Two sermons The Christians comfort in his crosses, conducting him in the tempests of tribulation, to the happie hauen of heauenly tranquillitie. And the iudges, and iuries instruction. By William Est, Maister of Art, and preacher of Gods word. Est, William, 1546 or 7-1625. This text is an enriched version of the TCP digital transcription A00409 of text S118617 in the English Short Title Catalog (STC 10539). Textual changes and metadata enrichments aim at making the text more computationally tractable, easier to read, and suitable for network-based collaborative curation by amateur and professional end users from many walks of life. The text has been tokenized and linguistically annotated with MorphAdorner. The annotation includes standard spellings that support the display of a text in a standardized format that preserves archaic forms ('loveth', 'seekest'). Textual changes aim at restoring the text the author or stationer meant to publish. This text has not been fully proofread Approx. 111 KB of XML-encoded text transcribed from 46 1-bit group-IV TIFF page images. EarlyPrint Project Evanston,IL, Notre Dame, IN, St. Louis, MO 2018 A00409 STC 10539 ESTC S118617 99853824 99853824 19222 2248545376

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 Early English books online text creation partnership. (EEBO-TCP ; phase 2, no. A00409) Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 19222) Images scanned from microfilm: (Early English books, 1475-1640 ; 578:01) Two sermons The Christians comfort in his crosses, conducting him in the tempests of tribulation, to the happie hauen of heauenly tranquillitie. And the iudges, and iuries instruction. By William Est, Maister of Art, and preacher of Gods word. Est, William, 1546 or 7-1625. [8], 42, [2]; [6], 32 p. Printed by Tho: Creede, for Arthur Iohnson, dwelling at the signe of the white Horse in Pauls Church-yard, At London : 1614. "The iudges and iuries instruction" has separate dated title page; register and pagination continuous. Reproduction of the original in the Folger Shakespeare Library. eng Sermons, English -- 17th century. eebo Two sermons. The Christians comfort in his crosses, conducting him in the tempests of tribulation, to the happie hauen of heauenly tranquillitie. And Est, William, 1614 92 19389 291 0 0 0 0 0 150.09 F The rate of 150.09 defects per 10,000 words puts this text in the F category of texts with 100 or more defects per 10,000 words. 2013-10 Assigned for keying and markup 2013-11 Keyed and coded from ProQuest page images 2014-01 Sampled and proofread 2014-01 Text and markup reviewed and edited 2014-03 Batch review (QC) and XML conversion

TWO SERMONS .

THE CHRISTIANS COMFORT IN HIS CROSSES , CONDVCTING him in the tempests of tribulation , to the happie hauen of Heauenly tranquillitie .

AND THE IVDGES , AND IVRIES INSTRVCTION .

By William Est , Maister of Art , and Preacher of Gods word .

Rom: 8.18 .

〈◊〉 count that the afflictions of this present time are not worthie of the glorie which shall be shewed vnto vs .

AT LONDON . Printed by Tho: Creede , for Arthur Iohnson , Dwelling at the signe of the white Horse in Pauls Church-yard . 1614.

To the Courteous Reader .

I Haue here ( Gentle Reader ) exhibited to thy viewe , the chiefest Obseruations and Doctrines of the best Learned , and most approoued writers in the Latine tongue , vpon this Texte , both ancient and moderne , besides very many of mine owne , neuer before published . Wherein ( as the searcher of hearts knoweth ) I haue not affected the popular applause of the worlde , which I holde but the wauering winde of mens mouthes , breathing out the vaine blastes of that many-headed Monster , whose minde is euer mutable , Vulgus belluo multorum capitum . which I haue euer reputed no better then a verball simonie . I can hardly thinke him to bee a good man of whom all men speake well ; for this plainly proueth , that he can apply himselfe to the person , how odious soeuer hee be : to the time , how wicked soeuer it be : to the place , how vnhonest soeuer it be . But the glory of God I haue euer prefixed , as the onely scope and marke whereunto all my labours doe ayme : & the loue of Sion enforceth me by all meanes to seeke to further the course of godlines . Wherefore Christian Reader , I doe request thee iudicially to iudge , Christianly to Censure , and charitably correct , whatsoeuer hath passed my hands , pingui crassaque Minerua , through some ouersight . Awd aboue all , assist me with thy praiers to Almightie God , that these , and all other my labours , may bee as I haue intended , to the glorie of God , and Edification of his Church . As for the Cynick straines of Criticall Zoilus , or blacke-mouthed Momus , which wanting other meanes , thinke to vindicate vnto themselues an opinion of learning among the simple , by censuring & carping at the honest enterprises of others , which will sooner find two faults in another , then amend one in themselues . Let such knowe , that I disdaine to giue them any other answere , then Martiall the Poet ( though of farre greater desert ) did once to one of that cursed crue : Mart. lib. 9. Epigr. 99. Rumpitur inuidia , quod amamur , quodque probamur , Rumpatur quisquis , Rumpitur inuidia . With Enuie some in sunder breake , to see me loued well : Asunder let him breake , whose gall with Enuie so doth swell . And thus I commit my good meaning to the iudgement of the honest , who are wont to take good meaning euer in the better part .

Thine in the Lord . W. Est .
TO THE RIGHT HONOVRABLE , WILLIAM EARLE OF BATH , HIS MAiesties Chiefe Lieutenant in the Counties of Deuon and Cornwall : all happines in this life , and eternall blessednesse in the life to come .

MY continuall imployments ( Right Honourable ) in the function of my Ministry , might put a strong Remora to my pen , to stay me from farther bewraying my vnskilfulnes in writing , had not my intire loue to Sion ouerswayed all difficulties , and vanquished all laboures and impediments . These 2. Sermons I preached before a great and iuditious Auditorie . The one , which I haue intituled ; The Iudges and Iuries Instruction , by commaund of authoritie , long since before the Iudges , at the Assises at Lanceston , when that worshipfull Gentleman , Sir Bernard Greynuile , my good Patron , was Shieriffe of Cornwall . The other ( The Christians Comfort ) is more recent : And chancing of late vpon certayne Copies and notes , pretended to bee taken from my mouth , as I then deliuered them , I found some maymed and defectiue , some patched together in an indigested maner , and other vtterly false and mistaken ; which hath enforced me ( and the rather through the importunitie of some of my best friends ) to search out the originall , and to disrobe this forlorne of-spring of his counterfeite colours , and patched coate ; and to put vpon him his owne suite , though in the playnest fashion , without any curious decking or trimming . Which when I had effected ( I confesse ) my ambiguous thoughts were tossed too and fro for a while , in a deepe and doubtfull dilemma ( euery way conuincing ) vnder whose Pratrocinie I might send forth this my poore abortiue Orphane abroad into the world : But at length my distracted resolution presumed to alight vpon your Lordships Honourable name , to seeke shelter against enuie and detracting tongues , being imboldned by the generall report , and my owne tryall of your Honours heroicall propension , and noble disposition to pietie , learning , and religion : Wherewith , and with all other ornaments of vertues fit for such a Personage , God hath so plentifully endowed you , that it were better in silence to passe that ouer , which I cannot sufficiently commend , then by taking vpon mee to illustrate your deserued prayses : I might ( perchance ) seeme to derogate from the worth thereof , by speaking too little ( especially being so perspicuous and eminent to the eyes of all men ) that I might iustlie be taxed with this prouerbe ; Solem lucerna ostendere . And it might be sayd vnto me , as Antalcides Antalcides . sayd to an Oratour , who had made a long speech in the praise of Hercules ; Quis vnquam sanus eum vituperauit ? What man well in his wits euer dispraysed him ? The searcher of hearts knoweth I speake without flatterie , which I euer detested as a verball simonie . These my poore labours I commend vnto your Honourable protection : poore ( I confesse ) if you looke into the manner of handling of it , and the substance of the gifte . But my desire and hope is , that it shall find that acceptance with your Honor , that Sinetas handfull of water did with the great Artaxerxes , Artaxerxes . King of Persia , who kindlie receiued it with alacritie of minde , and serenitie of countenance , estimating the wikingnesse of the Giuer , before the value of the gift , being the best that the poore man had to offer . And as Plinie Plinie . saith ; The poore people that had no Frankencense did offer Milke , and they that wanted Milke , did offer Salt vnto their gods , with good acceptance ; according to the prouerbe ; Mola salsa litant qui non habent thura . The God of all mercy , powre downe the riches of his mercies vpon your Honour , and multiply your daies vpon earth , to the good of the Church & Common-wealth , that you m●y long continue a staie and comfort to these Westerne parts , and after the race of this mortall life being runne , graunt you the eternall blessednesse of his heauenlie Kingdome . Amen .

Your Lordships in all dutie deuoted , WILLIAM EST.
THE FIRST SERMON . Mat. 8. vers. 23.24.25.26 .

23. And when he was entred into the ship his Disciples followed him .

24. And behold there arose a great tempest in the sea , so that the ship was couered with waues : but he was a sleepe .

25. Then his Disciples came , and awooke him , saying ; Maister , saue vs : we perish .

26. And he said vnto them , why are ye fearefull ô ye of little faith ? then he arose , and rebuked the windes and the sea : and so there was a great calme .

THis part of scripture , is historicall , and sheweth the miraculous calming of an horrible tempest , Christ and his Disciples being in the ship , and therefore pertaineth ad genus demonstra●ium .

In the discription of this miracle .

1. Certaine circumstances are expressed . 2. The tempest it selfe is described . 3. The calming of the tempest i● noted . 4. The consequent effects are added .

Analysis or resolution of the first part . Mar: 4. First the circumstances are set downe , whereof the 1. is ab adiuncto tempore , taken from the time when it happened , when he was entered into the ship , which was about the euening : the 2. circumstance is a subiecto loco , the place : namely , the sea : the 3. ab adiunctis . for as S. Marke saith , there were also other ships with him : where per metonymiam subiecti , the hearers of Christ are vnderstood , which were caried in other ships .

Obseruations and Doctrines .

Ordinarie meanes to be vsed . Ex. ver. 23. Christs entring into the ship , that he might saile ouer vnto the other side of the lake , teacheth vs , that the ordinarie meanes appointed by God , i● they may be vsed , Mat : 4. Deut: 6.16 . Eccle: 3.27 . are not to be neglected . For it is written , Thou shalt not temp● the Lord thy God . Mat. 4. Deut: 6.16 . qu● amat periculu peribit in eo , He that loueth danger shall perish therin . Ecc : 3.27 . And Aug 〈◊〉 quis periculum , in quantum caueri potest , ●on caueret , ma●is deum tentaret quam in de●m disperaret : for , nunquam periculum sine ●ericulo vincitur . Aug: He that auoideth not a dan●er as much as in him lieth , rather temoteth God , then trusteth in him . For danger ( saith Seneca Seneca . ) is neuer ouercome without danger .

2. Againe , Like the apples of Sodom which appeare beautifull to the eye , but within are full of stink , and rottennes . he entred not into a stately Marchants ship , but into a litle fishers ●oate , that he might teach vs to contemne ●he pompe & glory of the world : seeing ●he Lord of al , shewed his contempt ther●f , & that we should imbrace humilitie , ●nd lowlines of minde , which the world holdeth most contemptible . The glory of ●his world is like a sower grape , or vnripe fruit , which setteth the teeth on edge : the diuell sheweth the greene side , but hideth the bitternes , vntill it be tasted .

3. In that the Disciples followed Christ into the ship , where they were in great danger and perill of their liues , we are taught what is the nature of true loue , The nature of true loue to cleaue fast vnto Christ , as well in aduersitie , as prosperitie , that we suffer not our selues for any worldly respect to be separated from Christ . The vse is , The vse . that we follow Christ in all temptations & dangers . Among the thornes , that is , in tribulations , crosses , and afflictions : Christ is soonest found , Cant: 2.2 . which is a Lilie among thorne● rather then in the Meadowes and green pastures of pleasure . Similie . But many are lik● vnto the lazie hunting hound , which w● follow the game vnto the brake & thorns but no farther , for feare of pricking him selfe , when yet the wilde beast is ther● more easily taken : So many will follow Christ in the ioyfull and pleasant time o● prosperitie , which in the troublesom● times of persecution forsake him . Man● follow him on the land securely whe● they feare no danger , but fewe in th● troubled seas , and stormie waues of aduersitie , as the Apostles doe , when th● sturdie stormes of aduersitie arise , they by and by shrinke away . Simile . All such I may compare vnto those that lend money vnto Marchants , vpon condition to be partakers of their gain , but not of thei● losses .

Here againe is represented vnto v● the nature of true friendship which w● should holde with men in the world , The ●ature of true friendship . an● at all times keepe our faith and fidelitie with our friend , after the example of the App : which followed Christ , as well by sea , as land . Pro: 17. For as that Mirour of wisedome saith wisely , A friend loueth at all times , and a brother is borne for aduersitie . But alas this friendship is too common in the world , whereof the wise man speaketh , Ecc. 6. Ecc : 6. Some man is a friend for his owne occasion , and will not abide in time of trouble . Againe , some friend is but a companion at the table , and in the day of affliction continueth not . This true friendship cannot be but , inter bonos , among good men , ( saith Cicero . Cicero . ) And when a man in prosperitie is beloued , it is vncertaine whether the man , or his prosperitie be beloued ; and who so in aduersitie forsaketh his neighbour , sheweth plainly that he was neuer his friend . And so , as Petrach Petrach . saith truly , non fides est sublata , sed fictio , De remedijs vtriusque fortunae . His fidelitie which he neuer had , is not lost , but his dissimulation detected . Such kind of friends loue their neighbours as the dogge loueth his bone , which is , as long as he findeth any flesh or sweetnes about it , and when that faileth , Like a dog with his bone . he forsaketh it . I haue read a tale , ( but it hath a true morall ) of a certaine man that had three especiall friends , whom he inuited to dinner , and at the end of the dinner , set before them three apples , euery one in some part corrupt and rotten ; The first friend would not so much as touch them , whom therefore he reiected from the number of his friends . The second did take one of the apples : and deuoured both the sound part , and rotten together : whom he reputed as a foole , and therefore vnfit for friendship . But the third , did take one of the apples , and did eate the sound part , but left that which was rotten and corrupt : and him onely of the three , he entertained among the number of his friends . These three friends , signifie sundrie kindes of men , whereof some are so obdurate in malice , that though a man be neuer so vertuous , Non amo te ( Sabidi ) nec possum dicere quare . Martial . Li. 2. Epigram 33. neuer so kinde , though he haue neuer so many good parts , yet they cannot loue him , speake well of him , nor patiently indure to heare him commended . Such a one was Saul , who for the praise that the women gaue Dauid , after his victorie against Goliah , conceiued deadly displeasure against him . 1. Sam: 18. 1. Sam: 18.

There is a second kind of men , that are so infatuated through inordinate ●oue of their friend , that they approue ●nd defend all the actions of their friend ●ndifferently , good or euill , and know ●ot how to diuide the corruptions , from ●he sound partes . There is also a third ●inde , which wisely and discreetly loue ●n their neighbours their vertues , but ●ate their vices ; commend them in their well doings , but winke not at their wickednes ; and those onely are the loyall ●nd true friends .

The second part .

THus much for the first part , namely , The Analysis of the second part . the circumstances . Now to the second part , which describeth the tempest which arose Christ being in the ship . The Analysis whereof is :

First he describeth it , A causa procreante , which was a great storme of winde , as the Euangelist : Mar : the 4. and Luc: the 8. doe witnes .

Secondly , It is described from the effects , the waues dashed into the ship , so that it was now full ( saith Marc : ) and the ship was couered with waues , Mar. 4.37 . ( saith this Euangelist . ) Third , ab accident , inopinato , that this happened , Christ being a sheepe .

Obser . and doctrines . First here I obserue , ( in that the Apostles were no sooner with Christ in the ship , but presently troubles , dangers , and tempests followed them , ) That God in his mercifull prouidence , permitteth tribulations and aduersities , to fall vpon his best beloued , either to shew his greater glory afterwards through their deliuerance , or that he might stirre vp his elect the more to gratitude , and the loue of God . God hath respect of three things in afflicting his children , And surely most sweet is the prouidence of God towards his children in afflicting them , and that in three respects ; First , for the exercising of the vertue of patience : Secondly , for their greater prouocation to the loue of God : Thirdly , for the more signification of the loue of God towards them . For seeing that patience to euery action of godlines , Virtus in arduis . is no lesse necessarie then is breade to all kinde of meates : ( because patience ouercommeth all difficulties which are naturally incident to the operation of vertue , as bread giueth a relish and taste to all other meates ) so the vertue of patience is euer needfull and very necessarie , Similies . as a certayne instrument by which wee worke all other vertues . And euen as a sword which hath beene ●ong in the scabert , becommeth so ru●tie , that sometime a man is wounded or slayne of his aduersarie before hee can draw it : So our patience , if it be not exercised , oftentimes giueth the Diuell leaue to wound the soule , before it can ●rme it selfe against any difficultie or ●emptation . And for this cause God ex●rciseth his children with outward tri●ulations , that they may bee the more strong against all inward temptations : And therefore our Sauiour suffered his Disciples to bee tossed and endangered on the sea , Simile . that hee might exercise them to patience , against the persecutors of the faith , or against the assaults of the internall enemies of the soule . That tree is not solide and firme which standeth in the low watry valley , and neuer proued the winds and tempests : for the agitation of the windes maketh it to take more firme and deepe roote . So those men are delicate and weake to suffer affliction , which were neuer before practised in the schoole of aduersitie . Simil. The Tyro or young souldier , looketh pale at the least suspition of a wound ; but the Veteranus & old souldier , boldly indureth the bloodie brunts of battell : which after blood hath often won the field . Simile . We see the gallant horses , whom nature hath framed for the course & warres ; if they be kept long in the stable idle , they become lazie , and full of diseases , and lame . Iron through vse becommeth bright .

Assiduo splendore micat , vultuque nitenti , Audet ad argenti deus aspirare superbum . Mantua●us . The yron with continuall vse , is brandished so bright , That it contends with siluer pure , in lustre to the sig●t

But lying long in the earth , it gathereth ruste , and is turned into earth : So vertue , being not stirred vp by affliction , droupeth , withereth , and fadeth . Hee that is tempted , afflicted , and vexed , whether it bee by Sathan , Simil. wicked men , or by God himselfe striking him : If he be gold , hee is purged and purified : If he bee siluer , hee becommeth more bright : If he be yron , he loseth his ruste : ●ut we ( sayth a Father ) Quia ferrum po●us quam aurum sumus ; Because wee be ●ron , rather then gold , ( for the most ●arte ) great tribulation is profitable ●nto vs , for the casting off the ruste of ●nne . And hereby God sheweth , that ●hey are more deare vnto him , whom ●ee permitteth , for the good of their ●oules , to bee exercised with affliction . ●or when God was angry with the Is●aelites , hee sayd ; Esa. 5. Esa. 5. I will lay my ●ineyard waste , it shall not bee digged nor ●runed : And this pruning is by cros●es and tribulations , which maketh it ●he more fruitfull . S. Basill . As Saint Basil verie learnedly obserueth vpon that place ; The tree that it may grow and fructi●ie the better , must suffer many incisions , and bee despoyled of many superfluous branches . To conclude , Simile . the sweet Aromatical gummes , except they be bruised with the pestle , yeeldeth not their odoriferous smelles ; so many thinges are there in rerum natura , in the nature of things , which teach the necessarie vse of afflictions in the godly : & layeth before our eies this of the Apostle ; Rom. 5. That tribulation bringeth forth patience , & patience experience

2. That tribulation inciteth vs th● more to loue God , and to cleaue vnt● him , it is apparant by this place : for th● Apostles seeing themselues in danger o● the sea , ranne presently to Christ , an● awooke him , Hom. 20. saying ; Lord saue vs , we perish : Well , ( saith Christ ) Deus tribulationes irruere permittit , vt ad eum frequentius confugiamus ; God permitteth tribulations to fall vpon vs , that wee may the more of ten flie vnto him .

Simile . As the louing parents , seeing thei● children often to goe from them , and t● play with their equalles , causeth thei● seruants to make them afraide , that they may runne ( for feare ) into their mother bosome : So God not onely suffereth v●to be vexed by others , but also himself● sometime striketh vs , that hee may reduce vs vnto him , when we sinfully go● astray from him . Euen as the rayne falling into the earth , causeth the seede to spring ; so tribulation and affliction , entring into our minde , erecteth our desir● and loue to God . And as a trauelle● walketh most warily , Simile . when hee trauelleth in dangerous desarts , infested wit● thieues , but going in the populous and safe places he is most secure : so in tribulations and afflictions wee gather our selues together , tread more warilie in our walkes , consider more attentiuely the will of God , and implore the aide of God : and so tribulation exciteth and stirreth vs vp to the greater loue of God .

3. Thirdly , tribulations sent from God , are an vndoubted signe of his loue towards vs ; as it is manifest by this historie : For what might bee more deare vnto Christ then his Apostles ? who more innocent ? who more holy ? which forsooke all , that they might follow Christ . Yet he suffered them to bee in perill at sea , and so to be tossed that the shippe was euen couered with waues ; so that they were so neere vnto death , that they might say with Dauid , persecuted by Saul ; There is but a steppe betweene me and death : 1. Sam. 20. 1. Sam. 20. But all this was a token of his loue : For when the Lord would proue and crowne his best beloued children , the way to the crowne , and the manner of their probation is affliction and tribulation . God can take from vs all things that are grieuous ; ( as Chrys. wisely sayeth ; Chrys. ad popu . Anti. Hom. 4 ad popu . Antio . ) but vntill hee seeth vs purged of our sinnes , & our conuersation vpright , he dissolueth not the tribulation . Simil. The Goldsmith , vntill he seeth his gold purified , taketh it not out of the furnace The Musition leaueth not strayning o● his strings , vntill he perceiueth a perfect consent of harmonie : So God taketh not away the cloude of affliction , before he seeth the amendment of our liues . Iosephs affliction . Haec Chry. Gen. 37.24 . Ioseph was most innocent among all the sonnes of Iacob ; yet all the rest liuing quietly at home in prosperitie , he onely was afflicted : Hee was cast into a pitte , where he was like to perish with famine : from thence he was drawne vp and sold for a bondslaue to the Ismaelites , Verse 28. which caried him into Egipt , where againe hee was solde to Potiphar : Gen. 39.1 . then greuouslie tempted to adulterie , which he resisted , keeping most chastly his fidelitie vnto God and his Maister ; Verse 7.20 . yet falsly accused , he was condemned and cast into prison , where he remayned a long time : Hee was deceiued by the vngratefull chiefe Butler . Gen. 40. Vers. 23. But to what end was all this affliction ? that by this meanes he might bee exalted by Pharao , and bee made ●ord of Egypt , and that by him , his ●ather , Brethren , and all the people ●f God might bee relieued in the ex●reame of famine , God is a patient rewarder . which hee could ne●er haue done , except hee had first suf●ered this affliction in Egypt . Gods ●akefull prouidence neuer fayled here●n ; as hee himselfe sayd to his Brethren ; Now then you sent me not hither but GOD ; ●ut to what end ? to preserue your posteri●ie in this land , and to saue you aliue . Gen. 45. Gen. 4● . Iosephs exaltation .

But see now how bountifullie the Lord rewarded euery one of these afflic●ions which he suffered : For the hatred of his Brethren , God gaue him fauour with Pharao and his Princes : For that his Brethren contemned and mocked him , saying ; Behold this Dreamer commeth , Gen. 37. Gen. 43. Vers. 26. Gen. 4● . Vers. 40.42.43.45 . he was honored of them , bowing downe to the ground before him . For his exile , he was exalted in a strange land : For the labour of his hands in seruing Potiphar , he receiued a ring from the Kings owne hand : For his fetters & chaines in prison , he was houored with a chaine of gold : For his particoloured coat which his brethren tooke from him , the King arrayed him with Princely Roabes : For that hee ministered vnto them that were bound in prison , in great dignitie he ministered vnto the King : For the prison and the dungeon , he was carried in a Princely Chariot : For that he was despised of all men as a stranger and a seruant , hee was honoured of all men with bowing knees 〈◊〉 For contemning the vnlawfull pleasur● of adulterie , hee tooke to his wife a Noble woman : For the losse of his father● house , he was made Ruler ouer all Egipt Who seeth not heere , that these afflictions that God sendeth to his faithfull seruant Ioseph , were signes of Gods tende● loue towards his children , in him , wherby he aduanced him . To conclude , afflictions therefore are signes of Gods fatherlie fauour , and not of his hatred to his elect : For the Lord correcteth him whom he loueth , as the father doth the child● in whom he delighteth : Aug. Pro. 3.12 . Pro. 3.12 . Ideo premuntur , vt pressi clament , clamantes exaudiantur , exauditi deum glorificent . They are therefore afflicted , that being afflicted , they might call vpon God , that calling vpon God , they might bee heard that being heard , they might glorifie God . And therefore well sayth Seneca , Seneca . Miseri sunt qui nunquam miseri fuerunt ; They are wretched which neuer were ●n miserie .

2. This shippe , wherein were Christ ●nd his Disciples , The Allegoricall sense . Allegoricallie represen●eth the Church militant in this life : The Church is as a shippe tossed on the most ●urbulent seas of this world : the godly , elect , and faithfull , are carryed in this ●hip . The boisterous windes , stormes , ●nd waues , are diuers vexations , tribu●ations , and persecutions , wherewith the godly in this life are persecuted : and these are raysed vp of Sathan , and his band ; as Tyrants , Persecutors , Heretikes , and wicked men , which so rise vp in furie against the Church , that sometime it seemeth to bee oppressed and almost extinguished , It is to be doubted whether they that commit themselues to the power of the waters , be to be reckoned among the liuing . so that to the world they seeme ( as Anacharsis Anacharsis . said once of Nauigators ; Dubitatum fuerit , inter viuos ne habendi , qui vitam vndarum , ventorumque arbitrio committerent . In these stormes of afflictions the godly sometime begin to faint , especially when they see the shippe euen couered with waues : But our Archinauclerus is Christ , wh● sometime seemeth to sleepe , whe● hee doth not presently deliuer his children , but suffereth them awhile to be● afflicted . To him in all our miseries , tanquam ad asylum ; as vnto a Sanctuari● we must flie , and awake him with our prayers , saying ; Lord saue vs . It is growne into a common prouerbe ; Qui nescit orare discat nauigare ; He that knoweth not how to pray , let him learne to sayle , which our spirituall nauigation , Affliction teacheth to pray . especially in the seas of affliction , teacheth ; then Christ being stirred vp by prayer , calmeth the tempest of tribulation by the power of his word , & changeth all things into a ioyfull Catastrophe of tranquillitie .

The vse The vse . is , that wee be not offended at the smalnesse of Christs number , when wee see the greater part to walke the broad way to destruction ; when we see many to resist the truth ; and with Liberius obiect vnto vs ; Quota pars orbis mortalium vos estis ? What a small parte of the world are yee Christians ? Christs flocke is a little flocke : Luk. 12. Luk. 12. Persecutions ( saith Nazianzene Nazian. ) Christianismum nobiliorem potius quam debiliorem reddunt : Maketh Christianitie rather nobler then weaker . And these are the notes of the true Church : Ioa. 15.16 .

3. And as Christ slept in the most dif●icill dangers of the Apostles ; so in the midst of their afflictions and anguishes , Christ seemeth sometime to the godlie ●o sleepe , when hee doth not hasten to deliuer them . Hence sprang these perplexed cryes of the godlie ; Lord , carest thou not that wee perish ? Mar. 4. Mar. 4. Lord how ●ong wilt thou delay ? Psa. 6. Psa. 6. and Psa . 13. Psa. 13. How long wilt thou forget me Lord for euer ? How long wilt thou hide thy face from mee ? But in very deede , Psa. 121. hee that keepeth Israel will neither slumber nor sleepe .

It is surely a wonder ( saith one ) that he , of whom it is sayd ; He that keepeth Israel shall nei●her slumber nor sleepe : Psa. 121. Psa. 121. is yet now sayde to sleepe . What meaneth this sleepe ? 1. Hee sleepeth , that he might shew the veritie of his humane nature . This was a true , not a counterfeit sleepe , which watching and wearisome labour did enforce ; carrying an humane body , subiect to such affections as our mortall bodies are . 2. God is sayd to sleepe , eyther when he doth not presently helpe the godly , or punish the wicked : According to this of the Prophet : Psa. 4.4 . Vp Lord , why sleepest thou ▪ awake , Psa. 44. and bee not absent from vs for euer ▪ Againe , he is sayd to Arise , eyther when he deliuereth the righteous , or destroyeth the wicked : As hee sayeth againe ▪ Psal. 78. The Lord awaked as one out o● a sleepe , Psa. 78. and smote his enemies in the hinder parts , and put them to perpetuall shame . The Lord therefore is sayd to sleepe , whe● he seemeth for a time to winke at the miseries of the godly , and the wickednesse of the vngodly , because he exerciseth hereby the patience of his children , and expecteth the conuersion o● the wicked . Rom. 2. The bountifulnes of the Lor● leadeth thee to repentance : Rom. 2. Chris● is said to sleepe when faith fainteth , charitie is cooled , and the feare of God an● deuotion is extinguished in vs ; then the windes of wicked desires arise ; as ambition , couetousnesse , &c. which trouble the tranquillitie of the minde , and threaten destruction to the soule , except Christ bee awake , by feruent and faithfull prayer .

He can no more forget his elect , then a mother can her childe . It is sayde of Ioseph : Gen. 39. Gen. 39. That God was with him in prison . For Ioseph lost not his faith and hope in God , neither when hee was cast into the pit ; neyther when hee was a bond slaue , neither when he was cast into prison , at which time ( in the iudgement of man ) God was farthest off from him ; yet Gods prouidence neuer slept , but followed him when hee was in the pit , and neuer forsooke him in prison , nor in all his aduersities . It was God that helde the hand of his angry Maister , that he should not kill him vpon suspition of defiling his wife . And so Gods watchfull eye , though hee seemed to sleepe , euer waked with Ioseph . So was God euer with Iacob , Gen. 28.13 . Gen. 29. Gen. 30. Gen. 31. in all his brunts of affliction : He was with him in his iourney into Mesopotamia , that hee might direct him in the way . Hee was with him when he serued Laban , that hee might multiplie his flocke . Hee was with him in his returne , Gen. 33. least wrathfull Laban should draw him backe . Hee was with him at his entring into his natiue countrey , least hee should bee oppessed by Esau . To conclude , hee was with him when he went downe into Egypt , as hee promised : Gen. 46. Gen. 46. I will goe downe with thee into Egypt , and I will also bring thee vp ag●in● . And thus ( brethren ) ye see that Gods mercifull prouidence neuer sleepeth towards his children .

A question . Why then doth hee sleepe ? why doth he hide himselfe ? Why doth he deferre to helpe and succour his children in their distresse ?

The answer The answere is easie : 1. That being destitute of all succour & helpe of man , the godly might acknowledge him to be the onely and opportunate helper in all their affliction : Psa. 9● . 15 . Hee shall call vpon me , and I will heare him ; I will bee with him in trouble and deliuer him . Psal. 91.15 .

2. That hee might proue them , & the more prouoke them to craue his ayde .

3. That hee might trie their constantie ; Et quasi igne excoctos iustiores et puriores faciat . Hiero. sub . Hab. Hiero. sup. Hab. And as it were by purifying them in the fire , make them more cleane and pure .

4. Then the Lord seemeth to the godlie to sleepe , when hee permitteth them so to bee plunged in calamities , that all hope of escaping being taken away , his mercy may be the more welcome when it commeth : Aug. Vt tardius dans dona sua commendet , non neget ; saith Aug. That by his slownes in giuing , he might commend , & denie his gifts vnto vs . Desiderata diu dulcius obtinentur , cito data vilescunt ; Things long desired , are the more pleasant being obtayned , and what is easilie gotten , is vilely esteemed .

Againe , Aug. in Psa. 55. sayth ; Aug. in Psa. 55. Forte nauis tua ideo turbatur quia Christus in te dormit ; Perchance thy shippe is troubled because Christ sleepeth in thee . And Christ sleepeth in them whose faith sleepeth ; Excita Christum , recole fidem ; Awake Christ , recall thy faith .

To conclude this part ; This sleepe of Christ after the wearisome labours of his ministerie , teacheth vs : 1. That our naturall sleepe , that refresheth our bodies after labour , so it exceede not the meane , is not displeasing vnto God .

Quod caret alternare quie durabile non est . Without succeeding rest , be sure No creature long may toyle endure .

2. The veritie of his humane nature hereby appeareth ; Hee hungred : Math. 4. He was wearie : Ioa. 4. Hee wept : Io. 11. and tooke vpon him all our infirmities , and was true man , sinne onely excepted . For these 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and affections are competent and agreeable to our humane nature ; which maketh against the Marcionites , Maniches , Valentinians , and other such Heretikes which denie Christs true humanitie . 3. That Christ watcheth ouer vs sleeping , and by his Angels keepeth and preserueth vs : Psa. 121. and Psal. 34.

Pars tertia .

The analysis or resolution of the 3. part . THe alaying and calming of the tempest is described : 1. A causa efficiente impulsiua , which was the petition of the Disciples : the forme whereof is expressed , vers. 25. this is amplyfied by the adiunct pusillanimitie of the Disciples . 2. The primarie efficient cause was Christ himselfe . 3. The manner , or the instrumentall cause is described , which was the rebuking of the windes and the sea : the forme whereof is set downe : Mar. 4.39 . Peace and be still . Lastly , the forme of the miracle is expressed , which is , that at the words of Christ the tempest ceased , which is amplified by the effect and adiunct there ; and there followed a great calme . So much for the analysis , now to the obseruations and doctrines .

Obseruations and Doctrines .

1. First , we are here taught in all dangers , afflictions , and necessities , to flie vnto Christ , and to call vpon him by feruent prayer ; if we would that Christ should awake and heare vs , it is needfull that we our selues should first be awaked , and deuoutly pray vnto him : yea for this cause he sendeth tribulations , that he might awake and stirre vs vp to consider our miserie and the estate wherein we are , that we might afterwards awake God with our prayers . So dealt he with his beloued Apostles , euen he that bringeth forth the winde out of his treasures . Ps: 135. it was he that stirred vp this tempest , & strooke this feare into his Disciples , that feare might prouoke them to pray , & that their prayer might stirre vp Christ to shew this miracle , whereby they and all his elect might be the better confirmed in the faith . This promise he hath plighted , this law of mercy he hath left vnto vs : Come vnto me all ye that labour and I will refresh you , call vpon me in the time of trouble , and I will heare you . Mat : 11. Similies . The Shepheard is quickly stirred vp at the voyce of his sheepe , the louing mother , at the crie of her childe , the henne at the noise of her young , and to all these God in holy scripture is compared . So King Iehosophat being inuironed with an huge hoste of his enemies , prayed vnto the Lord , saying : There is no strength in vs to stand before this great multitude that commeth against vs , neither doe we knowe what to doe , but to lift vp our eyes vnto thee , 2. Chro: 20. 2. Chro: 20. And he obtained of God a maruellous victorie . So the Apostle Peter exhorteth 1. Pet: 5. 1. Pet. 5. Cast all your care vpon him , for he careth for you , Phil. 4. and Phillip. 4. be nothing carefull but in all things let your request be shewed vnto God in prayer and supplication with giuing of thank●s : Simile . For as it grieueth not the nurse whose breasts are full of milke when the childe sucketh them , but rather easeth and delighteth her : so he is not troublesome to the most plentifull goodnes of God , but very acceptable vnto him , which offereth vnto him occasion to shew mercy ; this mercy of God most prone and readie to succour all them that call vpon him , the Lord commendeth vnto the faithfull , saying ; Mat. 7. Mat : 7. If ye that are euill can giue vnto your children good gifts , how much more shall your heauenly father giue good things to them that aske him ? A comfortable consideration . Who then would euer despaire of his cause ? who would not expect a most certaine victorie , when the iudge himselfe exhorteth the Plaintiffe to craue , and prescribeth him a forme of crauing , and promiseth that he shall easily obtaine ? And this doth our Iudge Iesus Christ , that we might ouercome all difficulties , he exhorteth vs to aske , hee teacheth vs a forme of prayer , and promiseth againe , and againe , Aske and you shall receiue . Mat : 7. Mat. 7.

This example of the Disciples therefore teacheth vs , what wee should doe when we are pressed downe with the waters of tribulations , which when they sawe the imminent danger of death before their eyes , they cried vnto the Lord , sleeping , Lord saue vs , we perish : for prayer is the common refuge of humane infirmities . And therefore a certaine ancient father ( as Theodoret reporteth ) said ; that Physitions did vse many kindes of medicines , Prayer the medicine for all maladies . according to th● varietie of the diseases of their Patients but for the expelling of all diseases o● the soule , for the vndergoing of all discommodities of this life , prayer is th● onely remedie and common medicine because it draweth the omnipotent Go● vnto it , who onely is the soueraigne medicine , for euery maladie . The efficacie of prayer , the ancient Fathers could neuer sufficiently commend : Augustine called Prayer clauem coeli , Aug: ser : 226. de temp . 1. Regum . 18.38.45 . the keye of Heauen . With this keye Eliah opened heauen , and brought downe fire which consumed the sacrifice , and also with his prayers , caused the heauen to powre downe raine to make the earth fruitfull . An other calleth prayer tabulam naufragorum , the table or planke for such as suffer shipwracke in the seas of temptations of thi● life , Chrysost. which in the dangerous seas and waues of this world carieth vs safe vnto the hauen of all happines . Chrysostom● calleth it animae solem , the sunne of the soule because as the sunne inlightneth the world , so prayer illuminateth the mind . Innumerable almost are the examples both in holy scriptures , and other writers of all ages , which manifest the wonderfull efficacie of prayer , but at this time , this shall suffice .

2. Ex. vers. 26. In that the Lord reproued his Disciples , for their distrustfull feare , saying , Why are ye fearefull ô ye of litle faith ? We are taught in the middest of our tribulations and miseries , neuer to suffer our confidence and trust in God to quaile . The Disciples were not without faith , for in this present danger they called vpon the Lord , which they could neuer haue done , except they had beleeued that he could haue holpen them . Yet their faith was but litle , as it appeareth by their distrustfull feare : for as perfect loue casteth out all feare , Io: 4. so a perfect faith expelleth all timerous distrust , and crieth with the Prophet , Ps: 27. Ps: 27. The Lord is my light and saluation , whom then shall I feare ? the Lord is the str●ngth of my life , of whom shall I be afraide ? Some by the word [ faith ] vnderstand , confidence or trust , and take it metonymicos , whereby the cause is taken for the effect , for a strong faith bringeth foorth confidence . And therefore some translate it , exigua fiducia praediti , endued with litle confidence . And worthily our Sauiour reproued them of their diffidence : for they that had seene so often the Diuinitie and power of Christ , confirmed with so many miracles , what cause had they to feare ? as if he were not the same God on the seas as on the land : And surely many such there are at this day , which though they haue oftentimes , proued Gods aide in their tribulations , yet if any new thing happen vnto them , they by and by murmur against God , and distrust his goodnes : and as the world is changed with them , so withall their confidence is changed . Such were the distrustfull speeches of the wicked , which are mentioned , Ps: 78. Psal. 78. They speake against God , saying ; Can God prepare a table in the wildernes ? he smote indeed the rocke that the waters gushed out , but can he giue bread also , or prepare flesh for his people ?

We see that sometime it chanceth among men , that an enemie ( if he be of any generous and heroicall nature ) succoureth an enemie , that in extremitie flieth vnto him for succour , reputing it an honor vnto him ; How much more will God protect & defend them which humblie flie vnto him in their extremities and miseries ? Let vs therefore hold fast in all our miseries , our confidence in God , as an answere of the soule both sure and stedf●st Heb: 6. Heb. 6. And againe , he said vnto them which suffered for Christs sake , the spoyling of their goods : Cast not away your confidence which hath great recompence of reward , Heb: 10. Heb. 10. Surely all godly men , in their greatest affliction , holde fast this confidence . So holy Iob in the midst of his calamities said : Though he should slay me , yet will I trust in him : Iob. 13. Iob. 13.

It is recorded by Aeneas Siluius , Aeneas Siluius in histo. Bo● . in histo: Bohem. of Wenceslaus , King of Bohemia , that when his great armie was vanquished , his power subdued , and himselfe taken prisoner : being asked how it fared with him , answered neuer better , for when I was guarded and inuironed with the aide of man , I had scarce any leisure to thinke vpon God : but now being destitute of all humane succours , I fixe my whole hope in God , who I know will not forsake me , bu● will heare me when I call vpon him .

3. Out of vers. 26. That faith in al● the Saints is not alike , and in the sam● qualitie , but in some more and stronger● and in some lesse and weaker . This infirmitie of the Disciples is not set down● to this end , that we should flatter ou● selues in the like weakenes , but that w● should labour by all meanes to stirre vp and strengthen our faith by prayer , hearing of the word , holy meditations , &c.

This example yeeldeth most sweete consolation to the weake and fearefull consciences : for euen as Christ doth not reiect his Apostles ob : 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , so the Lord doth not despise the weake faith which apprehendeth Christ the Mediatour , as his obiect , though it be not yet of the strongest . Let none therefore despaire of the goodnes of God . For a bruised reede shall he not breake . Esa: 42. Esa: 42. but pray with the father of the possessed , Mrac : 9. Marc : 9. Lord helpe my vnbeliefe : and with the Apostles , Luc. 17. Luc: 17. Lord increase our faith : and then wil God make vs perfect , confirme , strengthen and stablish vs . 1. Pet. 5. 1. Pet. 5.

Let vs beware therfore of diffidence , and distrust , and by all meanes abandon all doubtfulnes of Gods grace , mercy , and free remission of our sinnes . To distrust is , First to make God a lyar . 1. Ioh. 5.10 . 1. Ioh. 5.10 . 2. It fighteth ex diametro , against faith ●n Gods promises , Rom: 4.16 . Rom: 4.16 . and the ●ath of Almightie God , Ezech. 33.11 . Ezech. 33.11 . Ioh. 5.24 . Ioh. 5.24 . Third , it is directly repugnant ●o the true iustifying faith , which is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and Hypostasi● , Heb: 11.1 . Heb. 11.1 . and is opposed to doubtfulnes , Mat : 21.21 . Mat : 21.21 . against which very pithily speaketh S. Bernard : Tria considero in quibus tola spes ●nea consistit , charitatem adoptionis , S. Bern : verita●em promisionis , potestatem redditionis , &c. I consider three things in which my whole hope consisteth , A sweet consideration . Gods loue in adopting me , the truth of his promise , and his power to performe : let now my foo●ish cogitation murmure as much as it will , saying ; What art thou ? or how great ●s that glory ? or by what merits doest ●hou hope to obtaine it ? Et ego fiduciali●er respondeo , Scio , Credo , Certus sum ; But 〈◊〉 will answere confidently ; I knowe , I beleeue , I am certaine , quia in Charitate ●imia adoptauit me , quia verax in permissione quia potens in exhibitione , Because in his abundant loue he hath accepted me : Because he is true of his promise : Because he is of power to performe .

5. In that the waters at the word and command of Christ were silent , calme and still ; as it is an vndoubted argument of Christs Diuinitie , that he is the true , eternall and omnipotent God . We reade of X●rxis the mightie Monarch of Persia , that being about to passe ouer the sea of Hellesponte , strooke and beate the waues with his rodde , charging them , that they should not presume to rise and swell against him , but to be calme ; but the waters yeelding no reuerence to the king , nor obeying his ridiculous charge , kept their naturall course : But Christ the Monarch of heauen , who hath prescribed to the waters their bounds which they shall not passe , Psal. 104.9 . Ps: 104.9 . whose word , the fire , and haile , snowe and vapours , stormie winde and tempest doe execute , Ps: 148.8 . Ps: 148.8 . commandeth the winde & seas , and all his creatures , and they obey him . Let vs say therefore with Dauid , the Lord is on my side , I will not feare what man can doe vnto me .

6. To conclude , we haue here a most sweete testimonie of the clemencie of our good God , who after the terrible tempests of tribulations , sendeth a ioyfull calme of tranquilitie and peace : So our Sauiour here , did not only heare his Disciples calling vpon him & deliuered them out of all danger , but also shewed his diuine power in commanding the windes and the sea , & his admirable goodnes & loue , which in our greatest miseries is nearest at hand to helpe vs . This happie end , & catastrophe of our calamities and temptations , our louing God effecteth , if we truly trust in him , Ye shall weepe and lament ( saith he to his elect ) but your sorrow ●hall be turned into ioy , Ioh. 16.22 . Ioh. 16.22 . Againe , ●or a litle while haue I forsaken thee , but with ●reat compassion I will gather thee , Esa: 54.7 . Esa: 5.7 . This is the great calme that followeth ●he tempests of Gods Children . So To●ias after his blindnes receiued againe ●is sight , passed the rest of his life in ioy , ●nd saw his childrens children . Tob. 14. Tob: 14. ●o the Lord rewarded his seruant Iob , and ●fter all his grieuous plagues and losses , ●estored him twise so much : and after this ●●ued Iob an hundreth yeeres , and sawe his ●●nnes , and his sonnes sonnes , euen foure gene●ations , Iob vltim . Iob : vltim . So Ioseph after his exile 〈◊〉 imprisonment , was aduanced to great honour : So Dauid after the long persecution of Saul : So Iacob after his long sorrow for the losse of Ioseph , found exceeding ioy and prosperitie , Gen. 45. Gen: 45. So the conflicts of the godly against the flesh , the diuell and allurements of the world , which are stormes , tempests , and windes , wherewith they are tossed , on the vaste sea of this world , and indangered so that if Christ sleepeth in them , they begin to sinke , vnles by feruent prayer , they stirre vp their faith and confidence in him , that he may command & rebuke the windes , that there may follow this pleasant and wished calme . This dutie of pietie if we performe , we may ioyfully say with the Prophet , Ps. 18.6 . Psal: 18 6. In my trouble I did call vpon the Lord , and cried vnto my God , and he heard my voyce out of his Temple , and my crie did come before him , euen into his eares . Againe , Psal: 94. Ps: 94.49 . In the multitude of the sorrowes which I had in my heart , thy comforts haue refreshed my soule .

The fourth part .

THe fourth part , containeth the consequent effects of this miracle . vers. 27. First , the peoples admiration of Christs power , Secondly , their extolling & commending of the same , by adding an exclamation , and prosopopaeia : To which the Euangelists S. Marke and S. Luke , addeth a third , namely , their exceeding feare . Marc. 4.41 . Luc: 8.25 .

Obseruations and Doctrines .

7. Out of vers: 27. By the example of the people which maruelled and admired at Christ , vt hominem dormi●ntem , Chrysost: in opere imp●rs : hom: 23. Deum imperantem , & creaturam obedientem , saith Chrysostome , sleeping as a man , commanding as a God , and the creature obeying , and extolling the Maiestie and power of Christ : we are taught not curiously to search the wonderfull workes of God , or carelesly to consider of them , but in true simplicitie of heart , to admire and reuerence them , and learne thereby the true feare of God , who is so wonderfull in all his workes , for scrutator maiestatis , opprimitur a gloria ; saith Prosper : de vocation : Prosper . de vocatione . Gen. gen : the curious searcher of the Maiestie is oppressed of the glorie . And by the humble man that knocketh by prayer hath the doore opened vnto him to finde , which the rash searcher into Gods secrets , in the proud spirit of curiositie , shall neuer be able to finde out , Bern : super Cant: 24. saith S. Bern :

8 Againe , let vs learne here to obey him to whom all insensible creatures yeeld obedience . Hereof speaketh the primeable Prophet , Psal. 148.8 . Ps. 148.8 . Praise ye the Lord , fire and haile , snowe and vapours , stormie winde , which execute his word . And is it not a wonder that all creatures with such readines and constancie , shew their obedience to the Creator , and that man for whose sake they were all created , should in an ingratefull and obstinate minde , perfidiously denie obedience to the Lord ?

Therefore the Prophet Esa. 1. vers. 2. Esa: 1. vers. 2. that he might taxe this shamefull obstinacie of mans heart , calleth heauen and earth to witnes against him , Heare ô heauens , and hearken ô earth , &c. the oxe knoweth his owner , and the asse his maisters crib , but Israel hath not knowne , &c. As if he had said : all you ( ô my Creatures ) are obedient vnto my voyce , onely man is of a stubborne and disobedient heart , and ye shall all be witnesses against him ; I commanded the sea , and it was diuided in two partes , so that the Israelites went through as on drie land , the waters giuing them free passage , Exod: 14. Exod: 14. I commanded the earth , and it opened her mouth and swallowed vp rebellious Korah , Dathan , and Abyram , Num: 16. Numb. 16. At my command the fire came out and consumed the sons of Aaron , Leuit: 10. Leuit. 10. I commanded the Sun at the prayers of Ioshuah , and it stood stil in the midst of heauen to giue a glorious victorie vnto my people : Iosh: 10. Ioshu : 10. The earth trembled and quaked , ( saith the Prophet ) the foundations also of the mountaines moued and shooke because he was angrie Ps: 18.7 . Ps: 18.7 . when Christ suffered , the sun was darkned , the rockes claue asunder , Math: 27. Mat : 17. yet the heart of man harder than the very stones will not be mollified .

Let man learne then obediently to serue the Lord , The vse . and carefully frame himselfe to keepe his commandements , to whom the earth , the sea , and the windes , the elements , and all vnreasonable creatures obey , and execute his will .

Let vs learne here to magnifie , extoll , The vse . & praise the Lord , as often as we behold his goodnes , mercy and loue towards vs , when he keepeth vs in dangers , deliuereth vs in tribulations , taketh vs out of the hands of our enemies , & protecteth vs from the rage and power of Sathan , and incessantly , laude and glorifie his name , who hath called vs out of darknes into his maruellous light , 1. Pet. 29. 1 Pet. 29.

9 Lastly , we haue here a testimonie of the wonderfull prouidence of God , which plainely appeareth in this place , in confounding openly in the malignant practises of Sathan , the immortal enemie of God , and mankinde , and conuerting all his pernitious enterprises ( maugre his rage and furie ) to the benefite of his Church , and the good of his elect . In this tempest at sea , Sathans practise was vtterly to roote out the name of the Lord and his glory , by drenching his ship in the floods , and drowning his followers . But by the admirable prouidence of God it came to passe , that this tempest ministred matter of illustrating the glory of Christ , and extolling of his Godhead : For when Christ rebuked the winds , quieted the tempest , and calmed the sea ; the people rauished with the admiration of his diuine maiestie , and astonished , cryed out , what man is this that commandeth , and both windes and sea obey him ? So the Diuell thought by his cursed ministers , to burie Christ with the glory of his name in the sepulchre , when they made the Sepulcher sure with the watch , and sealed the stone : Mat. 27. ●6 . Mat. 27. ●6 . But all this ( the wisedome of God so disposing ) was so farre off from the obscuring of Christes glorie , that it made for the manifesting of the same , Mat. 28. vers. 4.11 . and confirmed the certaintie of his resurrection , when the Keepers for feare of him being astonied , ranne into the Citie , and shewed vnto the High Priests all the things that were done : Mat. 28. vers. 4. and 11. Wherefore in all our miseries and afflictions , and in the furies of Sathan and his instruments , whiles we are tossed on the tempestuous seas of this life , let vs with an assured confidence flie vnto the Father of all mercies and consolation , awake him with our faithfull and deuoute prayers , who onely knoweth how , and is willing and able to alay all the strormes of this troublesome life , giue a ioyfull issue to our temptations , and at length to conduct vs to the safe shores and happy hauen of eternall happinesse , where is the fulnesse of ioy ; and at his right hand are indeficient pleasures for euermore .

To whom with the Soone and the holy Ghost , three persons in one most glorious Trinitie , one God in vnitie , might and Maiestie , be ascribed all honour , prayse , power and dominion , now and for euermore , Amen .

FINIS .

THE IVDGES AND IVRIES INSTRVCTION .

WITH A WARNING TO Witnesses to shunne the horrible sinne of Periurie : The greatnesse whereof is here layde before them : Very neeessary for these times .

By WILLIAM EST , Preacher of Gods word .

Zechariah : 5.4 .

I will bring forth a curse ( saith the Lord of Hostes ) and it shall enter into the house of the thiefe , and into the house of him that falslie sweareth by my Name ; and it shall remaine in the midst of his house , and shall consume it with the timber thereof , and stones thereof .

LONDON . Printed by T. Creede , for Arthur Iohnson , Dwelling at the signe of the white Horse in Pauls Church-yard . 1614.

TO THE RIGHT WORSHIPfull , William Hinson Esquire , grace and peace , in the Prince of peace Iesus Christ . Right Worshipfull ,

I Haue once againe launched forth from a safe Hauen into a turbulent and tempestuous sea of Mens humours ; and exposed my selfe afresh to the carping censure of hatesome Criticall Loylus , and filthie Black-mouthed Momus , whose virulent tongue is no fuller of poyson then the venemous Viper ; and the kindnesse of their lippes no better then the vomit ●f Aspes : a prophane and degenerate gene●ation , euer readier to find two faults in ano●her , then to amende one in themselues . But ●ecause in my other workes I haue proclaimed ●pen defiance vnto such ( but for modestie sake without name ) and meane , if they persist in their impious and irreligious humour , the next time to labour to purge out their poyson with a dramme of Mythredatim , and anatomize their names in print . In a worke which I haue in hand ; intituled , The Anatomie of a Christian . At this time I thinke them not worthie of farther speech , but onely in my prayers . I confesse , silence had beene more secure : yet may I freely protest , that no conceit of mine owne gifts , nor the affectation of the vaine applause of mens mouthes , but an vnfeined desire to doe good ( according to my poore talent ) and that by all meanes , in the Church of God ( being also heartned by the good acceptance of my former labours , with the well inclined , and the profite and comfort they ingeniouslie confesse they haue reaped thereby ) hath encouraged mee to proceede herein . This ( Right Worshipfull ) I presumed to censecrate , and dedicate vnto you , as a pledge of my good will and thankefulnesse , for many your kind fauours ; and especially ( which I shall neuer drench in obliuion ) your readinesse in supporting my honest and iust cause : nay , Gods cause , against certaine ignorant , W. Iohnes . proud , and malicious Opposites , which make a shew of godlinesse , but haue denied the power thereof : which speake of sanctification with vnsanctified lippes : For which ( I doubt not ) as also for your loue to religion , good to your countrey , protection of the oppressed , &c. there is a reward layde vp for you in heauen , euen an immarcessible Crowne of glorie . If this ( as indeede it is not ) be not answerable to your worth , impute it not ( I beseech you ) vnto my will , but rather to my want of abilitie , being loth to be branded with the more then barbarous note of ingratitude , which I euer detested , cane peius & angue , knowing the old prouerbe ; Omnia dixeris si ingratum dixeris . Now I beseech the God of peace to sanctifie you , that your soule and bodie may be kept blamelesse vnto the day of the Lord .

Your Worships in all duetie , WILLIAM EST.
THE IVDGES AND IVRIES INSTRVCTION . Ioh. 7.51 Ioh. 7.51 .

Doth our law iudge a man before it heare him and know what he hath done ?

TO omitte all circumstances of time , place and persons : This question ( as our Maisters of Logick say ) may be resolued into a proposition : or ( as ●e Rethoritians say ) implieth a proposi●●on with an absurditie vpon the contra●●e : As that , Gen. 18. Gen. 18.25 . Shall not the Iudge 〈◊〉 all the world doe right ? and Rom. 6.1 . Rom. 6.1 . ●hall wee continue in sinne that grace may a●●und ? God forbid . So that it is in effect ●s if hee had sayde ; Our law doth not ●●dge any man before it heare him , and ●now what hee hath done . Wherein obserue three things .

The diuision . 1. That the law must iudge , or the Iudge by the lawe : Doth our la● iudge ? and this requireth in the Iudge knowledge of the law , and obedience to the law . 2. What is the subiect of this iudgement which must bee iudged ? a Man : which teacheth the Iudge to to iudge warilie , and without respect of persons impartiallie . 3. The order that the law requireth in iudgement ; To heare the ma● speake for himselfe , and to know wha● he hath done .

For the first , the written law , ho● good soeuer it bee , is dead in it selfe like a sword layd vp in scabert , or pretious Oyntment shut vp in a boxe : Th● Magistrate therefore is added , to reuiue this dead body of the law , 1. King . 17.21 . as Elias di● the childe being dead , by stretching himselfe vpon it : By which coniunction , the law becomes a Magistrate , and the Magistrate a law : The Magistrat● lendeth a mouth to the law to speake and the law teacheth him a rule to spea● aright . So that hence this poynt is mad● playne ; The law must iudge by the Magistrates mouth , and the Magistrate by the law , as the mouth by the heart . This may be gathered by the words of Nichodemu● here , when he maketh the law the Iudge ; Doth our law iudge a man befor● it heare him , and know what he hath do●● ? by the mouth of the Iudge , or the Iudge , according to the law . And therefore the Lord commaundeth Ioshua to meditate in the law day and night , Ioshua . 1. and not to let it depart from him . Which also is meant of the Iudiciall law ; And an argument hereof are Pauls words to Ananias ; Act. 23. God shall smite thee thou whited wall ; for thou fittest to iudge me according to the law , and commandest mee to bee smitten contrarie to the law . Wherein we learne two things : 1. That the Magistrate is set in place of Iustice , to iudge according to the law . 2. That therefore the sinne is great to iudge beside the law ; but to iudge contrarie to the law , deserues to bee smitten of God himselfe . Neither must wee thinke that this law of the Iewes , had onely this prerogatiue : for euery good law hath the same that the Ciuill law hath : lib. 40. institut de officio Iudicis . As Iustinian sheweth ; lib. 40. institut . intitulo de officio Iudicis : Where , in the very first words he faith ; Imprimis illud obseruare debet Iudex ne aliter iudicet quālegibus , &c. The Iudge ought especially to obserue , that he iudge no otherwise then by the lawes , &c.

And that the lawes in seuerall countries had the same authoritie , may appeare by Eschines Oration ; Echines . wherein hee affirmeth , that the Athenian Magistrates were sworne thereto . Whereunto it seemeth , Themistocles Themistocles . in Plutarch had reference , when Simonides Simonides . the Poet requested him to giue sentence with him in a matter vniust , answered ; Neque tu bonus poeta si praeter musicae modulos caneres , neque ego Iudex iustus si contra leges pronunciem : Neyther art thou a good Poet , if thou violate the rules of musicke ; neither am I an vpright Iudge , if I giue sentence against law .

I stand not heere ( though I might ) to discusse that subtile question , disputed in the schooles ; Whether is to bee preferred before other , the Law or the Magistrates ? Wee are rather to giue God thankes that wee haue such good lawes , and with all , good Magistrates to put them in execution , and to iudge according to the law : Neither yet do I so mussell the mouth of the Magistrates , as that when the law is defectiue he should bee mute : but this I say , when the law is not defectiue , the Magistrate should iudge according to the law . And hence it followeth that the Iudge ought to know the law , and to obey the law . I need not ( Right Honourable ) to mention your knowledge in the law : but the thing that I woulde put you in minde of , is ; That you would persist to be as you are obedient to the law , in iudging by the law . And here would I giue you but the same counsell as Claudian once gaue to the Emperour Honorius . Claud. in consul . 4. Hono. panegy .

Vt te totius medio telluris in orbe , Viuere cognoscas , cunctis tua gentibus esse Facta palam , &c. Nec tibi , quid liceat sed quid fecisse decebit , Occurrat , mentemque domet respectus honesti .

Remember that you liue in the publique view of the world , An excellent counsell . & that your actions are open to the eyes of all men : therefore thinke not what lieth in your power to doe , but what is fitte , and seemely for you to doe , and let the due respect of honestie rule your minde , and suppresse your passions .

All mens eies are sixt vpon you ; if you keepe the law , all will be the sooner induced to doe the same . And as Cicero sayth ; Omnes legibus serui esse debemus vt liberi esse possimus .

Which you shall do the better , if you consult and aduise often with the law , and not trust too much to your habituall knowledge : for though you may iudge right to others , yet it may be a sinne vnto your selues , and not rightly , except it bee vpon your knowledge that it is law : for none is iust , but he that knoweth hee doth iustlie . And thus much for the first point ; That the law must Iudge .

2. The second thing is the subiect of this Iudgeme●t , which must bee iudged ; A man : and this requireth in you both warinesse , in that you must iudge so excellent a creature as Man ; and imparcialitie , in that you must iudge a Man without respect of any state or condition whatsoeuer , but onely as a man , & for the excellencie of man . To omit all commendations that the Philosophers gather , and onely as Caleb and Ioshua , to shew you but a cluster of these grapes : the making of the least creature in the world ( in that betwixt being , and not being , there is no proportion ) required as great a power as God Almightie , so that each creature in the world is , if not Imago , yet vestigium dei , a print of God ; Gen. 1.26 . yet in Gen: shal we finde , that of all other creatures God said let them be , and they were : onely when he comes to make man , doth as it were ( to signifie the excellencie of the worke he had in hand ) call a counsell and saith : Let vs make man , not as other creatures ; a darke resemblance of vs , but in our owne likenes and similitude . So that the whole worke of the creation , is by some compared vnto a chaine , reaching from earth to heauen , wherein man as he lookes vp to God , is ranged in order with his fellow creatures , but as he lookes downe vpon the earth is Lord and chiefe of all . Dyonisius But least some shuld replie , that these priuiledges belonged onely to man in his estate of innocencie , but now they belong not to him , nor any such excellencie , no more then the kingdom of Sicilia to Dionysius , when he taught in the schoole . I answere : As it is lost in one , so it is lost in euery man which is sufficient for this purpose ; but that it is not absolutely lost in any , Ge n : God himselfe witnesseth , Gen: 9. Who so sheddeth mans blood , by man shall his blood be shed , for in the Image of God hath he made him . Mat : 2.16 . Consider now with what warines you should iudge man , such an excellent creature , euen the image of God . This remembred , would haue kept Herode from so hastie murthering of so many harmeles infants , and the bloodie Spaniardes from their more then sauage murthering of the poore Indians . The crueltie of the Spaniards towards the Indians . And surely I should hardly beleeue it , were it not reported by a Bishop of their own , one Bartholomeus , how that in the conquest of the west Indies , they were accustomed to slay the Indians to feede their dogges withall . This is so horrible & contrarie to mans nature , that me thinkes it should be incredible . But if they were so sauage towards them that were men as well as they , but that they wanted a little instruction , how would they ( thinke you ) deale with vs whom they count Heretikes , and worse then Infidelles ? But to returne to the point ; The ancient Romanes ( for in the latter time they were more corrupted ) shall rise in iudgement against those Magistrates which regard not as they ought , what they iudge . Ttus 9. flam . Titus Flam : amongst them was put out of his office and disgraded , for that he caused a man that was before condemned , to be hanged in his parlour . A mans life is not a matter to be plaied with , or iested at : and this is that which God would admonish his people of , Deut: 17. Deut: 17. that their Iudges should be of their owne people & brethren , euen men like themselues , and not strangers , but of Gods people , instructed in his law , which well knewe the excellent subiect of iudgement , which is ( Man ) Gods most excellent creature . Psal: 8.4 . As did king Dauid when in the deepe consideration thereof he said , What is man , say I , that thou art mindfull of him , and the sonne of man , that thou visitest him ? Howbeit , far be it from me that I should seeke to hinder the seueritie of Iustice : I knowe that there is no crueltie so bad , as that which somtimes masketh vnder the name of mercy : and I knowe also that our age rather requireth seueritie then lenitie , & fewer would doe euill vpon if they sawe punishment duly executed vpon malefactors . But as the Iudges ought to be vpright in all causes , so chiefely in matters of blood , for feare nor fauour to winke at murther , that when such a one is conuicted before them , they may say with the Elders of Israel , Our hands haue not shed his blood , neither haue our eyes seene it . Deut. 21. For if the Iudge be partiall herein , though he did no violence , yet his eyes haue seene it , and winked at it , and he said nothing . A notable example to this purpose we haue , 1. Reg: 20. where God sent this message vnto the king of Israel , because he let Benhadas goe , whom God had appointed to die , thy life shall goe for his life , and thy p●ople for his people . 1. Reg. 20. But this is it I commend vnto your Lo: which was so much praised in Sulpicius , Sulpicius of whom it is saide , that he neuer iudged any man vnaduisedly , nor euer tooke pleasure in the iust execution of iudgement : but his teares were often seene to trickle from his eies when he pronounced iudgment of death vpon any man . A● Eagles 〈…〉 h●●d . So when you come as Chirurgions to launce by law corrupt members , that the sound part may be preserued , you must come , though with an eagles eye , and a Lyons hart , yet with a Ladies hand , & iudge man as man : that is , as an excellent creature , warily : yet as a man without partialitie , boldly . In that dangerous time when Gr●ece had almost lost her libertie , Adimantus and Themistocles . Animantus reproued by Themistocles because he was too slacke : he answered , that such were beaten commonly in the Olimpian games which were too forward ; yea quoth Themistocles , sed nec eos quise subdu●unt coronat quisquam , but none crowneth them that conuey themselues out of the way .

Adimantus noted Themistocles of rash audacitie , and he againe accused the other of timerousnes , who detracted to fight when opportunitie serued . I wished your Lo: to make no more haste then good speede , and now I must beseech you not to stay when you should goe forward , not to stay iudgement though it be against mightie men , though it may be you may haue some to lay holde on the skirt of your gowne to stay you : not to punish in one , what you will spare in an other : A fearefull Iudge that standeth in feare of the mightie , will be swaied by the authouritie of the mightie , and is made such a slaue to his affections , that the least thing will corrupt him . Thus saith the mirrour of wisedome , Pro: 28. To haue respect of persons is not good , for such a one will transgresse for a morsell of bread . Surely there is not one point in the Iudges office whereunto the scripture speaketh more then to this . Iehosophat placing iudges ouer Israel , 2. Chron: 19. exhorted them saying : Let the feare of God be vpon you , take heede and doe it : for there is no iniquitie with the Lord our God , neither respect of persons , nor taking reward . This is also commanded by God , Leuit: 19. Leuit: 19. Deut: 1. Deut: 1. You shall haue no respect of persons in iudgement , but shall heare the small as well as the great , ye shall not feare the face of man . And the reason is added : for the iudgement is Gods . And it is the same that Christ saith in this chap : ver: 23. Iudg not according to the appearance , but iudge with righteous iudgement . Neither is it only vnlawfull to iudge partially , but also vnprofitable in the ende , for it hath euer the curse of God , and the people pursuing it . Pro: 24. As Salomon teacheth , saying ; It is not good for to haue any respect of person in iudgement : for he that saith to the wicked , thou art righteous , him shall the people curse , and the multitude shall abhorre him : And for the curse of God , Esa: 5. Esa: 5. Woe be vnto him that calleth good euill , and euill good , ver. 20. which put darknes for light , and light for darknes , that put bitter for sweete , and sweete for sower . Plutarch saith , that the Thebans a very prudent kinde of people in Greece , were wont to painte in their temples this forme of an vpright Senate , the Iudges sitting without eyes and hands , as accounting it no matter if they wanted both eies and hands , if they had a tongue and eares , inferring therby , an incorrupt iudgement .

Cur sine sunt manibus ? capiant ne xenia , Alciatus . Emble . 144. nec se Pollicitis flecti , muneribusque sinant . Why want they hands ? to signifie that bribes they should not take , Nor yet with promises be wonne , true iustice to forsake .

S. Bernard saith : S. Ber●ad Eugenium lib : 2. that a good Iudge should feare God , and nothing but him , and looke for nothing in regard of his iudgement but from God . Ageselaus , though otherwise a good Prince , yet he had this noted in him as a great blemish to his iustice , A great blemish in Ageselaus . that he wrote to the Iudge in the behalfe of his friend Nicias , that if Nicias be not guiltie , dimit●e hominem , acquite him ; if he be found guiltie , mihi dimitte , acquite him for my sake : and howsoeuer it be , omnino dimitte , yet acquite him . Pericles was wont to say , that when hee put on him the person of a Judge , Pericles . he put off the person of a friend : so that this is plaine , that no respect of man is to be had , especially in matters of right & wrong . And this is the cause that Nichodemus raised vp this proposition , from the particular , to the generall , not saying [ this man ] but [ a Man ] any man whatsoeuer . For as the prouerbe is , Let the Diuel haue his right . Cyrus in Zenophon Cyrus in Zenoph : being made a Iudge , thought he did iustly , when he gaue the longest cloake to the tallest man , and the shorter to the little man : but he was beaten for it , and taught to giue each man his owne without regard of conueniencie . I speake not this as if there should not be distinction of lawes for seuerall estates , others for Noble men , and others for common persons , but where the law makes no difference , there in Anacharsis spiders webbe , the litle flies must not be caught , and the great drones must goe through : Galbas iudgment memorable . Nay if Gentlemen offend their offence is worse . Therfore Galbaes iudgment was most excellent , when he was ruler of Aragon , and had adiudged a gentleman to be hanged : he pleaded that he was a gentleman , and therefore should haue more fauour then a common person : you shall saith Galba● for you shall not be hanged on the common gallowes , but you shall haue one of purpose made for you , higher then the other : and it shal be carued and painted too if you will . I stand not on the circumstances , so the substance be performed . And so with this noble patterne of Iustice , I ende this 2. point , which is the subiect of iudgement , [ a Man ] which teacheth the Iudge , to iudge warily , and without respect of persons .

3. The third thing is the order to be obserued in iudgement , which is expressed in these words : Before it h●are him ●nd knowe what he hath done Where we are taught , that ( first in generall , ) enquirie & knowledge must goe before iudgement : 2. in particular , that this enquirie must be to knowe what the man hath done 3. How we must come to knowe this , by hearing him speake for himselfe . For the first , that inquirie must goe before iudgment ; God himselfe hath put it out of all question , in conuenting Adam to knowe what he had done , before he pronounced sentence vpon him . Gods eyes cannot be blinded , for he beholdeth all things , yet herein he dealeth with man , as if he himselfe were not God ; to teach the Gods on earth , which see but in part , how they should proceed in iudgement : and this he teacheth : Deut. 1.16 . Deut: 1.16 . First heare , and then iudge the controuersies betweene your brethren . And Deut: 13. they are willed in causes of idolatrie , in euery Citie to make diligent enquirie whether the report be true . This being so , where shall the vnrighteous Iudge appeare , which iudgeth before the enquirie ? The example of Piso is very incommendable , who when a souldiour returned into the campe without his fellowe with whom he went forth , condemned him forthwith to death , as a murtherer of his fellowe : who comming in as he was going to execution , A tyrannous , and cruell senence . the Centurion that led him , brought both backe againe to Piso ; who being incensed therewith , commanded all three to be put to death . He shall die ( saith he to the Centurion ) because he is condemned : and the other for that he was the cause that he was condemned ; and thou because thou diddest not obey my iudgement in putting him to death . This was a cruell iudgement , but the cause hereof we see to be for want of inquirie before . Very memorable is the example of Phillip of Macedon , Philip of Macedon . who sitting in iudgement to heare the cause of Ma●haetes , but being dormitabundus , drousie ●nd not sufficient attentiue to the equitie of the lawe , gaue sentence against him . But when Machaetes cried out that he would appeale from that sentence ; Erasmus . The king very angrie , stood vp and saide ; To whom wilt thou appeale from me ? He an●wered , to thy selfe ( ô King ) if thou wilt ●wake & way my cause aright ; finding ●hen , vpon better consideration , that he ●ad done him iniurie , reuoked not his ●entence , but payed himselfe the money wherin Machaetes was condemned . What ●n example is this of patience , modera●ion and loue of Iustice in a Prince ?

The inquirie must be made what a man ●ath done , which is meant of open actions & transgression of the lawe , for the intention of the hart Gods law only can take holde of , and they intrude themselues into Gods office , which seeke to enquire of this : But this is it I say , that the lawe of man is to iudge of the outward action : and yet I graunt that the action is to be considered as it comes from the heart , for one and the same thing may be done by one well , and by an other ill , so that we must in the action , consider the substance with the qualitie , and therefore we enquire whether a man did take a thing away felloniously or not ; for somtime and in some case , the intention may alter the consideration of the action , as in case of defence : but this is true , sine causa nemo iust● punitur , sine culpa nemo .

3 The maner to know what the man hath done , is by hearing him speake for himselfe , for it is not iust onely to hear● the plaintiffe speake , but the defendan● must also . This God taught in comming downe to see Gomorah before he destroyed it . Ioshua : 7. So Ioshua could not iudge Achan before he had confessed the fault and this is not onely Gods lawe , but th● lawe of Nations , Act: 24. as of the Romanes , a● Festus proceeding against Paul sheweth ▪ Act: 24. And of the Athenians , as Demosthenes noteth in an Oration . Where he vrgeth it , as part of the dutie of a Iudge to heare both parties : Audi alteram partem . and this is it which Alexander was so much commended for , who was wont to stop one eare when he heard the Plaintiffe , and being asked why he did so , answered , alteram ●e●ntegram seruo , I keepe the other free for the Defendant . And this is the practise in matters of right and wrong . Wherein I would beseech you Lo: to put in minde these skilfull pleaders and Lawyers , that they remember the trust that is reposed in them , that they doe not as many that will not speake at all : and why ? 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , bos in lingua . Or as the prouerbe that sprang of Demosthenes : Argentanginam patiuntur , they are sicke of the siluer sicknes . For as Aul : Gellius reporteth , when he pleaded very sharpely against the Milesian Ambassadours which came to Athens to craue some aide , so that they were like to haue the repulse : the matter being referred till the next day , the Ambassadours went in the meane time to Demosthenes , & gaue him a great summe of money to holde his peace , and not to pleade against them . The next day when the matter was to be heard , he fained himselfe 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 that is anginum pati . to be sicke of the squinancie , and therefore could not speake . Then one who had smelled out his hypocrisie , cried out , that Demosthenes non 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 sed 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 pati ( that is ) argentanginam pati that he was siluer-sicke , or a right muck-worme . So as one saith of such , pestifera est causidicori●m lingua , nisi funibus argenteis vincias the Lawyers tongue is dangerous , and pestilent , vnles thou binde it with siluer cords : for not onely their speech , but also their silence is venall . I hope there be no such pestilent cankers of the common-wealth , if there be any such , which set their wit , eloquence , and conscience , & all to sale , to boulster out vniust causes , I c●unsaile them betimes to repent , for God himselfe hath alreadie denounced woe against them . Woe be vnto them that speake good of euill , & euill of ●ood , &c. And others there are which speake so coldly , Isai : 5. as if it nothing concerned them , which was so heynous a thing among the Romanes , that they counted it no better then plaine theft , as Tullie saith in his Oration for Roscio . To reason a little this point , I haue chosen thee to speake for me in my cause : and it may be the vndoing of me lies in thy hands : Is it then ignorance or negligence , that thou doest not speake so as thou shouldest ? If thou pleade ignorance , then why doest thou deceiue an other man , by selling that which thou hast not ? If thou saiest that thou wouldest learne lawe by pleading , it is all one as if a Chirurgion should kill men to learne skill by practise : If thou be ashamed of ignorance , & pleade negligence , then thou makest thy fault greater , and deseruest the punishment of a false witnes ; Is it then to maintaine thy estate , and to leaue thy posteritie rich ? Knowest thou not that the spirit of God saith , Pro: 21. The gathering of riches by a deceitfull tongue , is vanitie tossed too & fro of them that seeke death . First tossed like a tennis ball from one heire to an other , & purchaseth death to the gotter . And it is the iust iudgement of God , that they that prey vpon their inferiours , as the great fishes vpon the small , shall in the end be a fatter prey vnto a greater then themselues .

Dum praedo vis esse minoris , Praeda es maioris .

I would therefore beseech your Lo: ( as I saide ) often to put in minde these Pleaders of their dutie in that behalfe : and this is the manner of iust proceeding in matters of right and wrong .

The Iuries charge .

2. Chro: 1● . 7 . NOw to the Iurie and witnesses , not I , but the Lord speaketh , by the mouth of good king Iehosophat , as I saide before : Let the feare of the Lord be vpon you : take heede and do it , for there is no iniquitie with the Lord our God , neither respect of persons , nor receiuing of reward : for if for feare , fauour , hatred , or to gratifie some great man , ye giue wrong verdite , ( besides the execrable and damnable sinne of periurie ) ye are no better before God then men of blood , and the feareful vengeance of God must needs light vpon you , to the consuming , both of roote and branch , as the Lord hath threatned , Esa: 5.24 . Esa: 5.24 . Therefore as the flame of fire consumeth the stubble , and as the chaffe is consumed of the flame ; so their roote shall b● as rottennesse , and their bud shall rise vp like dust , because they haue cost ●ff the lawe of the Lord of hostes , and contemned the word of the holy one of Israel the truth whereof is verified by many wofull examples before our eyes .

Saint Hierom● expounding this place of ●erem● : 4.2 . Hier. And thou shall sweare the Lord liueth in truth , in iudg●ment and in righteousnesse . For the auoyding of periurie , Tres in am●nti com●●es ess●●●bere ; That there ought to be three companions of an Oath , to trueth it pertayneth that wee sweare not falslie ; vnto righteousnes , that wee sweare nothing that is vniust , filthie , or vnhonest ; to iudgement , that wee sweare not vndiscreetlie and rashlie , that is , for euery light occasion wee vsurpe not the most reuerend Name of God .

Now , The horrible sinne of Periurie . how grieuous this sinne of Periurie is , it appeareth many waies ; as the spirit of God , after a wonderfull maner shewed to the Prophet Zacharias in the vision of a flying Booke . Z●ch 5. Eccle. 23.11 . And the wise man saith ; A man that vseth much swearing shall bee filled with wickednes , and the plague sh●ll neuer goe from his house &c.

1. The periured person is a sacriligious thiefe , because he assumeth the holy Name of God , against the will of God , and God forbidding it , to be a testimonie of a falshood . A sacriligious person , in that he inuadeth holy things to build his sinne vpon them ; as the Name of God , his bodie , his wounds , &c. which other sinners doe not . Yea , the very Diuels doe tremble and feare at the reuerend Name of God , and by the inuocation thereof , depart out of the possessed : but these ( worse in this respect then the very Diuels ) prophane and blaspheme the holy Name of God without all feare . O horrible impietie !

2. The false swearer doth homage vnto the Diuell , in holding vp his hands in false protestations , or touching the booke , by his false oath , he worshippeth the Diuell , & renounceth God . Therefore as an ancient Father saith ; Manus tam diù manet di ●bali quousque paeniteat .

3. The false swearer falsifieth the Seale of the high King : and therefore , as a Traytor vnto God , is to bee cast into the perpetuall prison , there to bee tormented in the Luke that burneth with fire and brimstone for euer , Apoc. 21. because hee vsurpeth the Name of God , which is the Seale and witnesse of all trueth , to bee a seale , testimonie , and confirmation of lyes and falsedood : And therefore the Lord calleth false swearing , A defiling and polluting of his holie Name : Leuit. 19.12 . Ye shall not swe●r by my Name falslie , neither shalt thou defile the Name of thy God : I am the Lord .

4. The false swearer ( as much as in him lyeth ) maketh GOD a partaker in his wickednesse , when hee bringeth him to be witnesse and a iustifier of his falshood : And therefore in the particular Iudgement , and in th● last Iudgement , the Lord hath threatned to bee a swifte witnesse against false swearers : Mala. 3.5 . Mal. 3.5 . I will came neere to you into iudgement , and I will bee a swifte witnesse against the Southsayers , and against the Adulterers , and against false swearers .

Such periured persons ( as much as in them lyeth ) seeke to doe Christ greater iniurie then they that crucified him : For they ( sayth a Father ) Intulere Christo malum paenae , sed periuris ( quantum in se est ) Christum vult inuoluere malo cul●ae ; For they layde vpon innocent Christ the punishment due for sinne : but the periured persons ( as much as in them lieth ) will make Christ guiltie of their wickednesse , which is farre worse : for hee maketh Christ to be a false witnesse , a liar , and a iustifier of an vntruth ; men worse then the very Diuell himselfe : for though he be a lyar , Ioh. 8. and the father of lies , and by lies seduceth the world , yet hee neuer approueth his lies with an Oath , making God a partaker of his malice , that he might the sooner deceiue , as the false swearer doth .

5. The false swearer excludeth himselfe from the protection of the Name of God , against whom hee sinneth . It is a common saying ; Frustra inuocat legis auxilium qui in l●gem committit ; He doth in vaine craue aide of the law , which offendeth against the law : Our helpe ( saith the Prophet ) is in the Name of the Lord : And Pro. 18. Pro. 18.10 . The Name of the Lord is a strong tower , the righteous runneth vnto it and are helped .

O that by any meanes I might perswade all Christians which tender their saluation ; especially such as are called to this great and weightie businesse of Pleading , or to bee of the Iurie , or Witnesses concerning the life , liuing , or right of their brethren . O that I might ( I say ) so much preuaile with them , as that among so many houres of the day which they spend in idle , vaine , and futile thoughts , talke , play , or fruitlesse exercises , they would imploy , if it were but one houre of the day ( after the example of a certaine holy man ) in reading , meditating , and pondering of one little Booke , but trium foliorum , of three leaues , which I will commit to your Christian confideration . I haue read of a certayne holy man , who at first had led a sociable and dissolute life ; that chancing on a time into the companie of an honest and godly man ( such is the force of godly society ) hee in short time so wrought by wholsome perswasions with his affections , that hee vtterly renounced his former course of life , and gaue himselfe to a more priuate , austere , moderate , and secluse kind of liuing . The cause whereof being demaunded by one of his former companions , who woulde haue drawne him ( such is the nature of euill companie ) to his vsuall riot . Note this . He answered ; That he was as yet so busied in reading of a little Booke , which was but a Book of three leaues , that he had no leysure so much as to thinke of any other businesse . And being asked againe a long time after , whether hee had read ouer these three leaues : He replyed , that these three leaues were of three seuerall coloures , The Booke of three leaues , Red , White , and Blacke . redde , white & blacke , which contayned so many Misteries , that the more hee meditated thereon , the more sweetnesse he alwayes found , so that he had deuoted himselfe to meditate therein all the dayes of his life . In the first leafe , which is redde , I meditate ( quoth he ) on the passion of my Lord and Sauiour Iesus Christ , & of his pretious blood shed for a ransome of my sinnes , and the sinnes of the whole world , without which , we had beene all the bondslaues of Sathan , and fuell for hell fire . In the white leafe , I cheere vp my spirit , with the comfortable consideration of the vnspeakable ioyes of the heauenly Kingdome , purchased by the pretious blood of my Lord and Sauiour Iesus Christ , a motiue of thankfulnesse . In the third leafe , which is blacke , I meditate vpon the horrible and perpetuall torments of hell , prepared for the wicked and reprobate ; as lyars , periured persons , murtherers , adulterers , extortioners , bribers , oppressours , &c. and all impenitent sinners , from which the godly are freed , by the death of Iesus Christ .

This Booke of three leaues , if wee woulde alwaies carry in our hearts , and meditate often therein , great ( surely ) would be the benefite wee should make thereby , to restrayne our thoughts and actions within the regularitie and limits of the feare of God .

But ( ô good God ) what periuries are are now vsed euery where , especially in buying & selling ? custome hath brought it to such a shamelesse habite , that he is counted an Ideot in his trade , that cannot grace his wares which are naught , with a thousand oathes and periuries : Merces suas plus periurijs quam pretijs onerando ; Cassid●r . Lading his wares more with periuries then with prices .

And surely ( not without great cause ) God commaunded lying Witnesses seuerely to bee punished : for in this one sinne , many and most grieuous sinnes are included . It is commonly ioyned with periurie ; & what an horrible thing is it , that Man should not be afrayd to take a false Oath ; and call God , the God of truth , to bee a witnesse to an vntruth ? What is this else but a reproach that toucheth the person of God himselfe ? and therefore a polluting and defiling of the reuerend Name of God : as God himselfe calleth it ; L●uit . 19 Leuit. 19. What is this else but voluntarily to forsake God , and all the sweete promises of euerlasting life and his Kingdome ( all which are contayned in Gods booke on which they sweare ) and willingly to betray their soules into the hands of Sathan ?

6. Hence it followeth , that the periured man is in his heart ( vndoubtedly ) an Infidel , and saith in his he●●t , there is no Go● : for if he were verilie perswaded of the Godhead , which knoweth al things , searcheth the heart and reine● , and is a iust reuenger of all wickednesse ; he would surely tremble and bee afrayde in an vntruth to appeale to the God of truth .

7. He grieuouslie sinneth against his Neighbour , by taking from him by periurie , his liuing , life , or good name .

8. The false witnesse is also a murtherer , for ( as much as in him lieth ) he giueth his neighbour a deadly wound , when by his false oath he hurteth him , in body , goods , or name : therefore the false witnes , by the lawe of God , was to endure the same punishment which he thought to bring vpon his neighbour , an eye for an eye , a tooth for a tooth , Deut: 19.21 . life for life : as if with violent hand he had plucked out his neighbours eye , or taken away his life .

9. He violateth iudgement , and in the sacred place of Iustice , he exerciseth iniustice .

To conclude , he sinneth against the common good and safegard of all men , and ( as much as in him lyeth ) ouerthroweth it . For it is certaine , that without the sacred administration of iudge●ent and iustice , no common-wealth ●any long endure . Though God did suffer many sinnes in Ahab , yet when he had by false witnes oppressed poore Naboath , the Lord brought him with all his house , to destruction and ruine . O let all Magistrates thinke vpon this , that they rashly admit not whomsoeur to giue euidence , that they straightly examine the witnesses ; least they seeme to patronize these pestilent & damnable men . Thinke also carefully vpon this , you that shall be at any time produced for witnesses , that you neither dissemble the truth , nor wickedly peruert , nor omit it , and so sinne against God and man , and destroy your owne soules . And thus I conclude , beseeching the God of mercies to powre downe the riches of his grace and mercy into our hearts , that we may truly serue him , and haue his feare euer before our eyes , that we fall not into the horrible sinne of periurie , which hath alwaies Gods curse , and terrible plagues pursuing it . 1. Pet. 5.10.11 . Vnto the God of all grace , who hath called vs vnto his eternall glory by Christ Iesus , be glory and dominion for euer and euer . Amen .

FINIS .