Londons warning by Laodicea's luke-warmnesse. Or A sermon preached at Paules-crosse, the 10. of October, 1613 Being the first Sunday in tearme. By Sampson Price, Mr. of Arts, of Exeter-Colledge; and preacher to the cittie of Oxford.

LONDONS WARNING BY Laodicea's Luke-warmnesse . Lord Iesus begin and end . REVEL. 3.15.16 .

I know thy workes , that thou art neyther colde nor hot , I would thou wert cold or hot . So then , because thou art luke-warme , and neyther colde nor hot , I will spue thee out of my mouth .

WHen S. Iohn , Iohn 21.7 . the best beloued of the Disciples , had pleaded his cause before Domitian , that cruell Emperour , at Rome , and miraculously escaped out of the Caldron of boyling Oyle , Doroth. vit. Pat. he was banished into the I le of Pathmos ; whence , he wrote this Apocalypse , where vsing many zealous Prayers , and pouring forth bitter teares , Amb. concio . de Basil . which are the best weapons of Christians , hee receiued much gracious content from aboue , and the Earth refusing him , Rupertus . Heauen embraced him . That as Dauid flying from Saul found a Kingdome , 1 Sam. 24.20 . Elias from Iezabel an Angell to feed him , 1 King . 19.5 . Paul from the Damascens , spirituall Brethren to comfort him , Act. 9.27 . So this blessed Exile had much glory in his greatest miserie . For that God who shewed his visions to Abraham in the Mount , Gen. 22.12 . to Iaacob in the field , Gen. 28. to Ioseph in the stocks , Gen. 40. to Moses in Midian , Ex. 3. to Ieremy in the Prison , Ier. 38. to Daniel in Babylon , Dan. 2. and to the Apostle Peter in the house of a Tanner , Act. 10. reuealeth to this our Euangelist , Apostle , Prophet , rapt vp in the Spirit , strange things , which were to be done . The will of God being reuealed , it must be opened to the seauen Churches of Asia , Richard . de sancto Victore 2. prol . which were , like Dauids Worthyes , more excellent then all others , 1 Ch: 12.14 and of which Iohn had the gouernment after Paul : but now , some had lost their first loue ; some were not faithfull to the death ; some maintained the doctrine of Balaam and the Nicholaitans , Victorinus Epis. Clem. Al. Strom. Eus. l. 3. c. 19. Irem . l. 1. c. 27. that it was lawfull to eate of meate sacrificed to Idols , that fornication was no sinne : they suffered Iezabel to preach openly , and seduce many ; they had but a name to liue , when they were dead : many of them were neyther cold nor hot , but proued falling Stars . This is the accusation of Laodicea , and therefore it is reprehended by Iohn , and threatned by Christ , seruing , as a warning to all other Churches , least they be depriued of the Candlesticke of the Gospell , Haymo . Paunonius . Which iudgement the Lord keepe from vs .

I know thy workes . ] This whole Booke hath beene much regarded of the Ancients : Ier. ad Paulin. Eus . l. 7. c. 23. S. Ierome concluded that it had as many mysteries as words . Dionisius Alexandrinus , confessed hee vnderstood it not , and therefore did so much the more reuerence it by faith . Gilbertus , H. card . Primas . praef. comm. Rupert . comm. calleth it the excellentest of all Prophecies . Primasius , thought it could neuer be praysed enough . Rupertus , compared it to the Land of Promise , which the proud slandred , but the humble praysed . Arias Montanus , Ar. Mo. praef. after 30. yeeres study of it , said it was obscure vnto him , had hee not beene extraordinarily illuminated : but now the Booke is vnsealed , as you may read , c. 22. v. 10. It is not here as in the quadrature of a circle which may be knowne , Quadratura circuli scibilis est at non datur scientia . but the way is not yet found out : for the time is at hand when all things fore-told here , shall be fulfilled ; this being a perfect Ecclesiasticall story , Strigelius . from S. Iohn to the end of the world , of all materiall things in the Church . His Phrase is Propheticall , his Method Logicall . He was Legatus à latere to Christ , one of his generall Ambassadours , Iohn 13.23 . Dio. Carth. and leaned on Iesus bosome . Hee had kept a long vacation in his solitary Pilgrimage , and seeing many dangers neare , hee forewarneth the Churches . The mystery of iniquity began then to worke .

The Church in the Apostles times , had her Conflicts , the tenne great Persecutions beganne then to be raysed vp ; Heresies after sprouted forth ; at last , by degrees the great Antichrist approached towards his cursed seate , being to rule as a Monarch , and make warre against the Saints ; which , when S. Iohn perceineth , he directed these familiar Epistles to encourage all ages to be zealous in the worke of the Lord , for he knoweth all their workes .

[ I know . ] Here are Esaus hands , but Iaacobs voyce ; hard speeches , rough countenance , a strong tempest of words , but an hidden spirit of tendernes and louing kindnesse , proceeding from a mercifull Sauiour , who knew that vnlesse they were toucht to the quicke , till blood were drawne , they would not be moued . The Pastor was first to be blamed , whose name , whether it were Sagares , as some collect from Eusebius , Lib. 5. cap. 24. or otherwise , I search not . He gaue a bad president : for , Hos. 4.9 . like Priest , like people . The hearers grew cold , which Christ seeing , grieueth , and sendeth a message ; August . in apo. hom. 2. nay , commeth himselfe , and standeth , and knocketh , and speaketh to all , speaking to their Angell . O magna multitude dulcedinis Dei , as Cassianus cryeth out : Cass . O the great multitude of the sweet mercies of God , who keepeth the iust in him mouth , and neuer casteth out sinners before he admonish them , as here Laodicea .

[ I know . ] Wherein , let no man wonder that I the meanest and vnworthiest of Gods messengers , haue chosen so thundring a Text : for beloued , silence can not breake the dead sleepe of sinne ; softnesse of voyce can not pierce the heauy eares of this dull age ; ordinary speaking hath no proportion with extraordinary transgression . I●rich● must be ouerthrowne with Trumpets and a shout : the Prophets haue need of the zeale of Phinees , the gentle spirit of Eli is not sufficient .

When I looke into the fashions of the world , I see one maketh his Heauen of the drosse and rubbish of the Earth : another maketh his belly his God : another Toad-like swelleth with ambition : another Narcissus-like is enamored on natures dowry , his beautie ; or natures shame , his apparell . The most , eyther like Pharaoh , glory in their obstinacy ; Exod. 1.20 . 2 Sam. 16.23 . Act. 24.3 . Dan. 4.7 . 3 King . 18. 1 Sam 17.5 . 1 King . 12.8 . Ioh 7.48 . Iosh. 9.3 . or like Achitophel , in their pollicie , or like Tertullus , in their cloquence ; or like Nabuchad-nezzar in their building ; or like Zenacherib in their greatnesse ; or like Goliah in their strength ; or like Rehoboam in their birth ; or like the Pharisees in their knowledge ; or like the Gibeonites in their craft . All these , and many other , are but bitter sweets , gliding shaddowes , Ier 9.3 . gaudy toyes : yea , dung , in respect of good things : for which many hazard bodyes and soules , but they haue no courage for the trueth . All these may be rouzed vp by this threatning to Laodicea , which neglected Religion , and followed other things ; and this is the ayme of my Text , being a taxe of the whole world , which is set on mischiefe , toward the end , especially of those whose life is a Corban of vniust guiles and wicked gains , an Acheldama of blood & oppression , caring not who want , so they may abound : as also , of all those who are like Salamanders , neuer liuing well but when they are in the fire of contention : who like Shemei while they seeke their seruant , riches , & serue Mammon , loose their best master , God : who haue good tongues , but the vse them to deceit ; good wits , they vse them to defend errours ; strong armes to murther ; authoritie to oppresse , & a good profession to dissemble . These are the works of darkenesse , which the Father of light knoweth . Thus the forehead of sinne hath lost the blush of shame ; the score reacheth from the East to the West , the cry of our wickednesse hath pierced the Clouds , the height of iniquitie is come to the top , and the fruits thereof are ripe : a dead coldnesse hath striken the hearts of many , hauing left them nothing but the bodies of men and visors of Christians : Neuer was the Iudge of all the Earth neerer to come , yet neuer was there so little preparation for his comming . Neuer was there more plenty of the Gospel amongst vs , yet neuer were men more vnthankefull & fruitlesse then many of vs . In regard whereof , I haue thought this the fittest portion of Scripture that I could propose to you all . I know , &c. As if briefly thus Christ had said [ I know thy workes : ] Non approbando , sed reprobando : not to allow them , but to reproue thee for them , Glose . Hugo Card. as Hugo Card. commenteth . Eyther they were not in the way of the Lord ( sayth Meyerus ) or they thought too well of themselues already , or they feared to defend the truth publikely .

[ Thou art neither cold nor hot . ] Neither an open enemie , nor truly zealous of the Gospell , but a Gibeonite , an Ephraimit , a Canaanit .

[ I would thou wert cold or hot . ] Which he wisheth not simply that they were enemies vnto him , but in respect of that state of luke-warmnesse , in which they were , because sooner they would come to Christ if they trusted not in themselues . I would thou hadst eyther the heat of Christians , or the cold of Pagans , as Saluianus interpreteth it .

[ So then because thou art luke-warme , &c. ] That is , seeing thou hast neither the zeale of charitie to God , neither the acknowledgement of thine offences , that by the feare of hell and repentance thou mighst be drawne to good works , as Ambrose vpon the words .

[ I will spew thee out . ] It is an allusion to the nature of luke-warme water , which being drunke , easily procureth vomit ; so our sins ( saith Aretius ) cause Christ to cast vs away .

[ I know . ] The summe of which Text of Scripture is , that the wicked Hypocrites shal be excommunicate from the true Christians , as August de Ancona noteth , or as Clem. Alex. Here we see , that the Lord tempereth all his rebukes with compassion , or as Conradus Graserus : this is one of the beginnings of the infections of Antichristianisme . You may call it the Worlds warning , or Englands drowsinesse awaked , or rather LONDONS WARNING BY LAODICEAS LVKE-WARMNES . Consisting of two generall parts . Diuis .

1. A solemne reprehension . I know thy works , &c. 2. A zealous commination . So then , because thou art luke-warme .

Subd . In the first , You haue first an open protestation , I know thy workes , that thou , &c.

2. An optatiue comparison . I would thou wert cold or hot .

In the second , you haue 1. a reason full of indig. nation , So then because , &c.

2. A punishment of eternall reiection . I will spew thee out of my mouth .

In the 1. you haue the Atheist manifested .

In the 2. you haue the Neuter condemned .

In the 3. you haue Hypocrito threatned .

In the 4. you haue the sinner banished .

Of all which , while I shall speake hastely , as a passenger , and plainely according to my small abilitie , and accustomed method ; let not any thing bee taken sinisterly , which God knoweth , commeth from a poore sinner , that wisheth the flourishing of this Honourable Citty , & the continuance of the Gospell in this whole Kingdome , till Christ Iesus come to Iudgement . Let me desire your Christ Iesus come to Iudgement . Let me desire your Christian , charitable , & reuerend attention . Iohn . 11.9 . Act. 2.15 . Luke 22.53 . There are but 12. houres in the day , I shall keepe you only 2. of them : this is but little after the third houre of the day : let no man seeme so drousie as if his heart were oppressed with surfetting , drunkennesse , or the cares of the world . It is your houre , and the Lord keepe vs all from the houre & power of darkenesse , that wee may heare , and learne , and practise , the good lessons arising from my Text. And so I come to the parts of my Text as they lye in order : and first , of my first circumstance proposed to be handled , wherein there is an open protestation , I know thy workes , &c.

1● . 1● . If we looke into the state of Leoditea , wee shall finde , Plini . ● . 5 c. 29. V●d . in Epit. ●●ll . in Apoc. that it was the chiefest Citty of Asia , built by Antiochus Theos , who put vpon it the name of his wife . It was one of the most flourishing places of all Asia minor . Camerarus in locum . Strab. l. 12. Here S. Paul preached , thinke hence he wrote his first Epistle to Timothy . It was the name also of a place in Phrygia ; it had many worthy Ministers after the Apostles times , Eus. l. 4. c. ●6 . & l. 7. c. 28.29 . as Socrates , Eusebius , Alexandrinus , Anatolius , Stephanus , Theodorus and others . Here the great question was decided about keeping the Passeouer . Melito l. de pasc . It was washed through with the Riuer Licus . It had many honourable Citizens , as the rich Hiero , Zeno the Orator , and Polemo his sonne , Gasparus a Mel. Suarez . in text . afterward made a king by Augustus . Their name is interpreted , A iust people , of 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , but this auailed them nothing ; for euill persons may haue good names , Lambert . Auen. as Adoni-zedek the King of Ieruslem , Ios. 10.1 . who was an Idolater and a Tyrant , had a name signifying the Lord of Iustice , or the Iustice of the Lord . And one who was a grieuous persecuter of the Christians , Eus. Ecc. Hist. 9.9 . 1 Kin. 12.32 . was tearmed Theot●onus , the childe of God . Bethel in Ieroboams time , was vnwilling to part with the name of the house of God , but it rather deserued to be called Bethauen , the house of vanitie : so Laodicae abused her name , and the blessings of the Lord which were many , this aggrauateth the offence : for as the sinne of Adam was so much the more abhominable being committed in Paradise , and the Idolatry of the foure and twenty men worshipping the Sunne at the dore of the Temple of the Lord : so sinne was more remarkable in these , of whom the Lord had dessrued so well , and therefore hee now openeth them . I know , &c.

Doct. Whence this Doctrine may be collected .

The Lord knoweth the workes of all men , and will reueale them , be they neuer so closely hidden for a while . A proofe of this yee haue in the Prophet Dauid , who when hee had committed Adultery and Murther , swallowed them for the greater part of a yeere , without any great remorse . But Nathan comming to him , telleth him , thus saith the Lord ; Thou diddest it secretly , as if none had seene it : I saw it , and will bring an open punishment vpon thee out of thine owne house before all Israel , and before the Sunne , 2 Sam 12.11 . This made Salomon his sonne giue this aduise , In all thy wayes acknowledge him , and hee shall direct thy paths , Pro. 3.6 . This was a charge giuen to Abraham when he was 99. yeers old , Walke before mee , and be perfect , Gen. 17.1 . And it was the Oath of Elijah the Tishbite : As the Lord God of Israel liueth before whom I stand ; 1 King . 17.1 .

This Ieremy remembred the Iewes of , If thou returne , then will I bring thee againe , and thou shalt stand before mee , Ier. 15.19 . All which , and many more , teach vs , that GOD seeth and knoweth our wayes be they neuer so secret . And no maruell ; for if we climbe vp to Heauen hee is there , if wee goe downe to the center of the earth , he is there also : he is euery where and no where ; euery where , by replenishing the place with his beeing and power ; no where ; by circumscription and locall definition . Hee is within all things , not included ; without all things , not excluded ; below all things , not degraded ; aboue all things , not preferred : therefore he proclaimeth to LAODICEA , that hee knoweth her workes .

In the Epistle to the Church of Ephesus , C. 2. v. 1. hee holdeth the 7. Starres in his right hand , and walketh in the midst of the 7. golden Candlestickes .

In that to Smyrna , hee is first and last , was dead , v. 8. and is aliue .

In that to Pergamus , v. 12. hee hath the sharpe Sword with two edges .

In that to Thiatyra , v. 18. he hath eyes like a flame of fire , and feet like fine brasse .

In that to Sardis , C. 3. v. 1. he hath the 7. Spirits of God .

In that to Philadelphia , v. 7. hee is called holy and true , hauing the key of Dauid , which openeth , and no man shutteth , and shutteth and no man openeth .

And in this to Laodicea , hee is called Amen , the faithfull and true witnes , the beginning of the creatures ; and the knower of all workes in my Text. Hee commendeth some , and discommendeth others , knoweth all . The Minister of Smyrna was a good man , though poore to the world , I know thy pouerty , but thou art rich . c. 2.9 . Thou hast done good seruice to the Church , and hast little reward of man : Be faithfull vnto the death , and I will giue thee the crowne of life . The Minister of Philadelphia was a worthy man , not of the greatest gifts , yet faithful in a little . Thou hast a little strength , and kept my word . c. 3.8 . Christ promiseth to blesse his labours , and make his enemies know that he is in the loue of God : but Ephesus is reproued for going back-ward . Pergamus and Thiatyra , for maintayning corrupt doctrine . Sardis , for dulnesse , deafenesse , and vnsoundnesse in the worshipping of God : and Laodicea here for luke-warmenesse . The ground of his prayses and dispraises is , that he knoweth their workes , seauen times repeated , that is , all their particular actions ; yea , their very thoughts , and therefore cannot be deceiued . Men may erre in their censures of others , because they know not the hearts , and with what affections , cannot faile one iot , therefore he stoppeth their mouthes at the first , least they should reply any thing , I know thy workes . I know what thou art , and what thou hast beene ; I know thy sitting downe , and thy rising vp .

The illimited knowledge of God is amplyfied by wonderfull testimonies throughout the Bible , I stay not your eares with commemoration of the places . There is neyther heuaen nor hell , nor the vttermost part of the Sea , neyther day nor night , light nor darkenesse , that can hide vs from his face : the thoughts of our harts , words of our tongues , wayes of our feet ; nay , our bones , our mothers wombes wherein we lay in our first informitie and imperfection , are well knowne vnto him . He sitteth vpon the Circle of heauen , and beholdeth the inhabitants of the earth as Grashoppers : his Throne is the Heauen of heauens , the Earth is his foote-stoole ; his wayes are in the great deepe . The ignorance of this , is the cause of all sinne , of cursing , deceit , fraud , mischiefe , and vanity , because men haue not God in their thoughts . Psal. 10.4 .

This made Nazian confesse that a man ought Naz. Orat. de Theolog. no oftner to breath then to remember CHRIST , and Ephreem to say , Eph. to . 2. c. 10. that men considering the knowledge of GOD , will auoyd offences as malefactors abroad will thefts , at the drawing neere of Assises . By this meanes hee recalled a foule soule that long had liued in abhomination : Metaphrastes in eius vita . shee desired Ephreem to lye with her , which hee refused , vnlesse it were in the mids of the Citie , shee sayde it would bee a publike shame to both : How much more sayd hee , is it in the sight of God and his Angels ? which words so amased her , that shee repented and became a faithfull conuert .

It was the aduise of Seneca the Philosopher , Sen. Epist. 11. though an Heathen , to his friend Lucilius , that in all his actions and thoughts , hee should so carry himselfe , as if some good man saw him and would blame him if he erred ; but wee must haue God alwayes before our eyes , and being at our right hand , wee shall not be moued , our heart shall bee glad , our glory shall reioyce , Psal. 16.9 . our flesh also shall rest in hope .

And surely , there is no way to hide our selues from him : disguised ADAM in his Figge-leaued coat , close amongst the bushes , could not shelter himselfe from his knowledge , no more can wee . Videt omnia generaliter sine exceptione , euidenter sine dubitatione , immutabiliter sine obliuione . Hee seeth all things generally , without exception , euidently without doubting , Nich. Denijfi . vnchangeably without forgetting .

He entereth the priuy chamber of the heart , therfore it is impossible to blind his eyes , or to auoyd him by flying , Viex inftit . ad poenit . and therefore poore runne-away , Non te Domino abscondis , sed Dominum abscondis tibi . Thou hidest not thy selfe from God , but God from thy selfe .

Vse 1 Vse 1. Is to condemne the ignorant sinners of this age , Eccles. 27.19 . who sinning secretly say , Who seeth vs ? we are compassed about with darknesse , the wals couer vs , what need we feare ? the most High will not remember our sinnes ; such onely feare the eyes of men , and know not that the eyes of the Lord are tenne thousand times brighter then the Sun , beholding all the wayes of men .

Yet thou blasphemous Atheist , hearken to this , whensoeuer ( as I hope there is none in this Christian Congregation ) who runnest on in thy sinnes , Heb. 4.13 . and thinkest that God knoweth them not ; yes , he knoweth all things , all things are naked and open to the eyes of him : Zeph. 1.12 . he searcheth Ierusalem with Candles , and punisheth the men that are setled on their lees . They know this , and remember sometimes that for all things they must come to iudgement . This is the reason that the faces of such are vsually pale and gastly : their smiles and laughters faint and hartles : their speeches doubtfull , and full of abrupt stops , and vnseasonable turnings : their purposes and motions vnsteedy and sauoring of much distraction . Hence are those vaine changes of places , and companies like the sicke patients , though remoued , yet complaine still of vnabated torments : like the stricken Deere hauing receiued a deadly arrow , whose shaft shaken out hath left the head behind it , running from one thicket to another , not able to change his paine with his place , but finding his wounds worse with continuance : With Nero they may change their bed-chamber , but fiends will attend them . They may send their soule from their body , but neuer their conscience from their soule , nor their sinne from their conscience . Neither prophane Lucretius with his Epicurean rules of confidence : nor drunken Anacreon with his wanton odes , can shift of the violent horrour of this aduersary . A meditation fit for the corruptions of these times , wherein we may complaine as Tertullian did . O nos miseros qui Christiani dicimur hoc tempore , Iewel in Apol. gentes agimus sub nomine Christi . O miserable men that we are , many of vs are called Christians , and yet vnder this name couer many sinnes of the Gentiles . Ibid. pag. 3. c. 7. And as S. Gregory said of the pittifull estate of his time , Wee that are Christians are hated of the Heathens for our vices sake , wee are now become a wonder , not onely to Men and Angels , but euen to all the wicked and vngodly : or as more lately Gueuara : The Philosophers beleeued as Pagans , but liued as Christians ; wee beleeue like Christians , but liue like Pagans . How many amongst vs wallow in immoderate pleasures , hauing wanton eyes , smoothing mouthes , painted faces , lickerous tongues , gaming hands , following no vocation , more ambitious of the title of good-fellowship then of Religion ? Their senses are their procurors , appetite their steward , and lust their Masters : they are the liuing tombes of their Fore-fathers , and Posterities . How many , Aug. 3. de ciu. c. 1. Qui magis erubescunt si villam malam habeant , quam si vitam : who blush more hauing an ill ordered Farme , or house , then a wicked Life ? How many who professe that they know GOD , but in workes deny him , being abhominable , and disobedient , and vnto euery good worke reprobate ? Tit. 1.16 . How many who loue in word and in tongue , but not in deede and in truth ? 1 Ioh. 3.18 . How many that cry Lord , Lord , yet neuer doe the will of the Lord which is in heauen ? Mat. 7.21 . The Lord knoweth the wayes and workes of these to be vngodly , and they shall perish , for their benummednesse to doe any good . I know , &c.

Vse . 2 A second vse of the Doctrine may be to teach vs , that seeing all our workes are manifest to him , wee worke out our Saluation with feare and trembling . Wee haue beene long taught that wee are saued by Faith , without the works of the law , which though it be a most true position , and soundly proued , and flatly concluded Rom. 3. v. 28. Yet being vnderstood amisse it hath beene the cause of Epicurisme , and the neglect of good deeds . It hath made many amongst vs wish Christ to doe all , they will doe nothing for themselues . It is a true challenge I confesse of the Prophet , for the all-sufficiencie of Christ his merit . It is I , it is euen I which for mine owne sake put away thine iniquities , Is . 43. Not Abraham , nor Moses , nor Peter , nor Paul . It is not the preparation of a mans owne nature , nor the liberty of his owne will , nor the cooperation of his owne Iustice ; for , eternall life is the gift of God , through Iesus Christ , Rom. 6.23 . But yet this gift is bestowed onely vpon those for whom it is prepared , Mat. 20.23 . which haue exercised themselues in the works of mercy , Mat. 25.35 . not that these are the causes of saluation , and by them we should merit , as the Rhemists affirme in their Annotations , Ro. 2 sect. 2. And Bellarmine the Papists Pithagoras maintayneth , l. 4. c. 3. De bonis operibus . The ancient Fathers are against it . Basil . orat . de Humil. Quid te effers tanquam in bonis proprijs ? Quid enim habes quod non accepisti ? Why dost thou boast of any good works as though they were thine owne ? what hast thou , that thou hast not receiued ? So , Chris . in 2. co. hom . 11. A gratia iustificatio fit , Deo totum praestante : Our Iufication is from God , hee worketh the whole . So , Ber. in can . se . 61. Meritum meum miseratio Domini : My merit is the Lords mercy . So , Orig. on 3. Rom. It lyeth vpon vs to search who was iustified by faith without works , and for example , ( saith he ) I thinke vpon the Theefe , who being crucified with Christ , cryed vnto him ; Lord remember me when thou commest into thy Kingdome : and there is no other good worke of his mentioned in the Gospell , but for this alone faith , Iesus saith vnto him , This night thou shalt be with me in Paradise .

I speake not this to with-draw men from doing good , or to discourage them in their charitable deuotions . Wee allow good workes , and preach them to our hearers ; yea , some of our Church publish whole Treatises , that good workes are necessary to saluation . Let this therefore be a witnesse against our Aduersaries the Papists , who slander vs , saying , that wee teach onely negatiue doctrines , and not affirmatiue Positions . For we proclaime to the world that Faith is dead if it haue no workes : wee vrge Gods Commandements , which we are to obey ; his Honour which wee are to seeke ; Christs example , which wee are to follow ; the Vocation of Christians , which requireth a life answerable to our profession ; the Reward promised to those that keepe Gods Lawes ; the scandall that ensueth of lewd actions ; the Curse that is denounced against the transgressors .

Wee haue a great aduantage of them for good workes .

We propose to our selues the example of Christ and his Apostles ; they follow Antichrist , and the founders of diuers Orders of Monkes , and Fryars , and Nuns , who were rather superstitious then zealous , ceremonious then holy and religious .

We force none to forsweare Marriage ; they suffer none of their Clergy to marry , whereof many obhominations follow .

We count it a thing horrid for men professing Christianitie , to empoyson and murther those that are opposite to them in Religion ; they count such meritorious , and honour the Assassiners as Saints .

Wee allow no Indulgences of the Pope , but they are confident vpon them .

I confesse wee liue in the dottage of the world , wherein the harts of many are hardned from doing good : yet howsoeuer in the time of King EDWARD the first the Statute of Mortmaine was enacted , whereby it was prouided , that none should giue any thing to the Church without the especiall license of the King , which is yet vnrepealed , yet in this last age , and in the remembrance of some yet liuing : since the cleare Sunne-shine of the Gospell hath enlightened the Hemisphere of our Church , there haue beene more Colledges founded , more Hospitals erected , more Libraries and Schooles builded , more poore Schollers maintained , more Orphans and Impotent relieued , more charitable deedes exercised generally in our Land , particularly in this famous Citie , euer renowmed for her good workes , then in many ages vnder Popery and superstition .

I know there are some in , but not of , our Church , whose chiefe study , is to rob GOD and the Leuite of the little portion of Tithes and Offerings , which cannot be denyed to be due iure diuino . Mr. Carleton . Wee cannot say of such as the Iew did of the Centurion ; Luke 7.5 . Hee loueth our Nation , and hath built vs a Sinagogue , or as the Prophet DAVID did of himselfe ; they desire to behold the beauty of the Temple of the Lord , but their cry is , let vs take the houses , and barnes , & lands of the Church in possession , and for the honour of the Priest-hood : Downe with it , downe with it , euen to the ground , but that rule of Sacriledge shall holde , Quae malignè contraxit Pater , Pet. Ble. ep. 10. luxu peiori refundet Haeres ; That which the Father hath wickedly scraped together , the sonne shall more wickedly scatter abroad . It is the cause of the ruine of so many great Families in this kingdome . Let him that hath an eare hearken to this ; when you craue , begge not that which is Gods ; when you giue , giue not that which is Gods ; when you buy , buy not that which is Gods ; when yee sell , sell not that which is Gods .

And here let me giue our religious King IAMES that testimony which Petrus Blesensis left to Henry the second ; Ibid. Benedictus Dominus , qui Regem Henricum atalibus hactenus conseruauit innoxium ; Blessed be that GOD which hitherto hath defended his Maiesty from all kinde of Sacriledge , that hath not furnished his house with the spoyle of the Church , nor increased his Reuenue by the losse of Gods house , nor defiled his hands with Symonie , nor bestowed his Preferments for personall fauour or respect of reward .

And besides his Maiesties care , many Ebed-melech's there are in this Kingdome , Ier. 38.9 . speaking for the Prophets of the Lord , that they may haue maintenance .

Many Obadiahs ready to hide the Seruants of GOD from dangers .

Many liberall Benefactors giuing voluntary Donations , deposita pietatis ; Pledges and testimonies of their Pietie and Religion , Tert. Apologet. as Tertullian calleth them , Sacrifices as acceptable to GOD as that of ABEL , Gr. Naz c. 1. contra Iulia. saith Naz.

Many good Shunamites perswading their Husbands to make a Chamber , s Kings 4.10 . to set forth a Bed , and a Table , and a Stoole , and a Candle for the Messengers of God , when they come to them .

Many with Zachaus , Luke 19.6 . who ioyfully receiue into their houses them that bring the glad tidings of saluation . Luk. 19.6 .

And in this luke-warme age some there are who are holy , and humble men of heart , resolute Christians , who like him in the Poet.

Lucem & aethera petit & teste sole viuit . Sen. Tr. Hip.

Walking in sinceritie as it were in view of the Sun ; walking in the light as children of the light ; Ge. 25.27 . Ioh. 1.47 . tracing the steps of vertuous Iacob , who was a plaine man ; and of Nathaniel a true Israelite indeede , in whom was no guile . Though it cannot be denyed but that there are more , neither hot nor cold , whom because I shall deale with in my second generall part , I proceed to my next circumstance of the first generall , where you haue the optatiue comparison .

[ I would , &c. ] The Church of God reioysing in her husband , Iae. 22. Christ ; saith that he was like a Roe or a young Hart , leaping vpon the Mountaines , and skipping vpon the Hils . Can. 2.8.9 . Propter acerrimum visum & velocem cursum ad omnes fines terrae , as Philo interpreteth it . Philo. carpat . Episc. It is in regard of his quicke sight and swift course into all the parts of the world . His measures were from heauen to the wombe , Lyra. from the wombe to the cratch , from the cratch to the crosse , from the crosse to the graue , from the graue to heauen ; behould hee commeth , his progresse quickly , and still is in trauell to his Church with prayers and wishes .

[ I would , &c. ] The driuing of his Chariot is like the driuing of Iehu , hee speaketh in hast , the time with him , is as the time of loue . His loue is as strong as death , the flames of it are Diuine flames , neuer dying , the coles thereof as the coles of Iuniper .

Aske the dayes that are past since God created man vpon the earth , from the one end of heauen to the other , if euer there were such a thing as this . Did euer any heare the voyce of God speaking in forme of a petitioner ? O thou diuine and eternall peace-maker , the sauiour of men , the annointed of God , mediatour betwixt God and man , in whom there is nothing , which doth not exceed , not onely the conceite , but the very wonder of Angels , who saw thee in thy humiliation , with silence , and adore thee in thy glory , with perpetuall praises , we stand amazed at thy loue , emptying thy selfe of glory , that thou mightest put on shame , and misery , to be the sinners oratour and sacrifice . Hee sayd not as Dauid , would God I had dyed for thee , O Absolon , my sonne : God knoweth , hee dyed for our sinnes , the cause most odious : the iust for the vniust , the persons vnequall : to bring vs to God , the end most absolute : and still hee applyeth this to his Church , speaking by his Ministers , pleading for vs in heauen , perswading vs on earth .

[ I would . ] Laodicea was in a consumption , her hands were sicke , her members weake , her Phisitian & Pastour fearefull , her zeale was at the last gaspe , her enemies were round about her , ready to laugh at her destruction , for being neither cold nor hote : This maketh Christ so earnest . Hee is not like the Pope , which dispenseth with his followers to worship God , with their lippes , and dissemble their religion , and forsweare their opinion , and come to Sermons , and subscribe to our lawes , and seeme Protestants ; as the diuell licenceth witches to seeme Christians , so they giue him their heart , as appeared by many in the beginning of Queene ELIZABETHS raigne , hauing an agnus Dei , with Da mihi cor : hee cannot endure a Neuter .

[ I would . ] For there are but two wayes , vna fidei in caliditate charitatis , one of faith in the heate of charitie , leading to life euerlasting , another of cold distrust in Christ , drawing to destruction . Nardus in text . But I come to the Doctrine , which is this properly .

Doct. Doct. It is better to be an open sinner then a doubtfull Neuter . Bar. apol. ad Guli . Abb. Saint Barnard I confesse made a question of it . Quis horum magis impius ? Who is the more wicked , whether hee , that openly professeth impietie , or hee that falsely counterfeiteth sanctitie ? But here the question is answered , and the controuersie decided by Christ himselfe .

Looke vpon the Iew , Gr. 3. p. pastoral admon . 35. saith Saint Gregory , he seemeth to beleeue , but is incredulous : the Gentile is more tollerable ; which can say , I neuer knew the Law , I neuer heard the Prophets : neyther can be excused ; yet hee sinneth lesse , which doth not the workes which hee neuer knew were to be done , then hee that knew his Maisters will , read it , and denyed it . It had beene better for such , not to haue knowne the way of righteousnesse , then after they haue knowne it , to turne from the holy Commandement , deliuered vnto them . 2 Pet. 2.21 . This made CHRIST tell the Priests and Elders of the Iewes , that Publicanes and Harlots should goe before them , into the Kingdome of Heauen , Mat. 21.31 . for they seeing their sinnes , repented at the Preaching of Iohn . So hee tolde the Pharisees ; If yee were blinde yee should haue no sinne , but now you say , We see : therefore your sinne remayneth , Iohn 9.41 . The open sinner reuealeth himselfe that wee may auoyd him , but the Neuter walketh so secretly , that wee know not how to iudge him ; therefore they are more odious then the other .

In regard whereof , Licurgus banished Neuters his Common-wealth . Aul. Gel. l. 2. c. 12. Solon prohibited them by his Law . Elias forbad that there should be any amongst the Israelites to worship GOD and Baal . Moses would not haue men to weare mixt garmets of Linnen and Wollen , and CHRIST professeth that no man can serue two Maisters , GOD and Mammon , the true Church and the false , England and Rome . The abuses hee striketh at , are doubling in the Worship of GOD , blending of Truth and Falshood : yet some , eyther in hope of gaine , or out of their rotten affections , or out of their Machiauillian Policie , would haue many Religions tollerated in one Kingdome : nay , as Mahomet composed a Religion of Indaisme and Christianitie , so , many would reconcile the Protestant and Papist , and haue both liue together . But farre be this Realme of ours from such corruption . Let all good people say , Amen .

For , as Anthony sometimes King of Nauarre , said to the Ambassadour of the King of Denmarke , Comment. Relig. & reipub . in Gallia . exhorting the reformed French to be of Luthers Doctrine ; There be forty points , wherein Luther and Caluin doe differ from the Pope , and in nine and thirty of them they agree betweene themselues , and in that single one they dissent : so wee pray vnto the Lord for the reconciling of those vnto vs : but the differences of the Papists are so many , Episc. Lond. in Ionam . and so Diametrally opposed , as the Northern and Southern Poles shall sooner meete together , then our opinions , standing as they doe , bee reconciled . Therefore neuer looke for a Reconciliation or Tolleration . One Heauen held not Michael and the Dragon in peace ; nor one House , the Arke and Dagon ; nor one Wombe , Iaacob and Esau ; nor one Temple , Prayer and Marchandising ; nor one Camp , the cleane and Leprous ; nor one Bath , Iohn and Cerinthus ; nor one Tongue , GOD and Milchom ; nor one Conscience , our Religion and Popery . I would to GOD there were not many Laodiceans amongst vs , that vrged this Caueat , who eyther afraid of danger , or pining with sloath , sit downe and are zealous neyther way .

Obiect . If they obiect for themselues , wee loue to be quiet and not factious , Vertue followeth the meane , we will be stiffe for neyther Religion .

Ans. I answere , if it were in matters of indifferencie , if wee might goe on eyther side without danger , then Platoes aduise is good ; so to deale in a Common-wealth , as to hurt neyther Parents nor country : And that of Saint Augustine , Aug. ep. 86. ad Casul . In ijs rebus de quibus nihil statuit diuinae Scripturae certa praescriptio , &c. In those things which the Scripture prescribeth not certainly , eyther the Custome of Gods people , or the Institutions of our Ancestours are to be held for Lawes . Wee must take heede , least by the tempest of Contention the calmnesse of Charitie be inueloped . And that of Saint Ambrose , Si non vultis errare , &c. If yee will not erre , doe as I ; to what Church soeuer I come , I apply my selfe to the Ceremonies of it : Aug. ad Ian. which if it had beene followed by some in this Church , the Aduersarie would neuer haue insulted ouer vs , for iarring in Discipline : but as good Constantine , Eus. l. 2. de vita Const. c. 67. that great Emperour exhorted Arius and Alexander to put away a foolish Question that fired the Church , so our gracious Soueraigne , like a blessed Peace-maker , hath decided the difference of indifferent ceremonyes , and giuen the counsell of the other worthy Monarch . There is no cause offered to striue about the greatest commandement in Scripture , nor any new errour of Religion brought in , but wee all hold one and the same creede of Faith , so that wee may easily agree in one iudgement , and deale all zealously against the common aduersary . From whom how carefully wee ought to seperate our selues I referre you to Philip Mornay , Morn . de Eccle. c. 10. that most noble champion of the truth , in his Tract of the Church .

Vse 1 1. Vse . 21. Circumst. For the proofe of many , who thinke they may be Protestants in shew , and Papists in deed , frequent our Churches , Sacraments , and Assemblies , and yet keepe their consciences to themselues ; like them in the time of Optatus ; Aliud habet animus , Optatus lib. 1. aliud resonat sermo : They harbour one thing in their hart , and vtter another thing in their speeches . But they shall find that of August . to be true . August . de vita Chris . ad sororem viduam . Nomen Christiani ille frustra sortitur qui Christum minime imitatur . It is in vaine for a man to take vpon him the name of a Christian that doth not imitate Christ . It is an abhominable and palpable deuise : had Shadrach , Meshach , and Abednego done so , Dan. 3.18 . Nabuchadnezzar had neuer confessed the true power of God . We must not halt betwixt God and Baal . 1 King . 18.21 . Hee will be glorified in our bodies and soules . Our bodyes are for the Lord , 1 Cor. 6.13 . and wee must loue him with all our hearts , with all our soules , & with all our mindes . He created not only the soule , but also the body , and requireth the seruice of both . He hath made all , he hath bought all , he hath deerely payd for all , and therefore must haue all . O thinke vpon this you that bring your bodyes to this , and the like places , ( if any such be here ) and send your hearts to Rome , you must aunswere it , may bee this night before your God : dally not , delay not to cast away the double minde .

Hannibal , when hee had obtained the victory at Cannas , if hee had gone straight to Rome , by all mens iudgements had taken the Citty , but deferring it till the next day , the Romanes recouering their forces againe , hee was shut out , and heard this approbry :

Vincere scis Hanniball , vti victoria nescis .

Thou knowest how to get the victory , but not how to vse it .

Delayes inspirituall matters are much more dangerous : contemne not then the calling of the highest : My sonne giue me thy heart . It is not enough to be outwardly formall , so much may be wrought by the Word in the hearts of the wicked : as it did in Herod , working an externall reuerence to Iohn : in Pilate a distraction of minde : in Agrippa halfe a resolution to become a Christian : in Festus a trembling at doomes day : in Pharaoh a confession of his sinnes : but all these vanishas the morning dewe . Reue. 18.4 . O then vtterly forsake Babylon , Come out of her my people , that ye be not partakers of her sinnes , and that yee receiue not of her plagues . For her sinnes haue reached vnto Heauen , and God hath remembred her iniquities .

Obiect . If any obiect and say , Would you haue vs to leaue that Religion wherein our ancestours haue liued and died , and some of them suffered for ?

Answ. Wee answere , that often men are blamed in the Scripture for walking in the wayes of Ieroboam , and of others of their ancestours ?

Often the godly deplore their fathers sinnes before God . 1 King . 15.34 . Psal. 106.6 . Psal. 45.11 . Salomons wife representing the spouse of Christ , was commanded to forget her owne people , and her fathers house . What a praise is it to Ezekiah and Iosiah , 2 King . 18. & cap. 21.24 . and others , that hauing idolatrous Parents , they rather looked to their Father in heauen .

If any of them dyed in wilfull ignorance , should we for their companie thrust our selues into Hell ? If any of them were almost right , they will not grudge that we should haue more light opened to vs then they saw . Leauing the determining sentence to Gods secret iudgement ; there is no doubt but many of them , who liued in the time of darkenesse , holding Christ the foundation aright , and groning vnder the heauy burthen of humane traditions , satisfactions , and such Popish trash , by a generall repentance from their errours and assured faith in their Sauiour , they found fauour with the Lord , and for their sounder part they were of that Church wherof wee are : Which is the opinion of Saynt Cyprian in the like case ; Deere brother , Cypr. de sacr. Domin . calicis . Epist. 68. if any of our Predecessors , eyther ignorantly or simply , did not obserue and holde this which the Lord taught vs to doe by his owne example and ministery , by the fauour of the Lord , there may be pardon giuen to his simplicitie

If any obiect after this , that some of the worthiest of our owne men were sometimes affected to the Church of Rome ; as , Luther was a Fryer , In vita . and married a Nunne : Caluin liued a while vnder Popish gouernours : Beza was at first addicted to Romish positions : Zanchius , and Peter Martyr both Italianat .

Let this be graunted , there is no more preiudice vnto our Religion , or vnto them for this , then that Moses for a time was brought vp as the sonne of Pharaohs daughter : Exod. 2.10 . Acts. 23.6 . or that Saint Paul was borne a Pharisee : or that Mary Magdalene was a grieuous sinner : Luke 8.2.19 2. or Zaccheus the Master of the custome . It was no fault for Lot to come out of Sodome , Gen. 19.12 . neither can they be blamed that hasten out of Babylon . They are bound to blesse God , who deliuereth them as Ionah was freed out of the Whales belly : Iona. 2.10 . and as Iosephus reporteth that Cyrus , who caused the Iewes to build the Temple and gaue them backe the vessels thereof , Ioseph . lib. 11. cap. 1. Antiq. Iud. was moued to doe it by reading the Prophesie of Isaiah , who 200. yeeres before had named him : Isa. 45.1 . so these looking into the written word of God , haue beene drawne to the truth ; so was it with that noble spirit Galeacius Caracciolus , sonne and heyre apparant to Calantonius , Marques of Vicum in Naples , bred , borne , and brought vp in Popery ; a Courtier to the Emperour CHARLES the fift , Nephew to the Pope Paul the fourth , being married to the Duke of Nurimes daughter , and hauing by her sixe goodly children , at a Sermon of Peter Martyrs , Beza in vita cius . was first touched , after , by reading Scriptures and other good meanes was fully conuerted : hee laboured with his Lady , but could not perswade her , he forsooke all these allurements , and for the loue of Christ came to Geneua , and there liued a holy life for forty yeeres , and so died . Hee did as Leui was commanded to doe by the holy Ghost , Deut. 33.9 . He sayd of father and mother , I haue not seene them , neither did hee acknowledge his brethren , nor knew his owne children . All Christians must be such Leuites , regarding neither father nor mother , sonne nor daughter , in respect of God . Gen. 24.56 . They must say as Abrahams Seruant to Laban and Bethuel , Hinder me not .

Vse . 2 Vse 2. Admonition to all to be zealous and open in the cause of Religion , neyther fearing the faces of men , nor betraying the cause of GOD vpon any base condition .

I know , many haue taxed the zeale of Luther , Lut. to . 1. who resolued to relye onely on the Scriptures : Si mille Augustini , If a thousand Austines , L. de capt . Bab. or Cyprians should perswade me to any thing , I would rather hearken to one Sentence of the BIBLE : and the Suffrages of two honest men hauing Scripture , then a whole Councell . And his worthy Resolution , who hearing that the Diuines of Louaine and Colen had burned many of his Bookes by the command of the Pope , Massoeus Chro. 10. p. 273. hee openly burned the Popes Lawes , Decretals , and Buls , saying , I haue done to them , as they to mee . Re. 18.6 . Fox . Martyrol . Anno 1521. p. 977. And his Heroicall spirit , daring to professe that hee would enter into that fore-warned Citty of Wormes , though there had beene as many Diuels in their streetes as Tyles on their houses , to answere for himselfe before CHARLES the fift of that name , against Eckius and others .

But the cause was Gods , he knew that the kingdome of GOD was to be got by violence . Hee remembred that of CHRIST , Hee that is not with mee , is against mee : Hee that gathereth not with mee , scattereth . Therefore was hee so earnest against the Popes head , and the Monckes bellies , Carion Chro. aucta a Melanc . l. 5. which maketh our Aduersaries lay so many slanders vpon him : L. 4 Chron. Genebrard making him the grand Antichrist , because Luther , as hee saith , in Hebrew , maketh 666. but the Rhemists quit him of this honour . In Apoc. 13.18 I omit the rest .

Yea , such was the zeale of Saint Ierome : If my Mother were hanging about my necke ; if my Brethren were on euery side , howling and crying ; and if my Father were on his bare knees , to detaine me in a wicked life ; I would shake them off , despise them , trample them vnder my feet .

Such , of Antonius Marinarius , hearing that the Councell of Trent would not haue a Christian to be certainly perswaded of his saluation : which point , yet Catharinus Arch-bishop of Minoria , Che●●n . exam. 1. p. de side iustificante . in person then present confuted , against Dominicus of Soto , Confessor to CHARLES the fift , and one of the Presidents ; afterward Iulius the third , protesting that it was not sufficiently discussed to decide any thing , hee cryed out ; If Heauen fall , if the Earth vanish away , if the whole world run headlong , I will looke to the goodnesse of GOD , and stand vpright , and if an Angell from heauen shall labour to perswade me otherwise , I will say , Anathema to him .

Such , Ioh. Checu● l. de pronunt . linguae Grecae . the zeale of Thomas Linacer , who comparing the liues of Popish Priests with the 5.6 . and 7. Chapters of Saint Matthewes Gospell , cryed out , Eyther there is no Gospell , or they are no Christians .

Such , of blessed Caluin and Beza , so I shall euer stile them , they would neuer yeeld to any King , that should draw them from GOD . Their speeches may be wrested , but neuer any true inference collected that they pretended Treason . They haue poysoned Soules therefore who by a Popish conceit of Herod and Pilate reconciled , would bring these worthy Instruments of Gods Church within the compasse of any bloudy designe . Let such learne to follow the rule of Tertullian , if they haue any knowledge to imploy it in testimonium veri , non in adiutorium falsi ; to witnesse truth , Aug. l. 8. conf. c. 8. not to helpe falshood . Let them remember that of Aug. Surgunt indocti , &c. The vnlearned who vpon a good conscience were zealous for the truth , shall rise vp in Iudgement against such , and get Heauen from them . Let not them that liue of the Altar , liue from the Altar , but preach truth in season and out of season : and if euer wee had strength to rattle out the terrible Iudgements of GOD against sinne , let vs now doe it . Let the light of our liues shine in the faces of the world . Let vs diuide the word aright , for cursed is hee that doth the worke of the Lord negligently . I say to Archippus , Ier. 48. Let him take heed to the Ministery that hee hath receiued in the Lord , Col. 4. that hee fulfill it . Take heede , looke vnto it . Giue good and carefull regard : haue your eyes in your heads , and your hearts in your Eye-lids . It is a worke , a burthen , a seruice , rather then a Play , or honour , or vacancy . Wee haue receiued it of him , that will require it , talent and vse , principall and interest , and giue vs the fulnesse of his wrath , if wee doe it to halfes and not wholy .

Let vs not be as children , tossed to and fro , and carried about with euery winde of Doctrine , Eph. 4.14 . by the sleight of men , and cunning craftinesse , whereby they lye in waite to deceiue . But speaking the truth , in loue , let vs grow vp into him , in all things , which is the head , euen Christ . For it is almost all one , saith Fulgentius in his first booke to Thrasimund King of the Vandals , to deny the faith , and not maintane it . His reason is , because by one and the same silence he strengthneth errour , who through feare or negligence holding his peace , affirmeth not the truth , like a sleepy centenar , betraying the tents of his Captaine , not that he hath a will perhaps to betray them , but because hee keepeth not the watch as hee ought , nor descrieth the enemie which commeth to assault them .

Looke vpon the auncient Fathers of the Church , how voluminous they were , dealing against heretiques , and defending true religion .

Origen , liuing Anno domini 240. leauing behinde him 1000. treatises , Ier. catal . de viris Illustr. almost all perished .

Ambrose , Anno 380. 3. volumes , extant .

Chrisostum , Anno 411. 5. tomes .

Ierom , Anno 420. 9. tomes . Augustine , at the same time , 9. volumes .

Gregory the great , Anno 600. 6. tomes .

Yea our owne worthyes may stirre vs vp , Cochleus hist. de Hussitis l. 1. Wicklif , who wrote workes as great in quantitie as S. Austins .

Luther , who wrote 12. tomes . Erasmus , 9. tomes , besides his notes vpon many of the Fathers .

Gualther 15. tomes . Brentius 8. tomes .

Caluin , 13. tomes , Zanchius , 8.

I reckon not the labours of latter , as memorable for some things , Fox , Iewel , Whitakers , Humphreys , Perkins , Docter Raynolds , Docter Abbots , Docter Moorten , Docter Field .

Let vs all looke vpon the zeale of the Christians in the Primitiue Church , who being daily persecuted , yet prayed vnto God , and praysed the Lord , in the dens of the Earth , Plin. secund. l. 10. ●p. 61. as Plinius secundus their aduersary in the time of Traians the Emperour testifieth of them . But wee , beloued , haue our Oratories open , our Pulpits frequented , our Churches beautified . They had the greatest tormentors that euer were , and yet insulted ouer them , In an Epistle to the Asians . as Antonius Pius , the best of the Heathen Emperours , confessed . Wee haue had Kings to be our nursing Fathers , and Queenes to be our nursing Mothers .

Consider the three Children singing in the furnace ; Paul and Silas , in the stockes , Martyrs at the stake ; other holy Saints deuoured by wilde Beasts , beheaded , pressed , rosted vpon spits , broyled on gridirons , boyled in hot Oyle , and scalding Leade ; throwne downe from Mountaines vpon sharpe stakes , torne with wilde horses , rent asunder with the violence of bowed trees , brayned , racked , prickt with pen-kniues , their eyes boared out , their tongues cut , their Armes , Hands , Legs , Feete , and all their members disfigured , their bowels dismembred , and they famished to death , yet neuer denying their religion .

Behold the Martyrs in Queene MARIES time , thrust out of their Houses , spoyled of their Patrimonies , loaded with irons , locked in Prisons , burned with fire . They were flesh and bloud , as well as wee ; life was as sweet to them as to vs , their bodies were as sensible of paine as ours ; wee goe to the same Heauen with them , yet to see how they dyed , would make a man out of loue with life , and out of all feare of death : it would extract teares from any that was euer able to weepe . Beloued , there is now no dragging out of houses , no hiding of bibles , no creeping into woods , no rotting in dungeons , no casting of infants out of the mothers belly into the flames : the Gospel is preached , professed , Professors encouraged , Preachers rewarded . Neuer was the Land so happy for zealous and preaching Bishops : neuer better meanes of saluation offered . O then , let vs be feruent in spirit , seruing the Lord ▪ It was this that honoured Apollos , Rom. 12.11 . Act. 18.25 . Let vs not sell the truth for the fauour of men . Let vs remember that Eli was plagued for honouring his Children aboue GOD : 1 Sam. 18. so , all must looke for some iudgement that are neyther cold nor hot , but neglect the worke of the LORD . Be eyther a whole Protestant or Papist .

It is not for any to defend that Atheisticall Position , that all Controuersies may be taken vp , and all Religions accord together ; that our Differences are of small importance ; that they pertaine onely to learned men to thinke vpon ; it is not for the common people to talke of Religion ; yes , euery one must be ready to giue an account of his Faith , and yeeld a reason of his Profession , and dye in defence of his Religion : especially , seeing lukewarmnesse is here threatned . And therefore were I as happy as Salomon , 1 Kings . 3.5 . to haue whatsoeuer I would aske , this is the greatest blessing that I would craue for you , to be zealous and amend , and doe your first workes , and this shall be my Prayer : but I come to Christs threat of the Hypocrite .

So then , because thou art luke warme , &c.

IT was a wise Answere , 1a. a. 2ae . that is reported of our best , and I hope the last Cardinall , that this Island shall euer see , who when a skilfull Astrologer vpon the Calculation of his Natiuitie had fore-told him some specialties concerning his future estate , answered : such perhaps I was borne , but since that time , I haue beene borne againe , and my second natiuitte hath crossed my first . It was otherwise with Laodicea , for at first it was a holy Citie , a chosen place , a iust people , but now they reuolted , apostated , and the best of them were hypocrites , luke-warme , neyther hot nor cold , therefore GOD threaneth , So then , &c.

Victorinus interpreteth luke-warmnesse of dissemblers of Religion , Polititians .

Primasius , of rich men vnmercifull to the poore .

Ambrose , of them that haue Faith , and no workes .

Ansbertus , of many who tooke the habite of Monkes , but followed the world .

Rupertus , of vnthankefull men attributing all to themselves .

Ioachimus Abbas , of one that is neyther tristis ad poenitentiam , nor alacer ad Dei obsequium , neythe sorrowfull in repentance , nor quicke in the commandements .

Coelius Pannonius , of Hypocrites counterfeiting vertues which they haue not .

Generally , it is vnderstood of those , who perswade themselues to be good when they are bad , as the Pharisees . Iohn 9.40 . who though they saw CHRIST in person , and beheld him in his Miracles , yet they would not acknowledge him ; they were blinde , yet seemed to be vnwilling of this veyle , Are wee blinde also ? it was hypocrisie in them .

When this once possesseth a man , Ber. se. 65. Cant. the Spirit is quenched , Sloath then increaseth , Charitie cooleth , Pleasure flattereth , Securitie decemeth , Custome renoketh , the Law is dissembled , right is concealed , and the feare of GOD relinquished : this is the end of luke-warmnesse , and the fruit is the wrath of the Almighty .

Doct. So then because , &c. ] Whence this Doctrine followeth ; Luke-warmnesse in Religion moueth the Highest to great wrath . A sinne so horrible , that the Lord threatneth , if any man in faint-heartednesse for want of Patience with-draw himselfe , his soule shall haue no pleasure in him . He. 10.38 . And the fearefull and vnbeleeuing , ( which dare not stand to the profession of the truth ) shall haue their portion among murtherers , and whoremongers , and sorcerers , Apoc. 21.8 . and such like persons , in the Lake which burneth with fire and Brimstone , which is the second death .

Wee must haue our Fathers name written in our foreheads , Apoc. 14 1. that all the world may see wee are not ashamed of our profession . If we be not Martyrs , yet we must be confessors , else we are no Christians . So Barnard , Cum causa Dei ventilater in medium & falsitas praeponitur veritati , qui pro persona quam gerit non resistit , de suo damnabitur silentio . When the cause of God is discussed , and falsehood preferred before the truth , hee that according to the person hee beareth , doth not resist it , shall bee condemned for his silence .

Wee all stand vpon Iaacobs Ladder , and must eyther ascend or descend ; Bar. epist. 91. Si attentes stare ruas necesse est , If thou trye to stand still , thou must fall ; he is no whit good that desireth not to be better : for when a man leaueth his desire of being better then hee giueth ouer his former goodnesse . So Ier. Vbicoeperimus stare , Ier. epist. ad Demetriadem de Virginitate . descendimus , nostrumque non progredi iam regredi est . When we begin to stand , still , we goe downe , and our not going forward , is to goe backward .

It is recorded of Valentinian , Theod. l. c. 4. that when his Souldiers had chosen him to be Emperour , they were consulting to haue another ioyned with him : No ( said he ) it was in your power to giue me the Empyre while I had it not , but now when I haue it , it is not in your power to giue me a partner . We gaue God our hearts in Baptisme , and they belong to him by right of creation . He will haue the whole and cannot endure any riuals or luke-warmnesse .

Vse 6 The vse of this toucheth to the quicke all those who imagine that they may do as others in outward worship , so that they keepe their hearts to God , as though GOD were not the creatour of their bodies , as well as of their soules .

Some are like the world , Optat. l. 1. running in a Circle of temporizing ; alwayes about the way , neuer in the way : 2 Tim 3.7 . like those seely women , euer learning , neuer comming to the knowledge of the Truth . Others , like the Hedge-hogge , which hath two holes , one toward the South , another toward the North ; the wind blowing in the one , shee shutteth that , and openeth the other ; they turne on any side . Others , like Nicodemus , that came to Iesus to be instructed , but it was by night : Ioh. 3 1. Ioh. 9.28 . like Ioseph of Arimathea , a Disciple of Iesus , but secretly , fearing the Iewes . Like the Marygold , shutting and opening with the Sunne . Like Mermayds , halfe Flesh halfe Fish . I would to God wee were eyther cold or hot , but rather hot and zealous in Religion , that as the hottest regions bring forth sweetest spices , so the most zealous people might be most fruitfull in good works . But alas , many amongst vs the more they are taught , the more ignorant they are , and the more aged the more colde . Many come to heare the word , but they profit not in the encrease of knowledge they will come and stand before the Preacher , but they will not trye by the Scripture whether the things be so , or not , which are taught them . They will not be at cost to buy a Bible , or if they doe , they will not read it , or if sometimes , yet not in a constant course .

Many are content to frequent the publike Congregations vpon the Sabbath , but they will not priuately sanctifie it in their families . Many will shew religion in the generall calling of a Christian , while they are in the Church , but in their particular duties they faile . These are the sinnes that goe vp vnto Heauen , and cry for vengeance , and threaten punishments . What could haue taken away that sweet Prince , of fresh and bleeding memory , Prince HENRY , the expectation of all the Christian world , but our luke-warmnesse ? But blessed Prince , our sinnes haue aduantaged thy holy soule , though robbed vs of our happinesse in thee . O mourne then for the sinnes of this age , but especially for luke warmnesse . Returne ye seduced soules from the fleshpots of Aegypt , from the vanities of Rome , offer to God the sacrifice of zeale in defence of our true Church .

If any shall say , wee loue to be zealous for antiquitie , and not for noueltie ; your Church hath beene but since Luther , Anno Dom. 1517. for this is a common obiection .

Wee answere , D. Abbot . Now the most reuerend Archbishop of Cant. answere to D. Hill . hee was not the founder of our Religion , but God himselfe , the auncient of dayes . As he did originally deduce those things which hee taught against Papistry from the Scriptures and out of the workes of the auncient Fathers , so did hee deriue them hereditarilie from others , as Iohn Hus , Guic. hist. l. 13. Hierome of Prage , and the rest as Francis Guicciardin an Italian and Florentine Historiographer plainely confesseth . Fox . Martirall . Hus being 100. yeeres before Luther , and yet prophecying of him not long before his death .

And so generally , was his Doctrine spred , that a generall counsell of Constance , In tab concil . ante Platinae . hist. was called principally against the Hussites . The nobles of Bohemia wrote supplications for them , Anno 1415. but ( contrary to the Emperours safe conduct giuen to the former of them ) they were burnt . Sigismund could not bee satisfied for the breaking of his promise , till by their decree which is in the 10. Session , the Counsell signified that their authoritie was such , that they might disannull what he had appointed . Campian shifteth it of so . Camp. cat . 4. Imperator promisit , orbis Christianus maior Imperatore dissoluit . He calleth some Bishops the Christian world , were they neuer so many in number , Cochl . hist. Huss . lib. 2. p. 74. had they authoritie to make him breake his Oath ? At last they must flye to their olde axiome . Faith is not to be kept with Heretikes , The Heathens would be ashamed of it , and Cacanza passeth it ouer being in the 10. Session : saying , Nothing was done then worthie of note . I omit their taking the Cup from the people , a non obstante of Ch. Com. Sess . 13. Before these Wiclif was zealous for our Religion , and so earnest against Popery , Cochl . l. 2. that Cochleus affirmeth , Hee thinketh the torments of Wiclif are greater in Hell then those of Iudas or Nero. Heare the charitie of the Romanists towards the best Christians . His Doctrine was so generally receiued in Oxford by the best , that Pope Gregory the eleuenth , in the yeere 1378. directed his Bull to that Vniuersitie against his articles . Yea , for the space of 30. yeeres after , Hussus . to . 1. in replica . contra . Ioh. Stoakes foll. 110. scarse was there a man there but held his opinions , and taught the same to their schollers . He hauing protested , that as neere as hee could , hee did all things ad honorem Dei & vtilitatem Ecclesiae . De verit . scrip . p. 145. & p. 15. For the glory of God and benefit of his Church .

They were still defended , in the dayes of King Edward the fourth , Anno 1476. which caused the King to write letters for the burning of them . I might alledge the testimonies of many , Reignald Paine , Bishop of Chichester and others , Anno 1457. out of this place , Balaeus cent . c. 19. Preaching that the Bishops sinned in buying their admissions of the Pope , against begging Fryers , Transubstantiation , and other errours .

I could ●●ge other storyes at large , of the Lord Cobham , burned in S. Gyles field , Anno 1417. in defence of our Religion . Fox . to . 1. Of Humphrey Duke of Glocester , Sonne of HENRY the fourth , Brother of HENRY the fift , and Vncle to HENRY the sixt , Balaeus cent. 8. c. 2. stifled with a pillow for profession of the Gospell , Anno 1447. so that before and after Luther , wee haue had champions to fight against the Pope . If ●●is hath not alwayes beene visible , wee answere , no more is alwayes the Moone in the heauens , because sometimes there is none seene , as in the change , yet it were absurd to conclude that therefore there is no Moone at all there .

The auncient Fathers before these , were ours in the maine points of religion .

Lactantius , against images . l. 2. instit . c. 9.

Ambrose , against praying to Saints . com . in Rom. c. 1.

Chrisostom , for the marriage of the Clergie . hom. 7. ep. Heb. & l. 1. adu . Iouin .

Saint Augustine , Six . Sen. Bib. 8. l. 5. against free will , made Sixtus Senensis reiect his opinion .

Theodoret , against transubstantiation , so that he who in the end of his dialogues , writeth the admonition to the Reader , is enforced though he be a Papist to confesse that hee hath many things against it . Post Epiph. The : dial .

Gregory , against the Supremacie of the Pope . Ep. ad Plauritium .

Barnard , touching the matter of merit by works . se . 61. in cant .

For iustification by faith in Christ alone . ep. 190. for certaine assurance of Saluation , in the death , and by the strength of our Sauiour . se . 3. de 7. misericordijs . And for disliking then the vile life of the Clergie , se . in concilio Rhemensi : how copious is he ?

But wee stand not vpon the authorities of men , neither vpon the name of Lutherans , Caluinists , Zuinglians : for these were not founders of our Church , but reformers of it , and sweepers of many abuses and Popish errours : Neither so much vpon the name of Protestants , though this name arose honourably at Spires in Germany , when the Duke Electour of Saxony , the Marques of Brandeburge , the Lantsgraue and other Princes , Sleid. Hist. l. 6. made a solemne protestation against an edict made in preiudice of the reformed Religion , Anno 1529. But with maturest iudgement , and sober vnderstanding , our men conferre the Scripture in many languages , they pray vnto God to inlighten them , they looke into Fathers , Histories , Councels , they compare old things with new , they leaue no good meanes vnattempted to sift and sound the truth , and still the farther they looke , the lesse ground they finde for Popery : they more hate it in their old age , then in their young , vnlesse they put a vayle before their eyes ; then let them be carried , and run from vs , they were neuer of vs .

Nay , the bookes of controuersie in Religion , so they be not mingled with State - causes , are to be sold commonly , which yet our aduersaries interdict to their followers : and which is more the scripture is open , euery man may read it , and is exhorted to the study of it , to lay foundation here as vpon a Rocke : not to build vpon the waters , the Scholemen , as the Papists doe . Ferdinand . Vellosill . Ep. in praef. in aduers . Schol. Theol. Witnesse one of their owne writers , who testifieth of himselfe , that he had studied Schole-Diuinitie and the Canon law for the space of 16. yeeres , and yet neuer so much as saluted either the Scriptures or Fathers .

So that our Aduersaries are Laodiceans , neither colde nor hot , and come first here to be taxed . For doe they not perswade themselues that they are rich , when they are poore , and blind , and naked in spirituall graces , counting Christs robes of righteousnesse not large enough to couer their nakednesse of sinne , Is. 64.6 . patching to a piece of new cloth , as if the old were out-worne , botching to it the menstruous and filthy clouts of their owne righteousnesse ; which like the curtald garments of Dauids seruants cannot hide their shame , 2 Sam. 10.4 . but defile them , as Iob confessed , Iob 9.31 . Mine owne garments defile mee , and had more need to be washed themselues in the blood of the Lambe , then to goe about to wipe away their scarlet sinnes by Popish Indulgences ?

Were Saint Paul now in Rome hee would vtter the same words that hee did in the midst of Mars hill at Athens ; I see that in all things you are too superstitious and furious : for , as CHRIST was crucified at Rome , Re. 11.8 . which is not meant in respect of the place , for that was Ierusalem , but if wee respect the power and authoritie that put him to death , a Romane Iudge , Romane Lawes , Romane authoritie , a kinde of death proper to the Romanes , and in a place which then was within the Romane Empire : so , now in his members hee is especially persecuted by Rome ; sending out Priests and Iesuites , as so many Fire-brands , seeking to set on fire the seuerall corners of the Church : but these and the rest of those Orders , are at last betrayed by their owne Confederates .

By Albertus , Sleid. l. 21. Pightus , and Ferus , and Vergerius , who intended to write against Luther , in the point of Iustification by Faith onely ▪

By Didacus de la Vega , a Spanish Fryer of Toledo , Do. 12. post Pentecost . in the sufficiencie of the Scriptures .

By Andreas Masius , in Reliques .

By Contarenus the Cardinall , De lib. arbit. touching the doctrine of Free-will .

De reformat . Ecclesiae . By Petrus de Aliaco , in the Canonizing of so many Saints .

By the Seculars , withstanding the Iesuites , Quod l. fol. 21 In margine . who giue a toleration to their Proselytes to come to the Protestant Churches .

Alas , what zeale is in this , or in their other actions ? yet to giue them their due , I must confesse they haue zeale , but not according to knowledge .

How zealous are they to the Pope , in their reuerence and worship of him ? The word Papa at the first vsed honestly for a Father , as Austine stileth Ierome , but now challenged by an vsurper , murtherer , and Herodian Fox ; and more trust giuen to him , then to Christ , as Gerson in his time complained . Gerson . part. 1. de exam. doct. confid. 7.

What Treasons dare they not attempt to maintaine his Kingdome ? witnesse the Gun-pouder Treason , for which prayers were made by R. B. P. in his Seauen sparkes of the enkindled Soule , before the Stratagem was discouered ; and his Motto , In my Meditation breaketh out fire ; His brag , The memory of Nouelties shall perish with a cracke , p. 32. The tempestuous night being passed , a perpetuall day shall be our comfort , p. 35. The cracke was heard into all Lands , and made Nations quake for feare , p. 54. Confirme the hearts of those thy Labourers : endue them with strength from aboue , and giue successe vnto their endeuors , p. 69. Parsenimus defends it , saying , Take away roote and branch . So , Eudaemon-Iohannes , apologizing Garnet , but as sufficiently answered as euer our Church could desire , D. Abbot . by a reuerend Prelate .

What damnable slanders haue they not put vpon our late Soueraigne , blessed Queene ELIZABETH : they haue it from their Father , Parsons , I had almost said , the Diuell ; for who else could breathe out such impostumate detractions against her , who was the glory her Sexe , the Myrrour of Maiestie , whom all Protestant Generations shall euer call blessed , though a generation of Vipers , not fore-warned of vengeance to come vpon them , seeke to sting her reputation , calling her miseram foeminam , placing her in Hell ; making her life wicked , her death cursed .

He dipped his pen in the poyson of Aspes , which was vnder his lips , and sought to enuenome the name of this holy Saint , whom neighbouring Nations eyther triumphed in , or trembled at ; whose countenance was able to terrifie Treason , who might truely haue vsed the words of Deborah ; Iudg. 5.8 . In Israel , vntill I Deborah came vp , they chose new Gods , vnder whose gouernment all this Kingdome , especially you of this place , liued in such peace and plenty , in such obedience to GOD and her , and in such loue one to another . She was a woman after Gods owne heart , shee led his people like a Flocke 45. yeeres through a Wildernesse of many distressfull dangers ; shee was the Diamond in the Ring of the Monarchs of the earth , and notwithstanding all the roarings of the Buls of Basan , Centaurs and Minotaurs of Rome , their thundrings , lightnings , excommunications , execrations , Incantations , conspiracies , rebellions , drugs , daggers , and dags , yet she liued to out-liue the malice of her enemies , and dyed in peace , and was buried with Regall buriall .

Let the zeale of these prouoke vs , least they get ground of vs in their bad cause : it is good to be zealous in a good cause ; Canes latrant pro dominis , Dogges barke in defence of their Masters , and shall wee be silent in defending the Lord IESVS . Feare not the scoffes of Atheists , thou art a stranger at home , no maruell if the Dogs of the world barke at thee . There is none that reproacheth thee for zeale in Religion , but brandeth himselfe with the sinne of luke-warmnesse , and here hee may see his punishment . Woe be to fearefull hearts , Eccl. 2.12 . and faint hands , and the sinner that goeth two wayes .

Let vs that thinke we stand take heede least we fall : let vs consider the season , redeeme the time , not harden our hearts , hearken to the voyce of GOD while it is called to day . GOD spared not the olde world , who despised Noah ; the Sodomites , which vexed Lot ; Ierusalem , which abused the Prophets ; and you heare how hee threatneth LAODICEA . How shall wee escape if wee neglect so great saluation ? Hee will shew vs our of his mouth if wee dissemble before him . Let vs then now at the last separate light from darknes , God from an Idoll , the the Israelites from the Canaanites , the precious from the vile , the beleeuers from Infidels , Protestants from Papists . Let them returne vnto vs , but let not vs returne vnto them , who in Superstition are Heathenish , in Tradition Iewish , in Treason diuellish . Then shall hee make vs to this people , a fenced brazen wall , and they shall fight against vs , but shall not preuaile against vs ; for I am with thee to saue thee and deliuer thee , saith the Lord .

But my last circumstance calleth mee .

The Iewes had three kindes of Excommunication , 21.22 . Drus●us Heb. quaest. l. 1. & 2. Niddui , Herem , Sham-meth .

By the first they were remoued from Ecclesiasticall assemblies . 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 By the second there was an Anathema published against them . By the third they were Samatized : the word Sham-matha in the Chalde or according to the Hebrew Sham & Meth. Hi signifying there is death . So is there in this seperation , The Lord willingly freeth himselfe of them , as a man would his stomack of vndigested meat : He doth it with a kinde of exultation . This Moyses tolde the rebellious Israelites : and it shall come to passe that as the Lord reioyced ouer you to doe you good , and to multiply you ; so the Lord will reioyce ouer you to destroy you , and to bring you to nought , and ye shall be plucked from the land whither thou goest to possesse it . Deut. 28.63 . And if once the Lord cast vs vp , hee will neuer returne to his vomit , but I presse not the word : I come to my last Doctrine .

Doct. The long suffering of God neuer leaueth vs , till there be no hope of amendement . When the Lord had purposed to destroy the old world , because the wickednesse thereof was very great , hee did first vse all meanes to reclaime them . Hee gaue them an hundreth and twenty yeeres to repent in , and in the meane while , sent Noah a Preacher of righteousnes , to forewarne them of the danger , both by verball & also visible preaching , in making an Arke , for the sauing of himselfe and his houshold . 2 Pet 2.5 . Heb. 11.7 . 2 Sam 15.16 . 1 King . 21.18 . Hee sent Samuel to Saul ; Elias to Ahab ; Ionas to Niniueh , an Epistle to Laodicea : but if these will not moue , hee casteth vtterly off .

Laodicea must be spewed out of his mouth . Her wealthy , insolent , imperious inhabitants , father , sonne , nephew ; olde , young , all must be reiected . It is not the losse of their wealth alone , nor decay of Marchants and men of warre , the rooting out of the noblest families in Laidicea , nor the funerals of priuate houses , but the fall of the whole Citie . It 's a fond conceit of the prophane vulgar to make God all of mercies , a grosse ignorance to disioyne mercy and iustice in him to whom they are both essentiall . Dare wee hope that GOD can be so kind to vs as to be vniust to himselfe ? No , hee will repay vengeance to those that will not receiue the call of mercy . Hee will spew them out of his mouth .

Vse . The vse of this may serue as a glasse to all impenitent sinners , to looke vpon Gods iudgements , poured downe vpon them who made no conscience of their wayes , & neglected his Commandments .

Let worshippers of strange Gods looke vpon the Israelites spoyled for this . Iudg. 2.14 .

Let creepers vnto Images looke vpon Ieroboam , 1 King . 14.10 . cut off with all his house .

Let rash swearers looke vpon the blaspheming Sennacherib , 2 Ki. 19.35.37 . King of Assyria , killed by his sons Adramelech and Sharezer , and an Angell of the Lord smiting in his Campe in one night an hundred fourescore and fiue thousand .

Let prophaners of the Sabbath looke vpon the gatherer of stickes , Num. 15.36 . stoned by all the people .

Let rebellious children looke vpon Absolon , 2 Sam. 18.9 . hanged and cast into a pit .

Let Murtherers looke vpon Cain , Gen. 4.24 . his blood was shed by Lamech , his Nephew .

Let adulters looke vpon foure and twenty thousand , Num. 25.9.11 . perishing for committing it with the daughters of Moab .

Let theeues looke vpon Achan , Iosh. 7.24.25 . his sonnes , daughters , and all his substance burnt for stealing .

Let false witnesses looke vpon the rulers that accused Daniel , Dan. 6.24 . they were brought and cast into the Den of the Lyons ; they , their children and their wiues , and the Lyons had the masterie of them , breaking all their bones in pieces , ere euer they came at the ground of the Denne .

Let couetous men looke vpon Ahab , 1 King . 22.34 . tyrannically possessing Naboth his Vineyard , falling in Battaile .

Let luke-warme professors looke vpon Laodicea , Orosius . it is fallen by an Earth-quake for neglecting the Gospell . So that as Christ bad his hearers remember Lots wife , Luk. 17.32 . ( so I may say vnto you all ) remember Laodicea .

Woe vpon woe is threatned against Chorazin , Bethsaida and Capernaum , for their coldnesse . Those Cities glittered with Christs miracles ; their streets sounded and rang with his doctrine ; the inhabitants were priuiledged with his familiaritie . But for as much as there was no more in them then in Gath , or Ashkelon , Citties of the Philistines , and the Vineyard was as barren as the wildernesse , and Christ was in their streets , not in their hearts , therefore curses were thundred to them ; so to Laodicea .

Notwithstanding , write it in tables , and let it be a monument for the last day , that the Lord is gracious towards vngracious sinners , if they quench not his spirit , if they despise not his Prophets , if wee abuse not his mercies , if wee neglect not his iudgements .

But alas , our sinnes haue made this a preaching not fit for these times , blessings must sleepe a while , mercy goe aside , peace returne to the God of peace , Epis. Lond. in Ionam . and not be spoken of . This rather should be our preaching , There is iudgement with thee O Lord , with thee there is ruine , and subuersion , with thee is battaile , and famine , and snares , plague , and storme and tempest , fire and brimstone , therefore thou shalt be feared .

Mercy and Iustice are two sisters , and as the one hath had her day , so the other shal not misse hers , vnlesse we be zealous and amended . The Lord hath two armes , two cups , two recompences , and doubtlesse there is a reward for the righteous , and torment for the obstinate , and false-hearted , and luke-warme professor . Which should be a motiue to all true-harted Protestants , to ioyne together as one man , against them that haue euill will at Syon , the common aduersary the Papists , and all that are Popishly affected , the Gangrens of this Land , if euer wee would haue good .

All Israel was against Athan , in the Valley of Achor , because hee was the cause that they could not stand against their enemies . In the Conspiracie at Rome against Iulius Caesar , there were no fewer , by report , then foure and twenty daggers stabd into his body , because he was taken by the Nobilitie of Rome , to be an enemie to the Common-wealth ; shall Priests and Iesuits , be suffred to runne from house to house , and seduce whole families ? shall we nurse vp Lyons-whelpes for our owne ouerthrow ? What saftie can we be in , when such Miscreants lurke in your dewllings ? iet in your streetes ? when neither Country , nor Citie , nor Court is free of these conspiratours , keeping a dayly record of all our actions , and haue taken to vse whatsoeuer hath beene spoken , or done , against them , these many Halcyon yeeres of ours , meaning to exchange it , tenne for one , if euer they see the day of their long expected toleration , and so expulsion of the Gospell : which Lord let them neuer see .

The gates of Rome cannot hurt vs , no nor the gates of Hell vnlesse we hurt our selues .

I appeale to you Worthy , and Honourable Magistrates , to whom the sword of iustice is committed . You may thus reason , as the Oratour against Catiline . Did Publius Scipio a priuate man kill Tiberius Gracchus , but lightly weakning the state of the Common-wealth , and shall we that are consuls let Catiline alone desirous to lay wast all the world with slaughterings and fierings ? Not onely for Gods sake , but for our Kings sake , whose deputies ye are , as he is Gods ; not onely for Religion , but for very pollicie , as you regard the peace of this state , and well-farre of the Church , as you loue your owne liues , rouze vp your spirits ; the cause is the Lords , vindicate his dishonour . He hath made our Land a sanctuary for true Religion , a refuge and shade in the heate of the day , for persecuted Professors , who haue beene chased like Bees from their owne Hiues . Hee hath made this place a Temple for himselfe to dwell in ; the zeale of it hath beene famous ouer the world : O let it not be a common receit for all commers , Atheists , Neuters , Hypocrits , luke-warme Professors , Popish wanderers .

It was the defence of Religion , that made Dauid , Salomon , Iosias , Constantine , Edward the 6 Queene Elizabeth , and our late blessed Prince Henry so honoured , that their names amongst all true hearted Protestants , are like a precious oyntment , their remembrance is sweet as hony , Eccl. 49.1 . and as Musicke at a banquet of wine . It is this that must honour you all .

Remember , that to whom much is giuen , of them much shall be required . Wee of this Land haue beene a long time the trees of the Lords Vineyard , full of sappe , of as many fauours as any people of the world . If we be his Oliue-trees , we must haue fatnesse . If his Figge-trees , we must haue sweetnesse . If his Vine-trees , we must haue Wine , chearing the heart ; I meane , we must bring forth good fruit to benefit others .

The Heathens faine of the Powers , Luc. Dial. that euery one chose a tree . Iupiter , he chose the Oake for continuance ; Neptune , the Cedar for tallnesse ; Apollo , the Laurell for greennesse ; Venus , the Poplar for whitenesse ; Pallas , the Vine for fruitfulnesse : our true GOD hath chosen vs as a peculiar people to himselfe . O then , bring forth fruits , worthy of the Gospell : be earnest and diligent to make your Election sure , especially you , whom the Lord hath placed as the Eye of this Land .

Mercurius Trismegistus tolde Asclepius that Aegipt was the Image of Heauen , Aug. 8. ciu. 23. I am sure your Citie is an Image of the whole earth , and I hope it shall be called Vrbs aterna , an euerlasting Citie , more truely then euer Rome was by Ammianus Marcellinus , Pind. Od. though I know it must haue a period .

That which Pindarus fained of the Cittie Rhodes is true amongst you ; Gold hath beene as plentifull as if it had almost rained downe from Heauen : glarious things are spoken of this Citie of God : it hath the Temple of the Lord , and Court of the Kings seates of Indgement . It hath a Royall Nauy of Vessels , and is fenced not onely with these wals of wood as Gracia was against Xerxes , Herod . Poly. but it hath a Tower furnished with Instruments of brasse and Iron , against your enemies , it hath many sumptuous buildings , and faithfull Watch-men , Psal. 127.2 . yet vnlesse the Lord keepe the Citie , the watch-man waketh but in vaine . Defend Religion , and the Lord will fight for you , and defend you all .

I speake to you aged Fathers ; Be like the Sunne in the Firmament ; not like Ezechias Sun that went backeward , not like Ioshuahs Sunne that stood still ; but Dauids Sunne , that like a Bridegroome commeth out of his Chamber , and as a Champion reioyceth to runne his race . Be like the Sunne in the Firmament , more glorious at the setting then rising : the neerer you are to your graues , be the more zealous in good workes .

I speake to you young men ; Beloued brethren , offer to God the first fruits of your youth , call vpon the name of the Lord for helpe : be strong in defence of that profession , wherein you were baptised , and hee that hath begunne in you a good worke will perfect it .

I speake to you Matrons and deuout Virgins ; Learne of Esther and her hand-maides , to be true to the Lord and his word , so shall all generations call you blessed .

In a word , I speake to you All ; Remember what you haue heard : many Preachers haue beene sent vnto vs . The Heauens ouer our heads , haue beene resolued into teares , weeping for our sinnes . The Earth vnder our feete , hath trembled for feare of those plagues which we deserue . The roaring Sea hath ouer-swelled the vsuall bounds . Death , hath beene sometimes vsherd amongst you , with the pale horse of a ranging Pestilence , destroying day and night . O let not these things be forgotten , as though they had neuer beene !

At the last , let the reward moue vs , Behold this day CHRIST standeth and knocketh at the dore of your hearts , saying ; If any man heare my voyce , and open the dore , I will come in vnto him , and banquet with him , and hee with mee . This knocking is his calling vnto vs by his words , workes , benefits . This dore is the closet of our hearts ; the hearing , is our obeying ; the opening , is the readinesse of our soules ; this comming in vnto vs , is his being in vs by his holy Spirit ; this banquetting is the continuall feast of a good Conscience , which that wee may all haue , and so sit with CHRIST in his Throne , when we haue ouer come ; the good Lord for his mercies sake grant it to whom , with the Sonne , and the holy Ghost , that Trinitie in Vnitie , and Vnitie in Trinitie , be ascribed all praise and power , glory and goodnesse , dignitie and dominion , this day , and for euer , Amen .

FINIS .