An anniuersarie memoriall of Englands deliuery from the Spanish inuasion deliuered in a sermon on Psal. 48. 7,8. By Thomas Gataker B. of D. and pastor of Rotherhith.

PSALME 48.7 , 8.

7. As with an East wind , thou breakest the Ships of Tarshish ; so were they destroyed .

8. As we haue heard , so haue we seene in the Citie of the Lord of Hoasts , in the Citie of our God : God will establish it for euer . Selah .

AS in all well-gouerned States there are publike a a 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 siue 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 Ezr. 6.2 . Et 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 siue 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 Ester 6.1 . & Ezr. 4.15 . 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Hesych . Archiua ; quae & Tabularia Ciceroni pro Arch. & Virgilio Georg. l. 2. vbi actus publici continentur . Seru. Registers , and Records , that the memory of Iudgements and Acts may not perish : So hath God in mans Soule erected a Register , to wit , the facultie of b b Memoria est vis animae accepta retinens , praeterita repetens , elapsa re colligens . Aug. nom . de sp. & an . c. 37. Omnium rerum thesaurus , & custos est memoria . Ibid. c. 34. Memory is the storehouse of the Soule , and the Register of the Minde . Morton threefold state of Man , l. 2. c. 4. §. 1. The Memoratiue facultie is the Gardian and Register of all species and images apprehended by the sense , and reserued and sealed vp by the Imagination . Charron of Wisdome , l. 1. c. 12. Hoc est quod Scalig. de subtil . exerc . 307. §. 2. Imaginationis Memoria seruatrix est . Acceptas enim species ab imaginatione reponit , conditque in thesauris . Remembrance , for the preseruation of such occurrents , as are of weight , and may be of vse for the direction of mans life .

But this Register is very much abused by the greatest part of those that haue the custody of it . For if the Records that the most enter therein , and keepe there , were surueyed , c c See Bern. serm. parv . 1. Morton ibid. §. 2. and Marbury of Repentance . there would be found filed there large rolls fraught with friuolous and froathie stuffe , of little weight , and lesse vse , yea ( it may be ) with much filthy , and vnsauoury matter , d d Ephes. 5.3 , 4. not once to be mentioned , much lesse to be remembred : scarce any script , or scroll of ought , that is ought worth , or worthy to be entred in so e e Archiuum planè regium , imò etiam diuinum . royall a Register .

Now if any thing deserue to be there carefully recorded , that it may by that meanes be transmitted to posteritie , it should be f f Psal. 105.5 . & 111.2 , 3 , 4. Malac. 4.4 . Gods word , and his works , his extraordinary Acts especially either of Iudgement , or of Mercy . For the former , the Prophet Ioel willeth the people of his time , both to record them themselues , and to cause their Children to record them , and them also to relate them to their posteritie . g g Ioel 1.2 . Tell it you to your Children ; and let them tell it to their children ; and their Children to those that rise in their roome . Of the latter saith the Psalmist , h h 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 Asaphi Psalmus . Iun. A Psalme of Asaph . Reg. Bibl. for Asaph . Genev. Asaph , or who euer he were ; i i Psal. 78.5 , 6. He commanded our Fathers to teach it to their Children , that posteritie might know it , and the Children that are yet vnborne might declare it to their Children hereafter ; that Gods works might not be forgotten .

In which kinde the pious , and religious Act of k k Mr Thomas Chapman . the Founder of this Exercise is very much to be commended , who hauing culled out three principall Acts of Gods extraordinary Mercy exhibited to the Land wherein we liue , as great as any euer vouchsafed to any State whatsoeuer , hath established a l l 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . solemne Anniuersarie Memoriall of them to perpetuate them to all posteritie . Occasion .

To my Lot is fallen that m m Octogesimus octauus mirabilis annus Clade Papistorum ; faustus vbique p●js . Fulk . in Rhem. admirable Deliuerance in 88. from that n n The inuincible Nauie . See Hackluits relation . Inuincible Armado , as it was then stiled and termed .

For the remembrance whereof , and of Gods mercy in it , I haue made choice to intreat of some o o Psal. 48.7 , 8. parcell of this Psalme , not vnbefitting ( as you may soone see ) the present occasion . Text.

The Psalme , is a Psalme ( not so much p p Piscat . 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , Summe of the Psalme . as 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , and q q Iunius . 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 ) of Praise and of Triumph .

Of the praise of God , and his goodnesse to his Church . Parts 2.

Of triumph ouer Gods enemies , and the enemies of his Church . Part 1.

The r r Verse 1 . -5 . Praise of God , Praise . and his goodnesse to his Church , is laid downe from the first verse to the fift . Part 2.

The speciall ground of this praise s s Verse 5 . -10 . a victorie through his assistance atchieued against his enemies , Triumph . and the enemies of his Church is , by way of triumph , related from the fift verse to the tenth . Relation .

And in the Relation hereof there is , 1. Attempt .

First t t Verse 4. the enemies Attempt ; and therein

1. Praeparatio ; their preparation ; 1. Preparation . Conuenerunt pariter ; they met together .

2. Expeditio ; their expedition ; 2. Expedition . Progressi sunt pariter ; they went on together .

Secondly , the issue , and euent of it : 2. Euent . not like that of Casar , u u Sueton. Caes. c. 37. Sic de Pompeio Atheniens●s , 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Veni , vidi , vici ; I came , I saw , I ouercame : but , venerunt , viderunt , veriti sunt , victi sunt : they came , they saw , they were ouercome , with astonishment , with feare , with defeature .

1. x x Verse 5. Contemplati sunt ; they but viewed the Land that they came to inuade . Degree 1.

Degree 2. 2. Obstupuerunt , they wondred that they were able to make head against them .

3. Conturbati sunt ; they were troubled , disaraied , disappointed . Degree 3.

Degree 4. 4. Festinauerunt ; they made all the haste they could to be gone .

Degree 5. 5. y y Vers. 6. Timor eos apprehendit ; they were full of feare , & affrightment , when they found not free passage .

Degree 6. 6. Et dolor , vt dolores parturientis ; they were surprised with paines , being thus cast into such streights and distresses ; like a woman in her trauell .

Degree 7. Lastly , z z Verse 7. Euro conteris naues Oceani , they were discomfited , and destroyed , as the Ships of the * * 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 vnde Grae. 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , quasi 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , Brought . Oceanus , sed peculiariter Mediterraneus , à regione Tarsis , i. Cilicia , quam alluit . Leuant Seas are , when with a furious East-wind they are bruised , and battered , and broken to peeces against the rocks .

Application . If I should say no more , but adde only the words following : a a Verse 8. Prout audiuimus , & vidimus ; What we haue heard with them , we haue seene done for vs ; it were a very pregnant description of this our deliuerance . But somewhat more must be said , that we may learne what vse to make of it .

Illustration . The Relation of this Victorie atchieued for them by God ( for b b Psal. 44.2 , 3. & 115.1 . to him alone it is ascribed ) is here c c Verse 8. further illustrated .

1. By a report of what was past : 1. Report . the words seeme to haue reference not to the d d Ab adiuncta praedictione , & promissione diuina . Piscat . Ita & R. Kimchi . Amb. Apollin . Aug. Ruffin . Theodoret. Euthym. Lomb. Cassiod . Hug. Lyr. Bucer . Brent . Moller . Strigel . Loss . &c. vnde Aug. O beata Ecclesia , quodam tempore audisti ; quodam tempore vidisti : audiuit in promissionibus , vidit in exhibitionibus . Verum isti plaerique sensum mysticum sequuntur . d d Ab exemplis antegressis . Chrysost. Beza . Buchan . Hessec . Sic Psal. 44.1 . vtrumque ponunt Calv. Muscul. Iun. predictions of Gods Prophets , but to former examples rather of the like done for Gods people : What we haue heard done in our fore-fathers time for them , we haue seene done in our daies for vs .

2. By a promise of further future protection . God will establish it for euer .

And their thankfulnesse followeth in e e Verse 9. the next Verse : 2. Promise . Thankfulnes . ( that which we through Gods mercy suruiue to doe this day ) We recount , or meditate on thy mercy , ô Lord , in the middest of thy Temple , that is , in the middest of the Congregation there gathered together .

Thus you see briefly the Summe , Transition from Distribution to Instructions . Instruction 1. and the Substance , as of my Text , so of the former part of the whole Psalme .

I come now to some Instructions that out of it may be obserued .

The first of them is this . f f 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Hesiod . oper. l. 1. Prou. 11.27 . Quaerunt ruinam , qui ruinam cogitant . They bring destruction vpon themselues , that seek the ruine of Gods elect . g g Psal. 37.12 , 13. The wicked ( saith the Psalmist ) practiseth against the righteous ; and seeketh occasion to slay him . But the Lord the whiles laugheth him to scorne : for he seeth that his day is comming . h h Ibid. 14 , 15. The wicked haue drawne their sword and bent their bow , to ouerthrow , and destroy those , that be of an vpright conuersation : But their sword shall be sheathed in their owne side ; and their bow shall be knapt in two i i Isai. 41.11 , 12. All that prouoke thee ( saith God by the Prophet Esay to his people ) shall be confounded , and brought to nought ; all that contend with thee , shall perish . Thou shalt seeke them , and shalt not finde them . All that striue with thee shall be as nothing : all that warre vpon thee , as a thing of nought . And k k Zech. 12.2 . I will make ( saith God by the Prophet Zachary ) Ierusalem as a cup of rancke poison to all those that besiege her ; which when a thirstie man lighteth vpon , and swalloweth downe suddenly , hee findeth his bane in that , that hee hoped to quench his thirst with . l l Ibid. 3. I will make Ierusalem an heauie stone to all people ; such a one as m m Matth. 21.44 . shall crush to peeces all that attempt to lift it , or to remoue it : so shall she teare to peeces all that attempt to stirre her , though all the nations in the world should ioyne together against her . n n Zech. 12.6 . I will make the Princes of Iuda like coales of fire among seare-wood , and like a firebrand in a sheafe ; & they shall deuoure , & destroy all the people that beset them on the right hand , and on the left .

The Reason hereof :

Reason 1. 1. Dei qui Ecclesiam impetunt , Deum petunt . They that fight against Gods Church , o o 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Act. 5.39 . & Tertull. ad Scapul . fight against God himselfe . p p Non tam vos , quàm Christum in vobis persequuntur . Saluian . de prouid . lib. 8. cap. 4. Patitur enim in vobis Deus . Martial . epist. 2. c. 18. They persecute not you so much , as Christ in you , saith Saluian . q q Act. 9.4 . Saul , Saul ( saith our Sauiour ) why doest thou persecute me . And in so doing , they doe but as one ( saith the Comick ) r r Verberare nol● lapidem n● laedas manum . Plaut. Curcul . 1.3 . that beateth a stone , and spoileth his hand ; or s s Acts 9.5 . 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Aeschyl . Prometh . 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Pindar . Pyth. 2. 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Eurip. Bacch . Quae inscitia est , adu●rsum stimulum calces ● Ter. Ph●rm . 1.2 . as the beast that spurneth at the goade , that he was pricked with ; t t 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Schol. Aeschyl . Si stimulos pugnis caedis , manibus plus dolet . Plaut. Trucul . 4.2 . vide & Chrysost. in Psal. 11. he maimeth but his foot by it , & getteth a worse wound ; or u u 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Greg. Naz. ad Eunom . 5. as the Boare , that runneth fiercely vpon the Speare , and so receiueth into his body the whole weapon that the Hunts-man holdeth . x x Psal. 2.1 , 2. Why ( saith the Psalmist ) doe the Nations rage , and the people keepe such a coile to no end ? The Kings of the earth band themselues together , and the Princes assemble themselues together , against the Lord , and against his Anointed ? Therefore against the Lord himselfe , because against the Lords Anointed . And as y y Qui insurgit in Christum Domini , insurgit in Dominum Christi . Sic Psal. 89.51 . he that riseth against the Lords Anointed , riseth against the Lord by whom hee is anointed : So they that rise against the Church of God , rise against God himselfe , whose Church it is ; z z Esai . 37.29 . Because thou ragest against mee ( saith God to Senacherib ) therefore I will put my ring in thy nose , and my bit in thy iawes , and bring thee backe the same way thou camest . a a Psal. 17.8 . Keepe me ( saith Dauid ) as the apple of thine eye : hide me vnder the shadow of thy wings . They that deale with them , deale with those that are as deare vnto God , as the very apple of his eye , that that the eye-sight consisteth in ; And therefore saith God , b b Zach. 2.8 . I will be as a wall of fire about Ierusalem ( hee saith c c Non saxeus , non aheneus , sed igneus , qui & cominus arceat , & eminus terreat . Theo. in Zach. not , saith Theodoret , a wall of stone , or of brasse , but of fire , that it may both fray afar off , and keepe off too at hand ; that may not onely protect them , but destroy those that assault them ) because d d Zach. 2.5 . he that medleth with you , medleth with me , euen with e e Ad exprimendam teneritudinem p●etatis suae , tenerrimam ( sed & charissimam ) partem humani corporis nominauit , &c. Saluian . de prouid . l. 8. c. 4. the apple of mine eye .

2. f f 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Pythag. an Radamanth . Aristot. ethic. lib. 5. cap. 5. Lex talionis verè lex aequissima . Reason 2. The Law of retaliation , or like-recompence , is most equall . g g 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Pindar . Nem ▪ 4. Quod quisque fecit , patitur . Sen. Herc. fur . 3.2 . Non est iniuria pati , quod prior feceris . Sen. de ira , lib. 2. cap. 30. - neque enim lex iustior vlla est , quam necis artifices arte perire sua . Ouid. art. l. 1. It is not euill , that they suffer euill , that haue done euill to others . h h Iam. 2.13 . There shall be iudgement ( saith S. Iames ) without mercy to those that would shew no mercy . i i 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Cleon apud Thucyd. l. 3. It is no cruelty to vse them cruelly , that haue shewed cruelty to others . For k k Misericordiam qui non praestat alteri , tollit sibi . Petr. Chrysol . ser. 42. he excludeth himselfe from mercy ( saith Chrysologus ) that denieth it to another . l l 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Pythia Glauco apud Herodot . lib. 6. But they stand guilty of destruction that haue m m Decreuisti facere ? iam perfecisti . August . de verb. Dom. 43. a purpose to destroy . For n n Voluntas faciendi reputatur pro opere facti : & actionis crimine cogitatio condemnatur . Pel●g . ad Demetr. the bare will alone goeth with God for the work , and the very endeuour , desire , yea or o o Nam scelus intra se tacitè qui cogitat vllum , Facti crimen habet . Iuuen. sat. 13. thought , for the deed . p p Iosu. 24.9 . Balak rose , and fought with Israel , saith Iosua . And yet the story saith nothing so . But q q Fieri dicitur , quod tentatur aut intenditur . Riber . in Amos 9.5 . that is said to be done , that is either intended , or attempted , saith Ribera . He did it not , only because he durst not : and the woman ( saith the Heathen man ) r r Quae quia non licuit , non facit , illa facit . Ouid. amor . lib. 3. el. 4. Non dicam pudicam , quae aut legem , aut virum timuit : non immeritò in numerum peccantium refertur , quae pudicitiam timori praestitit , non sibi . Sen. de ben . l. 4. c. 14. that doth not euill , because shee dare not , when she would do it , if she durst , though she doe it not , yet she doth it . s s Matth. 5.28 . He that looketh but on a woman to lust after her ( saith our Sauiour ) t t 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Clem. Rom. constit . Apost. l. 1. c. 1. hath already in his heart committed adultery with her . And , u u 1 John 3.5 . He that hateth but his brother , ( saith S. Iohn ) x x Quantum ad te pertinet , occidisti , quem odisti . Aug. homil. 42. hath already murthered him in his heart . y y Res mira : ille viuit , tu tamen homicida 〈◊〉 ; illa casta est , tu tamen adulter es . Aug. de verb. Dom. 46. & de 10. chord . 3. & de temp. 237. & homil. 5. & 40. & 42. sed & C●ncil . Tolet. 11. c. 4. A strange matter ( saith S. Augustine ) the man is aliue still , and yet thou art a murtherer : the woman is honest , and yet art thou an adulterer . z z Latro est etiam antequam manus inqu●net , qui ad occidendum armatus est , & habet spoliandi , atque interficiendi voluntatem . Sen. de benef . l. 5. c. 13. Illo ●s homicida venenum quo misces die . Idem de constan . c. 7. The minding then of destruction , maketh a destroyer . a a Potest aliquis nocens fieri , quamuis non noc●at . Omnia scelera ante effectum operis , quantum culpae satis est , perfecta sunt . Sen. ibid. He is guilty of it that doth but intend , or attempt to destroy : and deserueth himselfe to be destroyed . b b Deut. 19.19 . If a witnesse ( saith God ) shall rise against a man to take his life away from him , you shall euen doe vnto him ( not , as he did , but ) as he would haue done vnto his neighbour .

The second point of Instruction : Creaturae Deo dilectis militant .

Gods creatures fight for those that are Gods ; for those that loue him , and whom he loueth ; Instruction 2. against the enemies of his Church . c c Exod. 8. & 9. & 10. The Frogs , Flies , Lice , Locusts , &c. fought for Gods seruants against Pharao , and his people . d d Iudg. 5.20 , 21. The Starres from heauen fought in their courses against Sisera : and the riuer Kishon swept his armies away , as the Red Sea had done Pharao's before . e e Iosua 10.13 . The Sunne stood still to assist Ioshua in the pursuit of the Canaanites : and f f Joshua 10.11 . the haile-stones slew more of them than the sling or the sword did . g g Vers. 7. And as here with the East-wind doest thou dash to peeces the Ships of the Mediterranean Sea ; * * Exod. 14.27 , 28. & 15.4 . So h h Milites nobis qui aderant , retulerunt , extorta sibi esse de manibus quaecunque iaculabantur , cùm à Theodosit partibus in aduersarios vehemens ventus iret ; & non solum quaecunque in eos iaci●bantur concitatissimè raperet , verume●iam ipsorum tela in eorum corpora retorqueret . Aug. de ciuit . l. 5. c. 26. the winds fought for Theodosius in that famous battell against Maximus , carrying the darts , and arrowes of his companies full into the faces of their enemies , and returning backe those of their enemies vpon their owne bodies : That which euen i i A Christi nomine al●enus . Aug. ibid. an Heathen Poet admiring , brake out into that speech ; k k O nimium dilecte Deo , cui militat Aether ; Et coniurati veniunt ad classicaventi ! Te propter gelidis Aquilo de monte procellis Obruit aduersas acies , renolutaque tela Vertit in autores & turbine reppulit hastas . Claudianus 3. Coss. Honor. O how highly art thou beloued of God , whom the heauens fight for ; and the Winds as thy confederates come in to assist thee ! To thine aid came the boisterous North-wind downe from the Hills , and bare downe before thee the troopes that came against thee , with whirling blasts repelling their speares , and retorting their arrowes , and darts vpon their owners .

The Reason hereof .

Reason 1. 1. The Saints are in league , and confederacie with God . l l Psal. 50.5 . Gather me my Saints ( saith he ) that haue made a league with me . Now as Princes that are in league of amity together , may haue the m m 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Eurip. Electr . & Phaeniss . & Orest. Amicorum inter se communia sunt omnia . Ter. Adelph . 5.3 . free vse of either others forces at need : n n 1 King . 22.4 . 2 Chron. 18.3 . My horses ( saith Iehosaphat to Ahab ) are as thy horses ; and my people as thy people : thou mayest vse them as thine owne . So the godly being in league with God , may haue all his forces , and armies for their helpe , and assistance , whensoeuer need shall be . And what are all the Creatures but Gods hoasts ? He is o o Dominus exercituum . Amos 4.13 . verse 8. the Lord of Hoasts : and ( as p p Vide Dauidem Kimchi in Radic . the Rabbines well obserue ) hee hath two generall troopes , as his horse , and foot , q q 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 the vpper troope , and r r 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 the lower troope , or s s Copiae tam inferiores , quam supernae . Mercer . the creatures aboue , and the creatures beneath , all ready prest to be employed , in warres , either defensiue , or offensiue , for the safegard of his fauourites , or the destruction of their opposites . Euen t t Psal. 34.7 . the Angels themselues ( saith the Psalmist ) pitch their tents about those that feare God , &c. u u Piis assident ; impios obsident . Ambros. in Psal. they lye in garrison , about the godly , to defend and deliuer them ; they lie in campe against their enemies to offend , and to destroy them .

Reason 2. 2. What are the Creatures , but Gods Sergeants at Armes to arrest , and attach Rebels ? x x Psal. 119 91. All the creatures ( saith the Psalmist ) are at his seruice . y y Psal. 104.4 . The winds are his messengers , and the fire and flame his ministers . And z z Psal. 148.8 . the haile , and snow his officers , and the executioners of his word : they serue him all , and they do his will , though a a Nec operis sunt consciae . Bern. de grat . & lib. arb. they know not what they doe . But they rebell against God himselfe ( as we haue heard b b Point 1. before ) that are vp in armes against any of those that be his : Reason 1. whom he hath vndertaken the protection of ; and concerning whom he hath giuen so expresse a charge by the Psalmist , c c Psal. 105.15 . Touch not mine Anointed ; that is , any one of mine holy ones . The place is commonly misvnderstood ; not spoken of Kings directly ( though d d 1 Sam. 24.7 . & 26.9 , 11. concerning them also , as being in a more speciall maner e e Psal. 89.20 . Gods Anointed ; ) but to Kings ( f f Psal. 105.14 . He rebuked euen Kings for their sakes ) in the behalfe of his Saints , by him g g 2 Cor. 1.21 . spiritually anointed to be h h Apoc. 1.6 . & 5.10 . & 20.6 . 1 Pet. 2.9 . Kings , and Priests to him . These being in such maner his , the Creatures are all as his Purseuants , and his Sergeants at Armes to apprehend , and attach them all that make head against them , and i i Insectantur vos & in vobis Deum . Saluian . de prouid . l. 8. c. 4. against himselfe in them ; and either to bring them in , or to make his charge good vpon them , by destroying them , as he did k k Esai . 37.36 . Senacheribs hoast , in the place .

The third Point of Instruction .

Est ciuitas Dei , Deus quam protegit .

It is the Citie of God , that l l Esai . 37.35 . God thus protecteth . Instruction 3. m m Verse 8. In the Citie of the Lord of Hoasts ; ( saith my Text ) in the Citie of our God . And before , n n Verse 1. Great is the Lord , and greatly to be praised in the Citie of our God : o o Verse 3. In her Palaces it is that God is knowne for a sure retreat . It is p p Zech. 2.5 . Ierusalem , that God is a wall of fire about . And vpon them it was that q q Apoc. 20.9 . fire fell downe , and deuoured them , that beset the beloued Citie .

The Reason hereof .

Reason 1. 1. It is the place of Gods residence , where hee especially resideth , r r Psal. 132.14 . This is my rest for euer ( saith he ) Here will I dwell , for I take delight in it . And Princes , though they haue a generall care of their whole kingdome , yet s s 2 Sam. 5.9 . a more speciall care of the places of their principall abode .

Reason 2. 2. It is Gods inheritance . t t Deut. 9.29 . They are thy people and thine inheritance , saith Moses . And we know how loth men are ( witnesse u u 1 King . 21.3 . Naboth the Iisrelite ) to lose , or to depart with their inheritance , or any part of it .

Reason 3. 3. It is Gods Vineyard . x x Esai . 5.7 . Surely the Vineyard of the Lord of Hoasts is the house of Israel ; and the men of Iuda his pleasant plantation . And his Vineyard hee saith y y Esai . 27.3 . he will keepe , and watch continually night and day , without any moment of intermission , that no enemie assaile it , that none breake into it , to make spoile and hauocke of it .

Reason 4. 4. It is Gods Garden . z z Cant. 4.12 . My Sister , my Spouse , is as a Garden inclosed . And we know how carefull men are of any place to fence and pale in their Gardens , whatsoeuer place else , field , or Orchard , they suffer to lie open . Nor let vs thinke that God hath any whit lesse care of his , which hee delighteth so much in .

Obiection . But how commeth it to passe then ( may some say ) that the Psalmist complaineth in that manner ? O Lord the Heathen are come into thine inheritance , they haue made Ierusalem an heape of stones , &c.

I answer . Solution 1. 1. a a The house of God . Gen. 28.19 , 22. Beth-el sometime becommeth b b The house of vanitie . Hosh. 5.8 . & 10.5 Beth-auen . c c Esai . 1 . 2● . The faithfull Citie sometime turneth Harlot . And it is iust with God then d d Esai . 50.1 . Ier. 3.8 . to cast her off ; e e Heb. 8.9 . Shee kept not couenants with me , and I cast her off , saith the Lord .

2. Gods children sometime grow f f Hosh. 4.16 . Tanquam indomita iuuenca . Quae velut latis eq●a trima campis ludit exultim , metintque tangi . Horat. car . 3.11 . wanton , and prouoke God to wrath . Solution 2. In which case God vseth the wicked as g g Vtitur Deus creatura rationali , sed maleuola tanquam disciplinae virga . Bern. de lib. arb. rods , and scourges to correct them with . h h Esai . 10.5 . Ashur ( saith God by the Prophet Esay ) is but the rod of my wrath . i i Eius consiliis militant , etiam qui eius consiliis repugnant . Greg. mor. l. 6. c. 14. Euen they also ( saith Gregory ) worke for him , yea , and for them ( though k k Esay 10.7 . they are not aware of it ) that in such case fight both against him and them .

3. Euen in the deepest of their distresses God ceaseth not to regard them : Solution 3. l l Deus suos non negligit cum negligit . Hee neglecteth them not , when hee seemeth most of all to neglect them . Though m m Esai . 49.14 . Sion complaine that God had forgotten her : yet God assureth her that n n Ibid. 15. he could no more forget her , than any Mother could her childe . o o Ibid. 16. He carried her picture about him engrauen on the palmes of his hands , and her wals were euer in his eyes . And , p p Ezek. 11.16 . Albeit ( saith God ) I haue cast them far off among the Heathen , and haue scattered them into many countries , yet will I be as a little q q Esai . 8.14 . Sanctuary vnto them in all places , wheresoeuer they shall become .

And so passe we to the fourth , and last point of Instruction .

Ecclesia Dei , nunquam dimouebitur .

Gods Church maugre the r r Psal. 25.19 . malice of all her s s Psa 3.1 . & 69 4. many , and t t Psal. 18.17 . & 69 4. mighty aduersaries , Instruction 4. shall neuer be vtterly rooted out , or destroyed . u u Psal. 125.1 . They that trust in the Lord shall be as mount Sion , that standeth fast , and can neuer be remoued . x x Matth. 16.18 . Vpon this Rocke ( saith our Sauiour ) will I build my Church , and the gates of Hell shall neuer preuaile against it . The y y Apoc. 2.5 . Candlesticke may be remoued from place to place ; but z z Esai . 60.19 , 20. the light it selfe can neuer be put out . The a a Apoc. 12.14 . Woman may be hunted , and chased into b b Heb. 11.38 . the Wildernesse ; but neuer driuen vtterly out of the World . In the very Wildernesse will c c Apoc. 12.14 . God prouide a place for her , where she● shall be safe ; and finde succour , till it please him to bring her abroad againe .

Reason 1. The Reason hereof .

1. d d Verse 8. God establisheth it , ( saith my Text ) and therefore standeth it fast for euer . e e Psal. 46.5 . God is in the middest of it : and therefore shall it not stir . Yea f f Zach. 2.5 . he is not in the middest of it only , but round about it too . g g Psal. 125.2 . As the Hilles stand about Ierusalem , so standeth God about his people from henceforth and for euermore . He is about it to protect it ; in the midst of it to support it . Hee that vpholdeth the Heauens , vpholdeth it : for this is indeed his h h Coeli sancti & iusti : sanctae animae omnes , in quibus habitat Deus , & quae factae sunt sedes eius . Aug. in Psal. 18. & ●9 . & 67. & 96. & 122. Esai . 57.15 . & 66.1 , 2. Coelum Ecclesia est . Tychon . in Apoc. 11.19 . & 12.1 . Heauen vpon earth . And as soone may men , or deuils pull downe Heauen itselfe , as destroy it .

2. i i Matth. 16.18 . Christ himselfe hath built it , and he hath founded it vpon himselfe . Reason 2. For k k 1 Cor. 10.4 . hee is the l l Psal. 18.31 . only true Rocke , the m m Esai . 26 4. Rocke of eternity ; the only o o Esai . 28.16 . Q●od Bellarm. blasphemè Papa tribuit in praefat. ad lib. de Pont. Rom. sure foundation , that his whole Church is built vpon . And what he buildeth can by no created power be pulled downe againe ; n n 1 Cor. 3.11 . the house that is built vpon that Rocke cannot be ouerthrowne . p p Matth. 7.25 . Though the winds rose , and the raine fell , and the flouds came , and beat all together vpon that house , yet the frame fell not , because it was founded vpon that Rocke . It is Christs Master-peece ; that that he would shew his Deity , his diuine Power in . Would you haue me ( saith Chrysostome speaking to the Iewes ) proue vnto you , that Christ Iesus is God ? what needs it ? q q Luke 21. ●4 . 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Chrysost. quod Christus Deus . Ejus ipsius , cuius fuerunt negatores , persecutores , interfectores , vbique sunt testes . Aug. epist. 59 & in Psal. 39. & 56. & 58. & de temp 31. Nulla turpior seruitus grauiorque , quam seruitus Iudaeorum , quam quocunque ierint post se trahunt , & vbique Dominos offendunt suos . Bern. de consider . l. 1. You your selues wander vp and downe , the whole world ouer , preaching , and publishing his Deity to all those that consider in what sort you continue , and yet continue too , euer since that impious act of yours , in the crucifying of him . You goe branded with deepe and conspicuous markes of his wrath , and vengeance wheresoeuer you abide . But would you yet see some other pregnant proofe of his Deity ? Let this one serue for all . r r 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Chrysost. quod Christus Deus . What he razeth , none can reare againe ; what he reareth , none can raze againe . He pulled downe your Temple , and it could neuer be built againe . He hath built him a Church , and it could neuer be pulled downe againe . It is a memorable story , and the more remarkable , because recorded ( besides diuers others of s s Greg. Naz. in Iulian. orat . 2. Chrysost. contr. Iud. orat . 2. & quod Christus Deus , & in Matth. hom. 4. Ambr. ad Theodos. epist. 29. Theodoret. hist. eccles. l. 3. c. 20. Cassiod . hist. tripart. l 6. c. 43. & alij . our owne , ) by t t Ammian . Marcellin . hist. l. 23. an Heathen man also , one no friend to Christians , a traducer of Constantine , and an admirer of Iulian. Iulian , that wretched Apostata , to spite the Christians , whom he had professed himselfe formerly to be one of , but now hated most extremely , u u Greg. Naz. Chrysost. & Theodor. called the Iewes to him , and asked them , why they did not now sacrifice as in times past they had wont to doe . They made him answer , that by their x x Deut. 12.5 , 6 , 12 , 13 , 14. Law they might not sacrifice any where but in the Temple at Ierusalem : which since therefore it was ruined , they had ceased to sacrifice , and must so doe till it were reedified . Hereupon Iulian told them that they should haue their Temple eft-soones built againe , if they would ; and to that purpose y y Templum instaurare sumptibus cogitabat immodicis , negotiumque maturandum Alypio dederat . Cùm itaque rei idem fortiter instaret , iuuaretque prouinciae rector &c. Ammian . l. 23. hee sent one Alypius into those parts furnished with much treasure for the dispeeding of the worke , and withall caused the Gouernour of that Prouince to assist him all that might be therein . Nor were the Iewes therein backward , z z 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Theodor. l. 3. c. 20. 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Greg. Naz. stelit . 2. who flocking together out of all quarters , raised a great masse of money , and prouided abundance of materialls , for the setting forward of so much , and so long desired a worke . But a a 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Chrysost. contr. Iud. 2. 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Esai . 14.27 . Ibid. no might , or industry of man is able to preuaile against God , or to effect that , that he will not haue done . When all things were prepared now , and they began to fall to their businesse ; First there arose b b 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Theodor. l. 3. c. 20. Vis magna ventorum repentè spirans , tempestatesque ac procellae subitò factae , quicquid congregatum fuerat , disperserunt . Cassiod . l. 6. c. 43. strange stormes , & whirle-winds , that dissipated , and spoiled their materials . And after that , when yet they attempted to doe something , c c 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Chrysost. quod Christus Deus . 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Ibid. Metuendi globi flammarum propè fundamenta crebris assultibus erumpentes , fecere locum exustis aliquoties operantibus inaccessum . Ammian . l. 23. fearefull balls of fire , not falling downe from heauen , but bursting out of the very ground beneath , and that so oft as they assayed to go on with their work , ripped vp what they had wrought , and burnt vp the work-men , in so much that none durst any more approch the place , and so the very d d Ho●que modo elemento destinatius repellente cessauit inceptum . Ibid. elements ( saith that Heathen man ) obstinately making head against them , they were at length enforced wholly to giue ouer their enterprize . Thus was no power of man able to raise what he had ruined ; nor shall any power euer be able to ruine what he hath raised . In stead of the Temple that he ruined hath he erected his Church ; which vnlesse the Rocke may be remoued that it is built vpon , shall no power of man , or deuill be able euer to ouerthrow . Though all the wicked in the world , and all the Deuils in hell to them , conspire together in one , yet as soone shal they be able to driue Christ himselfe out of heauen , as to destroy vtterly and root out his Church here vpon earth .

Thus you see then these foure Points of Instruction plainly , and euidently proued vnto you . Recapitulation . Points 4.

1. That they seeke their owne ruine , that seeke the ruine of Gods children . Point 1. 2. That Gods Creatures are ready prest to assist those that be his . Point 2. 3. That it is the Citie of God , Point 3. that God thus protecteth . 4. That this Citie , Point 4. or Church of God shall neuer be vtterly ouerthrowne .

Let vs now proceed to the Vses that of these Points may be made . Vses 4.

And first this Text may be to the enemies of Gods Church , Vse 1. of Point 1. as e e Dan. 5.5 . those knuckles of a mans hand were to Baltasar , to write them their destiny ; or as f f Ibid. 24 , 25. Daniel was to him , to reade it vnto them ; to informe them , what the end and issue shal be of all their plots and proiects against the Church of God . In plotting , and proiecting the ruine of it , they * * Suo sibi iumento arcessunt malum . Plaut. Amphitr . plot and proiect but their owne confusion : Nor shall their plots , and proiects take ( as they hope ) against it , but they shal take ( which they , it may be , little deeme , or once dreame of ) against themselues . g g Psal. 9.16 . God will shew himselfe to be God indeed by executing of Iudgement , in causing them to be h h 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Apolinar . 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Dolscius . ensnared , and caught in the worke of their owne hands , i i Psal. 9.15 . in a snare of their owne setting , k k 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Theodoret. dialog. 1. c. 24. in a net of their owne weauing : in causing l l Ester 7.9 , 10. Prou. Ebr. Cippum occupauit ipse , quem fecit , faber . Drus. decur . 1. adag . 4. Et Lat. Gestat faber , quas fecit ipse , compedes . Auson . 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Theogn . Haman to be hanged on that Gibbet himselfe , that for Mordecai he had erected , & bringing him , and m m Ester 9.10 , 13 , 14. his whole House to destruction by those meanes , whereby n n Ester 3.6 . he sought the destruction of the whole Iewish Nation . Application .

In this kinde may we well say , o o Verse 8. Sicut audiuimus , sic & vidimus ; What wee haue heard we haue seene ; both in that deliuerance that through Gods goodnesse this day we suruiue to celebrate , and in p p The powder-plot &c. diuers others also . They that came to sinke vs , were sunke themselues . They that thought to blow vs vp , were some of them blowen vp themselues . They that plotted the ruine , and confusion of our estate , brought ruine and confusion vpon themselues , and theirs . q q Iudg. 5.31 . So let all thine enemies perish , O Lord . But let those that loue thee , and stand for thee , be as the Sunne when he shineth in his full strength .

Vse 2. of Point 2. Secondly , it may serue as to discourage the Aduersary , so to encourage the godly . As to discourage the wicked from attempting ought against Gods Church , ( r r Psal. 21.11 . They intended euill against thee , saith the Psalmist ; but they were not able to effect it ) so to encourage those that s s 1 Sam. 18.17 . fight Gods battels ; they cannot want helpe . Heauen and earth fighteth for them . Though they may seeme the weaker side , and to haue fewer assistants , yet t t 2 Cor. 12.9 . Gods power is perfected , and appeareth most in mans weaknesse : And if wee had eyes to see it , we might see u u 2 King . 6.16 . 2 Chron. 32.7 . more with them than against them : x x Quocunque se verterit , ibi te videat . Sen. de benef . which way soeuer they turne themselues , they might see helpes alwayes at hand ; y y Psal. 46.1 . God himselfe , and all the z z Job 5.23 . creatures of God , ready prest at Gods becke a a Psal. 91.11 . to attend them , b b Dan. 10.12 , 13. to assist them , c c Psal. 34.7 . to guard them , d d Iudg. 5.30 . to fight for them , e e Exod. 23.28 . to oppose those that fight against them .

And here we may againe sing , Application . f f Verse 8. Sicut audiuimus , sic vidimus ; What we haue heard we haue seene . g g Quam benè te , ambitio , mersit , vanissima , ventus ? Et tumidos tumidae vos superastis aquae ? Quam benè totius raptores orbis auaros , Hausit inexhausti iusta v●rago maris ? Theod. Beza . The winds , and the Seas fought for vs , when time was ; the one dissipated and scattered , the other swallowed vp , and deuoured those , that came with hope to haue dissipated , and h h Psal. 27.2 . & 124.3 . with open mouth to haue swallowed , drowne , and deuoured vs . i i Psal. 124.6 . Blessed be God , that gaue vs not vp as a prey vnto their teeth .

Thirdly , is it the Citie of God , Vse 3. of Point 3. that God thus protecteth ? Then learne we the reason hence why God hath in this manner done for vs . It is for his Church among vs , his Name called vpon , his Gospell professed by vs , his worship retained with vs . And certainly ( obserue we , and we shall vndoubtedly find it to be so that ) since Gods truth and Gospell established with vs , and that Romish Idolatrie expelled from among vs , this Iland of ours hath enioyed the quietest , the peaceablest , the most prosperous times , that euer it did , for so long time together , at any time , that any memory of man , or record of story can be produced of , notwithstanding all the power that that k k 2 Thess. 2.3 . Man of sinne , and all his adherents were able to raise vp against vs . And as many strange deliuerances hath God vouchsafed vs , as euer any Nation vnder the cope of heauen had . Oh that our thankfulnesse to God were in any good measure proportionable to Gods goodnesse towards vs . But it is to be feared , that that of Saluian is too too true of vs ; l l Deus bona dat , vt boni simus . Nos vbi bona accepimus , mala cumulamus . Saluian . de prouid . l. 3. God giueth vs good things , to make vs good : but wee when we haue receiued good from God , returne euill againe to him . And that of Hosea , m m Hosh. 4.7 . As they were increased , so they sinned against me : and I will turne their glory therefore into shame . Which if it be so ; let vs remember , that as the same Saluian saith , n n Ideò deteriores sumus , quia meliores essè debemus . Saluian . Ibid. Therefore are we worse than others , whom God hath not done the like for , though we be no worse , if but as bad only , because we ought to be better . So , as the Centurists obserue , o o Ingentia beneficia , ingentia flagitia , ingentia supplicia . Magdeburg . in prafat . ad Centur. 5. great blessings , seconded with grieuous sinnes , will at length draw downe extraordinary iudgements . And it had beene better for vs neuer to haue had such deliuerances , if we be not carefull to shew our selues truly thankfull vnto him , that hath wrought so great deliuerances for vs .

Vse 4. of Point 4. Fourthly , it may teach Gods Children not to be dismaid , if the enemies of Gods Church seeme sometime p p Dan. 8.24 , 25. Apoc. 13.6 , 7. to preuaile against it . For q q Ier. 31.35 , 36 , 37. & 33.20 , 21 , 25 , 26. they shall neuer be able to root it out for all that . Gods Church is as r r Exod. 3.2 . the bush , that burnt , and consumed not , as s s 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 &c. Plut. sympos . l. 8. q. ●● the Palme-tree , that spreadeth , and springeth vp the more it is oppressed : as t t 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Sibyll . Mergitur interdum , sed non submergitur vnquam . Merses profundo ; pulchrior euenit . Luctere ; multa proruet integrum Cum laude victorem . Horat. Carm. 4.4 . the bottle , or bladder , that may be dipped , but cannot be drowned : as u u Duris vt ilex tonsa bipennibus per damna , per caedes ab ipso ducit opes animumque ferro . Ibid. the Oke , that taketh heart to grace from the maimes and wounds giuen it , and sprouteth out thicker than before . x x Sanguis Martyrum semen Ecclesiae . plures efficimur , quoties metimur à vobis . Semen est sanguis Christianorum . Tertull. apolog. Sparsus est sanguis iustus : & illo sanguine tamquam seminatione facta seges surrexit Ecclesiae . August . in Psal. 39. veritas per orbem terrae pullulauit faecundius , cùm in Martyrum sanguine sereretur . Idem Ciuit. l. 22. c. 7. The bloud of the Martyrs is the seed of the Church ; it springeth againe as y y V●● est quae reparet , seque ipsa reseminet ales . Ouid. met . l. 15. Faecunda reparat sic morte iuuentam . Claudianus in Stilic . l. 2. De Palma quadam in Chora mirum accepimus , cum Phoenice aue , quae putatur ex huius palmae argumento nomen accepisse , emori , ac renas●i ex seipsa . Plin. hist. nat. l. 13. c. 4. Hinc error Tertulliani enatus , qui illud Psal. 92.12 . 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 Graecè , de aue ( non arbore , Hebraicae linguae ignarus ) intellexit , quae se funerans renouat , natali fide decedens atque succedens iterum . Lib. de resurr. Si tamen vt creditur de sua morte renascitur . Aug. de orig. anim . l. 4. c. 20. Vide & Clement . Apost. constit . l. 5. c. 7. Plin. hist. nat. l. 10. c. 2. Oppian . de ancup . Orum in hieroglyph . Claudian . & Lactant. nom carm. de Phoenice &c. the Phoenix doth out of her owne ashes , or as b b Non hydra secto corpore firmior vinci dolentem creuit in Herculem succisa serpens caede se reparans sua . Sen. Med. 4.1 . the Hydra rather repaireth her selfe out of her own losses with a much more plentifull increase . c c Exod. 1.12 . Sic foenum graecum qu● peius tractatur , prouenit melius . Plin. hist. l. 18. c. 16. The more Pharao oppressed the Ebrewes , the more they increased , and the mightier they grew . The Children of God in the Word are compared especially to two sorts of silly creatures , to d d Cant. 2.14 . & 6.9 . Matth. 10.16 . Doues , and to Sheepe . e e Vt fugit accipitrem penna trepidante columba , Vt solet accipiter trepidas vrgere columbas . Ouid. Met. l. 1. No fowle more preyed vpon by Eagles , Haukes , Vultures , and other birds of prey , than the poore Pigeon . And yet , f f Quantum vult consumat edacitas vulturum , tamen maior est numerus columbarum . Optat. contr. Parmen. l. 2. let those rauenous fowles ( saith Optatus ) consume neuer so many of them , there will be a greater number of Doues still , than of any kind of them . There is more Doues than Haukes , or than Kites , for all that . Againe , for the Sheepe , it is one of the silliest creatures that is , and most vnable to defend it selfe : neither is it vnknowne to vs ( to spare to speak g g Ier. 50.6 . Esai . 56.9 . 1 Sam. 17.34 . Ezek. 34.5 . In praedam lupis ferisque r●liquis exp●siti sunt cum primis ouium greges . Spin. de prouid . how they are preyed vpon in those places where Wolues , and Beares , and Lions , & other wilde beasts are rife ) how many of them are h h Psal. 44.11 , 22. Ier. 12.3 . Ouium homini cibus frequentissimus , vt nullus fere alius in lauienam veniat . Spin. ibid. slaine for mans vse ; no one sort of creatures commeth so frequent to the Shambles as they ; they come not by one , or two , but they are driuen by troopes thither ; as also how many of them die by diseases ; they are subiect to i i Saeuissima inter eos pestis gr●ssatur . Ibid. rots , and murreons , that k k Illa cateruatim dat stragem . African . in Geopon . make hauocke of them by whole sale ; nor are they naturally so fruitfull as many other beasts are , and those of prey by name , some of them , as the Fox and others , that bring diuers at a litter , whereas l l Vnicum duntaxat quotannis parit . Spin. the Ewe hath vsually but one . And yet for all this wee see what m m Nullum animal frequentius in agris accurrit . Idem . plenty there is euery where of them . We may see * * Oues olim mite pecus , nunc tam indomitum & edax , vt homines deuorent , oppida diruant . Th. Morus Vtop . l. 1. Sheepe eat out men in many places among vs ; and whole Townes by them depopulated and turned into Sheepe-walkes . Such a prouidence of God is there in the preseruation , and increase of that Creature that so n n Psal. 23.1 , 2. & 74.1 . & 77.20 . & 79.13 . & 80.1 . & 95.7 . & 100.3 . Esai . 40.11 . & 63.11 . Ier. 23.1 , 3. & 31.10 . & 49.20 . & 50.6 . oft he compareth his Church and Children vnto , whom he hath taken into his speciall and peculiar protection ; and whom therefore their cruell Aduersaries shall no more be able to root out , than the Haukes able to destroy all the Doues that are , or the Wolues to woory , and slay all the Sheepe in the World .

Question . Yea but ( may some say ) may we in this Land then be sure euer of such safetie , Ezek. 34.22 , 23 , 31. & 36.37 , 38. & 37.24 , 26. neuer to be ouerrunne , or rooted out ?

No : It is Gods Church in generall , not this or that Church in part●●ular , Answer . that is sure thus constantly to continue . Mica 2.12 . & 7.14 . Zach. 9.16 . & 10.3 . & 11.7 , 11. & 1● . 7 . Matth. 10.16 . & 9.36 . & 26.31 . & 25.32 , 33. Iohn 10.2 , 3 , 4 , 7 , 8 , 11 , 12 , 15 , 16 , 26 , 27 , 28. Now Gods Church is not confined to this , or that place ; nor is Gods protection tied vnto , or entailed vpon this , or that people . We haue o o Psal. 119.57 , 94. Ier. 2.3 . no promise of protection longer than wee continue Gods portion . Wee haue p p 1 Cor. 10 . 1-12 . no better euidence , nor assurance than the Iewes had : q q Psal. 132.14 . Here ( saith God ) shall be my rest for euer . And , r r Verse 8. God will establish it for euer . And , s s Psal. 89.23 . Esai . 41.11 , 12. I will destroy all that rise against it . And yet wee know t t Luk. 19.44 . & 21.24 . what is become of them at this day , u u Matth. 23.38 . Their habitation is left desolate . And x x 1 Thess. 2.16 . The wrath of God ( saith the Apostle ) is come vpon them to the vtmost . It is true indeed , that a a Deus nisi deserentem se non deserit , priusquam deseratur neminem deserit . Aug. ad imposs . sibi art . 7. Recessurum non deserit antequam deserat . Ibid. 14. Non enim nos deserit fons , si nos fontem non deseramus . Idem in Ioan. 32. God neuer leaueth any , but those that leaue him . But if b b 1 King . 11.7 , 9. Salomon leaue God , and build Temples for Milcom , and Chamosh ; God will leaue him , and raise vp aduersaries on al sides against him . If c c 2 Chron. 32.25 . Ezekiaes heart be lift vp ; d d Esai . 39.6 , 7. 2 Chron. 32.26 . God will pull him downe againe . If e e Esai . 1.21 . Ier. 3.2 . & 9.2 . the holy Citie become an Harlot , or a f f Facta est vrbs tota lupanar . Iuuen. sat. 1. Vnus gurges omnium gula : vnum pene lupanar est omnium vita . Saluian . de prou. l. 7. Stewes ( as he speaketh ) no reason but that God should g g Ier. 7.29 . & 12.7 . abandon it , and giue her h h Ier. 3.8 . a Bill of diuorce , and i i Ezek. 13.36 , 45 , 47. deale with Aholah , and Aholibah , as adulterous women are wont to be dealt with . If Gods Vine grow not k k Hoshea 10.1 . barren only , but beare l l Deut. 32 32. bitter , m m Esai . 5.2 . noysome , and n n Deut. 32.33 . poysonfull grapes ; it shall be a iust thing with God to o o Esai . 5.5 . Psal. 80.12 . plucke vp her hedge , and p p Esai . 5.6 . Ier. 12.11 . lay her waste , q q Ier. 9.11 , 12. as a wilde wildernesse , or r r Matth. 3.10 . & 7.19 Luk. 13.7 . to cut her downe , and s s Ezek. 15.4 , 6. cast her into the fire . If t t Numb . 11.5 . & 14.3 , 4. Israel begin to looke backe into Aegypt ; it shall be iust with God u u Deut. 28.68 . to bring backe his Israel that was , into their former Aegyptian bondage againe . If the Hebrewes liue in those abominable courses x x Leuit. 1.24 , 25. Deut. 18.12 . for which God cast out the Canaanites , y y Leuit. 18.28 . the Land that spewed out the Canaanite , shall now spew them out . If z z Ezek. 5.6 . & 16.47 , 48. Gods owne people grow worse than the Heathen themselues ; it shall be iust with God , to a a Ezek. 7.24 . bring the very worst of the Heathen in vpon them , and by them , whom they b b Ezek. 16.51 , 52. iustifie in some sort , c c Ezek. 7.21 . to destroy them . Nor may d d Ier. 25.28 , 29. Rom. 11. ●● , 21. we looke to fare better than they did , if we be faultie as they were . Gods Church may stand firme and stable still , though wee fall . The Lampe may burne cleare else-where , though the Light be done out with vs . If we desire therefore to haue this Protection continued vnto vs , let vs continue to be e e Deut. 32.9 . Exod. 19.5 , 6. Gods , that f f Deut. 26.17 , 18. Ier. 7.23 . & 31.33 . God may continue to bee ours . Let vs bee carefull to keepe and maintaine a Church of God with vs , g g Semen sanctum statumen terra . Esai . 6.13 . The holy seed vpholdeth the state . In a word , as Samuel to his people ( whose words I will end all with ) h h 1 Sam. 1● . 24 , 25. Feare the Lord , and serue him with all your heart in sinceritie ; and consider what great things he hath hitherto done for you .

FINIS .