2. Or else, Secondly, it is from a prophane spirit of opposition; not onely against Church-Government, and all good order; but against all the wayes of Christ. But let such persons consider;

1. That it is far better to have their ignorance cured, then covered: Ignorance covered will make us go blindfold to Hell; But Ignorance cured, will make us go with open eyes to Heaven.

2. That Christ accounts them his enemies, that will not have him to [197]reign over them, and will destroy them as his enemies.

3. To hate Instruction and Reformation, is a certain sign of wickedness, which God abhors.

4. All the opposition that carnal and rebellious spirits have against Christ and his wayes, will in the end, prove kicking against the pricks, and most pernicious to their own Souls.

And thus we have answered all those objections, that are usually brought against this way of Examination, and herein (as we hope) have given abundant satisfaction to all those that are willing to receive it. And we have likewise finished our Exhortation. As for the successe of it, we leave it wholy to God; as having learn't, that duty is ours, but success is Gods. When Paul had finished his Sermon at [198]Athens, some mocked; and others said, we will hear thee again of this matter. Howbeit certain men clave unto him, and believed, &c. We doubt not but there are many within the Province; whose hearts the Lord will open, to attend to what is here said. Our desire is to do good unto all, even unto those that are our greatest adversaries; and not to be overcome of evil, but to overcome evil with good. If they mock at us (as they did at Paul) yet surely, [199]Our Judgment is with the Lord, and our work with our God; He that is filthy, let him be filthy still; and he that is unjust, let him be unjust still: But we hope better things of you, that have submitted to the Presbyterian-Government. For whom we pray, [200]That the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus Christ, that great Shepherd of his sheep, through the bloud of the everlasting Covenant, would make you perfect in every good work, to do his Will; working in you, that which is well-pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory, for ever and ever, Amen.

[96]  Rom. 12.8.

[97]  1 Pet. 5.

[98]  Luk. 22.25, 26.

[99]  ἡγουμενος.