Sincerity and hypocricy. Or, the sincere Christian, and hypocrite in their lively colours, standing one by the other.: Very profitable for this religion professing time. / By W.S. Serjeant at Law. Together with a tract annexed to prove; that true grace doth not lye so much in the degree as in the nature of it.

SECT. III.

Our third word of Exhortation is. 1 To the Professing followers and appearing friends of Christ

2 To others. to them which seem to be friends of Christ, to all such as are entered into the Profes∣sion of the Gospel of Christ. We perswade them, That seeing there is so much deceit, and so many are mistaken and do miscarry in it, that they do therefore take the more care of themselves and others herein. And for this. That 1 they doe the more fear and suspect themselves, that they also may be deceived. Is it not seasonable to advise men to take heed what money they receive when there is much counterfeit coyn going abroad a∣mongst men? And when we hear of many Ship∣wracks by Sea of Ships richly laden with many precious Jewels in the way wee and others are to pass, is it not then a good time to perswade our selves and others that are to go that way to fear, and to look well to our tackling and our way? Many there are, doubtless very many, that think they are good Christians, and are accepted, and approved of for such amongst others, but are not so, Rev. 2. 9. call themselves Jews and are not. Luke 16. 15. And so it will appear at the last. Mat. 7. 21, 22, 23. Lord, Lord in thy name, &c. and I shall pro∣fess I never knew you, &c. Mat. 25. 1, 2, &c. 2 In the second place, Let us try our selves by the Word of God, by the light and heat where of wee may discover the true and sincere from the false and counterfeit persons and things, as the Eagle doth her genuine young ones by the light and heat of

the natural Sun-beams. Let us view our selves well by this Looking glass, and see what man∣ner of persons we are, whether true or counter∣feit Christians. And there is great reason for it why wee should so doe. 1 It is commanded of God, 2 Cor. 13. 5. Try your selves whether you be in the faith or no. 2 The godly do so Psal. 139. 23, 24. Search me O God, &c. try me, &c. Lam. 3. 40. Let us search and try our waies, &c. 3 The thing is of mighty concernment to us, there is life and death, yea life and death eternal in it; if we bee deceived in this point wee are everlastingly un∣done. Mat. 25. 1, 2, 3, &c. the foolish Virgins. Mat. 7. 22, 23. 4 It can doe us no hurt, nay it cannot but doe us some good, to doubt and suspect, and to labour to know our selves; for all knowledge is sweet, but that of our selves sweetest of all. And if we finde our case good and safe, wee shall be the more settled and established in it. If our case be bad, and we find out, it may be yet amen∣ded. Psal. 50. 1, 2, &c. v. 16, 22. And if now any man ask us, what if upon search I find my case doubtful and dangerous, what shall I doe? Wee answer; The best way is to begin all again, as a man that hath layd the foundation of his build∣ing amiss, or is going in a wrong way to his jour∣neys end; for the Hypocrite and the worst of wicked men as they are alike evil, so is their case alike dangerous, Mat. 24. 51. compared with Luke

12. 46. In the third place, then our Exhortation shal be to such as these that have laid an ill foun∣dation, and to our selves, and all others who are entring into, or entred, or shall hereafter enter in∣to the profession of Religion, and are following, or to follow Christ therein, That they and we doe seriously consider of what wee are going a∣bout, that therein our case is as the case of a man that is going a long and a dangerous journey, or run a race for a great prize, or engage in a de∣sperate battel alone, or with others, Eph. 6. 12. 2 Tim. 4. 7. or are going about to set up a great building, or going to make a great purchase. Mat. 11. 12. It is compared therefore to a pilgri∣mage, and the Christian therein to a Pilgrim, Ps. 39. 12. 1 Pet. 2. 11. And it was shadowed out by the life, travel, and difficulty of the Jews passage from Egypt to Canaan. And therefore that it wil be our wisdom wel to consider before hand what it is we are going about, and how we are prepa∣red for it, and to prepare accordingly. This is our Saviours advice in the very cose. Mat. 14. 25, &c. for which of you intending to build a Tower sitteth not down first and counteth the cast. And that therefore we doe as men to go such a journey, or doe such a work, these two things. 1 Remove all hinde∣rances. 2 Provide our selves with al necessaries for the way and work. Amongst other hinderances herein, let us take heed, 1 of unbelief, a dange∣rous sin, by which the Israelites were kept & hin∣dered

from their entrance into the earthly Ca∣naan. Iude 5. Heb. 4. 1, 2, &c. And this now wil keep a man from entring into the heavenly Canaan. Luke 12. 46. 2 The love of the world, which like as the weeds amongst corn, that do choak & hin∣der the growth of it; doth hinder the worke of grace in the heart. Mat. 13. 22, 23. 2 Tim. 2. 4. And for provision for our journy or our work, 1 Let us look wel to our foundation that it be wel laid Mat. 7. 24. 13. 22. that it be layd upon Christ; for other foundation can no man lay than that which is al∣ready layd, which is Iesus Christ. 1 Cor. 33. 11 Eph. 2•• 20. and that we lay it low enough. And that for this, we find our hearts by the Word and Spirit of God not only deeply convinced of our mise∣rable estate by the sin of Adam, and by our owne original, and actual sin, but that we be broken and humbled in heart for and converted from it. Hab. 6. 1. Acts 2. 37, 38. Ezek. 36. 31. And having a discoverie made by this VVord and Spirit, that there is a Remedy to be had in this case by the Lord Jesus Christ, That he will be to the repenting beleeving sinner, as the City of Refuge was to the Manslayer. Numb. 35. And as the poole of Bethesda was to him that was first put into it after the Angel had troubled it, 10. 5. 2, &c. And as the brazen Serpent was to them that were stung by the fierie Serpent in the wil∣derness Numb. 31. 6. And that in him there dwell∣eth all fulnesse for the supply of all our wants,

and cure of all our maladies. Joh. 1. 16. Col. 1. 19. And so by faith rowle and leave our selves upon him, and take up our eternal rest and lodging in him alone. Cant. 8. 5. Joh. 6. 67, 68. Mat. 4. 22 Mark 10. 28. Mat. 19. 21. and 13 46 Phil 3. 7, 8. 1 Pet. 2. 4, 5. Heb. 4. 4, 5. And being thus got into Christ by faith, let us be assured of help, that our sin is pardoned, and that we are taken into favour by him. Then in the next place let us looke to the progress of our building, that being thus rooted, engrafted into, and built upon Christ, we make it out by the work of Regeneration & Sanctifi∣cation in us, that we be partakers of the Divine nature, that we have a seed & principle of grace within us, that Christ lives in us, and we in him; that we are now Christ like, of his minde, and making, and that we live, walk, and do as he did in this world. Heb. 3. 14. 2 Pet. 1. 4. Ephes. 1. 10. 1 Cor. 10. 17. Ephes. 3. 17. Col. 2. 7. 1 Pet. 1. 23. & 4. 1. 1 Joh 2. 6. And thus being built upon and root∣ed in Christ, and making it so to appear. Let us see we abide and grow up in him, and be more & more fruitful to his praise. Eph. 2. 21. and 4. 15. Luke 8. 11, 12, 13. Rom. 7. 4. and 12. 1. Ps. 92. 14. Heb. 6. 9, 10. But for a more particular provision and preparation for this great work; let us pro∣vide our selves especially with these things. •• Get much of the knowledge of God and his waies within us; so men use to doe that have a

long and dangerous journey to go, to take notes of all the Towns they are to go through, and places of danger they are to go by; and they that go by sea, to have their Card and Compass. And for this, to see we be well skilled in the Word of God, which will be a light to our feet, Ps. 119. 105. And like the Star, Mat 2. 7, 9. to leade us to Christ. And enquire much, and ask often of o∣thers that know the way, and can tel us the dan∣gers, as men doe in a journy in places unknown. But especially pray for the teaching and guid∣ance of the Spirit of God, promised to Gods people in this case, for this end, Isa. 30. 21. Luke 11. 13. And keep in mind and forget not what we have learned, that being forewarned we be fore∣armed. Mat. 24. 25. Luke 14. 25. 2 Let us carry much faith with us, for this is a victorious grace as it engageth Gods strength with us and for us, and draws virtue from the promise. This will make the hardest things easie, and that nothing shall be impossible. Hab 2. 4. 2 Cor. 1. 24. 1 Pet. 1. 7. 1 Joh. 5. 4. Heb. 11, throughout. 1 Pet. 1. 5. 2 Cor. 4, 5, 6. Eph. 6. 16. 1 Pet. 5. 9. 3 Patience, wee shall have need and use of this alwaies, and therefore we are much, and often pressed to get much of it about us. Heb. 10. 36. Luke 21. 19. Rom. 12. 12. Rev. 13 10. James 5. 7. 4 The love of God, for this will make us willing and able to doe and suffer any thing for God. 1 Cor. 13 7 Gen. 29. 20. 5 So∣briety

and Temperance. 1 Pet. 5. 8. 5 Let us see we set these graces still on Work as there is occa∣sion. Iames 1. 4. Heb. 12. 1. Our faith especially in our contemplation of the glory that is to come. Heb. 12. 2. For which cause wee faint not, but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day, &c. while we look not at the things which are seen but at the things which are not seen, &c. 6 Let us see we be not srcure but watchful, Rev. 16. 5. Ephes. 6. 8. 2. Cor. 6. 5. Rev. 3. 2. Mat. 24. 42, 43, 44, 48. 1 Pet. 5. 8. 7 Let us not be idle but diligent in Gods work. Math. 24. 46. & 25. 16, 17. Mat. 20. 6. 2 Pet. 3. 4. 2 Pet. 1. 6 Pray alwayes, and watch thereunto with all perseverance for Gods presence, guidance, sup∣port, &c. Eph. 6. 18. Jude 20. Ps. 119. 9. Ps. 56. 13.

Our fourth word of Exhortation shall bee to perswade all men to have a high esteem, & make a great account of all such who give evidence of their integrity in the profession of Religion. Let them be the men of our choice for our company, Ps. 16. 3. and 119. 63. For our places of Trust in the Commonwealth. 1 Sam. 22. 13. Neh. 9. 8. and 13. 13. 2 Tim. 2. 2. Prov. 25. 13. For our servants in our families. Ps. 101. 6. And for all our other works and business. Ps. 15. 4.

Our fifth word of Exhortation is to all men professing Religion, That seeing it is so (as wee have shewed) That so many goe so far towards,

and yet go without it; they strive for it, and yet cannot get it, that we strive the more earnestly, and labour the more abundantly herein. And this is the very use that our Saviour doth make of this point. Luke 13. 23, 24. Lord, are there few that shall be saved? And he said nnto them, strive to enter in at the strait gate, &c. Shall we come so near to it and goe without it? Mark 12. 34. Shall we doe and suffer so much for it in vain? Gal. 3. 4. Shall we get on Mount Nebo in sight of Canaan and not enter it? Shall we bid almost to one penny the full price for Christ, and let another come after us and take away our bargain from us? God for∣bid. Let us resolve, though it cost us our blood we will have it, and that we will goe beyond all the Hypocrites in the world, let them go as far as they can. But happily some man may say here, To what purpose shall we strive if there be such a difficulty in it; it is impossible by all the labour in the world to be done. To this we answer. 1 It is certain the work is hard & difficult, and yet it is not so hard as to be impossible, but it is possible may be done. 2 Tim. 4. 7. 1 Cor. 9. 24. Mat. 11. 12. & Mat. 7. 7. 2 There is no possibilitie of having it without this paines and labour. And it will bee therefore in this, as in men that are eligi∣ble to a place or office for which many do stand each of which and no others are capable; in this case any one of them that stand for it may possibly have it, but hee that never labours

for it will never have it. Mat. 11. 12. should not this provoke a man to labour the more for it. And so should the difficultie in this case provoke all men to be the more industrious to attain it. 3 If we have it not we are without question, & ine∣vitably lost and undone for ever. Our case in this therefore is like the Leprous men, 2 Kings 7. 4. If we sit still in our naturall and impenitent estate, we are sure to dye there. Let us therefore resolve as they did, Let us fall into the host of the Syrians, if they save us alive we shall live; and if they kill us we shall but die. So let us say, we will doe our ut∣most for heaven, we will put our selves upon the mercy of God in Christ Jesus, and strive with all our might for heaven, if we perish, we perish, we can but dye. 4 But in the last place: If we shall doe our utmost endeavour in truth to attaine it, we have no cause to doubt the assistance of Gods grace, and our acceptance and success the rein; for God is gracious, and Christ is ready to re∣ceive us, and hath promised so to doe, and he is faithful and able to perform what he promiseth. Math. 11 28. Joh. 5. 40 Joh. 7. 37. Joh. 6. 37 Mat. 7. 7. Phil. 1. 6. and 2. 12, 13. 2 Pet. 3 9. And laying a∣side every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us. let us run with patience the race that is set before us, H. b. 12. 1, 2. and 2. 1, 2, &c. and so much the rather be diligent to adde one grace to another, and one degree of Grace to another, &c. 2 Pet. 1. 6, 7. &c. And let us

work out our salvation with fear and trembling. Phil. 2. 12. Let us endure the cross, despise the shame. Heb. 12. 2. Take up the cross and follow Christ. Mark 10. 21. Suffer and die with him. 2 Tim. 2. 11, 12. Leave all for his sake, Mark 10. 28. Strive to enter into Heaven. Luke 13. 24. and take it by force. Mat. 11. 12. Fight the good fight of Faith, and finish our course. 2 Tim. 4. 7. do the singular things required of us. Mat. 5. 47. Afflict our soules. Lev. 16. 29. James 4. 9. Put a knife to the throat. Prov. 23. 3. Mortifie the deeds of the body. Rom. 8. 13. Crucifie the old man, the flesh with the affections and lusts. Gal. 5. 21. Rom. 6. 6. Deut. 10 16. Let the fore-skin of our hearts be circum∣cised, and let us circumcise our selves to the Lord, and let us break up our fallow grounds. Jer. 4. 3. 4. Be cru∣cified to the world and the world to us. Gal. 6. 14. Keep down our bodie, 1 Cor. 9. 27. Pull out our right eye, and cut off our right hand, that causeth us to offend. Mat. 5. 29, 30. Suffer the losse of all things, and count them but dung for Christ. Phil. 3. 8. 9. Refrain our seet from e∣very evil way. Ps. 119. 10. Strive for Masterie. 1 Cor. 9. 25. and rejoice as not rejoicing. 1 Cor. 7. 30. And thus doing we may be sure and certain that we are not cast-awaies, 1 Cor. 7. 27 Gods wrath shall not break forth upon us. Jer. 4. 4. We shall not come into condemnation. John 5 24. nor be cast into hell fire. Mat. 5. 29. and 188. that we shall never fall. 1 Pet. 1. 10. that wee shall not die but live, not perish but have everlasting life and glory. John 3. 15. 2 Tim. 2. 9. 10.

11. Mark 10. 30. Rom. 8. 13. And we may be confi∣dent that we shall enter into joy. Mat. 25. 23. life. Mat. 18. 8. rest. Heb. 4. 2 Thes. 2. 8. live and raign with Christ 2 Tim. 2. 11, 12. Rom. 8. 13. Have and enjoy the incorruptible crown of Righteousness, life and glory 1 Tim. 4. 8. 1 Cor. 9. 24, 25. Rev. 2. 10. be received into everlasting habitations. Luke 16. 9. enjoy the fulness of pleasures at Gods right hand. Ps. 16. 11. and be satis∣fied. Ps. 17. 5. Sit down and feast for ever with Christ and his people. Mat. 8. 11. and that we shall go into life eternal, Mat. 46. And we cannot misse it, for ours is the kingdom of heaven: we have eternal life; and are passed from death to life (i.) we are as sure of it as if done already.

Our sixth and last word of Exhortation is to all that now doe, or hereafter shall appeare as Christians, and follow Christ in the profession of Religion, and have a form of godliness. To per∣swade them to Sincerity and against Hypocrisie herein, to be pure and upright in heart and life. And that they lye not to God and men, whiles they pretend to be, and have the name of Chri∣stians, and are not so indeed but counterfeit ones onely. To perswade them (and oh that we might prevail herein) that they would lay aside al man∣ner of guile and deceit herein: And labour to be plain & simple hearted in thought word & deed. That they do not compass God about with lyes, and flatter and dissemble with him whiles their

hearts are not right and perfect before him. That they do not pretend to prefer God above all, & have no other God but him, whiles they love, fear, and trust in themselves, and other men and things more than God, seeke the praise of men more than the praise of God: That they call not God their Father and Master whiles they despise his Name, and do not honour him as a sonne his father, nor fear him as a servant his master. That they doe not teach Gods fear by the precepts of men. That they give not to God a worse, when they have a better to give him in his service. That they do not pretend to enquire after, seek, serve, and obey him with their whole heart, whiles they seek themselves, and to serve themselves upon God therein. That they do not pretend to faith, love, repentance, fear, and the like towards God, whiles they know there is no such thing, but the contrary thereof in their heart. That they doe not pretend to draw nigh to God in his worship, whiles their hearts are far removed from him & it. That they do not pretend to form of godly∣ness, whiles they deny the power thereof. That they do not say they know him, and keep not his commandements. That they doe not professe to know God, whiles in their works they deny him. That they do not say they are Saints, whiles they live like not devils. That they do name the Name of the Lord, unless they depart from iniquity

And as for Rulers of Churches, Christian Com∣monwealths, and Families, Judges, and such like men; that they say not they rule and judge for God, and lean upon him, whiles they seek them∣selves, and their own things, and not the things of God, and the peoples good. And for Christian Teachers, &c. That they say not they are of God, sent of Christ, Ministers of the Gospel, & workers with Christ, &c. whiles they appear to be deceit∣ful workers, to speak lyes in hypocrisie, to deceive the simple with fair words, to seek to please men, to seek their own things, and not the things of Jesus Christ, to serve their bellyes, to make mer∣chandize of mens soules, to hunt after filthy lu∣cre, and so goe themselves, and lead others with them to destruction. And that neither Heads, Priests, nor Prophets leane upon the Lord & say, He is amongst us, whiles they judge for reward, teach for hire, and divine for mony. Mic. 3. 11. Ps. 50. 16, 17. Mat. 23. 27, 28. Isa. 29. 13. 1 Joh. 2. 4. Mat. 7. 22, 23. Is. 43. 24. Ps. 78. 36, 37. But on the other side let us perswade such men professing godlines, That they get the new life, the immediate prin∣ciples and habits of Grace, and the operations, motions, effects, and fruits thereof. And then that they labour for, and get a perfect heart, a heart perfect with the Lord. 1 Chron. 29. 19. That they walk before God in truth, and with a perfect heart. 2 Kings 20. 3. 2 Chron. 29. 2. Gen. 17. 1. That

they do the thing that is good and right, & with a perfect heart as in Gods sight. 2 Kings 20. 3. 2 Chron. 25. 2. That they draw near to, serve & seek God with their whole heart, with a perfect heart and willing mind, with a true heart, in sinceritie and truth. 1 Chr. 28. 9. Deut. 10. 12. Heb. 10. 22. Hos. 7. 14, 15, 16. That whatever they do in their pro∣fession they doe it to, and for the Lord, and no•• to, or for themselves, or for other men. Col. 3. 23. Hos. 7. 14, 15. That their repentance towards God, faith towards the Lord Jesus, their love to, fear of, and joy, and delight in God, and Christ, and their profession and declaration thereof bee unfeigned, and with all their heart and soul. Prov. 23. 26. Deut. 30. 10. 2 Kings 23. 25. 2 Cor. 6. 6. Ps. 78. 34, 35, 36. That they follow God fully Numb. 14. 24. and Christ wheresoever he shall goe, or call them. Mat. 8. 19. That whatsoever they doe unto men be not done with eye-service, as men plea∣sers, but as doing the wil of God from the heart, heartily, with singleness of heart, with good wil, as the servants of Christ, as serving him, fearing God, and as unto the Lord. Col. 3. 22. Eph. 6. 6, 7, 8. That such as pretend to the faith, love, and obedience of, and suffering for the Lord Jesus Christ, that they doe it in sinceritie to exalt his honour, and the honour of the Father in him. Eph. 6. 24. Joh. 5. 23. That whatsoever they speak to men be the truth, and from their heart. 1 Thes.

46 Ps. 52. 2. Jer. 9. 5, 6, 8. Prov. 26. 22, 23. &c. Gen. 34. 13. 2 Sam. 3 27. Psal. 15. And that they talke, walk, and live like Saints, that they be not only hearers and talkers but doers of the Word of God. James 1. 2 2. and that their hearts be puri∣fied, and their hands be cleansed. Iames 4. 8. that those as name the Name of Christ depart from iniquity. 2 Tim. 2. 19. Mat. 7. 22, 23. Psal. 119. 1, 2, 3. That the Rulers be Ministers of God for good to the people, revengers to execute wrath upon him that doth evil. Rom. 13. 2, 3. And that they be not a terrour to good works but to the evil. That they rule in the fear of God. 2 Sam. 23 3. To the glory of God, and the good of them that are ruled, especially of the people of God amongst them. 2 Sam. 23. 2. Ps. 78 72. 1 Tim. 3. 4, 12. That the Judges professing godlyness, be such as feare God, men of truth, hating covetousness. Exod. 18. 21. That in their judgement they doe take heed to what they do, and consider that they judge not for man but for the Lord, who is with them in the judgement. And that the fear of the Lord be upon them, and that they doe take heed and doe it, as considering that there is no iniquitie with the Lord, nor respect of persons, nor taking of gifts. 2 Chron. 19. 6, 7. And that the Teachers and Preachers preach the Truth. Feed the Flock of God, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; not as Lords over Gods heritage, but as ensamples to the flock.

1 Pet. 5. 1, 2, 3. That herein they seek not their own, but the things of Iesus Christ. Phil. 2. 21. and the good of others. 1 Cor. 10. 24. 33. not to please themselves or men, but to please God. Gal. 1. 10. 1 Cor. 10. 33. that they give no offence to God or man. 1 Cor. 9. 20. And that in all they doe God may bee glorified, the Name of the Lord Jesus exalted. 1 Cor. 10. 31. & 6. 20. the peoples souls saved. Gal. 6. 10. and they themselves be able to give up their account ther∣of with joy at the last day. Heb. 13. 17. And now for our last word to others, that do not so much as appear to be the friends, but rather the enemies of Christ; Let us perswade them onely to lay down their weapons and give over their opposi∣tion against Christ; for he will be too strong for them. It is hard to kick against the priks. Acts 9. 5. 1 Cor. 10. 22. Do we provoke the Lord to jealousie? are we stronger than he? Mat. 21. 44. And therefore what the Prophet, Ps. 2. 10, 11. said to great men, we say to all. Be wise now therefore, &c. kiss the son, &c. And now having set forth wherein the Chri∣stians life doth consist, and the difficulty thereof, it is high time we lay down some motives or en∣couragements and helps therein.