Theologicall questions, dogmaticall observations, and evangelicall essays, vpon the Gospel of Jesus Christ, according to St. Matthew Wherein, about two thousand six hundred and fifty necessary, and profitable questions are discussed; and five hundred and eighty speciall points of doctrine noted; and five hundred and fifty errours confuted, or objections answered: together with divers arguments, whereby divers truths, and true tenents are confirmed. By Richard VVard, sometimes student in the famous vniversities of Cambridge in England: St. Andrews in Scotland: and Master of Arts of both the kingdoms; and now a preacher in the famous city of London.

[Vers. 3, 4, 5, &c.] VERS. 3. &c. And he spake many things unto them in Parables, saying; B hol••, a sower went forth to sow: And when he sowed, some seeds fell by the wayes side; and some fell upon stonie places; and some fell among thornes; and some fell into good ground.

[Sect. 1] §. 1. He spake unto them in Parables.

[Quest.] WHy doth our Saviour speake in Parables?

[Answ. 1] First, that the truth may bee hid from those, who are unwor∣thy; according to that, Mat. 7.6. Give not holy things to dogs.

[Answ. 2] Secondly, that thereby occasion may be offe∣red to those who are studious, and desirous to know the truth, to exercise their wits, or to in∣quire the more diligently into the heart, and depth of the thing propounded.

[Answ. 3] Thirdly, that we may learne to understand di∣vine, and spirituall things, by corporall, and sen∣sible. Carthus. s. pag. 116 6.

[Sect. 2] §. 2. Some fell by the wayes side, some in stony places, some among the thornes, and some in good ground.

Our Saviour in this Parable shewes, that both formall, and faithfull Professors heare the word; and that both bring forth some fruits thereof.

Hence a question, or two may be moved, viz.

[Quest. 1] What things are common to the Hypocrite, and sincere Professors; or what fruits of reli∣gion may an Hypocrite doe, and what not?

First, they may have a certaine understanding [Answ. 1] of some divine truths, but they ca not know it effectually; for commonly they come without affection, and goe away without care. And there∣foreⁱ we must take heed, lest we deceive our selvs, and our owne soules, in a bare profession, and light knowledge of the word; and that we hear it with zeale, and depart with care and profit.

II. We must beware of the great subtilty of Sathan, who (like aswift, & ravenous bird) steal∣eth the word out of unprepared hearts, or as theeves use to take away whatsoever they find loose; or carelesly laid up.

Secondly, hypocrites, and carnall hearers, [Answ. 2] may have some kind of delight in the hearing of the word, and a glinse of the life to come; but it is like to a blaze of a fire, and is neither lasting, nor firme, Psal. 4.7. whereas the joy of the godly is solid and sound, and far above that which the worldly man hath in gold & silver, Psal. 119.33, 34. And II. the wickeds delight ariseth from a wrong end and motive; as to satisfie some hu∣morous desire; to know something more then other, &c. whereas the joy of the godly, is to know further, to the end they may practise more.

Thirdly, hypocrites may have some care to keepe that they have heard, and yet the thornes [Answ. 3] of covetousnesse, and worldly delights, may o∣vergrow the good seed, and make it unfruitfull: And therefore beware of covetousnesse, and all carnall delights.

[Answ. 4] Fourthly, carnall Professors, or wicked men (by meanes of the word) may bee brought to confesse their faults, Exod. 9.29.

[Answ. 5] Fifthly, they may be pricked, and wounded in their consciences, with a terrour of rheir sinnes, Act. 24.25.

[Answ. 6] Sixt. they may be sorry for them, 1 Sa. 24.17.

[Answ. 7] Seventhly, they may doe many things that are commanded them, as Herod did, Marke 6, 20.

[Answ. 8] Eighthly, they may desire to die the death of the righteous; as Balaam did, Numb. 23.10. And all these onely for feare of judgement. Whereas the godly confesse their sinnes, and are stricken with remorse, and sorrow for them; because thereby they have offended a living God, and gracious Father, 2 Cor. 7.10. yea, they endea∣vour not to doe some things, but all, which they are commanded, (Psalme 119.6.) desiring the salvation of their soules for this end, that there∣by they may glorifie God, Philip. 1.20.

[Quest. 2] How, or by what signes may an hypocriti∣call hearer be discerned, or knowne?

[Answ. 1] First, he is quicke-sighted abroad, but blind at home; he will endeavour to pull out another mans mote, and yet sees not his owne beame. Now on the contrary, the sincere hearer thinkes himselfe (with Paul) to be the greatest of sinners, and the least of the Apostles.

[Answ. 2] Secondly, the hypocrite is full of himselfe, and wants nothing, and trusteth unto himselfe; like Paul, who was alive without the Law. Now the intire hearer feares himselfe, and doubts the deceit of his owne heart.

[Answ. 3] Thirdly, the hypocrite is an unconstant man, (Omnium horarum homo) Iames 1.8. But the righ∣teous is constant, or if by chance he be drawne unwillingly from his right course, like the Ada∣mant, hee never rests untill hee come unto the North.

[Answ. 4] Fourthly, the hypocrite onely purgeth the out-side of the Platter, Matth. 23.15. but the righteous man taketh his heart to taske, and la∣bours to cleanse that, Ierem. 4.14. And there∣fore if wee desire to know, whether we are for∣mall, or faithfull hearers, let us examine,

I. Whether wee see more faults in others, or in our selves.

II. Whether wee are full, and abounding with all things, or whether we be poore, naked, or miserable?

III. Whether we bee constant, or unconstant in the practise of Religion?

IV. Whether we are carefull only to keep the outward man unblameable, or the inward also.