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. ...

LECTVRE LXVII.

PHILIP. 3. Verse 17.

Brethren, be followers of mee, and looke on them which walke so as yee haue vs for an ensample. For many walke &c.

NOw the Apostle goeth forward, and hauing before proposed his owne example vnto the Philippians, thereby both to instruct their vnderstanding in matters of doctrine, and likewise to stirre them vp vnto all holy desires in the whole course of their life, now he exhorteth them to follow his example, and the example of such as he is, that in him they may haue a patterne to rectifie their iudgements in the truth, and to follow after Christian perfection in all holy conuersation of their life. Here then first wee haue the Apostles exhortation vnto the Philippians; secondly, certaine reasons to moue them to hearken vnto his exhortation. The exhortation in these words, Brethren, &c. The reasons in the verses following vnto the end of the chap∣ter.

His exhortation consisteth of two parts: first, that the Philippians would be followers of him;* 1.1 neither doth the word simply signifie followers, but that they would bee followers ••ogether of him. Which may haue a double meaning, either ••hat they would all with one mind, and with one heart iointly ••ogether follow his example, or else that as other Churches which hee had planted in the faith followed his example, so ••hey likewise together with them would follow his example Howsoeuer that be meant, it is cleere that the Apostle would haue the Philippians to looke at him, and as they had heard him to be minded, and seene him to walke, so he would haue ••hem to follow him in wholesomenesse of doctrine, and inte∣gritie of life. Hee knew that examples, as ordinarily they are wont to doe with men, might much preuaile with them. Lest therefore they should happily be drawne away by the exam¦••ples of the false teachers, hauing it may be a greater shew of holinesse in their life then they had soundnesse of iudgement in the truth, he draweth them vnto his owne example, and exhorteth them to be followers of him. The second part of his exhortation is, that they would follow the example of them that were like vnto him, being so minded towards the truth as he was, and walking so in holy conuersation of life as he did. For vnto the former part of his exhortation, that they should be followers of him, there might happily exception be taken, that he was much absent from them, that hee was now in prison, that it was hard to tie them to the imitation of one man, to one mans example. Hee doth not therefore tie them to the imitation of himselfe alone, but hauing exhorted them to be followers of him, he saith,* 1.2 and looke on them with a di∣ligent eye vnto them, as vnto the marke whereat yee shoot, which walke so, so soundly grounded in the truth, and so ear∣nestly endeuouring after Christian perfection in this life, as yee haue vs for an ensample, in whose doctrine is nothing but pure, in whose life is nothing but holy. So that he allowes them to follow the example of other then himselfe, but with all hee doth not leaue it vnto their choice to follow whom they will, but markes them out what manner of men they should chuse for examples to follow, namely such as were like

him, and such as of whom they might truly say, he walke; so hee embraceth the same truth, and ordereth his whole life as our Apostle did. The summe then of his exhortation is as i•• he had thus said, Brethren, ye haue heard and know how I am minded towards the truth, and how I follow hard towards perfection in my life. Bee yee followers of mee in both these things, and walke so as yee haue mee for an ensample Nei∣ther doe I tie you only to my selfe to follow mee, but looke who they are that walke so, shewing themselues an ensample of good workes, with vncorrupt doctrine, with grauitie, inte∣gritie, and with the wholesome word which cannot be repro∣ued, as yee haue mee for an ensample; and looke diligently on them, and follow them as they follow mee, and both of vs Christ. Which being the meaning of these words in this ex∣hortation, let vs now further see what notes wee may gather hence for our vse and instruction.

The first thing which I note is, that the Apostle would haue the Philippians to follow the example not of whomsoeuer each man in his priuate fancie did best like of, but of him, and of such others as walked so as they had him for an ensample Whence I obserue, that in the course of our Christian walk∣ing wee are to follow the example of such as by their holy walking shew plainly that they haue beene brought vp in the schoole of Christ, and that they are the faithfull children of God. An ordinary thing it is for men to looke at the example of others, and so to walke as they haue others for example: for the example of others going before vs is a great induce∣ment vnto vs to doe the like, whether the thing be good or euill. Wee see the manifold examples of holy men mentio¦ned in the holy word of God, euen so many and so diuers, as that whether wee looke for direction in the generall course of Christianitie, or in the particular calling wherein wee are pla∣ced, we cannot want multitude of examples to direct vs. And wherefore hath the holy Ghost set them downe but for our vse, that wee might so walke as wee haue then: for examples: For,* 1.3 as the Apostle saith, whatsoeuer things were written afore∣time, were written for our learning. The Prince in Iosiah, the Counsellor in Hushai, the rich man in Abraham, the poore

man in the Shunamite, the great Officers of great men in the ••unuch of Candaces the Queene of Ethiopia,* 1.4 the captiue in ••aniel and the three children, the banished in Ioseph, the affli∣••••ed in body or goods in Iob, the souldier in Cornelius, the mer∣••hant in those merchants that holpe to build the wals of Ieru∣••••lem, the artificer in those that wrought in the worke of the ••emple, the husbandman and those that are occupied about ••••ttell, in Noah and the Patriarkes, women in Sara and those ••••at are mentioned in the Acts, the Magistrate in Moses and ••osua, the Ministers of Christ in the Apostles of Christ, haue ••otable examples after which they may walke, and be directed 〈◊〉〈◊〉 their seuerall Christian duties. No course of life, no state of ••alling, no condition of either sex, but may haue examples in ••••e word for all holy direction in euery holy course. And if ••ee looke euen into our owne times wherein wee liue, we shall ••ot heare of that dutie enioyned vnto vs, but wee shall heare 〈◊〉〈◊〉 see those that haue to their high praise both with God and ••en performed it before vs. This then wee must know, that ••••ese examples both old and new are in this manner set before ••ur eyes to the end that wee might be lead thereby vnto those Christian duties which the Lord our God requireth at our ••ands which make profession of his glorious Gospell. For of his we may be sure, that if the multitude of holy examples ••herewith we are beset, shall not preuaile with vs to doe the ••••ke, they shall assuredly be so many witnesses against vs to ••he increasing of our condemnation.

Now herewithall we must note, that the life of such holy ••aints of God as either haue liued before vs, or doe now pre∣••ently liue with vs is not, nor may be any certaine or perpetu∣••ll rule vnto vs of religion, piety, or Christian life. For none ••f all the Saints of God, were they neuer so holy, neuer so ••eare in Gods sight, but they haue had their blemishes in their ••••ues budding out of that naturall corruption which they ••rew from the loynes of our first Parents. Noah that preacher ••f righteousnesse is noted for drunkenesse: lust Lot with in∣••est: Abraham the father of the faithfull with lying: Isaac the ••eed promised by God with the same fault: Iacob that wrested ••ith God and preuailed with the same fault: Ioseph preserued

from many dangers by Gods prouidence with prophane swearing: Moses vnto whom God spake face to face with mur∣muring: Dauid a man after Gods owne heart with murther & adulterie: Peter with denying his Master Christ: Paul with boasting of his reuelations: Iames and Iohn with ambition: and the like is to be said of all other the Saints of God: none that may not iustly be noted with some blemish in their life: so that none of all their examples may be vnto vs the rule of our life. Onely the word which is a lanthorne vnto our fee••e and a light vnto our steppes is the rule of our life. All exam∣ples of men if they be looked into wilbe found too crooked to make a straight-rule. Onely the example of Christ Iesus both God and man is without all exception a perfect exam∣ple, all whose actions are our instructions, and whose whole life is a thorow direction for our whole life.

In the imitation then and following of the Saints of God, to make an holy vse thereof, wee must obserue these rules. 1. That we do not otherwise follow the example of them then they follow the example of Christ. So the Apostle teacheth vs where he saith,* 1.5 be ye followers of me euen as I am of Christ. I•• then Paul be exalted through the abundance of Reuelations, wheras Christ hath taught vs to be meeke and lowly in heart; or if Peter denie his Master whereas Christ hath told vs that whosoeuer denieth him before men he will also denie him be∣fore his father which is in heauen, here we must leaue Peter and Paul, and follow our Master Christ. Him we must alwaies follow, and Peter and Paul, and other of Gods Saints as they follow him, but not otherwise. If they be feruent in loue as Christ was, meeke and lowly in heart as Christ was, patient in trouble as Christ was, ready to forgiue as Christ was, bee ear∣nest in praier as Christ was, if they go about his busines that sent them as Christ did, in these and the like wherein they follow Christ we are to follow them. The 2. rule to be obser∣ued in the imitation of the Saints of God, that wee follo•• them no in things peculiarly belonging vnto them, but in the things which they did as Christians. For so to follow Christ Iesus himselfe in the things which peculiarly belong vnto himselfe were very absurd; as to follow him in fasting fortie

daies and fortie nights, in walking vpon the seas, in causing ••e surging waues to cease with his word, in cleansing the Lea∣••ers, raising the dead, and the like whereby he shewed him∣••elfe to be the true Messias. And so likewise to follow Abra∣••am in offering vp of his sonne Isaac, to follow Moses in smi∣••••ng the stonie rocke that waters may runne in drie places, to ••••llow the Apostles in preaching from city to city and not to ••••ttle in any one place were an imitation so foolish as that it ••ould want all ground of reason and warrantize. And there∣••ore when Iames and Iohn said vnto Christ, wilt thou that wee ••ommand that fire come downe from heauen as Elias did?* 1.6 Christ rebuked them and said, ye know not of what spirit yee are: 〈◊〉〈◊〉 if he should haue said, Elias did so indeed, but ye are not ••erein to follow Elias. We are therefore to obserue what they ••id by peculiar office, authoritie, or commandement, and ••ot to labour to follow them therein, and what they did gene∣••ally as Christians, and therein to follow them as they fol∣••ow Christ.

The 3. rule to be obserued in the imitation of the Saints ••f God is, that in earnest desire to be like vnto them we resem∣••le as neere as we can such holy actions of faith towards God, ••nd loue towards all Saints as they were most renowned for. For to eate and drinke, to talke and walke, to borow and lend, and the like which nature teacheth are no actions of imitati∣on, but to loue one another as Dauid and Ionathan did, to re∣deeme our owne peace and quietnesse with some losse as A∣braham did, to be faithfull in the Lords house as Moses was, ••o cloth the naked, to feed the hungry, to iudge the fatherlesse and widow as Iob did, to delight in the Law of the Lord, and to exercise our selues therein day and night as Dauid did, to serue the Lord with fasting and praier as Anna did, to sit down at Iesus feete and heare his preaching as Mary did, to restore with vantage that which was taken by forged cauillation as Zaccheus did, these and such like are the actions wherein wee should earnestly desire to resemble the Saints of God as neere as we can. And if we marke it, in the places where we are pre∣cisely exhorted to follow the example of the Saints of God we are exhorted to follow them in these and the like things, as

in beleeuing that faith is imputed vnto vs for righteousnesse as it was to Abraham,* 1.7 in suffering affliction for Christ his sake, in not seeking priuate profit, but the profit of many that they may be saued, in labouring carefully, and not walking inor∣dinately, in following after perfection Christianly, and em∣bracing the truth zealously as in this place of our Apostle. Moe rules I doubt not might be noted, but these being ob¦serued we shall make an holy vse of following the example of the Saints of God in the whole course of our life.

But if we do consider what holy vse we make of such exam∣ples of the Saints of God as either haue beene or are, it will appeare that many of vs make little or no benefit at all of them. For not to speake of great Princes, and Councellors, whom it were to be wished that they were like vnto good Io∣sias, and faithfull Hushai, our rich men doe they not more re∣semble that rich man in the Gospell, that was clothed richly, and fared delicately euery day, but neuer regarded poore La∣zarus that lay at his gate full of sores begging some crummes that fell from his table,* 1.8 then Abraham? The poorer sort doe they not more resemble those foure Lepers that first entred into one Tent and spoyled it,* 1.9 and then into another and spoyled it, then the good Shunemite? Our Artificers and Trades-men do they not more resemble Demetrius and his company mentioned in the Actes that made more account of their gaine,* 1.10 and of their bellies then of Paul, of the Preacher, or of the preaching of the word, then those that wrought in the worke of the Temple? Our Countrey-men and they that are occupied about their cattle and their grounds, do they not more resemble those that could not discerne betweene their right-hand and their left-hand, that had no knowledge in the waies of God,* 1.11 or the things that belonged vnto their peace, then Noah, or the Patriarches? Our Magistrates doe they not more resemble those of whom Salomon speaketh,* 1.12 that when they rise vp men hide themselues, when they beare rule the people sigh, then Moses, or Iosua? Our Ministers do not they resemble more those, of whom the Apostle saith, that they sought their owne,* 1.13 and not that which was Iesus Christs, than the Apostles of Christ? Surely so it fareth with too too many

that they are more like the worst then the best. For if it be so ••••at happily we doe looke at the examples of the Saints of ••od, what do we? For examples of the Saints of God menti∣••ned in the word of God, either we say that they are onely to ••e wondred at but not to be imitated, or else we follow them 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the things wherein we ought not. If Samson say,* 1.14 as they did ••••to me so haue I done vnto them, by and by we perswade our ••••lues that we may lawfully be reuenged of our enemies. If ••lisha curse them that mocke him euen vnto the death,* 1.15 and tearing 〈◊〉〈◊〉 pieces by beares, by and by we think we haue a good defence ••r vs if we curse those that wrong vs euen vnto hell. And if Moses or Ieremie draw backe the shoulder when the Lord cals ••••em, by and by we thinke we may be excused if we doe not ••••waies hearken when the Lord doth call vs to this or that ••utie. And so likewise in the rest: either we thinke them on∣•••• to be admired but not to be imitated, or if we doe imitate ••••em it is either in the things that wee should not, or as we ••ould not, only looking vnto some thing which they did, ••••t not considering the manner, or the cause, or some other ••••rcumstance of doing that they did, or that they sinned in ••••at they did.

Againe for examples of such of Gods Saints as liue among ••s, and whose practise we may see daily before our eyes when ••••e are told of them, wee scorne that their actions should bee residents for vs to follow; yea such is our corruption that of∣••entimes we are not ashamed to say, doe such and such men ••••uour such a godly work, further such an holy action, coun∣••enance such a religious exercise, we will hinder it, wee will ••rosse it, we will crush it, or else we will take the foyle: nay to ••et them see and know how little we care to be like them, doth ••••a•• king when there should be mourning for the heauie hand ••f God vpon vs grieue them, doth swearing, and prophaning ••f the Lords day grieue them, we will doe these things the ra∣••her to despise them. If they be men fearing God, eschewing ••ui••l, and doing the thing that is good we will haue some ex∣••eption against them wherefore wee will not follow their ex∣••mple And commonly we will brand them with the name of ••ustere and precise men, and then will we be so farre from fol∣lowing

their example as that wee will both crosse what good they intend if we can, and besides wee will grieue them either by our selues or others as much as we can. This is the vse that generally we make either of old or new examples, past or present.

But beloued it should be farre otherwise as already we haue heard. Yea a great cause it should be vnto vs of thankfulnesse vnto our God for his great mercie towards vs, in that he hath vouchsafed to beset vs with so many old and new examples of his holy Saints, whereby we might be drawne to walke in such an holy course as they walked. Let vs therefore be thankfull vnto our God for them, and to testifie our thankefulnesse let vs alwaies remember them, and in our liues follow the holy practise of them. For, for that purpose were they written which are commended in holy Scripture vnto vs. And as I told you let vs be sure of this that if the multitude of holy examples past and present wherewith we are compassed shall not preuaile with vs to be followers of them, they shall most vndoubtedly be so many witnesses against vs to the encrea∣sing of our iust condemnation. Thus much of this note.

The 2. thing which I note is from the person of him that exhorted the Philippians, which was Paul their Apostle, who had taught them the truth in Christ Iesus, and had wa••ked in all holy conuersation amongst them. Whence I obserue that the Ministers of Christ are not onely to teach the truth of Christ Iesus with vncorrupt doctrine, with grauitie, integrity, and with the wholesome word which cannot be reproued, but withall to be such examples vnto their flockes as that they may say with the Apostle, Be ye followers of me, and of such 〈◊〉〈◊〉 walke so as ye haue me for an example. This our Apostle required of Timothie,* 1.16 where he said vnto him, Let no man despise thy youth, but be vnto them that beleeue an ensample in word, in con∣uersation, in loue, in spirit, in faith, and in purenesse. And likewise of Titus where he said,* 1.17 aboue all things shew thy selfe an ensample of good workes with vncorrupt doctrine, with grauitie, integr•••••• and with the wholesome word which cannot be reproued, that hee which withstandeth may be ashamed, hauing nothing concerning yo•• to speake euill of. And that which the Apostle required of Ti∣••othy

and Titus, and in them of all the Ministers of Christ, ••••at the Apostle requireth of all, where he saith,* 1.18 feed the flocke 〈◊〉〈◊〉 God which dependeth vpon you, caring for it not by constraint but ••illingly, not for filthy lucre but of a ready minde, not as though yee ••ere Lords ouer Gods heritage, but that ye may be ensamples to the ••••••cke. And this the very names giuen vnto them in the holy ••cripture requireth of them, in that they are called a citie set 〈◊〉〈◊〉 a hill, that is looked vnto farre and neere, lights that must ••ine before men by good workes, shepheards that must feed 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the word, and by example, guides that must direct by the ••holesome word of truth, and by holinesse of life, watchmen ••••at must not faile to giue warning both by doctrine, and by ••fe &c. Yea the diuersitie of the dispositions of their flock re∣••uireth this of them. For though Lydia attend vnto the ••••ings which Paul speakes, and hearing beleeueth, though ••••me receiue instruction by hearing the holy word of life, yet ••ust they generally be drawne on both by the wholesome ••ord, and by example of an holy life, or else they will profit ••ut little, or nothing at all. For so it is generally that the Mi∣••isters life and behauiour is regarded as much, if not more, as ••••is doctrine. And doth not reason it selfe require, that as the ••nowledge of Gods will is first reuealed vnto them, and by ••heir ministerie vnto the people, so they should bee the first ••nd most forward in the execution of euery Christian duty, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the end that it may appeare that they teach others no ••ourse of life, but that which they themselues do with all care∣••••lnesse walke in? yes surely, both precept, and the names ••iuen vnto them, and the nature of them that are to be instru∣••ted, and reason it selfe requireth this of Christ his Ministers ••hat they feed the flocke of God which dependeth on them ••oth by the holy word of truth, and likewise by holy exam∣••le of life. And doing thus, their example of life of all o¦••hers that liue with vs ought to be followed. The sheepe of ••ll others ought to heare their Pastors voice, and they that are ••o be led in the way are to follow of all others them that are ••ppointed to be their Guides, when their shepheards & their Guides shine as holy lights before them, and hold out the word of life vnto them.

Exception I know will easily be taken, and I wi••h it might not iustly be taken, but it will bee excepted and said, that if Ministers were such as now we speake of, yee would follo•• them, and walke as ye had them for an ensample. But how few such Ministers be there? How many bee there that are both wicked in life, and vnable to teach? How many be there of those that doe teach that though they can speake smoothly and finely, as they thinke, yet do more hurt by their lewd and wicked example of life in one yeare, then their doctrine 〈◊〉〈◊〉 doe good in their whole life? True it is, the complaint is too iust of too many: and better it had beene they had beene sti∣fled in their cradles then thus they should haue opened men•• mouthes against them to the scandall of their calling. For though they shall say in that day, Lord, Lord, haue wee not prophecied in thy name: for I let the lewd and vnlearned beasts go, and leaue them to their iudgement that runne be∣fore they be sent: though I say they shall say in that day, Lord▪ Lord haue we not prophecied and preached in thy name, y•••• shall it be said vnto them,* 1.19 I neuer knew you, depart from me, ye•• that worke iniquitie. Whatsoeuer they preached, if they wrought iniquitie, they shall not be able to stand in the iudge∣ment, nor in the congregation of the righteous.

But, beloued, it standeth you vpon to looke vnto it ho•• iust your exception is against his life whose doctrine is sound. For oftentimes the Ministers of Christ which teach the truth purely are charged to offend in example of life, when as in truth their life is no way to bee reproued. But admit that his life be not answerable to his teaching: this should be no rea∣son for thee to giue lesse credit or obedience to the doctrine of truth which he deliuereth. For our Sauiour hath taught thee to hearken vnto him if he sit in Moses seate,* 1.20 and to doe as he saith, though thou may not doe as he doth, if hee say well, and doe not accordingly. It is his doctrine not his life that thou must looke vnto. O but thou wilt say why should I beleeue him, or doe as he saith when he doth cleane contra∣rie himselfe: surely that which he saith is but for fashions sake he knoweth some neerer way to heauen then he tels vs of, else he would neuer doe cleane contrary, and therefore th••••

••ilt venture aswell as he, and doe as he doth how bad soeuer 〈◊〉〈◊〉 be. Well, dally as thou list in a matter of no dalliance. If ••hen he saith well and doth ill thou care not what he say, but ••o as he doth, thy bloud shall be required at his hands, but ••••ou shalt die in thy sinnes: and see thou what thou hast gai∣••ed by thy dalliance. I wish indeed that no such exception ••••uld iustly be taken against the doctrine or life of any in the ••inisterie. For certainely such as both by the wholesome ••ord, and by an holy life preach vnto the people be the holy Ministers whose labours are found fruitfull. But if their life 〈◊〉〈◊〉 not agreeable to their teaching, doe ye take heed how ye ••eglect the word of saluation preached and taught vnto you. ••nd they whomsoeuer the Lord hath blessed with such Tea∣••••ers as go in and out before them in soundnesse of doctrine, ••••d holinesse of life, let them take heede how they follow 〈◊〉〈◊〉 their example, and hearken vnto their voice. If yee shall ••osely and cunningly seeke their disturbance, to withdraw our selues from the light and easie yoke of hearkening vnto ••••em, and following them, your iudgement shall bee iust ••hatsoeuer it shall be. But blessed shall ye be if ye hearken ••••to their voice, and so walke as yee haue them for an ••••sample.

Notes

• * 1.1

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.
• * 1.2

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.
• * 1.3

  Rom. 15.4.
• * 1.4

  Act. 17.
• * 1.5

  1 Cor. 11.1.
• * 1.6

  Luc. 9.54.55.
• * 1.7

  Rom. 4.23 1 Cor 4.16.11.1. 2 Thes. 3.8.
• * 1.8

  Luc. 16.
• * 1.9

  2 Reg. 7.8.
• * 1.10

  Act. 19.24
• * 1.11

  Ionah. 4.11.
• * 1.12

  Pro. 29.2.
• * 1.13

  Phil. 2.21.
• * 1.14

  Iud. 15.11.
• * 1.15

  2 Reg. 2.24.
• * 1.16

  1. Tim. 4.12
• * 1.17

  Tit. 2.7.8.
• * 1.18

  1 Pet. 5.2.3.
• * 1.19

  Mat. 7.23.
• * 1.20

  Mat. 23.3.