deceivers, specially they of the circumcision;
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