A sermon preached before the Kings Maiestie at White-Hall, the VII. of February, 1636. By Thomas Lawrence D. of Divinity, and chaplaine to his maiestie in ordinarie. Published by the Kings speciall command

A SERMON PREACHED BEFORE THE KINGS MAIESTIE at White-Hall , Feb. 7. MDCXXXVI . EXODVS III . V.

And he said , Draw not nigh hither , put off thy shooes from off thy feet , for the place whereon thou standest is holy ground .

MY Text is Mandatum reverendi locum , quia sanctus est , saith Cajetan Cajet . in loc . Dionysius Carthus . Cornel●à ●ap . Rupert . Hug . Vict . Tostat . : A mandate enjoyning a reverentiall distance unto the place , where typically God the Sonne was represented , where literally God Himselfe was present ; either in his owne Person , or by the mediation of an Angell : Holinesse becommeth thy house for ever , saith David Psal . 93.5 . : so doth reverence , and lowlinesse too , keep thy foot therefore , when thou goest to the house of God , saith Salomon Ec●les . 5. ● . : for surely the Lord is in this place , though I knew it not , saith Iacob Gen. 28.16 . . God came indeed to him in a dreame but if we dreame while we are here , he will not come so to us . O let us come , saith the Prophet Psal 9● . 6 . , but let us fall downe too : he commands our faith , but loaths our incivility , and loves neither a distrustfull servant , nor a sawcy one . He is here indeed , and be not too ventrous , lest thou feel him : Draw not nigh hither , put off thy shooes , &c.

Where you may observe ,

First , a distinction in consecrated places : some consecrated to such a height , some not consecrated so high ; the presence of the Lord in all , but not the same degrees of his presence in all : for , although one be holy and the other , one is not so holy as the other . Put off thy shooes where thou art ( this being an outward Ceremony of ordinary use in their devotions , through those Eastern parts , whereby they testified the inward humiliation of the mind : commanded Ioshuah Iosh . 5.15 . in expresse terms elswhere , and Moses here ; and by the rules of equipollency , according to that exposition of the Rabbins Pet . Cun . de rep . Heb . l. 2. c . 12. Ainsw . in loc . in the next book , others besides : in continuall observation among the Priests Exod . 30.19 . Com . à Lap . in loc . of the Iewes , and from thence , perchance ( as Procopius So the Saracens . Tostat . in loc . Hence prov●rbially used , {αβγδ} , &c. So others with Procop . in Exod . 3. Graeci ●●●ficuli discalc●ati ad sacra commeabant . and others tell us they used it ) derived to the Gentiles : for why should any slave be more vile in the sight of his lord , than we in the presence of our God ? ) 't is holy there : but come not hither though thy shooes be off , 't is holier here : the greatest respects thou canst give , are little enough for the place where thou art ; and too little for the place where I the am : thou maist not tread on that ground with thy shooes on , nor on this though thy shooes be of .

●econdly , The reason of this distinction : no inherem essentiall preeminence , flowing from the nature and position of the place ; but a relative Per solutionem calceamenti demonstrat sancti praesentiam . Procop . in Exod . 3. Solve calceamenta propter loci sanctitatem & Dei , sed unde terra illa sancta ? quia deputata ad apparitionem illam , & mysterium , & collocutionem sanctam , & dationem legis . Dionys . Carthus . in loc . Hierusalem dicta sancta , quòd in ea Templum , &c. Brent in loc . Vt reverentiam exhiberet divinae Majestati quae in loco hoc praesentiam exhibebat , utque magna animi veneratione ad percipiendum Dei accederet oraculum Cornel . à Lap . in loc . Sanctified by the presence , and apparition of God . Ainsw . in loc . The meaning of that ceremony , Exod 3.5 . Ios . 5.15 . was to shew reverence to the place where God did manifest his presence . Mason of Fast . c . 3. accidentall preminence , arising from a peculiar dispensation of his esidence , and graces in the place . GOD was by his power and presence where Moses was , and he spake to him there ; delivering his Commission in t●is Chapter , arming him with miracles to speed it in the next : and this was enough to supererogate a greater reverence to this place than another , because GOD was more present in this place than in another : thy shooes might become that , thy bare feet best suit with this ; and yet draw not too nigh the bush for all that ; for even this deportment is not low enough to come thither , because that inf●nitude is more presentiall there . The Son of God was here in an allegory : for ignis in rubo Deus in carne , say some of the Fathers : the fire in the bush is God in the flesh : and ignis in rubo Deus in Virgine , the fire in the bush is God in the Virgine Bern . Serm . de beat . Mar. in illud Apocal . 12. Signum magnum apparuit . Theodoret . Nyssen . Orat . De Christi Nativitate . , say others . And the Son of God was here without an allegory , either in his owne person according to many of the ancient : I am come downe to deliver them , saith this apparition at the eighth Verse : and none of the Persons came downe for our spirituall deliverance , whereof this temporall redemption of Israel out of Egypt was a Type , but he : or by the deputation of an Angell , Greg moral . l. 28. c . 2. &c. as the most . For although Cornelius à Lap . will have us Quia communis est Theologorum cum S. Dionysio c . 4. Coel . hierar : sententia , omnes Dei apparitiones in V. T. factas esse per Angelos . Cornel . à Lap . in loc . grant him , out of Dionysius the Areopagite , the all apparitions of GOD in the Old Testament wer by Angels ; yet is he as willing to grant us out of others , that all those Angels Multi Patres in omnibus apparitionibus V. T. repraesentatum fuisse filium . Ibid . Iust . Cont . Tryyh . Tert . li . 2. Cont . Mar. Hilar . lib . 4. de Trin . Ambros . de fid . Chrys . in Act 7. were Proxies , and Depties for CHRIST . Which may bee the reason perchance , why the same vision , that is stiled an Corn à Lap . ibid . Angell in one verse of this Chapter , in all the rest ; the LORD ; to shew , that , if this were not that Angell of the covenant in the Prophet , yet was it at least auctoritate Deus , though obsequio Angelus , as the Iesuite Exod . 3.2 . An Angell and the Lord , &c. v. 1.4 , 6 , 7 , 11 , 13 , 14 , 18. An Angell , Act. 7.30 , 53. speakes ; in the person of an Angell , the representation of GOD . Approximation and neernesse was permitted there , remotenesse and distances required here . He might use adoration in that place , he must only use it towards this , because God was there more than ordinary , hee will have more respects than ordinary : thy shooes are too uncleane for that place , thy bare feet not cleane enough for this .

Thirdly , the illation upon this reason : A proportionable adoration to those different degrees of consecration : either in respect of the body , from the literall sense : adoration in conjunction , with that place , in it ; put off thy shooes there : Adoration in opposition to the other place , towards it ; come not nigh here . Or , in respect of the soule , from the tropologicall Dead Skins the materials of those , to shew i●●o Aegypt he was to go , though he were sent thither to die . Ambros . in Luc . Brent . in Loc . The signe of giving up an interest either of possessions by an ordinary transaction : O● of the mariage bed by divorce , Ruth . ● . 7 . Deut 25.9 . Veterum est consuetudo , ut si sponsum sponsa repudiare vellet , discalcearetur ille , & hoc esset signum repudii . Proinde Moses excalcea●i jubetur , ne ad ecclesiam , quae in rubo significabatur , & quasi sponsus calceatus accederet-hoc Christo servabatur qui verus sponsus , cujus non sum dignus solvere corrigiam calcei . Rab . Maur . in Loc . Exuere calceos , id est , Sordes . Calvin . Gallas , &c. The guise of a Penitent , 2 Sam . 15.30 . Ezek . 24.17 . Esay 20.2 , 4. : put off thy shooes then out of a due respect unto me in the place where thou art : and , at this remove , in a more humble adoration , prostrate thy selfe towards the place where I am ; and joyne thy heart with thy knee too ; be that which thou doest , the messenger of what thou meanest ; nor let thy body adore me , but in the company of thy minde , joyne soule and body in this Humiliation : 't is holy where thou hearest me speake : but 't is holyer from whence I speake ; that is too cleane for thy Shooes , and this for thy feet .

These are the measures of your patience , and this time : for the better spending whereof , that holy God , to whom all consecrated places are hallowed , instruct me rightly to put the difference betwixt holy and prophane , the neglect whereof made God so angry in Ezekiel Ezek . 22.26 . , and you rightly to observe it : which leades mee to the distinction of consecrated places , and my first generall .

1 't is observable , that in those solemne apparitions of God : to Abraham , upon Mount Moriah , where the Passion of Christ was represented in a Type : and to Moses upon Mount Sina , where the Conception According to that Hymne in the Church : Rubum quem viderat Moses incombustum , conservatam agnovimus virginitatem , Sancta Dei genetrix . Similiter Procop . in Exod . of Christ was represented in a Type : and to David in the Threshing floore of Araunah , where the intercession of Christ was represented in a Type : some of them being in that place , where the Temple was to be built , as Ioseph . Ant. l. 1 , c . 14. l. 7. c . 14. that to Abraham and David upon Moriah : other , where the Tabernacle was commanded to be built , as that to Moses on Sina ; there was a distinction of persons enjoyned , in respect of places ; which , in some proportion , answered to the distinction of persons and places , in the Tabernacle and the Temple , I and the Lad will goe yonder , saith Abraham : I the Sacrificer , and the Lad the Sacrifice ; the Court of the Priests : but abide you here , 't is not for you to goe so farre ; the Court of the people , Gen. 22.5 . Moses was a Type of our Redemption by Christ , delivering Israel out of Egypt : and Iosuah was a Type of our salvation by Christ , bringing Israel into Canaan ( for the sonne of man was to effect both by the power of the Sonne of God ) and yet put off thy shooes saith God to either ; because neither Moses being not the first-borne , nor extraordinarily called then : Iosuah , though the first-borne , yet suspended altogether then , by the separation of Levi . had power to execute the Priest-hood then : the place where ye stand is Holy , Moses before his consecration may be there : the place where I am is holyer , Moses after his consecration , is scarce holy enough to be here ; and as Moses understood his distance , so did Iosuah too , for he did so : in the fifth of that story , at the fifteenth verse : God afterwards designes Moses to the employment Moses and Aaron among his Priests , Psal . 99. Exod . 40. where be is commanded to do the acts of consecration . of a Priest , that was before a ruler of the people ; and to shew the neerenesse of his person , gives him a neerenesse of place : there is one stand for the Layty , another for the Clergy , and yet both without the Mount , in the 19. of Exodus . Verse 21 , 22 , 24. Aaron with Nadab , Abihu , and the seventy Elders ( all of them being Priests by inheritance , or destination ) may ascend up the Mount , but not up so high upon the Mount , for Moses alone shall come neere the Lord : ( into the Sanctuary they may come , they may not come into the Oracle , ) in that very Chapter , after which a Mandate is given by GOD for the ordering of the Tabernacle , the foure and twentieth of this story , at the first and second verse . Lastly , David erects an Altar upon Moriah , being then the possession of Araunah , as formerly Abraham had done : consecrated it was by the sacrifices of both , and the apparitions of God to both , and in both represented the satisfaction and mediation of Christ ; where he that provided for the building of the Temple , observes the same distance , which was observed in the Tabernacle and the Temple , the Altar built neare the place where the Angell stood , but not in it , 2 Sam . 24 , 16 , 18.

Nor was the direction particular in this behalfe , but universall and generall : a distinction of holinesse in their persons Exod . 29. Leviticus 8. Numb . 8. : a distinction of holinesse in their garments Exod . 28. & 29. : a distinction of holinesse in their sacrifices Lev . c . 1. c . 2. c . 3. : a distinction of holinesse in the ornaments Exod . c . 26. c . 27. c . 35. c . 36. c . 37. c . 38. : a distinction of holinesse in the furniture of the Temple : some holy ; most holy others Exod . 30.10 , 29. . Gershoms charge holier than Meraries , and Coaths than Gershoms , and the charge of Aarons family than eithers Numb . 3 , . The whole Camp is holy , and Numb . 5. therefore no unclean person must be in this : the Tabernacle holier than the Camp , and therefore the Levites Num . 1.50.51 . c . 4. alone must pitch round about that : the Sanctuary holier than the Tabernacle , and therfore the Priests Levit . 21.6 . onely must enter there ; and into the Tabernacle without washing Exod . 30.20 , 21 , but not into this : the Oracle holier than all , and therefore none must approach here , but Aaron himselfe , that is holiest Numb . 17.8 . Exod . 39.30 . Num . 35.28 . of all , and that but once a yeare neither , and that not without lotions Heb . 9.3 , 7. , and propitiatory vestments , and mysticall sprinklings , bloud in one hand to appease God , and a censer presenting a cloud of incense , as it were , to hide him from God in the other .

Nor did this distinction expire with the Tabernacle , but lived also in the Temple ; for as Moses Heb . 8.5 . went by a patterne before , so did Salomon 1 Paralip . 28.6.12 , 19. and Ezra Ezra 2.63 . Nehem . 7.64 , 65. c . 8.3 . after : which the Iewes were so carefull of , that when Pompey to his own ruine , as it appeared by the sequele , invaded the Sanctuary , the natives Ioseph . Antiq . l. 14. c . 8. more deplored the discovery , than the spoile thereof : Nicanor in the Macchabees 1 Mac 7.42 . being punished by the God of Israel , S. Steven Acts 6.13 . , and S. Paul Acts 24.12 . c . 21 , 28 , 29. in the Acts , accused by the people of Israel , ( and their accusation had been just , had it been true Acts 24.13 c . 21 29. ) for not observing the distinction of those courts : and , in that warre against Antigonus , Herod protested , he had rather hazard his kingdome {αβγδ} . Ioseph . Antiq . l. 14. c . 28. , than this ; while the Temple was building at his owne expence , never comming within those forbidden lists , but entrusting the charge with the Priests ; and inscribing the sentence of death over the gates against those aliens , that should break in within the ranges , as Iosephus Antiq . l. 15. c . 14. Women in the second court not permitted the same place with men . 1b . relates , not observing thus an humble distance to the place .

And must God lose part of his honour from us , by sending his Sonne to us ? or must there be lesse holinesse in the Church , where he was in truth and substance sacrificed by himselfe , than where he was sacrificed in a type or shadow , by Aaron in the Temple ? Certainly no . Our Saviour tels us in the Gospell , the Temple is holier Mat . 23.17 , 19. than the gold , and the Altar than the gift ; and , by expulsing those exchangers and hu●sters , though for the service So Comment . in loc . Gualther Mar. 11.15 . Marlor . Mat . 21.12 , 13. thereof , beyond the very utmost borders The same call it there atrium , that is , atrium populi , or Salomons porch , 2 Paralip . 6.13 . Acts 3.11 . into this the people onely resorted , and farther than this wee read not that our Saviour came , being not of Levi , but of Iuda , a Priest after the order of Melchisedech ; not after the order of Aaron , for of Iuda Moses spake nothing concerning the priesthood , Heb . 7.14 . Spelm . de non tem . Eccles . &c. of the Sanctuary ; and at no other times , than after his Ioh . 2.14 Mat . 21.12 . Marlorat . in loc . baptisme , and before his passion Ioh . 2.15 . Spelm . de non tem . Eccles . , at the entrance , and accomplishment of our redemption ; and , when those Mat . 21.13 . Luk . 19 46. Mar 11.17 . Esa . 56.7 . as the same and others collect thence . legall sacrifices , their doves and oxen were before ejected ; and from that place , where the Christian Church was best represented , their instructions and customary devotions being performed here , which were to last after Christ ; their types , which were to expire with Christ , within ; shewes , that this distinction should extend as farre as the benefit of his Passion or Baptisme did , and live as long as Oratory or Gospell . Wherefore as the Christians in after-ages distinguished their Oratories into an Vid . Godw : Ant. l. 1. c . 1 , &c. Atrium , or Church-yard , a Sanctum , or Church , a Sanctum Sanctorum , or Chancell : so did they conceive a greater opinion of sanctity in one of them , than in the other ; and in one place of them , than in another , having an altar here , answerable to an oracle , or ark , a mercy-seat there ; and , that it might appeare this discrimination was not temporary , but continuall , pointed their Churches Eastward , and looking towards the Temple . Church-yards they thought prophaned by Aug. Serm . de temp . to . 10. 214. All immodest behaviour prohibited here , Articl . 1634. n . 52. Statut . Synodal . com . n . 36. apud Carranz . p. 64● . sports ; but the Churches themselves even by their feasts of 1 Cor . 11.12 . Triclinium epularum , Hieron . in loc . Phot . Nomoc . Tit 5. c . 2. Out of a Councell of Gangra and Carthage . Artic . 1580. n . 61. Art. 1634. 63. Can . 1571. n . 20. 88. charity : the whole Gothi Roma capta ad Ecclesiam confugientibus peper●erunt . Cornel . à Lap . in Numb . 25.15 . Phot . Nomoc . Tit . 5. c . 2.25 . Tit . 8. c . 22.26 . Tit . 8. c . 13.27 . Tit . 8. c . 19. rep . 28 Tit . 8. c . 7.32 . Tit . 8. c . 12. rep . 1 Mac. 10.83 . c . 5.43 . 2 Mac. 4.33 . circuit both before , and after Christ , was priviledged for refuge ; but the inviolablest Sanctuary of all was that , which was nearest to the Exod . 21.14 . 1 Reg . 2.28 . holiest of all : none out of the communion of the Church permitted to lie there , without Nullus laicus in Ecclesia sepeliatur , nisi in communi coemiterio . Concil Tribur . c . 17. : and few in the communion of the Church admitted here , within Nullus laicus in Ecclesia sepeliatur , nisi in communi coemiterio . Concil Tribur . c . 17. ; any consecrated ground preferred Paulinus demands whether the holinesse of the place availes the dead , and S. Aug answers him de cur . pro Mort . ad Paulin . c . 4. Augustines body translated from without the doore into the North porch of S. Peter & S. Paul , Bed . l. 2. c . 3. hist . Edelburg translated in like manner , l. 3. c . 8. B. Aydans bones translated to the Altar , c . 17. as also B. Cedda's . c . 23. for interment before that which was not consecrated ; & that in a higher esteem , which Paulinus demands whether the holinesse of the place availes the dead , and S. Aug answers him de cur . pro Mort . ad Paulin . c . 4. Augustines body translated from without the doore into the North porch of S. Peter & S. Paul , Bed . l. 2. c . 3. hist . Edelburg translated in like manner , l. 3. c . 8. B. Aydans bones translated to the Altar , c . 17. as also B. Cedda's . c . 23. was in a higher degree of consecration ; and Paulinus demands whether the holinesse of the place availes the dead , and S. Aug answers him de cur . pro Mort . ad Paulin . c . 4. Augustines body translated from without the doore into the North porch of S. Peter & S. Paul , Bed . l. 2. c . 3. hist . Edelburg translated in like manner , l. 3. c . 8. B. Aydans bones translated to the Altar , c . 17. as also B. Cedda's . c . 23. that in the highest , which was nearest the Altar . {αβγδ} and {αβγδ} had their stations Cod . Can . Eccles , univers . Can . 11 , 12 , 14 , 26 , 41 , 44 , 45. Iustell . not . p. 159 , 166. ex Greg . Thaumatourg . Ba . sil . Harmenopul . Schol . Graec . Harmenopuli . Tertul . Synes . Theoph . Alex . , {αβγδ} and {αβγδ} , had theirs : their fideles venturing not {αβγδ} , as Theodoret Lib . 5. cap . 18. ; or {αβγδ} , as some Councels in Binius To . 1. part . 1. p. 158 , &c. speake ; beyond those railes or cancelli ( whence the name of Chauncell was derived ) which distinguished the nave , or body of the Church from the Oracle , or Chauncell . None out of orders , no not at the Communion , came within these ( whence arose that distinction in the ancient Church betwixt the communion of the Clergy , S. Ambrose told Theodosius being in the Church , {αβγδ} ( intri cancellos , saith the interpreter ) {αβγδ} . Theodoret . l 5. c . 18. and the Laity , being not different in substance , as an ignorant Romanist urges for the restraint of the Cup , but in place ) nor all within orders , neither within those regions beyond these ( for the very Sand . relat . pag . 173. Grecians themselves haue their Tables inclosed with great mystery from the people , at this day , ) the inferiour degrees communicating within the first , the higher alone within the second : in the Chancell the rest , the Priests only Phot . Nomoc . Tit . 3. c . 7. Tit . 13. c . 27. Concil . Laod . c . 19 Tolet 4. c . 17 at the Altar . So that , although they carefully provided for a due respect to other parts of their Churches , forbidding either to build Phot . Nomoc . tit 2. c 1 , 2. Tit . 3. c . 14. on or neare them , to passe or carry through them , as our Mar. 11.16 . Saviour also in the Gospell did ; to prophane the former soile of any Church by secular uses , after , in a more convenient si●e , they had built another , to open shops and stalls upon the doores and wals of God ( for if he would not be troubled with the noise of hammers , while his Temple was building , he will not be troubled with the noyse of hammers about it , when it is built ) yet was there a more awfull reverence commanded to this part , being barred from the ordinary view , which made them so passionately Neque hic rerum finis erat : nam & Sanctuarium ingressi sunt milites : quorum aliquos scimus nullis initiatos mysteriis , & viderunt omnia quae incus erant : quin & sanctissimus Christi sanguis , sicut in tali tumultu contingit , in praedictorum militum vestes effusus est . Chrys . Epist. 1. Innocent . Rom. Episcopo . complaine , when the outrages of those Pagan times brake in upon them , with the 1 Sam . 6.19 . Bethshemites , and discovered what they might not see : the same distinction being observed by the Gentiles besides : for they had their Iul . Poll . l. 1. c . 1. &c. {αβγδ} and their {αβγδ} , their {αβγδ} and their {αβγδ} , as appeares by their own antiquities , and Historians : all the particulars whereof might be justified by severall authorities , wer 't not for the losing of my Sermon in my quotations .

Cursed be the man , saith the Councell of Cod . Can . Eccl. univers . p. 40. {αβγδ} . Phot . Nomoc . Tit . 5. c . 1. Tit . 13. c . 33. Gangra , that teacheth the contempt of the house of God . The curse is 1300 yeares old at least : and yet , 't is to be feared , lives still , to condemne a distemper of zeale in our later times . For how have the same which aimed at a parity in Church-men , sided also for a parity in the Church ; and , from a parity in the Church , risen to a parity of all places with the Church ; that the Temple of God is the world , and to build is to confine him , as Iohn Hus And anciently othe●s also . V. Vedel exercit . in Ignat . Ep. ad Magnes . c . 4. Test . of the true Church . p. 130. &c. did ? ye take too much upon you , seeing all persons are holy with the rebels Numb . 16.3 . here ; and to what purpose is this wast , seeing all places are holy , with the traitour Mat . 26.8 . there ? ye are a royall Priesthood in Saint Peter 1 Pet . 2.9 . , all Priests ; and therefore a Priestly Kingdome in Moses Exo● . 19.6 . , all Kings : no difference betwixt him that sacrificeth , and him that sacrificeth not ; the pulpit , and the tables end ; the belfrey , and the altar . And to shew they are {αβγδ} , those that make merchandise of the Word of God in Saint Paul 2 Cor . 2.17 . , have retailed their Divinity in some parts , by the strike and the scales , the peck and the pound , preferring ware-houses before Churches . What ? despise ye the house of God , saith the Doctor 1 Cor . 11.22 . of the Gentiles ? Some do , and some do not : but wherein have we despised it , say they ? In that ye say , the table of the Lord is contemptible ; saith the Prophet . Psalms of degrees we read of ; because , 't is said , they were sung upon those degrees or ascents unto the Temple ; and as there were degrees without the Temple , so are there degrees within the Temple too : different respects due to places , for different degrees in the places ; the neglect therefore of respects to the Table , was a contempt of the Table , Mal . 1.7 . But blessed be God , who , as formerly he bestowed Kings King Ethelbert built S. Pauls in London , & S. Andrewes in Rochester . Bed . hist . l. 2. c . 3. &c. upon this land to raise his Churches , so hath he raised us Kings , to preserve his Churches : els , that curse on Israel , in Hoseah Hos . 10.1 . L●ppi & tribulus ascendisset super aras . , had been ours perchance ere this : The thorne and the thistle had come upon our Altars ; we might have met in caves and chambers stil , as the Primitive Christians somtimes did ; for though we would allow the Lord heaven for his throne , we would scarce allow him earth enough for his footstoole : and the Magistrate might have cause to enjoyne the carriage of padles Deut . 23.14 . againe , even when we walk within the courts of God . Damascen De imag Orat . 3. tels us of a judgement upon the violaters of one Oratory by death : and Bede Hist . l. 4. c . 25. tels us of a judgement upon the violaters of another Oratory by fire . He is the Lords annointed , saith David , and therefore God forbid we should touch the King : and this is the Lords annointed V●●tion used in Consecration . Gen. 35.14 c . 28.18 . Exod . 40.9 . Mi●m . Fel . Octav . &c. too ; and therfore God forbid we should wrong the Church : for as a disresp●ct to the Cha●re of State reflects upon the King , because he is represented there : so doth a disrespect to the Church reflect upon God , because he is there : the same God through every part therof , but not in the same manner through every part thereof . For as there are different degrees of sanctity in them , so is there a different dispensation of his presence in them too : which leads me to the reason of this distinction , and my second generall .

2. In every consecration there is livery and seisin , giving and taking possession ; giving possession by man , and taking by God , and although man take not possession alwayes immediately by himselfe , but mediately , sometimes by a proxe : or , though , immediately by himselfe , he is not personally alwayes present , but for the most part onely relatively there : God alwayes takes possession immediately by himselfe , and is alwayes in an especiall manner , personally present , where hee takes possession too : the difference betwixt ordinary and extraordinary consecration ; consecration by donation from man ; and consecration by assumption or reservation from God ; lying principally in this : that his presence followes that ; but his presence makes this : there 't is a consequent , and here an antecedent to consecration . For example : God ●ppeares to Iacob at Luz , in the eight and twentieth of Genesis : 't was there he saw the Angels ascending and descending , that thorow-fare betw●xt earth and heaven , Verse 12. and thereupon , surely the Lord is in this place , saith he , Verse 16. What ther● ? how dreadfull is it therefore , seeing the house of God maste●●●inely be , where God certainly ●s , and the Gate of H●●ven , from whence our prayers ●re ●●●ryed by the Angels into Heaven ? Verse 17 〈◇〉 will hee ever est●em it lesse , and the 〈…〉 Pillar where he intends an Altar , Verse 〈…〉 property of the place is alter'd , so is 〈…〉 L●●z●o●ce , 't is Bethel now , Verse 19. and in this house of God shall his vowes and devotions be performed unto God , the presence of God in that place inferred a consecration of the place , at the last verse of that Chapter . Nor was this the illation of Iacob onely here , but elsewhere of God himselfe : the Lord appeared by an Angell unto David , and the Lord commanded David by a Prophet , goe , reare an Altar there , 2 Sam . 24.18 . The Lord appeared by an Angel unto Moses in Sina , and neere Iericho unto Iosuah : the story of Iosuah assures us , God was in an especial manner present there : and the story of Moses assures us , God was in an especiall manner present here , inaccessible {αβγδ} . Ioseph Antiq . l 3. c . 4. {αβγδ} . l. 2. c . 5. it was , both for the steepnesse , and the height , and the fearefull residence of God in the Mount . Moses was the {αβγδ} . Ibid . first in those parts , that ever invaded it , saith Iosephus ; and the people durst not doe so much , after hee had often Exod . 3.1 . c . 19.3 , 20 , 24. done so : afarre Exod . 20.18 . off they are placed , and when they were sanctified too ; and yet even here they seeme too neere . Moses's adventure passeth not without a Ioseph . Ant. l. 2. c . 5. check , though afterwards he received the Law , and now an embassy , from hence ; and when he returnes from Aegypt , his offence must be expiated by sacrifice . God tels him the place is holy , because his presence made it holy : for as the judgement seat is , where sits the Iudge ; so where the Lord is , there is an Altar and an Oracle .

{αβγδ} . Ibid .

And as the presence of God precedes consecration in those examples , so doth it follow in others . A place there was for Adams devotions and his families , which Cain , as the usuall idiom of Scripture is , cals the face 1 Chron . 16.29 . Ion . 1.3 . Exod . 23.17 . Walk . of sacril . &c. of God , according to the opinion of severall Divines ; and which face Abel enjoyed , God testifying his presence , as Theodotio {αβγδ} . Mar. Sept. renders , by firing his sacrifice , Gen. 4.5 , 14. A tabernacle is erected for Israel in the wildernesse , and the same God , which commanded it to be consecrated , took possession of it , as soone as it was consecrated , Exo . 40.34 . a Temple is erected for Israel in Canaan : Solomon 2 Chron . 6. 1 Reg . 8. {αβγδ} . Ioseph . Ant. l. 8. c . 2. implores Gods especiall mercies , and his especiall assistance , and his especiall presence to such as should performe their Oraisons in , or towards that place , at the consecration ; and all these follow upon the consecration 2 Chro . 5.13 , 14 1 Reg . 6. 13. c . 9.3 . , 2 Chron . 7.1 . Whether therefore it be ordinary , or extraordinary , wheresoever a consecration is , there God especially is , by a peculiar dispensation of his gracious and mercifull presence : so was he to Abraham and Iacob by his covenant and promise , so to Moses and Iosuah by his commission and assistance , so to that whole Nation by his immediate direction and audience , in the Tabernacle and the Temple .

And , as there was a greater communication of the divine presence in these places , than in others ( whence that erection 1 Reg . 8.38 , 42 , 44 , 48. 2 Chron . 6.25 , 34. Dan . 6.10 . of Altars , to continue his residence , where God appeared once ; that praying of their living , and that placing of their dead The Patriarchs i● Hebron lie North and South , and Hebron is South from Ierusalem . Bed . hist . l. 5. c . 18. &c. , with their faces towards the Temple ; that appellation of presence , or shew bread The Sept. call them {αβγδ} . The Heb . face bread . , that expression of the Temple by the face Esa . 37.14 , 15. c . 66.23 . 1 Sam . 10.25 . Exod . 23.17 . of God : of frequenting his Courts by Esa . 37.14 , 15. c . 66.23 . 1 Sam . 10.25 . Exod . 23.17 . comming before the Lord : those apparitions of God To Abraham & David , Gen. 22. 2 Sam . 24. Ioseph . Antiq . l. 7. c . 10. l. 1. c . 14. {αβγδ} . , where the Temple was to be built ; that serenity of the weather , never rayning in {αβγδ} . Ioseph . Ant. l. 15. c . 14. the day time , but in the night , as their historian relates , while the Temple was to be re-built ; & that departure of God , by a voice in the Temple from God {αβγδ} Ioseph de Bell . Iudaic . l. 7. c . 12. , before the finall destruction of it , under Titus Vespasian ; ) so was there a greater communication of the same presence in some parts of those places , than in others : and therefore , though the glory of the Lord filled both the Exod . 40.35 38. Ezek . 43.5 . c . 44.4 . Tabernacle and the Temple , yet it filled not all alike : for wee reade of the place of his Throne Ezek . 43 7. , and of the soles of his feet : a place where he walkt Deut . 23.14 . Esa . 37.14 , 15. The Cherubins faces were inward . 2 Chron . 3.14 . , and a place where he sate Deut . 23.14 . Esa . 37.14 , 15. The Cherubins faces were inward . 2 Chron . 3.14 . ; a place of his being , and a place of his rest Num . 10.35 , 36. Psal . 132.8 . Psal . 76.3 . Psal . 87.2 . 1 Sam . 4.7 , 8. This shall bee my rest for ever . , a Tent and a mansion Num . 10.35 , 36. Psal . 132.8 . Psal . 76.3 . Psal . 87.2 . 1 Sam . 4.7 , 8. This shall bee my rest for ever . house ; that as the earth , in comparison of this , saith Iosephus {αβγδ} . Antiq . l. 3. c . 5. , and this as the heaven , in comparison of that : the Lord of Israel indeed may bee elsewhere , but the glory of 1 Sam . 4 22. Israel is here : and , although God may there meet with Moses , here Moses shall bee sure to meet with God , Exod . 30.16 .

And as that distinction in holy places continued after Christ , so did the reason of that distinction too : the whole indeed is the house of God , so the Apostle cals 1 Tim 3.15 . it : because , although the Lord bee without these Walles , he is more within ; as we are not presumed to be so much abroad , as at home : and therefore God is not only present extraordinarily himselfe there , as the decrees , the general opinion of Divines , with the formes of consecration shew : but , also , as a learned B. Montag . Invoc . Saints p. 153. sparsim . to the end of that Treatise . Prelate of this Land hath , out of the ancient , collected to my hands , according to that representation of this truth , in Iacobs Ladder , he is present also , by his Ministers and Angels .

And yet , though the Church conceived him to bee present in all parts of this house , it conceived him to bee more present in one part of this house , than in another . Which was the reason ; that , notwithstanding the distribution of the Sacrament might be in other parts , the consecration was in one ; where our Liturgy also hath enjoyned the second Rubric . before the Communion , and Churching . service to bee read ; and after Childe-birth , the presentation of thankesgivings , and oblations : and all this , in respect of that peculiar dispensation of his presence in this division of the Church ; as within the vayle , in that division of the Temple ; having an Altar here answerable to a Mercy-seat there : as also , in respect of that union betwixt this place and his humane nature , that and his divine : for , as I like not Berengarius Sensualiter . de consecrat . dist . 2. c . 2. Ego Berengarius , which the glosse likes not . that said , he is sensually ; nor Peter Carnaliter & corporaliter . Vit . Pet . Mart . per Iosiam Simlerum praefix . Com . in Gen. Martyr , whom he that writes his life tels us he said , he is carnally , and corporally there : because I like Saint Ambrose Quid quaeris naturae ordinem in Christi corpore , cùm praeter naturam sit ipse Dominus natus ex Virgine ? Ambros . , and Lombard Si quaeris modum quo id fieri potest , respondeo , mysterium credi salubtiter potest , investigari salubriter non potest . Lomb . sent . 4. d . 11. a. 3. He gives this rule , but in this argument observes it not , as he should . , and Bucer His counsell to P. Martyr , ut in causa Coenae Dominicae , obscuris quibusdam & ambiguis dicendi formulis uteretur . Vit . P. Martyris per Ios . Simler . praefix . comment . in Genes . , and Roffensis De potestat . Pap . in temporalibus . Praefat . , and Harding Harding ibid . Salubriter credi potest , fideliter quaeri non potest . Those at Oxford in their dispu●ations with Cranmer , out of Damascen . and Lanfrank . Iuell . vit p. 105. Which these were not so carefull to observe neither , determining the modus too farre . in this respect , who advise in this argument , forbearing the determination of the manner , to clothe out phansies in generall , and indefinite expressions : as I like not those that say he is bodily there , so I like not those that say his body The Armenians . Brer . Enq. c . 24. and some mentioned by Theodoret . dial . 3. qui carnis veritatem negantes , Eucharistiam respuebant , &c. is not there , because Christ Mat . 26.26 . Mark 24.22 . Luke 22.19 . Iohn 6.53 . saith 't is there ; and S. Paul 1 Cor . 10.16 . c . 11.24 . saith 't is there ; and the Church of England Eng. Liturg . Ar. ticl . 28. saith 't is there ; and the Church of Roffens . praefat . citat . {αβγδ} . Damascen . de def . & de imag . Concil . Eph. Cod . Can . Eccles . ant . Rom. p. 100. Zonar . in Can . Ap. 3 , 4 , 8 , 9 , 31.19 . Concil . Laod . {αβγδ} . Chrys . tom . 5. orat . 55. {αβγδ} . p 566. 581. tom . 3. in 1 Cor . 10. orat . 24. {αβγδ} . tot . The Altar cloth scarlet . Objected to Peter , {αβγδ} . Conc . Constantinop . Gen 5. sub Me●m act . 5 God ever said 't is there ; and that truly , and substantially , and essentially , as the confessions of all the reformed Harmon . Confess . Churches speak : and that not only by way of representation , or commemoration , and yet without either con Roffeas . Praef . cit . , sub , or trans , which the ancient Church said not : by a reall , and neverthelesse , which the ancient Church said , a spirituall , and mysticall , and supernaturall presentation , and exhibition . For why should our Saviour bid us take , what he would not have us receive ? We must believe 't is there , we must not know how 't is there : our faith may see it , our sense cannot , 't is a mystery , they all say ; and 't were no mystery , if 't were knowne : his presence they determined , the manner of his presence they determined not : they said he is there , and they said the Lord knowes how . For why should we seeke him naturally in the Communion , whom naturally we cannot find in the wombe of the Virgin .

Which beliefe of theirs , concerning the verity of Christs being in the Sacrament , occasioned also those frequent expressions of that place and mystery amongst the Ancient , by the names of Sacrifice and Altar . So the Apostles usually in their Canons Ap. Can . 3 , 4 , 5.9 . &c. , and those too , which are undoubtedly theirs : so the same in those constitutions Ap. Const . l. 8. c . 13. &c. , which by many are thought to bee theirs . So Clement Clem . Ep. 1 Cor . p. 58 , 53. , in his Epistle to the Corinthians : so the Councell of Ancyra Conc . Ancyr c . 1 2 , 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 , 8.15 , &c , of Neocaesarea Concil . Neocaesar . c . 9 13. &c. , of Gangra Cō . Gang . c 4. &c , of Laodicaea Concil . Laod . c . 19 , 44 , 49 , 56 , 58 , &c. , the Nicene Concil . Nicen c . 5 , 11 , 13 , 18 , &c. and the Trullan Concil . Trull . c . 3. Councels ; so the Nomocanon Nomoc . Plot . Tit . 2. c . 3. c . 15.7 . Tit . 12. c . 8. Tit . 13 c . 17 , &c. Tit . 3. c . 1 , 4 , 8 , 9. Tit 12. c . 6 , 9. Tit . 1. c . 14 , 22 , 20. , the Code of the universall Cod . Can . Eccles . univers . c . 84 , 123 , 148 , &c. , the African Cod . Can . Eccles . African . c . 4 , 8 , 7 , 10 , 11 , 14 , 37 , 41 , 70 , 74 , 103 , &c. , the ancient Cod . Can Eccles . antiq . Rom. p. 109 , 375 , 435 , 455 , 439 , 402 , &c. Romane Church . So as many of the ancient Ignat . Ep. Smyrnens . p. 168. {αβγδ} . p. Ephes . p. 218. {αβγδ} . Ep. Tars . p. 27. {αβγδ} . At the first planting of the Faith in this Land Altars built of stone . Bed . hist . l. 1. c . 30. l. 2. c . 14. Chrys . writing against the Gentiles , useth the largenesse of Christs kingdome , for an argument to convince them , on that of our Saviour Mat . 16. Super hanc petram aedificabo ecclesiam meam . Orat . 61. Quod Christus sit Deus , contra Iudaeos & Gentiles , tom . 6. p. 634. {αβγδ} ▪ Divinis reconciliari altaribus . Lomb . Sent . 4. d . 20. a. 6. Bed l 1 c 15 , 20 27 , 30. l. 2. c . 1 3 , 20. l. 3. c . 2. l. 4. c . 2. l. 5. c . 20 , 21 , 17 , 18. The high Altar . l. 5. c . 11. {αβγδ} . Phot . Nomoc . Tit . 13.17 . The Donatists enemies to Altars Optat . l. 1. Aug. to 10. hom . 50. Ad hoc Altare quod nunc in Ecclesia est in terra positum , terrenis oculis expositum , ad mysteriorum signacula celebranda , multi etiam scelerati possunt accedere ad illud autem Altare , quod praecursor pro nobis introivit Iesus , nullus eorum accedere poterit . Lutherani non horrent altaris , oblationisque nomen Pelarg . The side fract . panis Euchar p. 66 , 69 Massaliani sive Euchetae Templorum , & Ararum adjecêre contemptum Damasc . de haeres . hujus s●●●ficij caro & sanguis , ante adventum Christi per victimas similitudinum permitteba●● 〈◇〉 Aug de Civ . Dei . l. 17. c . 20. Habemus & Altare , Heb . 13. of this . Answer to Cardinall 〈◇〉 reply p. 6 , 7. by the Bishop of Winchester . And therefore the name of Priest as usuall C●● Can . Eccles . Rom. Can . Ap. c . 5.7.9.47 . Proleg . in 4. univers . Concil . Concil . Ancyr . c ● Concil . Antioch . c . 1.17 , 19. Concil . Laod . c . 3 , 5 , 13 , 19 , 42 , 54 , 55 , 101 , 102 , 103 , 111. Concil . Chalced . c . 26. p. 133. Conc . Sard . c . 11 , 13. Concil . Carthag . c . 3 , 15 , 24 , 6 14 , 20 , ●2 , 3● , 41 , 53 , 64 Ejusdem Cod . p. 369 , 371 , 376 , 379 , 388 , 389 , 391 , 394 , 395 , 396 , 397 , 400 , 4●5 , 401 , 415 , ●●●●21 , 423 , 424 , 425 , 434 , 435 , 437 , 440 , 449 , 463 , 464 , 477 , 478 , 479 , 480 , 482 , 483 , 484 , 485 , 490 , 491 , ●●● , ●93 , 498 , 499 , 500 , 503 , 505 , 511 , 512 , 513 , 522 , 539 , 540 , 544 , 547 , 549 , 552 , 556 , 558 , 570 , 571 , 573 ▪ ●74 , ●79 , 580 581 180 , 181 , 208 , 210 , 230 , 278 , 314 , 315 , 244 , 348 , 357 , 363 , 316 , 318 , 319 , 321 , 325 , 330 , 332 ▪ , ●36 , ●38 , ●●● , 441 342 , 343 , 367 , 368 , &c. And the same are as numerous in the●e 〈◇〉 these . 〈…〉 of prayer for diverting Gods visitation , Edit. 1625. p 3 , 4 , 30 , 31 , 56 , 57 , 58 , 59 , 70 , 71 , 72 , 79. Articl . Edit. 1580. 17 , 23 , 24. Articl . Edit. 16. 34. 4 , 5. The form of prayer for d●●●rting Gods visitation , in the yeare of our Lord , 1636. And in as many places as the other . Chrys . Liturgie , with the other , know no other expression for such , but {αβγδ} ; and those have read none of the ancient , that have not read this . as I have read ; wherein , as farre as I have perused , I believe a man may safely vie places , and in many allow twenty for one . And so Ignatius in severall Epistles : which makes me the more wonder , Vedelius Apolog . pro Ignat . c . 4. Exercit . in Epist. ad Magnes . c . 4. Exercit . in Ep. ad Philadelph . c . 18 He strives to corrupt Epist. Ephes . by fo●sting in {αβγδ} . Mar. & not . crit . p. 140. should have the face to deny the use of these words with any of the Primitive times , unlesse his exercitations were ready , before his Author was read .

And were there no other reason to warrant the especiall dispensation of his favour and presence , in this place , besides this ; I see no reason any should stick at this : seeing 't is just that place should have a pre-eminence above the rest , from which Chrys . shewes all benefits and mercies to be dispensed to us from the death of Christ , which is represented there . In 1 Cor . 10. Hom. 24. Ethic . vertue , and efficacy is derived to the rest : for the Word which we preach is not operative , but through the merit of that sacrifice : nor those streames of regeneration pure and cleane , any thing regenerative at all , unlesse first bathed and washed in his bloud . Nor can any say , this grace of his extraordinary residence , and assistance or operation which we presume here , is greater than Ecclesiasticall Writers ordinarily ascribe to those parts our Saviour in his Humanity conversed principally in , to those things he used , or were used against

Damascen . de fid . Orthod . l. 4. c . 16. de imag . &c. & def . Bed . Eccles . hist . Chrys . tom . 6. Orat . 61. Quod Christus Deus , contra Iudaeos & Gentiles . p. 631 , 632.

Damasc . de imag . Orat . 1. p. 705 , 706 , 707 , 721 , 722 , 723 , 724.

him : no more than his garment had , in Saint Marke Mar. 6.56 . ; or his spittle , in Saint Iohn Ioh . 9.6 . ; no more than the rod of Moses in Exodus Exod . 7. & 14. ; the mantle of 2 Reg . 2. Eliah , or the bones of 2 Reg . 13.20 . Elisha in the Kings : no more than the handkerchiefe of Saint Paul in the 19. Acts 19.12 . of the Acts , or in the 5. the Acts 5.15 . shadow of Saint Peter .

I need not range for an Application , because the Lord hath brought it to my hands . Many people shall say , come , let us goe up to the mountaine of the Lord , to the house of the God of Iacob , and he will teach us his wayes , and we will walke in his paths ; for out of Sion shall the Law of the Lord goe forth , and the word of the Lord from Ierusalem . A prophecie it is of the Church : and it is in our power to fulfill this prophecie , by our comming to the Church : many people shall say ; ( and ô that many people may ever say so ) come , let us go from strength to strength , as David Ab acie in aciem . Iun . & Trem . de bande en bande . Fre . Bib . {αβγδ} . Sept. Sen. de virtute in virtutem . Vulg . id est , à coetu uno sacro ad alterum , ad exercendum publicè totum Dei cultum . Metaphora à re militari . Iun . & Trem . in loc . speakes ; that is , de acie in aciem , say interpreters Ab acie in aciem . Iun . & Trem . de bande en bande . Fre . Bib . {αβγδ} . Sept. Sen. de virtute in virtutem . Vulg . id est , à coetu uno sacro ad alterum , ad exercendum publicè totum Dei cultum . Metaphora à re militari . Iun . & Trem . in loc . : from the violence , and assault of one holy assembly to another . Let our hallelujahs be sent up like the roaring of the Sea , and our Amens like a clap of thunder , as Saint Hierom relates of the Primitive Christians : for thus is the Church an army with banners in the Canticles , and no way but thus . Let us not only invade God by our single devotions , but by our united cries beleager and besiege him . 't is the mountaine of the Lord , because he builds on a Rock that layes his foundation here ; and , he that doth not , builds on the sand , and 't is the house of the Lord , whom we shall find no where , if not here ; because to pray , in Gods language , is to meet Iob 20.15 . Sept. Sen. with God ; and he that pretends businesse to keep himselfe from hence , {αβγδ} . Chrys . 10.5 . orat . 13. p. 72. saith something is more necessary than he , he will teach us his wayes here , and he will give us grace to walk in his wayes here too : because he that comes not willingly to Church , must go unwillingly to hell ; saith that fearefull proverbe in Bede Bed hist . l. 5. c . 15 , which he warrants by as fearefull an example . There is a balme justified by some Goclen , &c. , which cures at any distance ; but this balme of Gilead doth not : it must be applied to the wound , not to the sword ; nor can a Sermon have any influence on such as are not there . The wedding is prepared , goe ye therefore into the high-wayes , and bid to the wedding , goe not into their Chambers , but unto their wayes , where men are to be , not where they are not to be at such times ; bid those ye find there , but bid not those ye find not there , saith our Saviour Matth . 22.8 . in the Gospell . For , as when we receive summons from our Superiours , the messenger seeks us not in idling places , pursues us not into the fields , comes not to our sports to warne us , but to our houses , there reads his message , as if we were there , because we should be there , and then , without any further enquiry , departs , fastning the Script upon our doores . In like manner , the Priests are Gods Ambassadors , saith Saint Paul 2 Cor . 5.20 . : they are his messengers , saith Malachi Mal . 2.7 . : God supposeth every man at home , and so do they ; because at all consecrated houres , they are presumed to have no houses , but such . Out of Sion shall the Law of the LORD goe forth , and the word of the LORD from Ierusalem : from Sion in Ierusalem ; but not from Ierusalem without Sion : from his Temple where he especially is , but not so out of his Temple , where he so especially is not , Esa 2.3 .

We find no stately Churches in the first ages after Christ , meaner Oratories we find : no such {αβγδ} . Ignat . Epist Magnes . Arnob . cont . Gent . l 6. Minut . Octav . vid. Vedel . in Ep. Magnes . c 4. Rev. 12.6 . Altars as the Heathens had , had the Christians : nor no such Temples then . The Woman was in the Wildernesse , in those Pagan times , and who looks for state , or costlinesse there ? Had those happy soules been blest with such , as we , by the gracious wisdome of a Religious Prince , and the carefull devotion of those Governours under him , enjoy : the ebbe would not have beene formerly so low , when the Organ was so high : Canonicall houres had beene more canonically kept ; nor would those seats have beene so lanke at prayer , whose originall and fundamentall businesse is nothing but to pray , their midnights would have more filled such , than our noones . What shall be the signe , that I shall goe up to the house of the Lord , saith Hezekiah 2 Reg . 20.8 , 9. ? Shall the shadow goe forward ten degrees , or goe backward , saith Esaiah ? The Sunne is too fleet for our zeale already , our Religion is too long divided betwixt the combe and the glasse , to pray at that rate : and therefore , if the Sun go forward , 't is a signe we shall not go up ; bid the Sun go backward , and then perchance we may . The Pelagians said , there is no sin but by imitation : but , if this had ruled us , that had not beene : for I would all of us sailed by this Card , and all our light were borrowed from this Sunne : Whom remember , O my God , Nehem . 13.14 . concerning this , and wipe not out the good deeds that he hath done for the house of my God , and for the offices thereof : blessed are they that dwell in thy house , saith David , and therefore blessed be he . God loves an early devotion , and an humble too : We will come , saith the Psalmist , and we will fall low besides : for , as we may appeare in a Court ; and yet , by the omission of our service , may be judged not to be there : so if we neglect our homage , we are absent , though we are here : by which I am conveighed to the illation upon this reason , and my last generall .

3 The assumption flowes so naturally from the postulata or lemmata , that I might conclude as Mathematicians use ; with a constat quod erat demonstrandum ; wer 't not my resolution to prescribe for the one , as well as for the other ; that , as the Church of England assumes the same premisses , so doth she inferre the same conclusion the Church of God hath ever done before . A different holinesse confest there is of places : and 't is confest too , this ariseth from a different presence of God in places : and there must follow therefore , as by the learned 't is confest besides , a different respect towards those places : else were there not a suitablenesse betwixt honour and merit , which naturall justice requires ; nor should we weigh out our distances so evenly to God , as we doe to man : as the King shines more or lesse upon men , we more or lesse regard them , and measure out a different rate of honour or worship , according to that different proportion of either which he bestowes . We reade of civill respects from Abraham Gen. 23.7 . to Ephron , from his servant Gen. 24.26 . to him , from Iacob to Gen. 33.3 , 6 , 7. Esau , from the Gen. 41.45 . c . 37.8 , 9 , 10. c . 42.6 . c . 43.27 , 29. c . 50.18 . Egyptians to Ioseph , from Ioseph Gen , 49.9 . to Iacob , from Moses Exod . 18.7 . to Iethro , from Ruth Ruth . 2.10 . to Boaz , from Iudith to Iudith 10.20 . Holofernes , from Solomon 1 Reg . 2.19 . to Bathsheba , from Ahazias 2 Reg . 2.15 . c . 1.13 . Ambassador to Eliah , from Saul to 1 Sam 28.14 . Samuel , from Nebucadnezzar Dan . 2.46 . to Daniel . And we reade of loyall respects from David 1 Sam . 24.10 . to Saul ; from Araunah 2 Sam . 24.20 . 1 Paralip . 21.21 . , and Abigail 1 Sam . 25.24 , 41 , and the Amalekites 2 Sam . 1.2 . , and Mephibosheth 2 Sam . 9.6 , 8. , and the Woman 2 Sam . 14.4 . of Tecoa , and Ioab 2 Sam . 14.24 . , and Shimei 2 Sam . 19.18 . , and Chusi 2 Sam . 18.2 . , and Ahimaaz 2 Sam . 18.28 . , and Bathsheba 1 Reg . 1.16.31 . , and Nathan 1 Reg . 1.23 . , to David , and from Adoniah 1 Reg . 1.53 . to Solomon ; nor to their persons alone , but to their pourtraitures The lowlinesse of the Sultans homage to the Caliph of Egypt . Guil . Tyr . the violation of Theodos . statues , how dangerous . Chrysost . {αβγδ} . Congeyes performed to Iulians . Naz . Invect . {αβγδ} . Damasc . orth . fid . l. 4. c . 3. , their robes , their armes royall , their chaires of State , their Chambers of Presence , because as the King is represented in his Nobles , so God is in the King . And we read of reverentiall respects to the Tabernacle , and {αβγδ} . Damascen . orth . fid . l. 4. c . 12 , 16. Orat . 1. de imag . Orat . 2. de imag . Orat . 3. de imag . in 24. severall places at least of those orations . {αβγδ} In Mich . Comnenus Calend . Phot . Nomoc . Tit . 7. c . 1. Concil 7 Gen. Nicen . Phot . de synod . Num . 22.31 . Bed . hist . l. 1. c . 18 , 29 , 30. l. 3. c . 6 , 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 , 17 , 29 l. 4. c . 10 , 30. Phot . Nomoc . Tit . 8. cap . 1. Tit . 7. cap . 1. Tit . 9. c . 27. Tit . 13. c . 23. Damasc . de dormit . Dei genetricis . Ser . 2. & Ser . 1. ci● . fin. in inventione capitis Praecursoris . pag . 608. Confess . p. 675. {αβγδ} , and that {αβγδ} . Chrys . Liturg . vid. caeteras Graecorum Liturgias . the Temple , and the Crosse , and the Gospels of CHRIST : for as persons and things have ever beene in a Religious or civill esteeme , so have Religious and civill persons ever esteemed them : and one Starre differeth from another no more in height , than in glory . Nor is all this to insinuate the derivation of Gods honour upon any besides God ( God divert that damnable Idolatry as far from me , as hee hath done from the Church of God ) {αβγδ} , saith Damascen Damascen . Orat . 1. de imag . . Some have a civill respect , others a Religious {αβγδ} in Ignat . Ep. Tars . {αβγδ} , Damascen . Orat . 2. de imag . & {αβγδ} , &c. Ibid . A reverence to the place where God did manifest his presence . Mason . of fast . c . 3. p. 22. Reverentia vel honor religiosus — debetur omnibus ijs quae propriè spectant ad cultum — And 't is religious too , not only quia imperatur à religione , but also because fundamentum habet in relacione rei aut personae alicujus ad religionem , & cultum sacrum . Ames . de Conscient . l. 4. c 31. §. 1. Honor ille qui Deo debetur , non potest ipsi debito modo exhiberi , nisi cum singulari reverentia tracte●tur ejus instrumenta ; propter arctam illam connexionem & relationem , quae inter actum aliquem , & instrumenta actus intercedit . §. 2. , but the Lord only a divine : for , as the infinitude of his nature cannot be comprehended under the same kinde of being , so neither can it be comprehended under the same kinde of worship with a creature : but only to shew , by what naturall and rationall proportions , the Church rose by way of supereminency , as the Schooles speake , from a relative respect of divine things , to an absolute respect of the divine Essence ; and from a just valuation of Man , to a right estimate of God . We seldome finde adoration under the Law ( the strictest time against superstition of any ) without prostration of the body , and inclination too : so did Lot Gen. 19.1 . ; so did Abraham Gen. 18.2 . ; so did his servant Gen. 24.26 , 48 , 52. ; so did Israel Exod . 4.31 . c . 11 8. c . 12.28 . c . 20.5 . c . 23.24 . c . 24.1 . c . 33.10 . Nehem . 8.6 . Iudith 6.14 . ; so did Moses Exod . 34.8.14 . Numb . 16.4.22 , c . 20.6 . ; so did Ioshuah Ios . 5.15 . c . 6.6 . ; so did David 1 Sam . 28.41 . 1 Reg . 1.47 . ; so did Ezekiel ; so did Daniel Dan . 6.10 . ; so did Maccabeus 1 Mac. 4.55 . 2 Mac. 10.4 . ; and therefore by a Metonymia signi , and a Senecdoche partis , through those sacred volumes , this is frequently used alone Exod . 4.3 1. c . 11 8. c . 12.28 . c . 20.5 . c . 23.24 . c . 24.1 . c . 33.10 . Nehem . 8.6 . Iudith 6.14 . , to designe the whole service of God ; as , if all were out , if this were not in : which was done with their faces towards the mercy seat , at the gate they shall worship God , saith Ezekiel Ezek . 46.2 , 3. Domus oraculi dicitur , quod versus eam à sacerdotibus & populo oraretur . Tostat . in 3 Reg . 6. q . 13. The entrance of the Tabernacle towards the East . Ioseph . Antiq . l. 3. c . 5. Moses commanded them , when they came to Canaan , {αβγδ} . l. 4. c . 8. {αβγδ} . l. 8. c . 2. The lavers of the Temple {αβγδ} . c . 2. {αβγδ} . l. 11. c . 5. : because the gate was over against GOD ; the Temple being built in a length , Ezek . 44.4 . and the entry before the Oracle ( which from their constant manner of praying that way , thence had the Oracle Ezek . 46.2 , 3. Domus oraculi dicitur , quod versus eam à sacerdotibus & populo oraretur . Tostat . in 3 Reg . 6. q . 13. The entrance of the Tabernacle towards the East . Ioseph . Antiq . l. 3. c . 5. Moses commanded them , when they came to Canaan , {αβγδ} . l. 4. c . 8. {αβγδ} . l. 8. c . 2. The lavers of the Temple {αβγδ} . c . 2. {αβγδ} . l. 11. c . 5. its name ) and this as well without the land , Levit . 6.1 . 1 Reg . 19.18 . Psal . 94.6 . Esa . 17.7 , 8. c . 46.6 . c . 36.7 . c . 27.13 . c . 60.13 , 14. c . 66.23 . Mic. 6.6 . 2 Reg . 18.22 . Psal . 138.2 . as within ; so Salomon 1 Reg . 8. in his prayer presumed ; and Daniel Dan . 6.10 . in his prayer did so : and that , although the Iewish Tabernacle and Temple , whither their eye directed their Oraisons , were engraven with Cherubims 1 Reg . 6.35 . Exod . 36.35 . too . And all this ; because , 't is facies mea , my face , in Esaiah Esa . 66.23 . here : and Vestigia pedum meorum , my steps there Esa . 60.13 , 14. . 't is coram Domino , before the Lord , Damasc . Orth. fid . l. 4. c . 17. de imag . orat . 1. de imag . orat . 2. in one place of Ezekiel Ezek . 46.3 . , and gloria Domini , the glory of the Lord , in another Ezek . 44.4 . The courts of my holinesse , Esa . 62.9 . . Ye shall reverence my Sanctuary , I am the Lord : I am the Lord that am there , and therefore ye shall doe your reverence there ; {αβγδ} , not {αβγδ} : nor to the place so much , as to me that am presentiall in that place , Levit . 19.20 . Which was the reason of that forced prostration also of Dagon , before the Arke in Samuel Dagon found in Azotus {αβγδ} . Ioseph . Antiq . l. 6. c . 1. 1 Sam . 5.4 . ; and that constant performance of Israels obeysance in the Wildernesse Exod . 4.31 . c . 11.8 . c . 12.28 . c . 20.5 . c . 23 , 24. c . 24.1 . c . 33.10 . c . 34.8 , 14. Numb . 16.4.22.45 . c . 20.6 . 2 Reg . 18.22 . 1 Paralip . 16. 29. towards the Mount , and the Tabernacle , the fire , and the cloud , the Oracle and the Altar .

Nor was this guise of their devotion recorded only as a Practice under the Law ; but as a prediction concerning the Gospell : so the Prophets , and more especially that Evangelist Esa . 17.7 , 8. c . 66.23 . amongst the Prophets : The glory of Lebanon shall come unto thee , the firre-tree , the Pine-tree , and the Boxe together , to beautifie the place of my Sanctuary , and I will make the place of my feet glorious . The sonnes also of them that afflicted thee , shall come bending unto thee ; and all they that despised thee , shall bow themselves downe at the soles of thy feet , and they shall call thee the City of the Lord , the Zion of the holy one of Israel . A place of glory it shall be , because it is my Sanctuary ; and a place of humility , because I am in my Sanctuary ; a place of beauty , and yet a place of bowing and bending too , Esay 60.13 , 14.

The converted Gentile falling downe in the Church will worship , saith S. Paul 1 Cor . 14.25 . : and the converted Iewes falling downe did worship , say the Evangelists Luc . 15.19 . c . 5.12 Ioh . 9 38. Acts 10.25 . : and the departed soules , falling downe , shall worship , saith the Apocalypse Apoc . 3.9 . c . 4.10 . c . 5.14 . c . 7.11 . c . 11.1.16 . c . 15.4 . . The first before an invisible , the rest before a visible presence of God . For the foundation of this homage is not grounded upon the visibility of it , but the truth : whether hee bee seene or not seene , where he thus is , he is thus to be served : as he that sees not , is not lesse neglectfull in the omission of his observance , if he know the King is there , than he that sees his presence , and observes it not : a Bartimaeus that cannot discerne , than a Mordecai that out-faces him .

And in this beliefe , as the Primitive Christians used prostration to God at their Eucharisticall devotions ; so did they , at their ordinary too . For that sawcinesse and familiarity of faith was not in fashion then , which brings men to Church without joynts , and sends them from Church without hearts ; as if they onely came to keep company , and to sit with God . We find {αβγδ} , a kind of worship at the Communion , in Cyrill Cyrill Catech . 5. of Ierusalem : and {αβγδ} , a downe right worship in Eusebius Exaltata mente adora corpus Dei tui . cit . per Iuel . conc . ad Paul . cruc . vit . per Humphred . Emissenus , Theodoret {αβγδ} . dial . 2. , Augustine Nemo carnem illam manducat , nisi prius adoraverit . Aug. in Psal . 98 , and Chrysostome {αβγδ} . Chrysost . in 1 Cor . hom . 24. Ethic . . We finde the neglect of the respect condemned in the Begardi and Beguinae , at a generall councell in Vienna Apud Carranz . Sum . Concil . 16. p. 435. Odon . Paris . Statut . Synod . ibid . p. 639. : because 't is {αβγδ} , it deserves this respect in the Nomocanon {αβγδ} . Phot . Nomoc . Tit . 2. c . 2. schol . of Photius . For our addresse must be with dread and horror , {αβγδ} , saith that Rhetoricall Bishop Chrys . 1 Cor . 10. hom . 20. Ethic . . Because he shall depart hence , without joy , that comes hither without feare . More yet , we have {αβγδ} , an honour due to the Altar , in Ignatius {αβγδ} . Ignat . Ep. Ta●s . , and adgeniculari aris , a kneeling to Altars , in Tertullian A part of pennance Presbyteris advolvi , aris adgeniculari , omnibus fratribus legationes deprecationis suae injungere . Tertull . de poenit . ; and {αβγδ} {αβγδ} . Patriarcha commotae plebi . Act. 5. , adoration of the Altar , in that generall Councell of Constantinople under Menna : and reverentiam altaribus exhibendam , a reverence to Altars , in the Synodals of Odo Odon . Paris . Statut . Synod . apud Carranz . 16. p. 638 , 639. . We have {αβγδ} , a salutation of the Table in Dionysius {αβγδ} . Dionys . Areop . hierar . c . 2. , and {αβγδ} , a Veneration of the Table in Damascen {αβγδ} . Damasc . de imag . Orat . 1. {αβγδ} . Orat . 2. . We have {αβγδ} , the Scarlet of the venerable Altar , in one Councell Objected to Peter , {αβγδ} . Con . Constantinop . Gen. sub Menna . act . 4. ; and divina altaria , the divine Altars in another Concil . Carthag . apud Lomb . sent . 4. d . 20. a 6. Divinis reconciliari altaribus . . We meete with {αβγδ} , a bowing of the head , in that donation fathered upon Constantine Constantine bestowed those priviledges on Rome — {αβγδ} . Constant . Donat . apud Schol . in Phot . Nomoc . Tit . 8. c 1. : and {αβγδ} , an exaltation of the soule , through the humiliation of the body , out of an awfull reverence toward that place , in the life of Mary {αβγδ} . vit . Mar. Egyp . apud Damasc . de imag . Orat . 3. the Aegyptian . Wee meete with Theodosius cleaving to the dust , in Theodoret l. 5. 18. Ed. Steph . ; and the Grecians treble prostration , from their Liturgies Sands relat . p. 173 , 174. {αβγδ} . In severall places of Chrysost . Liturg . Vid . caeteras Graecorum Liturgias . , and such as have been among them ; and Gorgonias falling before it , in her sicknesse , as to a common Physitian , which resided there , in Nazianzene Naz . Orat . in Gorgon . : which was the onely reason of that fearefull judgement , upon a disrespect of this place , in the story Theodor . l 3. c . 11 , 12. of the Church before : and may be one reason of that generall custome of praying Eastward Nomoc . Phot . Tit . 3. c . 1. Tit . c . 5. Damasc . Orth fid . l. 4. c . 13. Orat . 1. de imag . Orat . 2. de imag . histor . p. 896. vid . Ral . l 1. par. 1. c . 3. §. 3. , which continues in so many places , unto this day .

And whosoever thinkes not this prescription long enough , had need write annalls ancienter than the world . Since hath Ecclesiasticall adoration ever beene in use : and I wish , those seditious Corahs of our Israel , would raise no contradiction against that authority , which God hath justly bestowed upon his Kings , and their Churches ( for to curse God , and the King , in Esaiah Esa 8.21 . , goes together : because he that doubts not to do one , will undoubtedly do the other ) but of this date : or that they could shew so quiet and interrupted a possession , such a time out of mind , for the best lands , and Charters they have .

Feare not therfore to tread in the same steps with the Church of England , because this treads in the same steps the Church of God ever did before . Those sainted times loved him too well , to love any thing like him ; and although they gave a Religious Reverence unto those places , they terminated that religious reverence in God , not in the places : {αβγδ} , saith De Orthod . fid . l. 4 c . 12. Damascene . The house of God was honoured for God , th● Throne for the King , the Altar for the Sacrifice : as Alexander adoring Gods name in Iaddus Iaddus being in al his Priestly robes , {αβγδ} . Ioseph . Antiq . l. 11. c . 8. mitre , adored God alone , neither Iaddus , nor his mitre : and he that respects a house for the owners sake , respects not his house , but him , so much they said ; but to justifie the practice of our Church , I need not say so much . For , as although the humane nature of Christ receive all from the divine , we adore the whole suppositum in grosse , which consists of the humane as well as the divine : so , because of Gods personall presence in the place , we adore him , without an abstraction of his Person from the place . 't is not the Altar we worship , but the Lord towards the Altar : no prostration to a false God , but a prostration before the true God : pulverisatio nihileitatis nostrae , as à Kempis upon another occasion speakes , an acknowledgement of our vilenesse , and Gods infinitenesse ; of our originall out of dust , and our resolution into dust ; a confession of His being there , and our humiliation to Him that is there : an adoration of him that is not seene , looking on that which is seene : no Altar against God , but as that in Iosuah Ios . 22.25 . was an Altar for God ; nor an Altar of any strange worship , but of witnesse . O worship the Lord in the beauty of holinesse , saith David Psal . 96.9 . ; 't is a place of holinesse , and therefore no Layfee for Mammon : and a place of beauty , and therefore no resort for our pollution . 't is Bethel the house of God , frequent it we must for his sake : and Bethlem , the house of bread , frequent we must for our owne . Here dwels our Physitian , ô let us run to the God of our health , as David cals him , and here encampes our general , ô let us flie to the God of our strength , as Moses ; this is {αβγδ} in Damascene {αβγδ} . Damasc . Orat . 1. & 2. de imag . ; a universall antidote that never failed , no languishing soule miscarried : and this is {αβγδ} , in Iosephus The Cuthites or Samaritans accused the Iewes , that they built a Temple {αβγδ} . Ios . Antiq . l. 11. c . 4. , an impregnable fort , that never was taken yet ( the same word in Hebrew {αβγδ} . Joseph . Antiq . l. 7 c . 3. signifying the Temple , and safety too ) no distressed soule perished there . Antiochus Eupator indeed besieged Iudas Maccabeus Id. l. 12. 14. thus , with what successe the story tels , because he might as well have besieged him in heaven , as there : for who can be blockt up here , that converseth with the Lord which is every where ? or want succours , that maintaines correspondence , and intercourse with God ? Ho , every one that thirsteth , saith the Prophet ; nay , every one that is hungry , and every one that is sickly , and every one that is in distresse , and every one that is in debt , and every one that is discontented too . Behold the Altar , and the Sacrifice ; a Lamb in a thicket , Christ intangled in a Crown of Thornes : the Lambe of God that hath taken away the sins of the world , and therefore ours : that hath wiped out all our scores , hath stricken all our Tallies ; that brake the bars of hell by his descent into hell , and opened the gates of heaven by his Ascension . O let us enter therfore into these Courts with thanksgivings , and into these gates with praise : enter with preparation , as unto God ; for he that comes hither as he is , goes away as he was ; and enter with reverence , as in the presence of God ; for he that prayes , as if God were not here , when he hath prayed , shall finde him no where . Enter with our soules , because God loves no sacrifie but the heart : and enter without our sins , because God heares not vs , if we hearken not to him . Enter all eare , while God speakes to us ; all heart and tongue , while we speake to God ; because , if the heart go one way , and the tongue another : if we turne this house into an exchange or a stewes , by thinking in this house , on our gaines or our lusts ; we defile not the Temple , as Antiochus Ioseph . Antiq . l. 13. c . 16. , by engraving the similitudes of uncleane beasts on these doores , but by bringing them within . Enter by the humiliation of our soules , and enter with the prostration of our bodies ; because as this , without that , is a dead oblation ; so that , without this , is a maimed one . Adaman Bed . hist . l. 5. in Bede tels , in his discourse of holy places , from the mouth of a Bishop , who had beene there : that in a Church erected in that place , from whence our Saviour ascended , there rushed annually in those times , a violent gale of winde from heaven upon Ascension Day , which forced all those it found standing , to fall prostrate on the earth . I doe not justifie the relation , and yet 't is ancient ; only I wish , that when we come hither , we need no winde from heaven to humble us here : but that falling downe by the dejection of our bodies , we may rise up by the exaltation of our soules , and living in his feare , may dye in his favour : which the Father of mercies grant us all , for the merits of his Sonne , to whom , &c.