The triumph of the Church over water and fire. Or A thankfull gratulation for that miraculous deliverance of the Church and state of Great Britaine, from the Romish Tophet: or, that barbarous and savage Powder-plot As it was delivered (for substance) in a sermon at Blacke Fryers in London on the fifth of November. 1625. By Theodor Hering, minister of the Word of God.

THE TRIVMPH OF THE CHVRCH OVER FIRE AND WATER . ISAIAH 43.2 .

When thou passest through the Waters I will be with thee , and through the Rivers they shall not overflow thee ; When thou walkest through the Fire thou shalt not be burnt ; neither shall the flame kindle vpon thee .

IN this Chapter wee receiue some Sermon-notes ; the Preacher was Isaiah , the Hearers , the Inhabitants of Iudah and Ierusalem . The Sermon is worthy such a Teacher ; for descent , of the blood-royall ; for Oratory , he goes beyond all the Prophets of his time , in elegancy of stile . His discourse begins ( as learned Iunius obserues ) at the two and fortieth Chapter , and reaches to the foureteene Verse of this Chapter , which howsoever vniustly out and dismembred from the former , must be redintigrated , and added to the precedent Chapter , to make vp a full and entire discourse . The maine passages of his speech may be reduced to three Heads .

A Propheticall Prediction . A sharpe Reprehension . A sweete Consolation .

In his Prediction this Evangelicall Prophet , and Propheticall Evangelist , ( not vnworthily so stiled by some of the Antients ) as having the Honor of all that ever went before him in his cleare Revelations , ( seeming rather Histories of what was already past , then Prophesies of such things which after many Centuries of yeares were to be accomplished , ) giues a liuely and excellent description of the Messias , from the last Verse of the fortie-two Chapter to the seaventeenth of this Chapter .

1. His Qualification in the administration of his office , Verses 1.2.3.4 .

2. His Commission to warrant the execution of his office , grounded on the vocation of his father , from the fifth to the ninth verse .

3. The reciprocall office of the Church towards Christ , breaking forth into Songs and Hymnes of prayse and thanks-giuing , verses 10.11.12 .

4. The effect of all , in respect of the Church and the enemies of the Church ; which are layd downe inner so ordine , The last first . 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Touching his enemies ; their Confusion is threatned in a high Rhetoricall straine , vers. 13.14.15 . Touching the Church ; her Conversion is promised in a Metaphoricall allusion , vers. 16.17.18 . Then he fals very appositly by way of interrogation into a sharpe Commination ( his second maine passge ) laying downe the sinne first , the blindnesse and heedlesnesse of those carelesse and secure both Priests and people , who profited nought , neither by the mercies nor iudgements of the Lord , ver. 19.20.21 . The iudgements next ; which ( for the further aggravation of their sinne and punishment ) are amplified first from the Greatnesse of them , in many phrases very Emphaticall , they were robbed , spoyled , snared , made a prey , vers. 22. the wrath of God poured vpon them , like water , consumed them like fire , vers. 25. Secondly , from their senselesse stupiditie ; they could not reade the indignation of God in those desolations ; so much is intimated in the question propounded , vers. 24. Who gaue Iacob to a spoyle ? So much is expressed in the reason annexed , vers. 25. He set him on fire round about , yet he knew it not , and it burned him , yet he layd it not to heart .

Now least the children of God should be discouraged and frighted too much , with those blowes that were dealt so thicke among the wicked , hee hastens with all speede to strengthen the heart of the righteous , and reacheth them this Cordiall to reviue their drooping spirits . But now , sayth the Lord , &c. The Prophet to approue himself a wise workeman giueth mercy to whom mercy ; iudgement to whom iudgement belongs : and as hee had shewed himselfe a right Bonoarges a Sonne of thunder , so now hee will approue himselfe a true Barnabas a Sonne of consolation . He was not so terrible in his Commination , but hee will be as sweete in his Consolation . This Consolation is deliuered by way of Iniunction feare not . Then the reason is annexed , or certaine grounds propounded why we should not feare , from verse the 2. to the 14. verse .

The reasons are drawne partly from The Nature of God , His Workes .

From his Nature ; he is Iehovah , constant to himselfe , euer as good as his word .

From his workes Past , Future . Past he instances in three great and grand workes of Creation . Redemption . Vocation . Future , of Direction , he would guide them through the Water . Future , of Protection , he would guard them in the Fire .

All this Summarily propounded in the first and second verses . The Iniunction , or inhibition is repeated v. 5. The Arguments of confirmation they also are againe and againe vrged by former experiences and proofes of the power , providence , and goodnes of God : v. 3.4.5.6.7 . &c.

Notable it is to consider how these promises are pressed , iterated , inculcated : such is the diffidence of our nature that in our extreamities wee are apt to reiect all comfort , and therefore the Lord by his Prophet labours to force them on vs . I haue dwelt too long in the confines , and borders , now let vs draw neare to the body of my Text ; Consider briefly the scope and parts of it .

These wordes carry in them a promise of Protection , an engagement royall , where in the Great Lord of Lords , King of Kings , the High & Mighty , Monarch of Heaven and Earth , giues a safe convoye to his Spouse passing through the Arabian desert , the vast and roaring wildernes of this world , that notwithstanding all oppositions and encounters of fire and water , he would set her safe in the Heavenly Canaan . This is the sum . The parts into which the sentence naturally breakes it selfe , as the principall branches are two . Behold here , the wrastling of Iacob ; the Conquest of Iacob after his wrastling : behold the Affliction of Ioseph ; the evasion of Ioseph out of his affliction : behold , the troubles of the Saints , the Triumph of the Saints after those troubles : Behold , the Dangers of the Church ; her Deliverance and rescue from those Dangers . In the wrastling note the certainty of those In the wrastling note the variety of those In the wrastling note the extremity of those afflictions with which the Israel of God doe encounter . Their certainty in that he must passe through fire and water ; the variety , in that he must passe not through water onely , but fire too , not through fire onely , but water too ; vnder both all sorts and kindes of affliction are comprised .

The extremity ; fire & water are those mercilesse elements , yet they must not passe by these , by the fire , by the water , but through the fire , & through the water ; what greater danger then ( as we say ) to run through fire and water ? Neither is here water mentioned onely , but flouds or rivers of water , nor fire onely , but a flame too , so the words of the Text carry it ; When thou passest through , &c. The Triumph followes , where we may obserue The victory acquired . The flouds , &c. The Author to whom the glory of this victory must be ascribed , I will be with thee . Therefore the flouds shall not over-flow thee , the flame shall not kindle vpon thee .

Thus by way of resolution haue wee taken this frame asunder , now let vs view the severall parts , and then set it together ioynt by ioynt . We will begin with the connexion , which I cannot passe over , seeing it affoords an excellent instruction ; Gods former mercies are pledges of his future favours : by what he hath done , he shewes vs what he will doe : whom he hath created , whom he hath redeemed , whom he hath called , ( they may build on it ) they shall be preserued , protected . Thus it holds vsually in temporall mercies ; the blessings of God never goe single : wee cannot say to the Lord as Esau to Isaac , hast thou but one blessing my father , but rather ( as Leah of Gad ) a troupe cometh . Gen. 39.11 . The story obserues how he blessed Ioseph in his fathers house , in his Masters house , in the prison-house , in his owne house , when a slaue , when a Lord , in the stockes , on the throne , Gen. 30.42 . where ever he goeth , what euer he doth , still Ioseph prospers . See it in Iacob ; though Laban change his wages ten times , yet the weakest sheepe goe to Laban , the strongest fall to Iacobs share . See it in Abram , in Lot : the Lord reueales himselfe to Abram , doth that for Abram , Gen. 12.1 . as he had not done for any person or Nation . Is that all ? No , hee blesseth him as in his Soule , so in his estate too : Gen. 13.2.9 . Abram growes exceeding rich , Lot and he their wealth parts them , one Country cannot hold them : But this holds especially , and infallibly , in spirituall mercies , one blessing here euer drawes on another , so chained they are , and linked together , as one still treads on the heele of another , the lesser makes way for the greater . Take one famous instance , in stead of a thousand . It is presented by Paul , in that Golden chaine with the linkes of it knit together , Rom. 8.29.30 . Those which he knew before , he also predestinated , moreouer those whom he predestinated them also hee called , whom hee called , them also hee iustified , and whom he iustified , them also he glorified , Loe here is that Adamantine chaine , one linke so fastened to another , that Hell-gates cannot sunder them . So Philip. 1.6 . the same Apostle perswades himselfe , that he that had begun that good worke in them , would finish it ; to one fauour of Inchoation , he will adde the other of Consummation .

The strength of this diduction was notably emproued by David and Paul both . 1. Sam. 17.34.35.36 . David reasons thus , he that rescued him from the claw of the Lyon , and the paw of the beare , would not leaue him as a prey in the hand of that vncircumcised Philistim . Paul thus , he hath delivered vs , he doth deliver vs , 2 Cor. 1.10 . in whom I trust he will deliver vs ; if this will carry force in temporall , From the Greater . it holds à Maiori in spirituall cases ; as in privatiue , so in positiue blessings .

The reasons hereof may be drawne , partly from the bounty , partly from the Immutabilitie of the Almightie . His bountie is such , that where he begins ( I will not say he knowes not ) sure I am he cannot or at least he will not make an end . First he creates them , then redeemes them , then cals them , then protects them ; and yet comes not to a full period . The Lord is no niggard in bestowing his favours , but liberall and franke . His Bounty like a perpetuall Spring , runs continually , over-flowes all bankes . He giues exceeding abundantly aboue all that wee are able to aske or thinke : Ephes. 3.20 . observing * * His Measure is without measure . Modum sine Modo .

The second ground is his Immutabilitie , whether of his Nature or Decree . Exod. 3.14 . In regard of his Nature , he is ever ( I am ) : if mercifull in former times , he is as mercifull for the present , and will be for the future . 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Iam. 1.17 . He is without variableness or shadow of change . His Decree is as vnchangeable as his Nature . His promises , his purposes are not vnstable , yea and nay , but yea and Amen ; yesterday , to day , the same for ever . 2 Cor. 1.10 . He doth not loue one day , hate the next : Blesse one day , curse the next ; assist this day , forsake the next .

Vse . A notable staffe to vnderprop our faith . He will be Iehovah ( Exod 34.6.7 . ) ever the same constant to himselfe and his servants . Remember the dayes that are past , looke backe to the times of old : hath he beene the God of thy fathers , he will be thy God also , Gen. 13.15.17.7 . ( the promise is made to them and their seed ) hath he delivered their fore-fathers , he will not flinch from their children , if they degenerate not , but tread in their fathers steppes .

Let vs apply this to our selues first in particular ; to our Nation next in generall . Hath hee created thee ? hath he redeemed thee ? hath hee adopted thee ? he will deliuer thee , he will sanctifie thee , he will glorifie thee . Treasure vp experiences of forepassed fauours , it will keepe thy head aboue water from sinking in present euills : needes must that Man swimme , which is held vp by the chinne ; that Soule cannot stagger which is vnderpropped by such presidents and patternes , I may not dwell in specials , this reacheth to our whole Nation . Good the more common , the more Good . Bonum quo communius eo melius . Neuer any people enioyed more and greater testimonies of his fauour , why may not we exspect the continuance of his loue ? He hath created vs after his owne Image , redeemed vs from the slauery of sinne , from that worse then Egyptian bondage , from the yoake of Rome and tyranny of Antichrist ; he hath called vs by name , entred into couenant with vs , striken a firme League ; Hee hath taken vs for his people ; Hosca . 1.10 . wee chalenge him for our God . Let vs but keepe to him , he will not start from vs . Let the Church of God euer magnifie the riches of his super abundant grace that ladeth vs with his blessings , and not onely cherisheth vs with the remembrance of old fauours , but doubles the Benefits , by giuing them as pledges of future and greater . As the first fruites promised a plentifull crop , and as the earnest ( though small ) assureth vs of the whole bargaine : so the least mercy is great in this , that it is but the first fruites , but a beginning , but an earnest , a pledge of more and greater . Thus may we in generall , in particular , if the fault be not our owne , from that wee haue already receiued , promise to our selues farre greater matters for the time to come . But what doe I staying so long in the skirtes , let vs now as Moses ascended Mount Nebo , Deut. 32.4 . so climbe this Mount in my Text , and there take a double prospect : first we may looke backward , and there view the Israel of God now passing through the Red Sea , now stung with fiery Serpents in the wildernes of this World : wee may then looke forward and see them victorious ouer fire and water , in their heauenvly Canaan , like their Lord and Master , as here crowned with thornes , so there crowned with victory and glory . It seemes good to their heauenly Father , to entertaine them wit stormes first , and after they haue runne some dangerous hazards , to bring a gracious calme .

The affliction of Ioseph , is not nakedly propounded , but notably amplyfied , from the certainty , the variety , the extremity of it . The certainty is intimated , this the Lord takes for granted , that his Spouse must through fire and water . When thou passest &c. As if the Lord had expressed his minde in other tearmes . Mistake me not , I neuer entended to secure my chosen wholy from danger , or to set them out of the reach of affliction ; that the water should not touch them , nor they touch the water ; at the fire should not come neare them , nor they come neare the fire ; but to get my selfe a name and glory , to magnifie my power and pitty , by securing them in the water , that the flouds shall not over-flow them , by securing them in the fire that the flame shall not kindle vpon them . The Saintes must haue their Purgatory on earth , that of water to wash off the filth and soile contracted by sinne ; that other of fire to purge out the drosse of corruption . The Conclusion standes as firme as Heaven and Earth .

The Church Militant , while shee remaines in this vaile of teares , and valley of misery , is not priviledged from miseries and calamities . Let her be the Darling of Heaven , the favorite of the great King , the worke of his hand , his Redeemed , his adopted , his Beloved one , no bonds , no entirenes with God can plead an exemption . Shee is the Lords Shippe , his Marchant-royall , and therefore must expect stormes while shee Sailes on the tempestuous Sea of this world . His Lilly , and therefore must grow in the midst of thornes ; his Rose , and therefore must be enuironed with prickles ; his Gold , and therefore must be cast ever and anon into the fiery furnace ; his Campe-royall , and therefore must be ever skirmishing ; his vine , and therefore ever and anon must be pruned . This is the place of her Labour , no rest from her labour , till her worke be at an end ; no end of her worke , till an end be put to these dayes of sinne . Blessed are they that die in the Lord , Rev. 14.13 . for they shall rest from their labours . So much was shadowed out and typified by the Riding of Noahs Arke on the Waters ; by the smoaking fire-brands , Gen. 7.17 . Gen. 15.17 . presented to Abram ; by the wrastling of Iacob ; Gen 32.24 . Exod. 3.2 . by the Burning Bush , presented to Moses : so much is plainly expressed by our Saviour ; In the world you shall haue trouble . Ioh. 16.33 . He that will be my Disciple , must take vp his crosse and follow we .

The ground hereof may be drawne , partly from the appointment of God , partly from the malice of Satan ; partly from that correspondence which should ever be maintained betweene the Head and the Members .

First , It is that Decree enacted by the High Court of Parliament in Heaven , a Statute more firme then the Lawes of the Medes and Persians , that the way to Heaven shall be strawed with crosses ; that every one that will liue godly in Christ Iesus , 2 Tim. 3.12 . shall suffer persecution . This is that thorny path which is chalked out as the common Rhode , leading to Glory . No man must expect two Heavens , one here , another hereafter . Would you know the ground of this Sanction ? though his Will be a Law , Sic volo , sic iubeo ; stet pro ratione voluntas . Eccles. 8.4 . though it be a saucinesse to say to the King ( much more to the King of Kinges ) What doest thou ? Yet sith the wise God is pleased to condescend so farre vnto our weakenes , as to yeeld an account of his actions , know it tends much to his glory , and the good of the Saints . It tends to the Glory of his wisedome , that fetcheth light out of darknes , life out of death , Heaven out of Hell ; to the glory of his power , that brings strength out of weaknes . So the Oracle to Paul , 2 Cor. 12.9 . My grace is sufficient for thee . My power is made perfect through weaknesse . It turnes to the good of the Saints , who are corrected with his children , that they might not be condemned with the world . Prov. 3.12 . Heb. 12.6 . Revel. 3.19 . Prov. 22.15 . Whom the Lord loues he chastens . There is much folly bound in the heart of the childe ( as that Mirror of wisedom giues out in his select divine Aphorismes ) but the rod of correction will fetch it out . Blessed is the Man whom thou chastisest ( O Lord ) and teachest thy Law , so David the Father of so wise a Sonne . These Nocumenta are Documenta , his Corrections are Instructions . Wee see by experience these Starres shine brightest in the darkest night ; these sheepe thriue best in the saltest Marshes , and tread surest in the roughest way ; Vide Christians soveraign Salue for euery Soare . these Diamonds glitter most in the night ; this corne is purest from chaffe when vnder the staile : these torches blaze most when they are most beaten . Abrams faith , Iobs patience , Davids Repentance , Salomons Recantation , Manassehs humiliation , all these , with thousand more , giue evident demonstration , that the graces of the Spirit ( like the Arabian Spices ) never yeeld a more fragrant smell then when they are punned and bruzed together in the Morter of Affliction . This is the first reason , God hath appointed it , and that for his glory and our good . Deus enim adeo bonus est , vt nihil mali sineret , nisi etiam adeo esset potens , vt ex quolibet malo possit elicere bonum . Thus Austin , Such is the Goodnesse of God , that he would permit no euill , vnlesse he knew his Power to be such , as he could draw good out of euill .

Adde to this ( in the second place ) the envy of Satan and his Instruments . The Devill will at least make vs haue a wet seede-time , if he cannot hinder our ioyfull harvest ; he will be sure to make vs liue discomfortably in earth , if he cannot hinder vs from raigning gloriously in Heaven ; he will bruise our heele , if he cannot breake our head . His instruments carried with the spleene of their father the Devill , will trouble vs , though they cannot hurt vs , with Midianitish wiles , they will vexe the Israel of GOD , whom they cannot Conquer : these snarling , bauling Curres will barke and snatch at the Moone , though they cannot stay her course . If wee doe but set our faces towardes Ierusalem ; if wee but steale a looke to Heaven-ward , these Samaritans will be straight on our backes .

Heb. 5.7.8 . The last Reason stands with equitie , that wee might be made conformable to our High-Priest , who was consecrated by afflictions . The Head was a Man of sorrow , and shall the body know no sorrow ? The head was crowned with thornes , and all goare blood ( tota cicatrix ) shall the body be decked with Roses ? Ioh. 13 : 16. Shall the servant looke to fare better then his master ; Luk. 24.26 . if they called me Beel-zebub , how much more those of my family , as the Lord fore-warnes his Disciples . If that hold , Opertet Christum pati , then much more , Oportet Christianum pati , so one of the Ancients . Must Christ suffer ? is there not the same Must , for euery Christian ? Whence another of the Fathers descants on the name , Christianus quasi Crucianus .

Vse 1 Let this checke those fond Christians , whether lazy Protestants , or ignorant Papists ; the former wish it were , the latter affirme it , that ease , peace , calmes , and faire-weather , are the markes and badges of a true Church ; which they set out of the reach of persecution , which they make to be blessed with a perpetuated succession of an vninterrupted peace , plentie , and tranquilitie ; as if they onely ( contrary to the ordinary course ) must be carried to heaven on a feather-bed ; as if it were possible to saile through the tempestuous Seas of this world , and never meete with a storme ; as if all crosses to them were turned into roses and rushes ; as if the servant should be more cockered then the Son : Austin put this out of doubt , Vnicum filium habuit sine peccato , neminem habuit sine flagello . God had one Sonne that knew no sinne , never any that felt no smart . What is , if this be not repugnant to the plain Text , and strong current of holy Writ ? Which prophesies not of peace but of warre , not of securitie but of calamitie ; not of sleeping in a whole skinne , but of bearing in our bodies the wounds or the Lord Iesus , not of a smooth gale , but of many crosse , nay , adverse blasts . It is given a note rather of that Whore of Babylon , to sit as a Queene , a Lady , Revel. 18.7 . having her mountaine so strongly founded , so rarely assaulted , that shee never dreames of a change , When the Daughters of Sion ; hang their Harpes vpon the Willowes , and sit weeping at the waters of Babel : It is for Moab rather to be setled on her lees , Iere. 48.11 . because shee is not shaken from vessell to vessell : When the Israel of God are tossed from post to pillar : Psal. 129.1.2 . from my youth vp haue they afflicted me , will Israel say from my youth vp , &c. It is for the Generation of Esau to carry the world before them in a continued line of succession , Duke vpon Duke . Twelue Dukes were found in Edom , when the children of Iacob were labouring at the Brick-kils in Egypt . Luk. 12.19.20 . It is for the foole in the Gospel to sing a lullaby to his Soule , Soule take thine ease , &c. Who had his Paradise , his Consolation here . Wee that expect that Glory to come , must not looke for an Heaven vpon earth .

Vse 2 Let this lesson those holy Ones what to expect in this world , even that which they haue ever found , fire and water . Oppositions , troubles , and persecutions . God will allow no peace to the wicked , the wicked will afford no peace to the godly . In the midst of our discomforts , let this be our comfort , it is the common Lot of the Saints , why should we shrug at it ? When so many haue broken the ice before vs ; since it is no new thing ; why should we thinke it a strange thing to heare or feele the fiery tryalls ? Since it is the will of God , beare it patiently , since it makes for the Glory of God , glory in it exceedingly ; sith the Good will be our owne , take it thankefully ; so shall your Crosse bee your Crowne , so shall you be as glorious in your greatest misery , as the wicked are miserable in their greatest glory .

I haue done now with the Afflictions of Ioseph ; and yet I haue not done neither ; giue me leaue to recall my selfe , the Spirit puls me backe , this is not all . The Spouse is not subject to affliction onely , ( this is but the beginning of sorrow ) but to many and great afflictions . Many for varietie ; great for extremitie . Shee must through fire and water . Both these streames runne into one and the same fountaine ; the matter will be Co-incident , that wee may not enter fiere , let vs wrappe both in one , and giue you the Doctrine in the words of the Kingly Prophet .

Doct. 2 Many are the Troubles of the righteous ; that is , many and great , Multa &c magna , so much the Originall word doth intimate . Psal. 34.19 . For their number many ; for their measure great ; for their nature weightie . Take the 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 first , that it is so , and then the 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , why it is so , as they speake in the Schooles .

To begin with my Text , here is not fire onely , but water too , not water onely , but fire too : fire and water comprehend all sorts of tryals ; there is the varietie . Againe , here is fire and water ; those two mercilesse Elements , ( good servants , but cruell Masters ) which comprehends the greatest danger , the extremest misery that can befall a man . When the tender Father in the Gospell ( seeking the cure of his possessed sonne ) would stirre vp the bowels of our Saviour to commiserate the distressed Daemoniaks , how doth he paynt out the crueltie and tyranny of the Devill ? delivers it to the full in these emphaticall termes ; Loe , Mat. 17.15 , He casts him sometime into the fire , sometimes into the water , and not able to hold any longer , he bursts out into tears , Lord take pittie on my Sonne . Yet to adde to the heape of their misery , here is not water mentioned onely , but waters , rivers , flouds of water ; not fire onely , some few sparkles , but flames of fire , there is the extremitie .

To this of Isaiah answereth that complaint of David . Psal. 42.7 . Abyssus abyssum invocat ; one deepe calleth vpon another deepe . Here is a depth of misery to note the extremitie ; deepe and deepe , to note the varietie : neither was this to some one member that might fall into these quag-myres , but the whole Church makes her moane ; Many a time haue they afflicted me from my youth , may Israel now say , many a time have they afflicted me from my youth vp . Psal. 129.12 . That chosen vessell forewarnes the Antiechians , that through many tribulations , they must enter into the Kingdome of God . Act. 14.22 . As for the Apostle himselfe , he had his share as deepe as any , perils by Sea , perils by Land , &c. Strange it is to see what varietie of troubles , what a world of afflictions ( as it were can Army of Pykes , 2 Cor. 6.4.11.13 . 2 Cor. 4.9.13 or a thicket of thornes ) Paul ran through . David , a Man after Gods owne heart , what troubles vnder-went he at home ? What dangers abroad ? What from his enemies ? What from his friends ? What inward affliction ? What outward persecution ? As a man borne to sorrow , that scarse ever came where tranquilitie grew . So that Mirrour of patience Iob , how came his crosses and losses thicke and three-fold , like showers of haile-shot ; Iob. 1.14.15 . Velut vndam vndam sequitur , as waue followes waue in the midst of the Sea . Solomon ( Proverb. 24.16 . ) tels vs they come by troupes , by seavens , a certaine number put for an vncertaine ; many come , that is , certaine ; but how many , that is , vncertaine .

Who can number the starres of the skie ? Who can number the drops of the water ? Who can number the sparkles of the fire ? Who can count the dust of Iacob ? Or who can number the fourth part of the afflictions of Ioseph ? But it is their nature I must insist on rather then their number ; did not Experience ( the Mistresse of fooles ) saue me that labour .

The dearest children of God ( as wee often finde and feele ) are they not put to great extremities , to shrewd plunges , to desperate pinches ? What a strait was the Church brought to , thinke you , when the Edomits cryed , Downe with it , downe with it , even to the ground ? What should I protract time to instance in persons , in places ? What meane these and the like phrases ; The plowers haue ploughed on my backe , they made long furrowes . Psal. 129.3 . And againe , Psal. 66.12 . Thou hast caused men to ride over our heads , wee went through fire and water ; the same allusion which is here in my Text. This is that bread of affliction , that water of affliction ; that gall and wormwood wherewith he feedes his ; that Baptisme which our Saviour forespeakes to the Sonnes of Zebedeus ;

Mat. 10.38.39 .

Luk. 12.50 .

Yee shall drinke indeed of that cup that I shall drinke of , and be baptized with the baptisme wherewith I shall be baptized . If you take it literally , was not Noah carried through the water ? Gen. 7.18 . Exod. 1.22 . and the Hebrew babes did they not passe through the flouds ? The three Children went they not through the fire , Dan. 3.23 . howbeit the flame kindled not vpon them ? Those blessed Martyrs , how many thousands were sent vp to heaven Elias-like in fiery Chariots ? If you take it spiritually , these waters had even entred into Davids soule , he was not drenched onely , but almost swallowed vp of those waues . Ps. 69.1.2 . Iob. 16.13 . Iob. 7.12 . Iob complaines that the Lord had set him as a Butt ; that the arrowes of the Almightie stucke stucke fast in his ribbes , the venom whereof had drunke vp his bloud ; he was hedged in as a Whale . Ionah cryes from the bottome of the Whale , from the belly Hell . Ionah . 2.3.4.5 .

More Generall , Gen. 4.8 . when holy Abel lay bleeding vnder the bloudy knife of his butcherly brother Caine , was not the Church at a desperate pinch ? When Isaac lay bound on the Altar , Abrahams hand now stretched out , and vp ready to giue the fatall stroake , Gen , 22.10 , was not the Church at the last cast gasping for life ? When the Hebrewes were pressed , in a manner oppressed with that sore intollerable Egyptian bondage , when forced to march through the midst of that red Sea , ( figuring the blood , Exod 14.22 . red Sea of persecution , through which all the Israel of God must wade ) when those Assyrian Bandes , the Caldean armies , brake their bankes , and like a violent ouerswelling torrent swept all before them as a generall inundation , 2. Kings 18.11 . was not Gods Ston in the middest of the waters ? when the Roman Troups put all to the fire and the sword , not leauing one stone vpon a stone , of that famous Citty and Temple , ( the wonder of the world ) not throwne downe : or rather in the times of those ten fiery persecutions , when Nebuchadnezars Oven was heated seuen times hotter then ordinary , was not the Bush all in a flame ? was not Sion in the middest of the fire ?

What might be there reason will some demand , that the troubles of the righteous should be so many and great ? the same in a manner with the former . It fals out thus , partly in respect of God , partly in respect of their enemies ; in respect of themselues partly , not principally .

Iehovah permits it , ordaines it , orders it . Why ? the more and the greater their afflictions are , the more doth his mercy shine , the greater doth his wisedome and power appeare in their deliuerance , in their rescue . When Israel was euery way distressed , Exod. 14.12.12 . the sea before them , the army of the Egyptians behinde them pressing at their heeles , the high towring Mountaines hemming them in on all sides ; now will the Lord get him honor vpon Pharaoh and all his hoast . Exod. 14.4 . Now will the Lord of Hoastes march valiantly , and overthrow the horse and the rider . When the people of God were scattered ouer the foure corners of the world : now for God to turne againe the captivitie of Iacob , Isaiah 43.12.14 . as the streame back-ward ; to bring them home weeping with their faces toward Sion , this shall be to mee ( sayth the Lord ) an euerlasting name , ioy and honor , now he shewes him-selfe a God .

The greater the streame is , the skill of the Pilot if hee steere the shippe aright , appeares to be the greater ; the more desperate the disease is , the cure is the more glorious ; this may be one ground , why the troubles of the righteous are many and mighty , that the mighty and manifold wisedome , power , goodnes of Iehovah , might shine out in their full glory , to the admiration of Men and Angels .

Another reason followes , because their enemies are many and great ; Their malice great , their subtilty great , their power great , their sedulity great , their cruelty great . Consider their subtilty , the slie Midianites haue a thousand wiles and wayes to vexe and beguile the plaine hearted downe-right Israelites . Consider their malice ; there is an eternall enmity put by God himselfe between the seede of the woman , and the seede of the Serpent , which how euer smothered sometimes as it were in the ashes , yet euer and anon is blowne vp by the bellowes of vnplacable malice , Gen. 15. and breakes forth into an open flame , so vnsatiable it is , that nothing but the heart-blood of the Lambe will content those rauenous Woolues . Consider their cruelty ; as for craft , they are foxes , and for subtilty , Serpents : so for cruelty , roaring ramping Lions , that will leaue no designe be it neuer so barbarous vnattempted , but will prosecute it to the vtmost of their power . Consider their sedulitie , as the Devill their Master himselfe goes about continually , seeking whom hee may deuoure ; so his Impes , they compasse Sea and Land to make a Proselite of their owne , and to render him ten-sold more the childe of the Devill . Their Enemies are many , their name is Legion ; their enemies are mighty , Ephe , 6.12 . they fight with Principalities and Powers , which are in high places , no marueile if their troubles be many and mighty . Their enemies are many and mischeiuous , cruell and barbarous , needes must their tryals be many , their case grieuous , their estate dangerous .

Finally they may thanke themselues for it ; their sinnes are many , their sinnes are mighty ; many sinnes cause many afflictions , mighty sinnes procure mighty troubles . Lay not the blame then on Religion , but on thy Corruption . Gods dearest children will venture on noisome meate and hurtfull poison ; they will drinke downe the very gall of Aspes , they will be walking neare Hels mouth , their Father therefore takes them by the heeles and makes them belieue he will throw them in . They will bee dallying with the fire , no marueile if they be scorched with the flame ; they will be running into the water , no marueile if they be drenched in the waues : they will be laying the Serpent in their bosome , no marueile if they be stung with that Scorpion . They defile them selues with grosse sins , and therefore must haue much washing ; they take in the deadliest poison , and therefore must haue working Physicke : while coruption is so strong , let them looke for it ; many and mighty corruptions will procure many and mighty afflictions .

Vse 1 The emprouement is made by the Apostles , 1. Pet. 1.7 . chap. 4.13 . thinke it not strange , concerning the fiery tryall , so Peter ; Count it great ioy when you fall 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 into divers temptations , so Iames. Iames 1.2 . If wee passe vnder seuere sharpe corrections , and be forced to drinke of gall and wormewood , this is no new thing . Those whom hee loues most hee corrects most ; and if wee feele not the rod at all , Heb. 12.8 . well may we suspect we are bastards not children : when wee reade of the troubles of David , when we heare of the afflictions of Ioseph , when we heare , or see , or reade of the calamities of our Brethren , let it not dismay vs too much : What though the Churches in Bohemia , in the Palatinate , in the Low-Countries , be now floating in the midst of the water ? What though in the midst of the fire , in thee furnace ? What if that fire which was kindled in Bohemia , which flamed in France , which hath burnt vp and deuoured the Palatinate , some sparkles thereof should fly ouer-sea ? ( quod omen Deus avertat , which God forbid ) why should they or we , thinke much to pledge our Sauiour , in that cup which he began to vs ? hee dranke the very lees and dregges of that mixed wine , we doe but sip and tast the top of it . Let our troubles be neuer so many , Christs were more ; neuer so great , Christs were greater . He went through the water , when he sweat drops of blood ; he went through the fire , when like that good Phoenix , he continued on the crosse , fluttering his winges ouer the burning coales of his Fathers indignation , till by suffering the extremitie of it , he quenched that flame with his owne blood , which els had burnt to the bottome of Hell .

Vse 2 This secondly affoords Comfort , as to all the members of Christ in particular , who 〈◊〉 are baptized , whether Baptismo sluminis , or baptismo slaminis , with this Baptisme of fire or water ; so especially to these our Churches , and this our State of Great Britaine in Generall . If the mightie God of Iacob had not called vs by name , and given to this Ioseph that parti-coloured coate ( the livery of his loue ) the Covenant of grace , wee should neuer haue beene so maligned by Satan , so hated of the world , so persecuted by Sea and Land , so driven through fire and water ; wee should never haue beene hated so mortally , handled so cruelly , butchered so barbarously , plotted against so divellishly : If any Nation vnder the Cope of Heauen can apply this prophecie , this promise , to themselues , wee may challenge it , and finde it verified literally , spiritually , euery way of these Churches of this State ; wee haue gone through the fire , Psal. 129.1.2 . and through them water ; Many a time haue they afflicted me from my youth vp may England now say ; many a time haue they afflicted mee from my youth vp : Remember Edom ( may England cry ) remember Edom , O God , which said , Downe with it , downe with it , even to the ground ; wee will raze out their name and memoriall from vnder Heaven . True indeede , while wee carried the marke of the Beast in our foreheads , while wee bare ( like Balaams Asse ) that Balaam of Rome , and suffered his intolerable exactions , giuing vp our selues , our states , goods , soules , as slaues and vassals of Antichrist ; who but the English ? Who more favoured at the Court of Rome ? While our treasure was inexhastus puteus ( as that Pope scoffingly ) a Mine that could not be dreined : that which the Indies are to Spaine , that was England to Rome , now wee were his Holines white Sonnes , he our Ghostly father , what blessing had we from him ? What Immunities ? What red hattes ? What Indulgences ? What not ? the Devill smiles while he is pleased ; but ever since the time of Reformation ; so couragiously attempted by King Henry the eight ; so devoutly prosecuted by that Noble Iosias , whose early holines , King Edward the sixth . and timely seeking of the Lord deserues an everlasting Monument ; so happily seconded , promoted ( after some interruption ) by our famous Deborah , that late match-lesse , peere-lesse Queene of ever blessed memory ; Queene Elizabeth . so constantly perpetuated , consummated , and to this day continued by our most wise and Renowned Soueraigne Lord , King IAMES . Ever since wee haue shaken off that thousand times worse then Egyptian bondage ; ever since wee brake off that iron yoke of Babel , that so long held vs vnder ; the Devill hath shewed himselfe in his likenesse ; what Buls haue roared from Rome ? What Excommunications ? What Anathema's haue bin Thundred out by that Man of sinne ? What cursings , with Bell , Booke , & Candle ? How haue wee beene adiudged for Heretickes ? sentenced to flames , reputed worse then Infidels , then Dogges . Vide Dr Hall . One of their Iesuites giues vp himselfe for damnd , if such Heretickes as wee can be saued . How is it made a meritorious Act , a worke of super-errogation , to murther our King , to blow vp our State , to desolate and depopulate our Kingdome . Many haue beene our Troubles , many and great ; many secret conspiracies , many open incursions , many forraine attempts of enemies abroad , many intestine insurrections of bosome vipers at home : How long haue wee carried fire in our bosomes ? and doe not our feete yet tread vpon Scorpions ? As many , so great haue beene our Troubles . Great enemies were stirred vp ; mighty Princes , the most potent , and puissant Kings of the earth , friends to the Beast , Psal. 2. how were they enraged ? How did they bandy together against the Lord , and against his Annointed ? Great Stratagems were laid , even as deepe as Hell , to the vtter ruination , both of Church and State , to the finall extirpation of our name and memoriall from vnder Heaven . How oft hath the knife beene at our throate ? What treasons ? What conspiracies were hatched in the dayes of our late Queene Elizabeth ( that wonder of Women , and mirrour of her sex ) ? No sooner was the fire quenched in one corner , but it breakes forth in another place ; no sooner was one wound closed , but another bleeds afresh : Many a time were wee at the pits brinke , and knew it not , destinated as sheepe to the slaughter ; our Land quartered , Dr Hall in his Panygericke . or Doome prophecied ; When that Snow melts ( as they gaue it out triumphantly ) wee shall see a floud , and pointed to the Gray-hayres of that then liuing Empresse . But aboue all , two especiall dangers ( never to be forgotten ) did threaten this Nation ; never any people vnder Heaven were put to the like straits . You cannot forget that famous Climactericall yeare Eighty-Eight ; That Senacherib of Spaine , how confident was he to haue swallowed vs vp quicke at one morsell ? How did he presume to command with his Invincible Navy Sea and Land ? How did he presume to put a bridle and make a bridge over the Ocean , to over-run this spot of earth in one instant ? Now I trow you were in the midst of the waters . This fifth of November mindes vs of another pinch as great , if not greater then the former ; there wanted but the kindling of a match , to haue set this Cittie all in a flame of fire ; this Country and Kingdome all in a flame of Combustion . Were wee not now in the midst of the fire ? If the Lord had not beene with vs , that water had overwhelmed all ; if the Lord had not beene with vs , that fire had beene kindled , and wee all had perished in that flame .

And thus are wee fallen suddenly , from the danger to glance at the Deliverance , ( blessed be That Iehovah , that hath linked them so together , that wee cannot speake of the one , but wee must acknowledge the other . ) Now since I am fled into this pleasant field , I will not step backe ; but entreate you to follow me with your attention , and as you haue tasted of the bitter , so now close your Stomacks with the sweete ; which I haue reserved for the last , as being the best and chiefest matter intended for this dayes discourse , and most sutable to the occasion of our present meeting .

Hitherto you haue heard onely of the troubles , now followes the triumphs of the Saints ; wherein was offered to our consideration , as wee found in the resolution of the Text.

1. The victory it selfe , which is acquired ; The flouds shall not over-flow thee ; the flame shall not kindle vpon thee .

2. The Author of this victory , to whom the glory of the day must be ascribed , in those words ; I will be with thee .

The Conquest is further commended from the time ; When thou , &c. It shall come seasonably , opportunely , when they were in their greatest difficulties , in their greatest perplexitie ; then , even then I will be with thee , &c.

The afflictions of Ioseph are neuer so many , neuer so great , but they shall find an evasion . The Church can never be so straitned , but first or last , it shall be enlarged ; the Church can neuer be so distressed , but sooner or later it shall be relieued . Her case is oft dangerous , never desperate . Let her walke in the valley of the shadow of death with David ; Psal. 23.4 . let her be cast into the Denne of Lyons with Daniel ; with Ieremy , Dan 6.16 . let her be plunged into the deepe dungeon ; let her be projected with the Hebrew babes ( as was noted ) into the midst of the waters ; with the three children , and with those innumerable troupes of Martyrs , into the midst of the fire ; what though the members of her body with Isaiah passe vnder the Saw ? with Iames , are cut off by the sword ? let their carkasses be mangled and chopt into pieces , their bodies scorched , burned , racked , rosted ; come what can come , Premi potest ecclesia opprimi non potest . Psal. 30.5 . Psal. 112.4 . the Israel of God may be pressed , cannot be oppressed ; though sorrow may befall them in the euening , ioy shall arise in the morning . Vnto the righteous ariseth light in darknesse .

This is the Close , as David had learned in the Schoole of Affliction , Many are the troubles of the righteous , but the Lord delivereth them out of all ; delivered they are not from one , or few , or many , but from all . Marke the end of the vpright man , his latter end is Peace ; there may be stormes in the way , but in the end there will follow an eternall Calme . This Shippe may be tossed , cannot be drowned ; Psal. 112.6 . this Mount Sion may be moved , cannot be removed .

Reason . Shee hath the word of Iehovah to secure her , a word more firme then Heaven . The Lord of Hoasts will come in to her succour , He comes with salvation vnder his wings , He comes in seasonably to helpe at a dead lift . Mans greatest extremitie is Gods fittest opportunitie ; when no hope in earth , then exspect helpe from Heaven , then the Almightie comes riding on the Clouds , and commands deliverance for his Iacob : let the Sea worke and rage , and boyle and foame , and swell vp to Heaven , his word makes all husht . But what doe I preventing my selfe ? Let vs leaue dilating on this Subject to his proper place ; and now make application of the point , and grow to that conclusion which this day doth witnesse , and proclaime to the whole world .

Looke backe my Brethren , remember those Marian dayes , that bloudy Quinqueinium , Nero his Quinqueinium famous for those sparkles of humanitie ; that of Q. Mary contrary . what a desperate pinch were wee brought to in time of that persecution ? What massacring ? What butchering ? What Bonnering ? What burning of those chast Virgins that would not prostitute their soules to that Whore of Babylon ? that would not licke vp their filthy vomit , disgorged in the dayes of King Edward ? What streets did not flame with fires ? What faggots did not fry the bones of those mis-called Heretickes ? What Citty ? What Towne ? What Village was not watered with the blood , Sanguis Martyrum ; semen Ecclesiae . enlightned with the flames of those constant crowned Martyrs ? The mercies of the wicked are cruell , ( as the wise King obserues , ) as those barbarous savage Tygertyrants , made it too true , who to shew themselues more mercilesse then the mercilesse Elements ( fire and water ) retorted that Infant into the Mothers flames , Fox in his Acts & Mon. which the very fire as a mercifull Midwife had delivered from the Mothers wombe . Now they insulted , cracking what a sure foundation was laid for vnder-setting , and propping vp their newly repaired wals of Iericho ; now they applaud their owne wits , that had vndermined the Gospel ( vnder the name of Heresie ) so as it should never be able to peepe forth , or hold vp head in the professors thereof .

Thus when all was desperate in the eye of flesh , how suddainly was the streame turned ? So the Father of Iulian the Apostate ; nubecula est cito transibit . how suddainly was that storme of blood blowne over ? their high wals so lately daubed vp with vntempered morter , how did they fall in a moment , being quashed to powder ? and themselues with all their rubbidge sent packing over Seas . What a desperate exigent were we brought to , when that strange Horned Moone appeared on our Coastes ; when that Invincicle Armado of Spaine ( as they stiled it ) was ready to encircle our Nation . Their shippes were cast into the forme of a halfe-Moone . The enemy like that great Levi●than had in conceit drawne vp our Iordan into his nostrils , so had he devoured vs in his hopes , that already ( ante victoriam triump hum canit ) he sings the Triumph before a stroake was stricken ; and at the putting on of his Armour , The Church of Rome . boasts as he that puts it off . The mother of Sisera looked out at the Window , and cryed through the Lattesse ; Iud. 5.28.29.30 . Why is his Chariot so long in comming ? Why tarry the Wheeles of his Chariot : Her wise Ladies answered , yea , shee turned and answered her selfe ; haue they not sped , haue they not divided the prey to euery man a damosell or two ? to Sisera a prey of divers colours , of divers colours needle-worke , fit for the neckes of them that take the spoile . Thus they solaced themselues , when loe how all their hopes vanished into smoake . The Sunne , Moone , and Starres in their courses , the windes , waters , all fight for our England . The Lord over-throwes the horse and his rider , and drownes this blazing Comet in the wide Ocean , which drew the eyes of all the world to see the success of that prodigeous meteor , that as some dreamed , others feared , Babylon wished , presaged a fatall period to the English Isle and Empire . So true is the word of the Lord by his Prophet ; WEE passed through the water , yet did not the flouds over-flow vs .

What a desperate pinch were wee brought to this fifth day of November ? Now wee were in the fire indeed ; a fire kindled in Hell , a sulphurean fire , into which not Three Children , but the Three States of our Realme , were enwrapped and all bound together , to haue perished with one cracke . Let vs pause here , and consider the Danger of our extremitie , that wee may be stirred vp the more feelingly , and heartily , to magnifie the mercy , power , and goodnesse of the Lord , manifested in out delivery .

Consider How cunningly it was contrived . How cruelly it was intended . How nearly atchieued . How miraculously discovered .

For the cunning in contriving ; what secrecy of place ? What secrecy of person ?

The place , a place of darkenesse , and therefore fit for a worke of darkenesse ; the secrecy of the place seemed to invite them to this bloody designe ; even as the opportunitie of time , smiled vpon them , and promised to be the vnhappie Midwife to deliver the Actors ( now bigge with their conception ) of this monstrous burden . Let me now take you hand in hand , and lead you to this darke Caue , this hollow denne , this fiery Aetna , this tormenting Tophet ; I know not what to call it , Grammar , Logicke , Rhetoricke , all are posed , no Art can yeeld a word emphaticall enough for this Artificiall Phalarian invention . A strange Engin , it was invented for the torment of Innocents , but ( as that of Phaleris ) turned to the torment of the Inventors . See here what Barrels of Powder packed close together ? What piles of wood billetted over those Barrels ? What barres of iron mingled with those piles ? Of all resemblances methinkes a Tophet sits it best ; See the description of Tophet , Isa. 30.33 . and paralell them . Isaiah . 30.33 . Tophet is ordained of old , yea for the King it is prepared , he hath made it deepe and large , the pile thereof is fire and much wood , the breath of the Lord like a streame of brimstone doth kindle it . Loe here a right Tophet , ordained of old , hatched in the latter yeares of the raigne of our late Queene Elizabeth ; prepared not by God , but by Men ; not by Men , but by Devils ; Was it not digged deepe ? and made large , made for the King , yea and Queene , Prince , Prelates , Lords , Commons , all ; the burning of it was fire and much wood , a streame of Powder , as a river of brimston was to kindle it , a right Tophet . Some place Hell in the Center or midst of the earth , here you might haue found it somewhat beneath the superficies of the earth . Thus were their villanies buried in the bowels of the earth , Isa. 29.15 . they digge deepe to hide their Councell from God and Man .

The persons will be as secret as the place ; these Catholike conspirators , to make all sure , to sowe their lips fast , sweare a silene , and binde that Oath with the Sacrament . O flagitious vnheard-of impietie ! God himselfe ( will he , nill he ) must haue as much as in them lay , an hand in this transcendent Treason ; let no man henceforth wonder at the fury of that Romish Cataline , who forced his followers to pledge each other in Healths of humane blood . Behold here that Romish Catesby , with his Complices , take the Blood of God ( at least his Body ) and 〈◊〉 they maintaine it , the reall essentiall blood of 〈…〉 of God must be caroused , to glue vp their lip●… 〈…〉 the discovery of this Hellish Designe .

Thus closely and covertly was it carried , so lapped in the mantle of darkenesse , that none but the Devill as they gaue it out ( the Lord was farre from their thoughts ) could vnvaile it , and plucke off the maske from this Hagge ; yet was their crueltie no whit inferior to their secrecy . Let me begin in the words of Moses ; Deut. 4.32 . Aske of the dayes of old that haue bin since God created man vpon the earth , from one end of Heaven vnto the other , if there came to passe such a great thing as this , or ever the like was heard of ; Search all Chronicles , turne over the Records of all Nations ; no age , no story , humane or divine , can match this matchlesse president , so that wee may well take vp the Heathen Poets complaint .

Audax , omnia perpeti gens humana 〈◊〉 vetitum 〈◊〉 nefas .

2 Sam 16. 2 Sam. 15.31 . The Treason of Absolon ; the Conspiracy of Achitophel ; the Coniuration of Cataline ; the Machination of Haman , Esth. 3.8 . to roote out the whole Nation of the Iewes ; the Massacre of France ; the slaughter of the Indies ; wherein worldes of people were most cruelly made away : all hainous transcendent crimes , all fall short of this Nero that Spung of Bloud and Monster of Men , as the Stories record , wished , all the people of Rome had had but one head , that he might chop it off at a blow ; that which was but desired of Nero , was not wished onely , but plotted , and attempted by these Sanguineous Antichristian Neroes , had their plot taken effect , not the head of Rome , but of England had beene cut off at a Blow . Nero caused the Citie of Rome to be fired , and laid the blame on the Christians . If their traine had blowne vp our Church and State , the imputation of so foule a fact by these equivocating Catholikes , must haue beene cast on the Puritans . Three famous kingdomes by a blessed Peace-maker , vnited into one happy Monarchy , Vno actu tactu ictu , with one blow , and blast in a day , an houre , a moment , had perished , ere they knew who hurt them : no sect , no sex , no person , nor age might be spared , no not those of their owne Religion , the Powder , like the Duke of Medina his Sword , These be your charitable Catholikes . would haue knowne no difference betweene Protestant and Papist . The Kings Maiestie , the Golden Head of this Land , the Lords Annointed , and the breath of our nostrils ; His deare Queene , the Roote that bare so royall stems ; His Princely heire , the pledge of our succeeding hopes ; the Honorable Councell , the eye of our Land , the Noble Lords and Baron , the Shields and shoulders of our Land , the Reverend Bishops and Cleargie , the Chariots and Horsemen of Israel ; the graue Sages and Iudges , the Handes of our Land for execution of Iustice ; the flower of our Gentry and Commons , the feete of this Land ; roote and branch , Priest and people ; Head , roote , branches , eyes , shoulders , armes , tongues , handes , feete , all , all should haue beene torne vp and mounted on high , to fall headlong , their carkasses mangled , the sheepe brained and burnt by an vnheard-of kinde of execution . In their wrath they digged downe a wall , and in their anger would take away a whole nation as one man , Cursed be their anger for it was fierce , and their wrath for it was cruell ; into their secrets let not the righteous enter , my soule be not thou ioyned with their Assemblies .

How neare was it come ? even to the point of execution ? the Children were at the birth ; wee had but the burning of a match to liue ; not a haires-breadth betweene vs and this Death , these flames .

How miraculously was the plot discovered rod ? how opportunely were the traytors defeated ? the wisedome of the King came from the inspiration of the Almightie ; strange it is to consider , what English his Maiesty did pick out of a dark and Aenigmaticall letter , going against all Grammaticall construction ; He that sits in Heaven , made their owne handes and Pens to bewray all ; so the Preacher , Curse not the King , Eccles. 10.20 . no not in thy thought , for the fowle of the Heauen shall carry it ; and that which hath wings shall declare the matter . If the Lord had not now beene with vs , Prov. 16.10 . among vs , for vs , and put a word of Divination into the lippes of our gratious Soveraigne , wee had all beene long ere this as Sodom and Gomorrha . King , Prince , Noble , Peeres , Prelates , Iudges , Gentry , Commons ; Our peace , plentie , the Gospel of peace ( the comfort of our liues , and the life of all our comforts ) all had vanished into Ash-heapes . Thus am I fallen vpon the Author of this Great Deliverance ; who kept vs in this fire , that the flame did not so much as kindle vpon vs . So literally are the words of this Prophecie fulfilled of this Church and State , who kept vs ? Iehovah , saith my Text , Iehovah saith this day ; I will be with thee .

The safetie of the Church consists in the presence of the Lord . Iehovah is that Cloud which giues light to the Israelites , Exod. 14.25 . strikes terror into the Egyptians , and takes off the Wheeles of their Chariots . Iehovah is that Wall of fire that fenceth his elect , and consumes his enemies ; the Lord is my Rocke , my Fortresse , so David . The name of the Lord is a strong Tower , Prov. 18.10 . into which the righteous Nation shall enter , so Salomon . This Tower is invincible , this Bulwarke impregnable ; this Fortresse is out of Gun-shot , and therefore cannot be battered ; this Wall reacheth higher then the Heavens , and therefore cannot be scaled . The Lord is ever with his Church , what he speaks of the Temple , the type of the Church ; Mat. 28.20 . needs must it be verified of the Church , the truth of that type . 2 Chro. 7.16 . I haue chosen this place , that my name may be there for ever , and mine eyes , and my heart shall be there perpetually . There is he present and resident , and that not as a naked Spectator , to behold their miseries , but as a tender Father , as a mightie Sauiour . As a tender Father , commiserating their distresses , caring the cares , grieuing the griefes , and fearing the feares of his chosen ; Isa. 63.9 . In all their troubles he is troubled . When the foote was trod vpon in earth , the Head cryes from Heaven , Saul , Saul , Acts. 9.4 . why persecutest thou me .

He is present , secondly , as an Almightie powerfull Saviour ; is there any thing too hard for him ? Is his arme shortned ? Did not he wound Rahab ? Smite the Dragon , overthrow the horse and his rider , make a path in the great Water , and allay the heate of the fire ? He works with meanes , without meanes , against means , and doth what ever he will in heaven or earth Hath not he set bounds to the Sea , Iob. 38.11 . though it rage and foame , here it must stay , thus farre it shall come , and no farther , here the proud waues must be broken . Hath not he Satan in a chaine , Iob. 1. and all his instruments , that they cannot plucke a haire from the head of his servants , without his leaue and licence ?

Vse 1 Si Deus nobiscum , quis contra nos ? Rom. 8.31 . Behold now the safetie , the securitie of the Church : if God be with vs , who shall be against vs ? If God be with vs , what need we feare what man can doe vnto vs , men or Devils ? No maruaile if the Prophet command , feare not . He that is thus guided , thus guarded , how can he feare or faint ? So the same Prophet , Isa. 51.12.13 Chap. 51. Vers. 12.13 . I , even I am he that comfort thee , who art thou that thou shouldest be afraid of a man , and of the sonne of man , which shall be made as grasse ; and forgettest the Lord thy Maker , &c. Iehovah hath vndertaken to be the Lord Protector , or Lord-keeper of his Red vine . Isaiah . 27.3 . I the Lord doe watch over it by night and by day ; Hee will defend it against secret trecheries , these are night-assaults ; against open Hostilities , these are day-assaults . What though the Ramping Lyon goe about continually , 1 Pet. 5.8 . seeking whom he may devoure ? Is not the Lyon of the Tribe of Iudah as vigilant to defend , as Satan to assault ? The destroyer of Israel never slumbreth nor sleepeth ; no more doth the keeper of Israel , Psal. 121.4 . he also never sleepeth , never slumbreth . Let their enemies be never so many , all nations to him are but as the dust of the Balance , Isa. 40.15 . the drop of a Bucket , as nothing , lesse then naught . Let their enemies be never so mightie , he hath their hearts in his hand , can turne them as the Rivers of waters , and make our enemies at peace with vs , Ier. 33.4 . changing their stabs into kisses : he hath their heads in his hand , and can infatuate the wiliest Herod , the craftiest Achitophel , turning their Councells into folly ; he hath their Hands and Hornes in his hand , and can either binde them to their good behaviour , or knocke out the Teeth of grators before they bite ; let them digge dippe , to hide their plots , the Lord will goe beyond them ; let them ioyne hand to hand , they shall not prosper : Prov. 11.21 . Wee may say it , wee may sweare it , wee must beleeue it , wee haue had experience ( never any Church more of the like ) what it is to haue such a Protector , whose power is vnresistable , his will vnchangeable , his skill vnsearchable ; whose Greatnesse is such , that he can doe what he will ; whose Goodnesse is such , that he will doe what he can ; and ever magnifie both his Greatnesse and Goodnesse , in the protection of his Israel , and in the conversion or confusion of his enemies . Witnesse this day of dayes : on the morning of our fifth of November , they would haue blowne vs vp ; on the evening of their fifth of November , God beate them downe .

Vse 2 Is Iehovah the Deliverer of his Israel ? Why let God then haue the Honor of his owne worke ; not our wit , not our wealth , not our goodnes , not our greatnes , not our friends , not our Bulwarkes , but the Lord onely ; it was the Lords doing , Psal. 118.23.24 . let it euer be marueilous in our eyes : This is the Day which the Lord hath made , let vs be glad and reioyce . Let the wicked Politician , the Machivilian Atheist sacrifice to their owne nets . We will cry with that Kingly Prophet , Psal. 115.1 . not vnto vs , not vs ô Lord , but vnto thy Name , wee giue the glory . ( Totum hoc quatumcunque sit quod certè miximum est , totum est tuum ) the whole prayse of so glorious a rescue , how great so euer it be , which indeede is exceeding great , is onely due to Iehovah . Let the King say it is the Lord that giueth great deliverances vnto his David , Psal. 18. and sheweth mercy to his annointed , and his seede for ever . Let the Great Peeres and Princes say it is not our Arme that hath saued vs , not our mighty strength , but the Strength of Israel Iehovah . Let the House of Aaron say and sing prayses , sing prayses vnto the Lord that hath done wisely , discouered our enemies , broken their snares , and we are escaped . Ps. 124.1.2.3 . Let all England say if the Lord , had not beene on our side , if the Lord had not beene on our side , when men rose vp against vs , they had swallowed vs vp quicke , when their wrath was kindled against vs . Praise waiteth for thee O God in Sion , who is like our God who doth great and wondrous thinges . Honored for euer be that Noble and Honorable Society ( The High Court of Parliament ) that to all ages hath set a Day apart , for the Honor of that God , who is the Protector of his Sion , the Detector the Destroyer of his and their implacable enemies : Goe on still O Noble Senate , let King , Prince , Peeres , Prelats , Commons , all conspire to honor the God of heaven by enacting such solemne Panagerickes to Iehovah ; and the God of honor will honor You , this Church , this State , your Posterity ; the Generation to come , shall blesse God for the deliuerance of this Day ; for the Record of this Deliuerance , for this publicke gratulation vpon Record . Blessed be that God which hath put it into the heart of that Great Assembly , with an vnanimous and free consent to enact it for a Law in Israel , and an Ordinance in Iacob for euer . If euer we forget this mercy , let our tongues cleaue to the roofe of our mouthes , and our armes rott from our shoulders , Let all faithfull , loyall , true hearted English Protestants , with one heart and voice cry , Amen , Amen .

Finally , doth the security of the Church , State , all , lie in the presence of God ? Where God is , there is no danger ; as where hee is nor , no safetie ; O keepe him while we haue him , driue him not from you , who is our Buckler , our shield , all in all vnto vs : keepe him in his Word , in his Sabboths , in his Ordinances , and he will keepe you . Would you know in a word , what driues the Lord from a land , a people , sinne ; nothing but sinne can doe it , and sinne will doe it ; Isa. 59.2 . your sinnes haue seperated betweene me and you ; where sinne is countenanced , maintained , multiplied , there is no Harbor for the Almighty . He is a God of purer eyes then to behold iniquitie , what communion betweene God and Beliall , Hab. 1.13 . 2 Cor. 6.14.15 . light and darkenesse , Christ and Antichrist ? Sinne chases the Lord away , and leaues that person , that Nation naked , vnfenced , exposed to the malice of men , to the fury of Satan , to the flames of hell . Every wilfull sinner is a Traytor to God , his King , and Countrey , as well as to his owne soule . Away with beloued darling sinnes : away with those wasting King-killing State-ruinating sinnes : Idolatry , contempt of Gods word , worship , Sacraments , Sabbath , Ministers ; scandalous enormous impieties , out-facing Authoritie ; these if they should be found among vs , will kindle a flame in our Citie , Countrey , a worse then Powder-flame , that shall burne to the bottome of hell .

If we our selues betray not our soules , our Church , our State , our Kingdome , in vaine shall the Gates of Rome repine at the prosperitie of England ; if wee pull not downe our owne walls with our owne handes , no Engins of theirs shall ever batter them ; if wee doe not open the sluces , and floud-gates , the Invndations of that Romish Nilus , with her marish waters , shall never over-flow our bankes ; If wee carry not Flax , Tinder , Gun-powder , in our owne bosomes , and strike not fire with our owne fingers , their matches shall never take , their sparkles shall not burne , the flame shall not kindle vpon vs .

For Gods-sake therefore , for your soules-sake , for your Countreys-sake ; if you loue your King , Countrey , peace , plentie , the Gospell of peace , your goods , friends , children , away with the toleration , dispensation of knowne , grosse , scandalous , notorious , enormous Impieties ; maintaine a perpetuall correspondence with your Heavenly Father ; be in league with Heaven ; delight to Honour him , his Name , Word , Worshippe , Sacraments , Sabbaths , Messengers , that hee may delight to Watch over you ; Serue him who saved vs , and therefore saved vs ( that wee being redeemed from the handes of our enemies , such subtle , cruell , barbarous , savage enemies ) might serue him without feare all the dayes of our life , in holinesse and righteousnesse before him . Blessed are the people , who are in such a case , who haue the Lord for their God .

FINIS .