The Person who chargeth .

FIrst , for the Person who it is that chargeth , and to whom this commission is directed , it is requisite to aske as the Spouse doth in the fift Chapter and ninth verse , Who is this beloued more then another louer , that hee doth so charge . To direct and perswade in matters of great weight and consequence , there are these three required , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , Wisedome , Loue , Aristo . Rhet. li. 2. ca. 1. and Authoritie . Wisedome to bee beleeued ; Loue to be respected ; Authoritie to be feared . First , Wisdome , for that is nimbler then all thinges , Wis. 7.24 . and searcheth throughly , by reason of her purenesse .

Secondly , Loue is requisite , Cant. 8. ● . for it is strong as death , there is nothing but a man will vndertake at the perswasion of a wiseman , who doth intirely loue him .

Lastly , Authority is required , Aug. for Etsi meliores sunt quos ducit amor , tamen plures sunt quos corrigit timor ; the better sort are wonne by Loue , but the greater number are ouercome by Feare . Hee that giueth this charge it is our blessed Sauiour , so saith the Spouse in the next verse , it is the voice of my well beloued : it is hee against whom for his Wisedome to direct , for his Loue to comfort , for his Authoritie to punish , there is no exception to be taken , for Dominus locutus est , & ego adiuro they are all one .

And whereas hee begins with a charge , wee are to obserue the Dialect and Acrimonie of the holy Ghost in chargeing . Sotomaior . For adiuratio est iurationis quoddam genus , this adiuring and charging is a kinde of swearing . Gen. 24.3 . So that as Abraham caused his seruant to sweare , and then charged him not to take a wife for his Sonne of the women of Canaan , so heere is an oath of Canonicall obedience required , that no man affiance himself , to any schismatical or hereticall Church , but onely the true Spouse of Christ , she must be , as the louing Hinde , Prou. 5 . 1● . and pleasant Roe in thy sight to delight in her loue continually .

The words of Gods spirit , they are not otiosa supplementa verborum , nor as Iob saith , words of the winde ; but wher the holy Ghost fals on charging , without question there is some waightie matter in hand ; Iob. 6.26 . and therefore in regard of the person who doth adiure & charge , when the assemblie is broken vp , this charge must be thought vpon to be performed .

Daughters of Ierusalem .

THE persons to whome this charge is directed , is to the Daughters of Ierusalem , that is , by the iudgement and consent of all interpreters , to the Magistrates and to the Ministers , especially to the holy Priestes , who are attending vpon the Church , as waighting women on a Queene , or as louing daughters vpon their mothers .

They are named Daughters of Ierusalem , because 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 : Daughters in their qualities resemble their mother . Arist. de ge. 4. cap. 3 Ierusalem by Dauid it was made 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , the mother citie in all Iudea , in the 12. of the Reuel : shee is said to trauaile in birth , and in the 4. to the Galath. 26. it is called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the mother of vs all ; a plaine periphrasis of the Church .

Ierusalem as appeareth in the 18. of Ioshua , 28. it first tooke the name of Iebuseus the sonne of Chana , and was called Iebus , Iosephus Arqueri . after it was enlarged by Melchisedech and called Salem , which signifies Attonement , or the vision of Peace ; Hebr. 7. and 2. King of Salem ; that is King of Peace . Thus then daughters of Ierusalem , are to bee vnderstoode , Daughters that resemble their mother , Daughters of Peace . What ? and is it to be feared , that Ierusalem , shall be disturbed of her owne Daughters ? they that professe themselues , to be children of the holy Citie , and should continually pray for the peace of Ierusalem , are they such stirrers that they must bee charged ? I verely : the holy Ghost knew right well , both how & to whom to speake . For 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , Act. 20.30 euen from among your selues shall men arise , speaking peruerse things , and seeking to draw Disciples after them .

When the Diuell saw , his Temples forsaken and his Oracles put to silence , hee deuised this as a speciall supply to haue alwaies his agents in or about the Church , Aug. de ciuit . Dei . lib. 18. c. 51 Qui sub vocabulo Christiano , doctrinae resisterent Christianae , who vnder the title of a Christian name , might euer be ready to resist the Christian doctrine . Inimici hominis domestici eius , our owne calling and countrymen , are our most vnkinde and cruell enimies . Had not diuers of vs , like vnnaturall children shaken off that reuerend obedience due to the Church our mother , but had shewed our selues ( as heere we are named ) Daughters of Ierusalem , the holy spouse of Christ , had neuer been so wounded at the heart , nor her patrimonie , so bouldly beene made a pray to sacrilegious Atheists .

Whereas we should preach Christ Iesus crucified , that is , reconciliation by his bloud , holy life , repentance and good works , christian Charitie , and such like , still there is much a doe , about such points , as make not to the furtherance of the people in good life and deuotion , but to the ouerthrow of the state Ecclesiasticall , & to the disturbance of the Church of God . It is a wofull ofspring , when the birth of the childe is the death of the mother . If It is run to his mother Progne , and bee betraied in her bosome : if when the childe aske bread , the father giue a Scorpion ; if the Phisition minister poison ; if there bee no succour in the iudge , Contra solitudinem & inopiam , if one truth bee not generally taught of vs all , et locum vbi consistat reperire non potest ; if still there be a difference made betweene the Reformed and the Formalistes ; and affirmed , that the Reformed though they lose their liuings , yet they will keepe a good conscience , but the Formalists will euer be of the same religion the king is of ?

If when we celebrate the Lords Supper , we play ( as they say ) a pageant of our owne , and make poore silly soules beleeue , they haue an English masse ; if Church men affirme , that our Church hath in it still , so many black marks , that the naturall children of the Church cannot discerne it ? what hope can be conceiued , that the blessed Spouse shall euer attaine , vnto any setled and ioyfull rest ? The people in all ages , they haue euer delighted to heare of the faultes and frailties both of their gouernours & of their teachers ; it hath euer beene laughing cheere to the ignorant multitude , to see strange innouations , change in the course of religion , and men of the Church , at variance and contention , yet all this is not sufficient to aduise , but still , euen vpon no occasion , diuers are euer troubling the state , and murmuring against the gouernment established .

Our Sauiour Christ , he directeth this charge , especially vnto vs , & calleth vs Daughters of Ierusalem , Bernard . piè blanditur , ac suauitèr allicìt , Daughters for loue , Ierusalem for peace ; teaching vs thereby , humilitie , obedience to the christian Maiestrate , peace , lowlines and submission to the Church our mother ? so that , if wee doe ioy in the prosperitie of our country , if we doe long after the florishing estate of the Church ( aboue all others ) we must be knit together in vnitie and peace . Gel. 5.15 . For if we bite one an other , wee shall be consumed one of another .

Surely , the Lord is with King Salomon , God is with our King , hee hath giuen him wisedome , riches , and honour , hee hath built him a glorious pallace , Cant. 3.9 . the timber is of Lebanon , the pillers of siluer , the ornaments of gold , the worke doth prosper in his hands , and there remaines nothing but that it may bee paued throughout , with the loue of the Daughters of Ierusalem . Therefore you that bee Magistrates , Parlament men , flowers of the land , and ornaments of your Countrie , heere also called Daughters of Ierusalem , doe you by all good meanes procure the Peace of the Church . Giue no encouragement to humorous men ; doe not fauour their disorderly proceedings ; win them by your authoritie , perswade them in your loue , to peace and conformitie . It is said of Saint Ciprian , that with teares he bewailed those , who in the time of persecution denied Christ ; much more is their contempt and peruersenes to be lamented , who in the time of the Churches prosperitie doe wilfully forsake Christ : for what is it else to forsake Christ , but without iust cause , with out any sure ground , to forsake that blessed calling , wherof before God and men , before Saints and Angels , they haue made publike profession before the Church .

Is this integritie ? is this humblenesse of mind , and an heart truely knit and deuoted vnto God ? No verily . Is in amore Dei maior erit , qui plurimos ad eius amorem trahit . Greg. in hom. That man shall bee accepted most in Gods loue , who doth win most to the holy loue of God . It is a blessed thing , to be euen a doore keeper in the house of God : and it sauours of an humble minde , of a sweet spirit , to become all things to all men , by all possible meanes to win some . Thus did Christ teach in his life , and thus did he performe in his death . Perdidit vitam potiùs quam perdidit obedientiam . But , if it be so , that nothing can preuaile with these men , and that they will needes leaue of to be Daughters of Ierusalem : then here is not onely a charge giuen to fore-warne them by word , but in the 15. ver. there followes an attachment . If I charge will not serue , the take vs the foxes , Cant. 2.15 that destroy the vines , must follow : If Arons rod cannot sway , Moses must stinge : Fitches are to be beaten with a staffe , and cummin with arod . Whosoeuer will not doe , Eza . 7. ●6 . the Law of thy God and the Kings law , let him haue iudgement without delay . S. Basile saith , that Magistrate is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 with out bowels and compassion , who suffereth disorders in the church vnpunished . Diuers questions , beginning onely to arise , betweene the Disciples of Saint Iohn , and our Sauiour , holy writers haue this obseruation , that God in his wisedome , did suffer the death of Saint Iohn to hasten , Iohn . 3 25. that there might be no sects nor diuision in the Church . Chrisost. Theodo .

Very loth haue I euer beene , to be seene at any time to meddle in these troubles of the Church , and therefore ( the Lord knoweth my heart ) I speake not in bitternesse to exasperate any mans thoughts against them . But in this case , who is offended , and I burne not ? by lamentable experience doe I know , what strange and wofull effects , these disordered courses haue brought forth . Diuers , in whose vertuous and louely societie , my heart hath often ioyed , and some , for whom nature would cause a man to cry out , ( would to god I had dyed for thee my brother ; ) some of these haue forsaken both friends and country , and others , ( men of excellent parts in humaine learning , whereas they had purposed to take holy orders , by reason of these contentions , they fell away , and embraced this present world . Therefore in those things , which concern the glory of God , the peace and prosperitie of the Church : Plutarch . Optima legum institutio , vt non solùm sint , sed vt latis pureatur . As it is a blessed thing to haue begun well , so it is the crowne of glory to perseuere in well doing , to persist by all good meanes , that as much as possible may bee , from the Orcades to the South seas , from the Irish pale to the Westerne bounds , there may bee one publike , perfect , and Christian Peace amongst vs : for feare least as by the discord of the Arians innumerable people fell away , Dluus . Hilar. lib. contra Const. August . from Christianitie to Gentilisme and infidelitie , so by reason of our discord , they neuer cease , to fall away as fast to Atheisine & impietie .

Roes and Hindes .

OF the Persons you haue heard , now commeth in the charge it selfe : wherein first we are to consider the Manner , which is very sweet and proper . For being in the fieldes and alluding to shepheards according to the tenor of the Canticle , hee doth charge by the Roes and Hindes of the field . Why wee should bee charged by Roes and Hindes , ( such a strange kinde of adiuration ) and what is ment by them , there is great varietie of interpretations , amongst all writers . In the originall tongue , Tzeboath and Ailoth , the Hebrew words they doe signifie exercitus & virtutes , wherevnto the Septuagints agreeing , doe translate it 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . O yee Daughters I charge you , by the royall armies , and strength of the field .

Aponius in his 4. booke , Aponius . saith , we are adiured by Roes and Hindes . For example sake , quòd horum est amor ardentissimus , because of all other beasts , their loue , in feeding , and keeping quietly one with an other , is most peaceable and affectionate : Per Hinnulos & Capreas , Rupertus . that is , saith Rupertus , by the holy Patriarks ; Abraham , Isaac and Iacob , who in their generations were men of peace : Thomas Aquinas hee expoundeth it , Tho. Aqui Lyra. by the holy Prophets & Apostles , Lyra saith we are charged by Roes and Hindes for that these beasts are enemies to poyson , and fellow helpers against such as hurt them .

Saint Bernard , Bernard serm. 53. Beza . hee adiureth by the holy Angels , who are as swift as Roes and Hindes , Beza , ( whose exposition is very good ) he saith ; the spirit of God , doth call the very dum creatures to witnes against stirrers in the Church . Some expound Roes and Hindes to bee the chiefe theologicall vertues , adiuring vs by our faith , hope , and charitie . Others they say wee are adiured amore quo tenemini Sanctis , Hugo . Cand. by that loue and reuerend duty , which we doe owe to the Saints and reuerend Fathers of the Church . To bee short : Gregory , Gorrhan , Cassiodore , Ambrose , Origen , Honorius , Anselmus , Angelomus , almost euery author doth differ in his exposition . So that as the Poet cryed out , Quid clamem ? quae fata vocem ? quae numina poscam ? so all authors are at a stande , and cannot tell , either in heauen or in earth , or amongst the creatures , what to call to witnesse , that they might sufficiently charge . But that they might be sure to make all men fearefull to stirre or trouble the Churches peace , euery one doth adiure by that which in his senerall iudgement is most forcible . Amongst the rest , Venerab . Beda . the exposition of Venerable Beda , is very significant and religious . I charge you by the Roes and Hindes , that is saith he , per delitias agri , by the soules and tender consciences of the ignorant and simple people , they are the Roes and Hindes which we must hunt after , and study to take . And very fitly are they compared to Roes and Hindes , because as , Pliny , P li. lib 8. cap 53. Solinus . lib 3. Philostratus and Solinus writeth , they are most tender and fearefull of all beasts , affrited with any noise , checked with the least foile , tourned out of course with the cracking of a sticke , presently make head another way , and when they are once out of their wonted walke , Erranti in via , nullus est terminus , they run they know not whither , euen to their owne death : Such is the nature and disposition of common people , soone stird vp , quickled awry , sometimes running full head one way , on a sodaine turned as much an other . 1. Sam. 15.24 . Act. 12.2 . Therefore it is a seruile course , and bewraies a vaine and proud spirit for any , especially men of religion and vnderstanding , to fit the fancies , and seeke to win vnto themselues the applause of common people . Plato de Rep. Plato in his common wealth forbids men , to tange vp and downe , to ring away other mens Bees , yet the onely glory of some men is , to get , flockers , and followers after them , by tanging and iangling in matters of no importance . Surely , as a weake and feeble braine , followeth the waxing and waining of the Moone , so the braine-sicke humour of the multitude is subiect and pliable to euery change and reuolution . Whereupon Homer compares the disposition of common people to the standing corne , Homer . ther comes a puffe , and blowes it all on the one side , there comes an other blast , and swayes it as much on the other side . It is a fit comparison made by the Kingly Prophet . Psa. 65.7 . It is the Lord that stilleth the rage of the Sea , the noise of the Waues , and the madnesse of the people ; iumping therein with the Prophet Esay 17. Chapter , where the nature of the people is compared vnto the billowes 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , of the trouble some and working Sea . So easily set a gog , so delighted with nouelties , so full of alteration and change are the affections of common people .

In the 28. of the Acts. Saint Paule whilest the Viper hung vpon his hand , he was a murderer , againe , the Viper shaken off , in the turning of an hand , he was a God . In the 3. of Ezra and the 12. the people wept because they had no Temple : after when the Temple was builded , then they wept as fast againe , because the glory of the second was not like the first . In the time of queene Mary , there was lamentation , and crying out , that I dolatry was set vp , the Church polluted , and the Gospell taken away : afterward when through the great mercie of God , the Gospell was aduanced , and the light thereof did comfortably shine throughout the whole kingdome , then they murmured and cryed out as fast againe , that wee had no Church , no Ministry , truth was wrapt vp in Ceremonies , and all was Antichristian .

In the 19. of the Acts , Demetrius and other subtill heads of the tradse men of Ephesus , ( meerly for their owne gaine ) raised a great tumult , and getting the people together , cryed out , great is Diana of the Ephesians ; presently the people were carried with such a tempest of fury , that the cittie was all in an vprore , they can and rushed whether they list in great confusion , much violence was offered , and yet at last as appearerh in the 32. verse , the most part knew not wherefore they were come tog ther. In like sort , Nobiles qui●am praeci●u●●ui●s ●eg●●merum ●ge unt 〈◊〉 ann , 1583. not many yeeres agone , diuers personages of great credit and countenance ( they and their predecess●urs being long since enriched , by the reuenues of the Church and fearing to lose them ) apprehending presently the successe , inuegled many weake men , young diuines , trades-men , artificers , and such like , and they all cryed out , for the Geneua discipline , and Scottish reformation in the Churh . The ignorant multitude once stirred vp , the whole land was in sects and tumults , the state was troubled , the Prince was disobeyed , good lawes were neglected , by Libels , Pamphlets , by consealements , by treacheries , by sundry foule disorders , violence and disgrace was offered , b b A booke of discipline compiled after the Geneua fashion by M. Knox , & others , reiected of the disciplinarians and termed a deuout imagination . Another booke called Disciph ecclesiae sacra verbo Dei discripta , correct d altered & amended about . 1587. to many societies and worthy callings in this land , and yet I dare say , the most part neuer knew what they did desire . Nay , I dare confidently affirme , that the chiefest & learnedst sectaries of those times , and euen at this day , not sixe of them , did euer fully and soundly agree , in the maine points , and manner of erecting , this their Goddesse Diana , this affected discipline and reformation . Yet behold and obserue the effects .

These silly Roes and Hindes once stirred vp , they flockt together and assembled in woods ; they haunted priuate conuenticles in the night ; they had secret Printers in euery corner , the publike congregation grew odious , the holy word and Sacraments were despised : at length they affirmed plainely there was no true Minister in the Church of England , and so some fled beeyond Seas , others gaue vp their calling , lurking idly in other mens ho ses , seducing their mindes , and wasting their esta●es . While these reformers thus ranne their course , honest plaine men , simple people , beholding such parts taking and contention , seeing such acceptions of persons , and varietie of opinions , they in their ignorance stood at a gaze : some fell away to the Church of Rome , others waxed neither hot not cold , Athisme crept in , deuotion was laid aside , God exceedingly dishonored , and the estate both of Church and common wealth very much defaced , I say no more of these Roes and Hindes , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 .

If then we regard the saluation , of simple people , by rooting out all Athisme and Superstition , if wee tender their peaceable and Christian life , who are 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , misse-led vpon euery light occasion , then we must wholy lay aside , all contention and difference whatsoeuer : with one hart , with one consent , we must all preach one and the selfe same doctrine , all vse the same ceremonies , thereby to win the people to Godlines of life , and holy reuerence ; and alwaies ( in regard of their weaknes ) we must be shie and fearefull of stirring in the Church . The very Heathen haue taught vs discreation in this point .

Amongst the wise Grecians the difficult points of their religion , Aug. de ciui . Del. li. 4. cap. 38 were neuer laid open to the discussing of the ignorant people , but closed vp with silence . Varro that notable , and learned writer , remoued those bookes which he wrote , touching the deepest questions & misteries in Theologie , from the sight and knowledge of the multitude , Scholis verò ac parietibus clausit , Aug. de ciui . Dei . li. 6. cap. 5. he reserued them priuate to the learned Schooles .

Aboue all others , the holy Apostles and aunciant Fathers of blessed memory , were so chary in this point , hat if any doubt arose , ●f any question or controuersie fell out among them : they did not by and by set forth bitter inuectiues and sedicious Phamphlets , they did not put vp clamorous bils to temporall courts , they did not creepe and couch to lay men , for the boulstring and bearing out of any disorders in the Church , they did not haunt & trouble Christian Princes , with bould and vnaduised petitions , but as wee may see , Act. 15. by the Apostles Acts. 15. A matter of great consequence , was orderly and louingly disoussed at Ierusal●m , ( the Schoole of the Prophets ) and so peaceably ended by the chiefe and most excellent Apostles . This president and worthy example , was truely followed by Saint Hierome and Ruffmus , by Saint Augustin● by Chrysostome and Epiphamus , by the good Bishop of Alexandria , in the time of Arrius , Niceph. eccle hist. lib. 8 50. Paulus Diaco . by Th●o●o●e who sent priuately to Paule Patriarch of Constantinople : thus they conferred peaceably together , they wrote priuately one the each other , and so ( neuer making the people acquainted ) doubts being resolued and controuersies ended euery man did rest satisfied in his obedience and went peaceably on in his seuerall calling . These holy and graue men considered well , that the soules of the ignorant people were precious , their mindes like Roes and Hindes , easily missecaried , soone stirred vp , and quickly driuen from their wonted layer , therefore as the good shepherd in the 23. Psalme , they fed them peaceably in greene pastures , they led them not vnto torrentes , to troublesome whirlepooles , but 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to the waters of rest , Heresbaci in Psal. 23. and as the originall doth infer to the sweete streames that run quietly .

Stir not .

THe substance of this charge , is double : First , not to stir in respect of the danger : Secondly , not to waken , in regard of the Spouse , who is fallen asleepe , and peaceably taking rest . It is dangerous to stir , for that a rent or schisme in the Church , is like a wound in the Soule , or a great breach in the Sea , there is almost nothing able to close it vp againe . Howsoeuer at the first it seemes of small reckning , and of no importance , yet , it neuer shewes it selfe at the beeginning in the right colors , but crescit eundo , it creeps on and gathers strength , and we shall neuer read , that the primatiue point of any Schisme , did euer rest , or stay it selfe , vntill it came to a full periode , of a plaine heresie . Hieron . Eccli. 11 32. Niceph. eccle. hist. li. 8. cap. 5. Nullum schisma , non sibi aliquam posted confingit haeresim . Of one little sparke is made a great fire . Arrian his heresie , it was but a sparke ( as Nicephorus doth write ) first raised by one Alexander Bancalis , because an other was preferred before him , yet this sparke set all Asia , Africke , and Europe on fire , & so poysoned the spawne of the Church , Cassiod . li. 1. cap. 12 in the florishing spring of worthie Constantine , that euen to this day , it neuer recouered the losse againe . Mahomet that Antichristian infidell , first , began his sect with a few followers , and because Heraclius the Emperour let him run on , Carion . anno . Do. 641. neglecting him as not worthy to be defeated , shortly after vnder colour of his religion , hee ouer ran Asia , defaced the East Church , subuerted the glorious Empire of Constantinople , and so continues to this day the scourge of all Christendome .

Bleidan . Bellum rusticanum absumpsit Germano . rum . 150000. vei est in vita Clementis Rom. Pontificis . Did not the Anabaptistes of late yeares . 1525. euen of a small sparke , raise such a flame in Germanie , that growing at length to parts taking , by the base multitude , Temples , and cities were set on fire , banishment and proscription inflicted vpon the innocent , and at length a butchery massaker made of fiftie thousand people slaine at one time , and an hundred thousand Christians murdered at an other . They began with the Bishops , and Clergie , Bullinger . but they ended with the deposing of ciuill Magistrates and destruction of the people .

The ground and primatiue cause of all the contentions raised heretofore in our Church , was at the first a small discontentment , a matter of priuate grudge , a little sparke : but by a bould admonition giuen at that time to the high court of Parliament , it wakened all England , Admonition . and set a number of tongues and pens on fire , ( not with such fire as fell on the Alter , and sanctified the Sacrifice ) but with the fire of bitternes , schisme , & contention , which could neuer yet be throughly quenched to this day .

From this sparke , as from Hydra , what a number of poysoned heades sprong vp : Anabaptists , Brownists , Puritaines , Catharists , Atheists , the famille of loue , and such like . And notwithstanding those worthy and learned men , who fled in queene Maries time ( as Iohn Bale , Richard Cox , Iohn Pa●khurst , William Burloe , Alexander Nowell ; Iohn Iewell ; Edwin Sands , Edmond Grindall , and very many more ) maintained the gouernement of the Church of England , vsed in their holy assemblies , the forme of seruice , and order of ceremonies which were established in King Edwards time , & ratified againe by good queen Elizabeth , yet behold , contrary to the iudgement & course of these learned and holy men , what strange , what fiery and stirring conclusions were raised . That the choise of Ministers should stand vpon the approbation of the people , a a Cart. wright . Admonition Suppli . to the Parlia . 56. and that they are all of equall authoritie : that the Church gouerment was vtterly vnlawfull and Antichristian : That the Article of our faith , touching Christs descention into hell was foisted into the Creede : That b b Hacket executed . Festidies . sunt commodè abolendi . the Lords prayer , by our Sauiour himselfe commaunded , was not to be vsed : That c c Schismatiks in Berry . no holiday might be obserued , but onely the Saboth : That no d d Defended openly in the Vniuersitie . father or humaine writer might be alleadged in the Pulpet : That the Booke of common Prayer , was to bee abolished : That all the Ceremonies of our Church were Popish , and to be swept away : e e Mart iu. r. Adm. pa. 25. That the callings of Bishops , was an Antichristian & diuellish hierarchy : That reformation of Religion , belongeth to the comminaltie : g g Buccha de iure regni . Page . 61. & that the people are better then the King , and of greater authoritie : That h h Scottish presbetary in prison at this day . the Presbitery and not the Prince was to bee supreme gouernours in matters Ecclesiasticall .

This sparke , what a number of i i Martin iunior . Martin senior . Martin prote . Martinus Epist. His Epitome . Hay any work . seditious books , biting Libels , and slanderous Pamphlets , did it raise ? This sparke amongst our selues , what heart burning , what boyling and secret grudges ( by the neglect of some , and applauding of others , ) did it breede ? This sparke amongst great personages , what palpable hypocrisie , Bishopricks , spoiled , disnembred . what soule sacriledge did it cause to bee committed ? This sparke , what a gap did it open , and what way did it make into the hearts of many men , first , to doubt of the truth , and so after to bee won to the Church of Rome ? amongst the Roes and Hinds ; what disordered conuenticles , In London . soswich . Couentre Cambridge what prophane actions , what secret whisperings , what vile treacheries did this sparke procure , Townes , Cities , Vniuersities , the whole Land was on flame with this sparke .

In the peaceable estate of any Church , to renue any old point of heresie , to set on soote any new opinion , any schisme , or intricate question , it proues like the cloud that Elias saw , 1. Kin 18.44 . at the first his seruant looked , and hee saw nothing ; by and by hee bad him looke againe , and it beegan to arise as big as a mans fist , at length it couered the whole skie with darkenesse , and immediately there followed a storme . In like sort the most dangerous heresies that euer were , at the first they haue beene raised of a small matter , and seemed nothing , but in the ende they haue shadowed the face of the Church , and caused immesurable bloudshed . Nay , it is to bee obserued , in the course of all ages and times , that the greatest Monarchies , and most florishing Kingdomes of the world , haue neuer receiued such fearefull blowes , and vnexpected downe-fals by open and forraine enemies , as they haue done by stealing innouations and secrettreasons , first , raised by sects and heresies , in religion . There is nothing doth so knit together the hearts of men , as the band of Faith : againe , there is nothing doth cause such deadly hatred , and mortall hostilitie , as difference and discord in religion . In a word , Dissention is the ordinarie gate , whereat destruction entreth in . The destruction of Ierusalem , it first began with the ciuill discord of Simon and Eleazer : By the dissention of the Christians in the East Church , the Turke first entred into Hungary : and so generally discord hath euer wrought the translating of Kingdomes , & finall desolation . Therefore beloued Fathers , and Brethren all , I humbly beseech you in the name of the liuing God , Submit your selues , to all manner ordinance of man , 1. Peter , 2.13 . Tit. 3.1 . 1. Tim. 2.1 Rom. 13.1 . for the Lords sake : euery man stand fast in loialtie and faithfull obedience , goe peaceably on in that calling , wherein God hath placed you , cease to be contentious , and with an humble spirit , striue to walke before the Lord in truth , and with a perfect heart . That so , the God of consolation , and peace , who hath planted amongst vs the Gospell of peace , and hath set ouer vs a religious King , a louer of peace , and hath setled in his dominions a ioyfull peace , may giue vnto his Spouse & graunt vnto his Church , loue , vnitie and a perpetuall peace , for his owne name and glory sake .

Waken not .

THe second part of this charge , is not to waken Christs spouse , Cant. 8.9 . for ielousie is cruell as the graue , and if any man be so hardy and bould as to waken his Loue , it shall surely bee reuenged . In the 54. of Esay . and the 5. as Christ is there called the Husband , he that made thee is thy Husband , euen the Lord of Hostes : so Reuel . 29. & 9. the Church is called the pride or the Lambs wife , and here very gratiously hee vouchsafeth to call her his Loue .

There is much a doe , many greuances or louers bee vnited . The Church of the Iewes , was 480. yeares vnder persecution of Pharao , and vexed by the Gentiles , or euer it came to enioy peace and prosperitie vnder Salomon . The primatiue Church was 300. yeares militant vnder ten grieuous persecutions or euer it came to be dormant vnder Constantine the great . This church of England in times past , hath seemed to bee forsaken of her louer , and oftentimes since sundry broiles , many discontentments haue fallen out , or euer shee might hope assuredly , tò enioy any quiet rest indeed . She went about and sought him , Cant 3.2 . whom her soule loued , Ezech. 15 and found him not . But now as a bridegrome reioyceth ouer the Bride , so hath God reioyced ouer this Land , and deckea his Loue with ornaments , in a most excellent manner , shee is beecome glorious and of perfect beautie , her name is spred through the world , and other nations doe tast and are satisfied with the breasts of her consolation . If wee aduisedly consider , and call to remembrance , the bloudy massakers of France , and difference of Religion still therein : the wearisome broiles of Flanders , and vnsetled estate of the Church amongst them : The kings Ma●u●p●●ted at Rutheuer . 1 , 84. If wee set beefore our eyes , the high indignities offered heretofore in Scotland , to our most worthy and religious King Iames ; the sodaine and sundry mutines , and vprores euer and anon arising from their presbiteriall discipline : The kings Ma●e . ●esciped at Strineling , enforced to take the Castle . & in the end to compound so his saseue . the vnstayed and discontented cariage , the poore and despised estate of such Church-men , as first hoped , but now cannot , with any reuerend gouernment rule therein , then must wee needes confesse , happy are wee in our setled peace , and most blessed in the Godly prosperitie which we enioy .

This prosperitie , this rest of the Church , vnder Salomon then , and such like noble , wise , and religious Kings at this day , is compared vnto Sleepe , and out of this sleep , the Church may not bee wakened . For throughout this whole Song , Christ is neuer said to haue slept with his Spouse , neither is there at any time mention of sleepe , but presently ( as in three seuerall places ) follows , this charge ; that no man waken .

There is one kinde of sleepe , Ouid. Homer . which is Mortis imago . Homer cals it 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , deaths brother , or a dead sleepe . Saint Paule in the 6. to the Ephes. 18. hee termes the death of sinne , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , the spirit of slumber : the Church of Sardis in the 3. of the Reuel . is said to be in this slumber . Our Church also was supposed to haue beene in this sleepe , and thereupon , those Good men , Vaux , Peircy , and Catesbie , resolued to take punishment of the wickednesse of these times and to waken vs . But howsoeuer the Spouse might sleep , O feareful wakning . Cant. 5.2 . her heart was waking , the prayers of the Saints continually crying , kept the mercie of the Lord waking so that though wee sleepe , the keeper of Israell did neither slumber nor sleepe , Hee opened the eyes , and wakned the heart of his chosen seruant , to doubt of the danger , discry the plot , and to preuent the Deadly Blow . He is deliuered , the Lord is magnified , they are fallen , wee stand vpright , and blessed bee the God of our saluation .

There is another kinde of Sleepe , which is Ros naturae , the sweat or the dew of nature , of this sleepe the Phisitions say , it is the repast of the body , and the greatest comfort in nature that may bee . Such a sleepe , is this of the Spouse , ex rore diuino , the dewe of heauen hath fallen vpon her , he hath giuen his beloued sleepe , et sucro silentia sommo procurat . Bemard .

God forbid I should come hither in the name of my God , and stand here before this holy and honorable presence , to wound my conscience , by deliuering an vntruth , or by blanching of sin and corruption , to dishonour my holy calling . No , viuit Iehouath , The Lord knoweth my thoughts , I speake the truth , ( as I conceiue ) from my soule , to the glorious praise of our euerlasting God , and to the great comfort and encouragement of all that heare me . As it is in the former part of this Chapter . Christ hath now brought his Spouse into the wine seller , Verses . 4.5.6 . he hath stayed her with flagons , & comforted her with aples , his left hand is vnder her head , and his right hand doth imbrace her , that is , satisfied in great measure both with temporall and spirituall blessings , shee doth rest in great prosperitie . Shee hath laid her downe in peace , Psal. 4.9 . and taketh her rest , for now the Lord hath made her to dwell in safetie . O let vs praise the Lord for his goodnesse , and neuer be ashamed , to declare the wonders , and to publish the blessings , which hee hath brought vpon vs this day . Our eyes doe see them , our thoughts must needes acknowledge them , and our enemies ( wee finde by late experience ) with secret and great mallice doe enuie them . Giue me leaue therefore ( I humbly beseech you ) euen for the glory of Gods blessed name ( whose exceeding mercie we are bound to acknowledge ) & also for a testimonie of our owne priuate duties , to make some relation of those benefites , which wee enioy by the blessed gouernment of our gratious Soueraigne , whose happy and ioyfull entrance into this Kingdome , wee doe celebrate this day .

It is a plaine , but an excellent principle . Euripides . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , Let him neuer take vpon him , nor desire to rule , who hath not first learned to obey , and to forbeare . It is well knowne vnto vs all , sundry times hath the quiet state of this Realme beene disturbed , much hurly burly raised , many treasons brued , practising and procuring the death of our former Queene , pretending most what , some title and interest vnto the crowne , but beehold , notwithstanding , the apparant truth of his Maiesties title was openly knowen to all the States in Christendome , and that long before , he might haue procured stronge meanes , to haue inuested himselfe ; Forbearancce . with the honour and possession of the same : yet still , did he patiently abide the Lords leasure , as one who truely feared God , hee neuer combined with France , nor complotted with Spaine ; he neuer stirred vp , either subiect within , or forraine power without , but that which is yet very ioyfull to remember , and seldome performed of naturall brothers in one familie , two mightie Princes , good Queene Elizabeth , and our blessed King , most amiably they did liue , and loue , ( and as it were in one land ) peaceably raigne together .

When God had ended her daies in peace , after many distracted feares , wherewith the hearts of all beegan sodainely to bee perplexed ; how blessed were we in the present succession of the crowne , Succession . the happie gouernement whereof , did calmely come in , and peaceably arise , as after a short night , the cheerefull and faire morning Sun-shine .

How secure is now the state , in the vndoubted apparance of blessed Issue , Issue . a stay to the Land , and comfort to euery good subiects heart .

Blessed art thou , Pron. 28.15 O Land ( saith the Scripture ) whose Prince is the Sonne of Nobles . Royall discent . In the royall discent of this imperiall crowne , the Rose is not onely sprounge from the Red and White , descended from the noble off-spring of both houses , Lancaster and Yorke ( thereby most happely taking away all occasion of ciuill dissention ) but moreouer happy are wee in our selues , and fearfull to other nations , in the quiet and lawfull vnion of these Kingdomes . Phantasticall humors did please themselues a while , and selfe conceited heades , haue vainely discoursed with idle similies , against the ordinance of God in this behalfe : but ( leauing the future successe , and farther coniunction to prayer , forbearance , and time ) in this one blessing , Vnion . we may plainely beehold the extraordinarie mercies of the Lord . For I am vndoubtly perswaded ( next after the knowledge of Christ , and the true profession of the Gospell ) this day , this day I say , is now , and hereafter shall bee , the most memorable and happy Day , that in this Land was euer commended vnto posteritie these 1000. yeares . Indeed , the conquest of France , hath title of renowne , but wee know well the possession thereof was gotten by bloud , kept with charge and lost with dishonour . But by his Maiesties lawfull succession vnto the crowne , that which the great and deepe Statesmen of England , forecast many hundred yeares to compasse ; that which by dint of sword , and much effusion of bloud hath often beene attempted ; that which all the victorious Kings of England often desired , but neuer fully effected ; that which the example of other Christian Kings , and the wisest nations teach vs ; that which the very idencity of place , language , condition , nature , soyle , affinitie , and all in themselues doe offer ; the Lord God , who is wonderfull in counsell , and excellent in workes , that hath he sweetly brought about : without present alliance in mariage , without tumult in warre , without wronge to any state whatsoeuer , Israell and Iuda , Scotland and England , are both one , the secret and wise ordinance of God hath so setled it , O let the consent and mutuall loue of both nations peaceably confirme it , and God in his mercie and goodnesse seale it fast for euer .

Irish expeditions . ceased . Since his happy entrance into this kingdome , how well is the whole Common wealth eased and disburdened of the continuall and troublesome charge of our Irish expeditions :

Spanish broilcs appears . How Christianlie are appeased , the vnchristian and bloudy spoyles , robberies , and murders daily committed betweene Spaine and vs .

Most Godly and amiable , is the confederate league concluded with our bordering neighbors round about vs . Confederate derate League . most christian . To subdue Nations , and enlarge Kingdomes , by conquest and bloudshed to wicked and tirannous Princes , it seemes great glory and felicitie , but by good and Christian Kings warre is neuer sought , but enforced by necessitie . Faelicitas maior est , Malis faelicitas bonis necessitas . Aug. lib. 4. Aug. de ciuit . Dei li. 4.15 . vicinum bonum habere concordem , quam vicinum malum subiugare bellantem . It is greater honour and felicitie , to retaine the loue of a good neighbour concording in peace , then to continue the secret hatred of an ill neighbour seduced by war .

Isocrates . ad Nicole The wise Orator saith . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . Faithfull and wise counsellers are the most profitable and worthy treasure , Faithful Counsellers . which any prince enioyeth . And is not the Common Wealth furnished , with as noble , faithfull and wise Counsellers of state , as learned , stoute , Learned & vncorrupted Lawers . vncorrupted Iudges and worthy Lawyers , as reuerend Bishops , shining in their liues and learning , as euer age afforded : Reuerend Bishops . all these ( through the milde and wise gouernement of a gratious King ) retaining their former dignities , Gospell established . and faithfully performing their duties both to God and to their King .

Is not the truth of the Gospell , most peaceably , established and carefully professed , with such reuerend and constant ioy in hearing the word , and frequenting of prayer , as giueth example to all the protestant Princes of Christendome ? To see the populous Court of a mightie King , as peaceable , well giuen and religious , as the well ordered familie of a priuate mans house , what christian heart will not ioy to heare it , and who can but magnifie the God of heauen to know it .

Mariage honored . The sacred bands of holy mariage , are they not tenderly kept ; highly esteemed , and haue they not beene solemnly graced in Court , to the imitation of all the Land ?

Euery great Cittie and incorporation , and euery part of the Land , is it not replenished with Godly and learned Preachers , Learned and Godly teachers . trained vp in the vniuersities , able in some good measure to teach , rebuke and exhort with good discreation and iudgement ? What so is wanting and defectiue herein , Conference as Hampton such hath beene his Maiesties Princely zeale that hee hath referred the care thereof to speciall Committies , that with all couenient speede , Wales , Ireland and the Northren borders , might be supplyed and planted with learned and religious Teachers ?

Henry Iacob in his seditious Epistle dedicated to the King , H. Iocob . is not ashamed to affirme that the present Ecclesiasticall orders are more friendly to Papists , Ceremomonies . Godly and approued . T. C. Libertines and Atheists , then to the sinceritie of the Gospell : an other also of the same rancke , sets it downe , that wee may better conforme our selues in orders and ceremonies to the Turke , then to the Papists . What a strange and dangerous position is this ? O where is discretion and pietie , where is Christian loue , and holy moderation ? Seeing the doctrine is sound and good in the chiefe and maine points of saluation , why should any man speake so vnaduisedly , in matters of lesse importance ? Alas wee also are bound to pray for you , to shew you the right way , and woe be vnto vs , if ( as men pleasers ) we shall speake against our owne knowledge , or that others should bee constraind , to subscribe to that which is not consonant with the truth . Heare therefore and as a wise and vnderstanding people at length bee satisfied . For vndoubtedly the ceremonies of the Church , and especially the vse of the Corsse , The vse of the Crosse approued by Origen . in Psal. 38. Basi . de spir. Sanct. cap. 37. Chris . tom. 2. hom. 55. in Mat. cap. 16. Hiero. li. 3. in Ezech. Aug. tract. 55. in Ioh. & de veabis Dei . serm. 18. & 53. Greg. Mag in li 3. in Iob. cap 33 Ambro. li. 2. cap. 7. & other many . so much excepted against this day , as the Standard of Christs honor , hath euer beene aduanced , and borne aloft in the eye of the Church , to the comfort of all good Christians , by the whole troupe of the blessed Fathers , the Charrets , and horse-men of Israell . And generally those ceremonies vsed at this day in our Church , they are in themselues indifferent , in number few , in vse decent . They are peaceable in regard of conformitie , reuerend to breede denotion in the people , and for continuance these 1500. yeares vncontrowlable : They are consonant with the Scriptures , the exposition whereof , is confirmed by the iudgement of the aunciant Fathers of the primatiue Church ; approued directly by later interpreters , defended souldly by new writers , discussed by Kingly conference , agreed vpon by nationall consent , established by highest authoritie , attested and made good by the approbation and iudgement of other neighbour Churches , as appeareth plainely in the confessions and seuerall articles of Heluetia , Boheme , Ausburge , France , Flanders , Heluetia . 1. art Boh. 25.15.18 . Aus . art 4. Fra. art ▪ 32 Sand. 32. Sax. ar 20 Sweuel . cap. 4. Saxonie and Sweueland .

It is a grounded principle , approued by the learned diuines in all ages . In iis rebus in quibus nihil statuit certum scriptura diuina , nobis populi Det & Christiani principis iura tenen●ia sunt . In those things wherein the Scripture hath set downe no certaintie , the Lawes of the Christian Prince , and of Gods people are with all obedience to bee embraced .

To proceede in this peace and prosperitie of the Church , concerning the Saboth : How generally is it obserued , how religiously sanctified , euen in this great and busie Citie , wherein the streetes may often be seene in a manner desolate , and few stirring vpon the Saboth , Saboth . in the time of diuine prayer and preaching : The painfull preaching frequented with infinite congregations , and mightie assemblies in this famous Citie ; the diligent and daylie prayers , the deuotion and thankesgiuing , the readinesse and attention , in heating the word of God both preached and reade euen in this place where I stand , doth witnesse what I say . O how faire and blessed a thing it is , for a Christian King to heare and know , all the inhabitants of his Dominions , to bee assembled vpon the Saboth , to bee knit together as one man , praising , singing and reioysing in God all their prayers well neere at an instant , as the flame of a thousand mountaines , ascending aloft and peircing the very heauens .

And is it not as louely to behold , all the people of these Kingdomes , Industry of the people . with obedience to Law , and loue to their Soueraigne , to go peaceably on as birds in the spring , busied euery one in their seuerall callings , and all the weeke long cheerefully following their vocation ?

Hath not the Lord crowned yeare after yeare with his blessing , the Land giuing such encrease that notwithstanding there bee at this present , in this Citie and Suburbs sixe hundred thousand liuing Soules , Plentie . yet they all are well and plentifully fed , and all the people throughout the land waxing warme and wealthie , sit peaceably vnder their vines , taking their pleasure and recreation ? 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . It is a waies an assured and good signe of excellent gouernement , when the people of any kingdome doe grow more wealthie , and become more ciuill and religious .

What excellent and Godly acts , stand in force , for the wise ordering and comfortable reliefe of the poore ? What straight and holy Canons or , Good Lawes , for the religious proceeding in all matter Ecclesiasticall ? What seueritie is openly pronounced , and what punishment daily executed vpon corrupt Officers & powlers of the people

Hath not Mercie triumphed ouer iustice , Mercie . and compassion to forgiue ( the perfect note of true Christianitie ) shewed it selfe abundantly in pardoning sundry offences , and sparing the liues of dangerous and hatefull Traitors ?

Feare admitteth no securitie : Democrit . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , whom all men are afraid of , such a man , stands in feare of all men . And therefore , like a wise and right Christian Prince he doth not build his safety vpon strength and power , but vpon the mercie of God , vpon Princely affabilitie , Affability with his Nobles , and vpon the loue and faithfulnesse of his subiects . Doctor Hill and other Papists , Iacob and other sectaries , they slanderously auouch , that their persecutions are many , and their afflictons very grieuous : and ye behold all dissention in religion , Milde gouernment . hath beene awaies labored and is still sought , by all forberrance and gentle meanes to be appeased : yea towards , all men in generall , the gouernement is sweet and milde , and himselfe in his priuate nature , so louing and compassionate , Ambro. de obitn . Theod. that as Theido . hee seeketh to binde men vnto him , not by force , but by bountie & religion . Troublesome and sedicious spirits will neuer cease to murmure and complaine , Aug. de ciuit Dei lib. 1. cap 8. but the point is : Non qualia , sed qualis quisque patiatur .

Since his blessed Raigne doe not our hearts secretly tell vs , that wee feele and daily tast of ioyfull Peace , Peace . sought by mightie Kings and embraced by forraine Nations , as in the daies of Solomon ? Is not true Nobilitie , honorably respected ? Virtue and well doing cheerefully rewarded ? Holy men and discreet daily aduanced ? Vertue rewarded . the reuenewes of the Church lately confirmed : and diuers foundations , of Religion already laid , as in the glorious raigne of great Constantine ? The Lord is God , the Lord is God , and who is such a God as our God . O wretches , and vnthankefull men that we are , wee know not our owne good , we weigh not the sweet mercies of a kinde and gratious God . For in these and many other respects , which are most apparant to the view of all men , I assure my selfe that his royall Maiestie ( whom the Lord protect with his mightie hand long to reigne ouer vs ) is now , and shall bee for euer renowned amongst the most famous Kings , that euer liued in the world : and that the Church , and common Wealth of England , so happely gouerned by his Highnesse , is now at this day the most Apostolike and florishing Church , the most religious Court , the most peaceable and vpright state , that is in all Christendome : How bee it when Prince and People , when Nobilitie and Clergy , when all estates and degrees , doe thus Godly and peaceably go on , enioying such blessed happines , such quiet , and reposed peace , would not the Sunne bee abashed , and the powers of nature daunted , that Christian men , and especially such as are deuoted vnto God in sacred and holy orders , some professing great holinesse and austeritie , others much purenesse and great singularitie , both these should neuer cease to disturbe and waken the churches peace ? Surely it is the Lord that giueth his beloued sleepe , and this sleepe , this prosperitie of the Church , and Common Wealth , it is a blessing inestimable vnto his people , therefore when hee vouchsafeth to giue rest , no man ought to waken or stirre vntill shee please , and that is neuer 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 vntill it is plainely neuer . Vntill . Genes. 8. The Rauen returned not vntill the waters were dryed vp , that is Neuer . Mat. 1.25 . Ioseph knew not the blessed Virgin vntill shee had brought forth her first begotten , that is Neuer , neuer , neuer let any man waken the blessed Spouse .