L^ «M'.BOLTONS LAST AND LEAR- NED WORKE »^ cm ;is? of the Foure laft Things, Death, Judgement, Hell, and Heaven, fVith his AS SISE-SERMONS, and Notes on lufticc ' Nkolls his Funerall. Together with the Life and Death of the ^Authour. Fubliniedby £. B. And re- viewed, with ^^'^^ i^l^^^ Maiginall Notes,and an Alphabeiicall ^^^^^l|\^^^ Tabic added thereunto. ^^¥9 (jE^,M% Hereunto is added the Sermon at M.Bohons I It^lll^ ^?f^'>^^ FmeraU, hy M. Nic. Eiiwick. The fourth Edition. .1::^^^^ H'^i<'4 Printed h George Millir, % '^^?Wf ^'^^ ^T^eHing in the Black- Friers, i djp. [^ C'Sehe'd ah Imaft enth s Tber' u naite \he Verfcf itinsjThat B e t t o u s gbofi tan pta'ut : T» Htev'n h'sroKe, THE WILLIAM R. PERKINS LIBRARY OF DUKE UNIVERSITY I Rare Books r^ H fij ' _.f^^^^^^'^-. iC-'Z 7^ ^ /rz^^^^fiC^^/^^^-^ ^^y^/-/(■ rufiice'Ni' felfe , as a pledge of his avowed thankcfulnefle for colls, as grave thofe many favours hce received from that Religious andkarneda, and Renowned * J v d g e , his Noble Patron : and ^^ingdTJeel ^^^^ ^^^^ ^^^^^ ' ^^^ immediate heirc and fuccef- jO]/edin the age lOUr. it held hint. This requeft from him (that would deny me nothing) I knew not how to vvithftand,though 1 vvr'ong'd my fclfe in the acceptance ; as to draw a /i^e in that VVorke,froin which fo rare aWorke-man bad taken off his le irncd and eloquent pen. ButyetanecefTiry lay upon mc; for he de- fired in his fickneffe, that by this Dedication it might ap- peare to the world how mu.h hee honoured your fclfe and family^ which firft preferred him. It was no fmall joy to his heart to fee that fpcech of God himfelfe fulfilled upon your H&njg , Thefe that he- X Sam. 2. 30. fi our Ttfe I wili honour. It is fit the world fliould know (that it may blufli and mend) to what cminency of place * Q^ipecunia the meerc merits of /»/?/c^ T^colls in that fhort race of & l.ii-^itioni- Yiis life raisM him unto. Called hce was by the Writ of faTerdTtr& ^r'^"* E LI Z A3 ST H tohz Serjeant at La^ : He inagiftiacus was by King lAMES made SerjeAnt at Law to ambmnt, his Prince H 8 N RT His eldel^ Sonne : luigeoi the Com- poeaa dcporta- mon Pleas,and Chancellour to our (now) Gracious Sove- nonis eft prs- j-ajg^e ^ when hce was Prineeoi Pf^ales, But that which deam^im. " truly ennobles his memory , and makes me call to mindc Jttflice of Vjhzx. our Fleta reportcth was the honour ok Judges a- FeaieaniqttO' bout King ETf fV 4RT> the the firft'x dayes : Hee had Tum , luftice and held all thefe places 7^c prece. nee * prech, neepra- r^rmLT^ «i//?. 5. «J the loflc , or ce rtaine hazard of a good confciencc ? for, ^^""^ they are rarely kept together : what are mockings, rcvi- j^'^l^'j"' 3 Ab- lings, reproaches, imprifonment, ^c. to godly men } but ,Ti,iitcs c hri- deeper imprcffions of ftridtcr holineflc, and the very fti:utiionmi- marks of the Lordleftu, ns terrcaot , The name of ChriftUn is a name both of Hon^ftr and "^c ciudatus Valour^ and begets better fpiritsthan either R^man or ^^^ncam" Grecian ; let OlfachiaveS and other Atheifis fay what ^yl] i^ j] they will : which of their ftories ever made mention of cap. 6. a 2 fo T H B E P I S T L E £xod. i8. * Or,able men, in the laft nun j7atiori. 9,1 8. fo valiant an army, as that Nohle Army of Martyrs, men- tioned in the eleventh Chapterto the Hehrewes > How can they want fpirit that derive their courage from no lelTe Author than the Lion of the Tribe oflnda. Nay , it were no hard matter to prove , ( might I recede from an Epiftlcjto purfuc a Common place) That no man can be truly valorous ; but he that is truly religious. Asthis Courage ought to be in all that feare God : fo fpecially in thofe that arc Magiftratcs , and fit in the feats of Jufticc , the very Tribunals of God hiinfelfe : for them to be daCtardly and fcarefuU, is to fliamc their Ma- fter. Give rate therefore leave , by fome warrant from the Author, in yourpcrfon (whom I cannot but com- mend in this particular) to preffc this vert uc upon all that beare rule in their Countrey. It is part of the Sjfence of a Infiice ofTeacc , to be a man of Courage. The coun- fell of lethro to Mefes , was , to make onety fuch to bee Magiftrates ,as were men of-*' courage , fearing God, <^c. Wherein the Spirit of God preferre's the daughter before the mother, and Fortitudf before the Feare ef g D ,oi which it is the effedl , becaufe it is more confpicuou* in the eyes of men : For the feare of God is a thing hidden in the heart , but that which drawes it forth and makes it iiIuftrious,is that valjur and high rcfo'ution of fpi- rit by which it worketh. Almighty God makes this good bv an example of his owne choice. For when hec had appointed lo/fttia to fucceed c^o/hys,ood7)hir>ity, Pre, ^'J floSi &"" 34. Verf. 4. fVifdcftfe is tec high for afoole : by whom impiudentcs throughout the Freverbes hee meanes a wicked man, funtmali. Therc^isaconncxioninthe virtues, the way to bee »»/^, Keck-fjf ^- is to he ge^d , and the way to be cohragictu , is to be »«/> . ^^^'^^ i^^- ^-f*?* A Wife mzn f^ftrctigi ttndA wan ef k*>t>i» ledge ffaith Sale- |^^^ JJ^ j^ a 3 «f^»} The E p I s t l e mon) encreafeth P;rength, From all which it is cafic to concluic , and hard to be gain-faid , that a cowardly per- ion , let him AvcU never io big , let him ca ric his creft never fo high , is neither wife nox gooi. The wicked flee Prov. tS. I. Tvhen no ntAn ptirfneth,but the righteous are bold 04 a, Lyon, The kitidly venting of thole two afFcclions of Anger and Lov^hath made meclong 'wwX-iss argument, and rani now bee ray excafe. That of Anger , at tlie prefent dege- neration of mens mtndcs from t!?at noblencfTeof- fpiric that was wont to bee 'w\ the fcrvants of G o d : the other of love to you , in encouraging you to as high refolutions as ever j though hee bee tAksn aivaj that was to you as LMofes to lo/i^nah, your tutoar in your youth , your fingular inflrn^or by his powerfull Miniftcry in your after-yeares : and ever your friend till hce went hence , and was feene no more. Amongft thofe many fpceches of his , which in his ordmary conference palTcd from him by weight, and not by number j I will re- fume one ill your hearing moft fitting my purpofe : /»«<;- eencj and independency (faidhe) make the bravefi fpirits. And it cannot be otherwife : for , that mans heart which is upright with God, and depends upon him alone , is of invincible courage , and becomes like the fpirit of Martin Ltt^her , who, when ncwcs was brought to him that both the Empcrour and the Pope threatned his In vita Lu- ruine , anfwered thus in fliorc , bu- very ftoutly , 'thcri. Contfmptns eJi a me Romanm faror c^ fervor , Ifcorne Pfal. ii8. ^. ^fjg ^^^^ ^^^ cp^^g can doe : like that of Tf'avid , The Lord is en my ftde , I will notfeare wh^t man can doe unto me e. ^\ ,.. What you heard him fpcakc, you fawhim praflicc. ladg. 8.2 1, pqj. ^ I may fay of him as was faid ofgideon , Sf*ch at the mm if ^feis huftrength : hee was one of a thoufand for jfiety and courage , which were fo excellently mixed with Tvifedome , that they who imagined mifchicfe a- gainft his Miniftcry (for, no other occafion could they ever Dedicatory. ever finde againft him than touching the law of his Go d) were never able by all thdr plotting to doc him any Dan. 6. j. more hurt, than onely to (hew their * teeth. And although hec bee now gathered to his Fathers, ^P(al. 37.1t. yet he ftill fpeakes to youinthls exce/IeKt Treatife, of which hee died in travel! ; encouraging you thereby ftill to doe worthilj m Ephratah , and to hold on in thofe good Ruth 4. 1 1. wayes of piety which you have ever loved. The very Heathens could fay that a good man i^as n puhlike good : x?"^^'^ *''*'<' but a good Magiftratc is much more; for, hee hatha g^y«'<=''*>*- price in his hand to doc good , and is armed with power and authority to bring it to paflc. Thefe times have need of fuch ; up therefore and bee doing : put on righieofijtte^e , and let it clothe you, and let J v s t i c e Job ip. 1 4,&c. bee to you as a robe and a diademe ; to breakc the /awes of the wicked, and to pluckc the prey out of Regiumeft their teeth. And although tbcfe kindc of ircn will for cum bene' fecc- this very thing piirfue you with envy , hatred , re- ^"^ "^J^J * proachcs , &c. You need not care ; for , their teeth are broken , and they cannot hurt you. Envj doth ever attend goodnefe ; though not as a companion , yet as a thing which deggs it at the heeles. / confidered f faith Ecd. 4. 4. Salomon) fvery right rvorke , that for this a man is en- vjed of his neighbour. This is your comfort ( and it is a great one) a Goi> and the ^ K i n g fhall honour ^pfalme 91. you for well-doing : Hee that ioveth pftrenejfe of heart , 14, 1 f, &c / (though for this he be fcofFed and jeer'd at in the world ) ^iUfct him en yet (faith Salomon) for the crace of his Zips the Kinjr Jhall ^^.^ \ ^^'^'"^ iee his c friends/ & J r ■ I J kehath r^no^ne ■' my name, Crff. / will deliver him and honour him , eath ther noyfe behind them , than the loud and long continued cries of /pilling their inno- cent bloud. Memorable alfb are the Funerall Orati- ons of the two Gregories , Nyffen and Na^i- an9:jsn on ^afil the Great : And in later times, to give a few inftanccs , ( for the number in this kinde is infinite ) M.elan6thon and Came" rarms wrote the life of Martin Luther j luni- tis the life of Vrfine i Ben^^a the life of Calyin ; Antonms Faiifs the life of Be:^a j lofas Simler the life oi Peter Mmyri2Xi6. DMumphrey the life of our nioft renowned Jewed, This manner of honouring the Saints is warranted by Gods ownc example^ who (for ought is revealed to us) tooke order for Mofes buriall , digged his grave , covered him with molds ^ and made for him that ex- cellent Funerall Sermon exprefled in the firft Chapter of IoJhuab» And that all- wife God who fwectely difpofcth all things , thinkes it needfull thus to grace his owne people, that hce may hereby uphold their fpirits amid thofe many preffures, fcornes, teptQSichcs,crueBimckini;s^zndmn\xmcrMc other of Viy. Bolton. ? other miferics which rhey endure of the world , meerely for his fervice j bee they o- therwifc never fo wife ,juft , mcekc, peacea- ble, and unrebukeable amongft men : Wir- neffe thofe many terrible perrecutions(men- tioned in Ecclefiafticall Stories) againftthe ff«/^' h^/- Chridians, though harmleflJe and innocent 5 ' "^ ^' though they prayed for their Empcrours, and God did miracles in their armies by * their prayers,* yer for this onelycaufe, that they honoured Christ, and called them* felves Chriftians , (fo odious was that preci- ous name untothciradvcrfarics) they were put to the extrcmcft tortures that the utmoft inventions of cruelty and rage could devifc againft them , as lu^in Martyr and TertuBian in their learned and eloquent Apologies for them doc amply dcmonflrate : this caufed Adrian the Emperor to ordaine,that thence- Eueb. nn ^.: forth none of them Ihould be appeached ^*^'^* barely for that name jUnlcffe they tranfgrcf- fedtheLawcs, According to thcfc examples^and for the very fame caufes, I have adventured to publifli to the world , the life and death of this The Life and Veath this man of God , the Authour of this Workc J now a Saint in heaven. I confcffe his worth & pares deferved rarhcr an advance- ment by fome fuch eloquent Orators as I mencioncd before , thaa a dcpreffion by my pen i but yet a pearlc may bee (hewed forth as well by a weake hand, as by the arme of a gyant, Ilhall doe no more. And let his ownc worth and workcs praife him in the gates, ( knew him from the beginning of my youth, being my firfl: Tutourin the Vniverfitie of Oxford, and my felfc one of his firfl: Schollers, and from that time tothc day of his death, being above fevcn and twen- ty yeares , none knew him better , or loved him more 5 our familiarity was fuch, that ( alluding to tbatbetweene P^/and Timo- zTim. I. 4. fij'^lmay fay, 1 knew his dodrine, man- ner of life, faith,charity, patience ^ and now vvil only relate what I have heard and feenc, wherin I will not exceed the bounds of mo- defty or truth, A^ To begin with his birth . \ obfervc that HU birth. throughout the facred Bible, and writings on theperfonsof holy men , their places of birth c?/M;. Bolton. 5 birth arc ever remembred ; G o d loves the very ground his fervants tread on: Ithe Lord fbaU count ( fay cs David ) when bee p^^j^ g^. ^^ numbmb up the people, that this mm ypas^ borne there i whereas of other men there Iball b^e no remembrance of them , they fliall have none to lament or bury them, but (hall bccaftforthas dung on the face of the earth ; fo that I may fay of them^ as was faid of Pope Boniface the eight, famous for no- thing but his wickedncffc^ intraw Vulpes , regnaw Leo , exiipit Canis y the Prophet Da'vid renders it thus in plaine Englifli. They fpend their dayes in mirth ^andfuddenlygos do'Sfne into beS, Hee was borne at Blacborne a towne of - good note in Lanc^/Ijire on Whitfunday, cam. Brit pag. Anno Domini i'j7i. His parents being not of ^^** any great mcanes , yet fiading in him a great towardlineffc for learning, deftinatedhim to bee aSchoUer, and ftrugled with their cftate tofurnilh him with neccflaries in that kind, apprehending the advantage of a fin- gular Schoole-Mafter that was then in the Mr.Yate$= Townc, Hee plied his booke fo well, that in {hort The Life andT)eatb ftiort time he became the bcft fchollcr in the fchoolc : and no marvcll j for , hec had thofe fix properties of a fcholler noted by Ifocrates and others , which concurring in one, thruft up learning to a very high ele- vation, 1. He was (Evjuiif) ofexcellcnt parts and abilities of mind^and of a found conflitucion of body. 2. Hee was ( ^tw/z^r ) of a very ftrong me** mory i 1 meanc fuch a memory as was no- tably aduated by his ready and quicke un- dcrftanding. For , (as Phylofophers ob- fcrve) that memory which tends to admira- tion, being of a quite differing temperature from the underftanding , inclines rather to folly 3 and becomes the ground of that Pro- verbe, The greateftCUrkesarenQtal'VPayes the mfefi men, J. He was ( zMk^^ ) a moovcr of doubts and queftions j this was ever an evident lhVci. 46. fignc of learning i by this our bleffed Savi- our approoYcd His learning amongft the Do(flours in hearing them and asking them (jueftions: So did the Queenc of 5*^^410 King cyTOii. King Salomon, A dunce feldome makes doubts i but (as Salomon faith of a foolej al- waies boaftcth and is confident. 4. He was ( '^5:tcw) a. very laborious pain- full ftudent,as (hall be more largely ilie wed, for it is worthy imitation. 6, He was ( ?'^"J'-^°« ) a great liftner after the fayings and Speeches ai others, and haih been often obierved to beonly ahearer^and to fit filei t himfelfc , unleffc hec was urged with fomc importunity 5 and the things hee heard , hee fuffered them not to bee loft (if they were of worth) but alwayes put them downe in a booke which he particular y kept for that purpofe. He continued long at Schoole^and came 6» not totheVniverfity till aboutthe t' ventieth uuiiuHesin yeare 01 his age. Hee was placed at Oxford leige. in Lincolne Colledge under the tuition of Mr, Randall^ a man ofno great note then, buc b after- 8 Thiftife anclT>eath^ afterward became a learneol Divine and godly Preacher at London. In that Colledgc heefellclofe to the ftudies of Logickc and Philofophie , and by reafon of that ground- work of learning he got at fchoolcand ma- turity of yearcs, hec quickly got the ftartaf thofcof hisownetime, and grew into fame in that ifoufc. In the middcft of thefc his ftudieshis Father died, and then his meanes failed , for all his Fathers lands fell to his el* dcr brother now living : but thiscrofleby Gods providence prooved a great advan- tage to him for his growth in learning, though it put him to monftrous paines of body and mind ; for now wanting meanes to buy him bookcs , he borrowed of his Tu- tour and others the bed writers on Naturall and Moral! Philofophy,andthe Politickes, and read them all over, and abridged them all in his note books, which arc now to bee feene , and then returned the books to their owners. Nay j fuch a defire bee had to at- taineaperfe^ioninthethings hee i1:udied> that though hee was very well skilled in the Greeke tongue^ yet chat hee might attaine an cxad- exaulncffe in ir^ he did with intolerable pains write out with his owne hand all Homer , (or H^(?^lamfure)forihaverecneii (though long fincc) in a fairc Grccke cbarader 5 for hec wrote that language better than hce did cither Englilh or Latine^ and asking him the reafon of his paines, hee told mc,it was only that he might accent perfcdly J his brought him to iuch a readineflcj that hce could with as much facility dijcourfe in the publike Schoolcs (for he was a famous difputant) in the Greeks tongue, as in the Latine or Eng- lifli; ana in them all, hec wrote and (pake Stiloimptrati rio^ as Lipfins cals it, eath than that which was holy 5 hee loved Stage- playesjm'^f anddiceyhe '^as a horrihlefwearer and Sahbatb-breakeri and boone- companion 3 and was ever §!ad (as 1 have heard him fay) of CbriUmas-holj'dayes ^znd marvellous mclan- cholie when they were ended, hee loved not goodnefle nor good men, and of all forts of people could not abide their companie " that were of a ftri6i: and holy converfation , fuchhce would fetch within the compaffe oi Buritans^ thinking that by tbatlawleffe name he had deprived the ipjo faBo both of learning and good religion. Such agenerall fcorne hath this degenerate age put upon the wayes of G o d, that the name of P«- n^^» which is truly and properly the name ^Eufei.HijfL of the 'proud hcrcfic of No'vatus ^ or ui^:^. r. els of the " vile fed of the AnabaptiUs , is for \!^:Z l\^' want of feekiag redreffe by our Ecckfiafticali EA2IAIK0N x^^^^j, become the honorable nickname of the bcft and holieft men. This wretched hu- mour Mr. Bo/fo« further difcovercd at Cam* bridge , for being thereat a Commencement y and meerely carried with the fame of Mr, Perkins y went to heare him preach, whofc ofW^ Bolton. j^ plaine but very found and fubftantiall preaching meeting at once in him with a curious palate and unfandified heart » quite turned his ftomacke againft that good many thathethoughthim (tofpcakcinhisownc phiafc ) a barren empty feHoyo , and apafsing meane fchoEer. I have heard many of late (much of Mr. Bohons temper in goodneflc at that time, but inferior in learning) fpeakc the like of Mr, Perkins j but the eminent learning of that man (fanaou* ' abroad as l.'^^^'^f well as at home ) is lo farre above their ^^ipmus theo. reach i that to traduce his worth is to quc" ^|/'pS'.i. fjfiv« their owne. And that late learned ' Bi- ^dD^/jbhotm fliop of Salisbury in the defence of his Jji^repiytoBi- bookeagainlhhe cavils of Dr. Bi/hop^ hath in many places amply commended his lear- ning* So that the precious name of Mr. Per- kins fhall like an ointment powred forth , fill all the quarters ofthis land with a frelh and fragrant fweetneffe^ when nothing (hall furvive of his Detra6iors , but their unfavou- ry and unlearned fpight againft fo holy a mani And Mr. Bohon himfelfe when God • changed his heart ( which I will next write b4 of) 1 4 The Life and Death of) hcc changed his opinion of Mr. Perkins ^ and thought him as learned and godly a Divine as ourGhurch hath formany ycarcs e Hems but enioved in fo^ young a mao : But 1 pro- Iictle above *o ' ' as hee did Pauly by laying before him the ougly vifagc of his finnes which lay fo heavy upon him , as hee roared for griefe of heart, and fo af- frighted him, as Ihaveheardhimfay ,hee rofc out of his bed in the night for very lob if^.ver.ii, ij. 14. J 6 • The Life and Veath very angui(h offpirit. And to augment his fpirituall tnifery, face was exercifcd with fowlc temptations , horribilia de Deo , terribi^ iia dcfide^ which Luther called Colaphum Sat a-, n for as he was parallel! with Luther in ma^ ny things ,as i fhalllhew anon^ : fo was he in thefc fpirituall temptations which were fo vehement upon Luther ^ that the very ve- nome ofihetn drankc up hisfpiriis , and his w MdSd bodyfeemcd dead,* VtneccalorynecfangiiiSy nee fenfi^ , nee ^ox fupcreffet , th^z neither fpecch/enfcjbloud or heat appealed in him, as lufias Jonas that was by and faw it,report- ethofhim: but this Iharpc fit of Luther s lafted but for one day, but Mr. Boltons conti- nued for many raoneths, but yet G o d gave him at length a bleflcd iffuc , and thefe grie- vous pangs in his fpirituall birth produced two admirable cfFcds-in him (as well as in Luther ) which many times enfue upon fuch hard labour^ an invincible courage andrefo- lution for the caufeof God, in the which he feared no colours,nor the face or force of any; fecondly, a Angular dexterity in com- forting affli^ed and wounded fpirits , as " (hall e?/M^.BoJcona 17 (hall bee likewife further (hewed. Vpon this hee refol ved to enter into the i o, • AIinifl:ery,and about the thirty fiftycare of ^^-^l"'" his age was ordained Minifter, after which he wholly applyedhimfelfetothcworkc of the Miniftery , and improoved all his lear- ning and time to that excdlcnt end : A little while after he was in the Miniftry^he was by meanes madeknowne to Mr. luflicsNlcollsy at that x\mQ Serjeant at Lan> , who obferving thecomelineflcofhisperfonand the ftufFe that was in him , had it alwayes in his thoughts to advance him , and about the thirty feventh y eare of Mc. Boltons age , the pcrfonage oCBrou^btonia Northampton-fhire falling void, hee did by my hand fend foir him from the Vniverfity to his chamber at Serjeants Inne^ and prefentedhim to that li- ving, at which time Dr:,K.ing late Bifliop of Lo«^(?» being then by accident at the ludgcs chamber, thanked him for Mailer Boltotty but told him withal! , that hee had depri- ved the Vniverfity of a fingular Ornament; Then did hee put out his firftbookc.co.ntai- nlngAdifcourJioftruehappmJp^ which hee dcdica=» 1 8 The Life and Death dedicated to Serjeant Nicolls his Patrctti* which for thegodiincffcof the matter , and eloquence ofthe ftile therein contained,was' univcrfaily bought up , and divers have con- feffed, that at firft bought it out of curiofity, forfomefweet reh(h in the Phrafe, tobke C H R 1 ST to boote and thereby tooke the firfl: beginning of their heavenly taft, lU About the fortieth yeareofhisage^for the belter fetlingof himfelfein houfe-keeping upon his Perfonage, heerefolved upon ma- riage, and tooke to VA^ife Mrs. Jnrie BqyfesL Gentlewoman of an ancient houfe and wor- (hipfuU family in Kenf j towhofeearehcc conamittedihe ordering of his outward e- ftatc , hce himfelfeoncly minding the ftu- dies and weighty affaires of his heavenly calling, in the which for the (pace of twen- ty yeares and more , hee was fo diligent and laborious, that twice every Lords day hee Preached , and Catechized in the After- noone, in which Catechifme he expounded the Creed and ten Commandements in a very exad Planner i And upon every Holy- day, and on every Friday before the Sacra- ment of M.^. Bolton. 19 ment hee expounded fomc Chapter, by which nieanes he went over the greater por- tion of the Hiftoricall part ofthcOldand NewTeftament. And in them alias was well obferved by a learned and grave * Divine ^M.Eftwick that preached at his Funcrall, hee prepared ^^/JmeZuT nothing for his people but what might have ferved a very learned Auditoryjand in all his preachings , hee ftill aimed next to the glory of God atiheconverfionoffouleSjthevery crowneand glory of a good Minifter at the appearing of that great day : and herein G CD wonderfully honoured his Miniftery in making him an aged Father in C H R I ST , and to beget many fonnes and daughters unto righteoufneffe ; for I may truly fay^ma- ny hundreds were either abfoluiely conver- ted , or mightily confirmed , or Angularly comforted in their grievous agonies by his Miniftery : for he had fuch an art in this kind of relieving afflided confcienccs , which hee acquired, partly by great paines and iuduftry in fearching into that skill,but chief- ly by that manifold experience hee had inhimfelfe and others ^ that he wasfought to farre 20 The Life and Death farrc and nccre,and divers from beyond the Seasdcfircdhisrefolutionin divers cafes of Confcience , which was the oncly caufc that made him put forth that lad learned and godly Trcatife of his, which hee ftiled; /«- fir unions/or a right comforting affiled conjci- ences, 12, And though in his manner of preaching hcewzsa Some oi thunder ^ yet unto bruifed recdsandthofc that mourned in fpirit J hec wasasfweetabonncot Confolarion as ever I heard, and with a very tender and pitifuli heart powred the oylc of mercy into their bleeding wounds, Hec (as was faidof Ltt- ther ) was a mighty oppofire to the Divcls kingdome, and had a Angular skill to dif- cernc his fleights and that cunning crafti- ncflc whereby hee lies in wait to deceive. He ever thought thar there was no fuch way to caft downe the lirong holds of Sathan, and to batter his kingdome, than (after the fteps ofiobn the BaptiU ) to lay the axe clofe totherootof finne, and to (ct it on with fuch power , as that the Divell and all his a- gents were not able to reflft it« By this means he of M^.Bokon* zi hcgotgroundofSatan and wafted his king- dome ^ mi ^here'S^ere^aily added to his Mm- flerylmh whofe hearts x&ere fjftned thereby. liviA in all his SermonSjhee everufedto difcover thcfiJtbineflcof (innc, and to prcQe rery powerfully upon the confcience the duties of Sandification.in expreflion whercofthree things were remarkable in him, I Such courage and refolution of fpirit as is fcarcely to bee found in anyc 1 am per- fwadedthatinthecaulcof God hee could have bcene contented with Martin Luther ^ totiits mmdi odium tf impetum fu^irtere ^ to ha^e undergone the hatred and ryiolence of the Tiohoie world, v^hcrcby hee gave fuch vigour unto the truth hee delivered , that it pierced betweene the very joynts and the mar- row. 2. Impartiality j he would fparenone in iheirfinneseithergreatorrmalljhcknewhc was to deliver his Mafters will, with whom was no refped: of perfons. J, His wifdome^ as he was of high cou- rage , fo was it excellently tempered with vvifdome^defcried in thefe foure things.t Jn ■■*A> ^^ The Life and Death all his denunciations againft finne , he nevec perfonated any nian whereby to put him to ihame , unleffe his own inward guihines cau- fedhira to apply it to himfclfe. 2, He would never prcffe upon the confcience the guilti- nefle of finne 5 or other ftri*5t point , but hce wouldfortifieitby Scripture, by the ancient Fathers, (in which hce was ripe and ready ) and the concurrence of the beft Orthodoxe Writers , to ftop the mouth of all flanderers thatlhouldaccufehisdodrinejCithcrofno- vekic^oroftoomuch precifeneffe, % When hce had fearch'dtheconfciencetoihevery quicke ( as hee would doc) hee ever offered Christ in all his beauty and fweetneffc , and powred it forth upon the confcience v\ith fuch a torrent of Eloquence as would have melted the hearts of any , but thofe which obftinatcly rctufed the voice of that power- full charmer. 4 He would alwaiesprotcfi: un- to his people,that it was a f rouble & grief to him to preach againft their finsjhe delighted not to vex any of their cofciences, he (hould be glad the cafe was (b with them , that hee might only preach the riches of the mercies in of^i\ Bolton. zj in Christ all his day cs^ But he knew no other way to pull them out of the fnarc of Satan and ftate ofdarkenefTethen the way hec tooke,without drawing the horrible fin of Bloud-guiltineffe upon his foule. But that which made his preaching more illuftrious , was that burning & (hining light which appeared in his life and convcrfation in tbefe five particulars. 1. HisPiety,whercinIneednotfaymuch, « Euerteca forthatfccondbookeofhis concerning ^i-fuVhoSm regions for '%>alkwz with God, were framed ^"^"^""^ y ) who carncftly perfwading him the t he would not ptrdcre fubjlantiamprcptcr accidentL'^i, e. toloje bis life Jorkarning^ he with a fwcet fmile fine- ly anfwered out of the Poet, Nee propter rvi' ^"^"''*'- pam *viyendi perdere c^ufas^ Nor jet for bye of life lo/e that dare 7, Which is the caufe lli^e ^myinduftry, 2. For bis Gravity5he was of a very come- GrivUy. lyprcfence, hee had a countenance fo fine- ly tempered with gravitic and aufteritic , that hcc in a manner commanded refpcd fromothcrs) in fb much that many forbarc to fpcakc or z& unfeemcly things in his prc- C2 fence, i6 The Life arte/ "Death fence,that would not have bccn^ fo modcft in other company : Such a Majcftie doth grace imprint upon the eouDtenances of ho- ly men , that they draw refped: from the greateft ; this made thofe perfecuting Em- perors to feare the very faces of thofe poorc Chriftians that appeared before them ; And this caufed Conflantme the Great fo to socTAtet lib. I. honor the countenance of Old Paphnutius , ^•^» though disfigured by the lofle of his eye , that hec did often for his dehght kifle the hallow of that eye which was loft for the caufe of Christ. So true is that of Salo- mon-i wifdomecaufcth the face to fhine, and the rigour of the countenance to bee chan- ged. zcaie. J . Hce was very Zealous for G o d , not onely by the power of his Miniftery in con- verting many, wherein God had wonderful- ly bleiTcd him , but in any publike or private good that tended to the booour of G o d, to whofe glory he wholly facrificed himfclfe & A trut ^T7u. all his ftudies , which I can the more fafcly ■fou^hfnlt ^'' affirmc, in that I know tee hath divers times himin"^^ refufed preferment from fome of rheNobi^ lity e>/M^ Bolton. ly lity and Prelates of thisKirgdome , and for no other caufe in the world, but that hcc might not be divorced from ihatCountrey where his Miniftery was fo much embraced and wrought fo good effects. 4. But zcalcis oft of fuch violent motioB, wi/hme. that as the ancicmPhilofophers fuppofed of ihcprmmn mobile, that if the motion thereof u^erc not finely cooled and allayedby the coelumCbriftallinum next to it , it would [tt all theOrbs on fire j and therefore the zeale of this Reverend man was alwayes tempered with fingular Wifdome and difcretion , for though in all his Sermons he preft mightily upon the confcienceof his hearers, who ma- ny times like babes childifhly wrangled at the breads which (hould nourifh them , yet were they never able to rcfift the authority by which hee fpake , fo that fofthe fpace of zz yeares, being the whole time that his Lamp of light ihined in Northampton Shire, his dodrine was never drawne into queftion either for error or fchifmc: fo ftudious was hee ever of the unity and peace of the Church of England which hee dcarely c J Joved, i8 The Life and Death loved that none could juftly quarrell with him^butPapiftsand other Sewlaries, as alfo others that were corrupted with error or evilUife. clarity, 5- Laftly for his Charity 5hee was ever u- nivcrfaliy bountifull 5 butefpecia-lly hce ex- ceeded in thofe publikc diftrcffcs of Germa- ny > France , Bohemia^ i^fc, and to thofe that flood in true neede: for the enabHng of him- felfe hereunto, I have heard him often fay ( & he made it evident to m e) that ever fince he was Minifter of Bm^^/;/^?;;, he fpent every yeare all the rcvenewes of his Perfonagc (which was of good vale w J in the mainte- nance of his family and av^s of hofpitality& charity 5 And that the eftate wherewith God hath bleffed him otherwife,was meerely rai- fed by that temporall eftate he had at firft.Lct them therfore of his own coatefrom hence- forth ceafe to traduce himjwhom they never did nor dare to imitate. I am fare theTowne of Broughton will ever have caufe to bleffc God for his charity ; for when that lamen- table fire was among them , September 21. Anno Domini 1626, befidesthe many pounds hee ofy[}» Bolton. 2p hee fpcnt out of his ownc pttrfca hee was a chief e mcanesihat by the only fupply of the Country without any Letters Patents from above their houfcs which were burnt downe unto the ground were all new buihjand their outward cftatcs liberally fuftained and up- held. Nay fuch was his charity, that though Tome of his owne towne had not onely flan- dcred his Miniftry , but wronged him in his tithes, yet hee put it up, and never called them to quertion as hee might , nor ever had any fuite with them all bis day es. SothatI may for conclufion fumme up all this in that wittie commendation of N^^/<^«^^« on Bafil the Great f Hee thundredinhis DoCtrine •, and ^'I'l^l^'J^'^'' lightnedinhis con^verfation, M'^'^- This ineftimablcireafureitpleafcd God . M« to put in an earthen veflell, and about the «»^ iw!*/ beginning of ^^^f^wfor Iaft,bcgan to brcakc it by vifiting him with a §}Ufirtan ague • a dit cafe which brought C^Z-rm to his end , and by the judgement of the beft Phyfitians, by rcafon of the long and grievous paroxy fmes whereby itafflids , is ever deemed mortall unto old men ; and fo it appeared to him , c 4 for lo The Life and T>eat/:) for perceiving after two or three fits that it maftered his ftrength , hee patiently fubmit- tcdtoindure, what by ftrugling hee could not overcomcj And called for his Will which hee had made long before, andperfeding fome things in it^hcc caufed it to be laid up, and afterwards wholly retired into himfelfe quitting the world, and folacing his foule, with the meditation of the joyes of heaven , which he had provided to preach to his peo- ple, for having compiled an elaborate di(^ courfc, dequatuor Noyifsimis, of the foure laft things, Death, Ivdgement, Hell and Heaven, an argument that fome Ic- fuites & Friars have bungled in , and having finilhed the three former, told them that the next day he would treat of Heaven ^ But the day before being Saturday hecwasvifited with ficknefle 5 and never preached after. God thenpreparinghimfor the fruition of thofe inexplicable joyes which hee had pro- vided for his people in contemplation. His fickeneffe though it was long and fharpc , yet hee bare it with admirable pati- ence, for he (aw Him that is inyifibk^ and his whole c/M^. Bolton* 51 whole delight was to bee with Him, often breathing out fuch fpeeches as ihefe whiles the violence and frequencie of his fits gave himanyintertniffion. Oh ^hen mQ this good houre comes when JhaU I bee difjohed^ when (had I bee mth Christ? Being told that it was indeed better for him to bee dif- folved, but theChurchof G o d could not roiffc hin) nor the benefit of his Miniftry.To which he thus fwectly reply ed withD^i'i^; ^-Sim. ly. Jfi (haUfinde favour in the eyes of the Lord bee * ^ ' ^ * ypill bring mee agme and/hen^ mee both it and his habitation , but ifother'9Pife , loe here lam , let him doe '^hatfeemeth good in his eyes, &eing asked by another, whether hee could not be content to live if G o d would grant him life, hec thus anfweredj I grant ths life is a great bkfsing of God, neither y^ill I y^e- gleB any meanes that may prefer being Saturday the 17 day ofD^- cembery Anno Dom^ 1 6 5 ?i, it^the LX'*^* yearc ofhisageyeeldeduphisfpiritto God that gave it , and according to his owne ipeech celebrated thertpnfuingSabbathin thjE:King- dome oi Heaven, Thus in the fpace of fif- teene weekcs wasthefirftand raoft glorious lightput out mBrot^hon.thsLt ercihattowne injoycd or tiiat many ages w(il tcJidcr againe And ?^ The Life and Death And thus have you Cgood Reader) the Life and death of this very learned and god- ly man trucly fet forth : If any man (hall contradid any thing that I have written of him i I (hall not bee carcfull to anf wcr him : For,ifhebegoodjand well knew ,Vr. Balcony hcewill not have the face to objed : if hec bee * bad, 1 hold him not worth anfwering : Khallonelyfay to him in the language of Tacit t^Sydidicit tile mdedicere^iff ego contemner e^ He hath taught his tongue to (peakeiH and I have learned to contcmne it. There is onelyoneobjcif^ion which I will anfwer and no more) which began to bee muttered in his life time, and is now likely to make a lowder noife,if it bee not put to fi- lencc. rhis preaching twice a Sabboth is more than needsjhalfe of it is hut prating: And Mi- niftersundertheGofpell may take more li- bertic, and arcnottiedtofuchprecifenefle and feverityoflifeas he ufed. Iwillnotgracethisobjedionfomuchas to bee long in anfwering it : The former part of this obje&ion this learned Author * Contri Sy- - cophama: morfv^rn noti eft remedium. Sea, 20* ObjeB. Anfmr. in of M^. Bolton* ^y in his Book« of Walking yoith God, and in bis Epiftle to his laft Booke dedicated to that religious noble Knight^Sir Ri^ben Carre^ both by reafons and the conftant pradice an dprcceprs of the ancient F^^/?irrx, preach- ing twice a day , fometimes every day , hath abundantly and unanfwerably confuted, I will onely add two examples of later times, ihcone , of renowned Cal'^in (the glory of fn vha catv, Jiisage) who F^reached or Leisured almoft S'^ c^>/ea. every day , and fome dayes twice , which ^'^^' Preachingswcrefoexcellentjthat they were the matter of thofe laborious and learned Cowfw^^r^nVjof his upon the Bible, which occafioned Dr. R^w^/^i aptly and truely to call him do^ifsimus ilf fidelijstmus Scripture interpresy the moft learned and faithfull ex- pounder of Scripture. The other, of our moft precious leweU^ who was a very fre- quent and conftant Preacher, and haftned his own death this way: f or^riding to preach at Lacock in Wilt Ihire^ a gentleman that met him perccivingthc fecbleneffc of his body , (which hce had wafted out in inch ^pint uall labours) advifed him for hii hcaltls lake to rciu^e :58 The Life and Death rcturne home againc. To whom this godly Bithop by way of allufion to that brare {pccch oi^Fefpaiianxhe Emperor thus excel- lently rci^\ycdjOporte$epffcopum concionantem * oportet im- wj^ri, which in the * ftorieof his life is thus ftnmc°m moti. cnghfticd, if bsc0mmeth befiaBiPjopto dieprea- ♦z).HM«/)fcreyfgntly after the Sermon heewas by reafon B,'/we//. of fickncffc forced to his Bed , from whence hee never came off, till his tranfladon to Glory. For the latter part of the Objedion tou- ching that prccifenes of life that was in him and which ought to bee in the Miniflers of God, Let him that objcdeth but well read and minde thofe ftrid precepts of the Apo-- I Tim. 5. ftlc PauhoTimothy and Titus ^ the examples of primitive times and thofe precife injun- dions for the Clergy that arc difperfed ,, „ throughout the whole body of the Canon cbrietucqux LaWjand to comcneererhomcm the Fro- defbr, vinciall Conftitutions of Canterbury , But ef- TiSri pccially in thofe excellent reformed Ecclefi- O ClCUCl L J "^ ? afticall Lawes compiled by the two and thir- suph. M ctn-ty CommiUioners (whofe names I have "'•"""• fccnc corum mam omnes omnino abftincant vigilantci c/M*Boiton* ^^ under * J[?"»g Edward the fixchi owne ^^^ g. s*. tandappoincedbyhim for the purgatron Ro^ cotton. of that toulc body of the Cannon Law) deformitas in and I doubt not but hcthat/ocbjeaeth r'Xm't will cither be afliamcd of bis ill t^npue, or "pf^^ff^^^^- hisilMlfe, ^^'^^^ hone. Thefc laft Laws were by Royall Autho- cu/Smifcet rity printed in the Moneth of April! /mm cdSLm Di^»ii»M57 uand are ar this Day fforoueht '"»*^"'^f«^^ ^opiofc ac falubtiur fancita epifcopum, c^ui fucfunts eadcm inpofterum iifdemposniSyrvel ma- lem mag.fti:t. jonbtfSy orbitrio Ordmaftf mponendis objer- Xamfuna?- "VMUT I Yiec appeUatio executioHembanc qu^ad Jt'^'fentTb ^^^^^ correkionempminet fu^endoPy Cone. ofEctofum.no. Ttiden.feff izXapA. ^4l\if\\l^* If any man have any more Objefti- ons againft this reverend and gracious A u- ihor> o/M»Bolton. ¥ tbor, F will give him no other anfwer than our Saviour did to that cm\o\x% §lueflieni[ly Luk.10.3r* G$eibu and do kkemf e^And f make no doubc but that al thefe Cavils againft hi(n(for they can be no other)\\ ill by a fweet and facred exchange be rcfolved into earned contenti- ons after that happineflTe which he now en- joyes at his right hand where is> Fulnefe of jojandpkafuresfouyermore» f 5j ftefd Rctder, I S other -Works «f this incomparaWe jixtthcttr.hxYz their fcalc/o in fpccial this Fo/^-i-tfwiw.hislaftand hf&w&tk oaTkejaure la/f tlfmgs. Nofooncrwss it put to publicke view, but prefently icwa«takca up,and r«*d with imich contcat. \ AippoJc ihafurc thatmuchwiong would be done bot"h to the de- ccafed Author i^ni alfo to futvivmg iican-:xcd.Thetis alfo in thised.tion added, more then inl the focnie r, a pious & powerful 5'erwJ9i» preached at theFnnerall of this Worthy ^4Uthor^ which drewabiindancc of ceaics Jjom the eyes of the then prefent >^«i/tf«rf,and may yet fiuther worf c on the Readers thereof, I commend all(good Reader)to thy courteous ac- 3. Wherein wee may confider, i. The Time, when the Song fhall The ciuTcUs be fung ; I» that Day ] which w-e may underftand, ^'y- I. Hiftorically, literally, typically, of the Ifrae- lites deliverance out of Baby lon,and the miferable flavery BEFORE DEATH. flavery thereof. 2. Anti-typically, of thcblef- fed enlargement of G o d s E le<9: out of the fnarc and bondage of the Divell. 3. And myftically alfo, (as fome Divines thinke)of the joyfiill corn- mi ng ofChriftians out of fpirituall Babylon, Rev. 17.5. and from under the tyranny, of Ancichrift. 4. Complementally, of gathering the Saints out ofthis vale ofteares^and from the eager purfuit of thatgreat red Dragon,and the powers of darknefle, into lerttfdem which is above, where they fliall joyfully fing triumphant Hallelujahs in the higheft heaven foreverandever,(7/i/.4.2 5. 2. The Mat- ter of the Song • which is. Salvation^ Ver. i . Peace, Vcr. 3 . Holy Compar^y , Ver. 2 . P ure pleafurc, com- fort, found contentment,^^ . 3. An Exhortation, or exhortatory Apoftro- inheemeHu h phctotruftin/^W^^. And there is added, for ''"JJ/^ '>» Jeho- ever-^ left upon Gods delay ,andrefpitingreliefe, ^^ * we iliould dcfpaire or have recourfe unto the arme offlefh, Rcafons to enforce this exhortation are three, i. In Him is ^^ch^f^x ru^esfecalorum, c- verlafting ftrength,Ver.^ Arockofeiermty^upon which we may for ever fwectly and fafely reft and rcpofe our felves,amidft the many furious ftormes and boifterous waves of this troublefome world. 2. He is able to tame, take downe, and trample irl the mire, the in^folency and pride of the moft ra- ging perfecutors, Ver f. 5. Andtoraife His, though never fo low and languifliing, tofctthem upon a Rockeoffafetyand falvation for ever, and to give them the ncckes of their enemies to tread upon, Vcrfe 6. 3. Hee yveig^js and ^watches over B 2 ' the 4 PRE PA R ATION J the waycs of thcj»/?, Verfey. See Uremie 1 7.7. Now whereas the Prophet in the firft place doth fumifh the people of Go d before-hand with a ftrong counter-comfort and cordiall againft their faintirgs in the fornace ofaffli(flion,we may thence beinftruded,that, PTdvijiQn to be Do cr, Jtis an holy wifdom!', andha^fy thingyU male a^ain/t trcafureupccmfcrtahlefrovifionagainfitheDdy theeviUday. ofcaLimty. ' It is good coun felly md aklejfed csurfe, tofioreuf comfort agofnfl the evtllDay . He that gathereth in Summer, (faith Salomon) k 4 fonneof under fan dng : But he thatfleefeth in Har-, n/efiis a fonne of confufim, Trov. 10.5. If not by an immediate fcrnre,yet by a warrantable analogy and good confequent this Place will beare this Para- ph rafe. M'lfcVtt^t ofCe- That man which now in this fliire and feafonabic ^uy tn quiet. Sun-fhineof his gracious vifitation is lull'dafleepc with the Sy ren-fongs of thefe fenfuall times upon the lap of pleafure ; fwims downe the tempori- zing torrent of thefe laft and lewdeft dayes with full faileofprofperityandeafe, againft thefecret wafts and counter-blafts (as it were) of a reclaim- ing confcience, as thoufands doe, to their utter un. doing for ever; mif-pends his golden time, and many goodly opportunities of gathering fpirituall M^tnnay ingrafping gold, gathering wealth, grow- ing great, greatning his pofterity, clafping about thearmeoffleih, fatisfying the appetite, and fer- ving himfelfe : In a word, he that while it is called Today,x\xm^s not on Gods fide^ and by forward- ncfTc BEFORE DlE^Arh. 5 neflcand friiitfak^ire in-bij^^bl^lTed'^^yeisi'trtf^ fures up comfort and grace dgairift his eftdin^ houre, Hiall m6ft certainly tijyqn'Risb^d of d«#h, and ilUiminationof c'onfeicne^,' find ttothiftg M horrible con&fidn ai^d fckrtf ,; tiaireanfef^ ^^tt&di and infuppoitable bcivineSe oirMstti'hh foiife maH prefently downc intx) the; kin^dome of dari- ncflc, and bottomc of the burnifi^Iake, ttefdto Ke everlaftingly in terttpeftuoui" and ffcf^/'tjdfc mcnts, the (ling and ftrength.wheirdof doth ilbS oncly furpafTe th6 pens and t6ngues of Men ;Jnd Angels, but the very conccipcofthofethatruffej^ them, which if amanknevv, he would not indurS one houre for all the f>leafares often thoufand worlds: His body (the pleafing and pampering whereof hath plunged him kiro fhch a fea|>REPARAT10H corwjption^ c^f the tiinesj^ groW$ in gojdlin elFe^' Gods favour, andfruitsofgoodlifc; purchafes and pTcfervcs (though with the lolTe of all earthly delights) peace of confcience, one of the richeft ticafures and tareft^jcwcls that ever illighcned and made lightfQme the heart of man in this world : I fay chat man, though never fo contemptible in th c eyes of the worldly- wife, though never fo fcoror fully trod upon, and overflowne by the tyranny and'^fwelling pride of thofe ambitious felf-flatte- ring Gyants, who, like mighty winds, when they have bluftered a while, breathe out into nai^ht, fhall moll: certainly upon his dying-bed meet with a glorious troupe of bleflrc4 Angels ; ready and re- joycingto guard and condocfl his departing Soule into his Majlersjoy . His body fhall be prefervcdin thegrave by theall-powerfull providence^ as in a Cabinet of reft and fweeteft,neepeA pcrfumediiy the buriall pf our bleffed 5sa Viohvji:^ until! the glorhM4 apf earing ef the gnat Q^o p^ Andthen^af- ter their. Joyful left re-union, they flball both be filled^and (liine thorow all eternity ,'w4^h fuch glo- ry and bliffe, which in fweetenefte aijd excellency doch infinitely exceed the poflfibility of all.hur *^*J'J|8'^'[>raaneor Angelicall *conceipt. u&nT^ czllr't Thus y ou fec in fhort, what a deale of confufi- fnfficit ilia fu- on that miferable man heapes up for his precious ITs'^anu'fmt ^^^^ ^^*^"^ "^^^ Day of wr^th, which: fpcpds {audia ; An- {clorura choris intereflc, cum bsatiflimis fpiritibus gloriae cpnditeris afliftcre, prxfencctn Dei yultinn ccrnere, iucircumfciiptuna lanvp yidcrc, nullo Biorcjs metu aiBci, incorruptionis perpe(ux munere Istari^ ^$. Grt^^r. Hom.iJ. hEvmiT* the l&mOA'&^iii^tH. thefpan of his traftfitory life after the waies ofhis owne heart:andhow truly he is a fonne ofunder* (landing, who in the few and cvill daiesoffhort abode upon earth, trcafures up grace and fpirir tuall riches againft the -dreadfull winter night of .death. For I would have you underftand, that by ^om- jf^at pfviji^ •/•/Lands, livings, or large ' polTeflions ; I meane , RiiUt, •Hot weahh or riches : Alas ! Thefe mil not profit in -^ the My of wrath, Pro v. 1 1 .4 . They certainely make themfil'vts wings y and in our grcatefl: need, wiil/r^ <0svdj as an Eagle toward heaven^ Prov .23.5. - I meane not filver or go Id : they fliall not he able te deliver in the day of the Lords wrath, Zefh. i . 1 8 . Will he cfteemc thy richest no not gold, nor all fthe.forces ofiftrength57i'^,36.ip. -' : I meane not top of honour, or height of Place t x houutu it were fomethingco grow: rich, and rife by yile accommodations, and (crying their turnc in the meane time. But fuch a man (hall ccrtaincly ( is the day of his laft ahd greatcft need) bee caft with horrible confufion of rpirit, and iji^curable griefc of heart , upon WoL fui rufull complaint* and cry out wh^n it)isto6 late : Had I beenc 4s carefuf tofirve the G on of he a- *veH, as my greaf (J^dJierm e4rth 'j he had never lefi fnet in f»y gray hdres. Favours ofgteatncflfe may follow a man in faire weather, and fhinc upon his face with goodly hopes and cxpecStation of great things; butrnftipwracks even of worldly things, where allfinke$, but the forrow to fave them 5 or cfpecially upon the very firfttempeft offpirituall diftrcffe, they fteere away before the Sea and Wind, leaving bim tofinic orfwim; without all poflibility of helpe pr i^fcue, eVeojto the rage of a wounded confcience,' ^nd gulfe (many times) of that defpcratc madnelfe, which the Prophet de- fcribes BEFORE DEATH. 9 fcribcsj /J4 . 8 . 2 1 ,2 2 , He paUjret hjmfelfe, and cur fe bisKmg and his God, md looke upward, t^ndhe Jhail loch unto the earth : and hchold trouble ofrd ddrkmfiejdimnejfe ofAngmjhj and hejhalLbedrwen te darknefc^ . . By comfortablcProvijion therefore, I mean trea- furcs of a more high, lafting, and noble nature.* irhat ^rovifi- :.T;hc bleflings of a better life, comforts of godli- Z.^jf'*"^ 'JQCjffe,. graces of falvation, favour ^nd acceptation with the higheft Majefty,&c. They arc the riches of heaven onely which we fhould fo hoard up, md will ever hold out in the times of trouble, and Day'bfthe L o r i) a wri&h.. Amongft which,a found faith, and aclcare confcience are thcmoft pecrclefic and unvaluable jewels 5 able by their native puifTanec, «and infufed vigour, to pull the very heart .( as it were ) cut of Hell, and with cormdencc and conqueil: to looke even Death and the Divell in the face. T here is no darkeneflfc fo defolate, no croffe fo cutting, but the fplen- dor ofthcfc is able to illighten, their fwcetncfTc to mollifie. " i Ml ; So that thebleffed counfcll of C h r 1 s t, iAUt. mu.6. 1 9,t«» ^.ip,2o. doth concurre with, and confirmethis fxpounJed, Point: Lay not up fir your felvestreafures upon earth, when nwth 4ndr»ftdi>th cor ruft 'j and where thecves Ifreaketherorv and fieaU, Bui lay up for your fehes Sreafures i» hennjen, v>here neither moth nor ruji doth corrupt, and where theeves do not hreake thororv^ nor By moth and ruji thofc two greedy and great devourers of gay clothes, and ghftering trcafures, two .10 PREPARATION ^** ^"""i? *^ *^^ capitall vanities upon which worldlings ^tbingt!^ ^ dote, and two greateft inchauntcrs of mortal! men, are infinuated and fignified unto us all thoTe iron teeth, znd devouring inftrumentsof mortality, by which corruption eaccs into the heart of all earthly glory, waftes infenfibly the bowels of the greateft bravery, and ever at length confumes into duft the ftrongefl finewes of the moft ImpcriallSoveraignty, under the Sun. The Lord of Heaven, hath put a fraile and mor- tal! naturCi, a weake and dying difpofition into all worldly things. They fpring andiflourifh, and ent? ui ^^^' Even the greateft and goodlieft Politique aeTaita fccuii Bodles that ever the earth bore, though animated corrimat, puU with the fcatchittg fpirit of profoundeft Policy; unt^ NamTum ftfcngthencd with the refol'ution and valour ofihe ftaieinhisflo- Hioft conquering commanders, fighted with Ha- ribusriiumun. glc eyes oflargcft depth, fore-fights and comprc- rcpentina foi- henhons of State, crowned with never lo many tuna turbatur: warlicke profpcritics, triumphs, and vidorious aut feftina, & atchievemcnts, yet (like the naturall Bodyofa omnia deem- , 11/. 1 • -, r 1 bantc morce man ) thcy had ( as it were ) their Inrancy, youth- conduditai. fullftrength, mansftate, old age, and at laft, their SgJIfi g'^ave. We may fee (D^.2.35.) thegloryand cu!i, quxqua- power of the mightieft Momirchies that ever the blandiumur- ^"" ^^^^ fliadowcd by Nebuchodnc^^^rs great I- fed" amator'es magejfink iuto the duft, and become like ^^(f cbAfe fucg , cito of tie Summers tbrefhfftgfloores, uvonzwindy day* trapfeundode- cipiunt. Greg.in t.RegCap.ix. Vnto aU'Dojttinions God hath ftt their periods : tvho, though }:e hath ^iventa man the f^nowleJge tjthofi wiyesiy which ({ingdomes rife andfali tyet hath left himfubjeSl ttnto the ajfe£ltont r^hich drait> on thefe fatai (banget in their times appointed^ Sr Walter Rawleigh.P.i.Lib.y.Ctp.j.Seft.if. Heare BEFORE DEATH. ii Heare a wife and noble writer fpeaking to this pur- pofc, though for another purpofe : Who hath not ^^^^*,"; §hfervedy what labour , what pra^ice,feri HyhlBnd-fhed, d/td cruelty, the Kings And Princes of the world have undergone, exercifedytaken onthem,and committed-^ to make themfelnjes and their ifues M afters oft he world ? ''^'^ .""*J^ •(,'*' %^nd yet hath Babylon, Perfia, Egypt, Syria, Ma- f* ^I'He worii cedon, Caithage, Rome, and the reft, no fruit, fort'jhmss tbt flower, grafe or leafe, f^nngr^g ufon the face of the f£'lZ'J tarth, ofthofe feeds: No, their very roots and ruines do hardly remaine, ^Uthat the hand of man can make^ if either over-turned hy the hand of man 5 or at length kyftanding and continuing confumed, Whattruft then or true comfort in thearmeofflcfh, humans grcatncfle, or eanhly treafares-^ Whatftrengih or flay in fuch broken ftaves of reed ^ Inthetime of need, the Worme of vanity will waft and wi- ther theihall, Yiktlonahs gourd -^ and leave our na- ked foiUcs to the open rage of wind and weather -y to the fcouiges and Scorpions of guikineflc and feare. It tranfcends the Sphere oftheira(9:ivity,as they (ay, and'paffeth their power to fatisfiean im- mortall foule, to comfort thorow the length of e- ternity ; either to corrupt or conquer any fpirituall adverfaries. For couldft thou purchafe unto thy felfe a Monopoly of all the wealth in the world 5 wcrt thou able to empty the Wefterne parts of gold; and the Eaft of all her fpices and precious things; fbouldeft thou inclofe the whole face of thecarthfromone end ofheaven to another, and fill this wide worlds circumference with golden heapes and hoards of pcarle; diddeft chou in the mcane- la PREPARATION mcane time fit atthc ftemc, and hold the reincs in thine hand of all earthly kingdomes, nay, exdlt thyfelfi at the Eagle, 4tt(i fet thy nefi among the flats ; nay, Vikcthc Juftofthe.msrmng advance thy Throm even above the flanres o/God • yctallthefe, and whatfocverdfc thou c^nft imagine, to make diy tbtgZif^T worldly happincflfe compleat and matchlcfle , gMd ut the would not be worth a button unto thee upon thy /^"'^ bed of death, nor do thee a halfe-pcnny- worth of good in thehon'ourof that dreadfull time. Where did that man dwell, or of what cloth was his coat made, that was ever comforted by his goods, greatneffe, or great men, in that laft and (brcft conflid i In his wraftlings with the accufadons of confcience, terrors of death, and oppofitibns of heU i No, no : It is matter of a more heavenly metall, treafures of an higher temper, riches of* nobler nature, that muft hold out and heipe in the diftrdfes of foule, in the anguifli of confcience, in the houre of death, againft the flings offinnc, wrath of G o d, and lafl: Tribunall. Do you think that ever any glorified foule did gaze with delight upon the w^edge of gold, that tramples mdterfoot the Sun,and lookes All-mighty God intheface^ ^htlefouit No, no: It is the focicty of holy Angels, and blefled Saints, the fweet communion with its dca- reft Spoufe, that unapproachable light which crownes Gods facred Throne, the beauty and brightncfleof that moft glorious Place, the fiii- ning Body of the Sonn e of God, die beatificall fruition of the Deity it fclfc, the depth of Eterni- ty, and the like evcrlafting Fountaincs of ffirituali ravifliment BEFORE DEATH. 13 ravi{hmentand joy, which orcly can feed and fill the reftlcfle and infinite appetite of that immortaJl Thing with fullncffe of contentment, andfrclh pleafiires, world without end. Thrice blefled and fweet then is the advice of ^^^ .»«'»'^ '* our Lord and Maftcr J e s v $ C h r i s t> who tlilgTbeimtl would have us to turne the eye of our delight, and things above, eagerneffe of affedion, from the fading gloffe and painted glory of earthly treafures; wherein natu- rally the worme of corruption and vanity ever breeds,and many times the worme of an cvill con- fcience attends; the one of which cats out their heart when wee expe(5t an harveft j The other feizes upon the Soule in the time of forrow, and finks it into the loweft hell : And as Men of Gc d, and Sonnesof Wifdome, to mount our thoughts, and raife our fpirits, and bend our affedions to things above 'j which are as faire from diminution and decay, as the vSoule from death ; and can bee no more corrupted or (liaken, than the Seat and Omnipotcncy of G o i> furprifcd. For, befides TUferme u- that, they infinitely furpafie in eminency ofworth ^^^xt things andAveetneifeofpleafure, the comprehenfion oi^'^''^^''^''''' the largeft heart, and expreiTion of any Angels tongue; they alfo out- laft the daycs of heaven, and runparallell with the life of God, and line of Eternity. As we fee the Fount aine of all material! light to powre out his beames, and fhining abun- dantly every day upon the world withoutweari- ncire5emptinefle, or end; fo, and incomparably more doth joy and peace, glory snd bliflc, fpring and plentifully flow every moment with frcfh ftreamcs 14 PREPARATION ^ ftreames from the face of the Father of Lights upon all His holy ones in heavenjand that evcrlaftingly . O blelTed then (hall we be upon our beds of death, if (following the counfell of our deareft Lord, who ihed the moft precious and warmeft bloud in His heart to bring our foules out of hell) wee treafure up now in the meane time, heavenly- hoards which will ever happily holdout, aftock ofgrace,which never flirinks in the wetting, but a- bidesthetriall of the Spirit, andtouch-ftone of the Word in all times of danger, and Day of the Heavenly trea- Lord: even that accurate,circumfpe<5l, and prc- jurt, q\£q walking,prefled upon us by the Apoftle, Eph, 5.15. Though peftilently perfecuted and plagued by the enemies of G o d in all ages : And that pu- rity which Saint lohn makes a property of every true-hearted ProfefTour, ilohn^.-^. So much op- pofed and bitterly oppreftby theworldj and yet without which none of us (hall ever fee the face of God with comfort. If while it is called To Day^ we make our peace with His heavenly Highneflfe, by an humble continued exercife of repentance : byftanding valiantly on His fide; by holding an holy acquaintance at His mercifull Throne with a mighty importunity of prayer, and godly conver- fation above'; by ever offering up unto Him in the armesof our Faith (when he is angry) the bleed- ing Body of His owne crucified Sonne, never giving Him over, or any reft, untill He beplcafed to regifter and r enroll the remiffion of our finnes in the Booke of Life, with the bloudy lines of Ch R I s T s Soulc-favingfuffcrings, and golden charaders BEFORE DEATH. 15^ chara(^crs of His owne ctcrnall love. If now, before we appeare at the dreadfull Tribunal! of the ever-living God, (and little know wewhofc tui'ne is next) we make oui- friends in the Court of Heaven : the blejfed K^ngels, in procuring their joy andlove^ by avifible conftancy in the fruits, tearcs^and truth of a found converfion. The Sfi- tit 9f comfort by a ready and reverent entertain- ment of His holy our 16 PREPARATION andcaftdowae: nay, why diould he not be 'ex- traordinarily raifed and ravifhed in- fpirit with much joy full hope, and fwcecaflurance, when he throwes himfeife downe at the Throne of grace j iich thed-earefl: Sonne of the eternal! G o d, the Hcire of heaven and earth, the Mediator of the great Covenant of endlefle falvation is his Advo- cate at the hand of His Almighty Father in the moft high and glorious Couit of Heaven ft Wherefore when an humbled foule, and trenp- bling fpirit is fore troubled, and almoft turned backefrom hispurpofe of prayer, and proftration at the foot of heavenly Majefty* by entertain- ing before-hand a feeling apprehenfion of his owne abhorred vilenefTe, and the holy purity of Gods all-feeing and fearching eye, tvhuh cannot looke on iniquity ; let this confideration comfort and breed confidence, that Jesvs Christ the Sonne of Q o d s love doth follicite and tender the fuit, who out of His owne fenfe and fympathy of fuch like troubles aind temptations, dothdeale for us with a true, anaturall, and a fenfible touch of j^ J compailionateneffe and mercy. Shall that bleffed Lukc*23.34. Saviourof ours call and cry for a pardon to His Father, for thofe which put Him to Death ; who were fb farre from feeking unto Him, that they fought and fuck'd His bloud ; and fhall He fhut His cares againft the groanes of thy grieved fpirit, and heavy fighs of thy bleeding foule, who values one drop of His bloud at an higher price, thanihe worth of many world^f It cannot be. Thus that faying of Sdomonj and this counfell of BEFORE DEATH. i^ ofC H n I s T makes good the truth of the PoIrCj which jnay furthef appearc by thcfe Reafons. I. Taking this counfell berime, and hoarding' "Rm/o»^ /or up heavenly things in this harvcft time of grac€, llt^^uftlHioi, mightily helps to alTwage the fmart, mollifie the ut aUaies the bitterneflc, and illighten the darkncfTe of the cvill ^"^'^ '^ '^'^'' Day. It is foveraigne, and ferves to take the vc- nime,fting and teeth out of any croflc, calamity, ordiftrefTe ; and fo preferves the heart from that raging hopclefTe forrow, which, like a devouring Harpie^drics up^dilTolves, and dcftroyes thcbloud, fpirits,and life of all thofe who are deftitute of fuch a divine Anti'dote. What vaft difference may wee difcerne betweene lob and Itf^as ; Bazid and K^chitofhel, wthedayes ofevill't The two men of G o D being forma*ly enriched with his favour andfamiliarity,fo behaved themfelves, the one in the fhip-wracke of his worldly happineife, the o- ther in the hazard of his Kingdome, as though they had not bcenc troubled at all : The Lord Jot.i. . gave , and the Lokd hath taken away, faith lob, when al 1 was ^oncbleffed be the n^ne of the Lord. ifl flail find favour in the eyes of the Lord, faith j^sam. ij. if. DavrdyHe will bring mee a^aine, andfhew me both it, i^. and His habitation, ButifHeethusfay-,lharve no de- light in thee : behold, here am 7, let Him doe to mee, at fecmeth gcod unto Htm, But the fpirits of the other two falfeand rotten-hearted fellowes in the time of trouble were fo overtaken, nay, over -whel- med withgricfe, that they both hanged thcm- felves. 3. This holy providence before hand may l^Vr'""' C happily ^ PREPARATION happily prevcnr agrear dcale of rcfUeiTe impaticn- CV; reprobate fear ^.torlomediftraaions of fpirir, h\"ir.g to the caves, crying to the mountaines, boodelTe rclymg upon :he arme of flelTi ; Curfmg thar Kmgajtdtkcir G o DjdfidI^k:figup:rj/-J,\:oai' in^ou-v.ith h'vfco'.s sroanes; Who amon^ ia jhall ^5i-'^- d^i:-x::i :''?■: ai-. -^rmr fire f Whe among us JhMl drc^eH xpuhth: tverijifiinghitrning? drc. All which defperire re rr ours and rumultuations of confci- cncearewontto furprize and feize upon unholy and unprepared hearts, en>ecially when Gods hand is fin.-.^!v :-,r.i:nn?!2Cj.b'v uDonthem. ^:.'^- ',:ry 3 . And wee rinll heereby excellently honour t.fz tX^t. 2^ 4 advance the glory of ProfelTion ; when it iliall appeare :o the v.'orld, and even the contrary- minded are enforced to confctTe; that there is a fecret heavenly vigour, undaantednefTe of fpirit, ■and noblenelTe of courage which mighnly up- holds the hearts of holy men in thofe times of coafuhDn and feare, when theirs melt away with- in :h e .T. like v." ^: e r . 2 n i ^c -t^' the he:irt of a rvsmm tn hir f.i^'£f. WorlaLnss v.'onder and gnalli the teeth heeiea: : When they fee,as Chn fcfteme xxuly fels us, :he Clirifrian to ditfer from them in this; tha: hebesresall crofTes couragioully; and v;i:h the v/ings ' as it v.-ere )of faith, out-fores the height of ail hjr.ane miferies. He is like aRocke, iocorporated into J e s v s Christ, the Rocke .$f etCTTury, ftill erect, inexpugnable, unihaken, though moft fjrioufly afTaolted with the tcmpc- ftuous waves of any worldly woe, or concurrcflt rage of all itifemall powers. But all the imaginary man- BEFOIRE DEATH. 19 man- hood of graccIcfTe men doth ever in the day of diftrsffc cither vanifh into nothing, or diflblve intodefpaire. 4 . Expreflion of fpirituall ftrengtli in the time ^.uan iucou^ oftrouble from former heavenly ftore, is a nota- ragemcntto ble meanes to move others to enter into the fame °[ ^"' good way, and grow greedy after grace ; to draw and allure them, to the entertainement and exercife of thofc ordinances, and that one necefary things v;hichonely can make them bold and unmovea- ' ble like Mount Zlon in the day of adverfity. I have knowne fome, the firft occafion of whole conver- fion, was, the obfervation of their ftoutnelTe and ' patience under opprelfions and wrongs, whom they have purpoiely perfecuted with extremefl malice and hate. So bleffed many times is the brave, refolute, and undaunted behaviour of Gods people in the time of triall, and amidft their foreftfufFerings,that it breeds in the hearts of beholders, thoughts even of admiration and love, nay a defire of imitation, and turning on the other fide. When they reprefent to the eye of the world their ability ropaffe thorow the raging flames of fieiy tongues untouched, to portcfle their foulcs in peace amidft fcorpions , thorncs, and rebels, to pafTe by bafeft indignities from bafeft men without wound or paifion, to hold up their heads above water in the moft boifterous tempefts, and deepeft feas of danger, to triumph over all ad verfary power in the evill day 5 I fay, by G o D s blefling, this may make many come in and glorific G o d > marvelling and enquiring, G 2 whence 20 PREPARATIOH whence fuch invincible foititude, and bravcneffc of fpiiit fhould fpring; concluding with iV/t^tf- chad^e/^r : Surely, Thefervants of the mofi high God. And fo at length their affcdions may be fo fet on edge after the excellencie and amiablencfTc of J Esvs Christ, who being The mighty G o D, zndThc LyonoftheTrik of Indah, doth a- lone-infpire all His with fuch a Lion-like courage^ that they may ferioufly and favingly fcek His face and favour; faying with thofe, Cam,$.p. What is thy Beloved more than another Beloved, O t hoi* fair efi among women f — That wee may feeke Him with thee. Whcntheybehold fuch a deale of Majefty and mirth to fhlne in his face whom they make the marke of all their fpitefull rage and revenge 3 their teeth with which they could have torneliim inpeeces, may water; and they induftrioufly de- (iretoknow, what that is, which makes fuch a man fo merry in all eftates . The folly of y^j^ j^ This may fervc to awakcn and rc- ticm that take ■' n 1 r n "^ 1 1 rr BO thougbtfor* prov€ all thole lecure and carelcfle companions, tbedayofrecfio- who, if they may enjoy prcfcnt contentment, and ""'^' partake in the meane time of the profperity and pleafurcs of the times, wherein they tumble them- felves with infolency, luxury, and eafe ; take no thought, make no provision at all againft a day of reckoning, provide no food againft a foule day, treafure up no comfort againft the Lords com- ming, prepare no armour or aid for that hft and' drcadfullconfli6^ upon their beds of death. Alas poorefoulcs! Did they know and feelingly ap- prehend what a deale of horrour, aftoniftiment and BEFORE DEATH. 21 and anguilli dogs them continually at the heclcs, ready and eager after a few dales of filthy end fu- gitive plcafures, to fcizc upon them like travailc upon a woman with child, fuddenly, unavoidably, apdin greateft extremity, and that fointollerable, that they lliall never be able either to decline or endure, the verywcakeft biting of the never-dy- ing worme, or the Icaft fparkle of thofe everlalt- ing flames; they would thinke all the dales of their life few enow to gather fplrituall ftrength againft that fearefuU houre. Nay, fome are fuch cruell Heapm of caitifs zn^Cannihals to their owne fo'ules, andfo Jj^'lyTf '"^ accurfedly blinded by the Prince of darkneffcthat rftasit were into its owne bowells, and teare open the very foiintaine of life and fenfe to feed upon it felfe. For, the worme of confci- irhat is the cnce (fay Divines) is onely a continuall remoife ^j'^^ojcon^ and furious reflexion of the foule upon its owne ^'^'^'^^' wilfull folly;and thereby the wofull mifery it hath brought upon it fclfe. 2. This may ferve fo ftirre up all the fonnes The benefit »/ and daughters of wifdomc to hoard up with all ho- ^^^^y^"^ '''^' lygreedinefTeJnftead of earthly pelfe, tranfitory toyes and fliining clay, the rich and lafting trea- fures of divine wealth and immortall graces. For, thefe heavenly jewels purchafed with'C h r i s t s bloud, and planted in the heart by the omnipcrcnc hand of the Holy Ghost, will (iuno comforta- bly upon our foulcs with beames of bleflfednefle and peace? ?.n:iid all the miferies and confufions, the darlcnelTe and moft defperate dangers of this prefent life ; nay, in the very va//ey offfjc Jlhtdow of ^(C'.W/, their fplendour and fpirituali glory will not onely diffolve, and difpell all mifts of horrour which can poiTibly arifefrom theapprehenfionof hell, the grave, thofc laft dreadfull par^s, or any other terrible thing; but alfo illighten, conduct and carie us triumphantly thorow the abhorred con- fines of the King of fe Are upon the wings of )oy, aad in the armes of Angels, to umffroachdle light, unknovvnc. 28 PREPARATION unknowne plcafurcs, and cndlefTe blifle. It may ^^^°aj '* ^'^ ^^^' ^^ y^^ ' ^^^^ ftandeft upright without any *^^' ' ' changes , unftir'd in thy ftate by any adverfc ftorme/uppofing thy mountaine ^ojhong,t\\dz thou flidt never bee moved. Thus long perhaps the Almighty hdth beene voith thee : His cmdle hath finned upon thy he gave, and the Lord hath taken away, blejfed bee the name 9fthe Lord. Though, as yet, by a miracle of rareft B E f ORE ' DE A T H. ^ rareft mercy, calmenefTe and fcrenity reft upon the firmament of our ftate 5 yet who knowcs how foone, efpccially, fith many of Go d s dearelt fervants beyond the feas have lyen fo long m teares and blond, fome difmaU cloud and tempe- ftuousftormemayaiifeoutofthe hellifh foggs of our many hainous finnes and crying abominati- ons, and breake out upon us,andthat with greater terrour, and farre more horribly, by leafon of the unexpedednelTeandour prefent defperate fecuri- ty : Though the Sun of the Gofpell, and glory of a matchlefft Miniftry fhineyet full faire among us in the Meridian of our peace and profperous daies, yet little know wee, how foone and fuddenly it may decline and fct in a fea of confufion, calamity and woe: And therefore hoard up greedily in the meane time, and while the Sun ihines,arich trca- fury of faving knowledge, grace and good life; thatifneedrequire,thoumayftthen refolutely re- ply with bleffed Paul againft all contradidions and temptations to the contrary : / am ready not to h:e Aflsai.ij. hound onelj, hut alfo to £e for the name of the Lord J E s V s : Though at this prefent thou doeft per- haps with much fweet contentment enjoy thy God comfortably, and His pleafed fice ; many heavenly dewes of fpirituali }oy, glorious re- frefhings, and aboundance of fpirituali delights fall upon thy foule from the Throne of mercy every time thou con^meft neare Him ; Thou canft fay unto thy Deareft out of thy prefent feeling, / am can.6.ij. my Beloveds y and mj Bdoved is mine, and in fonK good mcafurc kccpc a part with the Saints of old, in so PREPAjRATION in fuch vicfkorious and triumphant Songs as thefe : lob. 1^ 2j,»4, Q^ f^^f ^y words were now written, ohthdt they were frinted in a booke ! That they were graven mth an iron^enAndleadtn the rock for ever. For, I know pril.46. »,>, that my Redeemer liveth, (^c. Wee will net fearer though the earth be removed : and though the moun^ tMnes bee carriedinto the middefl of the fea : though the waters thereof roare^ and be troubled, though the mountaines Ihake with the f veiling thereof Selah. /. 1.0m. s 3 8 . amferfwadedthat neither death nor Ufe^ nor K^ngels , nor frncifalitiej nor powers, cjrc^ Yet for all this that oncly wife God of thine may hereafter for fome caufe feeming good to Himfelfe, and for thy good, with-draw from thee the light of His coun- tenance, and fenfeof His love, and leave thee for a time to the darken effe of thine one fpirit, and Sa- Meanei for fif tans foreft temptations, &c. Ply therefore in this teufer^"'^ ^* profpcrity of thy foule all bleffed meanes s the Mi- '"■'^ * niftry, Sacraments, Prayer, Conference, Medita-. tions, humiliation-day es, holineffc of Hfe, cleare- nefle of confcience^ watching over thy heart, walking with God, fan6lified ufc of affiidions, experimental! obfervation of Gods dealings with thee from time to time, workes of juftice, mercy and truth, &c. Thereby fo to quicken, fordfie and fteele thy faith, that in the bittereft ex- ^ tremity ofthy fpirituall diftreffe, thou maift bee a- blc to fay with lob, Though He flay me, yet will I truji in Him, lob, 1 3 . 1 5 • A thoufand croffes moe, cala- mities, and troubles may over-take thee before thou takcft thy leave of this vale of teares : It wiH bee thy wifdomc therefore now in this calme to provide BEFORE DEATH. ' 31 provide for a ft orme j trcafurc up out of G o d s Booke many mollifying medicines and fove- raigne antidotes againft all flavifli and vexing fore- gJTz)^" tw^- thought of them in the meane time, and their bit- eth hu. ternelTe when they fliall come upon thee. Thou Jn^b^ '^' maiftbeairiiredjifthoubeea fonne^thy heavenly ifals.^^^&c^' Father will ever corrcdthee 51.' Never kf ore 'ir^ 27.7*8. there be need-: and alw ayes in 2, ^ Pf'/fdomc^. :^^^'^^^^'^\}^' 5. *^ (Jiieajure, 4. ** Lovc^ ma tendermjjc^. i.Cor. 10. ij. 5. For * a moment onely. 6. To *" try thee-^ what "*i'rov.j.i2. droffe of corruption, and what found metall of RevT^^^9!'fra. grace is in thee. 7. To s purge out finne. 8> To 6i.9.'Vh.ioi. *» refine thee, and make the vercues of Christ in Ji^-'-Hof.ii. thee more fliining and illuftrious. 9. To * ftirre A'nd^'l^j'/ii.' up, quicken and increafe all faving graces in thy iT.Ands4.11. foule. Of which fee my Expo/ition upon the 26. V2kuo^'< sc Chapter of 7/i. Amongft all the reft, Faith ever lo^V.&uj. becomes moft famous by afflivftions. Witneftc ^^^^^O'-^'- thatcloudofwitncfrcSj^^^. ir. 10. To ^ make And/7.16. ' theeblefled. 11. To'favethec. 12. And Hee icr.j.n.Mic " will be ever with thee in trouble. 13. He "will ^'^f' ^ deliver thee. 14. Nay, and never was Gold- pfiime. 66.10. Smith more curious and precife to watch the very Proverb. 17.3. firft feafon, when his gold is thorowly refined and [i^" | f ''* fitted for ufe, that hee may take it out of the for- « id. iis.And nace^'than ourgratious Go j> ^ waits in fuch ca- p; And 27.9. fcs with an holy longing, that Hee may have mer- pr^uT^^ej. cy upon thee and deliver thee. But howfoever, or '■Dan.u.jf. whatfoeverbefals thee in this life, thou muft upon f ^^'^^^lach. ■' r 1J.9. I. Pet. I. 6,7. * Ioh.iM.Rom5,Ja4,f.ira.z6.j>. Iam.i.2,?. ''Iob.j.17. lam.x. tz.And f. rt.Pfal* 94.1a, * I. Cor. 1 1.5 1. t.Cor.4 17. •ir.i 41.10,1 1. And 4 J. 2 - Pfal.91.1j, "lob.j- i?.i9,PfaIj4.i7,iS,ip And jo.15. Andpi.i j. *Ifa go. 18, necefllty S2 PREPARATION ncceffity ere itbe long,lic gafping/or breath upon- thy dying bcd,an(i there graple hand to hand with the utmoft and concurrent rage of all the poweys ^ of darkntfle, and that king of feare attended with his terrours : and therefore let the whole courfe Hmv to prepare of thy life be a confcionable preparative to die aiainfi death, comfoixably : Suppofe every Day thy laft , and thereupon fo behave thy fclfc both in thy generall and particular calling, as though thou fhouldcft be called to an exa(5t account at night for all things done in the flelh, before that laft and higheft Tri- bunall; In' all thy thoughts, words, avftionsand undertakings in any kinci, fay thus unto thy felfe: would I doe thus and thus, ifl cerrenly knew the next houretobe my laft : In a word, fo live, thafi upon good ground thou maift bring D^ids un'a daunttdboldneftetothy bed of death : Though I walke through the valley of the jhadow of de^hj IwiH feare no evilL speciau prtpa- Here, upon this fcafonable occafion, give mee tames. leave to commend and tender unto youforae fpe- ciall preparatives, rules, motives and meanes to furnifti before hand, andtofortifie your fpirits a- gainft all future evils, and terrible things that are towards. t. Preparative. j, Treafurcup Hchly and abundantly before Get iatience. ^^^^ ^^^ precepts, pradicc and experimental! rhe benefits 9 f fweetneifeofpatiencc^thatmoft ufefull and precis ji4tience. ^^^ vertue, which may fervc (when time ferves) as a fovcraigne antidote, to abate, and abolifti the fting and venimeof all croJnrcs,affli(aions5 and mor- tall naifcries j and as a comfortable cordiall to fupport BEFORE DEATH. 35 fupport and hold up thy heait in the bicterneflc and extremity of the foreft. Mighty and miraculous was theworke of this iobspatieHe<.\ glorious grace in blelTed loL By its heavenly -'.nd invincible influence upon his humble foule, it did not onely utterly extinguifh (which was a very ad- mirable and extraordinary thing ) all that defpe- rate anguifli and flaviih gricfe, which fuch variety and extremity of greateft miferies, that ever be- fell any mortal I man, would have naturally bred in the hopelefTc hearts of impatient worldlings 5 * Quanta ad- leall of which is many times enough to drive verfus eum ja- them to dcfpaii-e and fclfe-deftrudion ; but alfo ^"^^ ""'^^^ • * enabled him with the fweeteft calmnefTe of a Si'tT wrmen- wcll-compofed and unfhaken fpirit, even to blefTe ta? jaaura re* the L o R D his God for taking from him thefe fl'^jf ^''numer tranfitory things, of which he was the true Pro- rone"'^foboii/ prietary, and which in much undeferved mercy orbitis irroga- He had lent unto him fo long. The Lord gave, cenfJi^Domi! C faid he ) and the Lord hdih taken arvay ykle^fed be nusj & in hbe- the nam of the Lord. "^ ^^'" *^'"- ■^ or: Ncc Do- minus repent^, ncc Pater eft. Accedit vulncru n va'ftitas,& tabefcentes,ac defluenies artus rermium vjuoq^ edaxpctna con/uniit,ci;*c. Nectamen /o& giavibus & denfis conflidatiombus frangitur,quo mTnus inter illasanguftias & preffurasfuas Dei bene- diftio viiflricc patientia prsEdicetur. Cyprian. ie bono Pa kntU, Nihil in Dotno remanferat, omnii in uno idii peiieruntj quibns opulentus pauIo ante videbatur, Subito mendicus in ftcrcore fedet, a capite ufqj ad pedes vermibus fcatens. Quid ifti miferia miferius? Quid intcrioiefoelicitatcfcelicius ? Perdideiat omnia illaqux dcdcrat DBVs/ed habcbat Ipfum qui omnia dedcrat DEVM*»-»Ccr- tc pauper eft, certc nihil habet. Si nihil rcmanfit,de quo thefamo iftar gemmae laudis Dei profcruntur? — O virum piitrem, & integrumj O ^oedum & pulchium; O vulnc- ratnm & fanumjO in ftercore f. dentem3& in coelo rcgnantcml j4ug.de TeTap.Ser.io<} . With what infinite, implacable indignation, 2)*'^''*/^ aild bloudy rage would ^/'^»^Af railing have rent D in 34 PREPARATION Elies patience. in peeces the heart of many a gracelcffe King! And yet Davf^ by the helpe of this holy vertue, pafTcd on along patiently without woundjOrpalTion. That heavy newes which was fo horrible, that it made both theeares of every one that heard it, tingle, brought by Samuel to £// immediately from Gods ownc mouth, might have made many an carth-worme to have run mad with the very fore-thought of fo much mifery to come : But good old patient Eli ;whcn he had heard it all, fweetly ejaculates : It u the Lo kd: Let htm doc i.Sam.3.18. vphatfeemeth him good. The taking away of two fonncs at once by a fudden and violent death, with vifible venge- ance from heaven, and in the middeft of amoft horrible finne, is naturally matter of forrow which cannot be expreft, and extreme/!: griefc : yet KyiAYon in fuch a cafe having learned confor- mity of his ownc will to the divine pleafure of the oncly wife Go d ; when il/^y^-^ told him that the Lord VDOuld he fantfifed in them that come nigh Bimy and before all the people He vpould hee glorifed -^ He held his peace : K^nd Aaron held his feace. So quieting his heart becaufe God would have it fo. See further for this purpofe, 2.Sam,^.i'^yi6, jfa.S9'^'^c. By thefc few precedents you may eafily per- ceive what fingular and foveraigne power patience hath to pull the fting, and extrad the poyfon out of the moft grievous calamities and grcatcft troubles. But now on the contrary : Impatiency andun- pleafcdneile Lcvit, 10.3. Jmpatkncy worfetkenany (rofe. BEFORE DEATH. 35 pleafednefTe with Gods providence in fending *j^lll'^^l\i both good and nil, ( yet evcrinlove,andforour "^^ropomon^St good 5 For ^ what foane ish:-, whom the Father cha- ^uji expeff as fiemhmt? ) doth more affii(ft us than all oar affli- ^/f^f^l^ dions. Theftormcof Go d s wrath breakes out god. what? fometimes upon the outward ftate of fome greedy (^^j^^ iob)axil\ fretting mammonift, andhejuftly fmiteshimfor go'u^d aT^t'hc his wicked covetoufneflfe and diOioneft gainc, per- iiand of Go o, haps in the height andhotgleame ofhisprofperi- ^"^ ^ccdyH* ty andthriving, by fome fudden vifible confump- vili^cap.i. 10. tion, or fecret wafting curfe : He ( as fuchcove- ''.^^^s* ^'^^'c tous wretches are wont ) takes on extremely, farrc nuiuT,"ut pi"- beyond the rage of the maddeft bedlam. Hee vis mtmiatio- ftainpesand ftares ( as they fay ) roaresand raves, "^|^'" ^°<^ ^^' gnafheth his teeth, teare; his haire, bites his nailes, q'jia g dT r s almoft like a damned foulc,that hath new loft hca- fligeiht om. ven ; untill at length the DivcU lead him to lay ^;^^ ^f^;^^ violent hands upon himfelfe. Now, are notthefe (ins dubio que felfe-vcxing tortures farre more terrible than the "^" fl^gdiat, taking away of histranfitories c' Is not the cutting ^^^ deTemp of hisownc throat incomparably worfe than the senn.io^. croffe i A bird that is intangkd amon^ft lime- * '^''}> '"'^'S" o D u.irisr Querela twigs, the more fhe ftirres and ftruggles, the more & indignauo ihe is made furc, and doubles her danger : A ^re- n»iai>udquam pining reludation, and angry ftriving ( as it were ) fu^t^^^niMl* to get out of Go D s hands, doth everenvcnime mm tamexaf- and exafperate the wound, and m akes us t en times P^";^^ fervorem worfe, and more mift?rable, than if we fairely and fercndlimpati- entia. Omnis indignatfo in tormentum fnHm proficit. Sie InqucoS fcra dum jadat, aftiitvgit ; fie aves vifcnm, dam trepidantts excutiimt, plumis omnibus illmunt: nullum tarn arftum eft jugum,quod non minus laidit ducentem, qu.\m rcpugnantem. Uniim eft Icvamen. tuna jnalomm ingentium etiam pati, & neceflicatibus fuis obfequi. Quid igitur mar- bo corporis, animi morbum addcre ju/at, teqj mifeiiorem faccre muimurandoj&c, D 2 patiently S^ PREPARATION patiently fubmitted to his omnipotent and moft merciful! will. Neither doth want of patience only iir.patiency em- mightily enrage a crofTc, but italfo embitters aU titnn aHcom- our Comforts. Thcbarcomifldonofa meerecom- fmf, plcment in Mordecai did not only fill Hamms proud heart with many raging diftempers of hatred, ma- liccrevenge, foolifli indignation and much furious difcontenrment; but alfo turned all the pleafurc, and kindly relifh in his counly pleafures, riches, honours, offices, extraordinary advancements and royallfavours, into gall and worme-wood, ^nd Heflcr. ?. 1 1. Haman told them of the glory of his riches jandthe muL *' ' ^' titude of his children y and all th things wherein thc:^ King had promoted him^and how he had advanced him ' above the Prin ces andfcrvants oft he King, Haman faid moreover^yeaEjlher the ^ueenedtdlet no mm come in With the King unto the Banquet that fJ?e had prepared, but m) felfe, and to morrow am J invited unto her alfo with the King, Tet all this availeth me nothingyfo long as I fee (J\^lcrdecai the lew fitting at the Kings gatz^ . Whereas novj Davidy a King, as I told you before, by the benefit of this blefTed grace, did not fuifer his Princely fpirit to be un- calmed at all, no nor by the traiterous and moft inrollerable reviling of a dead dog, and his bafeft vaffall. ^Preparation. 2. Keepe offchy heart from the world, in the wlX. "^^^ greatet affluence ofwealth and worldly profperi- Mifchiefes of ty. Earthly-mindedneflfc ever fharpentth and *!2i*''*' keenes thefting inail diftreflfes. It gives teeth to the crofTc to eat Ou^t the very heart of the affli<5led. Had not Job beene able to have profefTed, that in the height of his happinefTe he was thus affeded : ^/ BE>FORE DEATH. 37 jflhave made ge^ldmy hope, or have [did to the fine I^.ii.a4. goldy Thou art my confdence : iflrejoyced kcaufemy wealth fvof great, and kcaufe wy hand had gotten fMtch : [_Herc "fky Divines, fomcthing is under- •Hicfubaudi©. ftood,as^/?'^^4W,£henl€tnieperi{h, orthclike] dy"^P^-^*"i*°v //b / heheldthe Sun when ttjhfncd, or the Moone rvalk- ^^^^g^jn he ing in hrtghtneffe : ^nd my heart hath hcenefecretly ^ lob.j i .i *Applesof Sodom, Wells without water. Heh Horn 9. And wheu.wegrafpe them moft greedily, wcem- inquiramus, fi bracc Hotliing but fmoke, which wrings teares Fun^Via prlT. iiop- ,iqur cycs, VX'^ .vaiufticth^into nothing. fcntis'vitae prg- -,; •n- 7 •': • • T-fi^iTr^T hfn -n.-.or/'f ^ i' 1 clara? Divitis, gloila,p6(entj3, m?gnum exiftimari abhominibi'S ? Stdtidcbis nihil illis cffe inceitius.-— Et ficut videii ncju t in roti, quae ccntiriiovcfptuv, aliqua pars ejus, eo qwcd crebra ciicumferentia, fempcr fumma fiunt ima, & ima fumma : ita & noftiaruni icium impetusdum continue vcituntiir fumma facit iifima ,Kt vidcrc licet in divitijs, potentijs,& alijs. Nnnquam enim in eodcm ftatu manentjftd ftjtiper inftabilcSjHuminum fluxusimitantur. JdemHcm.de Nomine Jbram. • PomaGomorrhxapulchraquidcmfimt, fed cum franguntur, inyagum pulvercm fatifcunt. >* things be- ^, Vexation of fpirit. Bcfidestheemptineflfcand BtkHtJ-^iriT abfcncc of that imaginary felicity which we hunt after in them 5 there is alfo the preferce and plen- ty of much mifcry and hearts griefe, which the (laves BEFORE DEATH. 39 fliwes of pleafure, atid lovers of the world little lookc for, wheel they at firft refolve to fell their t Anacreon foulesforfuchtranfitorytraOi. Divmasinvmijil? f^'^^^^^'f^'; ( faith one ) Reqiuem perdldtfli. Had thou found nnus,ciim per riches ^ Thiu haft loft thy reft. A man that will dms nofte. be rich, takes no more reft, thanoneuponaracke, PJ°Set;red- orbedofthornes; like ^ o//?*«<^''^^» vvith his five didit ea, inqui- Talents, ftili diftraa:ed with worldly thoughts, cns;nontanti 1 . II -1 -1 J r „ efle quanta ip- and concinually prickt with cares and teares. foiu.m nomine 3. They cannot fadsfie the foule. Gold can no cura (aborarct. more fill the fpiritof aman, than grace his purfe. ^fi'^^s^'l^^ Betweene heaven and earth, fpirits and bodies, camet fimft foules and filver, there is no proportion. And tUfouie. therefore no earthly excellencies, nocarnall plea- fures, no worldly treafures are fit matter, or a full objed^, for fuch an immateriall, immortall and heavenly borne-being to feed upon with any pro- per delight, true comfort, or found contentment. Not all this great materiall world, or greateft mafle of gold canpolTibly fill the mighty capacity and immeafarable appetite of this little fparkeof heaven breathed into us by the infinite power of an Almighty hand. A man may as well fill a bag with wiiedome, as the foule with the world ; a cheft with vertues, as the mind with wealth. 4. They cannot helpe in the evill day. Tkir Mor hsipe w. Moud ( faith the Prophet ) (hall ke poivred 014^ as the evill day. dttfl^ and their flelh as thz dmg : neither their ^=P'^'^'»7,i^ filver nor their gold fh^tH hee able to deliver them in the daj of the Lords vorath. Put a man into a pang of any painefull maladie, and bo- dily toiture i as into a fit of the Stone, Strangury, D 4 8 dcepc 40 PREPARATION 8 Mo torture of 6 dccpc Mclarichoty, Gout, ChoHcke, or the like: boJy like unto It Jet fomc incurablc devouring Ulcer, Canker, Ele- Z/ttTilu. phanti3fis,the Wolfe^the ^ pltca, &c. take hold up- 1 iri BulSyalfeare-^^^fiefs fi/Jpicianii, difcotitetits are fwaUo^ved up (3*ilroTci>ned tnthWBmi- p.is,r^/i Irijb iea^ibii Oeenvt ^^mifery^MJo a^apyfninH hroof{S.Thu u theiiuintejieceofhu-- mam Uiherfnj/- all other difeafesrvhatfoe'vcr are hiitfiea bningsto Melanehoy in extent, Ty the pith a] them all. ^ndamelanch9l)/ min h that true i^toREPARATION ^ by that laft and great dav,whicli the Lo r d in mer- cy hafl:en;tiow vile thou then refcue thy free-hold, when the whole Frame oFche world is on fire *? Thingi hu^ ^^ ^}^ cannot pofllbly lead us beyond this ttirnity. lite, or exceud to eternity. If we lee a iervant rol- low two gentlemen, we know not whofe man he isjbut their parting will difcover to whether he be- longs; When death fliall fever the owner from the world, then will riches and rcvenevves, orEces and honours,ftately buildings,andall outward bravery cleave to the world, and leave him to the world to come as poore a vvorme and wretch, as when he firft came into this worldrand therefore they are all the worlds Heire-loomes,and none of his : Even as Abfeloms mule went away, when his head was faft in the great Oake,and fo left him h mging between heaven &earth,as awofullfpedacleof mifery and fhame to all beholders: So will all their wealth and worldly felicities deale with their moft gree- dy ingrofTers, and deareft minions upon their dy- Proy.23.5-. ingbeds. Thejwillthenmoficertenly{2i^Sdom9n faith) wake thetnfelves wings, and flie away as an Bo- gle toward heaven : And leave their now forlornc former favourites to the fury of a guilty confci- I«r.t.ij. cncefor their Ci\rCc(\ for fikm^ the Fount iune of li- ving waters y all their life long, and hewing them out fuch cifiemesybroken cifiernes that could hold no water -^ norhelp indieevill day. Weall ftand atthe doorc of eternity jif death but once open it naturally or vi- olently, or by any of his thoufand thoufand waies, we are prefently ftript of all, and immediately en- ter upon it, either that of cvcrlaftingplcafurcs, or the I BEFORE DEATH. 43 theotherofcverlaftinepaines.Andthcrfoieitwill f<»'«f'^'e»'#r/J be our wildome in tilt I ncr.n time to value worldly ^^rice. vanities at no more than their c\vn pricey and indu- ftrioufly to ply all meanes which may enrich us with heavenly treafures of that divine ftampeand lafting tc mper, which may attend us rhorow all e- tcrnity . And as all thefe things here below are thus ^••**''» ^fonaiitjf mutable and fugitive, fo thy felfeart mortalland fraile. A creature as it were but of one daies lading, j j^^ ^^ ^^^ like that • Flower and Bird which (as naturalifts re- meiocaiii's,cu! porr)receivethcir being and birth in the mornings jus vua & pui. but wither and die at night. Thy abode upon earth '^.^scd &X is like a vanifliing^vifion of the night, a flying luais ad H.p- drcame, thevery dreameofafliadowj&c. This pan™fluvium •^ •' clt,ncnicrovi- os difta, quae B on ultra diem vivitj fed czdcm cmnino luce, qua Uicem inchoat, finit, moncntiqjSoli comrHoritur : codem d.e, pucu, juvcnis, fenisatatem expciia mane nafcitur, mciidie & viget, vcfpcri coBfcncfcic & moritur. Animalculohuic /iniillimaeft huniana vua. Ad fluviiim ilia eft f-cipcti.6 fliientis tcmpciis, fed & voiucris dt magis quam avisulla, ycl lagitta,& l^pc omnisfuz pompse dicmuni» cum', terminum habttj fKpchoram, fsepc paulopiodudiius momemum. Quid evg6 annos medjtnmur & faecula, fjepc' bicvicris Xvi ciusm flcrcs ant floium uirbiaj aut fi quid umbra v^niuSj bievius. e/£rcrnif.Prodr€.Pag-\o. ^ Optimc lobm : Et qui eum, inquit, vidcrantj diccnt ubi eft ? Vclut fomniiiin avolans non invcnieturj (^fomniarc mamfiimum, vobrc ctlenimvim) tranfjct {icut vifio codurna. Vita quid eft ? FloscftjfuniVJStftjUnibn cf,& umbra: iimbia,Bulla, ruIvis,Spuma,Ros,Stil- lajGlacics tft .- Jiidis arcus dcficicns ccreus, furculus pertu!us/u:onola domus,cinis do* lofuSj dies vernuSj Aprilis cor.ftant filmiss, unicus tcfiiidinis tinnitus eft ; Hydriafra- 6^a,fontisiotaj ijraneraum tela, maris omtula^vihs ft puin, folftitialis herb2,brevi$fa- billajvcliicus, fcmtilla^triftis nebula, vcfica vento plcnajtutulansad folem columbula: YJia, vitrnm lencrriinum, folium Icvrfi mum, filum fiibtilifllmum, pomum auicum eft, (ed intus putridum, &.'c. Si njhil eft i-mbra, die quid umbrje fomnium ? Sex- ccnta milk talia de tita humsna rc6fc pronunci.irtur. Mibi omnium. rcftifTmevi- denturdixiflc, qurvitam \ocznt Somniumtimbrxlre'vijfmiim. C ompendior«nd> caaius ; vita tft . . r . Scmnuf-BuHa^ f^itrumyGlacief,Fl'js,Fahvla,F($f}um, Vitaprasfcns figura «.ft & dectpiio, ficaf' mnijs ml u i.iffert ; Ergo mens ca eftpueri- lis, quae ad umbra* fpc^at, defomnijS fupcibit, &iebus fliixis alhgatur. Chryf.in fwift 44 PREPARATION . fwift tide of mans life, after it once turncth and de- clineth, ever runneth with a perpctuallebbc and falling ftreame, but never floweth againe : Our leafe once fallen/pringcth no more 5 neither doth the Sun or the Summer beautifie us againe with the garments of new leaves and flowers, or ever after revive or renew us with frefhneile of youth, and former ftrength. Not onely ^rf/ fit cafuSjqurrT\nonrriCditatiotua pcrvcniat.: rullus fit c fas qnitc imps- rA*umnremat: Pioponc nihil effe quod tibiacciderc non pofljr. Bern tk interiori 'DcnCapA'i. Mens folicitax'itcqu^m agere qund libct inc'piat, omnes fibi, qms pati poteft contLnr.clias propanat; qu^tenus Redcmptoris fui probra cogitmi, ad advcrfa fe piafparer. Qjx nimirum vcnicnti-itanto fortius excipitj quantole cjutiuscx piarfci- tntu aimavit. Quicnim improvidus ab advcrfitate deprelicnditur, quafi .ib hoilc tiormlcfls invcnitur, cumq; cinitt inimicus necu, quia non repugnant m pcrforat. Nam qui mala imminentiaper folicitudinem pcrnot^tj hoftiics incurfuJ quafi in iiv. <:d jj yigilans expcftans : &indead viftoiiam valentir accingitur, nndc ncfcicns tleT.ehcndiputabatur. Solcrter ergo animus ante aftienis fuse primoidia, cunAa de- bet advcrfa mcdirad . ut fcmpcr hxc cogitani, fcmpcr contra base thorace paticntix munitus. & qviioquid accidcrit. providus fupcrct ; & qnirquid oon a(;feCcrit, lucrum patct Grel.^forM^ ycap It. them> B^Ft).RE D EATH. jx tlicm,roho!dit ag£ne and advantage, and as it were, an exemption from ordinary frailrie, and common mifcrie of mankind. If they fell upon them, thcbitrcrncflc would bee much abated b/ their former preparcdneffe and expc(5lation. BiM: wcwhoprofcfTeChriftianity, and to whom the chrt/iiaHsiave Bookeof God belongs, have farre more fove- ^X^^%^^'^^;Z raigne antidotes to allay the fmart, more facrcd {heMc$aidb4^^ and furer meanes to mitigate and take off the fury of feared future evils ^cvcnthe7*'r^Ww^s^ of Go B, many ^xceedihg great dndfredous frMtifist con- , firmed with the oath of the Almighty, 2^d fealed with the bloud of His Son. Every one of them is farre more worth (though the worldling thinkes not fo) than all the wealth and fwcetncfft of both the JHdics. God ufi^thfttHjwhomHnotfuferysff to he tempted above th4t yoc* are ahU: hut wtil with the temptatioff alfo make a way t9 efcapejthatjemay be wii^f^' ftcvci' puts His fcrvantsto fuffer, but He furnifli- nijb thee ivith eth them with fpifituall fufficiency to go thorow. Xrin^ub^t^'' IfHei*neanetob4-ngthce to theft-lice, He will un- "^^ *' dovfctediy'giveffiee ao'J/^^r/jT/ftrength. IcisHis fwecte'ft method and mercy, firft to fit His chil- dren With divine ability and anfwerable endow- nients,and then fbtft them on wor1s, an<} thofe of greatcft experience and mod spprooved valour: A difcreet Schoole-Maftcr gives not the longtfl ieflbns and hardefttasketo dullards and blocke- heads,but fuch asiire of prcgnantpft wits? j»nd b^ft capacity : the und^rtoding f rmourer tries )f>pt common An?itics with Musk«"-6x)r, but thmc pf Proofe. TheskilfuII Lapidary doth npc trie the render Chryftall or fofter fioi^s by tb? ftiddy ^nd hamtr^^rj but the Adajp^Jnt, whicbis readier to brmrctbGh^deftironoT Oeelc- tb^ q^f cMH^JS- bandwan threficth »et thcftdei mth 4 th^-fhi^gtn'" iQ.zS.t7. ffr,H7>*P^ \ neither twmth a cm-^M( (4^}^ th Ci^JWh- min : But bcAts cut th fides xvith dfi^e^4nd the cummin wh 4red. Ffir his God (faick the Pro^ fhcx.)d9th injimiihimt9 difcret:0n^ and dothtedch i^/^^.Now if the L o k p ^fUofs^v/hpi^ vKmderfi^l in cottjifelLAndexcellent in vf$rkin^y give this difene- tionandwifdometofraile man* Himfelft is infi- nitely iTiorc mercifully wife, toproportion and fit His trials to the ftace and ftrcngth of His Patience; fingling out His valianreft fouldiers for the ftrong- eft encounters • His bcft fchollersj for the largeft IdTons; His cboifeft Armour^ fpr the hjghcft B 5 Proofe ; 54 PREPARATION Proofc; His hardeft Adamants, far the moft fteclyAnvill; the raofl couragious Chriftians," fortheforefl:confli<5l5: His abled Followers for ^bXlnaif^'^ excraordinary fcrvtce and Tuiferings. K^braham the Father of the faithfull, and FrienJ of G o » • Joh,i\\^ juftctl !Tiia upon earth j Bavid.x man ifter Gods 'ownc heart ; P/<'2(ra«a ^rc H R t s T I J 4 ? . " .^v^ . ■^' • - Currcrear Cirj/^/^'j/TW/iappcilare MartyrCfnquitotin)iiri}s,tot contimelijS, tot affliftionibiis, nee ad trnp.ttiehtiam pcrpclli, ncc a propaganda Chrifliani pictate depelli potint. Non pcccul'uscft ficmijfed calucnnijs onni fecuri acutioribus ndn fcrncl iiluj eft. Hoc pixmi) yir optimus pro tarn prsscUris in Eccltfiam merit s retu- lir p.ii- E'Jifeopos Oithoioxosj & Tub ImperAt.oie.Chiiflrta'no. In vita Chryfttfi.pe* Era'in Hhoierocl ■'".''"".. ' " "' • Quisnon pu-a(retttffJer«>j|iO tanto cnnftaruni oduj,' Sc invidia, cui totus "pcuf mundiH tu{id[i3bita;-,ecijmilk cujiis p^idibiis Itn^K'rMoret olun co^cl/armir ccmccs fubjicrrcnon ;iid,U na,J'tes Q;:cubitarii.n ? Sec. BrightMi)iCap,$'A^c BjEFpRE, DEATH. 55 ry; UAlfeanhundrcd_y€/tresfpefitindoubtfulltridl, ub ^-^agJ^. which of the ttvo in the end ivould frevoiUy thejidc^ which had all) or els the Part which hadnefrtend^ bui G. o D and D eat h : the 0»e, aD cfendeur ojhts im0- cenc) 5 the other, the fimjher of all his troubles. After thcChurchof G o d, (hunted likea Partridge on the mountaines by the Airian Bifliops) wofully wafted and wearied, had laid downe her head in the boforae of this blc£ed man ready to breathe out her laft, he had never quiet day. Heare ray Author: Bythefpacccffxear?dfortyyeares,fiomthe "jf^S.^'i^ time of his ccnfecraiiert, to fuccced Alexander K^vch- % > . 3ifiep dfAlexandria.till the lafthoureofhis life in this world :t hey nCoerfujftrd him to enjoy the c$mfort of a feaceahkday. The fecond was a n:iighty Thunder- Wow chrfT*. cragiirfl the corruptions ofthe times 5 feared not ^Xl*^** ^*''"' the race of the greateft. woman in the world, arm- td. as well with might, as enraged with malice, (I .'mcp.v\<:EKdoxia the EmpreiTeO but told her un- dauntedly of her raging, "dancing;, perfecuting " i^annes pe« :cruelty,&c. Bcfidcsaworld of wicked oppofiti- [.'ij^condo- ons, infidiations and envy -, (for by downe- right ncm in eccI«- dealino in his Minifteiy, he had di^wne upon him ^^"^ '^"'"" thehai^redof« all forts, Court and Clergy,&c.) ot'ci.um "eft": Hewas divers times filencedjdeprived and banifli- Herodias ^ic- ed. But he was fo much honoured of Gods peo- 7'' }'^fi'"''^' ple every where, that when became imoTauro- ^ai ;. demi faltare pcrgit: dcruo caput Joh^iinis in difco acciperc tjUisrit. Secrat. Ulfi. Eccl-l,b.6. cap. i6. • Pcccats t.intJ feverit.-'.te aroucbat, ac (i ipfc ctiam per injuiiam lae^us cil^t: & om- niurr ord nnm deli6ta magna dicendi libertatc taxab.K : ita ^uidem, at ctiam Du- 'cu^:\(^EJttrop'ij & Gaim) imbipfiuslmptratoris errata reprelicnderet. — -Omnespro- pcmodum orJiiicsin fe concitavit. Llerici & Auiici occulte fuas & ipfi operas adjangebi^nt. Ofta.nd Hifi.Eecl.cent. ylib. i .cap 6, E 4 filfCtA, ^6 PREPARATION » ubi auccm ^uodancc of Chfiftians, weeping and wailing mc^ppa^ia moftbictcrly for his banifhinent, ^nd faid, PT^dt provmciam vc- jfj. had hccft/yctter thot the ^anhadkene def rived of fSlu'iTFa! htrlfght, mddlher ^^Ur) turmd into dxrkentif^, irum diori.-. th^n that the motith <7/Cbryrofto:ns fhould he floft maruTi ^iwcs from fredthing. In the laft banifhin :;nr, by reafon cffimdentjum , of the b:irbarou5 ufagc andimmanitics of the foiil- *aentiuQo,co ijicrs that Icd him aloHg, ^ hired for tha?- purpofe, r nos ^tt He fwealy and bldTcdly breath'd out his laft. But cfci yidebmtj howbrxvely he bore,and with what invincible di- jlicebanq; to- -^ refolution hc paflTed thorow thefe indignities, fe,SiSoirAdi. oppreikorts, and cixiell wrongs, we may well pcr- c$ fu3s retrax- ceivcby hisownc words to another baniflied Bi- filquat^!'^" ft^op I'Whenlw^ driven from the Cit^i.nmeofthcfs OS IdhamHi ta- cnit Epifi.t^ f Militos ^aefcfti pisetorij, qui illnw dcducfbanr, non Jifiimiilabant fibi promifla primia magnificaj {i /ohannes m itinere moirretur. Icaq, Rj€«fibns rrL bus pcrimbres^pcr atHus, fine uUa tctriger'tione coipiifculi dunfliiTiUfMiiCf pertuUt. I.rafm.inviti Chryfofiy f Etenimcgociima civitate fu^.-.iei-j nihil hoium curabam, fed dtoebaai intra mcmct ipfum : Si 'quidcm vulc Regina me exiiJetr, agat inexili- Um. DoiiiNi eft UrtA (s" pieMni^ey-a Etfi v»\lt {ccarc, fecct.Idcm pflus e(l 4: Mptiai Si vultin pcla^us mitterej/on* rccordibor : Si villc in caminum injifcrc, idem paffi Turn tret illi pun. Si me fcris vylc objiccrr, obji.iat : DinieUs in 1 cun Iconi- bui0b;eKuJui eiiamabtii. h\t idmonzt jtpqftgliu^Er^ txtbwhunitnibjn plMtrtm,ftr -ui C h R i s t i s/r^ m«n a^'iiH. Armat me & Z)i©ncm dedit. Duunr quoi c»m mulif re dormiycrim : Exmrc me,& invcnictis mem- fcf«r«m VD'iOTxim mortificatiowtm. Scdh^c omnia per nvidiamexcog.triuBt. lotan' nt: efcaljCjrUco Epiftepi txuli- Tom.^. Bpift.^, things BEFORE DEATH, 57 ^lutme mV. ylet her ham^j wf; The earth is the Lords ^ Vnhi^i, and the fullncfle thereof: JfJhemlljLet her faw me nfuffder :\{mh fuffertd thefimejffl:e mUJet her cafi memtd the feaj I wllrcwcmbsr Joriiih. iffhe wUt, let her cafi me into a burning pcry fornace-^er amcKgft wild ieajis • the three Children 4;?^ Daniel rvere fo denU Withjffle mlljtet her Ji one me or cut offtmne head 3 I have then S.5?f^/^^«andtheBaptift m-j hlejfedcom- fanions.IfJJje mlljlet her take awaj all my fHbfiar.ce : Naked came I out of my mothers wombe, and na- ked fliould I retume thither. The Apfile tels me^lfCzi i.io. I yetplcafed men, Ifhould notbcthcfervantof Chris T,i^ndYy^n6.ev againft all the tempcftuous ftormes and fwelling feas of the moft furious per- fccutions that ever were rais'd by the powers of hell againft mortall man : and did fo iliakc th€ ' kingdomc of Antichrift, that fincc that tinK, the moft glorious light of the Gofpell,and rcfurre- iftion of Saving Tmth hath broken out upon, and bleffed th« face of Chrift^i>d©nie, that did ever fhine upon earth, or was feenc amongfl: the fonnes ^ mcn.Hc3xin was hcc like unto K^PhmitBm.ks he 58 PREPARATION ' invitisjiabd' hcoppofcdthcvv/m^/^^/o X«if/'^rthc wholc jifft$~ ^bL pI'Iz/Ta" ^^^il^^^^ world 5 and they both in defplte ofall ad- tiunaims V vcrfary malice, both from Man and Divell, ^gavc uithtius.mbi- up blcfTedly their happy foules in peace into the ^piUcU^^^mi^^' boforac of J E s u $ C H R I s T J whom they had for- Morte (X hac merly fei ved fo faithfully,and for whofe fake they H^^ahfio!^'- ^^^ glorioufly fuffcred fo much. Thus ypu fee, ^thaJafmsp^A wheii Go d fingles outand defignesany of His foe muiupiiciac^r- fomc fpcclall fervices, and extraordinary fuffer- v'rrihLTEc- i"§S' Heeverfurniflieth them before-hand with dcfr* Doao- fingularity of gifts, and fufficiency offpirituall a- rmi fufiinuiflc biUtic to go thorow, and ftand to it to death. But tili'ma mme HOW on the Other {ide,He will never hnakeAbm- ex hac vita ex- fedreedynox. qf*€»ch [moktfig flAxejlfti,a[2.T^.h\Mv^\\\ ceffit: civil ab ^yjQi^ gather the Lambs with his arme^and carrie them finem (iii Epif. '^ hii bofomc ,and gcntlj had thofe that are wtthymn^y copatus Alex- /jQ.4o.ii.Imakcnodoubt,butthatinQueencii/4- fii'^^P^cEfumbt '■^^^ ^^^^s He mercifully hid many a good foulc qaidragint.i from the implacablc fury of thofe Popifh ?r,eymng icx annis: ad jYnlves : who, thoush thev wcrg in afavin^ ftate, vcriusqucm to- * , / / t t • f ^ t^r ^ ti;s penc oibis ^^o.ioved the LoYiH j-Bsus f^JiJiice/(ty,£pfjeJ. 6. 2/^, eonfpimvit. yet thcy wanted ftrength to ftand in the faceof tlie D aLr^eS) fi^^'y f^'^pcfts ofthofc times. eum violcnta niorte ex hoc mundo exturb.ue potuic. Ofisnd H't/l Etsl ccnt.^ I % c.i6, > 6,?reparativc. s. BcwJire left sny earthly contentment cn- ^digbt la/^'up 'croachupon,cmpaire, and eat up thy delight in thj> delight, in hcavenly things. But let thy fpirituall joy ever ut- hcaveniy tbtrgi rcrly over-wtigh all humane mifcries, and over- top incomparably all worldly pleafurcs. And 'Diference he- ^^crc is good rcafon for it : In refpcd. Of the tyvtxt ihc ob- I. ObjeA. The matter, whereupon earthly joy i'f/ %ZtZ ^"^^^ feed,isbafe and vile, filth and fafliions, ga- deiight. ' ' ming BEFORE DEATH. 5P ming ond good fcllowfliip, reijellin^^ and in our daics, even roaring, luft and luxury,&c.and otiicr fuch froth and fooleries, the very garbage of hell; at the beft corne, wine,oYle,eold, ^rcarne(re, offi- * Nch.s.io.Bs CCS, honours, high roomts, Prmceiy nvonrs,&c. jcyijthe l-ri> as tranficory as an hafty head long torrent, ^Jhadom^ ayturptniih. a lhipy2 b:rd, an dtrorv , a Poft thathafieth by^ or if you ^^l'^,^ \.a^ti can nanrte any thing of fwiftcr wir.g, and fooner in Heaven but gone. But the objc<5t about which fpirituall joy is ^h^'e^^^'fdtkerc exercifed, is "^Jehovah bleffed for ever, " His eartb^'tha"^^^ free and everlaftinglovc,/' the light of His countc- ^(fire kfides nance,His r fweet name, ^ That ournamesare writ- ^^f^. 'Hoi. 14. ten tnheavert,mQ *Son of his L or, ' eternity or unconceiveable joycs. q^^ „^j^,_ ^ fuU and gracious, (s'c.^'Lvk. 1 1-:^, ~- But rather rejoycghtfaufeyour names are rvnt- ttninbeave».*Co\.i.ii.Cioi'ii^'>5 "'• thehjfomtebut forAm9inmtJohi6.%.'^\\i{'^\x\x.\\'^\ joy is likcthe/r^ upon the ah or 5 it hath ever fewell to feed upon, though wcdo not ever feclc it. ^ The " ^^ -^^ '4-^7. Kin'q-chms 4o *lfa.5f.i». *PfaI ji.ii. 'Earthfy jcy em himred. Xarfhlyjfj ti»- fn for hiyfy dn- tisu iiemembrance 9f corn all jvy PREPARATION Conn All joy mixed rpitb /trrtvp. Ha carnalljsy Kmgdcvae of Go d if righmufneffe^ Mtdfeace, out jej mtffc Ho t Y Ghost.* 7%e ranfemed ^ tht Lord jhall retiirneAndcimetd Zienwithfmgiid»d ev'CrUsHng jej ufonthetr heads : theyJhMUif*a;^ejey andgUdntjfej and f&'row and figking jhdl Jiie dwdj, k Begl/idtn the hcviv,afjdreJ0yceye righteous : dftd fh$utf9r jtf dlyee thst are ufrtghf i» heart 5. Sincerity. Earthly joy is cruelly embittered with many flavifh, dinging and invcnimcd mix- tures and marrc-mirths : but Go v gives joy to tijc uprig tit heart, and no fonow with it. 4.Efte(fls.CarnaIl joy utterly unfits fey all holy imploymcms ; but rpiriti,ull joy is to the faculties of the foulc, a$ oyle to the joy nts cii the body 5 k makes quicke, adive, and excellent for the dif- chai'gc of any divine duty. 5, Calling to mimd, carnalljoy ib the cvill day torments extremely, and turnes it into gall and worme-wood : but remembrance of thoic fwcc- tefl: glimpfcSjand heavenly deawes of fpiriruall joy which were wont to fliine into, and rcficfli our humbled fouleswhen we were confcionabiy bu^ ed in the waies and work of the Lor D,will fervc as a precious cordiall, to rc-comfoit our fpirits m fadder times, and furcft pledge of their moft ccr- taine returne in due time. 6. Spirituall joy isniany times much enlarged intitacs of tribulation: But the heart of the wicke4 is forrovvfuU in laughter,and troubled with melan- choly amidft their greatcfl: miah. 7,Spirituall joy is ordinarily moft free, full, and at the highcfi: in folitarineile, foliloquies, and the moft BEFOUE death; . 6\ "moft retired exercifes of the fouler but carnall joy and" want of company are forthc moft pare in- compatible. And it is kept in that poore little Ay- inglife it hath, by good-fellowfliipj and Icnfuail itnployments. ■ ^S.Cainall joy ever ends in bitiemefTe, fpirituall ffllfj^^i^^'^^ in blelTednclTe. As the rivers of frefli water run their courfe with an hafty cuiTcnt to fall in the fak Sea^fothepofting Son of all worldly pleafures aftera fliott g4earae,and vainc gliftering/cts in the Ocean of endreiTc forrovv. 7. Make thy peace with Go d upon sood y'^^epamhe. •ground in the meane time, and ^racioully walkc -^ub gq^. with him by a rule and daily diredion. Watch o- ver thine heaiT with extraordinary induftry. Mor^ tifie thy members which ale upon earth; pride, choler, covetoufnefTe, felfe-love, hankering after thefalhions,&c. Strangle thy lufts, ftand at the Swords Point with thy moft beloved finne. Beare ■thy yoke fiom thyymth^dxid 'exercife thy fpirituall ' ^"^^ "^^^ armes every day; Get a habit of heavenly-mind- fu,n"^er«lt* cdnefle and holy familiarity with God afore- £]uomod6 aiu feand; and then lliall we holdup our hi^nds and ^^"'^ ^". "'^"■ our hearts with boldneffe and undauntedneffe of tnt^sc '"c!u-p'! fpirit in the evill day. The firongefi andfiduteft crea- (-"^is? Quis un- turcs (faith a godly Divme, preflfing thisPoint) .^orabTniT. te addtfcentiji i«i Palxfira corrc^oratuspotuit inOlympicii, excclfo, .icmagnoanimo adycjfaiium aggreJil' An nonopottct cpotidie luJtari atqj currcic? Nonne videtls eoi quos quina, >>cmincic3nt, muha qu^e concupifcciuiae flammam inccnduBt. Infuigc igitur contra paflione*, vinCiS ammi labores, at corporis quoq*, I.iborcspoflisperfeirc, 4rc >, PREPARATION Aft AJTMdef thofe things whieh art cOfftrary to thir ndttrcsj wh'ch other creatures mver fs weake, feare not, hetng of the [mm nature. No more fearefall crea-. ture thai^afjlh flying at the fhaJow of a man., yet it fiares not the Ocean Sea^ becaufe of its oxvne nature and acquaintance : which Liens, and thepo.'ttefi creatffrct feare — A p:eef e feare s not his Jhep heard, by rcafon of ac(\fimnianceyVchomyet the heart andthe wolfefcan: Whatfoevcr isflrangc ardunacquaimed^ts futreftdl.lf we acquaint oar fives v&ith G o n , and walke with Him (vs H is friends, -^ve j]j all have th:r»orehold»(S)vitk Hiffij when wc have moft rccrd of Him. In a word, Tit.iit, be wciy temper a' ey honejiyholj. For, thcmoiccon* fcionable thou haft formerly been, the IcfTc power will the crofiTehave when it comes. It was the fay- ing of a reverend man, where finnc lies heavy, the erode lies light ; and conrr.irily, that heart is like to be tnoft 1 ightfome in a ftormc,which hath beea theholieft in a calme, n.FreparaTive, 3^ PofTcfle thv mind betime of many mortify* Bee Jilted Tfitb • • ^ j j- • /i i • meditariw: a- ^% motivesand meditations to maltcr tlie immo- f^inji: death, derate feavc of death, ihtkingpfterrourj and then thou wilt be able with f^tre more patience and rc- folution todigeft all petty troubles and miferies in the meanetime. For which purpofe pondei upon az,i-nfi death. I- There IS almoftno man, but he hath fuffer'd morcpainein his life, than ordinarily he (hall paflc >»'d "'"J"^'' thorow in death. The pangs cf death (faith M.^W) in^ cat .pig. ^g often leffethanof the toeth- ache. 2. The covenant of G o d is of force with us, as we lie inthc duft of the earth, c^4r.22.3 1>32. 3. Our BEFORE DEATH. 6^ 5. Our union with Christ holds ftill, Ci//. r. iS.AsthcHypoftaticall cIid,whcnC h r i s t Jay in the grave. 4. Death is but a/? nitd made account sfHtm ou eur ^naphatleare S4viour : WenevtY dottked, but that He which m^tde js a people of ^y " ^^l^ hav€ mtrcj on us , (Ire. But now rhcfc no undeiflan- poorc deluded ignorants arc in the mcane time Hc^twlrmadc ^^^^r^ ftrangers to any vvorke of the fpirit of bon- rhcm,wiU n'A dagc, andpangsof the new-biith, which would have mercy on have taught them with awitncffc to have rakjeti tkir * formed notice wh'at a mighty worke and admirable thcdi , will changethc glorious Sun of faving faith is wont to STr^'^i? "° ^'^"^^ wherefoever it comes. They could never I. ■ "' ' ycifcnCibly and hcmi\y cry, Wee are unckane, wee are uncleane ; we a.rcjtcke, we are hfl, we are hea^ vy laden ^ we arc undone, we 6\c, we aredamn'd ; cxccpiyj^ dnn\zc of the wa^er of Irfej wafh in that Fomta^n^ opened fsrfinne andfr nncUannejfe-, and have a blciTed part in the Paffion and purity of rii hhth ani^ Esvs Christ, Src. Whereas hdw the mi}kk-£e. ^^^^ believer can tell you readily and experi- mentally, that he was fird enlightncd, convinced :Mid terrified with lighr, fenfe, and forrow for Hr^n - :, aixl fo on, a--' you (hall End it T.^firuct. for comfort, afjii^.Confc.fa^.yi^. &feq. But cfpe- cially BEFORE DEATH. 65 cially faire fall one good token : ever when jufti- fying fakh is infurcd, there is athorow-fale of all finne. The Fear! e of great f rice will never bee had, except all be fold ; which is a matter fo remarka- blc,and makes fuch a miraculous change in a man, that it cannot chufe but be ftrongly remembred, and withgreateftaflonifliment, and that even for ever, both in this world and ^the world to come, Senfuall pleafures and bofome (innes arc notori- oufly nail'd and glued to a carnall heart ; they arc asneereanddcareuntoit, as the moft dainty and delicious meat to the paktc , Wickedr*effe iS^ixth. Zophar) is fweetinhis n2outh, hec hides it under hii Job ie.it, tongue-^ he ff ares it yondfdr fakes itmt -, hut keefts it fiill in his mouth : not onely as ordinary gar- ments, but as the moft coftly jewels, and richeft chaine ; Pride ( faith Vai-idycomfajfeth t hem abttit ds rfal.7 5 ^^* achaine-^ n^olence cover eth them as Agarmtnt : as the verylimbesofthc Body. M&rtife therefore^ (^^dkh. Paid) pur members tvhich are uf en earth : for- C0I.3.S. nicatien, imcleaneneffe, i nerd: nate affect on ^evi II cm- cttpfcence, covetoufneffe : nay, and as the moft ne- ceflary and noble parts, the right eje, and the r/^^/ hand', If thy right eye offers dtheeifidth C h n i s t) flucheitouty and cafin from thee: — \^ndif thy \j4t.j.i9,j right hand offend thee, cut it offhand e aft it from thee: yea dearer then very life it fclfeto fleiband bloud : For -wee may obferve and fee too often fuch fonnes of pleafure>andikves of luftto have no joy- in this life, after they have loft the joy of this life. Hence itis, that many times the wretched world- ling being robbed one way or other of the very F life 9. 66 PREPARATION life of his life, his wedge of gold and hoards of wealth, makcsancndof hi'-nfclfe: that the wan- ton mining of his luflfu!! aim r and mxh defircd choife, fiadsno plealurc iithis iik; but cuts off himfelf by a violent and uncimjly death:that Achi- tofhel being difgraced and ovotop'din a Point of Policy, the crovvne and pride of his worldly hap- pineflc, put his houQiold in order, and hang'd himfclfe. Well then, if it bee thus, that parting from carnallpleafures be aspaincfull and vexing, as if a man fliould pull the meat from our mouth, the chaine from our necke, clothes from our baclcc,thelimbes from our body, the right arme from our (houlder, the eyes out of our head, and astheloffc ofour life; that happy foule which bids adjeu cverlaftingly to all earthly delights, muft needs take extraordinary notice, and be able for ever to give a ready and mofl: fenfible account of fuch a mighty change and marvellous worke. a. 7>cc*it. 1 , Askc them, how they keepe their faith : and hlut%fpiJ' ^^^y ^^^^ ^^^^ y^"' ^^^y ^^^^^ G o d, they are not faith- troubled about it. They finde no fuch fcruples, doubts, diftrufts, fcarcs, jcaloufies, tcrrours, temptations, dcfcrtions, wantSjWeakeneflTcs.c^f. as fomc precifcr fcllowcs, whoftand fo much up- on their profeflion, ftridneffe, conference, and o- ther fingularities above ordinary, fo much talkc of, and take to heart. They fee no fuch neccfldty of running after Sermons, fo much reading, pray- er, poring upon precife bookes, rccourfc to Puri- tan-Minifters, Humiliation-daies,c^r. They can Wicvc quietly , follow their bufincffe, and goc to Hcavca BEFORE DEATH. 6^ Heaven without fomuchacW. Nay, they arc fo farre from being troubled in any of ihefe kinds, ibatifany?.morgft tbtni betroiblcd in mindjSnd extraordinarily vifited with fpiritaall diftrcfTej the portion many times of G o p s dearcft children 5 they prefently plcale and applaud themfelves,that they are free 3 and conceive and pcrenipcorijy conclude that thesffliificd is an hypociitc, hath beenca rrcrehaincus (inner then others, ormed- led too much with Scripioire-bufinefTcs and d' with miuchadoe, difhculty and * doubtirgs. He is ■^ ^«' -^^ as care full and covetous (if it kc pcfiibkjtoprc- fTau'^lvcr ferveardfave thisPearle, as the worldling his f^row,it is ^old. For this purpofc, he paflTcth tborow many *ti"uii'thLc Jbieard bitter ccntTds with the fieiceft alTauJts ieiievingcbn- and fieritftdartsoftheDivcll^ (for hee knowes /''^"'^^'iff'' full well, thst that is the arme and power of Gob fliH^dlw' unto us, for all lound comfort and fpirituall well- trarinife tu beine, ard therefore he is mofl furious to weaken ^^"^f/jf^'^'g US there) wuhinnnite game- layings and temptati- hehaibafittng onsofcur inbred infidelity, native ignorance, dif- /-*''* J ^^ff^i fidence,wifdomeoftheflefh, ourownc fenfeand 7/nothiig^' feeling, and aw^orldofoppofitions continually. Hm,iut/e(- He is driven many and many atimc to the Throne C^''""'^'.*". - _ -1 in « Down Chnft. of Grace with prayers, teares, and Arorgeft warfcap4z. wraftlings for auxiliaiy forces, and renewed flrength. O how often doth he refort with extrc- meft thiift, and dcarcfl longings to all the blef^ fed Fountaines, that feed his faith 5 the pcrfon of C H & I s T,His meritorious bloud,thc Promifcs, F 2 Gods w fecftte <$8 PREPARATION G ® .& s frccft love. His fwecteft nam? ; the cove- nant oFgracc,all th^ Ordinances, thofe 0»es tf 4 tJ79nfaiidj who arc able to difcovcrboth the depths oftheDivell, and the myftcries of Evangelicall mercy ^ti^i:. and forallthis is glad many times to fay urjro his G d ; Though 'Thrt jldj ms^ jet mil I jT)b I J. I J. frufi in 7htt : Lord,/ heUeve^ helpe Thou mine nn- M«:k. j,.,4. ygi^^f^^^^^ The difference then ftandsthiis: They hDldit the eaficft thing^of athoufand; biit hee finds it the hardcft matter in the world, 77? he- leeve, 5 . TJeeeit. 5 , Aske thcm,what it hath wrought uponthem : 5^;^'""'" ef and they cam or give an account of any alteration toany piarpofe^orfandification at alL Imaginary Faith ii but an idle/^.fi, a naked Notion, a meerc fancy, a groundleffe prefumpcion and true drearaej and therefore it is not adive or produdiivc of any reall effeiflSjOr true religioufneffe. But now faving iTuits «if With faith doth ever beget a bledcd change inthe whole man,body,foule,rplrit,cal]ing, company, conver- iCor.5.17, fation,&c. //4/'?7 manbein Qmn tr/hseis anew creature : old things arepaffed away, Beheld all things are new. It is ever attended with thofe three great workes of grace. i,vniver/a.u j An univerfall repentance and returnc frona epefttanfe. ^n fj^s : ftona groffeones in praftice and action; and^from the moft unavoidable infirmities at leaft in allowance and affcdion. i.vniverfaa 2. An univcrfall fan6fcification in all the parts and sansipatm. powers of body and foule^ though not in height of ^ . ^- dee;ree,yet without exception of pirts. QbtdieitcL 3. An untvcrfall obedience toall G o d s com- mands ; BEFORE DEATH. 69 marids; though not to pcrfc<5tion, yet infinccrity and truth ; and with an heavenly train e of glorious graces : lo'ue-hofeyverttieJkyiCwled^ejUmferanceifdti- » P«- »• J j^- f nee jgcdlinejfe, brotherly kindnejjcj charity , j>)i , pace^ ^'^^^ 5 • * *a * ^ long-[uffering,gentlemffe,goodneffe,m€ehiijje,^Q. . /^, And even in the ioweft cbbe and greateft weak- weaiie/ffiitb. nefle, it is ever wont to difcoveritfelfe at leaft by poverty offpirir, hungring and thirfting after righ- leoufnefle, ftriving againft doubting, bitter com- plaints for want of former feelings, induftrious feekingto be fetled in belceving,earneft and gree- dy longing after grace, highly prizing the L o k d J E s V s, and preferring Him infinitely before all theplcafarcs, profits and felicities of this life, rc- folving rather to die tentboHfand deaths, than to returnc any more to folly 3 felfe-deniall, con- tempt of the world, care to fearch out the finne that may poflibly hinder comfort, and be rid of it, continu^ll watchful Incflc and holy jealoufie, left we fhould be deceived,and faithful] labouring to fubdue corruption. ^ 2)^^?/?. 4. Fourthly^ askc them. How they prize the L{zhte)eeme ob)e.but as droile, and dungf and duft in thebaic knee. Our pa^it in the perfon of C h n i s t, with the purehafes of His dearcft bloud, and poUeiHon eft he Deity bleflcd for ever by His meancs, dot more than infinitely cranfcend the utmoft of ail earthly contentments-, ms'd above the highell poflibil ity, by the moft invcmive and ftrongeft i- Hiagination^ and to be enjoyed thorow athoufand eternities* Knffsm a Tlic fecond fort,> which are a generation of jr«^9Mry/dwi n^oreundcrftandingmert ;. flsand thus for cheirfpi- idkuallftatc, andchiisfcarefuHycourentlieirownc fouksy and come flioit of falvation : They- aflfay indeed to be religious, give up their nampcs to Pro- ife(fiofl> and wouW goc to; heaven with all their beam, (b farre as the way holds, with enjoy*- mentof temporall happinefTe : and therefbre,tbc)r ni-fl^thcnifclves with an artifieiall habit of t;dking well ; take part in>all companies with* the better fidtfj follow »nd frequent Seimons^ withfgood foiwardneflcj kt up prayer and other rdigiout exereifesin their families 5 put thcmfelvcs upoa daies of humiliation ; Icavenaany {innes> do many 1^ things, hold aounivcrfell outwacd conformity toi ? '' aUthc ordinances ^divine Duties at theinftancc ofthe. Mniftery. And if chcy be of ability, counte- nance godly Pfeachcrsjftand for them, and cntw- tainc BEFOK£ BJEATH. 71 Kiiac them ioK>tI*eir -houfes wkh itmcb ^t^&iQh iwrcncfTe and bomity^ efpeciAlly fuchas(ipcrliaps) by rcafon of too raMchi^barky , utwcquaii^tededfe withtbtirwivf ;$, iQthficfTc to bcc 3ccoBii^.toO prOvgmaticall and rough, oi- fomething comply with them in afalfc concept. of their rpirituaft yfc\lhcmg,&c. Bm ppcflcthem further, o^ fJ^"'fJ^,T andbcfid^s alkhis, to thcheart and life^^eli- «tfnw8«»M^ gion^^o the power and pith of ^odlinefTc, crticify- ing of their Gorrijptions^ftrangling their kfts, mc- itcring their palfioHs, pamRgwith aUfinnc, uftfa- ihioniBg them -to ^hc times, abandoning for-ever their darlii^g plejifurc,t!ci?iall of themfelves^coj^. tempt of the worlds liailywalkingiwith G o D.^dc- light ia the. w^ rf^dint^e, an holy .kecpifig'}i» ving,byfaith> an uncowardly opjXDfekm ^totht iniquities, of the ^xcfcnt^jc^. which^(th*dy *^^H know)\f ill be nccelfarity acGonipaniedwi^i J^fun- kdrds j&f*^, caiUag;s of ibc ijafeft^ ^ifeoimwnanec from uiigpd ly^greatneflfc, .thc:Dho many times alfo moji j carefully andfcandilouflyjhame their Frojejfion, (^ eaufh thegoodrvay to be eviUfpolien tfihy their worldUnes, pride, fa/hions,ili tonguednes.pajftis, upiry, detaining Church duesycowardline/fe in good caufes, impaticncy of Minijletiall re- froofe,rfit cro/e the Inthcir comodityrfirangenes ofappareB, ixtimate correfpondece tvith the pTophanejSccirreli^ioufnes »j their fervants andfoSowersySccare to he fearchedtho- roiftlyyandmofi feverely cenjuredithat they may befaved at the length, truly humbled Cbri" fiians indeed^and not onely in their 6wn cenceipt,andfucb as Govsvtuld havetkem. 10. A ferious and fruitfull meditation upon ^° P^epara^ thefoHrelaftthings> hath becneeverholden very Me%ta!e o't on matcriall,and of ^eciall moment, to make us (by the foun\afi Gods blciTing) more humbIe,un-worldly,pro- '*^"^^* vident and prepared for the evil] Day. Give me leave therefore, to fclc(5l and propofefome profi- table Confiderations thereabouts, and Conclufi- onsthcnec, which may fervetp mortifie our aflfe. . dions 74 OF iDEATH. iaionsto-thcwarid, ^takcioff the -edge and wgcr- flcfTcin purfuic after catrhly tbings 5 wollific, mi. make Ht our hearts for a more cafie .cnttaf»C!<::, and cfll^uail cnterramcnient ofalliaving iimprctllons, and morions of t he Word and Spirit, for our fpii i- tuallgood; tbatmti.ncsofterronr, weinay ftand lilce ij^ioum ZfOf*, ruamoovcable and magmni- mous. «>M»Vfa^eT^ff About D a A T H, Confidcr ; **'^' I. Thatallthc plcafures, trcafures, and cora- forts of this life, wife, children, goods, gv>ld, great friends,. lands, livings, poflelRons, offiecs, honoui's, high roomcs, brave firuations, fure pro- fpe(5is, fu mptuous bui Id ings, plcafant wal kes, and even the world itfelfe, upon which- thou haft loft fo much labour, time, care, thoughifullnclTe, and ^ doted fo long, holding a divorce, as death itfelfe, cos a/tcTanI ™^ft ^^^ uponthe ftroke of death, * which not Toca 5 p<»r enjoyed in this world ce^rjubeV nen OT thc wotld to come. Whm vur breath gmh forth^ hi onanei vel boruhrw ann stu s apponcot^ultra quam veUtDEvr f-JbarmacojioIia exIwutisSjiuvmn 3c.ua)QncS gUni^sut yiram extemli-Sjtimen tciminos^i^iii prjetcun iion prQtcn3nt,noa promciyebfs Caurus Cs5qiiaiinim'veVig, yiti&pcnctila <»mni».T» pumci- pi]i obllcs,,num?ruui.n.- cr»ljwB ru>t> angeUs. pprcSjVQTcjUjjroges, njhil ^gjs \ wta? tuac termini jam conUitutifunt^ncc unqiusn, (;]uicqiu4 reOftiis) piJtxcxiti potcmnt- —'■Qi- boiu:Tj libi prxAanriflimotam copiaGt8c fcle^« j viTiiflQrctD'b9r»aliseris$.&>ubi vtUB tuc mctam conrigeiiSjage, r^Ieiic rebus nu!Dani$,& ad rctioaeoi teddKidaal tc para : Tribunal tc vocat. 4md tios nas tes O F I>E A T H. 75 and met retttrrNrtB mr rarih^ aM. ou^thoitghu fcrffh .• Even rhr thoughts' of the gitcatrft Ptinces, and! mightieft Moirardis- upon eaith, who happiljr Hiay haveinthrir heads wh^le common- wealths^ and the afTaiies^of many kingdoracs. r»t mtyaur mtfttn Princes (S^aih King Dav/d) nor in th:finn& Pral.i46.j,4. efman^ inwhomthenis m helfe, H if breath g^ith firth^ f)eere>uynnht^hiseardxyin that very day hi f- thmghisprijh. And thet'cfoTe Ictirbcc chy wif- ^f« leaned dome, to rent and weane thine affedions fromthr i'^'^Q^^^^^^l^ wodd with an holy refblure violence in the meanc vivcns , which thou canfb noc, diou) p^tes. Diffial" nuift not have in. the fecond life. And there is: f^.i^'O impof- goodreafonforit. For they are all (as Ifaidbe- ^^ P;^; fere) at the bed, and in the height: i.Butr^w- fmacur boms,, ty. And 2. Vexatiin of f^;ru. ?. They can- j^/""'''^^ J i^* not farisfie the foule. 4. 7 hey will net frofit in jii,'c^^'„^,aucm the day of revenge, 5. They reach notroeccinity. i^'^cat, uc de. ^. There is no man foairured ofhis honourjWealrh ^ -1'^^ jp[,*'|"^" crany worldly thing, burhe maybe deprived of utm unT^&i. them, the very next moment. 7. Thou needs to ^". caelooio,i- i^arenowant: There Un$maK^M\C^Tiisr)that Tr 'ZTrV)' hMh lep hmfeiOr brethren ^cr fifierSyCr fathers, ormt- on'Dom ca^. ther, or w fey er children^ or lands for rfkj fake and the ^^ Gefpeh ; Bat he [hall receive an hundred fold mw in this tlmeyhufcs-andbrethrcn^ andfifiers y and mothers ,. 4fid childreniond la^, mthferfectttfons-, aid in the ivorldttr come eterfj all (ife. Ofeternalllife, thepoinr is ciccre : But how fliall they helb manifoldly re- munerated in thig life :• fc^ v.J^ I. Iathcfkmekind^,rometimes> andxstrrtTTfVSc le^e'f^war'd * 25 arergpforde^L Mar. 1 0.2 i., 3 p. " n6 OF DEATH. \ ■ - _ as they fay, \^haham,^t God s command, left: his comtreyJiindrediandfathersheufe:2LVid hewas af^ terwards (as you know) crowned wirh riches and honour abundantly, and became agreat and migh- ty Prince: Job for the glorifying of G o d, and confounding of Satan, bore patiently sand blefled. God for the lofTe of all ; and how richly was he after repay ed with a large and fingular addition, and excellency of goods and children. "*" Valen- timdn the Emperour was put from his place of *Fcrtur luiia- command in the armVjbv /«to, and baniiliedfor mm cum turn. c r^ ■ x. c j mam impciij the prorcmon or C h r i s t : but arterward was Romam adm:- called backe from banifhment, and with much ho-; vJentinim, Hourand applaufe advanced to thc height of the qui piaefcdus cohortis erat, ex Albomiljtum qui in cxercitu Joviniani vocab.mtiir, GJCcmiiTe. & perpenio addixifle exiho: fimnlationc qiiidcm c^ub>l rnilites fibi fubjeftos, cum" contra hof^es pugnandumefiec, paruira comraod ^ inftiuxeratj fed rcvcra bine indu- duseft, Ciim lulianu/i adhucin Gillia, qux a<] occidentcm foletii vergit, xtatcm ageiet, adqnoddam delubtum ivitfacrificatum : fimulq; cum eo fuk ZfalentiniatHti, Nam Romanis vctuscrar mos, iit prxfcdi militumjqui Joviniani & Hcrculianivoca- bantur Impcratoicm proximo a tcego pra;Iidij causa fequcrentar. Valentinianus autem cumenetlimen dclivbri tranfgrcfliirus, &faccrdosritu Gcntilftio viridcsoliva: iimufculos rr.adtfaclos manu tcnens, incrocuntes illos afpcigcret, gutta in fuam ve- ilcmdehpsa, segic admodum &gravitcr tiilir. Chnftianus enim crac, & proptcrea fjcerdotccn, qui ipfun aqiu afperfcrat, & convicijs adoritiir. Aiunt prctcrca ^€um etiam Imperatore luliano infpeftante tantum veftis fur cum ipfa gutta excidif- fe, abjccifleqj quantum gutta madcfccerat. Unde luViania ci admodum incenfus, iiacufqj non multopoft Gondcmnavitcxilio, utnimiium Melitinam, uibem Arme- RJceperpetuo incolcrer, causa quidcm (Jmulata, quoi milttes (Jbi (ubjcdos ncgl:- genter admodum gubernaffec. Noluic cnim vidcri propter rcligionem ullo cum af- ficere incommodo, nc indc ant martyris, aur confeflbris honosilli tribucretirr ; fi- quidem luc dccaufaalij? etiam Chnftianis peperccrat, quia videret cosex pcriculo- . rum ftifccptionc (uti i'upra demonftratumicft) turn gloriam fibi confequi, turn reli- gionem ac fidem C H a. i s x i vehcmenter confirmarc. Ac fimul ut impcriuni Romamim Joviano delatam eft,rfte t^alentinianui ab exilio Hldeam rcvocatus, mor- tuojam foi tc /uliano, &confilioab extrcitu & his qui turn primes magiflratus gc- rcbant, inito, omnium fufHagijs Impecitor deligitur, StxofnJiifiQrjEccUfiift.Lib.S. Cap,6, • \ , Impcdalf ^ OP X):EATH. 77 — ' '■ - ' Irapcriall dignity. The ApolH es forfakirg ail for C H R I $ T s fake, had afterwards for one ^ poore cottage, the houfcs of all the faithfull Chriftians in ihc world, to which they were far more welcome, than ever atiy7/4W4» was to his proudeft palace; and fo all godlv Miniftcrs in all ages ever Rnd hear- tier entertainment, amongft the HmtfJ-jmldefFrnth, (truly fo called) than ever any natural! father,?no- thei-.^{ifter or brother could poilibly affoordj be- caufe, as yet they can fee no beauty in the image of Christ in others, oi* in their feet who bring The benefit ef glad tidiPgs.nor love fpimuully. ^. 'r^^u,, . 2. Or in equivalence; by ** contentment, which po%iim dc- doth incomparably both in fweetncife and worth mi rehqu flint furpafle & ova-weigh all worldly wealth.Witnes fiJeii'o' dTmu" that worthy reply of the moft famous Italian Mar- eiant apcrtx , qucffc,GaleacfMCaracc!oluf (having left the rich ^ailX c"nr andplcafant MarquefdomeofVico,allImpcriall hjbeiet domll Popifh, Princely, Courtly favours, and other pro- "^s- omnefqj portionable felicities attending upon fuch humane poftoiVfuot- fuHm fruftum & ncccfTariaferebaRtjUt rede Paulm fcripfeiit,iCor.6. lo. Ap'jftolos cfle tanquam nihil kabtntes,^ tamen omnia poJJUentes S c ubi oaurn patiem.uiiam ma« tremjpAiiculos fracres, & fororcs icliquerunt, alibi centum fidelcsinvencrunt,,q(ii pa- tcrnOjmateino,& fraterno animo eos profecutifunt. fiiTnton Evanr.Ca^. i j i. •> Ctntuplaigitiir ifta, hoceftmulto plura animus rccipit, non centupio modo^ fed infiaitOjiriajore turn voliiptatc utens raodicis illtj, quxcunq j ad v.'tam prxfentcm in perfccutione D o m i M v s dcdent, quantilibettribulationibiis circunditus, quam ante cognituni Ev.ingeliuraj ufus fwcrat ijs, qua: rtliquit, Bucer.in Cap ig. Mattb. Interim fuas exhilarat Deus, ut illis pluris fit, longrq; fuAvius t^intJUim boni quo fiuentuv, qaam fi extra Christym illis affluercs immcnfa bonorum copia. Calvin, /bid' CentuplicialKaTcyraTiheio-ia'ct. i e. Qnae centics tanti flntjnem- pe quod ad rcium ufum, Sccoramoda hujus ttiam vitx attinct : fi ^nodoilla non ex copijs & cupiditate noftra fed ex D e i naftri voIuQtate, (qu3B una eft ccrti<]]ma bonorum Rcgulp) metiimur; adco ar fideles inmeuia ttiam e^tftate hu us pr mif- fronis evcntumfentiant. Itaq; pcrndiculus erat lnliar>ut iHc Apoftata <^.mvn Ivmc lo- cum cxagitanS5qujercrcni centum ctiani uxoics habiniri elkni rhiiftiani, BifO-in €a^ lo.Marci, great- 78 OF DEATH. greatneffc for the Gofpcls falcc)to a wicked Jcfuitc templing him with a great fumme of gold, to re- « Tie nfc of tui ne out of Ziori to Sodomcfiom Geneva into Italy ; ^,'^'of^"* ^t ^ Lettheir money ferjh with thef9t,r9h9efieep:eallthe 'rnkkmrt^uefe ^^^^ in the world, mrth one daies feckty with Jisiis of Vico in tU Chris t, and His Ho l y Sp i r i t. I make no ^^kTcaLz doubt but to any of our learned and holy men, exiles for Christ in Quccne M dries time, of whom many after returned, and received an hun- dred fold according to the later of the Tcxr^h-owne head and the Gfjj>eirm Gcvm^nyy.duv\ngt\\sth[ou' Lofe ofiepirais dy five yeares, were irfinitclv more fweet and Tecm>pcnce.i ^^^^ ^^^^ g|} ^^^ Bifliopricks of En o L A N D with with a.iinasnce i r ■ » /» • i 9' fpirifuaUi. Stwjcfiftjon totbe ftxc i^rticles. d Foredidt.ut 5^ £ven in ''an overflowing and tranfcendent inn-ecJi)setiam • /r t 1 i_ j j pcrfecution:- manner,m a prefiea and heaped, and even over-m- bus cf.ntuplj larged meafure by fpirituall joy, peace of confci- fi.it fceiiciorcs, ence,contentment of foulc, m.ore fimiliarit v with ''Goi>- 2 Ktngs 4. who upon the matter, and in the taic meaning, denied himfelfe, and forfooke all for Gods f'ikc. (^ For he doth fo alfo,who preferres • Rei mjucrc 3. the glory of G o ©, the Gofpell, the caufc of '"i" "^ propter Chr i^T,andkeepingof agoodconfcicnce,bc- ,"Tr7fiv^p"oju fore any, or alleaithly things 5 holding faft un- ter ' ch ri. fainedly arcfolution, if he be put to it, and times tJ^^ ' ^^ require really and adually to leave all for p^ponc'/oL^, Christ.) Thisgood man might have '"applied n.bus, scfupa- himfelfe to the prefcnt, ferved the times, fought "'^"^ira^'^cfl^' the Court, and f -.teat lejaifels Table with her o- charum pc(ftol ther temporizing trencher-chaplaires. But it is " "<^^i''o, ut .1. faid in the Text, that he feared tkLcn d, and fo ^^ ^^^^^ difdained, and abhor'd to gainc by humouring rua rdm^jue- grcatncffe, to grow rich and rife by bafenefle and, 'f qu^ntumvis O c? J chara, quajnoi alliciunt,aut ctiam cogunt.ut aliquiJ faciamnsj quod tit contra ejaJ gloriam Afufc. ' Colligemus ex hac panpertatc viriim lUum fuiife confbntcro in vera & fa na rtli^i- oac : quiali dcficcre voluiffct.ad cultu-n /eiabclu^Sc im^ijvco-.s^xi^tui & julls facui- tatef ei ns>a dcfuiil'ent- Fet.Martjn he, fiatter}^ 8o OF DEATH. flattery .And therforc did chufe rather to die a beg- ger,to leave hi«ftvifcin dtbc&expyfehis children to the bondage of cmell creditouis,rhanany waics to make fhip-wrackc of a good confcience^or con- fent and concurrctothe adulterating of Go d « fm- cere and purer worfliip. But innrk what followes : rather than the wife and children of fuch a man, who preferred Gods glory before his owncpre- ferment,fliall fuifer wantj rhcy muft be relieved by a miraculous fupply , as appearcs in the ftory . ^ l«al name y~. • j „ /• / • ^r give^for lofe 5« Or m good s fJ4me 5 which ts rather ti ofgood^, &c. het chofcn than grzat riches, faith Sdomen, For InTrS/V^ inftance, compare together Bradford zxi6, Bonner, name) kar jh ill The name of that bldfed man fhall bee of moft not bee cut of. dcarc and glorious memory to all that love sur pJol.ii.i, Lord Jns Us Christ wfi:?ccrity-,\\m\\\}r{\s ■• tisare CiUin fccond comming : and it is like we (hall looke up- hifa, be ore his . ^^ . . ■ i i i r commetary up- tyrsmQueene Manesume^ with thoughts or ex- on the fir/i to traordinary fweetneiTeand lovein thc next world Ecfi ^ neqi tu thorow all ctemity. But now the remembrance piaufum ihe- of that Other fell ow, who (like a blood-thtrfty no'tcib ^D e"J '^yS^'^) made fuch horrible havockc of the Lambs contentas neqi of Chr I sT,{liaIlbe had in amoftabhortedj exe- mihi propDti. crable, and everlaflin^ deteflation. The name of Ts 'Irrarc! ^^^^ fore-named noblc MarquefTe, ^ who left and C^od tamcn cognitu utile eflac ffu^u'rfum,non ptorfus celandifimt LEferre.Quoi account With comtoit at that dreadtull houre cum inbc- thypf everlafting life: but lalfo (abloudybutcher ""ctu^^o/iocu to mine owne foule) all my few and evil! dayes, Johm cap.s. bafcly and bitterly oppos'd His blefTed kingdome; "^'''^P^g J ^ »• the purity, power, and holy precifenefle thereof, as quite contrary to my carnall heart, and that current of pleafures and worldly contentments C 4 into 88 OF JUDGEMENT. into which I had dcfpcratly caft my felfe: I indeed wretchedly and cruelly againft mine owne foule, perfecuted all the meanes which fliould have fan- (ftified me,and all tlic men which iliould have favM me. Happy therefore were I now, if I could increat the greateft Rock to fall upon me,or be beholding »Rev.6.i 6. to fome mighty mountaine to cover me ; there to lie hid everlaftingly ^ fiom the face of him that Jltteth en the Throne^ andfi^om the wrath of the Lamb, O that I now might be turned into a beaftjOr bird,or ftone, or tree,or aire, or any other thing I BlefTcd were I, that ever I was borne, if I could now be unborne : That I might become nothing & in the ftate I was, before I had any being ! Ah that my immortall infern^akTTu' ^^^^ '^^^'^ "^^ mottall, that I might "^ die in hell, ilincbit uhi eft and not lie eternally in thofe fiery torments,which flctus&ftndnr I fliallnever be able either to avoid, orabide! Let ufuUtm jamf- us then betime in the name and feare of God, kifTe tatio& Voeni- the Son left he be angry at that Day; and fo wee tcntiafineuiio perifh evetlaftinply. ijCmedio; ubi * ' ' '. mu - cfl v'Cimis illej^uinon raoritm',5c ignis<{ui nuncj^uartrcxtinguitti^uhitnorscjiixutar, &noninvenitu'. Quire in inferno mors qwxntur&iioninvcnitnr ^ C^i.aquibiis iii hoc feculo vi:a ofFertU!,& noluntacciperc,in inferno qujeriint niorcem,.&non poteriint inrsnue. U'ni critnox line die, amaiituda fiuedulce^ine, oblcuritasfiac lamine,&c, u4iigufl:JeTemSeTm i-^-i-. . Hotp t9 ad' Let US now, while the day of ourvifitation lafts, ^dtitTchrifi hdoxctheSunhefet upon the Prophets, addreflfe our felves unto him: i .With hearts burdened and bro- ken with fight of fin,aiid {cr\k of divine wrath,3//?^. 11.28. 2. Prize him infinitely and above all tfre world, M4f. I :? .45. 3 .Sell all, part with all fin, /^/af. Out of Egypt quite,leave not an hoofe behind,^;if. 10.25. 4.Take him as our husband & Lord,wher- by OF JUDGEMENT. 8p by we hecome the fins ofGod,loti,i,ii.y.Ti(hhisyoh nfon usy andk/irnetobe meeke and lowly, Mat, 1^.2%::* 6. Enter into the n^^j, which is caiedtk ivay ofhoU. fjefejfi.^^iS' y.And.thcreconutiueProfcfTorsbf the Truth> and of thepbwer of the Trnthj and of the power of the Truth in truth .:' (for otherwife> thou mayefl: be a Profefibr, and perifh eternaii^ :) That Chri ST may ownethee,at^th5tDa^vMafiy profefle the Truth, dud not tlie power 0^ rfiiaertfthi fome profcfTe both) the' Tpotkam' th tj)m;Ci^bfib, but are falfe hearted. Where then Mthe m>n-pi^ The /iris ac- fcflbur appeare < Nay thePerfccutcr o-i-yhts^-. count of tUiafi tfhich isjfokm /^nwfi emer^ luthti^ip^-i ^ ^]i4V^rro I day, .,^vThattHdn,mufl^refeflriy^pa(ffertocfttiifip2^ fhi^jthe highefl & laft Tribunal, which c^nmv^t deniy, cUaniy, be.appeal'dfrom,6i:rep-eal''dtt1ifefr(t>giveahekai0 'l"fadfj^P''% acDountvof alithingsdonein-stbe fli^flr,^ VJ^^ dy^i^^jt "^fargj J^"^ thoil^^tofi^teeJicasjr^-.rvWpt^fbf^^tfeyti^ (xtrasrdwarie every gtaJndfc'ofthineicy^, . 'cvcrpi^mitm i^^lhy ^^'atrj^ thiiejieyeryQniifliQofaaylioly dut^jorgoddde^d, t^cat me; ^ every adionthcu haft Eindertakeii/^ith'a'ihStedr- ^ ^»^}-e ^titc enitii Of iVstnt t'eftibus txtc'tnh) {uoo«{tiua,tt onVncm I'tiam yi^OiW-.-ldcmiiidm tem,vcl bonavel mnlaomnitusievel.intur.H/Va/1 /»J 2)d;;,7. ' '; *f ■ - ■• . <^3edain igrtuc yss ttftlntettigtnlia, tfPwHtf j Tjlfel^^ft ''ttbieit-f^-'cf ^ilj fuai vtF^dna^ yel oiaLi-aiacta iamcmoniam^ fevoc^Jittiv^ ei:iff&Ms iftniitii'tniri' celeVffate eeriisiittir: ucaccufet,vcl excufetfcicntiacunfcientiaiTi: atqjita fimulCfomncs 6c?^fi«»QU j^icem tVT.y^u^36Ci'vk.7}etltk^o.Cap.i4. - ■ -- - ' '''- ' -- ■> i'--i c-i- - < ■ • ■- - Ncceffeigiturnon enCJUt^nanife^at(ofi«(v0cefenGbili icF>umalhii';^ftd fetis crir^fi menti cepexifeijtctii*,^ itiinif fftetar*. Bugo^f^lfdrftHLjb. i xleaniwa -tap. Vi'i -, • ' ■ " ' ' ' - : : i>>.»» li . lataj & ultiinum illud judiciufn c6in%ina«'f)€ri$j & rnanifcftatio ejufdem fcntcntiae j non f ffet confenianeum, ut ialuccaswfcnuo tum tempotis pioferamur. ^mef.Mfdul. rheoltib.i.Cap.ii.Sea.ii. * Qui raodo eft Advoeatus nofter,ipfe tunc erit Judex noftcr. • Si habcres cau- famapud aliqaem judiccm agendam, & inftrueres Advecatum efle, fufccptus ab Ad- vocate, agcret caufamtuamficutpoffct; & fi non illam finiflfct, & audircs ilium in judicio f cntur«m,qttantum gaudcres,quja Ipfe potuit efle Judex tuus,qui fuit paulo an- ti Advoeatus tuus?— — Quia Adyocatum praemifinms,fecuri Judicem vcnturumfpc- xGm\xs. AugufiMTemp.Ser,iig. J- chafed OF JUDGEMENT^ 9} chafed the 'pardon with His ownc hcarts-bloud, ihallthenbcour Judge; . ^J^J"^^ 3. That all the bcaftly ana jjr.pure abominati- day oj judge. 6ViS of thine heart 5 all thy fecret finnts and do- '"/"^•, fet-villanics, that no eye ever looked rpon, 'but tim«TajSdi that which is ten thoufand times brighter than the ommbus. ipfe Sun 5 fliall all then be ^ difclofed and laid open be- \^^^^^^^^ , '^ fore Angels,Mcn,and Divels ;. and thou ilialtthen i"Ccto!p!o! and there be horribly,uni verfally , and cverlafling- ced's, videds : ly alhamed.Thou now ads perhaps fecurcly fbme ^"^^^.1'^^":* hatefuU and abhorred worke of darkneffe, and videtteV Lu- wickedneffenottobenam'd, in thine owne heart, •'^^'"^ cxtiinfta oroncwayorotherinfccret, which thou wouldft (ublifYmtis" not for the whole world, were knownc to the vidette.incorl world, or to any but thy felfe, or one or two of ^^'^'^'"*y^*" thy curfed companions curbed by their obnoxi- nmeriiiumcd pufncfle: butbewellalTuredin thatDay, at that cma eft, ut vi- grcataffize, thouihaltin the hct .of heaven and ti"endo oftui pcccare vis,quaei:e ubi tc non videat, & fac quod vis. Hein de Verb VDomSerm. 16. ** Ini'jmtates tua: omnibus populis nudabuntur, & ciin^tis agminibus patebunt uni» verfa fcclera tua, nen foliim afluumiVeium cogitatioiium, & iocutionum, Multa veio tunc vcnieht ex improvifo, quafi ex rafidijs, quse, mod© non vidts, & forfitan pluia & ter?ibiliora bis (ju:e vides. Undiq; erunt tibi angufliae, hinc ci;unt accufantia peccataj trcmenda juftitia, fubtus patens hoiridum chaos, defupcr iratus Judex, intus vermis confcientia', foris ardensmundus. Bern.de confc- ad fin. Scioqucd anima tam ama- ram, non aequc fcrt mcmoviam, fed cogamus eam,& conflringamus. Melius eft nunc cam ipfa morderi memotiajquam per illud tempus, fupplicio. Si nunc peccatoium fis mcmor^ & ea continue proferas. &pro ipfis depreceiis, cacit^ delcbis: fi nunc vera fucris oblitus, tune & inyitus coram cmm mundo commonefies : ipfis in mcd:iim fe fe- rcntibusySc coram oftcntantibu$,& amicis,&inimicis,& An^dis.Clr)i/:ad Pop Jntioch. Horn, 41. Cumhosrclinquatj&captosAngeli quidam invitos trahantj flclachrymis perfufos,& dcorfum taccntcs in gchcnna: flammas, pniis coram toto termrum orbe ad dcdccus produ&os 3 quantum dolorem ^S^ puc?s ? JderaHom.j^^. de trcmendo Judic^ die. Penfant fanfti viri quanta fit ilU vcrecundia ineonfpcftu tunc humani generis. An* gclorwn omnivm Archangelorum^j confundi. earth 9^ .OF 'JUDGEMENT. earth,: be laid out wiithy colours to thine eternall confufion. Never thcrfore go about, or encourage thy felfbto commit any fin, becaufe it-is mid-night or thatthe doores are lockt upon thee 5 becaufe thou art alone, and no mortali eye feeth thee, nei- dierisiitpoffiblc tobc^deveal'di (And yet Imuft tell thee by the way ,fecret villanies have and may be difcoVered, i. In fleepe. 2. Out of horrour of confcienoe.or intimeof diftraifiiion.) Foivfuppofe -itbeconceakd,and ly;e hid in as great darkneflcjas ;it was coramittedjuntill the laft and great Day: yet then fhallit out with a witnefTcand be as legible in thy forc-Jiead,as if it were writ with the brighteft ftarres, ortlie raoft gliJlcFiag Sun-beame upon a The terrdr of Met.z5.41. expounded. ^ Though the wallofChriftall. - . 4. In what awofull cafe thy heavy heart will be,and with what ftrangeterrour, tremblBrtg, and defperate rage, it muft needs be poflfeft, and rdnt in pceces, when thou fhalt heare that dreadfull fen- tencc of damnation to eternall torments ^nd horrour, pronounced over thine head: Bepdrt fentenctbe pro- fiomme ^thou curfed wretch into everlafting frey nouHceJ gcHe- ^f^^^edfir the Divell and his angels : . Every word reprfbatem/i breathes out nothing but fire and brimftone, ven- ta^eittohim^ geauce and woe, bites deeper, and terrifies more [elfe with inp- ^ * nite anguifljoj^pint by pdrticulAr application. Qu^citlsafcholaflicis, utrumufta gcnc- rali fentcatia, & eledi tccipiendi fint in coelutn, & reprobi conjicieAdi ingehennam. Sane fie videtur, quia non nifi genecalis a Mattheo fentf ntia adfertur. Tatnen dixerit aliquiSjOpus effe,utfm {ingulisfenTentia dicatur,quia & prsemiorum & poenaium certi emat gradus.Ad hoc pleriq, refpoadent, fcnfibili quidem voce pronunciatijm iii fen- tentiam gcaeiolein : fedeaoijquia.pirticulatiai omnflsf<:iant',quanmm'prJCmium,quan- tavc pcjeaa maneat ipfos, id cujufq; menti cfT; repicsfcmandum, ita ut ejufqe mahifefta- tionis non minus j^erta altjsfiituca func judicicc/quarn fi fingulij fua dkerctur fcntcn- than OF JUDGEMENT. 93 than ten thoufand Scorpions ftings. To ^/eparP from that glorious prcicncc were hell enough: but thou muft alfo goe with a cur/e : not onciy [o, but intojf^"^ .• and that muft be evcrUfitngj fed con- tinually with infinite rivers of brimllone.r.nd kept ftill in flame and fiercenefle, by the unquenchable wrath of the moft juft God, thorow all eternity. And in that horrible dungeon and fiery lake, tliou fhalt never have other company or comforters but wicked Divcis, and they infulting over thee ever- laftingly with much heUifli fpite, and ftinging ex- probrations, for negleding fo great falvation all thy life long; and lofing Heaven, for fomc bafc luft, and! believing their lies. If the drowning of the old world, fwallowing up oi Korah and his compliees> burning up of Sodome with brimftone, were attended with fuch terrours, and hideous cait^cri^s : How infinitly tranfcendenr to all pof- fibility of conceipt, exprelfion, or bcliefe,will the confuiioHs and tremblings of that Day be ; when fomany millions of menfljall be dragg'd downc withailltheDivels of Hell, to torments without end, and paft imagination. There was horrible fcryking,when thofe five filthy cities firft felt fire and biimftonc drop downc upon their heads; whenthofc rebels iaw the ground cleai/e 4 finder ; ^nAthemfelves arfdall theirs gee down qui eke into the fit'j when all the fonnes and daughters o^^dnrrt found the floud rifing and ready to over- flow themall at once: But the moft horrid ciy that e- v^rwas heardjoreverftiallbein Heaven or Earth, iBthis worldyOithe Worldtoconie,willbc then, wh«n , 94 OFJUDG EMENT. ^ ^Bcid caeiitji ..Vii^rn ill th^ forloms coidefliird rcprobitcs, up- noiico^uoa oar^a:-ri:eg->M,}iill b^ violeitly and unrcfifta- fci njc puci- biy h.ilcrJ dj.vi:: to H.41, and palled prcfently ta.i icTtpc-r fr^T^ rh:^ DTcf^acenoc oaelvof themoft glorious ad u lau -nif^- OoD^t'ic LoRD J E s V s , A.figds,ana all tnebleiled racioa^in He Oa^s, buc alCj of their Fathers, Mothers, Wives, tcTL^t Husbands, Children, Sifters, Brothers, Lovers, tu- jud. cun FnendsAcq.iaintaice;'^ who (hall then juftly and videanc vindN dcfervcdly abandon them with all deteftation & fua^iIvoMmtTn dcrifioi: andfjrgetting all nsareneflcand dearcft fa't^uine pec:a obligations oF nacurc, ndghbour-hood, alliance, mam Miiini g j^y thin^,rei,iyce in the execution of divine tuftice Deuj omacOj; in thcit cvcrlaftng Condemnation. So that no eye bom habibuu of G o D otman (hall pitty them;neichci'fball any ims''' "qudci teares, prayers,proiiiires, fuits, cries, yellings, cal- pietate u.ibcac ling upon tocks and mountaines, wifhcs never to dciJacieiipoe- havc bcene, ornow tobemadcnothing,&c. bcc ^'^feim Isim- then heard or prevaile in their behalfc , or any ono iuui.ca.p*z in Heaven or Earth be found to mediate or fpeake urn s"!naos^fc- for them ; to reverfeor ftay that feai'cfali doome ipfos, om lefcj; of etemall woe : but without mercy, without ftay, fcelerij fjcios with 3Ut any fatcwell, they (hill be immediately tionibus dc^/o- ^^^ irrecoverably caft downe into the bottome- vcbant paren- lefTepitjofeafelefTe, endlslTe, and remedileflfe tor- tcTi fii us, him n^ents, which then fliall finally (hut her mouth up- filia, banc ma- onthem. Oh ! What then will be the gnawin^s ter execrabi. pf the never-dying worme; what rag -of guilty tx dTcT"* confcienccs; what furious defpairej whathorrour nofq; & ipfa n of miud ; what diftraitions and feares ; what bitter ^^"^"^ Th^' '^^' ^^^^^"S backe upon their mif-fpent tine in this miedi or out-houfc; ^omnia vcr5 b^^j q^q hourcs Company with all the crowned piicu"fupe"al Saints, and glorious inhabitants of that happy bit,Dcum non placcj but of onc glauncc upon the glorified Body ^^^ ofjE sv sChri sTibutofoHcglimpfeofthat in potcftatc unapproachablc Light,and lehfivahs face in gloryj habuifti obti- nerc. Beru.de inter, 'Domo.Cap.iB. Videtur una tantummodo poena cfle, combuii. Si vcro aliqais diligcntcr expendat, duplex hoc inveniteflefupplicium. Qih cnim ingehcnnauritur & cGclorum regnum prorfus amittic : quae cercc poena majoc eft, quatnciusiatuSiUcflammaram. (Inyfdfi, iuMat. Horn 14^ Intolcrabilis quidem res eft etiam gehenna : Quis nefciat.flc fupplicium illud hor- libilc } famen fi mille aliquis poni.it gehennas, nihil tale diftmus eft, quiUc eft a bea.. tat illius gloria bonoic repelli, exoTumq; effe Chrifto, & audice ab illtt : sen nori voi.lW//. I OF HELL p7 I fay, the lofle but of any one of thefe would be a far dearer and more unvaluable lofle, than that of ten thoufand worlds, were they all composed of pureftgold, and brim-full with richeft jewels. What will it be then (thinke you) to lofe all thefe, nay, the full and abfolute fruition of all heavenly excellencies,beauties,glories,'pleafure$ and perfe- dions,and that eternallyrl know full well that car- nail conceipts and worldly-wife men will wonder atthis 3 for, having no fight but by fcnfuall eyes, they cannot poifibly apprehend, or will by any meanes acknowledge any fuch thing. Eagle-ey'd they arc, and fharpe-fighted enough into things of earth; yet blinder than a mole (as they lay) in be- holding any fpirituall or celeftiall beauty. But had Vfchut thccycs of Aufiwj Bajllj C/jry/oflome, and fome other holyFathers,Cand why fliould not ours be clearer and brighter, confidering the greater fplendour and illuftrioufnes of divine knowledge inthefetimesOwefhouldeafily confeflfe that the farre greateft, and (indeed) moft unconceiveablc griefe would be, to be fevered for ever from the higheft and fupreme Good : and that a thoufand thoufand'rentings of the foule from the body , were infinitely lefTe than one of the foule from God. Nicofif^atus in JEli/m,hin-\M£c being a cunning arti- fan, finding a curious pcece of worke, and being wondred at by one, andask'd, whatpleafurc hec could take, to ftand as he did, ftill gazing on the pidure, anfwered •: Hadft thou mine eyes, my friend, thou wouldeft not wonder, but] rather bee ravilhcd, as lara, at the inimitable art of this rare H and 5^8 OF HEL L. *si vcro id non ^qJ ad mire d pcece. '^^ It is propoitionably fo in the S^7mon(tr.i'- prcfcnt Point.Orwcre wevouchfafcd but OHC mo- re, nihil eft ment o^Patds heavenly raptui'e, that we might fee omnino mi- |^^^ ^ gUmpfe of that infinite glory, and drinke but cnim noviinus one drop ot tholc cver-lpringing Fountames of illoium Bcati- joy; tiienfliouldwefrcely acknowledge and fcclc mfoZ^urin." ^1^^ ^^'^^^^^ ^^^^^^^^ ^ ^^y^ ^"^^ ^^^-t all I fay comesfar foelicicit'em (liort of what wc {hall find. quoq; de eotu atniUionefcire pofltmus.Cxtenim PuH/^,qui ift.icompant, certiffimc novItjCjuoniam cxcidere a D:i gratia omnium fit profedo mifenimum. Nos autem hoc tunc abfquc dubio difcemus, cum expcrimento ccepenmus doceii. Sedilhid ut ne pariamur faxis 6 bcnioneFili Dci,ncqjexpctiamuiintolei-abileilluil, hortcnduinqj fupplicium, quam grandefit: Namqaammalumiltoium bonorum portioneprivarij aperce qiudem cx- primfnon potcft, Chry[. ibi.L Loofenot kfi- If it be fo then, that the loflTe of the prefencc of laiJFdlA. God, and endlefle pleafures be fo painfull, irreco- verable and ineftimable ; and that it hath beenc many times made manifeft unto you by Scriptures, Fathers, reafons, convincing,familiar, eafie refem- blances; and the fame alfo appearcs, and may be clearely concluded by the third exhortation be- fore the Sacrament in the Common-Prayer Book; to wit,that living and lying wittingly and willingly in any one finne agalnft confcience, robs us of all thefe infinite cver-during, unutterable joyes, and beatificallvifion, and fruition of Go n himfelfefor ever : I fay,fith it is both thus and thus : Let every one of us in the name & feare of G o d ,as wc would not for a few bitter- fwcet pleafures, nay, fome- timcs one vileluft in this vale of teares for an inch of time,lofe unknowne delights thorow all eterni- ty in another world, with an unihaken invincible rcfolution oppofc all forts and ^Skiis of fin, with aU OF HELL. 99_ all motions, enticements, and temptations there- •stfimultige- unto : Let us hold with holy Chryfepmc,'^ That n is nXum'" n.- worfeand a, more wofall thing to offend Christ, than premnm atquc to k vexed with the miferies of hell. Let us profefTe "l^i'^up"^^'"-* with Anfelme: ^ That ifwe jhould feethe hatefallrjes of ccnfeo,'(ic aflL fm on the one fide jandthe horror of hell on the other, and '^"^ p^^dicabo, muft necejfardj fall into the one, we would rather choofe dTc^^ cbTftum he II than fin. « It is reported alfo o^Edmundhis fuc- offedcic, quam ccfTor 5 that he was wont to fay : J will rat her leape S^i^^"^^ ^^'^^ t r t 1 t 1 t z'' vexari, 2 dan in into the per J lakej than knowingly commit anjftnne a- Mat. tim zj. gain (I G o D c Let us refolve with another of the An- ^^ h- . . . tieiits; Rather to be tome i n peeces with wild horfes^ "S' '""^>»"i"'c than Wittingly and wilitngly commit ayiyjm. Sec for clorem,& illmc this purpofe twenty curbing Ccnfiderations to keep "I'^^eminfer- froni Cin.Inftr.fir comf.afflttf. Confcpag, i o 8- nectS'^lfi illorum habc- rem immGrgi,priu» me in infernum mcrgcrcm,quim peccatiiai in mc immittcrem.Mal- icm eniai piirus'a pjccato & innocons gchcnnam intrare, quamfcccati fordc pollatus coel mum legna tenerc. Anfelm.ilefinHituJ.cap. i j> a ,* Potuis,ajcba4:, in aidentcm rogam inIilu;rOj(juan ulluai peccatuin in Dcutn com* mifcro. Jn marg, ' 2. ThePaineoffenfe. The exri'emity, exquisite- ^f^etommstH neffe and eternity whereof, no tongue can poflibly cxprcfre,or heart conceive. Confider before-hand, what an unfpeakeable raifery it would be (and yet it would not be fo much as a flea-biting to this) to lye everlaftingly in a red hot fcorching fire, de- prived of all poflibility of dying, or being ever confum'd 1 I have fomewhere read of the korrid execution ofaTraitour in this manner: being na- kedjhe was chained faft to a chaire of brafTe or fom other fuch mettall,that would burne moft furioufl ly, being fil'd with fiery heat ; about which was H 2 made loo OF HELL. * T rannis ^^^^^^^^ ^ "eighty fire, thatby Utcle and little caufed prifca vfx ac^r- the chairc to be red and raging hot, fo t latthe mi- biorcs cruciA. ferablc man ^ roared htdeoufly many houres for ih, tuin'^^vt extremeft angiiifli, and fo expired. « But what ati vum flA-ninis horrlblc thing had itbintohaveUeninthvatdread- tradcrc, icnte £yjj tormcnt cteraallv: and yet all this is nothing. Ignis fuppliciorutn ultitnumj graviffimun, Sed 6 mitctn gehennam, 6 ccmpcritW flammasjvclmillicsvivumcombuii 1 Feralishajc fentcmia: millc haras col craic flam- mas, captivis iafei-oaim longcclemencior videretur, quam fircojamjan pledtcndo vitae fiat gratia. « Tormentam hortibilc proifas, nee verbis cfFabilc, homiiicm ignc cminus ac lente admato tribus horis toircci vivum. QiKjdnam igUur tormcntum,6 DavSj^uim infan- d»iin,quamincomprehcnruna, nondudSjtrefve hcias, nonunumalccrumqj'diem, non anaum,antiofq«e mille,fcd astemitate tota (-|ua2 tamen nanquam tota erit) & corphs &animamuii,nccunquamcotnbuci 1 Hic vox & veibadeficiunt. rire of heU For^iftheblackfireof hell be truly cofporall and ^tiertrT ^""^ ^^^^ properly jasfome of the Fathers fuppofe^yec i Ignis in- it is fuch (fay they) that as far pafleth our ordinary fernaiis & no- ^o^teft firc, as ours cxceeds the ^ fire painted up- qiuntum"**dif- o^ the Wall. And it muft be fo, I meane, as farre ferunt, &pri- furpaflfe- our moft Euious ordinary fire, immcafu- mbquiicm u- ^^[^ unconceivably in decrees of heat, and Noft«i- ignis nerccnclicor burning. . For,thc one was created Augufiino ^•' forcomfortj the Other purpofely to torment; the ftriiu^nitcr one is made by the hand of man 5 the other tem- verus. Difcri- pctcd by the angry arme of almighty God, with '"^" • tifrfi- ^^^ ^crrib^c 2^^ torturing ingredients, to make in mUitlldovcra:', moft fierce and raging, and afitinftrumentfor fo ac piaa: flam- great and mighty a God to torment evcrlaftingly "ouicquidhk fuch igipcnitent reprobate rebels. It is faMtobc leurit, fabuia frefandy'cHatth,2'y.£^i, //i.30.33. as if the all- cf, jocuscft: quicquid hicpatetis, metiflTimus ludxis eft: igniiim umbra fimt igncs noftri ad ilia inferorumincendia; pcenas quas hk depcndimaS- idici* (iiw, ad ilia nunquam dc* gtiura tormcma. powcrfull OF HELL. loi powcrfull wifdomcdid ddibcntte, and (as it were) nt downc and devifc moft tormenting temper for that moft formidable fire : the one is blowne by an zicry breath ; tht other by the angry breath of the great God, which burnes farre hotter then ten thouftind rivers of brimftone : T^e pfU thereof i^^^ ,^j, ( faith the Prophet) isfremdmuchweody tit breath tfthe Lord, hkcA flreame ofbrtmflene, doth kindle it. What (oule doth not quake and melt with thought of this fire,at which the very di\ els trembled There if heit-fire Ue is HO proportion betweene the heat of our breath, ^Hf^^^^i^*' and the fire that it blowcs. What a fcarefull fire s**Dice^m qui- then is that which is blowne by a breath diifolved ^'-"^ ^"^ ^"^^^^ into brimftone ^ which a greJt torrent of burning f "fjiduis^^^ brimftone doth ever mightily blow ^ Niti conveni- If it be g metaphoricall, as K^ufiin feemcs fome !"^^'' '■^^p°"" *■ J J d(.ji cernercm, talem fuiffe illam flammam, qB-iIe$ oculi quos Icv^vit, ^Layirurn viHit, qualis lingua cu'i humorem cxiguom defiJeravit inhindi, qualis digitus La^ariy de quo id fibj fieri poftuiavit, nbi nmcn crant (Inc corponbus anims . jipg lie Civil', Dei. Lib. 21.10. Metaphonce loquitur dc exitio rcproborum, quod fatis aiioqtii complcdi non poffumus, qHcm itlmodum nee beatam, Scimmortalem vitani pereipimus, nifi luh fi» guris quibjfdaTi ingemo noftro accon^modatis adnmbrctur : inde apparct quamin- cpti & ndiculi lint Sophiftae, qui de iiiiuJ: igrws natuia 8t sjualitatc fubtilias difle- runt,atq; in eo cxplicando varic fe torquent. Explodcndz funt craflz hajufmodi i- maginationeSjCumfigurat^ Prophctamljqui ihtelligamuSj&c. Cat. in/fa c.io.vuh Quodigni ciucundos dicit miper metaphoiicam cffe locutionem admonui : idq; ex membio adjundaapeiti liquet. Neq; cnim fingendi funt e terra & vermes, qai in. fidelium ccrda arrodant, /Jem in Cap (>6.v ult. Qni asternum lUum igncm, mataialcm & elcmcntarcm fingunt ; 'n^turse fnferi- ©liSj & fiiperioris 5 tcmpuns.& sRcernitatis modumconfundunt. Cum enim nihil materintum & ph . (icHm capax (it proprietatum hypcrphyficaruirij fieri non poteft, ut corporeusiinis, qucm Pontificij Schobfticorum auand add fum, 'cnldST, befides all the moftexquifiteand unheard of tor- miferandam [ tures, (and if you will, even thofe ofthe Spa».'fi In- ^^^^^^^ ""'f^ ^m^tiotf)-which ever were or fhall be infli(5lcd upon qJd 'ib Vtbc miferablc men, by the ' bloudicft executioqers of condito f«va thegreateft tyrants, as that of him in the brafen cTuJJSt^'^ex. chaire mentioned beForcc^r. and colled them all cogitayit^quic- into one extreameftanguilh^and yet it were nothing ^"id ad ufque to the torment which fhall for ever pofTcffe and Sm fiviffimo, plague the * leaft part of a damned body .' . And i^m Hominun as for the foule : let all the griefcs, horrours and vTnTe""" '"" defpaircs that ever rent in peeces any heavy heart ; hoc autcm om. andvexcdconfciencej asof//i!/n<,&c. And "*^ ^ veiw ia let them all bee heaped together into one ex- tJ^'^cum xtl^ tremeft horrour, and yet it would come infi- nitate damna- nitely ihort to that dcfperate rage and reftleflc '°'^"™ compo. anguifli, which ftalleternally torture the leaft and ch^f^}'mopw. loweft faculty ofthe foule ! What then doeyou ci.imabit:H2c .' omnia qux hie patii«ur,merus ludus ac rifus Innt, fi cum illis fupplicijs in. contentionem veniant. Pone, fi libet, igncm, fcrrum, & beftias, & fi quid his difficilius; attamen *ncc umbra quidcm fum iiKc ad ilia toimencs. . — Nonne videmuj tcrrenos militcs princi- pibiisf;rvienres, quomodbligant, quomodb fli^ellant, quomodo per/odiunt coftas q-iomodo faces tormentis adhibcnf: fed hxc omnia Indicia, & rifus ad fupplicia! Chyfoft ad Psp. Aatioch.Hom. 40. rr* • » (.anjideT here aUtbs horrible torturer ia/filfeJupon Chrifiians in the Primithe timet: That man in the braien chme, RaviUa 5 torments ; French flory^ pa^ 1194. AU the monfiroca cruelties thirove the Turli'Jh Story : the fiery andbbudy mrferies fxecutedupan our blejfed Martyrs i 1 Qt^eene ^\^\ ics time : the barbarous and prodigious dutcheriet •/ the *!panijb Inquifition^rfhich lie Poet brings in as the fourth Ftiry. '^Becaufe all the mer'jhers of the h.ly and powers of the fjule have beenemeapons of »»ri^hteou/::e/re,r^anfbjUhep!azuedin all the parts of the body,andJaculties of the foule by that horrible inflrwnent ofhelHfh torment j called h^ C h r i s t. Fire prepared for the Divell and his angelsj Mar.i?. H4 thinke . 104 OF HELL. thinkwilbcthetorment of the whole body^ What wil be the terrourofthe whole fouled Here both in- vention of words would failc the ableft Oratour upon eatthjor the highcft Angell in heaven. A m^iMfe Mt Ah then, is it not a madncffe above admiration, '»*« "••^^'^ and which may juftly amaze both heaven and ^'^' earth, and be a prodigious aftonifhrrent to all crea- tures, .that being realonable creatures, having un- dcrftanding like the Angels of G o i,, eyes in your heads to fore-fee the approaching wrath, hearts in your bodies that can tremble for trouble of mind, as the leaves of the forreft that are flnken with the wind,confciences capable of unfpeakable horrour, bodies and foulcs that can burne forever in hell 5 and may (by taking leflTepaines in the right w iy, then a drunkard, worldling, or other wicked men in the wayes of death and going to hell ) efcape evcrlafting paines ; yet will fit hcere ftill in the faceof theMiniftry with dead counte- nances, dull earcs, and hard hearts, as fenfleffe and unmooved, as the featcs you fit on, the pillai-s yoa ieancto, and the dead bodies you tread on, andne- verbcfaid, (as they fay) never warn'd, untillthe fire of that infernall lake flame about your cares ! O monftrous madneffe and mercilcffc cruelty to your owne foules ! Let the Angels blufh, heaven and earth bee amaz'd, and all the creatures (land aftonifhed at it. TU angutfif of 3. When fentcnce is once irrevocably paft by w'/Srlie'^ that high and everlafting Judge, and the mouth TmepfffJse! of the bottomlefle pit hath (hut it felfe upon thee winhthat infinite anguifli and enraged indignation, tho« OF HELL^ lof tl^ilt takeon, tearc thy hairc, bite thy nailcs, nJiqufd.f^^, gna(h thetceth, dig furioufly into the very roun- tu fcmper o«j- taineof life, and ( ifit were poiribIe)fpit out thy ^^J^^ bowels : bccaufe having by a miracle ot mercy luc, ,am lue bccneblcfTcdallthy " life long in this glonoufly najuims. En illightencd Golhe-r^ with the faireft noone-tidc of "^^^^^ the Gofpell that ever the Sun fa^v, ana either did- cum tamen is- deft, or mighteft have heard many and many a s^J^j^J^'^^^'^ powcrfuU and fearching Sermon; anyonepaf- '^J'''^^^^^ faecwherof(ifthouhaddeftnot wickedly and wil- vitjs. Enpcr- fuTlyforfakenthineownmeixy and fufoed Satan d^^^^^^^^^^ inabafeandbeaftly manner to blindtold and baffle p^rdadifti rcg- thee) might have beene unto thee the beginning mmi:Potiiiircs ofthc ncw-birth,and everlafting blilTe: yet thou^n fl^^d^vo: that refpe(a a moft accurfcd wretch, diddeft paflc luiflis: brevi ac over all that long day of thy gracious vifitation, ^^^ like afiff^e rr ^au^ker ofconfufm^w ithout any pier- ,,^,,,^ ^.^i pa- cing or profitat all ; and palTedby all thofe goodly ra0cs mojd ooffl-rs and opportunities, with an inexpiable neg- J°lX'c,p^ro camis vo'uptatula, piofpuic3, Smomemnnca obkaatiuncoU immenfag fendidjfti voluptatcj.NimirCm tua tibi earo.q i.im coelum charior erat Sentis lam quas dclicias fcftatus fucris ? Predixi,monui,vcliicavi. Scd adum cgi, nihil profeci oleum & ope- rarti perdidi. Nunc vindico, nunc fpcs & res abs tc fcgregant^Tcd ma folms culpa En i..npunmme ut deleaatiunculasp-'uxillo temponsretuures, perdidifti omnia. Piocul nunc .^ tc honores, thefauri, voliiptates beaterum ; ad qii?.s orams tibi via mterccpu eft. Wxc tibi tormenta libidincs tnaj pararnnt, in hos igncs tua te praiapuavit incon- tinentia ; tinmillam hilarcm/ed bievem jnfaniam, nuRcluisXterno luau. Ddpera- t floras ParadiG gaudijspiivntum ? Tu ipfe tepnvaftl. Acac.rbiffimc do cspcren- ne ccrUftc epulum negle^um ? Tu ncglcxifti. -. Diftlrendo & negligendohiic fpon- tc inuilti coe-us & amcns, hie nunqu.^.m exituruj ampiins. Nulla hic lihertas, nulla falus. Defpcra ccntics, fex centics, dcfpera miUies, artcrn^.tn defperaturus, ctcrnum momurus/& ad morcetn nullisfieculis proventurus< * Here lactvabit cor damnato- rum quod graciam millies oblatam itcufarunt milHcs. Inde in fupfos furenter exar- dcfcent ni-fcri, & affiduo fibi ipfis iH^nbrcm hanc cantilcnam occincn: ; o tempus rerum omnium preriofiffimum I 6 dies 6 hora? plufquam aurex, quo cvanuiflis ^tei- numnonredimtael Noscceci &cxcordes, obftcuais cculis & aunbus Iibidme ti«c. bamus, & mutuis nofmet cxemplis trahtbamus ad intciituir. 105 OF HELL. JJ^°J\^^""/_ le(a and hornblc ingratitude; and To now lieft fccaninwcfal drowned and damn'd in that dreadfull lake of gitabit, quia britTiftonc and fire, which thou mighteft havefo fimS'^fp'a'i^: eafily and often cfcaped. p This irkfome and fu- tcmpoiis non fious rcflcdion cf thy foulc upon its ownewilfull ia?o*& S ^^^^y' whei-by it hath fo unneceilarily and fottiflily biiihis Ton^i loftcverlaftingjoy, and muft now live inendlefle privari nosin- woc, wiU vcxe andtorrtute more then thou canft ctl>7«3far pofrxblyiniagine^continually gnaw upon thy heart H9SI.77, "With remedilefle and unconceivable griefe ; and Eft qui dc- in a word, even make an hell it fclfe. eS miliia Phi- lippcorum zC- fcqui potiiilTet adeanda h^rcditatc, fed illc ignaviffimus caufx Cnx indormijtj itaq- hxrcditatcm tarn opttlentam neglcxitj jamq ; talibus ferae poenitenti« furijs agitatur, ut ipfe fibi itnmincat, velut ipfum difcerptmiis. Et nontiunquam mors i nde violent* fequitur. Haud aliterdamnatorumquilibetfeipfumficallatrat : Potuiflem ; auxilia non decrant, vocabat, PotaiflemjEhu ! Potuiflem j fed nolui. A fummo bono cxclu- itffimus fura in omnc aemmj& ufq; in xrernum non videbo lumen, qaia nolui vidcre, Scntirc tamo fc bono privatum effe, & qtiidem fua culpa inexplicabilis, infandus erit ilolor mcerorqj tb^^'da ^ tff ^ ^ ^^^"' having y cf zfricein thine hand, to get w'tf. fface. ^ dom^yX.o go to heaven,lay it out with all holy grec- dinefle, while it is called T«>^jf, for the fpirituall and eternall good of thy foule ! Improve to the ut- moft, for that purpofe, the moft powerfuU Mini- ftry, holicft company, beftbookes, all motions of Gods Spirit,all faving meaneSjcJ*^. Spend every day,pa{fc every Sabbath, make every prayer,heare every Sermon, thinke every thought, fpeake every word, do every adion^e^c. As though when that were done, thou wert prefently after to pafTe to Tudgement, and to eive up an exad account for it, and whatfbever els done in theflejh, nm-mmnt a Thatthe cooceiptof the eTerlaflingneJnfeof tnilefc. ^ ^\^^ OF HELL^ 1^7 ^ the torments, when they are riow already kii'd . ^ upon the foiile, and hopelefncfie of ever ccm- Ke^graauJ ming outof hell, will be yet another hell. Ifthou aftiucie lupre* once come there , ^ and there mo ft certainely muft ^^^ ^^Idi^^- thou be this night, if thou dkft this day in thy na- hcie "mo & turail ftare, andnctnew-borneslfay then (fotcr- pl"mis vos ribly would the confideration of eternity toiturc forJifan' m"! thee) that thou wouldcft hold thy felfe a right gendi flam-. ' happy man, if thou mighteftendure thofc horri- "^^^'• ble paincs, and cxtremcft horrours no moe milli- faicem conce! onsofyeares, then there be fands on thefeafhore, dereturuc are. haires upon thine head, ftarres inthe firmament, "®^"* ^"'^P^* rr -1 i_ J t . , . ' am tnons ex* grafle piles upon the ground, and creatures both in toiierctur am- heaven and earth. For, thou wouldeftftill com- pfitudinc ter- fort thy felfc incredibly with this thoight.-c^^ f^ft-gSuS mi fery mil once hanje mend. But alas I This word amngcns, ex ^ Never will ever rent thine heait in pceces with ^"°* P°p""" much rage and hideous roaring ; and give ftill ^n^^^^ SJo- new life to tbofe infufferable forrowes, which in- l^ns avkub finitely exceed all cxprelfion or imagination. Let a°f/°^°"/'J"* us fuppofe this great body of the eaith upon eftdecimJS which wetread to be turned into fand, and moun- "« arenuia? cainesof fand to be added dill, untill they reach ^oft dtaum unto the Empyrean Heaven, fo that this whole centum anno- mighry creation were nothing but a Tandy moun- r""» "^'He, aii- ^ ' ^ "^ am arcnulas unhif deci- mam part cm, & pari modoaliamatqjaliam, ita«t Tpatio dccies centum railliuman- noiurn, tantum unicum arenulas unuis granum de monte illo anenofo miniieretur .• qup.m Ixti, quam abcrcs ciTcrxiui, quod poft ultimano faltcm mentis totiusablatio- nem, d.imnationis noHrx finem aliquem habetemus. *" Ab, vcl mufcae, vel culicis punftiunciila, fi tamcn fit aetcrna, quam incxplicabilia cruciatus pronunciabitur ? Quis igitur horror cxercebit damnatos, vel ob unam hancj fed affiduam cogitationem) Hie ignij «t€rnJim fetendus, hicululatiisatcr- aumaudicndus, hichoxrorfempiternus. taine : xo8 OF HELL. fainc: let us then further imagine a h"ttlc wrento camebut every hundred choufandth y^are,and ca- ' Damnati Hc away but the tentii pare of one graine of that ^on "^'^"1"'" imnicafui-able heape of fand ; what an innumcra- Sdccem^mul blc number ofycircs would be fpcnt, bcfoj-ethac libus anno- World of fiind wcrc all Co fetcht away ^ and yet rial, adjiciea- y^^^ andalas that ever thou waft borne I Wht^n tur centum i , « i- r • i z' • »▼ i*cn itiillia,pofth«c thou haft hen lo many yeares m that fiery lake, as centum miiha, all thcywould amount to, ''thou art no nearer myriadcf'T commidgout, than the vcry firft houFc thou cntcr- milliones quot ■'' iftfirmamentoruntftcUje, &inlittaie maris arenae. Poft qua? lonoiffima annonim fpatia, quafi nihil depoenis noftris accifum cflet, fie itcrCim ab initio piti tormenta incipiemas ; atqj ita fine interruptioae, fine fine^ fine modo, volvctur affidue noftro- rum tormentorucn rota. Ex quo poll flint jjerf c3f, Totus orbii animantcs, Aude numero compledi Aer atomos volantes, Stellas czlijftrllaj roris, Pilosfcr3B,pecus villos, llndaiaqueifluoris. Vertex horainum capillos: Guttas imbris pluvialis, Addelittoiis arenas, Floccofvelieris nivalis Addc graminis verbenajj Qupt funt vere novo flores, Tormyiiadcs annotutn Quot odoreS,quot colorcs, Quot ntomenta faeculorumi Qupt vinaccos AutiHTinus Hcusadhuc A:crntas Poma legit & vicrtumnus; Foituj fugit k damnatis. Quoj jam grana tuUt sftiis, Frondes hi cmis tcmpcftas. Metire fcmel, iteriim f«pius : poft decern annorum milliones, pofl: ccntuns mille my» riadum annoruai, polt decics centies millena millia milloramai>n©rum; nccduHS finem, necdum medium, imenonduma^rtr/ji/tf^ttprincipiumdefign^fti.' jungead ilia omncs hominum & Angdoium cogitaiiones, omnes motus & mutatiOHes qua- rumvis rerum creatarum: addc his arenulas, quotnon poflcnt miUenanimteirarum vaftifllino finucontineri : coUigc deniqj in uaiin) omncs numcros Arithmctirx quadtatos, cubicos quofvis : nunc imple his num^ris volumma chartarum hincad fuprcmoscoe!-?su{que,non^um e/£^^er«fV(if« durationem menfusej, tar turn abcft, ut fiseme.nrus, Quamdiu igituv durable ®^rtrwi/<«j Semper. Quando finietiir ? Nun- quam Quamdiu coelura erit caelum j Q^amdiu jnferi erunt inferi ; Qaimdiii De v* crit DeVs, tamdiu durab.t ^teinitas .• tamdiu coc'um bcabit Sanftos ; tanjd lU im- piobostorcjusbantinfcii. Nequasfo, moleftior fis quxrendo : Apprcbendcfaltemjfi contbrehc^dercnon potei. O F HE L L. 109 cdft in. Now, fuppofe thou fliouldcft licbut one night gricvoufly abided with a raging & of the ftone, collicke, ftrangury, tooth-ache, pangs of travailcc^^. T hough thou haddeft to hcipe and cafe thee a foft bed to lie on, friends about thee to ^Sumamus comfort thee,Phyritian.s to. cure thee, all cordiall "3°^'!;^^'": and comfortable things to affwage the paine 5 yet cmis, aii)fvJ how tedious and painfull, how terrible and intole- fodicamibus rable would that onenight fceme untothee^ How Smn°cm aut wouldcft thou toffe, and tumble, and turne from quam • ink- one fide to another, counting the clock, telling the ^^"^-^ cakuio, hourcs, efteemmg every minute a " moneth, and gra, tocmuiu thyprefentmifery matchleffeand uniupportable ^ busaut dend- » What will it be then (thinkefl chou) to lie in fire Tj^tvle;'! tibus, rurba.» tam exigiraus.Qulm haec talis nox longa,& Inftat hebdom3dis,aut menfis cfl ! Q_uid G anno toto fie inter doloies jacendum,quid fi annis ccntum,quid fi Hiillc annis,fi fex aut decern tnilUbusannorum ? Quid fi atternum & fine fine ? * lt.wuldpr<>ove an extreme mifery (oi itfecmes) to lie etemalfy upright, and never fiirre-i^venuponabetiofro/es: whatrpouUit betbeit^ to fit for ever in that fiery chaire meHtioned hejore? Bat then above aU degrees of comparifon,ivbat wiUtt he to roare ever- laflinglyinhcUifb flames IHeatemy AuthortMtmim rac legeie^nec fiae admitatione/u- iJBTc hominem jqui ^teinitatem animo fie pcrfpcxciit : Quis mortalium eft^aiebat ipfe fecum,qui quidem fanx mentis fit & ratione utatui-, qui regnum Gallia»,HifpaaiaJjPo- lDnia:,regna fa»c opulentiUIma fibi vendieet ea padionCjUt qgadraginta conrinaos an- nos inlcSulo rofis ftrato,coq; molliffitno refapinus jaccat? Et licet foifannondefutu- Tos fitjqui ad banc conditionem defccndat j is tamcn non totum tricnnium (res cetta) fie dccumbet, quin abrumpat & dicit : finite, fiirgam; malo carere regnis, non dicAOi wibuSjfed omnibus, quam fie continue, licet moliiflime jacere, vd decern tantiim an- nisjnccduaifiginti^aut triginta, vel uti paiSio g€bat,annis quadraginta.Itane res (e ha- bentjUt nemo fanus repcriatur, qui uttriplici regno donetur, triainm vel quadraginta annis didVa legg decumbere velit ? (^\tn ergo coeca^quam funofa dt infania^ob lacerum Kj!«,obtrc$aviculas,obcrepundiaviliflimaj illud petulanttr fubirc periculum, &tale dcfignare facinus,ob quod in candente crate, in ferctro flanameOjnoft. iolis quadragin- ta, non quadringintis,nec quatuor raillibus,Ced nee quater ccntcnis millibus, fed ostcr- mim torquearij fiirijSj k mortaIes,intemperatiflimis agimur,nin jam mature, & in rem noftiamfapimus. In molliffirao ledo jacere,fed fempei* jacei-c,& xtecHa.'n jacere, fup- plieium foret inexplicable. Quii jam omuium apadinicr^j fupplioior urn erit cumulus ac congeries f«rau4abili£[ima ? . and iio ^FHBLL ___^ fiRiLbniw"^ and brimftone, kept in highcft flame, by the un- cm om.eTtQ, quenchable wrath of Gqd,. world without end >: pcrpctiai audi- whcrc thou (halt have nothing about thee but retotcenteno- j^-ij-kneflTe and horrour, wailing and wrinpina of rum millium , , - ^ ... W n p o '-'* harribihiHmos hands, y dclperatqyellings and gnafliing of teeth : mugitus, plan, thinc old Companions in vanity and fin to ban and penndrif men ^^^^^ ^^ce with much bittcrnciTe and rage ; wicked boves aifentur Divcls to infult over thee with hellidi cruelty and ym, am lira- fcome; ths ncvcr-dying worme to feed upon thy pidi canes catc- ^ , i n n c ir ^ ^ ^ . •' nas rumpeie foule and fleth tor cvcr and tor ever. ^ O Eternity 1 luftmtur, ncc Eternity !, Etcmity-l poifirit. Fiiiga- miis quofcunqj auiiumauciitus,clamorcshominum,latratus canum,1upor«m ii!u!atiis,rnuoitus boum, rugitus leonum, aUaru;>i beftiaruai fremitus, frjgorcs nub.uni, dffjcdusaqeiarnm, & quicquidinamoemimaufibus fingi poceft i ah quam id r-inac nihil eft aJ Orcim nx plebisdcfpcratiffiiTium HctUin, ciijus aiiiflaiium eft ft idoi' dciniiirn. * O ccecitas humans gentis nullis fat lachrymisdcplorand-i I Ex omnibus tcmplo- rum Pulpitis clamatur, ^ternitas, ^ternitas, ^rernitas. Nos nihil ominus praffenti ducimur voluptate. Adco pciirc fu.ive eft. Q£!S exprinaatquid (ic jetcinJtas ? Quis concipint quid fit /Eccrnitas ? Eft'tlrruai pcrpttuuni Sam, quod prjeccriro caret & futuro.Eftcirculus, cujusccntmm femp^ijCir- cumfcientianunquam.Cogito mille annos, cogito tot annoiun millii quot funt mo- menta/eupunfta in tototempore acondito munioufq; ad ejus coarumm3tionem'j& dc artermtate nihil habeo O e/fccrnitas I Quis potent parefle ®/£:ternicati in tormcn- tis ? Etfumus tormcntiipforum afcendct in fxcuU/^culorumi^poc i^^.Q^ia eft in [^ecula feculorum i Volodicerc,& nefcio diccre, lUud tantilm fcioid ipfurn cfle,qood D E v s {"olu* fya la^iiitaie ami>it & complcflitur, Benotwearied Sithit isthus then, that Upon the little inch of v/dfefff '" *" ^'^^^ ^^ ^^^5 life,depends the length and bredth,the height and depth of immortality in the world to come : even two eternities ; the one infinitely ac- curfed,the other infinitly comfortable- lofTeofe- verlaftingjoyes, and lying in eternall flames; fith never ending pleafures orpainesdoe unavoidably foUowthc well or mif-fpending of this fliort mo- ment OF HEAVEN. in ment upon earth ; with what unwearied care and watchfulnefTe ought we to zncndth^tOffe/^eceJfary thinx all the d^es of our appointed time, till our change jhaucome? How ought we as fir angers and pilgrims to ahfiainefromflefijly lufis ? What manner offerfins mght we to be in all holy conquer fatten and godlinejfe ? How thriftily and induftrioufly to husband the poore remainder oFour few and evil! daies for the making our Calling and Election fare: In a word,with whatrefolution and zeale to do orfuffer any thing for ]esvs Christ:' "^ With what induftry and ^Q^,idagis deareneffe to ply this monient,and prize that cter- mifcr, penre -jj.^ I vis :" F.icillimo ""y ' jftudimpendio fier : horula unajimo vcl unlca partt horulsc j iino momcnto vel anico per iram vel libidiiiem pa- .tras,qiiod asternum Jolcas. Hie ferio cogitandum : Itanc homines eruiiti, & humano fenfu fanfli accufantur, judicantufjdamnnntur ? Qiiid mini fitt mifcro ? ^rgo animutn quantis poffiim in^* duftriis cuiabo.Alii fe/uamq; ciiticulam curcnt ccrernitatis obliti,vigeanr,f1orcant,cia3 forfan cini> & faviUa.Hos ego mores nihil mororjbanceooYiam non ingrcdior,nam & alium vise terminum (\\\xxo. Concerning the joycs of Heaven, Let n:iee tell you before hand, that the excel- 3"^^ excc/Zacy lency, glory, and fweetnefTe thereof, nomortall mterAbk."^ heart, finite braine, created underftanding can pofTibly conceive and comprehend to the life. For, I. PWtelsus, I Or.2.p. Ih2it neither eye hath feenCj ver eare heard, neither heart of man cmceived the incomprehenfible fublimity and glorious my- fteries of that heavenly wifdome, and inexplica- ble divine fweetnefle revealed in the Gofpell : (For I take that: to bee his naturall immediate • meaning) 112 OF HEAVEN. meaning;) How tranfcendently (then) unutterable and unconcciveable isthe complement, perfecti- on, the reall a<5luall, and full fruition of all thofe Evangclicallmyfterious revelations, accomplifli- ed to the height in the higheft heavens thorow all eternity^ ,Where we lliall enjoy the face and bea- tificall prefence of the moft glorious and all-fuffi- cienc Go d, as an objecfl. wherein all the powers of our fouler will be latisfied with everlafting de- light. The eye of maa hath feene admirable things :~ Coafts of Pearle, Cryftall mountaines, rockesof ^MaufiUu.'n. diamond, Golden mines. Spicy Ilands^^^r. (fo Maufaii regis Travailerstalke, and Geographers Write.) * Mati- Carix fepuU j0lmTomb€,I>iames Temple, the Egypt an ^ Pyrami- teraTa' ux^re ^^■y>2ind all tlicwondersof the World, extruaum^tan. The earckfeath heard the moft delicious, exqui- nifi°r^tu'"T fite, and ravifhing melody. Such as made even intei- feptem Alexander the Great tranfported with an irrefi- ©tbis miracuh ftablc pang of a pleafing rage as it were, and de- nim!'"'^"'' lightfull ' dancing of his fpirits, that I may fo »» Maximae {■pQ3,'kc,'^ Bxtl/reeconvhiOyScc. hujus generis in Agypto fuifle memorantur circa Mcmphim ftrufturx ex quidcatis lapidibus admi- tandx/aftigiatae ultra omncm excclfitatcm,qnr manu fieri poflet,&c. ' Spiiitus qui in corde agitanc,trcmulum, & fubfultantcm recipiimt aerem in pedus & indeexcitanmr: A fpintu mufculi movemur,&c, StaligExercit. 20 z, * Cardan. SuitilM 13. Mans heart can imagine miraculous admirabi- lities, rareft pecces, worlds of comforts and ftrangc felicities. In conceipt it can convert all the ftones upon earth into pcarlcs, every giafTc pile into m vnvaluablc jcwcil, the dufl into filvcr, the OF HEAUEN. n^ the Tea into liquidgold, the aire into'cryftall. Ic can clothe the earth with farre more beauty and' rweetnefTe^than ever the Sun fawit. It can make every Starre a Sun, and all-thofe Suns ten thoufrind times bigger and brighter then it is,yhr. .. f . , -j.. And yet the height and happinefle of Bvangdi- call wifdome doth farre furpafle the utraoft which the eare, eye, or heart of man hath heard, . feene, or can poifibly apprehend. And this fo excellent h'ghtupon earth difcovering theiheftin mable treafurcs of hidden wifdome in Ch r i s t,,- is but as agraine, to the richefl: golden mine, a' drop to the Ocean, a liitleglimpfe totheglory of ; the Sun ; in refpe^ of that fullnefle of joy herea^ ' -: ter,andeverlaftingpleafures above: with what a vaft difproportion then doth the inimaginablc ex- cellency of heavenly blifTe'furpalTetjjpl tranfcend the moft enlarged created capacity ^ Infinitely^in- 2. Our gracious Go d in his holy anfcarcha- ojh^aveniast blc wifdome doth referve and detaine from the at fuu revealed eye of ourunderftandingsafullcomprehcndonof . thatmoftgloriousftate above 5 toexercifeinrhe meane time our faith^ love, obedience, patience, ^^. As afatherfhewesfometimes, and reprefents to the eye of his child, aglimpfe and fparkle (as it were) offomcrich orient Jewell, to make him love, long, pray and cry for a full fight of it, and grafpingofitinhis ownehand: So our heavenly Father in this cafe. If celeftiall excellencies, and thofe furpafling joyes, arifing principally froin the vifible apprehenfion of the purity, glory and I beauty 114 OF HEAUEN^ beauty of G o d, were ckirely fccns aad fully knowne, even by fpeculation, it would bcc no ftrange thing, or tiiankfworthy for the naoft Iior- aard'^uichr?- ^i^le Beliall, "*■ to become prcfently thcholieil tu^cT Juftitir', Saint, the worlds greatcft minion, the aioft moiti- tanta jucundt- fiddoi^n. But Inthis valc of tcaies we muft live by tas lucis scter- r;^;^l, ^ commutabilis veritatis, acq; fajsientias;, ut^tt.xmfi nan licei'ct amp\iu3 inea.manerc, qiiam«nius dicimora, prepteiliocfelum innimerabilesannihujusvitx pleni dclic^jS & circciiTi- fluentia tcmnocaltum bonorum reft6,rnmt6 ] j contemnercrjr. Au^flAt Lib. Arb, L'-b-S-Capult. How fmiU ca^ 5 . It IS a fruit of our fall with K^dam, and the ^I'Smijau!^ condition of this unglorificd morLall ftatchcrc up- on earth, tokmw but in fart : From which our knowledge above fliall diiFer.,as the knowledge of a child frqptthat of a perfed man : as knowledge '^°induci in t^y'^l3ffc>lforaappTeheniionofthe reallobfjejft: nubes,pcnetra- askuowledgc ofa plaine fpccch, from that which >e in plenitudi- |s ariddie-f-f/^./^^^^^^ (faith "^ or\Q)iHthefieart;Uy ?rrum ^z^'TZ M'eSytomoummtothe clmds, to.fitrcethtsfitlnejfe.ef ritatis abyflbs, Itghty^oSreoke mf^this 'hoPtomcUffe defpkof^^kry ,or H &lucem habi- ^^^eitm that tmapfroachahk bright mft : This is nc- biletn^ncrtem- firvedto theUfi Day ; whfi Christ J e s v s poris eft hujus jhaIlprefentU'$.glvmu4AndfuretoHuFnthermthfiitt nee corporis Id .0,^^ QV wrmUc. tibi in noviili- u , mis refer vatur, cum te mihiexhibucro|;lorit)rum non'habeatcjnmacHlamautrujgana, aut aliqiiid'im- jufmodi. Bern SufiT Cant. Strmi^. Tbegiory ofhea :, ' 4. 0'urii?id^rftand»ngs upon necelfity muft bee imTdwUhout fupef-nktural'ly irradiated and illightcned withex- fupernaturau traordifiary enlargement anddivincnefTe, before iUumnation. . -..^ OF HEAUEN. uj we canpolfibty comprehend the glorious bright- ncfTe of heavenly joycs and full fwcctnefife of cter- nall bliffc. It is irapoiTibk in this life for any mortall braine to conceive them to the life, as to compare the heaven with a fpan, or containe the mighty Ocean in a nut-fhcU. The Pfnhf§fher could fay ^ that as the eyes of an Owle arc to the light of the Sun, fo is the Iharpeft eye of the moft pregnant wit to the myfteries of nature. How ftrangely then would it beedazeled and ftmcke ftarkebhndwith the exceffive incomprehcnfiblc glory and greatnefTeof celeftiall fecrcts, and im- mortall light ^ But although wee cannot comprehend the whole, yet wee may confider part. Though wee cannot take a full draught of that over-flowing fountaincof endlcfle blifTe above, jwt wee may tafle 5 though we cannot yet enjoy the whole har- veft, yet we take afurveyof the firft fruits. For, the Scriptures to this end fliadow unto us a glimpfe, by the moft excellent, precious and de- fireable things of this life. Thus much premised •, let us (for my prcfenc purpofe) about the joyes of Heaven, confi- der 5 I. ThePhce,where God andallHisblefTcd ^^ePiateof ones inhabite eternally. eremaugury. But how can an infinite God bee faid to dwell in a created heaven ^ God from all eternity when there was f^**^°^ ^^ nothing, to which Hee might maoifeft and make knownc Himfelfe is not faid to dwell I 2 *any ii5 OF HEAUEN. ^ ^f ^or the * ^y where, eitherto have beene out of Himielfe, pace ofGoD or in any thir^, bm onely in Himfelfe, He was before the yporu therefore an heaven to Himfelfe. But when Hee 'ntt7wifdmeo- pleafcd He created the world ; that in fo large and m&rta// men goodlv a Theater He might declare and conveigh rli^uSr His power, goodneffe and bounty, fome^vay or can it limit the Other, to ^11 creaturcs. Efpecially, Heepi^pared /eattf infviite ^-^is glorious heavcn wee fpeake of, not that it ^tbarZfZl niightenclofe or enlarge His happinefle: But that power it (cff can Hec. Hlight uufpcakably beautifie and irradiate it HffSe «"/» ^^^^ unconceiveable fplendour of His Majefty Himfelfe, tPho»i and Glory ^ and fo communicate Himfelfe beati- no rnainituk fically to all the ElccH:, Saints and Angels, even for laim^.'^^SAV. cvet and cver. I faid, not that it might enclofe, RawieghLib. conci'ude and confine Him: For, He is' as truly ^'^j^'^\ J withoutthehcavens, asHeisin them: And Hee Noneftqiiod . , , . ..,..,. _, ^ » "^ ix^.^ <]iixras ultra, IS whercno«fiing IS With Hmi, He was when nd- ubi erat ante- thing vvas, and then Hc vvas,vvhere nothing vvas fi^pTr'iter bcfide Himfelfe. ^f/^^(??^^ Creatto?, there rv as ^ro- ipfuoi nihil e- perly,»^/><^^ when nor where, hut onely an incom- lat, ergo m fe- ■prehcnfihU perfection ofmdivifible immenfity mdeter- le ^conM Lib.\ ^^0* ' ^^^^^^^ wouldftHl bee the fame y though neither cap.6, heaven nor earthy nor any thing in them fhonld any f.ccm dTH ^^^^^^' "^ ^^^ ^^ ^^y ^^^fi f lace Him mthoHt the calum & ter- raoi, ubi liabi- J ~ ■':.| ';- :ai)at :* In Se habitabat, apvii SeVabitabat, & apuJ Se eft Dev«, Aug. in Pfal,iii, Ante omnia Dbvs crat folusip^e Sibi & muitdus, &• locus, & omni>i. Sclus atitem ; quia nihil extnnfecu5 przterlUum. Tertuliajvcr^ut Praxean, nonpraculab initio. * Eft De vs itaubiquPjiunon tnntnin omnes hujusunivcffi partes permeet, fed ctiamimmenraillafpatiaquaj furttfupracoelbs (quje/t natuvas infinicate) penctret: nonrameh cxittimes D E y m ibi^de, tinquarnin loco poiitivorcpjetivrjfcd.tantum per immcnfitatepi eflentis. Sitjlachiiis 2)e D £ o. q,<5. Heavens^ OF HE^AVEN. 117 Heavcnsy^to death Himmth any imAgrnarj ffaceyor give the check to His trnmenfity by any far ale II di fiance localt He is faid to be without the heavens, in as miichas His infinite ^//^w^ cannot be "^ contained heamn/th intheiT.jbut nectffarily containcs them. Heeisfo heaven of bea- without them^ $r (if ^o»wtU) hepndthcmj that albeit '^'^'^^ <^'^«"»^ 1 r 1 11 1 1 1 -r^ ■ 11 ccntaiKeThec- d ihoujditdmoe veorlds were heaped itp by Hts aU-porver' j |^„^a 3 full hand each above 0ther,and all above thLeut./^,S9^^ iQ.i^JoJh.2.ii,Prov, * There ii a place beyond that flaming HiU, * From vple/ice the ft arret their thin appearance Jhe J, A place beyond a't place, yvherc never ili Noiimpure thought rfofi ever larh^vrsd: Eut Saintly H€t$cs are for ci erfaid T^ l^epe an ev(r'ft/iiifg Sabbaths re/f. Stilt w#'>^ ilatyofith^ tbey are/iiS p9£e^^ Enjoying but one joy, hut $ne ofa&joyes befi. Flftchcr C H R I » T s Viaory,p3g.2.StA 1 3 af.j: VCH. ii8 OF HEAVEN. i.^.dr 7,69* ^p^^f^'io, 2 Cor. 12, r, where it is called the third heaven, rbt tiree hear I . The firft is that whole fpace from the earth WW. to the Sphere of the Moone i where the birds flie 5 whence raine,fnovv,haiIe, and other Meteors de- fcend, See6'^;?.7.ii. Pfal.H.S, Ma^^.S.^o.Deut, 2 S .12. C^Ut»6, 26. where they are called ri 'TnrwA 2. Thefecond confiftsofall thevifible Orbs. See GenA.i£^.^i'^, where he calls the whole m fifitiiMt,Expaftfio^y Firmament, Heaven. And in this Hee placeth the Sun, Moone, and other Starres, Df»M 7.3. Within this fecond Expanjlonv/c com- prehend three other Orbs, reprefcnted to our knowledge by their motion. Of which fee * Etf- ni.'qJiaero:/''^*'*' Tabic, atpag,p4. pinio eft de- cern tantum effc ccelos mobiles ! nempe fcptcm cotlos Plinctaram, Cotlum Stellaium, Ceeltttn iw Chriftallinum, Scprimum mobile. Vcmm mihi valdeprobibilisvifi cftrcccntioiurn -M^ithcmaticorum fentcmia, undccim effc coelos mobiles ita ut inter firmanientu-H, & primum mobile, pro unico CoeloChriftaliinOjduplcx coe lumconftituatur Nam- que pro unico mom trepidationis, qui Coelo Chriftallino ttibuebatur, qucra adr.itti non poflc demonftrant : ponunt dupliccm motuii libratioHis; altcrum abOrtu ad Occafum, & e contra, qaemtribuuntneaa: fphcrai. Alteram a Septcntrionc ad'Au- ftiumj& e contra, quern dccimacSpbcraJ aflignant. His additur undecima Sphxra, feu primum Mobile Deniqj Theologi prxtcr Coelo$ mobiles, admittuiu luprcnmai Coelum immobile, quod Empyreum appellant, quod fit fedcj Bcatorum, 2)« CceU* 3. The third is that, where G o d is faid fpecially to: dwell; whither Christ afcen- dcd, and where all the blcffcd Ones ihall bee for cycr. No OP HEAVEN. 119 No * natutall knowledge can poflibly be had of j"*« H^ffl^ ibis Heaven : neither any heipe by hvmane arts, r/^" **'* Geon^erry, Aiithnieticke, opticks, Hypcthcfcs, *Ncqjcx fenfu, Philofcphy;^ants<>f thofe heavenly Palaces. picndis : Tirft vii'tus eft in afcenfvona C H n i s t i,ad pratpanndum loat^Ti irifinitisctiam mundis, aediim omnibus homimbusqu: in lioc uno mundo iilnt. Sad cJadfaelft wi hominibus jpfis qui defimt fibi, nequc ctedunt la illutn fanguinam ^lO prxparatuur^nGtbis ilia aa ccx:\\s\oc:i. RaltsteM lohanXap I ^, O F HEAVEN. m 5. By the incredible djftancc from the earthto '/V^fi^i ^^ theStarry Firmamcor. Ifllhould here tell you ^eV^ the fevcrall "^computations of AOronomcrs in * Mathcmatid this kind, the fliinmcs would feeme to exceed all caiSX^ poflibilityof beliefe. And yet befidcs, the late Cm fiimamenf learnedll of them place above the eiglu Sphere, " 'r.cuentcs, wherein allthofe glorious lamps {hine fo bright, is^^T^e^miU * three moving Orbs more. Now the Empyre- luna Gcrma- an Heaven comprehends all thefe, howincom- ^'"^i, j/„'^ ^ prehenfiblethen muftits compaflTe andgreamejOfc Kofetu* nun-.e- EccelTarily be ^ rat 65457 500. A^c jgitiiri ^antum dtcis jlflr(Aoge^ctKtro tenx^ ad ccelmn o^avum, fat frmamtntum vulp appeL'aiUfa^ M- (icnii&m. <» Vuljjb inteivalliim dicitnrcoHriacri'Diatpirttos terra: IOC40" Terras vcro Dfnmttro tiibuuntur parres mo, Unicuig; parci mrlliaii 6i. Qux duftaintoti:m Diamcrrum conficiuiu fummam milliaiioium 7440 Qnj numeriis muUipUcatus per 10040 ". ^^i^cndit (iiflantiim teirae ab orbe oftavo, n<:mpe 7470^ 180. milliaiiorum. bes Cafinan.Ouranogra. Beit jo, that the adventure of Mathematicians intlis Toint b(etQ$ auhciotu andfe- remptdiy:fejJJc«i{hall/^;><^^/Y/if need bee, and the Storm mn{xfighi : if Hecomeagaiift a people. He will make His fword dcvoureflejjj, and His arroivcs dr'inke yioud : ifHe be angry with the world, He brings a floud over ihe whole face of the earth. If HefctHis atfedion upon amortall worme, that trembles at His Word, and is weary of iinne 5 He will make him a King,give Mm aParadife,crownc him with eternity : ifHe builds a houfe for all His holy Ones; it muft needs be a None-fuch-^ moft magnificent, ftately and glorious, farrc above the reach of the thoughts of men. ^h'b"'l%f ^* W^'^^ afpacious and fpecious inheritance; %gH. '*" what a rich, fuper-eminent and fumptuous Pur- chs^fc and Palace do you thinkc was the precious bloud ofche Son of G o d by its inelHmable price and merit, able to procure at the hands of His Fa- therjfor His Redtemed^ r/?k^4'^^' Let us here alfo lay hold upon foitie confidcra- iteavca. tioHs, whereby wee may behold (at leaft) fomc little glimpfes of the admirable glory of its light. "^ ^^' ^'^f"''^"' I . To fay nothing of that glorious projedion ^y?jo p.i dp. 2^(jtf3n5fy(|gri of ^chereall Iighc,both oftheSun ut in mil- and of thc Starres, of the fix magnitudes, which ' p^^,rur'""t by Aftrologicali computation, conftitute * three V>;ncris, aut Mercurij fyJcra, nee computcmus ftellas novc«n,qu2s obfcuras, aur <^uin'»''- powringoutabundantly whole rivers, as it were, Dicuur; uon. of pureft heavenly light,^<:. Hence with allufion ^gt^ so'.e ^ to brightcft things below ; it is faid to have a wall ^;;,^^;'; ^^'^ ghr'iA T>ii il- luflrat f4.w; (^ Lucernaejmefi ^^ntis. Quid Fiinc riMPptiici :> Dc fentcntia lohanitii : ^UliaKi ij/^e lucemcxleflUglorU ; aliamSolh d^' LunxiNonopui cjfeSile (ait) ^ Z,M»(i.'N.*.gat jo eft fydcrcje liicis Opponitur ci affirmatiodiv.nas lucis &.gIonolx, qu3E progufcitur a D I I gloria & Agno Filio Dei. /bid. Neg^ urbs ifia eger Sole, O'c,^ Non negat, qiiin Scl & Lina in firriamento fiium rctcntura funt iHtncnjrrd .nitfupremuni lUud coelun,long' piaelbntiori liicefplcndcie, ncc opu» habere tali Sole & Luna. Gloria inquit Dei if^Ticitttv-rh, Difcrimcn facie inter JTo^cti'gloiiam Dei, & inter (pai quo ipfa urbs illuftratur, Gloria Dsi majcUas eft Dei, hixq; ilia, Deitas iplius, quam inhabitarc Dbus dicitur. Ea omnibus eft iinacccffa3& corporcisoculisinvifibilis. Abhacmajcftare veto pro bencplacito volun- tatis Dbt, lumen creatum proficifcitur, quo tota urbs fplendct : & quo eledis ctiam communicatOjcflSc.t DEVS,ut ipfum plene,& quafi facie ad facicm cognofcant 2an(b» deCee!obeat».Cap ^. * Goelum Beatorum eft imprimis lucidiflimum, coq; vcrns oKvfji.'Troi : Hoc eft to- »«m &omBi ex parte luminofumaclplendjdum. Non enim eft l)>;ut firmamentum rarijs ornatum ftellis, eoqj ahbi lucidum : alibi veto non ira lucidum, (cd totum eft ji[€ljacidum. Eft enim perinde atqj fi totum fit quidcm Sol. maximus^ & omnia fuo ambitu corapleftcns.Ncq: lux ilia eft fimilis luci ftellarum,neq} etiamejufdem gene- R«. Sed eft lux vere divina, licet areata ; idcirco quia lux eft alterius generis, & lux eft glorir, noa penetrat hue ad nos ufq;: oculistamcn cwporeis faturo fecWo a ncbw vidcbitw. Idem /hid. of 124 ^P HEAVEN, * o^Tdfper, hiv.ldingofgoUya^£oundmon of pracfOfii. i!ico:r>|n- Jto.^ssjand gates otp^arles. Being clearc as Cr/flaili cftclmasx-er! fl^i^i^g^^k^ wwto gUffc '^ tranfparcrtt mbrightndTe na : ubi viao- 35 a molten looking ^W*^- ^* ^^^y be> thofc places ria,ubivcnr.i3, may alf® ill latitude of fenfe intimate and include ubi faaS' ^^^s glorious vifible light I fpeake of, CoUJf. 1.12. ubi VIM, libi PfaL^6,p, iTim.6,16. xteinitas. 7): AncientDivines alfo cipprehcndcd this glorious ohhoyv brave, bcauty and brightnefTe in the blefTcd heaven. hoTv bcauT'fuU, The etemdl City (faith * i^uBm) is tttcomparahly \Z imertg, bright and beauttfull I whcrethert wvictarj y -verify, hotff ^gorgeo-ji', digmty yft^fCHtyJife, eternity . havv a tmrrable a City i! thi^ .' For,iftltgite; he of p?arlc, and the flrtets of gull ; lien Tvhatare tie inner roome; ? IVhat are the diiing chambers-, Andrvhat are the lodgirgroomei I O horv tinfpeah^able is tie glory of this iity,that Kings jba.Ut\)rfa> dotvm tter Cranvmsjinii Scepters before it^counting all their pomp and glory but a* dufl in refpeU of it > jSnd the raaznificence ani pompc ofaUthe Potentates of the earth fl)aU here be Hi I dotvne. ^nd albeit none of the iQr^s andMobks of the Gentiles ni'if^t be adnvtedinkojheold Jem-. C\\cixi, yet aft the Gentiles that believe Jhall be admitted into ibis wew Jeiufaltm," ^d ie anfaterablc to our con^ittition, even at this ayre is,(3'c'\ But at I would ny fclfe by itameanes confidently entertaine, fowiil I never ebtrude upon oihcrsany thirginthis or avy other divine point t hut that »hly which iigronnded (cither direUly and immediately, «rbjrooJandfiiWidconfeiU£iice)upQn Gods fure Word. OF HEAVEN. 125 if the ft vehtch kcofiiiemrJed {faith Sajil) be CAHinto fitter darknejfe -^ it is evident that thofe which walked fverthy cf Gob, h^ve their reft wfuftrcele Hi nil light. 2. Bcfides the fupcrcxccllency of its native Ju- ^h highnefe {lre,that I may fo fpeak,this blefTcd heaven wil yet gifrifcMy* •be made infinitely more illuftrious and lefplen- dent by all the moft admirable and amiable (hining glory of that deareft ravifhing objecfi:, to a glorified eye^the glorified Body of J e s v s C h r i s r.In refpe(5t of the beauty and brightn elTe -whereof, all fyderiall lightisbuta darkfome mote^and blackeft mid-night. See A/4?. 1 7. 2 . 3. Adde hereunto the incredible and unfpeaka- ^.^^ fpjendour bleTplendour of many millions of glorified Saints, ums! whofe bodies alfo will out-fhine the Swn.Stc Mat, i^.^^.Phil.S'2i. I>an.i2»^. Who arefaid tofhine as the hrightnejfe sfthe Tirmnment^ as the Stars .pan, 12.^. Js the Sun^Mat,i^./\.^. To be like Christ Himfelfe,rg,f (^Pnn- chiefes, what mining and c-ounter-mining, what ZulmL^lom, snyileri©ii5 >plQts and machiviiian depths, what exercife.iytai^^ •fttaoge -^ventures ande£ifions fometimeseven ^^{themo'com'. of bloudyifeas, no catch a Growne <: WitneflTe ilemfeive" and LanuficrBViJ^T,erk€,nSiYVi\\ habitable parts of the their ij/Ues Ma- ^ixh, which from time to time have become i%"{l^i°[!^ !blou^ cook-pits iin this kind. 2. AnBeavedyKirfgd9me,MaLj.2i.Andi^,^. ^Kt^^dl'm'^'^ toiintimateithat itfurpaueth in glory and cxcellen- ^ cy all earthly kit5gdoa3es,.asfarre as heaven tran- foendethearth^ndxunconceiveablv more. 3. rJie Kmgdome cf Got,, U^s 14. 2 ^ A ^ go'^J'^'^'''' Kingdomeof G o d s ownc making, beautifying andi)ileiGLng; who doth all things like Himfelfe, -asi faidbdfQite: repleniibed and (Inning with Ma- jeftyy.pkafures and ineffabk felicifti^^^bcfeeming theigioiious .'Rcfidencc of the King of Kings. 4. An 128 OFHEAUEN. 4, An inherit 4, ^w Inheritance^ (^dh 20.^2. Notatene- ^'*'"^' mentatvvill, to bzc polTdfeJ or left at the Land- lords pleafure : but an inheritance fetled upon us, and fealeduncousby tlie deareft and higheft price that ever was payed^which will be as orient, preci- ous and acceptable, after as many millions of yeares, as you can thinke,as it was the very firft day it was po wred out and payed . 4. ^gimm 5* k rich md gionofis inheritance^ 'Ef he f,\,\%^ inberitance. pit fot the Majefty and mercy of Almighty G o n tobeftow ; the unvaluable bloud of His Sonne to purchafe, and the dearely Beloved of His Sode to enjoy. 6. Thtitihed' 6. Kw Inheritance of the Saints h light ^ Cohjf, tance of saints, i. jj. Every Word founds a world of fwect- neffe. 7'jd» iHcorrup' 7. knlnheritanccincorrupible^andundejiled^and ttbie inherit ace. that fkdeth not arvay^ I Pet.i,/\.. There can never poflibly be the leaft diminution, much lelTe any aboliflimentofthe ie-aft glimple of heavenly glo- ry. But all bliffe above willbeasfrefh and full in- numerable yeares hence,as at our fift entrance, and fo thorow all eternity. 8. A crome. ^ • <-^ Crovme of right eoufne(fe^ 2 Tm,^. 8 .Fair- ly come by, and full dearely bought. A Crorvneof life^ lam. i . 1 2 . A Crowne of glory .^ 1 Pet. 5.4. Glory itfelfe,iJ(7»^.9.2^. Nay, an exceeding ex^:eedtnge- ierna^ waight of glory ^ 2 Corinth, ^.ij. Which Crownes, Kingdomes, Pearles, Jewels Feafts, 4i*c. do but weakely fhadow out unto us. Afoper- Uttvetranfcendent Phrafe (Qiith one) fach as is not to he found in all the Khetoricke of the Heathens ^hecaufe they OF HEAVEN. 129 _— — — ^ . ^ . — . J ' _ _ _ ' ■ ■ ■ iw n. they never m^t^offuch^thewe^ner whhfuehdfpmt^ 9. Fuineffcofjop everUfiin^ fk^fires^Pfalie, ?• ^»^«/e •/ 1 1 . o^ fivfft fimmg river ^j^tmevf ^f)^e4fr9%s^ ■^^* pJal.^^^X yi^ycty Jfijsif.Q,^^^^ Ma-. :?. In'atliircIplacc^Uetiis .confide the l'>€auty gienfiedhd^et, and blcflcdncflTc o^gloiified Bodies. .Cu^CuZ Z' I doe not here cunouily Gng.mre with w cipiat quiT^u^ ScJ^oalc-men 5 whether t^e.^lpry of the body "'"^"'•^^jj doth fpring originally out. oTxav-blcflTcdiaeffe ^ud bdTinTuvcn' bcawtifull excellency ofthe jrpu.Ie,a;id fo redounds tatc,-tiamG u. aponxhe body^by ^<:ommQd cpiiftant in^uence, "j^^^VSt as {^qtiiff as thmiis^ <)d",.(\vbichIa;^therfoHow) habum-iK, -fi chat thofc.exccUcat endowments ^nd heavenly ante eft d^fan- fplendours are on|^nally aad di%ofitively im- ^(rf/.o^JLjl! planted by Go p s hand in the reformed body, ti.caf^.i^. or.clyperfc^^edand gfluated .(as it were) by-tlW . "^'"^ *"* Glorious loule;, ^5 ^QAmmturc i!.ipp,aicxh. 5>.ure I ^c^nicmnt ef- am in general!, they fhall be made U^z ihegloriatu ^-j «iam fccuU WvefC H K I , ^,m>t.i,ri. AnatlMtishappi. tT'hotf„t nelle and honour enoughs inexplicable, tupe^cmi- j-ivemutetn. /- nent. •'fw '*^^- Bcfides their freedorac from all defers ajcid im^ oiuie*^ "11m ptrfc(Slions, Qifeafcs and difterapers, infirmities n^-g^' corpo- and deforn[iities, "^ raaimedneffc and monflrous 'liTS fuwi cr.iiir, vcl futuri eiant ia juvenili attatc. li^m IhU C4pi6, Qliibus omnibus pro noltro modulo con^deiatis & tia«5tatisjh3cc fumma coniicitur, ut in rcfurrctftione jcarnis in xternum eas menfuras habeat c jrporum magnitude, quas babcbatjpcificicndx live pcifefte, cujufcunqj iadit.icorpou ratio )avcmutis,in mein- broium quoqi ©mnium modulis congruo dccoic ferramr. {biiLCap 20. ^U the bo.Ue! of the Ele^fhillarife in thatpcrfci^ion of nature^ vheremti they ff^taU hare attained ky their mimaii temper aniconfiitution^ if no impediment bad hindered : tMil in that vi;:our of 0,?^e,t}:at aperjeH man is at about three and thirty yeares oUl^acb in their proper fexe. 5o Cml^ feme worthy Divine^ wliofc nam? 1 forgot to note when X ♦poke his Saying. K fliapes 5 I30 OF HEAVEN. fhapcs, 'infancy, ot Becrtpitneffe of ftature^ ^c. From want of mcatc, drinke, manage: tfor wcc fliall hcL'kethe Angels of Go d in hcave/J, CHatth. 22.30. ^c^AlhunxiJ'rto mfre, neither thirfi any ptdrejRev.j.16. of (Iccpcj for there fliallbccno wearying of the body, or tyring the fpintsj for, • Aftrnerc wc flnll Uvcby the all-fufficient Spiiit of Himfclfe, and run parallel! with the loj- gcft line of eternity. In which rcfpcd alfo, our condition OF HEAVEN. 131 condition is a tboufrrd times more hsppy and gloricusjthanif wcbad {\ocd f^ill with K^dam in his innoccncy and felicity. If fo, he could but i Js^TJ^" have convcjghed unto us bodies immortall *fitcr.- quadiifaxiam ; ua Hfn mme^iif (X Hyfcthji^ zsihcy fay 5 that is, ^^® endowed onely with power of rot dying, if fo tia'' Tom'Sl and fo : but now they fhall be immoitall impcte»- abfoluta , sc tikmoricndi, thatis.fhinc for ever in the hieheft T.*"'*: ^'*'.'*' licavens with impoflibuity or ever p^riliiing. mortaiitatcm faakct, I Tiai. 6. 16. 2. Impotcntia moricndi cxgrati^i cmtioais: 6c AngcU & anitn* bumsox Sknt ii-nmoLtaks. J Impotcntia rroriendi ex gratia donis fie ««Inm neviim, terra nova^ corpora kcaterum immortal, tatem liabebunt 4, potcntianon moncndiexalitjaa Hypothcfi, licet in fefit mortak. Sic ko«»o ante p^^catam crat immortaliscoipotejCX Hypstbefi oaionis ewaaasma sriginalncr pcifeda, imraort-Ii. 2. jHcnrupibUnefey i drinth. 15. 44. 54. »'f«* the body will prefently be there where the foulc would have it] of extraordinary fpeed, andincre- * Corpus diblyfliorttime; o^^//?/?.^ cals it * impercepible. Yeiu ° iTtTm- So that I doubt not, but that a glorified Saint ^c^^ pore, fed im- ring to be in fuchor fuchaplaceathoufand miles P^'^"^"''b[evi- <^^t)^ft^^* ^^"^^ very firft bent of his will that way, V^crnsuppim would be there in an "^ incredible lefle time, than 3 pagA^-'^^^' thou wouldeft imagine. * But mt in an inftantxOi Aquinas hU argument demon/lrates unanjrcerahly thus.'Jn mom locali fpa- tium & motiis &tempus iimul diviJuntur, ut deinnnftiativ.- prubauii in 6 Phyd'c. Sed fpatium quod tranfit corpus gloriofum perfuum rnotum, cftdivifibilc : Ergo & motHsdivifibiliseft, & tempus divifibile, inftansautena nondividitur. Ergo&tnotus illc non eric in inftanti. Ibid. Sedcontra] Bellarmine thn errs in hU Aft ojWeU- dying travJI^itei into Englijjj hyO E pag.i i f . faying: The Saints having the gift of agility can in a moment pafle ftom place to place — from Eaft to Weft,&c. {if he fpeake properly ) ^.Thegioryof 5, Glory, 1 Corimh,i$.^^, The bodies of the bodies inbesv?^ Saints in heaven fhall be palTingly beautiful!, fhi- ning,andaimiable. *omnis cor- Two things (according to "^Auftin) concurreto Sn Xti- *^ conft«ution of beauty': urn congruen- tia, cum quadam coloris fuavitate. — Proindc nulla erit deformitas, quam fecit incongrucntia partium : nbi & qux prava funt cotrigentur : & quod minus ett quam decet, undc Creator novit, inde fupplcbitur : & quod plus eft qii.\m dccct, materiae fervata integritatc, dctrahctur. Coloris ponbfiuvicasijuantaci it, ubi jufti fulgcbunt ficut Sol in regno Patris fui ? Z)c Civif De i Cap 1 9. I ExceHentpro' i. A dueand comely proportion-, an apt and ^nbeavfn. congruent fymmctry and mutuall correfponden- cy OF HEAUEM. 137 cy of all the parts of the body: or in a word, well- favouredneffe. 2. AmiablenelTe of coloiir3a pleafing mixture tPerfen colour, of thofe two lively colours, of white and red. I add a third. 3. A chearefull,lively,lightfome afped. When sMveiyajpe^. thetwo former materials (as it were j are pleaiant- ly enliv'd and. actuated by a lively qricknefTe and modeft merinefle of counrenance. Wheretfoft, (f;iith the Moralift) it U not the red and white, which giveththelifcand prfcBion cf beaut j: hut c?rtain€^ j^arklmg notes. and touches cf at?:' ab!e ci.ecrfulnejje ac~ comfanjing the fame . In hcau^y ( f lith another) that of favour is mere than that ofcolcur-^andthat of decent ^ ■pleafingmot'on-,morcthan that cf favour. T^ hat is the hef-part of beauty ywhrch a piiJure cannot exfreffe^ ^c. Allthefeconcurre in eminency and excellency . , inglorihed bodies. ofexceilcnms 1. An exquifit feature and ftatute, beau- j?^'<"''i^^''^^ tified by Gods owne blelTed all-mighty hand, with the utmofi: of created comlinefTe, and match- lefTe proportion. 2 . Not onely fweeteft mixture of livelieft co- lours, but alfoa bright fliining fplendour of cele- ftiall glory. ^. And both thefe aduated to the life, prefer- ved in perpetuall freflmefle and oriency , and quickened ftill with new fupply of heavenly a,5tivenefre and amiablenefle by a more glorious foule j (for, if the brightnefle of the body fliall match the light oftheSunj what, doe you thinke, will bee the glory of the foule ^ ) and by an infinitly ijg OFHEAUEN. *ytaninia infinitely more ^lorious foirit, which fhallplenti- iftadum cxei- r 11 j*. j n • i t f r ^ cet fiinaioncs fuUy ^ dwell m them both tor cvcr. fnasin corpore impertitei colotCin & totam banc cxtera.itn corporis gloiaim • Ita turn cum D E v « eric omnia itiomaibuSjSpiiitus Oh risti in nobis [labitanSjinduet corpora noftia glorioSlfi na, quibuftji qualitatibus, RoUocin/jhr^in. Cap 5. Amplification AmpUfie the glory of our bodies in heaven hoTcitfeave. from fuch places asthcfe : Da^.n^i. OiUt.is.^5' Phil ^,20j2i.Coly^,^. From which the ancient Fathers alfo thus collcifl and affirme ; micant'bisl^. ^/ rvc JhouU Compare ( faith ^ chrifoftome ) ourfu^ lisradijs futu- ture bddks evcn with the mof gliflering kames of the ra nobis corpo- Sun-^wc j})aII yet U^j mth'm^^ totheexpnf^mofthc^ ra contuleri- ,, r 1 ■ n ■ 1 £ J ' J '"— ^ mus, nihil ta- excellcmj of their jhmtng glory. men pro illius fpfendoxis dignitatc explicabimus. Sermde ml/ericordid. * In iiid fi- Thebeautj ofthejufl in the other life ( laith "^ o/;?- "^"uin do''^ )^/?»? ^^ullbeeqmlltothegloryofthcSHn, though fe- faftorum Solis *venfild brighter then now it is. putchritudini , qui feptemplicitcr, quam modo fit, fplcndidior eiit, adsequ.ibitur. Vnde fcriptutn eftjFul^cbiinc jiidi, ficut Sol in confpc(Su Dei . 2?e fimlhui Cap.so. * Hujiis j-^jg J*- hrtghtncffe ofaglorifcd body doth a^farre ex- m claritas ran- ^^^^ ^^^ ^^^i ^ ^^e Sun oHr mortdl bddy . turn Solem ex- cellit, quantum Sol in claritate noftrun corpus praecellit. jlpui Auffijl Tom.^.p.z. Mihipa^.ioS^. -: Then fliall the righteous fhine forth as the Sunne, in the Kingdome of their Father] Not OF HEAUEN. 139 Not ( faith "^ Chnfoficir.e) bccauje they ft: all no^ fir- * ^««c /«/- pafet/je brightnepof the Stm ; but^ becaufc that be- %ut\d in betngthe mofi ghttenngthnginthe %vcrlcl.j lee fakes a rigm fatru refemblafjce thence towards the exfrepng cf their in- ^Z^^^^i^f^^^^ COmf arable glory. amfplcndorem ron fupera- bunt ; ka quntido nihil fclgen'.ius Sole vidernus, proptcrea re apcitiflima nobis ad cxprimcnJurn ufiis eit. In liSat.Homi^ /)- 6/ But hov/ can th-re be fo mi;ch beauty afid de- ^'orifedejes lightFull amiable nfpfd: in fuch intenfive and ex- ^^'^^^-^^ ^' traordinary biightnefTe c' Or what plcafure can we take in beholding fuch extremely bright and Ihining bodies ! Sith wc find by experience, that there is fane more content and delight in looking upon a well-proportioned objecfi:, beautified with a pleafant mixture of colours, than in feeing the Sun, though it fhould not fo dazle, and olfend the eyes. For fatis fa (5li on herein, wemuftknow, that the * glorified c3^c fhall become impalfible, elevated *Neq,ineo farre above all mortall poilibility, and fortified by '°^°^i^"^cnd' an heavenly Vigour, to apprehend and enjoy all ce- forte a nimio lelftiall light and glory with much ravifhing con-^^P'^"'''°^^ ^^' tentment and inexplicable delight. & '^ -"Jj ** "."Jj] beati erunr, ac per hoc impafl;bilcs & immortales ; qui cnim luminc glor/ar confortabit oculos. mentis," nc vidcntcs Devm facie ad facicm^ opprimantui a gloria, jdem etiam date imp-.iTibiluatiS confortabic ocalos co;pons, nt Gne laefione cernant non Solem unuaij fed innumcrabilcs. Secondly : that omnipotent mercifull hand of "'^^ hrigiMms God, which will raife our bodies out of the duff, >^^ ^«^^'^*-^^- and refcrm.e them anew, can caufe light and colour to 140 OFHEAUEN. to concurre and confift in excellency, in glori Red bodies. Thofe things which according to nature can confift togithcrj the one or both htrngmgradu remijfo, ( as they fay ) abated afthar height, can by divine powerconfift togi:ther/>^r4^« imenfipmo fux fpecieijin their excellencj : but it is fb with light and colour according to nature : ergo^ ^c. as W ^^.^'^' * Durandu'S one of the acuteft Schoolemen makes * Corporis good by arguments. Whether (hall colour or gloria natu- lightbefeene:' "*■ Why notbothin amoftdelici- ram non tol- j • i t let fedpcrfici" ous admirable mixtute cf per ct : unde color qui debetui* corpori ex natura fuanim parcium, remanebit in eo, fed ftipcraddetur claritas ex gloria animx. Si(?ut etiam videmus corpora colorat.i ex natuia fui, Sol:s fplendore reluccrcj vclcx aliqua alia caufa excrinfcca, feu intrinfeca. ^quin. Sup- In noftifucis fimul ftant color &lux, upapparct ad fcnfum, & (ic videcur qiiod virtute divina corpora gloriofi poflunt limulefle coloiaca & luccntia. 'Din.Lib ^ Z)//?.44.i; 8. Theexercifesof Hccrc the Sccolemcn according to their wont the fenfes in do curioufly inquire, difcufTe and determine the eaven. manner of the a(5ts5exercife and obje(5ls of all the fenfes. They fay not only 3 i . That the eye fliall delightfully contemplate C h r i s t 3 glorious body, the fhining bodies of the Saints, the beauty of the Empyrean Heaven, &c. 2. The eare di'inkeup with infinite delight, the vocall harmo- ny of Halelu-jahs, Sec. But alfo audacioufly un- dertake to define without any good ground or found warrant, many particulars about the other fenfes, not without m.uch abfurdity, andunfpiri- tualneffe. But let it be fuificientforus, without fearching ©*F HEAVEN. 141 fcarching beyond the bounds of fobricty^ro know * i" '^^.^ t""- for a cercaine that every fenfe fhall be filled with datioquxdani its fcvcrall {insularity and excellency of all pofli- mtfiahiiis bo- blc *- pleafure,and pcrfedion. & mcftnr Jii! Jiilccdmc fm" totof CDS Jnenarrab;li abandantia fatiabit. Quid dixi totoi ? Oculi, aures, aareSj os, manus,guttar,corjiCCur,pKlmo,o{ra, medullar, cxtact;ata ipfa, & ciinCta figtihtini fingulaq; membra eoium, incoiHir.unitam mirabiii delciTc. honis & uulccjinis fenfa replebimcur, ut ver.^ torus homotorrente voluptatis' DSi potcttir, &ab ubcrtatc do« mwxijiis inebrittur. ytMjclnt de fimiiitnd.Cap. 5 7. 4» In a fourth pi acc> let us take a glance of the TheSou'tsh- unutterable happineflc of the Soule. I {liould be infinite and endlefle, if I did under- take to purfue the feverall glories, felicities, and excelleRcics of every faculty of the foulc; and when I had done, ended with the utmoft of all both Angelicall and humane underftanding and eloquence, conie infinitely fliort of exprelfing them to the life 3 I will at this time butgive you at'tafte onely, in the anderihading Patt r And that fliall be extraordinarily and fupernatu- j^"'^ '^"^- rally enlarged and irradiated with the higheftil- ^ ^^ luininations, largeft comprehenfions, and urmoft cxTctit of all poifiblc comfortable knowledge, of which fuch a creature is capable. r. Humane knowledge of Ait9j Nature, erea- ^.*^«'^<^^«'^ ted things, is delicious and much defircd ; Wit- *^ """^ * ^^' iJeflTc, 1. ThewifeftHeathens,3ndbcfl:Philofopher£, who were fo ravifhed but even with a dimme glimpfe of this knowledge, that in comparifon tllcreofthey have contemned all the riches, plea- fercsjand f^ermenf s of the world. 2. That 142 OF HEAVEN. 2. That wife faying : k^ learned mAn dsth as farn excell an tlliterdte^ as a re^fonMe creaiure 4. brute, 3. The extraordinarily exulting and trium- phant cry of the famous Mathematician, hitting after long and laborious difqaifition upon fomc * I'tpw*, abftrufc excellency of his Ait ; * ihaveJoHndttj f li;/^*. havefiundit, 4. That palTage in an Epiftlc of &mas Silviut * Cuius fi. to Sigtfm. D. ofLyfuJlrJa : "^ if the face of humAne ««=*» ^ y ^<=';* learning could befeene^ tt is fairer and more beautifull or ^^^^^^ayAmtfj'^'^^h^^ormngandEvemngStarre. Liicfcr , & 5. Ferthcfleajure and delight 0f knowledge And ^*'*'^Mv.tnce' ^^^^^^^ (faith *anothcr) itfarre furpaffethalltther m^nt of Learn in nature : for jhall thefleafures of the affUHons fo ex- L'*.i.p.j^.t+. ceedthefenpSy as much as the ok dining of de fire and victory exceedeth afing or dinner? i^ndm:*fi not (of confeeiuence) the flenjures of the intelle6i or under flan- ding txceedthefleafuresoflhe affeihom? We fee in all other fie afures, then is afatietj -, and after they bez^ ufed, their verdour departeth ; which fheweth well, they be but deceifts offleafure^ and not fle^fures ; and that it vpds the novelty rvhichpleafed, and not the efudtty, f^nd therefore wcjee,that voluptuo.is man turne Fri- (rs ; And ambitious Vrincet turne melancholy. But of knoxvUdgcthere u nofaUety : Bttt fans fatf ion Ahdap' petite are pcrpeiUAUy interchan^^eable ; and therefore^ Appear eth t§ be goo din itfelfejtmply , without fallacy or accident. Now this learning ihall then be fully perfcdcd, and raifcdto the higheft pitch : fo that the leaft and loweft of the Saints in Heaven (hall farrc furpafle OF HEAVEN. 143 furpaflc: inclearc contemplation of the caufcs of all naturall things, and conclufions of Art, the decpcft Philofophers, greateft Artifts, andlcar- nedft Linguifts that ever lived upon earth. There arc many difficulties and doubts in all kinds of humane learning, which havcfromtimc totimcexcrcifedthcbraveft wits; but by rcafon of the native dimncfTe of our underftanding, never received cleare lefolution and infallible affent. As^ Whether the Elementary formes bee in mixt '^i^cuitkiin Bodies J Y.Corruped. 2. Remitted oncly^^. Or, Ert. J-„^^'"''*'" tire? Whether thcceleftiall Orbs be moved by K^n^els or int email. formes ? Whether there bee three diftini^ foules in a man ; i. Vegetative, 2. Senfitive. 5. Rati$nall: Or one onely in fub- ftance, containing vertually the other two :* How » pecuhat • all the "^ (fauviiiiv Alchymte, caufe ofCriticall daies.^ The myfts about thefe and many things moe, ^11 be difpcrd out of our mindSjby a cleare funnc of a new and excellent knowledge: fo that wee fhal be exa^ly acquainted with t he caufes,natures, beginnings, of-fprings, and ends of all creatures, and created things. 2. We 144 OV HEAVEN. £rroT{ and j, \y^ (\^^\\ clesrcly fee add comprehend the riruhr^ re, olveJ . , rrrnrT -iii a in hcsvcu 'VaHity and rottenneilc or all Hereticall cavils, An- tichriftian depths5popini trupoftiu c, the very botr tome of tha5:Mioft wicked m4 abhoned Myfi^rit-i tlict.rue, full, and fvvieftt meaning (of:aIl ,le:(ieid Boake s >viiet,ticr I^k ,wile bid her hvisi)^nrf iblefle.or .curfc Go p-: '^\\tihe myjf.e^ ^.Wcfball with\Wondcrfull-ravil1-amcntofipirit, ries iinswnc in {^nd fpirittiall jjoy , be admitted to t he ;fight of tiipf^ heaven. facr^d iecrct? and glorious ;fny (leiues: i .Of the ko )ty T^rl^kyi into which fomc piv4ncs mg.y audaqi- .oufly di^ye^but.flial never be able to explicate; 2. Of ihc^nion of C H -R i s t s hqmanitytQtjrie divine joaturej and of the fairhfuU to Christ: 3 . Ofrhe caufesofGp d s ctcrnall counfellin Elei^i^nand Reprobation: 4. Qf the Angels fail: 5. Ofthp panner of the Creation of the '>vorld,&c. K.nt)ii>ud^,e ef 4- Wc iliall knowonc anothCfr : JFor, MtamthriH j, AUcomfortable knowlcdgcfhall befof*^frc from being aboliflied/that it will be inlarge^, iar cre?;fed^and perfcdcd : But to know one another is a ,coHafortabl? Itnowledge, Therefore we (liall know one another. Our knowledge fliall be perfcdcd : VoYyWf.fhdS^ k»9VP as ^e are knorvne, i Cor. 1^,17, Which is fet out by comparifon of the lelle: That our know- ledge then, fliall diifcr from that now, as the knowledge heaven. OV HEAVEN. 145* knowledge of a child (torn that of a ftrfeci inan : by a^/4//^, from feeing xht thing it felfe : that of a fUnfieech, from a rMle. Why then ihould we doubt of knowing one another ^ cfpecially, fith oar Saviour C h r i $ t fetteth forth the ftatc of th e bleffed by the knowledge one of another, Af<<^. 1 7. And as the knowledge is perfc^ft, fo the memo- ry. In nothing rauft out knowledge be empair'd butbettei'd. 2. Wefhall then enjoy every good thing, mi comfortable gift,which may any way incrcafcand inlarge our joy and felicity ; But meeting there, knowing then, andeonver- Cn? forever with our old deare Chriftian friends, ana all the glorious Inhabitants of thofc facred Palaces, will mightily pleafc and rcfrcfh us with fwceteft delight. Therefore we fliall know one jrnother. ^rti * ' Society is not comfortable, without familiar pjaj^nw et^ acquaintance : Be affurcd then, it (hall not bee *ther. wanting in the height aAd perfedion of all glory, blifle, and joy. Nay,our minds being abundantly and beatifically illuminated with all wifdome and knowledge, wefhall be inabled to know, not only thofe of former holy acquaintance 5 but alfo ftran- gers, and fuch as we never knew before 5 even all the faithful!, which ever were, are, or fhall be. We fhall be able to fay, this was Father i^hrd- ham, this King David, this Saint Tml : this was Luther, Cdvin, Bradford Jkc. this niy Father, this my Sonne, this my Wife, this my Paftour^thisthc occafioHcr oi my cpnvcrfion, c^r. as may bee L gathered 1^6 OF HEAVEN. tft'-etUt u g^^^^^'^^ ^y proportion out of Go d s Bookc. heaven' we Jbai !• If * oV^'WC beforc the fall had that mcafufc k^ox» one ant- of illumination, that hcc knew Eve, and from '*'* Rcftr hinc whence (he came, at thcfirft fight: much more coiii^itur no$ ftiall out kflowledgc in heaven, and highefthappi- in vita xtcrna, ^^^^ \^q cnUrged in this kind. Ribus ignoran- tiae & ccecitatis ncbulis ctiam not invicetn, & omncs Santos qtioi nunquAoi vidi- Biusagnicurot.. Si cnim Aiamus virtuteimagiAi$divinaBconcrcatz£v<(^decorp»re fuo fuinptatn, cam c fomno cvigilaflctjiUico igiiovis : Quomodo non ctiaiijfccundum candctn imagincm tianfnuutati dc gloriain glanam, a D o m t n i SpiricUjSandoj fit bcatoscjufdem corporis membra agaofccramusr I(^erHnit.Hariti,Evsag.Cap.Sj, Suntne bsmines in viti ttternife mutua agnituri i Utiq; qui plcni futuri fimt SpiRiTrSANCTO& fap'catiajficut jitUmzn^ lapfutB adhttc rctincri injcgritatcm imaginis D i i, E-ua-Tijqj'jam nunqiiam viderat. It ■ade;ume£«c^ncmiac dicentc,agnoyit,Ge;i.i.i3,0tfcNon vcn, knowcxa^ly all the blcflcd ones, though nc- -tf erte ex imagi- vei acquointcd with thcm upon earth 't aibus& flatu- is, quibus uti Juilxisnen fwc conceflurn: ncc ex notitijs nacmalibas, quae in rcbns calefiibus pcnicus funtcoecx : {j^d ex fola gratia Di i, quae incredibilcui bancra<« vientrae & cogntuonis lucem animis Apofiolorum infadit. Ut erg6^4/Stte/ex D 1 1 infpiratione j'tw/e^isagnovitnunqaaaiantc^ viTutn^i Sam. •.17. Etquemadmodum/elrdnffri' in utero intra alvum B.Virginis, Ciiiii«ttm Doininum fuum agnovit : ita S p i R i t r s S A n c r 1 radijt bnium etiim nacncet Inerunt illuftratae, JQcmHiUoc/Upra cit. Fetrta in montc ia mortali corpore Mofem & tliawi quos nunquam videiat^cvcL^ lione iiucroa cogoovit,Mac.i 1.34. Juc4s /«( /1f/>r« ci/. ^. Cm »i JT t€lsthcJcwc$>it«i^#i5.2S.Thflt they OF HEAVEN. 147 xhcypd/lfce K^hrahdw, MHilfaacandUcob, ttnddd the Prophets in the kingdcme ^' G o d , and t hcreforc know them : * And D/t^w is faid ro know K^hrA- * ^«»' ^""o* hAm-mdi LAzarus info great adiftancc, Luke 16, ^^//'^/w*^ Whence I argue thus : i^ the darned know thofc fuppueto agnej- who arc faved, though they have never feenthemj ^^^' ^' "I"™ much more (hall the glorified Saints, now plcnti- ^arupt mimme fully endued with ill knowledge, and fupernatu- recogaoviflec , rally iUightcned by the H o l y G a o s t . d. v" T'" t tormentiJ po- fitumjdc tia/ifadacjus contmiont loqucretHr,tliccnj, miiUis retiibutionis cxcrcfcit: ut & bom amplius gaudeantj qwi fccum cos lattari confpicianc quos amaverHnt ; &maltdum cumcis tovqucntur, quo« in hoc mundOj defpcAo Deo, dilcxtiunt, eosuonfoliim fua, fed ctiam eorom p«na confunnat. Many of the ancient Fathers arc of the fame ^b fejiimo- mind: (Whofe authority J never urge forneccffi- Irl pdtJuccd^ ty of proofe; Gods blcflcd Word is evermore than infinitely all-fufficicnt and fuper-abundant for any fuch purpofe : but onely, either, i.Som- times in fome fingular Points to (hew confcnt : or 2. Incur controverfies againft the Antichriftians, Antinomifts, Neopelsgians, &c. Or, ^. When fome honeft pafTagc of fandification, or fcafona- bleoppofition to the corruption of the times, is falfely charged with novelty, fingularity, and too xnuchprecifcaeflc.) • La i» There 148 OF HEAVEN. I. There was a Widow in t^uflim time, who craved very importunately both by word and ; V writing, fomc confolations from him, to fupport her under chat incomparable croflTe of her hus- bands lofTe and widow-hood :and,as it may fcera, fhc defired to know whether ihe fliould know him inthefecondlife. For the firft, he hits upon the i fwectcft, mightieft, and moli foveraigne comfort ! f "la^m ^' Ire ^^^^^ could pofTibly be imagined. * Tm can hy n» ji dcbes,"cum7ii ^f^^^tftcs (faith he) tf^nke yourfelfe dsfoUte 5 wh en- * intenore ho- j$y fke frefei$ce and pofTeiJion ^/JbsusChrist JJiifcntem^'^' i»theinm6flclofetofymrkartbyfaith. About the c H E 1 1 TYM other, he anfwers peremptorily : * This thy hui- p«r fidcm in ^4^^^^ y^ rvhfi (kcedfe thou art called a widow, JbaU p!/f 6.j^ Point; thai this for themoft part is the curious ""^"'jT^^^J ^^/e of carnal 1 people- who feeding falfly their ^^^* and boaft what he will da in New- England when hee comes thither; andycc (pooreman) he hath neither iliip nor m£>ney, noj? meanes, nor knowledge of the way, nor provifiofl before- hand for his comfortable planting.therc. ^tf,^, ^„^ ^y? To coole and confiont fuch lazie, idle, and ^ntge C H R 1ST after thfjlefbyyet nffiv henceforth kne» wt Htm no mere. Our mutuall knowledge one of ano- ther in heaven fhall not be in outward and worldly refpcds, but divine and fpiriruall, as wee know them- in C H R I s t, by the illumination of the Spirit. L3 jr.Wc ijo OF HEAVEN. trejhasi^Hm ^. Wcc fliill ktiow the fpirituall fubftances, teve"^^^^^'* ^-^^<^5» orders, excellencies of the Angels: the • Sapientia Hiturc, imn^ortalicy, operitions and originall of ^im omnes QUr OWnefouleS,(:J'^. In a word, all things* know- in hac vrti non ^U!^ Mtilitcr aiaant, *^*C» tama in futura Tita bonis cnt, ut eoram qn* fcirc volueriitt, nihil fit quod ijnorcnt. Bonuj enim perfcfti quae Dbu» eft fapientia rcplebitur, earnq, face ad ficicm imucbitur, «|aatndurn ita perfpexcrit, creatara? totius naturam vidcbit, qis in D E a mch* AS quam in feipfa conduit. Tunc ctemin juUi cunifla faciit quat D t v s fecit (ci- «ncla,tam caquas pixteriw, quani ca qu« poS.-Bodam fuac fiwura. jinfelm, de fi' militud.Cap.^i. Cumclediamiqiiospatrcsinillaaiterna hzrcdftitc viierint, eisincognftf pervifi- onem non erunt, quos ia opcre femper novenint. Quia cnim illic omncs communi claritate Db v M confpiciunt j quid eft, quod ibi nefcianc, uU fcientetn omniafci- unt !> Greg/DialtgLib.^.Cap.is- Neqjfola vilio Dfi i fanfiis hominibus in ccelo promittitur, f€detiam omnium Krum,quas fecit Devi. Hie quidem in terrisccrnimus per I'enfun videndi, folem, &lunam, &ftelias, & terras,& maria, Scfluaiina, & ani-nanna, &aibarc$, &; me- talla. Scd mens noftra nihil oiwuinbcernit ; i e. nullam fubftintiam crcitam peiftftj novit, non differencia$ elfentiales, non proprietatcs, non vires, ac ne animam quident fuam homo videtjfed more coecorum palpindo tffeCta, 8c difcurreudo per rationem aliquidcognitioaisacquirit. Quale ergogaudiumerit. cum mtelligsntia noftrarcvc- lata facie manifcftevidebitnaturas ommum reium, difF^rentias^ proprietates, virej? Et cum quanta exultationc obftupefcer, cum viJebit exercitum Angelorum innume- rabilem, auorsm nuUus cum alio m fpecic conveiiit, & diftcrenuas omnium & fin^n- loium pcrlpicHc intaebitur ? 7)e ittern Fxlicit Vh ? Cap.*. Whem»e fbufl i^titrt G o & m beaven,i»e fijaUin Hiial^naw the manner of theworli e^ Creation, the myjferiei »ftbe vxtrl^e oj owt KeJemption : jfea,fo muth f^o»leJge as a creature canpo^ibly conceive andeoinprehmdofthe Creator andHu worths , P.P. HoTvGovfbaa ^, Wc fl^ii be bcatifically illightned with a ^eaven.'^^ *'* clcare and glorious fight of G o d Himfclfcwhich About which the Schoolcmcn audacioufly dif- courfing,fall upon ditfcring conccipts. I. Son^iefay, God lliall then be knowncby a 5/>^r/^rcprclcnting the divine EiTcnce: and by a OF HEAVEN. 151 Light dfglcry clev sting the iinderftanding by afu- pcrn-ituiall ftrergth. 2. Others, 1 hat the divine Eflenccfhall be re- picfcnted to the glorified undcrftanding, not by a- ny 5/'^rw,bi;t immediately by itSelfe; yet they alfo require light ofghry to elevate and fortifie the underftandirg by rcafon of its weakenefTc, and in- finite difproportion and diftance from the incona- prehenfible Deity. J, Others hold, that to the clearc vifion of ^"^SS^a. God, there is not requiredai'^tf^/ who is pre>udicately and paflionatelytran {ported with anger, malice, or hatred againft the party to befcntcnccd. p^,^. 2. Patience to hearethe bafcft, both parties > all hzlring caujip, diey could fay. And unwillingneflfe to lend his care to the one,without the o^ers prcfcncc. 5. A greatand happy memory. tisppy mmsty.: 4* Singular fagacity in fearching and diving in- ^^ilico\ls» 155 handcdjthatthcy might deale honcftly in their pla- ces. And his owne followers, to whom hce gave a chai ge at his firft entrance to a j udiciall place^that they fliould not meddle, nor make any motions to him, that hemight be fecur'd from all appearance of corruption. And,asl am credibly inform'd,his ordinary reading of great letters, and rejc(5tion of gratuities after judgement given. 3. With a noble and unfhaken refolution, and op^ofnbn a- mighty oppofitionof Popery: and that without iZthfr^lT^ rcfpe^ or feare of any greatnefTe, as wee have evi- iuptms, dent demonftration. Now of this wee need no further teftimony (though there be very pregnant and plentiful! befides) than the prefcnt triumph of thePapifts; and barbarous infultaticns of that /, y . bloudy andmarderousgeneradon. Andefpecial- ou^^^^-^^--^^' ly in yonder Countrey of Lancafliire, and thofe Northerne Parts ; where hee fliooke the pillars of Popery more vaUantly and fuccefTefully^ than any thcfe many yeares. Officers in thofe Parts ob- ferv'd, that in his two orthree yeares, hce convi- ^ed, confin'd, and cdnform'd moc Papifts thc^^n were in twenty yeares before. And that laft charge he gave at Lancafier in his laft Circuit but one,(for I meddle not with the laft of all) for law- learning, earntftnefTc and excellency againft Po- pery, prophanenefte, non-refidcncy, and other corruptions of the times, and for the extraordina- ry heaitning and encouraging all good men and Eneouraging godly Minifters was fuch, that lam perfwacled, go^'yMmi/im, it will beremembred with dcarencfte and love, while any honcft man that heard i c or heard of it,^ is ij^ FumctaII N&tes is alive in thofe Parts. To go no further then: and this I now fay, I fpcakc of him as he was grovvne in his htter time j and ouc of hope he would have continued: and Ifpcake it alfo in compailion of mincownecountrcy; which I know by coo good cxperiencchow piiitiiUy ithes bleeding undcrthe infolency of Papifts, and multitude of Priefts : and then I fay, the redemption of the life of fuch a Judge;in fuch times as we livc,for the good of fuch a country,if we go no fuirher, if that had confi ■ cd with Gods pleafure, had becne worth a Kings ranfonie. ^ ""S^'°"^"* ^ ^^y ^^^ things thus together upon purpofc " '^'^ ' to aggravate the lo&, that a compailionat e confi- deration ofthegreatneffe thereof in thofe refpcdts Ihavetoldyou, may be as powerful I in begetting a godly and profitable forrow and taking ic to h^'ait in all truly religious and loyall hearts: as-I know rcjoycing in his fall will create in the in- folcnt fpirits of the enemies to God and the King, (I mcane the Papifts) barbarous infultations and triumph. I am pcrfwaded, if we getasmuch* humiliation out of the fenfe of a true lofle, as the Papiftshardning and obduration by apprehenfioa of their imaginary gaiae, we (Irall make a good ufc of his death. lam a little more earneft, becaufcl perceive the Papifts begin already to calumniate and (lander, Lo/e 0/ txcd' Here is yet another Point of profitable confidc- knt men apre- vationfrom the prefent occafion. When any wor* jtSilera.'"^ thy man in a S rate, efpecial ly who tikes a faithfull difchargeof his place, and the publike good to heart. upim Judge Nicolls . 1 5 7 heart, is cut off by the hand of G o d ; itis in a Chriftian jcaloufie, and out of fpirituall wifdomc to beholden as a prcfage of fome more fcarefull gcncrall judgement to fuccccd. I have my ground, //i.3. i,2,3,&c. And therefore my counfell is, and intheprefent cafe for one, when any good Patriot which in fome high place like a ftrong . Pillar oppofes the corruptions and Popery of the -times: or any faitl^ifull Paftour, which by his pray- ers (like zc^ofes) ftands in the gap againft the in- dignation of G o D, is taken away 5 that we take it to heaiT, as a CMemento, to make our felves rea- dy againft an evill day. And to tell you ray mind, I am much afraid fome heavy thing is preparing for us, our finnes are growne to fuch a height. I am no Prophet, northc.fonne of a Prophet ^ yet out of a comparative contemplation of G o d s proceeding with his owne people in all former ages, I cannot but concurre with the judgement of a great Dodor delivered in an high place: The /^^^>^pag*«> finncs of this Land arc come to that elevationjthat nJjinne'svf there is fcarcc left any roome for the mercy of tha lani God tohelpc us.They are even full ripe for His revenging Hand. Tohisfoure reafons I add two moye : his arc taken, i. From the greatnefTc and crying of the ftnncs, which are very horrible 5 Athcifmc,whoredome, Sodomy, bloud-flied, op- preffion, fuyes he; I add pride, drunkennelfe, u- fury,5dc. 2. From the generality of them. AH* forts arc wrapt in them. 3. From their impu- dency 5 with brazen browes, and whorifli fore- heads they out-face the Suru 4. From their i:n- paticncy l$s Funerall Nctes WonhiiS tA^ea cseeay. theymni Lord Haaiiigcon. patiency of admonition and reformation : they growfo upon us, that all the Pulpits in England cannot beat them downe. Adda 5^ from 2 Cfjre;t. 36.1 f'. And a 6^ from ifi-S- 1,2,^. &feq. I meanethe dropping away of many worthy men; and few take it to heart, or confidcr that they arc taken away from the evill to come. Wc have loft many a godly man within this few yearcs. The Princes Court was not many yeares fincc dif- rob'd and bereft of one of the nobleft men that c- vcr trod upon Engl i ill mould, be (Ides other noble ornaments, his eminency of grace made him fo. For, Chriftian Nobility is beft and trueft, where God Himfelfe is topofthckin, and Religion the root ; in regard whereof all the refl (I meane that of riches,birth,lcarning, or morality) are but (ha- dowcs andfliapcsof nobleneflc. And the other yeare, a very worthy 'Doctor, and triumphant Champion againft the Giants of Rowe. Againfl: whom they have fincc fentout an illiterate libell, cal'd^Whitc dy'd Black; fit for the foule and black mouthes of fuch railing R/tb(ljAk:hs, And now of luJge Nicollj, late, to fay no more, of a Chanccllour of rare and remarkable integrity in his Place. I have not yec done, and yet the time is done: onely a' word or two therefore, and fo I'lc make an end. And yet let no man think, that lam come hi- ther; Either iofinooth andmollificany faults or FauHs mt to he [mothered. I. frailties ; any fils or infirmities ; any perfonall finnesor imperfe(5tions that might be in this great Man. I dare not go about to cover them 3 that's noc H^on ludgt Nicolls. X5P not my office i I kave that to the precious bloiid of the Son of Go d, and tender-hearted mercies of our gracious Father. I would rather in this point- - advifeo-rcat men to walkc warily. For,their great- • ncfle makes their fins greatcr,and their mightinefTc will make them mightily tormented, except they ftand conftantly on G o d s fide. Height of Place ever adds two wings unto fin : Example and Scan- dall s whereby itfoares higher,and flies much fur- ther.^ Ifthc Sun bcecclips'dandobfcur'd; athou- fand cyesgaze upon it : a Icfo Starre may be dark- ned,and no -.nan take notice. 2. Ortofaftenuponhimanyfalfepraifesina lf/X%, flattering funeral IPanegy rick. I darcnot dawbc nt^^^anyj foraworidofgold. Himfelfeabhor'dthatj And not long before his laftfickneffe complained much acainft flattery, as a j^ricvous iniquity of the times. ^3. Grtomakeafolemneand foimall narration ^r.'^J^r of all his noble commendable parts. When I un- t\>% iivi»g. dcitookc this bufinelTe firft, I ftudied onely, and bethought my fclfe,how I might fpcake m.oft pro- fitakly , and make the beft ufe ofthe prefcnt occa- fion to my living Auditors. And had I not found pregnant matter for th^t purpofe, I had not beene here this day. And therefore for conclufion, and as the laft and beft fervicc I can now doe unto hira> to whom I owed as much as any man alive : I will labour from the occafion to workc fomc heavenly good (if Go D fo pleafe) upon the hearts, prc- fcntcd here this day as n felecf^cd and choice num- ber of his worthieft and dearcft friends. And to this end give mc leave to fingle out, and propofc ° f0£ x^o Funerall Notes mte^r'tty in difpofing EC- clefiafiualiU- vinis. Keftiitttion to the Ckurcb. for imitation^ fome worthy and noble parts of hisr and only tliofe which I conceive may be moft fea- fonable and fucablc ro the exigency of my Audito- ry. Ajid I mud alfo crave the aid of your loves unro him,& thofe foftned thoughts of mortality which are wont to attend thefe timesjthat I may convcigh and commend them to your liking and pradice- with more fucceffc and ftronger imprellion. And the firft I fliall commend unto you,is, I . His {ingiilar integrity and honourable pur- pofe in difpofing thofc Ecclefiafticall Livings he hadin his power. And in this Point I my iclfc C2X\ fay more than any, who tafted decplieft of his worthy dealing this way. When I never fought after, asitis famouflyknowne, nor thought up- on any fuch thing, he fcnt fbi'me, and bcftowed that which I prefently enjoy moft freely. Which, though every Patron ought proportionably to doe, yet the horrible corruptions abroad m' the world in fuch cafes, doe (as it were) by akind of Antipeiiftafis make a duty atranfccndent vercue. And this was. not all. Though incrochments iip- on the Church belike the breathes of the fef 5 a thoufand to one never retume : yet did he reftore to a farthing all that which had a long time beenc dctain'd from the Church 5 and parted with- it raoft freely; though hee had as much wit and .power as any other to have continued it fo, if, he had plcas'd. And I faid Ecclcfiafticall Livings, though I inftance but in ones bccaufe I partly knew hispurpofe for the reft. For, he gave mc hiiufclfe this mcflage to as worthy and reverend a man^ rfon ntf Patron. 16 1 man, as I know unprefcr'd in this Land 5 that if he would come unto him, he would give him the firftthat fell; and for no other reafon in the world, but bccaufe he heard he was a reverend and worthy man. Now lay thefe things to the pra- smonieaS^ra^ dice ofthe times, wherein there is fuch finfull and ^^fi^' Simonicall packing together, compacfling, fecret covenanting with the party or friends for prefenc money, orafer gratifications: fome part of the tithes, or hisowne muft be referv'd to the Patron, or he muft be the Farmer at his owne price 5 or pin a wife upon the fleeve of the Parfon, as they contemptuoudy Fpeake, (a bafe alfo and unworthy refpecf^) or the like fuch wretched combinations to helpe one another towards Hell : my difac- quaintance muft cxcufe my ignorance in the tcarmes: andthentellme if this was not a noble part in him worthy the imitation of the beft. J am perfwaded in this Poinr,he might be a patterne not onelytoallhereprefcntwhomit might concerne, (though ] look uponthe faces of fome who have d^" alfo very nobly this way) but to all the Pa- troR inEHGLAND. Be pleas'd then you that ^^« '«;^'c/« lov'd him to tread in his fteps herein 5 and the ra- "■' ' ther becaufeyour unconfcionablenefle in fo high and important a point forthe glory of G o d, and the good of the Church, may not only bring upon your owne heads, your houfesand pofterity, the curfeof G o n in the mcane time: but alfo a company of poorc foules caft away by reafon of your corruption, againftyou at that laftand great day : who will then cry o!ic upon yoy before the M face j^j FunerallJ^etes face of God, Angels and men; that you were the men who for a httle bloudy gaine pur upon them an ignorant, idle difToIuce, non-rcfidenr^ or fome way unfaithfull Minifter; (For, it is too com- mon, that thofe who enter corruptly , deaJc iincon- fcionably in their places) whereby they mufl now perifh everlaftingly j whereas if you had been ho- ned and uncorrupt, there had been hope they might have liv'd in the endltfTc joyes of Heaven. And what a vexing cry in the cares of all facrilegious Church-robbers 'iVill that be of a damned wretch in hell ; when he fhall complaine everlaftingly, that his foule had been fav'd,if fuch a man had not been SymoniacalL ^JavdkVth 2- Wis forbearing fravell upon the Sabbath in i^R D 4 day. his Circuit. Whereby he wan a great dealc of ho- iK)ur to his name over all this Kingdome 3 pre- vailed in the fame with others of his owne reve- rend ranke ; and by his example (as hath bccRc ob- ferv*d) wan much encouragemcntjincreafe and re- gard to Religion in thofe Countries thorow which he paft. I would I might fo much prevail^irh you, as that upon this occafion you would b^on- tenttotakcneerer to heart a more holy and hca- cw/cietice in vcnly fpcndiflg of the Lo R D s Day. Not onc- ^L^'Xfd!^' ly in forbearing fin, the workes of your calling, idlcncllcjvaincfports; this k but onely flying c- vill, and privative good; butalfoto ply with con- fcicncc and reverence all G o d s holy Ordinan- ces > prayer, reading, finging of Pfalmes publike^ ly and privately; the Word preached fpccially, 6. An cafinefTe of acceflfc, affableneflTe of car- %iiy, riagc: A faire,,loving, kind deportment towards all. J never fa w a man of fuch worth and great- neflc lookc more mildly upon a raeane Man in my life. And yet with fo grave a prefencejthat ncithcf the wchori^ of his Perfon^ nor due attributions ufon Judge Nicols . 1 6j to His Place rccciv'd any difparagcment or diminu- tion. I omit not even this, becaife even in this alfo He might have beene a notable Precedent to talcc downe the haughty imperious carriage of many a^ broad in the world of tarre more inferiowr Worth and Ignoble birth. For amongft all the degenera- g^c «<»):/ •% tions of our gentility \ (I fpeakc not of all, we have ad £acm* many truly fo called and woithy Gentkmcn)from that true NoblcnciTe and Ancient Worth, which dwelt formerly in the Gentle brefts of Englifh Nobles, this is not the leaft ; That they thinke to beare downe all before them with an artificiall ^f- fcded impetuoufneffe, as it were of Countenance j a difdainefuU negled and contemptuoufncs in their Carriage, with a kind of outbraving and brow-bea- ting of their Bretheren, As though brave Apparell andabiglooke were demonftrations of a Noble Spirit, whereas very often they only guild over a worthlcfle, weake and gracelcs Infide. As amongft Profeffors of Religion, Hee's the bcft Chriftian, which is moft humble : fo in the Schoole of Mora- lity hec hath beene holden the trueft Gentleman, which is moft courteous. 7. Hishappineffcin having Religious Follow- ReUgiout m-^ crs. Follow Him alfo in this. Heetaftedthe f^i^'inu- fruit of it in his laft extremities; Forbeingcaftby Gods Providence upon that Place in the Country where He had not fuchmcanes, and oppomnities for thofc laft comfortable Spiritual! Afi'ftances, which a dying man would aefirc : They were both ablcand did pray with Him to the Occafion, and prcfent necdTities^whercwithhc fceaicd to be M 4 much 1^8 Ftmerall Nous^(^c, muchaffcded,and fpoke feafonably unto Him out of the Bookc of G o D. Whereupon ] muft tell you 5 (Let as many prophanc fcorncfull Spirits gybe orgnaih the Teeth at it, aswill) Thofe Fol- lowers of His whofoever they vverc,call them Pu- ritanes,or what you will 5 Howfoever they might miffe in fome complcmcntall circumftances, by reafon of thofe amazements and griefc which fate fte/li upon their Heaits for the lofTe of their fo No- ble a Lord, yet they did Him in thofe laft Agonies more true fervice and Honour then all the fwaggc- ring Good-fellow Serving men will doe their Ma- ilers unto the worlds end : Let them follow you, as long as you will, tioveofpmer- ^' ^ right conceit and commendation of pro- fuupnathing, fitable and confcionable Sermons. He hath beene often heard of late times reply thus or in this fence to contradi<5lions : ] cannot tell, faies He, what you call Puritanicall Sermons 5 they come ncercft to my Confciencc, and doe Mee the moft good. This ofall the reft, I had purpos'd to have prcft moft upon you. If you were but thus aflfeded, ta fay theleaft ; you would begin to looke towarils Heaven.But J have already trefpaft too much upon your Patience. And therefore I conclude this Point with that of PW, fhil./\ s 8 . Fm^U'j , Ixt* A SER- i69 'iJ'>vJ V^ yj o'.-J mnr' A SER PREACHED AT LE3\(T' Assises^ ^Jnno Domm,MDCXXX. At J\(9rthampton^ before Sir RICHARD HVTTON And Sir GEORGE CROOKE, H« Majefiies luflkes of A^i[e,&c* TEXT. iCoii.Chap.I.Ver.25. Far Brethren, you feeyeur calling, hew not mAny wife men After thefleflh ftPf many mighty, not many noble are called, H E blefTed Apoftle Saint rbc coimne*, Paul pcrceivingjthat his prea- ching, and plantation of the Gofpcllof C H R I s T recei- ved ftrong and mighty oppo- {itionintheCityofCm>?^/',d corinti itfctv- Ufancious Marc Towne, feared ^^^ bctwccnctwo Scas^thcifij^^^wand lmm,^A£o fit for lyo A SERMON. for commerce with otha* Nations, full of wealth, knowledge, gloiy and the reft of caithly excel- lencies, labours in this Chapter to abafe, and di- (honour the pride, and vanity of all humane great- nelTe, and to advance the ncgle»^ed Myftery of his Heavenly Do<^rine,and the glorious power of downe-riehc preaching, which the great men a- mongft them efteemed fooliflineffe, yet indeed fuch as by which the Lord of Heaven and Earth favcth thofe thacbeleeve. And hee fo farrc acquaints them with the counfellofGo d in the point : that he gives them to underftand that upon the m atter,whereas thnoble, the mighty ^and wifi^ after the fie flu with all the bravery and fclfe-confi- dencc vanifh and pcrifli : Meaner men of lower ranke,and more contemptible are converted. In the words I read unto you hee appealcs to their owne experience in the point,and bids them lookc about,and view well, the workc of the Miniftcry araongft them, furvcy, and fearch throughly that foodly flourifhingbody of the Church, which he ad there created, and colleded by his eightecne months prefence, and paines : and they fhall finde, that not many wife nfttr theflefh, nor mighty, nor m- hie, gave their names unto Christ, or be- came profeflbrs of the Gofpell. Butthe fbolifh, and weake things of the world carry all away in matter of falvation, and entertainemcnt of C H R I ST. He renders two Reafonsinthe Uer- fes following : i. That the wife men of the wo rid may be confounded : 2, And that God himfclfcblcffcdfor ever may have all the glory The A SERMON. ' ^ 171 The words then being plainer Npt tnany mfe mat dfter theflefh , mt many mighty , mt m4Jiy mble arc^ sdUedy I build dirc(aiy, and naturally this point «pon them: Fev;> greai men goe to BtAven : Or "DoUr'tne, thus. Gnat men are feldemt good, I here under- %"*^'^^l ^^'' ftand grcatncffe according to the world ; In re- "^^'^ fpea I . Of exGcllent learning. 2. Worldly weakh ^^^^^'^'^ ^'"^' and height of place. Both make mighty, nay many " limes gold is the more powerfull commander. 5. Worldly honour and nobiUty, 4. Worldly wifedome. GreatncfTe in any of thefe kinds is rarely accom- panied with goodnefle/ew fuch great men as thefe arc called, converted or ever come to heaven. J fay Few : for I find Divines, both Ancient, and Mo- ' i" Loc. dernc upon this Text, to make iV(?rw4»y, and Fet^ n^^'tpkuTs cquivolent : * PrimaJius,andxyif9felme,C4lvipj and damnantw .- f>ifc4tOI^^ ita nee omnci, •' qui e vul^o fnnt.falvantur. Scd qui agnitionc fuar inrfignitatis humiliantur, reverentcrfc fubj'iciunt vcrbOjdcChnftummEvaugelioamplcauncur; Hi r as long as we look towards it but tenderly, and circumlpcdly : Wee warme our fclvcs A SERMON. 173 felves fafely, while we ftand necre the fire.Butifwc fccke to outf ice the one, or enter into the other, we fonhwith become blinde, or burnt. It is propor- tionably in the prefent point. Heere by the v^ay from our Saviours words Grumble not at wee may extiaa: a foveraigne Antidote againft ^^f^'J/^^^J^ thofe temptations, and difcontcnted leafonings which are wont to arife in our hearts fometimes, when we fee thofe great ones of the world, who looke fo big^and carrie their heads fo high, not onely to carry all before them, to wallow, and tumble themfelves with all bravery and ap- plaufe in the glory, wealth, andpleafurc of the world , to fwimme downe the current of the times with full faile, and profperous winde, though ma- ny times againft the fecret murmur, and counter- blafts even of their owneConfciences. In a word, inthefe worft times to have what they lift, and doe what they will : but alfo lay about them with the fift of wickcdneflfe, and fcourge of tongues, to trample if it were poflfible the Jambes of Christ even into the duft, with the feete of malice and pride, by a plaufible tyranny, and aide ofthe times iniquity to keepe them downe ftilJ, and ftill in difgrace : hunting them continually with cruelty and hate like a Partridge in the mountaines, as the Pharifecs did C h r i s t : I fay when we fee this, let us never be troubled and take offence : let us never be grieved or grow dif- content or out of heart. But pitty them, pray for them, and poflelTe our owne foules in patience, and peace. And after the preccdcncie of our bleffed l^J/'' ^''^' Saviour, 174 A SERMON. AdnireGods love to thee. lohn 7^.47,48. expounded Zxttmple of ^reat ones dra»ei ma'y axvay Mat.7. 29w Luk.4. 38. Saviour, goe in private, and fay : / thanke thec^ O Father, Lord of Heaven and earth j becaufe thou hafi revealed zhcWiydcrks of Christ, and fc- cretsofthe faving way to mc a poore wretch, and wormc, trodcn under foot as an object of fcorne, and contemptible out-cafl, and haft hi^i them from the rvrfe, and the noi/le^ and the mighty .♦ from the boy fterous Nimreds, and proud Giants of the world. Even fo Father,forfo it feemed good in thj fight. And there ftaying a while, ever magni- fie, admire and adore with lowlieft, humbleft and moft thankeflill thoughts that deareft and drcad- fuU Depth of G o D s free and incomprchenfibic love which made thee to dijfer. Which is as it were the firft ring of that golden chaine, Rom,S> 2p, 30. which reacheth from evcrlafting to cverlaftin'g, and gives being, life, and motion to all the mcanes that make us eternally blefled. Out of the rich, and boundleflctreafury whereof, came that inefti- mable Jewell Jesvs Christ bleffed for c- vcr, and by confequent, all thofe Heavenly happi- nefles which crowne the glorified Saints through all eternity. For Jo God loved the world j thathc^ gave his onely begotten Sonne, that rvhofoevcr heleeveth in him Jhould not ferifl), bt4t have e^erlafitng lifc^y Toh.^, 16. 2. lohnj.^j,^^. Are yeealfo deceived^ hare any of the Rulers, or Pharifees belecvedon himf Here the chiefe Priefts and Pharifees boyling with much envie and indignation aeainft C H R I s T s preaching, ( for he prczchcd tvith fower^ Mid mt ai the Scribes) And becaufe the peo- ple A SERMON. 175 pkfo flocked after him, (for there followed him ^^'^''^^' great multitudes of people ) had Cent oi'ficers to apprehend him, and bring him before them. Who when they came to him, and heard him preach , they were fo ftrucke and aftonifhed with the moft piercing Majeftie of his Minifterie, that they had no power to lay hands or hold upon him at all. Upon their returne, thefe great men ga^ thcred together in counfell againft him; like fo many morning Wolves thirfting eagerly for his blood, calls haftily, and impatiently unto them, before their officers could fay any thing: W^j have ^ecfiOtbrmght him ? They doe not examine them about his dodrine, or inquire whether he be guilty or no : but like unjuft, and tyrannicall wretches they labour to lay hold upon him , though moft innocent, to ftop his mouth, and make him fure. But the officers anfvpered : Never wa»[pake Itke this maff» Whcrupon the fpirit of prophane malice being yet further enraged in them, they reply : K^re ye alfe deceived ^^ What^ At e you turned Gofpellcrs too:* Will yec alfo gad with the giddy multitude after this new Ma- ^Qt.&C': And then being frighted leaft they fliould fall from them, goes about to take them oS with a . veryfoolifliarguracBt, faith r^ ce with him before they goe into Repmanc, too ^^? P^^' /"^ ^'^ ^^^^"^ '^^ J^^'-^' l^' O"^. ^ourc late. wncrcot-, to ncarc but one Sermon after the irreco- vcrublc day of vifitation is pail and expired, they would A SERMON 277 would be content to live as prccifcij and morafi- cdlyascver man did upon earth (o long as the world lafts, but it fhall nor be granted. A rhoii- fand worlds will not purchafe it againe. And be- fid cs,w hen your foules fhall (ben furioufly rcflccfl upontheivownewil full folly in this refpe<5^, and the woefull mifery they have brought upon them- fclves thereby : it will (harpen infinitely the bi- tings of the never-dying worme, and torment more horribly than ten thcufand Scorpions flings. Remember this ( I pray you) all ye that forget God: before that wrath be kindled in hisbofome agaiaft you, which will burne unto the very bottome of Hell, and fet on fire the foundations of the moun- taincs : before Hee gird about Him thofe arrowes which will cirwke bhud^ and that/ivW which will eat fleP',md come agaifffi yct*{?.sthc Prophet fpeaks) like a beare robbed of her rvhelpes, and rent the very caule ofyoi4rhearts-,mdtearejottinfeec€Sywhefi thereis ncm to helper, ^. Nehem, 3. 5. But their Nobles fut n$t their Heh, but the Nobles would do juft nothing. And thus it hath beene in all times , - and is juft fo in our dayes. Meanc men many times contribute very liberally, andftrrc above their ability to the pro- curement and maintenance of a profitable and powerfull Miniftiy ; but the rich, worldly- wife, and gentlemen thereabouts, will not part with a N penny I7S A SERMON. penny for any fuch holy purpofe. Such great men asthcfe will by no meanes put their ncckes, their power, and their purfcs to any fuch blefTed worke of the Lord: though it be for the ere(5^ing of the KingdomeofJ esvsChrist amongftthem; for the illumination and refrefliing of a darke and barren place with the light of the GofpelI,and wa- ters of life, where both their ownc foules, and many more about them are ftarving and bleeding to cternall death for want of heavenly Food and minifteri.all helpe. Nay, too many of them de- taining the Churches Patrimony, will neither re- /lore it to the proper native ufe and end : nor (which is very lamentable) parr with a little porti- on of a large revencw in that kinde towards a com- petency. Before you receive encouragement to go on in this courfe with comfort, I pray you pro- cure us (from your partakers,if there be any fuch) Anfwcrs Co thofe many learned Treatifes extant upon this argument, and(for any thing I know) ut- terly unanfwered : cfpecially, M^ Bepyiardsy D. Sclatersy and D* Fields. I know well fomc excellent fpirits of late meerely out of the graci- ous freenelTef of their truely noble difpofidons, to their great honour, and adorning profcflfion, have given backeto the Church for ever ( I meane no- thing about buying in Impropriations, oneof the moft glorious workesin that kinde(for any thing I know ) that ever was undertaken in this King- dome) divcrfc Church-livings, fomean hundred pound fer amnm, fome fix or fevcn fcore, fome threcfcore,fomc morcj fomany as anaounc to the value A SERMOR i7s> value of above feven hundred pounds ycarcly. But I muft tell you alfo^thcy areonely.fuch as you mif^ call Puritan-gentlemen ( for I neither heare nor know of any other that ftirs this way)and how few fuch are to be found in a Countrey, every ey e fpi- rirually illightened may clearely fee, and heartily bewail e. ForJ mcane none but fuch as are(in true fearch and cenfure) Gods bed fcrvants^^nd the Kings beftfubjeds. I come in a fecond place to make the Point ap- peare yet further by reafons. And firft,fuch as are peculiar to the feverall forts of greatncfTeMlI which (once for all)I undeiftand Cuchfecuua'um mundum, fecundum hominemjecundum e^nsm,accorMng to the rvorldj^ccordingtewaniaccordingtotheflefli. i r rj And firft for excellency of learning underftood ii^^^^^ ^^^^ ftill afta* the flcfli, implied alfo by the Apoflle in this place : as appeares by the former words : where is the S crikly? Where is the Di/puter of this mrld? Where are the learned Rabbins of the Jewe^^ Where are the profound Philofophers of the Gentiles 1 Let us takenoticc that learning of it felfe is ,a very lovely and illuftrious thing, which made Mnea4Silvim in his Epiftle to St^if 7?iUfjdDvi\iCof^uBri4y(zy,lftheface even ofhtt- mane learning could be feene^it is fairer and more heatt- tifu II then the UHorning or the Evening-fiarre. But notwithftanding bent the wrong way, and fpent upon private and pernicious ends, it becomes the fowleft fiend the DivcU hath upon earth, and his mightieftagcnt todoeaworldofmifchicfe. No Dcgencrado corruption is worfc tbafi of that which is beft ^p^^^'fA'"** N 2 mif- ISO A SERMON. mif'imployed.-lt is of vvofullconfequence, propor- tionable to its native worth. And the longer and more profperoufly it is imployed as an inftrument of all,and in the fervice of Satan ever the more pe- ftilently, which is for my purpofe, doth it harden and enrage the heart againft nil means of graccthe Bafe endi in powet ofgodhnefTcjand poflibility of converfion. jieki.^ ham- Secondly, men of this world for the moft pare ^^' inthc atainemcnt and excrcife of learning and knowledge propofe to themfelves, and finally reft upon many baftard, bafe, and degenerate ends: asjplcafureofcurioiity, quiet ofrefolution, refi- ning and raifii>gthe fpirir^ability of difcourfe^vi (fi- ery of wit, gaine of pyofeflion, ornament, and reputation, inablementfor imploymcntandbufi- nefTe. The true ends of Thuswhereas variety and depth of know- leamrg. ledge fhould properly and principally ferve to prepare5fit,and fiirnifiithe foulewherein it is feat- ed : Firfi:, fora higher degree, and a greater mea- fureoffandification in it felfe; Secondly, to doe God more excellent and glorious fervice : Thirdly, ro doe more nobly in E^hratha^ and bee moreftmousin Bethlehem: I meane, by an edi- fying and charitable influence to illuminate and better all about them ,* The moft learned men havethefe worldly ends, and comply exadly with the world : hunting onely after by their knowledge, and afpiring towards (as their utmoft aimes)certainerecond prizes: asthough they la- boured onely by their learning to finde ( as one laics well:) amtch xvhereupntorefi, afearching and A SERMON iSi and a refllejfejftrit : or 4 tarrafifir a wandring and variable mind, to rvalks up an.d dorvne rvith afaire pro- jpeif : or a tower of ft ate, for a^roudrKitidto raife it kl/e nvomor a fort or commanding ground for ft rife and coritcntion : or a pop for profit or f ale : and not a rich ftcre-hufc for the glory of the Creditor ^ and t he reliefc_j of mans esiatc. And fo by the abufe and mifapply- ing of it, they put theii great engine, very power - full cither for excellency of good,or excefic of ill, asittakes, into theDivels hands for the enlarging and advancement of hiskingdomc; andturnethe cdgeofittothe dangerous hurtoforhersrand fo by confequent and by accident, it prooves a mighty barre to kccpe Christ and His Kingdon>e out of their hearts. Let me in a word by an inftance intimate unto you the traines and temptations to which they cx- pofe thcmfelves, the fn^res and cuifes which they incurre, who bend their abilities of learning, clo- fing with the corruptions of the time, to raife and enrich themfclves:thc two maine ends of the moft in thefe covetous and ambitiousdaies. Firft, there is a plant in the nurceries of litera- ^"f^c^l^^^^f'^ turcofgreatexpetoionand hope: which being watered, and warmed at the well-heads of Acade- mical! learning,and with the fruitfull heat of Pole- mical! cxcrcifes and agitations in the Schooles, wherein the true worth and excellency of a Schol- let confifts, growes lipe and becomes remarka- ' He; fo that hee heares after him in the flreets a fe- cret murmuring : This is the wan : Dignum eft mon- ftrartcr cJ* dicier Hif elf: Now by this time he be- N 3 gins r$2 A SERMON. gins to reflsifi with the eycof fclfe-lovc5and many vainc-glorious glaunces upon his perfonall worth and publikcapplanfe: and then cafts about what conrfcto take. Gods principle and path is : Jc is better to be good, than great 5 religious, than rich : And therefore He would have him imploy and improove all his naturall and acquired en- dowmcntsj all the powers and poflibilities of bo- dy and foule upon His glory and fervicethat gave thera, and where they are more thaa infinitely due. And that when the good hand of divine pro- vidence fhall bring him to any place for the exer- cifeofhis gifts and mini fteriall imployment, hcc would there fpehd himfelfe(like a fhining and bur- ninglampe) in the illumination and falvation of Go n s people : and fo hercz^cv Jhins as the bright- neffe of the firmament in the highcft heavens, and as thefiarresfor ever and ever .^zy , (faiesthe Divell) that's a rowre,ftriA,precire way : Jt is not meet, that fuch admired cminency of learned parts fhould bee confined to fuch obfcurity, that fuch rare gifts and depth of knowledge fhould bee loft upon high flioes, and amongft a number offudc, ignorant, and uncapable clownes: and therefore hce labours to raife his fpirit to higher hopes: and would have him plunge prcfently into the current of the times ,and become fomc body in the world. Hereupon (his heart already raviflitwiththeplea- fing apprehenfion of worldly glory and humane greaEnefre,rcprcfented by Satan in the moft allu- ring formes to his ambitious imagination) hcc rc- folvcs fcarcfuUy againfthisownc foulc, to follow the A SERMON iSs the ftreamc, to ply the prcfem ,and plot all mcanes and waies of preferment: after which ordinarily every ftep towards an high roomc, or to bee hafti- ly rich, is a fnare and curfc unto hinn : and there- fore at the height, hcc muft needs bee holdcn fail in the clurchesof Saran. He now begins upon all £^',3^^^^^ ,r occaiions to difclaimc all things that tend to pre- hi^b alvanw circntflrc,and in his deportnient drawes nearer to »*»'• goodfellowfliip ; he remits and interrupts his care and conftancy in ftudy, and ftudies how ro under- ilrand the world, negotiate for advancement, and humour the times: He merily derides 'DoEHnt^ and v[et as thc;^ fccffingly call it : all edifying plainenefTe zndfficltfhfieffe of preaching : and now he digs with much adoe perhaps a whole quarter ofayearcinrothe rottendung-hillsofPopifli Po- ftillcrs, and phantafticall Friers, and from thence patches together many gayiih and gaudy flircds of painted babies, and frothy conceits and tricks of . , . wit ; and at length comes out with a fclfe-feeking semons. ^Sermon: juft hkc that difcourfc which King Jams s compares to a cor ne- field in harveft, pc- ftered with red and blew flowers ; which choakc and eat up all the good graine.For,hc well knows this is the way to ingratiate himfelfc into the times and gntific thofc great ones who defire farre more to have their eares tickled, than their confciences toucht^ and would rather have pil- lowes fowed und«r their :*rmc-holes by fueh de- ceiving daw bcrs, that they may lie more fofrly upon the bed of fecurity 5 than the keenc arrowes of righteoufncffc and truth faftncd in their fides N 4 by iS4 ASERMON. by Gods faithfuU meflengers to drive them to finceriry: and yet after this, hee muft fcrve his time in ferving the times : and through many mi- feries of fecular martyrdome,as Teter Blefenfu cals it,and many fhipwracks of a good confcience, by bafcneiTejflatteringjattending, depending, and un- doing his foule. At laft(ifhc die not in the purfuit, as many have done ) bcfides all thefe precedent miferable meanes,by prefent fimony, or fome o- ther vile fervices : hee comes into fome high place, or at leaft becomes a negligent non-refi- dent, orinfatiablepluralift. Which wicked] en- trance being accompanied with G o d s curfe, his heart already fo hardened,his minifteriall ftrength and vetne of learning fo wafted and dried up by difcominuancc, defuetude, and worldly dealings ; having now attained his ends, hee drownes him- felfe over head and cares either in fecular bufi- nelTes or fenfuall plcafures to muffle up the mouthof his horribly guilty confcience : cries downe preaching, oppofcth the power of god- HncfTe and fo becomes rather a wolfe than a flbcp- heard. Kichenhaiie i In a fecoridplace.The rich Worldling alfo is in t e ivorcL. ^-wocRilIcafc this way,as appeares by Chris f s- 6wncwords,cJW4f//>.ip.25>24. which is further confirmed by cafting our eyes upon Luke i6.i/^, and iTim.6.9» Luk.iSnig, ^^ndthe Pharifees whichwere covetom heard aH thefe thtn;^s , and de- rided him. And what heard they from Ch ri s t ^ ThatitwasimpoflTibleto fervc Go d and Mam- mon.Sothat there are fome pafTagescvcr Tn a faith- full A SERMON. 1S5 full and fearching miniftcrie, which covetous worldlings dcridcjand will pot down with by any meancs^butrefolutely reject in their carnall wife- dome as veryfoolifb, unneceffary»p]jecife, and no waiestobe given way unto. E-fpecially fuch as thefe. I. That they muftrcftorewhatfoever they ^^ardnJt s<7. have any waies gotten, or.dctaine wrongfully and ^(?«f. wickedly. 2. That they niuft rathe?: themfelves ftarvc, and leave their children in be^ery> than put their hands to atiyunlawfull waycs or meanes ofgetring: fo much as to tell a lie, ^tf-. 5. That godllnejfeis greaf game, and that it is incomparably bettertobereligious than rich, good than great, 4. That there isa life of faith which will kcepe a manrin fweet contentment in any eftatc, fhoulcth?^. bee, never fo poore. 5. That 7^^ was truly richer with Christ alone^than wlien b^fom lie.was loaden with aboundance of thicke clay . 6, That riches arc nothing, Proverhes 2 3 . 5V Wihthoufet thine eyes ufon thaP whichis not^'j.'Xh.m. they rauft leaveall for C h r i s t.B. That if they part with all for him, they fliall bee recompen- ced an hundred fold in this lij?.. 9, That if they had no lecompence at all in this world, yet the reward that they fhall have in the world to come, willbcca fup'eraboundant recdrfi-p pence. Notwithftanding thefe fatisfa<5lory^nd uncon- trollable principles, they mil k rich in the Apo- ftles fenfe •, after they have gottert a golden heapc, will bccmorc rich ftill : and therefore are cSifily tcmptcdutito, and taken in the fnarc of that cxc- Az^-y-->6^>— crabte 185 '-a-SBRMON. crable ani moll abhorred crddfe of ufurf. ]n the rfmy taxed. ^^^^^i^ whcrcofthcy ftill negotiate with the Di- vell, and receive all their incrcafc at the Divclls bands: and therefore how is it poifiblc they ihouidturnfconGo D s fidc^ And that ufufers trade with the Divell,and have their ufurious mo- Haw. F#/t. ney from him. Heare the judgement of the mm,i7p^.u churchofEH g l a t^ d, to whieh ordinarily all Miniftersfubfcribe; rertly fi mmj m wcriAfi^ themfclves by ufurjy&c They Joavc thetrgctds if the Vivels gift. Heare alfo the judgement of the State even of the King, the Nobility, ^nd the whole Bpdy-of the Kmgdome in Parliamcntj and in that Stkute whence ufurers take very falfly fome en- couragement, as though it were allowed; which is moft untrue. Thefe are the words in ihc Begm-» tyEiilcap.s. niilg of the Statute : Forjtfruch^AS u/t^fkm^ firhidden ky the Uw of Co i>iU dfme^AnddmJtA- blc ^c, ^angtr^fbigh * VhirdIy,thoughanhighplaccbc holdeninthe ^ . falfeopinionofvainemen,the oncly heaven up-- on earth : yet in truth^and upon tiiall, by acci-' dent it prooves S5tans fureft hold to hamper ihern ln4iis ftrongeft and moft inextricable fnares,untill he tumble them hence with a more defperare and headlong downefall into the pit of hell . For, as thofe of tr ueft woith are ever timerous, and moft retiring in fuch cafes 5 lo the word men ordman- ly arc moil ambitious and afpiring. Gonfider for V the puipofc the usambitious modclty and mag- ^^"^^'' nanimityofthc olive-tree, fig-tree, and the vine: butthe bafc and worthlcfrebrambk,adry,cmpty, faplcuc A SERMON. 187 fapleffc kex and wce4i,apr and able only to fcratch, ccare,and vexc, nnuft needs be up and be hoi/cd in- to an high roome,and domihecre over othci's.Mcn of mod proftitutcd confciences arc for the moft partthemoft pragmaticall prowlcrsafter undefer- ved preferments-'and the only mentofervc ihem- {c\vcsvijs(jrwodff, (as they fay) into offices, ho- nours, and places of advancement. For,thcy,want honeft wit to conceive and fore-fee the waig/it of thecharge,and confcience to difchargc it faithful- ly .Now then, where there is a concurrence of cor- rupt times,a wicked wit,a wide confcience, and a vaft gluttonous defire to domineerei What will not be done to attaine their ends f They will not fticketolie, difltmble, breake their words, for- f\veare, machiavellize, prai^ife any policy or counterpolicy to honeftie, rcafon, religion,to flat- ter, raife afadHon, humour the times, fupplam compeiitors, gratifiethe Divell, doe any thing. We may proportionably conceive the malignity of inferiour ambitions by the monftroufneffc of higher afpirations.' Ntixvwhc hath iHt ohferv^d (faith that learned Knight in his freface t$ the Hifiery, of the X90fld) x$hdt labour^ fracticeyfertB, hh»d-Jhed^ and cruelty the Kings and? tine es eft he Vf9rldhavt un^ dergene, extrdjed-, taken en them t$ make themjelves and their iffites mafterstfthe world? — oh bj what fUts.hy pfhasferfwearings^hetrxyingSyOffrepcns, im. prijonments, t^rtures^pcyfintngf, and under what rU^ fomofStAt€yandf9litickefmhtiky hofve thefe ftrt-na^ med Kings, (^c. By this time thcfe men by thcfc mcancsare mounted ( I will (uppoie ) on horfe- back«^^ 1^8 •>. A S.£S.MON, * • hackeufldhavTleftmany Brihccs "vfralking iis fcr-^ vants upon the earth : And folly is ict in great dignity. And what then c'Then do they begin fo to fwell with pride, untill they arc ready to burft sgaine with over weening of thcic owne worth, (elfc-opinionandfelfe-eftimation : and to toylc cxcreaftiely with revcngfull inward indignation a- gainft all good men : whofc hearts ( as they con- ceive) and their confcicnces tell them (there was juft caufc) did rife againft their growing great and ri(ing. Being -thus empoyfoncd at the firft en- trance with pride, felfeconcciptednefTe, preju- dice, revengcftjll jealoufies, and other exorbitant and bafc diftcmpers,they begin to confider and rep folve how to behave themfelvcs in their new pur- chafed place. Andwee muft know there is too Nemo 'iiru much truth in that principle of policy in Tacit tu .• , •um^flaaTtF"'" ^^"^^^^j <^^^ ^^ ^^ hjghroome wrmifdly, a^td »/»- qux fitum b®- worthily : hut he excrcis'dhis^orver andauthortt y wic- c*cu1"h7?'^" ^^^h^^^^'^i^fih' They therefore pitch pvefently "/>^.4i7.* ^ * upon fuch conclufions as thcfc; Wee will plea- fure our friends, though wee prey upon the pub- h'ke, or pinch fome peevifh precifc feliowes, whichcan well bearc it : we will plague our ene- miesjweemuftabove all, manage matters with a fitcorrefpondency to accomplifh our owne ends 5 cfpeciallyto enrich our felves, raifc our kindred, make way to rife hi^cr5andgreaten our poficri- ty 3 wcmuft looke big, and fomctimes amaze the multitude with fome ads of awfulincfic and ter- rour,to procure and preferve fefpcd/eare, and all attribut ions proper to our place : and let mec xcU you A SERMON. you by'thc vvay 5 Beethat fufpedhthhisowne wcrtb, or other mem opimsn^ thinking that lejje regard is had 9fhispcrfori, thdn hee belscves is due to his place, holds itgoodiobc'jtofpcnd all the force of his authority in furchdfr,:g the name of 4 fever e man . For^ the affelUd fo^rentffeofav aim feUorv doth many times refemhlc^ the gravity of one th^t is wifcandihefeare v?herin they live which are fuhjecf to opprejstony carries a flierv of reverence to htm that does the rvrmgiat leaf it firves to dazzle the eyas of underlings , keeping them from pry- ing into the wcaken^feof ftfch as hAvejurisduHon over them-^ crc, Beiidcall this, menin great place arc liable and exposed daily to moc and Wronger temp- tations, th:m men of lower ranks.Honour> wealth, worldly reputation, earthly favours, c^'<^. are Sa- tansfnarestocntangleandtiethem fafter to their fooles paradife and admired folly ; and as golden fetters, to chainethem unmoveably to their noble flavery. Secondly,great men are for the moft part (and flattery danger it is oneoftheirgreateft miferies) foinclofed and bcleager'd wirh"flatterers>the bafeft of riavcs,with fycophants, falfe- hearted followers, felfe-feckersj c^r.that very hardly (if atall)can any honcft man ox^mhMl Micaiah haveacccire,conic nearcthcm, or at any time bee heard with patience^ cfpccially either to tell them the truth,or wifely and humbly reprove them for their faults. Thirdly ,thofe that are verft in ftory ihall findc many and many a time this property put upon men in high place ; to bee throwne into the grave or from their grcatncffc, is both one to them. For foft> tCUA. Great ones lilft t9faU. Mallear cadcrc quatn Ioc» ce« dere. ipn . ASERMON. firftjthey fo delight in domineering, and dote up- on their high roome as their deareft Idoll : And withall they know full well, that as in narurall pri- vation there is no returnc to habit, fo it is very rarely feene in the privation politique,and point of prefermentithat they would even rather die, than DC dejeded. Lay now thefct\vo points together: and count all the fnavcs from which poorer and private men byreafonoftheir meaner condition arc happily exempted: And no marvell though not many migh. ^jjcither in heapcs of wealth, or height of places , be converted jor goto heaven. wofUiy wife. In the fourth place: whataftrong hold for the dtmdangeroM powers ofhcll, and mighty barre to keepe out grace, worldly wifedorae is ; may appeare by ta- king notice of the nature of it, and fo of its noto- rioufly peftilent properties. This wifdome of the flcfbfpringing from the principles of carnall rea- fon, and precepts of humane policy, and recei- ving continuall influence and inftigation from that old wily ferpent to go on ftill in his and the worlds wayes,doth witha proud difdainfullnelTe and im- perious contempt fcornc the great myfteries of godlincfTc, fooliflincffe of preaching, fimplicity of the Saints, and fociety of the brother-hood: croffcth dire dly and contradid:s the counfell and commands of G o d s spirit, in all motions to good, and matters offalvation: accounts in good carnefthoIineflTc hypocrifie, fan(5^ification fingu- larity ,profcflion and praiftice of finccrity precife- ndTcjthe great things of G o d s Law as a ft range thing: A SERMON. 191 thing ^ In all Its confultations concludes ever thingspleafingtoflefhandbloud, and ends atllaft with extremcft folly and utter contufion. Wit- nefTe t^chttophd jwho was wife enough to fet his houfein order, and yet wanted wit to refcue his ©wnc life out of his ownc hands: he was curious to provide for his family after his death, and had no care at all to preferve himfelfefrom erernall death: was not this a madneffe even to m:r^.cle,zs Divines Amentia ufqj fpeake-f Hee got him home to his houfe, purhis ^^^ F°^'S "™- houfliold in order, and hanged himfelfej ^nd is tSamaz-^j. hanged up in chaines as a dreadful 1 fpeitacleto all pofterity,forallworldly-wifemento take wam^ ingbytothe worlds end. ^ , The Spirit 01 G o d intimates unto iis the pe- ^ouniel flilencie of its properties, lames ^. 15, It is, Firft, Earthly, Secondly, Senfuall. Thirdly, Dl- 'uellifb, Dfveliijl) : for, it imitateth the Divell in plot- ting and contriving mifchicfeandruine againltthe glory of i G o D s Majefly, and Miniftry of his Word. It tafts of his helhfli wilinelTe in clofe conveyances and fccret infidiations,for the under- mining, ftipplanting, and confounding of the paf- fageoftheGofpell,and plantation of grace in the hearts of men. Satan ( you know) is ever fierce and furious, when hefpiesbuttheleaftglimpfeof Gods truth, or fparke ofgracetopeepe out and breake forth at aoy time, or in any place. When the glorious fun-ftiineofthe Gofpell did in thcfe latrer times of the world (according to thePro- TphcdcinthcMe^eUtms) arifcouc of thed^rkc- fomc- IFcrWy w'tfei 192 A SERMON. -»fc_ fomc mght,and dangerous fogs of Popery ;,and be- gun gratioufly to inlightca many thoufand foulcs which lay indarkcacfe, and under the fliadow.of dcarh, with vrbat flrangc and prodigious rage did the great Dragon prcfently afcend out of his bot- tomk/rcpit. EfeRi ef the Sin€c that time what furious martyring of the ^V^lf/-^'^"' Saints, what horrible murthering ofKings, what ^j ''^"' bloody MafTacres, what invincible i^rmadoeSy what heliifli powder-plots, what devouring of Maityrs, by thatblood-thirfty monfter the 5pa- nifh Jnquificion, what hatefull imprifonings^what defpcrate confpiracies, whatadeale of hell hath vext and rent the face of ^/^r/j/c^, and fliaken the pillars ofthis part of the world; as though all the fiends in Hell, and whole armies of thole damned /pirits were broke loofe, to caft the Chriftian world into a new Chaos of darknefTccombuflion andconfufion.And ail this hath bcene the Divcls doings ofpurefpight and malice againft the light ofthe Gofpcll,& power of the Word .The Pope, Jefuites, and their wicked adherents have bcene indeed the inftruments and executioners of all thefe bloudy miferies,but Satan himfelfe was the piincipall agent. The curfed influence of all this wrath and rage was infpir'd from hira, and every particular and circumftance ofal! thefe mifchiefcs was firft plotted in hell,bcfore they were adlcd up- on earth. pmy againft 2. In GUI' ownc Kingdome alfo his fpitc and %tlT^ ^ malice againftthclight of the GofpcU hathbecfle notorious and trai3ccndcnt fince the Word of truth A SERMON ii.3 The Gun^fftf. truth hath grownc powcrfull amongft us. With whar ft range fury and malice hath Satan bcftlrrcd himfcUVWhat a deale of dcatc and innocent blou4 did that red Dragon drinke up in Q^enc ^Maries time i For five ycavcs fpar cthc fire of pcrfccutioii did flame in thisland,and the facrcd bodies of out glorious blefifcd Miiiyrs were facrificed araidsthc mercilcfTc fury thereof: Afterward what a blackd andbloudy catalogue of moft hatefull and prodi-» giousconfpiraciesdid run paralell with that gol-» den time of Qjecnc Elizabeths Ufc,that (now) glorious Saint of dearcft racn:iory i But in all this* hcllifh rage the Divcll never played the Divell in. deed, untill he came to the Gun-powder-plot;thaC was fiich a piece of fervicc againft the light of the 4e7pkt> Gofpell,as the Sun neveV faw before; the fons of men never heard of,hell it fclfe never hatcht. Since Satan fell from heaven, aad a Church was firft planted upon the earth, there was never any thing in thatkinde which made the Divcls Malice more £amous,G o d s mercies more gloriousjthat Prieft Q^Kome and his bloudy fuperflirionmore odious; or that caft fuch a (hame and obloquie upon the in- nocency of Chriftian Religion. And all this was the Divels doing of pure fpite and malice againft the glory of the Goipell,the power of the Word, and the Saints of Go d .] fay he was the arch-plot- ter and firftmoover of all thefe mifchicfes. The Pope, and lefuits, and their curfcd confederates were indeed his inftruraents, executioners and a- gents, asweewellknow,andforae of the Prieft s themfelves confeflfe.J^r ^odL^.A^^^.fag. 199. O Scarce IP4 A SERMON. Scarce was that blcfTcd Quecnc and incompara- euzTbht?' l^le Lady warme in her Princely Throne; butSa- tanfetsonthePopcP?/^^«/W/^, hee fends from Msmetwo Popifh Priefts, miortort^nd Wehhe with a Bull of excomniunication^ whereby the fubjecSls and people of the Kingdome were in a Popifli fenfe difcharg'd and alToird from their allegiance, loyalty and obedience to her Majefty . They fol- licit the two rraiterous Earles of the North, Nor- thumberland zxid WertmerUndi tobeethc executio- ners of this bloudy Bull, which indeed was the fountaine and foundation of all the fuccecding horrible plots and barbarous treacheries. See^ JSellst^rtatomy cfp6pij})tyramy, whisEfift.T>edic^ a little booke callea The executmer ofjujlice in JEngUndy^c. I pray God now at length turne thofe Popifli murderous hearts from whetting any moe fwords to ilied the bloud of the Lord s an- nointed : orreturnethefharpe fwords from tiie point with a cutting edge on both C\dcs, even up to th« very hilts into their owne hearts blond. (> Lor D 3 let the King flourifh with a crowne of glo- ry upon his head, and a Scepter of triumph in his hand, and flill wafli his Princely fcerc in the bloud of his enemies. Rage cgdinft 3 'This fpitcfull rage & furious oppofition of Sa- the pmejfuu tan agaiuft the power of the word,appeares alfo by Mimfiay. jjjjjjy experience in thofetowns & parifhcs, where by the mercies of G o D,a confcionableMiniftcry is plantedibefore,while Satan ruled and raigned a- mongft them, by his wicked deputies, ignorance> prophancneSjPopifh fupcrAitions, finfull vanities, lewd A SERMON. 195 lewd fportSj prop hanation of the Sabbath, filthi- ftefTcdrunkcnncfTcand fuch other accurfed Purfc- vams for Hell : Why then all was wcll,all was in quiet and in peace. O then that was a merry world| and as good a Towne for good-feHowfhip,as was in all the Countrey. And no marvelhwhcn a ft rong armed man kecpeth his Pallace,thc things that he poflTefTcth are in pcuce^Luh 11.21. WhileSatari fits in their hcarts> and rules in their confciencesj hee fuffcrs them to have their fwings in their furi- ous vanities and wicked plcafurcs, without any great difhirbancc or contiudi<5lion. And com* monly hec never fets prophane people together by theearesandat odds, but when his owne King* dome may be more ftrengthenedjand their foule j more endanger'd by diffention, than by their par- taking inprophaneneiTc, and brotherhood in ini- quity. Let it not fcemc flrange then, whcii townesaad pariflics where confcionablc meancs are wanting, live merrily and pleafantly; for, they walkctogetherin the knot of good-fellow- ihip, through the broad way, they follow the courfe of their owne corruptions, and fwing of their corrupt ai!edions, and fwim dowoethe cur- rent ofthctimes^andareatSatansbeckto do him any defperateand notorious ferviceat all affaies, in all pafTages ofprophaneneiTe, and offices ofim^ piety and rebellion; but bring amongft fuch a powerful! Miniilcrie, which takes a right courfe forthcplantation of grace, andfalvation of their foules ; and then marke how fpitefolJy and furi- oufly Satan begins to beftirre himfelfc 5 befides O 2 his 1^5 A SERMON. his ownc malice and machinations, heeprcfcntly fets on foot and on fire too all that belong unto him in hisinftigation. They band and combine themfelvcs with gieat rage and indignation a- gainft the power of the Word, and the faithful! meflengers of G o d . They fret,and fume^picke unRecefiary quarrels, raile, flander, and indeed foame oii filthily their owne fliame, in difgracing thctruthof G o d without all truth or con fcie nee : and if Satan fpies any poore foule amongft them to bee pulled out of his clutches and kingdome of darkcnefTc by the preaching of the Word, he pre- fently fets all the reft upon him as fo many dogged curres, or rather furious wol ves(for fo our bleffed Saviour makes thecomparifon) upon a harmeleffe lambe 5 he whets (like fiiarpe razors) all the lying and lewd tongues in the towne, and tips them with the very fire of hell 5 fo that they pleade for ppo- phanenefrc,prophaning of the Sabbath, and many finfull fooleries and vanities in all places where they come. Hee makes thofe who have a little more wit, hisclofe fadors and under-hand-dea- lers: for that (lands not with Sacans policy, and the reputation of the worldly-wife, that rhem- fclveslhouldbeeopenadors in childifh vanities, and profes'd enemies to the Law of G o d : they do him fuflicient fervice by being fecrct patrons and protedors of impiety, counfellers and coun- tcnancers of the works of darkeneife : hee fils the siadttsa^ainfl mouthcs of the ignorant with flandcrous com- PM frw6 itg pijjj^fs and cries, that there was never good world fince there was fo much knowledge : that there was A SERMON. 197 was never more preaching, but^ncvcr Icfle work- ing : whereas (poore) foulcs they never yet knew what grace or good worke meant, or fcarce good word : but their naughty tongues, and hatred to bee reformed, are true caufes why both the world and places where they live, are farrc worfc. Thofe that are defperately and notorioufly naught,hcin- forces and images like mad dogSj Co that they im- pudently and openly barke at, and with their im- poyfoned fangs furioufly fnatch at their hurtlefTc hand which would healeaad binde up their blee- ding foules : they arc like dogs barking at the Moone 5 for, Gods Minifters are ftarres in the righthandof Ch R I s T, ReveLi.i6, If they would doe them any deadly harmc, they muft plucke them thence 5 but let them take heed how they be bold and bufie that way, leaft at laft they take a beare by the tooth, and awake a flecp- ing lion. Thus you fee what a ftirre the Divell keepcs wiysatm/o when hec is like to be driven from his hold by the /?w" <^g and were there nothing amongft A SERMON 199 amongft them to breed diffcf ence and difTerition, but Gods ferviccthey would never fail ouc^for they arc all content to heare no mGre^ormore of- ten of the affaires of Heaven, judgements ix)r fin, thewaiesof G o Djand reformation of their life, than they mull needs: they arc all willing and for- ward to prophanethe Sabbath, inonekindeor o- ther; fomeby abfcnting themfelves from the houfeofGo D ^fome by worldly talke all the day long, fonTiCby idleneffe, fomeby finnefull fports, (^c. They arc well content to lie downe at night, like wilde beafts in their dens, without lifting up their hearts together utito that merciful! God which hath prcferved and pro fpered them all the day: torifeupalfo in the morning, prayerlefTe, or only with formall prayers. They all joyne in malice againft the Miniftery of the Word, in flan- derous lies againft the mcflengers of G o d, in b ife and reviling fpeechesagainft the profeffours ofChriftianity. The reafonis, they are all pof- fcfTed with the fame fpiric of prophaneneffe, love of pleafures, hatred tobeereformedjand carnality of heart. But if it once pleafe the Lo r d to plane grace in the heart of the Mader of the family 5 (b 4a'/W troubled with the vanity of a fcornefull, proud, and propbane wife, i,S,Am. 5.20. K^hd with a bloudy brother. Gen. >f..8 . Ucob with a pro- fane £/4», Cen.ij,/^!. ifdac with a mocking Tjh. ptael : And many a gracious hean: in families where grace beares not fway, with the IcwdncfTe, malice, and ungodly oppofitions of thofe among whom they live. Mfiotu parets o r if it fo fall out that the power of grace feize %tZ'^'''' on the heart of a fervant or fonne, fo that he begin HtrMajiers to bee fenfible of the ignorance, diforders,pro- phanenefTe, and finfull confufions of the houfc where he dwcls : defiresto fpend the Sabbath as Chriftians ufe to do : then prefently begins Satan to put rage into the heart, and frownings into the face of the father or mafter of the family ; he then- takes on, tells him, that fuch prccifcneile is not for his profit, hee'l have no fuch inferiour fellow to be a reformer of his family s hec'l not be control- led and contradidcd in his owne houfc? hcc'l go- verned A SERMON. 2CI vcrnc his people in the old fafhion as his father did before him^cf ^. fo that there is no longer biding for that new convert under fuch a crabbed mafler> without a very great dcalc of patience. All this, and a thoufand more mifchiefes are the blackc broods and bloody effeds of Satans malice a- gainfl the power of the Word, andtheplantatioft ofgrace. God HimfelfeistheGo d ofpeace,CHRi jt Jrnpimperfm Jbsvs the Prince ofpeace,and the blelTed Spirit ''"'f'^^^^f'''^ is the fountaine of peace,that paflcth all underftan- dingjtheholy Word is the Gofpell of peace, the faithful! Miniftcrs are the MelTengers of reconci- liation and peaces the Saints of G o d are the • children of peace: TheDivelland the rebellious corruptions of prophane men are in deed and truth the true caufes of all thefe ftirs and ftrong oppofi- tions, which are raifed any where, at anytime, any waies in the cafe and caufe of Religion. The fault Jconfeflc, and imputation of troublefomenefTc is laid upon Gods children by the lewd tongues of graceleflc men. See Jrr.i 5.10. utterly without caufe. I KfHgs 18. ij,K^^s 24. ^^drc butthefc and the like are lies hatch'd in Hell, and managed by the malice of camall men. And that was moft true, which the blcfl'ed Prophet of G o d Elijah^ 3nd the holy Apoflle Saint fatd anfwered in fuch cafes, X Kings 18.18. ^^Bs-i^, 13, 14. and Co proportionably may all Chriftians anfwer all pro- phane wretches amongft whom they live : It is you and your prophane families, yoi'r proud ig- norance, hatred to be rcformcd,malice againft the Miniftcry* 202 A SERMON. Miniftry,&c. -vvhkh* trouble 7/5'4^/,'arefhd true! caufes 'of all DifTentions and difquictneflc, and bring upon ^us aU thefe plagues and judgemcncs which any way tialiCt us. A godly Miniftcr ftands at ftaves endwith all theworld, and harh the moft ^ ,..■ -a enemies of any man. He muft warre rtor only with have jsanj/ene- dcfpcrate I waggerers and notorious iinners,but al- nies, fo witliciviU honcft menjfoi mall profcfTors, coun- terfeit Chriftians,unfound convcrcs^relapfcd crea- tures :d" difgrace^sndflander the palTage ofaconfcionable Miniftery and the Mcflcngers of Almighty G o d, of whom the Lo r d hathfaid, Touchnotmrnean- - nojnted^an^ de m^ Profhets mhdrme. Pfalme 105.15. They ever imitate and follow to a haires breadth their Father the Divell in malice and pradife a- gainft grace and good m.en; except fometimes they forbeare for a time for advantage, for reputa- tion, orfuchotherby-refpedsand private ends: except naturally they bee extraordinarily ingenu- ous, and ofvery lovingandkind natural! dijpofi- tions ; or bee reftray ned by feare of fome remark- able judgement, from perfecution of the Mini- jflers. 2. As worldly vvifedome is divelliili, as Saint f^or% »'(^' lames cals it, and ever mixed with a fpice of Hel- "'"^ '^ ^^^^ ^ lifh malice jsnd virulencyagainfttheKingdoraeof ■C H K -I s.T : fo it is alfo Ciirthly^ for it mindes onely earthly things,and though that cafls beyond the Moone for matters of the world, yet it hath not an inch of fore- caft for the Vv'orld to come: But though a man bee to palTe, per haps, the: next c]ay,.nay the next houre, nay the next moment, to thatdreadfullTribunallofGo d, and to an un- avoidable cverlailing eftate in another world, either in the joycs of Heaven, or in the paines of Hell, yet it fo glues and nailes bis hopes, de'lir-es, projcds, andi:cfolutionsfo tranfitory pelfe, and things ^o4 ASERMON. things of this life, as though both body and foule at their difTolution, fliould bee holy and everlaft- ingly rcfolved, and turned into earth, duft, or no- thing. To give you a taftc of this earthlinefle of worldly wifcdome, give mee a worldly-wife man and, if^atuungtpro' I . Put him into difcourfe of the affaires of the i^iyuTjhJi "^^^^^^ andthebufmeffcof his calling, and you Uofinbun^n^ fhall finde him profound and deepe in this argu- ment, abletofpeakewellandtotheporpofe; ific were a whole day, and that with dexterity and checrflilnefle : But divert his difcourfe a littlcjand turne him intotalke of matters of Heaven, of the great myftcry ofgodlinefle, the fccrecs offandifi- cation.cafes of confcience,and fuch like holy con- ference, and you (hall finde him to bee a very in- fant, an ideot : it may bee, hee may fay fomcthing of the generall points of Religion, of matters in conrroverfie, of the meaning of fome places in Scripture: but cometoconferre of pradical I dWi- nity,experimentall knowledge, palTages of Chri- ftianity, and pr3<3:ices of grace, and you fhall find him,and hee fhall fhew himfelfe to bee able to fay juft nothing with feeling and comfort : many a poorencglcded Chriftian, whom in the fpirit of Gifdainefulnefre,and out of the pride of his carnall wifedome,he tramples upon with contempt, and would fcorneto be'matcht with in other matters : yet would infinitely furpafTe him in this cafe 5 quite put him downc> th^c he would have nothing 2. Let ASERMOK. aoj J. Let him come tofomc great pcifonagewith ^^,^/, ,« a fuit, to inrrcate his ravour and countenance, or to temr petition give him tlianks for fome former good tuine : and ^enthun God. he will be able to fpeak wcll^plaLfibly.plcafingly, perlwafively,snd le^- fonably ; 6in- put him to pray in his family unto Ahnighty God for the par- don of his finnes, and a crowne of life, for the remoovall of damnation aiid an cverlafting curfe 5 to powre out his foule in thankcfullnefle for e\Try good thing hce en joycth ( fcrhee holds all from Him) andfuchawifeman ( which is ftrangeand fearefull) in a bufineffe of fo great weightjWill not bee able to fpcake fcarce one wife word without a book, $, Comeintohisfamily,examinetheftateof ZSuLr^ his houfe, you fliall find all things in good order, 'denithmtUir every affaire marihallcdanddifpofed for the beft /"«'"• advantage,a provident fore-caft,and prefent pro- vifionofthingsneccffary fori heir bodies: Every one bufie in their feverallimployments, and care- ful] in theworkes oftheir calling : butfearch alfo into the eftate of their foules, what heavenly food is min fired for theii fpirituall life, how the Sab- bath is fandified among them, how it ftands with them for houfliold-inftruiSlions and family-cxerci- fes.^r. And (God knowcs) in that regard, that way there is noprovidence at all, no care, no eon- fcicnce about any fuch matters. Walke alfo amongft his husbandry; you fliall rr«rW/i'^f^ find his arable carefully dungcd,iillcd and fowne: ^bZy^ tetur his paflurcs well mounded, iTankt and trencht; his i^a» ^intuan, trees pruned, his gardens weeded, his catrell watchfully -ao6 • A SERMON. . - . ■ : — . ■ . — , ■»■ • TratchfuUy tended : but inquire into the fpirituall husbandry at home in his owne confcience, and you (hall find his heart overgiowne with finne, as the wildeft waft with thirties and briars ; no fence to keep the Divell out of his foule, many noyforac hifts growing thick and ranke, Ukc fo many nettles and brambles to be cut down and caft into the firej fo that his fillieft lamb and pooreft pig is in a thou- fand times more happy cafe,than himfelfe theow- ner^and well were he if his laft end might be like theirs, that is, that hisimmortall foule might die with his body: but that cannot bej except in the meane time he repent, and renounce his carnall reafon, hee muft be dcflroyed with an everlafting perdition,from the prcfence of Go n,and from the glory of His power. m'rf'c'ire for ^' Confider His care and afifeaion towards S«r IhliJens Hls children; youfhallfindethattobe all earth; tm^nan than for whereas perhaps with farre lelTe toy le and tra- qinMi^aii vailcbythemerciesof Go D, by teaching them the feare of G o d , inftrud^ing them in the waies of godlinelTe, reftrayning them from prophanenefle, and prophaning the Sabbath, by his owne exam- ple of piety and godly converfation, hee might plantgracein their hearts, andprovideacrownc of glory for their heads hereafter: yet (wretched roan ) hee doth not onely wickedly flegle(S thefe meanes of everlafting comfort : but with too much worldlineflc, variety of vexations (and per- haps for his very wickedneffe that way, if there were nothing elfe) with the great danger of his owne foule J hchcapesupforthcm thofe hoards, that A SERMON. 207 that will hereafter hcapc coalcs of v^rigcance on their heads 5 and purchafcs and provides for them thofcgreenepafturesofa profpcrous flncc in this world wherein they are fatted for the fame flai'gh. ter, and thorow which they prophanely paflfe into the pit of the fame endkfle deftrudion with him- felfc. 5. Aslce his judgement about the Sabbath, and ^'fj^'f ^i,^ ordinarily you flial 1 finde his rcfolution to bee this^ sJLtb. that hce fees no reafon but mens fervants and chil- dren may enjoy fome houres of recreation and fport even upon the Sabbath, efpecially with ex- ception of times of Divine Service : what would they have us to do, (will heefay) or what would they make of us ^ I hope they doe not looke wee fliouldbe Angels upon Earth : they know we are but flefli and bloud .It is too true indeed,this cavil- ling againft the keeping of the Sabbath favours full ranklyof flefli and bloud. God out of the aboundance of His ownc goodneffe, and comp2ffionate confidcration of our weakcnefTe hath allotted and allowed unto us fix dayes for our ownc biifincfTe, and refcived but one to be confecrated in fpeciall manner, as glori- ous unto Him 5 ajid yet wretched men, th ey muft needs clip the Lor d s coyne,encroach upon His fan<5lified time, and unthankefully and accurfedly fpend thofe holy houres in which they fhould treafure up knowledge and comfort againfl that fearefull day,inidlentfre, worldlincffe, and pro- phane paftimcs, whereby bcfidts the particular curfe upon their ownc foulcs, they many times draw 2og A SERMON. draw many miferics and plagues upon the place where they Uve.This reafon is carnall indced,this wifedome is earthly with a wirncfTe. Addanotheroutof/'«^.i2. 39*40. Thus you fee worldly vvifdome in all that coiv- fultation and carriage inclines unto the earth,pro- vidcs ever with greatcft care for the world, and fa- vours rankly offlefliandbloud. fmlZfuT ^ • ^^ ^^ SiKo fenfmH : for, ir doth fenflcfly pr^- me/enfua . £^^^^ ^j^^ plcafures of fcnfe and pleafing the appe- tite, before the peace of confcience and fenfe of Gods favour. It provides a thoufand times bet- ter for a body of earth, which muft (hortly upon an unavoidable necelfity, feedc thewormes, and turne to duft; than for a precious immortall foulc, the immediate ilTue of Go d s Almighrineflfc, and which can never poflibly die ; It doth with grea- ter fwcetneflc and hold-faft, relifh, apprehend and enjoy the furious delights of fome bofomc-finne, which it hath in prefent purfuit, tafte and pofTeiS- on5than fpirituall graces, Gods favour, joy in that blefTed Spirit, andacrowneoflife hereafter; for which it hath Gods Word and promife, if ic would be wife to falvation. In a word : it doth fo highly preferre a fewbitter-fweet pleafures^for an inch of time in this vale of reares^ before un- mixed and immeafurable joyes thorow all eterni- ty in the glorious maniions of heaven : Is not this wifedome ftrangely nailed and glued unto fenfe, and ftupidly fenfeleffe in fpirituall things, that though many times fore-told and fore-warned by the Miniftcry of the Word, yet will needs for the temporary A SERMON 209 temporary fatisfaifiion of its carnall, covetous, oc ambitious humour, with filthy vexing, tranfitory pclfe,withvaniry5dung, nothing, run wilfully and headlong uponeafelelle, endlefTe, and remedilefle tormenrs in the world to come ^ And that which 4 isthe juft curfc and plague of worldly wifedome, (thisfpirituallmadnelTe commonly called) it is confident that it doth wifely, and takes the beft way, and thereupon becomes incorrigible and obftinate : For there is more hope ofafoole^ then of himthatisrvifeinhis o^vne conceift, Prov* 26. 22. hndijTh&ttghthou jhoitldefl if ray afookin a mi>rter,yet will not his fool iflmejfe depart from him\ Prov, 27.22* How fearefullthen is his cafe, that to his worldly wifdomejoynes confidence in his waies ^ But the day will come that hee'l fee and bewailerhe vanity of his wifdome, and the truth of his folly, and that with bitter gticfe and horrible anguiflieven in hell fire,asit is notably fee downe in the book of f^rif dome Cap. $. VmlZth, But the Word which heere in Iam;s is rendred ^"x'^'^/l «> Senfihill, isthcfame which is ufed, 1 Corinthians S^l^'vil^^^-nt 2. 14, The nattitiill man receiveth mt the things^ o^-fjrn«V/,i So that worldly wifedome is In that fenfe natu- w^'^^U^v'^-^ rail: that it can neither rcliili nor receive the ^XiTy%lm things of the Spirit: itc^nno: poflibly conceive reujiwb not and comprehend the immediate meanes and my- ^^ritu^ tbiags fteries of falvation : let a man otherwife be never Co faire and comely in body, never fo proportio- nable^perfonable, or goodly tS looke upon, and in the eye of others, yetifhimfelfe wantcyes (the P inftru- SenTmU tthat 210 A SERMON. inftmmcnts of light, hcc cannot polTibly behold and gaze upon with delight the goodlineffe and glory of this great frame of the world about him : he cannot fee the brightnefTc of the Sun, the beau- •wty of the earth, and the dclightfome variety of the creatures : fo a worldly-wife man though hee bee never fo gracefull for his other parts, never fo ad- mirable to carnall eyes, or mightily magnified by his flatterers or favourites: yet wanting the faving fight of G o p s fandlifying Spirit, and the eye of fpirituall undcrftanding,is ftarke blind infpirituall matters, and cannot poffibly behold the rich Pa- radifeof the kingdome of grace,thcfecrcts of San- £l:ification,and the incomparable glory and excel- lency of Chriftianity. This wifdome of the flcfb ferves the worldling ( liketheOftrich wings ) to make him to out-run others upon the earth and in earthly things 5 but can help him never a whic to- wards heaven : nay, is rather like a heavic mill- ftone about his neck,to make him finke deeper in- to the bottomleffe pit of hell. The rcafon why thefe great politicians and joF- lijgeVidfim ly wife men ofthe world (as th^y are called) for vporidiivgi. all theif depths and devices, with all their wit and windings, cannot underftand one title ofthe things of G o d, is, becaufethis fpirituall know- ledge is hid from them. For fo faith our Saviour Christ, Map. 11.25. Igf've thee thankes o Father ^ Lord of Heaven and Earth, hecmfethou haft hid thefe things fromthe wife and men $f under fandtng,, gndhafirevealidthilnuntohahes. And this reafon our Saviour rcndretb why hcc fpakc to world- lings A SERMON. 211 lings in parabks and to his Difciples plaincly> he- €aufetothefe itwasgiijen to kmw thefecretsofth^^ kingdome ofheavenM^ to them it was not given. And indeed it is juft with G o D,;Chat, i.Sith they when the glorious Sun of the Word frorUiings of life ihines furely upon their faces, doe wilfully f "JJf ;^/-^'* fhuc their eyes agakift it,that He fhould^ftrike chena ^w^rd. ftarkc blinde, fothat for matters of falvatien they fliould grope even at noone-day, as the blind gro* pethindarkenefle, and fturablcth in the darkcft night. 2« Sith they depend on their owne policy, n'orUiwgs dt* depths, and turning devices, God juftlyturnes 5^^/p"J^" them loofeto follow the fwing of their carnall "*" ' "^ teafon 5 and fuffers them to lie and delight them- felves in the fenfuall mifls, and felf-conceited foo* Icries and vanities of their own naturall wifdomc : while the Moonc lookcsdire(5lIy upon the Sunne> from whom fheborrowes her light, (bee is bright and beautifull, butiffheonceturneafide, and be left toiler felf,(hc loofesall her glory, and enjoycs but onely a fhadow of light w hich is her owne: fo while men with humility and teachablenefTe turne their faces toward the Sunne of RighteoufnefTe, ChristJesv s, and thofeStarres which he holds in his right hand, the faithfull Minifters, to receive from them illumination in heavenly things^andinftrudiion in the waies of G o d ,G o d doth gratioufly vouchfafe unto them the glorious light of faving knowledge: but when they turne their backs upon Him, betake themfelves to their owne plots and projeds, devices and policies, and P 2 feekc 212 A SERMON. fecke dcepeto hide theii counfcll from the Lord: then they are juftly left to the darkfome giddineffe of theii;^carnall rtafon, and walke towards feare- fulnelTe and horrour, thorough the windings and turnings of their worldly wifdome. ivorinings ^' Becaufe they are proud of their earthly poli- proud oj their cy>the Lo r d Will not givc them ptudc^ce in hca- oivnsmt, venly matters.-becaufe they are wife in their owne concciptSjthey are juftly given over to follow the deceitfulncffe of their owne hearts : with an impe- rious difdainefullnefle, they fcorne the fimplicity of the Saints, and therefore they arc juftly blin- ded, to thinke the way es of their falvation foali/h- nelTe. HiethetfLrl 4- Worldly men make an IdoU of their wifdome? :ifi/dme. both in refpe(5t that they wholy repofe themfelvcs upon it, for their provifion and protedion, and be- caufethey fecreily defire to be admired & adored for it^as men of extraordinary endowments,and o- racles of difcretion and policy; andit may be,thac they are fo by their favourites and flatterers i buc they muft give God His Word^ and good men leave to ccnfurc them truly and juftly to be the no- torioufeft fooles upon earth, becuufe they are in- fants and ideotsinthe matters and myftcries of fal- vation. Now I fay >becau{e they make an Idoll of their wirdon:ie,GoD and this earthly Dagon can- rot polTibly dwell together in one foule5but in his juft: judgement fufFers them with fuch doting de- votionjfelf-conceittofacrificeuntoit, that they want both underftanding and hearts to do him ^ny acceptable fervice^ This A SERMON 215 This naturall and fenfuall wifedome being thus hood- winked from all heavenly light by G o d s juft judgement, and by the pride,piejudice,wilftil- ncffe, felfenefTeofchc owner doth proporrion and meafure all its conceipts,and confiderations of Re- ligion and religious men by the unfound and fen- fuall principles of our corrupt nature, and by the falfe fcantling of carnall" reafon. We may fee this carnality of worldly wifdome in cenfuring fpirituall things in Nicodemus^ loh.'^. See alfo a carnall conceipt of worldly wifdome in my Difcourfe of true ^appneJfe^ip2g.$S,s9- Hence it is alfo that wee fiad it to be a con ftant ^^ridihgi mif- I 1J1 T • cent art true pt' property or a worldly-wile man to conceive or ^ty^ cenfure a zealous profeffion of G d s truth, and found pradlce of fincerity, to be nothing but hy- pocrite and humour, anaffedation of angulari- ty, precifene{re,andakindofodnefrefrom other men. The reafon is, when he lookes upon him- felfe in the flattering glaffe of felfe-conceipt^ hee judges himfelfe to be a very jolly fellow : thinkes he within his owne heart; I go for a fufficient man Qu'Tq; in alio in the world : the beft make good account of me : ^Z^nT >>& I am well beloved of my neighbours : my fuflfici- quod non ha- cncv for wifedome, moderation in Religion, civi- bet.neccurat: i. V • • A /r • J f • 1 That ivhtcb he lityforcarnage,jultnelle in dealings With men,are ^^^^^ „^^ ^^^ both knowne and w ell fpoke of by the moft : and feife , or doth what would you have more in a man <: Hereupon, "'^^ e/ietme, kee r i_' A- 11 r r 1 • ^ accounts fubet' outofthispraaicallfurvey of his owne counter- puy, an idle feit worth, and becaufe hee is ftarke blind in fp iri- quality, a meere tuall matters, and t he affaires of Heaven, hee pre- f£iftcinanoi fcntly concludes, whatfoeverzeale, (ingularities tier, P ? of 214 A SERMON. ofgrace and fpirituall excellencies are luppofed by fome kind of men to be in others, efpecially , if they be of lower rank and Icfle account for world- ly wifedome than himfelfe, to be nothing but on- ly outward fhewes, pretences and hy pocrifics : he isfurnifliedin his owne conceipr with a compe-* tency,ifnot an extraordinary fiifficiency of natu- rall and morall endowments : and he never felt ei- ther the power ofgrace, neither can pofifibly fee or acknowledge thofe holy operations in others: and therefore hee cannot be perfwadcd, but he is fully as good as the precifeft of them ( for that's the language of prophanenefTe againft grace) and that there is no worth worth naming, or any true reall goodnefle in thofe they now call Chriftians, over and befides that which hee iindeth in him- felfe. 5. Concerning greatneffe of nobilityjunderftand that by Nobles I meane both the greater and leflc Nobility ,according to T>.Smiths diftindion in his Commoji-r^ealeofEn g l a n d. Andthis double Nobility is of diverfe forts, i. Perfonall, 2. By defcent. 6, There isyet another Nobility, whichis Di- vine and fupernaturall in regard whereof all o* ther kindes whatfoever are but fliadowes and lliapes of Noblemfle.Here God istopof thekin, and Religion is the root. Thefe arc truly and the onely Noble indeed, and fo accounted by King D^-y/^/, though of no account in the World at alL How rarely is the glorious Image of the Lord J E s V s (which oncly creates this cxcellencie) ' ' feene Nobility grea- terorleJfe^Cap. SttpernaturaU Nobility, A SERMON. '215 feenefhine in their foulesj or fhew forth it felfein their holy canverfation, who glider in outward glory, and are lifted up above others by eniinency of Noble birth, orindulgence ofhighell favours. Such Noblemen and Gentlemen are black fwans, and thinly fcatter'd in the firmament of a State, e- ven like ftars of the firft magnitude. For,faith my Text, Net mmj Nohl^^^ Sec, And that no maivell, for many reafons. And ^HfJeducated. yet I Vv^ill not heere trouble you Jn telling how mi- ierably and extreamely ill thofe who bee better borne are ordinarily educated. Alas,they arc too often brought up in ignorance<, idlenefle, cxcefTive purfuit of fports and vaine things: in drinking, carnall loofenelTe, riotous exceflc, in fenfuality, pride, prophanation of the Lords Day ; In ftrange fafliions, healthing^gaming, good-fellow- f^ip: in frequenting Playes, thofe grand impoy- foners of many hopcfull plants, with univerfall prophane, unnaturall difToluteneffe melting un- happily the vigour of their fpirits into effeminate- nelfe, lightnefle and luft. Andalmofteverina conftancoppofitionto the good way, the power ofgodlinefTe, and ftri(5lnclle of the Saints, who arethe ordinary objeds of their greateft difta(l,je- fling and fcorne : and whereas they (of all others) have beft meanes,largefl: maintenance, mofl time, capacity, and pregnancy of wit, and other encou- raging advantages, whereby they might become excellent fchoUers of eminent abilities, proporti- onable to their precedency irj birth : yet for want of a confcionaWe care in their cducation,of choice P 4 for ^\6 A SERMON. for godly and worthy Schoole-mafters, Tutors, Teachers, CGnforts,Miniftcrs,and reftraint from the coriuptions of the times ; and by reafon of their perverting and empoyfoning by the fore- named youthfull aberrations, or rather exorbi- tancies. They pafle through thofe famous nurce- rics of learning and law, without any materiall im- prelHons of Academicall worth, or wifedome of State. At length returning many times unto rich inheritances, and faire eftates, and then refleding wpon their loft time with late repentance, and fin- ding in themfelves neither any^competent fuffici, cncies to ferve their Countrey, or to little pur* pofe, and very poorely ; nor any folid flock of ibund learning for their working fpirits to bee ex- ercis'din,and feed upon with contentment: they refolvedly languifh and diflblvc into idlenefTe and pleafures, as though they were put into the World, as Leviathan into the fea, to take their paftime therein. And foat laft in refped: either of perfonall worth, or the publike good, they become but unprofitable burdens of the earth : and by their exemplary ill expence of time, if not farrc bafer trickes; the very banc of the Countreyes that bred them, and great dishonour tothefamiliesthatownethem. Tor affureyour felves,to bee well borne, and live like an humane beaft, is a notorious blemifli to a noble Houfe: and let never any bee fo vaine, as to brag of their birthjcxceptthcy be new-borne; this honour of birthCfaith Charron)mzy light upon a vicious man, &c. Neither A SERMON. 217 Neither will I here take up a complaint of the ^^^,7;^, -^^^^ much lamented degeneration of our modernc No- Gentry degencf bility and Gentry (I ever except the truly worthy ^^^^' and noble)from even the civill worthineire5milita- ry valour> and noble deportment of former times. Now a daics, ifa man Icoke big, be firil in thefa- Ihion, fliake his fhag-haire inaboifterous and ruF- fian-likc m-anner>carrie himfelfe with a difdainfuU ncglc(5tand proud bravery, and with an afFe<5led, and artificiall haughtincfte of countenance, out- brave others, and brow-beat his brethren, better than himfelfe, he is the man. But alas ! How farrc 'diflantisthis, and degenerating from true gcne- roufnefTe, and that fweet amiable courrelle and affability which was wont to dwell in the gentle breafls of the ancient Englifh Nobles ^ I am a- fraid if wee goe on, our pofterity will finde in the next age the bafeft generation of Englifli r/iat e- ver breathed in this famous Kingdome. Sir Walter Rarvlergh, I confefle in his excellent Work having difcourfed and difcufTed of this Queftion, whether the Bomam could have re(5tificd the GveaZLy^lexmJerj makes good in a fecond place Lib^pag,i6t tothemarchlefle honour of this Nation, chat nei- (^M- thcr the Oliacedonun, nor the Roman fouldier was of equall valour to the Bnglijh, But when wercthofetimes^ When his Father fent to the Blacke Prince, fighting (as it were) in bloud to the knecs,and in great diftrefre,this mefTagc ; Let him cither vanquifli or die. When VVarwickc^,Bed' «/^. of Trance^ ford^ and that famous Talbot, and fuch other p«^.»5«. yiiftorious Englifli Commanders with their va- . lianc 2i8 A SERMON. liant armies walked up and do wne FA-^/^f^^ like fb many invincible Lions. But oh the mighty,and un- conquerable manhood and magnanimity of the ancient Englijh ! Whither art thou gone^and where art thou buried, that wee may vific thy Tombed But I fay, to let thefe paffe, I onely lay hold upon that which is moft pregnant and pundluall to my purpofe. TmaJ'^wnp. . ThcfeiV^^/^y iu my Text, and ordinarily inall tationi. times fwallow down fo many baits from the divels hands, are fo furrounded with variety and ftrength of temptations : fo ill brought up, and fo vainely puft up with infolency and felf-eftimation,becaufe they are lifted up above others:They are fo limed with inextricable infnarements, by pleafures, riches, honours, eafe, liberty, earthly fplendour, bravery, applaufe of the world, and pride of lifej that commonly, by fuchtimeas they come to the ftrengthof body and mmdacorruft ajfethon obtains its full ftrength and height, and hardneffe in their hearts: And then,and by that time,in what danger they are for falvation, you may perceive by well weighing the condition of this divcllifli engine, and its curfed companion, which I am wont to de- fcribe thus : Corrupt affim- It is the ripened and aduated ftrength and rage 9n\de}ned, of Originall corruption that furioufly executes the rebellious didates of the Divell, and dcfperare proje(5ls of Mens fenfuall hearts : ftands at defi- ance,profefres open hoftility againft grace, good- neffe, good men, good can es, and all courfes of fandificution^ feeds upon fo long, and fils it k\^c fo A SERMON. 219 fofiiU with worldly vanities and plealures, that growing by little and little incorrigible^and hating to be reform'd, it breeds, and brings foorth(asits naturalliflue) defpaire, honour, and theworme which never dies. And this corrupt afFedion is of it felfcjand natu- rally, Firft, iintameabkj Secondly, infatiablej Thirdlyjdefperare. I. Untameable. The heart ofman is naturally ^° ^^'^^''^J^' ofthehardtft flinr,hcw'd immediately our of the ^Jl\r7atieTQ fturdy and ftubborne rock of the race of k^dam, change the Itsownecorruption,thejLiftcurreofGoD upon t'l^k^ri/ it, and the accurfed influence of hellifli malice, fill grace from God it fo full of ironfinewes, and of fuch adamant and ^"^^^ prodigious hardncffe, that no crofTe or created ° '^^'^^^^ power, not the fofteft eloquence or fevered courfe^ nay,not the weight cf the whole world, orthe heav'neiTe of Hell, if they were all prelTed upon it, could pofTibly bend and breake it, make it yeeld or relent one^bt from it obftinaie and out- ragious fury in it owne wayes : this is onely the worke of the Holy Ghoft,with the hammer of the Word. The ftubborne ifraelitcs were heavily laden with.an extraordinary variety of moft grie- vous erodes and affiidions : there was nothing wanting to m.ake them outwardly miferable^ and^ no miferyiniiided upon them, but upon purpofe to humble and take downe their rebellious hearts. StQlfayi,'$y6,'j. How the Prophet paints out to the life the rufull and diftrcffefull ftate of their frefh-bleeding defolations : Thewholehead (S2i\th he j i^fickeiandthe tvhok heart is heofvy ,&c. For the place 220 A SERMON. place is meant, not ( as fome take it ) of their fins, but oFtheir forrowes. But all the blowes and pref- fures were fo farre from fofcning their hearts, that they hardened and emmarbled them more and more. when foreiMihihc Pvophei)J])OuUje he finite tenanj moye^feryefallawaj more and morz^? chnfissermont What Created power can poffibly have more little toTou^ht power upon the foules of men, than the facred Scr- «,i the imes, ^^^^ of the Son of G o D , whojpake as never mm Jpake .? And yet i hefe deare intreatics and melting invitations which fvvcerly & tenderly flow'd from that heart,which was refolved to fpil that warmcft & inmoft bloud for their fakcs,moved thofefliffe- necked ]ewes ncvct ^jov.lerufalemjlentfdlew, faith ' hcjtvhkl kiHesftk Prophets,^c.Mat,2^,'^'j, Ifaiah that noble Prophet, whofe matchleffe eloquence furpaflfeththe capacity ofthe largeft created under- flanding; and to which the powcrfull elegancies of prophane writers is pure barbarifme,fhed many ana many a gracious and golden fhower of fofteft and fweeteft eloquence upon a finfull nation and rebellious people,which was fruitlefly and vainly fpilt as water upon the ground, or loft upon the hardeft flint : many a piercing and powerfull Ser- mon had heefpentamongfl: them to the wafting of his ftrength and fpirits 3 which yet was to them as an idle and empty breath, vanifliing into no- thing,and fcatter'd in the ayre. The Lord (as He fayes Himfelfe)madc his mouth as a (harpe fword, and Himfelfeasa chofcn fhaft 5 and yet that two- Cap.40.4. edged fword was full often blunted upon their hardeft hearts, and his kccnc arrowcs difcharged by A SERMON. 221 by a skilfull handjfcbounded from their flinty bo- fomcs,asfhaftsflioragainftaftonewal]. And that made that Seraphicall Oratourjthe unmatched Pa- ragon of facred eloquence, thus to cowphincj/ay ^^j,/!^.! have laboured in vaine^ I have J^em my ftrengthin vaineidndfor nothing. A courfc ofextraordinary fevcrity and terrour pharaohhard^ was taken with Pharach-^ he was not only chaftifed «f^ oihtm. wi' h rods,but even fcourged with Scorpions ; and yet all the plagues ofJEgypt were fo far from pier- cing and foftning his hard hearr^asthar every par- ticular plague added a feveral iron fincw^and more flintincs to his already ftony heart. And as the heart is naturally thus hardened towards godlineffe, fo alfo hollow towards the godly: See Sauls carriage towards David, No materiall weight can more crufli the heart of man, than braying in a morter 5 and yet faith Salomon, Prov. 27.22. Though thew jheuldefi bray afcok.z defperste finner, a rebellious wretch, in a mcrter amongjl wheat braced with a pe^ ftfl:>jct will not hiifoolijlmes J:\is finfullnes,whicn is xhcgx^dXcik^depart frcmhim^no more than the skinne from the Blacke^morCiCr thef^otsjrom the Leopard by rvaf])inghim. Shame an old obftinate beaten finner with his Nothing moves^ horrible ingratitude^ (how him the ugly face of his «« ^^'"^ *f«'''« hainousfins, tell himofthelofTeofthehappinefle ofHeavensaffright him with the feare of hell and damnation : in all this hee is like a Smiths anvill that growes harder and harder for all his hamme- ring. Laftlyja dam.ned fpirit,though he lye in the Idwcft dungeon of utter darkncflfe, laden with t hat burdca 222 ASERMON. , burden of finne, which preft downc a glorious Angell of light and all his followers from the top of Heaven into that loweft pit, with the full weight of the unquenchable and everlafting wrath of G o D 3 with all the heavy chaines of that infer- nail lake 5 and with that which ( meethinkes ) is farrc worfe and more cutting than many hels, than ten thoufand damnations, even with defpaire of e- ver having eafe, end or remedy of chofe moft bit- ter, everlafting, intoUerable hellifh torments : I fay,though a damned foulebe thus laden,and thus heavily preft downe with all this curfed weight, and hainoufnefTe of Hell ; yet he is ftill as hard as a ftone.So certain it is,that no curfe,or created pow- . cr,nor the fofteft eloquence or fevereft courfe, not the weight of the whole world or the heavines of hell; if all were preft and laid upon the heart of a man; could poflibly breake that ftubbornefTe, or tame that rebellion. This is onely the worke ofthebleffed Spirit with the hammer of the Word. The hard hear- Thls hardncfTe of heart had attained a ftrangc tedaejfe of man height evcn in the worlds infancydnto what a pro- f-m hujaU, Jigious rocke is that growne now then by length of time,info many ages,fith every generation fince by invention of new finnes, and addition of hai- noufnefTe unto the old, have every one added thereunto a feverall iron finew, and a further de- greeofflintincflfe. iT^t. What a heart was got into Cdins brcaft, whowasfirftcut out of the ftony rocke of cor- rupc man-kind 5 remorfcof itcdding the guilt- ile/Tc A SERMON. 223 lefTe blood of his murthcrcd brother, which was able to have n^elted an adamant into bloody teares, mooved hi«i never a whit. Nay, the prc- fenceof Almighty Go d, at which the earth pral.114.7. trembles J the hiUs melt like wax,wh:chturneththc^ ^1"^'*% rockeintowater-pcleSi an^theflintintoafeuntahieof "^ ' ^ ' Jv^^^(asI>4^'/i^pcakes) yet made his ftony heart relent never a whir. Nay, yet further, Gods mighty voyce immediately from his own mouth, which hreakes the Cedars iandjhakes the wilderHejfe^y which was able with one word even in a moment toturnethc whole World into nothing, and the fonnes ofmen as though they had never beene; 'yet (I fay) this power full and mighty voyce did notatallamazeor moUifie the unrelenting ftub- borneneffe of this bloudy wretch : but in a ftrangc dogged fa(hion he anfwers God Almighty even to His face. For, when Go d mildly and fairely asked him what was become of his brother ^be\ he anfwered, / cannot tell : Nay, further, as though hee had bid God goe looke, hec faith, K^m Imj brothers keener ? Where take this note by the way 5 Let not Chriftians think much to re- Gen.4.^. ceive dogged anfwers and difdainfull fpeechcs • from prophane men : you fee how doggedly this fellow anfwers even God Almighty: TheDjfciple is not above his Majter,nffr thefervant above his Lord: It is enough for the Bifcifle to be as the Majter and the firvant as his Lor d:if they have called the M after of the houfe Beelzebub Jjow much more them of his houfijold j*" iU^r^Mo. 24,25. »t L I J Whataftrangcftonyhcartlodged in the brcaft f/^**^'^^* of J24 A SERMON. ohhety tint Pharaoh} WhentheProphet(ir/^^/ l3.)cncdtothealrarof/^r^^/?4;»,0 altar altar, the altar clave prefently afunder at the Word of Go d in the mouch ofthe Propher-,biit this mighty ham- mer ot the Word, (/fr.23.29.) with ten miracles „ aaveten mighty ft rokes at P^^is committed, he wiflieth there were ten thoufand.He would have every finfull thought be a firi of Sodomy: every idle word adefperateblaf- phemy^every angry lookja bloudy muither,every frailty, a ciying fin : every default, a damnable re- bellion. Now as Satan himfelfe is thus infinite and infati- i A SERMON 227 infatiable in the wayes of darknefTc ; fo doth he in- fpire every limbe of his with a fpice of this finfuil greedinelTe,and reftlclTe purfuit of their owne wic- ked waies. Togiveaninftantof trembling and terrour in ^fwearer tbat^ this kind,and of Satans merciles malice that way. I f/ipekiL^ill knew a man which in his life time was given to that oathi. fcarefuU blafphemous fin of fwearing, who com- mingtohisdeath-bedjSatanfofild his heart with a madded and enraged greedineffe after tha^ (moft gainelefTe and pleafurelelTc fin) that though him- felfe fwore as fall and furioufly as he couIdjyetCas though he had been already amongfi: the bnnnings and blafphemics of hell) he defperatly defir'd the fianders-by to helpe him with oathes, and to fwearc for him. Incredible rage,prodigious fury \ Now if Satan be able to beget fuch infatiablencffe ahcr fin wherein there is no profit or delight at all; how fiercely andfearcfully will he enrage carnall men in the purfuit of gainfulljpleafurefulljand ad- vancing fins c* You fee then how the unfatiablenefTe of corrupt affection fprings out of the fountaine of Originall naughtinefle/rom the juft curfcof Go Dand malice of Satan. It is cleare and evident by ordinary experience, ^^r^h i'^^'f - and obfervation in the world, with what infatisfi- •'^'^^ ^"^*^'*' '^' able defire and greedincfi^e,corrupt affedion doth feed upon that fenfual ob/e6l,and earthly pleafure, upon which with fpeciall apprehenfion, and de- lightfull tafte,it feazes and fets it felf e. . ^ I. If it fall in love with honour and high tmT'^^"^^' 0^2 roomcsi 228 A SERMON. loomcs^ it begets ambition, which is an unfatiable thlrft after glory 5and a gluttonous exceilive defirc after greatnefle. ^tionpor,. Qf ^jj other vicious paflions which doe pofTeffe ^ the heart of man, it is the moft powerfull and un- ^ conquerable. Asitisfuperlativeandtranfccndent in itobje(5land afpirationsjand feated in the high- efhand haughtieft fpiritSjfoisitrefolute and def- perate in it undertakings, furious and head- flrong inits purfuits and profecutions. Ambition ven- It IS ventrous to remoove any let, and hardned trous. £q J ^jj meanes 3 many times without remorfe or teares, it takes out of the way by fome cruell con- trivance, their deareft friends, and tramples rhe- neereft blood,as we fee ordinarily in the Turkifli Emperors,to get up into an high place^and grafp an Imperiall Crowne, Ambition ma' It is vi(5borious ovcr all other affedions^and ^mm^" ^^^' mafters even the fenfuality of luftfull pleafures, as wee may fee in many great men of the Heathens, {Alexander, Scipo, Pom^ey^ and many others j who being tempted with the exqi'jifitncfleand va- rieties of choifeft beauties^yct forbare that villany, not for confcience fake , or for feare of G o d, whom they knew not; but leaft thereby they fliould flop the current of their vi(5lorious atchie- vements^and obfcure the glory of their remarkable valour. >j«ji;.,"« n.»j. It preferres a hi^h roome in the world before a m upon life, temporall lircs yea, and eternall lire too. How many great mens hearts have burft, at the difplea- fed and frowning countenance of a King ^ How many A SERMON. 119 many cither by defperate pradifes or their ownc violent hands have brought themfelves to untime- ly ends,bccaufe they were impatient of the lower places they had formerly enjoyed, i^chitophel, when he was like to loofethe reputation and ranke cf a Privy Counfellor,fadled his AflTejWcnt home, put his houfe in ordcr,and hanged himfclfe. How many daily run great hazards, to domineere for a while in their undeferved dignities f And prepare againftthc day of wrath, by an unconfcionable purchafingofhigheftroomesamongft the fons of menif Laftly, it is uncapable of fociety,and fnarpened ^^^'l^onmuid by the injoy ment of that it defireth . Give roome to Cdfar, and hce'l ambitioufly purfue the Sovc- raignty ofthe whole world : Let ^^lexander con- quer the whole world, he'l aske for mocjiet thofe be fubduedshe would climbe towards the ftarres, ifhe could afpire thither, he would peepe beyond the heavens. Fcr the froud and dmhitiot^ man en- largeth his defire like hell^andis as death. and cannot he jQ?Af/^^;C^^.//4^.2.5.Who can fill the bottomlelTe gulfe of helljor ftop the infatiable jawes of death f neither can the greedy humour of a haughty fpiriC be fatisficd. Letaconfidcrationofthat Crowne ofendlefle Hsavenacoun* joy and glory, which the Chriftiart hath in purfuir^ ^er-poyfonto beuntohimacountcrpoyfonto uphold his heart '*^^'"**- in comfort and contentment againft the vanity and venome of fuch endlefle ambitions ; and if men be fo infinitely vcntrous for an earthly crown, which (asoriefayes) if we well weighed with 0^5 what 23© A SERMON. CovetoUjTieJfe injat table. Covetoufne^e in bafefi hearts, Cavetoiifneffe walies an heU on earth. Coveteufnejfe mafies men neg' kSl themfelves whatfeares,jealou{ies,cares,infidiations, &c. it is thick fet,if we found it before us in the way wc would not take it up. I fay then^how eager fliould we be after the glory of Heaven c* 2.. If coirnpt affedion fail in love with riches, and the wedge of gold,it begets covetoufne/Te^ the vileft and bafeft of all the infedion of the foule. As ambition haunteth the haughtieft fpirits, fo covetoufnelTe lodgeth in the moft dunghill difpo- iition, it turncs the foule of man,that noble and im- mortall fpirit into earth and mudrwhereasit might live in Heaven upon earth, and by holy meditati- on, by a fweet familiarity and acquaintance ( as it were)with G o D,and converfing abovejand in that cverlafting Heaven of endlelTe happinefTe hereaf- ter. It lies in Hell upon earth,and by reftlefle tor- ture of unfatiable greedinefTe, makes way by it rooting to dekend into the hell of wicked Divels in the world to come. This devouring gangrene of greedineire,to get riches^doth not onely by a moft incompatible antipathy,keep out grace and God s feare s but alfo by it venomous heat waft and con- fume all honeft and naturall afFe(5lion, both to man and beafts,to parents^kindredjfriendsjand acquain- tance, Nay^it makes a man contemne himfelfe body ] and foule, wilfully to abandon both the comfor- table enjoyment of this fhort time of this prefent mortality, and all hope of the length of that blef- fed Eternity to come, for a little tranfitory pelfe, which he doth never enjoy or ufe; except it be for ufe, which enlargeth his covetous thirftas mighti- A SERMON 2;ji ly,as it brings forth mony monftroufly . Beiidcs,covetournes picrccth thorow the foule covetoufneft with a thoufand tormencs,and the riches of iniqui- ^"xatlT'' ty ingender in the heart of man many tortures, en- vies and moleftations^as their proper thunder-bolt and blading. And of all other vile affeaions it is moft fottifli- ^'^'c[°infh ly and fenflefly unfatiable, Ecclef ^,2, Tor jhow is '"* '" k polTible that earth lliould feed or fill the imma- terial! and heaven-borne fpirit of a man ^ It cannot bc:and the Spirit of Go d hath faid it fliall not bej Ecclef,$ .9. He that loveth JilverJI^aH not be fat is fed witfjfilverjScc. Hence it is, that the deeplier the drowfie heart of this covetous nian doth drinke of this golden ftreame^the more furioufly it is infla- med with fpirituall thirft. Nay, it is moftccrtaine, that if the covetous ^^^fo^rncj^g, man could purchafe a monopoly of all the fiiSdeftres wealth in the world 3 were he able Co empty the »'<^^' Wefternc parts of gold and fiiver^, and the Eaft of pcarles and jewels; (hould he cnclofe the whole face of the earth from one end of Heaven to the o- ther, and heap his hoards unto the ftarres : yet his heart wouldbeas hungry after more riches, as if he had never a penny, and much more : Such is Gods curfe upon that man which makes his gold his god. And this infatiablenedein the covetous man be- coveicH^t.efc gets cruelty and oppre{fion of others^and perpetu- '^^^P^ "^^'^y al want of contentment and comfort in that he hath already .Sweetnes of gainc makes him many times drink the blood and eat the flefli of theopprclfed. Qjt He 252 A SERMON. He begins firft (if he be of power and place) to grind thefaces of the poorc;then to pluck off their skins, then totcarc their flefh, then to breake their bones,and chop them in peeces as flefti for the por, and at lafl: even to eac the flefli of G o d s people. That is; firft to weary them out with peity wrongs and extraordinary occafions, to vexe them with new conditions, and unconfcionable encroach- ments : and at Lift to wring their penfive foules from their wafted and hunger-ftarv'd bodics^with • extremity of opprcflion, and cruelty of covetouf- nefTe. covemfnejjfe And that which is a juft curfe upon the covetous »ever mtm. j^^p . j^^ jg ^y^^ infinitely more tormented with the want of that which he doth immoderately and un- necefrarilyde{xre,then contented and comforted withtheenjoymcntofthofe things he doth pre- fcntly pofTefTe. Ambition and The ambitious man,if he be difgrac'd and over- Z^J^arl^f^ top'd by any grand oppofite and counterfcjdioniff, or derided, and revil'd with bafcrand inferiour contempt, or negleded by omifljon of fome due obfcrvanceand ceremony of ftate: he (Ifay>)is more grieWd,if he want grace/or fome fuch little default in the attributions of his place,and want of complementall refpedt in that meafure,and of fuch menashedefires,thenhehath glory and pompe^ in his higheft place.This is cleare inffama/f^thou^h he was compafled and crown'd with fuch undefer- ' vedand extraordinary precedency and pompe> yet this one Jitle thingihecstufcMor^ecai would not bow the knee and do reverenccto him at theKings gate. A SERMON. 235 gatc,did utterly marre and diflweeten alJ the other excellencies of his new advancemenr,and extraor- dinarinefTe of the Kings favourjSee Heshr 5.10,11 12,1^. Ar^d Bamm teld his wife and friends efaU his gl6ry,(^c.Eut Allthis{{2\x.\\ hc)dot/j nothing availe me as long as I fee Oil or deed the lew fitting at the Kings gaie^. As it is thus in ambition,and in great men that aregracelelle; they many times take more to heart(outofthe pride of their hearts) the want of fome one eircumftantiall obfervancejand of reve- rence from fome one manjthen they heartly enjoy all the other glory of their place : fo it is alfo with the covetons man 3 though already he hath more then enoughjyet fome greedy wifh of a new addi- tion doth more torture his heart, then the rowing amongft all his other wealth can rejoyceit.o^/'rf^, * ^^'"S ^^'4. though he had already in his hand the riches^glo- ry3pleafuies,and foveraignty of a kingdome, yet after he had caft his covetous eye upon poorc iV^- hdths vinyard which was neare his Palace,his heart did more affli(5l and vex it felf with greedy longing for that bit of earth.then the vaft & fpacious com- pafTeofa kingdome could counter-comfort. He could take no joy in the beauty of a crowne, and largenesof hisroyall command^becaufe his poorc ; neighbour would not deprive himfelfe and all his pofterity of the inheritance of his fathers, which his anceftors had enjoyed time out of mind. For a counterpoyfon againft the greedy gan- Meditations^ '» grcnc of hoarding up riches^coniider in what ftead root m ear- thy riches will ftand thee upon thy bed of death, "'*-'"^-^^' confidcrthat fpecchofapoorc diftrefTcd woman afflidcd 234 A SERMON. afflidled in confcicnce, whom J heard thus fay in thcagony of her grieved fpirit : I have husband, goods^ andchildren,and other comforts s I would give them all the Treafures of the Earth if I had them,and all the good I (h ill have in this world or in the world to comejto feele but the leaft taftc of the favour of G o d in the pardon of my finne ; Ihe would in this cafe with all her heart have given the warmeft and deareft blood of her heart for one drop of C h r i s t s blood to doe away her fins. Voiuptuoufnes If corrupt affeif^ions fall in love with worldly infatiabie. pleafure, fuch as are furfeiting and drunkenncflc, chambering and wantonnefTe, luft, and unclean- nefife, unlawfull {ports «nd recreations, it begets a Grange furious thirft and heat in the carnall appe- tite, which cannot be fatisfied, butlikethetwo daughters of the horfleech, which cry ftill, give, givej which is fet on fire by Hell: and therefore it is as unfatiable as that bottomlefle Infernall pit 3 every tafl: of fenfuality ferves as fewell to increafe the flame and fury of concupifcence. We fee it in drunkards, who by drinking doe not quench their thirft,and fatisfie their appetite, but by their immoderate fvvilling both increafe the burning thirft of their bodies and inraged intemperance of their minds. We heare it o^vjanzonSyWi fiome 2. Come let m enjoy the fleafures that are frefent,^c. Let us crorvne our [elves with Rofes before they wither, let there be rio fleafant meadow which our luxuriouf nejfe doth not fajfc over ; letm leave fome token of our fleafurcin every f lace, for that isonrfortion^andthis is Mr A SERMON. 235 eur lot. Every Carnal i ft fceles it in himfelfe after once he hath given the reins to his concupifccnce : heislikeaftrong man running headlong downe a fteepe hill, though he would never fo fainCj he cannot ftay himfelfe, but runne ftill fafter and fa- ftertill he breake his neckatthebottorac : If once he fuffers the fountaine of originall pollution which naturally flowes^3iit of his rocky heart, to have that free and full courfe : it will fhortly ga« ther in its palTage many ftrong and heady ftreames offtubbornenelTe and rebellion untill by growing by little and little in ftrength and fwiftneffe, it fwell into a mighty and furious torrent, fo at laft fall with fearefull noife and horrour into the gulfe ofinecoverablemifery. In a word^after the heart of a man be fet upon any fenfuall delight, it feeds upon it as greedily as the hoifleech upon corrupt! blood,it will burft before it gives over. It will by j nomeanes part with its hold untill it either bee broken with the hammer of the Word, or burft with the horrour of defpaire. It drinks fo deepe andlongoftheempoyfoned cup of carnall plea- fures,untill the L o r d fill it unto its brim,full of the cup of wine of his indignationjand bid it drink> be drunken, and fpue and fall,and rife no more,/^r. 25.27. Mditati A counterpoyfonsgainft this greedy wolfc of gainfi voilptu^ devouring earrhly delights; confider that at our oufnejfe. conv ^xC\ov\,M tit amurgdudia^rtOft toUuntur jBeAvcnly fucceed carnall J0j€S : SQcUckfon of lujl^Fatth^ fag, 340,341. ^^^^ . r . 4. If it fall in love with rcvcrge, it begets a bafe tmlf '*"'*' a 235 A SERMON. a cruell and vvolvifh difpoficion, and an unnaturall thirft of blood; of all the finfull paflions of the foule, d'■« fuming to take vengeance out of Gods hands: It ^^'^^^i,^^'^^^^ is one of G o d s royall grerogativesjwe miift not meddle with thar, or inc roach upon ii^V engeanc^^ is mlm-, I mllrefaj ity faith the Lord, Rem.12, ip. - 4. He will not pollute fo farre^ and defile the saint ftptli mt glory and nobleneffe of his Chriftian refolurion, f^ZZilbTai as to be mov'd and difquicted with the rage of any hjng revenge, dogged D(?f;^ or railing Shimei.}yy procuring tcm- porall puniilimcnts to the fpirituall afPtidions : and outward vexations to the inward wofull mifery of the foule of his prophanc malicious oppofite : ex- cept he fee it probable, that by fufiering juftice to have its courfe,the party may be humbled,and o- thers terrified. • 5. He 238 A SERMON, s i shv p ti ^' Heknowes out of his Chriftian policy, eTce tahjreveg that a couragious and undaunted infenfibility in fuffering injuries, is the way to tame and flop the rage and fury of thewrongcrs^and to make them to returne and rebound wholly like heavy blowes upon their owne pates. For, a prophane malicious man cannot be poiUbly more vext^than to fee himfclf dired particularly his hate and con- tempt againft his fuppofed adverfary^a goodChri- flian_,and yet hee is able to beareit away without woundorpaffions nay with reputation and com- fort. As revenge is bafc, fo it is bloody and unquenchable, and prodigioufly thirfty that way : I will give inftance in the moft revengeful! wretch (lam perfwaded ) that ever lived : It is reported of a man, or rather a * monfter of cJ^?/- lai»2 in Italy : when he had furprifed upon the fud- den one whom he dead lily hated, he prefentlyo- verthrew him, and fetting his dagger on his breaft, told him ,hc would prefently have his bloud, ex- cept he would renounce, abjure, forfwcare, and blafpheme the Go d of Heavcn^which, when that fearefullman (toofinfully greedy of a miferable life) had done 3 in a moft horrible manner he im- mediately difpatch'd him, as foone as thofe pro- digious blafphemics were out of his mouth : and with a bloody triumph infulting over his mur- dered adverfary, as though his heart had bcene poffeftof all the malice of hell, he added this horrible fpeech : oh ( faith he ) this is aright Revenge U bloody. ^BodittdeRef lib.s c, 6, nobler and htroicdl revenger , which doth not onely A SERMON. 239 onely de^ri've the hody oftemfOraB life^ hutvftng alfo the mmortall fiule to en die ffe flames everlafi- ingly. 3. D^^^r4/^.- corrupt afFeaion is ftrangelyde- cortupti^H u fpcratcto run headlong upon the damnation of hel, deiperareto the for a little earthly delight ; if we fhould fee a na- Z''"'^' _ ked man in Tome furious moode, as prodigal! of his temporall life, run upon his owne fword, or throw himfelfe from fome fteepe rocke, or caft himfelfc into fome deepe river, and teare out his owne bowels, we fhould cenfureit prefently to be averydefpcrarepartandruefull fpe^f^ade: what fhallwefayofhimthem who thorough the fury of his rebellious nature, to the endlefle deftru^i- onofthelifeof hisimmorfall foule, doth defpe- ratly throw himfelfe upon the devouring edge of Gods fierccft indignation: upon the iharpeft points ofall the plagues and Gurfes in his Booke, and into the very flames of everlafting fire : It is ^veryfearefull thing, to fee a man bath and era- bruehis hands in the blood and butchery of his owne body,and with his murderous blade to take away the life thereof but of how much morehor- rour and wofulneiTcis thatfpecf^acle, when a def- perate wretch with the empoy foned edge of his owne enrnged corruption, doth cut the throat of his owne deare immortall foule,fo that a man may track him all his Hfe long, by the blood thereofin the finfull paflTages of his life,untill at length he be ftaik dcid in finnes and trefpaffes, for how can a foule all purple red with wilfull fhedding its owne bloodjlookefor any part in that prctious bloud of that ?4o A SERMON. tffi^'^otleslJInbe^ Nay, afTuredly fuch bloody ftubbornnes and felfe-murthering cruelty will be paid homeatlaft, by the fevere revenger of fuch curled defperatneflfe. He will judge fuch' a man afcer the manner of them that flied their owne bloudjand give him the bloud of wrath and of jea- loufie. Lorditisprodigiouflyftrange and lamentably fearefull, that fo noble and excellent a creature as man, prince ofall other earthly creatures, by the priviledgeofreafonandenlightned with the glo- rious beame of underftanding, nature fhould be fo furioufly madded with its owne malice, and be- witchedly blindfolded by the Prince which rules in the Aire ; as, for the momentany enjoyment of fome few glorious mifcries^bitter-fweet pleafures, heart- vexing riches, or fome other worldly vanity at the beft,dcfperatly and wilfully to abandon and caft himfelfe from the unconceivable pleafures of its joy full place where Go D dwels^inro an infinite world of everlaflingwofulncfTe. For let a carnall man confider in a word his prodigious madneffein this point. fThata dejpe- He might not onely in this vale of teares bee '^ileshhnfei/ef foffcd with a peacefuU hearr,which is an incom- parable precioufneffefurpalling all created under- ftandings: For I dare fay this, I know it to be true: One little glimpfeofHeaven {bed fometimes into the heart of a fandificd man, by the faving illumi- nation of the comforting Spirit, whereby he fees andfeelcs, thatindefpightoftherage ofDivels, and malice of men $ lecfinnc and death, the grave and A SERMON.' 241 and hell do their worft,his fouk is moft certainely bound by the hand of Go p in the bundle of the li- ving,and that he fhall hereafter everlaftingly inha- bitc the joyes of eternity : I fay this one conceit being the immediate certificatoftheSpirit of truth doth infinitly more refreili his affeflions.-and aflPedl his heart with more true fweetncfTe and taftefull pleafure,then all carnall dclighcsjand fenfuali deli- caciecanpoifibly produce, though they were as exquifite and numberlc{re,as nature, art, and plea- fure it felfc could devifcjand to be enjoyed fecure- ly as long as the world lafts. Befides this heaven upon earth, and glorious happinefTe even in this world, he mi^ht hereafter goein arme with An- gelsjfit downc by the fide of theblefTed Trinity a- mongft Saints and Angels,and all the truly worthy menthat ever lived, with the high^ft perfe(5^ion of blifTcendiefre peace5and blefTed immortality : all the )oyes, all the glory, all the blifle, which lies within the compafle of heaven, fliould be powrcd upon him cverlaftingly.-and yet for all this he doth not only in a fpirituall phrenfiedefperatly deprive himfelfejand trample under foot this heaven upon earth, and that joy full reft in heaven, world with- out end:but alfo throwes himfelfe into a hell of ill confcience here,and hereafter into that hell of Di- vels ,which isa place of flames,and perpetuall dark- neffcwhere there is torment without end, and paft imagination. The day will come, and the Lord knowes yj^ ^^^g ^j- ^^^ how foonc, when he will.clearely fee and ac- fperatefinnen, knowledge with horrible anguifli of heart, his R ftrange 242 A SERMON. ftrange anddefperatemadncflc. SceWifei.$,2,(!rr^ For after the moment of a few miferable pleafures in this life be ended, he is prefently plunged into the fieiie lake ; and ere he be aware, the pit of de- ft rudionfhiitteth upon him evcrlaftingly : and if fie^f foments oncc he find himfelfe in hcll,he knowesthere is no stu ejie. Redemption out ofthat Infernal] pit; then would he think himfelfe happie,ifhe were tofufFerthofe bitter and intolerable torments no moc thoufands ofyeares,thcnthere are fands on the Sea-(horc, hairs on his head, ftarres in Heaven, grafle piles on the ground,and creatures both in Fleaven and earthiforjhe would ftill comfort himfelfe at Icaflr with this thoughtjthat once his miferie would have an end ; but alas,this word, ^^ever, doth ever burfl: his heart with unexprelTible forrow, when he thinks upon it:, for, after an hundred thoufand of millions of yeeres there fuffered, he bath as far to fufFer,as he had at the firft day of his entrance into thofeendleffe torments: now let a man confider, if he fhould lie in an extreme fit of the ftone ; or a woman, if fhe fiiould be afBide d with the grievous torture ofchild -bed but one nighty though they lie upon the foftcft beds, have their friends about them to comfort them, Phyfitionsto cure them, all needfull things minift red unto them to afTwage their paine y yet how tedious,painfull,and weari- forac would even one night feeme unto them^ how would they turne and toifethemfelves from fide to fide,tcUing the clock,counting every hourc as it paffeth, which would feeme unto them a whole day^ What is it thcn(think you)to lie in fire and. A SERMON 243 andbrimftone> inflamed with the unquenchable wrath of G o d world without end i Where they fhall have nothing about them but darknellc and difcomfort,yellings and gnafhing of teeth: their companions in prophanenefle and-v^nity to ban and cuvfc themrthe damned fiends of he! to fcourgc them and torment them : defpaire and the worme that never dies,to ktA upon them with cverlafting horrour. If carnall wretches be fo defperate, as wilfully fTc oug^ to he to fpill the bloud of their own foulcs.-let us fet light r^g^^^ fJS^ by the life ofour bodies ,if the cruelry of the times call for it^ for the honour of the Saviour of our foules. Let me give one inftance of dangerous fnares Me^fapnm wherinfuchasthefeare ordinarily entangled and hardy left. holdenfaft,from which inferiours are for the moft part free. Let us comcintoatowneorcountrey- village, and we fliall find all the reft not fo exorbi- cantjbut cnterinto the Noblemans, Gentlemans> or Knights houfe, ( if there be any there ) there fhall wee find a ncft of ncw-fangl'd fafliionifts ; naked breafts^and naked armes, likebedlams/aith that excellent and learned Gentleman, in his Oyle pa,,!©^. ofScorpions, Buflies of vanity in the one fex,which they will nor part with (faith c^/4r^«/7) untill the Devill put a candle into the biiih : and cut haire in the other,ftirsagainft the Ordinance of G o D,and nature in both: & many other fuch d^ormed^loth- fome and prodigious fafhions, cenfured by that ftinging and flaming place againft fafliion-mon- . gers,2'4f^.i.8.And thefe are the more pernicious, R 2 be- 244 A SERMON. becaufe it were many times more eafie for us of the Miniftery(I fpeakeout of fome experience) to un- dercakeby Gods h\c{\ing{c £ter/.< par fi>f^, as they fiy)rhe driving of an impure wretched drunkard, from his beaftly and fwinidi fin, which would be a very hard taske, then to draw fuch as delight in, and dote upon thefe miferable fooleries, from the abhorred vanity of ftrange fafhions : nay, and though fometimes they would be thought to look towards religion. And thus I have done with the reafons peculiar to every fcverall fort of greatnefTc ; I now come to thofe which are common to them all. Great ones cne- j. All the great ones according to the flefh in pfai.24,4. Jiny or tnele kmds; I lay, ye are alias yet deadly e- Mat.5.8. nemies from the very heart-root to the profeflion Heb.i a. I4- ^^^ pradifc of the holy men, without which ho- linefiTc we cannot fqe Go D : you cannot indure to Good Puritans be Called puritaus; much IcfTe to become fuch.-and «Cf S'i«"cf i yet without purity, none lliall ever fee the face of b K«, p>«c God with comfort. ^x^rr^rnt, ^ Miltakeme not. I meane L> h r i s t s ygM^oty xX^IVt^tL Ch R I s T s puritans,and no other, » i^/^^.j.S.b lohn Y>«i' Aste'Miica I ^.11. and c 15,3. up.i.pag.isi. Secondly, I meane onely fuch as BellarmimL^ intimates,when hecals King Jam e s puritan : for, hefo calls him, faith D. Harkmt againfl Carrkr, becaufe in tl^ firft bookeof his BafdiconDoron^ he sffirmesjthat the religion proftfTedln Scotland was grounded upon the plaine words of the Scripture :■ And againein his fecondbook, that the reforma- tion of Religion in Scotland was extraordinarily wrought A SERMON. 245 wrought by Go o.Gratious nnd holy fpeeches (as you fee ) with men of the world arc puritanicall. And ifa man fpeak but holilyjand name but refor- mation. Scripture, confciencc, and fuch other words which fting their carnal hearts,it is enough to make a man a puritan. Thirdly, Imeanetheveryfamcjofwhom Bi- fhop Downam one of the greateft fchollars of cither Kingdome, fpcaks thus in his Sermon at Spittle, called {^hrahams Try all : And even in thefe ti?nes ^H- 1 ^^ (faith he) the godly live amongH fuch a generation of rmn)(vs that ifa man doe but labour to keepeagcod con- fcienceinany meafure^ ahhough he meddle not with matters of St ate ^or Difcifline^or Ceremonies ,{^0^ for ex. , amfle^ifa tji^inificr dHigcntly Preach, or in his f rea- ching feeke to profit rather then to pleafe, remerabring thefaytng of the i^pofiky If I feeke to pleafe men lam not the fervant of C h r i s t. Gal. 1. 10. or ifa pri'vateChriftian make conference effwearing, faniiifyingthe Sabbath J jrequenttng Sermons ^ or ah- Hainingfrom the common corruptions of the time) hc^ jljallflraightway be condemned for a Puritan, andcoti-. fequently be lejfefavouredthen either a carnall Goj^el^ ler^or a clofe P apiftj(jrc. Fourthly, I meane none but thofe whom the Communion-Bogke intends iotiiat paffage of the prayer after Con^efCioniThat the rejt of our life here- after ma'j be pure andhdy . Now thefe come by their purity by preaching theWord.Now faith Ch m s T,ye are x.t9^,?.*^cleane ^Z^cf^'^ by the Word which I have fpoken unto you, loh^ 1 5. 3. The Word muft firftillighten^convincejand R 5 caft 24^ A SERMON. caft them downc : fo that out of fight of fin, and fenfe of divine wrath, being weaiie, ficke, loft, wounded, bruifed, broken-hearted, (thefe are Scripture phrafes) and thereupon cafting their eyes upon the amiablenelfejcxcellencic and fweer- ncsofthe Lord ]e svs,andthe Al-fijfficiencieof his blood to cure them, rcfolve to fell all, to con- fcffe and forfake all rheir fins,not to leave an hoofe behind: and then taking him offered by the hand of G o D s free grace,as well for an Husband, Lord, and King,to love,ferve,and obey him,as for a Sa- VI ov Rto free them from hell. They put on with the hand of faith the per fed puritie of his imputed righteoufnefcattendcd ever with fome meafure of inherent puritie, infufed by thefandifying Spirit, and after entring the good way, their lives are ever after pure and holy. FuritansaU Thefe are Ch R i s T s KctU^oh and the Puritans I meane. And thefe men of purity fome never meane to be : nay,they heartily hate the very Image of J E 8 V s Ck R I s T in them, they fpeakc fpirefully a- gainftthem. D avid \v:is not onely the drunkards fong , but thofe alfo that fate in the gate fpake a- gainft him : they are your fr^nfcke/md matter of your mirth 5 lamyotdr muficke, faith the Church in the perfon o^Icremy^Lam^^.They w'ill many times call upon a roguifli vagabond at your feafts ro fing a fong againft them, whom they fliould rather fee in the flockes 5 they are rranfported,and inwardly boy le with farre more indignation and heart- rifing againft their holincfre,purity3precife walking, and all mcanes that lead tbercumo, though cnjoyned upon waies hated' A SERMON 247 upon paine of never feeing the face of Go d in glo- rie: thenmore fimple,poorer, and meaner men, Heb.12.r4. and that's a reafon ihey ftkke fafter in the Divels Matif.^'a!' clutches then they , and that few of them are called, lohn J j, converted,and faved,according to my Text. Eph j .1 r . Secondly, ye that are thus the worlds favou- iroruymfe rites,are verie loth to become fooles s and there- '^^'>'/«"^^* fore in the meane time lie iockt full faft in the Di- vels bands, and cannot cfcape except ye be fuch. I fpeakeaverie difpleafing thing to worldly- wife men, but they are the verie words and wifdomeof the Spirit of GoDyiCor*-^.iS, Let no man deceive himfelfe : ifanj wan among y ou feemeth to be tvifk^ in this rvorld^ let him become a fooU, that he may bez^ Let no man deceive himfelfe; fuch caveats as l^pl^^^kd/ this are wont to bee premifed when men out of their carnall conceipts are peremptorietothe con- trarie,and would venture their falvation (as they fay) that it is not fo. Sec Ephef^.e. iCcr.6,g. to be tied al the daie to fpiritual exercires,and reftraind from ordinarie recreations,conceive of it,and crie out a- gainft it as a puritanicall noveltie, and fooliili pre- cifeneffe^ Becaufe you mention precifcnesandno- veltiej couId(as I am wont,and to makeyou with- out excufe) appeale unto, and implore the aid of antiquitie,which will utterly take offfuch afperfi- ons. And here (were it incident and feafonable) I were able to procure Counccls and Fathers:,and o- ther authorities concurrently to teftiiie and take my ail A SERMON. 249 my part^that upontheLoR d sDayitvearetorecreate cuyphes mly with (}irituAll delights : onely then to plie divine bufinefres,and to do thofe things alone which belong to ourfoules falvaticn. Heare their owne words. We ought upon that T>z.y^Solummodo [prnttuli- htis gaudijs rcplcri. Concilium Parifienfe. {^nno 82P. Tantumdi'vinis cultibm ferviamus. Auguft. de Temp.Serm.2 5 i»5tf// divino cultui vacemm. Idem Ibid.^ £a^ tantufnfaciat qu£ ad amm£ falutcmfertinent, Hieron.in Cap.56.ira. Nay the whole Church of -E«f /Whath this 60 yeeres and above complied exaSly with antiqui- tie in this point in the Horn, $f the f lace /tnd time of frayer : Thefe are the words, G oD S people fietf/d nfethe Sunda-^ holtly, and re si from their common and daily hufnejfe: and alfo give themfelves wholly te hea- venly exercifes of GODS true religion andfervicc^* And yet for all this, you are fo wife in your owne conceipts; ye will none of this faving folly, you arc no fuch foolesjas after fo long libertie to fall ta any fuch" ftri^ntife. Secondly,fuppofeaMini{ierfhouldcouniellyou semont tok& whenyou come home from thehoufe of G o D,to ^^^^^"^'^^ °"' take your Bibles,and calbcth your wives and chil- dren to the comparing together, and conferring upon thefe thiiigs which were taught : That the husband (lioukl cxad of the v/ife, and the wife ask of the hufband thofe things that were there fpoken 3nd read,or at Icaft fomeofthemrThatyou fhould fee 25© A SERMON. fa this law to your felvcs to be kept inTiolably, and not only to your felvcs,buc alfo to your wives and children:that you would fpend that one whols Day of the whole weekjWhcron you meet to heare the Wordjin meditation of thofe things which are delivered; I fay now in this cafe, your carnall wif- dome would refolutely condemne fuch counfels, as concrarie to the counfel ofgreathoufcs,as a way to become a By-v/ord to the whole Countrie, and as favouring too rankly of a foolifh ftricfbnefTe, and needleffe (ingularicie. And yet this was / is. That JV(?;? telltturfeccatum nifireHittiatur ablatumi^^oxc- ftitution, no remilHon. And ourowne Church tels us in the fccond exhortation before the Commu- nlon:Th:xt without read/ ftejfe to make refiitutiony and fatisfatfionfor wrongs done, the Sacrament as often as you come, doth nothwgclfc but increafe jour dam- nation. Thus might I pafTe through all the points of Sandification, and pafTages of holy life : And all the great men in the World, either in Learning, Wealth, Nobility, or Wifcdome according tothc^ fleJJjy would paflfethefeccnfures upon them, and cntertaine conceits ofthem proportionable to that oiNicodemm about the New birih.They will not become fooles in the Apoftles fenfe : And there- fore they are foakt, and faft fettered in the gall of bittcrnefle^and bond of iniquity 5 and that above ordinaric. Gtzatmttan Thirdly, AUyegreatonesoftheworldin the fouie-coufeners. fenfe ] have faid. As ye are very wife in your own conceits,and it may be truly Co according to the flefh^ fo you are fclfe-conceited and foule-coufeners a- bout your fpiriruall ftate. For you think e all bet- ter then you, too precife, and all worfe then you too prophanej and your felves onely to have hap- pily hi: upon the golden meane, and pitch'd upon that well tempered moderation in ReIigion,wber- by you may enjoy temporall happineffe here, and cternall hereafter. S leepe ma whole skime (as they fay) A SERMON. 255 fay ) and with a good Conlcience : Live the life ofpleafurcs, and dye the death of the righteous. ^ Whereas to be fo conceited, istheveiy comple- ment and perfedion of folly : And the very fame attempt as to make two parallel lines to meet. You thinkc ye have a reach beyond the Moont : To lieinfomefweetfinne, andyet to nourifli in your felves fome hope of falvation. To have two two Heavens. Heavens, one in this World, and another in the r^'^'^^r^^'eard of. World to come, which was never heard of: to wearetwoCrownesof joyes; whereas Je s v s Christ himfelf had the firft of thornes. But alas I Beloved, ifyoubefaved in this condition, you muft have a new. Scripture, and there muft be found our another way to Heaven,than any of the Saints ever went fince the Creation, or ihall do to thcend of the World. Andrherforewemay fay of you, as ^rttilian fome where of fome deluded with an over-weening conceit of themfelves. That they might have frooved excellent Scholkrs if they had not hecne foprfwa^ed already /So if you did not thinkefalfly, your felves fafe already, you might be faved. But while you thus hugge the golden dreameofyour miftaken ftates to G o D-wardlikc the Pharifeesj the very Pttblicans and Harlots Jhall goe into the Kivgdome of Heaven before jou^tJiL at. 2 1 . Fourthly, you that are great in the world in the no7pmer{uU '^ foure fore-named refpcds,and meant in the Text; preacUng. cannot poffibly downe with, and digeft downe- right dealing, and thefeoUfhne(feoffreAching,2S it is called, Verje 21. And that "utterly undoes you. You 254 A SERMON. You like well enough, nay and much approve,and applaud fuch Sermons as King Ja m e s cenfureSj in the redforis fifhis direciiens for f reaching, &c,vjh\ch he there cals a lighrjafFci^cdjand unprofitable kind of preaching,which hath beene of lareyears( faith he)takcnup in Court5Univerfity5Citie3and Coun- crie, whereby the people are filled only with tiirie fiouri{hment,&c. and I warrant you,not efpe- cially hating to be reformed or dlfquieted, for thefearenot wont to difcovcryour confcienccs, nordifturbyouinyour prefent courfcs, they ne- ver terrifie you with any fore-thought ofthe cvill day, neither torment you before the time;but now let a man come with thefoolijhnefcofpreachingy by which it pleafed God (faith the ApoftIe)/becaufethey tell you the truth.to which truth not to have lifte- nedinthis day of your vifitation, will hereafter (when it is too late) torment yoamore then tenne thoufand fierie Scorpions ftings, and gnaw upon your confcienccs with unknowne and everlafting horrour.Alas!Beloved,whatmeanc you^You wil give your Phyfitiafl leave totel you the diftempers ofyourbody : the Lawyer to difcovcr unto you any flaw in your deeds : your horfe-keeper to tell you the furfets of your horfes: nay, your huntfman thefurrancesofyourdogs.'andfliall onely the Mi- nifter of G o d not tell you that your foules are blee- ding to eternall deaths Prepoftcrous and prodigi- ous incongtuitie ! Ifit be thus then, that ofall the feverall forts of ^^ great men mentioned bcfore(by reafon that they oigat 'ones to arebefct with fuch varierie of fnares, entangled in finve the more fo many temptations, fo much taken up by the >'* **<»'v«m- world,and for other reafons rendrcd alreadie) vc- lie few are called, converted and faved^my coun- fellinaword unto all fuch, is C h r i s t s own word, Luke 1 3 .24. Strfve to enter in at thefiraitc^ ^4r^,laie violent hands upon flcfh and bloud,ftran- gleyourlufts, contend and *wraftle as for the * Ay^vin^, fearland in the Olympian games, to which the word fccmes to allude, become fooles in the • worlds 255 A SERMON^ ^ worlds ccnfure,that you may be wife in the myfte^ ry of C H R I s T ,be little & vile in your own eftcem, that you may bee great and gracious in the eyes of Go D. In a wordjfubmit yourfoulesto thefword of the Spiiic,and fooliflinelTe of preaching, (as the Apoftlecalsit)that you may be wrought upon fa- viugly^and brought into the gocdrvay, and that by fuch works and waies as thefe. tltifhZl ]t7o Upon which before I enter, give me leave to good tiu Gods give you an account, why at this time I labour ra- ivord hjndeiy therto worke upony our confciences for your per- woriison t em. (-qq^ij converfion,tnan as heretofore to tender un- to you counfcis and confiderations for a more confcionablc deportment in your feverall publike places. When I well weighed with my feife,the truth of that principle and pofition in Hooker, That it is mfecttliar conceip, but a matter of found ccnfc' qnence^ that all duties are by fo much the better pr for- medy by how much the men are more religion, from rvhofe abilities the fame proceed: And finding by ex- perienceof all ages, and moft of all in thefe worft and woefull times, that men of publike imploy- ment and in high places,untill there be infufed into their foules by the Spirit of grace an internall fu- pcrnaturall principle and divine habit to work by, untill aliquidCvi r i s t i (as they fay) be planted in them by the power of the Miniftery, they cannot poflibly bee univerfally thorow, and unfhaken. Some flrong affedion, feare, favour, or fome thing, will make them flie out and failc in fome particular very fowly. Upon exrraordinarie temptation ihey will fervc the times, and their m, own A SERMON. ^57 own turnes:for,a!as!as yet their fpirits are not ftccled with that heavenly edge,and mighty vigour,as to fee totheirfliouldersagainftthetorrentofthetimes,and rot to be ovei flowen with it. I fay upon this ground Ihaveadvifedlychofenro alTay and follow this way at this time:for,if once you turne on the Lords fide in truth,y Gu are won for ever to an invincible conftan- cie,and confcionablenes in an uniforme^regiilar, and religious difchargc of your publike dutiesrand wil e- vcr holdfaft without partialitie5Cowardlines>or feare of mans face,that brave and noble refolution, Vtfat juflitia/uAt ccelumMi heaven and earth be blundered together with horrible confufionjbefore I make fliip- wrackof a good confcience,orbe any waies drawn to do bafcly. Being incorporated into the reck of .eter- nitie Jesvs Christ blefifed for ever, you will ftand (like unmoveable rocks) againft the corruptions of the times,and ail ungodly oppofitions;and never be- fore. For in the meane time (fay Minifters what they will) you v;ill not be moved 5 but you heareour difc CQurfes of a faithfull difcharge of your places, as ye would heare a very lovely fong of one that hath a pleafant voice; they leave no more imprelHon upon your confciences, than a fwcet leffon upon the Lute in the eare^when it is endedj for,then both the vocal I and inftrumentall fweetnesdifTolve into the aire, and vanifhinto nothing; Itis too truly fo with our Ser- mons upon your foules,Heare your charader in Gods ownewords unto the Prophet, They comemtothee,as e*<^^'33«3t. the people commeth^andtheyfit before me as ?nypc0ple,and^^ they heare thy words ^ but they will not do them 5 for with ' their mouth they jhew much love, but their heart goeth af- ter their covetoufneffe : andloey tho^t art unto them, as 258 A SERMON. a very lively fong of one that h ath afkafant vorce,^ can fUy well on An inUrument: for they hcarethy rvcrdsy hut Deut I they do them not. Let us lift up our voices never To high, ' ' ^* orcrie never fo lowd: and rell Judges,Ti^4f they ought not to be afraidofthefacecfman^for the judgement is Go D s: that in judgemenr/Z'^j' ?nufl mitherrefpechhe Lcvit.i 9. 1 5. ^erfon ofthefoore^dor honour the -per fin of the mighty • chat they fhould nor onely hold their hands from grofic Lanquet.chron* bribes with Epammondas, \vho{^s the ftory tels us)re- J9/.J7. * ' fufed great prefentsfenc unto him, although he was pfal poore/ay ing ,7/7^^ th^ng were good, he would do it with- Pag*i4*4. out any bribe.,hecaHfigood:Jfnot honefljoe wouldttot do it Bribery extendi for al thegoods in the fvorld,h\.\t they muft alfo be ofAu- toaff0 tons, j^^^^ judgement ,that not only monie, gold and filver or prefenrs(asthey call them) are bribes,but the guilt of bribery alfo may be juftly imputed,evento any ex- orbitant affection, which fwaies a man afide from an ioipartial execution of juftice ; as love, feare, hatred, anger, pufanimitic, worldlines, dcfirc of praife & ap- plaufcjwhich isAufiins inflace.&c.Thatthey beware of bringing morebloud upon the Law by fparing the Num.3533, fpiilcrofbloud. For hlood'JakhGoD)itdefleththe land dr the land cannot be clean fed of thehlood that isfhed therinibut by the bloodofhim that jhed it :\\\2.i they muft not look upo the caufes which come before them on- ly through the fpedtacles of a favourite, &c. and tel ju- ftices of Peace,that they muft be true hearted patri- ots, and not fcrvers of rhemfelves, and their ownc turnes: that they muft be ferioils, reall,and gravejnon only formall 5 not cyphers,not unnobly light in their behaviour on the Bench : that they muft ever aime at the publike good, and never at their owne particular ^nd private cnds.chatthcy fhould difdainc & fcornat *""' A SERMON. 259 any time to combine ladioufly,or for a petty bribe to uphold a rotten caufe, a peftilcnt ale-houfe, or lewd companion; and ever joyne \vi h an unanimous mag- narimitie to honourGo d3<&: do their countriegood. And tell the Lawyers,that z/'d)' fbeuU not make hafi Lawyers faults tdberichSox^o (2x1X1 Salomon jthcy JJiall net Be innoccHti ^^^'^ '^°' nor fwallow down gold toogrcedily,leaft it turnc to gr .veil and the gall ofafpswirhinthem; and they be enforced to vomit up the riches(as/?^ fpeakeih) they job.io. i j . lave heaped together fo haftily, either by rcmorfe & rcilitution in the mean time^or with defpaire and im- penitv Hi: horrour hereafcenthat to oppofe & wrangle * againftagood caufe, or undertake the defence of a bad^areboth equally moft unworthy the very moral vertue of an honcft Heathen^ that they muft not learn - to fpin out the caufes of their Clients from Termc to Termejand wire-draw their fuits untill they be utter- ly undone; that they fhould not now be taking inftru- dtions from their clients, when they fhould them- fclvcshere in the houfe of Go d be inftru^ed to the * kingdome of heaven;had they this morning received a meffagcfrom the Almighty, that at nightthcy fliould appeare before that high & everlafting ludgeto give an account for all things done in the flefh; if they be not Atheifts or Papifts, O with what eagerneffe and violence would they have attended, addreft,and ap- plied themielves r o the prefent opportunitie! & liitle do we know what the evening may bring forth. For, aflure your felves, there is no manfoafluredofhis richesjor life, but that he may be deprived of one or both the very next day or hourc to come. y^^^^^ y^„;^^,^ And tell the jurors ai^d lworn-mcn,tha: they fliould rather die then draw the bloud of any mans lifc,livc^ S 2 lihood 26o A SERMON. lihood^or good name upon their own confciences^ci- ther by acquitting the guiky, or hurraying the inno- cent. H§re(had I tiine)I would intimate unto you a myfticall, but tnifchievo'is packing fonecimes in choice of jury-men. I have kcn{ I fpeak of that which was long{ince,and at a Seflfio is)romc of the choiceft drunkards in aCountrie chofen for thac fervice.Now is it not a pirifall thing that Country bufineffes fhould be put into the hands of fuch as labour induftrioufly, ' and with equall cunning,to plague an honeft man^and deliver a drunkard. on whom the J ("^y ^q^^ ^i\ ^his while, we thus difcourfe unto pmrfur" yoUjcarneftly endeavouringjand with a thirfty dcfire to doc you good, and dire(^ you aright, and by a di- vine rule in the feverall duties proper to your places, we do but plow in the rea,and fovv in the ayreCas they fay)excepttheimmortalireedoftheWord hath firft moulded you anew,and ye be brought hj tkfooUfj)- nes cf preaching out of the wax m SunintoGoDs blef- fing,and from the fools paradifc of worldly wifdome into the holy path of fincere profeilours, and there- upon prize and preferre the peace of a good confci- cnce before all the gold in the Weft,and preferments inthe world 5 which bleflfcd change from nature to grace, is wrought by fuch ftirrings of the foule, and foot-ftepsofthefpiritasthefe; lend me, I befeech you, (while J parfe along them)fomthing more than ordinary attention.-for J know they wil fceme ftrange things to all fuch great ones as are intended in rny Text, and thofe who live at reft in their pofTeflfions, and have nothing to vex them. The naturall ftoutnes of their fpirits will difdaine and fcorne to ftoope to fuch uncouth humiliauons, and this mighty change. A SERMON. 261 And the more they are men oftheworld, and wife according to the fledijthe greater repugnancy and reIu<5tationfliall they find in their affedions againfl thefe fpirituail workings, which makes the point good which was proved before. Bjl yet without them in truth and cife<5t(l define not die meafure and degree,Go d isa mod free agent) they can never become either gratious mentor good Miigid rates. They muft upon neceflity become fuch fooles, or they can never be wife unto falvation. 1. If any of you then v/ould come out of Satans „ ^n , clutches mto the armes orC h r i s t ,he muit be ilhgh- wtbfin. tencdjConvinced and caft down with fighr,fenre,and trouble for (inne,as in my art of comforting afflided confcienceslhave fliewed. 2. The point may teach us not to bee greedy of ^^ „gf ^..^^j^ greatnelTejnorhuntambirioufly after high roomes. ofgnatnej/i. ' 5. The point may ferve as a foveraigne antidote a- ^^^^ ^^^ ^j, gainft all difconrent orfretting, when we fee men o^gainfi tie the world carry al before the,&c.We may enta'tairi woMy. an holy indignatio to fee folly fet in great excel! ecy, fo many fervant^ on horfe-back,and Princes walking as fer vants upon the ground . But I am prevented by the time from profecuting thefe two latter Ufes. Let me briefly fay two things more,and I have done. rh guilty to I .The firft concerning what I have faidj have fpo- apply repmch^ ken much (as you have heard^my Text naturally and diredly leading me therunto)of the truemiferieand fpiriruall madnes of all great men in learning,wealth nobiHty,wifdom according to the flefh.Leaft any be unjuftly angry and miftake,or cauflcfly grumble and gainfay,letme take up the words of the ancient holy Father Sahimm about a thoufand ycares ago in ths. - ■ S_3 _^ JU^c ^6■L A SERMON. like cafe.He having imparl liilly diicoveredthc hor- rible impieties of the noble & rich men in thofc coi"- rupttimeSjtels them by the way,and it is iriy jad: apo- logy at this time./ ^<>«<>/( faith \\Q.)f}cakthusofany,^ut ortiyfuch as know theje things to betnthemjcives. iftbtit cOfikkncts bejree^ nothing that I f^y tends io their defba- ragement anddifgrace: butifthq know themfelves to he ■ gmlty, let them know alfoy that they ar::n(itmj words hut .their oxvne confitences which 'uexe them. A*d in another place hus- Sith I/peake not theft tkngs ej all^ hut thofe who arefach^none ofyott ought to he angry at .ill which fin, dethnothimjelfto beotmoxtoti^-^leafl t her by hemakehim^ fel/efeeme,a^id be fufpe^c'dto be of the 'number of ihofe thai are naught. Rather let jo many m being gudlle(je and truly noble yAbhorre filch unworthy courfes , be angry with them who disgrace the numc cf nobility by their bafc andw^eked behaviour ': becauje although others he much worfe and fcandaliz/dby them, y etc (feci ally they brnga gr-at d<^alg ofpameand dtfhoKOur'4tfoa thoje rvho tire ofthef,menvble ranker. Take notice by the ^ay,that by rhe Fathers wordsjthofemenare much to'oblame,whogo about CO dawb over the diforders.and fmo her upcbe fcan- dalousexorbirancics of delinquents in their own pro- feiHon, or to bee concurrents for their deliverance from deferv'd fhame &pu' iHiment.To giveinffance iai Minifftn in the higheft caliing: A Minifl^r which fals to drun- tohee wfl/ fe kennesand alchoulc-hauntingjAiould rather be pub- .ereiy^umjl^cL ji^ely (ham'd and ccnfurcd, than a fellow of an infe- liour calling We do not honour the Miniftrieby ha- ving our hads in helping out fuch,bur by difclaiming and not owning themjwel may we by fo medling in. currefufpicionofobnoxioufncfle: but never bring credit to our fo holy a calling, I knew a Knight did '' [pen^nce^ A SERMON. 263 penance ztPaals-Cro (fey but at the fame time I heard that many of his rankc in the City laboui'd to have . him dif-knighted firft, before he fo pubhkely difgra- ced their Order. Me thinks all well-minded fhould be fo minded. 2. The other is to my Lords the Judges. My reve- 'Dutks of rend and noble Lords, give me leave to clothe the ^U'k"' thoughts of the Country in a word or two.We much rejoyce in you,and bleite G o d for yoii,as men of tin- gular & known integrity, fpecial friendsiothe Gof- pellofjEsvs Chr I sT,and a great honour and hap- pinclTe to thefe parts, and heartily pray that wemiy hold you ftill : and therefore my intreaty unto your Lordfhips is, that you would couragioufly advance forward,and do like your felves,& nobly ftill.Draw oiit your drcadfuU fwords againft the torrents of Be- lial ,asl^4i//Vcalsthem,which even threaten a deluge; andbeyourfclvcsas mighty torrcnf^, armed both with juft and holy lawes,and the godly refoIu:ion of your own noble fpirits,to beareback,and beat down the common, crying^and r:iigning fins of our Coun- try. In a word, be unto the opprefled& innocent as a refuge from the ftorme, but as a terrible tempeft up- on the face of every humane bead, and fon of Belial, And O that you could help us,that Gods people ^if^fi -^^^ might not perifh fi-o/want of bread : is it not a pitiful! ^'^^^"' thingjthat in fuch a deare yeare fpecially,it fhould be almoft as hard a worke to get downe a wicked ale- houfe,as to win Dunkerke ? That Maulfters fhould fnatch(asitwere)the grainefrom the mouths of the poor in the market placc,to uphold thefe hel-houfcs, thefe nurcericsofthcDivell5thatMagiflrates fhould be fo unmerciful], j^s neither for Go d s fake, nor the 2($4 A SERMON. Kings fake, nor the poores fake,nor their owne foules fake to take the utmoft penalties for blafphemies,alc- 'houfe-hauntingSjdrunkcnnefle and prophanations of the Lords Day ^ And were it not an honourable courfe,and worthy to have an univerfall contribution over the Country to pull down fomething the excef- five prizes in market-townes for the poorc therea- bouts,during this extremity^ But I leave it to your Lordfhips charitable wifdome to do the beft you can poflibly;that the bloud ofthe poore this yeare be not added to the already crying- fins ofthe kingdome,to haflen Gods judgements upon us,and our long fince defervedruine.Andinthemcanctimeyou need not fearethe face ofthe proudeft DIvell, whether incar- nate^or in his own fliape. For,while you thus advance Gods glory,and truely honour the Kingjaffure your felves,thc hearts, and tearcs,and prayers 'of all good men (hall be for you, and yours fhall bee the crowne and comfort 3 when all prophane- nefle and prophane oppofites to the good way^all the enemies ofGo D,and peft- ilent packings and complotments ofthe Divels agents againft Gods people^ fliall be buried in Hell. iU: FINIS. « 'H O fi* O^ Ji <& JS) AN ALPHABETICALL INDEX OF THIS WHOLE BOOKE. BVT where you (hall finds f» before the number it coGccrnes the Meditations, and f before . the number, is for the Funcrall Sermon. A. Things above differ from thing! bilow, i j . Account See Reckoning, AdamsfaU made capaci/j/fmaU. 1 1 4. Adfocatc Christ. If. Benefiti thereof. Ibid, AdmiieG 00% love to thee. 174. Admonition private tveU talien. t ^| . Adrancemcnis iU effeQi, 1 8 j . Affablepefle WW/ feith gravity . 166. AfFcflions corrupt defined. 218. Ah-hdufei burtfuU. 265. Al\ mufi die. 7 4- Amhiiionvaine.mt$. Amhhionand covetoufiteffe compared 1^1 AwbitioDunfatiable. ztj. Ambition abafe end of Uarnirg. 18 1, Aoguini. ^ee Torment, a»^ Hdl. Ai^Mvmcc of pardon to begotten. 90. A fTu ra nee 0/ C H R I s T f begotten, fi%, AffixtAnccofCviKM'Vfphatitivorfis.fii, Atbanaftus haw fitted to croffcs. 54. Attendants Religions, ley. Bcatificall vifim. m 4. Beatitude offnule in heaven. 141. See Heaven, i'ce Glory. Beauty efglorifisd bodies. 1*9. Beauty vaine- mi 2. Sefore- haadgtt grace.^. BELOW. Things Below raife mind above, x j. Difference betwixt things below and 4h hove. I J . Things Below fdwe. s 8. Thirgs Below T^ex. j 8. r^cy cannot fat is fie nor helpe, 39. r^cy exrc« ,ti. Death «tfi(i£X the body loathfimCy S3. Dea t h fa^c; not grace from thefouU, 8 j. Death caAMor be avoided, f6. Death »of to he feared^ fx 5. Death notfimpfy deftred, f iB. Death an immediate pajfage toChri/,/ 1 7 Therefore deftred, j 26. Deatli /« be oft meditated on* f is* In Death »Jb<»f (omfortt,fiB. Death tvhat itjreethfrom, f^x. t>caihof good Minijters to bee loomed, f6z. VfetarifitfgfroM the jytt^efUiniJlertt Dcfcnc not repentance, f 11. Dchght J'K loy Delight in heaven^ m j. D'fpairc hov prevented, 17. Defpifci « ofMiniflen who, 24, Bilcord akfrom impieta, 10 j. DifiolmioD of vorldhitp fhewedyii, Drjomc at lafi day terrible^ 9 a. Douhts rejolved in heaven, 1 44. Dti^onmfceHtoutofthepitt 19a. tanh]ymindednejfe,^6. . Earthly and heave{y delights hoyv dijfery'it. Icclcfiafticall UvtngsimeU di^ofed, i6«. Education ivorfi oj befl borne , z 1 5, EVics patience, 34. Encouragcmeni how given to othert ,19. End\effctorment\inhc//,\o6.24i. Engtaod endures much for the Go^eU, ip a Ertortrefolved inheaven, 144. Evi!l day provided againfl , 4. Jn Evill /^fl)* »o btlpe in the world, 3^, 'Eyesglorified impaffihle, ijp. Example of great onti, 1 74. F. FAITH Faith not weSdtfcerned, c 3. Faith ma)/ bee f^norpne in birth andgro»tt^ 64. Faith mixedwitbfeares^66^ Faith carefully l^ept iy beltevers, 67. Faith to/ft /rwVr, 68. Faith /fcott^t wcaj^ iAri/rw/rf,^9. Faith highly pri^eth things beleevtdj 6p. The Index, Uithttrnf^rsry hnffane itgteti. 70. Faith tcmfrao invhat tt fines jhort, 7 » • Faitbjtf «f */«»*««« a/"CHRiiT,/3 z. YzXUfnuui, Ml. Families pwn* ^ifed,i9^- Family duties •ffi9ty,%'i Cod fupcUnf 3 f i. FuncralUemwf/fwitfW^i ' T9- Future «»»f» they wtai;^en.tbe ^int,^^. G. Gentry. 5^^^ Nobility. Glorified ioij^«/CH«rsT fco»*rrgiM if . Glorified Sdiwff iw bnght:, 115. Glorified i?»^/«JWWji>rr<8Z?, I5O. Glorified e>cnwfd/;*/e, M 9. Glory oj heaven vhy net revealed at juU, 113. G]o\y grcatefi intthit ^Uce, uj. Glory ofhighefl heav$n, 117- Glory tf heaven to be mditatedcrij 116. Glory o/fcefgMi/& w ie^?. 1 04. GxActietnQtJlipy i®^. Grace o?2«(>' cfcaw^cffc »ww i'<'<*r^ 119. Ciirityrpiih afai}UneJfe, 166. Great o«ef muft firivefor heaven. 2 5 f . Great on*x/w»/«-«^t^'^'"f ' ^ 5 -3 * 5 }• 6rcat owsfddtaitgAid, 171.1^^. Great o«w fo be prayed f4r, 1 75. 6reat duatv many ajttr them , 174. Great on«J bacl(ivardt9go$d, 177 t^l^. Gre»t ones tilietaf^ffyi&f. Gan-p^vdcr phtj 19}. H. Heart cJbx^e^ ^ ^4ce Hf€^,tM9' Heart ef Pharaoh hard, 22 1 ^a 13 . Heart hardnednot mruedt it 1. Heathens vertues to be obfervedy 49. Heat he as not fmh antidotes as ChijtUw, HEAVEM. Health T^dwe, m ro. H«aveM excellency umtt$rahley 1 1 r. HcAvcn'gloiy ivhy not revealed tofuM, 1 1|. HcaTCD Ughefi borpgloriOM, 117. HcaTCQsrfcree, 1 1?. Heavens I?/gfcey? excellency, 119. Heaven bath many Inhahitantty ito. }icivcm htghefi imraenfityyiii, Hcarens wor/je, iiz. Mctiyciiihrightnejfe, laz. Hcavcns^/oryrok meditated My ii^« Heavens m/er, 117. Heaven »fca/- i^?M^ ojKs^^dont^ 1 27. Heaven »fctf^ i^ind of inheritance 128. Heavens crowwe, 128. Heavens ^e/ig-^r, m^^, Heaven ^irituaSpro^ifton. 17. High ^/(jcef ufedforgainc hurtfuffj 164. Highp/dcef <»nger«;' Chrifisfermons, 220. lllnmination /iipernaturalt to comprehend heavenly glory. 1 1 4. \tt\mcn(iij of heaven- tti. Inamortality ofgUrifiedbodies 1 J o. Immortality ojfoules. f lo. Impatiency wor/e then any crojfe. 34. Impatiency imbitters conrforts. }6. Impious endures norpiom. 200 locoriuption ofglorifedbodits.i 3 1 . Indufiryrn caUing. 1^4. InhabitaRts»2a»}'7n<&e4ve;i. iso. Inheritance »Z» 5,66, l&'ira^exine^rleSedwfodt afi».2i,2^. }A\ti\(ke\% to be encouraged, f 5. '^MmWtngooi have many euemieSiioz, Miadhts bad to be punijhed 262. lAiaiReTspowerJuUmaligy:ed 194. Mioiftcrs The Index, MiBifter* efieem of theirfeoflesvelfare.fso Minifters life propahlcf $ i. Mini&iii convert fouUs. f5i' Mini ftcis refiraine corwftions.f 54. Miniflers»?«r/ijicrcZi^Mero/i»n./5 5. Miaifl crs difcsverfecret finsfS 6. Minifters revof-j men into the right >rrocMrc t/ej75»^./ S 8. Miniftcis departure not lamented hy Many. f6i. UiaiRciS povoerftiUhated by rnavy-f^^- Winiftcrs »fcen /fccy «iJe f« ^e lamented f6z Wxaificxs to be highly priied. f66. MinxRexitobeprayedjarr. f 67. U'xnxRenpaines to be regarded, f 6U Minds earthly dangerom. 3«^. Moitalityof man. 43. Mortality jj/r/t>r leaven, f 9* Mortall men not to be depended on. ff. lAomnittg for 4ead moderate. i$z, My&encsdeepe f^nowncrin heaven. 1 44. N. "Nivne good for lojfe of goods. 80. Negka hfgracereor\% angttifh in heM.iOj^, New fafbiom hardly left. 14 j. UohWity difiifiguifhed. 2.14. Nobility y«rn»<2mrdi5f 114. Nobility degenerate. 117. "Cobles fubje£l to mavy temptations. ix8. O. Opportunity to be takca. 14. Oppofitionsfii^aJ»y? (orruptions.i 5 $, Oiiiexihov encouraged. 19, P. Paine ojh/e in heft. 9 «. Pardon be ajfured of. 90. Patience her benefits, jt. Pjtienceo//afc. H- '[>tncncc of 'David jj, Paucoceo/£/J.34. faticncc from fijort life, f i j. Patrons iff, much hurt. 161. Pauis/rar^/g. Tharachshardheart. 221. Peace »i/fc God tobel^pt. 61. Vcopictvithout a Vafiyr gsjheepe.fi. Pious wof endured by impioM. 200.20a. place hQ» God in /Mi y. Place but ene at once for gloriftd bodtM. Places high dangerour I«y. Plcafure unfatiable-it^. VlcaCurtsof this life vainej mg. Poflctity of Saints caredfor fyQoD> 79* toxeticy of Saints in heaven. 13a. VtziCcifalfe not to be given. 1 59^ Pray y\otfor the dead.f m. Tray continually- f 3 1- Pieachmgpomerfufftoielifaed, 16B, Preaching much pandered. 196. Preparatire. See Ptovifion. Preparation. SeeProvifion, VMcblind^iT). VnvAieadraonitionveUtahytn. 1^3. Profcflion iew^^Jcci. 18. Profcffbrsjdrwd//. i^. Prov ifion apainfi the evrS day. 4. Prcvifion Tvhat fruit lejfe. 7. ProvifioB rfhat mofi comjortable. 9. Provifion {pirituaUto be hoarded.^?' Prorifion again (l death, l^. Provifion -with Qovfuficient. 51. Provifion hom.z%, Rcckoniwg at the laji dAyfiriff..S^. T 3 Rcpent.inc? Tht Index. Jepcntaacc to be f^eedily renmei, / 1 j . Repentance /MAj^e, I J tf. *cftitution, 151. ^cRittttioatothe Church, 1^9. Re .. I^ichcsvjine, w 14. R.ichesfc(»»>_^«i//e^j 7. Riches c&t^^e rJ&e fTor*/, 1 84. Rich men regard Mt Semens ^ 18 j. S. Sabbath, j'ec Lords day. Sacriledgc, 178. Saints fittedfor tryaUi 54. Saints potency in heaverty ij«. Satlsfaftion «mc i« things below, 3 9. Satan tahji foftines a^iinfi the Wri^i^j Satan hu band in every fin, ti6, SezCon for grace to be t alien, f 1. SciConvfdoi/iggrace to be talien,f6^. Seerets difcoveredat lafl day, 9 1 . Security w quietneje dangerous, 4. Sences bew exercifed in beaveng 140. Szn^aall wifdome, zo8. Senfualln'^dfff is, tcp. Sermons to be meditated on, 249. Sermons funeraH for the living, i^9» Sermons felje /eel^ingf i8?. Sermons not regarded by rich men, 185. Sermons »/ C H r i s T wroaght little $n leYveti »20. Short life agroundofpafience,fi y. Simonicall^mfi^i/ef , 161. Sincerityj/ j6. Smne in the befl on earth, f^a. Sinners rclat deprived of, %o 4. Sinners end f ear e full, 241. Sotrowcsfxpeernedi i. Soule infefieiwith corruption, 159. Soiilenogoodby rvorldly things, 1 1. Soule boypfatisfied, Ibid. Soulc caries grace after death. 85. Soulc/«ngr»gr, 84. Soulcs Meditation, m 20. Souks beatitude in heaven, 141, Souks immortality, fto., Souks^eepe not, fxi. Soules immediatly after death fie GoJ,fu. Spirit not to be weal^eneJ, 44. Spirit how 'wea\ened, 4 $. S^irituall pro-vifion to be hoardeiup,\7, Spirituall ejlate to be tried, 6 j. Spirituslls 4 recompence 9f lojfe of tempo- rals, 7S, SpirjtualneiTc of Saints in heaven, ij}. S\^zdLttisdeftre belpe /cfweare more,zif, T. Temporary ^f/i&, 70,71. Temporals lofi recompence Hfith ^iritu^ als,79. Teftimonies •/ fathers tphy produced, I ^7 Thstnkes for redemption, fS7. Thoughts of future eviUwealien^irit,^^: Torments ojbelt, 99. Torroent in heUnot fogteat as Uffe,g^. T oumtms none fo great at in heSf loz. Totmcnts in hell endlejfkf 106,243, Trcafurc ietf-ucw/K} *4' Benefit thereof, 27. Trials fitted to Saints f 54. Truftiw Jehovah, 3. V. Vaine-glory (hcc\ed, f io Valuation of world, 4? . Van:ty of all worldly thingf, lo. Vanity of things below, J 3. Vimty may loofeeternity, 98. Vmitf.ofplca/ures,(^c m^.(^c, VilianbeatificaU, m 4- Voluptuoiilntfle unfatiable, 154. See Plcafure. yCuiy taxed, iSc. W. VValke in the way to heaven rather then en- qaire after the glory of it, 149. Wuch [firituall, f J4. Weaken not i^irit, 44. Weakened ■ i The Index. Weakcnet! hov the Ifirit 4 j. Weaned be from thetvorld, 7^. Wicked tremble at chrifts commirtfy S7. Wicked onesfhaffnotbevitb Chrtfi^ /30. Wife tvoTldlyjoilifih 247. Wifdomc tvorldly AangnoHiiis^ ' Wifiome worldly divelijb , 191. Wifdomc worldly in Satans right hand, lot. Wifdomc wwW/y U earthly, 105. Wfdonac worldly /enftkiUjzei, Woidiightly efieeoted, 176. Word cheated ly riebti, 1 84. Word why opfofed^ 1 97. Word how tt ptdiicetl fcemert , 224, Word makes dead morefiinJit, »24,a2^. Word onwhomf«werjuM, ZQO, Wodd vaine, ra iz. World to he kl^^t off, 3 6. WotUhvw\eftoff,i^, World haw tob^vc^iiei,^^^. World te weaKedj'rem, 7 5. World wht leave be» rewivrded^ 7 y, WerUsdtffolulknhttrJht-tred, 11. Worldlings not to be en-vied. 1 7 <• Worldlings how profound, lowjhafffiv, 204. Worldlings itfae no ^irttvaU l^MiPiedj^ey 210. Worldlings »/)i^f<7^4/;fy? thefTordi an. Wotlilmgs iiel>end on ewnewtt, zii. Worldlings mifcenjure true piety, 21 j, Woildly /i'M|,x fame, j o. Woildly /fciw^i Hotgoodto/oule, 1%. Wor[d\y great nejfe, 171. Worldly wi/dome danger Ota i 150. Worldly wifdome divelijb, 1 » i . Sre Wifdomc. Wormc of confcitncej 17* Wiat J) Jbctf^r^^ aguinft d«^ 0/wratIii 2 2. FINIS. TWO SERMONS PREACHED AT NORTHAMPTON AT TWO SEVERALL ASSISES THERE. The one in the time oftheShrevalty of Sir Erafmus Dryden Baronet. The other in the time of the Shrcvalty of Sir Henery R$binfin Knight, By R»krt Bolton Bachelourin Divinityjatc Miniftcr of Broughton in Northampton-Jhirc,2nd fomctimcs Fellow oiBrafen-nofe Collcdge in Oxford, ]Publi/bedhjE.B. London, Printed by George tJiitHerdvfeWmg in the Black- Fryers. MDCXXXIX. 1 TO THE READER. HE ancient Impcriall La wes gave to an Oyer'- feeroUWiUynotonly a protection over /f, but an Adionfor i^,in cafe ofabufe. If I had not had this intereft in theAi/?»;/7/of thisAuthor; y ct as a ""Fidei Commijfaritis to hiai,and fpc^ ciallyintrufted by him for the publiSiing thcfe two Apfe Sermons^ I durft not but performethistrufttomy deare friend. I ncedc notaffurcthei^^^i^r, that thcfe Ser- A 2 mons PM Aimmfii Tutor. l.i.%.u *Eft We cujiu fidtiUgatum •vel reliGum committitur. Ant.l^oherg. in f^ocab, utriu/^ luris. To the Reader^ monsarc irucly his owac, for whca hec Ihallobferve hoy they arc cloathcd and a^parrclled hee wHl quickly difcover who w4s their Father. Bellies, there ace hua- drcds^of people yet living who heard him preach them, andean with race futficiently atteftatethcit legitimation^ But I cannot fay fo for fome other Sermons that are au- dacioufly vented under his name.^ox I mufl; fay, that i he /^jaft^ called ih^XarndJlProfef- yir^printed for R^Da'^lman^xS^M none of Mafter Bolton Sjneither ^oadmateriam^ nor quoad formatii, as they fay in Schoolcs. I goe notabouj: to qiicftion it, or to draw any partie into punifbment, and therefpre Iwill not ventilate a queftion in the Ci'vill l?Je^mtit, LoTHfyV/hctha'^A^iodedoIoydQrh not lie in thtscafcil only note theinjurie and protefl; againftit. In the former Workes of this Author you may obfervehis Eloquence for God ; in thisfor bis PnfJ^^ in vindicating the So- veraigntie of Kings^zs the immediate Ordi- nance o£Gq;1> againft thoTe proud ufurpa- tions To.^tEfiad^rl tions upon them by that Mj« a//»»£j>and iniextaHing Pictie, whrcfe is then fee inthc higheft place, whcn.it wifely rules and di - reds in t^Qheans and ypayes oirighteoits Go- yernoursn I will fay no more of this Worke, nor of the Workeman, for neither he nor it ftand in need of my praife,ic onely contents me that I have lived, to fee himliveagainejto per- forme his iJpi//, to execute his frwiif commit- tcd/rome^thoughit might have beene bet- ter done by another if hee had fopleafedj The law ofreafon and right pardons fomc aberrations in the Worke where there is a ncceflityofOe^/w^, and 1 doubt not but a hying Reader will pcrforme this right to mee, that am content thus to expofe my felfe for his fake. From any other I exped it not i it being a common humour with men that live at ^^^^.tocenfure other men, as toobuliethQU^ they workefor ihQ puhltkc^-y of whom I may fay, as Erafmr^ fpake of ^rafm cou.ds the Friersin his time, They aremore thea '" ''^'^"^^' men at their meatc, and lefle then wo- A 5 men To the Reader. men at their worke. And as 1 contemner the flouts of the one , fo J ccds creature; elfe had Daniel newer fpoken thus to Nebuchadnez^itr , an ungodly King and fcoarge^'^'^-*'j7. of Nations > Thott (0 King) an a King of , Kings, for the G O D of Heaven hath given thee a Kingdomc^ power , and flrength, and glory . And hence it is alfo, that K^tipin^ that renow- '^^G'^'^i^ate ned Father tells us, Hee that gave Sovereignty to ^'^'^*** Au^i\{iws^gave it a^fo to Nero. Hee that gav: ?> to theVQ^'p^Sxms, Father and Sonne, fweetefi Empe- rours, gave it alfo to Domitian that blotidy monfier. In a word (faith he) He that gave tt to Chriftian Conftantine, ^^4T^tf7> alfo to Julian the K^pofiata. That infinite wifedome of G o p, which hath di^ ftinguifhed his Angels by degrees 5 which hath given greater and lefTe light and beauty to heaven- ly bodies, which hath made difference betweenc beafts and birds, created the Eagle and the Flye, the Cedar and the fhrub, and among ftones, gi- ven the faireft tinifture to the Ruby, and the quickeft light to the Diamond, hath alfo ordai- ned Kings, Dukes or Leaders o^ the people, MagiftrateSj Judges, and other degrees amongft men. Secondly, Government is the prop and pill.?r ^t^foni^ of all States and Kingdomes, the cement and fouleof humane affaires, the life of fociety and order, the very vitall fpirit whereby fo many mil- lions of men, doe breath the life of comfort and peaces and the whole nature of things fubfifl. Let thchcaitinamanfurccafc from the cxcrcife of its prin- lo K^n Afi(e Sermon, principality and prime motion, and the whole bo- dy would prefently grow pale, bloudlcfTe and livc- IcfTe. If that glorious Giant in the skie^ fliould re- tirehis light into himfelfe, and through alangm- . filing faimneiTe ftay his -courfe, and the Moone fhould wander from her beaten way,whom God hath appointed rulers over day and nightjthe times and feafonsoftheyeare would blend themfelves, ' by difordered and confufed mixture. This goodly frame ofthe world would di(rolve,and fal into con- fufion and darknelTe. Proportionablyjtakc Sove-' raigntie from the face ofthe earth, and you turne it into a Cock-pit. Men would become cut-throats andCanibals one unto another.Murders^adukeries, incefts,rapes, rcberies, perjuries, witchcrsfcs, blaf- phemies^all kinds ofvillanies,outrages and favage crueltie, would overflow all Countries. Wc fliould havea very hell upon earth^and the face ofit cove- red with bloud,as it was once with water. 'Ru^on 3 . 1 hirdly,It giveth opporrunitie by G o d s blef. fingjforthe free exercife^and full improvement of all humane abilitieSjto their utmoft worth and ex- cellencie.Trades,traf!ike,lawes,learning,wifdome, valour, policies of State, religion ; all Arts and ex- cellencies thrive and flourifli with much happinefle and fucccfre,under the wings and warmth of a god- ly government. Some fliadowes of thefe notable and worthy effecf^s appeared, even in the Heathe- ni(h Statcjas in that ofthe Romnnes^xo what a match- lefTe noonc-tide of earthly glorie and greatneflfc j to what an incredible and uncomparablc height of humane felicity did that people afpire, by mana- ging *^n A fife Sermon. \ j ging their myftcries of State,and guiding the raines of their commanding power, by afaire, ingenious, and noble hand,and that out of the mecre illumina- tions of reafon, and principles of narurall policy^ But I muft tell you by the way, they were notably alTifted inthislmperiallrife,by their ftrid: and fe- verelawcs againtt thofe two grand impoyfoners of the ftrongeft, and moft flourifhing States, firft,3ribcry,fecondly, bafenefle in comming to Sec Go^»f»jc high roomes.They had many hvjesdiaml>ftu, ^ de R9.Leg'p.i6i, fecunijs repetundi^. If a Senator were found to have ufed unlawfull mcanes for the attaining of any O f- ficeihc was to fuffer ten yeares banifhmcnt, and fo proportionably of bribery. No Kingdome under heaven harbouring thcfe two cut-throats, can ftand long without bafenefie or ruine. If Government then hath fuch power,and works fuch wondersin Pagan Kingdomes, what heavens upon earth,what worlds of happinefTe by Gods mcrcie,miy be comfortably expeded, when ir is feafonedand (inewed with the truth of Religion and power of Chriftianity, which is thechiefeft top andwell-fpringofall truevertues,evenasG o d is of all gooci things. For all other ornameqts and ex- cellencies of Nature, Art, PoUicy, are as but a dead and liveleffe carkafTe, except they be anima- ted and quickned with the true feare of G o d, and religious forwardnelTe for hisglory. Nay, a gracc- leflc Magiftrate is a grievous plague, for when he folio wes the publike adminiftration of Juftice, on- ly as a trade, with unquenchable, and unconfcio- nablc third of gaine, and attaining his owne ends, C being I2 ^» ^Pfi Strmn, being not in heart perfwaded that Juftice is G o » $ owne worke, and himfelfehis Agent in this bufi- • nefTe ^ the fcntcnce of right, Gods owne vttd'{6t'^ and himfelfe his Minifter to deliver it, formalities ofjiifticedobutfcrvetofmoother right, and that which was neccffarily ordained for the common good,is through fhamefull abufe^made the caufe of common mifcry, which is too manifcft by too ma- ny wofull experiences. See B4£. X 5 J I *ThrtSerm(»n was preached tefore Kmg CAdrfef'raig- ntA j.yearcs, dedjorjfourthlyjthcfcvcrall formes or meanes by which ix. is attained. The queftion is not, by what meanes, whether by hereditary fucccifion, oreledion, or any other humane forme,a Prince comes into his Kingdome, but whither by the ordinance of God weought te obey him,when he is eft^liflied J hope the Pope is hoifted into his chaire of peftilencc,by the elc(^ion of the Cardinals or worfe meanes,and yet that hin- ders notour adverfaries from holding it a divine or- dinance. Thirdly, Yea but there is no expreffc comman- dement fct down by Go d to obey Henry yOt Lewis t ov lames jov "^CfurkSiOx to acknowledge this or that man more then another to be King. SolMo^ befottcd and infatuated Sophiflry ! By the fame reafon Bellarmineis not bound to be an honcft man,becaufe there is no particular and ex- prefTecommandenicntin Gods Book, thati?.^. ought to be an honcft man. Neither is there any fpeciall charge from God, that Btllarmine muft obey ?auI the S . yet I hope he holds himfelfe {vk))tdi unco him by the Law of GoD^thoughno exprcffe word faith, this or that King rules by me,y et know thcrfore that that Scrip- ture which faith, Bjme Kings mgneS2Axkiz\{oj by me King lAmn raigrres, that precept which bids us hcmm ihtKtng^i F^/. 2. 17. Binds usalfo to honour King Urms^ox generall rules in Go d s Book,whi- cher about precepts, prohibitions,orpromifcs, bind aod belong xq partiodar perfons without naming them,aQd particulars are ncceiTaftily ,and pcrfonally contcined in the univerfals. Firft> \^n Aftfi Seamon, 1,7 Firft,Now this falfe foundation being thus Jaid inthedifgrace a i J abafeaient of fecular Soveraign* ty,as they call itimarke the progrcfle and bloody giadation. Second I yjHence they have proceeded and d-a- red to rob, and bereave Imperiall thrones, and the crowned Majefty of Kings of that native reverence, due attributions andobHgations ofState^ which di- vine ordinance,and pureft times appropriated unto them. Thirdly, They have beeneheartned to fly even inthefaceof Majcfty,and with unhallowed hands to decrowne the Princely heads of the Lords an- nointed.Thac great o^W^ if itpleafcd him, might cfeate two Emperours in the Church equall in power ; one to govcinc in the Eaft part ofthe Church, the other in the Weft. And there- fore having propofed this queftion : Whether the power ofthe £mperour be from God, the Bifhop of-X?^ the Popes **»/>. fpeakes a kusvifli fcctet, or atraiterous plotofai='^«A;,or purpofe. RaviUacke confefTed to a Sodomiticall fTiaveling*, Sec Mmiins fliould be difclofed^ Here is a true brat of the bloo- Book€ of ^y ;^hore, a fellow of the right Ignatian ftampe. a"bp-547. Thirdly, Now the third violence and villa- ny they offer to Kingly power, and Princely Thrones, is the decrowning and dethroning of Majefty. And to this end the Pope doth pcftilently abufe that noble and glorious Engine of the Church, Excemmum cation^ which in it native ufe, ought to bedifcharged upon the hairy pate of every wretch, that goes on rebelliouflyin his fin, and hates to be reformed ^ upon the Drunkard, Whore- mafter. Swearer, If furer,Bribe-taker, and fellowes offuch infamous ranke,and vidorioufly to beate do wne the Bulwarks ofthe Divcll. But he now makes it ferve his t^n Apfe Sermon, 2 1 his turne,to tumble downc into the duft the Impe- rial! Crovvnes of Oithodox Princes. Whereupon his Majefty tells them,in his Royall Anfwcr toCar- p-^c 177. dinall P.errcny That the facredheads of Kings ^are mort churlifllyy uncivilly andrig&reufly handled, then thc^ cemmen hoods of the meaneft churks. For excommunication fliould vexenonein his temporall State. That fpirituall fword^ (fay our Divines) deprives of fpirituall rights,that concerne the kingdome of heaven,deprivesnoneof his civill rightSjWhich he hath as a member of civill fociety. And that learned and famous Spalatenfis^ a man ^'^^sdatm throughly verft in Popifli Dodlrine, fayes 5 For ci- ^^^^\ ^^^^^ vill and humane commerce, no excommunication TUensynt.pi. canhinderit3 and our Ecclcfiafticall Conftitutions /'^87.flrM6. runinthefameftraine. The excommunicated per- fonfhall not be excluded from civill negotiations, ^^ccUfiafi. jf' and ufuall bufinclTe^by which things neceffary to excomnunka- humane life are fupplied. ^ J.^sr^*'''* Now,fhall not a private perfon be hurt in his out- ■''' ward eftatc by excommunication, and fhall a King loofe all < Here is a pure Popifh mercy indeed. I need not trouble you with any Popifh Authors for proofe of the point ; this traiterous tenent of depofing Princes, is every-where current in their Schooles '. they are fo farre from being afhamed of it, that every fliaveling infuksin the Catalogue of dejeded Crownes ; the Popes pradifc muft now prove the principle,and hisfad:,his right. To this very purpofe Azorius tells us, f. i Jnfi, mcrMB, i o cap,2.Sedl. Hxc fenteiatia,'] That Gregory the fcvcnth depofcd from the Empire ffe^ery the D'2 fourth 22 L>df$ Apfe Sermon, if 1 1,3^^ ^^^_ iowxth* Alexander the thitdyFrederick the firft./;;^^- rcAed ^^ar.by f^w^thcthitd, oM(^thc fifth. Innocent xho. fourth, aetfaiw Frederick the kcond»Clemsnt the fixth . "^ i^f rvAf the See in the fame r -^u fence Grfgm. lOUr^*!* MdevaUom j I willoncly here juftific that which a little be- ^^"i'^* ^'*^' ^^^^ I ^did 0^1^ quinas, where I called him the 5e and to bee drunk with blood) of the dcareand precious foules of many thoufands of her own chil- dren, who being by her conceived, and brought forth in fpirituall adultery, and after nurft up, and nuzled in ignorance and fuperftition^have lived and died in Popifh darknefle. But fhe is alfo thick-cloa- thed with the crimfon and crying blood of infinite Martyrs of J £ s v s 5 nay, and now in her dotage, be- ing growne a deformed Hag, and left by moftof her lovers, flie labours to repaire the decaiedncfic and ruine of her painted beauty with the richncfTc ofherattyre, fothatflieisnot now content onely with garments of bafer and inferiour die, but of late, is new clad, even with a robe of blood Royall, deeptly, and double-dyed in the facrcd blood of Kings. Indifplayingthis whore in her bloody colours, I might tell youof thofe Seas of blood, which fliee hath furioufly fpilt in her drunken humour, and powred upon the face oi Europe, almoft all in our remembrance. I might,I fay, enlarge thefe points, but I will at this time onely hold me to the prefent, and^eliver myfelfcin a word. In the firft place that they kill Ki ngs 5 it is cleare in the eye crf'^U Chriftcndomc : I will go no further then K^n Apfe Sermon, 25 then the prcfcnc age? and the frcfh bleeding memo- ry of fuch dolefull a^ts. Two of the laft Kings of France, //e;?r)i the third and the fourth, fell from their Iraperiall Thrones by the bloody knives of twoPopifhvillanes. Stxtif^ the fifth excommunicated and depofed Sec mouIw Henery xhcthnd^2.ndx\\cv lames Clement a Jacobin ^^^^^ o*" F-^ith, committed thathorrible Parricide upon his Royall Sg? aXVp perfon. loVenon^pug, ^ Ravillacke was the other Affafin, who rendred ^^"^-^B^-^- this reafon for his monftrous and horrible attempt. That King Henery had a defigne to warr with God, becaufehc had adefigne to take arraes againft his HolinelTe, who is God. Now befides how greatly did they thirfl: after the Virgin blood of the late Priticely Elizakth, with a prodigious variety of murdejous complotments: hadnotthefilver line of her much honoured life, beene hid inthe cndlelTc maze of God ^ bottomc- \t{^Q mercy, thofe bloody Romifh hunters, had ma- ny and many a time laid her honour in the duft. Nay, but for a miracle of the fame infinire mer- cy , they had torne King lames in pieces, his nobJc Queene, the Roy all limbes of thofe two fvyeet and orient Princes, and that Princely ftarre that now fliines fo faire in Bchemta, by their powder-mine. There was no want at all of Popifli malice, pur- pofc, utmoft endeavour, to have fpilt all this Roy- all blood,a$ water upon the ground, and therefore, lalfot^ke allthefe noble Princes> as direA and proper Inftanccs for Popifh King-killing. Yca,but thofe (may feme fay) were but onely ob]e^* fome 26 K^fi Jpfe Sermon, SbI. Sec the Kings • Anfwer toPer- r(in,pag.^. and Moulins bookc otFaichjp J4^ * Francis de Verrona in his Apology for lohn Chafiell. * Mariana ds Rege and o' hers up- ^^^ ^a^nfis hij onwbofc foreheads the whereof i? gives wings to the flying ^^'"-^ -»5' book of Go D s curre5and is able to blaft the beauty of the moftfruitfull Land, and flourifliing pfofperi-* ty, Becaufeoffrearir};^, faith far. C/yaf>. 1^410. The Land momneth^ the ^leafm fUces of the rvildcr- nejfe are dried uf. "^ Theprophaneralfoof Gods holy and glori- ous Sabbath,is an Incendiary ;7/>w/Jip///;/i?^^f4;'te g^^^^^ to »?^,faith God ,Ier. ij.ijjo hallow the Sabbath daj% 1 7^ 1 8. ' then will I kindle afire in the gates of lernfakw, andtt fiali denjonre the Pallaces thereof y and n fijall not k qaenched.'bki^^d be Go d therfore that hath put yeC into the heart of my Lords the Judges,to be fuch an honourable prefident to the whole Countrey, of forbearingthe Sabbath. I am perfwaded they may juftly make men of inferiour ranke fouly afliamed. Ignorant, diffolute, and difordered Minlfters, caufe G o D to cry aloud for the deOroyer, <^/lye heafis of the field Ss^^^^ G c d ^tfa. $6,9 -come to devour e^ yea all ye beafis in thcforreftjjis Watch-men are blinde^ The Bribe-taker, or man of gifts, (as he is called originally in the fourth verfc of this prefent Chap- ter,) (hakes the very Pillars, and maftcr Timber of the Kingdonie : but he that receives gifts over- throwes it 5 ordinarily, bafcneffc in comming to high places,and bribery,are fworne brethren. "Neither muft you conceive,as Father Aufiin ex- cellently admonilheth in Pfal.i^. fage 144. That onely money, gold and filver, or prefentsj as they" call them, arc bribes , but the guilt of bribery alfo may be juftiy imputed, even to any exorbitant affe- 54 ' ^^ -^pr^ Sermon. ^ion, which fwaycs a manafidc, from the impaiti- all execution of Jufticc : as love, feare, hatred ^c^r. dt fire of praire,and applaufe, for that is Jujlms in- ftance in the fore-cited place : Forexamplc/.he par- ty hath grear,and many friends,and therfore if rhou leane a little that way, thou (halt be honoured with many thankfull acknowledgements, and flattering cntertainements: or on the other fide, the party is poorc, and if thou be impartiall, it will light heavy on his his fide;and then the Countrey will be ready to cenfure ihee,as no friend to the poore. Now in thefe cafes, if for fuch refpcds, thou en- cline either to the right hand, or to the left hand 5 thou pcrverteft Jufticejsnd juftly encurres the cen- fure of a corrupt Judge. Forheare Gods charge in thecafe,Zfi//>, 19.15. Tefiall not doeunjuftly in Itidgemcnt : Thou fhalt not favour the ferfbn of the poorcy nor honour the per fin of the mighty: hut thmjh alt judge thy neighbour juftly . -P///«^^ perhaps could wafli his hands of bribes,but notofCHRisTs blood. Thatcryofthejewes, if thou let this man go.thouart not C.tfars friend, ftri- king cold unto his heart, and fwaying him awry, was equivalent to a bribe,and fli ill caufe him to be condemned, not only as a cruel], butalfo asa cor- rupt ]udge.The Judges ofi/r^^/ who fentenced Na- ^cf^ to death,were nor corrupted with downe- right bribesjfor any thing we know, but there was fome- thing equivalent ; lezahel ruled the roaft at the • Court,and was potent cither to advance, or deject them,which brought them to the bent of her bloo- dy mandate, and Nabotks blood upon their owne heads. Mockers Mockers and roifurersofthe lairhflill Miinftcrs, (you would littlethinkeit) draw G o r» s flaming wrath upon a people without remedy, fee % Chr^/i, 36,16, " -1''.. .:;v.,rj::n'r • .vid Spirituall cov/ards, and thofc who hiving given rheir names to Religion, are fallen away from their firfl: Iovc,arc the fpeciall men to remoove our Can- See Rcyci.z.y. dleftick, and put out the glory of Ifrael. ScornefuU perfecutors^ of G o d s people, as though they were the very filth of the worlds and the of-fcouring of all things, the plagues of the simes, and the troublers of ifrael, whereas in truth the world is nqt worthy ofthem, they arc the very chariot and horfe-men o^ ifrael •, they are the onely jewels,ftarres ,Sunnes, Saints, Angels of the earth : for their fakes, and fafety alone, theSunoe holds out his'glorious unwearied courfe; the earth fprings, and is over-fpred with fuch beauty and fwceineffei the ay re infpires her lively and rcfre- (liirg breath J that great and reftlcffe body of the Sea^ kcepcs within hei bounds ^ States and King- domes turne not into confufions of blood, in a word,the world ftands. If their number were once made up,this goodly frame would fipme about our eares.I fpeakenotfor any whitcd Tombes,fuperci- iious Pharifees ; but I fay , fuch are very peftilcnt in- ftrumcntsto betray f.nd expofe aKingdome to the ambitious rage of forraine Nations, and fyry of their enemies, whether they vexc and perfccutc Gods people by fire,faggot, fword,power,purfe, pollicy in their hearts and affedions, by their conguesjoay^brow-beating^a eontradcd fore-head, F . a 2^ ^An Apfe Sermon, a foure countenance, and fleering face, and other fcorncfull geftures,are perfecutions in G o d s in- ^cc E^c* . ly. jgj,pjgtation, and (hall be paid home proportiona- bly. The mercilefTe inclofcr, befides beating the poorc to pieces, and grinding their faces, pluckiiig ofFtheir skins from of them, their flefh from off their bones, breaking their bones, and chopping them inpieces,as for the Por,as it lSjMic4h^,2j^ He alfo robs the King of his honour, and the State of its ^rcngth)F or in the midtmde of people is the Kings honottr jhuf in the want of people is the dejiruyiionoftke Prince, Pro, i/^.tS. But above all the fhcdder ofblood,fetche:h the very live-blood out of the heart of the State, and doth impreflc fuch a bloody ftaine upon the face of the Kingdome,that cannot be raz'dour, but by his blood that filed it. ForHoodSmh. God himfelfe, it defies the Land, and the Land cannot he clean fed tf the blodd that is jhed therein, hut hy the blood of him that fljedity.Nnmkii^.'^^, • For your fakes my Honourable Lords, fcave I purpofely inftanced in fome of the common, and crying (ins of the Countrey, hoping inthe Lord, you will helpe us all you can. Bur know alfo, that all foits of (inners, and haters to be reformed , are the Divelscurfed Enginers,to undermine andruine the State •, and inkindlers of that fiery indignation inthebofomeof God, which if it once begin, wiUburnc unto the bottome of Hell,//<»/l4.T, FINIS. THE SECOND ASSISE SERMON, 57 PROV.2p.2, fVheti the rigfueom are in authority , thefeofle tejfiyce: but when the wicked heareth rule , the people mourne. Have heretofore upon the fame folemne occafion, obfcrved from the firft point, this Do- (itrine. Government is a goodly thingy I proved it, and applycd ir. Only give mee leave,before I fall upon thefecond poinr,to add a word or two to the firft Ufc of the former Dodrine, which fell dirc(flly, and with full edge upon the Papifts,the moft pefti- kntoppofitcs and cut throates of Government,and Kingly Majefty, at this day inthe whole Chriftian world. For they teach (as I then (hewed at large,) that the power of Kings,Princcs and Magiftrates,is not ordained by the divine Lsrwof God, but ail humane ordinance; out of which fountainc have iffued all thofe Popifh fulminations and fire- works,wbich have moft unworthily at one time or F 2 other. 38 SceHift.ofthc Conn, oi Trent pag7Ti aid Spalat.pa.7zs. * IbU pa.; 6^. As you may kz,ibUp.j69 770. Againft Ferron The fecond other, beaten upon, andblaftedall the Imperiall, and Regall Thrones of Chriftcndome. Nay, a fel- low in the Counfell of Trent, did fiercely labour to confute that palTage of de Ferrieres Oration : That Kings weregiv en hy Go d 5 as hercticall, andcon- dermcd by the Extravaga/^t o^Boncface the ei^ht 5 Vnamfan5tam~\ thic they are not from God ,but by mediation of his Vicar. Thus it was in that Con- vendcle of fcarlet Fathers. The RomiOi Locufts did very feriouOy, "^ as appeares, obtrude i ?. Arti- cles forthe reformation of Princes, all paring from Imperiall Crownes, to patch up the mofl unjuft ufurpations of their fliavelings. i will trouble you with one or t wo,that you may take notice how jufb- ly King /47»^^ out of a pang of Royall indigaation, after afurvay of that mofl grievous yoke ofmifera- blc bondage, to which the Crownes of Chriftian Kings,are made to ftoope by that man of fin. That Go D in whofe handsthe heart of Kings are poyfcd, and at his pleafure turned,as the water-courfcs,that mighty G o d alone, in his good time, is able to rouzc them out of fo deep a flumber,and to take or- dcr(their drowfic fits once over and fhakcn off with hcroicall fpirits,) that Popes hereafter fliall play no more upon their Princely patience, nor prefume to put bits and fnaflcs in their noble mouthes, to the binding up of their mighty power with weakc cords of fcruplcs, like mighty Bulls led about by little children with*afmall twifted thred. Thus fpeakes his Majefty in his Anfwer to the French Cardinall ; for which book, and that other premo- nition to all Chriftian Princes cfpccially^the ages to come Apfe Sermon. 39 come Hiall call him bleflfed : I fay, the childe un- bornejfhall blciTe King lAmes his golden pen,which hath given fuch a blow tothatbeaftofi?/?/^?^, that howiocver they may have fomc lightning before their finallruinc,bythemcrciesof Go d, he fliall never be able to (land upright upon his foureleggs againe. One of the Arcicles is this.that the Ecclefiafticks fhall not be forced to pay taxes,gabels;,tiths, paffa- ges, fnbfidies, though in the nameof gift or loane, citherin rcfpedof the Church goods, or of their PatrimonialljC^^. Another isthiSjthat neither the Emperour,Kina;s, "'^* °'„'^^ . ir nil iT-i-<-K Counccll ot or any Prmcc whatiocver, (hall make Edicts, or Trent p.770. Conilitutions in what manner foever, concerning Ecclcfiafticall caufes, orperfons, nor meddle witb theirpcrfons, Caufes, Jurifdicflions, or Tribunals, &c. The reft alfo found the fame way, and all tend to the "^ {having of Imperial 1 Crownes 5 but thefc two * ^^^^P-^V* arefufficicntto reprefcnt to the weakeft undcrftan- ding, theunfufferable indignity and villany offered toRegall Soveraignty by thcfe Antichriflians, fich in thofc Kingdomes where the Pope doth tyran- .^ nizc,and dominccre^almoft the * third part of fub- a^om^^u jcv^ sand Territories are Church-men and Church- livings. Nay,morc then this,fi:om the ground of that fel- lowes reply to the fore-named paffagc of^muncia- trava^.u^amjanuamj that it is altogether or the mxsyomninoejfe neceflityof (alvation to befubjedto the Pope of fahuis. Extra ^^^^' How then IS it poffibie, that any one of thofe cap.vnan fan- mighty fwatmes of ftinging '^ Locufts, and bufie ^'ober^^^''' wafpesjwhich lie at eafe in the bowels of this King- See aifoBe/y. dome, ready and addreft, when time ferves to ciJt de Ecci miiit. the vety heart- firings of it, fliould be a found fub- Noftmautem' J^^ ^^ ^^"g CharUs^ fith upon paine of damnation, fenter,tia,pag. and as they would befaved in the Roraifh Church, ^*\^*ainft p ^^^^ "^"^ ^^ abfolutcly fubjed to a forraine, Anti- rott^pag » sT chriftianjandfometimcsSodomiticall, and Aihei- ^ fticall Prieft, of whom, (asthey '^fay) hcimme- CoLecliJJ ciiatly holds his Crowne, and who may for many 775. ' '^ cau(es,depofe,and butcher him ^ B eliar mine n^mcs Set Mortons f^^T)^ ^ffl^^^ ^^^ Princifis. One of them is ; If he fui Beu.pa.ii. ofter injury to the Pope,who many timcs Will com- plaine without caufejfo that if King cMes perhaps fhould refufe to kiife his curfed toe, (a thoufand times more worthy to trample upon his triple • Crowne)he might lie open to the bloody ftrokc of fomc Clementy or Ravil/ac : Nay, and had not Namnon viJe- ChristJesvs giyenthis powerto that holy Fa- '^aJjui'/efut therjfaithrhcGlofTator upon the fore-named Ex- cum rtvenmia travaganty{i^xod\o\om blafphemy I )he fhould have io^uir)„ifi uni. becne undifcreet. Thefe are the words/or he would UmvtaLT notfeemcto have been difcrcet to the Gods,(that teii^mffht,nui I may fpcakc with reverence,) unlefTe he had left hecomnu one only fuch Vicar behind himfclfc, who could '*'^*'* have done all thefe things. Be- Apfe Sermon, 41 Befides,thcRomi(h Locufts falling foule upon Government, upon all Impcriall, Royall, and Princely power; bydebafing the originall of it, by difrobing it of that native reverence, due attri- butions and obligations of State, which divineor- dination, and pureft times appropriated unto it; by teaching,aaing,and approving the bloody killing of crowned Potentates, as appeares before. There is another monftrous engine of Popifli impofture, hammerdinthc headsof thofe hellifli firebrands, which if it were generally entertained, were able in (hoTt time, to cut in pieces and dififolve the finewes,and cement of all humane fociety,! meane Equivocation, and mentall refervation. Many cunning ihifts and cvafions have dicy coined from time to time, to ccufen the State, and delude the Magiftrate, in their oaths and anfwers before our juft Tribunals. They have vainely laboured to dawbe over and ftill their confciences againft their lies and per juries,fometimes, firft, by the fuppofed benefit of popifli difpcnfation. 1, Sometimes by a wicked conceit of our Magiftrates incompetency, 3 .Or pretended unauthenticallnclTe of our Bibles in Englifli, upon which they fwcare. Fourthly,butat this day, they reft moftupon this laft Jefuiticall ftratagem, which was wont to be confined to Couns of Juftice and more publikc cafes; but now the Popifli Cafuifts,by their Conclufions, be- o\n to convey this damnable Dodrine, and accur- ftdpoyfon of mentall refervation, into the com- mon paflages of ordinary negotiations, and con- vcrfation *mongft men. Now L M2 The fecond Now I come to the next point, the lubje(5l of Soveraignty, a righteous man, whence Ibiiefly, and plainely ground this point. V0cK 7hefe that rulefhculdbe right e^tu : or thus ; Men in Authority fheuU be righteom men. That you may underftand a right,what I meane by righteous, take notice of a double rightcoul- neffe, firft, imputed; fecond, inherent. Inherent two-fold,firft,morrall5 fecond,reIigious. By imputed, I meane the glorious juftice of Jesvs Christ, purchafed by his blood, and obedience, and imputed as his owne, molt fure forever to a truly humbled (inner, wherewith being richly and compleatly arrayed from top to toe, as with a Royall and everlafting Robe, he ftands thereby acquit, juftified and accepted at the ftridteft Tribunallof the ever-living God world without end, and fo ij^jo facio, (as they fay) be- comes ever after a favourite to the mighty Lord of heaven and earth ; one of his jcwcls,as the apple of his owne eye, the dearely beloved of his foule, a Royall Diademcin his hand, (for fo are G o d s Children,though vilified by the v7orld, yet ftiled in the Word.) This righteoufneifc is required in Rulers, and fuch as are placed above their brechrcn,to wit, that themfclvesbe reconciled unto God in Jesvs Christ: For fenfe of this alone is able to be- get that right noble, aijd well-compofed temper of fpirit, thofc high and unfliakcn rcfolutions, which oncly are fit to make a Magiftrate, and create earth- jygods, as Judges arc callcd> Ff4l,S2.i,6, With- out A fife Sermon, 4^ out this fight eoufncflTe, affuredly whatfocvcr faire pretexts and reprcfentations to the contrary, may dadeand deceive the worlds eye, yet all is rotten at the hcart-roote. And in the executions of their places, though they may carry things fmoorhly and palliate with much art and policy, yet quefti- onkflc, in cafe of ft rong temptation, greatadvan- tage, rifing, and enriching themfclves, gratificati- on of fome great one,hazard of temporal happines, (^cxhty will be exorbitant and yeelding,and at the beft, but fof mall. The cry of that happy foule, which leanes, and hath taken up his tverlafting refting place,upon the rocke of eternity ,is conftant, and ftill the fame in all cafes and caufes. Let right yt ^atjaftUia, bedone,and a good confcience difcharged, and ruote^iium. then come what come will. Let me not onely loofe my place and the favour of the times, but let even the heavens fall, and they will, all is one to me 5 by the mercy of G o d 1 (hall ftand upright under the mines, and re|oyce in the teftimony of a good confciience, amidft the confufions both of heaven and earth. But to fpeake in Scripture phrafc (for the other was the fpeech, even of an honeft Heathen.) Ever, when {landing on the better fide, and keeping a good confcience, threatneth danger and difgrace^he growes into HeHers happy refolu- tion: well, whatfocvcrcomesof me, I will take Gods part, and if I perifh, I perifh. But not to pc- rifli fo,is to perifh everlaftingly : and foto perifh,is to be eternally faved. But now on the other fide, he which hath not made his peace with Go D^nor hath any part upon G good I ^ i^m— T "* — " • II > ■ - I ■ ■ ■ ■ I ^ - 7ht fecond goDd ground, in the Pcrfon, PafliDi, and promifes of Christ, will moft ccrtaincly, cfpecially in ftormy timesj and fuch trialls which fearch whi- thcrhebeftceletothebackeor no, manifeft and makcplaine by his prac^ife, that in the height of his counterfeit courage, his heart did hold in ear- neftthatpeftilent principle^ It is betrer to fleepe in a wholeskin, then with a good confcience. If he be put unto it indeed, (for alas) hd heavenly ftrengthasyct,dothftcelehisrpirit,he will warpe, windc-ouc one way orother^and fhrinkc in the wet- ting. Againe, it is a caufeof great comfort,and matter of much joy to havca favourite to the higheft Ma- jefty, and one whom God accepts gratioufly in his Sonne, to fit ina high place, and beare fway o- vcr others. It is agoodly fight, right pleafing un- to God, applauded ofAngcIs, amiable and admi- rable in the eyes of all good men. And thrice hap- py is that people, which breathes under the influ- ence of fuch a bleflcd Authority,and all thofe who arc judged, ordered and over-ruled by him, be hee Judge, Juftice of Peace, Minifter or Magiftrate in any kind, whom G ® d owncs for his fervant,who entered into his office. Benefice, Bifliopricke, or any other publickc employment, in Go d s Name, and not by bribery, fymony, fiatery, temporizing, or any other bafc and unblelTed meanest and after- ward in every palTagc of his place, aimes principal- ly at Go o s glory,and not at his owne particular^to advance the Kingdomeof Christ and not his kindred and outward cflate. And Apfe Sermon, 45 And it is tht better with them, and they arc the more bleflcd , befidcs many other> in thefc two re- fpeds. Firft, He that growes into familiarity with God, by the favour of Jbsvs Christ 5 bcfidcs anuniverfali and impar^all integrity in the mana- ging and difchargc of the particulars in his publikc calling, may comfortably, and with a good con- fcienceprcflc daily to the Throne of grace, and bring down abundance of bIcflings,bothiipon him- fclfe,and thofe that are under him. He doth not onely watch over his owne heart, but alfo wraftlc with God continually by prayer, for himfelfe, that he may notdifparage thcMajeftie of his place, byanypcrfonalllightneffe, or make his perfon o- dious,by partiality in his publikc deportment; that he may neither poyfon his people by any fcanda- lous example, or plague them by private revengcj that he neither IcfTen his Authority, or loofe good mens love by fervingthe time, or fervileyeelding, or fwel over the banks of patience and moderation, with felf-will fowernes,and unfcafonablefcverity. In a word, that he may doe juft fo as G o d would have him ; and therefore begs not onely generall a- bility, to weld aright the great body of his publick charge, but alfo,fpcciall direfi:ion,and rcfolution in every feverallaffeirc which paiTcth his hand, that it be ever carried faire, and ncver^crookncd to his owne ends: For his peoplcj that he may ever prc- fcrre his peoples fpirituall welfare, before the wealth of the whole world. "Now, whether doe youthinke, were it more p z ^3ppy, 45 The fecund happy, and comfortable living under that Mini- ftcr, Magiftratc, or man of Authority whatfoever, who thus acquaints hinfifelfc with Go d, and walks with him as with his friend, or under that fel- low who is an alient, and meere ftranger to any fuch precifemyfterieand mightof prayer, who ne- ver thought with comfort of comming tothis place, it being empoyfoncd unto hini, (as he knowes full-well himfelfe, though he tell no body, j with bafeneffct)rindiredion, never aimed fo much in the difcharge^of it, at G o d s glotie,and thegood of his people, as at his owne particular; his ri- ling, enriching or revenging ; is fo farre from d\{^- charging Samuels dutie, m conftant praying for thofe committed to his charge, that he -prayes not even in his owne family conftantly, nor in pri- vate to any purpofe, was never feelingly humbled for his owne fins, or the abominations of the King- dome in any day ofhumiliapion.GivemeanAngell upon earth, and an incarnate Divell, afaire coole fhaddow under a goodly tree in a fweltering heate, and a fcurvie thorny-bufli, to which the poore fliccpe never flies for fuccour in a ftorme^ but loo- feth fomeof her fleece, a fliowre ofraine in agreat drought upon the new mowne-graflTe, and the fcorching Sun upon a dry parched heath, an obadi- dh:,2X\dzShel?mj Gods dearling and the Divclls drudgcand you have made the difference. Secondly^Confider the difference of the Kings eye, I tneane in refped of anger, and amiable- neflTe, caft upon a defperate Traitour and his nea- tcft Favourite 5 pfoportionably, but with infinite more Afife Sermon. 47 more loathing or liking,thc afpe(5t of G o © s pure eye is diverfified, looking upon an enemy to the power of GodlincfTe and profellion of the Saints, and that happy one who hath made his peace with him, and is cloathed with the righteoufnefTe of his Sonne: that glorious eye of hisj^vhich is ten thou- fand times brighter then the Sun, and cannot look oniniquicy,dothca{l downe a dircd perpendicular ray, as it were^^pon every wicked man, without any diverfion or refradion ( that I may fo fpcake) of its fierce edge, and fiery pointednefie 5 andther- forefeeshimin his colours, a very vile, finnefull, curfedloathfome heart: , (though hefeemero him- felfe, and the great of the world, a brave and jolly fellow) abhorred of G o d and man, heaven and earth, and by confequent as an o\>)t&. of infinite in- dignation and hatred. But he ever lookcs upon his ownc Child, through the meritorious futeringg and fatisfa(5tionofthe Sonne of his love, in whom allhisdifcontentsagainft him are done away and drowned for ever,and fo beholds him fuch, and fo lovely,as the bloud and righteoufneffe of Ie s v s Christ hath made him. Even as to a man look- ing through a red glalTe, all the world appeares red andorientinhiseye. So to the eye of G o d the Father, looking from his throne of mercy upon a godly man, through the bleeding wounds of his bleffed Saviour, he is rendered, and reprefented .righrfaire and ruddy, deeply impreffioned with an iieavenly die of acceptation and grace. Now tell me,whither a people be likcr to profper under him , uponwhomthemightyLo-RD of heaven looks *,- miably,or angrily^ G3 2. By 48 Thefecond 2. By morall righteoufnesjincane allthofe per- fc(5^ions and poflibilitics of civill hontfty, and up- right dealing, attaincablc by the light of ratiirall iinderftandingjgencrall notions of right and wrong, and pradife of morall prcceptSjinlargedjimproved, and husbanded to the hcight^hcrcby many ancient Heathens went farre,and did many admirable snd excellent things, even fuch, and fo wonhy, that may juftly make the heft of our mecre civil 1 honcff men hang dowrn their hcads,and be horribly afliamed. For inftance. Tahricius^ that famous Jloman, was fo precife, that (as it is reported of him) it waseafier to tu rnc thcSunne from his courfe, then to draw FabriciU'S from juft and honcfl dealing. King Pyrrhu6 could with no gold or gifts, no not with promifc of the fourth part of his Kingdome, poflfibly corrupt this man j and yet how many miferable men in this ve- ry mid-day of the Gofpell will be eafily drawn by a fecrct bribe,office,honor>preferment, fome earth- ly favour,todo villanoufly, to betray a good caufe, a good man, and a good confcience, to fliame him- felfe for ever, grow odious to G o d and man, and goetohell. In thefe difTolutc and formall times, would it nor be deemed to draw towards too much ftri(5t- neffe, if a Miniftcr ihould prefTe this dutic upon Lawyers 5 that every timebfcfore they goe out of their doorcs to plead at the Barre, they fhould proftratcthemfelvcsin private, and befides other paffages, pray uoto God, that he would fo guide their Apfe Strmoff, '. /^g thcirtongues that day, that they may fpeakc no- thing but advifcdly, and to the purpofc. And yctPmV/ There wants a right root,Faith in I e s v s Ch R I s T, and therfore all its prodndions, famous atchicvements, and excellencies were ililed by the Fathers, butbeautifuU nbhominations, having no better grounds, then felfe-Iove, vaine-glory, rules of policy, natuiall notions at the beft, they all wi- thered and came to nothing. Secondly, There wants fpeciall grace, as the foule and life, to quicken and fan(5^ifie it in every paffage,and paiticular circumftance, to Chriftia- nizc itjthat I may (o fpcakcand crowne it. Thirdly,thcre wants fupernatural principles and divine light to irradiatc,cnkrge, and fortific it. Fourthly, There wants the right end, Gods glory. Liberty, and immortall fame, (faith Auflin) were the aime in the A(5^ors of thofe admirable things amongft the Rimancs. Adde then thefe, and wchavc. Thirdly^ Apfe Sermon. 51 Thirdly, religious rightcoufncfTe, whichever ftrikes the ftrokejdoth the deed, and goes through flitch indeed, in all comfortable Chriftian govern- ment. It onely ftcercs aright in all publicke em- ployments, flards upright in all ftormes, and is flecletothebacke. Either there muft be an addi- tion of Religion to reafon, piety to policyjCounfeJI out of Gods Book to the light of natural] confci- cnce>fandified righteoufncflc tocivillhonefty: or as the preferred party himfelfe though otherwife of never fo good parts, never fo univerfally and ex- cellently enriched with all endowments of^all kinds, naturall,morall,politicke, learned, is but as a dead man, a rotten carrion fluck over with flowers^ foccrtairely with whatfoever outward flouriflies and formalities he may fecme to dazle the eyes of underlings ; he will poyfon his placc,by preferring hisowne particular and private ends, by putting fometimes hatcfull bufincfTe into good language, for hisowne advantage and further advancement, and ever by temporizing, rather then hazard his temporall happinelTe.Heare what judicious Mafler Hooker did happily let fall from his pen to this pur- pofe.So naturall (faith he,)is the union of Religion with ]uftiGe,that we may boldly dceme there is nei- ther, where both are not. For how fliould they be unfainedly jufl, whom .Religion doth not caufeto be fuch,or they religious which are not found fuch by the proofe of their juft acflionscT If they which employ their labour and travaik about the publick adminiftration of Juftice/ollow it onely as a trade, with unquenchable .and unconfcionable thirfl of H gaine. ^2 ^^' fecond gainc,bdng not in heart psrfwided, that Juftice is G D s o wn work ,aid thcmfcl ves his Agent i n this buiinc(re5 the fcntence of rightjGo d s own vcrdi6fc, and thcmfelves his Priefts to deliver it, formalities of]i.ifticcdoba:ferveto rrmother right, and that which was neccfTirily ordain »f ifradfaid, the R&ch ofljrael fyake te me : He that ruleth over men mffift kjuft, ruling inthefeare efc o D, And why a' Rocke? upon purpofe to intimate,and give afTurance of an all-fufficiency,and omnipotent arrae, for pro- ted^on in fuch cafes : And why fo f becaufe all that fetthcmfelvestogovernegracioufly and as God would have them, fhallbcfure to be mightily fet- againft by all the powers of darknelTe, all the Di- vcls in hell5and all their wicked inftruments upon earth. Magiftratesthat are no mcdlers, as they fay, but only feekethemfclves, and a name, and an ho- nour in their places, need no Rocke. The Cover- . nourof a Corporation, who will faffer himfelfeto be intreated, for the ere(5iing and fupporting of thofe bloody dens of fwinifli drunkards, fchooUs qf mifr«le, and nurcerics for the gallowes, rcfol ves to Apje Sermon, 53 to take no notice of thofe fonncs of Belial, who belch out their blafphcmies in the ftreet, againft that bleffed law provided in fuch a cafe, is willing to be acccflary to all thofe fins through his whole yeare, whichoutof cowardlineffeor connivency, he left unpuniflicd ; I fay fuch a one is like enough to fleepe in a whole skinne, he needs no Rocke. The negligent and unconfcionable Minifter, which never goes about to ftirrethe Divell in the !gnorant,prophane, and thole that hate to be refor- raed,but is well enough content ,that fo he may rife and jovialize it in the meanetime^totreafure up the bloody cries of fo many murdered foules againft the day ot wrath, he fhall not have fo much as a drunkard to open his mouth, or wag his finger againft him, he needs no Rocke* The idoll Juftice^thatonly hunts after plaufible- neffe and popularity, and for the good word of all the good- fcllowes about him, to ferve his owne turne for fome intents when the time fcrves,and for that purpofe upholds as much as he can for fhame, or dare for law, all prophane fports, rotten Alc- houfcs, I fay, there where the Jufticeof Peace is milde,and the drunkard merry, as they fay, there is mifchiefe enough, he needs no Rocke. But now that man of Authority, who in love to the Lord ]esvs and outof the Lion-like bold- nefie of a good confcience, dare and will draw the fword of jAiftice againft the proudcft NimredyiintcA require, fets his breaft from the beginning to the end of his yeare, with impartiality and refolution againft all the floods of ^fV/W, bends himfelfe with H 2 fuch 54 The fee on d fuch an univcrfall finccre feveritcy againft all finnc, that he is now become the drunkards fong,^^. That mm of G o d which being fcnfible of the horribk fin of killing foiiles, dares not burdifcover unto his people, the damnablenefTe of their (late, all kinds of hypocrifie, all forts of unregeneration, the whole counlellof Go D ^and fo dwell upon their • bofome fins with terrour, and truth, and ftill beate upon thofe barres, with the hammer of the Word, which kecpes them from Christ, untilltheDi- vellbe driven out of them. (Which you know, what a world of ungodly oppofition, bedlam rage and railing it will raife againft afaithfull Minifter.) The luftice of Peace which refol vcs to be feriouj. and reall to doe his Countrcy good indeed, and to difcharge a good confcience undauntedly without all feare or fadion, and lookes upon blafphemers, drunkards,whore-mafters, railers againft Religion, &€• as the North winde upm rame,8cc: I fay fuch as thefc, and in a word, all who dealc uprightly, and rule in the feare of Go d , have need of a Rockc, againft the rage of all ungodly oppofi- tions. And fuch a Rocke will the God oilfiael be unto themj all that fet againft them, fhall fet their flioulders againft a Rocke; all their cunning and clofe pro)e(fts, and open bafe pra(f^ifcs of all pro- phane oppofites and underminers; the plaufible, politicke tyrannize of thofe that fitinthe gate, all the fcurrill, dunghill rimes and railings of deboift 5^W drunken jefters; all that man or Di veil can any waies doc againft them, ftiall all be but like fo many proud and fwciling wavcs,which daih them- Telvcs A fife Sermon. 55 fclvesagairiflaftrong impregnable rocke, which the more boifteroufly they bcate againft it, the moredefperarlyarc they diirolved,and broken into a vainc foame or froth. The ever glorious PrinccfTc of fweetcft,and dea- reft memory ,Qjeenc£//^4^^/^, is a moft memora- ble, and matchleflfe inftance of protedion in this kind.The mighty arme of G o d was as a Rock of braflTcto beate back from her facred & Royall per- See Raivi.vb fon, defendingthe Gofpell of Iesvs Christ, a-i'-^^^ji- fuch variety of murderous complotments, as no age,orftory can poflibly parallell. Whereas onthe other fide, that knife that could but ftrike out the teeth of fjensry the fourth, while he ftuck to the truth of G o D and true Religion ; upon the pulling downe the Pyramis for their gratification, and ad- mitting againethofe bloody fire-brands and cut- throats of Chriftendomcthe lefuites had power to take away his life. Secondly jconfider that counfcll given to great ones, P/4/.2. 10,11,12. Be wtfe n$rv. therefore yee Kings J be inftnUhd yee ludges of the earthy Serve the Lord With fe Are, dndrejoyce with trembling. KiJJe the Sonne leaH he be angry . Here Princes,Iudg€s,andall thatbearc Authori- ty, are charged to lay hold both upon imputed and inherent righteoufnefle, Kiffe the Some'} entertaine and embrace Iesvs Christ, bleiled for ever, blcedmg upon the Crofle for your finnes and fakes, andfweetly^and amiably offering himfclfeto all broken hearts, in the arraes of your faith, love, and everlafting affc^ion, H 3 Ana 56 7he(ec9rtd And Serve the Lerdin feare'] Let the fcarcof Go d be ever before your eyes in all places, a- all tinies, about all afFaires,and thereupon 5 neither think,n6r fpeake,nor do,neithci: judge,nor plead,nor bring in vcrdld.cjrc butfb, as you would be content,whcn it is new done,to go immediatly togive an account of it,before the high and evcrlaftingludgcj other- wife this Sonne whom you (hould Kifle, and to whom all Judgement is committed,7(>/';?5,2 2. will be angry, and if once a fire be kindled in his anger, againllan impenitent wretch^that hates to be rcfor- med,it will burne unto the bottome of hell, and fct on fire the foundations of the mountaines. And howfoever you may carry things faire to the worlds eye in the meane time,yet afTure your fclvcs veryfhortly, (for that day hafteneth apace,) all the judgements, pleadings, ientences,verdids, which have pafled againft Ibsvs Christ, the truth, any good caufe,or agood confcience, they fhall all be reverfcd and repealed before that Iaft,and highcft Tribunall,in the face of heaven ai dearth, before Angels, men, and Divels 3 and there, and then you (hall behorribly,univerfally;andeverlaftingly iha- med: be then advifed before hand, and in the Nam^ of G o D ,take heed what ye doe. Thirdly, for our purpofe, let us ponder well thofe properties,which the Scriptures require iti a iriati of placc^AT. 18.4 i.-DwM .1 ^.Thcy arc feven in all ,fbure in the firft, three in the fecond place. I fiame them not in their order • you fhall finde them ill in the Tc3rt, Magiftrates ftiould be, Firftj Abktmn^ apt.to fill the place with fomc «tom- Jpfe Sermon, 57 competency of parts and equality of worth, to an- fwer and fuftainc the heat aiid burthen of it, wirh a fitfufficicncyof endowments, ability, aaiveneffe, and induftry. There ever ought to be a conv^enient correfpondency bet\vecne-=the importance of the place, gnd the capacity of the party. It is a thou- fand pitties to fee in a Church, and Common- vveale,many places full, and yet fo few filled,when there is noproportion,n3y a vaft diftance betweenc the heightjor rather the weight of the place, and thcwcakeneflTejWorthlefnefTe, ifnvOt thenororious wickednelTc of that unworthy perfon, who either- by agolden violcnce,ortempori{ing bafeneflfeshath moft impudently thruft himfelfe into it. Secondly, Wif€,fapent men, Such as arcskilfull in the Theory, nature, my ftery and meaning of the place, and Office into which they are to be prefer- red. A man can never happily executcand fucceffe- fully anyfunaion,office,or Art, which is not lear- ned in the fpeculative part, before he defccnd unto the pradicke. Is it fit,thinke you, for a man to plead attheBarre, before he hath well ftudicd, and pro- fitably paffcd thorow the courfe^f the Common- law 1 1f a Phyfitian fliould fall to pradife, before hebe skilled in Hypocrates and GaUity in the natures, caufeSifignes,fympromes, prognofticks,and reme- dies of dlfe3fes,he is like enough tokill all before him.Proportionable miferics and mifchiefc, may beexpeded , and enfue, when important places arc preft into,and undertaken without habituall under- (landing, and fpeculative skill what belongs unto them. It is a pittifuU ^ihing, when a man will needs 58 The fecond needs thruft into publicke imploymcnts, oncly for the gaine and honour, and depend upon others for thcdirchargcofthem,orc)reciothembeaftlily. Thirdly ^Truilent, So fitly rendred by luniuoj ap- proved alfoby FataMus, th'dt^rcat ProfeflTour of the Hebrew tongue. Theymuft notondybe Sap em, if I may fofpeake^and it cannot poffibly be other- wife expreft in the Englifh tonguejbut alfo Prudent y endowed with apradicall dexterity and difcreti- on^to order wifely all the particulars in the execu- tion of their place. This prudcncejX^ h'ch is, as the Moralifts fpeake,the generall Queene, fuperinten- dent, and guide of allpther vertues, Auriga virtu- ^«»^,without which there is nothing good, beauti- full,ficanddccent,beingfan(5lified efpecially, will enable them, by comparing one thing with ano- ther, by well weighing aH accidents, circumftan- ces, appurtinances, times, perfons, places,c^ of HCvWen, riot only I J fupports . Sa 7he(econd fupportsandprefervesj all the States and Monar- chiesjall the Comraon-weales, and Kingdonties of the earth, but even the world it fclfe. Afluredly, \f hen the laft of thefe Elecfted ones, whom God hath everlaftingly loved from before all worlds, Ihall becalled,converted,and fitted for Heavcn,the world Hiallftand no longer, but the heavens fhall llirivell together like a fcrole, and pafTe away with a noife, the whole frame of this inferiour world, fliall be turned into a ball of fire, the Imperiall Crownes of the greateft Monarchs upon carth,{haU flame about their eares 5 you that carry now all be- fore you, and wallow impenitently in the glory, <- pleafure, applaufe, and wealth of the world, fliall tire the rockes and mountaines with bootlefle cries, and intreaties to fall upon you, the Trumpet will found, and we fliall all come to the Judgement of that great, and laii day. This ferviceablenefle, and fubordination of all Imperiall, Regall, and inferiour power whatfoe- vcrto the Kingdome of Christ, King /4w^^ of famous memory, clearcly intimates, andacknow- ledgeth in his Royall remonflrance, when hee fpeakes thus: To that G o T>->that Kingcf Kings I de- njote my Scepter, at his feete in all humblcneffe of fiirity llay dcwneitij Crowne^ towhofe ferfice, as. a woji humble homager, and VAJfall, I con fe crate all the glory, honour, fflendor^ and lujlre of my earthly Kingdome, And what will become of all the power and pollicy, that oppofeth the people of Qcm, we may fee in the fecond of Daniel ^ ver, 34,55 ,44,45 . Thofcfourc flrongcft Monarchies, and mightieft States, Aftfe Sermon, 6^ States, that ever the Sunne faw, fhadowcd by Ne- huchadnezar^ great Image , fetting themfelves againftthefervants of Go d, were beaten upon, and blafted by the curfe of divine wrath, and fo funke in their feverall times, into the jawcs of ruine, and irrecoverable defolation. Theybluftereda while like mighty winds with much threatning, and impetuous rage, but prefently breathed out into naught,andvaniilied for ever. Thatfione, faith the Tcxtjwhich was cut out without hand, fmote the Imaj!^e uponhisfeetCy that rvcreof jrorij and clay, and brake them t6 peeces. Then was theyron, clay^ the hraffe^ and fdver, and the gold, brokcnto feeces together^ and hs- come Ukfi thechajfeofthe Summer threfldng flower , and the wind cnrriedthem away , that no place was found for them. And fo let all the implacable enemies of Jesvs Christ periilitothe worlds end. 5^/4^. Thus you fee what is the maine end of Magiftra- cy: which neceffarily requires righteoufneflfe in Rulers. For A wicked Magiftrate or Minifter entering into this place, not by Gods doorc, but by the Divels window,asthey fay, which is ordinary with men ,^ of ill conscience ; if they be of a medling and ma- lignant humour,fen(e of his guiltincfife in comming inbafely, and at a backe-doore, enraging him, or the curfe of God for his Symony or Bribery juftly hardning his heart- it is his wont to vexe and fall foule upon honeft men, to ftandfor rotten caufes, totakethe worfe part without repentance all the daies of his domineering. But if he be of a duller, and marcunadive fpirit, and given to the world ^ he 65 The ficofjd he is refolvcd to meddle as little as he may, to live rcfervcdly, make a (hew, grow rich, and there is anend; of vvhat temper foever they be, if they feare not God, they are fo farre from feeking his Kingdome,and righteoufnefTe in the firft place, that it is leaft, and loweft in their thoughts. Nay, doth not every fpirituaii eye fee,that I hey are upon the matter clofc Agenrs,or publickc actors againft " the power, and holy pi ecifencfTe of it ^ 1 heir fee- king is thcmfclvcs, their ferving is the time, their heaven is their high place. But now give mee a godly man indeed, and as he would rarher lie in the duft, alhhedaicsof hislife^ and die in ob- fcurity, then be advanced by any wicked, or un- worthy meanes : So being pulled into any place of publickeempjoymcnr, hisholieftand higheft de- {ire,and ambition is/obeas arefreiQiing comfona- ble fliowcrin agreat droughtj to every honeft man : but as a terrible tempeft upon the face of every fonneof i5e//^/, and hairy-pate of every one that hates to be reformed 5 to ftand no longer in his (lippery place, then he may continue an upright in- duftriousinftrumentto advance Gods glory, pro- mote good caufes, protect good men, ever moft willing, rathcrto part with the higheft promotioa inthe world, were it crowned with the richesand revenewes of all the Kingdomcs upon earth, then with a good confcience. It was a right noble and 2)i/»eofCciif. worthy anfwcr, and exemplary o[ Benevols^ to pagi^o. 7«j7/??/jan Arrian Emprefle, offering him prefer- * ment to be an inflrument in fomc viiefcrvice , what, faith he, doc ye promiiing me a higher place for a reward Apfe Sermon. 6j reward of iniquity < Take this away, and welcome, which I have already. To that I may keepe a good confcicncc: and thereupon threw at her fecce his girdle,the enfigneof his honour. Thus undoubtedly will a good confcience trample under foot the higheft preferment, to preferve its owne integrity. Secondly, the righteous man onely will be tho- rowly,and univerfally refolute, for hcknowcsfull well,and feelcs, that he cannot poflTibly have any higher preferment then Jesvs Christ, whom he already happily polTeflfeth in the armes of his faith, nor any greater crolTe then a wounded con- fcience, and therfore he dares by no meanes either hurt the one, or hazard the other. Hence it was that Mofes cafting the eye of his faith upon the recom- penfeof reward,refufcd to be a favourite inPharohs Court, and that lofeph did To invincibly withftand the impure, and impudent follicitatfons of his wicked5and wanton Miftreflfe 5 hcclearely forclaw what horrour was like to feaze upon his heart,by fo finning againft his God. Nowthereafon that the righteous man is fo refolute ; is the fenfe of his re- concilement >o God, and the clearenelle of his confcience : and the caufe that every wicked man is .a coward, and will fo conformeto the current of the time, is his ill confcience. The wicked flee, faith Salomon , tvhen nomanfurfueth ^ hut the righteous are hid as a Lyon jPr 0,2^, I, The wordinthe originall fignifies a young Lyon, which as a Lyon feares neither man nor beaft, great nor fmall, he turneth not away for any ,Fr if good Lavves be no: executed for the protection of the innocent, and punching ofthewicked. In a word, if publicke Tribunals, and feates of Juftice, be any wales corrupted, if Juftice,that glorious cement of all focieties,be neg- Icded or perverted, iftruthfallinthe ftreete, and equity grow lame, I fay then the offence grovves publicke, even the (innc of the whole Kingdome^ and caufeth G o d to enter into judgement, not with the Elders of his people, and Princes alone, but with the whole Land, even with the State in generall. Heare the Prophets of old, expreffing Gods mind herein. Efayahj'yg,T/^,i$yi6ji'j, Let us take notice, and tremble, ludgement is turned 4rvay backward, andlufiice ftandeth afarre ojf-^for truth is fatten in the fir eete J and equity cannot enter. Nay ytruthfaileth^ and he that departeth from evill ma* keth himfelfe a prey, and the Lord faiv it, andtt dffpleafedhim^that there waism judgement, ^nd he farv there was no man , and wondered that there was no Intercejfour. Therefore his arme brought falvatton tinto him,and ri^hteoufie(fej it fast aim d him. For he ■put onrighteoufneffe as abreft-platej and an helmet of falvation upon hts head, and he put on the garment of vengeance fir f loathing, and was clad with zcale, as a cloake^ Apfe Sermon. 71 elcah, ler. ^, 2 J ytS, 29 yS 0,^1. As a cage is full of birds fo aretheir houfofuU of deceit : He means wealth hoarded up by diflioneft gaine, therefore they are be- tome great, and maxen rich: They are waxen fat, they fhine,yea,thcy overpaffe the deeds of the wicked: they ■judge not the catife ofthefatherleffe,yet they proffer, and the right of the needy, they doe not jftdge. shall I not ^uifite thefe things^ faith the LO RD? shall not my foide Be avenged enfuch a nation as this? asifhchadfaid, I will be moft ccrtainely, andfe- verely revenged of it. k_A wonder full and horrible thing is committed in the Land, the Prophets prophecy falfely, and the Priefls be are rule by their meanes, and my people love to have ttfo. ^yindwhat will you doe in the end thereof? CAiicah ^.9, 10,11, 12. Bearer this,Ipraf you, yeheads oftheho;ife of jacoh.^and Prin- ces oft he hoafe cf I frael, that abhorre judgement, and pervert alleqnity. They buildup Sion with blood, and lerufalem with iniquity. The heads thereof judge for reward J and the Priefls thereof teach for hire ; and the Prophets thereof divine for money ^ yet will they learn upon the LO RD, and fay , is not the LORD amongfi us ? None evill can come upon us. Therefore fhaU Sion for your fake be plowed up as afeld^ anh lerufalem jh all become heapes, andthe mountaines ef the houfe as the high places of the for re B, Unrighteous Minifters alfo, as well as wicked Magiftrates doe agreac deale of mifchife to a State, and haften captivity. Their unjuft dealings in their place, are by fo much the more peftilent, by how much the condition of their calling is of its owne nature moft excellent, Degeneratio optimi pefma, K 3 Sec 72 7ht[econd ScctheperniciourndTe of their unrighteous ru- ling in two or three palTages. Firft, when they take temporary things from their people, but make no confcience, take no care to give them fpirituall. The blood of thofe foules which perifii under the unconfcionahle, and crucll neghgence of an unfaithfull Paftour, pier- ceththe heavens with a more horrible cry,then the lowdeft thunder^ ableto pull downe plagues, and dreadful! judgements upon a' whole Land, efpe- cially, where fuch bloody floath is pleaded for, andnotpunifhed. O but will (omefay, when the Sermon is done : thefe are great words indeed, fwellingphrafeSjC^r.Pr^Vm ampdl<^ & fifqtti fe^ dalia verba, No,no,thatisnotit, itisthctrue^ and piercing fenfe of thefe honefl: words meeting with your galled, and guilty confciences, which makes you rage^and ftampe, and raile. I affure you if we were able to compofe words of thunder and light- nings, they would be rooweaketo awake a great number outof their curfcd cruelty of horred blood- flied in this kind. Secondly, When Miniftcrs like thofe dawbers with untempered mortar, and pillow- fowers un- der mens elbowes. Ezech.i^, make the heart of the righteous fad, whom G o n hath nor made fad, and ftrengthen the hands of the wicked, that he fhould not turne from his wicked way, by promi- fing him life. As it is* in the laft verfe but one of that Chapter. Thirdly, By tampering with our Articles of Religion, (ns found and orthodoxe, for any thing I Apfe Sermon, 73 I know, as any finccthe Apoftles times, which make oyr Church as happy at this day, as any un- der the cope of Heaven. If we be fo happy as to hold them in that purity, and true fenccas we recei- ved them of our predeceflburs, and as they came ftreaming downeto us in the blood of our glorious Martyrs) by labouring to put falfe glofTes upon them, and talking of fome reconcilement of our Church to the Romifh Synagogue, which is asim- polfible^as to reconcile Christ unto Antichrift. Befides the concurrent judgement of thofe un- comparable, and renowned Divines in Q^eene Elizabeths time,our prefcntorthodoxe Divines,and Do(aors, apprehend aright and acknowledge the infinite antipathy and utter impoflibility, fpeaking thus; Romaisirreconciliahilis^ faith theBifhopof Exeter : Light and darknefTe may meete, faith anothcr,in the twilight,but mid-day and mid-night can never polfibly come togaher 5 and fuch is Po- pery ,and Proteftancy . The truth is, faith Dodor Werfln^^ fuch is the antipathy betweenc a Prote- flant and a Papift,as there is betwecne the two birds in PlutarchfXht 5^^/>i,andthe M^^/;;, which will fight eagerly alive, and being dead, if you mixe their blood it will runne apart,and diflbciate.They are like the two poles of Heaven, faith another, which ftand for ever dirc<5^1y, and diametrically oppofitc. If any by the way,marvcll why I meete with Mi- nifters, let them know, Firft, That many of my Brethren are in mine eye, and a worthy part of this great Auditoiy . Secondly^ <74 ^^^ fecon^ Secondly, That iheCivillMagiftratc may fee, whereas we preach impartiality to them ;t we are not partiall towards our owne Tribe. As we de- firc to deale faithfully with them, fo we fpare not our owne Coat. And that all the world may know, that wee approve no Miniftery in this Church, but that which is honeft, oithodoxe, and painefulL Thirdly, Mini (Icrs lie diredly within the verge of my Text. For we arc called Redours, Rulers, and our Perfonages, Rectories, c^T'iih . Bven honeft Politicians require rightcoufnefTe €0^,7,1 il 5* ii^ Rulers,for many reafons. i . Becaufc they are as it werc,earthly gods, and reprefcnt theperfonof God himfclfe in their places of Authority, and upontheir juft Tribunals. 2 . For the eminency of their honour, which is due not to the man, but to his vertue. 3. For imitation to thofe who (hall fucceed them in their places, who will looke back .uponthcm,aspattcrnes, and prefidents, forthem- felves to follow, 4. For fearc of fcandall and gi- ving offcnce,which inferiours will be very apt, and eager to take. 5. Fortheuniverfall good of thofe they governe, which is the end of all Authority over others. This point thus proved by Scriptures, and Reafons, I come to the Ufe of it, which may be three-fold. I . For Reproofe. 2.Inftru(flion. 3. Exhortation. The time runnes away fo faft, that I can bu^ onely name the two firft,becaufe I defire to infift the lon- ger, and enlarge my felfc the more upon the laft. Firft, Apfe Sermon. j^ Firft,Reproofc to all unrighteous Rulers, Mi- liifters, Magiftrates, or whatfoever they be. Ma- ny now a daics runne a madding after promo- tions, and fervc themfelves, Fijs c!r m$dis, into Offices, Benefices, preferments, high roomes, and being mod unworthily advanced, they hold - it a fpeciall happincffe to have an hand over men, farrcworthyer then themfelves. Let them alone, this is their day, a day of domineering, and of their foolcs Paradife, and fcrving themfelves fenfually, but affuredly without fpcedy repen- tance, turning on the better fide, taking Gods Childrens ipzxi,There is a day a comming upon them, ^c h 1 1 it is neere^tt uneere, it haflcneth greatly, faith the ^^ *^' '**^ Prophet, vohen the mighty manjhall cry (fitter ly. That day is a day of -wrath ^ a day oftrouBle^anddt- fireJfe,adayofwafim(fe, anddefoiation-, a day sf dark* neffey and gloomineffe, a day of clouds^ and thicke darknejfe-y (they arethe the words of the Ho l y Ghost,) which no earthly glory, no glittering of outward pompe, no fliining heapes of gold and filver, not the Prince of all the lights in heaven,nor the whole ftarry Firmament fhall ever be able to enlightenjorrcfreihj though.they fwell never fo bigge with pride, and difdaine, looke they never fo high, fliould they exalt themfelves as the Eagle, and fet their neft among the ftarres, they {hall cer- taincly downc with a vengeance, God (hallfud- denly fhoote at them with a fwift arrow, it is alrea- dy in the Bow 5 even a Bow of fteelc fhall fend forth an arrow, that fhall ftrikethem thorow, ftiive off their gall, ^Joh fpcakcth, throw them downe L into ^ The fecond imoche duft. Their pride, and their power (hall be ovctthrowne in the turning of an hand, then muftthey lay downe their cold carkaiTcs among thcftonesofthepit,atthc rootcsofthe rocke,and their poorc finfull foulcs rauft prefendy bee prcfented at that laft, and ftnckteft Tribu- nall, where never bribe, or bigge looke, gold or greatncfTcbeares any fway . O then they will gnafh the teeth, and roare, and wifli that they had lyen in the duft all the dales of their life, and never knowne what preferment had meant, when they fhall finde by wofuU experience, but too late, that to mighty men there are mighty torments prcpa- -red,and that they (hall be horribly plagued, pro- portionably to thepeftilent abufe of their high places,andthofepublickemployments,into which they have corruptly thruft themfelves without cleare entrance^and due cal ling. Then will they tremble f take on as wild Bulls in a net, as Jfdiah lfa.t x.io. fpeakes,full of the fury of the Lord, and cry out Ifa Ji*»4» ^jth thofe finncrs in ZXon^ho amengfi u^JhaH dwelt in everlafiingfre? whoamongsi m JhaH dwell irt ever* Ufiingburmng? The day of recompence is now come upon them. They have had their heaven ia this world,and therefore they muft now have their hell in another.They have domineered for awhile upon earth>done what they lift, and had what they would, yet now muft they downe into a land of datknefle, of horrour, and confufion , whence they (hall never rife up againe. Onely repent, and you may prevent all this 5 but doe it to day,wc little know what fad ncwcs the evening may brings Apfe Sertnon. 77 bring. If thou die in an impenitent cftate, thou art damned cvcriaftingly : and in this paflfage I va- lue all men alike, of what cloath fbevcrhiscoatc be made. He that layes his foundation with firc- worke, muft looke to beblowne up at laft, he that doth not confefle his fins, forfake them, enter into the narrow way, ieade a new life, ftand on Ch R I ? T s fide, love the Brother-hood,he can ne- ver be favcd I know not how my words be taken, or miftaken,yetfure I am, before any man can de- ny this to be trvie,or fay any thing againft thati have faidjhe muft turne Atheift, and prove Scripture is falfe, and that there is no God, no heaven, no hell, which would be abrainclcflc and bootlcffe taske of the moft dcfperate,and prodigious incarnate Di- vell upon earth. , Secondly, For Ipftru or againft thee, as God would have xu&c thoufliilt have more honour,and combrr, in doing as the Ho l y Ghost dircds, and as an honcfl: man fliould, then if thy voice were able to purchafc for thee, the riches of both the Indies, or advance thee as high as Heaven. And furthermore confider,if thou fliouldeft have thy hand in the preferment of any wicked, and un- worthy man to a place, whether thou haft not thy handalfo infomefort, inallthemiferics,andmif- chiefes which may fallout and follow upon his ill di (charge of the place. . Doc you not think, (for the purpofc)if a Patron ftiould preferrc corruptly to a living, an idle, dilTo- lutc Miniftcrja felfe-preacher3temporizer5enemy to God s pcople,c^f .that he fhould not in fome mea- fure be acceflary to the blood of all thofc foules, which (hould perifh by the default, and under the cruell handof fuch a negligent unconfcionable fel- low :r j^fe ^, Thirdly,for Exhortation to all Rulers,3nd who- focvcr take into fheir hand theraincs of Govern- ment over other in any kind, that they would be righteous; that they would firft,furniflithemfelves, with Imputed, 2.Morall. ^. Religious rightcouf- nelTe, with thofe feven-fold fore- mentioned on- dowments in a good Magiftrate. That they may behave Apfi Sermon. 79 behave themfelves, as Go d would have them, which that they may comfortably, and confciona- bly doe,Ietthcm take good counlcll, and amongd: many other diredions, doe, as I now advifc ; Let them I. Get Jesvs Christ. 2. Enter into their places purely in Gods name. ^, Beillightncd, direded,and quickncd to a thorow, and conflant difchargeofthem, principally by the divine light, and heavenly motions of Gods holy truth. " 4.Keepe ever a clcarcconfcience,both in refped of their perfonall walking, and right managing all the particulars of their publicke charge. 5. Have an eye ftill upon that laft, and dreadfull Tribunall, at which they muft fliortly give a flrid account for allthings doneinthefleih. But herebeforel enter upon the particulars,give me leave to prevent an exccption,remove a fcruple, which may perhaps arife already in fome mens hearts,and fo dull their attcntion,and blunt the im- prelfton of the enfuing points. What i may fome fay, here is nothing but Jesvs Chris repute pre- ferment ,holy truth, divine light, I know not how manykindesof righteoufncfic, clcare confcience, fadfore-thoughtsof thelaftday,c^r. All (for any thing I fee)tcnding wholly to Puritanifmc 5 1 think "^ A derivative he would haveusali fo ^ righteous,that wc fhould wracc'co'rs CUrne Puntans,^^. o'pn; in my Before I fpeaketothepoint, let mee tell you, TT'.^''/T that I am right glad, that I have now mminc eye, the Septua! fuch an honourable, noble, judicious, and under- §'"" ftanding Auditory, who I know will doe mee ^°^'4'»7» right, were there now before mee a number of L 3 drun- go Thefecmd drunkards, whore-maftcrs, dcboift fwaggcrcrs, fcorners of Religion, fcnfuall Epcures, 5>tigma- ticall fcurrill jeftcrs 3 O how would they take on, ftampc, and play the Bedlams ! how they would rage, raile, and cavill ; though by the mercy of God, they fhould be no more able to ovenhrow by any found reafon what I fay, then to remove the niightieft rock, when they arc reeling- drunkc, either with wine or malice. Now upon this occafi- on let me acquaint you with the truth, about this unhappy imputation, ordinarily laid by Proteftants at large upon the power of godlineffe. Now a SttHaxian. daies,every boiftcrous Nintrod^ impure drunkard, fag, 5 J X. and and felfe-guilty wretch, is ready with great lage to ^°^* fliein the face of every profefTour, with the impu- tation of Puritanifme s if he doth but looke towards Religion, labour to keepe a good confcience in all things, he is prefcntly a Puritane, and through this name, many times by a malicious equivocation, they ftrike at the very heart of grace, and power of As M G.wcll godlineffe,at Gods beft Servants, and the Kings sit Boy ff •ft beftfubjc(jis. Forthereisnoneof themall, but in f^.579' their fence,with all their hearts, they would be the ftrickteftPuritanesin a Countrey upon their beds of death 5 I mcane,that their confciences fhould be cnlightned, and they not fealed up with the fpirit •of number, like drunken NahdH^ior a day of ven- geance. But let none hecrc out of humour,malicc5 fa. There is 4 gener4tm,&c. You fhall findc many Apfe Sermon, 8r many of thcfe,erpecially among the common and ignorant people ; charge them wichfinnein gene- j rail, and they will confcfTcjand yeeld : but defcend 1 to particulars, and you can faften ife^iing upon them, they are true Jufticiaries; prefle oneof thefe with the firft Commandement> and how he ftands in his carriage towards it, O he is infinitely free, he neverfervedany God, but one,c^ and yet with their own tcfti- mony, confirmethemfelvesin a great opinion of their owne integrity. Secondly,! meane not the morall Puritane,who thinks himfelfe as fafe for falvation by the power of civill honefty, as if he were already a Saint in Hea- ven 5 whereas it is cleare^iy^^. 12.14. without addi- tion of holinefTe to civill honefty ,and confcionabic dealing with our Brethren, none (hall ever fee the Lord. Thirdly, I meane not the fuperflitious Puritane, who out of a furious felfe-love to his ownewill- worfhip, and fencelcfTe doting upon old Popifh cuftomes,thinkes himfelfe to be the only holy de- vout man, and all forward profefTours prophane. You fhall heare aknot of fuch fellowes fpeake, lfa» ^^,$XMfe »9t mere to me, fir J am hlier then then, Fouahly, 82 The fecon^ Fourthly, I meanc not the Pharifaicall Purirane, charadicnzedtothelife,X»^^x8. 11,12. Who be- ing paflingly proud of the godly flourifh of out-fide C hriftianit3^5thinkes himfelfe to be in the only true fpirituall temper,and whatfocver is {hort of him, to be prophanenefre,and whatfocver to be above him to be precifenefTe. "Now thefe kinds are true Puritanes indeed ; for they think themfelves to be the only men,and all others hypocrites 5 whereas poore foulcs, they were yet never acquainted with the great myftcry of grace, but are meere ftrangers to that glorious workc of converfion,pangs of the new birch, wraft- ling with inward corrupaons,breaking their hearts, and powring out their foules every day before G<5D infecret, open heartedneflc, and bountiful! doles to diftreifed Chriftians, and the poore mem- bers of C H R I s T , felfe- deniall, heavenly-minded- nc(fe,walkingwith G o -d^^c. Fiftly,! meane not the true Catharills, peftilcnt herctickcsabouttheyeareofour Lord, 253. Set Hofi.cent.1 They werealfo called Novatians, o£ Novat/^ ^pal i^llc. their Author ,but Cathari, from their opinions, and Sec Efipu. profeition, who wickedly denied to the relapfed, ^''^' En Bid r^c^P'^^0^ ^^^^ ^^^ Church upon repentance, ^r. ^£cc!epi>b6 and called themfelves pure. cap 41 p^g-' 9 Sixthly,! meane not the African Donatiftsjabout StcHofxenu^ the vcareof out LoR D,35 1, whowere alfocalled, pag^ 1 7 ? ,&c CtrcnmcmoneSy CtrcmtoreSj Verp^emant^ Mont am ft £^ Sc.Hofcent.^, j4cntenfes. iiHipagi?* Seventhly, Not the furious Anabaptifts, of our times, who arc as like the ancient Donatifts, as if they had fpit them out of their mouth. Eight- Afife Sermon. 85 Eightly, Not the giddy Separift. Ninthly >Nor the unwarrantable Opinionift^^«* talisy as ungroundedly difopinionated 5 I fpcake thus,becaufe I am perfwaded,good men may dififer in things indifferent without prejudice of falvati- on, or juft caufe of breach of charity, or Difunion of affedions. If I fee the power of grace founcly appeare in a mans whole carriage and aconftant partaking with God, good caufcs, and good men, hefhall for my part^ be ever right deare un- to my heart, though he differ from meein fome in- different things. By Puritanes,then I meanc onely fuch,as J e s v s J^^^^^^^'J*' Christ his own mouth ftileth iojohn 1^.10 .and ,^l°ll^v iT 1 5.5 . The fame word is ufed here, but in a more f^;-^f^nKct blclTcd fence.that Eufcbiu^ hathto defcribe equivo- *'-^"'* cally,thecurfed Sectof theNovarians. You arc all pure^or cleane, faith Ch r i s t, by the word which I have fpoken unto you 5 I meane then oncly G H R I s T s ;t«t9rtjc/, whom the powerfull worke of the Word hath regenerated, and pofTefTed with "^^^^^^i^^ purity of heaitjholinefTc of affcdions, and unfpot- KA^ia,,^c tednefTe of life, to whom he promifcth blefred- neffe, A/4f . 5.8. Blejjedare the pure in heart : And to whom alone his beloved Apoflle promifeth the ' bleffed vifion of God inglory,i lohft^,-;. Now that the name of Puritanes (which is, as you may conceive by that which hath bcene faid,a see Difcourfc very equivocall terme) is put upon (uchas thcfe ofTrueHap- in contempt, and reproach 5 is more then manifefl P^^^-f^'P^-^^i by a thoufand experienccs,and by the teftimony of a great Dovlor at Saint Pauls CrolTe. And yet I dare M fay. mm^rBsmmmm U And I prove it out of Bi(h. 2)«w. in ^bra- ianii Triall, f<*g ,7 2. PuritaMS, Fth ritanos incta-' mantfVocifera' fur, at per Pur i- tanorum latera erthodoxam vulnerant VC' ritatem. Tlte ficox^d ■Hac}(a>ell a- gainlt Carrier, fay , the greatcft oppofites to tficfe derided waics o^ purify,if he die not like drunken Na[fal,vfon\d upon his bed of deai:h,give ten choufand worlds,to have lived as one of thetn. Andthroughthe name of Pu- ritane, by a malicious eqiivocation, theyftrike at the very heart of grace, and the power oFgodlines. Secondly, Z add, thorow the fides of this Nick- name> they have laboured to wound, and lay waft the truth of oui' bleflfed Religion, as pure as any fince the Apoftles time, ^c. Heare what I heard Do(5lor Jbhots Profeffbiir there complaine of, at Oxford Aa. What Do he calls State Puricanes? M^ifi\ Dedicator. He concludes it by good confequent, that by Cameras aflertion, our greateft Bifhops, our wifejf!^ Gounfellours, ourgraveft Judges, andourSove- raigne himfelfe, muft be acGounteor may be hereaf. ter put into any place,prcferment, orpublieke em- ployment over their brethren^ that they may go- verne righteoufly, and make the people rejoyce. In the firft place, let them be fureto getpofTeffi- onof la SYS Christ, and affurance upon good ground, thatthcAll-fufficient God is their owne. Elfe fay,or do what ye will,men will be ambicious^ covetous,fenfuall,they will hunt after preferments, pfofits, honours, precedency, or whatfocver will add Apifi Smnon. Sj add to their outward happinefle. Butplant once the eye of faith in the face of the fotile, which will ut- terly darken with its heavenly brighthcfre,thc eyes offence, andcarnall rcafon, astheprcfenceofthc Sunne obfcures the ftarres, and then, and theft aloncjand never before, we fhall be able tolooke upon the world/et out in the gaudieft manner^with allherbaites, and babies of riches, honours, fa- voursjgreatneffcpleafuresjc^^.as upon anunfavou- ry rotten carrion. For all true Converts dedrCjand endeavour, and have in fome good meafure the world crucified to them, as they are to the world, Jesvs Christ embraced in the armcs of their faith/o fills,and fatisfiesthefoulc,that To they may pleafc him,they are at a point for any worldly pre- ferment, except it comes fairely by good meanes^ and his allowance. Here then it will be very feafonable to give fome light for tryall, whet her you have J EsysCHRist already or no, if nor,hoW to get him : fot both which purpofes,know that thatblefTcd L o r d of life,is brought intothefoule by fuch faving works of the Spirit,fuch degrees, and ads as thofe, dcfcri- bed in my book of Comforting aflSided confcien^ ces. Secondly,Lct them enter into their Offices, Be- ncfices,prtfermcnts, high roomcs,in Go d s name, I raeane not by money, or any wicked meancs ; not by Symony,Bribcry5flattery,temporifing;not by anytricks,over-reaching,undermining,fupplanting competitours,imployment in any vileferviccj not by any bafencfle or iniquity at all, no, not fo much as by ambitious fecking. M 2 Nci- «^ The fecond Neither am I now upon aprecife point, excepc the prodigious iniquity oi the times in this kinde re- present it fo^thorow thefalfe glafle of commonnefTc and cuftome^tothe covetous and carnalleyejbebut honcft Heathens, but ingenious Turks, and that is not much I require of thofc who profefTe Chriftia- nity, and you will be on my fide : witnefTe, See Tmr Mar, That famous ItdtanA^w De ambitu, amongft the Common pia- jjncient Romanes^ whereby it was ena»5led, that if 7u0an^in/i> any man fhoald attaine honour, ormagiftracy by and Pacm Aiv moncy ,he {hould both be punirticd with a great pe- ^om.p./ils, ciiniarymul<5t,andalfo made infamous. T hat right noble carriage of mighty Tamerlaficz Scythian ,and commander of the Tartars,who is re- ported in the Turkifli Story, never to have beftow- cd his preferments upon fuch as ambitioufly fought them, (as deeming them in fo doing, unworthy thereof,) but upon fuch as whofe modefty orde- ferr, bethought worthy of thofe his great favours. We are come unto a ftrange pafife, thatitfhould beholden a Puritanicall point5to condemneall cor- rupt comrhing into places of preferment, and pub- licke charge^ fith even politick Pagans, and barba- rous Nations, out of light of reafon, and ordinary notions of nature,did abhorre it. And no marvell, for befides motives of piety, and the feare of Go d, which they wanted5even grounds of policy ,give us tounderftand,that thisbafe, and accurfed courfe, wasablc to become the bane, and breake-necke of the ftrongeft States upon earth in fhort time. I leave it to your wifdomes to weigh well in your own bo- fbmes,what flrangc degenerations from worth,and honour. honour jwhatfeircfufllApoftafie from^ orthodoxe- ncfTe, and zeale, it may being upon a Cominon- wealeinfewyeares. /S'lhoJ. If theworld once takein6tice, that money doth Reafon i, the deed; men to make way for preferment, will feeke more to get money then merit. ' - Thofe who (hould rife into high roomes in the Common-wealth, will labour rather to furnilh themfelves with heavy purfes,then noble parts.Mi- nifters will ftudy more to become pragmatical! Traders about Benefices, and other Ecclefiafticall promotions, then compleat Divines, and powerfiiM Preachers s and having learned the Trade, they would heape living upon living, cry downe prea- ching, plunge into the world, andfecularcrnpJoy- ments,gather a hoard,hoping thereby at length to behoified intofome higher placejef'f. which you know were a very horrible thing, would marre all-, and undoe us quite. Againe,icis a common faying in this cafe : what ^afmi^ we buy by grofTe, we muft fell by retaile. He that buyeth,faith Mornaj, is (hrowdly provoked, nay is aftera fort openly difpenfed withall,to fell againc. And what wofull workc and intollerable mifcry, that brings upon a people,you may eafily guefle* ^ Thefetworeafons I have infinuated unto mee, in the French Story, where the Author gives this ex- p^^^ ^ ^^ celknt eulogy oi Lewis the ninth. The Realmewas corrupted with theunjuftice, and extortion of farmer raignes,by the falc of Offi- ces,being moftcertaine that what we buy ingrofle, wc muft fell by rctaile. He did therefore exprefly M 3 pro* gg The fecof^d prohibit thcfcfalcs, ind fupplied iuch places as were void, according to die merit ofperfons, after due cxaraiaation , to draw good men, and of un- derftanding,lo apply thcmfelvcs to ftudy; other- wife they would have beene {hrowdly tempted, rather to have ftored themfelvcs with money then merit, with gold then goodneiTe. Wife,and graci- ous then,is the counfell, which the fore-named no- • Ptfg.i J5' ble and learned "^ Morfjay gave unto another French King,in his Meditation upon Ffalme loj. The Princes eye, faith he,and care fhouid be up- on the beft fort of people, to fet them in offices, and bcftow charges upon them. He fhouid take this courfe.Thofethat fliallaffed fuch places,hc fhouid alwaicsfufpedi: them, their perfons, and pra<5iifes5 for ccrtaineit is, that he that very earneftlyaimeth at an office,or Iiving,hath laid hisplotalreadyj and withoutdoubt, he defireth it for the profit, and not for the charge. Sermqa J . be- Hcatc alfo what old reverend Latimer faid to this fore King Eand fhewcth what manner of men they fhouid be, men of cou- ragc,wifc,fearing God,^ defileth the Land,andthe Land cannot becleanfed of the blood that is fhed therein, but by the blood of him that filed it. I intend nothing in thefc laft paflages, to the prejudice,or offence of anyJFor my part I ho- nour the reverend Judges, and worthy Lawyers of this Land, at this day, as one of thenobleft limbcs of the State. And I cannot but lookcupon the N 3 Lords ^6 l^f fecorai Lords my Judge?, vvkh more then ordinary ^re- fpctt, for Juflice Nicols fake, my worthy Patron, that reverend and renowned Judge, whom Iho- nourin the duft. And yec for all this,! muft tell you thetruthj dealeplainely Imuftand will, from.this place, in this place, though I fhould die in it. Me thiL>kcs the very providence of reafonabic men fliould move you that are Magilkatcs, in this and other Corporations, to relieve your poore with the forfeitures of oathes, and Ale-houfcs: But when you have befides Gods blcflfed Law, fo mighty againft drunkards, blafphemers; and that King C h a r l b s alfo hath fo gracioufly confirmed thofeblcfTed Ads provided in t-hac cafe, tofharpenthefword, and ftrcngthen the armc of Authority for that purpofe, you ought to be ex- traordinarily vigilant, adlive, and confcionablc in the execution of them, othcrwife afTure your felves, you rob Gcd of his honour, the King of his fervice, and the poore of their almes, and your felves of good confciences. And this fourc- fold cord without repentance, and quickning, is abletobindthccurfeof Go© fcarcfully to the confciences of thofc which ihould be faulty this way. I charge none in this point., but onely them, whofc confciences if they will give them leave to fpeake out, may jufUy accufe 5 if any of your hearts fhouldcondcmne you, God is greater then your hcatts,and will pay you home : be not decei- ved, nor flatter your felves with any ungrounded fclfc conceit. It is a principle, even in morall po- licy ,th^ an ill executor of the Lawcs is worfe in a State, Apfe Sermon. 97 State, then a great breaker of them. Nottopunifh ^,. ... anofrcnce, being under your charge, and myour pag.i^^. power, isto commit it. We that arc Miaii tcrs, and called Re Bolton. j a dcfire which is in adion and working till wee have • our ddire accompli{hed,vvheras to defire finiply may be a fudden motion or raomentany paflion. AVtf^vjtf*) Soraetranflate the word paifively, Ter- iutiian renders ir recipij de panefftia,pa. ^, others to be dirtblvcd or looied, and it is done when things raixc and com pounded are refolvcd into their parts and principles, now becaufethc foulc is(as it werc)inclu- ded in the body^and cannot enjoy Christ fully till that compofition by the body be refolved by death, therfore doth S.Paul earneftly defire this refolution. 2 . Or it may iignifie to return,as the word is taken elfewhere, theLo k b wiHreturnefiom the weddings Luk«»z.3(>. which fcnfe is notdiflbnant from the fcope of this place 5 for the fpirit being freed from the body, re- turnethtoGoD that gave it, and what els doth the Apoftlenowdcfire, butto returneunto Christ by whokn he was fent to preach the Gofpcll^ 3. Itfignifiethtoloofe anchor, oxzschryjcjlome renders it,^jdK-«cSta to flit or to change our place^ and foit*sa metaphor from marriners? importing a flic- ' ting or [aUing from the ftate of this prefcnt life by the ihip of death to another port, to faikCas it werc)froni one bank to another. It is not much matcriall which reading we follow, they all of them doe agree in the maine point and fubftance, and doe affoord an obfervation which might be enlarged and fet foorth with variety of co- lours? and ftrcngt hen cd with longdifcourfes, but as they which have a long Journey to goe, and but a fliort time allowed them,mufl: make but a fliort (lay in any one place,and as Painters many times ufe only to Kyi Sermm Preached to draw out the heads and fupericur parts of men,lca- ving all the other parts & lineaments to be proporti- onably fuppliedby the wife beholdersj even fo muft J at this time propound only fcmegenerall heads of fcverall points without any large amplifications, and leave them and the reft to your private devotions. J)o5i. T. Death will unavoidably fur f rife m .-Which is a refo- "Diaxh camot Jution or diflfolution of this exquifite frame of man, be avoids . .^ j^ ^l^^ difiociation of parts united together, it is the taking away the ftru(Sture and the f-afhion of this i Cor.i. 5 . houfe of clay. We muf needs dtc^ and then rve are as tva- c r ,. ter (hilt en the ground which cannot he gathered ftp a- 2 bam, 14. 14. . // ^ r «- ; / r 1 ^ t game, as the wile woman or Tckoah ipoke to the EccUI.8.8. King 5 No man hath power over the JJ?irit tn the day of death, neither is there any difcharge in that warre, all muft fight with dea:h,and death will conquer all; our foules and bodies now met together in this nearc conjundion, though deare friends muft be fcparatcd each from other untill the day of the gcnerall refur- rediom and keep them now as charily from dangers asv>^ecan, yet will thefe earthen brittle vefTcllsbe broken afunder, which all forts and ranks of men are boundtolookeforat alltimcs> Surely men of low de- ■ ■'^* gree are vanity, and men of high degree are a lie, tohec^ laid in the ballance they are altogether lighter then vanity^ a marvellous debafing of all men ! Let men be put in one end of the ballance, and vanity in the other, and the Pfalmift doth alTurc us that vanity will weigh downe man,and man is lighter than vanity it felfe./^^ fcts out his life by comparing hisdaiestoa fwift fhip, Lifefwift. ^^^ ^^ ^" Eagle that hafteth to the prey, yea and hee ioh,9.z6.\.zs further faith, they are fwiftert ban a poft> then the birds At theFunerAliof M.Bolton. buds in the ayrc,thc (hips on the rea,& the fwift poft on the land, all thefe doproclaime and preach a Ser- mon to us of our mortality, and that this lamp many waiesmaybe extinguifhcd 5 experience fhewcth, us that death puts no difFerence,the young do die as wel as the old, the ftrong as well as the weakc,the Kings and Counfclloursofthe earth as well as beggars, the J**''^'H>'^ Phyfiriansthemfelvesaswell as their patients, and death is haftned by infinite difeafcs, whereunto all the living arc fubjcd, and thefe are within us, and a thoufandaccidcntstofurtherdeath without us, and which is the foundation of all our evils, by our own fins, whereby we do provoke the Lor d of our lives to anger, and do walk every day over a mine (as it were ) of gun-powder, fubjed every moment Co be blowne up by the Lords difpleafure : and S*Cyfrian cyprianje excellently flieweth the declining ftate of the world, '"*"'*^ how the ftrengthofthe husband-man in the field, of the marriner on the fca,and the fouldier in the camp is weakenedjf4»^j videmusmpueris: and it is well for us Eenepsofjhort that our lives are fliortned, and that our daies do not '^/i?« ordinarily attaine to the tenth part ofthofe that lived before the floud, and th.at both in regard of the wic- kcd,vand the godly. Firft touching the wicked^ to re- prefle their outrage and impudcncie in finning 5 this Very thought that they may die cre-long, and cannot live very long^in rcafon fhould abate their violent and exorbitant courfes, ifthey aretranfcendently wicked now when death is at,hand,what l^imrdds would they be ifthey had in the ordinary courfe erf" nature, eight or nine hundred yeares before them to live in i If their damipipn^npwjball be mpft fjrqajd&lU how B much 8 K^ Sermm ? reached clryfoftomeoh. much morc ititollcrablc would it then be,the number »n" llmny of their fins adding fuell (as it wcrc)to the fire of hell< tofinners t9die and the Lord in juftice meafuring out to them apro- f r''"^' S*"" portionable degree of vengeance to their fins:' hence Qu^en^t vua willthelr accounts be fo much the eafier, and their diuturnior, eo fttipss fomjch the fewer. And this makes likewife fieretculpanu- ^ ^^^^ ^:^^ ^^^ exceeding comfort and good of deBonaM^rtii. diltrelled Chriftians;innrmicies,temprations,pover- C.4 & iongc ty,reproaches, griefeofp3(Iionfor rhcirowneandof n"uo^"profu"f' -co'-npalfion for their brechrens miferies are a great fet nc incre. burchen tothcm, how much Iieavier wouldit'beif mema faceient j^^^g burdicn was to preflTc them down many hundred idemcr/l^juf. yeares together:' this much allaies their forrowjthat dem libri. all thcfe cvills are bur as clouds which foone ride a- way, orasatempeftthough violent yet not perma- Heb^io.j4. ncnt^afharpeyetbuta fhortwinter, here is our Scrip- ture comfort, the time to beare them is but fliorr. yfi I-. This confideration of our mortality fhould in reafon mnfJven!*' ^^^^ "^ ^^ ^^^^ ^^ Heaven for helpe that we may ef- ^ fe<5tually remember our condition : the holy fervants ot Go D our prefidents herein have prayed to the Lord for this purpofe: thus did U\tofes,teachmeto pfal.^.ii. number m-j ^af^/Vi , thus did Davidywakeme L o r d rt? ^ '^^ ** 'know mine end : in their blefied fteps let us tread, and their example let us follow ^ it is a wonder that we iliould need to be remembred hereof, that we fhould be fuch ftrangers in the world, but there is need of that proclamation ftill to found in our eares, allpfl is Efay40. • graffe,Andthebeautyoftt as the flower df the feld : were "wc indeed as Adam was at the beginrlTng of the world who faw no fpedaclc of death before his eyes, wee might have fom probable cxcufc if we thought not of our at theFunerattof M.Bolton. our departure: but what can wc a Hedge for our felvcs when we have had the experience of all ages^ Go in- to any part of the world, and aske them in the Pro- phets woxds, your fathers whtre are they ? and doe they *^ ^•*'^' live fir ever ? Even this place and this meeting doe preach unto us our mortality. Where are thofe Epi- cures in f/^jf, which promifc to themfelves continu- ance in their dcfperate wales. To morrow (hall Se as thif Efay ?$.ii. daj and much more Aboundant^ nay and which is more abominable, doetake occaiionby the iliortnefTeof iheii lives to eate and drinke^hecaufeto morrow they m»fi die : Come on therfire{hy they )/^/ mfll our [elves with Efay.««. i j. ce^Uwine^ andointmentSi andla no Rower ofthefbrin? „,.,-. ^ tafe by U6y let m crowncour jelves with rofe-bms before they be withered, let none of us go without fart of our jollt- tyjet m leave to\ie,iS cf our joyful Inefe in every pi ace, for this is our portion. Thefe finners are likely to fee the daies when they fhall wifli themfelves toads, fer- pentsor any loathfome creatures,rather f hen men and women,and yet as defirous as they fliall be of that ex- change of their eftate they fhall not have it, but fliall remaine wofull men and women for ever. This Do(5lrine ferveth likewife for the reproofe of 2 . thofe who negleding principally to depend on the '^vanUyttde, immortall Go D,do fmfully relieon others which arc £;'^ '"""'"''^ mortall like themfelves s thus the Subjed: relieth on. the Soveraigne, the fer vant on his Lord and Mafter, the wife relieth on her husband, and the children on their parents, and all this is done contrary to our du- ty ^ Trufl not in Princes nor in thefons of man, and why PfaLi 16.1. fo < There is no helpe in them : their breath goeth forth y and they returne to their earth. Truly they arc like the running waters, our dove, i. e. our faith can find no B 2 reft to i^s&mfftrmhed iob.8.13. Izck.io.i^. 7fal. 145.4. reft for the foles of her feet in aay of the fons of men, {wchhofe is like the hsttfe of a fpider, one Iweep of Go d s bcfome will cafily make both the objeds of their hope and their hopes to be in the duft : it is as a bro- ken reed to leane ons it will both deceive and pierce them :' the whole world runs on wheelcs, look Eaft- ward,orintheWeft, North or South, youfhallfee nothing but inconftancyinall the parts therof. Oh how fafe and ^apj>y then are they rvhich make the God of Jacob their hclp^ and rvhofe hope is in the Lord their God. Whofe hearts and eyes are fixed upon him; how hard foever the world goeth with them for the prefenr, all Ihall be well aflure your felves with fuch in Gods good time ; he will provide all fhall be well, he will helpe the husband, hee will comfort the wife, hee will guide the fervants, hee will preferve the goods 5 yea rather than it ihould bee undone^ (with reverence be it fpokenj he will rock the cra- dle, they are the words of the learned (JllartyrB, Hooper, This dodrine doth check all vainglorious & proud perfons,which NarciJfus-]i\:c,6o doic dn thcnifelves^ their own beauty,or ftrcngth,or any ornament of the body,which may like lon.t^ his goufd in one night be withered. Who is morcodiousin our fight than a proud beggar^and nothing is more hat'cfull iri Go d ^ eyes than a proud man or woman, who are but rtieat for the filly crawling wormes to fc^d upon, and if thou^noweflnotthyfelfe,gotothe graves of thofe which have been mofl lovely and beautifull in their dales I in that piif^ure and glaffe maift th6u view thy relf,theremaifi thou behold theriiyfteries of ouj'na- turCjOs Gregory iVj^ our next wifdomc will be to repent of the fin we have fallen into. 6, Another duty which naturally dotharife from this Take the oppor* Dofftfine is, to lofc HO time in doing and^in receiving mity of doing j^j ^^^ g^^j ^^^^ ^^^ . ^j^j^ -g ^y^^ ^^y (appointed to Gai.'j.io. workc) and how (hort this day is, the L q r d alone Joh.^. ^Qth know,but this we know, the night commeth ivher- f>; ».r. not he with him in the fpirit as with the ColopAns, re- iovcing attheFuneraSc/M.Bolton. 17 joycingand beholding hishappincffc^ doubtlcflfehc was. Butthis being with Ch r i s t was notthat prc- fencc which hedefircdj itwasancercr prcfcnce, to be where he was in the highcft heavens, and to he. held the gUfj vphtch God the Father had given htm j ^®'^" ' '•*♦• tleilre is the daughter of indigence and want fome % way, and himfelfe doth plaincly tell uSjivhtlefi rveare tn the hod-jy as now Saini Faul was, we are ahfent from i Cor. j. <. the Lord jyou may be pleafed to obfcrve a diffe- rence betwixt thefephrafes of Christ his being with us, and our being with C h r i s t , it is one thing for C H R I s T to be with us, this benefit is enjoyed in thislife, hepromifed to be with the Apoftles, an4 Mat.t8.to. his SuccelTors, and {o by Analogy, he is with all his my fticall members to the worlds endj but it is ano- ther thing for us to be with Christ 5 this honour is ' referved for the world to come, and it is a ftatc of blelTednefleashe (poke to the theefe on the CrolTe, this day fbalt thou he with mem Paradife, Whence I doe Luk.23.4j , obferve,that The faithfull foulenvhenit defmeth out of thislife is DoMne^, immediatly after death with Christ. If the foule of ^'»^*'* '"^^wc- Paul^ why not the foule of other faithfull onesC Saint a&tai^lo Paul Iknow, whilefthee lived, was a man indued cbrt/i, with fingularzealcfor Christ andhohncfTeoflifc, ^^°^-'^^*i' and exercifed with more then ordinary miferies and perfecutionsj himfelfe rcciteth a Catalogue of many of them, but as it is not the degree of faith, but faith thatjuftifies, nor the meafure of graces, but the ha- ving (aving graces in truth, that aflbres us of G o d $ gratious acceptation of us in this world, fodocthey alfo by G o D s frecpromifc obtainc reward in hea- C 2 ven. 1 8 kA Sermon Truched cypr. de morta- ^^^' inftnotly upoHthc diflolution 5 as Saint Cyfrian iitM jinemfe- fpokc toBemetriai^us^though. a blafphemous Echnicic, '^' chat if he would at the end of his life pray to G o d for the pardon of his fins, belceve and confefTe him, he fhould be tranflated fub ipfa morte to immortality, * why not •*. the foule being purged clearely from the impurity and ftaine of fin by thecomplerion & ftate of grace, which gets full dominion in the very mo- ment of her departure out of the body, as Alexander Balenfis, t>urandm, and other learned Schoolemen havcrefolved, and it is not defined in that Church whether the deordination of the will, and whether virions affedions (as too much love to wife and chil- Lib.4Mll»ii. dren) remaine in the foule, faith -E///^, yctdocwe sea.3» ^ grant this to be true, that the more gracious any man is in this world, the more is he now rcfpe(5led of Go D,& the more glorious {hall he be hereafter. The point it felf is clearly proved by the New Teftaracnt, Rom.8. 1. There ii no condemnMion tofuch as are in C h r i s t ] e- jigahfi Fur- s v s . None,and therfore not to purgatory paines. For gatoiy. the name damnation extendeth to Purgatory, faith Th.in /^,SentenJifi.^'^ . q,2 . Sixtus Senenps l.S.Anno- tat,^'-j. No condemnation faith the Apo(lIe,yes,that there is damnation to the fire of Purgatory, faith the Mai0n agaxnfi Jefuite iW4/^^. Whether will you beleeve^againe,)^^ ^ \'cq^^ f *^^ ^''^'^ ?^4/-r//^^ earthly houfe of this our tabernacle jl)all be defiroyedj we have a building net made with hands, but etemallinthc heavens, S^chr'jfojlome rendreth e^u^ if. hy t-Tztv when^to note the time immediatly after death, he faith ix'^uAv not 'ihij-zv we have not I knownot after how many years,we ihall have: which may further appcare by the Apoftles'fcope,which was toadminifter con- folation attk Furterdll ^/M'.BoIton. j^ folationtotheaffli(aed, as appearesbytheendofchc. former Chapter, that they rfiould after death goc to aneternall hovikyjlmmfoH mortem acquirenda, forth- with to be poflefTed after death,as Efti^s (h^wcth out ofP^^//^>^'^i^/w^ and Ti^^w^,whichelfc could be Lib.^jif.ti, butfmall comfort unto them, if they beJieved they ^^^•*» fhould be detained in a fiery prifon, farre hotter and more intollerable then any puniOimenr in this world can be 5 and that the foules of the faithful! were in a ftate of happines before the Afcenfion of Christ into Heaven is cleare, (though neither they nor the Angels were fo happy for degree, as after the incar- nation of our Saviour^is generally concluded, and by cleare demonftrations confirmed;) the point I fay is clearej build not my faith on the bookof Wifdome, though it binds Papifls to the beliefe thereof, that faith, the foules oft he right e ou^ are in the harids of'Q o d , Wifdome 4. md there jhdl no torment touch them: no torment, thea ''^'^* not the torment of Purgatory 5 but behold a cryftall ftreame which is able to quench the flames of Purga- tory; if a wicked man will turnefrom all hisfinnes.^che Ezck 18 22. jlsallfurely live,he [ball not die: all his tranfgrefions that he hath committed j]^all not be mentioned to him. How doth he not remember, if he doth fo feverely punifh that it paffeth the imagination of man to conceive the greatneffc thereof ^ can there be a back reckoning for that which (hall never be remembred < and faying, that not a few but al his fins fliall be forgotten,will he yet punifh them to fatisfie for any fins at all i and is it not an cafie thing unto the Lo r tx inthe day of death Ecdef. i x-a, to reward a man according to his waies -f Call you this a re ward,for a good man to be thr uft into a place C 3 of i 20 K^ Sermon Preached /Irocontrahtr, de beaut. I, of torments this prcfcntlifc isatimc of working,ftri- ving,runniRg,fowing,anci godly living, after death is the time ofrcapingjof receiving wages, garlands and crownesj an unj lift thing it is to detainc the labourers wages, which reafon 1 fuppofe is as ftrong againft Purgatory, as againft thofe Armenians whom our Advcrfarics do worthily confute^ and how is it ima- ginable that if I he good in the old Law fuppofcd then dcad,Went firft to torment, that they did not tremble for fearc of deaths howcouldthey (as they did) de- part in peace i and how is it imaginable that God who appointed facrifices for all forts of fins and pol- lutions,{liould appoint neither expiation norfacrifice nor fatisfacf^ionto be made for the foules of the dead ! furcly there appeares not to us any token of any fuch thing,and therefore we may fairely concIude,that all the foules of the righteous then were tran dated into a ftare of happinefte. This Do<5lrine being thus briefly cleared, we may from hence draw many conclufions. Hence it followeth that the foule dieth not with the body, astheSadducesthatpcftiferous fed amongft thcjewes did damnably maintained for as they de- nied the rcfurreclion and the being of Angels, fodid they fay,there was no fpin'r, no fpirituall fubftance at alljfaith Scaliger, ^^hxch. without all doubt, is the truth in the judgement of ^r»to/^ 5 fogrofTc werethefc Sadduccs in th ir apprehenfions : and as a wicked branch of thisfortifli ftock of ^adduces there fprung up certninc Arabians which held that the foule pen- flicd rrgetherwirh the body, aswitneftcth Eufebiu*. Afitdodrineibr enlarging the kingdomc of the di- vell : Vfej. The fou'e im- mortali. £xer(ltat. Hufeb. Ecclef, at the Funerdll ^^r.Bolton, 21 vell.-butthatthcfouleis immortall myTexcprovcth, bowclfecould it part from the body and be with Ch r I s T^unlcffe it was a feperablcfubftance^fith the body tsnotwith Christ till after the general! rc- furredion^ whence is there in natural! confcience that accLifing power for fin, that feare of wraths but from this principle that the foule is immorralknever make any queftion of this^when thou dieft ,thy foule which is thy better part dicth not, but is taken out of thy bo- dy ,as a candleout of a lanthorneiandimmediatly pla- ced either in blifle or in torment. Hence may we in the fecond place conclude againft the i^mihAf tills and SocinUnst which though they went not fo far as the S adduces ro deny the refurre(5ti- on, yetdidthefe fantaftiques dreamc that the foule fleepcthtill Doomesday,and i$in a ftateofincenfibi- lity like fomc creatures in Winter,/»/e(^4.ti!l they be quickned and revived by the heat of the Sun,fothey of fou!es,till they be raifcd by the power of theLo r d at the laft day^but ho^ then could Saint P/tulhe with Christ ^but to fay no more againft thefe filly drea- mers, I proceed. In thethird place, that conceit alfo falls to the groundjwhich prevailed with many oftheantient Fa- thers and with fomc later writers, that the foules of the righteous fee not God till thelaft day,but are kept in ceitaine receptacles in expcdation therof. I fee no profit to the Auditory by naming them 5 the lear- ned if they pleafc m ay read many of their names in Sixtffs Senenfis, But how then (fay I)could Saint Paxtl be with Ch R I s T^this opinion is an unworthy con- ceit condemned by the Church, as robbing heaven for 2. tit fculej!eeps not as the bedy, BuUingtr ciira Anaha I.4 e.io ' 3. Soules departed iMtiediatety fte G9J, SixfM Senenh hibLSM. lib.b. Annotut in the perfon of the word, a nd thus chrifii,c.6, do they in words at Icaft deny what they fcem to con- tend for. 5 . From wh encc likewife it followeth that there is no jigaififi eurga- Popifh Purgatory ; the fault is clearely remitted,and "'J'* fo there can be no fatisfad:ory torments required. God fhould(me thinks)but mock us,if thcy fay true, as if he fhould fay, I pardon thee thy offence, but I will punifh thee for it, I acquit th ee of the debt thou oweft mcbutnot of the paimcnt : but why Ihould not the "■«*""""^R«»"«»«1I»»> at the f4(mr»&9ftA\hohon, « ^ the foulespftherightcoBS dying m fahh bccari^din* ftantly into hcaven,as well as the foule of a man new - ly baptised comming to that holy Sacrament in due manner, and dying before he hath committed a new fin, akhongh he was full offinnc before ^ there is no queftionofthis lattcTjand why (hould there be of the former ^ And if they cannot goto Heaven becaufb Gods jufiice muft be fatisfiediWhat will becom of all tl^ofe that dica little before the judgements &much more is the difficulty increafcd in thofe which pafFc in a moment from moitalitie to immorralitie,atthe very comming of Je s v s Ch r i sr.But ] marvel not if Pa- pifts do contend for this Purgatory, as being indeed one ofthebeft fires that ever (he Pope and his Cler- gie have had for the heating of their kitchins. For let this be granted that there is fuch a fire, and that tht torments there and in the place of the damned diflFer but in duration, and there are no torments in this world compavableto thofe in Purgatory ; let their Preachers tell their people fuch a fuppofition as this is, if a foule had becne tormented in Purgatory thirty yeares, and had by an Angell a choifeeithcr to ftay 7>}fciputiu de in Purgatory one day lor^,or toreturneintothebo- jf'»^«'^Ar.^«. dy and do this penance a hundred yeares together, t(> ''^'^*' * tread only on iron nailes which will pierce the feet, to drinke gall minglrd with vineger, and to eat the tomfeft bread, to be cloathcd with Camels haire, to lie on the ground, and inftead of a boiler to have a hard ftone for a pillow,the foule would rather do this penance a hundred yeares together, then to endure in Apoc«. j. Purgatory one day ,fairh their Preacher. Bythisand fuch like dodrinciB,thc Gonfcfcnces of their difcip!«s X> arc ^4 Ky( Strmm Preached arc ftung as with Scorpions 5 and it is like a gift whi-. Jf«.t7 «. ' 'her focvcr it turncth, it profpercth, then may they work them Kke foft waxe by their charitable promi- fes to apply the meanes for their eafc and reliefc out of the place of torments. What a wofull fpcech was foxAHipag. that of our Rfcktrd L who committed his foule to *49. Purgatory till Doomes day. 6, Sixthly , this Dodrine ovcrthroweth their Popifh ^gainfimay. prayers for the dcad,dire(fled unto G o Dto eafe th^, ifigfor tie dead and free them fromthepainesof Purgatory, yea and that kind of kindncs too which many that do profeilc the Orthodox doctrine, doe unwarrantably uic in wordsa and further, as a more durable monument of their miftake,dowrite upon the grave ftones of the dt^NoT f«' ^^2^>^^ ^ ^c mercifuU to the foule ofthis dead man. M^atat.Tab9r. For are they with Christ^ then doe their prayers pag.x9u bring no profit to the dead, but hurt to the livings For to fpeake thefaireft of them, i .Such prayers can Mat.i z. 3 6, be no better than an idle vpord, for vfhich we muH give 4n account at that day, 2. They are an injury to the dead, and do vertually imply, thatfuchas pray for them are not perfwaded they are in happincfTe for whom they pray. 3 . This pradtife although it might be perhaps by fome qualification .juftifiablc in the intention of the fpeaker, yet may it breed danger in the conceit of the hearer, who may turne thy volun- tary devotion to harden him in the dangerous error of that opinion 5 if then no bencfif redounds either to the dead, ihyfelfe, or the hearer, its beft to leave ihofe formes of prayer which arc made for the dead. But ignorant per fons being reproved arc bold to re- ply in this fooliih manner, what would you have us fay attheFmtirdffo/M.'Bolton. 25 fay of the dead, would you have us to revile or curfe them ? Oh pervcrfe minds ! as though neceflitie Jay upon you, cither to pray for them or to curfe them f Belilcc what difplcafctn God pleafeth you pafling well : let us fpeake of the dead as G o o s Word tea- chcth us to fpeake of them; furc I am, it no whercen- joynethustopray forthcm, nor furni(heth us with the exam pic of any Saint to that purpofe,and yet were their affe<5tions to the de^d as good as yours. Gannot you ufe fuch formes of fpeech when you fall into ^ mention of thera, they are with God ,thcy are at reft, they are happy ,their memorie is blefled, unlelfc you pray for them. But leaving now thcfc Ufcs of confutation, I come to thofe of inftrudlion, which are indeed more profi- table for our edification,and more futablc to this prc- fent occafion, and the firft is, Fcare not death(0 thou righteous foul)ovcrmuch; ^/^ ^/ /^ its one benefit we reape from the death of our blefled flfuSfm, Saviour,to be freed from the feare of our own death; j^ death is called indeed by Btldad'in Ubythefrittceofter- 7)eatb 'wt t» r^«r/,& by the Philofophcr,of all formidable things, ^^fearej, the moft terribie/o it is to the wickedjOr at Icaft there lob./g.'ii] isgood cauic it fhould be fo, for to fuch as live with- out Christ, death is as a purfcivant fent from hell to fetch them thither : but they that live confciona- bly^maythinke of death comfortably, and they may fing that triumphant fong, O death where is thy fiing ! , cor.i y. they may take this all-devouring fcrpent without any hurt at all into their bofomes: they that have their debts paid, dare go out of doores, and are not afraid to meet the Sergeants they dare JooJce on death, and D 2 welcome ^6 fauthim in vi- ta Ambrofij ad MyAugufi. juag,i4. i4f Miurnt not im^ moderatly ft/r the d(aJ, ,€lry/.in locum. wellGomehimasthc Kipg of heavens offi€er to give tbem poflTcflion o^ an everlafting inhcrit«^nce 5 wee feaic our friends when they have a vizour on rheir fa- ces,but put it ofFand we rejoyce in them. Excellcnc was the fpcech ofS.Amhofe to the Nobles of his ci- ty,whichvvich threats and flatteries were fent to him by the Gotrnt Stiitco, to perfwade him to pray unto GoDforthecontiniianceofhisHfe,which when the holy Bi{lx)p heard he anfwercd divinely, J have not foHvcdamongft you that I am aflrimed to live lon- ger, nor am] afraid to die, becaufe we have a good Lord.Doubtlefle had we(beIovedbrethren)as much faith on earth as there is joy in heaven/ we would not be afraid of death ; this isthcnarrow paflagc betwixt this lifeand our countrie: on thisfide the bridge we have many troubles, many fins, many feares, mmy temptations of the Divcl,which fhould make us think the worfeofourlives,and very willing to leave them: but on the other fide,we fliall be freed from all trotj- ble,from all fin,from al moleftation of the divel,and fhall be filled with all the joy our hearts can pofllbly deiire.Sothat hitherto we may apply 54w/>/^A;f riddle, Oi*t of the eater CAme forth meAt^Andoutofthefireng came forth fweetnefe. Secondly, this may fei ve to moderate ourexcef^ fiVe/raourning for our friends which die, we hope in the Lo R D. Z>rff6r the juft bouh living and dc:!t6, becaufe they are happy jlet us not in an unfeemely manner bewail e them by pulling ofiPour hairesjbaring^our armes, tea- ring /tttii& FuiHrdLd^W* Bolton. 27 ring our faces, or putting on mourning garments, fo faith the fathcrsand I fay,hnppy are they which have exchanged a bafe earthly tabernacle for a princely Pallacc>- forrowcs for joy, and eartli for heaven 5 and inethinkesourblefTed brother now deceafed, if he had incercourfc with us mortal^rreacuresj would fay- to his deare wife lying in her tearcs, children and friends, as our Saviour did tathoiepious women thac followed hivfVyD aught ers ofleruftiem rveepe not for mn^ LuV.s3.23. Imt yvi4pe for your fdvesy you know my failings, my meditations, my warchings (and know you brethren that godly M^niftersdopurpofely watch and medi-- tate for you,when you are or would be a deep.) You know my gricfe for my owne calamities and for the calamities of Gods Church, and by your owne ex- perience, you may know what fliarpc combats I have had with that raging enemie the Divell, and what wounds I have received in the confli(5l ; now do I feare no perils on the land or fea, no perils in the houfeorin the field, now am ] vidorious over Satan and have trampled him under my fecc, and now he hath nothing at all in mee, and now am ] crowned with gloric, and would you (my dearc friends) be fo unkind to me to wifh me alive againe, and to run the former hazards ^ Kings and Queenes are willing to niarric their daughters to forraine Princes, and never looketofet their eyes onthcm againe,and fliould wc mourne too much for his abfence, and not rather re- joyce wirhhim for his happier cftate then this earth canafford^ When /^fiUin^ t9 die. Job.j.iijij. 2ie$th jimptjf not defired. Fhrut cited by Brjherinhifi. GotefoLp i^z. 1 Cor. 5.4. ration of the glorie of departed fervants of G o d, checrc up our droopingfand fad hearts for them, and excite us to dcfirc tne fruition of the fame glorie. And this is my next point to be handled, / deftrc^^ faith S. Pattljto be dijiohedandto be with Christ. It's the fire-fight of heavenly glory and being with Christ ythat makes a man dcfire to die : Some men indeed would die, becaufe there is nothing in this world for them to cxpe6t but mifcrie and (hame, and thefe do little IcfTcfomcdmesthen^^/J^T^r ther$cks t§ fall uf on them t that they might end their wretched daies as lob faith, they long fir death ^and dig for it more then for hidtreafure^ which rejoycc exceedingly, and are glad when they can finde the grave, this motive fwaicd not Saint Pady but onely this that he might be WithCH R I s T.I grant to defire death {imply, as death, is againft the Law of G o d and the law of nature, death is our enemie^and is not from Go d creationcihy creation, though it be truly from him ultione t6 re- venge the fins of man, faith Florm de pr^deft: or as others fay, itis ^xom him or din at ione, becaufe inju- ftice he ordained death corporal las one part of the punifhment which was due for the finne of man, and henceourSayiour Christ himfclfe who knew no fin at all, viewing death as it is in it {c\(c confidered, declined it, let this cuppafe^tind fo did Saint Paul too, we ivill»ot{(^izh he)beunc bathed, the parting of thefe good friends body and foule without fome further cnd^ is a grievous fepararion ; this harmelefle inno- cent nature teachcth; and as death is further a meanes to cut ofFall polTibility to profit others, and to helpc the poore Church of C m r i s t with our laboursrthus piety at the F/fherdll fl^Mr. Bolton. 29 piety and grace may move them to pray with Dav/d, Lord Z^/ w^yS«/ Sam. io.tz.' with Saul hide himfelfe in thefiujfe, when he is called to be crowned a King ^ J( Abraham fawhis day by faith vfhen he wasbut pro- mifed,4»^ rej0y^ed,vfh2t caufe of joy muft it needs be lotut. 5 5. to fee the Saviour of the world when he is exhibited^ If • 50 L-^ SenttfftiPrtAched MSzwiilohn Bit^tifiSiXt^^c at [lis prelcncc whcft he was in the womb e of his bleflcd mot her. Wlwc will his glorious prefcncc cfFcd in t hcra who fliall behold him in al his Royaltic^if the Wife men of the Luk.1,44. ^^^ wenta long journie,and rejoyccd to fcethe ho- ly Babe C H K I s T inchchouies what caiifc of joy wijl it be to fee him fit in his gloric at the right, hand of his Father, fiir above all PrincipalKi<:sand powers^ Luk.io. 14. If pfony Kings and Princes longed for that da) to fu their Saviour nioi tall, what refemblance is fit to expreflc the joy ofthofe that behold him crowned with glory and immortalities it is^paifingglory to be admitted to the fight of Ch R I $ T his flKe,andto receive glory from the brightntfleof his Ma jcftLe,and if we were to fufFc r torments every day, yea the very torments of hell for a time, therby to gaine the fight of Ch ri st, it were nothing in refperc/^j, ^ and never till then, and cry unto us helpe m and com- » Kmg ^-^^ fort us, as that flawed woman dX^^ to the King of ifr^d : Wceanfwer asheedid that diftrefTed crea- ture, if'the Lo \ D doth not helpe ym^horv jhould we? And now by this time Uuppofeyou are brought to that paire,that Gods fervants, whom you haveinyour profperitydcfpifed may fay to you concerning all your dauberswhom you then refpeded, where are they now that will prophefie peace peace unto you? your confciences which before were aflcepe, being now awakened to heare the crie of your finnes , and thefe glades formerly covered with dufl as it were, being wiped cleare to reprefent unv o you the disfigu- red and odions flice of your finnes ; when thefe evill daies ftiall come upon you (as they will or that which is worfe) you muft needs confefTe to the tcrrour of your fouks,thar we Go d s Meifcngers have told you Gcn,4i. i». of ihcfe things, and you would not hearc us>as Reuben ' E faid 31 ^ Sermm VrtAchtd faid tohis brethren. Your fins which you tooke to bcyourfriendsCasGo D himfclfc hach thrcatncd) are fuddenly turned to be your foes, and now do ap- Pfal.yo.zi. ^arc as a marfhallcd armycomming in a terrible 1 Kine manner againft you, and when Goo fpeakcs to your 2'^ ^^* confciences, s^^Jehu did to the Eunuchs^ who is onmy ftde? who? tvmx.\\QyW\\\caJl yotidowne and dajh,z%\i were, your blood againfi the wdsy and make you to he trampled upon 5 and then can you caft your eyes no way without horrour, if upw^irds unto heaven, they will tell you that you'are juftly excluded our of that happy place,if you think upon hell, the mouth there- of (as you fcare) is open every moment to receive you when thefc evil! daies fhail come,&c. j^ Second Ufc of inftru<5lion is^ that we would ftudy Gtt afurance our felves, and ranfacke our foules, and be of good ofchrij}. grounds, and to have certaine evidence that our change {hall be for the better: mans wifdome tea- chcth him in Summer to provide for Winter, in youth for old age^ if G o . d be better then the world and heaven better then earth, and the foule better then the body, fhall we not labour while we live to get full aflurance of being with Chris t, as S.Pml had,when we are dead < but here is the maine doubt, how I (hould know and be afTured thereof. faiihlivcrar^ Firft,ifthou art aflfured hereof, then haft thou faith, furante of the maine and fundamental! grace, not fundamentum chifi. quod^ that is,CH r i s t, but cm as a learned Schoole- man doth diftinguifh, immediatly laying us upon Ghr I ST, and as a Captaine,! fay not making the gra- ces as heavenly Souldiers,but as bringing them forth to fight according to their fcvcrall operations 5 thou baft I fay a lively faith both in that di;ca ad^whcre- at the FuntraH of M. Bolton. 3 3 byitjuftifietb, andalfobya prudent obfcrvation of the workc of faith in thy foulq thou doft by faith be- lieve that thou art juftificd by faithjthou haft alfo the attendant companion upon faith, that Chrift ian hope whereby thou waitcfi: on G o d till he accompHfh Heb.j.^. all his gracious promifesjif wecomeagainftthe Di- vcll as Dji/vVdid againft the Philip ne , not with fwerd^ i Sam. 17. 45. pucldandfj^eare^but in the name of the Lord ojHofs^wQ are furc ro conquer. If we have thefe graces and by the ufe of holy meanes do hold them faft^how happy are wclBltflTcdishethatbeleeveththe Lords words to be all of :h?m true, and bleifed is he that waiteth onhim,tillhemanifefisthetruth of his words, that believeth by faith that G d is his Father,and expcd- eth by hope that he fhould Ihew a fatherly atFe<^ion to him; who believes that falvation belongs to him,and waites by hope til he enters inro pofTelTion of it: if this then be the blefTed frame of thy foulc,thatthou refbl- veft and hopcft to livejand thou refolveft and hopeft to die in the armes of thy fvvect Saviour, thou art in a happy cafe. Secondly,if thou haft this holy affcdion to die,and 2 ; alTurance of being with Christ when thou art dead, ^Jurameofie- then doft thou labour for the true fenfe and fee- »l»''^tfc«/^ ling ofthy reconciliation with God, and doft make Mary.* 5.*^'^* thy peace with thy brother whom thou haft wrong- ed by word or deed 5 if thou lookeft to fee the face of Ch r I s t the righteous Judge with comfort thou wilt abandon foolifti ftiame^and fond fclfe-love^thou wilt make reftitutioHjand rcturne goods in thy hands to the right owner 5 thou wilt not fuffeifincoiicupon ^^. thyfoule, nirktthy furrmesinthyfeldt^ ary out a* lob.j!.^*/* B 2 gdnH J4 1^ SermH9 Fr€j$cM 3' gHi?ffi thee, nor hy pr0portiim,t^e B-one andtimhr of thy heufe to compUme of thee, ZAch . ^ . 4 .fhr this wou Id bf}n^ A cttrfe to eonfmnt them:^Qii^ wi?f often make thy xtt^- hing even with thy Go d , for this makes friendfhip dii* rable,if Cfi r r s t be gone, as he feemes to be at lOmc rimeffom his children,thou wiltfeek for him forrovv- ing ^i.^Ma.ry his mother did, and thou (halt in G o d s good time find him in th^ Temple(as (he did)I mean in the uFe of his holy ordinances. Thirdlyjalwaies be vigilant and watchfulljthis fpi- SfirUttai watch rituall watchis nothing but the carefullncfle of the foulctokeep fpirituall graces in their vigour and a(5^i- vity, and though God hath appointed v;^atchmen o- ver us, yet hath he not appointed watchmen for us, their watching is not in our ftead to give us leave to fleepe, but it is to keepe us waking, what I fay to you J Mar I J,? 7. fay to all, PF^^r^. And very good rcafon, Touknorvrnt ("faith our S aviour) n^hat houreyour Lord will com^^jy Mat 14,41. ^j^j ^yj. ^^j.Qy{]g difpofirion will be foonc rocked a fleepe by .Satan, who befprinkles the temples of our head with his fpirituall : in kmowledge benotlikethehorfeandmulcj in avoiding dangers be Itkettliem. Consider tbcDivcls policy, he is a thccfc at the Funerall (ffM\Bokon, 35 thcefe 5 abeggar may fafely pafTe by him^his aimc is to rob the wealthy pafTcngcr: rub thine eyes oitco, frequently ranfacke thy heart,kcep Gods fcarc fi'dh inthy foulc. laco'ifcodd not {]cej>e when he heard of £faft hiscommingngaihfl hiri],zndSamf^finh2Ld little lirtto deepcm Dalilaes hp when he heard the Phili- G^n 1% fiins wcrecommingonhim^ delightin the fociety iud^i6.i^,io of the Saints, good company keepes us waking ; all thefc are foveraigne helps to keepe us fpirituaHy watching. Fourthly,often meditate on death, die as it were 4* daily in the difpoficion of thy foule, and preparation tatiTnol death' todeaih; forge: fullnclTe of dcarh makes lifecobe fin- full, and death to be terrible as adeftroying Lyon, ^^^^^ ^ whereas the fight of favage beafts is not terrible to Mat.z4.48! thofe that converfe with them 5 looke on death as on the Sun inan opticke glaife, though it be faroflr,yct it feemes neere at hind, and fo in truth it may be neerr us, being as a pit covered with fnow into which wee may fuddenly fill; that which many carrle in their • rings, carrie thou in thy heart, memento meri'^ be like to thofe that in their life time had their lepulchers in their gardens, and places of pleafure, and that they might be mindful! hereof,fome had dead mensskuls before their eyes in their mofl delicious banquets 5 by fo doing, we fiiould prevent a great deale of fin,& it would bcas abicter pill to purge out many noifome humours, and prove that wt are truly wife, ahvaies ^"^"«P'«5' ready fordeath: itsan excellent thing when deathap- proachet'hjto have nothing elfc to xlo but to die. Fifthly,it is a comfortable figne, if thou doft-hsar- cmtimau tily pray:to Go b for this very end as the Saints of fraya, E 3 God B^ K^ Sermon Preached prai 3 9.2 1. God have done : prayer is our bcft guard when wc & 90.11., ' arcathomeand when we arc abroad J God will not tukz.}». denieourfuitsmadein Christ his name, becaufc this was one benefit which Christ merited for us. Alas what elfe fhould wedo'whcnweareevcry day for ought we know going to judgement i iliould we not intreat the Judge to pardon us ^ (liould wc not with fighcs and fobs cry continually unto him to be hXT f *' *' '^^crcifuil unto us i Hier. reports in the life of Paul a /"■• '^B ^ i . Difciplc oi Anthony the firft Monke,and that not (im- ply for devotion, but to avoid perfecurion, that this religious man wjs found dead kneeling upon his knees, holding up his hands, lifting up his eyes, the foulc was fo devout that the very d^id corps leemcd to pray unto God, now this humble feeking to Go d by prayer that he would make us alwaics ready foi death, argues a foule fenfible of its owne weakencflfe and of Gods goodnelTe. 6» Sixthly, rf thou art fincere and found at the heart, sincmty. and walkefi with G o d in the uprightncfTe of thy foule, and makeftthis the crowne and garland of thy lifcwhich will never wither and detay, that thou ha- teft all knowne fins, not the outward onely whereof men may be witnedes, but all inward corruptions, as Efayjy.7. hardncrfc of heart, wanton revengeful! tlwughts and fuch like,whereof the world can take no notice, if thou magnified Gods graces,and gracious per- fons,and canft be content out of thy love to Ch r i s t, to fuffer anything for Chri st, this is fincerity: I faynotlegallfincerity, that is aperfedion too high for us to attaine unto, nor onely natu rail and raorall integrity ,whercby an unrcgencratc man is guided by the thelight which is inhim without hypocrifie (this may mc very heathens have) but Evangclicall inte- grity, whereby the perfon being accepted for Chris T,the heart though failing in fome particu- lar a6tions,yet manifcfts habitual I grace by a conftant courfe (in the generall) of a holy convcrfation. Laftly 5X0 name no more, if we are truly thankfull Thanhjt'or unto G o D for making away for ustogoe by death Redemption to heaven (by the death of his Son) whofe portion /'"*'« '^f*^^* by due defert was hell 5 how Iiidith and Ejier were magnified for procuring deliverance to their coun- trymen from outward enemies, the Bible fliewcth : how the Grecians honoured i=*//tw/;?//^/ the Romanc for prevailing againft Philip o^Macedon, and proclai- P'utar, in vita ming their Hb^rty, is regiftred in heathen ftories , ^^r^'/^/^. with whatapplaufes and acclamations of all the Ro- R9m.ii.17, mans, men, women, and children Conftantine was re- ceived into that Queene of C\xxt%,EufebiHs the Hifto- EufeidibA k rian doth relate, for vanauifhing the Tyrant MAxm- Tll^i!^. //>/,calling him their deliverer,their conferver, their bountiful 1 Patron, a common good thing,c^f . here was love and thankfulnefTe we fee moft earneftjG g s knowcsand our owne confciencesteftifie unto us this day how far we exceed thofe Grecians and Romans in mercies bcfto wed upon us, not by amortallman but by our J E s V s ,nor from temporall fervitudc, but from the power of the divell 5 if then our cries and acclamations be to our ]e s vu conftantly,OTuwp m>Tii^,as theirs were to their deliverers, and we can joyfully found forth S.P4«/ Iwiwcf, death where is thyfiing— thankes he to God who hath given as viBory tfjrough J e - s V s Chris T w^r Lor p,thisisa good fignc of a blef- fcd 3 8 K^ Sermon Preached fed man; and if thcfe arc in you, I do affurc you that your eftate is now good, and by pcrfcverance in them, Ihalibefarrc better hereafter, and thefc will ivh t mf ^^^^^^^ you,whenallthe comforts ofthc world will in dLth,^ f^il^' Whatwill all fricnds,riches,and plcafures pro- licwhen you are on your death- bed^ unlefle you have this forcfighc of joy in Ch r i s t , you live (for ought you know) under Gods curfe, thecurfebothof .he Law, and the curfe ofthc Gofpell, and you can have no folid joy in any thing under the Sun, no more then a condemned man can have in his wealth & fore-paf- fcd honour; but have and keepthefe fruits of the ho- ly Spirit,and when death (hall come to thee,and take tbee(asitwere) by the hand, thou haftnocaufe to ihrinkefor feare.but maift fay with Babyhys flaine by Decit4i thatperfecutor, in the words of the Pfalmift, Returne unto thy refi mjfoulCjfor theLoKD hath heene ketiejiciall unto thee^now my griefcs farewell, & all my wrongs adieu, and now my foule be glad, for now commcth thy reft, thy fure reft, thy fwect and never fading reft ; and that which co iiforted Hezekjah on Efay 5 8. j . his fuppofcd death-bed, 'Kermmher Lo r d how I have walked hejore theervithan upr'ght hedrt ; thatalfo was agrcat comfort to this our dcccafed brother, that he could fay to mee in his laft; fieknefle, when I vifited >^'ote, h\v[\y that he bad walked in (incerity, and performed his Minifteriall duties (fctting humane unavoidable defects adde) with an upright heart, andfo 1 doubt not but God fcnt his Angcll to waite at his beds head tocarry his foule when it patted from the body, into i^hrahams boiome. You have heard .(beloved) .what was Saint PWx dcfirc. 4t the FUfterafffi/M', Bolton, ^p dcfrrc,that was codic; and a rcafen implied of his de- fire, for then he fliould be with Christ: hearken with the like Chrfftian attention fo Sain: PauU judge- ment or cenfureof that cftate of being withCn r i stj this is faith he far the better, or (as fome expound the words) which is beft of all : which occafions a Que- Ogf/f^ ftion,Whetherisit better to be with Christ in his Hmulbefi humane nature, then to be with God, whofe beatifi- fo be vitb, ' call vifion is faid to be the chiefe objed of happi- ^^"^' ncffe 't To which I anfwer, that the Apoftle doth not . com.pare thefe together, I mcane the enjoying of ^ * God and Christ, as though his chiefe happinede did confift rather in beholding the body of Ch r i s t then the face of God, but his being with Christ, and that eftarc in glory is compared to his being in this prefent world, and he raentioneth Ch r i st be- caufc he in his humane nature had purchafed this great happineflfc for him, which confifteth principal- ly in the vifion of divine excellency : our happineflc is chiefely in Go D,but by Ch r i s t his merit :do we ^quh.i^u^:i not thinke that many poorc exiles dripped out of i SermnFnachid good,the life ofgrace is far better, but the life of glo- ry is beft of all ; it is goad fo be a babe in Ch r i s t ,it is better to be a ftrong experienced Chriftian,but to raignewlth Christ is beft of all; itisgoodtofigli andfobforfiaJcisbetcertonortifieand to prcvailc againftic, but it is befl: of all to be perFe(5lly fan(5tified, » Sam. 1 4. 3"^ purged from it. Wc know that K^bfolon recalled fromexilc,and not admitred to fee his fathers face in Court,was impatient of all delayes,and foare God s children after they are called to G d d s favourjlongto fee their Saviour which is far better, which may fur- ther appeare by thcfe differences betwixt thefe two e- - ftatcs. fhunfbe 'beii ^^ ^^ "°^ ^^'^ better to have the wayward old man in •ne^rtk ourbofome,themoft fpitefull enemy and falfe friend, I mcane all the remainders of corruption,the leprofie and poifonof fin quite abolifhed then to have them ftill in us < while we live they will be in us do what we can, we fhall find much ignorance of G o d and all his waies, much folly which keepeth us from ta- king any thing to heart which refpe^eth Go d or our felvcs, muchuncircumcifion of heart which makes us that we cannot be holily poore in fpirit though confciousofinnumerable motives which fliould in- duce us hereunto, much drolfe of felfe-fufficiency which will not let us perceive what need we have of Gods prefence for the quickning, ftrengthening, comforting, dirc^ing and profpering of us in all our wayeSjthough the breath of our noftrils be not more neceffary for our naturall being, then his grace is for our fpirituall welfare and comfort 5 thefe evils do rc- nue their aflfaults on us every day, and notwithftan- ding at the FmeraU «/ M. Bolton. 4 1 ding we renuedaily our Endeavouring againft them, yet cannot we get that full conqucft over them. If We could afTemble all the Saints together, and askc them . \vbcther'tbey were without fin, what do we thinke ^fratilTs6. would they anrwer^whither that which Pf/4f//^ faith, orthat which Tofm the Apoftle faiths How great foe-. vcr their excellency was,if they could be asked, they would cry out with one voice, J f we fay m have no fin ^' * "^^ " ^'^ * we deceive our felves^dvd there ts ne truth in usy and would they perhaps fay fo more humbly then truly ^ God placeth not the commendation of humility in any part of falfity : and therefore if they fpoke this truly, they had {in,becaufe they humbly confelTed it, and the truth was in them^ & it they faid they had fin whentheyhadnoneatall, they did lie.andfo did fin in lying, and the truth was not inthem, but when wc arein Chr i st all our fins are quiteaboliilied^and not . tillthen^andtherforetobewithC H r i « t isfarbet- ter»^\ Secondly, isitnotfarbettertobeinfuchacondi- 2. tioDj where we fliall be freed from all troubles, raife- 'Dzaxh frecti ries5difeafesanddifcontents,thento live in poverty, f^omaHaefef, debts, difeafes, difgraces, difconrents and infinite crofTes^ even thofc things often which we love the beft> and cxpeded the greateft comforts from them m ay p):oove our greateft croffes, or at leaft we live in feare and cxpcdation of changes and evils to come; now they that are with Ch r i s t are then and not till then, freed from all thofe evils which fhould make our life not over-plcafing to us, and they are not onely freed from thofe evils, but fet in high pla- ces out of the gunne-lliot and danger of them, and F 2 there- %^ Strtmtt freshed Dtatl jheth fr$m alijfare. 4* Death freetb fi»ji»aStemp' tatutu. a. Tim. 4, 8. ^aclusjt Deaii freeth fitmiicompa PfaLiio. |. therefore to be with G h r i $ t is fan-e hector. Thirdly, is it not farre better to live in fuch ftatc where we (hall live without feare of difplcafing our good Goo ,and of loofing his favour, which is better then life ic fclfe, then to live in feare of difpleafiog him^ from this feare in this life we can never be freed in truth, nor without great danger in our conceit, and It is a great bitterncs to the foule to difpleafc our beft ff icnd in the world^from thcfc fcarcs we arc fully freed when we (hall be with Christ, and therefore to be with Chr I ST is far the better. Fourthly, is it not far better to be there, where we fhallbc freed from the moleftations and temptations of the Divell, who as he is crafty,fo is he cruell^then to be encumbred with them^ S,Paul we know trium- phed, m/'^;? he hadfinijhedhis courfe and fought thAtgo&d j?^/&ragainft them,and (hall not wc^rthefe infernal fpi- rits arc every whereabout usrwhen we are at our bcft devotions inthc Church, one Divell or other ftandr at eur right h^ndas at lefhtiahs, to intice usto (in> they have no place in heaven to trouble us wlien wee are with Christ ,and t herfore to be with C h r i s t is f j r better. Fiftly,and laftly, is it not far better to be in heaven with Ch r I s t where no fin is committed, where are no falfe brethren to betray us, then to live in this world which is a very peft-houfe and Sodome full of filthincffcand where perhaps we have not one entire good ftiend in this world i This is the condition of them that are with Chris Tjthey are freed from that woe oftheP/rf/w/Zj VVotismsthatlam conHrained ta dwellia ^J^efech, and from the company of all the wicked. 4tthe Tuntrdl ofW, Bolton. 43 wickcd,and {hall fee with unfpeakable joy and com- fort the blcflcd Angels,andthcfpiritsof all the faith- full departed, the glorious company of Martyrs which fliinc now much brighter then the flames wherewith they were burned, they /hall fee the blef- fcd Virgin Marj the mother of our Lor d, they fljall fee the moft facred humanity of our Saviour^and his comely face,fairerthen ihc fons of men ; and above all this.they iTiall immediatly enjoy the glorious pre- fence of G o d, and have a cleare {iglit of the divine face rand confequently to be with C h r i s t isthc beftofall. Firft,ifrobewithCHRisT,isbeftofall,thcn (by ^^ the law of contraries) to be with the divells in hell is rhhmw «/ worft of allj to be borne in fin isbad, to live a flavc of beU, finis worfe,butto die in fin is worft ofall:to live in a deep dungeon and prifon, to be tormented with the fight of ugly divels5& that withcverlafting fire with- out all eafe, inter miffion and hope of remedy, what a wofuU thing is it^ if fome have loft their wits by meanesoffomedreadfull fight, ycaifthevcryfufpi- tion of divcls hath caufed many men to tremble, and thehaires of their heads to ftand upright, whatfhall then theterrour and feare of that dark lake be, which is full of many horrible fiends and dreadful! hcHi/h monfters ^ the appearing oi divels in horrible (hape, is a far greater evill then is imagined; fome body faith (he beares the name ofCyrtfl) that one would choofc cyrii de vita B. rather to burne in a hot fire, then endure their feare- HUronymi ad full fight. Good Lord that any Chriftian fhould live ^^'^,^^^^^' in the danger hereof, and yet be fenfeleffe^ what to be a fire-brand of hell and not to be movcd^ this ftu- F 3 pidity 44 ^-^ Serwon Preached pidity may make our hearts to quake, end ourflcfh fotremble,andaftoni{hourfenfcs5 O then pity your owne fouks, pity the fowles of wretched finners, and bcintreated(brethren)bythervveeiemerciesofGoDj byallihefuffeiingsofouL- Saviour, by allthejoyes of heaven to fetke theLoKD while he may he foftnd .- if the danger of lin was onely to he hond-men andhond-wO' men.zs Queene Efier faid to Ahajl-^verm ^ I wotdd have held my tongue, or I ^\ould have beene kfTe importu- nate with youjbut the punifhment is athoufand times greater, and I am at this time Gods Meffenger, to bring heavy tidings imco finners, and I will tell you what you fliall find true by experience hereaftcrjthac youwhoaredefpifers and contemners of G^Di Or- dinances, formall profefTors having a fliew, not any power of godlineffe, malicious per{ons>«S^c.(hall afcer anttletime,yeaa very Httletime, cry out, Wo^wo, wb. Ah what an unfortunate wretch am I, that have loft all hopes of heaven ! time was when happineffe was offered to me, but I ( foole that I w^s) rejc(5led ir, now alasfliali I wecpeand waileforever.. A little Ci-. ty as I have fomewherc read ,refiftcd tj^llexAndcr, he lighted a torch and vowed that ifthey fubmittednot themfclves before the torch was burnt, he would burne their Cityinto afliss; our life is like the bur- ning of a torch ; now mud thou yeeld up thyfclfe to beruled by the Lord, or burne in heU,notasthatCi- ty for a fliorttime,but for ever: the evei lading flames of hell cannot burne out one ftaine of fin out of thy foule: What great benefits didft thou receive of the worldto allure thee to loofe heaven ^ and what if thou hadft gained much riches and many pleafures, and at the FAnerall o/M ^.Bolton. 45 Cutlel MeU mcf Cottinu^ ter HedtjG j. andcnjoynedchema hundred yearesf all thofe are gone, andallarenothingin comparifon of the leaft torment which rhou there mud fuferj then wilt thou cry out,oh unhappy pleafures^oh unfonunare riches, ohmiferable time wherein I foolidily blinded my felfc! Ethelhrgawlfco^ King fva a Saxon King in this L-md i A ff?foDom, J op. by agodly policy won her husbands heart from carnall delights : on a day they had all outward folaces that heart could wifh, the roome richly furnifhed with plate, they had fweet & pleafant miificke and delicate cheere j (he caufed the lame place to be flrewed with dung, and to be as loathfomeasthey could make it, flic intreated and prevailed with the King to repaire thether, & behol- ding it, he mufed in his mind of the change,fhe took the opportunity ,and thus faid unto him,where are ye- fterdaies delights, goodcheare, and rich furniture ^ are not all fuch things as wind and vanity which paf- feth away /4;f^, then his death could doe Forma- king the way to the maine point which Idoeonely aime at,five things are to be cleared. JExftfition. I . What is meant by Flefli ^ the mortall body in which the foule d wcllcth by a Synecdoche, flefh be- ing a confpicuous part thereof. 2 .What is it to live in the flefii^ it is to live a natu- rall life prcferved by naturall meanes,as eating, drin- king,{leeping,c^fi wewalkcinthe flefh though wc >Cor.i«.j. do not warrc after the flefh ; yet take him not as if he meant to abide. alwaics in the flefli, and by a privi, ledge at the Funeraff of M. Bolton. 49 2021 ledge to be exempted from death which is appointed for all men, but he meanes deliverance fromthofe phil.1.12, prefent bonds, and the continuance of his life for a time to the furtherance of their faith and joy. 3, Marke here and in the former verfc that our Aooftle fpeakcs as if his foule was himfelfejandas if bis body was no cfTentiall part of man, this is not true in propriety of fpeech, and therefore is to be taken improperly by a Synecdoche, Integrifremembro^ the whole is put for apart, & here foraprincipall part of p.' • u /^ • • ^*- c • John 6.62, led by Divines the Communication of properties; Adts and thefeareufefuU termes happily invented to cleare thefe and many obfcure Texts of Scripture touching our Saviour.But to returne to our Apoftlc; Saint P^W confifteth of flefh and fpirit, or foule and body, and yet Saint P4«/ faith, for him to abide in the flefh is more profitable for them. When hcc died he was with Christ; how 1 not with his body, but witlv his foule ; Saint Patd is dead and hath feene corrupti- on. How< in body,not in foule. Saint Paulin proprie- ty of fpeech abideth not in the flefh, but his fpirit a principall part of Patd that is it which during the tcrmeof his naturall life abideth in the flefh or body. A. More ftecejfary'} This is not fpoken (imply but comparatively, it was not abfolutely neccflary for the Church that S. Pattl fhould live, for God could even thefl,as after his departure he did, provide other Inftru6tourstobuild his Church and Houfc, but yet itwasmorenecefTary for their profit that he fhould live then die. G 2 5. For JO K^ Sermon Treached 5. Forjoti] But why more neccfTaryf was knot bccaufe his appointed time to die was not yet come:* this is true, but perfonall. He mentioneththac which concernes the Phtltppiam^ that they might take notice how carefull he was for them, and how thankfnll they ought to be to Go d for him. My life is more needful! for you, for the furchc- rance of your faith and piety. Sz. I^i^ Saint Paul defire to live only for the good ohhe Philipp fans ? Sol, He neither faith it, northinketh it. He faith his life was more need full for the Phrl/ppiofts, foit was, but he faith not only for them. ^Why then doth he only namethcm 'f Anfifv, Becaufe he only writeth to them. f**i ^^%' Behold a pattcrne of admirable love in aShcp- tbeu^fln^^ heard to the (beep of Ch r i s t , preferring their wel- tbeirjheepto farctohisownprcfentglory. What Merchant (faith fbM"£Z Ssiini Chryfifiome) having his vcfTell fraught with «,a, ' rich commodicicsjif he could fafely arrive at a haven would doubt to do fo, rather then be ftill toffed in thcfea ^ What Champion would ftrive for the ma- rt cry when he might weare the corruptible crowncf What Commander when he might reft at home in glory after a triumphant vi<5kory, would rather ftill continue the fight to the hazard of his life and ho- nourc'and yet this is S.Pmls choife5wherein he resem- bles a woman that hath husband & children,her hus- band is in a far country & ilie is with her childrcn^fhc may go to him whom her foule dothchicfcly love, and there (he fliall be abundantly provided for, but then fhe muft leave her children behind hcr,and what then at the Fttnerall o\ion, 5 5 Sun which ripcneth both the grape and the crab, it is ■ the fame fpiritaUo which helpeth the wickedlft their moral!, andth^ godly inthdr fpiritmll workPSjtb^fe Ifpeakeof may have illumination and a^fte of the heavenly gift, and may propagate Goes truth too- thers> as /