THE SVBIECT .

The Subiect we must exercise our skill on , are Men , temper'd of the same mould , hauing a soule inspired from the breath of the same God , as deare to him , as our selues , bought with no worse Blood then his Sonnes , guarded with Angels , protected by the same prouidence , and compassed about with the same mercies that we are . God made Man after his owne likenesse , that there might be ( Quoddam in terris dei simulachrum , ) a certaine Image of himselfe on earth , wherein he might be delighted : as it is naturall to euery being , to affect that , which suffers deriuation from it ; as Apelles was delighted with his Tablets , Pigmalion with his Yuorie Statue , Narcissus with his forme in the Fountaine , a Woman with her face in the Glasse , and Parentes with the offspring of their loynes . S●crates then is composed of no better mettall , then his Schollers , nor the Minister then the people : Thinke not your selues Lordes ouer them ; all persons are equally respected of God : Praesumus offici● , 1. Pet. 5.3 . pares sumus dignitate coram deo , Wee are aboue them in Office , not in Dignitie with God .

Let this meditation suppresse our pride , either naturally borne with vs , or accidentally contracted by a selfe opinion : it is an easie fault , and soone incurred , for a Minister to be proud of his giftes , of his place , as Mirion● was of the spirit , and to preferre himselfe to those he teacheth , nay to his fellow teachers . Let me haue no need to remember you of that , Vnum restat , one thing is wanting , an humbled soule : Thou hast ouercome many corruptions , subdued lustes , qualified infirmities ; take heed , least ( Vincenda superbia restat , ) Pride remaynes yet to be ouercome . Hee that contemnes others , makes himselfe most contemptible . But , Quorsum haec ? to what end is this ? no such vice cleaues to vs . I would it did not : I would no Starre did enuy the brighter shining of another . But alas , Pride is a subtile insinuating nature , euer conuersant in good thinges : it crept into Paradise ; nay , it stoale into Heauen : No sinne is more sawcie , none more bold with God , none lesse welcome : It tooke vp lodging in the Pharise , that was so precise in tything , almes , prayer . Many a Pharise is proud , that he is not proud : so subtile is that temptation of our Aduersary ( when a man will be humble ) to make him highly conceited of his humilitie ; not vnlike the Cynicke , that condemned Plato's pride , with a worse of his owne . I thanke God , J am not as others , sayes that Pharise : he was not indeed , but had litle reason to thanke God for it . The emptiest Barrell , makes the loudest sound : Hee that is truly learned , hath learned this , not to boast it . It often befalles such , as it did that Cardinall , who making a shew of bringing much Treasure into the Land , one of his Mules stumbled , & the Port-mantle broake and there was a goodly shew of Mosse , and Straw , and Stones . They that looke so bigge vpon their brethren , were their Cabinet opened , all the great supposed Treasure within , would appeare to be meere Huskes , Froth , and Ignoraunce . The Sunne excells the Moone in glory ; yet both are Starres without emulation one of another . The highest Cedar will suffer the lowest Shrubbe to grow vnder it . He that digges the ground , hath his vse in the Garden , as well as he that drawes the Knot . Siluer is Mettall , as well as Gold : and the Beggar may be as good a Subiect as the Lord . Christ gaue his life for his Sheepe , as well as for his vnder Shepheardes : Despise not then thy fellow Seruantes , least the Maister of vs all , despise thee .

This Subiect is set downe indefinitely , Many : Whence obserue , that the power of God is heere perspicuous , that designes a few , to conuert many ; nay , one man to haue the charge of a Congregation : Compare the Minister with his Charge , and thinke the difference . 1. One man to a multitude . 2. One without pompe , to many mighty , wise , rich , noble . 3. A weake man with a few leaues of Paper , to those that are armed with a preiudiciall opposition of Nature against it . 4. The Message not promising libertie , ease , incouragement to lustes ; but threatning persecution , crosse , rodde , trouble : yet to bind Kinges in Chaines , and Nobles in Fetters of Yron : to recouer the Heathen from their auncient and nationall Idolatries , and prostrate them to the name of Jesus : to make the drunkard sober , couetous mercifull , malicious charitable ; Hic digitus Dei , This is the Finger of God . Thus , one Moses shall giue preceptes to sixe hundred thousand men , able to beare Armes . One Peter conuert three thousand at a Sermon . One Minister ( full of weaknes ) affect a great congregation , erect , depresse , with either threates or promises ; and perswade wild Japheth ( as tame as a Lamb ) into the Tents of Sem. Thus a doosen weake Apostles passed once through legions of Souldiers , prohibitions of Lawes , menaces of aduersaries , oppositions of flesh , Pride , Religions , Satan , into the Courtes of Kinges , and ouercame them with the Gospell . What shall we say ? We admire the Conquest of Alexander , that with fourty thousand men , subdued all Asia : If his Armie had been greater , his victorie , his glory had been lesse : If he had atchiued it with fewer , we would haue doubted his honour ; but if with twelue , deified him . Jesus Christ hath ; and doth dayly , make greater conquestes with fewer Souldiers , subduing soules ( which a greater victorie , then that of bodyes ) sine vt et armis , without Militarie engines : Yet who apprehendes the immensenes of his power , or admires the deapth of his wisedome ?

Indeed , it is admirable , if any such thing be wrought in these dayes : time was , one Sermon could turne manie ; now many Sermons cannot turne one : Many thirsty soules haue drunke at one Fountaine , and been satisfied ; infinite Fountaines are now open , and none will drinke : They come indeed to Iacobs Well , but they bring no Pitchers with them , no Fayth , no Attention , no Conscience ; hence their thirst , burning and killing thirst , is not quenched : God hath set open the dores of Mercy , Gospell , Grace , Glory ; onely our Heartes are shut vp : wee may as well preach to these materiall Walles , and moue the Seates , as your canteriz'd and nummed consciences . When we haue studied our colour into palenesse , our strength into weaknesse , our bloods to Gelly , and spoake away our spirites into ayre , you are the same still , and your sinnes in the same strength ; not a Mammon , Belial , Melchom , changes their lodginges , or is vnroosted out of your heartes : You come before the Pulpit , but your Fayth and Conscience is left behind you : Your Clossets , Shoppes , Fieldes ; nay , perhappes Tauernes and Tap-houses , plead possession of your affections : and all the Law that comes out of the Chaire of Moses , cannot giue the Deuill a Defeasance .

What then ? shall we not shine in this glory , because so few haue been turned by vs ? Nothing lesse , and we haue precedent for it : Though Jsrael be not gathered , yet shall J be glorious in the eyes of the Lord , sayth the Prophet . Esay 49 ● . Though when we haue spent our strengths in Jsrael , the Widow of Sarepta is more charitable : Though the Altar hath enioyed our labours , we not her priuiledges ; yet for vs , is layde vp a crowne of glory : ● . Timoth. 4.8 . Though it cannot but griue vs to be a sauour of death to many , and to rise vp condemning witnesses against those that would not beleeue our report ; yet since God is glorified in both Heauen and Hell , and we haue faithfully discharged the duties of our callings , and consciences , leauing the successe to God , though we haue Turned few to Righteousnesse , yet we shall shine as Starres for euer and euer .

PRAEDICATE .

The Praedicate we worke men to , is Righteousnesse : Righteousnesse is so faire an obiect , that a man would thinke there needes no great sollicitation to it . What heart would not be inamored on the beautie of Righteousnesse , if we saw it ? Euen the most vnrighteous men haue been conuinced to approue Righteousnesse . Surely Integritie is not loued , because it is not seene , the Deuill so takes vp our eyes with the flourishes of sinne , and gay colours of Lustes , that we are blind to the sight of goodnesse ; whose face if we could behold in that mirrour of clearenesse wherein we were created , we would be in loue with nothing else but God , and that : But as an ill affected Stomacke is best pleased with crudities , our poysoned and infected Natures are dotingly taken with corruptions , and haue no loue to Righteousnesse : No loue , sayd I ? no familiaritie , no knowledge , no acquaintance ; that if God should suffer our blinded soules so to goe on to our deathes , we should scarce euer dreame of Righteousnesse : Therefore he hath giuen vs helpes , his word , and the vocall Organs , to make it sound to vs his Ministers , who may turne our hearts to righteousnesse : Heere is offred to vs this instruction .

The end of the Ministry , is to bring men to righteousnesse . Ephes. 4. Christ when he had led captiuitie captiue , gaue Guifts to men : What were they , and to what end ? Paul declares both the Guiftes . ver. 11. He gaue some to be Apostles , some Prophets . &c. The end , ver. 12. For the repairing of the Saints , and for the edification of the Body of Christ ; a taske hard enough : Ars artiu●● , regimen animar●m , It is the cunning of all cunninges , to gouerne Soules : It is no easie worke , to make men righteous . If they could retaine couetise , licentiousnesse , vaine-glory , in their seruice , and withall be Righteous , there were some hope : but when you tell them , that carnall Lust , and Righteousnesse , are two endes that shall neuer meete ; 1. Cor. 15. that Flesh and blood shall not inherite the kingdome of Heauen : When you bid them weepe for , and restore their Iniuries , Vsuries , Sacriledges , charme their tongues from Blasphemies , their heartes from Vanities ; you shall almost as good bath a Moore , in hope to whiten him . Men naturally loue any thing better then Righteousnesse , and thinke any burden lighter then Repentance : Hence it is , that we are not so welcome as the Ministers of Sathan . 1. Behold , thy Minister mournes to thy soule in the Pulpit , and perswades thee by the blood of Christ , not without his owne teares , to haue mercy on thy soule ; not to cast away all the hopes and comfortes of a better world : to bewaile and beware of sinnes , which will make a Hell in thy boosome heere , and sinke thee to a worse Hell hereafter : Nihil agit , he cannot preuaile . Let but a Ruffian hold vp his finger , thou art gone : All Auditors are not Ruffians , and so addicted ; God forbid , that our S●r●i should not haue a few names left in her ; but many are thus , and moe of a contrary disposition , but a worse : Psal. 4. the most attend the World , Who will shew vs any good ? The Ministers voyce is not so audible , as Profites ; nor can Diuinitie make so sweete Musicke , as the world . If to condole this , were to helpe it , and the discouerie of the disease were no lesse then the remedie , I should soone cure it , but shall I tell you ? The generall opinion of most in our Parishes is this , ( if the life doe not belye the minde ) that a competent measure of righteousnesse , is enough for Heauen ; and Saluation doth not stand on so hard conditions as we teach : No bounds or measures of iniquitie are enough , but a little righteousnesse serues : It is matter of amazement to see how the most liue , as if they were neyther in Gods debt , nor daunger : Men striue who shall sinne most , and giue Iesus Christ the deepest wounds : they sweare , bezzell , couet , and laugh at him , that tels them they sinne : there is not so much shame left in their bloodes , as to giue testimony of their gultinesse : If it were possible , they would annihilate their soules , and quench all difference twixt themselues and beastes ; Let vs eate and drynke , for we shall dye : It is soone said , and soone eaten ; but not so soone digested . They aduance the colours of Satan , Blasphemies , and Lyes , in the very face of God , as if they sent Challenges to Heauen , and dared their Maker to combate : For the ministrie of the Word , whose intent is to beget in our soules Righteousnesse , they make this the end of it , to passe the time , to keepe Holy-dayes from sleepe , and to mooue the heartes of Idiots : they visite the Temple of custome as Fooles , of example as Apes , for necessitie as Beastes , for prayse as Hypocrites , or for peace as Politicians : How few thinke their Minister placed ouer them , to turne their heartes to Righteousnesse .

I haue shewed them the end of the Ministrie , we may not forget to apply it to our selues : Gods intent in sealing thee this Commission , is to worke in mens heartes Righteousnesse . Who knowes not that ? God graunt none forget it ; I am not worthy ( Fathers and Brethren ) to informe your vnderstandings ( Saltem concedatur refricare memorias ) onely giue me leaue to rubbe your memories . It is easie to propound sinister endes to our best , ordinate , and most regular workes . There are fiue bitter Hearbes to spoyle all the Children of the Prophets Pottage : Fiue affections to distaste our ministrie ; I will not say , to make them ineffectuall : Fame , Flatterie , Ease , Necessitie , Couetousnesse .

1. Are there none that catch at popular Applause , and rather hunt themselues into Fame , then Soules in-Heauen , Se pr●dicantes , non Christum , preaching themselues , Ierom. rather then Iesus Christ : Mancipia popularis aurae venalia , Creatures bred of the peoples breath , whose excellencies consist onely in opinion ; rare men in their owne iudgementes , and the flattered multitudes , Hoc ipso plecere cupiunt , quod placere contemnunt . that speake more desperately against doubted and questionable actions , then against knowne and manifest sinnes : that inueigh against some , to please the rest ; and euen curry fauour , by speaking bitterly : of whom he spake truly , that sayd , They care not to be condemned of the Learned for ignorant , so they may be commended of the ignorant for Learned . Ouid. Quid petitur sacris nisi tantum f●ma poetis ? What gape these for , but onely Fame ? They intend not ●rection of heartes , Non vt aliqua illic vitia deponant , vt aliquam , &c Sed , vt oblectamento aurium perfruantur . Sen. ep. 10● . direction of liues , correction of vices ; but they haue a strange kind of pleasure , to hold men by the eares , as the Fisher the Pike by the gilles , and neither takes him , nor letts him goe : there is in these , more affectation of Fame , then affection of Trueth .

2. Are there none , that mould their Sermons with Court dough , Flatterie ? Cushion Chaplaines , that carry their Mistresses Fannes , to keepe the heate of Reproofe from their painted faces ; that cry , it is either cold or hot , as their Patron listes to feele it ? Si pr●nderet olus patienter , regibus vti Hot. ad scaenam . lib. 1. Ep. 17. N●llet Aristipp●s ; si scir●t regibus vti , Fastidir●t olus &c. They get more by flattery , the● iust men by their impartiall censures : But it was Aristotle● , amicus Plat● , amicus Socrates , m●gis 〈…〉 . Thy Patron is thy Friend , and the chiefe man of thy Parish is thy Friend : Trueth is thy Friend aboue all .

3. Are there none , that leape out of the troubles of the world , into the peace of the Church , onely to be fedde at the Altar , and liue idle ? That intertained to build vp Gods House ; and once sure of his pay , lay downe their tooles , and fall to play ?

4. Are there none , that make a Vertue of necessitie ; and when all trades fayle , turne Priestes , Optimum est non vltimum resugium Presbyt . making that their last refuge , that should be their best : This is a ranke custome among the Papistes ; but I hope , it hath not gotten ouer our Seas . Oh how vile is it , and an argument of a desperate minde , when Diuinitie is made but a shift ? If to digge they are too lazie , to begge ashamed , to steale afrayde , to cheate want witte , and to liue , meanes , then thrust in for a roome in the Church ; and once crope in at the window , make haste to sharke out a liuing ; nay , and perhaps she apace with the winges of golden Ignoraunce , into Patrons Bookes , and Presentations to good Beneficer , when Learning is so ill hors'd , riding vpon Penurie , that the Benefice is gone , ere he comes ; no matter how poore the stocke of Learning be , so the stocke of Money hold out , to the Patrons content : Somtimes such Beggars are made Priestes , when good Priestes are made Beggars .

5. Are there none sicke of the Pearle in the eye ? a shrewd disease , and no lesse common ; whose soules are taken vp by Mammons commission , as Demas , that gaue Religion the Bagge , when the World offered him the Purse , and vowed to serue Christ no longer for nothing . I haue shewed you many oblique , indirect , and sinister endes ; but among all , this carryes it , for custome , for hatefulnesse : Proh pudor ! that euer a Minister should be couetous , as if we had lost all our former time , and were now to recouer it with a preposterous emulation of the hungriest Worldlings : How should we reclaime others from the World , that cleaue to it our selues : They must needes thinke , wee haue a broder way to Heauen , then we teach others . It is obseruable , that the Creatures neerest to the Earth , are most greedy to accumulate : What Creatures store vp such heapes of prouision , as the Ant: But the Birds of the Ayre , Math. 6.26 . that flye next He●uen , Neither sow , nor reape , nor carry into the Barne , sayth our Sauiour . Wee are next to Heauen in profession ; let vs hate to be farthest off in conuersation .

These are all vnblest and pernicious endes , and whereof , I trust , no soule is heere guiltie : I confidently vse the wordes of Paul : Heb. 6.9 . I haue perswaded my selfe better thinges of 〈◊〉 and such as accompany saluation , though I thus speake : I hope , the least Feather can brush these dustes from our Conscience : Let not Fame , Flatterie , Ease , Necessitie , Couetousnesse , taske our endeauours , to this holy worke : ● . Cor. 4.2 . we are then but ( Adulterantes verbum ( such as adulterate Gods word ; as the Fornicator makes Lust his end , not Generation : so such a Minister intendes not to beget soules to God , but Fame , or Gaine to himselfe . If we doe thus , the worst is our owne : Phil. 1.15.18 . Whiles some preach Christ of strife , some of goodwill , yet so long a● Christ is preached , I doe ioy , and will ioy therein . It shall be the best for vs , that our intentes sympathize with Gods ; his Ordinaunce , with our Perfour●ance , to turne soules to Righteousnesse .

COPVLATIVES .

This for the Praedicate . The persons , whom God hath deputed to attone these two contrary natures , sinfull men , and Righteousnesse , are the Ministers : there is no weake contention betweene these , and the labour is hard to reconcile them : 2. Cor 5. To vs is committed this ministery of reconciliation : God hath honored vs to tye this ●notte , though it be indeed , ( Dignus vindice nodus ) a sacramentall bond for the hand of the most high God to perfect : yet he vouchsafes this honour to vs , ( as his instrumentes ) that we in his name and power , shall tye a double knot on Earth : a temporall knot of the husband to the wife ; which none but the Minister may doe : a Spirituall and eternall knot of the beleeuing soule to her husband Christ : ● . Cor. 11.2 . I haue prepared you for one Husband , to present you a pure Virgin to Christ : Hee hath designed vs , to turne men to Righteousnesse .

Is this possible ? Est Deus in vobis , &c. God is in you , if you can doe this : no power rules , constraines , conuertes the heart of man , but God onely . I say againe , thus is God pleased to honour vs , that we shall be said to conuert sinners : ●am 15.20 . Hee that conuerteth a sinner from going astray , shall saue a soule from death , and hide a multitude of sinnes . And Paul thus chargeth Timothy : 1. Tim. 4.16 . Continue in learning , for in doing this , thou shalt saue thy selfe , and them that heare thee . Yet , absit , farre be it from vs to thinke , or any superstitious soule to ascribe it to vs , that by our owne arme , we haue gotten this victorie . If the Psalmist denyes power to any , of rescuing his brothers body from the Graue , he much more excludes thy redemption of his soule . This then is true , when the externall voyce of man , and internall operation of the spirit , shall iumpe togeather ; Mala. 4.6 . then John Baptist shall turne heartes , then the Priest shall make thy soule cleane : Leuit. 16. When the agent of Heauen , and instrument of Earth , doe concurre , or are comprehensiuely taken : but when they be either compared in opposing , or opposed in comparing , then all is in God : then Paul can ( but ) plant , 1. Cor. 3.6 . and Apollos water , God giues the increase . Then Iohn Baptist poures on Water , and Christ baptiseth with the holy Ghost , Math. 3.11 . and with Fire . Will you heare them vnited ; God was in Christ , reconciling the world to himselfe , and hath committed to vs , 1. Cor. 5 , 19. the ministrie of reconciliation ; else there is no power in my perishable voyce , to affect your conscience . Breake away this Analogie and virtuall association of the spirit from our preaching , and you depart from the Temple , with as foule heartes as euer you came thither . No beloued , lift vp your eyes higher then the Pulpit , and know , he dwelles in Heauen that pierceth the Conscience : Behold , I stand at the dore , and knocke . Reue. 3.20 . &c. I , sayes the Sonne of the eternall God . It is he , that cleares the eye , vndeaffes the eare , vnlockes the heart , and shakes the inmost powers of the soule , as the Thunder shakes the Wildernesse . Were we all Bo●nerges , the Sonnes of Thunder , we were not able without him , to turne your heartes to Righteousnesse : Indeed the Word is strong in operation , Heb. 4.12 . diuidyng the marrow and the bones ; and our ministrie is not of the Letter , but Spirit , sayth S. Paul : thus farre exceeding the externall commaundement of Moses , wherevnto he could not conuert his owne soule , that it shall not onely require Fayth , but giue it : yet still , Virtus a Deo , the vertue , life , spirit , is from God .

This cleares vs from that Popish imputation , that we build our Fayth on a silly Minister : we build it on the testimonie of the Spirit , & the Word of eternall truth , deliuered to vs , by such an organ : The trueth examined , they rather build their saluation on a silly Minister . Thus farre , they and we goe hand in hand ; we agree that Fayth & conuersion is wrought in the heart by an especiall grace of Gods spirit : But heere wee part ; They say , the holy Ghost vseth the authoritie of the Church to beget Fayth in our heartes : Wee say , hee vseth the Ministrie onely , not the Authoritie . Thus , whereas they rayse the credite of the Doctrine from the Minister ; wee rayse the credite of the Minister , from the Doctrine : so that of both , Papistes may be trulier sayd to build their Fayth on the credite of Men ; yea , and such men , as some of them , haue been Sodomites , some Coniurer● , some Murderours , and scarce inferiour to Deuils , vnlesse now perhaps they lie as deepe and low in Hell . Thus are their blinded soules bound to beleeue , not by their Ministrie as Christians ; but by their Authoritie , as Pythagoreans .

I confesse , the Word caryes Authoritie with it , in any lippes which God hath touched with a Coale from his Altar , and woe to the soule that disobeyes it . There is an easie Distinction , sayth that excellent P●still , D.B. betwixt the Lawyer , the Physitian , and the Diuine : The Lawyer begins with Reason , and so descends to common Experience and Authoritie : The Physitian begins with Experience , and thence proceedes to Reason and Authoritie : The Diuine begins with Authoritie , and so to Reason and Experience : Our personall Authoritie then is nothing ; the Authoritie of Gods word not to be withstood . These then are the Copulatiues , and this the meanes to bring you to Righteousnesse , or else despaire it . If thou liuing within the sun-shine of the Gospell , wilt not be enlightned by it , thou must perish in darknesse . If the Preacher conuert thee not to Righteousnesse , God must worke Miracles , or thy soule is in hazard .

Wee should now come to our Reward , our Blisse , our Heauen : Shall shine as Starres for euer and euer : But I find it , Reu. 1. The seauen Starres , are the Angels of the seauen Churches . Ministers shall be Starres hereafter , sayth the Prophet Daniel : they shal be Starres heere too , sayth S. Iohn . Without question , both speake trueth , and there is a shining of this world , goes before that Heauen : Wee must be Starres in Grace , that looke to be so in Glory . It was directed to the Apostles , Vos estis lux mundi , Math. 5.14.16 . you are the light of the world : And , Let your light so shine before men , &c. So God hath disposed , that , Lumen gracia antecedat Lumen gloria , the light of Grace shall preceed the light of Glory : And none shall shine hereafter , that haue been darke heere . First then , consider what kind of Starres we are : then , what we shall be . Ministers are sayd to be Starres in fiue repectes : in Name , Substaunce , Sight , Motion , Effectes .

Nomine . 1. In Name , Stella astando dicitur , a Starre ( quasi ) not stirre , further then the Orbe carries it ; God hath fixed them in their Spheares , and confined them to Stations ; like good Souldiers , they know their Rankes and their Orders ; and obserue their , Non vltra . The Sunne knowes his rising , and his going downe . Ministers must be like Starres , fixed in their orbes : ours is a stable profession , 1. Pet. 5.2 . not a gadding Ministry . It was S. Peters counsell , or rather the holy Ghosts charge , Feed that flocke , that dependeth on you . ( He spake merely , the Tribe of Leuj must haue no minde to the Tribe of God . ) The Apostles indeed , went through the world ; but they had their Pasport for it , Goe teach all nations , &c. It must not be so with vs : not that you , which are full , should grudge the hungry soules some Crummes from your Tables . How many are yet in this Land , that would be heart-glad of those Sermons , which you sleepe out and despise ? How many would close the Minister in the armes of ioy , whom you contemne ? So easie is it for a full stomacke to forget the benefite of Meate . The feete of those that bring good tidinges of peace , are no where lesse beautifull , then in their most frequented streetes . Neuer found Prophet lesse honour , lesse welcome , then where his perpetuall paines haue best earned it . Like pamper'd children , you play with your Meate : Giue vs leaue to gratifie with some comfortes ( I say not with our Sauiour , the Dogge● , but ) the Children of our owne Father , which want them . Theod●r●t writes , that when Valent with his Arrian heresie had bepesterd the Christian world , and stroke a deepe wound in the white boosome of the Church . Aphr●●d●● a certaine Monke , contrary to his order , came foorth of his vowed and confining Monastery , to succour the endangered trueth : being asked by the offended Emperour , What he did out of his Cell ? I did keepe it , sayth he , so long as Christes Sheepe were in peace ; I can not be coop'd vp , and suffer them in hazard of ruine : If being a Virgin , I were confined by my Father to a Closset ; yet seeing the House on fire , I were bound to come foorth to quench it .

Thus it is , when the affayres of the Church call vs foorth , our owne may not finde vs so ready : They are wretched Starres , that will be fixed in no Orbe , admit of no certaine Charge ; nay not Starres , but meere Meteors , Exhalations , Ignes f●tuj , Commets portending delusion to others , confusion to themselues , vnstable Lightes , Iude. 13. C●r●ed about with euery wind of doctrine : Wandring Starres , as Jude sayth , for whom is reserued ( not this shyning in glory , Reu. 12.4 . but the blacke darknesse for euer . They were such Starres , that the redde Dragon with his tayle swept from Heauen , and cast downe to the Earth , that had no true location in the Orbe of the Church , Stellae errati●a , following their owne phantasies . Let vs beware of such wandringes , least it be sayd of vs , as the Poet of that Starre , Etsi non c●cidit , poterit cecidisse viderj , though we haue not fallen away , yet we haue seemed so : Let no stormes blow vs from our Charges : Menaces , Miseries , Gustes , Waues , shall beat vpon vs , yet ( S● fract●s illabatur orbis , impauidum ferient ruinae ) let vs sticke closse & fast to our Spheres : Hor. lib. car . ● . od. 3. when Gods general afflictions of plague , famine , mortalitie , are most frequent , our councels are most seasonable . Oh when wil the iron heartes of men bow , if not when they are heat in the flame of iudgements ? They are wretched Starres then , and vncapable of this glorie , that are ( Subitò a parentes , subitò disparentes , Labantes et Labentes ) sodainely vp , and sodainely downe ; giuing a glimmering , but no solid and certaine light : Let no such Starres shine in our Firmament .

Substantia . 2. In substance , stella est solida et pellucida materies , non vetustate , non putredine corrumpenda , non casu vllo dissipanda . a Starre is a more solid part of his Orbe , euery way round , light , simple , and most pure : a Minister must for substance be a Starre , possesse a Starre-like , and substantiall light , not a flash of lightning , but a continuall lampe of learning , which like the fire of the sanctuary , must neuer goe out . You are the light of the world , sayth our Maister , but if the light be darknesse , how great is that darknesse ? light , as well as place in the Firmament , is substantiall to a Starre ; and learning as well as office is requisite for a Minister : They that handle the two-edged sworde of the spirit , must haue skill , when to strike with it , when ( but ) to shake it , and when to sheath it . An vnlearned Scribe , without his treasure of old and new , is vnfit to interpret Gods Oracles . Mal. 2.7 . The Priestes lippes shall preserue knowledge , is no lesse a precept to the Minister , then a promise to the poeple ; we are vnfit to be Seers , if we cannot distinguish betweene Hagar and Sara , but Ixion-like take a cloude for Iune : we are poore Starres , if light enough comes not from vs , whereby to distinguish of colours , to discerne the Manna of Jsraell , from the inchaunted Cup of Babell : a Minister without learning , is like a meere Cypher , which fills vp a place , & increaseth the number , but signifies nothing . There haue been some niggardly affected to learning , calling it mans wisedome : they thrust out the vse of artes , as if with Julian they would shut vp the Schoole dores , and send all humane knowledge into banishment . If the morall sayes , of a Poet , or a Philosopher , or perhaps some golden sentence of a Father drop from vs , Pernassus waites on Sion : Helicon on the fountaine of grace . it is straight called ( venenata facundia ) a poysoned eloquence ; as if all these were not the spoyles of the Gentiles , and meere Hand-maides vnto Diuinitie : They wrong vs ; we make not the Pulpit a Philosophy , Logicke , Poetry , and Schoole , Secular learning hath the vse , if it be washed in the sope of the Prophets . but all these so many Staires to the Pulpit . Will you haue it ? The Foxe dispraiseth the Grapes he cannot reach : If they could beat downe learning , they might escape censure , for their owne ignorance : For shame let none that hath borne a Booke , dispraise Learning ; she hath enemies enough abroad , though she be iustifyed of her Children at home : Let Barbary disgrace Arts , not Athens .

The Papistes bragge much of their Schollership , though indeed , all the salt of their Learning , can not keepe their Doctrines from stinking . I should hardly be held an impartiall Iudge , if I should censure them ; therefore I will be silent : Yet in one thing I can not but commend them : They haue one kind of learning beyond ours , and it consists in arguing : their disputing is strong , victorious , and full of ( desperate ) valour : That argument of his was but heere by : God rules the Church Triumphant in Heauen ; therefore the Pope rules the Church Militant on Earth : and so as once , ( Diuisum imperium cum Joue Caesar habet . ) Cesar is halfe with Iupiter , the Pope is ioyn'd purchaser with Christ : But he will be sole possessour : This was but reasonably audatious , that holds from Heauen to Earth , from God to the Pope . They dispute with vs , yet stronglyer ; by a demonstratiue argument , ( Quod ex veris primis , ( sed non ) necessarijs secundis consisted . ) Which consists of true principles , but not of necessary consequences ; a Syllogisme in Barbara , a very barbarous one . I will shew you how , as the Iewes reasoned with Stephen .

Euery Blasphemer deserues to be stoned : But Stephen is a Blasphemer : ergo , Stephen deserues to be stoned .

Stephen graunts the proposition , that a Blasphemer is worthy to be stoned ; but denies the assumption , and sayes , I am no Blasphemer , therefore not to be stoned : They prooue it , take vp stones , and knock him on the head : An inuincible argument . So the Papists with vs .

All Heretickes deserue to be burned : Ratio barbara . All the Protestants are Heretickes : ergo , All the Protestants deserue to be burned .

We stand not much vpon the maior , but resolutely and truely deny the minor ; and say , we are no Heretickes , therefore deserue not to be burned : They prooue it ; tye vs to strong Stakes , lay on Wood , put too Fire , Actio barbarissima . & burne vs to ashes : an vnanswerable syllogisme ; yet we haue answered it , and ouercome it , ( Et fortiores ignibus facti sunt ) our Martyrs were stronger in Fayth , Cypr. then the Fire in heate ; and though , Lord , For thy sake we were killed all the day long , and counted as Sheepe for the slaughter ; Rom. 8.36.37 . yet in all these thinges , we were more then Conquerours through him , that lou●d vs .

But otherwise for the substaunciall light of Learning , our Starres shall compare with the Starres of Rome : yet , Oh that there was no fault in vs of this nature , worthy to be censured , deplored . Take the district eye of a true-iudging God ( 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ) and , ● . Cor. 2.16 . Who is sufficient for these thinges ? All our Learning Dexteritie , Sinceritie , Diligence , comes short of the required perfection . Let vs treasure vp what we can ; and produce it to the edification of others . Doe we thinke it enough to haue Learning , and not to shine in this darke world ? They are strange Starres , that will giue no light : if not heere , then not hereafter . They are deepe Welles , from whom can be drawne no Water : Wee vnto mee , if I preach not the Gospell : 2. Pet. 2.17 . If thou be called , and indued with answerable giftes , and wilt burie thy Talent , I need not tell thee the danger . I cannot say ( Ex ●re tuo ) out of thine owne mouth , for thou sayst nothing ; but ( Ex silenti● tuo ) by thy silence , Luke . 19.22 . because thou sayst nothing , God will iudge thee . If it may be sayd of him , that would and cannot Preach , Non volentes , non valentes . hee is a dumbe Dogge ; it may as fitly and iustly be sayd of him that can , and will not Preach , Post. D.B. that he is a dumbe Diuell . It is not enough to weare a decent Surplisse , &c. ( though some out of their curiositie thinke that too much ) when the peoples Soules are starued for the bread of Heauen : There be good iniunctions , for the comely ceremonies of the Church , to preserue vs in peace , in vnitie ; so also good orders for weekely Sermons : Haec fecisse , illa non omisisse iustum est . These ought you to haue done , Luk. 11.42 . and not to leaue the former vndone : Let not the first be true Canons , whiles the latter are onely Pot-guns .

A double beame , then , you must expect from your Starres , your Ministers , preaching , and praising God : the meanes & the end ; both I say , not one only : some of you are all for prayers , and care for no preaching : some all for preaching , & care for no praying : if there be no sermon , they will sitte still , and serue God at home ; as if he had promised his presence to the chimney corner , sooner then to the Temple . Indeed sayth S. Paul , dispise not prophecying , but for ought I see , ● . Thess. 5.20 . he allowes no where , the vilipending of publique prayers , but rather seemes to imitate , Magnifie praysing God ; for he prefixeth , if not preferreth , Pray continually , ver. 17.18 . and , in all thinges giue thankes , &c. adding vnder them ; Numb. 11.29 . 1. Cor. 14.5 . and , Despise not Prophecying . I speake it not to vilefie Preaching , ( so principally a necessary meanes for our saluation , ) J would ye did all Prophecie , was the the speach of Moses and Paul : Neither would I hearten the common disestimation , and contempt of publicke Prayers : both are necessarie ; yet is the last best ( if I be not deceiued ) so farre as the end transcendes the meanes : Your health is more precious then the Physicke , that recouers you , though it come as farre as the East . All our Preaching , labours and Aimes at this , to beget in you a knowledge , and a conscience , how to serue and prayse God . Opus via : o●us patriae . Preaching is the worke of our way , praysing God , of our Countrey : in Heauen there shall be no Sermons , but euen then Hosa●na's and Halleluia's : We shall spend the time , nay that eternitie , in praysing our Creatour and Sauiour , and Sanctifiour , when there shall be none to preach to vs . Loue then Preaching and doe not despise Praying ; both are the lightfull & delightfull beames , that come from your Starres , your Ministers .

Situ . 3. In situation , the Starres are placed in their Orbe , and thereof being circularly and regularly carryed , doe finish their course in a determinate space of time . Philosophy sayth , that the Sunne doth partly enlighten the Starres of Heauen : But Diuinitie ( sayth ) the Sonne of Righteousnesse , Mala. 4. doth wholly enlighten his starres of the Church . The Starres are placed high , the more commodiously to shine to vs : God hath put Ministers in an eminent place , that their light might be more perspicuous . Candles once accensed , are not to be thrust into abstruse corners . If then Paul requires it of others , then much more of vs , that are Starres , To haue our conuersation in Heauen . It is not required of the Firmament , Phil. 3.20 . to shine so bright as the Starres : more holinesse is expected of vs , then in the ordinary station of a Christian : whiles other mens places are lesse notable , their vices are lesse notorious : wee run not in a common line , but are set foorth as copies of Sanctification : euery blot in vs , is so much more dangerous , as tiis more obseruable : euery Learner is apt to taxe his precedent , if faultie : he hath need to be circumspect , that sayth to others , Be ye followers of we , and looke on them , that walke so , as you haue vs for a● ensample . Phil. 3.17 . Wee haue all infirmities , if not enormities , and let S. Paul himselfe referre you to the most absolute patterne , and reserue to your imitation , certaine limittes , Follow me , as I follow Jesus Christ : Wee must follow thee , oh Sauiour , and striue to be holy , as thou ●●t holy .

This is our seate in Heauen ; and we should be like the Starres , if it were possible ; free from Elementary corruptions . To speake by roate of Repentaunce , Fayth , new Birth , is seldome profitable , when no such thing is felt in our owne bossomes , or manifested in our liues : We ( rather ) trust our health into those Physitians handes , whose Drugges haue recouered themselues . If thou hast an Angels tongue , and a Deuils heart , thou art no better then a Post in the crosse way . that rottes it selfe , to direct others ; or a Torch , that hauing pleasured others with the light , goes foorth it selfe in Smoake and stinch . To speake well , and doe ill ; is to build vp Heauen with the voyce , Hell with the couersation : Sic dic●●m , vt qua fu●runt verba , Caelum aedificat Lingua , infernum vita . sint opera . Let vs so speake , that those which haue been our wordes , may be our deedes . In deede it should be thus ( Si bene dixerimus , vestrum est ) If we haue said well , Sen. ep. 1. lib. 19. it is your good : ( Si bene vixerimus , nostrum est ) If we haue done well , it is our owne good : And for Ministers words , ( Dicunt qua dei sunt ) they speake that which is Gods : For their liues , ( ●atiunt qua sua sunt ) they doe that which is their owne : but our persons are in their sight , when our words are gone from their eares : and withall , Segnius irrita●● animos demissa per ●●res , H●rat . in art● . Quam qua sunr●cidis subiecta fidelibus . There is a quicker perspicuitie in the eyes , and a better retention of the receiued obiect , then in the eares . The Thunder first breakes the Cloude , and le ts foorth the Lightning ? yet is the latter seene , before the former is heard : Hence it is , that Examples teach soonest , ( Longum iter per verba , Senec. breue et compendiosum per exempla , ) It is a long way by Preceptes , a short by Examples : The force of a hundred good Sermons , is loft by one enormitie : so easie is it to weaue Penelop●● webbe . Let vs then haue some respect to our Life , as our Doctrine : the credite is a thing next tender to the Conscience , ( Qua semelamissa , postea nullus eris , ) which once shipwrack'd , thou art vndone : It is a great difficultie , to play an after game of Reputation . It was an excellent exhortation of Paul , & implied no smal difficulty to Timotheus ; 2. Tim. 4.5 . Cause thy Ministrie to be throughly liked of : adorne it with a pure and holy Conuersation . His charge was no lesse to Titus ? Tit. 2.15 . See that no man despise thee . Say they did ; can Titus helpe that ? Paul● meaning is , Giue iust cause to no man , to despise thee . Let them then murmure till their tongues are hoarse with contumelies , so long as thou canst applaud thy selfe in the conscience of thy well deseruinges , and say with that persecuted , maligned , reuiled , yet holy Psalmist ; Oh Lord , thou knowest mine innocence . Calumnies against the Minister are facile , frequent : If austere with Iohn Baptist , they are censured , precise : if sociable as Christ , dissolute . Our merriment is thought madnesse , when others madnesse , i● but merriment : It is guiltinesse enough in vs , to be but ill reported they will beleeue a scandall raised against vs , sooner then against a Ruffian ; and what they dreame , is so , no argumentes shall euade it . Men are glad of colour to despise vs ; & great ones , at once to saue their credits , & their purses , picke quarrels with their Minister : When all trickes fayle , to shake off him , that hath earned thy loue and bountie this shall doe it ; accuse him to be thine enimie , and so excuse thy selfe from being his friend : it is hard if the eye of Malice cannot spie a Moate in a Blacke coate ; or at least , say it is a Moate , though it be but a White one , a worke of honest simplicitie . I feare , I am too plaine with the times , that are so subtile with vs : I comfort my selfe , and all my partners in this common miserie ; Male de me dicunt , sed mali , Sen. they speake euill of me , but they are euill men , and would speake better of me , if I were worse .

It hurts not , to haue no grace , of them that haue no grace .

1. Pet. 3.16 .

Let vs proceed in the integritie of our conscience , that When they speake euill of vs , as of euill doers , they may ( in the end ) be ashamed , which slaunder our good conuersation in Christ . Let vs liue well , the successe to God : a good word hath the time when to be spoken . There is a season to benefite , and a season to hurt by our speach , ( therefore it is preposterous in men , to be Consonantes , when they should be Mutes ; and Mutes , when they should be Consonantes , ) But a good life is neuer out of season . A high Place , and a low & base Life , Sedes prima vita ima . haue no analogie or correspondence : Our seate is in Heauen like Starres ; let not our conuersation be on Earth like Beastes : Other mens indifferences , are our ranke euils : that which is scarce worth notice in others , in vs is censured , taxed , condemned . This for the site .

4. The Motion is fourefold . 1. Circular . 2. Incessant . 3. Swift . 4. Orderly . Mota .

1. Circular : The Starres moue roundly , Orbicularis . according to their Orbes : Our Motion , that are Ministers , is not vnlike ; A Deo caepimus , in Deo chau●●m●● , Wee begin from God , in God we end : Jehou●h called vs , A Ioue principium . and we striue to bring soules to him : As we are Pastors , Per lustrandum cuile . we must compasse about our Flockes , as Watchmen surround the Citie , to fortifie the breach : Satan compasseth the earth , by his owne testimony : Iob. 1. The roring Lion goeth about , 1. Pet. 5.8 . by the description of Peter , watching whom to deuoure . Let our diligence match his , with a sauing intent , that the tempted may haue our Antidotes , the doubtfull 〈◊〉 Counsels , the erring our Conuictions , and the languishing our Incouragements .

●riequietus . 2. Incessant : Our Motion is without intermission ; for the Aduersarie neuer giues truce , or admittes conditions of peace , without his sensible aduantage . Therefore our calling allowes vs no time to sit still and sing R●quiems to our soules vnder our Fig-trees of peace . A Souldiour should die in the Warres standing , and a Minister in the Pulpit preaching . It was the Lord of the Vineyards reproofe , Why stand ye heere all the day idle ? It is not permitted to vs , to stand still ; What , and all your day ? and idle too ? Pauls example was other , and that excellent : J ceased not to admonish euery one night and day with teares : I ceased not , ( Ecce Laborem ) behold his labour : Act. 2● . 31 . To admonish , ( Ecce Officium ) behold his Dutie : Euery one , ( Ecce Amorem ) behold his Loue : Night and day , ( Ecce vigilantiam ) behold his Watchfulnesse : With teares , ( Ecce compassionem ) behold his Pittie .

Velocissimus . 3. Swift and speedy ; Noscit tarda molimina spiritus , The holy Ghost cannot abide delayes : We may giue warning too late , when the Enimie hath surprised the Citie . It was the Maister of the Feastes charge , Goe out quickly into the Streetes and Lanes , Luke . 14.21 . &c. The Angels are sayd to haue Winges , for their speedier expedition of Gods hestes ; and , Cursed is he , that doth Gods businesse negligently , sayes the Prophet . Indeed we may run too fast , when God sendes vs not : Ionas made ●reposterous haste , when he tooke . Tarshish for Nineueh : and they run ( Curu● pede , Praedicare volunt , imò volant . with a swift perhaps , but ) with no straight foote , that are in Moses Chaire , ere they be aware ; & wonder too late , how they came thither . I cannot call this Motion speedy ; but hasty : and much haste , is seldome incountred with good successe : The Starres mooue swiftly , but not madly . They that fly into the Ministry without Winges , run without Legges ; I meane , without Knowledge , mooue short of their owne benefite , of others expectation : The Cloudes poure downe no raine , till they haue first sucked it vp : ( Praepropera praxit , praepostera lectio , ) To practise first , and study afterwardes , is an ill habite in action , and no good figure in Rhetoricke : They that will so runne , that they may attaine , haue neither too many feete , nor too few : If they abound , as the Monsters the sonnes of Anak , that had sixe Toes on a foote : Impediuntur necessarijs auxilijs , their necessary helpes , are their hindrances : If they be defectiue , they can but limpe . Therefore in our Motion , let Zeale further Discretion , that not too slow Discretion moderate Zeale , that not too fast : but hauing thy Commission , and being placed by God in thy Orbe , be not vnwilling to mooue : Practise is like a Wheele , the more it is turned , the better it goes .

4. Orderly : Wee must keepe as the Starres doe , Ordinatissimus . our knowne and equall distance : it is not to thy prayse , to run into other Orbes , desiring there ( Ostendere , nay , Ostentare lucem tuam ) to shew , yea to boast thy light , with a proud conceate , to darken the Starre , which God hath there placed : such an emulation is odious , and thou mayst flash out ( like a Meteor ) for a time , but at last , God will aske thee , who sent thee thither ? Let euery Starre be loued of his owne Orbe , though one Starre differs from an other Starre in glory . 1. Cor. 15. Nothing better becomes vs , then order ; for our God is the God of order : Contention disables vs , and eneruates our Ministry : So long as the water is stirred , the Fisher can catch no Fish : Loue is the Maister-veine of the Soule , and Peace knittes the Ioyntes : 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Ephes. 4.12 . Are we called to put the luxate members of the body of Christ into their places , and shall our selues be disioynted ? Our peace , is the Milke of our Land , let not our strife like Runnet , Leo. turne it to Curde . When the people were togeather by the eares , a Fellow as thicke as long , got vp into the Theater , and aduauncing himselfe , they began all to laugh : goe to , quoth he , laugh and spare not ; I haue a Wife at home , rounder then my selfe : ( at this they laughed lowder : ) yet when we agree , one Bed can hold vs , when we are at variance , the whole house is too little for vs . You can apply it .

Effectes . 5. The last circumstaunce of our Similitude to the Starres , consistes in the effectes ; these are three : J●fluendi , Illuminand● , orratu Delectandi , 1. Our Influence . 2. Light . 3. Delight .

Influendi . 1. Influence . Philosophy teacheth vs , that the Starres in Elementes , and Elementall bodyes , doe stirre vp the first qualities , Astra regunt homines , sed Deus astra regit . hot , cold , moyst , and dry ; and cause other effectes , seruing to the inclination of man : Surely as we are Starres , all the Influence we can deriue to men of our selues , is to incline them by our charitie . This is no weake perswasion , but one of those 3. Feedinges , that at least they expect : Egentis animum doctrinae sermo non penetrat , si hunc miserecordiae manus non commendat . Grig . Past. If they find not Hospitality the Porter at our gates , they straite censure vs for Darke starres . Many of our people liked Popery well , for nothing else , but because they were fatted with the superfluities , that fell from their libertine Feastes . Now these that measure Religion by their bellies , will be tempted with handfulls of Barley , and morsells of Bread , to speake well of vs : As the Jewes once in the Prophet , so these crye now : When we serued the Queene of Heauen , and might pray to our Lady , we had Bread enough : Now they haue pleaded so hard for Fayth , they haue forgotten Charity : They say , We sette Fayth at our owne Tables , but thrust Charity out , to dine with our Seruants . These are the scandalous clamours of their inuincible ignorance , who , ( as many of the Iewes , Christ ) follow the Ghospell , onely for their bellies : they consider not , in whose hands Abbeys , and Monasteries , and the best Parsonages are : He was a friend to vs , that told the Begger , The Vicaredge is but the Parsonages spawne . ( beating hard at the Vicars doore for releife , ) he knocked at the wrong doore : heere dwells , quoth he , the Spawne , but yonder the Pickerell . The Pope and his * * For so are Impropriators . Heires , haue got all ; wee haue not the tenth of the tenth , the very interest left ; yet they claime as much of vs , as of them that haue the principall . Well , our reward is in Heauen ; let vs giue them what Influence we can , and hauing fedde their soules , spare also some reliefe to their bodyes .

2. Lighte . This the second effect , to enlighten them : the substance and nature of a Starre , hath alreadie taught vs this dutie : I will sparingly vrge it . Illuminandi . Wee illuminate them by speach , by conuersation . Our Doctrine is the Light ; Life , the Lanthorne : if wee carry the Light without the Lanthorne , the winde of Malice will striue to blow it out . Hee went not farre from this allegorie , that prescribed a Ministers dutie , ( Tonare voce , fulminare vita , ) our words , thunder : Grig . Naz. our liues , lightning . If we be lightfull in preaching , darksome in liuing ; we doe ( as it were ) propound our Doctrines , as impossible to be kept . If we haue knowing Mindes , and dissolute Affections , it may be sayd of vs ( as of that stigmaticke Romane Emperour Galba , who was both deformed , Ingenium Galbae male habitat . and witty ) that a good Instrument is put in an euill Case . If we liue well , and say nothing , we haue an Orbe and seeme Starres , but are none : for God ( sure ) neuer placed Starre in the Firmament , that giues no light . Whether they be idle , or vnable , like Aesop's Henne , too fatte to lay ; they are but a burden to our Orbe , a disgrace to our Church : onely doe thou take heed ( thy Starre not shining so bright as others ) least thy Cloudes darken it : The peoples sinnes , are not seldome the cause of the Prophets darknesse ; to himselfe be his owne negligence , He standes or falles to his owne Maister : Perhaps there is yet more in it , then so ; God hath his speciall worke in all euentes : it may be , in thy Ministers insufficiencie thy sinne is plagued , and God strikes thee through him . This is no light , though insensible stroke : thou hast slighted his sacred and maiesticall Word ; behold , as to a Swine vnworthy of this Pearle , he denies , withholds it . Hos. 9.7 . The Prophet is a foole : the spirituall man is madde , for the multitude of thine iniquitie . Goe then and bewaile thy sinnes , Coloss. 4.3 . and Pray that the doare of vtterance may be opened to him , least whiles he shines not , thou perish in darknesse .

Ornatu delectandi . 3. Delight . The Starres are the grace of the Skie : so are Ministers of the Church , when they all moue in peace and vnitie , ( Ordine quisque suo , ) euery one in his owne order . We often see the Starres , their contemplation , their benefite is neuer tedious : no more is the societie of Ministers to them , that desire to read in those Bookes , the constellations of Heauen , the mysteries of Saluation , and to know how to gouerne their soules and their bodyes . God gaue man an vpright Countenaunce , Ouid. met . directing his Minde togeather with his Lookes to the Starres ; Erectos ad sydera tollere vultus : Looke on them , which walke like vs , sayth S. Paul ; Phil 3.17 . not as some Star-gasers , that stare on vs , onely to intrap vs : to whom we reply , as Diogenes did to him , that so subtilly disputed of the Starres ; How long is it since you came downe from Heauen ? Quam pridem de caelo descendisti ? Let them beware a successe , like Thales , who gaz'd so long at the Starres aboue him , that he fell into the Ditch below him . If then , you looke on vs , keepe the Creeples intent at the Beautifull gate of the Temple ; Act 3.5 6. Giue heede to vs , trusting to receiue some thing of vs : and then , though Siluer and Gold we haue none , yet what we ●a●e , we giue you , in the name , and by the vertue of Jesus Christ of Nazareth , better thinges are deriued from vs . Fables and toyes content vs with a transient glaunce . — videtur Fabula , qua posci vult , et spectata reponi . Hor. A Fable requires no more , but to be seene , and then throwne by : But heere ( Non satiatur oculu● visu ) the eyes are not satisfied with seeing : such ioy is the Minister to the good mans soule , that he could be content to haue him euer in his sight .

You haue heard , how we are called Starres , I would direct the Application of this , to 3. sortes of people : Patrons , Laitie , Ministers .

1. To speake much of Patrons , Patrons . you will hold it friuolous : they heare not , being absent ; neither would they beleeue , being present : But let not sinne be balked , though it be not by , to answere for it selfe . Many of them care not whom they present , if his Purse can speake learnedly , though his tongue ignorantly . Ignorance , Superstition , and Symonie , were once proper to the Romish Sea ; I know not what infortunate wind hath blowne the last into our Land , and defiled the pure professours of Reformation . But you will say , there is no Simony , wherein the Minister is not one partie . It is too true ; woe to vs the whiles : I meane not onely the woe of miserie , fatally forced on vs by these euill dayes ; but the woe of Iudgement , which we voluntarily call on vs by this wickednesse . I will not speake to excuse vs a t●to , sed a tanto : durum telum , necessitas : You that are the Donors , haue the thinges consecrated to Pietie and Fayth , committed to you vpon trust , and you haue sworne it a law in your boosomes , ( which you more strictly obserue , then the law of your maker ) that we shall buy them at your handes , or goe without them . Christ threw out of the Temple , not onely the buyers , but ( let me say rather ) the sellers : And though the Law of the Land , makes you not ( Pares ●oe●a ) equall with vs in the punishment ; yet the Law of Heauen shall find you ( Pares culpa , ) in equall fault : I thinke , I might boldly say ( vnder correction ) you are in the greater damnation ; as it had been more heynous in S. Peter to exact money of Magus , then in Magus to offer it : the reason is impregnable , you sinne through a voluntary couetousnesse , we through extreame necessity ; being constrained , eyther to beg with our families , or study euasions for so strict and religeous a law : If wee therefore be condemned as Simonists , your easiest censure , is to be esteemed Infidels . Mee thinkes I heare them reply ; There is enough left to satisfie all , if there might be an equall diuision ; but some haue all , some nothing : To whom I will not answere , since that graue Father hath for mee : Thus their Fathers haue playd the Theeues , D. Smirh . and they come to compound the matter . If we speake of this , we are censured for couetous , but how lewdly ? Is this couetise to desire our owne ? I say not the Churches superfluities , which they called once ( Bona Pauperum ) the goods of the Poore , but euen the Churches necessaryes , which are ( Bona Christs ) the goods of Christ ; which now ( Latci possident ) prophane men enioy : for Gentlemen haue cut out their gallant suites out of the Churches Broad-cloth , and left the Church her selfe nothing but meere Shreds : shall I say ? Who haue more done it , then they that stand so for the beauty of the Church ? None more deface her , then they that most seeme to adorne and pollish it : Let them vndoe two or three Ministers by their impropriations , and they will reward one ( of their owne humour ) with the plaisters of their bounty : Such corrupted Patrons are of Dionisius mind , that rob'd his God of his golden Coate , as more fitte for himselfe : They say , Nero and Agrippa came into the world with theyr feete forward , and what Monsters prooued they ? sure , neuer worse to the Commonwealth of Rome , then Simonicall Patrons to the Church of England . Well , if briberie , fraud , Simony , will not carry them to Hell , let them hope still to be saued : but ( I would they heard me ) if they be saued so lyuing , and so dying , there is hope for the Diuell to be saued . It is graunted sinne , but they may repent : true , but did euer man repent , that hauing time and meanes , could and would not restore ? let them returne their extorted money , which they haue cruelly gotten by Simonicall contracts , to the poore Minister , or if he be dead , to his Wife and Children ; or I will sooner beleeue , that Iudas repented : Iudas restored , yet repented not truely ; and shall they repent truely , that restore not ? Let them bragge of their gaines , that haue thus coosoned God , the Church , their owne soules : If euer they come with Simony on their backes into Heauen , I may be of the Indians minde , who dying vnder the Spanish crueltie , and admonished to prepare for Heauen , & to escape Hell , asked to what place the Spaniards went ? They answered , to Heauen . Then , quoth the Indian , let me neuer come there : For surely , Simonistes , and honest men , doe not belong to one house . There are 3. Pees in a line of relation , Patrons , Priestes , People . Two of these Pees are made leane , to make one P. fatte . Priestes haue leane Liuinges , People leane Soules , to make Patrons haue fatte Purses . I accuse not all in generall , no one in particular , ( Namque mihi nec equos , mihi nec rapuere inuences , ) but for Zions sake I cannot hold my peace , which is so sicke of this disease , Esay . 62.1 . that she lyes at the mercy of God for recouery .

2. Let me speake yet more particularly to you , ouer whom God hath placed a Minister as a Starre , Despise him not ; at your perill , you despise God himselfe , Laity . and shall not goe scotfree : on your soules be it , that heare me this day , whose table talke is furnished vp with iestes , with inuectiues against Ministers : Whatsoeuer thou art , God hath honoured the poorest Minister aboue thee , and taken him as worthy to serue at his owne table , but not thee , nor thy fathers house , were his head Gold , his Treasure richer then Hezekiahs , and euery roome in his house better furnished then Salomons , , he may stand in need of the Minister : as great a Potentate as Pharaoh was , and as despiceable as he thought Moses ▪ yet his Courtiers often heard him ; Send for Moses : so was Phenustocles euer banished in peace , but sent for home in warre : we are passed ouer in the dayes of pride ( as superfluous creatures , of whom no vse ) but when the wrath of God falles on the naked conscience , then the Minister is thought on ; and the soule receiues some comfort , whiles he feeles the sicke-beating Pulse , or leanes on the groning Pillow , speaking from vs to Heauen , the humble deuotions of a penitent heart , and from Heauen to vs the comfortable thinges of Sion , and the neuer fayling mercies of a tender Sauiour : Thus like some Fruite trees in faire weather , you throw Cudgels at vs ; in foule , runne to vs for shelter .

I will not speake affirmatiuely to you , in these rotten dayes of ours , wherein nothing but priuations are in force and frequent : Despise not , afflict not , impouerish not your Starres ; I will not say magnifie , blesse , inrich them , because I cannot hope it : yet , Oh for shame , doe not their contraries .

1. Despise not . Why should I intreat this ? Wee might imitate the fashion , Spernere se sperni , Scorne them that scorne vs : but I perswade you for your owne sakes , since it is not possible , you should honor the message of God , and despise him that God hath chosen to bring it . We shal be your good Ministers , till discordant thinges drop from vs , and then farewell good conceit ; as Tertullian spake merrily of the Heathen ; Vnlesse God please Man , he shall be God no longer : Now Man must be propitious to God . Nisi homini deus placuerit , deus non erit homo iam deo propitius esse deberit . Tect . Reproofes are good Physicke , though not so well rellish'd : Indulgence is sweete , and you may thinke it better cheare ; but you will not be so well after it . In these misiudging dayes , it is exceeding hard to ouer-reach the Deuill ; if we let sinne alone , his Kingdome flourisheth ; if we strike at him , and hit not the bough he sits on , we mooue him not : if we doe , we are iudged partiall , personall , & wreakers of our owne spleene . There is scarse a man that can read English , Tractent sab●ilia fabri . scarse a woman that can make her selfe ready to Church , but will presume to teach the Minister ; and either we must preach what you will heare , or you will not heare what we preach . In Holiogabolus time , there was a Senate of Women , we haue Conuocations ; they consulted about Tyars , ours about Religion . Let vs take heed , it is one of the Deuils subtilest and shrewdest trickes , to make vs so zelous in Religion , that we grow wanton : and this sinne is so much the more dangerous , as it endures not the reproouing : thus if an holy impatience arme the Ministers tongue to speake too smart against your sinnes , he is straight sayd to rage : So Semeiah said of Jeremy , Iehu of Elisha , the Jewes of Christ , and the Gentiles of Paul . Of those that neuer will be sober , we are called Bedlams . But S. Aug. well cleares this , vnder the person of Dauid , Aug. Psal ▪ 33. Jnsanire videbatur , sed regi Achis insanire videbatur , id est , stultis et ignorantibus : Dauid seemed madde ; but he seemed so to the King of Achis . We are called mad-men , but of none , saue mad-men ; their common exceptions against vs , and contemptes of vs , are these 4. 1. They say , we are Men , why doth not God send by worthyer Messengers , as by Angels ? They had best teach him : Send by whom thou shouldest send . 2. They say , we are simple men : As the Apostles were Fishermen , Exod. 4.13 . and Amos an Heardman . Gallants scorne that a Clowne should teach them their duties . They call vs Idiotes , Innocentes : 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , the word signifies such as doe no hurt , but taken for Fooles , that doe neither good nor harme . 3. They say , we die like men , we can neither keepe our selues from sinne , nor our bodyes from death . 4. They say , all we say , is but wordes : So Galuo called the Gospell , Act. 18.15 . a question of wordes . I answere :

Homines . 1. Men indeed ; but men of God : so were the Prophets receiued and called : and , Let a man so thinke of vs , as of the Ministers of Christ . 1. Cor. 4.1 . We are intelligent creatures by Nature , but of Diuine vnderstanding by Grace : The thinges which no eye hath seene , &c. hath Gods spirit reuealed to vs . 1. Cor. 2.10 . Surely the Lord will doe nothing , but he reuealeth his secrets to his Seruantes the Prophets . Amos. 3.7 . Thou braggest thou hast two eyes , as well as thy Minister : thou hast indeed ; one eye of Nature , and that 's ( Nequam , ) a wicked one : another of Reason , and that 's ( Necquicquam , ) a blind one : the one naught , the other naughty , and standest in need of the Ministers eye to guide thee . Thou demaundest a worthyer Messenger ; but when God spake to Israel in thunder , when by Angels , they cryed , Oh let Man speake to vs , least we perish . If an Angell or a Man say , Christ is borne , it is not more true in the Angell , then in the Man .

Insirmi . 2. Simple men , yet is the word powerfull : The Iewes thought , they knew Christ and his breeding , is not this the Carpenters Sonne ? yet , he taught as one hauing authority , Math 7.29 . not as the verball Scribes : You thinke it shame enough , and extreame disgrace against vs , to say , you know our beginnings , yet is God able to turne the proudest of you , by the simplest of vs ; or if not conuert , as the sauour of life , yet conuince as the sauour of death , and make your Mutimus to that common Iaylour , 1. Cor. 5.5 . deliuering your incorrigible Soules to Satan , for , whom we bind on Earth , are bound in Heauen .

We dye like men , but our wordes liue : Mortales . the Prophets told the Iewes , that they should goe into Ba●ilon Captiues : The high places of Jshac shall be desolate , Amos. 7.9 . and the Temples of Jsraell destroyed , &c. Behold , the Prophets dye , but their words liue : Judah is carried away Captiue , Lam. 1.3 . she dwelleth among the Heathen . And by the riuers of Babell , they sitte and weepe , when they remember Sion . Psal. 137.1 . So we denounce the iudgements of God against the obstinate , and tell the Vsurer , maugre his pile of Bondes , heape of Pawnes , bagges of Coine , morgages of Lands , De male quaesitis non gaudet , &c. that his seed shall inherit the winde , and his hoords are no other then the gathering of the clouds , which once full , promise the dispersion of the greater showers ; behold , we are layd low in our graues , yet our sayings haue their timely proofes ; the seed of the couetous come to ruine : behold the ryotous Heire , sicke and diseased through his intemperance , his intemperance bred of the fulnesse of his state , his full estate begot by his Fathers Parsimony , miserablenesse , nay perhaps iniustice . Behold ( I say ) this man glad of a roome in the Hospitall for necessitie , which his Father built of his superfluitie . Thus the word we preach , passeth not , but is more immortall then the Heauen .

4. All we say , is but wordes , meere talke ; Tabulantes . Ioh. 1. so you may contemne all the workes of God , and say , it was but talke that made the world ; for , By his word he made it . This is a common slaunder , when the Hel-hound ( the couetous wretch ) pincheth on the Priestes side : No matter , let him talke for his liuing ; yes , and haue none : the time may come ( if they call it talking ) they may talke for Mercie too , and haue none . If they call Gods speaking to them , talking ; what is their speaking to God ? There is difference betwixt speaking , talking , and saying : speaking comes by nature , talking by custome , saying by art : Children speake , Fooles talke , Learned men say : All that haue the organs of voyce , Cicer. Orat. Satis loquentiae , eloquentiae patum . can speake and talke , but not say , Solius est oratoris dicere , vulgi l●qui . Tulli● could affirme it , that an Oratour onely sayes ; the common people talkes . Our Preaching is not then talking , but saying a sententious and deliberate speach , vttered to purpose , composed by study and the direction of Gods holy spirit ; who with our wordes , windes , deedes , shutting where we shut , and opening where we haue opened .

2. Afflict not . Is this possible ? can Lambes be among Woolues , and not be bitten ? Ecce mitto vos , &c , Behold , I send you as Lambes among Woolues : hee sayd so , Ierom. contr. Iouinian . ●ib . that foreknew our vsage . Amara est veritas , et qui eam praedicat , repletur amaritudine . Bitter is the Truth , and he that preacheth it , shall be filled with bitternes . The cause of the worldes ( 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ) hatred of Christ , Joh. 7. is ( 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ) because J witnesse against it , Iob. 7.7 . Tacit. that the workes thereof are euill . It is written of the Christians , in the life of Nero , that they preserued the state ; yet Dogges must deuoure them : they made Aurelius Armie to prosper , and by their Prayers obtayned thunder to destroy the enemies ; yet ( Christianos ad Leones ) throw the Christians to the Lyons . It hath euer been the Poesie of the Church , Lactan. ( Facere bonum , et habere malum , ) to doe good , and to suffer euill : So Christ himselfe sped , he healed , and was hurt ; he pittyed , and was mocked ; he saued others , himselfe was killed . The colour of our Liuery on earth , is either Blacke , mourning ; or Redde , persecuted . The Armes of the Church is the Crosse , and her perpetuall Song , is her militant state , Aristoph . like that oppressed Seruantes ( 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , ) J suffer , I suffer : this is Christes Dish , and the Apostles Sauce . Behold ôh Minister , the straite thou art in ; neither woonder , nor weepe , nor faint : this thou mightest haue preuented , by keeping out , cannot be auoyded , now thou art in : If we doe our duetie , the World will hate vs ; if not , God will curse vs : by the first , we are in danger to loose our goods , good names , liues : by the second , our Soules , our Heauen , our God . At pretium pars haec corpore maius habet : Our worldly losses may be deare to vs , yet drosse , and trash , and rubbish , in regard of God , and blisse : Woe vnto vs that suffer ; more woe to you that make vs .

3. Impouerish not : I doe not say , make vs rich by your owne pouertie , as your progenitours did by our predecessours ; but at least giue vs our owne : The old Pharise was an honest man in this , for hee thought it a true position , Decima vt diues fias , Tyth , Gal. 6 6. and be rich : but we thinke , tyth , and be poore : To communicate with our Teacher in all our goodes , is not Scripture , though Paul himselfe speake it : a competencie will serue : they are wiser then God : their competencies haue brought vs to impotencies : a Stoole , a Cruze , and a Candlestick , and a small Roome , are superaboundance for a Priest : wee need not with that order of the Popish Priests , pull on our selues a voluntary beggery , for Gentlemen ( we thanke them for it ) haue enforced vs to it on necessity . I will not dispute , whether Tythes be due to vs ( iure diuino ) by the law of God ; or whether the with-holders come within the compasse of that Curse ; Ye are cursed with a curse , because ye haue spoyled me in Tithes and Offrings ; Mal. 3.8.9 . Since the Law present allowes no power to sue such , on an action of detinue : to omit , that Melchisedeck had Tythes , and that of Abraham , & euen by the law of Nature , besides the Leuiticall of the Iewes , which they say is abrogated , that would say no lesse of the morall law of God , for an aduantage : Yet Paul● . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in all his goods , must needs euince , that the Minister must haue some share in his peoples substaunce : if any , Gal. 6 6. why not that portion , which in all ages and Churches hath been giuen them ? If they be consecrated to Iesus Christ , ( I say not , by blinded superstition , but ) by true and warrantable deuotion , before the Pope euer put out his apparant hornes , who dares robbe our Sauiour of them , that neuer passed fine of his royall prerogatiue , to any purchaser ? If they were his , whose are they ? let them prooue , he hath assigned them to Gentlemen , and I will cleare them from that menace of Salomon ; Prou. 20.25 . Jt is a destruction to deuoure holy thinges , &c. Ministers were once helde Angels ; now , vnlesse they doe bring Angels in their purses , Ibis Homere foras , for all their musicke , they are shut out of dores : They say , the Italian Ducades make their Priestes Duces , Princes , Captaines , braue fellowes . The Spanish Pistolets make their Priestes terrours to be feared , the word signifying Tormentigenus , a kind of torment : witnesse the Jnquisition . The French Crownes crowne their Priestes with wealth and dignitie ; Status insolidus , qui caret solidi● . but ( Defectu● Angelorum Anglicorum ) the want of English Angels , leaues our Ministrie in the dust . The wordes of so reuerend and honourable a Prelate , come heere to my minde ; L.B. of London in his lectures on Ionas . Time was , Religion did eate vp Polici● , and the Church deuoured the Common-wealth , but now , Polici● eates vp religion , & the Common-wealth deuoures the Church . Men are profest Politicians ; Floreat respublica , copijs referta , &c. et quid ad nos ? Let the Common-wealth prosper , Aug. de ciuit . Dei . lib. ● . cap. 2. and what care we for the Church . If we had no soules , this might be some shadaw of equitie ; but seeing we haue , it is the substaunce of rancke impietie .

And let me say , if men would imagine and plot a course to loose the soules , that Christ hath bought , they could not find a directer : for if Learning begge , studie Artes that list , Rom. 10. will be the generall voyce : If there be none to preach , there will be no beleeuing ; if no beleeuing , 〈◊〉 sauing . Neuer plead your Fayth in the Gospell , whiles you rewarde it not : perhappes you can afforde Desert , some bare and naked commendations ; but we are not Camelions , to liue on the ayre of commendations . It is certaine and inuincible trueth , not relieue the Gospell , not beleeue the Gospell . God graunt , that our corruption this way , bringes not Paganisme , and flat Atheisme in the end : Needes must you loose con , & sci , Deuotion and Knowledge , when you take from vs entia , our Liuinges . It is a shame , that we should cease studying of Sermons , and be driuen to study for Bread to put in our mouthes , & the mouthes of our Families . It was a sinne in the old Law , to destroy Matrem cum filijs , the old with the young : and can it be lesse in conscience , to pine to death those two fruitfull Mothers , the Vniuersities , and starue the Children in their bosomes : At which two Fountaines of learning , before we are suffered to drinke , how many miserable and wearie a day doe we passe ouer in the inferiour Schooles : then not without much paine to our selues , cost to our Parentes , we are sent to one of those glorious Sunnes , to ripen our b●ddes : the exhibition they there allow vs , they charge vs to take for our Patrimonie , and to expect no further meanes at their handes : We restraine our thoughtes , I say , not onely from pleasure ( whereof to haue no small measure is some Vnhappinesse vnder the Sunne ) but euen from competent experience in the world , who had need be wise as Serpents , in these Machiauellian dayes . We subiect our bodyes to many Diseases , and groue out our remayning dayes vnder the burden of some wasting sicknesse : at last , ( Cru●●●hym● Plena ) hauing stored our selues with the riches of Art , we come into our Countrey , to exchange them for their riches of earth : and yet how vnworthy a thing is , Calestibus mercari terrena , to buy corporall things with spirituall , Bern. and to choppe Heauen for Earth ? After all this , how hardly is any thing attained , without paying to the Patron , either a Fine , or an annuall Rent , or reseruation of his owne Tythes , or ( some way ) aboue the rate of a Copy-hold , to haue a Lease during a sickly and spent life : Were the Goodes of the Church for this , intrusted to Gentlemen and Lordes of the Mannours , that they should set them to sale , and turne the Benefite into their owne Purses ? Why were not the Donations in the handes of the poore , who haue more need ? It is supposed , Gentlemen by nurture well instructed , can make the fittest choyce , for Gods glory , and not for their priuate gaine . Must we then runne ( Per vari●● casus per tot discrimina rerum , ) through so many dangers , and difficulties , cares and troubles , and in the end arriue at Beggars hauen , a necessary and enforced penurie ? Iuuen. Oh! Jnuitatus ad haec , aliquis de ponte negabit : a Beggar in the high way , will in the end , scorne to be a Minister . There is no vocation in the land , ( honest in it selfe , and industriously followed by the professour ) wherein a man may not liue well , except onely in the Ministrie : and heere , like the Jewes vnder the tyranny of Egipt , when we should make Bricke , worke in our profession , we are forced to gather Straw , labour for sustenaunce .

But in vaine we speake , the Sonnes of Zeruiah will be too hard for vs ; there is small hope to stench this bloody issue , till Christ touch their heartes by Fayth . But you will say , many of the Clergie are rich : they are few ; if any one of these foure sortes . 1. Either enriched by some Patrimonie or gift of Friendes . 2. Or else such as distill a dry Rose-cake for Water ; I meane by Parsymonie , and miserablenesse , get something out of Gentlemens leauinges , like the gleaning after the Vintage ; for others carry away the croppe . 3. Or else such as haue lighted on the vnruined thinges of this Land , which stood out of the Popes way , and in that sicknesse of Superstition , scap'd the plague of Impropriation ; Benefices which ( the Deuils Surgion ) Sacriledge hath not let blood , by custome , composition , enclossing , depopulation ; though the Grape gatherers come , would they not leaue some Grapes ; if theeues come in the night , they will ( but ) destroy , till they haue enough . Ier. 49.9 . 4. Or lastly , they are those ( Antiqui Hero●● , nati me●●oribus annis ) that came to their Liuinges , when that good Queene Elizabeth came to her Crowne ; at which time , Benefices went a begging , as Ministers doe now : as for the rest , that haue Liuings , Leauings , not Liuings . they are scarse Liueones , or enough to keepe themselues and their Families liuing : and for those that haue none , they may make themselues merry with their Learning , if they haue no Money ; for they that bought the Patronages , must needes sell the Presentations ; Vendere iure potest , emerat ille prius : and then if Balaams Asse hath but an audible voyce , and a soluble Purse , he shall be preferred before his Maister , were he ten Prophets . If this weather hold , Iulian need not send Learning into exile , for no Parent will be so irreligious , as with great expences to bring his Child at once to misery and sinne . Oh thinke of this , if your impudence haue left any blood of shame in your faces : cannot you spare out of all your ryot , some crummes of liberality to the poore , needy , and neglected Gospell ? Shall the Papistes so outbid vs , and in the view of their prodigality , laugh our miserablenesse to scorne ? Shall they twit vs , that our , Our Father , hath taken from the Church , what their Pater-noster bestowed one it ? Shall they bid vs , bate of our Fayth , and better our Charitie ? Indeed , where heard you of a Papist , that cuttes short his Minister ? Where see you a Protestant , that doth not ? I speake not to commend the Religion of the Papist aboue the others , no more then Christ preferred the Religion of the Samaritane , to the Priestes and Leuites , when he praysed his charitie ; but to apply that to vs , which Christ once to the Iewes , Tyre and Sidon shall condemne you : So the Papistes shall iudge vs . The Papist comes with ( Omnia dabo ) to his Priest , I will giue all : the Protestant with ( Omnia eripiam ) I will take away all . Doe the Alpes barre vp all reward from vs ? Cannot Bountie creepe ouer those frozen thresholdes ? Flere licet , reparare vetatur .

I may perhappes be censured , to speake so home , in the respect of some particular aduantage ; and loosers may haue leaue to speake : I confesse , it would be a ioyfull day to me , to see the breaches of Jerusalem made vp againe ; yet he is my witnesse , that doth now search , and shall hereafter iudge all heartes , that the present Theame , the wants of the Church , the pouertie of Ministers , and the hard heartes of their oppressours , togeather with the commiseration of the Studentes yet vnborne , that shall feele this burden heauier , as the world growes ( at once and insaparablely ) more old , more couetous ; haue been occasions onely to induce this speach : For I not with out cause feare , that as we may say of the Church in this our age , Omnia ad ruinam , all thinges are going to ruine ; so our Children in the next generation , may iustly cry with the Poet , Etiam periere ruinae , euen the very ruines are ruined . Though I cannot but hope , that so long as our royall and religious Jacob ( whose dayes God make as the dayes of Heauen ) and his seed , shall beare rule in our Judah , he and they will make good that deserued title , and be defendours of the Fayth , & not giue leaue and authoritie to any violence , further to forrage the Church : God also put it into his Subiectes heartes , to loue the Gospell , and then it shall not decay , for want of incouragement and reward : But for the detainers of the poore Ministers right , let them heare their reward . W●e to him , that hea●eth up that , which is none of his : Heb. 2.6 . you that haue taken away the Vnction , and left vs nothing but the Alablaster boxe , the Shreddes , the Sheardes , the scrapings of our owne ; as happy and rich , as you thinke your selues , when you haue summed vp your gaines , and cast your accountes at the end , if euer you be the richer , for that you haue stolne from your Starres , let mee come a begging to your Doores . Judas sold his Maister for thirtie Pence ; he might put his gaines in his eye : his losses stucke by him , when his mony was gone : he lost a God , a Heauen , a Soule ; but he threw away his cash : take heed , least you cry one day with him ; Wee , and our Extortions are both perished . Remember , you must giue account of your Stewardships ; a fearefull Bill of Reckoning , that many shall put vp at that day to God . Jtem , so many scores of poundes in Malice and Suites at Law , Item , so many hundreds of pounds spent in Lustes and Vanities . Jtem , so many thousandes in building Eglons Parlours . Item , to the Poore in a yeare , three pence . Jtem , to the Minister , iust nothing : Nothing to God , and nothing from God , shal be your reward .

3. Let me end with our selues , and all to comfort ; Ministers . Hor. ad Aug. lib. 2. Ep. 1. Ploramus nostris non respondere fae●●en● speratum meritis , We lament on Earth , the ill successe , and worse reward of our labours : but , ( Sat erit mer●●sse ) it is enough that we haue deserued . As darke as the World keepes vs , and thinkes vs , Wee shall shine , and that with no ordinarie glory ; but , As the Starres : and this not for a time ; but , For euer and euer . 1. If I had been in Heauen , I would describe this glory to you , You shall shine .

2. I would shew you the differences of Glory , which are heere implyed ; Good Men shall shine as the Firmament : but , Good Ministers , as the Starres . If I be not deceiued , the Starres haue a brighter glory then the Firmament . 3. Lastly , if I had ascended aboue the wheele of Time , where nothing but eternitie dwelleth . I would striue to make you conceiue the length of your glory , For euer and euer : but , Haec meditanda potius , quam dicenda , your meditations are better able to conceiue these thinges , then my weake tongue to expresse . And so I cease to speake of that , which you shall neuer cease to enioy , ending my Sermon , not my Text ; and commending you to the Father of Peace : who , as he hath called vs to so troublesome an Office for a time , will reward vs with glory beyond all time , euen for euer and euer . This God graunt for his Mercies sake , Iesus Christ for his Merites sake , the holy Ghost for his Names sake ; to whom , with whom , and for whom , be all glory , honour , and prayse , now and for euer . Amen .

FINIS .