Thirdly, Come to their worship. Their adoration of the host, their invocation of saints and ano-els. their jrivins: to the Virgin Mary and other samts departed the titles of mediator, redeemer, and saviour, in their public liturgies and hymns ; their bowing to and before images ; their communion in one kind, and that decreed by their councils, with a non obstante Christi instituto^ notwithstanding Christ's express in-
VeR. 30.] SERMONS UPON PSALM CXIX. 309
stitution to the contrary ; their service in an unknown tongue, and the like, are just causes of our separation from them. But it is tedious to rake in these things. So that unless we would be treacherous to Christ, and not only deny the faith, but forfeit sense and reason, and give up all to the lusts and wills of those that have corrupted the truth of Christianity, we ought to withdraw, and our separation is justifiable notwithstanding this plea.
The use. Here is reproof to divers sorts.
1. To those that think they may be of any sect among Christians, as if all the differences in the Christian world were about trifles and matters of small concernment, and so change their religion as they do their clothes, and are turned about with eveiy puff of new doctrine. If it were to turn to heathenism, Turcism, or Judaism, they would rather suf- fer banishment or death than yield to such a change ; but to be this day of this sect and to-morrow of another, they think it is no great matter. As the wind of interest bloweth, so are they carried, and do not think it a matter of such moment to venture anything upon that account. You do not know the deceitfulness of your hearts ; he that can digest a lesser error will digest a greater. God trieth you in the present truth. He that is not faithful in a little will not be faithful in much, as he that giveth entertainment to a small temptation will also to a greater, if put upon it. Where there is not a sincere purpose to obey God in all things, God is not obeyed in anything. Every truth is precious. The dust of gold and pearls is esteemed. Every truth is to be owned in its season with full consent. To do anything against conscience is damnable. You are to choose the way of truth impartially, to search and find out the paths thereof.
2. It reproves those that will be of no religion till all differences among the learned and godly are reconciled, and therefore willingly remain unsettled in religion, and live out of the communion of any church upon this pretence, that there is so much difference, such show of reason on each side, and such faults in all, that they doubt of all, and therefore will not trouble themselves to know which side hath the truth. You are to choose the way of truth. And this is such a fond conceit, as if a man desperately sick should resolve to take no physic till all doctors were of one opinion ; or as if a traveller, when he seetli many ways before him, should lie down and refuse to go any farther. You may know the truth if you will search after it with humble minds : John vii. 17, ' If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doc- trine whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself.' ' The meek he will teach the way.' If you be diligent, you may come to a certainty notwithstanding this difference.
3. It reproves those that take up what comes next to hand, are loath to be at the pains of study, and searching, and prayer, that they may resolve upon evidence ; that commonly set themselves to advance that faction into whicli they are entered. Alas ! you should mind religion seriously ; though not lightly leave the religion you are bred in, yet not hold it upon unsound grounds. As antiquity : John iv. 20, ' Our fathers worshipped in this mountain.' Or custom of the times and places where you live: Eph. ii. 2, 'According to the course of the Avorld,' tlie general and corrupt custom or example of those where we
310 SERMONS UPON PSALM CXIX. [SeR. XXXII.
live ; nor be led by affection to, or admii-ation of some persons, Gal. ii. 12. Holy men may lead you into error. Nor by multitude, to do as the most do : ' Follow not a multitude to do evil ;' but get a true and sound conscience of things ; for by all these thiugs opinions are rather imposed upon us than chosen by us.
4. It reproves those that absta,in from fixing out of a fear of troubles ; as the king of Navarre would so far put forth to sea as that he might soon get to shore again. You must make God a good allowance when you embark with him ; though called not only to dispute, but to die for religion, you must willingly submit : ' If any man come to me, and hate not his own life, he cannot be my disciple,' Luke xiv. 26. How soon the fire may be kindled we cannot tell ; times tend to Popery ; though there be few left to stick by us — the favour of the times runs another way — we ought to resolve for God, whatever it costs us.