Magnificence exemplified: and, the repaire of Saint Pauls exhorted unto In a sermon appointed to be preached at St. Pauls-Crosse, but preached in the church. August the 31. 1634. By Gyles Fleming Mag. in Art. and preacher of Gods Word at Waddingworth, in Lincolne-shire.

MAGNIFICENCE EXEMPLIFIED : And the Repaire of Saint PAULS Exhorted vnto . LUKE 7. VER . 5.

For he loveth our Nation , and he hath built us a Synagogue .

THere is nothing so frequently taketh up our best meditations ; there is nothing so soone confounds them , as the contemplation of GOD'S all-ordering providence . How large in the extent of it ? Math . 10.29 . To the fall of a Sparrow . How inscrutable in the search of it ? Past finding out . Rom. 11.23 . Oh the depth of GOD'S wisdome ! It is admirable in the government of the greater world , but stupendious in the order of the lesse . His generall providence must needs confound an Atheist : His speciall must needs make a Christian . In both , what great effects are brought to passe , by small meanes , by unthought of wayes ? How strangely doth he subordinate , the actions , and affaires of men , to the working of his owne secret ends , and preordinated purposes ? How quite besides , how quite contrary to the intents , to the suspicions of them that doe them ? What great hopes doe wee often times propound to our selves in our undertakings , when ( to shew us how weake we are ) either nothing at all , or that which grieveth us is brought to passe ? Againe , what inferior happinesse doe we sometimes aime at ? and what transcendent blessings doth he send us in their stead ? Saul seekes his fathers Asses , and he finds a Kingdome ; Saint Peter a draught of fishes , and he meets and knowes his SAVIOUR . Not to runne on in a known path : let this Chapter yeeld the next instance , behold here as memorable an example of Gods unexpected mercy . See a Roman Centurion brought up in Ethnike idolatry yet become a Proselyte ; a Centurion , or Captaine placed in Capernaum a Citie of Iudea , to awe and terrifie Gods people the Iewes , yet becometh Amicus Genti , A friend to the Nation : hee came from farre , happily to finde a fortune , and hee findes his GOD ; to purchase earthly honour , and he obtaineth an heavenly Diademe ; to doe service for his earthly Prince , and hee becommeth ( that wich he never thought to have beene ) the servant of the GOD of heaven . An happy warfare that made him one of CHRIST'S Church militant . The Roman tyranny , it was then a yoke to the whole world . God would never have suffered it , if hee had not knowne how to have wrought as great a good by it : Acts. 17.27 . the Romans then like the Athenians , they served Ignoto Deo , they did GOD'S service though they knew not of it ; their thirsty ambition of Monarchy , so evill in it selfe , he could know how to turne it unto good . It was expedient , Gen. 49.10 . and an Act of GOD'S especiall providence , that The Scepter should depart from the Tribe of Iudah when Shilo was come : that at what time God decreed to spread the Kingdome of his Gospell overall the Nations of the Earth , that every Nation should then be linked and tied together in one earthly Soveraignty . Then Rome was Communis patria , ( so the Civilians termed it ) and all Countries mixt together in one politicall society . Then mutuall commerce and negotiation , gave free and frequent occasion of accesse from one people to an other : then therefore ( if ever the partition was to be broken downe ) was the fittest time ; if ever the Gospell to be preached to all Nations , when of every Nation some might come together to heare it ; Then would the sweet sound of the Apostles swiftly spread it selfe In omnes Angulos Terrarum , Acts 2.9 . into all the corners of the Earth ; when Parthians , and Medes , and Elamites , and the dwellers in Mesopotamia , and in Iudea , and Cappadocia , &c. Strangers of Rome , Iewes and Proselytes , Creets , and Arabians , might in one place safely meete together ; and at one Sermon heare {αβγδ} , The wonderfull things of God .

For this reason became this heavenly slip to be transplanted from Rome to Iudea , that he might grow more happily here , than in his first Nurcery : that he might be ingrafted into CHRIST'S Church , hee was set over GOD'S people : that he might become one of GOD'S people ; set to keepe them in obedience unto Caesar , that they might teach his obedience unto GOD . From an Heathen Idolater he becommeth a Iewish Proselyte ; from a Iewish Proselyte , a faithfull Christian ; with David , he becommeth wiser than his teachers . So good progression he makes in Religion , that at first for his good workes he was their glory . Rabbi , dignus , &c. Master , he is worthy for whom thou shouldest doe this , &c. say they , Verse the third . And for his faith at the latter end he becommeth their shame , Non inveni tantam , I have not found so great faith , no not in Israel ; saith our Saviour , Verse 9. Happy had they beene , if they had learned of their Scholler ; they convert him , and he shall judge them . This was alwayes the fault of Israel , and it is lamentable that it should be so , that Samaria and her Sisters should outstrip her , Ezech . 16.53 Ier . 35.16 . Luc . 17.16 that the Recabites should rise up in judgement against her , that one stranger ( and he a Samaritan ) should make a true and thankfull use of GOD'S mercy , when nine Isralites never regarded it ; that a Roman Centurion should in faith and piety goe beyond the whole Church of Israel : he to be approved of the Capernaamites themselves here , they to be condemned by our Saviour , Mat . 11.23 . They to come short of him , Sodome to go beyond them , If the mighty workes that have beene done in thee , had beene done in Sodome , it had remained untill this day , saith our Saviour .

Ye know the story : This Centurion had a Paralytike , one sicke of Palsie , that was his deere servant . He entreates these Senators of Capernaum , as Christs Countrey-men , and therefore more gracious with him , to intercede for his helpe ; they doe it , and they could doe no lesse , for hee had deserved it at their hands , {αβγδ} , good deeds well deserve the retribution of praise and acknowledgement ; and we should doe but little for our Benefactors , if wee would not commemorate what they had done for us . Capernaum it selfe is not ingratefull , they interceded for him , they adde further an Encomium , or praise of him , to stirre up our Saviour more effectually , Master hee is worthy for whom thou shouldest doe this . There is that power and force in goodnesse , that even the very vicious will they nill they must approve of it ; a secret confession there is , and a reverent approbation of that worth & goodnesse which is in godly and vertuous men , even from the most wicked and debauched : which is a sure note of that worth and Divinity that is in it ; as Saul sometime of David , Thou art more righteous than I. 1 Sam . 24.17 . And this would have forced the Capernaamites , how unwilling soever they had beene in themselves , to have given this good Centurion this testimony .

In the words of the Text they come to a reason of those prayses that they had given of him , ( to shew that they were more than meerely formall ) which they set downe in an instance of a certaine good deed that he had done among them . Wherein they set forth , 1. His love to themselves ; He loveth our Nation . 2. To GOD , He built us a Synagogue ; this expresses what kinde of love he bare unto them , a love to their Church , and Religion : Or here is , 1. His Humanity , He loveth our Nation . 2. His Piety , Hee built a Synagogue . Or againe , they set forth the love that he bare unto them . 1. Interno amoris affectu . 2. Externo amoris effectu . His love , 1. In the inward affection . 2. In the outward effect : so that a worthy man he was to them , a memorable example hee is to us , worthy their praise , worthy our imitation . But that I may proceed More meo , according to my accustomed and countrey plainnesse ; and so to divide the words that I may bee best able to mannage them , and others to understand them : observe in the Text , A true example of Christian charity ; or , A true pious deed exemplified with all those severall circumstances , or adjuncts , that make it more laudible and illustrious .

As 1. The Roote or Foundation from whence it must proceed , Love , Dilexit , he loved us . 2. The Object or Persons to whom it is but shewed , GOD'S people , Gentem nostram , Our Nation . 3. The Fruit or effect how it exerciseth it selfe , He built us a Synagogue .

Wherein observe againe , 1 Generally , the activity or operative quality wherof it wil alwayes be doing some good , Aedificavit , He built . 2 Particularly , The election or choice upon what matters it will chiefly bend it selfe to worke on ; those that tend to Gods chiefest glory ; The maintenance of his Church and Service . Aedificavit Synagogam , He built a Synagogue .

Observe what severall degrees of perfection each circumstance giveth unto the other .

First , here is Love the divinest of Christian affections . Secondly , here is a Nation , the best object of Love . Thirdly , here is Building , the most honorable for a Nation . Fourthly , here is Synagogue , or Church , the most glorious of Buildings , Dilexit enim Gentem , &c.

Wee will begin with the Root or Fountaine , from whence every good deed must proceed , or take his Originall motion , Love .

Dilexit , Hee loved . ]

We reade of two Builders in the Gospell ; Mat . 9.25 the one wise and commended , the other foolish and blamed . The buildings of either for ought wee know were both alike ; we reade not of him that is commended for his wisdome , that he exceeded , or excelled the other in any convenience , contrivement , or beauty in the frame ; the difference was onely in the situation , ground-worke , or foundation . The one upon a Rock , sure , stable , and permanent , which made his building durable : The other upon Sand , loose and fleeting , and the effect was ruine at his heeles . That which gave praise to that Builder there , is the same which commends this Builder and his worke here , Wisdome in the very entrance into it . Nothing was more glorious than his worke . To build a Synagogue . Not to have begun this upon Love , had been to have marr'd all : any other intent , any other purpose had made it worth nothing . To make therefore his end answerable to his action , such a glorious work shall be founded upon as sincere an intent . His charity , the chiefest of Christian vertues , shall spring from his Love , the best of Christian affections .

This is to make his worke like GOD'S worke . The great Architect of the world had no other motive to excite him to create this goodly Fabricke whereof we our selves are parts , and members ; than that infinite love , and aboundance of goodnesse , that was in him , that prompted him to communicate that happinesse of being , that was then in himselfe alone , to Men , and other creatures .

Love therefore , that was the proegumenall and moving cause in his Workes , he liketh best should be the Root , and Fountaine of ours . Hence , as in Sacrifices , there was none lawfull that wanted Salt , Levit . 2.13 . So in good deeds , none acceptable that proceeds not out of Love . So the Apostle 2 Cor . 13.1 , 2 , 3. Verses .

Though I speake with the tongues of men and Angels , and have not love , I am become as sounding Brasse , or a tinkling Cymball ;

And though I have the gift of Prophecie , and understand all mysteries , and all knowledge , and though I have all faith so that I could remove Mountaines ;

And though I bestowe all my goods to feede the poore , and though I give my body to be burned , and have not love , it profiteth me nothing . Marke the Apostle , he is miraculously elegant in it , hee summes up all the chiefest Graces Intellectuall ; all the chiefest Vertues Morall ; all which , set apart without love , he will have to be worth nothing at all . As if he had said : Though I speake with the tongues of men and Angels , that is , were I never so eloquent in speech . And though I have the gift of prophesie , and understood all Mysteries , &c. If I had with that eloquence never such great knowledge : That knowledge , whether Divine or Humane : Divine knowledge , whether extraordinary revealed , or ordinarily acquired . Though I have Faith to remove Mountaines : if I had , with these , the gift of doing Miracles . Though I bestow all my goods to feed the poore ; though I gave my body to be burned . Adde , that I had as many goodly habites , as I have repeated excellent faculties , either towards Christs members , or towards Christ himselfe : towards his members , were my heart so large that no precept were difficult for me , Mat . 19.21 . no not Vade & vende omnia , Goe and sell all that thou hast and give to the poore : Nay , were I as prodigall of my life for GOD'S cause , as I could be contented to bee of my substance for his poore servants , even unto martyrdome , yet were any of these excellent Talents or endowments exercised , or distributed without Love , that is for any other intent or purpose , than sincerely , and freely to honour GOD and profit his Church , for the true and meere Love that I owe to both ; and not for any praise , renowne , repute , advantage , or other outward respect of mine owne whatsoever ; none of these things so excellent in themselves in their performance , were worth any thing at all .

Hence those large Elogies , and chiefe Preheminences that the Scripture so frequently gives of love , That it is the fulfilling of the Law , Rom. 13.10 . The end of the Commandements , 1 Tim . 1.5 . Gal. 5.14 . That it comprehendeth whatsoever we are commanded , and the like . Hence the Fathers so usually eccho the same things of it : In amore omnia coarctantur Scripturarum volumina , saith Saint Cyprian . Both the holy Testaments are involved , and epitomised in this one word , Love : Breve praeceptum , Dilige & fac quid vis , saith Saint Augustine , Learne this short lesson , Love , and doe what thou wilt , thou canst not doe amisse . The reason ( beloved ) of this force and vertue in Love , that it gives to those actions that proceed from it , is this . God loveth best those actions that are most like himselfe , and come neerest to his owne nature . Now , hee is Agens simplicissimum , ( as the Divines terme him ) in himselfe without any attending properties , and there is nothing in himselfe , Quicquid est in Deo Deus est . but what is meerely and purely himselfe . Hence those deeds doe please him best , that have their ends and intentions semblable to their actions : as when good deeds , which are the proper effects of Love , proceed only from Love , which is the true Mother , and Fountaine of good deeds .

This makes whatsoever we doe to be done purely , simply , and in singlenesse of heart , without any double-dealing , a thing so hatefull to God , that of all things he loveth not a heart and a heart , and a weight and a weight .

And hence that knowne Maxime in the Schooles , Intentio Agentis specificat actum in moralibus , It is the intent of the Doer , that gives nature and quality to the deed that is done : If that bee sincere and good , then so is the action that proceeds from it ; if that be otherwise , it may be bonum , but it cannot be benè ; it may be a good thing that we goe about to doe , but by us it cannot be said to be well done . Our actions have so much share of their praise and acceptance , as their first moving causes can challenge , and no more . Herod built a Temple , it was out of ambition , his action therefore was vaine-glorious . Salomon out of obedience did the like ; what he did therefore was religious . Constantine ( we reade ) did in the like sort build a Church in the honour of CHRIST , what he did was pious . This Centurion here builds a Synagogue , hee doth it for the Love that he bare to the Nation , this made it charitable .

Therefore it is golden counsell that the Preacher giveth , Eccl. 5.1 . Take heed to thy foot when thou entrest into the house of God , and be more neere to heare than to offer the sacrifice of fooles , for they know not that they doe evill ; That is , the first and chiefest thing that thou art to looke unto , in every matter that thou religiously takest in hand , is , before thou enter into it , to consider and examine with what mind and affection thou goest about it . Whatsoever thou buildest , look to the first stone that thou layest , or rather to the ground , that thou intendest to build upon . If thou wouldest doe a charitable deed , let it be done , not that thy name may be read in the windowes , but out of Love : if thou prayest , let it be done not out of Rapine , to devoure Widowes houses , or to make againe of godlinesse , but out of devotion . If thou wilt follow righteousnesse , doe it , not to cast God in the teeth with it , as the Pharisee , I thanke thee God , I am not as other men are , &c. but in obedience to his Commandements . If thou fastest , doe it , out of humility , not hypocrisie : if thou art zealous , let it be out of pure love to GOD , out of pure hatred to sinne , not out of pertinacie , not out of obstinacy , or the like . It is this want of due regard that oftentimes marreth many excellent actions that we goe about , and maketh them altogether fruitlesse unto us . We usually take more paines to runne swiftly , than we doe heed with what minde and intent , we enter into that Race that we are so fierce in ; and hereby , instead of serving of GOD we serve our selves , and our owne phantasies , and humours .

But remember , that it is meet and just , that wee should in any thing we doe to God ward , have but what we our selves doe aime at in the doing thereof ; if that be no more than praise of men , or any other outward respect , our Saviour tels such , all that they must looke to gaine by the hand , Habent mercedem , They have what they sought for . But to make what we doe worthy the testimony of others , and capable of the acceptance of GOD , it must be begun as this good worke here was , out of Love , Dilexit , Hee loveth : Thus for the Fountaine , or Root , from whence our good deeds must proceed , Love .

Secondly , the Object or Persons , to whom they must be shewen ,

Gods people , He loved our Nation . ]

The nature of every good thing is diffusive , but the eminence & excellence of good things , consists in the extent , or largenesse of this communication of their goodnesse : Every good thing being so much the better , as the goodnesse is more generall . So is Love ; it hath the preheminence of the affections in this , That the very nature of it is communicative : but as the sweet perfumes of the Apothecary , the smaller they are pounded the more fragrant is their sent , so indeed is Love ; the more generall , the more lovely .

The progression of Love is thus : First , there is a love of our selves , whereby ( as all other things , ) even dumbe and inanimate creatures , naturally doe chiefly tend to their owne preservation and continuance , so every one of us naturally ( in chiefe ) desire our owne good and happinesse . This Love , if it be inordinate and sensuall in us , it is usually taxed in Scripture ; and such ( in an evill sense ) are called Lovers of themselvs , for it destroyes al other love whatsoever . If it be limited , and circumscribed within its due bounds , then it is lawfull ; if it be divine , desiring onely those things that are truly best for us , and longing after our owne blisse and eternall salvation , then it is good and commendable , and the mother of all Religion . Concerning the naturall love that we owe to our selves , the Scripture is rare , and silent in it : we have not any direct , and particular precept that commands us to love our selves : the Divines give a good reason for it , because the holy Scripture being the revealed will of GOD , aiming chiefly to instruct corrupted nature , and to imprint anew in mens mindes what by ignorance is obliterated , left this out as a principle , not yet of our selves forgotten , even by that light that is yet left us , wee know thus much , to wish well to our selves , Quisque sibi ab vtero Magister est , Every one from his very Cradle is his owne Schoole-master ; and therefore ( say they ) we need no further revealed instruction ; so that this love we cannot greatly magnifie , because it is such that we cannot shake off .

The next degree or step of Love is , when it sheds it selfe unto those that by naturall dependency are related unto us : such is the love of children , kindred , parents and the like , which is called {αβγδ} , or naturall affection ; a thing likewise rarely forgotten , He is worse than an Infidell ( saith Saint Paul ) that commeth short of this , and indeed he is not greatly better that goeth not beyond it .

The next is {αβγδ} , or friendship , when the sympathy of affection and neerenesse of disposition which is observed between two , begetteth and createth mutually great good will and love , each towards the other , Simile Simili , the like naturally delighting in the like . This sometimes for a season seemeth to be betweene wicked men , as Pilat and Caiaphas were once , upon an occasion , said to be made friends : but this Love in such , is never true , and rarely permanent , it being more truly confederation than friendship ; like Sampsons Foxes , they are tyed together by the tayles ; one common advantage uniteth them , that failing , then faileth their love : but true love and friendship is only betweene those that are good and vertuous , as betweene Ionathan and David . It is a nobility residing in the mindes of vertuous men , whereby ( contrary to the nature of the envious ) they are inflamed with those excellent things that they see in others , and for them they honour and love their persons in whom they find them , joying chiefly in their company , and striving to doe all offices of love and kindnesse for them . This was much admired among the wise of the Heathen , who thought the World could as well subsist without the Sunne , as man without friendship , Solemè mundo tollere videntur qui rebus humanis amicitiam tollunt , saith the Orator . This likewise the Scriptures commend to us to be the mother of helpe , whereby one becommeth to be as strong as two , Two is better than one ; for if they fall , Eccl. 4.10 . the one will helpe up his fellow : but , Woe be to him that is alone , saith the Preacher : Againe , it is the Asylum and Refuge of adversity , Pro . 17.17 . A friend is born for adversity , and a brother in the time of need , saith Salomon . This is excellently commendable , but yet too meerely morall to be the perfection of Love .

There is yet a further and higher perfection of Love ; when it doth not only bend it selfe to particulars , but spread it selfe also unto generals ; when out of a high and deepe conceipt , men wisely knowing themselves in particular , to be a part of a publike society in generall , are carried with a love and affection into that publike society , and body , whereof they thinke themselves a part and member . Hence wise and heroically-minded Men , love , and tender the whole Nation , Country and City whereof they themselves are , as deerely , yea , and sometimes more neerely than they doe themselves .

As we may observe this in some measure to be naturally in us , so the very voice of Nature in this duty seemeth to teach us : we see God even by his hand-maid , to have planted this in all things . Every Creature in particular having a propensity , and proper inclination , to tender chiefly the good of the more generall even before its owne ; as we see every particular or part of the world is ready to doffe of and forget its owne nature , for the continuation off the whole ; as rather than there shall bee any distraction , or disunion in the whole frame of the world , heavie things will leave their naturall place and motion , and ascend upward , and light bodies will descend from their eminent and naturall Regions , and be contented to fall downeward : so greatly doe all things , even by the Law of their owne creation , tender the eutaxie , and welfare of the Vniversall . To be thus therefore affected , is to follow the rule of nature , the best square to order our actions by . And such is the Love that this Centurion is here commended for : a love to the whole Nation , or Countrey with whom he dwelt , an inclination to the publike .

This must needs be the most noble object of Love : First , because love hereby becommeth to be most beneficiall , and doth most good , every one in particular , participating of that good that is bestowed upon the publike ; and therefore it exceeds that which is onely derived unto some particulars , as far as that light which is set up in a watch Tower , and communicateth the benefit of it selfe to all that travell and passe either by Land , or Sea , exceedeth that which is privately inclosed in a Chamber , or closet , and benefiteth onely those which are in the house with it .

2 1 Ioh . 2.2 . Againe , this love is like GOD'S love , Dilexit mundum ( saith the Text of him ) the goodnesse of whose providence hath still had a peculiar respect unto the generall , Mat . 5.45 . therefore He causeth the Sunne to shine both upon the good and the bad ; admitting even wicked men unto the participation of outward benefits , because he foresaw that to be expedient for the publike , and denying likewise sometimes the same benefits unto those that he more neerely loveth , because hee saw that for the same confideration that likewise was expedient ; so that neither the evill desert of his enemies , nor the great love that he beareth to his servants taketh him off , from the tender regard that hee hath to the universall good of all : therefore to be publikely affected , is to be affected like GOD himselfe , and dilexit gentem , He loved the Nation , is the best and most laudable love of all .

But as our Saviour sometime , Doe not the Gentiles doe so likewise ? Might not he have learned this lesson in Rome as well as in Iudea ? It must be confessed ( beloved ) that Heathen men have gone as farre in this , as can almost by any be imitated and produced , such Patriots in peace , such Champions in war , that have so highly shewed their love to their Countrey and Nation , that it plainely appeareth they preferred them farre above their owne lives . The Greek and Roman Stories are fraught with examples in this kinde , especially the last , who report such acts of their Horatij , Bruti , Curtij , Fabij , Reguli , Scipiones , and the rest , with what alacrity , nay , ambition , they sought their owne deaths , in their Countries cause , that he that should reade them ( did not the approved judgement consent , and fidelity of their Authors countenance the report ) he would rather thinke them fained Legends and Romances , than the true Records and Monuments of time . It is pitty their reference was not higher ; it is pitty their ends were no better ; morall respects were their motives , fame and glory was their end , and they have what they sought for . It is no Paradox , to say that those good things which Heathen men did without any fruit , or profit at all to themselves , Christians , and Gods servants may doe with acceptance and approbation : they had no thanke of GOD , because they referred them not to GOD ; we need not doubt of his acceptance who doe all things to his glory . So that concerning this Centurion , had his love gone no further than theirs ; yet as he had now learned to doe it in pure service to God , it was better than theirs .

Yet see a little further . Their Love was onely to their owne Nation , Strangers they loved not , it was evident , in that they disturbed and drove them from their Countries and habitations . But see here an higher degree yet in this Centurions love , Dilexit Gentem nostram ( say they ) He loved our Nation ; that was the Nation of the Iewes , he was none of them : now being converted , by his religion he became one of their Church , but by his profession and Countrey he was their enemie , and set to keepe a Garison or Colony amongst them , it was strange therefore that he should love Gentem nostram , that Nation that they called Our Nation .

The Iewes then ( GOD so suffering of it for their pride and stubbornnesse ) were contemptible in the eyes of all the Nations of the earth , almost as much as now : we seldome reade any mention of them in the bookes of Heathen men , but it is in the height of scorn and hatred . But the Romans were most of all infest unto them , & they surely one of their most rebellious Provinces : for him therefore , a Roman by birth , an enemy by profession , to love , and so far to love Their Nation , it argueth plainly there was that that set his heart on fire , which Heathen morality never knew of . And this directs us yet to a further progression in Love : So that as civill respect maketh us love our Nation and Countrey , whereof we are parts ; so Religion moreover maketh us love the Church of GOD , whereof we are children . This made this Roman love the very Iewes , his enemies . Strictius est vinculum cordium , quàm corporum : what skilleth what they were by outward condition ? both servants of the same GOD they were by Faith and Religion .

The Church of GOD then is that golden chaine that quietly linketh together the Lambe and the Lion ; Mat . 13.47 . that Net , that draweth together of every kinde , things never so heterogeneal , never so contrary or repugnant ; Bond and free , Conqueror and Captive , Iaylor and Prisoner , Iew and Roman , Friends and Enemies , all in GOD and CHRIST agree . In this he is Lapis Angularis , the Corner-stone , that uniteth those walles and partitions , of themselves never so crossely or twhartly situate . No two so adverse but Religion can reconcile them ; no Nation so fierce against another , but one faith can make them both as one : for this , and if ye will let Religio be a Religando , this is truly that Caduceus , that powerfull wand , that all Nations whatsoever are quietly charmed under . Hence grew the ardor and fervency of this Centurions love , so great , that it blazed even upon his enemies : as great fires , that warme not onely those that stand neere them , but likewise those that are farre of . In this , he outstripped all his owne admired Heroes ; this , neither Rome , nor Athens could ever have taught him . Alios diligere omnium est ; inimicos verò , Christianorum , so that here is a double praise of his love : First , that it was publike , and shewed to the Nation : Secondly , that it was religious , and shewed to Gods Church . Gentem teacheth us an excellent morall vertue , Nostram an eminent Christian grace , we will joyne them both together .

Those that meerely united by civill government , and policy , have but one coard that tieth them together ; Christian Common-wealths made one likewise by Religion ; they have two : we love the Common-wealth , because it defendeth the Church ; we love the Church , because it upholdeth the Common-wealth : so neere is the relation betweene Government and Religion , that he that is an enemy to one , is a foe to both ; and he that wisheth and seeketh the quiet and welfare of both , he , and onely he , loveth Gentem nostram , Our Nation . Many excellent and memorable examples hath the Church of God through all times yeelded of such as have left undoubted testimonies of their love to both these . Such an one was that godly and magnanimous Iewesse Hester , that to save her Country from that imminent danger that it was then in ; and the whole people of God indeed , from being cut off from the face of the earth , ventured in all expectation upon most inevitable death ; and when the regard of her Church and Countrey lay on the one side , and the perill of her life on the other ; debating a while upon both , Vicit amor patriae , so far was she carried with such a glorious cause , that she quickly concluded all danger in this heroike speech , If I perish , I perish , Esther 4.16 . and so went on with her great and dangerous designe .

As Saint Paul in another case : The time will not suffer me to speake of Gideon , Heb . 1.32 and Iephte , and Sampson and King David , and others ; and among them of the redoubted Maccabees , whose tedious travels and labours were so indefatigable , whose spirits were so undaunted , whose lives so often jeoparded , and so liberally spent for their Church , and Nation , that they have gone beyond all Parallell and example . Greater love than this ( even by our Saviours owne testimony ) can no man shew , Ioh . 15.13 than if a man shall lay downe his life for one ; yet hath this love , the love to Gods Church and people , gone beyond this . We may reade Moses , rather than the people of Israel should be forsaken of GOD , wishing his owne rejection , Blot me rather ( saith he ) out of the Booke of life : Animaeque magnae prodigum Paulum , Exo . 32.32 see likewise St. Paul in as high a straine for the same cause , I could wish my selfe were accursed from Christ for my brethren the Iewes my kinsmen according to the flesh . Rom. 9.3 . Here is not only life , but life of life , body & soule layed to stake for this cause , Love greater than the greatest , beyond al superlative , no Rhetorik is able to magnifie it .

Cast our love and affection as this Centurion cast his on Gods Church and people , and we shall know no limits of it . I must needs flag with my meditations , my eloquence is far too weake to descant upon that which no praises can sufficiently set forth : all that I can say , is this .

Doe burning coales set unkindled coales on fire ? Are good examples the most moving Sermons ? Let us then light our dim Candles , at these blazing Lampes ; let their love to their Church and Nation kindle the like affection in us to ours . Let us pray for the peace of Ierusalem , for peace within her pallaces , for plenty within her wals . Psal . 122.6 Let every one of us love Gentem nostram , that is Church and Common-wealth : let us seeke the peace of the one , the quiet and tranquillity of the other : let us prefer the unity of Gods Church , before our own private phantasies , and particular humours : Let us preferre the plenty , honor , and welfare of the Common-wealth , before our owne lucre and emolument : let us lay downe our tumorous spirits for the one , our substance , ( and if need bee ) our lives for the other : make no Schisme in this , move no Sedition in that , beware of those wilde goards whereby there is Mors in olla ; Those two pestiferous weeds that poison our love to both these ; Singularity in the Church , Popularity in the Common-wealth , but like members and children of both . Let every one of us in his severall calling , bend all our endeavours for the good of both .

I have now brought my selfe forth into a large field wherein I could finde ground enough to range over in so copious a Theme : What Order ? What Condition ? What Calling , could I not now speak to ? In what place sitteth he , that might not here be exhorted rightly to order it for the profit of the Nation ? The ruling part to doe justice downeward , the obeying part , to performe obedience upward ; every one is a part of a Nation , and therefore every one in his place or station that he enjoyeth may doe good , or hurt in it . I could likewise here fitly cry downe those excrements , that in every age , all Nations have brought forth through their plenty , who like Vipers , feed upon her bloud that giveth them a being ; that dig themselves fortunes out of publike ruines and oppressions : such are Monopolists , Projectors , Vndertakers , and those that wee feele the smart of in the Countrey , Ingrossers of Corne , and Depopulators : the one hiding-up the fruits of the earth , whereby he maketh a famine , where God intends a plenty ; and the other shutting up the wombe of the earth , that it shall not bring forth , and therein more intollerable than the former . A Varlet , that at once by the inriching of himselfe , robbeth God of his honour , the Kings Majestie of his Subjects , the Land of her increase , the poore of their habitation , the Ministers both of their profit , and comfort ; and so many other mischiefes do follow his wicked act , that if he were suffered to goe on as he list , he would make a Wildernesse of a Paradise , and bring quickly vastation and barbarisme over the face of the whole land . But whither doe I goe ? I am but a contemplative man , and I doe not affect to thrust my Oare into their Botes , that I know not how to steere : all that I will say of such kinde of people as these is , what was once said of that wicked Roman , they are Docti , sed in malum publicum , full of projections and devises , but it is to inhaunce their owne private gaine , through a publike injury : and so I leave these to their discipline , who with watchfull eyes , and high hands ( wee thanke GOD never more duly and powerfully than now ) continually attend and provide for the good of the Nation . And thus I leave that which is the object of their care , and should be of our love , Gentem nostram , Our Nation . I passe to the third circumstance , which is the fruit how love best exerciseth it selfe . Wherein ,

1 Generally , the Activity thereof . True love will shed it selfe into Action , and alwayes be doing some good ; as here , Aedificavit , He built .

2 Particularly , the Election or choice of the subject that it chiefly delighteth to busie , and imploy it selfe about ; those matters that tend to Gods glory , the continuation of his Church and service , Aedificavit Synagogam , He built us a Synagogue .

And first , generally of the operation , Hee built . This gave a triall and testimony to his love : to have loved them , and done nothing for them , had beene but to have complemened with them ; therefore to shew the integrity of his affection , he will be magnificent , and doe a good deed among them : Exibitio operis probatio charitatis , saith Saint Gregory ; where there is love and compassion , there wee will shew helpe and sublevation .

True charity , is no painted fire which we may only looke upon but receive no heate from it ; but like the Sunne , if it shine upon us , it will likewise heate us . so indeed , if mercy tender our misery , it will also relieve it ; if men love us , they will doe some good for us . This is to be lovers in deed , as the Apostle biddeth us be , and not in word onely .

Iam . 2.16 . Saint Iames speaketh of some , whose love went no further than their lips , that say , warme your selves , fill your bellies , yet gave them not those things that were , necessary for the body . That is , such as comprehend their charity in bare pitty and no more : but the good Apostle commends not this as charitable , but condemneth it as unprofitable : what profiteth , saith he , if ye say thus , &c. Therefore Saint Paul biddeth his Colossians , Col. 2.14 . Put on both bowels of mercy and kindnesse , that is , that they should be both touched with inward affection , Luke 10.33 , 34. and performe outward offices likewise . Like the good Samaritane toward the distressed Stranger , who ( saith the Evangelist ) When hee saw him , had compassion on him ; ( there was inward compunction ) And he went to him , and he bound up his wounds , and he layed him upon his Asse , and he carried him to his Inne : there was kindnesse too , as well as bowels , and that it was that made him an embleme of a true neighbour , and a right charitable man .

Beloved , there cannot be life in us , but there will be motion also . No more can true love and faith be within us , but they will shew themselves forth in good workes without us : Fides viva non est tantùm lumen ad ostendendum , sed vita ad movendum , saith Parisiensis very well . True faith is not ( saith he ) only light that directeth us , but it is life also that quickneth and moveth us .

Wherefore Saint Iames would have us shew him our faith by our workes . The fruit proceedeth from the tree , and the tree is knowne by the fruit ; so is faith the mother of good workes , and good workes the testimony of faith . Therefore Dorcas was right , who was Discipula ( saith the Text ) a Disciple that frequently heard the Apostles , Acts 9.36 and was likewise full of good workes and almes-deeds which she did . Acts 10. Cornelius was truly a devout man , whose prayers and almes ascended to Almighty GOD . Zacheus , a true convert , that came both willingly downe to CHRIST when he called him , and thus testified the truenesse of his faith , Halfe of my goods I give to the poore , Luk . 19.8 . and if I have wronged any man I will restore him fourefold . Mary loved CHRIST well , that thought not much of her Oile ; and Martha loved CHRIST well , who thought not much of her toyle : if we love either God or man , we will be doing something for both ; we will never faile the necessity of the one , we will thinke nothing too deere for the honour of the other ; we will ( if we be able ) build for either , Aedificavit . The world hath but now in these dayes queasie stomaches to digest this Doctrine . Wee would all serve GOD , but we would gladly doe it after the cheapest and most thrifty way : any precept that implieth cost or building it frighteth us : it is Durus sermo , an hard saying : if our Saviour himselfe come to us as he came once to the Young man in the Gospell , with Vade & vende , Goe sell and give , and the like chargeable commands ; he sends us away as he did him , Melancholy .

All Doctrines are plausible that touch not our profit ; but if we speake of building , or distributing any thing for God , that is not so good . If such a glorious worke as this Centurions here be commended unto us , the effect that it worketh , is this :

We usually commend it againe , and praise it for an Evangelicall precept , that argueth a great deale of perfection in him that doeth it , or the like ; but wee will by no meanes have it any generall command , that every one to whom God hath given the like ability , must of necessity and duty doe it .

Sometime we are not so favorable , but we either carpe at the worke , as Iudas sometime , concerning that good womans love expressed to our Saviour , Quorsum perditio haec ? what need all this waste ? This cost might better have bin imployed other wayes , as thus , and thus ; this will doe more hurt than good , or the like : or if we cannot play the divell with the worke , and accuse that , we will act God Almighty his part with the Author , and doer of it , and presume to be {αβγδ} and sit in judgement of his heart , and intent in the doing of it : and either stile it Pharesisme and done to be seene of men ; Or which is the usuall verdict that we now adayes give up concerning all workes of any transcendent excellency , That they smell of Popery , and are done out of opinion of merrit . So that to excuse the coldnesse that is in our selves , we will disgrace those good deeds , and intents which we see in others .

But if we come neerer the matter , and speake of restoring any thing unjustly with-holden from God ; if of delivering the houses of the Lord which wee have in our possession ; or of the meanes violently and fraudulently detained from them ; if of refusing any gain , though sinisterly offered unto us , & against Gods Commandements ; then it is like the finger upon the Bile : we rage at the very mention of any such thing ; we tast the speech like Gall or Wormewood ; and we heare him that speaketh it , as the Pharisees who were covetous heard Christ , Luke 16.14 . And they heard all these things , and they derided him . So neerely doth God himselfe touch us , when any command of his toucheth our profit ; that as the divell falsely concerning Iob , Touch but all that he hath , Iob 1. and he will blaspheme thee to thy face : I will not say he might now truly say it to the greatest part of the world ; but with a little qualification it will touch too many of us . Let God touch not all , but any thing that wee have , if it be of any moment , and if we will not blaspheme him for it , and cast off al Religion in the case , yet we will excuse it to his face , and put it off for once . Precepts in any other kinde , either commanded by God , or delivered by Gods Ministers , are imbraced with more kinde acceptance and welcome . And if we might choose our service to GOD our selves , we think we could all serve him well enough : one of us would serve him in zeale , and an other in hearing , and an other in reprehending , a fourth in superstitious observances , and a fifth in strained niceties ; every one in one kinde or other would doe God a great deale of service . But we would all have God ( as some men would have Gods Ministers ) to be at our owne allowance for it . Or if we would not deale so meanly with him , yet at leastwise we would have him grant us reservations , and dispensations ; and in some chargeable matters , Charters of liberty . GOD shall command us any thing , Mat . 5.29 . but Not to pluck out our right eye , Not to cut off our right hand ; that is , to forgoe a deere pleasure , or lay downe a necessary profit . To leave the Seate of Custome and to follow Christ ; few Publicans but Saint Matthew would have done it . I will serve God any where , saith the corrupt Officer , But onely in my Office : I will doe what God will have me , saith the deceitfull Trader , But not in my Shop : it is this , truly , that toucheth us all to the quick . We professe a great deale of service towards God , eye-service , and eare-service , and service with a witnesse ; but let this be the Test , and Lydian-touch , how true we are in it ; What we we will build , what will we lay out for him ! then we are stone-cold ; we will doe nothing for GOD'S sake , neither restore to him any thing that is not our owne ; nor distribute any thing for his sake that is our owne : What text soever it be , yet if it be a money matter , wee can dispense with it ; though wee have but nice and narrow gullets , to straine at Gnats and Ceremonies , yet we can glibly swallow downe Extortion and Sacriledge : and though we be easily drawne to give God enough in hearing of Sermons , yet we will bate him for it , in workes of mercy and building of Synagogues . But this is not to serve God like Zachariah and Elizabeth , Luk . 1.6 . who walked in all the Commandements of the Lord , without reproofe , making conscience of some duties as well as other . But it is to serve GOD like Naaman the Syrian , 2 Kings 5 18. who was content ( after his miraculous cure ) to sacrifice to no God , but the God of Israel . In this thing only ( saith he ) let the Lord pardon thy servant , that when my Master goeth into the house of Rimmon to worship there , and he leaneth on my hand , and I bow my selfe in the house of Rimmon ; the Lord pardon thy servant in this thing : to have refused to have done this , had beene to have lost his Office and place in Court ; so ye see profit parteth him and his God ; and so doth it us , and ours . Againe , 1 Sam . 15.9 . this is to offer Sauls sacrifice , To spare the fattest and the best of the Cattell , and to give God the refuse , and that which is worth nothing . This is to be religious as the Pharisees were , in Tything Mint and Comin , and omit judgement , and justice , and mercy , and the greater matters of the Law .

But King David was of an other straine , 2 Sam . 24.24 . he would not offer any such cheape ware to Almighty GOD ; but when Araunah the Iebusite would have given him both the ground and materials to build an Altar , he refused it , and would pay a price for them ; God forbid ( saith he ) that I should offer any thing unto the Lord of that which cost me nought . And God , when he would try Abrahams faith , he tried it by his works , saith Saint Iames , in that he offered upon his command , the deerest comfort that he had in the world , his onely Sonne Isaac .

And the children of Israel , Exod . 35.22 . to expresse their Religion , they plucked off their Earerings , and Bracelets , and Iewels , to adorne the Tabernacle of the Lord . Therefore let us never boast of any piety , till it come to this height , that we can both Reddere , and Retribuere , give God againe what is his owne , and return to him part of those blessings which are ours . Thinke it not enough to have zealous affections , but open and large hearts also : or to forsake all false gods , yet to worship Mammon , and to suffer him to stand in competition with God for our service . To tremble at the mention of an Image , yet not to forsake Covetousnesse , Col. 3.5 . which ( saith the Apostle ) is Idolatry .

Our outward substance , are the things which wee toile and travell most for ; to part with them for Gods sake , and upon his Commandements , truly expresseth that high degree that we love him in . Therefore if we will honour him , the truest way to expresse it , is to honour him with our substance , and with the first fruits of our increase . Prov. 3.9 . If we love him , or love his people , let us shew it as this Centurion did his love , Aedificavit , He built .

Thus generally of the operation of Love . Now particularly , of the election or subject that it chooseth out to worke upon , Synagogam , a Synagogue .

Two things I would have you take notice of concerning Synagogues .

1 Their Institution or Foundation . 2 Their End , Vse , and Ordination .

1 For their Foundation . We reade not of any particular command which Moses had from GOD for them ; or any direction that hee gave to the Church of Israel concerning them ; for certaine in his time they were not , nor long after ; the Bookes of Iosua , Iudges , and the Kings , would not have then beene so silent in them . The opinion of most men is , and that with most probability , That they were brought into the Church of the Iewes , in the time of their captivity , when they were dispersed abroad among other Nations , and could not have accesse to their owne Temple . And after their returne they were continued , both as convenient for such as the Temple could not containe , and for such as dwelt farre off ( as these Capernaamites ) and could not repaire unto it : for the which uses in our SAVIOURS time there were many of them ; both in Ierusalem , and in all other places , and Cities , where the Iewes then inhabited . So that Divine Ordinance , and particular command from God , they had none for them ; Ecclesiastike , such as the example and continuance of former times and ages ; the consent and authority of those who were set over the Church , these they had : yet notwithstanding our Saviour approveth of them , we see ; by frequenting of them , by teaching and performing his Ministeriall Office in them : The Apostles ( we reade ) often did the like : this good man here built one , the fact is commended to our Saviour , and he reproveth it not . So that , although , concerning the heart and life of Religion , God in his expresse word hath revealed whatsoever is necessary for faith , and practise ; yet concerning those things which are De benè esse , or the well-being of the Church ; which is the order and manner of his service , he hath left that Arbitrary , and free for her to dispose and establish or alter , as she seeth occasion . The Church of God here consisting of men , whose conditions and manners are alterable with the times , and ages , that they live in : and therefore it is convenient , that her outward Institutions , and Ordinances , be so likewise ; that in all ages , all things may bee done , in the most decent order , and the most edifying manner . Aliter in constitutâ Ecclesiâ , aliter in constituendâ , saith the old rule . Some things have beene fit to have beene brought into the Church at some times , which formerly have not beene so necessary : and such was the Institution of these Synagogues .

Secondly , for their use or employment . See Buxtor . Sigon . & Alios . Synagogues were to pray , to read , and preach the word of God in , excepting Sacrifices , and Leviticall rites , which were only to be performed in the Temple , the whole duties of Religion might bee performed in them . They were , indeed , answerable to our Parochiall assemblies , or private Churches : The Temple like our Cathedralls . In a word , holy places they were , dedicated to God to performe the daily Liturgie , and other duties of Religion in them ; and from the Assembly , or Congregation that resorted to them , they had their name of Synagogues , which signifies a Congregation .

Piety inflameth our hearts to build : What to build , Wisdome and Prudence must teach us .

Our Love prompteth us to doe for God : our care must make us circumspect , that what we doe , may tend most chiefly to his glory .

There be two wayes how we may build to Gods honour : or there be two wayes wherein we may honour God with our substance , Immediately , towards himselfe . Mediately , in his members .

1 Immediately , towards himselfe ; when we willingly part with our goods for the maintenance , continuance , and propagation of his reasonable and appointed Service ; which consisting of outward meanes , cannot subsist without outward subsidiary helpe , and maintenance . And this they doe , who either endow meanes for the educating , enabling , releeving , or encouraging those who attend , and sequester themselves , to performe this service to Almighty God . Or , in founding , erecting , maintaining , repairing , and adorning Places , and Temples , dedicated to God , to performe this service .

2 Mediately , wee honour God in his members ; when we comfort , helpe , releeve , redeeme , and the like , those who are in calamity , want , indigence , captivity , or any other misery , whereby they might be stirred up to glorifie him , for the mercy and compassion which they see in us : to whom whatsoever we thus doe , our Saviour Christ in his Gospell hath cleerely pronounced it to be done unto himselfe . So graciously mercifull is he toward us , as to account our mutuall reliefe and succour , to be a part of his owne Service .

I will not determine of the preheminence of these two Christian vertues ; nor define of the worth of the one of them above the other . Only what I find our Saviour himselfe once concluded concerning them both , that I may be bold to deliver : Mat . 26. when the woman which sate at our Saviours feet , to testifie the aboundance of love , and honour , that shee bare unto him , powred the Box of precious ointment upon his sacred head , Iudas , through covetousnesse carped at the deed ; and the rest of the Apostles ( through weakenesse ) startled at it likewise , and by both it was concluded , This Ointment might have beene sold for much money , and have beene given to the poore . Here , ye see , was outward honour and liberality , that was shewed to CHRIST himselfe ; questioned as inferior unto that mercy which might have bin shewed unto the poore : yet our Saviour applaudeth the Woman , defendeth the Deed , and concerning the Question , thus concludeth , The poore ye shall have alwayes with you , me ye shall not have alwayes with you ; in that she did it , she did it to my buriall : as if he had said , It is true , to have given thus much to the poore , had beene a good and a charitable worke ; but be ye satisfied , there is nothing done in this , but she may doe that at an other time also ; she shall alwayes finde those who may be fit objects for her charity ; but concerning me , who am shortly to depart from you , according to the flesh , she shall not have the like opportunity againe , to doe me this outward honour . Though that therefore be as good and as necessary a worke as this , This is now more seasonable than that ; so that deeds of Charity , and deeds of Piety , ( for so we use to distinguish them ) are both acceptable to Almighty God : To build an Almes-house , and to build a Synagogue , both sweet-smelling Sacrifices ; onely this is the difference , The one may bee sometime of more importance and instant necessity than the other : Occasion to exercise the first , wee may alwayes have ; as long as men remaine , want and misery for us to releeve , will remaine among them . But for those things that immediately thus we dedicate to God , it is not alwayes so : opportunity doth but serve at sometime when they may bee performed ; wherefore we ought then to fall to it with both hands , because they be workes which cannot be done at all times . It is true indeed , To build a Synagogue is not alwayes possible , is not alwayes necessary . Sometime the State of Christian affaires hath beene at so low an ebbe , that meanes , and abilities wanted thus to expresse their willingnesse to honour God . In the times of the Apostles , when they left all to follow Christ , what had they then left to build withall ?

Sometime the rage of persecution was such against them , that they could not be allowed to build places convenient for Gods service ; but Sheds and Cellars , Crypts , and Caves , and Woods , were faine to supply them instead of Temples and Synagogues ; and those places were chosen for Gods service , not which were meetest but which were safest . In these cases , their sanctified soules and bodies were all the Temples they could build to Almighty GOD , who , without doubt , tooke not any lesse delight in their hearty and zealous affection , because they wanted these outward Ornaments : the cause why they wanted them , was their want of ability ; ability serving , then they had them .

Sometime to build was utterly needlesse , and superfluous ; as after the time of Constantine , and some of the succeeding Emperours , while the world was in love with Religion . When Temples and Churches were so frequent , that no place wanted them ; and when they were so magnificently erected , and so richly adorned , and beautified , that to have added more , had rather beene to have made them garish , than decent : and when their splendor was such ( for the best things admit of a satiety ) that it rather dazled their eyes , than with their comelinesse , added any alacrity unto their devotions . And likewise when their endowments were so large , that they were rather occasion of idlenesse and riot in their Ministery , than the propagation of Piety and godlinesse . Too much meanes in all foundations usually drawing abuse and corruption after them : as Honey , which if moderately used , sweetneth those meates which it is infused into ; but if it be powred in , too large a quantity , then it maketh them luscious & fulsome , and they had better have beene without it . In these times , to have heaped up whole magazines of gold , and precious treasure into Churches , and Cloysters , was altogether needlesse , and greater love than discretion was expressed in it . Then more necessary workes and duties of Christianity , which hereby came to be neglected , had beene more seasonable : at such times to have fed Christ in his members , had beene a good deed more needfully placed , than to have layed great cost upon the polishing of Shrines and Altars ; while the living Temples of the Holy Ghost went unfed , unclothed , and unregarded .

But commeth these occasions about againe to build a Synagogue , which will not alwayes befall us ? Is the time now that we have Christ with us , in that sense that he there speaketh , that wee shall not alwayes have him with us ? Are all those Remora's and Obstacles taken away from us ? and have we in their place , fit opportunities to doe God this great honour seasonably ? The people of Capernaum dwell far from Ierusalem ; and Piety is in danger to decrease , for want of places to exercise Religion in . What deed can then be comparable to this of our Centurion , Aedificare Synagogam ? Opportunities then it seemeth there are ( and as it were ) certaine criticall times , when after some speciall manner , we are called to this duty ; to the which , all other workes whatsoever must give place : and this then by no meanes to be deferred ; the season in which we doe it adding a lustre , to the worke that is done . As when God stayed his hand from destroying Israel , 2 Sam . 24. with the plague of pestilence ; David deferreth not one houre , but right in the same place where the Angell stood still , he erecteth an Altar to Almighty God ; when the memory of the deliverance was yet fresh in the mindes of the people , and the place put them in minde of the deliverance , then was an opportune time for such a worke . Would we know then when this worke were more seasonable for us than any other ? would we doe God this honour , and Iudas himselfe not be able to snarle at it ? Is this an Age that requireth such a worke ? Will God receive some speciall honour by it ? Examine , see what opportunities we have for it .

Are those goodly Structures and Basilica's , builded in former times to the honour of God , and to performe his service in , now in our times ruinated and decaied ? Standeth there any of those ancient Piles in our Land , which wee behold now in their dust , and ruines ; the true Monuments of their love to God that builded them ; and the sure markes of our coldnesse , who let them fall ? Then have we fit opportunity to open our hands to this worke . Then may we both continue those places to God , which our Fathers of old have dedicated to performe his Service in ( which taken away , all Religion would quickly faile . ) And likewise we may make it hereby knowne , That God is of no lesse power in his Church now , than he was in former times : that he reigneth as highly in the hearts of his servants , as ever hee did : that men are not weary of Gods service : that he is alwayes able , to stirre up Zorobabel after Solomon : those who will be zealous for his Church and Service ; and consequently that all the world shall see , that The gates of hell shall never be able to prevaile against it . What higher service can be performed to God than this ? Doest thou see that this may come to passe by thy worke ? Then Build a Synagogue .

Againe , doest thou live in the last and worst Age of the world , when men shall be lovers of themselves more than lovers of God , and the charity of many shall wax cold ; when most men shall lay aside these duties of godlinesse : nay , what a sort of men shall live among us , who cry downe building of Synagogues , and professe it one of the meanest things that we can goe about : striving if they possibly could , to expunge , and blot all workes in this kinde , out of the Table of those laudable deeds , which proceed from Christian liberality ? Nay further , Doest thou live with those who are the spawne of these , who make no conscience of taking these holy places from GOD , who care not to pull downe Synagogues , turning them to a Den of Theeves ; passing nothing how meanely and sordidly they profane them ? Concerning whom , we may take up the Psalmists compaint ; that they turning the glory of God into the Image of a Calfe that eateth hay : Psal . 106.20 . Feeding ( I meane ) in those places the lips of Calves , where formerly GOD'S servants have offered the Calves of their lippes ; no strange or unheard of thing in this Land , I would it were . Doest thou live , I say , amongst those that make no conscience of this ; or of ravishing from the mouthes of GOD'S Ministers , those portions allotted for their maintenance to serve in those places ? Are these so common and so countenanced , that we may justly feare , Should they goe on without any stop , they would in a small time , take all the houses of the Lord , in the Land , into their owne possession ? Then he that will either build any of these houses for God , or redeeme any of those portions taken from them , may ( which is eminent ) stand up alone almost , in the performance of this rejected part of Gods service ; and with his hand stay the Church of GOD now almost tottering , through the undermining of sacrilegious hands . Then mayest thou freshly write those duties , which among us are almost obliterated ; and teach the world that lesson , which now in her dotage she hath well-nigh forgot ; That sacriledge is a sinne . Then mayest thou happily make some man dive into his owne conscience , and say ; This man maketh a conscience to erect , or endow a Synagogue ; what am I , that make none to rob one , or to pull one downe ? Then build a Synagogue .

Againe , doest thou live with those who are adversaries of serving Christ that way that thou walkest in ; who accuse thy religion , for the want of these good deeds ; who shew thee Churches and Synagogues , and boast them to be the fruit of their Religion , which thou rightly callest superstitious ; and will tell thee , that they built those Churches , which thou thinkest too great a burthen to repaire ? Then build a Synagogue , and thou shalt stop the mouth of the adversary : thou shalt in this act confute his objection , and free thy Church from those scandals that hee would fasten upon her ; and put to silence that lowd lye , which they have not beene ashamed so long to impose upon the Ministry that thou livest under : That we are Solifidians ; that we teach not the people the necessity of any of these good workes : that we presse not these things to them , as matters acceptable to God .

These being the fruits of building a Synagogue , who will not say , but it is a worke Paramount to all other , that in this kind we can honour God withall ? Who will not say , that our Age is an Age for the purpose ? That it is now , Opus diei , in die suo , a worke , as seasonable , as pious ? By this , this Centurion shewed the truenesse of his affection to his Church ; and by this , may wee both expresse , and leave an undoubted testimony of her love to ours . It might easily seeme to many , a needlesse labour to dwell long in the perswasion , or commendation of those things , which all Times and Ages have numbred among those which were accounted most eminently glorious : much lesse , that they should stand in need of any justification or Apology . But it is most usuall ( though it be pitty that it should bee so ; ) that things of greatest worth , and perfection , are received with greatest gaine-saying , and contradiction . Happy was this Centurion , that he lived not in our Age : That which he is here commended for , we should now have taxed him in . Building of Synagogues , the comfort and glory of former Times , is the Proverbe and by-word of ours .

GOD hath ever yet had a place to be served in ; yet it is now almost thought arbitrary , whether hee stand in need of any or no . Magnificence , and splendor , hath alwayes beene thought the fittest way in those places , to expresse the brightnesse of his glory that is served in them : yet is it now deemed a disgrace and dishonour to him , to be served with any culture or decency at all . I thinke we reade not any where , that he ever revealed himselfe to us , that hee tooke delight to be served in a poore and beggerly manner : or , that we might dwell in what Seeling , or Cedar we list ; but for his part , the meanest Cottage , were place good enough to performe his service in .

Ever hitherto , as the glory and ability of his Church and people hath increased ; so hath the beauty of his houses & places of worship , been more and more conspicuous . Abel in the beginning of the world sacrificed ( for ought we reade ) upon the bare earth . Noah succeedeth him , and he reared an Altar , happily , but of turfe or Sods . Iacob commeth after , and he was better provided , and he pitcheth a stone at Bethel . Moses followeth him , and he frameth a Tabernacle , though in the Wildernesse . Solomon , he commeth to governe the Church of God in her dayes of peace , and plenty , and he buildeth a most glorious Temple : neither have Christs servants vnder the Gospell , beene lesse magnificent , than they that were under the Law . Why then should we now at the lest thinke , that every Hovell were place beautifull enough for this purpose ? We see no necessity of these things , yet certainly they had some reasons why they underwent al that cost and labour . David saith , that his intent was hereby , to expresse and give a testimony of his affection and love to Gods service , 1 Chro . 29 3. Because I have set my affection upon the house of my GOD , I have given of mine owne proper good gold and silver unto the house of my God ; reade through the body of the Chapter , and see what a masse of treasure he had layed up to be imployed to that holy use : ye see hee maketh the beautifying of Gods house , the proper effect of his love and zeale to Religion . Solomon had a further reason ; he thought by the magnificence of his Temple , most fitly to set forth the greatnesse and Majesty of God , who was served in it , And the house which I build is great , 2 Chr. 2. ● for great is our God above all gods . It was not then it seemeth , unnecessary cost that was thus layed out ; these motives were then accounted sufficient , I know not now whether they wil beare water , or no : if we were but as willing as they , we should finde as many good considerations to prompt us to be as forward as they were . We might observe , ( if our partiality would suffer us ) that the comelinesse , and beauty of the house of prayer , erecteth and lifteth up the minde into a more solid and due consideration of those holy exercises which we goe about ; solemnely , even in all things , mightily working ( though insensibly ) upon the minds of men .

Againe , we might see ( and if we would ) that this outward beauty of Gods Service , among many other markes , and tokens , plainely sheweth and maketh known to the world , The Divinity and force of Christian Doctrine and Religion ; for tell mee I pray ( with equall judgement ) Is it not an evident signe of the victory and upper hand , that Christianity hath got over Heathen idolatry , and Superstition ? When this service of God , which at first was faine to flye into Woods , and Corners ; may now be publikly , solemnely , and magnificently performed : when Paganisme , and Idolatry , that would not suffer so much as a Shed to be erected for the Service of God , is now profligated , and put to flight : Houses , in the honour of CHRIST , and for the performance of his Religion ( maugre all their rage and malice ) now standing gloriously built up , with their tops reaching unto the very Clouds ; while all their gorgeous Temples , dedicated to their feigned Idols , lye demolished in their dust , like Cities undefenced . Doth not this ( I say ) make it appeare to the world , Mat . 21.44 That the stone which the Builders refused , is become the headstone of the corner ; that it hath falne downe upon them , and ground them into powder ? And will any Christian man envie God of his glory ?

Againe , doth not this in some sort , repay againe , a moity to Christ Iesus , for those outward disgraces and violence , which hath beene offered unto him , by persecutors in his Church and Service ? Is it not a good argument and reason , why we should give al outward honour and reverence , unto the very blessed name of Iesus Christ our Saviour ? Because that that very name , hath beene so ignominiously prophaned , and derided , by wicked miscreants and misbeleevers ? And doth not the same reason tell us , that we should now in the flourishing dayes of the Gospell , retaliate againe , that publike suppression , that in persecuted times the service of God groaned under , with as publike worship and honour ? Should we not now fit a glorious Church for his Service , who was then content to accept of the performance of it , though under a Wood , or in the mouth of a Rocke ? Wee reade in Ecclesiastike Stories , in the time of Alexander Severus , Platina . that it was accounted an especiall favour to the Christians , when after long sute , the Emperour did but grant them a Cookes shop , to exercise the duties of Religion in ; the Prince himselfe saying , That place was better employed in the service of any god whatsoever , than in tapping and victualling .

Good GOD ! what structures can be thought glorious enough for thy service ; who wast content to dwell so meanely ?

Once more : God hath made many excellent creatures fit for structure , and beauty in building ; The Marble , Tutch , Porphiry , Alabastar , Brasse , Gold , and all other Minerals , Stones and Mettals ; and doe we imagine that all these were created to be consumed , in the superfluous pompe , and vanity of our owne houses , and no way to be imployed to his honour ? They were Valde bona , in their creation ; were for nothing but vanity in their use ? Yes certainly , God would never have given them a being , if hee had not seene how they might be used to his glory . Therefore , all was not to build Salomons Palace withall , and none to be imployed about the Temple ; yes ( beloved ) the greatest cost and magnificence , was expressed in that place , and Purple , and Gold , and Cedar , and polished Stones ; and whatsoever might manifest beauty and majesty , was there used in abundance .

And in the building of the second Temple , when they saw they could not come nigh the splendor of the first ; he Scriptures tell us , They wept for sorrow , and the Prophets were glad to comfort them ; whereas , had their Service beene the better ; the more homely it was performed , they should rather have rejoyced , than wept ; and their Prophets should rather have reproved , than comforted them .

To conclude ; plenty and peace give the best abilities , and opportunities , to workes of this nature : and therefore was the building of the Temple reserved till the raigne of Salomon , a time famous for them both . We abound and are happy in both these blessings : our plenty , even in this appeareth , in the great expenses which we can afford , to consume in the most unnecessary vanities ; whereof , that which is wasted in the most needlesse of them all , were it thus imployed , were sufficient to build as glorious a Church , as ever was erected to the honour of Christ . And what peace ( even to security againe ) doe we enjoy , every one under his owne vine ! while the greatest part of the Christian world is in an uproare , round about us : their miseries , so unfelt of by us , that they serve but for Table-talke to the most of us , and for pitty to the best of us . How then can we better set forth our great thankes to God for this great plenty , than in returning him some first-fruits of it ; in repairing and adorning his decaied houses of worship ; manifesting thereby , that we are willing that he shall tast of his owne blessings himselfe also ? And what better leisure have we to doe these kinde of workes , than these Halcyonian-dayes which we live in ? 1. How easily may we abuse them unto riot , if they be not some way or other thus holily imployed ? 2. What hopes have we now , that what we doe may continue for many generations to come , and our worke feele no other violence , than the violence of Time ; which , though it consumeth all things , yet in this is mercifull , that it giveth a date and continuance to every thing . Good God! I cannot reade without stupor and amazement ; the zeale ( this way ) of the Primitive Christians : who before the time of Constantine , under Severus , Gordianus , Philip , Euseb . lib . 8. c . 1. and Galienus , the state of Christian affaires being then but tollerable at the best : the favour that the world then shewed them , being like a gleame of the Sun-shine in the midst of a rainy day ; yet how quickly got they up , spacious and ample Churches in every City ? when they were not sure , Lib . 8. c . 8. that they should continue so long after , as they were in building of them . For as soone as wicked Dioclesian came to the Empire , he plucked them all downe againe : Maximinus succeedeth , and he giveth them leave to rebuild them ; and up they goe againe , Lib . 10.2 . saith Eusebius , with greater splendor than ever they did before . What hearts were in these men , that would spend the least time that was given them to breath in , thus holily ? Who would build up Churches , although they were welnigh sure they should bee demolished , as soone as they were finished ? How forward should we be , who almost assure and promise to our selves a kinde of an eternity of what we doe ? when centuries of yeares shall passe , and our worke continue both in our own and succeeding ages , to doe God good service in : when no outragious and impious hand , shall deface that beauty that our devotions shall bestow upon them . No people had ever a more fit time for such a worke than we : no example more fitly now to be imitated , than this of our Centurion , He built a Synagogue .

But ( me thinkes ) I see your apprehensions , even preventing my meditations ; and you doe all looke upon me , as if yee had a great while longed till I came to your owne wished application of my Text . Every one of you are ready to conjecture in all this , what I have aimed at , and ye are right in it ; It is to exhort , and exalt this great worke now begun , upon this mighty Fabrike wherein we are now assembled . I would my abilities were answerable to my goodwill , I should then throughly performe it .

To omit ( for I must contract my selfe ) those many excellent good causes , and deepe considerations ( above common capacities ) whereupon Cathedrals in generall , are justly and wholesomely continued in the Church of God : This place in particular , the most famous of them all , cannot without our Churches great dishonour , be suffered to fall and decay amongst us . Grant ( though it be too much to grant ) that it were tollerable , though pittifull , in some upland and private part or corner of the Kingdome , to see such a stupendious frame as this fall , and ruine , for want of re-edifying ; the cost peradventure to uphold it being more than ordinary ; yet that this should doe so , were scandalous and unsufferable . Three Advocates there are that seeme to plead for this Church above any other whatsoever .

1. The place or situation , so conspicuous .

2. The use or imployment of it , so generall .

3. The Author who intendeth now there-edification , so royall and gratious .

1. It standeth ( like the Temple of Ierusalem ) in the Metropolis or Head-City of the Land . Hither all Strangers who come upon our Coasts , resort and repaire ; and they do judge and censure of the whole State of the Kingdome , and how we stand affected to Religion , according to the Scale which they take of this place . Who will not say , but it would scandall the very Religion that we do professe ; that Forreigners should come to us , and see Magnificence , and Kingly royalty of building , in every corner of this great Citie , and in this our chiefe Church , nothing but vastnesse and ruine . To see men clothed , and fed , and lodged , like Kings in their owne houses ; yet no regard how unseemely they are in this place . Surely , it would make the world think and strangers say , That the people of London did nothing but Sit downe to eate and drinke , and rise up to play ; and the last and least regard they tooke was toward Religion , and how they served God ; an imputation which I know that ye would not willingly should be fastned upon you .

Againe , the generall and publike imployment which this Church is used for , pleadeth no lesse for the repairing and beautifying of it : Other Cathedrals , serving onely for the publike affaires of those Provinces that they are in . This for the use of the whole Church of England , in which respect we may stile it , Cathedram Cathedrarum , The mother of all our Cathedrals .

Here , when the generall affaires of our Church require a Chapter , and Synod of the whole Clergy ; here , I say , is the place of their assembling : here , ye your selves of this Citie , in all your publike meetings ( like to that place whither the Tribes went up in their Orders ) resort , and joyne in prayer together : to shew that all things are done among you to the glory of God . Here ye assemble your selves likewise , to give God publike thankes , for any publike blessings or deliverances which befall the whole Land .

Hither also our Princes and Governors resort , to joyne with us in those solemne thankes-givings . And is there any so senselesse , or so rigidly Stoicall , that will say , that either all these things are needlesse ; or that it were seemely for such a famous Kingdome , or such a glorious City , that these her so publike actions of Religion , should bee performed under a ruinous heape of stones ? Are the magazines , Burses , Hals , Guilds , and all your other places of assembly , richly , and statelily adorned ; and this place of as solemne , but more holy meeting , onely sordid and unseemely ?

Wheresoever our gracious Soveraigne commeth , all men ( I thinke ) will say , that it is fitting those places that receive him , should excell others in nitor and decency ; and will you suffer him onely , when hee commeth to joyne with you in his devotions , to behold unseemely decay and ruine ? I cannot thinke you would abide it .

But admit that ye were so cold , that none of these motives would excite you to a forwardnesse in this worke ; yet let the example of a gratious Prince prove attractive with you . If my arguments be meane yet let his example be powerfull .

This is the worke which all men plainely see , his religious Majesty hath peculiarly picked out , and aimed at , to be his selected oblation to Almighty God ; and the proper testimony to present to succeeding Ages his love and affection to Religion . Other Princes have sought the glory , and continuance of their fames , by the building of Mausoleum's , Colosso's , Pyramides , and other stately and costly vanities ; A memoriall of his piety and zeale to Gods house , is that which he chiefly aimeth at . Is it not then our duties ( beloved ) with all our abilities to second a Prince thus religiously disposed ? Thinke ye that it will not worke upon his royall heart to see what he himselfe hath begun , to be generally imbraced and liked of ? Will it not excite him to undertake other and higher matters for Gods honour ( if occasion offer them ) when he shall see himselfe in this seconded and complied withall ?

Were it but the building of some Palace , for his royall Court , if he should require the helpe of his people ; they were but currishly uncivill that to a Prince ( I speake in the simplicity of my heart and so would be understood of all men ) so famous for Piety , Iustice , and Temperance , that should deny their helping hands in it ; much more , then when what he goeth about is religious , and concerneth us as much as him .

Adde this to all the rest . He hath begun this work in the flower and prime of his Age , thanks be to God it is none of his Bed-red devotions ; but in those yeares doth he take up his thoughts about these holy matters , which almost the meanest of us spend in the height of vanity and intemperance . In this one thing we are excited to a continuation and addition of our liberall contributions : That as he hath begun it in the flower of his dayes , he may have that comfort and happinesse ( to his eternall renowne ) to see the perfection and finishing of it ; And though it passed through a race of divers Kings in the building , yet the repaire ( an act almost as great ) might be the deed of one alone . Let his forwardnesse therefore make every one of us forward ; as when King David would build an Altar , it made Araunah offer like a King to the building , here is an example above this in my Text . It is not Centurio but Imperator , Caesar himselfe buildeth ; and not a private Synagogue , but a glorious Cathedrall . A worke so worthy , that it deserveth a King for the Author ; so great and costly , that it requireth a Kingdome for the contribution . Therefore , from Dan to Beersheba , should every one be called to joyne in it .

But more especially , yee , the inhabitants of this honourable Citie , ought to shew your selves in it , most forward and exemplary .

First it stands with you , and therefore is in a more peculiar manner yours than any others .

Secondly , you are the most able of all the people of the Land . Ye have the blessing of Asher , yee dip your feet in Oile , and abound in wealth and riches , the riches of the whole Land serving but to inrich you . Whatsoever the Country man swinks for ; whatsoever the Lawyer pleads for ; whatsoever the Courtier begs for ; whatsoever the Landlord racks for ; all through your commerce and trading ( which GOD blesse still unto you ) like to a great River that were fed with many petty springs , floweth into your bosomes ; so that like Gideons fleece , ye have moisture though all the Land be dry about you . From you therefore , to whom GODS blessings hath afforded the greatest ability , GOD and men looke upon you expecting in these workes the most liberall retribution .

Thirdly , it is you that are most sensible of the worth of this worke , which few others rightly conceive of . The simple Country man so ignorant , that he cannot apprehend it ; And our Gentry for a great part so vaine , that they never consider of it ; nor seldome of any thing so serious : whose contributions it may be , would be more liberall to a Horse-race , than to a Synagogue . But it is you , that by the frequent good preaching that is amongst you ; and in speciall , this particular worke , having bin so often , and so learnedly pressed unto you , who must needs more rightly poyse the dignity thereof better , than ordinarily other people can doe : and therefore there is no hope of the worke if you be slacke in it .

Lastly , your Citie it is , that hath produced so many good Centurions in all other good workes ; that we cannot despaire but it will yeeld likewise those that will open their hands to this . A deed if rightly considered , and with true judgement pondered , as glorious to God ; as honourable for our Nation ; as commendable for this City ; as famous for these dayes of the Gospell , as any we can lay our hands to . Therefore , as it is royally begun , I hope it will be religiously followed . And so I will conclude with that thankes giving of Ezra in the 7. Chap. 27. upon the like occasion .

Blessed be the Lord God of our Fathers , who who hath put such a thing as this into the heart of the King , to beautifie the house of God , which is in our Ierusalem .

The Lord preserve his Royall Majesty , and give him a long and a prosperous raigne over these his Kingdomes , to the finishing of this good worke , and the beginning and accomplishing of many others to his glory and our comfort ; and that for Iesus Christ his sake , our Mediator and Advocate . To whom be all honour , &c.

FINIS .