expounding of the Scrip∣tures sometimes referre vs to the fathers of the Church, some∣times to generall Councels, sometimes to the Pope and Car∣dinals, sometimes to the Pope himselfe? It would be too long to runne through the rest of many points of doctrine where in they dissent among themselues. They neede no other to note this vnto the whole world then Bellarmine himselfe, who in the beginning of the discussing of euery controuersie be∣twixt vs and them, sheweth how not onely we dissent therein from them, but how they dissent amongst themselues. First therefore, let them plucke out the beame of their owne eye that so they may see clearely the mote which is in our eie, le•• them cleare the point that they are like minded amongst themselues, and then let them tell vs that we are not all of one minde.

But how doe they shew that wee are not all of one minde? If ye be, say they, then what meane the tearmes of Zuinglians, Lutherans, Caluinists, amongst you? But I say vnto them, what doe they meane to note vs by such tearmes? The me∣mories of these men we honour and reuerence, as also we doe other notable lights which haue beene in the Church, and are at this day. But if we be named after any other name then on∣ly the name of Christ Iesus, it is through their malice not by our desire. Yea, but how is it say they, that some amongst you are Brownists, some Baroists, some Puritans, some Pro∣testants, that touching ceremonies, and outward discipline

there is such difference amongst you? I answere, that if there be any Brownists or Baroists amongst vs wee hold them not to be of vs, and therefore their distraction from vs ought not to be obiected vnto vs. Now for our difference about cere∣monies, and outward discipline, I wish we were all like minded in these things, and it is a fault and blemish of some in our Church, that we are not like minded in these things. But for the substance of doctrine, and grounds of religion wherein is it that we are not like minded? If they could, no doubt they would taxe vs in the substance as they doe in the accident; and as they cannot in the substance, so I wish they could not taxe vs in the accident. So should the ioy of our Sion be full, if we were all like minded, both for the substance, and for the acci∣dent, and so many as loue the peace of Sion, and wish her pro∣speritie, pray also that this her ioy may be fulfilled.

Againe, this may serue to reproue a fault too too common amongst vs. For if we be ioined together in one faith, and in one hope, if we agree in the substance of truth, we thinke it a small matter to dissent amongest our selues about smaller matters. And indeed it is the lesse matter. But yet it is a thing which we ought to labour, euen to be like minded in the Lord in all things. Which our Apostle sufficiently sheweth when in his exhortations vnto vs to be like minded, he doth not li∣mit vs vnto these or these things, but indefinitely hee would haue vs to be like minded, according to Christ Iesus. In mat∣ters of faith, and in matters of ceremonie, in matters of do∣ctrine, and in matters of discipline, in matters of life, and in matters of learning, in matters of religion, and in matters of ciuill conuersation he would haue vs to be like minded, as in the Lord it may be warranted. Let vs therefore beware how we sooth vp our selues in dissenting about matters of lesse mo∣ment, when we agree in matters of greater importance. The more like minded we are in the Lord, the more is our conuer∣••ation such as becommeth the Gospell of Christ. Let our care ••herefo••e be, that both in matters of lesse moment, and like∣wise in matters of greater importance we may be like minded ••n the Lord, as becommeth the Gospell of Christ.

But how may we be like minded in the Lord? This our

Apostle sheweth in the next words, and that is, 1. If we haue the same loue, i. If we loue the same things in the Lord. 2. If we be of one accord, i. If we agree in our wills and desires in the Lord. And 3. if we be of one iudgement, i. If we agree in one truth of Christ Iesus. For these the particulars are as I take it comprised vnder, and meant in that generall; so that i•• we thus loue and agree in the Lord then are wee like minded in the Lord, and our conuersation in a great part is such as be∣commeth the Gospell of Christ. Because I haue stood long vpon the generall, I shall the lesse neede to stand vpon these particulars, which in effect haue beene handled in the gene∣rall. Briefly therefore of these as time will giue leaue.

The 1. thing then, which in these particulars I note is, that the Apostle would haue them to haue the same loue, the same I say, in respect of the obiect, that they should loue the same things, the same Church, the same Gospell, the same truth euen as we say that they haue the same faith, who belieue in the same Christ. Hence then I obserue, that if we will be like minded, and walke as becommeth the Gospell of Christ, the•• must we loue the same things in the Lord, not one one thing and another an other thing, but the same things, as simply the same things. For we may loue the same things, and yet be f•••• from that loue of the same things which becommeth vs, as namely, if we loue the same delights of the flesh, the same sins or corruptions whatsoeuer; but the same things in the Lord and in the loue whereof hee is delighted, and well pleased. Thus it is commaunded vs euery where in the booke of God that we all loue the same God, the same truth, the same meanes of our saluation in Christ, and generally the same things whatsoeuer they be that belong vnto our peace. And the reason of it is plaine. For where one loues one thing, and another another thing; as for example, one Christ, and ano∣ther Antichrist, when one hateth that which another loueth; where euery man loues that which himselfe liketh, and scarce two loue the same things, what loue can there be, nay what distractions must there not needes be, nay what desolation are not likely to ensue? In the Church of Corinth they loued not the same things, but one loued this man, another that ma••

and what dissentions bred it in that Church? In our neighbor kingdome of France they loue not the same things, but one sort loue the light of the word, another sort loue darkenesse better then light, and what bloud hath it shedde in that king¦dome? Amongst our selues we loue not the same things in the Lord, but one sort loue their pleasures, another sort their profits, another sort their promotions, the fewest sort the things that they should loue, and what but a iudgement like∣ly to ensue?

Nay beloued here is the miserie, and like to be the ruine of our Land, in our Land wee loue not the same things in the Lord, but we loue too many of vs that man of sinne, and the poysoned cuppes of the fornications of that whore, and too few of vs the simplicitie of the truth of Christ Iesus, to speake plainely we loue too many of vs the Pope and his marchan∣dize, and too few of vs Christ and his truth, we speake not the ••anguage of Canaan, but halfe in the speach of Ashdod, and halfe in the language of Canaan. Hereupon it is that Pope and his adherents conceiue courage against vs to subdue vs and our Land, and to make vs a prey vnto their teeth.

Beloued, if we will not for the loue of the Lord, and be∣cause the holy Ghost hath commanded vs, yet for the loue of our owne liues, and that we be not made a prey vnto our enemies, let vs loue the same truth of Christ Iesus, and gene∣rally the same things in the Lord. Let vs no longer halt be∣tweene God and Baal, Christ and Antichrist, religion and su∣perstition; but with religious hearts let vs loue the same truth, the same God, the same things in the Lord, that some may be ••ike minded according to Christ Iesus.

The 2. thing which in these particulars I note is, that the Apostle would haue the Philippians to be of one accord, i. to ••gree in their wils and desires touching euery thing that is good, belong it vnto religion, or vnto ciuill life and conuersa∣••ion. Whence I obserue another necessarie dutie for vs that we be like minded, and walke as becommeth the Gospell of Christ, and that is, that we agree in our wills and desires in the Lord, that vnitie and concord amongst vs bee preserued and maintained. To agree in mischiefe we are ready enough, nei∣ther

neede we any to moue vs thereunto. For, as it is in the Prophet, If we see a theefe we consent vnto him, and we are parta∣kers with the adulterers, we runne with the wicked to doe euill, and we easily ioyne hands with the wicked and vngodlie. But to bee of one accord in the Lord we are not so easily drawne, albeit this be the agreement that the holy Ghost requireth of vs, and commendeth vnto vs. Behold, saith the Prophet, how good and ioyfull a thing it is brethren to dwell together in vnity, i. to liue together in that concord, and good agreement which is ac∣ceptable to the Lord. And the more to shew the precious worth of holy agreement amongst the sonnes of God, be like∣neth it vnto the oyntment prescribed for Aaron, which was so sweete that when Aaron was annointed therewith, the smell of it was most pleasant vnto all that were by. And euen so sweete and pleasant a thing it is to see brethren to be of one ac∣cord in the Lord. This is that which is commended in the faithfull in the Acts, that they were of one heart, and of one soule agreeing in their mindes, wills, desires, and affections. And where this agreement in the Lord is not, there the Lord is not.

And yet in matters wherein wee differ one from an other, how hardly are we brought to bee of one accord in the Lord? If we differ in matters of religion, either we will not vouchsafe one to talke with an other in them, or if we doe, we will be sure to set that downe with our selues, that howsoeuer wee be con∣uinced, yet we wil neuer yeeld to agree with them that would perswade vs. We haue too too lamentable experience of it. For when we talk with them that are popishly affected, though they be conuinced, yet will they not yeelde to agree with vs. Likewise if we differ in matters of ciuill life, how hardly are we brought one to yeeld vnto another, and all to agree on that which is most euidently good? Nay if wee haue once taken a stitch against it, we will neuer agree to it whatsoeuer come of it. But beloued, this becommeth not the Gospell of Christ. If we will walke worthy of Christ, let vs be like minded, ha∣uing the same loue, being of one accord.

The 3. thing which I note is, that the Apostle would haue them to bee of one iudgement, i. to agree in one truth of Christ Iesus. Whence I obserue a threefold necessarie dutie

for vs, that we be like minded, and walke as becommeth the Gospell of Christ, and that is, that wee agree in one truth of Christ Ie∣••us, euen in that truth which the Prophets and Apostles haue ••aught vs. All agreement without this is but disagreement. This alone knits the knot of good agreement. Let our aduer∣saries looke how they agree in this, in those manifold positi∣ons which they maintaine besides and repugnant vnto this.

Notes

• Gal. 1.6.
• 1 Cor. 13.9.
• 1 Ioh. 1.8.
• ver. 10.
• Eph. 5.27.
• Ro. 12.16.
• 1 Cor. 1.10.
• 2 Cor. 13.11.
• Rom. 15.5.
• Eph. 4.5.
• Ioh. 17.21.
• Phil. 3.16.
• Bez. epist. 5.
• Vide Par. in Iren. cap. 26.
• Psal. 50.
• Ps 133.1.
• Ex. 30.23.
• Act. 4.32.