Practique Theories : OR , Votiue Speculations , VPON Abrahams entertainement of the three Angels .

AS it was not good for Man to bee alone , without an helpe . So neither is it , to bee not alone , without God . For men to meet , and God not amongst them , this were to throng , not to assemble ; to swarme together , rather then accompany one another . Except the diuine instruction , and it i● ( at the best ) but an human● confusion : Societies are but tumults , if Religion be a stranger Vnlesse God couenant with vs what helpe haue we that wee s● conuent amongst our selues ● Who can best order , but he who first ordained the societies o● men ? And accordingly ( to speake now of natures first associacy ) who so fit to be a Father of a Family , as the Father of the Faithfull ? Euery soule ( whether nature hath borne him , or money bought him ) that weares the Liuory on his backe , as a seruant to Abraham ; must also carry thy Couenant in his flesh , as one so to God . And his no small prayse was it , God was so well perswaded of him : Gen. 18.19 . I know him that hee will command his Sonnes and his houshold after him , they keepe the way of the Lord , to doe righteousnesse and iudgement . Euen honest Masters will looke to instruct , as well as imploy their Seruants : A godly Master especially will seeke to haue his seruant as himselfe ; Godly I meane , fearing God , as well as reuerencing Man . Considering , he is a Seruant , yet a man ; a Seruant , yet a Christian , a Seruant , yet his fellow-Seruant . He hath hired but his body vnder him ; his soule hath the same Lord together with him . It is a Godly Masters choyce , Psal. 101.9 . Who so so leades a Godly life , hee shall bee my seruant . There are vnhappy Masters , and vprofitable , that thinke their owne seruice lost in Gods , that grudge to hire for God , that neuer could finde in heart to spare Wife nor Childe , nor Man , nor Maide , nor Oxe , nor Asse , to doe God a good dayes worke . Shall an humane bondage debarre mee of my Christian liberty ? should I so obey man , as thereby to disobey God ? Rather would I suffer and it were , a bored care in an Abrahams seruice , though for but food and rayment : then but abide the third part of a triple apprentiship , vnder a L●bans slauery , though for th●● parts of his Goods increase .

While Abraham was scarce yet the Heyre of the world ; Rom. 4.13 hee now was ( as it were ) the Master of the world . The world in his loynes was scarce hoped for , when the world in his house was had already : More the● hundreds of seruants had hee , when not yet a Sonne . Seruants hee had many , and trusty ; no doubt , all well instructed , and accordingly imployed . Each one had his office , and so he● did his duty . We reade of the Steward of his house , Gen. 15.2 . but ( for what wee know ) hee was hi● owne Porter : Gen. 18.1 . for hee sate in his Tent doore himselfe . Yet sate hee not there as a Porter , to examine euery commer , but to expect any Passenger , therefore sate hee there . Abrahams yeeres were now but infirme , and the weather at that instant extreame ; and many his seruants fitter for such a purpose then himselfe . Yet commits hee this courtesie to none : Kindenesses are cold in the conueyance , when but offered at the second h●nd . His guests shall gather their entertainement from himselfe , and therefore thinke them the welcommer , because of his owne inuiting . His it is to inuite , whose to entertaine . Waters are better in the Fountaine , then the Channell . What need the Feete be sent anone , when now the Head may speake . Hee that would haue mee his guest , I rather would he should command me himselfe , then intreate mee by another . I take it for more heart and honour , that he doth propound , then that he should conuey mine inuitation . Abraham bids his guests himselfe : it is he that intreates them , whom he would intreate . He best may bid , in whom it is most to receiue . Wisedome at once made ready her Feast , and called together her Guests , Pro. 9.5 . Come and ea●e of my meate , and drinke of the Wine that I haue drawne . I thanke my Sauiour , he hath himselfe both ordained a Feast for mee , and withall himselfe inuited mee to the Feast .

Now was it no one-tide , anvsuall time for repast and re●● . You would surely guesse the old-man but drowsie after dinner , and looke to haue him napping on his Couch , or nodding in his Chayre . Nay , but ( kinde-heart ! ) he mindes m●●e then himselfe . Either hee stay●s for others to dine with him , or would haue others also to dine after him , or rather seekes for some to dine before him . It was now the height of the sunne , and heate of the day ; Gen. 18 1. a time when men would both be iourneying , and wearied in their iourneyes . The heate of the day , the fittest time to entertaine strangers in , for they would now most need refreshment . There is an aptnesse to all things , and a due time for euery duty . Our best actions are more laudable , because seasonable ; and-then most acceptable , when most opportune . It is no courtesie to bid a man eate , when his belly is full : nor is it thankesworthy to doe a man an vnnecessary office . Hospitality seekes not whom to surfet , but refresh ; and therefore takes her time when to feede , not cloy . What call yee it , to surcharge mens superfluities ? this is Charity , to relieue the necessities of men . He that will onely bid me eate after dinner , I will thanke him as much , as though I did ; and but doe as much as though I thankt him .

Not onely is Abraham doore open for any to comein , but he sits there besides , lest any man might passe by . True Hospitallers are ready not onely to admit , but inuite their Guests . It is not enough that strangers are not neglected , but this is i● , that they are intreated . That is charity indeede , not onely to take , but euen seeke out occasions to doe good . And now while Abraham sits so vnder the shadow of his Tent , whether naturally , to shield his body from the ayres , then vehement iniury ; ciuilly , to spye out Passengers , the expected obiects of his entertainement ; of religiously , to contemplate vpon Gods present benefits , or future promises : now what a wondrous vouchsafement ! The Lord loath to let slip so ●ayre an opportunity , clad in pilgrims weedes , presents himselfe on the sudden as an obuious guest to the expectation of so hearty an Hoste . God takes his opportunities to vtter himselfe to his Saints and Seruants : And while ( perhaps ) wee thinke not on him , approaches vs in that manner we thinke not of . Abrahams eyes were fixt to a solitary meditation ; yet can those rolling organs no sooner remoue their station , Gen. 18.2 . then behold good company at hand : He lift vp his eyes and looked , and loe three Men aloofe before him . Euen in the twin●kling of an eye , God giues vs occasion to doe good . Who so wayt●s to doe well , cannot long want matter to worke vpon ; the Head , or Members still administer opportunity to his expectation . Now sees Abraham on a sudden , what his eyes haue so long wayted for . Hee creepes not vnder the couert of his Tent , as one that would haue his eye as farre from inuitation , as his heart is from entertainement . Nor sits he still as a Porter in his Tent doore , to demand their businesse , ere hee admit their entrance . He stickes not to stirre out , for a wet shooe , or a sun-burnt face . No weathers extremity can so iniure his body , as their now omission would his minde . Wherefore ( to let them know they are not come , ●re welcome ) hee not onely tarryes to expect them , but with like alacrity , and celerity , hee ranne to meet them God intrudes not , where man inuites not . Neither is he then a guest , saue vpon intreaty . His gifts are of more worth then to come vncalled . He may wel misse of Grace , that onely sits him downe to expect her . My Soule ! when the Bridegroome commeth by thee , see thou carelesly stay not for him : but ( shewing readinesse , euen beyond ability ) doe him this honour , as to goe out and meet him .

And must he himselfe needes goe meet them ? Why first sends he not forth his seruants to see who they were ? to inquire whether they were friends , or foes , neighbours , or strangers , vnknowne , or of acquaintance ? to aske who they are , and whence ; what they intend , and whether they would ? Free-hearts are plaine positiue , little inquisitiue , or not at all . Charity is alwaies more bounteous , then curious : and Hospitality is not so busie to examine , as ready to entertaine . It is the common vie ( I know ) to question , rather then relieue . I had rather misse such an ones kindenesse , then answere his obiections .

But I ma●uell not so much that Abraham goes so to meete them , as that hee bowes so to salute them . In all likelihood hee should rather haue lookt for that office from them , then done it to them . He was at home , and a Lord in attendance ; they but trauellers , and ( as trauellers vse ) but meane in appearance : he graue and gray-headed ; they ( as Angels appeare vsually ) but yong to see to : Hee one to entertaine them ; and they such as might be beholden to him . And yet , as if hee had seene and knowne them to haue beene more ancient and honourable then himselfe ; and they as ready to doe him the kindenesse , as he them : while he would be beneficiall , as if hee were bound to be thankefull ; Gen. 18.2 . hee bowed himselfe to the ground . Many are proud , though but to inuite ; Abraham is humble , euen to entertaine . Others thinke they haue highly merited in the offer of a kindenesse , or endeauour ; he betokens how much he is obliged , if so his courtesie may but be accepted . A man i● not hospitable , vniesse humble withall . Better not relieue , then therefore to contemne . To boast them beholden to him for his cheare , this were to spill it in the bosomes of his guests . N● vnkindenesse , to a hindenesse boasted , or vpbraided . I hate to haue roast , and be beaten with the spit . It could not but sticke in my stomacke , that were so cast into my teeth .

Abraham ranne towards men , but meets with Angels : that of purpose , this at vnawares . God honours and rewards good workes in his Saints , beyond both their knowledge , and expectation . Especially , H●spitality hath this honour ; who takes in Strangers , hath God his Guest . Hee that bids thus accept of all persons without acception , vrges this as a sufficient recompence for such their cost and courtesie : Be not forgetfull to entertaine Strangers , Heb. 13.2 . for thereby some ( meaning Abraham here for one ) haue receiued Angels vnawares . How honourable are the hospitable , whom euen Angels haue graced with their presence ? Abraham was wonted to relieue men , and therefore worthy to receiue Angels . Had he not done that duty , this honour had not beene vnto him . Because he bestowed on them that needed ; Hee will also accept , that needs it not . In as much as he did it to one of these little ones , he takes it as done to him : and will therefore haue him so doe to him , as he did no one of those little ones . Abraham was called the Friend of God : Neuer was there ( as is vsuall amongst Friends ) the like familiaritie betwixt them , as now when God sate , and are with Abraham . Iam. 2.23 . Ah that old world , and innocent ! they vnawares entertained Angels in Men : Oh this our euill age , and inhospitable ! wee wittingly in men exclude Saints . They thought better , indifferently to admit the bad , then ignorantly to neglect the good : we would rather , then admit any , neglect all . Our age I call it , and inhospitable , wherein euery man is grudging of his owne , and enuious of anothers . No man is now inuited , but to his owne cost : none entertained , but to his much reproach . Mens hearts , and harbours , are so cold , makes Angels keepe at home . God is rather refused in a stranger , then a stranger receiued for Gods sake . O all ye mercilesse men ! looke whom ye neglect , nay despise rather in the Stranger , Traueller , Poore , and Needy . You now thrust him from you with rebukes , that shall once tell you to your shame ; Mat. 25.43 . I was a a stranger , and ye tooke me not in . He shall then iustly barre heauen gates against you , whose bowels of compassion were so cruelly shut against your Brethren .

Yet taking a narrow view of these his wished and welcome Guests , he not onely beginnes somewhat to perceiue that his men are no worse then Angels ; but also one of his Angels , no lesse then God . It was He came now in the shadow , that after was to come in the substance of the flesh . Abraham now saw him somewhat with a fleshly , whom hee wholly saw with a ghostly eye . He said it certainely of this day more then others , and next to that Day indeed ; Abraham reioyced to see my day , Ioh. 8.56 . and saw it , and was glad .

Abraham ranne toward Three , he worshipped but one Three he saw , and but one hee called his Lord . The high and holy Trinity is here well assimalated , but ( I thinke ) little intented : may hence be intimated , but cannot be here presented .

The good Guests were modest , it was therefore Abraham was so earnest . Because they were bashfull , ought hee to bee obsequious : and therefore to bow in the offer , lest they might blush in the acceptation . That they might not blush to be beholden , hee confesses himselfe fauoured : Gen. 18.3 . If I haue found fauour in thy sight , passe not away I pray thee from thy Seruant . It is many times a fauour to take , as to doe a kindenesse : Nor at all times lyes the fauour in the office , but interpretation . The hospitable thinke them fauoured , when they may but fauour ; and conceit they giue not , but receiue . For indeed , he hath the benefit himselfe , that doth it to the deseruing . I will confesse my God fauours mee , that hee will but daine to accept my duty .

It is not good to be proud in doing good . See what an hearty , not haughty inuitation ! he salutes reu●rently , and inuit●s with humility . My Lord , passe not away , I pray thee , from thy seruant . To haue done it ( as they vse ) in a pride , or humour ; had beene enough to haue made them not onely refuse , but distast his kindenesse . But if I haue found fauour in thy sight , sayes hee ; as if the whole were but their vouchsafement : and as if himselfe did no more but his duty , Gen. 18 5. he sayes ; Therefore are yee come vnto your seruant . True patterne is he of hospitality : with what expedition , reuerence , cheerefulnesse , doth hee meete , salute , inuite ? And yet ( Free-heart ! ) makes hee cold complements , the least part of good entertainement . How he takes himselfe highly fauoured in the acceptation of his so humbly proffered seruice ? Wee haue no worth before God , but goe all by fauour . This is to finde fauour in his sight , that our duties are accepted before him . It is a great blessing of God , where Grace is vouchsafed a daily guest , for there is a continuall feast . Her entertainement is euery mans grace and fauour , was neuer any mans disaduantage or dishonour . I will therfore sweep mine house , dresse my meate , draw my wine , spreade my table , decke my chamber ; and accordingly seeke and sue vnto her : If I haue found fauour in thy sight , passe not away , I pray thee , from thy seruant .

How faine , and fairely hee would insinuate with them ? Any wayes to perswade them to take his kindenesse . Gen. 18.4.5 . Let a little water , I pray you , be brought , and wash your feete , and rest your selues vnder the tree : And I will bring a morsell of bread , that you may comfort your hearts , afterward yee shall goe your wayes . Trauellers ( he knew ) were both hungry , and hasty : Some refreshment ( he intimates vnto them ) is not onely requisite , but ready for them ; he promises them , they shall not stay long for a little ; and since they came but to him by the way , hee will not so stay them , but that they may goe their way . The Angels came purposely to fire Sodome , yet all agree to feast with Abraham by the way . God is ready at once to fauour the good , and plague the bad : can together heape iudgements vpon the vngodly , and shew mercy vnto his Saints . Mercy and iudgement are in his right hand , and in his left . Lord let my Soules be , not the Geates ; but the Sheepes Seate , and Lot .

The mans modesty offers his Guests a pittance ; a little water , a morsell of bread : but his bounty performes it with abundance ; Cakes and butter , and milke , and the Calfe tender and good . He inuites them onely to a modicum , that his guests might not gather by him , they should bee chargeable , but rather welcome to him . A good man will say well , and doe better . and is one that alwayes intends more good then he vtters . Humility instructeth to thinke the worst of what we are : and so modesty , to speake the least of what wee haue . Discretion offers courtesies with the least , albeit shee intends them with the most . But ( alas ! ) vice is vertues ape . Complement , the worlds Fashion-monger , is growne into fauour : Her guise is also to mince out her inuitations to a morsell , when she places her Guests to a superfluity of messes . Were my seate at her table ; I know not whether I could rather commend her courtesie , or complaine of her curiosity : seeing I discerne , not , whether it be after her owne prodigality , or for my welcome .

The rude and churlish refusall of a well profered courtesie , argues plainely either ignorance , or immodesty . Abraham requests his vnexpected , and scarce yet perceiued great strangers ( no lesse would hee haue done , had he found them , as yet he thought them meaner ) to be pleased to wash , rest , and eate with him ; for each purpose offering them Water , a Tree , and Bread : And all this not offered , ere accepted ; Gen. 28.5 So doe as thou best said . How ready is Gods Spirit to imbrace the good motions of our hearts entertainement ? He that stands at the doore , and knockes ere wee are ready to open , will doubtlesse , ( when wee willingly set ope our gates to receiue him ) not refuse to enter . O be thou open thou euerlasting doore of my heart , that the King of glory may come in ?

Abraham himselfe was now but a stranger , and yet he entertaines strangers . Hee that had not an house wherein to lay his owne head , affords his Guests a Tree to rest vnder . God loues a cheerefull giuer , though but according to what he hath . The Widdowes Mite he esteemes a Talent : And measures what we doe , oft times , by what wee would , as by what wee ought . God had respect first to Abel , then to his offering : and here , first to the Person , and therefore to the Place . Where God holds possession of the heart , hee refules not to dwell vnder the meanest roofe . Poore Cottage was it , scarce beseeming a man ! and yet ( behold ) is thus thought worthy God . O God! whose Throne is Heauen , and the Earth thy Foot-stoole , what house shall I build for thee , that dwellest not in Temples made with hands ? Dwell thou in me , with mee , let all that I am , and haue , bee the place of thine abode : possesse thou together with my soule , this her earthly Tabernacle , her house of clay , vntill her time of flitting be : then let her dwelling be in thee , with thee , to eternity .

And why vnder a Tree ? was that an embleme of a house not made with hands ? Nay , nay , the mystery is more then so ; Man had saucily presumed to eate of Gods Tree , and God now graciously vouchsafes to eate vnder mans Tree . He that now in a shadow , sate eating mans meate vnder the shadow of a Tree , was after in substance , lifted vpon the substance of a Tree , and himselfe made meate for man . Thou that didst eate vnder the Tree of weake refreshment ! Oh feed my soule with the fruits of thy Tree , the tree of Life .

While he but expected them , his face was vpon them : hauing now inuited them , he turnes his backe . Hee first made all haste towards them ; but now ( mee thinkes ) it is from them , that he hastes so fast . Because hee is secure of their acceptation , is hee therefore negligent of their entertainement ? Nay , but the same man he was , when he ranne to meete them from the Tent doore : the same man was he , when hee made hast into the Tent. Gen. 18.6 . With like alacrity he but takes leaue to goe before , to fit and furnish things accordingly . Indeed in all offices , men are forward at first ; but when it comes to it , who so backward as they ? I haue known many offer kindely , and repent their kindenesse : and seene how hot they haue beene to inuite , but cold to entertaine●

No sooner are the strangers come to rest them vnder Abrahams roofe , then loe ! whatseuerall offices of good hospitality are ready to attend them . Husband , Wife , Seruants , with heart and hand , all hasten to their sundry and conuenient imployments . It is a well ordered Occonomie , where all doe their duty . Abraham runnes to the fold , the Seruant hastes to make ready the Galfe , and Sarah is busied about her meale . Not hee in the house , which is not working , or willing to worke . Each one does all he can to giue content . Our preparation and prouision , when it is with the best , and at the most ; is yet too slender to giue God a welcome . When Grace will harbour her within my breast , there is not a member of my Body , not a power of my Soule , which shall not bee the willingly deuoted Seruant of her entertainement .

The first dish is but a preparatiue to the feast , water to wash their feete . Hereby is he equally testifying his own humblenesse , as intending their refreshment . Humility is both the foundation and crowne of Hospitality . Where the heart stoopes not to wash the feete , scarce stretches the hand to feede the stomacke . Pride euer was Pittyes aduersary : Who can at once commiserate , and contemne ? yet ( such are the disguised euils of the dayes ) how wonted is it with men , to scorne , and relieue together ? No Succour now a dayes , but with some reproach . Therefore must a man bee abased before them , because hee was beholden to them . To be beholden ( I see ) is not onely to sell his liberty , but to lose his esteeme .

Proud Simon bad Christ to dinner , Luk. 7. but gaue him no water to wash his Feete : Christ had rather be honoured , then fedd : Shee therefore that did the last , had the reward of both . God regards our lowlinesse , hee needes not our reliefe . My Sauiour is come from a farre to visit my Soule ; the whole distance betwixt Heauen and Earth will not measure the length of his iourney . I will in one act shew my selfe lowly ; and intend him glorious : I will wash his feete with my teares , rather then hee shall shake off their dust as a witnesse against mee , as Him ; Thou gauest mee no water to wash my feete : Luk. 7.44 . Mat. 25.43 or as against them , I was a stranger , and ye tooke me not in .

One is washing , another kneading , another dressing , and each one with hast ; yet not more haste then good speedé . Well ordered Families , haue well appointed Offices ; and they supplyed by those both diligent , and successefull . Sarah makes her Cakes in the Tent , Abraham fetches a Calfe from the Fold : A Calfe , not as it came first to hand , or as hee could finde in heart to bestow ; Gen. 18.7 . but a Calfe tender and good . Our choyse seruices are but meane offerings , to welcome God withall . Hee is well worthy the best , that giues vs all . What can wee thinke too good to giue him , that can giue him but his owne ? Caine bad God to the barren fruit of his ground , and was reiected together with his cheare : Abel inuited him to the fat of his flocke , and the Lord had a double respect , to Abel , and to his Offering . I will chearefully giue God the best that I haue , who gratiously giues mee the best that I can be .

By this , the Fatteling is killed , the Dinner prepared , all things are ready ; and loe ! God is come vnto the Feast . Behold here and wonder ! The Lord is become as one of vs : Diuine Maiesty is come downe from a Throne , to take vp a feate at an humane Table . God is content to be like Man , that Man may be like God . Ah my good Lord ? thou cladst thy selfe in the shamefull and miserable ragges of my Humanity ; to cloath mee in the gratious , yea glorious robes of thy Diuinity . Thou didst eate , drinke , sleepe , weepe with mee ; that I might neuer hunger , nor thirst more ; but rest , and euerlastingly reioyce in thee .

What ? Doth the Lord eate Buls flesh , or drinke the bloud of Goates ? Hath hee neede of the Oxe from the stall , or the Sheepe from the fold ? Doth hee hunger , that filleth all things with his blessings ; or if he be an hungry , will hee tell it to man ? when all the Beasts of the fields , and Cattles vpon a thousand hils , are his to kill and eate ! God eates , and eates with Abraham , and can as easily dispense with the corporall nutriment he receiues ; as with such substance , he now assumes . Their Bodies they now tooke , were brought to nothing , and so was their Meate . Spirits neuer eate of necessitie , sometimes of dispensation . God now eates , not of hunger , and for his owne refreshment : but of good fellowship , and for the others satisfaction . Not that nature in himselfe had thereunto an appetite ; but because Grace in the other had so cheerefully bestowed it . Yet oft-times will God stoope to the act of our nature ; that we might reach to the works of his Grace . Lord ! thou that didst put on the shape of my image , renew mee ( I pray thee ) according to the likenesse of thine owne ; that as thou hast once liued , moued , and beene in me , so may I also in thee , world without end .

Abraham is such a Seruant to strangers , that he neglects to be Lord in his owne house . He that had others to waite vpon him , will himselfe waite vpon others . And though he commit the care of his owne prouision to his Seruants , hee will see that his Strangers be prouided for himselfe . An ordinary Hoste will sit still , and command his seruants : the Patriarch himselfe will giue attendance to his guests . Both his cheare , and seruice is at their command ; so willing is hee to vndergoe both the Charge and Office of their entertainement . Whether it were Custome to all , or rather Courtesie to them , hee turnes Seruitor the while , and waites vpon the Table . Hee sits not with them , Gen. 18.8 hee stands but by them ; He stood himselfe by them vnder the Tree , and they did eate . The Godly man refuses no office , whereby to giue God attendance . Hee thinkes him then highest promoted , when hee doth him best seruice . Oh that I were worthy to stand by my Table , while my Lord eates with me ; or to kneele at his Table , when I eate him .

A free heart , and yet but frugall cheare . Cakes , and a Calfe , Butter and Milke , are at once the first and second course . He bids not spare their stomackes , and breathe awhile from the first dish , to expect more sumptuous fare in the next : at once they see their cheare , and haue their welcome . Abraham will feast in frugality , let Diues glut in superfluity . Saints Feastings ought not to bee so dainty , as wholesome . Let the world alone with this vanity , reiecting sobriety , to wallow in excesse . Abrahams cheare was , though frugall , yet hospitable . Who would haue thought , to haue found such entertainement vnder an Oake ? How many are there , build great Babels for their honour , and yet her stately pillar yeelds not the like reliefe to strangers , as the least branch of this homely Tree ? Both ( me thinkes ) agree not ; such curious Harbours , so carelesse hospitality . In my pilgrimage , I would rather choose to lodge vnder Abrahams Tree , then shroud within the hard and bare stones of the goodliest Pallaces ; which beare an aspect of so fayre promises , and are fraught with the furniture of so small performance .

The Guests are now sufficed ; their Hoste also shall be satisfied . The Men haue thought , and are agreed , how to requite his courtesie . No man euer entertained God with losse . Who euer gaue him a dry morsell , which he requited not with an honey-combe ? Who giues him a cup of cold water , which hee rewards not with the water of life ?

Abraham alone hath attended on the table , but ( the Guests would see , and thanke their Hostesse ) he must call in Sarah , that she together with him , may gather vp the shot . And where is Sarah ? not gadding abroad as a Gossip , but within doores , like a good Huswife well busied in her Tent. While the Woman is calling , or comming , meane while the Men haue thought ; What more then wonted kindenesse is it , they haue receiued at their hands , themselues but strangers to them ? His whole Family , Ciuilly , how ordered ? Religiously , how instructed ? And who shall doe thus when Abraham is layd in his dust ? Hauing thus pondered , thus also haue they promised : To hold vp his fathers House , and Hospitality ; Sarah thy Wife , Gen. 18.10 . ( say they ) shall haue a Sonne . Abraham for the kindenesse of Hospitality , receiues the blessing of Posterity . T is pitty indeed , but good Hospitallers should haue after them to vphold their Houses . And it proues true for the most part ; no Families so fruitfull , as the cheerefull . The houses of the Hospitable are commonly continued in the same Name , and Kinne : while the Niggards stocke , and stile ends vsually in himselfe .

Sarah ( they say ) shall haue a Sonne . The sa●ing is on the one side heard , & laughed at , & yet beleeued : on the other it is said , and confirmed , and accordingly effected . They are sufficed to see to , and these well rewarded . And hauing thus made a cleare boord , vp they rise , for why , part they must . Though they haue all seene , and blest him by the way ; yet they are some of them for another place and purpose . And now ( that he might doe them all the offices of Hospitality ) he who had earnestly inuited them , cheerefully treated them , dismisses them courteously ; and seeing they will needes depart , himselfe will goe with them , Gen. 18 16. to bring them on the way . O God! what good Graces of thine haue I seene here ( euen with admiration ) in this one Saint ? Faith , and Hope , and Charity ; all lodged in the breast of Abraham . This in thee , that for a Sonne , the other towards thy Saints . Because Abraham did once the office of entertaining Angels vpon Earth , hee therefore hath the honour of receiuing Saints now in Heauen . Had he not been found to haue receiued the Angels vnder his Tree , he had not beene said to haue receiued Lazarus into his bosome . Luk 16.22 . Thou God of Abraham , Isaac , and Iacob ! Haue pitty ( I pray thee ) vpon the Soule of thy seruant , a Lazarus poore and naked : Send her now reliefe from , vouchsafe her euer resti● , Abrahams bosome .

The Monodie OR , Soliloquie . WHil'st on a day , a true free-hearted Saint , Set ●ope his doore and sits there to espy , What strangers with his house he might acquaint ; Forthwith behold what guests approach him nigh . My Soule ! this Lesson would be vnderstood , Who waites , ne're wants fit season to doe good . He forthwith hyes to meete , salute , inuite ; With equall speede , courtesie , cheerefulnesse ; If so he haue found fauour in their fight , They will accept so willing readinesse My Soule ! if thou wouldst treat so worthy guest , With hast and heart goe bid him to thy Feast . He met with men , they 're Angels , he salutes ; 'T is God , whom he inuites to be his guest : Preheminence alone he attributes To him , in case of his so high request . My Soule could wish this lesson oftner read ; Who takes the Members , of treceiues the Head . Poore Cottage had he scarce beseeming Man , Yet made meete harbour for these Powers diuine : Thither forewends he with all speed he can ; Bids kill , and dresse , for why his Guests must diue : My soule obserues one choyce in heauenly Grace , If she the Person likes , she likes the Place . No sooner are they come within his roofe , Ere one brings water for to wash their feate : The tendrest of a beast that cleaues the hoofe A Second cookes , a Third what else is meet . My Soule ! it is the praise of Hospitality ; That entertainement does not passe frugality . Yet 't is good cheare the homely house affords , And greater then whereof his guests had need : ( Fayre Palaces haue had worse furnisht boords ) Yet so suffic'd they giue him worthy meed . My Soule full willingly would entertaine So great a guest , that 's thus receiu'd with gaine .