The Author's Preface to the Reader

THE Authors Preface to the Reader.

Christian Reader,

When these sermons were first preached in the ordinary course of my ministry in going forward on the book of Genesis, I had no thoughts at that time that they should ever have been farther published in this way that now you see. But sundry godly Christians & Brethren having heard them delivered in preaching, and thinking they might afterwards also be useful for the benefit of themselves and their families if they might enjoy them printed, which they did very much desire, they therefore came to me with a serious & solemn request that I would further and fulfill their earnest desires in this thing. Against which motion though I alleged many objections, yet they still continued to desire as formerly. Whereupon at the last, considering with myself that God who has the hearts of all men in his hands might in moving their hearts to such a desire have some farther intent therein for his own glory and the good of some or other of his servants, then I at the first did apprehend, or could perceive, I thereupon began to consider further of the motion: and having perused & revised some brief notes which I had by me, of those sermons, I imparted to them a copy thereof, yet with renewal of my former objections against printing, and proposing to their consideration whether it might not be best to satisfy themselves with that written copy, and to let the printing alone. But their desires continued as afore; and from there it comes to pass that the sermons are committed to public view. Which I thus acquaint the Reader withal partly as some excuse for myself that I would publish such plain stuff as here is contained, in such a knowing and critical time as this is; for the importunity of request has compelled me thereto: and partly that if any sober and honest hearted christian receive any benefit hereby he may know to whom he is indebted for the same, even chiefly to the Lord as the principal author of all good, and then to those godly Christians who have been the instruments of bringing these sermons to be public, which had it not been through their importunity, had never seen the light in this way.

I deny not but sundry of the things here treated of, namely the grace of faith, justification by faith, and the imputation of Christ's Righteousness to justification, are main and principal points of christian religion, and such as that the ignorance of them or erroneous apprehensions about them can not but be very perilous: in which respect it is the more needful that the people of God should be established in the belief & love of the truth concerning such points as these are. And for this cause I the rather yielded to publish what here you see, (being so importuned thereunto as I have said) if I might by the blessing of Christ afford any little help to the end afore mentioned. And so much the rather, because Satan that enemy of all truth & father of lies has endeavored not only of old but of late also, to corrupt the minds of many people touching these things. Heretofore and still among the popish sort he would persuade to an opinion of justification by works, and not by faith only. And now when the perniciousness of that tenet begins to be more generally discerned, he labors to undermine the truth another way, instilling into the minds of some a conceit that they may be justified not only without their own works but also without the grace of faith. And because it would be too gross at the first to cry down all use of faith which the Spirit of God in the holy Scripture does so abundantly urge & extol, and that therefore such a conceit at the first would hardly take among them that have any acquaintance with the Scripture, therefore the crafty enemy allows for the time that there may be some use of faith about this matter of justification, namely: to know or be assured by it of justification preceding, and that though we are justified indeed before faith, yet we did not know it before, but now do know it by faith. A palpable perverting of the truth of God plainly and plentifully laid down in his word, especially in Paul's epistles wherein you shall never read of knowing by faith that we are justified without faith, or before faith: such language is a stranger in God's book, and among the oracles of God, and far discrepant from the form of wholesome words, wherein nothing is more frequent than that we are justified by faith. Now to turn this word, 'We are justified,' into this meaning, 'we know that we are justified,' in which sense it will be hard to find it so much as once used in any place where justification by faith is spoken of, is a manifest metamorphosing of the words of the Holy One, and a wresting of the Scripture (I fear) to men's own destruction (2 Peter 3:16).

But do you think that Satan will rest here? It is rather to be feared, if this delusion takes place a while, this use of faith which is yet allowed, will be denied also. For some are already come to this to deny that there are any gifts or graces at all in the hearts of justified persons. Which if it were true, then there is no faith in them: and if there be no faith, then it is not by faith that men do know their justification; for how can they know it by that which is not? And so, as now they deny that men are justified by faith, so when & where this other delusion takes place, to deny all inherent graces, there men must hold that justification may not only be, but also be known without faith, or else not be known at all. A lamentable & dreadful issue whereat Satan drives, and whereto this opinion tends, if God do not in mercy prevent.

And because this is a time, wherein not only these but many other unsound opinions, and some of them very pernicious are scattered abroad, therefore I hope the godly reader will bear with me, if out of my unfeigned desire of his salvation and of the honor of Jesus Christ and his truth, I shall here propound some few helps for a christian's preservation in the truth from the prevailing power of error. And let not this be thought a needless business, nor let any that loves his own salvation give way to that conceit to think there is no danger in opinions whatever a man shall hold: for though all opinions be not alike dangerous, yet there is none but it has danger in it, especially if it touch the foundation, and so much the more danger by how much the less suspected. If it were not so, why does the Holy Ghost so often exhort us and command us to beware of being seduced and beguiled with errors, and with them that teach them? Matthew 7:15 and 16:6, 12 and 24:4, 5; Mark 4:24 and 12:38; Ephesians 4:14; Philippians 3:2; Colossians 2:8; Hebrews 13:9; 2 Peter 3:7; Jude 3; 1 John 4:1, 2; 2 John 7, 8, 10. In which places and many more we are bidden to beware of false prophets, and of their doctrine, to take heed that no man deceive us, to take heed what we hear, and that we be not led away with the error of the wicked and with every wind of doctrine, and fall from our [illegible] steadfastness, that we contend for the faith, and not believe every spirit but try the spirits whether they are of God, and many such like. All which warnings so frequent and so serious the Lord would not have given, but that he knows erroneous opinions are dangerous, and we in danger to be beguiled therewith, yes and to have our souls to be subverted by them as the Scripture speaks (Acts 15:24). For which cause also it is that heresies are reckoned up among adulterers, idolatries, murders, drunkenness, and other damning works of the flesh that exclude men out of heaven (Galatians 5:19, 20, 21), and are expressly called damnable heresies, and the ways thereof pernicious ways (2 Peter 2:1, 2). Where then are they that think it no great matter what opinions a man do hold, or what judgment he is of in matters of religion, and that no man should be much misliked for such matters which they call conscience, so long as he is not otherwise culpable in his conversation for scandal in practice, such as are murders, whoredoms, drunkenness, thievery and the like? Which is as if one should say, there are some works of the flesh which exclude out of heaven, and subvert the soul, for which a man should not be misliked though he be known to walk in them, but may have the repute and reward of a right good and honest man notwithstanding.

Which opinion of the little danger of opinions, as in itself it is very erroneous, so it is one thing that makes way for other errors to be more readily entertained and persisted in, Satan having by this means persuaded the sons and daughters of men to believe that errors have not much danger in them, and hence they are not much afraid of them. Whereas if they did steadfastly believe and seriously consider what the Scripture teaches, how that by such things men's souls are subverted, and themselves in danger to be excluded out of God's kingdom, and to be destroyed, they would then be more cautious and considerate what doctrines they entertain, and the more afraid of perishing in error: but through want of this consideration, corrupt and pernicious apprehensions do so greatly abound. Otherwise, how could it be that men should so easily be brought to deny the sacred Trinity, the Godhead of Jesus Christ, the imputation of his righteousness to justification, the divine authority of the holy Scriptures, the immortality of the soul, the morality of the Sabbath, so making all days alike, yes to deny not only the fourth Commandment, as Papists have done the second, but also to deny the whole law of God to be any rule of life to a believer, holding also that God sees no sin in his children, that sin has God for the author of it, that there is no election, but an universal redemption by Christ and free will in man, and that men regenerate and justified may fall away, that there are no churches, ministry or ordinances of any necessary use in these days to some Christians, but that men may attain to such attainments as to have no need thereof, but may live without them or be above them. Not to mention any more of such like tenets which in these days do too much abound. Dreadful things you may be sure if they be persisted in, and yet too many there be that do believe them and vent them, to the extreme hazard of their own and others' souls. And therefore that the godly christian may by the help of Christ be preserved from these and all other whether soul-destroying or soul-endangering doctrines, let him carefully make use of these few helps.

1. Let a man be sure that his profession of religion be in sincerity and truth, that he may not only have a form of godliness, but the truth and power of it, and then he shall surely be preserved from destroying errors. For though false teachers may deceive many, and show signs and wonders for that end, yet it is not possible that they should finally deceive the elect and chosen ones of God (Matthew 24:24), or will the sheep of Christ harken to the voice of a stranger, but will flee from him (John 10:5, 8), and that saying (1 John 2:29), they went out from us, but were not of us, as it shows that apostates in their best times were but hypocrites, so it also shows that they who are but hypocrites are like enough in the end to become apostates.

2. Stability and settledness of mind and judgment in the truth is also a means to be preserved from being seduced. For it is children that are tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine (Ephesians 4:14), whereas if the heart be established with grace, a man shall not so easily be carried about with divers and strange doctrines (Hebrews 13:9), no, it is the ignorant and unstable that wrest the Scriptures to their own destruction (2 Peter 3:16). When there comes a stream or flood of waters on the earth, trees and houses that are rooted and well grounded do stand firm, but whatever lies loose is swept away: so the flood of errors may carry away loose and unsettled professors, but such as are rooted and grounded abide firm and steadfast.

And especially it is good to be well grounded in principles of Catechism; for these points are fundamental, and therefore are called the foundation (Hebrews 6:1,2). And it is not often seen but that they who are led away with erroneous opinions, and vain and empty whimseys are very defective even in catechetical points. The voice of error is, whoever is simple, let him come here (Proverbs 9:16).

3. And as a means of both the former, it is very needful and to be of an humble spirit, truly abased in the sight and sense of a man's own weakness, and sinfulness, and unworthiness; for such have a promise of being informed in the truth and ways of God (Ezekiel 43:10,11), and of direction and preservation (Psalm 25:9). Babes shall have truths of God revealed to them, which are hid from the wise and prudent (Matthew 11:25). And the reason is, because humble souls are afraid of themselves, dare not trust to their own understanding and strength, but depend upon God and Christ to preserve and teach them in the truth. Whereas others trusting on themselves are therefore near to a fall, even because they are proud, and self-confident (Proverbs 16:18 and 28:14).

4. It is needful for to keep a good conscience by walking in obedience to the truth and will of God, so far as a man does know already: for to such there is a promise that they shall know what doctrine is of God and what is otherwise (John 7:17). Whereas they that take pleasure in unrighteousness are in danger to be given up to believe lies, and so to be damned (2 Thessalonians 2:11,12), and therefore it is said, the wise shall understand, but none of the wicked shall understand (Daniel 12:10). As there are few errors in opinion but they bring forth sins in practice, so sins in practice will bring error in principles, through the judgment of the Lord upon men for those their sins. They that were led captive of errors were laden with divers lusts (2 Timothy 3:6,7). Men that will not do what they know, it is just if they be left in blindness and not know what to do. When a master gives light to his servants and they do no good therewith, but abuse it to cards, dice, drinking, drunkenness, etc.: it is just if he come and take away the light from them, and so they be left in darkness. In like sort it is a righteous thing with God to plague the polluted lives and consciences of men with giving them up to the darkness and delusions of error. Oh let all them tremble at this, that have much knowledge in their heads, but little power of grace in their hearts to walk accordingly, but by the power of unmortified lusts are so carried away as to sin wickedly against the light of their own knowledge and conscience in one kind or in another; for besides the great wrath and many stripes that such may expect in another world, they may also fear that the Lord may leave them to some pernicious error or other even in this life, and thereby their damnation be the more dreadful. A pure conscience is a good cask or vessel wherein to preserve and keep the mystery of faith (1 Timothy 3:9).

5. It was desire of novelty that overthrew our first parents (Genesis 3), for they were well if they could have been so content; but having an itching desire to know more than God saw meet for them hence they were overthrown. And men that have itching ears, are apt to be turned from the truth and to be turned to fables (2 Timothy 4:3,4). It argues an ill stomach, and a weak and unhealthful constitution of body, when a man can not digest good and wholesome food without curious sauce. In like sort it is an ill sign of a distempered soul, when the good old way of the doctrine of faith, and repentance, and the like, is not savory to a man's spirit, but he must have new notions, and quaint and unquoth matter, or else it will not go down. Therefore beware of curiosity. The old way is the good way, let a man seek that and walk in it, and he shall find rest for his soul (Jeremiah 6:16).

6. Let a man beware of his company. He that delights to walk and talk with them that have the plague, it is no marvel if he catch infection. Therefore we are bidden to shun the society of corrupt and erroneous persons, to avoid them, and have no familiarity of converse with them (Romans 16:17; 2 John 10), and to cease to hear the instruction that causes to err from the words of knowledge (Proverbs 19:27). Weak Christians should not be admitted to doubtful disputations, lest they be staggered (Romans 14:1), and therefore they must not go to them of their own accord: and the reason is plain, namely because we must avoid temptations as much as lies in us, and therefore not lead ourselves into temptation, for then it may be just with God to leave us to ourselves. And therefore it is not safe, especially for weak Christians, to be familiarly conversant with corrupt persons, or corrupt books, which do frequently come abroad in these days.

7. Lastly, it is specially useful in this case to keep close to the Scriptures, and to the means appointed of God for our right understanding of the Scriptures. Therefore we are bidden, Go to the Law and to the Testimony (Isaiah 8:20); as on the contrary, the ignorance of the Scriptures is noted in the Sadducees as a main cause of their error (Matthew 22:29). If a man's adversary and enemy can persuade him to throw away his weapons, he may then conceive hope of prevailing against him with more ease: and therefore it is no wonder if Satan in these days does breed questions against the divine authority and necessary and profitable use of the Scriptures as heretofore he was wont to do among the Papists, for he knows it will be for his advantage against poor souls, if he can by any means persuade them to lay aside the sword of the Spirit which is the word of God (Ephesians 6:17). But he that loves his soul must be more wise, than to hearken to the counsel of Satan herein.

And for means for the right understanding of the Scripture, one is, the Church of God, and holy communion therewith, another is the officers and ministers of Christ therein. In respect of the former it is said that the Law should go forth of Sion, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem (Isaiah 2:3), that is to say, from the church. And there it was, even in the Sanctuary that the Psalmist came to understand that which otherwise was too hard and painful for him (Psalms 73:16,17). For which cause it is that he that has an ear to hear, must hear what the Spirit says to the churches (Revelation 2). And even to the Angels themselves much of the manifold wisdom of God is made known by the church (Ephesians 3:10). If therefore a man hang loose from the love of church-society, and the communion of saints therein, it is no marvel if such an one be drawn away with errors, because the Church is the pillar and ground of truth (1 Timothy 3:15). The Apostle exhorting not to forsake the assembling of ourselves together as the manner of some was, presently adds what a dangerous thing it is to sin willfully after we have received the knowledge of the truth, that is, to become apostates (Hebrews 10:25,26), intimating thereby that where there is the former, there men are in danger of the latter, that is to say, where the hearts of men draw back from church-society, there they are in danger of apostacy.

And for the ministers of Christ in his church; as it was said of old that the priests' lips should preserve knowledge, and they should seek the Law at his mouth (Malachi 2:7), so in the new Testament Christ has appointed officers in his Church, [◇] for other ends, so for this that we may not be children, tossed to and fro, with every wind of doctrine (Ephesians 4:11,24), that is, that we might not be seduced with errors, and them that teach them. In which respect it is that the Eunuch confesses he could not understand the Scriptures without some to guide him (Acts 8:30,31). The Disciples of Christ hearing of an opinion of the Scribes that Christ was not the Messiah, because of a seeming-strong objection that Elias must first come, if they had kept this objection to themselves, they might have been foiled or puzzled therewith: but they were more wise than so, they do not keep it close and only plod upon it among themselves, but very honestly bring it forth to their Master Christ Jesus, and so had resolution and satisfaction (Matthew 17:10,11,12,13). A notable example and worthy of imitation: but when men have met with new notions and apprehensions, whether from books or otherwise, contrary to the doctrine which they have received, and shall keep them in hugger mugger, so that their officers must not know them; the ministers of Christ must not be acquainted with them, this is a ready way for the endangering of their souls exceedingly; like stolen waters which are sweet, and bread eaten in secret which is pleasant, but the dead are there, and such guests are in the depth of Hell (Proverbs 9:17,18).

Oh therefore let every soul that would be preserved from the infection of error, carefully look to these things, and let him cry mightily to God through Jesus Christ for his grace and holy Spirit to preserve him in the truth, and to bless him in the use of these and other good means for that end; and then he may with comfort expect that the Lord will preserve him from the evil way of error and lies, and will guide him in the truth and ways of grace to his heavenly Kingdom through Jesus Christ; to whom be all glory of service and affiance for ever.

R. M.