The mappe of mans mortality and vanity A sermon, preached at the solemne funerall of Abraham Iacob Esquire, in the church of St. Leonards-Bromley by Stratford-Bow. May. 8. 1629. By Edmund Layfielde Bachelour in Divinity, and preacher there.

THE MAPPE OF MANS MORTALITIE , AND VANITIE . PSALME 39.5 .

Behold , thou hast made my dayes as a hand breadth , and mine age is as nothing before thee : Verely every man at his best state is altogether vanitie . Selah .

IF all things momentanie be vanitie , then mans life which is most transitory a certaine-Nothing , is vanitie of vanities Verba Gilimeri Principis Vandalorum , fatum conquerentis suum , apud Iustinianum Jmperatorem , unde Imperator fortunae inconstantiam , & humanae vitae viciscitudines aestimans , ipsum solvit vinculis , & apud se aliquantisper in magno honore habuit . Evagrius Hist . lib . 4. c . 17. & Magdebur . Cent. 6. c . 16. , as saith the Preacher . Eccles . 1.1 . And seeing the grace , glory , and perfections of all Sublunaries are but vanities , man himselfe whose excellence lords it over the rest , can be nothing else but altogether vanitie , as saith the Prophet . Every man is altogether vanitie . The precedent Psalme containes In illo forma poenitentiae , in hoc patientiae . St Ambros . in loc . a forme of sound Repentance ; this a Patterne of noble Patience . The sweet singer of Israel devotes this sacred hymne to the care and charge of Iduthun Quis fuerit viderint , qui tunc fuerunt . St Aug. in Psal . 38. a Principall Quiristor 1 Chron 25.3 . 1 Chro . 16.41 , 42. in the dayes of David . For which skill in Musicke he is not so much mentioned Beda in loc . , ( although his memoriall be a condigne recompence of his worth Cassiodor . in loc . ) as for the Analogie and resemblance betwixt his name In ipsa interpretatione nominis , quaeramus intelligentiam veritatis . St Aug. in Psal . 38. and the substance of this Psalme , Overleaping Transiliens . S. Aug. in Ps. 38. Vt & probatissimi officij sui , honorem commemoratione perciperet , & Arcana Psalmorum , de nominum ipsorum interpretationibus panderentur . Cassiod . in loc . or over-looking . Teaching us to undervalue and sleight all the afflictions of this life , and fixe our eye upon God himselfe , our rocke of refuge and consolation in all sad calamities . Of Psalmes Cantare laetantis est , interdum & dolentis , nonnunquam etiam poenitentis . Cassi . in loc . , there be some gratulatorie , pleasantly melodious , Eph. 5.19 . others poenitential , & some are songs of sorrow : Such is this . David mournes , yet must Iduthun

David scripsit , & Iduthun viro disciplinis Leviticis & Sacerdotalibus erudito canendum dedit . S. Ambr. in loc . vid. Aretium Felinum in loc .

Filij Chore & Asaph . non memorantur tanquam factores Psalmorum , sed tanquam Cantores . Iacob . Valent . in loc .

sing & sweetly warble out these coelestial strains before the Lord . Whether it was Absolons unnaturall persecution of his father David 2 Sam . 15.14 . Fabrit . in loc . that gave occasion to this royall Pen St Chrysost . in loc . : or the foreknowledge of the Babylonish captivitie Psal . 137.1 . , wherein hee prophetically describes the patience of the Saints R. Salomon ex Iacob . de Valent . in loc . : or whether he mystically deciphers the behaviour of Christs little flocke in generall , under the universall troubles that befall them through the malice of the wicked in this life Iacob . de Valen . ib . : or that some violent raging sicknesse arresting his bodie Vt videtur . v. 10.11 . Lorin . in loc . Ardenti aestuans febre medicum rogat . , invited his heavenly mind unto the sweet meditation of his end

Sancta , sanctis , in temperies Iohan . Pomeran . in loc .

Foelix necessitas quae ad meliora ducit . Calvin . in loc . & Genebrard .

: Or being assaulted with some virulent temptation , to repine and murmure against God , because of the greene and flourishing estate of the wicked , who contemne God Schenepius in loc . Offendiculum foelicitatis impiorum , & in foelicitatis piorum hinc pugna carnis & spiritus . Brent . in loc . . Whatsoever ( I say ) gave the Rise unto this Divine Ode Hac dere Lucas nihil commentatur . Proverb . Zehneri Adag . Sacr . Cent. 5. Adag 76 , his resolution was singular , to overcome all maladies and adversities by Christian Patience , ( verse 1. I said I will take heed to my wayes that I sinne not with my tongue . ) and hasting to adhaere to the Lord , verse 4. Lord make me to know mine end , and the measure of my dayes . A courage so admirable , that an Ancient Father Ejus sensu profundo , & virtute sententiarum , dum videt silentij patientiam , opportunitatem loquendi , & contemptum divitiarum . S. Amb. lib . offic . c . 7. professeth himself wonderfully taken with delight & joy in reading this Psalm , whilst he observed the pithy phrase , the profound sense , his meeke silence , his seasonable speech , his contemning of the world as dung and drosse in respect of God . Circumspect silence is a shield of Brasse O validum scutum circumspectae munitionis silentium ! O fidissimum stabilitatis fundamentum ! utinam aut Adam surdus fuisset , aut Evah obmutuisset , si Evah tacuisset , vicissemus . S. Ambr. in loc . , the corner-stone of stability , which if our great grandmother Evah had learned , wee should never have heard of Davids complaint of evill men , and evill tongues . A lesson , which when Pambo Socra . Eccles . Histor . lib . 4. c . 18. heard read by his friend , unto whom he resorted for instruction , he went his way , and would learn no more ; saying , it was sufficient if in the whole Terme of his life he could but perfectly learne , and practise this first line , To take heed unto his wayes , that he might not sin with his tongue Vt nihil tacen●●um diceret , . Ric . Pampolitanus in loc . Salcinon Gesnerus in loc . & Conradus Her . in loc . . Did the man after Gods owne heart feare to offend in unadvised speech ? was hee carefull to keepe his mouth with Bridle and Bit , whiles the wicked was before him ? who should not then feare Si hoc cavet Propheta , tu non caves ? Si hoc metuit , in quo Dei gratia loquebatur , tu non metuis , qui erroris verba non refugis ? & theatralibus sermonibus delectaris ? S. Amb in loc . ? Every man must bee so much more carefull with stronger Reynes of Conscience to curbe his tongue , by how much wee are more prone to offend Peccatur lingua . 1. Detrahendo . 2. Adulando . 3. Mentiendo . 4 Veritati contradicendo 5 Perverse jurando . 6. Verbum Domini indignis proponendo . 7. Jmportune loquendo . 8. Superflua , & inutilia loquendo . 9. Testimonium falsum prohibendo . 10. Discordias inter fratres seminando . 11. Verbis alium decipiendo . Hugh . card . in loc . . Wee take too great liberty of speech to our selves Ne aliqua mala , vel aliqua non bona diceret , statuit sibi nulla dicere vel bona . S. Aug. in loc . , forgetting the strict account to be made of every idle word , Matth . 12.36 . Tu non reformidas cui in Evangelis scriptum est , Mat . 12.37 . Si pro otioso verbo periculum est , quanto magis pro criminoso ? nec solum omne otiosum , sed omne quod non fructuosum , periculosum , atque eradicabile . Labia nostra , quaedam vincula sunt . S. Ambros . in loc . That discourse is branded as sinfull , which tho it be not prophane , is unprofitable Bona lingua non profert inania sed Deo digna . S. Hieronym in loc . . Now the strongest pillar of Silence and Patience in the maine Ocean of worldly miseries , is the devout meditation of the Brevitie and Vanity of mans life , which are the two equall parts of the Text : 1. The Brevitie , Behold thou hast made my dayes as a handbreadth . 2. The vanity , Verely every man at his best state , is altogether vanitie .

In the first observe two things . 1. An excitation of attention , the Larum-Bell , Behold . 2. A lively description of mans sudden dissolution , Thou hast made my dayes handbreadths .

Wherein also note two parts . 1. The Lawmaker , and law of the limitation of mans life , Thou ( O Lord ) hast made . 2. The Line wherewith our lives are measured , which is made both of course and fine thred .

1. It is measured by it selfe , and considerable in its owne frailtie ; so the just length of it is a handbreadth .

2. Secondly , with eternitie , so it is found to bee as Nothing , Mine age is as nothing before thee .

In the second branch consider two portions : 1. A serious asseveration Piscat . in loc . to free the Text from doubt , Verely . 2. A positive conclusion and proposition , that man is altogether vanity .

Wherein eye two things . 1. The universalitie , Every man , without exception . 2. The amplification from the qualitie ; bee he in condition never so excellent , in place eminent , in fortune as it were permanent ; yet there is no exemption , no limitation ; every man in his very best state is altogether vanitie . All which severall parcels , as they were broken up in the entrance with , Behold , a note of attention for the eare : so they are in conclusion sealed up all together , as an eternall truth , with a most remarkeable note of Intention of the minde , Selah .

The Doctrines Propheta agit , de mundi relinquendae vanitate , de mala vanorum cupiditate , de justorum optata societate . Marrinus Sebaldus in loc . which like so many Diamonds shine in the Cabinet of the Text , are two .

The first , Mans pilgrimage on earth is of very short continuance . The second , Man with all his worldly pomp and glory is a meere vanity .

Doct . 1. First of the first : Mans Pilgrimage on earth is of very short continuance Homo animalavi brevissimi , solicitudinis infinitae . Petrarch . : his glasse is soon run out , his date expired , his term of life ended : Man that is borne of a woman is of few dayes , and full of trouble , he commeth forth like a flower , and is cut downe : he fleeth also as a shadow , and continueth not , Iob 14.1 , 2 . Bulla palustris homo , ventus , flos pulveris , umbra : Incipit & cessat , nascitur & moritur . Nathan Chytraeus ex triumpho Poetico . Qui nescis , quid sit nostrum hoc quod vivimus audi , Transilus ad mortem est , Herculeusque labor . Claud . Rossaletus ex Triumpho Poetico . . Man being borne of a woman , the weaker vessell , is a vessell of weaknesse , which like the purest Chrystall , breakes in pieces with the least knocke or fall . He breedes the Worme in his owne root , which smites the flourishing Gourd of his life Ionah 4.7 . Foelicitati jungitur calamitas , laetitiae molestia : sic sunt res humanae . Marian in loc . . And when the totall summe of his Pilgrimage is exactly cast up , it amounts but to threescore yeares and tenne ; and if by reason of strength they bee fourscore yeares , yet is their strength labour and sorrow ; for it is soone cut off , and wee flee away , Psal . 90.10 . It merus est vitae , fabula tota labor , Vita labor nostra est , releves tu Christe laborem , In te sit noster vita beata labor . Iohan . Stigelius . Mans life is assimilated to the winde Iob 7.7 . Rapta velut vento vox irrevocabilis aetas ; Aut quasi colloquio fabula trita fugit : Septenos decies homini , protenditur annos , Si spatiosa fuit , lustra his octo capit . Maxima pars hujus labor est , & plena dolorum Tam celerimotu praecipitata volat . Sic redidit Fridericus Widebramus . {αβγδ} , Laert . lib . 1. in vita Solonis Psal . 90.10 . , that blusters for a day , and at night passeth away none knowes whither , and returnes not againe Psal . 78.39 . : To a Weavers shuttle Iob 7.6 . , which spends the yarne with speed , and what remaines from the web is cut off , To the Tents of Shepheards , which remove very often , with their wandring flocks Esay . 38.12 . Netantur Arabes , & Orientales , qui propter studium rei pecuariae erant {αβγδ} , vel ut Strabonis phrasi utar , {αβγδ} , qui facile in alia loca demigrabant , si pascua eos deficerent . Zehnerus in similitud . Biblicis . according to their pasturage . To a Bubble Hoseah 10.7 . Vita quid est hominum ? vasti quid gloria mundi ? Bulla est , & somnus , fumus , & umbra fugax . Anonymus habetur in caemiterio Francofurtensi . , which ariseth and falleth againe in one and the self-same moment . To a vapour exhaled from that supernatant foame : For what is your life ? it is even a vapour that appeareth for a little time , & afterward vanisheth away , Iames 4.14 . To a Cloud collected from those vapours Iob . 30.15 . , whose racke and circumvolution is very swift ; so our life passeth away as the trace of a Cloud , and comes to naught as the myst that is driven away with the beames of the Sunne Wisd . 2.4 . : To the shadow of those swift Clouds 1 Chro . 29.15 . , and there is no abiding , for it fadeth Psal . 102.11 . , and vanisheth Ps 144.4 . . To the Grasse and flowers over which that shadow glideth Ps. 90.5 , 6. ; In the morning it flourisheth and groweth , but in the evening it is cut downe and withereth ; as the flower of the field , so he flourisheth , for the winde goeth over it , and it is gone , and the place thereof shall know it no more , Psalm . 103.15 , 16. To a dreame , of these windes , shadowes , flowers Ps. 90.5 . , vaine and phantasticall imaginations , which perish in their very conception , and are forgotten when wee awake in the morning Ps. 73.20 . . To moath-eaten garments , which consume as a rotten thing Iob 13.28 . . To a Pilgrime and Traveller Ps. 39.12 . Heb . 11.13 . , who takes up his Inne to bait there for an houre , not to abide there for ever Adrefectionem non ad defectionem , sic haec vita est tanquam slabulum viatori , non tanquam domus habitatori . ● . Aug. in Psal . 34. ; takes a Chamber to dine in , not a habitation to dwel in ; as a guest in the house , not the Host of it : I am a stranger on earth , as all my Fathers were . Finally , his life is compared to a Post Iob 9.25 , 26. Cursor interdum divertit , sed cursus vitae , cursor est non requiescens . Chrys . , whose pace is all upon the speed and spurre ; yet the Post makes some stay to take his repast ; but mans dayes flee away , and see no good ; they are passed away as the swift Ships , as the Eagle that hasteth to the prey . To Grasse that groweth upon the house top Esay . 37.27 . Ostentatus raptusque simul , solstitialis velut herba solet . Ausonius de Aletio Minervio Rhetore in professor , c . 7. Quasi solstitialis herba paulisper fui , repentè exortus sum , repentinò occido . Callidorus de se . ex Zehneri simil . 51. ; and blasted Corne , before it be ripe . For howsoever such grasse grow in a high place farre above mans reach ; yet because it hath no firme rooting , and wanting naturall sappe , and nutriment from the breasts of the indulgent mother earth , it presently withereth by the heate of the Sunne , and perisheth . Even so man , whose dignitie surmounts all others , having on earth no abiding City , suddenly vanisheth as smoake in the ayre Psal . 102.3 . , and withereth as the grasse . To a thought Psal . 90. , which like the lightning in swiftnesse , passeth our expression , reaching in an instant from the South to the North .

And now to abide a while by the Virgin truth of the very Text , as Ruth did by Boaz maydens Ruth 2.8 . , and gleane the graines of evidence under our hand ; here is a concluding resemblance . First mans life is stiled dayes {αβγδ} . Sept. , because it is not conferred upon us by whole sale , by months , and yeares , but by retaile of dayes , houres , minutes , moments , as to checke our curiosity in making enquiry how long we have to live ; vers . 4. so acquainting us with the brevity therof , we may learne to depend upon Gods bounty for the loane of our life , imploy it to his glory , and every day prepare for the Bridegroome Christ Nam ideo lates ultimus dies , ut observetur omnis dies S. August . Vt dum semper ignoratur , semper proximus esse credatur . Greg . . The last day is veiled , that we may every day expect when we shall be unveiled ; and the Lord revealed in the Clouds . The sacred bookes of Chronicles , wherein are contained the ages of many generations are termed , Words of dayes {αβγδ} Verba dierum . 1 Chron . 1.1 . ; those Annales being onely Ephemerides . We pray onely for the present day Mat . 6.11 . . Plinie mentions a certaine plant called Ephemeron Nat. Histor . lib . 25. cap . 13. , a plant of one dayes duration ; such is man , planted by the Rivers side , to bring forth his fruit in the due season of that day . Hee tels also of a certaine Worm about the River Hyppanis in Pontus , which living but one day , is therefore termed Hemerebion Plin . Nat. Hist . l. 11. c . 36. : Such a worme is man , A worme and no man Psal . 22.6 . {αβγδ} . dictus Diogenes . ; borne in the morning , dead at night 1 King . 3.19 . : alive and in perfect health at night , yet at midnight dead Exod . 12.29 . . And were thy dayes multiplied on earth , so as thine eye had seene many good dayes , and thou be full of dayes Gen. 25.8 . , yet is not that plenitude of yeares given thee as a boone to bee permanent ; but as a donation , transient Non ut maneant , sed ut pereant . S. Amb. lib . 2. de vocat . Gent . c . 8. Non enim ut adsint veniunt , sed ut non sint . S. Aug. : Not added to thy former life to stay with thee , but to flee from thee : they come into thy house like the Sun beames , not to sit down with thee , but being in their way as they runne their course , to take their leave of thee , and bid thee farewell : Or like a bird , that no sooner sets her foot upon the greene bough , but againe takes the wing and flees away Dies simul venit & avolat . Ioan . Lopez . . Thy dayes are gone in a sort before they come ; and when they come , they cannot stay Ante abeunt penè quam veniant , & cum evenerint stare non possunt . S. Aug. in loc . Pro nihilo habentur , quae antequam veniant , adhuc non sunt , cum venerint jam non erunt , Idem . : and what account wilt thou make of that , which till it come is not , and when it is come , will shortly cease to bee ?

But suppose thy terme of life be an houre , thy houre a day , thy day a moneth , thy moneth a yeare , thy yeares many , and many according to thy wish , of what length are all those yeares ? Even a handbreadth . Thou hast given me dayes of handbreadth's . The second thing considerable . Handbreads {αβγδ} Ad verbum palmos . i . palmares dedisti dies meos , i . parvos brevesque ut mensura quatuor digitorum ad se junctorum , quae est minima . Rab . David . in lib . Radic . Santes Pagn . in Topàch . ; and is that all ? So he saith , that exactly measureth them all , and whatsoever else was created with his owne hand . A handbreadth Palmus portio manus est metientis & aliquid comprehendentis . S. Amb. in loc . is one of the shortest kinde of measures . There is an Ell , a Cubite , and a palme or handbreadth Euthym . in loc . Lege Erudit . lib . Geor . Agric . Portij , Budaei , Alciati , de ponder . & ●ensur . {αβγδ} . accipere . , whereof there be two kindes , the greater and the lesse . The greater handbreadth Dicitur {αβγδ} . Zehn . Adag . Cent. 4. Adag . 38 . {αβγδ} : Spithama vitae . Eras . adag . Dicitur dodrans , sic palmares dodrantales interpr . Genebr . in loc . is the whole space betwixt the top of the thumbe and the little finger , when the hand is extended , called a spanne , in account neere twelve inches . The lesser handbreadth in a more proper and strict signification is the just breadth of the foure fingers of the hand closed together Quatuor continet digitos . Vitruvius lib . 3. c . 1. Dicitur & {αβγδ} . , here chiefly intended , this interpretation best agreeing with the Originall , and complying most with the Prophets minde , by the unanimous consent of the choise interpretors .

The Septuagints {αβγδ} , Iuctor . Vitae nostra palaestraest . Euthym in loc . ex illo sansen . exposition denotes two things . First , that mans life is full of miserie , trouble and calamitie ; a continuall combating against Flesh , and blood , principalities and powers , which are in high places , Eph. 6.12 . God hath given us this life to labour in , will give us the next to be crowned in Hanc in certamen posuit , illam in certaminis premium . Chrysost . Hō . 27. in Ioh . Tom . 3. if we run well , 2 Tim . 4.7 , 8. The second thing is the brevitie thereof Ex {αβγδ} , propè conjungit ossadigitorum . {αβγδ} , interpr , palmos minores , qui singuli sunt quatuor digitorum . Suidas in Nom . , but a handbreadth , nay but a fingers-breadth {αβγδ} : est digitus dies . Alcaeus in carm . Athenae l. 11. c . 51. : yet if we allow without grudging unto his life full foure fingers breadth , alas , it then remaines mensurable Sic 70. Hugo . Card . Remig . Marian . Pamp . Ianson . & Vulg . in loc . : God hath numbred them , and they bee very few Iohan Campensis in loc . Certum est te veluti in digitis numeratos habere paucissimos dies meos . ; and as they are soone measured , so they are as speedily ended ; they glide away as a Ship upon the waves , as a Bird that flyes in the ayre , as an Arrow that is shot at a marke Wisd . 5.9 , 10 , 11. , the trace , the passage , the way whereof cannot be knowne . And as they flee away Transituros dies . Interpr . Pamp . in loc . , so they waxe old , and we together with them Ecce veteres posu isti dies meos . Veterascunt enim hi , novos volo , novos nunquam veterascentes . S Aug. in loc . Fortasse quia invenit {αβγδ} pro {αβγδ} . Bell . in loc . ; and what is old , is neare an end , and what comes to an end is short Breves Hyerō . Inter and scanty .

Thus mans life considered in it selfe is very short , yet it hath some length , something it is , though but a very hands-breadth . But when we lay this something to the life of God , who is life it selfe , and measure our owne scantling with his length , who fills heaven and earth ; then it will appeare to be nothing before him . Then the glorious beames of his Majesty will swallow up our frailtie , the incomparable heat of that Sunne will consume our nightingall bodies to ashes , melt our waxen wings , drive away our Cloud , exhale our vapour , that mighty winde dispell our smoak , that hand plucke up our grasse , that Ocean drowne our ship , that understanding scatter the dreame of our life , that it be cleane forgotten , and out of minde Dan . 2.5 . ; his life bereave our Ages of the very name of life ; his unlimited length , make our bounded shortnesse seeme nothing , yea , become nothing , before him Nihil ante te , nisi addidisset ante te , valde contristabar . Origen . in loc . ; My age Est. {αβγδ} choled . Tempus , seculum , mundus , vitae curriculum , hujus seculi citò cessantis status . Sanctes Pagn . in Rad . is as nothing before thee . The word translated age , is diversly rendred by divers . Some turne it existence , and substance {αβγδ} . septuagint . idque {αβγδ} vt Lorino placuit . in loc . ; others thus , my earnest expectation of life {αβγδ} , sollicita expectatio . Aquila . is as nothing when I consider the shortnesse thereof . The time wherein my soule lurkes within my body as in a hyding place {αβγδ} , Latibulum . idem . {αβγδ} quasi {αβγδ} . Plato in Crat . is nothing to aeternity . My life {αβγδ} . Symmach . & S. Hieron . Sic usurpatur vox eadem . Psal . 89.47 . Iob 11.17 . , my world ; and terme to breath in this world : My body Chaldee Aynsworth in loc . , vigour vigor . , and strength are of no account , all which the originall may wel shelter under the covert of its wings , and all these are nothing before the Lord .

Mans substance is threefold Triplex est substantia . 1 Terrenorum . 2. Naturalium . 3. Gratuitorum . Hug . Card in loc . : First , the gifts of the minde , which wee receive from God ; but as the mutuatitious and borrowed light of the lesser Stars is not to be compared with the brightnesse of the Sunne , from whence it is borrowed ; so the primest gifts and excellencies of mans soule are nothing in comparison of Gods infinite , and incomprehensible goodnesse . And as the early rising of the Sunne in the East doth obscure the admirable beauty of night-guiding Starres , so wheresoever the King of glory unveiles his favourable countenance , the excellencies of men and Angels gather blacknesse , and cover their faces and their feet .

Secondly , Riches , and great Possessions have invested themselves into the title of Substance Gen. 12.5 . {αβγδ} ; but what is the gift to the doner , or gold , but dung and drosse , in respect of a better life ?

Lastly , the exquisite structure and substance of our bodies , crowned with beautie , health , and strength , attended with a prosperous existence , and an enlarged being in this world , are nothing to the God of the world , IEHOVAH Causaliter , formaliter , quia res sunt ut voluit , & finaliter . Loryn . in loc . , who gives being to all things , welbeing to his Church , and remaines an aeternal being in himself . For he is without Alpha & Omega . Our age had a beginning , must have an end ; ours is dependent on his mercy , his is independent . If man be so diminitive a creature , compared with the fabricke of that great world , and the world it selfe , so little , that it cannot containe the Lord ; so little and light , that he feeles not the waight thereof upon the tip of his finger , he will well merit the name Nothing , when he is placed before the Lord . The Keele of mans life is laden with more vanitie , then verity and substance , if the searcher of the reynes and heart come aboard to view it ; ten thousand of our dayes will not make God one yeare , and a thousand of our yeares in his sight are but as a day , when it is past , and as a watch in the night Psal . 90.4 . Mille tuis oculis annorum est tempus ut una Hesternae lucis non reditura dies . Frider . Widebramus . Tempus annorum tibi mille , lucis Instar hesternae fluidique puncti , Nulla decursus , quod ubirecessit , Signa reliquit . Georg . Buchanan . . As drops of raine are unto the sea , and as a gravell stone is in comparison of the sand , so are a thousand yeares to the dayes everlasting Ecclus . 18.7 , 8 , 9. . One day with the Lord , is as a thousand yeares , and a thousand yeares as one day 2 Pet . 3.8 . . And as the little Pigmies in the Mountaines of India Plin . Nat. Hist . lib . 7. cap . 2. , but three span long , are in a manner nothing , if they be compared with great Goliah , whose height was sixe Cubites and a handbreadth , 1 Sam . 17.4 . or span , or with the Gyants Gen. 6.4 . Nephilim nominantur qui & corpore robusto praediti , & staturae proceritate formidabiles erant alijs . Pezel . in loc . in the first age , & those sonnes of Anak , Numb . 13.33 . before whom the valiant Haebrewes were but as Grashoppers . Even so the most aged Adam , or venerable Methushelah Gen. 5.27 . vixit 969. annos . , whose singular temper , and ages , are unreachable by their degenerous posteritie , are not so much , as the Center to the whole Circumference of heaven , or as a Pismire , a little Creature , Prov. 30.24 , 25. to the great Behemoth , Iob 40.10 Plerique tam nostrorum , quam Haebreorum Elephantem esse existimant , a mole corporis , qua caeteras quadrupides superat . Pluraliter effertur ad ingentem belluam significandam . Sanct . Pagnin . in Rad . . even a very nothing before the Lord .

Reason 1. Nor is it unequall with God to shortē our life on earth , who whiles it was in our own hands in Paradise , with willing in advertence betrayed it into the hands of death Mors a morsis . Isiodor . Orig . l. 11. c . 2. Rom. 5.12 . Mali morsus , mortem intulit malam . . Before Adam left the water of life , and fell into the fire 2 Esdras 7.7 , 8 , 9. of transgression , our life had no knowne limit , the bounds of our existence were without revealed bounds Mensurabiles . Quos ego mea culpa mihi mensurabiles feci , cum essent a te dati sine mensura . Remigius in loc . : but seeing we broake the yoake of obedience from our necks , and exceeded the limits of our commission , it is just with God Vt ibi ultrix poenae saeviat , ubi poenalis reatus exarserat . Chrysol . de Prodigo . ser . 1. Ad talem finem semper voracitas tendit , ad talem pervenit terminum fugienda voluptatis effusio . Idem . ibid . to tedder us short in this grasse-plot , who broke into the Corne being at libertie , and make our age nothing in comparison of himselfe , who ambitiously sought to free our selves from our dependency upon him , and give checke mate unto him .

2. Yet mercy is not to be excluded , which as it is ever great to the Saints , so herein aboundant , that their dayes are shortened , Matth . 24.22 Dies abbreviarentur hoc est locum ( sc . Hierusalem ) deletum iri , ut innotescat leges Mosaicas abrogatas esse , ac Messiam exhibitum . Magd . Cent. 1 lib . 1 c . 4. . for seeing the Bush is ever in the fire , the Arke tossed upon the billowes , Iacob ever watching his Lambes in heate and cold , the Church in affliction , if length of daies were added to heapes of sorrowes , perpetuity unto misery , We were of all men most miserable , 1 Cor . 15.19 . But now the fire shall bee quenched , the waters be dryed up , the Arke finde a resting place , Iacob returne home , the rod taken from the back of the righteous Vita brevis ne peccatum cresceret . S. Ambros . in loc . , lest they be moved to impatience . He gives not light to him that is in misery ; thus hee gives the grave to them who dig for death , and exceedingly rejoyce to finde it , Iob 3.20 .

3. Hereby we are invited to flye from the love and league of this life , which flees so fast from us , to goe out of Hiericho , and fixe our keene affections upon the matchlesse treasures stored in the caelestiall Hierusalem Col. 3.1 , 2 , 3. Disce mori , fursum quisquis sapis erige vultus , In patriam , terras despice , disce mori . Henricus Decimator . : For which very end this Psalme was composed Bellarm . in loc . , to give instruction not to rest in the way or meanes , or blessings of this abbreviated life , but to trust in the everliving GOD , the fountaine of all happinesse . Give mee O Lord , to long for those dayes which are , that in assurance thereof I may willingly undergoe any thing in these dayes which are not Remigius in loc . Dies qui sunt , & qui non sunt . Fac tuae fructu bonitatis aucti , Gaudio tandem satiemur : aegris Liberi ut curis reliquos agamus , suaviter annos . Buchan . Ps. 90 . {αβγδ} : fallax foelicitas , est ipsa maior infoelicitas . Schnep . in loc . Vmbra vitae , & foelicitas umbrae non est foelicitas , sedimago & umbra foelicitatis . Camillus Puls . in loc . .

Vse 1. Is mans life so short ? and as a thing of naught Vitae periodus minimae apud te est aestimationis . Pellican . in loc . ? then are they involved in an errour , who make account it is mans chiefest happinesse Polan . Synt . lib . 1. c . 5. . Life is very sweet and deare unto us ; Skin for skin , yea all that a man hath will hee give for his life , Iob 2.4 . but there is a better life which is dearer , and Christ is dearest of all unto us , for whom Saint Paul was ready not only to be bound , but also to dye at Hierusalem for the name of the Lord Iesus , Acts 21.13 . It is requisite that mans chiefest good should bee proportionable unto the condition of his soule , which is immortall , and not vaine , fraile , short , & vanishing like the body body which is corruptible . Cato , Brutus , and many others of the very heathen Sages , esteeming life as other Neutrals , which neither much furthered {αβγδ} . Zeno Lacit . lib . 7. in ejus vita . , nor hindered their foelicity , have preferred the imaginary joyes of their Elysian fields , before the pleasures of this life ; and to hasten their possession of that aëre all inheritance , have craved , and used , the forbidden and rough remedie of a violent death . The wisest man hated life , Eccles . 2.17 . but sought the chiefest good ; nor would hee have praised the dead more than the living , or extolled him as better than both , which hath not yet beene : Eccles . 4.2 , 3 . Optimum non nasci , aut ubi natus fit , quam ocyssimè aboleri . Proverb . if to live on earth were our best being . In vaine were Saint Pauls desire of dissolution , if to dye , and live with Christ were not the best of all , Phil . 1.23 .

2. Secondly , this strips the Atheist naked , that his madnesse may be evident to all men , who from the brevitie of mans life concludes and assumes a libertie to live as hee list unto the day of death Vivendum ut lubeat , quam opinionem iniquissimam satis argutè refutat . Theophilus lib . 3. contr . Autolycum . ; an infection which overspred all ages . The Lord called his people to weeping and mourning , but behold joy and gladnesse ; the reason wherof was without reason & religion , To morrow we shall die , Isa . 22.12 , 13 , 14. Conscience saith weepe , pray , make thy peace with God . Custome saith , no , slay Oxen , kill sheepe , eate flesh , drinke wine ; Let us eate and drinke for to morrow we shall die Sic faciunt , qui de futura vita non cogitant . Marian . in loc . . Iniquity not to be purged away ; as it began in the time of the Prophets , so it continued unto the dayes of the Apostles . The Corinthians were sicke of the same disease , Let us eate and drinke , for to morrow wee shall dye 1 Cor . 15.32 . {αβγδ} , &c. Anacreon . Mors me manet , merum bibamus , &c. . But the inference against these Taverne-Epicures is as bitter as certaine . These plausible allurements deceived themselves and others ; their conversation was corrupt , they snorted in sinne , they knew not God , shame covered them as a garment . Philo Iudaeus Wisd . 2.1 , 2 , &c. Liber sapientiae non à Salomone , sed à Philone Iudaeo graecè scriptus putatur , nomine ac titulo Salomonis . Buchol . Cronolog . Anno 2931. Page 465. fully opens the cogitations and practices of these more than Indian monsters . Our life ( say they ) is short , our time is as a shadow that passeth away , come therefore , let us injoy the pleasures that are present . Thus they take care for nothing , save their backe , belly , and lust . Let us fill our selves with costly wine and oyntments . There 's their ebrietie and gluttonie . Let us crowne our selves with Rose buds . There 's their pride . Let us all be partakers of our wantonnesse . There s their luxurie . Let us leave some token of our pleasure in every place . Here 's their Atheisme and Apostasie . Let us oppresse the righteous . Here s the fulnesse and ripenesse of their iniquitie . It is not enough for them to taste the wine , and drinke of the best , but they must glut and fill themselves with it : nor onely so , but leave some signes behinde them ; yea in every place where they come , of their pride , uncleannesse , drunkennesse . Nor was their frensie stinted here , but they prosecuted all sorts of men , young and old Magna fuit quondam , hominis reverentia cani , Inque suo pretio ruga senilis erat . Levit . 9.32 . , especially persecuted the righteous man

Nec mortem horremus , nec Divum parcimus ulli .

Virgil Aenaead . lib . 10.

Blanda vide quae sint , perversi gaudia mundi

Bella movetque pijs , impiae turba viris .

Holcot . in cap . 2. Sap .

, because hee would not run into the same excesse of riot with themselves . Whosoever called Abba , Father , they hated him worse than Cain his brother .

Were these the preparations unto a sudden ensuing death ? O men ! O manners ! Yet the Gallants of these dayes fill their mouths with the same song : Come , we will fill our selves with strong drinke , and to morrow shall be as this day , and much more abundant , Esay 56.12 . Thus they weary themselves in the way of wickednesse , shew no token of vertue , but are consumed in their abominations Quid laetare miser peccati nulla voluptate Gaudia plus Aloës , quam tua mellis habent . Iob 20.5 . Idem cap . 5. Sapient . . Wisd . 5.7 , 13. They passe their time in jollity {αβγδ} . Luk . 12.19 . , and suddenly goe downe to the grave .

3 Thirdly , nor is their folly much inferiour , who put the day which is at their heeles , farr from them , making a covenant with hell and the grave En acumen sapientum mundi , qui cum aerumn is pateant , se tamen latere , & in tuto esse arbitrantur . Calv . Lucinianos aggreditur , qui suum sapere , nonnisi in prophano Dei contemptu locant . Calvin . in loo . Is. . Esa . 28.15 . As though the rich mans coate of male were impenetrable by the darts of death . The Story runnes Plutarch in vita Solonis . , How on a time the young men of Ionia Laertius in vita Thaletis . lib . 1. standing by the River side , where the Milesian fishermen had newly cast in their net , bought of them their first draught . It so fell out , when they drew their net to shore , that besides a multitude of fish , they had inclosed a golden Table {αβγδ} . Suidas in {αβγδ} . , Trevet , or Caldron Natal . Com . lib . 4. c . 10. , which Hélena by command of the Oracle , had formerly let fall in that place , as shee sailed for Troy . The buyers maintained , the unexpected purchase of Fortune was a part of their bargaine , which they required . The Sellers would part with nothing more than their fish . This contention grown exceeding hot , it was concluded that both sides should rest satisfied in Apollo's arbitration , unto whom they sent . The Delphian Oracle having given it to the wisest man living {αβγδ} . Diog . Laert . in vit . Thal . Detur digniori . , they sent it first to Thales , who was counted the wisest man of Greece : hee would not accept of it , but sent it to Byas : he returned it to a third : he sent it to a fourth : & at last it was remitted to Solon , who knowing Apollo to bee the wisest , presented him with it as an Altar to their God {αβγδ} . Laert . Ibid . . Such was the modestie of those Heathens , who in giving honor went one before another Rom. 12.10 . . But they are dead , and I will apply their story to Death ; which when it knockes at the gate of the poore man , he will not admit it , but sends it to the rich : when it calls upon him , hee sends it to the Academian : when it comes there , he postes it away to the Citizen : hee lookes bigge upon it , and bids it hie to the Court : the Page drawes his weapon and points it to his Lord : the Lord bids it avaunt , and lodge with his Groomes : they dispatch it backe againe unto the Country Coridon : and hee conjures it to returne empty handed from whence it came to hell . So that in fine , no man in health , in ease , and prosperitie , will give entertainment to pale-fac'd Death Quotidie morimur , quotidie immutamur , & tamen aeternos nos esse credimus . S. Hyeronym . .

In honours , riches , pleasures , profits , and contentments , every man would be the first person , all strive for the golden Apple , every one hopes to draw the greatest lot ; puts out his hand , surveyes his owne excellencies , and thinkes hee deserves the best : but in parting with life , liberty , and the world , every one desires to be the third person , come on in the Reere , and be the last man borne . When the Axe is laid to the root of the tree , to cut downe the florishing branches of a well rooted life , every man will stand it out to the very last stroke . And howsoever wee are all encompassed with mortality , such is our blindnesse and securitie , none thinkes he shall shortly die

Nullus putat se citò moriturum , sed puer putat se ad juventutem perventurum , juvenis ad virilem , vir ad senectam , senex ad aetatem decrepitam , & cum in eo est , non putat eo anno se moriturum . S. Aug.

Forma , genus , mores , sapientia , vis & honores , Non retinent hominem , quin redit in cinerem . Ps. 49.7 .

Mixta Senum , ac Iuvenum densantur funera Ideo {αβγδ} . Vulgò . Vltima semper expectanda dies homini est . Ovid . Metamor . 3. Ecclus . 7.36 .

Eodem fine Aegyptij {αβγδ} . i . Cadaver hominis exciccatum , vixque ossibus harens in convivijs circumferebant , & singulis ex ordine intuendum ostentabant . Plutarch . in convivio 7. Sapient .

. The childe , who is a bud , presumes hee shall live to blossome . The Youth questions not his life , till he be ripe fruit , or in flower : the old man , though his flower shedd and fade , hopes he shall renew his youth as the Eagle , and though he be bed-rid , yet he hopes hee shall see another new yeare . Yet the passing-bell is alwayes tolling in our eares , our friends from all corners are brought to the grave : And as man abuseth all creatures , so they are all armed against him , to bring him to his long home . Some are drowned in the water , as the old world Gen. 7.21 . , and king Pharaoh Exod . 14.28 . : others consumed in the fire , with Sodome Gen. 19.24 . , Nadab and Abihu Levit . 10.2 . , with the men of Sichem Iudges 9.49 . : some are swallowed up alive in the earth Numb . 16.32 . : and others overthrowne by the very Starres , which in their courses fight against Sisera and his host Iudges 5.20 . : some are overwhelmed with their houses , like Iobs children Iob 1.19 . , Sampson , and the drunken Philistins Iudg . 16.30 . , with eighteene , whose bruised bodies were buryed under the ruinous tower of Siloam Luke 13.4 . : others torne in pieces with wilde beasts ,

2 King . 2.24 .

Turpe pecus mutilum , turpis sine gramine campus ; Et sine fronde frutex , & sine crine caput .

Ovid . de Arte Amand . lib . 3.

Jocus amarulentus .

as the scoffing boyes of Bethel , and the good Prophet 1 Kings 13.24 . : some stoned to death , as Achan Numb . 15.35 . : others hanged with Haman Hester . 7.10 . : others slaine by their acquaintance by force or fraud , as Abner 2 Sam . 3.27 . : others smitten by Angels , as Herod Acts 12.23 . : others by the Plague 2 Sam . 24.15 . : others by the immediate hand of God Act. 5.5 , 10. : and finally , others are taken from us , by faire , eaven , and naturall deaths upon their beds , we help to bury them , mourne for them , yet none of us doe beleeve that our turne is next at hand Quem mihi dabis , qui intelligat se quotitidie mori ? Sen. Epist. lib . 1. Epist. 1. .

4 Yet is their discontent and murmuring insufferable , who so farre under-value this life , because it is short , as they deeme it not worth acceptance and thankes Vitam nemo acciperet si daretur scientibus . Lege Charron . de Sap . cap . 35 . {αβγδ} . Graecum Epigram . : filling the earth with exclamations against God Theophrastus Ciceronis Tuscul . Quaest. lib . 3. , that hee hath given length of dayes to the Hart , and other creatures , but abridged man of long life , the crowne of all other favours , if it be crowned with the feare of the Lord Pro . 16.31 . . Who is this that darkeneth the counsell by words without knowledge ? Are not length of dayes in Wisdomes right hand , and in her left , riches & glory ? Prov. 3.16 . The Philosopher acknowledgeth mans life to equall the most durable creature in length except the Elephant Aristot . lib . 5. de gen . Animal . c . 10. , and produceth examples of brevitie of life in other creatures , parallel to ours how short soever

Ait bestiolas quasdam nasci quae unam diem vivant , ex his hora octava quae mortua est , provecta aetate mortua est , quae vero occidento sole decrepita .

Aristot . lib . 5. de natura Animalium cap . 19. refert . M.T.C. Tuscul . quaest. lib . 1.

. Nor is our life so short in it selfe , as wee doe make it by our great wickednesse , while wee redeeme it not , but rather spend it profusely in idlenesse , impietie , and unnecessary curiositie . Doe what wee can , some time falls by us , as some water runnes by the mill : another part is stollen away ere we be aware : a third portion wee trifle away in vaine pleasures : little is bestowed upon God , upon our soules , upon our vocations : and the major part , but the worst of all , is imployed in the actuating of that which ends in shame , and repentance

Sen. Epist. lib . 1. epist. 1.

Non patum habemus temporis , sed multum perdidimus . Infinita est velocitas temporis , &c.

Sen. epist. lib . 6. epist. 50.

: so that to complaine of Gods bounty is most unjust , when our owne impietie is in the fault . Be not sollicitous for the shortnesse of thy life , but use it as an inducement to live wel : & to walk with God , to make thy Election sure & certain whiles it is called to day . The benefit of life is not in the length , but in the pious use ; hee sometimes lives the least that lives the longest Doce , non esse positum bonum vitae in spacio ejus , sed in usu , posse fieri , ut qui diu vixit , parum vixerit . Sen. ibid . : When thou goest out , say to thy selfe , perhaps I shall never returne home alive ; when thou risest from thy bed , perhaps I shal never sleepe more ; when thou lyest downe to rest , perhaps I shall never wake more Dic mihi dormituro , potes non expergisci , dic experrecto , potes non dormire amplius , dic exeunti , potes non reverti ; dic redeunti , potes non exire . Punctum est quod vivimus & adhuc puncto minus . Sen. ibid . : this will adde winges to thy desires to bestow thy time well , whiles the lampe burnes , to remember thy Creator in thy nonage , whose mercy crownes us with old age . For as it was an abomination unto the Lord to bring an offering with a blemish Deut . 17.1 . , when they had a better in the flocke ; so is that man hatefull to GOD Maledictus omnis , qui fragrantissimum vernantis juventutis florem Diabolo , faetidas verò decrepitae senectutis faeces Deo consecrat . S. August . , who devotes his youth to the Devill , and the filthy dregs of his dotage onely to the LORD .

2. Vse of instruction . 1. Now it will be very profitable unto us to survey the monstrous and ougly shape of sinne , which here begins to shew its head as the true cause of this great shortnesse of mans life Fabrit . in loc . . Philosophie confesseth , and deploreth this Vanity and Brevity Tileman . Heshusius in loc . , but neither declares the principall efficient cause , nor propounds the remedy , but driving her children into the snare of despaire , there leaves them intangled ; but Theology discovers the root to be sinne , the remedy Christ , God the Physitian , and a sanctified soule the Patient . O Ancient of dayes ! how hast thou made his dayes but an handbreadth , who is Lord of all the workes of thy hands ? Him that was little lesse than the Angels , to be Nothing before thee Confer nostram longissimam aetatem cum aeternitate , in eadem propemodum brevitate , qua illae bestiola ( sc . quae hemerobioi ) reperiemur . M.T. Cicero . in Tusculan . quaest. lib . 1. ? Whom thou crowned'st with worship and glorie , to become Vanitie ? Behold O man , be it spoken to thee ; If thy dayes bee shortned , impute it to the worke of thy own hands ; If thy age be nothing before me , it is thy rage and rebellion against me ; If thou be transformed into vanitie , thereby thou art convicted , that thou hast imbraced vanitie . Sinne is a great shortner or epitomizer of all things , it keepes many blessings from us : It shortens wealth Pro . 6.26 . , confines libertie 2 Chron . 23.10 , 11. , impeacheth health Iohn 5.14 . Psal . 38.3 , 4 , 7 , 8 , 10.39.11 . , abbreviateth life : The dayes of his youth hast thou shortned , Psalm . 89.45 . It breeds a cutting off of our dayes , Isa . 38.10 : and moneths Iob 21.21 . . The bloody and deceitfull men shall not live out halfe their daies . Psal . 55.23 . The feare of the Lord increaseth the dayes , but the yeeres of the wicked shall be diminished . Pro . 10.27 Are not his daies determined . The number of his moneths are with thee . Thou hast appointed his bounds , which he cannot passe . Iob 14.5 . There is a naturall Land-marke , or pillar of life , unto the uttermost period and point whereof our naturall strength and vigor would carry us Est terminus vitae duplex . 1. Naturalis , quem aliquis viribus naturalibus attingere possit . 2. Supernaturalis seu divinitus decretus , qui non semper cum naturali congruit . Piscat . in Ps. 55.23 . , thither divine Clemencie convayed faithfull Abraham , who dyed in a good old age , an old man , and full of yeares , Gen. 25.8 . But the supernaturall hand of heaven A prima die pendet extrema , in ortu sanxisti quantum quisque victurus esset . Marianus in Iob 14.5 . hath abridged impietie of so ample a scope , measured the sinners life with a shorter line , and more sparing hand . His branch shall not be greene long together , but shall be cut off before his day , Iob 15.32 In non die suo , i ante diem suum , ad quem per naturam juxa hominum opinionem pervenire poterat . q d . morte immatura praevenietur , vel gladio , vel morbo , vel aliqua alia causa violenta morte non sua interibit . Mercer in loc . . Gods patience may long magnifie it selfe , yet the sinner shall not prolong his dayes , which are as a shadow , because hee feared not before God , Eccles 8.13 . Nor is that life , which is turbulent , and accursed ; and in the midst of all his desires , mischiefe , carnall resolutions , and solaces , hee is sent for by Damnations Pursevant , in the midst of his dayes Jn medio cursa impiorum conatuum , imperfectis adhuc machinis . Luke 12.20 . Exiguo vivat , vesanus tempore sospes : Quique Deum sperait , sic velut umbra cadat . Marian . in Eccles 8.13 . . Thus perished lascivious Zimry Numb . 25.14 . , thus the Wantonists of the primitive age Gen. 6.4 , 5. , thus the roaring Combatants of this age : and thus have fallen the prophane Onans and sinners of all ages Gen. 38.9 , 10. . Against which David prayes , Lord , take mee not away in the midst of my dayes . Ps. 102.24 .

Secondly , this may be sufficient to teach us ( if we will beleeve ) that mans life is short . The voyce cryes All flesh is grasse , Abripimur celeri , velut acta sagitta volatu ; Et nihil est multos , vivere posse dies . Erasm . Mich . Laetus in obitura August . Imperatoris . and all the goodlinesse thereof is as the flower of the field . I say 40.6 . The grasse withereth , the flower fadeth , because the spirit of the Lord blowes upon it . Such as are enamored with the painted face of a delectable life , and measure the length of their Pilgrimage , by the Pole of their owne endles desires , will not beleeve this Propheticall voyce , enrolled and subscribed unto as canonicall Gen. 47.9 . Iames 1.10 . 1 Pet . 1.24 . . The Sun , Moon , and Stars have out-lasted many generations , & yet continue in the nonage and full strength of their motions , influences , and operations Perlege lectissimum librum de divina providentia . Per Doct . Hac . Oxoniens . unto this moment . The Earth like Endymion Endymion vero , si fabulas audire volumus nescio quando in Latino obdormivit , nondum ut opinor experrectus . M . T Cicero lib . 1. Tusc . qu . , hath securely snorted this many thousand yeeres upon her ancient columnes . The Ocean keepes his aged course and recourse . Many of the creatures are celebrated for incredible perpetuitie , onely man is as water spilt on the ground 2 Sam . 14.14 . , hee must needs dye , and cannot bee gathered up againe . For as one wave of the Sea drives forward another unto the shore , and one graine of sand swiftly runnes after another till the Glasse bee out — Nihil est toto quod perflet in orbe , Cuncta fluunt , — Non secus ac flumen ; nec enim consistere flumen , Nec lovis hora potest , sed ut unda pellitur unde , Urgeturque eddem , ventens , urgetque , priorem , Tempora sic fugiu●● pariter , pariterque sequuntur . Ovid . Metamorph . lib . 15. Festinat enim decurrere velox , — Flosculus angustae , miseraque brevissima vitae , Portio , &c. — Iuvenal . Satyr . 9. : Even so , one man postes it after another to the grave , and none can stay them . A lesson seldome learned , or seldome well remembred but in adversitie Calvin . in loc . Rabbini tradunt Davidem aegro tantem hunc Psalmum composuisse . Bell in loc . Davidica intelligit , qui Davidica patitur . Tilem . Heshuius in loc . , and the soonest forgotten in the sunshine of prosperitie . Because they have no changes , therefore they feare not God , Pal . 55.19 .

The character of our short life is engraven in every mans face , but most clearely in our owne , and facill to reade : and as the body of the Sunne , and face of the Moone are better discerned and viewed by the eye , in the Eclipse , when as the Pagans thinke she is in travell and affliction Romani , aeris tinnitu lumen revocantibus , ignesque multos , & faces , et taedas in coelum protendentibus , &c. Plutach . in vita Pauli Aemilij . : so , men are never more apprehensive of their owne frailtie , then when the yoke of affliction is upon their necke . King Hezekiah said , his age was departed from him as a shepheards tent . But when was this spoken ? When hee had beene sicke , in the cutting off of his dayes . Isay 38.9.12 . As when the Sunne hath climbed up by severall degrees unto the Zenith just over our heads , the shadow is then the shortest : so in the full height of our prosperitie , our observation of mortalitie is the least . In health , God speaketh once or twice , yet man perceives it not , then he openeth the eares of men , when hee chastiseth him with pain upon his bed , & the multitude of his bones with strong paine . Iob 33.14 , 19. As the Palme trees spread the broader by being pressed downe Nititur in pondus palma & consurgit in altum ; Quo mage & premitur , hoc mage tollit onus . Alciat . Embl. Sempiterna foliorum Coma virent . Plin . Hist . lib . 16. c . 19. : so , the more the left hand of Gods justice doth weigh downe the members of the body , by his fatherly visitations , the right hand of his Mercy doth more elevate the faculties of the sanctified soule to the meditation of mans frailtie and infirmitie . He enlargeth their hearts in distresse . Psal . 4.1 . Our life is a Race , and what shorter then a race ? yet the runners being naturally short-winded , are soone out of breath . The Prologue of life is the first Scaene of our death Vitae principium , mortis exordium est . S. Ambros . lib . 2. de vocat gent . cap . 8. Finisque ab origine pendet . , for our dayes upon earth are but a shadow , Iob 8.9 .

Thirdly , the meditation of this mortalitie should accelerate our sound Repentance Incertum est quam longa nostrum cujusque vita futura est : consulere vivi ac prospicere debemus . Cicero Orat . 6. in Verrem . : Make no long tarrying to turne unto the Lord , & put not off from day to day : for suddenly shall the wrath of the Lord breake forth , and in thy securitie thou shalt be destroyed , and thou shalt perish in the time of vengeance . Ecclus . 5.7 . Repentance is like the wheele in the hand of the vertuous woman Pro . 31.10.19 . , which spinnes out the eaven thred of life unto the just length : but Impenitencie resembles the over-weightie Spindle , which breakes the thred in sunder , be it never so fine .

When man turnes his backe of the Law by transgression , then the Lord hides his face , the sinner is troubled , hee dies , and returnes to dust , Psal . 104.29 . Remember of what short time thou art Psal . 89.47 . , and the Lord of time , that in due time thou maiest repent . That one thing necessarie for all men is Luke 10.42 . , to agree with the adversary quickly , when thou art in the way , with him : lest at any time the adversary deliver thee to the Iudge , and the Iudge deliver thee to the officer , and thou be cast into prison , Mat . 5.25 Cogentur minimi quadrantem solvere nummi , Nemo pedem removet quo sua culpa trahit . Fortunat . lib . 4. Premit insentes debita sceleri noxia poena . Boet . lib . 1. de consolat . Philosop . . Passe sentence on thy selfe , lest divine sentence passe against thee Currat poenitentia , sententia ne praecurrat , nos sibi redire desiderat , non perire . Chrysol . de divo Iohan . Bapt . ferm . 167. . Hee that walkes in his innocencie is not bound to pay the interest of repentance Qui innocentiae creditum servat , poenitentiae non solvit usuram . Idem ibid . : But seeing every sonne of man ( except the Sonne of God , ) hath plaid the unfaithfull servant , abused the talent of Time , and profered grace , runne very deepe upon the scoare of Gods patience , taken his poore creditor by the throat , unmindfull of his Lords abundant Clemencie , it behooves all men with bended knees and hearts , with wringing hands , and watry eyes , prostrate before the throne of Grace , to cry Ferat , ferat , amaram poenitentiae curam , qui servare debitam noluit sanitatem . Idem . ibid . Have mercy upon me O God , according to thy loving kindnesse : according to the multitude of thy tender mercies , blot out my transgressions , Psalm . 51.1 . Remember not the sinnes of my youth , nor my transgressions Et fortasse delicta juventutis ad servorem retulit carnis , ignorantiae ad verborum prolapsicnem . S. Ambros . , according to thy mercy remember thou me for thy goodnesse sake O Lord , Psalm . 25.7 . Dissemble not with God , crave not a cleane , penitent , and broken heart , as fearing to bee heard too soone At ego adolescers miser valde petieram cas●itatem , & dixeram da mihi castitatem & continentiam , sed noli modo , tim bam enim ne me citò exaudixes , & citò sanares à morbo concupiscentiae , quam malebam expleri quam extingui . S. Aug. Confessienum lib . 8. cap . 7. , having more stomacke to adhere to thy beloved sinne● , then to bee reconciled to thy God : But rather now , when the Cocke of mercie , admonition , and remembrance crowes , goe out of thy selfe , and weepe bitterly . Say no more , anon , anon , to morrow , to morrow I will become a new man Ecce modo fiat , modo fiat . Idem . cap . 11. . How long hast thou said already , To morrow ? why not To day ? why not , even now ? at this very instant , dost thou put a period to thy wickednesse Quamdiu , quamdiu , cras & cras ? quare non modo ? quare non hac bora finis turpitudinis meae ? Idem cap . 12. Deo servire statui , & hoc ex hora hac , in hoc loco aggredior . Politianus de Antonio . idem cap . 6. ? Thou canst lay no further claime to any part of swift Time , then to the present day ; nor in the day , but onely to the present houre ; nor in the houre , but to the first quarter ; nor therein to any minute , but the first : Time is not given us by handfulls , but by hand-breadths Dat nobis de palmo in palmum . Loryn . in loc . , to admonish thee to flee by speedy repentance , upon the wings of every vanishing moment unto thy God , as the Mariner is caried with the winde and headdy tyde into the desired haven . He shall not see God with joy at the right hand of his father , who beholds him not on earth with teares in his eyes . Nor will hee finde repentance to morrow

Non orietur ei sol gloriae , cui sol justitiae ortus non fuerit , nec illucescet ei dies crastina cui non luxerit hodierna , S. Bern .

Sed mora damnosa est , nec res dubitare remittit ,

Dum superest aliquid cuncti coeamus ad arma . Ovid . Metamor . lib . 11.

, that seekes it not to day . It is a shower of grace that falls from heaven , not water to be drawne out of every pit .

The more the Sunne declines to the West , the lesse we feele the heat thereof , as it sets , the aire cooleth : so the neerer the unregenerate man drawes to his grave , the more his heart freezeth , the beames of grace have lesse force and power upon it . The more the Oke spreadeth his rootes in the earth , the harder it is to plucke it up : And when sinne is radicated in the heart through long continuance , and incorporated , it cannot in a few houres , by an ordinary strength , with a few words ( as charmes ) bee digged out : wherefore Repent now whilst there is place for mercy , lest with prophane Esau , thou seeke a blessing hereafter with teares , yet canst finde no place for repentance . Heb . 12.17 .

Fourthly , from the same root springs another branch , bearing the bitter-sweet fruit of selfe-deniall . What weapons so sharp and mightie through God , to the pulling downe of strong holds of sinne within us 2 Cor . 10.4 , 5. , as the due consideration of the brevitie of mans life Vita nostra longe omnium contractissima & brevissima est . Schnepius in loc . ? What pleasure doth hee take in the world , that is ready to expire his last breath ? And what song can hee sing to solace his soule in the bewitching pleasures of this life , because hee hath goods enough laid up for many yeares , when hee knowes hee hath not many yeares laid up for his goods Luke 12.19.20 . Facile contemnit omnia qui se semper cogitat moriturum . S. Hycron . . But this I say , Brethren , the time is short , it remaineth , that both they that have wives be as though they had none : and they that weepe , as though they wept not ; and they that rejoyce , as though they rejoyced not : and they that buy , as though they possessed not : and they that use this world , as not abusing it ; for the fashion of this world passeth away , 1 Corinth . 7.29 , 30.31 Vtere sic rebus , tanquam moriturus in hora , Et ceu victurus parcere disce bonis . Ille sed est sapiens verè , qui novit utrumque Vtens & parcens scit retinere modum . Lucian Selneccerus refert . in loc . {αβγδ} . Synesius Epist. 65. . This will beate downe that strong bulwarke of pride Hugo Cardinal . in loc . , against which God hath had ever store of Ordinance mounted upon mount Sion , from whence they have played upon Sathan and his Squadron , it being hatefull both to God and man Ecclus 10.7 . ; this frames man to the contempt of the world E●ce ad contemptum rerum humanarum consideratione dignam est . Iacob . Ianson . in loc . , that hee can say , The world is crucified unto me , and I unto the world , Gal. 6.14 . This maketh way for death's welcome , and pulleth out the sting of bitter remembrance and approach Ecclus . 41.1 , 2 , 3. . This enlargeth the heart of the covetous gripe to distribute to the necessitie of the Saints Rom. 12.13 . ; This moulds the cholericke-champion hunting after blood 1 Sam . 25.22 . , to forgivenesse , to blesse them that persecute , and recompence good for evill Rom. 12.14 . . This concenters mens affections , so as love is without dissimulation , Rom. 12.9.10 . This is the spurre of diligence and uprightnesse in their callings , making him that teacheth to waite on teaching : him that giveth , to doe it with simplicitie : hee that ruleth , with diligence : hee that sheweth mercy , with chearefulnesse , Rom. 12.7 , 8. This begets , brings forth , nurseth and educateth a square resolution to eschew evill Rom. 12.9 . , and cleave to that which is good : to flie from the baits of sin , whose contentment is transient , but the shame and torment is eternall Antequam peccato terminus detur , delectatio cupiditatu extingutur , temporale est , quod delectat , aeternum quod cruciat . S. Chrysost . : This wooes our desires to make choise rather to have the shine of life goe tenne degrees forward Isay . 38.8 . : then one backeward in the Diall of our yeares . This is the dry Nurse that weanes men from the breasts of this world Col. 3.1 , 2 , 3. , which are ever in their mouthes , betwixt which they love to lye and sleepe : it raiseth their cares higher then clay , and preserves them from seeking great things for themselves Ier . 45.5 : ; from building by oppression and Biting-Vsury , loading themselves with thicke-clay , till they surfet with heat ; fall sicke of a gold thirsty-dropsie , that never shall bee quenched , nor with Potable-gold on earth , nor with drops of water under the earth , Eccles . 5.9 — Auro non satiatur avarus ; Nec fruitur partis , pauperis instar , eget . Marian . sic locum reddidit . . How much are we degenerated from the innocency , piety , and practice Vndique percutimur , undique amaritudine replemur , & tamen caeca mente ejus amaritudines amamus , fugientem sequimur , labenti inbaeremus , & quia labentem tenere non possumus , cum ipso labimur , Buchol . Cronol . cap . de patrum longaevitate ex Greg . Mag. lib . 34. cap . 1. of our Progenitors , who were long-liv'd , continued in health , enjoyed riches , had a numerous-posterity , triumphed in peace ; yet in this great abundance of all things , the love of the Word did wither in their hearts ; but now the world it selfe is withered , and our age is even a vapour that appeareth for a little time , and then vanisheth away , Iam . 4.14 . Yet ( such is the change ) the world waxeth and flourisheth in our hearts : wee dreame of nothing , but of buying , selling , and getting of gaine ; Death stands at every door , there is mourning in every street ; desolation over-runnes all nations , we are smitten on every hand , filled with bitternesse , yet such is our frensie , that we are delighted with the taste of that Gall . We hunt after the world , when it flyes from us ; we embrace it when it slides and glides from us : and because wee cannot keepe it from sliding , wee glide away together with it in our armes and breasts Vnus enim status est mundique & coporis hujus , Quod gerimus , natura eadem sustentat utramque , Edita de nihilo cr●sc●t , nihilumque f●tura , Aut titubant morbis , aut tempore victa senescunt . Hinc quibus aeternum spes informatur in avuut ; Omne bonum tenue est quod praesens ingerit aetas . Prudentius . . The Hart-wolfe Sunt in genere luporum qui Cervarij vocantur . Huic quamvis in fame mandenti , si respexit oblivionem cibi surripere atunt , digressumque quaerere aliud . Plin . Nat. Hist . lib . 8. cap . 22. be he never so hungry , and have a prey to eate , yet if hee see another bootie , forsakes the meate in his mouth , and followeth after it . Such a wolfe is in the heart of the covetous-worldling , who unsatisfied with what he enjoyeth most , greedily hunteth after what he desires , as Ahab after Naboths Vineyard , to make himselfe a Kitchin Garden , 1 King . 21.2 . As nothing can quench the flaming slime of the pond in Samosaris , for the ayre helpes to feed it , water to inflame it , winde to kindle it , onely earth doth put it out In urbe Samosatis flagnum est , emittens limum flagrantem , quam terra tantum restingui docuere experimenta . Plin . Na . Hist . l. 2 c 104 : So nothing can satisfie the terrene cogitations of worldly men , but either the grave , or the meditation of their sudden going unto it . The Horse is content with his provender , the Oxe with his masters crib , the Dog after many turnings lyes downe to sleepe , the Swine is satisfied with graines to eate , and the mire to wallow in , onely man is never satisfied with the world , whereby he proclaimes himselfe to be worse then the bruit beast that perisheth , Ps. 49.20 . The poisonful Aconite is hung up by the Shepheards in vessels above the Panthers reach , so that by continuall leaping up thereat , in their greedy desire to taste it , the Panther straines it selfe , bursts in sunder , and so becomes a prize Pantheras perfricata carne aconito , barbari venantur , & fera alias tam avida eorum , ut a pastoribus ex industria in aliquo vase suspensum sit altius , quam ut queat saltu attingere , jaculando se , appetendoque deficiat , et postremo expi●et . Plin . Nat. Hist . lib . 8. cap . 27. . The avaritious man is led with such untempered affections after the pelfe of this world , that by the often straining of his conscience , strength , and health , in gaping after earth , reserved for a better master , hee becomes a prey unto the gaping grave . Wherefore seeing thou dyeft daily in the world , die daily to the world

Is demum profecto vitam aequa lance pensitabit , qui semper fragilitatis humanae memor fuerit . Plin . Hist . lib . 7. cap . 7.

Cum nimis transeuntia cogitant ; & mansura nullatenus sperant ; insensibili caecitate oculus cordis clauditur , ut se morituros nullatenus credant . Michael Ayguanus in loc . ex Greg . 8. Moral . c . 12.

5. Nor can we gather riper fruit of Patience from any tree , then is found upon the low shrubs of mans short life . For if that fretting Canker of envy Efficacissimum argumentum contra indignationem , qu●m foelicitas impiorum exitat . — Salom . Gesnerus in loc . at the prosperitie of the wicked , have overrunne thy minde , ( a Maladie from which the Saints have no shelter to be freed Iob 12.6 . Iob . 21.6 . Psal . 37.1 . Ier . 12.1 . Petit mentis puritatem , & patientiae firmitatem . Sebald . in loc . Petit ut Deus reprimat aestum cordis , & confirmat spiritum vera consolatione . Heshuius & Titleman . in loc . ) out of this Apothecaries shop take this Antidote , either thy time is short to behold it , or theirs shorter to enjoy it Psal . 73.1 , to 21. ; They are set in slippery places , & are sodainly destroyed , Psalm . 73.18 . They spend their dayes in wealth , and in a moment goe downe to the grave , Iob 21.13 . They shall soone be cut downe as the grasse , and wither as the greene herbe , Psal . 37.2 . Suppose the losse of thy Childe , or friend , husband , or Parent , against whom death hath prevailed , turne thy mirth into mourning , and make thee water thy Couch with brinish teares , loe , here is a Napkin to wipe away those teares , they have finished their course , tasted of the condition of a short life , and are now filled with length of dayes , for what is so long as aeternitie S. Bernard . Immensum est quod sine termino sequitur , & parum est quicquid finitur . Gregor . ? Hee that lends an eare , may wel conceive he heares the voyce of his friend from heaven wooing him in Christs words and name , Weepe not for mee , but weepe for your selves , Luke 23.28 . Cains long life was given him for a torment Quod Cain longaevitas indulta est , vindicta est , quod Abel sublata , corona est S. Ambr. Nunquid longa dies nobis , nisi longa dolorum Colluvies ? longi patientia carceris aetas . , Abels short life for a Crowne . Enoch the most strict Patriarke was soonest translated Gen. 5.23 , 24. ; and the proverbe is reall , God leaves the worst behind to mend Rom. 2.4 . ; as the Reaper doth some few ridges of Corne uncut downe , that it may fully ripen , ( though later then the rest ) in the heat of the Sunne . Or if the fire bee kindled in thine owne house , as smitten in thy name with unjust obloquie , give thy backe to the smiters , and thy cheekes to them that pluck off the haire , hide not thy face from shame and spitting , the Lord God will helpe thee , thou shalt not be confounded ; He is neare that justifieth thee , who is he that shall condemne thee , Esay . 50.6 , 7 , 8 , 9. The Moth shall eate them up , and in the end they finde that howsoever divine severitie hath Leaden feet , and comes flowly , shee hath Iron hands , and striketh deadly : though malice neither admits the beames of brotherly love to mollifie the heart , nor the bounds of Christianitie to restraine their tongue , but is unnaturally carried to blemish anothers fame : yet flames of justice , as hot as Iuniper coales , shal syndge their tongues to make them shut their lips Psal . 120.4 . Calumnia immortalis est : etiam tum vivit , cum esse credas mortuam . Plaut . ; Yet give not thine heart to all the words that men speake left thou heare thy servant curse thee , Eccles . 7.21 . for as thy friend sometimes gives thee more then thy due commendation , whereat thou willingly connives ; so be content if thy enemy in scorne pull away that overplus Amara sunt obloquentium linguae , nec semper veracia sunt ora laudantium . Leo de Quadrag . Serm . 5. , and therewithall a share of thy desert ; let them belch out with their mouth , let swords be in their lips , the Lord shall laugh at them , and have them in derision , Psalm . 59.7 , 8. For thy sake I have borne reproach , shame hath covered my face , I was the song of the drunkards . Thou hast known my reproach , and my shame , and dishonour , my adversaries are al before thee , Psal . 69.7.12.19 .

Finally , be the rod of correction upon thy owne body , utter no complaint that thy short time is injuriously perplexed with miseries . David craves to know his end Finis vitae vel miseriae . Iansen . in loc . , that he may not be impatient Chrystoph . Cornerus in loc . , Lord make mee to know mine end , and the measure of my dayes , what it is , that I may know how fraile I am , Psal . 39.4 Dominum rogavi , mihi meae vitae modum , qui si● futurus indica . Quando evolabo liber hoc molestiae , fastidioso è carcere . Buchan . in loc . . He would know his end , not so much his death the end consuming Finis noster vel consumens mors , consummans Deus . Lion . Carthus in loc . , as Christ the Lord of life , the end and perfection of all our desires : Or know it , not for vaine science , but in his experience feele the reward of his Patience Ostende non ad scientiam sed experientiam . Remigius in loc . . Though thy chastisement bee sharpe , it will be but short , and therein sweete Foelix imperio , foelix brevitate regendi — Orbis amor . Magnus Ausonius in obitum Tit . Vespatiani Imp. Nec me optime intelligunt , nisi qui gustaverint , loquimur tamen omnibus & habentibus tale desiderium & nondum habentibus . S. Aug. in loc . ; Thou shalt lie still & be quiet , thou shalt sleepe and be at rest , Iob 3.13 , 17 , 18 , 19. How few and evill so ever thy dayes be in the world , by Patience and rolling thy selfe upon God , they will prove unto thee both long enough , and good Semper mali dies in seculo , sed semper boni dies in Deo . S. August . in Psal 33. v. 12. Bonam rem quaerit , sed non in regione ejus illam quaerit . .

6 Finally , suffer the words of exhortation . Let the certaine knowledge of thy lifes uncertaintie and brevitie , perswade thee like a wise Steward to perfect thy accounts , and set thy house in order , for shortlie thou must dye and not live . Isay 38.1 . Mans care must be imploied in the well ordering of a double house Est domus eordis , corporis , conscientiae , & substantiae . Hugo Card . in loc . : the first externall , the other internall . In that consider the mansion-house apart , and the granaries and out-houses by themselves . 1. The externall is thy body , the palace of Christ 1 Cor . 6 , 15 , 19. , the temple of the holy Ghost . Man is the Tenant , who holds the earthly house of this Tabernacle

2 Cor . 5.1 . Metaphorae sunt elegantes , quae imbecillitatem ejus explicant . 1. Domus Terrena . 2. Tentorium est . Aret . in loc . Ideo domicilium , quod in illo ad tempus velut in conducto hospitio , versemur .

Non posset itaque Paulus miseriam & fragilitatem humani corporis , commodiore Typo pinxisse , quam hoc dum terrenum Domicilium & tabernaculum vocat . Bullinger . in loc .

in lease for termes of yeeres , or rather is a Tenant at will Ita vixi , ut non frustra me natum existinem , & ex vita ista discedo , tanquam ex hospitio , non tanquam ex domo . Commorandi enim natura diversorium nobis , non habitandi locum dedit . M.T. Ciceronis Cato Major de senectute , juxta finem . . The Reparation is at Gods owne proper charge and cost Psal . 36.6.7 . Ps. 91.11.12 . : but the orderly keeping is recommended unto man , whose care and diligence therein is accepted by the Land-lord as ful satisfaction in lieu of the rent . Provided alwaies , that hee neyther harbour any of his Lords professed enemies , in it Rom. 6.12 . : Let not sinne raigne in your mortall bodies : nor betray it into their hands : neither give yee your members as instruments of unrighteousnesse . Nor joyne any other base tenement unto it 1 Cor . 6.16 . : nor convert it to ignoble and unseemly uses , but decently to keep it in the same decorum it was at their first entrance upon it . To permit the Lord of the Manour to have free ingresse and abode at his pleasure Reu . 3.20 . : and redeliver it willingly into his hands and disposall , whensoever his expresse will therein shall be declared Acts 7.59 . .

And howsoever the ruines and decayes of this lodge be manifest , being ready in every great winde to drop downe upon our heads ; yet untill the time of the full dissolution , reparation , and readification thereof , wee must be solicitous to dedicate every roome in it , and corner of it , to the honour of our Lord , that our consolation may be the more abundant , when wee shall re-enter upon it , and it bee made a more glorious and princely habitation for us 1 Cor . 15.53 . 2 Cor . 5.1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5. .

Secondly , as wee are Tenants : so also Stewards Luk . 16.1 . Divitiae , nec verae , nec vestrae sunt . , of the granaries , the out-houses , the riches wee possesse in this world : these are to be ordered to the donors honour Pro . 3.9 , 10. . The vertues which adorne a good steward , are two .

1. Iustice , in tything out Gods part Pauperibus panem tribuens , is mittet in undas , Tempore sed sumet , gratia nulla perit . Multis largitor : nam si vastantur ab hoste ; Vrbes , multorum pauper egebis ope . Mariansic loc . red . . Cast thy bread upon the waters , for thou shalt finde it after many daies : give a portion to seaven , and also to eight , for thou knowest not what evill shall be upon the earth . Eccles . 11.1 , 2. Stretch forth thy hand to the poore , yea both thy hands to the needy . Prov. 31.20 Inops plus est quam pauper . Itaque dilectu habito , unam quidem palmam porrigat pauperi , at utranque inopi , qui rebus omnibus egeat . Mercerus in loc . .

2. Wisedome , in giving portions to his posteritie , and the ordinary to his servants Pro . 31.15 . . Beleeving Abraham made his will , and blessed his children with a scantling of temporall blessings , even whiles hee yet lived , Gen. 25.5 , 6. Hee burnt the bones of dissention , and made void the Lawyers fee , before hee gave up the ghoast . The good Patriarke Iacob made his testament , wherein ( as you may reade in the office upon record , Gen. 49.28 . ) hee blessed his happy seed with severall blessings . King David , the man after Gods owne heart , made , and himselfe published his last will concerning his sonne , and heyre apparent Salomon 1 Kings 1.38 . . The Sonne of God , to warrant and commend the same course unto the sonnes of men , made and left his Testament unto us , and gave severall large legacies before his death . Peace I leave with you , my peace I give unto you , Ioh . 14.27 Dedit viam pacis , & d●bit patriam pacis . . There is a temporall peace Pax est temporis & aeternitatis , relinquo pa●e● transituram , do mansuram . Pelargus in loc . ex Greg . Mag. that hee left unto us , and an eternall peace , that hee will give unto us : Hee left us in peace , that when hee returnes he may finde us in peace Hoc est dicere , In pace vos dimisi , in pace vos inveniam . Proficiscens voluit dare , quod rediens desiderabat in omnibus invenire . Chrysol . Ser . 53. : one chiefe way to preserve peace among men , is wisely and justly to divide the inheritance betwixt the brothers Luke 12.13 , 14. , and friends , whiles they are thine to dispose .

Wee reade of none but of the wicked foole , whose substance was not regulated , and ordered , whose house was out of order , unto whom it was said , at the houre of his death , whose shall those things be , that thou hast provided ? Luke 12.20 .

Thirdly , but above all , the principall care must wait upon the well ordering of the conscience and soule , that internall habitation which invests the body into an eternall mansion . Which howsoever named last , as men use to attend it least , yet the first place belongs unto it Mat . 16.26 . : it being more honourable and excellent , the breath of Gods nostrils , the very metropolis of Gods Image , the damage whereof a world of worlds cannot repaire : As in a battaile the disorder of the vanguard , and the cowardise of the Commanders , puts the whole armie to rout ; euen so the impreparation of the Soule begets the disorder in the body and estate . The Royall example of sicke Hezekiah is recorded Esay . 38.2 . for the instruction of all men liuing , how to prepare for death ; in whom the foure most necessarie perquisites of a man departing this world , are euident .

1 His faith is manifest , by which he conceived boldnesse to approach unto the Throne of grace . He turned his face to the wall : Eschewing the avocations of his minde ; that hee might with more freedome converse with his God . Without which lively faith , it is impossible living or dying to please God , or be prepared for him . Heb . 11.6 .

2 Nor is his Faithfulnesse to walke with God Ambulare coram Deo , est vitae integritati studere , & Deo scipsum consecrare , ac si indies , imò in horas esset vitae nostrae reddenda illi ratio . Marlorat . in locum Esaiae . , every day , lesse apparent Sed interest , cui quis aut moriatur , aut vivat , quia est mors , quae causa est vivendi , & est vita quae causa est moriendi ; Nec alibi quam in hoc transitorio seculo , utrumque conquiritur : ut ex qualitate temporalium actionum , differentia retributionum , pendeat aeternarum : Moriendum ergo est diabolo , & vivendum Deo . Leo ser . 1. de resur . Dom . , he knew the last day was unknowne , that hee might feare every day to be his last . In his calling and place hee set the Lord alwaies before him , that his feet might not slide , Psalm . 16.8 . Isay 38.4 Psal . 25.15 . Donum Dei est , si quis se semper cogitat moriturum , & brevi moriturum . Iohan . Pomeran . in loc . .

3. He being conscious of his manifold failings , frailties , and transgressions , in the depth of his sorrow , hee poures out floods of teares for his offences committed against God . Hee wept sore for those aberrations , which drew the bitter sentence of death against him Faciem suam vertit ad parietem , ut corsuum effusius levaret ad Dominum . Calv . in Prophet Esay . .

4. Behold him unto whom the knees of all Israel bend , bowing his knee unto the God of Israel . Hee prayed unto the Lord , for pardon of his sinnes : strength Munit se adversus gravem , & periculosam tentationem . Idem . ibid . against temptations , and for mercy in the houre of death to receive his soule into his hands . Whosoever thus beleeues , and lives , thus walkes , weepes , and invocates the name of the Lord , how short & fraile soever his pilgrimage be Vitro fragilior , fumo levior , vento velocior . Drexel . de aeternitate . , though more brittle then glasse , lighter then smoake , swifter then the winde , whensoever God calls him to his Tribunall Iudex infallibilis propter sapientiam , inflexibilis propter iustitiam , infugibilis propter potentiam . Idem . : be death never so certainely uncertaine , or bitter to flesh and blood Mors certissima , incertissima acerbissima . Idem . : he shall inherit the crowne of glory , in the kingdome of heaven : And though here hee had dayes without length , there hee shall enjoy length without dayes Vbi non erit mors ; non erit defectus , non erit dies transiens , sed manens ; quia nec hesterno praeceditur , nec crastino impellitur . S. Aug. in . Psal . 38. . Here the least Palme can measure his dayes , there nothing great enough to measure his happinesse : here his age is nothing before the Lord , there it shall be somewhat before him : here are short termes and long molestations , there shall be a terme and period put to all miseries , and a plenarie enioying of his presence , where is fulnesse of joy , and at his right hand , there are pleasures for evermore , Psal . 16.11 .

I must take leave of Mans Mortali●y , to salute an ancient servant and retainer of Adam , hight vanity , Verily every man at his best state , is altogether vanity .

Whence learne Doct . 2. That man with all his worldly Pompe & glory is nothing but a meere vanity . The gradation used by this sacred pen ●s singular , upon the Scales whereof wee will strive to climbe to the height of this truth . ● That every man is vanity . 2 That every man ●t his Best state is vanity . 3 That it is a most undoubted truth , that every man in all estates , is altogether vanity . There is a threefold vanity Naturae , culpae , miseriae . Mart . Sebald . in loc Essentiae , culpae , poenae . Hugo Card . in loc . , First of Creation , Second of transgression , the third of Condition . Man in his Innocency , and excellency of his Creation , seemes not to be void of vanity , for as his age is nothing before the Lord Duratio mea , & consistentia nulla est . Osorius Tom . 3. concione in Festo beatae Mariae , juxta finem . , so man himselfe compared with God his Creator , is nothing but vanity Nihil est , quia solus Deus est , qui est . Quicquid extra Deum est ad ipsum collatum nihil est . Hopper . in loc . Suscipiens altiori mente claritatem tuam , pro nihilo judicaui substantiam meam . S. Hieron . Nihil enim est omne quamvis magnum sit , quicquid ex nihilo est . Origen . Ante te , te vidente & cognoscente . Genebrard . in loc . . Behold , he put no trust in his servants , and his Angels Mercerus , Zanchius , Calvin . Vrsin . de bonis Angelis exponunt . Hebr . authoritate ducti Aben . Ezra & Kymhi . , he charged with folly . Iob . 4.18 . The very glorious Angels , have nothing to glo●y in Arias Montanus vertit gloriationem . in Bibl . , if they stand in competition with their ●overaigne Lord : So their light {αβγδ} Significat etiam lumen . Piscator in loc . , is not cleare from darkenesse , So their wisdome Si eos examinare velit , & secum comparare , non habens rationem dotium , & donorum quae in illos contulit , inveniat eos flolidos , mancos & vanos . Mercerus in loc . pu●ity , perfection , is not free from all folly and weakenesse . God put no trust in his servants , ●rusted them not with such a veritie , stabilitie , ●r firmenesse of Nature by Creation , that they were independent , and free from all possibi●ity and danger of a fall . Immutability of nature was not their boone , it is by grace that now they are unchangeable in glory and Blessednesse Qui erexit hominem lapsum , dedit stanti Angels , ne labaretur . Sic illum à captivitate eruens , sicut hunc à captivitate defendens ; & hac ratione fuit aequè utrique redemptio , solvent illum , servans istum . S. Bern . de Christo . In their owne nature ( by it selfe considered ) their Stedfastnesse was not without possibility to vary In Angelis reperit flolliditatem : id est , Naturam quae ad defectum per se tendit , vanitatem . Mercerus in loc . , from the point of Happinesse , and what is that mutabilitie , but vanity ?

And if the Cherubims and Seraphins doe cover their faces and feet Esay . 6.2 . : their faces as unable to behold the infinite glory of Him that sits upon the Throne : and their feet , as being imperfect and vaine , if they were compared with Him : how much more may vanitie be attributed to them , who dwell in houses of clay , whose foundation is in the dust , which are crushed before the moath ? Iob 4.19 . The very name {αβγδ} in conjugat . Kal . est rubescere . Adam ab Adamah , Gen 1.26 . ut homo ab humo . Rungius in loc . Adam factus humo , nomina coepit homo . Pezel . in loc . , and frame of man imports no lesse then vanitie . Adam being created of a peece of red clay , yea of the dust of the ground . Gen. 2.7 . then which , what is more perishing , what is more vanishing ? As the demonstration is evident , that nothing is more fading then a Flower , which withers by the very breath of the Basiliske Necat frutices , non contractos modo , verum & afflatos exurit herbas , rumpit saxa . Plin . Nat. Hist . lib . 8. cap . 21. ; so Adam being blasted with the breath of the Serpent , and slaine with his very first aspect , bewraied the vanity which lay tapissed and harboured in his Nature , and so brought upon himselfe a second & worse kinde of vanity , vanity of Transgression and guilt .

For whereas the vanity of his Creation was but comparatiue , deserving that denomination onely as it stood in collation with Gods infinite puritie and unchangeablenesse {αβγδ} . : Now since his vacillation , irregular , and retrograde motion , his ambitious thoughts being whirled about the voluble Sphaere of Sathans subtile perswasion , having forsaken the Center of fixed constancy , hee hath justly purchased to the dishonour of himselfe and his wretched prosterity ; the infamous brand of meere vanitie Ecce , nunc in aperto est . Hugo Card in loc . In that all things are made subject to vanity , it shewes mans vanity , and Gods anger against him . Beza in Rom. 8.20 . Valentia . Lorin . . The heire apparant of the world is exiled Paradise , his dominion forfeited into the Kings hands , his glory is clothed with ignominie & shame , & as Ch am dirided his fathers nakednes Gen. 9.22 . , so all the creatures insult over his Apostasie , saying , Art thou become weak as we ? Art thou become like one of us ? Thou hast said in thy heart , I will ascend into heaven , I will exalt my throne above the starres of God : I will ascend upon the heights of the clouds : I will be like the most High : yet now thou art brought downe to hell , the worme is spread under thee , and the wormes cover thee , Isa . 14.10.11 . &c. Nor was this originall calamitie onely personall , but specificall and common to us all . For as the New Testament was wrapped up in the old for the space of almost foure thousand yeares Christoph . Helvicus in Cronol . , and afterwards revealed : and as Levi was yet in the Loines of his father Abraham when Melchisedeck mett him . Heb . 7.10 . So were all we in the Loines of Adam when he stood , and when he fell . He was not onely the father of all living , but the roote of all mankind , and wee are the branches , we are the streames , and hee the Ocean ; of our verity , of our vanity . He with us , and we together with him , make but one perfect Adam Communicatione speciei omnes homines sunt unus homo . Peccavimus non voluntate quidem nostra , sed voluntate illius , cum quo & in quo cramus unus homo , eoque una omnium voluntas , sic Adami peccatum , non tam alienum est , quam cujusque hominis suum , nec tam fuit Adae proprium , quam sit omnium hominum commune . Porphyr . ; who climbing up to the Altar Exod . 20.26 . of majesty , upon the staires of sinne , his filthinesse was discovered , and with Reuben Gen. 49.3 . , presuming to goe up to his fathers bed of glory , ( which admits no corrivall ) became light as water , lost his dignity and excellency , and hath cloathed us all , and himselfe with a third sort of vanitie , chiefely specified in the text , vanitie of Condition : from which none can bee exempted .

Every man {αβγδ} , ( saith the Prophet ) is vanitie , every man living {αβγδ} . Sept. , is vanitie , whether sinner or Saint Si peccator est , & in delitijs fluxerit , vanitati subsistit , si justus est , vana est ei nihilominus vita presens . S. Hieron . in loc . Eccles . 9.2 . Nec mirum exterius nullo discrimine justus , Distat ab injusto , tristia laeta eadem Eveniunt eadem sors est aequalis utrique Sive colant divos , crimina seu placeant . Marianus . , every one so soone as hee is enobled with the name of a man , so long as he retaines the appellation of a man , in his birth ; life and death , is inheritour of this title man-vanitie ; or vaine-man . The plentifull showres of teares which stand in our eyes when wee come from the wombe , and when we draw to the tombe , are faithfull witnesses of mans vanitie De utero matrum vagientes , & lachrymantes egredimur . Buchol . Cronol . Prolegom . . Wee bid the world good-morrow with griefe , and good-night with a groane .

Adam the Proto-vanatist , having upon his owne experience received this veritie as an article of his Creed , engraves the lessō in Capitall Letters , for all men to reade , upon the transparent brow of his second sonne , whom he named Abel Sic Euangel . {αβγδ} . Mat . 23.35 . & 70. sed Haeb . {αβγδ} Quae vox vanitatem signif . Eccles . 1.1 . , vanitie . A true spectacle of vanitie : his conception and nativitie are so slenderly described , in comparison of Caines , as though they neyther deserved the memoriall , nor he the name of a man Rungius in loc . Gen 4. . And Adam knew his wife , and shee conceived and bare Caine , and said , I have gotten a man from the Lord . Eve words it of Cain : but concerning his Brother here 's all wee finde ; And shee againe bare his brother Abel Ad miserias generis humani denotandas , nomen hoc referunt . Idem . Vt in Cain testata fuit suum gaudium ; hic est filius meus , in quo laetitia est , in quo mihi sancta voluptas , sic Abel nonine Vanitatis & miseriarum generis humani monumenta Eva extare voluerit . Pezel . in loc . . Gen. 4.2 . If the Parents partiall affection transported them to love the elder before the better , how vaine was that love ? If to over-looke Abel , whose sacrifice God accepted , whom sacrificed God crowned , and to expect from Caines loynes , a David to kill Goliah , to breake the Serpents head , how vaine was that hope ? If upon the true insight of mans misery and vanitie Forsan ut ex eo in memoriam rediret , vitam hominum meram esse vanitatem , vel quia in eo non posuerit spem promissionis factae de s●mine sicut in Cain . Sanctes Pagnin . in Thesaur . in Rad . , they imposed the name in the nonage of the world , when vanitie was but newly crept into it ; if wee apprehend it not in the dotage of the world , when all things in a manner are crept out but vanitie : Are wee not convicted of sleeping in vanitie ? The very same word doth also originally import , a soone vanishing vapour , or breath Res quae non est quidpiam , aut quae citò desinit , ut flatus qui exit ab ore , sic enim halitum infantum appellant , Sanctes Pagnin . {αβγδ} Symmach . . A blast , or smoake , that eyther is not , or of such short continuance , as though is were not . Such a puffe of breath , such a vapour , was Abel , whose soule was sent crying to heaven against the fratricide of Caines unnaturall murtherous hand : whom unexpected death , by dreadlesse meanes , exempted from all vanitie , that hee might preach this Text from heaven , if not by word of mouth , yet by his brothers wrath , that Every man is vanitie . For , what is your life ? It is even a vapour , that appeareth for a little time , and then vanisheth away , Iames 4.14 .

Thus we are come to the second scale of the gradation , that every man is altogether vanity {αβγδ} . Septuag . . The holy Spirit is pleased elsewhere to speake more sparingly as it were in fauour of man , he discovers the nakednesse , but yet comes backward to cast a garment of Lenitie over it , that somewhat shadowes the shame of it . Man is like to vanity Psalm . 144.4 . their dayes consume in vanity Psal . 78.33 . Man is vanity Psalm . 39.11 . but here with open mouth and unveiled termes full of Emphasie , he proclaimes every man to be abstracted vanity , and as if that were short , he adds , he is all vanity , meere vanity , all manner of vanity , altogether vanity . Nothing else , nothing lesse ; yea somewhat more then vanity , lighter then vanity Psalm . 62.9 . and vanitie of vanities . Eccles . 1.1 . And that no place of dubitation may be left , he ushers the Doctrine into our hearts with a strong asseveration

{αβγδ} Jnitio sententiae affirmativa particula est . Pagnin . Thesaur . Nec adornationi tantum inservit . Lorin . in loc .

Sed explicationi & confirmationi . {αβγδ} non est superfluum . Euthym . in . loc ,

, assuredly , in truth , without all controversie man is altogether vanity . When Abraham lookt upon the face of God , whose bright reflecting beames , doe most truly represent unto man his naturall proportion and shape , hee confest himselfe upon the very first aspect , to be but dust and ashes . Gen. 18.28 . In which perfect glasse of purity , whosoever delights to contemplate his owne excellency , shall find engraven with the point of a Diamond , that the Nations are as a drop of a bucket , and are counted as the small dust of the ballance . All nations are before him as nothing , and they are counted to him lesse , then nothing , and vanity , Esay . 40.15.17 Psal . 89.6 . & 113.5 . . What is man that thou art mindefull of him ? Psalm . 8.4 . What is man ? the very question relisheth of some contempt ; implies some vanity , and deficiency of worth . Yea it reveales mans Imbecillity , Calamity and Misery ; whose frame is as brittle as glasse {αβγδ} Psal . 8.4 . Homo , ab infirmitate & fragilitate dictus . Sanct . Pag . in Thes●u . Homo appellatur , quod omnibus diebus vitae suae doleat . Idem . , whose name Vel homo , ob oblivione : quia citò in oblivionem adducatur . Euseb de praeparat , Euangel . , is as soone forgot as a Tale that is told . Let the heathen know they are but men Jn hoc nomine Enoseb , homine ●rumna notatur & miseria , infirmus , insanabilis , morbidas . Sanct . Pagn . , Psalm . 9.20 . But men ! why ? is that so sleight a matter ? what is man ? Earth , earth , earth . Ier . 22.29 . Earth by Creation , earth by Conversation , and earth by Dissolution and resolution into dust , Gen. 3.19 . from thence he was raised , thither he is falne , and thither he is falling . Earth in his understanding , earth in his affections , earth in his will ; and as the swift Spheares of heaven runne round about the earth {αβγδ} ex radice . {αβγδ} , Quod est currere ; quod super terram currat , & circundet cam jugiter sphaera . Sanct . Pagnin . Terra , quod teratur . insimum & ignobilissimum elementum . Idem . , yet take no part thereof away with them ; so man toyles himselfe from coast to coast Per mare per terras , &c. , and runs from port to port to heape up riches , yet caries away no more but his borrowed winding-sheet . And as the earth is the most remote from the Sunne , and so the basest of all the Elements , so since sinne hath made a separation betwixt God & man , as his transgressions find him , so they leave him the most miserable of all creatures . I said in my heart , concerning the estate of the sonnes of men , that God might manifest them , and that they might see that they themselves are beasts , Eccles . 3.18 . Man is a Map of miserie , a tragedie of calamitie Homo calamitatis fabula , infoelicitatis tabula . Epictetus . . Nor doe I speake this of my selfe alone ( saith David ) but of all men whatsoever , wheresoever , even of the most excellent man , though in place eminent , crowned with rare endowments , and singularly qualified Ioh . Brent . in loc . : nor grace , nor place , nor greatnesse , nor goodnesse , can priviledge them from this sentence and censure , that Every man is altogether vanitie Quanta vis in repubitemporum fit , quanta varietas rerum , quam incerti exitus , quam flexibiles hominum voluntates , quid insidiarum , quid vanitatis in vita sit , non dubito quin cogites . Cicero epist. lib . 2. epist. 8. ad Curionem . Tribun . .

Thus are wee met with the last staire of this truth , that Every man in his best estate , yea in all estates , is altogether vanitie .

Nor doth the stabilitie unto which man attaines in this life , any whit impeach this veritie , that every man is vanitie . The same Wisedome which foresaw the secret cavillation , doth shape a resolution unto it , by way of prevention , that every man is vanitie , though hee be in his very best state standing {αβγδ} ex {αβγδ} stetit , {αβγδ} Symmach . , yea , standing upright {αβγδ} . erectus , fixus , & affiixus . Aquila . in that estate Zach. 11.16 . Instar columnae , quae alicubi constituta , firma suo loco & immota manet . Sic Gen. 28.18 . Matsebáh . sig . monumentum . Et {αβγδ} accipitur pro columna quae in sepulchris statuebatur , aut in qua faedera inscribebantur , aut alia quae posteritati mandare cuperent . : Stedfast & firme , as a columne of marble , which is of a durable , substance , fastned to its place and setled . Indeed as the Marble attaines not its perfection in a short tract of time ; so being framed by the skilfull hand out of the naturall quarry , into a pillar , statue , or monument , is a lasting remembrance unto posteritie for many ages , of renowned persons , heroicall exploits , the studies and industrie of Antiquitie . Those Memphian Pyramides , the Regall Sepulchres of the Egyptian Kings Quum Ptolomeorum manes , seriemque pudendam , Pyramides claudant . Lucan . Herodotus lib . 2. Euterpe . pag . 103 , 142. especially , 155 , 156. The Pyramides are built of Theban marble , by King Cheops , who became so poore thereby , that he was compelled ( {αβγδ} ) to prostitute his daughter for lacke of money . One of them was 20 yeares in building , 366000 men continually wrought upon it . It containes eight acres of ground at the bottome , and ascended by 255 steps , each being three foot in height and a portionable breadth , Sandys relation of a iourney , lib . 2. ubi plu●a ex Herodoto . , being too great a morsell for time to devour , have stood three thousand two hundred yeeres : but man never continueth in one stay , but vanisheth as a shadow Iob 14.2 . How many Kings and changes hath Egypt seene since Pharaoh , and Cheops ? How many millions of men hath the Grave swallowed up , since those tombes were erected ? How many generations are vanished and forgotten ? yet those Grave-stones are rather old then ruinous . In which touch-stones , as we may reade the engraven names of their Monarchs : so wee shall finde cleare proofes of this Text , that every man is vanitie . For , as they are the barbarous monuments of prodigalitie , ostentation , and vaine-glory ; so the prime moving cause of their erection , was the consideration of mans frailtie , who in an instant , buds , blowes , and withereth . Whence sprung their endevours , by such sumptuous and magnificent structures in spight of Death , to give unto their names and fames eternitie : and is not this vanitie ?

Wherin did Nimrods folly more appeare , then in laying the foundation of that high-towring turret of Babylon ? Gen. 11.4 . It was to get a Name , and a name they got , but of folly and vanitie . Wherein did Absolon more offer his vaine-glory to the worlds view , then in the creation and adoption of a pillar , to keepe his name in remembrance ? 2 Sam . 18.18 . Wherein doe the children of the world , more publish their owne vanitie , then in baptizing their lands by their owne names ? Psal . 49.11 . If nothing else could conclude man to be vaine , the very enterprize to immortalize his name , by things subject to corruption and mortality , would convince him to be altogether vanity . For suppose thy urne and grave escape the enemies ransacking hand Herod the great , opened King Davids Sepulcher in hope to find some treasure , whence he tooke pretious attire , and ornaments of gold , where two of his trusty searchers were consumed with fire that came out thereof . Iosephus lib . 16 cap . 11. : or a venerable regard unto the ruines of the soules Lordly-Pallace ( the now rotten bones below , ) restraine the Curious or covetous surviver from removing a stone above thee from its place ; yet the very worme which cals thee Brother in the grave , will comsume thy Crest and Escutcheon over thee : the very steame of thy rotten Carkeise underneath will ascend to ruine thy costly Trophey , the dust will cover it , the cold humide Northren wind will weare it out . And as thou falls to the earth , thorow the superfluity of noxious humours , so that will fall after thee to the ground by its owne weight Nam neque Pyramidum sumptus ad siderae ducti : Nec Iovis Elei coelum imitata domus , Nec Mansolei dives fortuna sepulchri , Mortis ab extrema conditione vacant . Propertius lib . 3. eleg . 2. . And if Marble pillars fall , that stand so fast , man in his best estate cannot long stand , but needes must fall .

The three estates of man , which by the world are esteemed best Haec tria pro terno numine mundus habet . Balthol . Coppen . in loc . , are eyther , 1 , Health , in maturity of yeeres , and strength : or 2 , Riches and prosperitie : or 3 , Honour and mundane glory . Now in all these conditions the condition of man is vaine Jn omnibus , per omnia , per universosque suos affectus . Folengius in loc . , yea , most vaine Vanus , id est , Vanissimus . Genebrard . in loc . , an universe of vanitie Vanitatis quaedam universitas . I●nson . in loc . Tota vanitas est , universus hominis status . Zuinglius in loc . : for , as man is not unfitly called a little world {αβγδ} . , as comprehending in himselfe , the excellencies of all things in the great world : His head resembling the Heavens , his eye the Sunne , his heat the fire , his breath the ayre , his heart the earth and center , his blood the sea and pleasant rivers , that refresh the earth ; and the like : so he more justly merits to be stiled a world of vanitie , as being the very proper center wherin all the severall lines of vanitie that are scattered thorow the earth , doe meet and terminate . Whether his affections doe adhaere to the world , or are transilient and surmount the world , aspiring higher then this Chaos of vanitie , even Iduthun himselfe Cui tres Psalmi inscripti . Ps. 39 , & 62 , & 77. is vanitie of vanities Omnis homo , haerens & tranfiliens , & ipse Jduthun , est vanitas vanitatum . S. Aug in loc . : that as hee hath the excellencies of other creatures to honour him , so hee being farced with their vanities , may be humbled . Hee is vaine within Est vanitas , cogitationis , locutionis , & operationis . Hugo Card . in loc . , and vaine without : vaine in thought , his heart being a Labyrinth , wherein are more turnings Ps 94.19 . , crosse-wayes , & windings , then can be discovered or related : vanitie in his lips , the ensignes of vanitie : vanitie in his wayes , each action being a large copie of vanitie . In his rationall part is vanitie , inconstancie in his desires and studies , variety of consultations and resolutions . All his senses preach it unto us ; the blindnes of the eye , deafenesse of the eare , lamenes of the hand , & numnesse of the joynts . In the vegetative facultie is alternation Lorin . in loc . , decretion , hunger : hee rolls about the world with the Sunne , varies as the winde , shifts corners , ebbs as the water , changeth as the Moone Aben Ezra , mutationem hanc quotidianam adfert , ad ostendendum hominem in imagine pertransire . Aret . Felinus in loc . . The vaine world converts her proselytes into vanitie , and they transforme the world into a new vanitie Mundus efficit vanitantes , & ipsi vanitantes faciunt vanitatem ; cum mundus homines quos decipit vanos efficiat , & homines mundum quem ipsi diligunt , in vanitatem vertant . Petrus Damianus Epistol . lib . 4. Epist. 15. . The creature is subject to vanitie . Rom. 8.20 Vel natura , vel ministerio : eo quod vanit plurimum usibus , tam turpibus injustis , & impiis submersa sit . Tertul . de cor . Mil . cap 8. Seipso , et creaturis , male utitur . Ianson . in loc . . As Holiness to the Lord was engraven upon Aarons breast-plate , Exod . 28.36 . so upon mans fore-head is written , Man is altogether vanitie . A theame frequently handled in the Academies and bookes of Heathens , wherein he hath commenced Graduate , and is sent abroad with the addition of these titles , the Spoile of times , Fortunes May-game Charon of wisedome cap . 36. , the ballance of envy , the spectacle of miserie , the picture of Inconstancie {αβγδ} . , a meere Fantasie : the vaine dreame of a shadow {αβγδ} . Pind . : impure sperme in his originall , in his middle age a sponge of filthiness , and loathsome wormes-meat in his end . The Spring of his childhood Laertius lib . 8. in vita Pythagor . is over wet , the Summer of his youth over hot , the Autumne of his manhood over dry , the Winter of his old age over cold . And now let us take up the parts in order .

1. His life , health , and strength are vanitie Omnis homo vanitas , id est , vita ejus . Euthym . in loc . Quod brevis est vita , quod vilis natura , quod vanitate subjecta , ostendit . Universa vanitas , id est , omni vanitate plenus . Vanitas in affectione interiori , in possessione exteriori . Ghorran . Manuscript . in loc . in instructiss . Biblioth . Oxoniens . , Dayes of the life of thy vanitie , Eccles . 9.9 . because life is short , therefore vaine , is the inference of the Text . To glory in strength , is to bragge of strong fetters Qui gloriatur in viribus corporis , gloriatur in viribus carceris . Petrar . lib . 1. de remed . , and to boast of vanitie . Let not the wise man glory in his wisedome , nor the mightie man in his might , nor the rich man in his riches , Ier . 9.23 . The Lyon is stronger upon the Earth , the Whale in the Sea , the Serpent Scalig . Subt . exer . 189 5. de Alatis Serpentibus . in the Ayre , the Salamander in the Fire . Hee is not so beautifull as the Peacocks wings Iob . 39.13 , alias 16 , as the Lilly of the field ; not so swift as the Dromedary Isaiah 60.6 . ; the Nightingale hath a sweeter voice ; the Earth is richer ; the Serpent is his patterne Mat . 10.16 . Sunt qui scire volunt ut sciant , & turpis curiositas est , alij ut sciantur ipsi , & turpis vanitas est , alij ut scientiam vendant , & turpis quaestus est , alij ut adificent & charitas est , alij ut aedificentur , et prudentia est . S. Bern . for wisedome ; for innocency the Dove . The small point of a Steeletto deprived Eglon of his life and crowne Iudges 3.21 . ; a little stone out of the brooke 1 Sam . 17.40 . , conquered Goliah that huge Philistian Champion . Anacreon the Poet was in a moment choaked with the stone of a Reisin . And Fabius a grave Senatour in drinking a draught of milke was strangled with a haire Plin . Nat. Hist . lib . 7. cap 7. . Herod was eaten up of Lice , Antiochus with wormes 2 Machab . 9.9 . , and the murmuring Hebrewes perished in the Wildernes with the sting of a Serpent , Numb . 21.6 . The dayes of their youth the Lord shortned , and covered them with shame , Psal . 89.45 .

2. Prosperitie and riches are yet more vaine then strength . Surely every man walketh in a vaine shew , surely they are disquieted in vaine : hee heapeth up riches , and knoweth not who shall gather them , Psal . 39.6 Vanitas est , quia thesaurizat . Bruno Carthusiae Patriar . in loc . . There is a threefold Image Creationis , recreationis , similitudinis . Hugo Card . in loc . , of Creation , Regeneration , Representation . In this last , there is the shew of a man , but no man Larva hominis , sed non homo . Brentius in loc . . Man walkes in an Image In imagine pertransit , quasi picta imago , minatur se magna velle facere , virtutum palatia ingredi , sed simulat tantum , & contra vitiorum monstra velle pugnare , & tamen omnia simulacra sunt . Avendanus in loc . in explicat . Psal . 118. tractat . 5. , as an Image : in a shadow , as a shadow Indigentia luminis , assistentia frigoris , & apparentia corporis . Holkot . in sap . cap . 2. v. 5. Lectio . 19. : wherein there wants three things , Light , heat , and substance . So , man wants light in his understanding , hee knowes but in part , and that knowledge is but as light thorow a cranny , in comparison of that we shall enjoy , like the light of the Sunne in the open aire : his braines are often emptie , whose barnes are full . And when his spirit is wounded , and cold , by reason of Gods absence , who hath turned away his face , his earthly trash can yeeld him no comfort , nor heat . One drop of Aqua-vitae will more cheare his spirits , then thousands of gold and silver will comfort his sicke-sinfull soule . Finally , there is an apparence of a substance , but no existence In umbra nihil firmi , solidi , & veri li●●m habeat . Peter . Mart . in loc . . Riches promise fulnesse and sacietie , but the performance is emptinesse ; they profer happinesse , but produce heavinesse and disquietnesse . Hee disquiets himselfe in vaine . Hee that hath the Sunne in his face , hath the shadow behinde his backe : and whosoever beholding Christ the Sunne of Righteousnesse Malachie 4.2 . , walkes towards heaven , despiseth Mammon the god of this world . But as he that hath the shadow before him , leaves the Sunne behind him : so hee that loveth this world , hates Christ : and is not that vanity , to pursue nothing , to snatch at a shadow ; to embrace Emptinesse , and forsake the fountaine of riches ? And as Sauls Pursevants , found not David , but onely an Image in his bed . 1 Sam . 19.16 . So the worldly minded man , is not so much a man , as the shadow and Picture of a man Vani dicuntur Mendaces & infidi , Levia inaniáque pro gravibus & veris , astutissimè componentes . Vet . Grammatici Agellius . .

Yet this vanitude Vanitudo : pro vanitate . Non . Marcellinus cap . 1. , is increased not onely by the toyle and wearisomnesse in collecting an estate , but also much more by the perplexed ignorance , who shall afterwards enjoy it Shnepius in loc . . Cineas that excellent Orator disswading Pyrrhus from his expedition against the Romans , demanded of him , what hee would doe , when hee had conquered them ? To whom the King answerd ; I will over-runne all Italy . Graece and Barbarie , and what shall wee doe next ? I will foradge Cicilia . And what remaines to bee done then ? O then saith the covetous Prince , wee will true at ease , eate , drinke , and be Ioviall together every day . And why ( said Cineas ) may we not eate and drinke , and be merry with lesse , enjoy what wee have with comfort , and eschew those inevitable labours and perills Et nunquid obstat , quo minus compotemus , atque atium inter nos traducamus ? Plutarch in vita Pyrth . ? whereby hee wittily checked the insatiable desire of honour and wealth , not being content with sufficient , but hunting after more to our own great disquietnesse , and vexation of Spirit . And howsoever the swelling flood of riches rise up to the height , and ouerflow the Bankes with Nilus Psalm . 4.7 . , yet when Gods hand plucks up the Sluce of adversity , and opens the Floodgates of his anger upon us ; wee lose as much in one ebbe , as all the spring-tydes of our whole life brought in , whereby our vanity is made Inanity & emptinesse Omnis homo vanitas , id est , nihil nisi inanitas . Felinus in loc . . Tyrus a rich City , Babylon full of treasure , Iob a mighty man , yet all impoverished in a Night . Nor is hee truly rich that keepes his wealth in safety , but hee that vseth it aright , to benefit others and advance Gods glory {αβγδ} . Menander . Cui mens opesque sunt simul , beatus est : Hic namque ritè solus illis utitur . Sic reddit H. Stephanus . Drusius Proverbiorum classis 2. lib . 1. Pro . 109. . To labour for that , the benefit whereof may accrew to thy selfe is Prudence ; but to beate the bush , that another may catch the Bird , is vanity and folly Fides Deo militat , evaritia tentatori : ista congerit quod sibi prosit , illa quod proficiat alicni . S. Ambr. in loc . . Where the priviledge of birth , Adoption , or inheritance entitles posterity to the riches of their Ancientry , the moderate providence is not onely allowable , but necessary ; but to hoard up for an unknowne heire , is the very Quintessence of vanity , Eccles . 4.8 Thesaurat nescit an furibus , hostibus , extraneis , aut Fisco . Iohan . de Turre cremata in loc . . This Divinity is with some rather held to be vanity . Paul is mad if hee vent such wares , the Prophet mad , if he powre out such Oyle 2 King . 9.11 . Delirare tibi videor avare cum haec loquor : anicularia tibi videntur haec verba . S. Aug. in loc . . Nay rather thou art mad , who gathers shadowes , till thou bee gathered to thy fathers , and preiest so long upon that which is not thy owne ; that death arrests thee , and hell claimes its owne . O God forbid ( Sir ) pray for us , we beleeve in God Absit Episcope , bonum opta , ora pro nobis , absit vt contingat , credo in Deum . Credis in Deum , & non credis ipsi Deo ? Idem . . Dost thou beleeve in God who is the eternall verity , and wilt thou not beleeve his word which affirmes the sollicitous acquisition of riches to be vanity ? Speake man , for whom dost thou take such wonderfull paines to gather them ? For my Children and family

Haec vox pietatis est , excusatio iniquitatis . Idem .

Servas transituras transituris , imo transiens transeuntibus . Idem .

. I expected that common answer which hath indeed the forme of Piety , but is nothing else save the colour and cover of thine Iniquitie and vanity : for in gathering perishing riches , thou dost perish , as they also perish , for whom they are heaped up , who consume like a Snaile that melteth , and like the untimely birth of a woman , that hath not seene the Sunne . Psame 58.8 .

Finally , Honour is a condition of the most uncertainty , of the greatest vanity ; whereof Sathan pretends to have the next advouzon , and to institute and induct at his pleasure Luke 4.6 . . Health is a happinesse , Riches is some substance ; but Honour , is a vaine puffe of breath , spoiled with the least wrincle of the Kings countenance , or the sudden turning of his eye . To day who is in honour but Haman ? To morrow the King is angry , the fauourites face is covered , hee is sent away from Court , and hanged Ester . 7.8 . Quem dies vtait veniens superbum : Hunc dies vidit fagiens jacentem . Sen. Thyest . Act 3 Chorus . Nemo confidat nimium secundis . Idem . . To day Nabucadnezzer jets it on his house top , as if hee expected heavenly majestie to send an Embassadour to salute him ; with Haile glory of the world : But in an instant he is turned out of possession , to eate grasse among beasts {αβγδ} . Aristoph . {αβγδ} . Foelicitas hoc ipso die , vel bora , nascitur , ac perit . Zehner . Adag Cent. 2. Adag 77. : How great was the honour and glory of Pharoh , Senacherib , Alexander , Cyrus , & how speedily did it vanish away as smoake {αβγδ} . Tempus multa , velintra vnius diei , spatium mutat . Idem . ? Wee see the crowne of honour set with great solemnity upon the head , but we feele not the waight of it ; which makes him sweate that weares it . We behold the golden Pantophle , but feele not how greiuously it pincheth the foote

Jn hoc mundo omnia turbida , molesta , aspera , confusa . Foleng . in loc .

Plena sunt omnia periculis , plena laqueis , incitant cupiditates , infidiantur illecchra , blandiuntur lucra , damra deterrent . Leo de quadrag . ser . 5.

. The scourge of envie from below , and ambition from above , doe hunt honour to death Eccles . 4.4 . . What shall I say more ? The vast ruines of large townes , populous Cities , famous Kingdomes , renowned Monarchies , are loud trumpeters , and Heralds proclaming every man in his best estate to bee altogether vanity .

Reason . 1. Whosoever will take a turne in Salomons Paradise , shall distinctly view more Knots of vanity then here are flowers in this small Posey gathered by a skillesse hand . For when we consider either the labour and sorrow of mortall men Eccles . 2.23 . upon earth , {αβγδ} . or the envie of one man against the prosperity of another . Eccles . 4.4 . or the common condition of all men , which hath not learned to distinguish betwixt good and bad , Eccles 8.14 . betwixt man and beast , Eccles . 3.19 . or how the generations of the ungodly , who were buried , are supplied and raised againe to life and memory , by succeeding Sinfull-posterity , whereas the righteous who have walked with God , are taken away , and no man regardeth it , or layes it to heart , Eccles . 8.10 Versiculus subobscurus , & valde intriratus . Vbi vix duo inter Hebraeos inter se consentiunt : nobis inter omnes placet . Aben Ezra qui sic expon . Mercerus in loc . . or the change of all things in the world , and their insufficiency , eyther to satisfie our desires , hopes , wils , or procure us setled content , in life or death : will easily yeeld the buckler without more resistance ; and subscribe that every man , in his best state is altogether vanity O fallacem hominum spem ! fragilemque fortunam , & inanes nostras contentiones quae in medio spario saepe fraguntur , & corruant , et ante in ipso cursu obruuntur , quam portum conspicere potuerunt . Cicero de Oratore lib . 3. α . .

That is vaine which cannot by its owne power and strength attaine to that end for which it was ordained Vanum autem est , quod est ordinatum ad aliquid sicut ad finem , & non potest attingere finem suum . Arist . 2. Physic . . God himselfe that formed the earth , hee created it not in vaine , he formed it to be inhabited , Isay 45.18 . and it is inhabited : hee created the Sunne to rule the day , and the Moone the night , which still rejoyce as a strong man to runne their race . Psal . 19.5 . But man , what can hee doe of himselfe ? Surely all men are vaine by nature , and are ignorant of God ; and could not know the workemaster , by the worke of his hands Wisd . 13.1 . . Except the Lord build the house , they labour in vaine that build it . Except the Lord keepe the City , the watchman waketh but in vaine : to rise early and sit up late is in vaine . Psalm . 127.1 , 2. Hee may truly confesse , I have laboured in vaine , I have spent my strength for nought , and in vaine . Isay 49.4 . Our fathers have inherited lies , vanity Vanitas est quod praestare non poteritis . Marian in Ps 4.2 . Vanitatem , & mendacium appellat ; improberum iritos conatus . Heresbachius in Psal . 4.2 . , and things wherein there is no profit . Ier . 16.19 . And as in a lie , there is no more ( at the most ) but a bare colour of truth , so in these Terrestrials whereon mans heart so dotes , there is no more but a meere representation at the most of felicity , but the things themselves , after which hee turnes aside from following the Lord , are vaine things , which cannot profit nor deliver , for they are vaine . 1 Sam . 12.20 , 21. and we are vaine .

Vse . 1. As in a small opticke glasse , the quick-sight may discover a large compasse of ground , so in those few veines of vanitie which appeare ; wee may finde blood and spirit enough , to encounter that excessive Pride Miseret , atque etiam pudet astimantem , quam sit frivola animalium superbissimi origo . Plin . Nat. Hist . lib . 7. c . 7. , wherewith the flatuous humour of selfe-love Omnes videmur nobis esse belluli ; & festivi saperdae , cum simus {αβγδ} . Pro . 16.2 . Drusius Pro . classis . 2. lib . 11. Pro . 110. , and fancy to his owne conceited worth and excellency , hath blowne up the Bladders of the most men on earth . Why is earth and ashes proud , seeing that when a man dieth , he is the heire of serpents , beasts & wormes ? Ecclus . 10.12 . Why indeed Est simplex quaero , verum quaero , est germanum quaero . S. Aug in Psal . 38. ? seeing he had his rise from the earth , is preferred no higher then ashes , and shall lodge with Serpents ; yet hee powres out abominations till God overthrow him . His health , prosperity , and honour which have beene his good mistrisses for a season , so advance his swelling billowes of Pride , as though hee had hired them ever after to bee his handmaides . The calme Sea is made very tempestuous and troublesome by the blustering winds from the shore side : So when no vice can either by force make a battery to enter the Cittadell of the soule , or by sleight undermine it ; Yet pride undertakes to scale the walls , and become commander of the place Vna superbia distruit omnia . vitia quippe caetera in peccatis , superbia verò etiam in recte factis timenda est , ne illa quae laudabiliter facta sunt , ipsius laudis cupiditate amittantur . S. Aug. Tom . 2. Dioscoro . Epist. 56. Quod justitia aedificaverat Pharisaeus , superbia destruebat ; atque ideo non placuit Deo , qui placebat sibi . S. Aug. Tom . 2. Epist. 58. Paulinus Augustino : and where pride commands in chiefe , Sathan hath his Throne , iniquitie her Pallace . The Diuell casts an eye upon other sinnes as his noble Peeres ; but Pride is his favorite , the Generall of all his forces , the Rimmom unto which hee sacrificeth , unto whose Altar hee allureth all men , that they may eate of that forbidden fruit , and open their Eare , Eye , Hand , and Mouth ; to receive that breath , which changed glorious Angels into ougly Devils Humilicus , homines sanctis Angelis similes facit ; & superbia daemones ex Angelis facit . S. Aug. Tom . 4. in Append . de salutar . document exhortat . . And as Plato being sollicited to make Lawes for the Cyronensians , excused himselfe upon the point of difficulty to prescribe statutes to a people glutted with such happinesse : inferring that prosperitie will obey no Lawes : So the proud man will not yeeld obedience to God , nor vaile to any besides his owne supposed excellency Cum igitur superbia sit amor excellentiae propriae , invidia vero sit odium foelicitatis alienae , &c. S. Aug. Tom . 3. de genesi ad . literam lib . 11. de lapsu daem . . Pride compasseth them about as a chaine : violence couereth thē as a garment , they set their mouth against the heavens , and their tongue walketh thorow the earth . Psalme 73.6.9 Neptuno compedes , & Phoebo tenebras minatur . . The Vnicorne may boast of his horne ; which medcineth the poysoned streames : the Bezaar of his precious Stone Doctor Monardus Histor . de occidental . India . , the Bever of his Skin , the Panther of his Colours {αβγδ} . Quod omnium serè ferarum coloribus distinguatur , & splendeat . Becman . de Origin . linguae Lat. , the Pinke of its sweetnesse , the Tulippe of its beauty , and all other creatures of some singular excellency , onely the Mushrome-man ( which of all other vegetables wants a roote ) is like the Iaye deckt with borrowed ornaments Hor. Epist. lib . 1. Epist 3. v. 18. , hath nothing of his owne to animate pride , but rather is counselled by reason and Religion , to bee humbled for his manifold wants and exceeding vanity Plus videns mihi deesse quam adesse , cro humilior ex eo quod deest , quam elatior ex eo quod adest . Remigius in loc . . Let this faire Swanne bow his necke to behold his blacke feete , in this remarkeable Text Ecce quam notabilis , sententiosus , & fructuosus est versus . Dion . Carthus . in loc . : that whiles his eye is in the streame , the cleare water of Gods Spirit may wash away this filthy pride , and bring him to a cooler temper of moderation and modesty , in the manageing of those necessary blessings , wherewith the liberall hand of God enricheth him , and feathers his Nest Quod ritè expensum plurimum momenti habet ad persuadendum modestiam . Pellican . in loc . .

Secondly , it convinceth , and sharpely reproueth the folly of worldlings ; who trifle away their precious houres , in loathsome vanity : Like swine that roote up beds of flowers , and sweete Roses , but wallow in the mire . Their heart like a fruitfull mother conceives vanity ; their hands bring it forth , and their affections nurse , it up to their owne destruction . O yee Sonnes of men , how long will yee love vanity Turpassis vanitudine aetatem tuam . Non . Marcell . cap . 2. ? Psam . 4.2 . What iniquity have yee , or your fathers found in the Lord , that yee are gone farre from him , and have walked after vanitie , and are become vaine , Ier . 2.5 . Reasonlesse Reason is the Coach-man , vaine excuses the Chariot , and the poysoned baits of Sinne the Coursers to draw them along , and make them draw iniquitie with cords of vanitie , and sinne , as it were with a cart-rope , Isai . 5.18 . They take pleasure in the vanitie of wickednesse , Ecclus 17.30 . thinking it vaine , not to be vaine ; and vanitie to serve the Lord , Mal . 3.14 . wholly addicting themselves thereunto , till they vanish in their vanitie Cur nam ergo vanitate vanescitis ? Sic Mercetus & Arias Montanus ●●bl Haeb . Animum libido torquet , inflat gaudium , spes tollit , ac timor premit . Buchan . in loc . , Iob 27.12 . But as the Adders sting is sweet , but the venome deadly : so how sweet soever vanitie seeme unto the wicked , it will prove mortall in the end ; give them a stab under colour of Court-ship & courtesie ; 2 Sam . 3.27 . betray them as Iudas did his Master Matth . 26.49 . with a kisse .

The strumpet Vanitie is like the Apothecaries painted pot , full of ranke poyson within : she hath a virgins-face like the Harpie , but a vulturs talon to destroy , which makes incredulous persons when they returne with the account of their owne experience , to cry out , and mourne at their end , when they have consumed their flesh and their body . How have I hated instruction , and my heart despised correction ? I have not obeyed the voyce of them that taught me , nor inclined mine eare to them that instructed mee , Prov. 5.11 , 12.

Cur aliquid vidi ? Cur noxia lumina feci ?

Cur imprudenti cognita culpa mihi est ?

Nec veniam laeso numine casus habet .

Ovid . Trist . lib . 2.

. Yet who will beleeve our report ? Men chuse rather to drinke of the rivers of Damascus , then the wholsome streames of Iordan . They love vaine-Company , with Abimelech , Iudges 9.4 . and vaine-persons , with Ieroboam 2 Chron . 13 7. Qui nulla religione , nullis legibus teneri volunt . Lavater in loc . , who have not the feare of God before their eyes : whereby they become hatefull unto God Psal . 5.5 . , and an abomination unto the just Pro . 29.27 . . They inure themselves to vaine visits , pretending love , where malice is harboured in the heart . They come to the sicke man with live for ever in their mouthes ; but their heart at the same instant , saith , when shall hee dye , and his name perish ? Psal . 41.5 . They professe they are sory for his weaknes , but when he comes to see me , he speaketh vanitie and lies ver. 6. hee is no sooner out of the roome , but hee saith of the dearest childe of GOD , An evill disease cleaveth fast unto him : and now that hee lyeth , hee shall rise up no more , verse 8. Thus they recompence evill for good , and jeasting for fasting , curses for prayers , taunts for teares . When they were sicke , my cloathing was sackcloath . I humbled my soule with fasting , and my prayer returned into my owne bosome . I behaved my selfe as though hee had beene my friend , or brother . I bowed downe heavily , as one that mourneth for his mother : but in mine adversitie they rejoyced , Psal . 35.13 , 14 , 15. Such visits as love invites , are metamorphosed into vanitie , while they strive each with other in vaine complements , and in profuse prodigalitie of idle , soothing , smoothing words . They speake vanitie every one with his neighbour , with flattering lips and with a double heart doe they speake . Psal . 12.2 . Their mouth speaketh vanitie , and their right hand is a right hand of falshood . Psal . 144.8 . They speake one thing , and thinke another , which dissimulation is odious to God and man

Hoc enim celandi genus quale sit , & cujus hominis quis non videt ? Certè non aperti , non simplicis , non ingenui , non justi , non viri boni : versuti potius , obscuri , astuti , fallacis , malitiosi , callidi , veteratoris , vafri , haec tot & alia plura , nonne in utile est vitiorum subire nomina ? Cicero lib . 3. de Offic .

Quod si vituperandi sunt qui reticuerunt , quid de ijs existimandum est , qui orationis vanitatum adhibuerunt . Cicero lib . 3. de Offic .

Semper auget assentatio id , quod is , cujus ad voluntatem dicitur vult esse magnum . Quamobrem quamvis blanda ista vanitas apud cos valeat , qui ipsi illam allectant & invitant : tamen etiom graviores , constantioresque admonendi sunt , ut animadvertant , ne callida assentatione capiantur . Cicero de Amicitia . circa finem .

. They winne and weare the Bell , for good-fellowes , excellent-Companions , compleat-Gallants , merry-Greekes , among such as themselves , but their strained jollitie , and forced mirth is but madnesse , Eccles 2.2 . It is as leud as loud , as short as sharp , pricking like thornes , Nahum 1.10 Crepitus spinarum , nec jucundus , nec diuturnus , & tamen spinis exitiosus . . The triumphing of the wicked is short , and the joy of the Hypocrite but for a moment , Iob 20.5 . For eyther they be mad when they be mery , or speake lyes , or live ungodly , or else lightly forsweare themselves , Wisd . 14.27 . Thus their Sardonian laughter ends in sinne , teares and torments In Sarado insula , senes qui ad septuagesimum aetatis annum accesissent , à filijs suis ridentibus in Saturni honorem lignis caedi solebant , &c. Nat. Com lib . 1. cap . 17. .

And many who shunne all frothy , silly , and Apish complement , as unbeseeming any one that can eyther speake honestly , or is not empty of matter , and of a barren braine , yet are entangled with uncomfortable and unprofitable discourse ; such as neither God approveth , nor the hearer receiveth edification thereby Vanus est , qui etiam sine utilitate mentitur . Veter . Gram . lib . de sermone Latin . . Such unruly and vaine talkers , Titus 1.10 . never please themselves better , then in abusing their wit and abilities in foolish questions , strivings , and contentions , which are unprofitable and vaine , Titus 3.9 . But as the Fisher-man loves to cast his net in troubled waters , so those delight not in that which increaseth brotherly love , strengthens faith , and manifests a feeling , sound , and sincere conscience , but in turning aside unto vaine jangling , 1 Tim . 1.5 , 6. let such hunt after the affected title of learned , and judicious Criticks , profound Sciolists , yet God knoweth vaine men , hee seeth wickednesse also , will hee not consider it ? Iob 11.11 . For when they speake great swelling words of vanitie , they allure through the lusts of the flesh , through much wantonnesse , those that were cleane escaped from thē , who live in error , 2 Pet . 2.18 Pro . 10.19 . Aut intempestiva loquuntur , incertos rumores disseminant , optima calumniantur , ambigua in deteriorem partem rapiunt , leviora errata exaggerant : ubi veris destituuntur , mendacia fingunt , quae in vulgus spargant , tantum ut ipsis materia garriendi suppetat . Zeth . in locum . {αβγδ} . . Others delight in vaine bookes , amorous layes , wanton poems , frothy pamphlets , which not onely banish the holy Bible Quanto rectius hic , vos exemplaria sacra , Nocturna versate manu , v●●sate diurna . Horat de ●rte poet . , profitable sermons , divine meditations , excellent bookes of Theologie , well penn'd and laudable historie out of their heads , hearts , hands , and houses ; but like corrupt nutriment spoile the Stomacke , breed ill humours , pamper corruptions , uphold Sathans kingdome , steale away time , and finally , betray the captivated soule unto the devill , as Zebul did Gaal into the hands of Abimelech , Iudges 9.38 . Evill bookes are like pitch , which defile all that touch them Amatoriae Nasonis in quibus non est tutum , rudem etatem exercere . Erasmus . : like hot iron that will seare the toucher : like the Plague , to infect all upon whom they breathe . They are the golden apples , cast in the way , to hinder thy race to Heaven , and fitting thee for nothing but a fire of lust , vanity , and the fire of Hell , are most meet fewel for the fire . Acts 19.19 Non tantum de magicis praestigiis hac dicit , sed de frivolis & inanibus studijs , quorum major pars hominum nimis ut plurimum cupida est . Calvin . {αβγδ} . Quo nomine , comprehendit quoscunque qui solidam in se utilitatem non continent , sed per varios circuilus hominum mentes & studiae inutiliter abducunt . Idem . .

They love to frolicke in vaine and exoticke Fashions , their garbe being more mutable then the Polypus , their shape monstrous , their cariage wanton , their attire lascivious : so often turning themselves into habits , that many of them turne themselves out of Gods knowledge , their friends favour , the Saints companie , their owne credit and faire possessions , and at last are turned into a thread-bare-coate , & into a close prison . Qui induuntur indumentis alienigenarum , id est , omnibus delitijs & vanitati student , palamque ostendunt invectis exoticis moribus & vestimentis . Tremel . Which great varietie of vestiments is proper only for Princes : which great vanitie is a great sin , even in the Princes Children . Zeph 1.8 .

They are vaine in their Recreations , wasting the golden dayes with silver mines ; till their decayed health , proclame to their wounded conscience : that the Lord will shortly call them to account in earnest {αβγδ} . Quales vos inveniam , tales judicabo . Iustin . Martyr . Tryphon . Eccles . 11.3 . , for times bondage unredeemed Ephes . 5.16 . , and meanes mispent , upon , Birds , Beasts , and Doggs , which would have cloathed & refreshed the poore Saints of God Mat . 25.41 , 42. . They are vaine in their workes , Eccles . 1.14 . they feed on wind , wherewith they can neither fill their belly nor their hand Hoseah 12.1 . . Their studies , counsells , deliberations , projects , courses , conversation , and resolutions 1 Pet . 1.18 . , are vaine . So that their old age , is vanity like their youth Eccles . 11.10 . , their outside , like their inward parts very corruption Psalm . 5.9 . their very cogitations vanity , 1 Cor . 3.20 Psal . 94.11 . . They are nothing but a bladder of vanity , blowne from the rocke Christ ; unto a vaine hope , Iob . 37.8 Isay . 59.4 . . a vaine faith 1 Cor . 15.17 . , to a vaine race Gal. 2.2 . , to a vaine Religion ; from the truth to errour , from Antiquity to Novelty ; from the purity of the Gospell , to Popery and Idolatrie , the Doctrine of vanity , Ier . 10.8 . addicted to the vanities of a strange god , Ier . 8.19 . So that in fine , they pursue all sorts of vanity , with no lesse greedinesse then the Lyon the prey , or the keene hound the wounded Hart , their very soules being lift up to vanity , Psalm . 24.4 Cui manus & mens est insons , nec vana volutat Animo , nec ulli damna perjurus dedit . Buchanan . . As if they were resolved in themselves like desperate Ruffus , who painted God upon the one side of his sheild , and the Devill on the other , with this inscription : Lord , if thou dislikest my service , I am provided of another master , the Devill will entertaine me Domine si in me nolis , iste me rogitat . . These are the ungodlie who prosper in the world , who say how doth God know ? is there knowledge in the most high ? Psal . 73.11 , 12. But he that made the eye , can see , and created the eare , can heare , Psam . 94.4 Act. 17.28 . . Thou hast set our iniquities before thee : our secret sinns in the light of thy countenance , Psa . 90.8 Culpam , abscondita , errores , adolescentiam in conspectu suo posuit : nam illa omnia vox Haeb . significat . Heresbach . in loc . . And let them know , that whosoever travels with vanity , shall bring forth iniquitie , which late repentance must either drowne Exod . 1.16 . Psal . 7.14 . , or Damnation nurse Mat . 25.41 . Evannetur vanus , id est , ventiletur . Non . Marcellus cap . 1. Psalm . 1.4 . .

Thirdly , considering the premises , who will not now bee drawne to condescend to this truth , That every man is vanity ? Hee runns and rides , toiles and moiles , buildes and breakes downe , he gathers and scatters , prosperity puffes him up , adversity puls him downe , joy makes him petulant , sorrow impatient , hope comforts him , feare dismayes him ; riches encrease his Avarice , losses enlarge his sorrowes , his sailes are set to every wind , hee is ever either gathering or casting up mire and dirt . Yet they are caried away as a flood , and vanish as a sleepe , Palm . 90.5 . A torrent is turbulent {αβγδ} . Locus Epict . a Stobaeo serm . 1. alligat . Est turbulenta , violenta , obstrepera , & momentanea . , muddy , violent , makes a hideous noise , carries downe all things before it , yet the further it runns , the weaker it growes , and within a short space is swallowed up into the earth , into which it disgorgeth it selfe — Aut rapidus montano flumine torrens , Sternit agros , sternit sata laeta boumque labores , Praecipitesque trahit filvas , &c. Virgil . Aen . 2. . Thus man this master of Revels that beares all downe before him whiles hee lives , is soone by cares broken , by labours wearied , by death consumed {αβγδ} Humus fiatis & unda . Homer . . Nothing remaining behinde him but his good name , ( if he left any , ) and his goods ( if hee got any ; ) he knowes not for whom : being turned naked from his mothers wombe into the world , and turned naked out of the world into the grave , Iob 1.21 Haud ullas portabis opes Acharontis ad undas . Nudus ab inferna flulte vehere rate . Propert . . Yet we are so bewitched with vanitie , that measuring Falsis decipimur , fictis delectamur . Vet . Gram . lib . de serm . Lat . our selves by our selves wee seldome discerne or acknowledge this truth . But as the Law which was of it selfe glorious 2 Cor . 3.7.8 . , was shadowed by the Gospell which is much more glorious ; and as the light of a lampe is darkned by the rising of the Sun ; so if we bring our selves into Gods presence by invocation , contemplation , and meditation , then we shall appeare without glory , and excellency , most vaine : not onely our appurtenances , but even our very substance will be found vanitie Hugo Card . in loc . Vanissimus est , quisquis est homo , quantumvis videatur esse aliquid . Campensis in loc . . Then his wing of selfe-love wherewith he towreth so high , being imped in the soft waxe of vanitie , will melt with that heate and faile him . Those few minutes of lent-life we corrupt and shorten by turbulent affections , pernicious passions Peter Martyr in loc . , which stormes in want sinke us , and calmes in fruition of what is desired make us a booty for ranging-pyrates . The ungodly are strongly convinced of it , the Godly will not gaine-say it Ayguanus & Glossa . in loc . : The foelicity of the one , and infoelicity of the other is meere vanity Brentius in loc . . Let him that doubts of it cast his eye upon the corps of his deare-dead-friend Si vivens homo vanitas est , mortuus est vanitas vanitatum . S. Hyeron . ; with whom hee lately walked joyfully to the house of God , and tooke sweete counsell together ; behold now hee is set out in the streetes , his tender orphanes follow him to the grave , the mournefull widow bedewes the earth with teares ; his carefull servants lament their losse , the bosomes of his familars are prisons scarce strong enough to keepe their hearts from bursting out . The Virgins to shew man is but a fading flower , doe bestrew the way to the grave with flowers , tell me now if man be not a shadow , a flower , a dreame S. Chrysost . ad populum Antiochen . , a worme and no man Psal . 22.6 . Omnia sunt hominum , tenui pendentia filo , Et subito casu , quae valuere ruunt . Strigellius . ; a broken vessell Psalm . 31.12 . Nothing Galath , 6.3 {αβγδ} . Caro resolvitur in putredinem , putredo in vermem , vermis in pulverem : sic reddit in nihilum , quod fuit ante nihil . . Altogether vanity .

Fourthly , Trust not in man . Put not your trust in Princes , nor in the sonne of man , in whom there is no helpe : his breath goeth forth , he returneth to his earth , in that very day his thoughts perish , Psal . 146.3.4 . Vanitie will deceive thee , and every man is vanitie . Vaine in favour , respect , and love to those , the foundations of whose fortunes are laid in the bottome of their sincere affection , Ester 7.8 . The River Novanus Jn agro Pitinate trans . Apenninum , fluvius Novanus emnibus solstitijs torrens , bruma siccatur . Plin . Nat. Hist . lib . 2. cap . 103. in Lombardie , at every Midsommer Solstice , swelleth & runneth over the bankes , but in mid-winter is cleane dry : Such is the condition of man , plentifull and prodigall of his love and favour , when his friend stands no neede of it ; but base and penurious when just occasion brings friendship to the Test . My brethren have dealt deceitfully as a brooke , and as the streames of brookes that passe away : which in winter time , when water may be fetcht out of every ditch , and the meadowes overflow , when wee need them not , they are full of water , yee , and snow {αβγδ} . Omnes propinqui sunt viris foelicibus . Menander . Donec eris foelix , multos numerabis amicos : Tempora si fuerint nubila , solus eris . Adspicis ut veniant , ad candida tecta columbae ? Accipiat nullas sordida turris aves ? Horrad formicae tendunt ad inania nunquam , &c. Ovid . Trist . lib 1. Eleg . 8. : but when the Traveller in the wearisome wildernesse is thirsty in Sommers heate , and resorts thither for a coole and comfortable draught ; then those rivers wherein the snow was hid , are vanished : when it is hot , they are consumed out of their place . The troopes of Tema looked , the companies of Sheba waited for them , they were confounded because they had hoped , they came thither , and were ashamed , Iob 6.15 , 16 , &c , {αβγδ} . Theognis . .

In the countrey Carrinensis in Spaine In Carrinensi Hispaniae agro , fons est , aurei coloris omnes pisces ostendens , Nihil extra illam aquam caeteris differentes . Plin . Nat. Hist lib . 2. cap . 103. , there is a river that shewes al the fish in it to be like gold , but take them out with a net , and they differ nothing from their naturall kinde and colour . But in all countries there bee men whose faire promises , and colour of freindship is like the tall and faire Cypresse , but in adversitie , and when urgent occasion makes triall of them , they are like the fig-tree , unto which Christ resorted Mat . 21.19 . , without fruit , and in the handling differ nothing from profest foes . In their promises they are vaine , and trecherous , Iudg . 9.23 . their favour and displeasure , their love and hate , are alternative . The greatest kindenesses , and most sincere affection , and service , are not seldome rewarded , with horrible ingratitude , oblivion and hatred , Psalme 35.12 Multa fidem promissa levant , ubi plenius aequo ; Laudat venales , qui vult extrudere merces . Horat . Epistolar . lib . 2. Epist. 2. . In their entertainements vaine : Eate and drinke , saith he to thee , but his heart is not with thee , Prov. 23.7 . In their Complementall visitations vaine , Absolons hand , his kisse , his court holy-water , his graces countenance , and favours , were but smoake , and hee perished with smoake Theagines {αβγδ} , id est , fumus cognominatus : quod magnificè polliceretur , cum esset pauper . . 2 Sam . 15.5 . When hee speaketh faire , beleeve him not : for there are seven abominations in his heart . Prov. 26.25 . In their semblances of pietie and devotion , vaine 1 Sam . 15.13 . Great things cannot helpe men , nor great men helpe us . There is no King saved by the multitude of an hoste ; a mighty man is not delivered by much strength : An horse is a vaine thing to save a man , neither shall he deliver any by his great strength , Psalme 33.16 , 17. Men are men , that is , inconstant , fickle , changable , unreasonble , irreligious , mortall , and to rely upon ; a broken reed . For some man is a friend for his owne occasion , and will not abide in the day of trouble , and there is some friend that turneth to enmity , and taketh part against thee , and in contention hee will declare thy shame : againe , some freind is but a companion at thy table , & in the day of thine affliction he continueth not . Ecclus . 6.8 , 9 , 10 . {αβγδ} . Fervetolla : vivit amicitia . Suidas . {αβγδ} . Menand . Mensae , cibique splendidi , non veritatis sunt amici plurimi . {αβγδ} . Phocylides . v. 86. Multi sunt etenim socij potusque cibique Tempora servantes , dum sit , quo venter alatur . Briefely all men are liers , Psalm . 116.11 . unable , and impotent to help us or unwilling to act the noble part of a friend , vanity is unto them as a garment that covereth them , and a girdle wherewith they are continually girded .

And if wee may not trust in vaine-man , much lesse is confidence in worldly vanities tolerable . They that trust in their wealth , and boast themselves in the multitude of their riches , this their way is their folly . Psal . 49.6.13 Ridet & irridat amatores mundi , qui mando confidunt , ac Christum negligunt . Iacob de Valent . in loc . . Loe this is the man , that made not God his strength ; but trusted in the abundance of his riches , and strengthened himselfe in his wickednesse . Thus God sets the worldling upon the stage to be laught at . Psalm . 52.6.7 . For if it be better to trust in the Lord , then to put confidence in man , Psalm , 118.9 . because they are mortall , Psal . 82.7 . and vaine is the helpe of man , Psal . 60.11 . and to no purpose , Isay . 30.7 . in so much as our eyes may faile us , for our vaine helpe , in watching for a nation that could not save Dulcis inexpertis cultura potentis amici . Expertus metuit . — Horat . lib . 1. Epist. 18. : Lam . 4.17 . then to rely upon God , without an eye to man , or world , is the best of all . Worldly things Comfort in vaine . Zach. 10.2 . they are but as a Leprosie in a garment Septempliciter enim occupavit nos lepra superbiae ; in proprietate possessionum , in gloria vestium , in voluptate corporum , &c. porrò in lepra vestis omnem seculi hujus pomposam intellige vanitatem . Ber. ser . 3. de resurrec . , as Cities of vanity . Isay . 24.10 . as the straw of Aegypt which the Hebrews gathered Hyeron . Lauret . in Syl . Alleg . in verbo Palea . . Cursed are they who taxe themselves with the confidence in them ; but blessed is the man that maketh the Lord his trust : and respecteth not the proud , nor such as turne aside to lies , Psalm . 40.4 . And they that know thy name , will put their trust in thee , for thou Lord hast not forsaken them that seeke thee . Psalm . 9.9 , 10. Money , and men are as drosse , as grasse Psal . 119.119.129.6 . , but the Lord is an Ocean of goodnesse , from whence all mercies proceed . Health for the body , peace to the minde , joy to the heart , meate for the table , garments for the backe : a friend for thy bosome , a wife for thy bed , honour for thy name . His eye is clearer then the Sunn , to espie thy want , his eare open as the ayre to receive thy cry , his hand unlocks all hearts to be-friend Pro . 21.1 . , his compassions are more tender then a parents , his promise is established for ever as the moone and as a faithfull witnesse in heaven . Psalm , 89.37 . Hee speakes with his mouth , and performes with his hand , 1 King . 8.24 . and his word is past , his promise is sealed . They that seeke the Lord shall not want any good thing , Psalm . 34.10 .

Fifthly , learne all men henceforth , to contemne this vaine life with all its vanities , and to seeke for a new , and a better life where vanity is not admitted Contemnamus vanam istam vitam , & festinemus , &c. S. Origen . in loc . . That is onely sweet to them that know it not , this onely to them that seeke and finde it . When David was in the greatest perplexity , behold his meditations , and thoughts Quid dixerit , quid cogitaverit , quid doluerit , quid meditatus fuerit , quid oraverit , Arnob in loc . . The sanctified imployment of his soule , was to thirst after heaven , after Christ , the Alpha and Omega of all our happinesse . This Psalme is entituled to Iduthun the victor or conquerour Vincenti , id est , Archimusico . Genebr . in loc . {αβγδ} . Aquilla . : and what greater conquest can a Christian make , then to forsake the world , the pompes and vanities thereof in his affections , and towre aloft unto CHRIST Nulla potest esse victoria nobilior , quam per patientiam vincere in bono malum . Bellar . in loc . ? The Septuagint entitle it , unto the end {αβγδ} : scilicet , nos dirigens in Christum . Sebald . in loc . , which end is Christ Cassiodorus . ; as if it were written thus : unto the honour of Christ , who is the end of the Law Iacob de Valentia in loc . , the consummation of our blessednesse in this life , and in the world to come Christus est consummatio , in presenti ad justitiam , & in futuro ad coronam . Iohan . de Turre-cremata in loc . . In respect whereof all things else are dung , drosse , and if any thing be worse , vanity Bene dixi , quod vita mea in conspectu tuo sit , quasi non sit , propter brevitatem & vanitatem . Idem . ibid . Res est nihili . Campensis in loc . .

Nor is it a vaine conjecture that in the title of this ode , this instruction was intended that we should seeke for Christ unto the end , in whom we have resurrection and life Lorinus in loc . . For as every good Christian walkes in Christ In imagine pertransit homo , v. 6. In Christo ambulat , qui sequitur Euangelium . Haec imago venit ad terras , ut non jam in umbra ambularemus , sed in imagine , scilicet Christo . S. Ambr. in loc . , so his chiefe care is to walke after Christ , to overcome the vanities of this world , and devote himselfe to God . In which respect every man living should be an Iduthun S. Aug. in loc . {αβγδ} . Deo deditus . , a holy , sanctified man ; not in the letter , but in spirit ; though not in name , yet in signification ; not by carnall propagation , but in faith and winged affection to flye to heaven Non litera sed spiritu , non carnis propagatione , sed fidei firmitate . Carthus . in loc . . Our golden morning thoughts , our silver noone meditations , our Leaden-night cogitations should ever feed upon Christ , and his merits , our redemption , and the glorious inheritance hee hath purchased for us De vera {αβγδ} , semper meditandum . Gesnerus in loc . . He is our Substance , in comparison of whom all other things are but Accidents Avendanus in loc . in explicat . Ps. 118. tractat . 7. . Our soules have feet , fins , wings S. Aug. in loc . , upon these feet runne after Christ , with these finns swim after him in the glassie sea of this world , with these wings raise thy choise desires unto mount Sion . What is my hope ? ( saith the King ) verse 7. Even thou O Lord art my hope . Seeing thou hast given mee the world , which I contemne , give me thy selfe whom my soule desireth . Let others strive for temporall Kingdomes with Caesar , and Pompey , with Absolon and Adonijah ; let others contend for praise and applause of their wits , with Arrius , Samosetanus and Nestorius : Let others gape for honour and promotion , as Eugenius , Ruffinus : Let others heape up riches , as Doeg , Nabal , Craesus : Let others swallow downe pleasures as the fish doth water with Cambises , Ptolomie , Tyberius : Let others hunger after victory and triumph Disseres de triumpho , quid tandem habet isle currus ? quid victi ante currum duces ? Quid simulacra oppidorum ? quid aurum ? quid argentum ? quid legati in equis & tribuni ? quid clamor militum ? quid tota illa pompa ? inania sunt ista mihi crede delectamenta poene puerorum , captare plausus , vehi per urbem , conspici velle , quibus ex rebus nihil est quod solidum tenere . Cicero in Calphurnium Pisonem . Orat . 37 with Iustinian and Belisarius , yet these are vanished , and did not make a saving voyage . But let all that name the Lord , seeke after Iesus Christ , the eternall verity , and the doore to our foelicity . Thus every holy person may bee Iduthun , and the Psalme dedicated unto him . And as others creepe into vanity , so doe thou steale thy soule away from vanitie , a theft commendable . Let the fifthy smoake of vanitie drive away the Bee , whose honey is Christ , whose Hive is Heaven : Fly from it , as from a serpent , for if thou commest neare it , it will bite thee , the teeth therof are as the teeth of a Lyon , to slay the soules of men , Ecclus . 21.2 . Davids heart was ever ready to embrace Christ , his eye lift up to the Hils , from whence came his salvation Nulla in coelo vanitas , nec fortuna , nec temeritas , nec erratio inest : contraque omnis ordo , veritas , ratio , constantia . Cicero de Natura deorum . . When Iuno was pourtraide , the severall perfections of the choisest beauties were borrowed to perfect the work ; so to perfect thy contempt of vanitie , borrow the examples of Christ , and his Apostles , of his faithfull servant Moses , who chose rather to suffer adversitie which the people of God then to enjoy the pleasures of sinne for a season , Heb . 11.25 . The Romans who thirsted after honour in the warres , set Scipio before them , the example of valour ; and to restraine themselves from vice , they conceived they were in the eye of Cato : If we covet the honour of Iduthun Transiliens de vilijs ad virtutes ; de terrenis bonis ad aeterna bona , quae sunt finis expectationis justorum . Bruno Carthus . in loc . , and would inlarge our opinion of the basenesse of all things under the Moone ; for our leader wee have King David among Poets , Salomon among Philosophers , Abraham among souldiers , Enoch among Preachers , all which conclude , that all is vanity and vexation of spirit . Let not thy custome in sinfull-vanitie , dull and dead thy Conscience from the search after foelicity Magis nos docere debet judicium veritatis , quam praejudicium consuetudinis . S. Aug. in Psal . 105. : But remembring that dreadfull Tribunall , where shortly thou art to hold up thy hand , bee awakened to wooe Christ for assurance of salvation , as the Philosopher was by his brazen-ball , and to thrust out vanitie , which like Dalilah tempts thee to destruction . Iacob lived and dyed in Egypt , yet had his bones carried out from thence into Canaan : so though thou dwell in Meshecke , in the midst of the worlds vanity , charge thy affections to keepe Christmas in Heaven . Thou hast thy name ( O Man ) from looking up to Heaven {αβγδ} & {αβγδ} . Video . Pronaque cum spectent animalia caetera terram , Os homini sublime dedit coelumque videre Jussit , et erectos ad sidera tollere vultus . Ovid . Metam . lib . 1. , where thou maist see God thy Father , Christ thy elder brother , the Spirit thy Comforter , the Angels thy Guard , the Saints thy coheires , Glory thy inheritance and reward . This world is rough like Esau , full of vanity from the beginning to the end ; the next world like Iacob , smooth & beautiful , wherefore as Iacob retired for his safety to his vncle Labans from Esaues hand , so let us make a retreate in good order from this filth below , to the City of refuge appointed us above . Here wee are beset with vanities like Arabian theeves Vita nostra in medio insidiatorum est , in medio praeliorum , si volumus non decipi , vigilandum est : si volumus superare , pugnandum est . Leo de Quadrages . serm . 1. Adestseper innimicus , si non vides , videnti crede . S. Ambr. in loc . Iudas non dormit : Adagium de gnava impiorum & diaboli industria , & pervigili sedulitate , in technis concinnandis . Zehner . Adag . Cent. 5. 84. S. Hyeron . interpret . Psal . 39. v. 1. The wicked to be the devill who came to tempt David . in loc . . If wee will not lose our soules , wee must watch : if not be rob'd , alwayes stand upon our guard , and often fight .

6. But because the contempt of vanitie , is not the worke of Nature , but of Grace , nor every measure of grace , but that which is of some growth doth bring men unto it , we must begge that power from heaven , which earth affords not . Turne away mine eyes from beholding vanitie . Psal . 119.37 .

There is a threefold life . First , of the soule and body together Act. 17.28 . : the second , of the soule without the body : the last , of body and soule after the resurrection , in eternall glory . Now as we expect the fruition of the two last , to have our soule rest in Abrahams bosome , and our whole man after that in the bosome of Christ : So it is meete that whiles wee live here on earth , that the life also of Iesus might bee made manifest in our mortall flesh , 2 Cor . 4.11 . But before wee can live the life of grace , Christ who is ascended on high , must pull very hard , to draw us after him ; to draw us up unto himselfe , Iohn , 6.44 . and 12.32 . Hee alone can frame the heart to hate life Teduit & vitae — Deficit insipiens , defecie & sapiens , &c. Marianus . . Eccles . 2.17 . because all is vanity , preserve us that we walke not in vanitie Iob 31.5 . , haunt not with vaine persons Psal . 26.4 . {αβγδ} . 70. ; but rather hate such Psal . 31.6.139.21 . Religiosum odium odisse eos , qui Deum oderunt . Heresbach . in loc . . He alone can remove far from us vanitie and lies , Prov. 30.8 . getting of treasures by a lying tongue , which is vanity tossed too and fro , of them that seeke death , Prov. 21.6 Duplex incommodum in opibus iniquè partis , quod & celeriter dispereant , & exitium concilient . Mercerus in loc . . teach us that his loving kindnesse is better then life , Psal . 63.3 . that the feare of God endureth for ever , Psa . 19.9 . & to walke in godlines that we may inherit glory . For what profit is it unto us , if there be promised an immortall life , when we do the workes that bring death ? and that an everlasting hope should bee promised , us seeing that we betyde our selves to deadly vanity , 2 Esdras , 7.49.50 .

Finally , from this hive , we may gather the honey of sweet-consolation , to cleare our eyes 1 Sam . 14.27 . , and comfort our hearts in this wildernesse of vanities . Howsoever our span-long-life is ever in the waxe , or in the weane ; like the rising from the first finger unto the midle finger , and the fall from that to the least : and attended with as many miseries as there be stars in the firmament , and vanities as sand by the Sea-shore : yet there is an estate in Christ here , and with Christ hereafter ; unto which the righteous attaine , which is not vanity but verity , not a shadow but substance , not transient but permanent , not temporall but eternall in the heavens . Though we now hang up our harps by the rivers of Babylon and weepe Hac sunt arma justi , ut tacendo , cedendo , & credendo vincat . S. Ambr. in loc . Cum mundus tot calamitates ingeminat , dum tot adversitatibus pulsat , quid aliud quam ne diligatur clamat . Greg . , for the floods of vanity , that are ready to overwhelme us in our Captivity , and absence from God , and our Countrey , in the flesh : yet after a while wee shall bee brought home with triumph , unto a Land Deut . 11.11 . flowing with milke and honey , unto Mansion-places wee builded not , to wells of joy wee digged not , to Vineyards of happinesse wee planted not , to victory wee wonne not , to Musicke we heard not before ; to banquets wee saw not , to delights we thought not on , to life without death , to dayes without end Numerus sine numero , dies sine die , tempora sine tempore . S. Hieron . , to a world without vanity , to a condition without alteration ; to songs without sorrow , and to eternall glory through Iesus Christ our Lord Cessabit gemitur , luctus , metus , ira , voluptas , Fraus , dolor atque dolus , maeror , discordia , livor ; Nullus egens , nullus cupiens sed pace sub una , Sufficiet cunctis sanctorum gloria , Christus Alcimus de Original . pec . lib . 2. .

I will seale up all with Selah , the broad Seale of Davids Hymnes , and this text . A little word , yet of no small difficulty to explaine Protosui veterum sententias , ut quantae res sit difficultatis intelligatur . Ribera in Habak . cap . 3. Quid Selah significet , nec Rabbinorum commentarij , nec interpretes quos ego legi , pro dignitate exponunt . Hutter . dictionar . Harmon . : Left out of the Bible by the vulgar translation Graecus interpres omisit , ut et vulgata latina He esbach . in Praef . in lib . Psalm . , as though it were impertinent , where let them consider whether they come not within the verge of that malediction : And if any man shall take away from the words of the booke of this Prophesie ( yea or from any part of Gods booke ) God shall take away his part out of the Booke of life , and out of the holy City , and from the things which are written in this booke , Revel . 22.19 . The Ancient interpreters did not much meddle with it , and our editions leave it uninterpreted Lorinus in loc . . But seeing whatsoever things were written aforetime , were written for our learning , that we thorow patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope Rom. 15.4 . and till heaven and earth passe , one iote , or one tittle shall in no wise passe from the Law , till all be fulfilled , Matth , 5.18 . we have sufficient warrant , after the example of the learned Neque quid sit {αβγδ} indiscussum relinquere oportet . Greg . Nissenus tractat . 2. in Ps. cap . 10. , and incouragement , to make enquirie after the minde of the Holy spirit , in that which he hath both commanded to be written , and hath commended unto us . Wherein like the Chrystall-glasse : I will rather present you with the true visage of Antiquity Nos vero patrum opinione non abjecta , non cunctabimur aliquid etiam ex nobis de vocabuli hujus significatione excogitare . Idem . ibid . , then use any new framed feature or painting of my owne .

Selah {αβγδ} occurrit in toto Psalterio septuagies semel ; & ter in Chabakkuk propheta . Athanasius & Sancte Pagn . in radice Sal . ● Et nusquam nisi in Soph-pasuk , id est , fine versus , exceptis quatuor locis . Ps. 55.19 . & 57 3. & bis in Habak . Vbi poniter in medio sententiae . Idem . , is mentioned seventy foure times in the Scripture , whereof seventy one in the booke of Psalmes ; & thrice in the Prophet Habakkuk 3. which is written Psalme-wise Quae Prophetia scripta est per modum Psalmorum . Cevaller . : and ever placed in the end of a Psalme or verse ; foure places onely excepted , where like the Sun in the midst of the planets , it is seated to conjoyne the precedent words with the subsequent Ex quo animadvertimus hoc verbum superiora pariter , inferioraque connectere . S. Hyeron . , and communicate splendor unto both . There was a threefold use of it in ancient times , whereof the first concerned the Musicke , the second the matter handled , unto which it was affixed , and the third the men or Congregation assembled in the Temple of the Lord : which two last may still have place among us Christians , who are in grafted into the stocke Christ , from whence the Iewes were cut off , but from the first we cannot properly sucke such nourishment as once they did .

First of the first . The Kings Quire 1 Chron . 25.1 , 6. Psal . 62. {αβγδ} . 1 Chron . 16.41 . , learned fiue things by it .

First , to make a little Pause , stop , or stay ; when they came to Selah : and to meditate a while upon the matter fore-going Silentij nota , ut meditationi locus esset . Marianus in Ps. 3.3 . Mollerus & Lorinus . .

Secondly , they knew by that Cessation , and intervall , that King David as hee was prophesying unto the people , and praising God upon the loud sounding Cymballs , was at that instant inspired and taught some new lesson . Wherefore as men being in serious discourse , when they heare a sudden noise , hold their peace to listen , saying , harke , see-loe : so Davids heart being smitten by the voyce of Gods Spirit , the musick ceased , stopt , and hee checked himselfe as it were thus ; Speake Lord , for thy servant heareth Sic explicat , & definit . Est igitur diapsalma , cessatio , seu quies inter psallendum de repentè facta ad receptionem divinitus missae illustrationis Greg . Nissen . in Tract . in Ps. 2. c . 10. .

Thirdly , it signifieth the change and variation of the Musick in some straines , or of the Meeter , or sense , or disjunction of the Rhythme , or ceasing of some one sort of Musicke in that variety , which howsoever S. Hierome makes some scruple of Ad Marcellam Tom . 3. Epist. 138. Nobis ( inquit ) nihil horum videtur , cum Aquila , qui verborum Haebraiorum diligentissimus explicator est , Selah , transtulerit , ●emper . , relying upon the credit of Aquila , an excellent searcher of the Originall Haebrew tongue , and drawne somewhat by Saint Origens byas and modesty Vtrum autem cujusdam musicae cancilenae , aut Rhythmi immutationem ( qui interpretati sunt D' apsalma ) senserint , aliuave intellexerint tuo judicio derelinquo . Ibid . S. Hier . ; yet it is strongly confirmed by the authority of other Ancients Hilar . Chrysost . Euthym . initio comment . in Psalmos . ( Quos etiam plurimi sequuntur in Diapsalmate hoc significare putant , aut alium sensum tunc inchoari , mutata harmonia psalterij , aut alijs cantoribus traditum esse Psalmum , aut cessatum esse . Ribera in Habak . 3. , and venerable Interpretors , especially by the Septuagint , who Septuagint . interpr . Theodotion . & Symmach . transtulerunt {αβγδ} , i . immutationem musicae cujusdam cantilenae , vel Rythmi . as often as they meet with Selah in the Haebrew Text , in their Greek-version translated it , The change of the Song {αβγδ} : Cantus immutatio , carminis commutatio . Suidas in verbi explicat . Intermissam Cantilenam , Diapsalma recte interpreteris . Ribera in Hab . 3. , which indeed cannot bee gainsaid At in his locis ubi ponitur Selah , aliquam fieri in Cantu mutationem , quod negare videtur Hieronymus , non potest ut existimo negari , clamat enim nomen {αβγδ} , quod non fine causa tam doctis viris , id est , septua ginta interpretibus , & Theodotioni , & Symmacho placuisse convenit . Ribera ibid . Plus vident oculi quam oculus , contra septuag . ne S. Hieronym . quidem . vid. Pelargi Bibliothec . & Possevin . de 72. nominibus . . And Origen prudently durst not deny it ; and Hierome himselfe elsewhere Et puto aut musici cujusdam soni esse signaculum , &c. S. Hier . in Psal . 4. Incertum sibi esse , ait Origines . Rei interim musica peculiarem esse vocem agnosco . Pagn . in Rad . Sal . doth come very neare unto friendship and composition with this truth .

Fourthly , it directed them to sing the same verse over againe , whereunto Selah was annexed Lorinus in loc . . Lastly , it was their instruction to Elevate and lift up their voices , praising God with louder voices , and loud sounding Cymbals Radix Selah est ( ut R. David in lib . Radicum ) {αβγδ} exaltare , elevare , quia in illo loco ubi ponitur Selah , erat elevatio vocis in musica , seu consentu , seu modulatione . Sanctes Pagnin . Signum est vocis attollendae . Idem . ibid . For the manner , it is a note of singing high . Aynsw . in Psal . 3.3 . Selah , nota musica . Buxtorph . Certum est , Selah sic cantum temperasse ut ipsa modulatio rei . & argumento congrueret . Calv . in Psal . 9.16 . Rectissime illi sentiunt , qui dicunt elevationem , ac exclamationem hac voce designari . Musculus in Psal . 3.3 . Sic R. David Kimchi scribit elevationem significare . Theodor . Vatabl . in Ps 3. : Selah cald upon them for louder straines of Musicke ; and shrilnesse of voice . But seeing the Iewish Harmonie , and sweet melody is overwhelmed in the ruines of their glorious temple , wee remaine unskil'd in their Notes , which doth obscure our annotations upon it , Let this suffice for the Musicke .

Secondly , Selah concernes the Text of Scripture it selfe , or the matter handled , in fiue branches .

First , Some thinke it to bee onely an Ornament of speech Nota or nationis orationis , ut Graeci utuntur {αβγδ} , &c. Sic Eugubinus . , to grace the language with a sweet Emphasie Sed non est tam {αβγδ} , quam ad dirigendum Music . Mollerus . : or a non-significant word Huic dictioni non est significantia . Interpres Ps. apud . Pagn . Judicant nimirum quod verum est , ea voce nihil significari quod ad Psalmi textum pertineat . Marian . in Ps. 3. , to compleate the Harmony , lest the verse should halt for want of a foote Sunt qui hanc voculam ad supplendam tantum modulationem carminis adjectam putent , ideo in carmine tantum inveniri ut versum producat , & pedenseu numerum suppleat . Aben Ezra . apud Sanct . Pagn . ; but this conjecture is infirme , and many feete wide from the truth Ex his cernitur insignis R. David error , et aliorum inscitia , qui dicunt Selah , nihil significare , sed ornatus aut harmonia causa poni . Ribera in Hab . 3. Selah nota est musica per se nihil significans . Buxtorph . Alij ad Salah vicinam radicem revocant , et non significat per se aliquid . Refert . Pagn . .

Secondly , It is not onely an adornation of speech , but signifies moreouer , an end of that verse , matter , or Psalme , where it is found Scire autem debemus apud Haebraeos in fine librorum unum è tribus solere subnecti , ut aut Amenscribant , aut Selah , aut Salom , quod exprimit pacem , ut solemus completis opusculis , explicit , feliciter , finis , aut aliquid istiusmodi . S. Hieronym . Epist. ad Marcell . , which is ever in the end of Psalme and verse , these foure places onely exempted from this rule , Psalm , 55. verse 19. Psalm . 57.3 . Habak . 3. verse 3.9 . for as wee write Finis at the end of a booke , song , or Poeme , so the Iewes underwrite Selah , Salome , or Amen at the end or finishing of any Canticle or worke . And the modern Iewes at this day following the opinion of Aben-Ezra Haebraei hodie magna ex parte sententiam Aben Hezra sequuntur , fini suarum praetum & Epitaphiorum addentes Amen , Selah , semel , atque iterum ; sed linguae suae passim se ignaros produnt . Sanctes Pagnin . , take Selah to bee the same with Amen : using it at the end of their epitaphes and prayers , twise or thrice together , indifferently thus ; Amen , Selah , Amen , Selah , which receives some credit from this , that the particular Psalmes end with Selah , Psalm , 3.8 . and the bookes of Psalmes with Amen . For whereas the Psalter is divided into five bookes , foure of them ends with Amen , so bee it : As you shall finde Psalme . 41.13 . the end of the first booke : Psalme , 72.19 . the period of the second : Psalm , 89.52 . the end of the third : and Psal . 106.48 . the conclusion of the fourth .

Thirdly , Selah is an Hyperbole or illustration of the truth by way of excesse in advancing , and enlarging it , to make the truth and sense more cleare and evident Selah , ad verbum , {αβγδ} , id est , Summè , maximé , vehementissimè , potentissimè , excellenter , ad majorem sensus evidentiam . Iun . & Tremel . in Ps. 3. & 9.16 . & Hab. 3 , as if wee should say , that is wonderfull ! or that is excellent ! and sometimes by way of aggravation ; that is monstrous , intolerable , horrible ! The Lord came from Teman , and the holy one from Mount Paran . Selah , Habak . 3.3 . Selah . .i. God came with great dignity , excellency , and ample majestie . Many there bee that say of my soule , there is no helpe for him in his God ; Selah , Psal . 3.2 . Selah , as if he had said , O monstrous and horrible Blasphemie , to excommunicate a childe out of the favour of his heavenly father : and limit his mercy , whose hand is omnipotent to relieve all that rely upon him !

Fourthly , it serves to declare the eternitie of the truth revealed in that Psalme , or verse , tho perhaps it only began then to be manifested to the Church , or more fully at that time then in former ages . Howsoever , the people , unto whom it was published , or the persons unto whom it was sent , were otherwise perswaded at the first publication of it Quidam interpretes loco Diapsalmatis adscribunt hujusmodi intervallis , seu spatijs vocabulum , Semper . Vt ex hoc discamus istam à Spiritu Sancto animae immissam doctrinam semper extitisse . Greg . Nissen . tract . 2. in Psal . cap . 10. Aquila quinta editio , & , S. Hieronym . Selah interpretantur Semper . Pagnin . Sexta editio , jugiter & in finem , quod idem est , S. Hier . ad Marcell . Semper . Chaldee Paraphr . Aynsw . in Ps. 3. , That it was a veritie from everlasting , and shall continue for ever Docet certè sempeterna esse quae dicta sunt . S. Hier . ad Marcell . Perpetuitatem eorum quae dicta sunt indicat . Ribera in Hab . 3. Jtaque Aquila & cateri qui verterunt Semper , vim vocis Selah declararunt . Rib . ibid . .

Instance , Psalm . 3.8 . Salvation belongs unto the Lord , thy blessing is upon thy people . Selah . As if hee had said , This is a thing without all controversie true ; that God hath ever delivered , and will for ever blesse his people . This Doctrine is sempiternall , and durable , that the mercy of the Lord , endureth for ever . Psalm . 136.

Fiftly , it did instruct them , to meditate seriously upon those Theames where Selah was engraven : as containing matter worthy of singular observation , meditation , and remembrance Selah usurpatur , quando res proposita considerationem meretur diligentiorem & magis attentam . Gualter in Habak . 3. ; as either concerning Christ Psal . 24.10 . , the mysteries of Grace Psal 46.7.49.15 . , Mans duty Psal . 4.4.32.5 . , or Frailty Psal . 9.20.32.4 . . That as the Diamond is of greater value than other pretious stones , and the Sunne , is more glorious than the planets : so those Sentences are more resplendent Selah in illis locis {αβγδ} . , than other parcels of Scripture . Which howsoever at the first bare view , it doth not alwayes so appeare , there being other texts of Holy writ more excellent , ( if it were meete to make any comparison ) where Selah is not found Nam & res humiles interdum altius contemplandas proponit Spiritus Sanctus . Pagnin . : yet if we dive into the occasion , scope and Nature of the sentence , we shall more willingly condescend , when wee consider , that it is an usuall custome of the holy Spirit , for our singular instruction and benefit , to propound things of a low , and inferiour nature to our deepest meditation . Instance Psalme 9.16 .

The Lord is knowne by the judgement which hee executeth : the wicked is snared in the worke of his owne hands : which is shut up with Higgaion Selah , meditation-Selah , as if hee had said , Here is a matter worthy of observation , and eternall meditation

O rem ! perpetua meditatione dignam , hoc perpetuò meditari debent fideles , nimirum quod improbi consilio suo pereant . Vatab . in loc .

Res procul dubio , quae imo pectore reponatur . Campensis .

O Sententiam exacta consideratione dignam !

Simulque adnotandum est , non poni nisi ubi valdè insigne est quod dicitur & meditatione dignum . Ribera in Hab . 3.

: the Righteous should never forget this , that the wicked perish in their owne counsells , and are taken in their owne net . An observation worthy to bee engraven in every Religious persons bosome : that God will one time or other bee knowne among the wicked , by his most severe judgements executed upon them , though they would never learne by his Patience and mercies , to acknowledge him for their Lord Selah etiam ex Radice {αβγδ} aflimare . . Thus far of the matter .

Now it remaines for a conclusion , to unfold the severall instructions , which Selah afforded unto the Congregation ; which are these sixe .

First , it served as a note of attention , and intention of the minde , to what was sung or said

Est nota vocis exaltandae , eoque monitorium cogitationis animi intendendae .

S. Hieron in Psal . 3. Mihi videtur non tantum nota Musica , verum etiam attentionis , & exclamationis . Genebr .

Animi intentionem , ut animis auditorum infiger●t . Muscul . in Ps. 3 . ●nde Sel h●ex Sà●●l ●●va●io vocis , ad Psal●●●um mentis ad in 〈…〉 ae● Lorinus ●●imhi . Genebr .

: that wheresoever they cast an eye upon Selah , they might conceive they heard the Lords voice from heaven speaking , Heare this all yee people , give eare all yee inhabitants of the world , Psalme , 49.1 . both high and low , rich and poore , together : verse 2. That as their voices were lift up in singing , so much more their hearts , and affections might bee Elevated Signum est , & excitandae vocis , & animi maxime intendendi . Vatabl . in Ps. 3. q . d . O rem scitu dignissimam ! Psal . 3.4 . ; that their voice and hearts being both in tune , the joynt harmony might bee sweet in the Eares of the Lord Non vox sed vatum , non musica chordula , sed Cor ; Non clamor , sed amor , cantat in aure Dei . Vulgar . Versic . .

Secondly , It was a note of affirmation , whereby they declared their consent , and assent unto the truth delivered

Arbitror , quod nonnumquam sit affirmantis verum esse quod dicitur , aut sempternum esse . Ribera in Hab . 3. Idem est quod {αβγδ} ita est , sic est , sic est veritas rei . Cevaller . in Rad . Sal .

Chald . Thalmudici et Aquila volunt esse genus asservandi . R. Abraham affirmationem & confirmationem , ut veré , profectò . Genebrad .

Maxime , plané . Piscat . Veré veritas vertunt . S. Hier . in Plal . 3.

, as wee say when wee approve of anothers speech ; Right , just , you say truly , it is most certaine : So their Selah , was as much as true , certaine , excellent . Instance , Psam . 3.4 . I cryed unto the Lord with my voice , and hee heard mee out of his holy hill . Selah . i . true , the Lord doth alwayes heare the prayers of those that begge in faith , humility , and truth . Psalme 50.6 . The heavens shall declare his righteousnesse : for God is judge himselfe , Selah .i. it is most certaine , that the Lord knowes the secrets of our hearts , and is the judge of the quicke and dead , and will passe most righteous sentence upon us , giving to every man according to his deeds in the flesh : whether good or evill . Psalm . 52.3 . Thou lovest evill more than good , and lying rather than to speake Righteousnes , Selah : that is to say , undeniable , we all confesse it , our owne experience and sorrowes , have made us know this , that those who have not the feare of God before their eyes , love to speake and doe all the mischiefe they are able against Gods people : to hurt them , rather than helpe them , to wound their innocent reputation , rather than preserve it .

Thirdly , It was a devout Ejaculation of the heart and soule unto God , wishing and desiring the accomplishment of what was spoken or promised

Alij dicunt esse signum anhelantis rei eventum . S. Hieron in Psal . 3.

Jn Cantico Habak . ter ponitur Selah , & semper optantis est ut firmum & perpetuum sit quod dicitur . Ribera in Hab .

Arbitror hoc Selah , ita dici ut Amen , optantis ut sempiternum sit . Idem .

. Instance , Habak . 3.13 . Thou wentest forth for the salvation of thy people , &c. Selah . As if hee had said , Lord , I beseech thee evermore go out so , to deliver thine anointed . Psalm . 55.19 . Evening and morning , and at noone will I pray , God shall heare my prayer , and afflict mine enemies , even he that raigneth of old : Selah .i. O Lord , I intreat thee , ever bow downe an eare unto my humble suite , and rise up against them , that rise up against me .

Fourthly , It denoted their admiration at some strange unusuall effect , whether the worke of God , or wickednes of man Est magni & rari , alicujus eventus affectus . S Hier . in Psal 3. For the matter it imports an asseveration of a thing to be so , and admiration at it . Aynsw in Psal . 3. . Instance , Psal . 57.3 . He shall send from heaven , & save me from the reproach of him , that would swallow me up : Selah .i. O wonderfull , and admirable goodnesse of God , that is pleased to send sometimes his Angell from heaven , alwayes his mercy and truth , to deliver his poore perplexed servants from thē that are too strong and mighty for them . Psam . 54.3 . Strangers are risen up against mee ; oppressours seeke after my soule , they have not set God before them . Selah .i. O horrible impietie and cruelty , to hunt after the life of the Saints , and cast the God of life , and his remembrance , behind their backes !

Fifthly , of humiliation and consternation of their minde Ex radicis Etimo tamen constat , sive corporis , sive mentis consternationem , prosternationem , conculcationemque per illud significari : quibus & humanie naturae infirmitas , fragilitas & indignitas ; & è contra , Divinae majestatis excellentia , exuberantia , potentia , sapientia , misericordia , pia devotione , exactaque consideratione perpendenda sunt à nobis , quotiescunque dictionem Saelah attigerimus . Nam ex Salah prosternere , et sole aequare , &c. Hutter . Dixionar . Harmon . Vt Psal . 59.5 . Dominus Deus exercituum , Deus Israel . Gentes impios . vers . 13. , by the consideration of Gods Incomprehensible majestie , and their owne great frailty and misery . Instance , Psam . 66.7 . Hee ruleth by his power for ever ; his eyes behold the Nations : Let not the rebellious exalt themselves , Selah . .i. here is matter of humiliation , before the King of all the world . Psalm . 68.7.8 . O God when thou wentest out before thy people , when thou didst march thorow the wildernesse , Selah . .i. my very heart trembles to consider ; I am moved out of my place , to reflect upon that majestie before whom the earth shooke , the heavens also dropped at the presence of God ; even Sinai it selfe was moved at the presence of God , the God of Israell . Psalm , 39.11 . When thou with rebukes dost correct man for iniquitie , thou makest his beauty to consume away like a moth ; surely every man is vanity , Selah . As if he should say , this may humble the proudest heart in the world , and cast him downe to the ground .

Sixtly , it was a note of Doxologie and praysing of God in a speciall manner : not much unlike , or the very same Hinc colligo hanc dictionem tribus duntaxat literis , idem significare , quod Christus orationi dominicae annectil . Quia tuum est regnum , et potentia , et gloria , in saecula saeculorum . Amen . Hutter . Dixionar . Harmon . Multi exposuerunt Selah in saeculum . Pagn . ut R. Himman . & Targum . , with this , For thine is the Kingdome , the power , and the glory , for ever and ever . As for example , All the earth shall worship thee , and shall sing unto thee , they shall sing to thy name . Psalm , 66.4 . Selah , .i. Yea Lord , in thee will wee boast all the day long , and praise thy name for ever , Selah . Psalme , 44.8 . .i. Blessed bee the Lord God , of Israell , which only doth wonderous things , and blessed bee his glorious name for ever : and let all the earth bee fild with his glory . So bee it , even so be it . Psal . 72.19 .

Thus you have the ripe fruite of Antiquity , and Authority concerning this Hebrew particle gathered to your hand Haec nos de intimo Haebraiorum fonte libavimus , non opinionum rivulos persequentes , neque errorum quibus totus mundus plenus est varietate perteriti , sed cupientes , et seire , et docere quae vera sunt . S. Hieron . ad Marcell . . Let them whose hand is longer and can spare time better , adde the rest to this vintage {αβγδ} . Euripid . . In the interim whosoever will digest Copia , fastidium facit . Livius . — Sed Jejunus raro flomachus vulgaria temnit . Horac . Satyr . lib . 2. Satyr . 2 . {αβγδ} . Famelico etiam Masa et nasturtium placent . Athenaeus lib . 4. , with mature deliberation and judgement , what is reached with the right hand of love to aedification , shall finde the relish and juice not to bee unfruitfull , or uncomfortable Licet hae sitavit , cum diceret , nihil ex varijs interpretibus elici possit quod auditorem erudire queat . Mollerus . Difficilis est inter tot opiniones , optio . Lorin . in loc . . And now to wind up all in a word of application to the text . Who sees not , that the Doctrine of mans mortality and vanity is a truth as Ancient as man , and as durable as the world it selfe ? a truth so cleare and manifest of it selfe as it needs no hyperbole to set it out ? An object proper and adaequate to every eye : a subject worthy of our most serious meditation , and daily consideration ? What man in the world , is so shamelesse as to deny it — Magna est medecina fateri , — Quod nocet abscondi , quoniam sua vulnera nutrit , Qui tegit , & plagam trepidat nudare medente . Sedulius lib . 3. oper . paschal . ? Or so dull and deafe that will not give diligent attention unto it ? A wonder indeed , that man the wonder of the world , may be amazed at Praesto sunt omnis generis pericula , & verè haeremus , inter januam & cardines . Proverb . german . Luther . Tom . 4. : yet the more hee discovers the infalibility of it , the more hee is invited to humble himselfe — Neque ulla est , Aut magno aut parvo lethi fuga , quo bone , circa , Dum licet , in rebus jucundis vive beatus , Vive memor , quam sit aevi brevis . Horac . Satyr . lib . 2. Satyr . 6. Cinis et manes , et fabula fies , vive memor laethi , fugit hora . Persius Satyr . 5. before his God ; the more engaged to feare God and keepe his Commandements , Eccles . 12.13 Summâ , jussa Dei time , et imo pectore conde ; Humanae vitae meta ea dulcis erit . Marian . in loc . . WHEREFORE seeing O Lord thou hast made our dayes as a hand-breadth , and that our age is nothing before thee : That every man in his best state is altogether vanity Sed satis est orare Iovem , qui donat et aufert : Det vitam , det opes . — Hor. Epist. lib . 1. Epist. 18. ω . — Sed Non equidem hoc studio , bullatis ut mihi notis Pagina turgescat . — Persius Satyr . 5. ; So seale up this truth in our Soules , that it may never vanish from us : and teach us to number our dayes , that we may apply our hearts to wisedome , Psalm . 90.12 . even for thine own wisedom's sake , thy Christ , and our Iesus . Amen .

FINIS . Psalme . 105.6 .

Let every thing that hath breath praise the Lord . Praise yee the Lord Cuncta , suo Domino , depromunt munera laudum Seu semper siliant ; sive sonare queant . Ovid . Philomel . .