are always liars, evil beasts, slow bellies.
SERMON XII.
TITUS, Chap. i. verses 10, 11, and 12.
10. For there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers, specially they of the circumcision;
11. Whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole houses, teaching things which they ought not, for filthy lucre's sake.
12. One of themselves, even a prophet of their own, said, The Cretians are always liars, evil beasts, slow bellies.
St. Paul saith, there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers, in the towns and country of Crete. He maketh mention of this to Titus, who was then in that island, that he might be careful in appointing men to govern the church, who would reprove those that rose up against the truth of God, and endeavoured to trouble the church. As dangers and necessities increase, men ought to provide remedies. So, when we see wicked men strive to bring confusion into the church, we must be careful and zealous, and endeavour to keep all things in their proper order. St. Paul informeth us that there were many rebels even among the faithful, and such as attempted to preach the gospel, who were given to vain prattling and filthy lucre; teaching that which did not edify.
When we see the church of God so troubled by the wicked, it is the duty of ministers to strive to keep things in a proper condition: they must be armed, (not with a material sword,) but with the word of God, with wisdom and virtue, that they may be enabled to resist the ungodly. When we see so many turn from the right way, let us be careful, and endeavour to have the church of God provided with good rulers, that Satan raise not up stumbling-blocks among us. When St. Paul speaketh of these vain deceivers, he mentioneth
the Jews in particular; who were the flower of the church, the first born of the house of God. We know that the Gentiles were as wild branches, which God of his grace grafted into the stock of Abraham. Although we see that the Jews were anciently the true heirs of salvation, and that the inheritance of life belonged to them, yet notwithstanding, St. Paul notes them as being the greatest disturbers of the church.
When the wicked sow tares, (whether it be of false doctrine or wicked talk,) to turn the faithful from the right way, if we dissemble, or make as though we saw them not, the weak will become infected, and many will be deceived; thus there will be a general plague: but if we point out such men, they will be shunned, and therefore will do but little evil. When we see men who do nothing but pull down, and endeavour to cause trouble in the church, we must labour to bring them into the right way: but if they remain steadfast in their wickedness, we must make them known; we must disclose their filthiness, that men may abhor them, and separate themselves from their company.
Shall we leave the church of God among thieves and wolves, as it were, and let the whole flock be scattered, and the blood of our Lord Jesus Christ trodden under foot? Shall we suffer all order to be abolished, the souls which have been redeemed destroyed, and in the meantime shut our eyes and be silent? If we act thus, are we not cowards? Let us therefore endeavour to bring back those that have strayed, who are not utterly past hope: especially if their faults be secret: but when they fall into such wickedness as to make confusion in the church, we must use a different remedy; we must show them what they are, and hold them up to the view of the world, that they may be avoided; we must not spare them, because the whole salvation of the people of God is in danger.
We must not be moved by favour toward the person of any one, and say, "this man is worthy of commendation; he is yet to be regenerated:" we must not think so much upon those men who seem honourable and privileged at
the present day, as upon our duty. We have already shown that the gospel came from the Jews; that they were the holy root, the chosen people, the church of God. Therefore, when they had such prerogatives, might they not have expected some privileges? It is evident, that by this they were enabled to do the more evil. They need not use this goodly title, only to say, "we are the first born of the house of God;" but they might say, "we are the people whom God hath chosen to himself; we are the stock of Abraham, who were adopted from all ages; we are they to whom God revealed himself; and it is through our means that you have the doctrine of salvation at this day." When they made use of such sayings as these, were it not enough to astonish the minds of the weak?
Let us therefore remember, that when persons of honour and dignity have been in credit a long time, and then become deceivers, and endeavour to sow tares and destroy the building of God, we must withstand them the more courageously; for they are far more dangerous than those of lower rank. If an ignorant man, who is but little known, be wicked, and disposed to do evil, he cannot pour out his poison afar off, for he is, as it were, fettered. But he that is of reputation and intelligence, who setteth himself on high that he may be seen afar off, who can boast of his credit, &c. that man, I say, will be armed like a madman; and if he be suffered, he may do much hurt.
Let us mark well when we see men that are honourable, whether it be on account of the office they fill, or the reputation they have had for a long time. In other places where St. Paul speaketh of those that pervert the truth of the gospel, and put forth errours and false doctrine, he calleth them hereticks: but in this place he calleth them unruly and vain talkers and deceivers, who will not be ruled by truth or reason. There are no worse enemies than traitors; who, under colour of God's name, come and make divisions in the church, and endeavour to destroy that which God hath established. We see some who will not say at first, that the doctrine which we preach is false; for they would be ashamed to speak in this manner, were
they ever so impudent: but they will labour to bring the people into a dislike of it; this we frequently see. I would to God we were entirely rid of such infection and filth.
If these vain talkers and deceivers be let alone, if we take no notice of them, what will become of the church? Will not the devil win all? And shall we not be guilty of betraying the flock, and of destroying that which was built up in God's name? We must therefore consider that we have to fight not only against the Papists and Turks, who utterly reject the doctrine that we preach, but against home enemies; who go about maliciously and traitorously to bring to nought those things which are well devised and established, that Jesus Christ may not reign in full power; who endeavour to corrupt the word, that in the end, the sincerity of religion may be destroyed.
We ought to withstand such enemies courageously; but we are so far from it, that everyone seemeth to thirst after nothing so much, as to be wittingly poisoned. If we doubted the purity of any meat, we should quickly abstain from it; for the love and care of this frail life leadeth us to it. But when God telleth us that it is poison to turn aside from his word, from the reverence we ought to bear him, and from the zeal with which we ought to be inflamed, we make no account of it. Some care for nothing but to hear vain curiosities; others have a longing to see the servants of God vexed, and this doctrine troubled, that they may triumph at it: thus they join hands with hereticks, as we have frequent examples. But the faithful must be put in mind of that which God teacheth them: if they wish to stand safe and sound, they must be watchful, and shun false doctrine. Yea, and when they perceive that Satan goeth about secretly, endeavouring to corrupt the word of God, which is preached to them, it is the duty of everyone to employ himself, and be faithful, that he may withstand the temptations of the adversary: for St. Paul spake not only to Titus, but to the people generally.
Now let us observe what is added; they subvert whole houses. If one man only were misled by them, it would be too much; for men's souls ought to be
precious to us, seeing our Lord Jesus Christ hath esteemed them so highly, that he spared not his own life, but freely gave it for our salvation and redemption. But when we shall see whole houses subverted, that is, everyone without exception, it is far more detestable. When St. Paul spake of the horrible crimes of deceivers, he mentioned vain babbling and foolish imaginations; he spake also of certain traditions which the Jews brought out of their law, of which they had a wrong understanding. Are we not then sufficiently warned? If we be turned from the right way, whom shall we blame for it? If Satan be suffered to deceive us, and we be given over to a reprobate state, it is no more than we deserve; because we have not used the remedy which God hath provided for us.
After St. Paul hath thus spoken, he addeth, it is for filthy lucre's sake. We therefore see, that as soon as we are carried away with covetousness, seeking after the goods of this world, it is impossible for us to preach the gospel in its purity. St. Paul saith that he preached the gospel in its purity, and held it forth in simplicity. Let all those therefore that teach the church, follow the example of the apostle: let them take heed to themselves, knowing that if they will serve God purely, they must be content with what he hath given them, and cast off all desire of riches. They must come to this conclusion, that they are rich enough, if they are enabled to edify the church of God: if the Lord causeth their labour to become profitable, they must be content therewith. This is what St. Paul meant to set forth in this place. The island of Crete, which at present is called Candia, formerly contained about one hundred cities or towns. St. Paul informeth us that the nation had indulged themselves in wickedness for a long time, and therefore have an evil name. He saith, "One of themselves, even a prophet of their own, said, The Cretians are always liars, evil beasts, slow bellies."
Such reproaches as these, seem to take away all their reputation. Some imagine that St. Paul here showeth himself to be their enemy: for he writeth to Titus, not secretly, but that his letter might be read and published, that the
Cretians might know what he said concerning them. Notwithstanding his rebukes, he had the pastoral charge of them. Thus we may learn, that although a man may desire the salvation of a people, and love them sincerely, yet he will not cease to point out the faults of which they are guilty: and indeed we cannot show that we love those whom God hath committed to our charge, unless we labour to correct the faults and diseases wherewith we see them infected. A good shepherd, therefore, though he rebuke the people sharply, must love them better than his own life.
It being the duty of those who are called to preach the word of God, to use plainness, and point out the errours of the faithful, they must not be offended or grieved when they are told of their faults. Many at this day think the gospel is not well preached, unless they are flattered: that is, they think men do not preach the word of God, unless they cover their sins, and endeavour to please them: but we here see another kind of divinity. Ministers, when they see any kind of wickedness among those who are committed to their charge, must not conceal it; it must be made known. It is better to put those to shame, who have been negligent and sleepy, than to hoodwink them, that they may become more blind.
The surgeon, who hath a wound to heal, cutteth away all the rotten flesh, or if there be any apostume, he purgeth it to the quick, to take away all the infection and corruption; so must the ministers of the word of God do, if they wish to discharge their duty faithfully toward those committed to their care: and those of the faithful must bear such correction patiently, knowing that it is necessary that they should be thus handled. They must not murmur against those who seek their salvation; for what shall it profit us to be honourable in the eyes of the world, if in the meantime God abhorreth us? But there are many who are displeased if they are told of their faults. If he who hath authority to teach, point out the wickedness that reigneth among them, they will be displeased with him, and mock him.
We see how justice is corrupted, and what favours are granted; men speak of wickedness in their houses, in their shops, in the streets, and in the marketplace; but if it be mentioned in the pulpit,
we see them displeased, and full of malice. There is no man but what can say, "such a sin is common; such a man hath done such a fault." Every one may see what sins reign among the people; and yet, those who are appointed to watch over them, dare not reprove them, although their office requireth it of them.
It is said the word of God is like a two-edged sword, which pierceth the most secret thoughts, separating joint and marrow: yea, it reacheth even to the bottom of the heart, and maketh known whatever sins lurk within us. If we wish to be taken for Christians, we must have quiet and contented minds, and not be angry when we are reproved for our faults. When we have any apostume about us, we must be willing to have it lanced; when the sore is ripe and raging, let us be willing to receive the remedy, knowing it is for our profit. It is said by our Lord Jesus Christ, that he will send the Comforter; "And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgement." Therefore, if we will not bow down our necks, and receive God's yoke, that is to say, if we do not condemn ourselves, and suffer him to exercise spiritual jurisdiction over us, by those whom he hath appointed to preach his word, we shall be condemned. This is the cause why the papists speak evil of us. St. Paul exhorteth us to walk uprightly, and to have a good conscience before God.
If we wish not to be condemned by infidels, we must be meek and patient, and show ourselves ready and willing to receive instruction from the word of the Lord. When our faults are made known to us, we must confess them. We are commanded throughout the scripture to reprove the wicked: but it is a common practice in these times for men to cast off all correction, and
take free liberty in all manner of sin and iniquity, being under no subjection. But those who wish to pass for Christians, must not behave themselves in this manner. St. Paul saith, "Admonish one another;" and again, "Reprove sin." To whom doth the Holy Ghost speak in these two places? To all the faithful without exception. For although God hath chosen some, to whom he hath given a special charge to admonish, exhort, and reprove those that do amiss, yet notwithstanding, he chargeth every man to set himself against sin and wickedness.
If this be lawful for those who have no public charge, what must the minister do, whom God hath expressly charged to fill this office There are bastard Christians among us at this day, who know not God, nor obey his word; therefore they will not bear correction. St. Paul reproveth the Cretians by putting them in mind of the witness of their own prophet; who saith, "The Cretians are always liars, evil beasts," &c. When God maketh known our faults, and reproveth us, he doth it for our salvation; we ought therefore to be displeased with ourselves, and confess our sins with the deepest humility. We gain nothing by being stubborn: it is of no use; for if we will not bow, God will break us in pieces.
It seemeth that God wrought a miracle, in sending the gospel into Crete. Although the people were very wicked, yet notwithstanding, the Lord in his goodness visited them. We may therefore perceive that God hath no regard to our worthiness, when he calleth us to be first in his church; but he oftentimes does it to set forth the brightness of his mercy. If, when we were cast away, he reached out his hand and took us to himself, he deserveth so much the more honour and praise.
We have deserved nothing at his hands; and if we have received the gospel, it is not by reason of our own virtue; for nothing can move God to call men to himself, and make them know his will, but his free mercy. Let us therefore learn to glorify our God in the spirit of humility; and if he hath chosen us, and forsaken others, and we wish to remain in possession of so great a
blessing, let us examine our lives daily. When we see that there is nothing in us but wretchedness, and that we can do nothing but provoke him to anger, let us prevent his wrath by condemning ourselves. When every man judgeth himself, then shall we be justified before God; who will not only purge us from all our wretchedness, but cause his glory to shine more and more, that we may have occasion to call upon him as our Father, and proclaim to the world that he hath redeemed us by the merits of his Son, that we may become his inheritance.