7. And in the seventh place. In things whereof there is no certain rule to direct tis, we ottght to imitate the example and custom of the most holy and sober sort. As in apparel much question is, what sort, what fashion is most to be imitated, let the most sober and moderate of thine own rank be guide unto thee. It is singularity to difier from such, with a desire to be noted, and it savours of pride ; and such shall be condemned by their examples, even as Noah condemned the old world.
Use. For use of all this, learn hence what is the best succession. That is the best and surest note of succession which is both in doctrine and example. Local succession is nothing. They are the children of Abraham that do the works of Abraham. They are Jews which are Jews inwardly in the spirit. The papists they cry out against us we have no succession, but it is they have no succession. Their doctrine everywhere crosses the doctrine of the ancient Church of Rome. Their practice is without pre- cedent. What precedent have they for rebellion, for their equivocation, and the like ? They follow, indeed, but as corruption doth generation.
PHILIPPIANS CHAP, lU, VEE. 18. 125
VERSE 18. For many wallc, of whom I have told you often.
These words contain a reason of Paul's exhortation ; and from the con- nection we may observe, that ivhere truth is, error is. Where wheat is there are tares. Walk as I do, for there are many with whom ye converse that walk as enemies to the cross of Christ. Om- enemies tell us, because of our errors we are not the true church. They may better conclude con- trarilj', that because we have some few errors, therefore there is a true church amongst us. Where truth is there will be opposers, and therefore we are not to be scandalised hereat. The skill and courage of a Christian is seen most where truth is in danger, as the goodness of a pilot is seen specially in a tempest.
The papists will not have the word read in the vulgar tongue. Why ? Because they say many errors will thence arise, while the common people understand it not. They may as well argue, because there is much deceit, therefore I will not buy nor sell. St Paul was of another mind. He would preach at Ephesus, ' for a great door and efiectual was opened,' though he knew there were ' many adversaries,' 1 Cor. xvi. 9.
In the next place, observe he saith, ' many there were,' meaning of the better and more eminent sort, that is, of teachers. A pitiful thing, that in the golden times of the church the chief leaders of the church should be misled ; and therefore we are not to wonder that we should find it thus, and therefore we must not be scandalised by the multitude. One Micaiah is better than four hundred false prophets ; and therefore we must not number the followers, but weigh them aright (w).
To proceed. He saith there are ' many.' He nameth none in particular, yet no doubt but noted scandalous persons may and ought to be particu- larly named, that others may take notice and heed of them ; yet this must be warily done. The apostle curses the coppersmith, but only names Demas. Those that are weak must be gently touched ; those that are obstinate and scandalous must be plainty made known ; and this draweth some of our writers particularly to lay open the vices and falsehoods of those that are obdurate, and therefore we must not take scandal thereat, it arising from a zealous care of God's church, not of malice.
In the next place, he saith he told them ' often.' The apostle was affectionately bent for their good, and therefore to write the same things often to them it was not grievous to him, seeing to them it was false.* For the nature of man is very dull in conceiving of things that belong to salva- tion, and their memories are but brittle. If therefore we do often inculcate and lay open the danger of that whorish religion long since condemned, it must be well taken in these times, especially wherein men are so secure, daring to venture on anything, yea, to go to their masses, upon pretence of their strength, that they can come away without being defiled.
And now tell you icceping.
As if he should have said, if nothing else will make you beware, yet let my tears move, my tears proceeding from grief and compassion of the miserable estate of such teachers, and of such as are led by them.
Affections therefore are lawful, yea, necessary in God's children. AH actions in God's worship are esteemed according to the aflections that they are done with. We are as we love, not as we know. What is the life of
* Qu. ' safe ' ?— Ed.
120 EXPOSITION OF
a Christian but tlic pcrformfincc of tilings with courage, delight, and joy ? And therefore the strongest Christians have strongest affections. For religion doth not harden the heart, but mollifies it ; and regeneration doth not take afl'ections awaj', but restores them sanctified and pure.
But to come particularly to the matter here. He is compassionate, and so compassionate as his natural constitution will admit ; he cxpresseth this with tears, which ariseth from grief for something within ourselves, or by reason of sympathy with others for some danger that they are in, or like to fall into.