A practicall commentary, or an exposition with observations, reasons, and vses upon the first Epistle generall of John by ... John Cotton ...

1 JOHN 2.19.

They went out from us, but they were not of us, for if they had been of us, no doubt they would have continued with us, &c.

THe Apostle, Vers. 18. had instructed Babes of the coming of Antichrist, now in this Verse he first discribes them;

1 By their Apostacy, they went out from us:

2 Their condition before, They were not of us, he amplifies both, the latter he proves by an Argument, They were not of us, for if they had been of us, they would have continued with us.

The former he amplifies by the reason, why God gave them up to Aposta∣cie, which was, that these Seducers might be made manifest that they were not of us.

Q. 1. What is meant by this, They went out from us?

A. 1. They departed from their Doctrin in Judgment, and from their Fel∣lowship in Practise.

Acts 2.42. Now these men departed from both, they forsook the truth which before they profest, 2 Joh. 9. and not in circumstantial points, but in such, whereby they denyed both the Father and the Son, as verse 22. 1 Tim. 1.19.

2 In their fellowship, they declined from them in communion of Ordinan∣ces, and mutual help, Heb. 10.25.

They went out from (us) from whom? who are they from us? Apostles, and Ministers, from us, that is, from Old men, Young men, and Children, they went out from all the true Members of the Church.

They were not of us.

That is, they were never true members of our Body, they were with us, and amongst us, but they were never of us, 1 Joh. 4.4 5. as the Children of God are in the world, yet not of the world, their mindes are not on this world, their inheritance is not in this world; so on the contrary, the Children of the Church are in the Church, but not of the Church.

• Doct. 1. Some may be in the Church, which after do depart from the Church.
• Doct. 2. Such as do depart, were never Members of the Church.
• Doct. 3. Such as are Members, continue always in the Church.
• Doct. 4. Those that depart, manifest themselves, not to be of the Church.
• Doct. 5. This departing from the Church, is a note of Antichrist.

Doct. 1. There are some in the Church, which may depart from the Church.

That may leave the Doctrin, Fellowship, and Practise of the Church, Heb. 10.25. 2 Thes. 2.3. 1 Tim. 2.4.

Q. How comes it to pass that men in the Church, and in some measure affecting the ways of Religion, depart from the Church?

A. 1. This comes from want of thorow and entire fellowship with the Lord Jesus, for though they may have much joy and comfort in the Members of the Church, yet it is but a Land-flood, all that joy and grace may be dried up, un∣lesse they partake of that Fountain which never fails, and as the Lord told Sa∣muel, They have not rejected thee, but me they have rejected; so, see you any de∣parting from the Church, they departed from Christ, and union with him first, Dan. 11.34, 35. many cleave to him but feignedly, Heb. 12.13. when a man haults between falshood and truth, or God and his lusts, he will be turned out of the way.

2 From the stumbling-blocks they meet with, in

1 The Church, first persecution, Matth. 13.21. that makes some offen∣ded.

2 Hard Doctrin, Joh. 16.66. the Doctrin of Purity seems harsh Doctrin to them, so the Doctrin of Predestination offends some.

3 There fall out some admonitions, or reproofs to be dispenced to the Members of the Church; now if they come with proud unmortified spirits, they will be offended at them, and fly back again; this was the cause of Simon Magus his Apostacy, when Peter reproved him sharply, he could not brook it, but fell off, and set up a false Doctrin, and lying miracles, to subvert the Apostles Doctrin; some depart from others, because they think themselves more holy than others, Isa. 65.5. either they give offence to others, or others to them.

Ʋse Shews us our duty, not to rest our selves satisfied, in that we are Mem∣bers of the Church; we may live in the Church, and partake of the ordinances yet after fall off; therefore be sure that you give up your selves first to the Lord, and then to the Church, otherwise keeping any pride or covetousnesse in our hearts, it will make us fall off, pride will make us take offence at others, and others at us; and covetousnesse will make us fall off when we meet with perse∣cution, and losse of goods, and liberty, for Christ; therefore come with humble and mortified hearts, and give up your selves to Christ, and then you shall not easily give offence to others, and will be content to part with any thing for Christ, and so will continue Members of the Church.

Doct. 2 Such as depart from the Church, were never Members of the Church.

They were not of us, that is, of the Apostles, nor of us, that is, of such whose sins are forgiven them, either old men, or young, or Children.

Q. What is the Church, or who are the Church?

1 The Church is called a company of Saints, because they are holy in heart and practice, 1 Cor. 14 13. 1 Cor. 1.2.

2 The Church is called an elect people.

3 They that are indeed of the Church, are such as shall be saved, Acts 2 ult. as all those that were in Noahs Ark were saved, so all those that are true Mem∣bers of the Church.

Grounds

1 From the near fellowship such have with the Catholique Church, and so certainly are of the number of the first born, written in heaven, Heb. 12.23. therefore Christ saith, all his sheep hear his voice, Joh. 10.2, 3, 4.16.27, 28. and none shall pluck them out of his hand. Those that are truly Members of the particular Church, are likewise Members of the Catholique; my finger which is a part of my hand, is a part of my whole body.

2 From the fellowship such have with the head Christ, all the true Mem∣bers receive nourishment from the head, Col. 2.18, 19. therefore they not hol∣ding to the head, fall into vain speculations; therefore those that depart from the head, fall from the Church, Ephes. 4.15, 16. and being knit to the head, they are joyned with such bands of the spirit, and bands of ordinances, that they all partake of one spirit, 1 Cor. 6.17. so 1 Cor. 12.13. 1 Cor. 10.6, 7. and so in all their prayers, they pray for the whole Church, Our Father, thy Will be done of us, we have a tender care of all the Church knit together in one Love, one Faith, one Hope, one Baptisme, so that those that are truly knit, cannot fall off.

Ʋse 1 To reprove an Error of the Romish Church, that do maintain that wicked men may be true Members of the Church, but we say that those that fall off, were never true Members of the Church, and yet they hold that many fall off, and yet were true Members, but they might indeed depart from their Church, but never from any true Church; if they do depart from the Church, they were never true Members of the Church, they were not of Christs sheep, for he will keep them that none of them shall fall off.

We say therefore that such were not true Members, but ill humors, and su∣perfluous excrements of the body, and therefore no wonder though they fell off. But you will say, some there are that continue faithfull friends to the Church, and never fall off from them; are there not some that are ornaments, and maintainers, and supporters of the Church, yet have no truth of Grace in their hearts, are not they Members of the Church?

They have the place of Members, but are not true Members, a glasse eye may be an ornament to the body, and a wooden Legg a support to the body, yet are no true Members, so such may be ornaments and supporters of the Church, yet no true Members, but as a glasse eye, or a wooden legge; these though they cleave to the body, yet they are not joyned by nerves and sinews, neither ani∣mated by the head, so these are not tyed to the Church by the spirit of God, or bond of Faith and Love, but some external ligaments, as honour, or profit in the Church.

Ʋse 2 It may teach us what to judge of such men as have been sometimes very forward and zealous Professors, but afterwards they sit loose from Religi∣on, and fall off from the Saints, and grow enemies to the Church, they were never true Members of the Church, Stella cadens, nunquam stella, cometa fuit, never any Star fell; the Church is compared to Heaven, Christians to Stars, when we think we see a Star fall, it is no Star, but a meteor drawn up by the heat of the Sun, which when the heat of the Sun is withdrawn, falsl, so if you see any Stars fall from the Church, they were some sluggish meteors, that by the heat of Gods ordinances were raised up and inflamed, but after the heat was a little dissolved, they fell away; if any fall, they were never any true Stars in heaven, but blazing meteors.

Ʋse 3 It may teach us, never to rest in any fellowship or society of the Church, till we are knit by the spirit to God and Christ, so that every ordinance knits you nearer to Christ, and to his Members, and every conference quickens your affection to the Church, and theirs to you; come not therefore to the Fellowship of the Church for custome or credit, or to satisfie friends, these are but as glasse eyes, and woden leggs; how little good will it be to that person that lives in the Church like a noysome humor, hurtful, and pricking the Church, troublesome to the Church and Members thereof? such a one is but an evil humor, and it were better it were cast out; nay content not your selves in being an ornament and supportance to the Church, liberal for any good use; and so Ministers, you must not rest in this, you are but as wooden leggs, and glasse eyes▪ and you lose by it, unlesse you draw juice and nourishment from the body by the spirit; rejoyce not therefore in this, that you cleave to the Church, and they to you; but rejoyce that you are of that number, whose names are written in heaven; rejoyce in this, that by the spirit and Faith, you are knit to Christ, rejoyce that you do any good office to the Church, not for any by-respect, but naturally.

Ʋse 4 Here is a direction to all societies, what society to follow, even the highest society, that is, even of the Church, the company of Saints; therefore if you would aspire to the best society, you must not be such as are noysome hu∣mors, hurtful one to another, such will break off, but be knit together in love, with one consent joyn together.

So for all Members of the Congregation, be doing good one to another, be knit together, you are all Members of the same Church, let no outward respect dis-joyn Members, you would think it a wofull thing, to see a convulsi∣on of the Members, one limb puld from another, so let no externall respect hinder fellowship, therefore contend not for your profit or ease, and so fall off from one another, but contend to be helpfull one to another, and grow up in love.

Ʋse 5 Of consolation to such as find their hearts knit to Christ by his or∣dinances, and one to another, this is good comfort; you shall never depart one from another, no true Member shall ever fall off, either from Christ, the

Church, or heaven, 1 Joh, 1.4.8. being one of the Church, and added to the Church, you are such a one as is appointed to salvation; they that are in Gods Tabernacle, shall one day dwell in his holy hill, Psal. 15. and he tells you what they are; they that are Members of the Church militant here, shall be Mem∣bers of the Church triumphant in heaven, your name is entred amongst the ge∣neral assembly of the first born, whose names are written in heaven.

Doct. Such as are true Members of the Church, do keep continual fellowship with the Church, and do never depart from the Church.

If they had been of us, that is, of our fellowship which is with the Father, they would have continued for ever with us, Psal. 125.1. They that trust in the Lord, shall be as mount Zion, which shall never be moved; God gives a man true fellowship with him by trusting in him, and such stand as a mountain, or rock, that cannot be removed, an the cause of it is, because God in a special manner protects them; Gods protection stands as an hill about him, so that none can climbe over God to come at them, 1 Tim. 2.19. The foundation of God stand∣eth sure, &c. the foundation, some take it for election, some for their faith, such a man doth set to his seal that the Lord is true.

Q. How comes it to passe that they always thus keep communion with Christ, and his members?

A. 1. They keep fellowship with Christ, from the nature of that Covenant which Christ makes with all Believers, it is opposed to a Covenant that may be broken, Jer. 31.31. to 35. so that this Covenant cannot be broken, where he opposeth this new Covenant to the first Covenant made with Adam, which he brake, but this cannot be broken, for what should break it but sin, but God will write his Law in their hearts, &c. and they shall not depart from him.

This Covenant is either exprest without condition, or else such a condition as he will give us power to perform, or else such a condition as Christ will per∣form for us, therefore cannot be broken.

Obj. Is it possible that any Covenant should be without condition? Is it not the nature of a Covenant, to have a condition on both parts?

A. It sometimes requires none, as Gen. 9. to 17. the Covenant God made with Noah, he made a Covenant never again to destroy the whole World by a flood, and yet there is no condition expressed on mans part, but all the world knows, that whatsoever the lives of men be, be their sins never so great, even as the sins of the Land, yet God will keep this Covenant with them, and not destroy the World by waters any more; now this Covenant of Grace is like∣ned to the Covenant he made with Noah, that as that Covenant was with∣out all conditions, so the Covenant of Grace that God makes with us, is ab∣solute without condition, so that he will remember us with everlasting mercy, Isa. 54.8, 9, 10. so that whosoever have made a Covenant with God to cleave to him in Christ, he will never cast them off, no more than he will drown the world.

2 Though he do require a condition, yet it 〈◊〉〈◊〉 such as he himself will perform, so that I shall never forfeit his Covenant, Jer. 32.40. God will never depart from them, I but we may depart from him; no, God will put his fear in our hearts, that we shall not depart from him, so that though God requires faith, and repentance, and obedience, yet he gives it to us, or else we have Christ as a Surety, that hath fulfilled all righteousnesse for us, Heb. 7.22. if therefore I, or my Surety pay, as he hath done here, no breach of Covenant can be made on our part, because Christ hath fulfilled all righteousnesse; so that though we be unfaithful and disobedient, yet Christ hath undertook for us.

2 From the Spiritual vigour, and efficacy of that Grace which the Lord gives to every true member of the Church, that Spirit which knits us to Christ and his Members, 1 Pet. 1.23. is an immortal seed, it is that spring which springs up unto everlasting life, Joh. 4.14.

Obj. True, if we drink, but we may cease drinking, and so thirst?

A. But then it should not differ from Jacobs Well, for as long as we drink of that we shall not thirst, but this is opposed to that, Heb. 10.39. he op∣poseth 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, so that whosoever draws back from Christ had never true faith.

Nay, this grace is exprest, as overcoming all the enemies of Salvation, Sa∣than, the World, and the Flesh, 1 Joh. 1.4. 1 Joh. 5.4. Rom. 6.14. Sin, that is, your corruption, shall not reign in you, it may be remanent, but not regnant, it may Tyranize over us, and lead us Captive, but it shall not carry us willingly, but it is a captivity to us very grievous and hard, and we strive to get loose from it, it may 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 but not 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 now if sin have once dominion over grace it should be superiour, which cannot be.

2 As they never depart from Christ, so they never depart from the Fellow∣ship of the Church.

Q. What may be the ground of it?

A. 1. From the sweetnesse of that grace, life, and power they have felt in the society of the Saints, sweeter than which they shall not find in any other com∣pany, or in a solitary condition, that sweetnesse which they have found in Christ, and his Ordinances, and his Members, will make them cleave close to them, and not depart from them, Joh. 6.66, 67. Whither shall we goe, thou hast the words of eternal life? where can we mend our selves, this is the House of God, and the Gate of Heaven, so that they intend to dwell here for ever, Psal. 84.1, 2, 3, 4. & 8, 9, 10. they find such sweetness and fulnesse in Gods House, that they had rather to be Door-keepers in Gods House, than to dwell in the Courts of Princes without, Heb. 11.26, 27. he that hath once seen Gods face in his Church, he regards not the wrath of men, and for the pleasure of the World, he accounts the very reproaches of the people of God to be sweeter, and if they be better and sweeter, what are the consolations and Pro∣mises, and Hopes of Gods people, the true Church of Christ that have found conjugal society with Christ, what should move them to turne aside to other companions, Cant. 1.6, 7, 8. therefore up to Jerusalem, and rest there, there you may find me, Psal. 16.3. My delight is in the Saints.

Q. If Christians cannot fall off, what needs there so many exhortations and threatnings to back-sliders? 1 Cor. 5.1, 2. 1 Cor. 10. Rom. 8.13.

A. These are not Arguments of Apostacy, but means of perseverance, they are as means to keep us from Apostacy, for he that hath appointed the end, hath appointed the means.

2 Though true Members cannot fall off, yet there are many Hypocrites that seem to have fellowship with the Church, and they may fall away.

Obj. This Doctrine breeds security, seeing they cannot fall off, what need they care how they live?

A, This is no doctrin of security but only to carnal men, for we shall find that no Christian is more careful to please God, and fearful to offend him, than those that have got most assurance of Gods love, and fellowship with Christ and his members, 2 Cor. 5.4. Gen. 39.19.

2 If Gods Children doe wax wanton, yet he hath means to scourge them soundly, though he doth not take away his loving kindnesse; and we say, though he cannot loose grace wholly, yet he may loose the strength of his grace. And Secondly, Corruption may grow strong; and Thirdly, He may loose all the comfort of his grace; Fourthly, he can make them meet with such afflictions from men as David did, though he cast him not out of Hea∣ven, yet out of his Kingdome, after he had committed murther and Adultery, he raised up his own Son to rebel against him; so that David saw the bitter∣nesse of his wantonness against Gods grace, As if a Phisitian should give a man such a Drugg, and say it will not only free you from your sicknesse, but also preserve you that you shall never dye; therefore should he say, What need I care what enemies I meet with, or what dyet I use? no, it implieth that he

must have a care of such things; so though God give us a Wel-spring of eter∣nal life, yet if you look not to your selves, but rush into danger, you may be so wounded and unsetled, and so terrifie your Consciences, that you shall feel the smart of your wantonnesse all your dayes.

Obj. Did not Lot depart from the fellowship of Abraham, and pitch his Tents in Sodom? Gen. 13.9. to 13.

A. 1. This was dangerous to Lot.

2 It was not without the consent of Abraham, and there was some neces∣sity of it, for they could not well live together, they had such great estates.

3 The church was not then in Congregations, but in Families, &c.

Obj. But what say you to the Ten Tribes, did not they renounce fellowship with the Church? 2 King. 12.16.

A. Herein they did reject the Covenant of Grace, and so had no fellow∣ship with the church.

Obj. Were there no good people there?

A. The good people of the Land left their possessions and went to Jerusa∣lem, with the Priests and Levites, 2 Chron. 11.13. to 17. so that rather then they would leave the Fellowship of the church, they would sell all that they had to purchase such a Pearl.

Ʋse 1. To reprove the errour of the Pelagians and Papists, that doe teach, that the true Members of the church may fall away, not onely for a time, but finally, and for ever, contrary to this Doctrine, for though they may be as or∣naments, or supports, yet they are no true members, for if they had been of us, they would have continued with us.

Ʋse 2. May shew us the wonderfull eminency of that Grace, and that Co∣venant that we have in Christ, above that grace and Covenant that Adam had, Adam had that Grace which he might keep, and he might loose, and that Co∣venant which he might breake, or not breake, but we have such grace as we cannot loose, and such a Covenant as we cannot break, so that true christians have no cause to complain of Adams fall, for they have a more sure Covenant, such a Covenant as we can no more hreak than we can Noahs Rain-bow; and according to the state of the Covenant, God hath given several Sacraments to confirme it, he had a Sacrament of Death, but we have no Sacrament of Death, but both are for our confirmation in Life; therefore had there been a possibility of Death, he would have given us a Sacrament to put us in minde of it.

Ʋse 3. Be not offended, because of all these Antichrists, and Back-sliders, there are thousands fallen away within these few years, why understand this, they were not of us, but as noysome Humours, and the body is better without them; such as have true fellowship never depart, such as doe depart never had true fellowship, 2 Tim. 4.15. Demas forsook Paul, an evident sign he was an Hypocrite, if his heart had been right, he would not have left Paul for the whole world.

Ʋse 4. Would you have good company (as most men desire to have) why as you desire company that may be for your perpetuall comfort, then use this fellowship of the church, there was never any that once got into true society of the Saints, that would ever be puld from them; Whither should we goe thou hast the words of eternall life? what company so sweet as christian communion? Moses that had trial of Princes courts, yet he found the sourest bit of christian communion sweeter then the sweetest pleasures of Egypt; you that delight in the company of Drunkards, and Whoremongers, and Harlots, at length when you are consumed, and your estate spent, you must be glad to leave them, and wish you had never kept them company; but on the contrary had you but once got into a near communion with the Saints, you should never depart from them, it was the saying of a late faithful Servant of God, Dr. Preston, Though I leave my life, yet I shall not leave my company.

Ʋse 5, Of consolation to any soul that ever had true fellowship with Christ, and his church, having once loved you, he will love you to the end, 1 Cor. 10.13. 1 Thes. 5.23, 24. Psal. 37.23, 24, 25. though we doe fall, yet the Lord puts under his hand, Rom. 8.25. Rom. 5.10. 1 Pet. 1.5. we are kept by the power of God to Salvation he embraceth us with his everlasting arms, so that if we have once got fellowship with God, and his Church, fear not, you shall not fall, and if you doe start aside, and feed on ill Dyet, you shall finde the smart of it, he will humble you, that he may save you at the last day.

Doct. It is a note of seducers, or Antichristian Teachers, to depart from the fellowship of the Church.

They went out from us, because they were not of us, and so such were never cordial or hearty to the church, therefore when you see any fall off, know it argues an Antichristian spirit, 2 Thes. 2, 3. 1 Tim. 4.1. Many 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 shall depart from the Church, so that all Antichristian spirits have a corrupt spirit of seperation.

For Explication.

Q, 1. What is this seperation?

A. 1. A seperation Local, such was that practise of the Tribe of Gad. and Manasses. Josh. 22.9, 10. it was not seperation in fellowship as they professe, vers. 26, 27, but that is not a seperation that makes an Antichrist.

2 A departing in fellowship, which yet falls short of an Antichristian spirit, though it deserve blame and reproof, Gal. 2.12. not but that his judgement and affection was with them, yet he with-drew from their society in Ordinan∣ces, for this Paul blamed him, but yet it was not an Antichristian spirit, though he were a man of great zeale and courage, yet none so subject to be carried a∣way with fear as he was, let christians therefore most suspect themselves there wherein they least suspect themselves, and think themselves strongest, but this was an infirmity in him.

3 There is a departing from the Faith of the church▪ or sitting loose from them in Spirit, judgement, and affection, their Doctrin contrary, and hearts contrary, as Paul saith, In the latter dayes certain shall depart from the Faith, Heb. 10.25. to 29. so that such fall off not only in place, or fellowship, in ordinance, but in judgment, heart, and affection, that is a mark of an Antichri∣stian spirit, Jude 4.5. 3 Epist. Joh. 8, 9, 10.

It is said of the new converts that were added to the church, that they conti∣nued in the Apostles Doctrin and fellowship, Acts 2.42. therefore when they break from the fellowship of the church, they depart from the Apostles doctrin.

Q. What be the grounds?

A. 1. From the fellowship the true Members of the church have with Christ, 1 Joh. 1.4. therefore when you see a spirit of with-drawing from the fellowship of the church, they depart from the Apostles Doctrine, and if from them, then from Christ, for surely our fellowship is with God, and with the Son, therefore to prevent that denying of Christ, he gives them charge that they doe not forsake assembling themselves, &c. Heb. 10.25. to 29. A finger cut off from the hand, is not only cut off from the hand but from the head too; so if men fall off from the Members, they will also fall off from Christ the Head.

Ʋse 1. Seems to inform our judgements what to think in case of seperation, for this place is much abused; The Papists they build on this place that they that seperate from their church are Antichrists. That company, say they that breake off from the fellowship of the church is Antichristian▪ as it is plain here; now what were Calvin and Luther, but such as brake off from the fellow∣ship of the church, therefore they were of Antichrists spirit, and fore-runners of him.

We must therefore know, it is not every seperation from that which is called a church that is a note of an Antichristian spirit, but it must be known whether that were the true church; now this church St. John speaks of

was the true Church, for it was from such whose sins were forgiven; now if it be not a true Church that they breake from, it is no sign of Antichrist, 2 Chro. 11.16. such as set their hearts to seek the Lord, seperated themselves from those that followed Jereboam, and came to Jerusalem; so the Apostles were faine to seperate from the Church of the Jewes which persecuted Christ, and them, and so constituted a Church by themselves, a Christian Church; so then it is not a seperation from a false Church, but a true, that is a sign of an Anti∣christian spirit.

Obj. But what pretence, or just ground had such Divines to fall from the Ro∣mish Church, or we in England? for we, only upon the falling out of Hen. 8. with the Pope fell from him?

A. True, that matter of Divorce did move him to fail off from the Pope, and indeed, that cause was enough to fall off from the Pope, who would binde a Prince to an unlawful Marriage.

But the whole body of Christendom had a Three-fold ground of seperation which may be just, when a Church is heretical; that is, hold an errour con∣trary to the foundation obstinately, yet that is not a sufficient ground; as the Church of Corinth denied the Resurrection from the Dead, yet he calls them Saints; so though the Pharisees had charged that none should profess Christ, which was an obstinate denying of Christ, and taught false Doctrine, yet Christ charges them to obey them because they sit in Moses Chair, and therefore fun∣damental erroneousnesse is not alwayes a just cause.

1 Therefore that is a just cause of seperation, when a Church is infected with Blasphemy, and Contradiction, and Blaspheme the wayes of God, Acts 19.19. Acts 13.45, 46.

2 Idolatry is a just ground of seperation, 2 Cor. 6.16, 17, 18.

3 Persecution is a just ground of seperation, Mat. 10.23. Acts 8.1.

Now all these have met in the Church of Rome, they have blasphemed and condemned as Heretical, Justification by Faith, and other fundamentall truths.

2 They worship Images, as of the Virgin Mary, yea with Divine honour, as the Bread in the Sacrament, what greater Idolatry?

3 The World knows, and the blood of thousands of Martyrs can testifie their horrible Persecutions, that as long as we were subordinate to them, we could not profess the true Religion without loss of Goods and life, therefore we have just cause to seperate our selves from them.

Ʋse 2. It may teach us what to judge of the Seperatists, or Brownists, are they of Antichrist?

Surely their practise is blame-worthy.

1 Because they seperate, where Christ keeps fellowship, Rev. 1.18. and that he walks with us, we argue, because he is still pleased to dispence to us the Word of Life, and edifies many souls thereby, and therefore surely Christ hath fellowship, and shall man be more pure than his Maker? where Christ vouch. safes fellowship, shall man renounce it?

If they be converted, where had they their conversion?

2 Have not many of Gods Servants heretofore kept company with Chur∣ches as corrupt as ours are? Did not Peter and John keep company with them and shall they be more pure and curious?

3 Christ commands, If thy Brother offends admonish him, Matth. 18.17. if he hear thee not, take two or three more, if he hear not them, then tell it to the Church, and if he heare not the Church, let him be to thee as an Heathen, or Publican; but if the church hear not thy complaint, he doth not say let the church be as an Heathen, or Publican; now there are many of our Seperatists never admoni∣shed their Brethren, nor made their complaint to the church, and if they did, and the church heard them not, must they therefore Excommunicate the church, and renounce it? therefore unlesse you find in it Blasphemy, or Ido∣latry, or Persecution, there is no just ground of seperation.

Therefore this sin is very dangerous, it draws men from the Members of the Church.

• 1 They say, our Worship is corrupt.
• 2 Our Government is Antichristian.

For the first, you cannot maintain it, for in sundry Congregations you shall not find much corruption, as for reading of Prayers, if it be lawful to read Psalmes, why is it not lawful to read Prayers? therefore that is no just ground, it is that which all Protestant Churches have used.

2 Suppose there were and are sundry abuses in the Church, yet that is no safe ground of seperation, Ezek. 5.11. Ezek. 9.4. so when the Sons of Eli corrupted the Sacrifices of God, their Sin was great, yet it was a sin for the people to seperate and abhor, 1 Sam. 2.17.

2 They say our Government is Antichristian, we say it is that Government that expeld Antichrist somtimes, and sundry have witnessed it with their blood; and I say further, there is no such corruption in our State as was in Jerusalem, when Christ and his Apostles kept Fellowship with them, as two High Priests, &c.

3 They say our Ministry and Calling is Antichristian, we say we doe not profess our selves enemies to Christ, and for our Callings, many of us are e∣lected by the peoples approbation, or by such as are set up by the King and State, and if God blesse our Ministry to convert thousands to God by that means, it is an evident sign God approves our Calling, for, if it were Anti∣christian, they would not convert souls to God.

4 They say our people are corrupt, and some such as Paul bids not to have communion with, 1 Cor. 5.11. as Drunkards, Whoremongers, and therefore you see what evill such doe, they make Gods people abhor the Offerings, and breake off from fellowship with you.

We cannot deny but there are very many corrupt and scandalous per∣sons in our Church, but private Christians have no authority to roote them out.

1 For Ministers, if they see that it would turn to the dissipation and destruct∣ion of the F••ock, it were better to forbear, 1 Cor. 5. Mat. 13.29, 30. Ezra 4.20. they ceased from building the Temple, when there came a command against it; therefore they had better forbear, when it cannot be redressed without greater prejudice to the Church.

2 The corruption of such doe not corrupt the Church, or the Ordinances of God, He that eats and drinks unworthily eats and drinks damnation to him∣self, not to the whole Congregation, and you shall finde many Churches as corrupt as the Church of Corinth, yet the Apostle would not have them re∣nounce it.

Lastly, they say we were never truly constituted, our Church had no true constitution.

A. That constitution which they themselves require hath not been want∣ing in ours.

1 They say there must be entring into a Covenant, that was done in King Edward and Queen Elizabeths dayes; and whereas they say our Church is but a Parliament constitution, that doth not weaken, but establish our Church.

2 But they say that our Church consists of a mixt multitude, so was that 2 Chron. 20.13. when Jehosaephat assembled all Judah before the Lord, Num. 11.4 there was a mixt multitude, and they did it out of fear, and yet it was a true Church, and so is ours, though there be a mixt multitude. And yet this falling off, because it is not from the main Doctrine, but from the skirts, and some circumstantials, therefore they doe not fall utterly from Christ, but yet it is not possible but they weaken their faith.

3 This refutes the Anabaptists, that fall off from our Church, because we baptize Infants before they come to knowledge.

1 We say, though there were no Baptism, it were no cause to make it no church as Israel in Egypt without Circumcision.

2 We say our children have as much right to Baptisme, as Isaack to cir∣cumcision, but they were circumcised the eight day, and if the Covenant be∣long to them, then the Seals of the Covenant, Act. 2.39. Mark 10.

Ʋse 4. Lastly it may teach us all, if it be a sign of Antichristianisme to with∣draw from the church, then it is a mark of true Christianity to stick close to the fellowship of the Saints; in love, in Christian duties, in admonishiog one another, in counselling, in comforting, in reproving one another; therefore take heed you forsake not this fellowship, for so you loose your grace and strength, if you sit loose from them, They that follow lying vanities, forsake their own mercies, all that oyntment that was powred on Christs head, descends to the lowest skirt of his garment, Psal. 133. to the meanest Christian, therefore if you sit loose from Christ and his members, how can you look for any drops of his oyle, the vallies receive the showrs from the Mountains, there God hath commanded a blessing, and it comes with power and authority; a man that gets a blessing any where else, gets it but precario, and as it were by stealth, but in publick communion, God hath commanded a blessing.

Now we come to the last point, the end of the departing of these men out of the church, they went out, that it might appear they were not all of us.

Whose end was this? who propounded this end? it was not their inten∣tion to manifest themselves, not to be of the church, but all heretiques pre∣tended that they aimed at a better church, they never intended it to manifest themselves to be enemies to the church, neither was it the end of the church; the church did not cast them out, but it was voluntary defection, they went out of themselves, therefore the church did not look at that end, whose end was it then?

Surely it was Gods end, who over-ruled their Apostacy to the benefit of his church, when he saw them warp from the Fellowship of the church; God gives them up to Apostacy, that he might make it appear they were not of the church, 1 King. 12.24. fight not against them, for this seperation is from me, so this Apostacy of these first teachers is from God, and his end is to manifest that they were not of the church.

Doct. 5. It is the holy end that God aims at, in giving up seducing corrupt spirits to Apostacy from the Church, that he might discover them that they were Hypocrites whilst they lived in the Church.

God punisheth Hypocrites with Apostacy.

What should move God to discover the Hypocrisie of men by Apostacy? a fearfull sin to forsake the Ordinances of God, the Covenant of the church; and what should be the cause moving God thus to work?

1 By this means God manifests the integrity, and sound-heartednesse of his own servants; God would have his name sanctified by his servants, and it is never more sanctified, than when their sincerity is approved, when others fall off, 1 Cor. 11.19. it is needful that heresies arise, that those which are approved, might be made manifest among you; as in winnowing time, when there comes a good wind, it carries away the chaff, but the wheat lyes on a heap more clean, Mat. 3.12. so Christ hath a fann to winnow his church and cleanse out the chaff, that it may be more clean.

2 That so he might prevent the corrupting and seducing of his weak servants, least any should be mislead by them, therefore God timely discovers them, 2 Tim. 3.9. they shall proceed no further though they had led away some sim∣ple women, laden with many lusts, yet they shall proceed no further, they shall glean no more then some weake judgments, or corrupt hearts, but they shall be discovered, their folly shall be manifest to all men, so carefull is God, that when his church is negligent in casting out such, why God in a speciall care to his Vineyard, gives up such to defection voluntarily.

3 He gives them up to Apostacy, that he may preserve the purity of his ordinances and law, Mal. 3.3, 4, 5. as if he should say, as long as corrupt teachers live among men, they so pollute Gods Ordinances, that they are not so pure and sweet, therefore God takes a course to refine them from their drosse, that is, not only Ministers, though when their spirits are refined, their Ministry is more savoury and fruitfull, but further he will make a difference be∣tween Hypocrites, and those that are sincere that so his ordinances may be refi∣ned, and this was fulfilled in John Baptists time, who came before Christ, Mat. 3.7, 8, 9, who discovered the Pharisees to be Hypocrites that should renounce Christ; and Christ himselfe said, Mat. 23. Woe be to you Scribes, Pharisees, Hypocrites; so that by their defection, the Christian Congregations, and the Ordinances, were more pure and refined, Prov. 25.4, 5. so take away the drosse from the Ordinances, they come forth more pure.

4 To exempt his people from many scandals and aspersions, that would be cast upon the Church, if these corrupt persons should live among them, Jude 12. therefore that these spots might appear to be corrupt humours, and not members of the body, it pleaseth God that they depart, and so carry away these spots and scandals with them, that so his Church may not be de∣famed.

5 A fifth end is this, it tends to the just punishment of Hypocrisie; it is a just judgement of God to leave such spirits to be discovered and revealed; Matth. 12 33. it is more acceptable to God, to have things seem as they are; God will have the Tree known by his fruit at length, there is no great diffe∣rence between the Crab and the good Apple-Tree, by the leafe or the blossom, therefore it must be known by the fruit, Rev. 3.16. I would thou wert either hot or cold, that I might know what thou art.

Ʋse 1. It may teach us, that even the falls of the sons and daughters of men▪ are mannaged and ordered by the wise and good hand of Gods providence; so you see here is a hand going quite beyond all the ends of men, they went out that they might be manifest, and God hath alwayes challenged this, to have an hand in the sins of men, not to work, but to punish one sin by ano∣ther, if God sees envy in Josephs Brethren, he stirs them up to sell him into E∣gypt, and God challenges it, Gen. 47. Gen. 50.20. 2 Sam. 11.12. Ezodus 7.3. so Act. 4 28. 2 Chron. 32.21. Isa. 10.5. the worst evills that have been in the Church, God hath had an hand in it, 2 Sam. 24.1. not as an Author, but by accidental occasion, he gives them up to take such courses; if David be Idle, God gives him up to Adultery; if Pharoah vex Gods people, God leaves him to hardnesse of heart; if David commit Murther and Adultery, he gives up his Son to fratricide and incest; If Judas be covetous, he gives him to betray his Master; if they be his own Servants, he doth it to cleanse them; if wicked, he doth it to punish them, therefore let us fear that God that is not only able to cast both body and soul into Hell, but also into sin, which is worse than Hell, by propounding ••uch temptations as may leave a man to run into desparate courses; therefore give not way to any sin, thinking to recover your selves, but feare God will leave you to runne into worse.

2 It may teach Gods people not to admire▪ and be offended at it; first, if they see men of good esteem and profession fall off, wonder not, such were never of the Church, 2 Tim. 2.17, 18, 19. Prov. 10.25. the righteous are as an ever∣lasting foundation, which God hath founded, and every one of them hath this seal, The Lord knows who are his, and therefore be not discouraged, when you see others whom you thought better of than of your selves fall, for the founda∣tion of God standeth sure; 2ly, let not other men be offended, if they see some that were professors fall off into vile courses, say not they are all of one Sect, they are all of the same Spirit, none better than other, this is the course of them all; say not so, for God gives them up to these b••se courses to manifest it, that they were not true Members of the Church, God would have it thereby ma∣nifested,

that these spots of the face of the church are not spots of the Body of the church, but spots in the Vizards of the church; but God keeps his church unspotted and undefiled, so that even Balaam could say, How goodly are thy Tents, O Jacob; therefore if you see any in the church grow corrupt, and defiled, it implies they were never members of the church, God hath nothing to doe with such, therefore he turns them out that it may appear what they are; if God at any time leave his people to any scandalous course, that God casts shame on them (which is very rare) if he doe, he gives them such unfeigned humiliation, and broken-heartednesse, and such castisements that they recover themselves, that all the World may see, neither doth the church allow it, nor God, but as they were patterns of sin, so they shall be patterns of Repentance, 2 Sam. 12, 11, if David doe fall into scandalous sins, God will follow him with such chastisements, that God will manifest he is no ap∣prover of such courses; and David himself shall proclaim, that he repents un∣feignedly, so that he was not so carefull before to cover it, as he is now to di∣vulge it, and declare that it was the cause of bitter anguish to him, so that neither God, nor the church, nor themselves approve of their sin, but are a∣gainst it.

Ʋse 3. It may teach Gods servants to make an holy use of other mens falls; Dost thou see Professors fall into loose wicked courses, and give no testimony of their repentance, why God hereby would manifest that thou art sincere and upright, God hereby prevents thy mis-leading by their evill counsell, or practise; blesse God that hereby he purifies his Ordinances, and wipes away the soyle of his church, he wipes their face by casting out such; and especially make this use, Be not high minded, but fear? fear that God that is able to cast men from one sin into another, Isa. 6.2, 3. Why did the Angel there sing 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, Holy, Holy, Holy? &c. why, because he was to send the Prophet on a Message, to harden the wicked, and make their hearts fat.

Ʋse 4. To exhort all in a speciall manner to take heed of Hypocrisie, if we take up a course of Religion, and good duties at home, and abroad, we think that God will be mercifull to us; but let us see that what we doe, we doe in spirit and in truth, Heb. 12.13. Lev. 10.3. God will certainly discover us, scarce ever any lived that dyed in Hypocrisie, but he was uncased before his death, there is nothing so secret but it shall be revealed. Hypocrisie must be manifest to all men, though there were good hopes of them, yet God washes off the spots of his church, and not only at the last day, but in this World, there∣fore let it not suffice you to live in the church, for you may be as ill Hu∣mours, and so annoy the church of God, and it will be well that you be cast out; or at the best, though you be ornaments and supporters to the church, yet you are but as glasse eyes, and wooden leggs, why God may stay long for the good of his church, but certainly he will lay you open to some corrupt Doctrine, or way, that you shall be manifest, 2 Tim. 3.9. why, vers. fifth he tells you what they were, They had a form of godlinesse, &c, implying, it is a mad course to be an Hypocrite, for by his outward profession, he gets the ill will of wicked men, and for want of sincerity, he gets the ill will of God.

There are sundry signs of this Hypocrisie.

1 If thou findest in thy self an hatred of admonition, Mat. 14.4. Herod was impatient of admonition, therefore he put John in prison, and thereby ma∣nifested his hypocrisie.

2 If thou beest given to praise wicked men, and accompany with them, Prov. 13.20. Prov. 28.4. that is a fore-runner of forsaking of the Law.

3 When a man makes no conscience of his tongue. but lets his tongue run at random, to passion, oc rayling, or slandering, Jam. 1.26.

4. If you see any man living in any known sin, and delighting in it, it is such a link as the Devil will chain him fast by.

5 When a man shall make use of Religon to any other end than for Gods glory, if you make Religion a stalking-horse to your own ends, certainly you will fall off▪ Joh. 6.26.60.66. those that followed Christ for the Loaves, not one of them continued with him, 2 King. 10.29. Acts 8.17. to 23. When Simon Magus would make use of Spiritual gifts to get money, he was in the gall of bitternesse, and bond of iniquity, his heart was not right; therefore as you de∣sire to have fellowship with God, be sincere and upright.