Vox Dei

VOX DEI THE VOYCE OF GOD

ALl the actions , and vndertakings of man , are , or should be grounded vpon some warrantable , and solid reason , being censured just , or vnjust , according as they observe , or transgresse , that generall rule of Iustice : wherefore , to avoyd confusion , and that the idle , and industrious , might be distinguished , the one from the other , and the more wise , and dilligent , discerned from the lesse ; God hath set an order in nature of superiour , and inferiour , as of day , and night , head , and members , and of the members amongest themselves . And as in Nature , one worke of hers , exceede's another , though the least be wonderfull ; and as the whole worke ( considered in the harmony ) exceede's any part thereof , Tho: Aq 22. q : 31. A : 3. 2 . m though the part in it selfe , be never so excellent : so the actions of man , haue their dignityes , and degrees , and the more generall they be , the more noble ever estemed : Yea , a litle benefit done to many , is much more honorable then a greater to one ; Because the worth of an action , is measured by nothing so much , as by the extent of helpe , it reacheth , to few , or to many , to one , or to all : soe that private studyes , or private imployments , ( though they content the minde better , and may in themselves be excellent ) cannot be compared , to such as looke abroad to the publique , though the one be liberall , ( perhaps ) and the other mechanicall . Because to this end , was man principal created . First , for God ; Secondly , for all that are Gods ; Thirdly , and lastly , for himselfe : so he was made for many , and should therefore bend his studyes , and endeavours to benefit many : In which respect , we see Moses , Ex. 32. 32. Rom. 9. 3. and Saint Paul , wishing their owne separation from God , for the vniting of all to him , and our saviour , who hath willed vs to follow him , as neere as we can , ( especially in loue ) gaue his owne life a ransome , for the whole world . Yea , in nature we see any one member , ( though never so excellent , and vsefull ) is cut off , for the safe-guard of the whole body , if the body can subsist without it : He either knowe's not himselfe , and wherefore he was made , or overvalewe's himselfe aboue his owne worth , that will not venter himselfe for the saving of many , though their delivery were not so sure as his owne losse . Man cannot dignify himselfe more , then in such a hazard ; since we redeeme things by an equall , or superiour value , and to saue many is to be worth as many , as wee saue .

When therefore we see the Church in daunger , we must stand in the gappe , and steppe in , for her rescue , against all the world ; for it concerne's Gods glory , and Moses stroue with God himselfe in such a case : feare not thou therefore , to wrastle with man . When we see the common wealth in daunger , wee must endeavour her rescue , with the hazard of our owne states , & liues , for it concerne's the welbeing of many whereof we are parts , and for which we are , what we are . Of this truth , all wiser , and elder times , haue beene perswaded , as may appeare , by the many memorable vndertakings , and actions of our predecessors , in all places recorded for the direction , and incouragement of the present , and future times : especially of that same valiant worthy of Israell , David , as wee hope to shew manifestly , in the following discourse , grounded vpon these words of his to his brother Eliab , mentioned 1 Sam. 17. 29. What haue I now done ? Is their not a cause ? which words contayne the conclusion of a dialogue , betwixt David , and his elect brother ; wherein wee intend to touch vpon these perticulars , for the clearing of our sayd discourse , and fitting it to all apprehensions .

First , wee will breifly shew who , and what he was , that vsed this speech .

Secondly , wee will declare who , and what the person was , to whom he spake .

Thirdly , wee will shew the occasion , and time , when , this speech was vsed .

Fourthly , wee will set forth the speech it selfe , and what conclusions wee may draw from it , for our purpose .

First , for the person that vsed this speech , it was David , in whom consider three things .

His age .

His Profession , or calling .

His Relation .

His age : he was in the flower of youth , about 23. yeares olde , vngrounded , vnexperienced , litle in stature , fayre , and effeminate , in appearance , not like ever to be stout in performance . 1 Sa. 16. 11 And this was seene , when Saul afterwards , 1 Sam. 17. 39. put his armour vpon him , he was hardly able to beare such a burden .

Secondly , his profession or calling , a shepheard , and therfore peaceable , no fit man to make a souldier of ; we haue a Proverbe of such tender , and quiet spirits , [ they are fit to keepe sheepe ] & such was he , not only fit to keepe sheepe , ( as many are , who keepe none ) but suited with an office agreable to his milde nature , for he was a keeper of sheepe : Such was Abel , & therefore a fit prey for a butcherlike brother : Gen. 4. 3. Such was Iacob , and his sonnes : Such were Moses , & Aron ; and of good shepheards , they proved milde , & gratious governours ; so that it was sayd of them to God by the Psalmist : Ps. 77. 20. Thou leddest thy people like sheepe by the hands of Moses , & Aron . And such a man was David at this time , a good , & watchfull shepheard , & therefore like to proue a good , & vigilant Prince , but noe great , & valiant souldier . They that converse with wylde , & ravenous beasts , learne somewhat of their savage natures : For as the body partake's of ayre , water , & other nourishments , & is humored , & tempered accordingly : or , as man communicate's with man , by conversation , & is judged to be like the company he keepes , so every man pertake's with beasts in their properties , & give 's to themagayne some of his , in exchange . The Lyon , & Beare , learne some civility of their keeper , as their keeper , take's some bruitish cruelty from them : The master learnes to be currish of his dogg : & the dogg learne's curtesy of his master : Nimrod , & Esau , conversing amongest doggs , Pol. virg. de inven . ●e : l. 3. c. 5 became cruell , and bloody Tyrants .

Marius was a braue souldier , but bloudy , & cruell , & as an ensigne of his cruelty , he first gaue them names of beasts to the Romane Legions : calling one the Wolfe , an other the Minotaure , a third the Horse , a fourth the Boare , a fift the Eagle , but none of them all , the Sheepe that harmelesse creature : And doubtles Actaeon had much of a beast within him , when his hownds puld ' him downe : on the other side David converseth with none but innocent , & harmelesse sheepe● who are a prey for every beast , vnlike is this man therefore , to become a souldier .

His relation ; A brother : 1. by nature : 2. by subjection to one King : 3. by faith in one God : members of one householde , of one common-wealth , of one Church ; But withall , a yonger brother , by all probability , the weakest of all , I am assured the yongest of eight . An vnfit man therefore , for the present imployment . And thus much for the speaker .

The person to whom , he speakes is Eliab , whom likewise wee will beholde in a threefolde respect : 1. His age . 2. His Profession . 3. His Relation .

His age , the eldest sonne of Ishai , the eldest amongest eight brethren , amongest whom David , the youngest was a man growne ; needes therefore must the eldest be of mature yeares , & of great experience , able to advise , able to execute ; as for his strength of body , his stature promiseth as much , as his yeares , for when Samuell comes ( by Gods commande ) to annoynt one of Ishaies sonnes King , assoone as he sees Eliab , the admiration of his person ( for it seemes he was like Saul , a tall proper man , higher by the head then the common sort ) makes him fasten vpon him for King , without doubt , or question , till God removes his carnall eye , 1 Sa. 16. 7 with admonition : Looke not ( saith God ) on his countenance , or on the height of his stature , because I haue resused him : For God seeth not as man seeth : For man looketh on the outward apparance , but the Lord beholdeth the heart .

His Profession ; A souldier he was now , thoug perhaps a shepheard before , for it is sayd : 1 Sam. 17. 13. That the three eldest sonnes of Ishai went , and followed Saul to the battell : Now as he was of mature age , and of a gooly presence so , it is like , he was an olde souldier , of great experience in the warres : And that as others esteemed him , such so he knew his owne worth , & value , wherefore like an olde , & expert Commander , he taketh vpon him to curbe in , & restrayne , the inquisitiue ignorance , and rash foole-hardynes ( as he thought ) of this silly shepheards lad , saying to him ( in anger ) why camest thou downe hither ? & with whom hast thou left those few sheepe in the wildernes ? I know the pride , & the malice of thy heart , that thou art come downe to see the battell : As if he should say , what didst thou meane David to presse to this place of danger vncalled , from whence the stoutest would gladly withdrawe themselues , if they could with the safety of their honors ? doest thou thinke thy selfe able , to doe more then we can doe , who are souldiers by profession , men of experience , of approved strength , & courage ? Thou art a babe , a suckling , an effeminate boy , a freshwater souldier ? Why ; what a folly was it for thee , to leaue the care of the sheepe , & come hither ; to loose them there , thy selfe here ? This must needes proceede from that ambitious , & proude heart of thine , which I knowe puff's thee vp , ever since thou wert entertayned to be one of Saules Musitians : But thou art much mistaken ; it is farr more easy to compose a sonnet , in prayse of ye conquerour , or to sett a song in perfect parts to the Harpe , then to obteyne a victory , or to order an army : It is farre more easy to finger the Harpe with nimble , and obedient fingers , then to handle a speare , the battell-axe , the sworde , and those instruments of death , and warre : A consort of musitians suits thee better , then a Company of Souldiers ; and that effeminate face of thine , doth better become the foldes , and the sheepe-coates , or the Court , and the prefence of fayre ladyes , then the feild of Wolues , of Lyons , or of men , more terrible then these . But thou art desirous of noveltyes , to see , and be seene , and here thou art come too soone , to buy repentance , at a deare rate . To all this David mildly , humbly , wisely , and yet stoutly , replye's , What haue I now done ? Is their not a cause ?

His Relation : a brother , & elder brother , even the eldest of all ; such a one , as by the law , and order of nature , was Davids superiour , and might command him : Gen. 49. 3 [ Prior in donis , major in imperio . For not only the first male that openeth the wombe , was sanctifyed to God , as his parte , to be a perpetuall type , and figure of Christ our King , and Governour , till he came in the flesh ; But also , amongst all Nations , the rule of a famil , or countrey , was confer'd vpon the eldest : Vntill there were Kings , they were in stead of such , and when there were Kings , either they were chosen out of these , or these were their substitutes , in such familyes , and places , where they resided . Now Ishai being a very olde man , and noted for such in the dayes of Saul , as wee see at the 12. verse of this Chapter , the care , both of house holde goverment , and of stocke , must rest vpon the eldest sonne , the heire of all : who , ( as a parent ) might challenge rule over his youngest brother , & require a just accompt of him for his sheepe , which he might well suspect were negligently left in the wildernes , without a keeper , through the wyldnes , & vanity of his younger brother . And therefore David doth not answer him , as Cain answers God , Gen 4. Am I my brothers keeper ? what haue you to doe with me , am I your shepheard ? as divers Yonckers would now answer their elders : But he replye's with a tarte kinde of mildnes , giuing ( at once ) a testimony of the loue he beare's his brothers , person , how much he regard's his admonition , as also making an Apologie for him selfe , & glauncing at his brothers prejudice , and partiality , who would not see the apparant cause at this time , enforcing his forwardnes : Therefore he send 's him home to beholde the beame in his owne eye , saying [ What haue I now done ? Is their not a cause ? ] And this shall serue for the persons ; come wee now to the occasion of this discourse .

3. The Occasion .

The occasion of this discourse , and argument , held betwixt David , and his elder brother , was this . The Army of Israell , and the Army of the Philistins , having lyen longe in the feilde , and Ishai , having in the Army , three of his Sonnes following Saul ; the olde man longing to heare how they did , and desirous to send them some fresh victualls to releiue them , as also to procure for them the favour of their Captayne , send David to visite them , to redeeme their pledge , and to salute their Captayne with a present of ten fresh cheeses , v. 17. 18. He , comming early to the Campe , finde's both the Armyes set in array , ready to joyne in fight , and withall heares a great shout , such as they vse to giue at the first onset . The young man bring hardy ( though litle ) and desirous to be one in the number that should fight for his Country , and religion , and ashamed to looke on , and giue ayme , whylst others vnderwent the hazarde , & heate of the day ; leaue's the things which he brought with the wagon-maister , and made all the hasthe coulde to reach the armye before they reached each other : Comming thither , he finds things in great distraction , by reason of Goliah , a mighty Champion of the Philistins , who stood boasting against the whole armye of Israell , challendging and desyring an able and equal Opposite to be sent out to him . To this Bravado he adds blasphemy agaynst God , and dishonour and disgrace to the King : He beholde's the pride and insolency of the heathenish army out of the confidence they had in their vnmatchable Champion , and withall he see 's the base feare and cowardise of his owne Nation , whose courage was quenched with the brauery of one man : How then ( thinks he ) it is likelie that they should stand agaynst many ? agaynst all ? To behold this , his hart burnes within him ; Zeale to God , allegeance to his prince , loue , and dutye to his Country , make's him inquisitiue , what this shoulde meane , how it shoulde happen that soe many shoulde be a frayde of one , or that one shoulde dare to affront so many : Thus at length his priuate thoughts breake 's forth into wordes : What ( sayth he , to the standers by who gaped , & gazed vppon the Gyant and fled at his words , at his sight , as men frighted and out of their witts ) what shall be done to the man that killeth this Philistim , and taketh away the shame from Israell ? They answer , to him that killeth him , the King will giue great riches : and will giue his daughter , yea & make his fathers house free in Israell Perhaps these promises were the immaginations & pratlings of the people , the vnderhand whisperings of policye , to stirre vp some mans courage to vndertake the combat . For we neither heare these things publiquely proclyamed , nor repeated , and promised , when David came to speake with Saule , and went about his worke with this approbation , nor chalenged after , when David had performed what he vndertooke , and had slayne Goliah . Howsoever , his elder brother , who obserue's his behauiour narrowly , overbeare's his discourse , how he , like an able Champion , speake's and questions , as one that meant to vndertake the matter ; and , either out of contempt of his brothers youth , or out of envy , least the yonger shoulde wyn prayse from the elder , or out of loue and care of his yonger brother , knowing his forwardnes , but withall his weakenes , and in sufficiencye , for such a busines , with such an enemy , whose match the whole hoast afforded not , check's him & restrayne's him from this rash vndertaking , by presenting his youth , his trade , his other busines , to his remembrance ; why camest thou downe hither ( sayth he ) with whome hast thou left those few sheepe in the wildernes ? I know thy priae and the malice of thy harte that thou art come downe to see the battell . To whom David replied , in serious , and sad manner , what haue I now done ? Is there not a cause ?

Thus much for the occasion of this discourse .

The fourth thing considerable , is the speech it selfe , wherein obserue .

The manner of deliuery .

The matter deliuereed .

For the manner of deliuery , David reply'es not positiuely , but by way of question or expostulation ; as men that deale with envious cavillers vse to doe , and as our saviour dealt with the high Preists , and Scribes , and Elders continually ? for indeede this manner of speech is of more force then a bare affirmation ; I● argue's a litle more life , and spirit , it stirre's the bloud of the speaker , and alter's the sleepy disposition of him that opposeth , as water cast in a mans face rayseth from a swound . If he had sayde , [ brother I hope I haue done nothing but what I ought to doe , that which I haue a iust cause to doe ; ] Though he had then spoken as much as now he doeth , in effect , yet his speech had lost much of the grace , spirit , and vigor it hath ; As pictures , though well proportioned , if they want their proper and naturall shadowing , & be not well set off , loose much of their bewty , and delight not a curious beholder ; So words , where they are not exprest with alacrity and fervor of mynde , fall flatt , lye dead , and worke not vpon the affections . There might then haue beene a doubtfull disputation of the fact , and cause , and much might haue bene alleaged too , and fro , whether he had done well , or noe , in comming to the feilde , in leauing his sheepe , in questioning about this quarell , as if he ment to intrude him selfe for a party . And with the inequallity of his strength to hazard the honor of the whole Army : But speaking thus quickly and resolutely , by way of interrogation , saying ; What haue I now done is their not a cause ? Hee by this question putt's all out of question , and driue's his brother to see , Sect. & confess that ther is a cause . And ( me thinke's ) I see the bloud startle in his face , & the ruddy youth lookes redder then he had wont , that Zeale which afterwards eate vp his hart , appeares in his countenance , and at length , though he purposed to keepe silence , his tongue brake loose into these or the like words . O Brother is there not an apparant cause requiring mine , and yours , and all our attentions , Is it not past deniall , past colouring , almost past remeay ? Truly I admire how you , and the rest of these valiant and able men , and profest souldiers , can so long looke on , and heare , & see the name of God blasphemed , and your King scorned , and your whole Nation challendged , braued , and dishonoured , with patience ? I wonder that you , being my elder brother , doe not leade me one by example , and incorage me with applause , in this high honorable , and holy vndertaking , rather then restrayne me by your coldnes and quench my Zeale by your vnseasonable vpbraydings ? I wonder any man should not be ashamed to reprehende my forwardnes : Nay I wonder all of you are so backward when such necessity requires the expression of yours best abillityes . It is not seasonable discretion , but dulnes , and do●tishnes , that pul's vs back from timely action , neither is that temper , which can heare , and see these things , with silence , the sober vertue of a man , which wee terme PATIENCE , But the cowardice or senceles and slothfull stupidttie of an Asse ; A poyson mistaken for a preservatiue , a vice for a vertue . Israell had wont to haue Iosuahs , and Gedions , and Baruch●s and Iepthae's , and Sampsons , who coulde sright a whole hoast of these vncircumsised Philistims : Israell had a Deborah , who ( though a wooman ) had courage enough to daunt a whole , Armye of Infidels ; O then what a shame is it , that the King amougest all this multituae , should finde never a man to stand , betweene him and reproach ? to hazard his life for th honor of his Prince ? O , what a shame is it , that amongest all these brethren of one father of the flesh , one father of the faith , Abraham , there is not one that dare ingage his life for the redeeming of all ? O , what a shame is this , that whilst wee call our selues the people of God , and say wee alone professe the true religion , and serve the true God truly ; there is not one member in the whole boay , that dare present it selfe , to stopp the mouth of this blasphemous and vncircumcised Philistine , or honor himselfe , & his family , by his endeavour , to doe i● though with the losse of his owne life ?

After such a manner ( me thinke's ) this worthy seemes to expostutate the case with his brother , and to wring from him , by a kinde of loving violence , a confession of the truth of all this discourse : he see 's now the necessitye of the case , the vertue of his brother , and soe David leaue's him to veiwe his owne error , to see his owne shame , by a silent reflection .

One valiant man , Sect. by his example , putts spirit into a thousand ( as lampes light each other ) and many Cowards met in a heape , infect the whole crowde , and by their secure & sensuall arguments , begett a senslesnes of honour in the harts of their next neighbours . The customary beating of a Lyons whelpe make's him as tame , as a Lambe : and persons , naturally valiant , may be made artificiall cowards , by being brought vp vnder the rodd , and taught to swallow base and grosse inuryes without chewing . Thus the slaues of Sparta , rebelling agaynst their masters , and being encountred with bastinadoe's in stead of swords , lost that courage which made them take armes , and like true slaues submitted themselues to their olde bondage . Such mindes feare not the cryme , but the punishment , and thinke that there is nothing dishonorable ▪ but that which disturbe's their priuate peace , and that slothfull security wherevnto they are accustomed from youth ; I cannot but thinke there were valiant men in this Armye : It is a great part of valour in a Prince to gather an army : Some tyrants dare not trust their owne guard : or suffer an assembly of their owne subjects to meet . These are possest with such a timorous spirit as the English Poet discribe's ; Feare ' himselfe to bee , whome he bringes in , flying away from himselfe , whilst no man pursuse's him , and affrayde of the clashing of his owne armour : Insomuch , as that which should keepe him from feare , is the cause of his feare : But Saule was soe farr from such base pusillanimity of spirit , as he was personally present in this Campe , and had before giuen proofe of his valour agaynst the Philistims , by single opposition .

Agayne , it is probable that Ionathan was in the Campe , with diuers other Worthies , of whose valour there was no question . I am sure Davids three bretthren were there , & all likely to be valiant men ; soe that it is wonderfull , that none of these offered themselves to the combat in this quarrell . But perhaps one discouraged an other , and the backwardnes of some dishartned others , and some out of vnseasonable modesty woulde not offer themselues , least they should bee thought proude , or ambitious , or the like ( poore spirits that will be frighted from good purposes by the scoffes , jest's , and reproches , of sluggards and cowards , who dare doe nothing but censure good mens actions , and call their owne basenes and trechery , loyall discretion . ) Or , Tydeus corpore , animo Hercules . lastly , God tooke away there harts , and infused a double spirit into David , that his power might be seene in weaknes , and how he is able to overthrowe the proudest adversarye , by babes and sucklings ; even with weake meanes , or without meanes , or by contrary meanes .

David therefore , beholding all this with sorrow , and seeing such a generall disposition in the whole army to faynt and fly , rather then to fight , or as beasts are , in droues , driuen to be butchered , when being single and out of the crowde they woulde breake loose , he awaken's the sleepy courage of his brother and the rest , with this quick expostulation , what haue I now done ? Is there not a cause ?

From the Manner of speaking wee descend to the Matter or subject of Davids speech ; which , in fewe but weightye words , containe's the motiue or impulsiue cause of his famous attempt , & atcheiuement following immediatly after .

For whilst he sayth Is their not a cause ? he take'es the cause as graunted and evident enough . Let vs then labour to finde it out ; for all actions ( and soe this ) are warrantable , or wicked , as they haue an evident cause to justifie or condemne them .

CAVSES are either ordinary , or extraordinary :

Those which we call ordinary , are all second causes , which are readie at hande , lying open to the eye of vulgar observation , and proceeding by a legall & common course of Nature . Extraordinarie causes are either wholy hid , or farther remooved ; so that they are not seene at all , or , ( at least ) not by all . The highest among'st ordinarie causes ( for wee speake of that spheare wherein the rule of man is wholy busied , and taken vp ) is the sovereigne , or supreame Power , and all other powers subordinate to it . This hath conveniency and vtility as the most proper end of it's operation and ayme . For though it be convenient & profitable to haue such subordinate power setled , yet it is not of absolute necessity that wee haue them .

Extraordinary causes , in this classe , or forme , haue Necessity for their proper and direct ende , and begin onely to worke when there is defect of operation in the ordinary causes : as Physick is administred to helpe decayed nature , and expell malignant humor . Thus when Saul , the supreamest amongst ordinary causes in the common wealth of Israell , is slack in his office ; God rayseth vp David to quicken his zeale : and when Ely growes olde and negligent , and through indulgence suffers his sonnes to abuse their office ; God rayseth vp Samuel to provoke him to more dilligence . And thus , at all tymes , in defect of ordinary pastors , God hath raysed vp prophets to teach his people , and to publish his judgements openly and playnely , It is ( as I haue before noted ) very-vncertayn whether such promises were ever propounded on no , by the King ; because wee never see them repeated , challenged , or performed by Saule to David after the worke wrougt though with the perill of their owne liues .

If any man object ( therfore ) that the reward propounded by the King ver. 25. was the principall cause that excited David to vndertake this quarrell , I doubt not to say they are much deceiued : For though intisements to vertue , and indowments for vertue doe well ; and though men come seldome to the markett , where nothing but bloud , and blowes are to be bought , and solde ; yet true fortitude is not mercenary , nor coulde all those words , make our worthy dip his finger in bloud , by vndertaking a single combat , except a greater necessity call him forth , then prayse , or profitt , or pleasure , or preferment . It must not be an ordinary , but extraordinary cause , therefore , that moue's this extraordinary person : and what other thing coulde that be , then the present daunger wherein he beheld the church and state involved , together with the desperate ingagement of the King , and Kingdomes honor . Hee see 's all these in hazard to receiue either a totall overthrowe , or ( at least ) a violent and vnrecoverable blowe , by this Blasphemer : For will it not stagger true beleeuers when they see the enemy braue God ( as it were ) to his face , and goe away vnpunished ? The wicked then encourage themselues in infidelity , and with open mouth deride , and discreditt the former miracles of God soe much spoken of . For if God doth not every day create new worlds , or confound olde enemyes , or produce new miracles , man will not beleeue that ever he made the world , or confounded the rebellious race of idolatrbus Gyants , or ever did a miracle , or perhaps scarce thinke there is a God to doe such thinges ; At least , that he is not the true God , except he marcheth away with the conquerour . For prosperity and externall glory so bewicheth , and dazeleth the eyes and judgements of mortall men , as they cannot suspect guilded falshood , nor embrace ragged truth . And therefore Rabshakeh , comming agaynst Ierusalem , by the commaunde of Sanacherib King of Ashur , elevated with his former victories , crye's out with an open and jmpudent mouth , and demaunds of the Israelites , wherein they trust and put confidence that they doe not presently render themselues to the mercy of his Master ? where ( sayth he ) is the God of Hamah ? and of Arpad ? where is the God of Sepharuaim ? or how haue they deliuered Samaria out of my hands ? whoe is he among all the Gods of these lands that hath deliuered their Country out of my hand , that the Lord should deliver Ierusalem out of my hands ? The text sayth the Blasphemer receiued no answere , till God stopt his mouth with a miracle : For all then , and there , were colde , benumde , and silent , as persons decayed in spirit , and fitted for that defection and forreigne Captiuity , and subjection , which not long after followed .

But our Champions heart burne's more hott in this place , with zeale and indignation to see and heare the boasting , and blaspheming enemy , rayle agaynst the God of Israell , of whose loue and power , David had large experience , and whose name , ( by way of thankfulnes ) he had extraordinary cause to defend from dishonor whilst he had power , make 's him begin the onsett ( as it were ) to this conquest , by conquering his priuate feares , his brothers frownes , and the cavelling exceptions of all other envious beholders , with this bolde and braue demaund , what haue I now done ? Is there not a cause ? And thus much of the cause or matter here mentioned to shew , that it was a cause of necessity which compeld ' his vndertaking for Is there not a cause ? hauing reference to nothing els then to the publique perill and common calamity of the church and state threatned by this idolatrous Champion . Which is a cause more then sufficient , to compell him that is a true member of the mysticall body of Christ , to shew his Spirituall life by strugling for the generall liberty . The conclusions therefore from hence deduced , are these following .

CONCLVSION 1. First , there must bee an apparant cause of necessitie , to justify every extraordinary action or vndertaking , performed by a priuate person .

APriuate Person is hee that hath noe direct or publique calling to the action he vndertake's : In which sense a publique person in one kind , may be a priuate person in an other respect . Aron is a publique person to sacrifice , but not to rule , and Vzziah is a publique person to gouerne , but not to sacrifice . A magistrate is a publique person , but not for all actions : for if he take vpon him to administer the Sacraments , he therein becomes a priuate person . Nay when he doeth any acte of Iustice without a Law , he then laye's by the prerogatiue , and dignity of a publique person , and acts the parte of a priuate man . Because the lawe is the instrument , & sword of the publique magistrate , without which to strike is to Tyrannize , and without which , to converse in any puplique busines , is to become priuate . Thus wee see Mayors , & other subordinate officers , who are shadowes & types of the supreame , goeing abroad without their Swords & Maces ( the ensignes of their offices ) become priuate ( for the present time ) till they assume those types of their authority agayne , which serue as publique and notable instruments commanding all men to take notice of them , and to obey them as publique executors of the lawes . Soe the King saieth most excellently , in the beginning of his speach made to the Parliament , the 26. of March , 1621. that the end why Kings are appointed of God , is , to put the lawes of the state in execution . These are the executors of the law , which is the will of the state , wherof they are heads ; and when they doe their owne wills against , and not with the will of the state ( that is the law ) then they become private persons in those perticulars , because they cease to be executors of the law , as Kinges ought to bee . Kinges ( as his matie , saith most excellently ) are married to the people by lawes , the capital breach of law only is adultery in this case admitting a divorce ; as wee see those members are cutt off from the Kinges spouse the Comonwealth , which by rebellion & treason , proue themselues to be members & children of an adulterous generation bastards & no sonnes legitimate ,

Now every man whither priuate or publique , is a member of the Common-wealth , wherein hee liue's , and soe hath noe power of his owne body , to dispose of it this or that way , especially to hazard it in a single Duell , or the like , without licence . And the more high excellent , & emnient the person is , the lesse absolute liberty hath he in disposing himselfe , and the more interest hath the Comon-wealth in him . Because wee see every member claymes more interest in the head , hart , liver , lungs , ( those principall parts ) then in the rest : for if any of these bee missing dissolution followe's to the whole body , if any be defectiue a generall decay and consumption ensue's ; but if the body loose , a toe , or a finger , or a foote , or a hand , or an eye , or a tongue , the losse is not soe great , the danger not soe desperate . Now then , for any man to hazard his person in a single Duell , without manifest necessity , is to comit violence to the Comon-wealth , and to rend a limbe from the fame . I call it necessity , when he is assaulted , or when he beholds the Church , ot State assaulted , all which , he is bound to defend by the law of nature . Nam ex sole defensione oportet bellum justificare naturaliter . And , defensio priuata est juris naturalis : multo magis publica . Soe wee may defend the law and religion , wherein all men haue equall interest , against all invasion of power or policie ; and all actions done in the behalfe of these , are actions of defence , and justifiable by the law of nature , otherwise not .

Cain is the first Duellist wee find in ye world , Genes. 4. he kill 's his brother when he should haue ben his brothers keeper . Noe cause of necessity prouok's him on , but malice and envie ; Soe that when God come's to examine , arraigne , and condemne him for the murther , though he can churlishly say to God . Am I my brothers keeper ? yet cannot he say with our innocent combatant , what haue I now done ? Is their not a cause ?

Simeon and Levy ( bretheren in evill ) make a kind of party against Hamor and Shechem , and second each other , both in the plott & practise : but being questioned by their father for this villany , though they alleadge a kind of seeming reason , and say , should he abuse our sister as a whore ? Genes. 34. yet that very reason argue's their action to proceede from pride , malice , and revenge , and not from reason or religion , or any other cause of necessity ; for reason , and religion , and necessitie would rather haue required their liue's . that they might by marriage haue made amend's for their sin & violence offered to the virgin , all possibility whereof , was now taken away , by this rash act of the young men : Who therefore could not justlie say to their angry father in their owne defence , what haue wee now done ? was there not a cause ?

●●ab kills Abner , and Amasa , both after a base and bloody manner , David behold's both with greife , but dares not punish either of them , the Text adds the cause , hee was but new setled , 2 Sam. 3. 39. and the sonnes of Zeruiah were to strong for him . Envie , and malice , were the impulsiue causes of Ioabs treachery , soe that when he fli'es to the hornes of the Altar , as challenging the priuiledge of Sanctuarie , and is by Salomon command , according to Davids former charge , drawn from thence by violence and slayne , that blood might haue blood , he cannot say in his owne defence , as David here doeth ; what haue I now done ? Is their not a cause ?

To come to other actions , done by priuate persons , to priuate and indirect ends , howsoever the publique good were pretended .

KOrah , Dathan , and Abiram , conspire against Moses , and Aron , and whatsoever shew they make to reduce things to good order in the State , & Church , yet it is manifest that pride , ambition , and disobedience were the bellowes which kindled that fire in their harts . For the Church and Comon-wealth were gouerned by Gods law and direction , and noomutation like to ensue , except it were wrought by themselues , and therefore because it was not the true fire of zeale , but of faction , which stirred that combustion , God consumed them with the fire of his wrath , and the earth opened her mouth , Num. 16. and swallowed them vp .

Saul makes a rash vowe ( as Ieptah did before ) pretending zeale in doeing it , and such zeale in executing the transgressors thereof , that his owne sonn must dye ( a sonn that deserued soe well of the father , soe well of the Comon-wealth , hauing that daie with his armour-bearer chased the Philistims , and obteyned the victorie ) only because he tasted a litle hony ; It was no zeale , but superstition , that made the vowe , there was noe necessitie to keepe it , but a necessitie compelled Ionathan , by eating , to refresh himselfe , hauing ouer spent his spirits before in the battell . The maker of the vow was blame worthy , the breaker blameles ; superstition , made it , necessitie brake it : The maker , soe his owne lawes bee obserued , care's not for Gods ; conscience must bynd other men to him , but noe conscience can bynd him to God ; For ( wee see ) he that is soe carefull here to kill all , as he bind's the people by a vowe to doe it , a while after can spare Agag and the best things , notwithstanding the comandement of God , and think 's he sinneth not in transgressing Gods will , willfully , and presumptiouslie , though he condemn's his sonne to death for violating his vnjust will , ignorantlie .

Haman ( the favorite of Ahazhuerus ) because Mordocay will not bow the knee , 2 Sam. 14 when that bubble passeth by , waxeth angrie , and think 's himself wronged and dishonored ; All the reverence which his flatterers , followers , and the whole state and courte giues him , doth not soe much please him , as this single neglect of one man vexeth him . For Pride , like , Couetousnes & lust , and all other vices , hath nothing , except it hath all . Therefore for Mordocaies sake , he will bee revenged of the whole nation , but pretend's publique good , Ester . 4. ●5 it is not ( saith he ) for the Kings proffit to suffer them .

Herod is pleased in seeing the daughter of Herodias daunce , and therefore Iohn Baptist's head must pay for the musicke . Neither could the innocency of the man saue his life , but Herods byrth-day , most become the day of his death .

The Church mournes when Tyrants are borne , and the Godly fast , and pray , and weepe , when the wicked feast , and play , & revell . Herod hath sworne and therefore religiously will keepe his vowe , Iohn Baptist must dye . O superstitious hypocrite , noe necessity caused the to vowe , nor is their any to make thee keepe it ; To doe good at all times necessitie comaunds vs , to doe mischeife at any time , noe necessitie compell's vs . In this thou art religious , but to keepe Herodias they brother Phillips wife , that never troubles thy conscience ; Hypocrite strayne out guats , and swallow camells . Soe Lewis the eleueneh of France , would not sweare by the Crosse of Saim Loro of Angiers , but any other oath he would take , and hauing broken them , kisse the leaden God , which he wore in his cap , and all was well , his conscience was quiet ; Assuredly ( what pretence soever men make ) he that liue's in any open sinne , without remorse , and repentance , hath noe religion in him : Superstition may posesse him , and guild him without , true wisedome and devotion cannot secure him within .

Demetrius the Silver-smith pretends religion to stop the doctrine of Saint Paul : Yet couetousnes , & his priuate proffit was the end of his vproare , and for that cause , he gather's together a factious troope of persons , interressed in the same crafte , and comodity , Act. 19. 24. 28. with a greedy acclamation saying , Great is Diana of the Ephesians .

Now all these might and did pretend causes to extenuate the haynousnes of their facts , nay perhaps to justify them altogether ( for there is noe act but hath his cause , and be it neuer soe fowle , put 's on a fayre vyzour ) but none of these can cleare themselues to haue any other impulsiue cause , then the corruption , and praevarication of their ownevile natures . They cannot say that either necessitie to prevent some imniment danger , or to procure some certaine or probable good , excited them to worke , neither can they justifie themselues with such an expostulation as our Duellist here doeth , saying , what haue wee now done ? Is their not a cause ?

They must therefore confesse their actions to be grounded vpon ambition , pride , vayne-glory , malice , envye , or some other oblique , and crooked cause , and soe to be sinfull , & censurable , together with all such , as shall hereafter resemble them .

CONCLVSION 2. A Second Conclusion from hence deduced is , that necessitie supplie's the place of an ordinary calling and warrants the vndertaking of any action for the avoyding of a certaine mischeife , either to the state where wee liue , or the true religion which wee professe .

WEe see in nature , that when the eye waxeth blynd , the hand , grope's , the foote beat 's for way , and the eare , by listening , seeke's to guide the body right , and to supplie the place of an eye ; Soe the eye ( where men are deafe , and dumbe borne ) apprehend's by signes , and sends back her owne conceptions , by a visible kind of language . One member supplie's the place of an other in service of the whole body ; neither doth the head ( where reason reside's ) find fault with the comunitie of partes , and exchange of their portions . The mouth in case of necessitie , think 's noe scorne to become a draught and purging place to the stomack by vomit : neither doth the stomack ( in case of necessitie ) refuse meate that is sent vp by glisters . Nature makes vse of any parte in any office , for preservation of the whole man from ruine . In the reasonable faculties of the soule , the jmagmation stand's in stead of memorie , by begetting newe Ideas in braines that be inclyned to be ouer-hott , and drye , and the memorie supplie's the defect of judgment , by following former presidents , where the brayne inclyne's to ouermuch moysture ; and all parts bringing intelligenc to the reasonable soule ( the Governesse of all ) shee reject's none before examination , nor censure 's any for doing the office which belong's to an other , whilst the other is defectiue , and this doth not neglect it 's proper function . Soe that the soule hauing neede of all , maks vse of all for the comon benefit : In-soemuch as if the foote by tripping giue 's her warning of that which the eye should haue seene , she doth not therefore neglect to looke out , because the intelligence come's from a blynd guide , but therefore she looke's out , to see if the foote say true or noe , & soe let 's the eye see it 's owne fault in the dilligence of the foote . The Apostle vseth this argument to perswade the Corinthians to vnity , 1 Cor. 12. 21. 22. 23 24. & shewe's that there is a fellow-vse or neede , that one member hath of anotther , and that likewise their ought to be a fellow care one for an other , 1. Cor. 12. 25. and also a fellow feeling or compassion of common afflictions , one with an other . And since euery member partak's with the head and whole body , 1 Cor. 12. 26. in paine or pleasure , in houor or dishonor , therefore it concern's euery member , to looke to the preservation both of themselues in perticuler , and of others in generall . Because noe member can say they are absolute in themselues , and haue noe needs of another . The eye doth not see for it self alone , but for the foote , and whole body . It concerne's the Eye therefore to watch , that if the eare ( by accident ) should be negligent or lett slip a remarkeable observation , which concernes necessarily the whole body , that the eye might be in stead of an eare , and giue notice to the soule by some visible motion . And thus wee see the eye steadfastly fastned vpon the speaker , or any other object , keepes the imagination from wandring , and makes the eare more attentiue to the voyce , and apprehensiue of the meaning . And soe , whilst the eye takes a napp , or in the darke , when it cannot see , it concernes the eare towatch for it selfe , for the eye , & for the whole body : for though it be true that the eye cannot heare , nor the eare see , yet there is some such affinity betwixt all these members in their seuerall operations , as inables the one to supply the defects of an other , Nature hath ordinarily made the tongue to speake to the eare ; but God extra ordinarily did speake by the tongue to the eye , Act. 2. 3. and knits all in a perfect and happy society ? As wee see in the elements though nothing be more opposed then the fyre and water , yet they are mixt in the ayre which is hott and moist ; the fyre is hott and dry , and the ayre is hott and moist : Now though the ayre and fyre be diuerse , yea meere contraries , as the one is dry , and the other moist , yet they are easely married together as they are both hott ; Soe the water is cold and moist , and the earth cold and dry ; as the one is moist , and thother dry , they haue neede of each other , and yet they fall out and fight ; but as they are both cold , they easely agree and are compounded in one body . And thus it is in the members of the humane body , composed of these elements , and thus is it in the Church and Comon-wealth , which is a mysticall and politique body composed of these men ; Now therefore , hauing thus beheld the comunity of the parts even in nature , let vs looke into a few examples , following this reason or law of nature , and there see how actions , ( otherwise questionable ) are warranted , and justified by necessity , when they respect the publique .

The King of Sodome rebells against Chedorlaomer King of Elam ; Gen. 14. 4. It is vnlawfull to rebell , vnlawfull to assist rebells , yet Lot takes his part , and is taken prisoner ; Abraham thinks it noe injustice to joyne in confederacy with this rebelling King , but that it is lawfull to make an invasiue warre to rescue his brother Lot . The reason is , nature bynds him to it , and if hee should neglect his duty in this case he were worse then an infidell . Nay religion bynds him to it , and a righteous family calls for helpe . Herein Abraham though he assailes , doth but defend , according to the law of nature ; for if they had not first inuaded the Church , and taken Lot , Abraham had sate still , but now his assault is taken as a defence , for otherwise the Church , & faith of the church , could not be defended .

The Church is in distresse , & in hazard to receiue a blowe by this meanes : Hee is noe living parte of the Church , that suffers any parte to fall , whilest his hand can vpholde it . I had rather pull the house with Sampson ouer my head , then grynde in a mill , like an idolatrous and blynde beast , all my life , to the rejoycing of vncircumcised Philistims . Surely Sampsons death , Iud. 16. 30. 2 King . 25 Num. 31. 6. was more honorable than Zedechias life , yet both lost their eyes ; when religion is at the stake , the Preist who ( is a man of peace ) maye excite to the warre ; nay must blow the trumpet , & must sound the Alarum : And then doubtles Salomon , the peaceable builder of the Temple , may draw his sword , for the glosse , or brightnes of that sword of justice is not stayned , nor the edge bated , with any other spott or stroke , then the touch of innocent blood . But that ( like as Aqua fortis eats into steele , or as the blood of Goates softens Diamonds ) doth indeede soften the mettall , and soe turnes the edge of authority , that it cuts not at all , or only cuts the abuser and perverter of it . This wee see in Abraham who after this very warre ( and only then ) is blessed by Melchisedesk , the King , and Preift of peace . Yea Melchisedeck accepts the tythe of the spoiles , & by his acceptance , confirme's vs in the lawfulnes of the like acquisition ; for had the goods beene ill gotten ( as they must needs bee were the warre vnlawfull ) that King of justice would not haue pertaken , nor receaued any portion of it for himself , or for God : but now his acceptance approues the action , and warrants our imitation ; soe that , if any man question the fact , shall beholde Abraham stands foorth . Like David in this place , and saith , what haue I now done ? Is their not a cause ?

Moses , beholding with sorow the bondage of his Country-men , and how basely the Egyptians insulted over them , provoked by the necessity of the case , offered himself to be their deliverer , and in revenge of a wronged Isralite , slew an oppressing Egyptian : but they ( notwithstanding Gods worke for their weale ) were loth to be admonished of any error , & therefore , where he laboured to vnite them in loue , they requite him with accusation , and cast in his teeth what he had done for their good , with the hazard of his owne life . This make's him slee , but they smart for it fourty yeares after .

Phineas in case of necessity , though a Preist , a man of peace , when he beholds manners corrupted , religion profaned , Iustice contemned , steps vp and armes himself with the weapens of warr , and executes judgment vpon two impudent offenders , hauing the necessity of the case for his calling , and the approbation of God after the fact , to encourage our zeale in the like . The noblenes of blood should be noe warrant to protect notorions sinners from shame and punishment , Num. 25. 7. if like Phineas our harts were inflamed with the loue of God and his truth .

Deborah a woman , modest , vertuous , in the time of necessity becomes a Iudge , becomes a Captaine . At other times to doe thus , had neither beene the part of a modest , nor vertuous wooman ; now not to doe it , when necessity calls her out , were to become as beastly and slauish , as those be , who should censure or condemne her for doing it . Iud. 4. 4. 9

Sheba , flying into Abel , Ioab beseigeth him therein ; The Citty being brought to extremity , 2 Sam. 20. 13. 15. noe way likely to auoyd ruine , a woman steps vp among the Captayns , and Councellors , and by her wisdome , in case of necessity , finds a meanes to satiffie Ioab , and to secure the City .

In case of necessity , Azariah withstand's the King , saying , It pertaineth not to thee Vzziah , to burne in cense vnto the Lord , but to the Preists the sonnes of Aaron that are consecrated for to offer incense : Goe forth of the sanctuary : for thou hast transgressed , 2 Chr. 26. 18. and thou shalt haue noe honour of the Lord God . Had not the Preist bene stout in this case he had bene worthy of that leprosy , which the Prince was plagued withall , for being too stout . It was here found true which Salomon saith , Better is a poore & a wise child , Eccl. 4. 13 then an olde and foolish King , which will noe more be admonished .

The Iewes vnder Ahazhuerus are in great daunger of a generall massacre by the practise of an ambitious , and irreligious favorite ; Mordocay sends word to Esther , who is safe her self , and secure in the armes of the King , that shee would remember her inocent Countrey-men , and bestirre her self in the time of this extreame necessity ; shee resolue's presently to doe her best in this buisines , and layidg a side all respect of the Ceremony of the Court , the Majesty of the King , Est. 4. 14. 15. 16. the terror of a contrary law , shee goe's on with this resolution , If I perish , I perish .

Let these examples that follow be of credit with the Reader according to the credit of those Apocriphall books from whence they are taken : Yet this will follow that those who penned the books were of this judgment , & the times wherein these books were penned , approued , and praised these actions , and soe would haue done the like , if in these dayes they had liued and met the like occasion as was then offered them . And to this end did they write ▪ and propound these examples to our imitation ; nor can wee choose but reverence their antiquity , though wee doe not Canonize their verity .

Iudith another woman in case of necessity for preservation of her Country , and Religion , hauing before given testimony of her Chastitie , Modesty , Charity , Contentment , in a retyred course of life , as if now shee had layd by or forgot all these , and become vpon a suddayne wanton , and loose , and merciles , and monstrous , vndertaks a worke which makes men tremble . Whilst they thinke vpon it , and shews how strong God is in weake instruments , when he begins to worke .

Good old Tobit in case of necessity buryes his bretheren , though with the hazard of his owne life and estate ; he is banished for this , but the same God that set's him to worke , raises him freinds at Court to helpe and restore him . Archiacharus beg's his goods , which were confiscated , and his life , which was forfeited , for this pious offence , and rectore's them vnto him . Yet being restored , he doth not therefore cease doing good in time of necessity , for feare of the penalty threatned , and formerly inflicted ; nor can his mocking neighbors fright him from his duty , but he reiterate's the same charitable , and holy transgression againe , and againe , whilest if any man repr●hends him for it , he can say with David : What haue I now done ? Is their not a cause ?

In necessity , rather then chastity shal be condemned by injustice , because she would not bee deflowred by lust , God stirs vp the spirit of young Daniell , ( without an ordinary calling ) to condemne them that were ordinary Iudges , and to cleare the innocent from imminent danger . For wheresoever I haue an occasion offered me by God , to doe good , I haue a calling and command , from him to doe it .

In necessity , Mathias withstand's such as sacrifice contrary to the law , and whilst the vsurping King commaunds the doeing of it , he kill 's the person that presumes to doe it : And for this is parralelde with zealous Phineas , whose like act of necessary ( yet extraordinary ) justice , without an ordinary calling or warrant , on the behalfe of God , and the truth , was so farre from finne and shame as it was counted vnto him for righteousnes vnto all generations for evermore ; and is stiled by the Psalmist , according as the septuagint expounded it , a prayer of peace , a sweet smelling sacrifice of attonement , which caused the consuming pestilence to cease .

To speake of Prophets both ordinary , & extraordinary , after all these , who haue done the like in their kind , as Ieremiah , Micheas , Esay , Daniell , Amos , with otthers ; were but to proue what nothing but tyannous custome dare's , and nothing but invicible ignorance , or villanous Atheisme will deny , Objection or call into doubt . But if any shall say , these are no presidents to follow because they were extraordinary : I answer , Answer . therefore they are to be followed , because they are extraordinary : For their examples fitt extraordinary times , and occasions best . And yet what action is done , but a man might say as much of it , if that were enough to make it lye dead , and vseles . But who can know , whether an other man hath the same extraordinary mover or noe , where the same cause present's it selfe ? verely none , but the person himselfe , who hath the testimony of his owne conscience to acquitt , or condemne him ; other men , judging by the naked fact , or badd successe , may mis-judge , and condemne a worke for wicked , which proceede's ( perhap's ) from the good spirit of God . And this must neede 's be true , except wee thought the spirit of God , that spake by the Prophets , speake's not now to Gods people in the Church ; but that ( Oh blasphemy ) God were now growen olde and become blinde , or deafe , or dumbe , or forgott himselfe , and his poore afflicted flock . Breifly , whilst some will not beleeue God when hespeakes , and workes by extraordinary meanes , and others will not beleeue him except he soe speake's , and worke 's , wee are come to that passe that wee see not our tokens : neither will wee heare others admonishing vs , nor doe what wee ought without admonition , nor suffer any man to speake , or doe worthily without an vnworthy censure .

To conclude this point , though the actions of all these men before recited , might be called in question ( as many of them were ) by a cavilling and envious enemy , and some of them challendged of partiality , others of singularity , of popularity , presumption , pride , disobedience , irregularity , treachery , or the like . So that none shoulde escape vncontroled ; yet , they all passe currant in the Church vnder the generall warrant of Necessity , and may all stand vp with these words of David in this place , what haue wee now done ? Is their not a cause ? Such a cause there was , as if Abraham had not fought , he had bene registred for lack of good nature , for lacke of courage , for lack of zeale , in his frends case , in the states , in Gods . And as this Father of the faithfull , so should all that succeede him , aswell in religion , as greatnes , and goodnes of minde , haue vndergone censure in their perticulars for omission , as now they haue by their worthes attayned , the favour of God and men .

For in the case of necessity , God himselfe dispenseth with his written law ; Because the law of Nature , which he hath written in every mans hart , G● . 38. 26. Exod. 17. 20. 21. Iud. 3. 15. subjects him thervnto . So that it excuseth , or ( at least ) extenuateth ( in some sorte ) the incest of Thamar , the disobedience of the Midwiues , the cruelty of Ehud , & Iael , 1 Sa. 19. 2. Pro. 6. 30. Tho: Aqu : 22. q. 62. st . 5. 4. the falshood of Ionathan , bewraying the Councell of his Father , his King : insomuch as Salomon saith , men dispise not a theefe that steales for necessity : Yea , in case of necessity it shall be lawfull to breake the Sabboth , and to eate the shew-breud , to dispose of the holy vessells ; to omit circumcision ; For a woman to circumcise , and all this without blame ; whilst all of them haue this Buckler of Davids , to defend themselves from obloquie , What haue I now done ? Is their not a cause ? Vbi vrget necessitas , excusabilis est dispensatio : vbi vtilitas provocat , laudablis est ; vtilitas , ( inquam ) communis , non propria .

Neither is this a Paradoxe in divinity , nor yet a thing practised only amongest the Iewes , but a law vniversall , both of nature , & nations . So that wheresoever wee shall finde man , wee shall finde the footstepps of this practise ; And the more noble the nation is , the more frequent the examples . The Grecians , and Romanes , shall suffice , and some few amongest them .

Codrus , King of Athens vnderstanding by the oracle , the benefit his Kingdome should receiue by his losse , and the losse it should haue by his life , disguised himselfe , and provoked an enemy with harde words , and then exposed himselfe ( voluntarily ) to his enraged , and suddaine revenge ; that so , by his singuler daunger , and death , he might procure the generall good of all .

Mutius Scevola , for his countrey , in time of necessity , attempts the death of Porsenna , a publique enemy , and missing to performe what he would , he becomes more famous , whilst he burnes his mistaking hand , in his enemyes fyer , to let them see , that as they punished him for attempting , he willingly punished himselfe for missing ; with this resolution he conquer's the inraged King , who leaues the seige , more afrayd of the vertue of Scevola , then of all Rome beside . Indeede this was a profe'st enemy but are men the lesse daungerous enemyes , for being hidd , close , and vnknowne , or because they professe the contrary , and only by practice declare their evill intents ; I trow not .

Scipio , a modest and humble man ( who fled preferment in time of peace , when the most vnworthy hunted after it , with money and meanes ) sought the helme in a storme , when all fled out of a ship-wrak't estate , which was ready to sinke , and ventred his owne life for the sauing of many .

Pompey , who wrung from envy the surname of Great , being to passe out of Cicile by sea to releiue Rome with corne , in a time of extreame famine , the wynds rysing , the sea raging , and the marriners fearing to weigh vp their ankors , in such a stresse , he presseth them forward with this resolute incoragement , It is necessary that I goe , but not necessary that I liue .

Horatius Cocles , maintayned a Bridge against the enemy , till part of it was broken downe behind him , and then looking back , and seeing his Country to be freed , by his personall daunger : Hee leapes into the water with these words in his mouth , Seneca : Epist. 120. veniat si quis vult , sic euntem sequi . Let him come after me , who soever will follow me , so goeing before , & leading the way : I will travell no further in this infinite discourse ; our owne age wants not presidents of those who haue interposed their liues in case of necessity , for the rescue of the late Queene deceased , of the state & church then Sect. perplexed : of our King , & the church of Scotland in times past , and can it be lesse honorable to doe as much for the King , state , or church , at this present ? Necessitas non subijci tur legi . The : Aquì 1. 12. q. ●● . ar. 6. Necessitas dat legem non ipsa accepit . Se neca . The Prouerb saith , Necessity hath noe law ; the meaning is , that necessity is a law , aboue all lawes : And I call it Necessity , when the King who is the head , or the state which is the body , or Religion , which is the soule , is in question to receiue preiudice . These liue together , these dye together ; to be engaged , for these is to be happy , to dye for these , is to be safe ; Therfore I conclude that in this case , necessity supplyes the place of an ordinary calling .

If any man desires further satisfaction , and thinkes these examples of antick liberty , & vertue , too farr out of fashion , to be revined in these dayes , degenerating from true nobility , and declining headlong toward security , let him in the troubles of France , heare the Lord de la Nove in this point , who speak's , like a noble man indeede , freely , & playnly .

And because ( saith he ) at this apprehension of the present evill , some holde it may be , that the King enclosed will giue a commandment to his subjects , not to ayde his estate now perishing ; shall this defaulte be an excuse for the subject ? wee owe loue , obeysance , subjection , & fidelity to our King , who not withstanding may dye : but we owe so much to our country , as cannot dye .

When Lodovic-Sforce began to aspire to the soveragnity of Millan , Com: l : y. 0. 2. he found the Dutchesse her wisdome and courage to be the only barre in his way , as for the Duke himself , out of his simplicity , credulity , or obstinacy , he became an intelligencer against himself revealing his wiues councells , & purposes , to Lodovic his subtill enemy , & the secret vndermyner of his estate . By which meanes , he ruined himselfe & his posterity , & advanced Lodovic-Sforce his defignes , more surely , and speedely , then Lodovic-Sforce himselfe , or the ablest , and most malicious traytor , could haue done . Say now therefore , the Duches her selfe , or any other of the cheife persons with , or without her , had opposed Lodovic on the Dukes behalfe , or opposed the Duke himselfe , standing against himselfe obstinatly , and ignorantly , for Lodovic-Sforce , should these persons , so doing their dutyes , be counted ( for this ) traytors ? I trow not . Nay , I am perswaded if they should not thus doe , they were rather so to be accounted traytors . I doubt not the Duke himselfe once deliuered from his owne folly , and freed from the fraud , and flattery of Lodovic Sforce , would haue willingly acknowledged , and bountifully rewarded the benefit : Though now , whilst these evill spirits possest him ; like a man that were bewitched to ruine , he was like enough to prayse falshood , and flattery , and to punish faith , and fidelity , styling treason obedience and duty .

There is a question whether such did well or noe , Commine ● . 6. 6 , 7. as kept Lewis the 11 from the windowe in his sicknes . Their disobedience arose from love ; but this jmagination , which loued well that flattery he had bene vsed vnto , supposed this duty of their's a capitall cryme , and therefore desiring to haue his will , though it were to hurt himselfe , and to vpholde his authority , though with the decay of his health , and life , ( in the issue ) he banish't them the court , to teach others a blynd obedience , & that Kings ought to be obayed , though it be to the ruine of themselues , and the state .

Saul perhaps would haue blamed his armour-Bearer , if he had not sufferd him to haue killed himselfe : But thus to doe , had bene a holy , and acceptable disobedience , whilst he might haue bene a meane to saue his soule . And surely Lewis the 11 , and Saul , were madd , and possest with evill spirits , whilst they were in these humors , so also are all such , who will be offended with those that informe them , of troth's , that they cast not away themselues , and Kingdomes , but will not be angry with such as flatter them falsely , but rather reward them for helping forward , and hastening the ruine of themselues and states .

All those edicts whereby Bullinbrooke qualifyed , & stayd the peoples duty , from stirring for Ric●●rd the second , and whereby he strengthned himselfe , for the deposing of that King , came out in the Kings owne name . But what doe you think the King would haue blamed them ( though for the present perhaps he would , especially whilst he was in Bullinbrooke power ) if the nobility , and commons , had joyned for his rescue , or any man excited them to that end ? Would he ( being free ) haue called such traytors ? I trow not ; but rather knowne , and esteemd them his truest subjects .

When Augustus feasted Antony , and Lepidus in his Galley , the Captaine of the Galley came to him , and whispering in his eare , tolde him now he coulde make him maister of the world , by cutting the cable and falling into the sea whilst those two competitors were in his power . Thou shouldst haue done this ( quoth Augustus ) without my privity ; now to doe it would not become . Some services are only acceptable when they are acted ; they are first to be done , and then are wee to aske leaue for doeing of them , when the apparant necessity may pleade our pardon . Henry the eight , concluded peace with France , vpon these conditions , that the King of France , shoulde pay him a certaine summe of money , vpon payment whereof , he should restore Bolloigne to the French , and in the meane time , all things were to stand , as then they stood without alteration . Presently after Chatilion , Captaine of Mountpeaisier , begun to rayse a Bastilion , which might annoy and endaunger Bolloigne ; this being obserued by the Lord Grey , ( then Governour of Bolloigne ) who saw the intent of the enemy , how vpon advantage of the commissioners ●versight , in composing the articles of agreement , great disadvantage might befall the Kings towne , and a ready way be made for the enemy to enter by fraud without money , which he could not otherwise enter by force , without payment of a great summe agreed on : He with his troopes fell vpon the enemyes workes , and razed it to the ground , and this was accounted good service , being once done , though against the articles ; because necessity vrged it , to repayre an oversight , when if he had stayd for commission , or sought one to warrant his worke , he might haue bene prevented , in the worke , and that would never haue bene graunted by publique warrant which he sought , and so on all sides , he should haue beene blamed . I know some write that he had warrant vnderhand brought him by worde of mouth , by Sir Tho: Palmer , let this be graunted , yet by the King ( as King ) that is , with his councells consent , and by publique instrument , he was not only , not warranted , to doe it , but prohibited from doeing it ; which yet , being done , was accounted the best peece of service that ever he did .

Heare the Lord de la N●ve , to this purpose in an other passage ▪

Solon sayd , that in a division a good citizen ought not to stand still , but to take the better part , in respect of his Band to the Common-wealth . But say ( saith he ) our Country were not devided but overthrowne : Say it were not in perill only to be , but almost alltogether lost . Should wee in the midst of so great disorders , thinke it wisdome , and allegiance , and piety , to sitt with our armes crosse-folded , till our throats be cut , our lawes , religion , and state , altred , when reason bids vs throwe them abroad , and bestirre vs nimbly for the suddayne safegaurd , and rescue of all ? shall I meet with Incendiaries , who see to set the Countrey one fier , and not stopp them , but stay for a commision ? shall the Father of a Family be seene madly to 〈◊〉 his owne house over his eares , and kill himselfe , whilst the wife children , and servants obediently looke on , and weepe , but dare not offer to hinder it ? shall it be sinne in them to stay him from such a foule fact , to hollde his hands ? to desire him to be better advised to cast on water ? I think none will be so madde as once to affirme it .

Then doubtles , our combatant David , may kill Goliah , an enemy of God and the state , though Saul send 's not for him , and might after the fact justify himselfe with this speech of his to his brother : What haue I now done ? Is their not a cause ?

CONCLVSION 3. A third Conclusion from hence deduced , is , that negligence , in a case of Necessity : that is , where the safety of our Prince , or our Country , or our Religion , is in daunger , argue's the negligent , of cowardice , luke-warmenes , slavery , or treachery .

AS before wee haue seene the care , on member hath of an other in mutuall love ( a kinde of commutatiue justice ) so wee may behold how all the members apply themselues , especially for the safeguard of the most principall members . Insomuch at if the head , or heart be aymed at , the hand enterposeth it selfe to defend these parts , and rather receiue's the wound it selfe , then suffers the blowe to touch them . In extrema necessitate , magis licet de serere filios quam parentes , quos nullo modo deserere licet propter be neficia : Th Aqua : 22. q. 31. A. 34. m. The reason is , because the conservation of the whole body consisteth in the vitall , noble , and principall parts ; so that if through the eyes defect , any mischaunce happen's to it self , or to any part of the body , especially to the head , or to the heart , it shall not be blamed alone , but the eare , and every member , shall pertake both of the shame and detryment . Because it is judged not a perticular , but a generall neglect ; since , if all had not bene equally negligent , the vigillancy of some one , had giuen warning to the rest , and soe the daunger had bene avoyded .

Bodyes pollitique ; are best seene in bodyes naturall ; and what is here orderly , cannot be there absurde . Cicero is a member , a servaunt ; a childe , of the Common-wealth ; yet is he truly what he is , called the father , of the Common-wealth . The eldest of a family is by nature in place of a King to the rest : Yet in case of necessity , in age , or sicknes , or the like infirmity , the youngest may both governe , and provide for the elder ; as young Storcks feeding the olde , and as gratious children novrishing ; and informing their decrepid , and ignorant parents . In defect of Kings , Preists haue governed , and in case of necessity Vzziah being remoued for leprosie , Ionathan his sonn reignes in his stead . Yea , at such extraordinary times , Women haue stept to the helme , so carefull is nature , so carefull is pollicy , so carefull is grace , for the preservation of the whole , that they reject not the helpe of any , nor trusts & hazards the securing of all , vpon one , though that one seeme never so dilligent or able . Which laudable custome to prevent generall inconvenience , arising from perticular neglect of some speciall duty , whereby the publique may be indangered , they say the Cranes vse , by naturall instinct . For notwithstanding they haue one , of their owne Company that keepe 's watch , whilst all the rest sleepe , yet , that they may not seeme securely to hazard all vpon the dilligence and trust of one , all that sleepe stand vpon one legge , & hold a stone in the other foote , whose weight may keepe them waking , at least , make them perticulerly watchfull , and wary , against all feares and daungers , whch may suddenly invade them in generall . Soe in Armyes the Per-due giue 's notice to the Sentinell , the Sentinell to the Corporall , the Corporall to the Captaine , ank court of guarde . Who being too weake to resist the daunger , giue 's alarum to the whole body . Now if any surprise be made , the fault is imputed as well to the Generall , who perhaps notwithstanding ordered and commaunded all things well on his part , as to the sleeping Sentinell whose personall neglect lost the liue's , and honors of so many . And therefore it concerne's all to be watchfull , and to doe their best , for the publique service , where the losse , and daunger , or benefit , and honour , befall's to all alike . This is insinuated in the partition of the prey , betwixt the souldier that fought , Num. 31. 27. and the rest of Israell that stayde at home ; where though the greatest share befell the souldiar , who indured the heat , and hazard of the day , yet all who stayde at home , had thir parts , and shares also in the prize or booty , and none were excluded ; that all might be admonished thereby , how they had share , and common interest in the gayne or losse , honour , or dishonour , of each other . Ruben● and Gad , and the halfe tribe of Manasses , were seated vpon the neere side of Iordane toward the wildernes , by the way of indulgence ; yet they were enjoyned to passe over armed to helpe their brethren , in the conquest of their portions , and not to returne till they were in posession , and the church setled in peace . For it is a shame for one member to looke on ( as senlelesse ) whilest the rest are in such jeopardy .

And therefore , Iud. 5. 15. 16. 23. in that song which Deborah & Barach sung after the victory , wee heare of great thoughts of heart for the devisions of Ruben ; and wee heare this curse pronounced against pollitique ( or rather negligent ) Meroz , who stood Neuter whilst religion was in question , Curse yee Meroz ( saith the Angell of the Lord ) curse the inhabitants thereof , because they came not to helpe the Lord against the mighty . Doth God then stand in need of helpe ? doth the Almighty stand in neede of helpe against the mighty ? noe surely ; it were madnes to think soe . But because God hath appointed meanes for the effecting of his worke here belowe , therefore such as are faithfull , offer themselues to his worke , knowing it is his will they should doe soe , and it is their honour , so to be imployed in this service , where a crowne of glory is layde vp for the workeman . None then will stand Neuter in this case , who are perswaded of the truth of Gods promises . Such only , who seeme indifferent , or wholy withdraw themselues , who doubt , and waver , in their faith , or like fooles haue sayde in their hearts their is noe God . For this cause the Edomits are called cruell , and cursed by God , because they stood on the otherside aloofe off , looking on in the day , Obad. 1● that straungers carried away the substance of their yonger brother Iacob . And Gideon after his victory over Zeba , and Zalmunnua , raced Succoth , and Penvell , which refused to victuall his army in their passage over , or to assist him in those warres , & taught the inhabitants of those cittyes , by bryars , and thornes , a sensible kinde of instruction , what it is to become Neuters , when the welfare of the Church , and state , is in question , and how worthily , whilst they will take part with neither side , they become a prey to both sides .

It is a shame whil'st Heathens , and Idolaters bynde themselues in strict leagues , that Abraham , and Lot , should not helpe each other : or that whilst Oreb , and Zeb , Zebah , and Zalmunnah joyne in confederacy , Succoth , and Penvell shoulde not releiue Gideon . Much more shame is it , that whilst Turkes , and Heathens , and Idolatrous Papists ; stand together in one , and haue their Catholique leauges , to extirpate vs , and the truth wee posesse , which is , and hath beene a maine , prime , and principall point , in all their articles , treatyes , and transactions , concluded betwixt them , from the dayes of Charles the Fift , to this present , such as professe the true faith , should for pollitique and worldly respects , or perhaps without respect of policy , or profit , abandon their distressed neighbours and brethren . Whatsoever such say in pretence of their backwardnes , the true cause is either personall cowardice , because they dare not provoke a false enemy , nor trust a true God , or lukewarmenes in religion , because they are indifferent which side prevayle's , so their bodyes , and temporall estates be safe ; or slavery , whilst they jmagine their is no other honour then to enjoy the vayne , and beastly pleasures of this life for a season , though vpon the basest conditions that can be ; ●● trechery , whilst , either for golde , or some other corrupt bayte , which they haue swallowed , the safety of Prince , of state , of religion , is cast behinde their backs , and they desire change , as vermine that haue eaten rats-bane , doe fresh water , which they drinke till they bur'st with drinking .

Thus cunning practicioners haue learned their art of the Devill , and doe so posesse , and bewitch the hearts , and eares of Princes , as often the better the cause is , the worse it is like to speede . For they are able to cast aspercions vpon innocence her selfe , and to palliate the fowlest cause , with fayre and honest pretences . So that men knew not well what part to take , whilst it is hard to distinguish right , and wronge , a sunder .

If the cause be just ( as they vsually oppose such causes ) then they perplex it with other knots , and questions of doubt . If it be vnjust ( as they commonly take part with error ) then they lyne , and interlay it with a mixture , and florish of right , that so the appearance of truth may beguile the eyes of the vnwary . When such traytors as these beginn to worke , they loue like spydars , to make the whole webb out of their owne bosomes , Neb. 6. 6. and when they entend most mischeife , pretend , all for the publique good , and lay treason to the charge of all honest men , whome either they see able , or willing , to stand in their way . Yea , with great care , they advise Princes , and Princes too often follow their advise , to avoyde that Councell for wicked , which may seene to discover the least part of their wickednes . When Haman entende's to worke his maister to destroy the Iewes , Hest. 3. 8. that ( amongest them ) Mordocay might perish , he pretends the Kings profit to be the grounde of his Councell , It is not for the Kings profit ( saith he ) to suffer them . Notwithstanding wee must not be discouraged with these encounters , but prepare our selues to meet them with greater resolution . If Sanballat and Tobiah conspire together to hinder the repayring of Ierusalem , they pretende the Kings prerogatiue 〈◊〉 call all those rebels which stand for religi●● ▪ This doeth not discourage Nehemiah , Neh. 2. 19 ▪ but 〈◊〉 him to greater vigilancy , Neh. 4. and more 〈◊〉 , in the worke . So that the people become ●ouldiars , and artificers at once , holding a sw●●de in one hand , and a toole in the other . Fo●●y such men , and after such a manner , must the temple of God be built , and the temple of ●ntichrist pulde downe ; namely by those that are couragious and diligent . And though Sanballat proceede's by plots , and practises to hinder the worke and to rayse vp false Prophets ( like the Iesuits in all Christendome , and the Arminians in the vnited Provinces ) to discourage the Prince , and people , and to distract , and divide them , yet resolute Nehemiah resisteth this temptation , Neh●m . ● and breake 's forth into these honorable and holy termes : Should such a man as I am flee ? who is being as I am ( that is , a Captayne & Commaunder ) that would goe into the temple to liue ? Yea , though the enemy hath pensioners , and intelligencers , amongest the Princes of Iudah ( for this is no new Italian , Spanish , or Iesuitiall , devise ) yet , will Nehemiah be constant to the truth , true to the state . For villaynes only , and cowardes , will be frighted from their faith , with the bellowing of Roman Bulls . Surely , as dayly warres make the souldiar expert , and as the faithfull are bettered by affliction , so it awaken's a wise & diligent man to know , that there are many spyes , watching his words , and many enemyes hunting to finde advantages against his actions : And as thus it is , in the microcosme of priuate estates , so it is , in the megacosme of publique wealths also . There is nothing more secure's an estate , then to haue an enemy , and not●ing more corrupt's a state , then security and peace , which softneth , and make's effeminate the heart of men , with immoderate pleasure : So that , as a tree laden with fruit , ready to drop into the mouth of him that shak●s it , or as full eares of wheate , jnviting the shearer to ●●tt them downe , the dore stands open ( like a light housewifes house to every ruffian , without resistance ) to him that dare's attempt to enter like a conquerour , nay , w●orelike , and with importunity , it presents it selfe to subjection , with all the opportunity , and advantage , that may wooe any lustfull enemy to attempt .

So God saith of Nineveh , Nuham . 3 12. 13. All thy strong cittyes shall be like figtrees with the first ripe figgs , for if they be shaken they fall into the mouth of the eater : Behold thy people within the , are women , the gates of thy land shall be opened to thy enemyes , and the fire shall devoure thy barrs . And such a state was Laish , secure , made drunke with peace and plenty , having no busines , that is , by way of warre , with any man , but by way of trading and merchandise perhaps with many , and therefore in daunger to be indamaged by every man . It is farre otherwise with him that is incircled with enemyes , for he prouides for warres , least he should become a scorne to his enemyes . Neh. 2. 17 Yee see ( saith Nehemiah ) the misery wee are in , how Ierusalem lyeth waste , and the gates thereof are burnt with syer , come let vs build the walls of Ierusalem , that wee be noe more a reproach . It is well Ierusalem is in misery , for by this meanes Nehemiah is induced to builde : By this meanes the Israelites prouide to withstad an invasion ; by this meanes the church and state is preserved from being a reproach to the enemyes of God . God therefore , where he intends to preserue a state and Church , permits forreigne offences to vnite the natiue members , and stirrs vp enemyes , to exercise them , & awaken them , least the weaker trusting too much , to the fained fidelity and freindship of the stronger , should be vnawares soddaineiy surprised , & devoured . And though the time of peace , be a pleasant time to flesh and blood , the time that wee pray for , as being a type , and shaddow of our eternall Sabboth , yet such a time is not free from Idolatry , and other inconveniences , though Salomon himselfe were then the ruler . Winter is not so pleasant as Summer , but more wholsome , it hath not so much fruits ; neither hath it so many weedes : Wee see the fyre never flames higher , then when the winde labours to blow it out : And because God loves a cheer full giuer , and a fervent and sincere doer , hateing a dough-baked professor , therefore , sometimes he suffer's Sathan to rayse vp stormes of persecution , temptation , and opposition , thereby to kindle the zeale , and courage of his servants . Insomuch as nothing can anger the man of God more , 2 Kin. 13. 18.19 . then to behold Ioash the King whom he entended to encourage in Gods cause , so colde , in the expression of hate to the enemyes of God , whilst being willed by the Prophet to strike the ground , he smites it but thrice , and then staye's his hand . Thou shouldst haue smiten fiue or sixe times ( saith the Prophet ) so thou shouldst haue smiten Aram till thou hadst consumed it , where now thou shalt smite Aram but thrice . So● much doth lukewarmenes disadvantage it selfe , when it will not zealously pursue an occasion and opportunity offered by God , for the rooting vp of his enemyes , the inlarging of his Church , and procuring personall honour to those that are the Actors in so holy a worke .

CONCLVSION 4. A fourth Conclusion from hence deduced is , that to punish such as are forward in case of necessity to doe service to the King , State , and Church is in justice . To censure and reprehend such , proceeds either out of ignorance , or flattery , or envy ; not to reward such , is improvidence .

ALl this will necessarily follow , vpon the precedent discourse ; for if that be true which hath him sayd before , that the law of nature ( which is the law of God and men ) imposeth this duty vpon all men , to offer themselues to the service of the King , State , and Church , where necessity compells , though noe other person or power , calls vs out , and if the act of David be therefore justifiable , because he hath this cause for his buckler against the challeng of his inraged brother , then were it great in justice to punish David for this , since he doeth but his duty , and were rather puuishable if he did it not . Saul may aswell malice him after the victory , because the people applaud his conquests with songs of triumph , as punish him now for presenting himself to the combate , and shewing his good will , and ready minde to doe good . But such pride and injustice posesseth the harts of men , as they can find noe readier way , to pay benefits then by injuryes ; so that whilest David is preparing to fight for his brother , against the Gyant , who quarrells with all Israell , his vngratefull brother is quarrelling with him , as if he intended to punish him for fighting . And this is Davids lot after , and allwayes ; for whilst he is taking care , and framing his fingers to please the furious and posessed King , the King is studying how to doe him a mischeife , and with a devilish intent makes his fingers the instruments of his injustice , casting a javelin at him , with hope to nayle him to the wall . O Iustice art thou blynd , as foolish men haue fayned thee ? or is injustice like thee , in being blynd , and soe mistaken for thee ? for surely this is the Common misery of all the servants of God , to haue their words , their actions , their intentions misconstrued , and to be pursued with hate , by those especially , whome ( aboue all others ) they take care , and study to pursue with all offices of loue , and allegiance .

Secondly , to reprehend such proceeds out of ignorance , flattery , or envy , for was it not great ignorance , and a grand folly , in the brother of David , to chide him for doing that , which it concerned every good subject to doe ? that is , to looke into the state of the Army , and to enquire the cause of that generall feare , with intent to doe his best to prevent it ? This is most cleere . Yet folly is such another Lapwing , as it discover's its owne nest with crying , and screeking at all that come's neere it . Therefore Syracides saith , when a man of vnderstanding beareth a wise word , Ca. 21. 26 ▪ he will comend it , and encrease it , but if an ignorant man heare it he will disallowe it , and cast it behind his back .

But perhap's not ignorance , but flattery is the find-fault in this place , for oftentimes such actions ( like some meate ) though never soe well cooked , seasoned , and served in , relish not right in euery pallat . Now the eare trieth words , Iob. 34. 3. as the mouth meates , and meate is rejected , not ever for its owne faulte , but sometimes through the vitiousnes of the taste , sometimes for lack of stomack , whilest wee are overcloyed , and surfeited , and some time wee are led even in this sensible things by example , soe that froggs & mushrumpes being in fashion , are preferd before the best and wholesomest meats . And thus it is both in wordes , and actions where sometime , men dislike for lack of judgment , sometime out of confusion or fastidiousnes , and sometime for company or fashion sake . There are also a kind of creatures that take liberty to censure all things but themselues , & thinke it a diminution of their glory , not to be the first that find faulte , or the only , & singular persons ( perhaps ) that doe soe . Nothing must passe currant but vnder their priviledge , and commonly they will be contrary to all others , and to reason and religion too , they were ( else ) vnworthy to be leaders , or to be the bretheren of the invisible order of the Rosacruants . These are ( too often ) of eminent place , & may be sharpe , quick , & curiously inquisitiue , in obsolete , obscure , and needles trifles , but never serious in fundamentall , and necessary points . There is a certaine subtility ( saith Siracides ) that is fyne , Eccles. 1● . 22. 24. but is vnrighteous ; and there is that wresteth the open and manifest law : yet their is that is wise , and judgeth righteously .

To these word-watchers , there adhaere a number of Sicophants , who either to seeme wise , will say as they say , and sooth vp their errors , or at least to preserve themselues , in favor will not say otherwise , whatsoever they think . Thus it might be here ( though I affirme it not to be soe ) but suppose it probable , whilest I consider the weaknes , and proclivity of frayle man , to take part with strong iniquity of the present time , against single , and simple , Truth and vertue , I say , it might be , that Eliab in this reproofe , seconded some other great Commaunder : who thinking it vnfit ( as the counsellors of Hezechias did afterwards , 2 King . 18. 26. ) that the present state of things , and the cowardice of the greatest Isralites should be blowne about through the crowde , for feare of discouraging all ( as wickednes , ( like age , ) is loth to looke in a glasse , for feare of beholding it's owne wrinckles , and deformityes ) or judging it vnfit that vnexperienced youth , should be busy in debating , or inquiring after matters of state , or affaires of warre ; or that a shepheards lad , should step beyond the reach of his Sheep-hooke , and out of the sent , or smellof his Tarr-boxe , thought to quench this fiery sparke by a timely reproofe . But this water make's it burne feyrcer , and flame brighter , for hypocricy may , but sincerity cannot , be thus diverted from a direct course ; since constancy , and perseverance alone , is that which discovoreth an artificiall , fayned , and forced apparance , from a true naturall , Seneca Epist. 220. and proper existence . Nemo potest diu personam ferre fictam , cito in naturam suam recidunt , quibus veritas non est . As cloathes dyed with blockwood will loose their colour , when such as be well woaded , will continue without stayning .

But perhaps neither ignorance , nor assentation , but envye moved Eliab to reprove David in this , being loth that his younger brother should be his elder in honour ; for he sees this action would every way tend to his prayse : If he failed , yet to offer himselfe was honorable : if he fell , yet to dye soe , was better then to liue otherwise : if he came of vpon safe , and vpon equall tearmes , it was admirable : if he conquered ( as that could not be jmagined ) the honour that he should reape thereby , ( besides the reward ) was inestimable : whilest he should remaine vnparraleld . These seeds of envye are sometimes sowen , even betwixt brothers , whilest they cannot endure to looke vpon the brightnes of each other . Cayne envyes Abell because God loues him : The sonnes of Iacob hate Ioseph , because their father affects him , and in token of affection giues him a party coulored coate . Ge. 37. 34 Act● . 7. 9. Iud. 8. 1. 2. 3. The Ephramits are angry with Gedeon , because he had beaten their enemyes ( the Midianites ) without their assistance : The reason of this , I thinke , is either because vice hates vertue in whatsoever subject he meets her : or because the prayse of one man , seemes to be a secret check , and reproofe to an other . For this cause cowardes cannot abide another man should be couragious ; nor prophame persons , that others should be religious : and such dislike the best action that is done , and say it ought not to be done , because they dare not doe it , and therefore it is faulty and punishable , because they did it not . I feare that Eliab whilest he challengeth his brother of this cryme , saying , I knowe thy pride and malice of thy hart &c. May be justly taxed of malice and envye himselfe : as Aristippus tould Diogenes , thou reprehendest me of pride for wearing my apparrell neate and hanasome , but I see thy pride in thy slouenly attire , and in that thy affected beastlines , and may easely spye it , through the holes of that rent and torne mantle of thyne .

Not to reward such is improvidence ; Legibus proposita ( saith Cicero ) sunt supplicia viris , praemia virtutibus . Actions are either such as ought to be punished , or rewarded , ( for to be pardoned is a kind of punishment ) and the lawes respect both . Now if this action of Davids be not to be punished , because he doth therein nothing , but what proceeds from a superaboundant measure of loue and duty to God , and to his King and Country , then ought he to be rewarded For as the royall scepter belongs to Ahasuerus to stretch out in mercy toward Esther , and the sword to strike Haman in justice ; soe also doth it belong to the King , to watch , and read , and receiue information of Mordocay his good service , & to remember , that though it were registred , it was not rewarded . As it were injustice for this to punish Mordocay , soe is it improvidence , not to rewarde him ; for whilest wee neglect such as benefit , or endeavor to benefit the Church and Common-wealth , wee shew our selues vnthankefull to God , who rayseth vp the instrument , and vnthankefull to man , whoe was made the instrument And soe to be most vnworthy of that benefit ▪ For he that is the meanes of saving the Princes life , deserves all that the Prince can doe for him ; but he that preserves the life of the state , or indevours to doe it , preserves both the Princes life , and his honor also , and more then that , all that his life and honor depends on , which is the preservation of his peoples liberty . This David here doth , and therefore merit 's whatsoever is propounded , though reason of state ( that mystery of iniquity ) delayde him in all these points , and deludes his expectation , as it vseth to delay , and delude the expectation of the best deservers .

Saul yet ( if wee may build vpon the private discourse of the private souldiers ) propounds a reward to any that performes this service , viz ; Great riches : for he that should doe such an acte as this , might want wealth but was stored with native worth , and nobility enough . For either titular Nobility was then noe reward , or ells Fortitude was then the only Nobility .

Secondly , his daughter to wife : for he could not place her better , she should receiue the addition of honor by this marriage , rather then parte with any . Noble blood not then ran in ignoble veynes .

Thirdly , make his fathers house free in Israell : for he well deserved it , that by this act should make all Israell free . Soe a Mouse may deserve liberty of a Lion , and a subject more then a soveraigne can give . And this is the reason ( perhaps ) that he went , and others too often , goe vnrewarded , except it be with injuryes and reproches : because devilish policy saith men may supererrogate , or deserve too much , when by a vertuous action hee seemes to lessen his ●uperior .

But this is a blind and beastly Paradoxe to quench the spirit of the best deserver : for as a souldier cannot lessen his Generall by any extraordinary vndertaking and action , but must needs rather heighthen him , since all is derived from him , and directed to him , and digested , and concocted by him : soe neither can a subject detract from his superior by doing honorably ; since he is both the center , and circumference of the Common-wealth , and ( in the generall ) pertakes of every perticular mans felicity , and growes greater by their greatnes , as the body by the encrease of the members , whilest they pertake of his beatitude as members of the soules infusion . Yet this peece of pollicy was as old as Achitophell , and it seemes then held to be an Aphorisme of state : For Ioab was acquainted with it , when he lay before Rabbah , 2 Sam. 12 ▪ 27. and therefore desired David to come vp , and take the citty in , that he might also take the honor of it , to himself , and soe free Ioab from the envy , & jealousy , which attends great persons , growne soe , by great actions , as darke shadowes attend the beautifullest bodyes in brightest sunshine .

APPLICATION . Now followeth the Application of all we haue sayd .

ANd now may it be lawfull for me , without suspition of flattery , to touch vpon some particulars of this age , and in our owne state , by way of Application .

I must confesse , I may misse many good deservers , whose names ought to be found with thankfull remembrance here , but are refered to bookes of more leaues , and of longer life .

Here only I intend to point at such , who are notable , & remarkeable with vs , for some speciall services , as Saul was for stature amongst the Israelites , or as litle David was in the overthrow of great Goliah .

I will begin with that Honourable WORTHIE whose happy hands were made ( by Gods mercy ) the instruments to preserue his Majestyes life , in that ( almost ) incredible conspiracy of the Gowryes . The continued liberty and freedome of this faithfulnes since , in speaking forbidden truth , without feare , or flattery , when none other either would , or durst , is a witnesse , and evidence , of the truth of that service , beyond the power of Envy , Suspicion , or Incredulity , once to calumniate , or discredit . O may he ever continue such still , to the assurance of his Princes safety , and his Countryes prosperity ; and never may a faithfull and valiant hand , meete with an envious tongue to detract from it , or be vnited to a false and flattering tongue to disgrace , and dishonour it , with lying , and soothing contradictions .

Let none thinke themselues neglected that ( from hence ) passing over soe many yeares with silence , I skip to him , who was a long time held to be the child of Fortune only , but now is found to be the favorite of vertue also . Whilst he shot vp sodainely , who did not take him for a gourd , and expect his more sodaine withering againe with wishes ? But now who doth not looke vpon him , as vpon an Oake , or Cedar sound at the heart , like to last long , and be profitable for the vpholding of the Church , and State , vpon whose branches birdes may build with safety , and vnder whose shaddow , all distressed creatures may finde shelter against the fury of violent stormes ? It was therefore , well sayde of one , by Propheticall rapture ( to passe by whatsoever else , was evill sayd ) that the first honours he had , were freely giuen , this last faithfully earned ; the successe shewe's the truth , though then it seemed no other , but a straine of poëticall fury ,

How many curses did fill his sayles goeing towards Spaine ? insomuch that had he not beene imbarqued in one bottome with his Highnesse , for whose prosperity all those cursers ( & many others prayed ) his vessell must needes haue sunke , with the waight of those woes . But now how many blessings and prayers attend his prosperity , from the same hearts , & mouthes , since his returning , when they finde , he hath showne himself more faithfull to God , to the King , Prince , and his Countrey , then the first Scene of that Act , and our following feares , could either assure vs , or suffer vs to jmagine ?

When wee first heard them set out ( for see them wee could not , and it was happy wee did not ) our hearts were filled with astonishment , doubt , despayre ; wee gaue them for lost , and our selues with them , and with them and vs , our lawes , libertyes , land , and ( what was dearest ) our religion . Is there redemption from hell , thought wee ? yes , hee came from thence a conquerour , who assures vs , that no hell vpon earth , can hold Gods elect , who are the true members of that triumphant head .

Now that wee may bee more sensible of our danger then , & soe of our deliverance now , making good vse of both ; of the first to humble vs , and to make vs wise for the time to come , to prevent the like ( if it be possible ) by repentance , and watchfulnes ; of the other , to moue vs to thankfulnes , both to God , as to a most gratious father , and protector of his Church , turning all things , ( yea the worst ) to the best , for his servants ; and to those instruments whome it pleased his divine majesty to vse in this errand , for the happy accomplishment of this worke ; it were convenient wee should cast back our eyes , to times past , and consider how it stood with vs , and all the reformed Churches in generall , when his Highnesse , with the Duke of Buckingham , set out about this businesse by his Majestyes commandement , and what opinion wee , and all others of the best affected ( both strangers , and natives ) had , of that jorney , and of the persons that vndertooke it .

All Germany was then in combustion , as if it had beene a generall fire , prepared , and kindled at the Romane Catholique cost , for the true professors , who were to become Apostates , or Martyrs .

The Palatinate lay prostituted , vnder the beastly and bruitish command , of three insulting Enemyes , who satisfied , or at least , served , their vnsatiable lust by turnes , vpon the fattest , and fayrest parts of it , as the So●omits would haue vsed the Angells , Gen. 19. 5. or as the men of Gibeah , Iud 19. 27 ▪ did vse the Levits wife .

The Hanse Townes trembled like a quarry in the foote , and began to treate of their comming in .

The Vnited Provinces , saw the whole bent of the warre vpon them , & that they were by vs deserted , and by the enemy swallowed in expectation .

The Protestants in France , put their confidence in flight , as their last refuge , which they were ready to take , had God left them a place in the world , whether they might haue fled , with safety , in that vniversall Deluge .

The Papists in England , and Yreland , began to take posession of the Chaire , and Pulpit , and durst be so bould as to share out our honors , and punishments , to designe some of their owne to the helme , and all of vs , to the barre , and to the block , to the tree● , & to the stake . Thus stood the world , or worse .

For the persons , and mens opinions of them , and the actions vnder their handes ; First for the Duke they tooke him to be vnsetled in religion , but wholy devoted to the service wherein he was imployed . A younge man , vnfit for lack of experience , to manage great affaires , or to incounter single the Grandees of Spanye , and Rome , with the Iesuites at their elbowes .

And , though they conceived him to be best affected , yet even that best of his , administred occasion of suspition , what then should they thinke of other Ministers , who had no meanes to build vp their ambitious fortunes , but by this fatal overture ? Great Counsells passe through the handes of many Agents ; and though wee had beene resolued of the ability of this one , as wee were of his ingenuity , yet the mixture of others , more reserved , and corrupted , might taint him , or turne the worke intended to our ruine . Wee sawe his power with his Majesty , and the Prince , wee knew who was his wife , who was his mother ; and all wee could then see of him made vs suspect , and tremble the more , the more we saw it .

Secondly for the Prince , wee looked vpon him as vpon a most obedient child to a father who knew how to command with loue , & to lead gently , where he could not driue conueniently . Wee sawe him of a sweete nature , and for that the easier to be abused & wrought vpon by art , as his royall father , of farre more experience , had beene . Wee saw him such as wee could haue wished , in all respects , but in this MATCH : but there wee wondered , the whole world could not afford him a bewty , wherevpon to fixe his affection , but that one , whome none of his truest hearted servants could affect , as knowing it both , in being Spanish , and Romish , to be fatall to him , to the State , and Church . Could there come therefore such a crosse to vs , as this was like to proue , that Death should rob vs of our first hope , & a worse enemy then Death of the second ? Even such an enemy as professedly sought the subversion of Church and State ; such an enemy as exprest loue to the brother , only by seking the vtmost of hate , & malice , to his best-beloved , and only sister ; such an enemy as was not satisfied with the spoile of the body , fortune , and State , except also , it could accomplish the destruction of the soule : which , with a vaine glorious zeale , it ambitiously hunted after . I say , could there come such a crosse ? I should haue sayd , could there come such a curse to our Land ? His Highnesse , being the hope of our land for the future , when he went forth , the whole continent seemed soule-les ; recovering the swound , wee sought him whom our hearts loued , and found him not ; wee were beaten for seeking him , and might not complaine . Hee seemed to turne his back vpon vs , as if he had desired a new loue , contemning our desires , teares , prayers . Our hearts were fild with jealousy and indignation , even to that height , that we were tempted by fraylety , and fury to reject him , that had wholy cast vs of . But loue and duty would none of these breaches ; his loue , our dutyes awaked , and wept , and were soone reconciled . Hee returned alone , and shewed by his single returning alone , that he loued vs , and found none abroad soe loving him as wee did . Wee welcomed his returne with the joyfull shout that attends a Prince from the mouthes of his faithfullest servants ; and this was still the foote of our songe of thanksgiving , God be praysed that he is come home ALONE .

Doubtles had he not come home alone , he should haue had but halfe this hearty welcome ; the curtesy , and custome of the land must needes haue devided it betwixt the Partners ; nay , I am verely perswaded , they would not then haue had the halfe , to devide betwixt them .

Thirdly for his Majesty , wee beheld him with that awefull respect , as men that hung vpon his lips , and counted his words oracles . When wee read his writings , they spake nothing but what might secure our feares , informe our ignorance , resolue our doubts for point of Religion ▪ Wee wished Rome might once be soe happy , as to haue such a learned , and judicious Pope ; then wee doubted not but he would cast the triple crowne of Antichrist , at the feete of Christ ; and renouncing his vsurpations , be a leader of others to reformation ▪ sc●●●ing any longer to be a base spirituall ●ander , for the house of Austria in generall , and of Spayne in particular . But when wee beh●ld for all these hopes , strengthned with serious and solemne promises often iterated , for procureing free passage to the Gospell , and the advancement of the true ● reformed religion grounded therevpon , that notwithstanding a retreate was made , both out of Bohemia , and the Palatinate , which gaue way , and roome for superstition , and Idolatry to enter , and reigne ; that his Majestyes children were abandoned , and such freinds as stuck to them dishartened ; that it was disclaymed to be a warre of religion on our side , when the adverse partyes profest it for such , by their league , as if they gloryed in falsehood , though wee seemed to be ashamed or weary of the protection and defence of truth , notwithstanding it were an office appertaining to our stile ; that the enemy made his Majestyes authority the Vsher , to giue easy entrance , and the Bridge to giue ready passage to all his purposes of conquest ; that at home the lawes were silent , and such silenced , as spake with their warrant against Traytors , that by this meanes swarmes of locusts flew over , & bred in every hole , and vnder every hedge , and bush , nay durst nestle in the heart of the Citty , that this match was so sought after , that the votes , and weale of the people , Nobles , Clergy , Councells , Commons , old ▪ young , all for● , all sides were slighted , and neglected , that vnder this vaile , all the projects of advantage , for the enemy of our state , and religion , went currant , and that all intelligence from freinds , allyes , and our o●●e choice Ministers , imployed at home , and abroad were returned without credit , that nature , and honour , and grace seemed all , to be wilfully blinde in pursuing this way of perdition . Then what shall I say ? wee doubted , nay out of doubt wee were next dore to despaire . This only held vs vp , that wee had large experience of Gods mercy , and knew his Majestyes wisedome so great , as wee could not thinke he intended his , & our owne , totall , and finall , destruction in this match , when wee could see nothing else in it , to moue him to pursue it soe earnestly . Wee also had heard how his Majesty profest to make it his Master peice ; and therefore wee armed our selves , with expectation of a happy issue at the conclusion , and held out this bucklar of humane faith , against all feares , and dangers , which shewed themselves most openly , marke the end , for there is some good beyond our sight , in his Majestyes Eagle-eye . Wee knew his Majesty knew better then wee , whome he had to deale withall ; and that , slighting all other Counsell , it would fall heauily vpon his honour , herein to be misled or abused ; since he stood alone , except the assistance of such hollow trunkes , as he chose and vsed to speake through . Therefore wee cast about what the advantage of this match was like to be , and what his Majestyes aymes were , what was the dowry propounded , whose price and value should recompence all these hazards .

For mony , it could not be any summe ; for Spayne was not able to giue so much , as could counterpoise the peril ▪ Bewty & blood should finde themselues debtors , meeting such a exchange in a man a husband , as all the proud , and high house of Austria , could not equall by a woman , a wife .

Strength by alliance could not be the ayme , since we intend no conquests , but should meete with an Ally that would vse our assistance to that end , for the accomplishment of his vniversall Empire , to our owne losse , & ruine . Besides what neede wee the strength of others , especially of such as can afford none by reason of their infinite , and distracted imployments , when wee hold it a sinne to vse our owne , except it bee in guarding their coasts , to our cost and prejudice .

For the restoring of the Palatinate , that was too poore a conceite , for our hopes to stoope to : since when the treaty was farre advanced , at least on our side , ( as his Majesty beleeued , and taught vs to beleeue ) the quarrell was not then begun with the Emperour , much lesse prosecuted , as afterward , with the Spanish force , and fury ; and so that could not be in our eye , as an object to satisfy our thirst for this match , and for the portion expected by it . And wee had hope that this treaty would haue stayed , and turned the tyde , and torrent , of those violent proceedings , which fell out in the interim , and countermaunded Spinola , ( thereby to indeare our alliance , and to manifest how serviceable , and profitable it would be to vs ) , rather then by such a treacherous progresse , to steale vpon our security , and credulity , and by open force , to our temporall , & their eternall , dishonour , to take enough from the sister , to make a convenient portion for the brothers bride . What heart that hath a drop of British blood in it , could heare with patience , much lesse beare these injuryes , & still court the Spanish Braues , with the stile of Magnifico , and thinke a Dowry ( soe taken ) a fit present , & portion for our Prince to receaue ?

Some therefore ( who could not swallow these choke-peares ) jmagined her Dowry should be one of the Indyes , or both . Others more probably thought that the King of Spayne , weary of his Low-Country warres ( where like an vnthrist he playde away all his estate at hazard ) and seeing no way to come of with his honour , and to relinquish so bad and chargeable a quarrell , where he drowned his Indyes as in a bottomlesse Gulph ; He ( I say ) had , by the sublime witt of Gondamore , or by the inspiration of our King through Gondamore , consented to send the Arch-Dutches Isabella to a Monastery , to be mother of the few maydes there , & to estate the Prince with Insanta Maria , in those Provinces , causing the States Generall to winde vp all ends in this bottome , and to consent to hold of his Highnesse in cheife , as those Provinces did of France , before Charles the Fift got them released ; and soe all controversyes should be compounded , all Christian states secured in peace , and his ambitious , and blood-thirsty sword sheathed , or the point of it turned from Christendome toward the Turke ▪ Also wee thought herewith , that his Majesty had the promise , and assurance of a free & generall Councell ; and that in the meane time he had conditioned , and articled for liberty of conscience , in all the Dominions of Spayne , without which he would not , by any meanes , afford it at home . Then ( thought wee ) when a Parliament is called , and the match propounded , opposition arising , these conditions , never before dreampt of ( by the vulgar ) being published , and confirmed , both consent & applause will follow , with admiration of his wisdome , that brought all these ends about , and tyde in a true lovers knot , deserving indeede for this , to be preferd before Salomon : because Salomon by an idolatrous marriage rent his Kingdome , ruined his house , and introduced idolatry intermixing it with true worship : but he by the like had vnited his Kingdomes , setled his house , enlarged his Empire , cast out idolatry , and so spred the gospell , that true worship was welcomed beyond the pillers of Hercules , or wheresoever [ Plus Vltra ] is written , with a Spanish pen●ill .

Thus wee thought , & lower then thus , wee could not , wee would not , descend ; and these thoughts and hopes , charmed our tongues , hearts , and hands , making vs , as it is sayd of Abraham , to hope beyond , and aboue hope .

But when wee saw the Prince passe privately out of the land , so meanely attended , and farre otherwise then became ( as wee thought ) the state and Majesty of our Nation ; especially to a place and people that stood vpon forme and outside only , and bombafted their reputations with the winde of complement , and a garbe , or facing of majesticall gravity ; when wee saw silence proclamied , and none permitted to speake for the securing of their owne lawes , libertyes , or religion ; yea the Counsell it selfe , shut vp in blinde obedience , and as litle acquainted with these privy proceedings , as the Commons ; the pulpit also limitted , and taught in what language to speake , both to God in prayer , and thanksgiving for the Prince , and people , and from God to the Prince and people in exhortation , instruction , and information ; when wee all seemed no other , then beasts in a market to be bought , and sould , and must not be acquainted with the price , and condition of our owne captivity , nor know to what butcher wee should be delivered ; when wee sawe the great intertainement his Highnesse found , ( at least ) in print ; though , I prayse God for it , as wee thought , so it fell out for truth , that the Pen-man , had more of the Painter , and Poët , in him , then of the History ô grapher , & knew better what should haue beene done , then what was .

When wee sawe the Chappell building here , for Baal , and the Priests , and Iesuites filling every corner of the streetes ; whilst they were pulling downe the Churches of God in the Palatinate , and whilst his Highnesse Chaplaynes were enjoyned silence in Spayne , when wee saw every pocket stuft with popish pamphlets , and that the dore began to waxe narrow , at which the Protestants sent out , and let in , their labours for the presse , when wee saw a gag for the Gospell ( like a Giant ) might walke abroad with liberty in the sunneshine , when a Protestant Pismire , might scarce creepe in a darke corner , without question : when wee saw a clogd dispensation beg'd , A clogd dispensation , so cald cheefely , because it is a perpetuall clog to the conscience of the receiver , thoug an Antichristian Ape may weare it with ease for fashion sabe . or dearely bought , at the handes of Antichrist , for the best of vs , and dispensations freely given by vs , to vnclog the worst of his : when wee saw articles solemnely agreede on , for the freedome of superstition , and idolatry , without soe much as a thought , or touch , for the advantage of truth , and that in the presence of God , who abhorred such sacrifice , and vowes : when wee heard , and read , the title , and stile , of Holynes conferd vpon Antichrist , and more strong , and powerfull reasons given to moue the King and Clergy of Spayne , to consent that the match might proceede with the vtmost speede , because it tende alltogether to the advancement of the Roman-Catholique cause ; what should wee thinke ( poore ignorant soules ) what could wee jmagine ? but that we were almost miserable people , hated of those wee loued most , and cast away , by those wee trusted most ? yea , wee thought that God had determined to scourge vs for our pride , and ingratitude ; and to this end had taken wisdome from the wise , and caused that they should haue eyes and not see , eares and not heare , hearts and not vnderstand , but that the Lord intended to bow downe all our backs ; because wee relyed too much vpon man , and gaue not the glory to God , as wee ought . Thus were wee in a kinde of Hell vpon earth , full of anxiety , perplexity , & feare ; nothing but sighing , weeping , hanging downe the head , as persons confounded , and drowned in despayre .

But loe , on a sodaine the sunne arose , and with it our comfort : Heavinesse may indure for a night , but wye comes in the morneing . His Highnesse returnes ALONE , ô words of comfort ! Psa. 30. 5. as choosing rather to dye a Virgine , and liue an Angell , then to be marryed by Antichrist ; and now God begins the first worke , and giues the Omen , the onset to the rest that followes , beating downe the Black-fryars , whilst the Chayre was vsurped by a bolde , and famous factor for Antichrist , surrounded with a rabbement of his superstitious , and forward followers , who would needes haue the VAN , or right hand file , in his restitution , and with a VENGANCE , they had it .

After this a Parliament is summoned , wherein the King ingenuosly ▪ confesseth the injuryes receiued , where he least suspected them , and where he deserved most gratitude ; and here he vnmasketh all the mysteryes , hid before in the cloudes of concealement , dealing faithfully with his people , as a Prince that had found , and expected , to finde faith in them againe towards him , and his . He restores vnto them their wonted lawfull libertyes , and freedome of speech ; knowing that where there is not liberty , there can be no fidelity , and where there is sreedome of the tongue , there can be no danger of the heart , or hand . And here begins that first Act which changeth the black and tragicall Scenes into triumphant furniture , promising a more happy , & harmonious close , and conclusion , by Gods omnipotent arme ( miraculously turning the hearts of Princes , as the ruiers of water ) then wee could otherwise ever haue hoped for , had not these narrow straights , and difficultyes proceded . For hereby Popish-Spanish , policy , which is nothing but Hypocrisy , are stript starke naked , the faithfull , & vnfaithfull servant distinguished , the truth revealed , wee forewarned , and so I hope armed ; our King and Princes honor ingaged , for vs to fetch off , with loyall and zealous services , and Gods mercy , both in discovering , & preventing , these traynes , & traps of perfidious Enemyes , magnifyed . He that sits in heaven , langhes them to scorne .

That this may appeare more to the life , let vs see the Heroick Persons , acting their owne parts , severally , and joyntly .

And first for the Duke : He in Spayne dischargeth the trust reposed in him by the King , attending faithfully vpon the Prince , and vsing all indeavour to search out , vnlocke , and discover , the secrets of the Spanish Cabinet . Comming home , he vseth his best art , and credit with his Majesty , to resolue him of the Spanish fraude , and falsehood , and of the loyalty and fidelity of his owne flock . He take's care to let the world see he had learned to abhorre the idolatryes of Rome , and to loue the true Church better , by beholding the follyes , & fylthines of that ga●●● strumpet , the great Bawde of Babylon . He presents plainely to the Parliament , the hard passages his Highnesse had past in Geryons denne , whereinto he was drawen backward . How he was set by policy , vpon the rack of loue , to torture him from his religion , or ( at least ) to betray him by his owne , and cause him to deny his master , and maker , with his mouth ! In detestation of which foule fact , his Majesty saith most excellently , and like himselfe , That he who dissembles with God , i● not to be trusted with men . Take truth from the mouth of a Prince towards his people , and faith from his heart towards God , and you dismantle him , disrobe him , of all his regall honors , and ornaments , and make him a beast like Nabuchodonozor , Dan. 4. 27 ▪ 28. 29. 30 and of the jmage of God , cause him to carry the jmage , and stampe of Sathan .

He presents also that foule plot , and conspiracy of theirs , to demaund such conditions of his Majesty , as they intended should not advance the marriage , but , as they hoped , would stirre vp a rebellion , and then they kindly proffessed , to send home his Highnesse with an Army , to massacre his owne innocent lambes . O perfidious people , whome do you tempt ? thinke you a brest harbouring any such base and bloody thought , can be hatched any where but in Spayne , or be of any blood , but the ancient Moria● , Austrian , or Ottoman ? The Irish wolves may be ( perhaps ) thus sauage , but our very Mastiues are more civill , sociable , and humane , as for our people , especially our Princes , they are of too noble , and generous a straine , to haue such an inhumane conceite come neere them . Incest only , breede's this barbarous blood , and Idolatry only infuseth such spirits . Goe exercise this cursed course , according to your old custome , amongest the Indians , & teach the Caniballs that Europe hath a people who call themselues Christians , and the cheife Catholiques ( forsooth ) amongst these , doe worship the Deuill , more cunningly , and devoutly , then those that make profession of it , and thinke scorne not to exceede any point , or part of barbarisme , which those reasonable beasts can practise against Nature , though it be in eating vp their Parents , or betraying their freinds to death , with whose liues , & honours , they are trusted . O England ! behold in what a danger thou were at this instant , and beware how thou wittingly sufferest thy selfe to fall into the like againe ; behold the heart of Spaine , and Rome , towards thee , and forget it not , behold what blood is bred there in the brests of such as goe over , tainted , and corrupted before , when they dare venture to poyson the pure fountaine of sovereignity , and to tempt our Prince , ( as the Serpent did Adam ) to loose his Paradise , Gen. 3. Mat. 4. for a Pomegranate ▪ or , as Sathan did our savio●r , to worship him , for the Kingdomes of the world , which he saw but in shadow ( being all but shadowes ) as the Pope can giue Kingdomes , and as the King of Spaine , is the Catholique , and vniversall King in conceite .

Could these men thinke him so stupid ( although they thought vs so , ) that he would flee from the armes of his owne , whose faith , and obedience , hee had long knowne , and flee into the armes of strangers , from whose imbracings , never any escaped with life , and limbe , and who were never true to any man , but for their owne ends , that they might deceiue the second time for their greater advantage , and but once for all ? Did they thinke his Highnesse could be secure with them , and not with his owne flesh , and blood ? that he could choose but see , it he returned vnder the protection of their standards , how he came like a prisoner ( as Charles of Burgundy carryed lewes the 11. before leige : or as Edward the 4. brought Henry the 6. into the feild ) to conquer for their possession , and his owne captivity ? meerely to make these Kingdomes , Spanish Provinces , and his royall father , and himselfe , their vassalls ?

And could they dreame that the subjects of England , and Scotland , were no better taught , by the preaching of the Gospell for 60. yeares continuance , then ( at the first dash ) to rush into rebellion , as if they had beene fed ( like swine ) out of the legend , & taught disloyalty by the Loyalists , like mad dogs , to byte their Master ? O no , the Lord be praysed , they see , and the successe shewes the difference , betwixt our Princes , & people , trayned vp in the truth of Christ , and theirs ●usled vp in the faults , follyes , and falsehoods of their idolatrous and Antichristi●● predecessors . Goe forward therefore ( great Duke ) thus to speake , and deale plainely , and truly , like a true and noble Englishman , and God will blesse thee , and establish thy house for ever ; thy Enemyes shall see it , and gnash their teeth , and whilst they seeke thy head for their advantage , finde a heart in thy bosome vnder thy Princes buckler , and with the peoples assistance , able to guarde thine owne head , and strike off the proudest of their heades , that dares demaund , or attempt thine . Was truth yet ever cald treason before ? or was there ever any Nation so insolent , as to demaund the head of any noble member of our Parliament , because he faithfully vsed the lawfull liberty of his place , and discharged the trust reposed in him by the Prince , and State , whome he was bound to serue , as being borne theirs by nature , and made theirs , by election , honor , and bounty ? Do the Spanjards thinke so basely of the Brittish , as wee must not cast vp their corrupted , and poysoned sweete meats , whereof wee haue surfetted ? and because they haue some of our Offall for their servants , and pensioners , therefore do they thinke wee all ought to bee soe ? Do they thinke wee ought , ( like Idiots ) to forget our religion , for their supersticion ? and the allegeance due to our owne naturall Prince , to advance the ambitious progresse of their Catholique Kingdome ? were they once so flesht with one head , as they now long for more , and thinke all bound to satisfy their longing ? or are the braines of a wiseman , the only sauce for a Spanish Ambassadors table ? I haue reade , that the parts of mans body , are nourished by the like parts ; And it may be the Catholique consumption of witt , must bee recovered with this Catholicon .

The wolfe would with the shepheard make no peace , Till hee hung vp his dog , then warres should cease . Phillip of Macedon , dealt with Athens thus : Phillip of Spaine , intendes no worse to vs .

But I hope wee are better taught , then thus to reward our faithfull freindes with vngratefull disloyaltyes . No ▪ no , goe forward ( great Duke ) and prosper , whilst thou doest nothing but what may justify thee , & what thou maist justify before all the world , by the example of that worthy , David , and with his wordes saying , what haue I now done ? is their not a cause ?

Thus having vsshered his Highnesse ▪ into our discourse by this honorable servant of his , the Duke of Buckingham , wee will proceede in the second place to shew those graces , and favoures , which haue , and doe flow , from the Prince toward vs , since his returning , contrary to the wishes , and endeavours , of our Enemyes , and our owne feares .

How art thou to be extolled O excellent Prince ! who being singly , ( as it were ) sent out to encounter the greatest states●men in the world , that beleeue they haue fraude enough ( which they call witt ) to vndermine all the states of Christendome ; and being besides disadvantaged by sustaining the place , opinion , person , and ( perhaps ) the affection of a Louer , having also some corrupters of thy owne bosome freinds , hast notwithstanding stood firme to God , to thy selfe , and to vs ? Is it not a great and dangerous temptation , ( ô all yee that know what temptation is , what it is to be siffed , what it is to resist ) that young men meet in the world , vpon their first ignorant entrance ? How many of these miscarry at home ? how few returne vnmaymed from forreigne parts ? I appeale for witnesse , to the ill times , ill men , and ill manners . But for a Prince that is young , to be exposed to tryall , vpon such hard and vnequall tearmes , and to come off safe , and to conquer , is ( as I thinke ) a taske no lesse admirable then that of Hercules , if that were as true , as this is . A young man with small experience , against the aged , and experienced ; A David against Goliah , and an Army of Philistims ; One ( as it were ) alone , or which is worse with a Company devided , against many vnited in one ; A Prince , the gainefullest object of fraude , against private persons , the subjects of falsehood , and such as professe the art to deceiue Princes ; A most affectionate louer of the body of Her , whose bewty was layd but as a baite in his way , whereby the Fisher-man of Hell , and Purgatory angled for the destruction of his soule , against his owne flesh and blood , and the passions of loue with all other advantages which cunning , and practised seducers could take , and vse for their owne ends , and purposes ; for him , I say , so encountred , and surrounded , to breake loose , and to conquer , is a worke of such wonder , and so aboue humane conceite , that God alone shall reape the glory of it , being farre beyond the powre of man to doe ▪ or almost to beleeue , now it is done . The principall instrument that God was pleased to vse in this great worke was his Highnesse owne wife heart guided by Grace , and summoning vp all those helpes , which that Grace had formerly instilled into him , by hearing , and reading the word of God , his fathers writings , and observing the variable passages of the times , besides the speciall provision of all kinde of arguments , and armour of proofe , for the minde , but layd in before , by his royall father . I intend not to detract from other helpes , that he found by the dayly mementoes of the Duke , and other faithfull Attendants , who stood Sentinell continually for his safeguard ; but this I say , the cheefe was his owne , and lockt vp in his owne bosome ; and this God gaue him immediately , because God would haue the immediate prayse come vnto him . For if wee consider the whole course of the Story , and see the issue , how , contrary to all expectation , it hath beene convayed , and carryed , and at what a contrary quarter , it is now arriued from the point of the Compasse , by which it set out , all men must needes see the naked , & blessed , arme of God , and ascribe the whole glory to him , for bringing our Prince home , and that so soone , and that vpon such tearmes , hereby also wee may playnely discerne that many of those actions of his in Spayne , and of his Majestyes in England , at which our feares were frighted , and tooke the Alarum , were only false-fires , raysed to bring him off with safety , whome they had too suddenly ingaged , vpon presumption of the Spanish faith , which is too vniversall to bee trusted . And now he is come home , see how he carryes himselfe , as one truly taught of God , & jmitating our saviour . For since his returne hee hath done the greatest worke of wisdome , and goodnes , within mans power to accomplish , reconciling vs to his fathers favour , who before seemed to be halfe abandoned to his fury , in that wee might not be acquainted with his will , nor trusted with his Counsells . He hath also broken downe the partition wall betwixt the English , and Scottish Nations , and hath made vs one people in affection to the King , for civill , as to God , for religions respects . Yea , now religion is secured , and those jealousyes taken away ; what Englishman doth not imbrace a Scottishman as his brother , when they haue all one God their father , and all one Church their Mother ? There is no bande , like that of religion , which tyes vs one to an other , vnder one King to Christ , and ( in Christ ) tyes vs all to God .

He hath also renued the fellowship , and communion , betwixt the King his father , and vs his poore subjects , in the high Court of Parliament , where he sits dayly to heare suits , and petitions , to mediate betwixt the King , and people , to direct , animate , and incourage the true , faithfull , and honorable Patriots , to suppresse the petulancy , and rectify the exorbitancy , of any Prevaricator , that durst appeare in that presence , Iob. 1. like an other Sathan amongst the children of God , to suggest evill , to seduce from good , to cast in demurres , occasions of delay , or scruples , and questions , occasions of division , as I thanke God , there are none that will or dare . What benefit can be like this ? what thanks , and prayse , can be sufficient to extoll it ? Is not this a temporall salvation ? Is not he a temporall saviour , a true Iosuah , that doth thus ? Yes , yes , the Lord is pleased to call Kinges Gods , and himselfe a King ; to borrowe of Masters , Fathers , and temporall deliverers , the propriety of words , and phrases , to fit our capacity , and to shadow out his workes of wonder ; It is no robbery therefore , to assume some of those flowers , to adorne , and inrich the actions of such persons , as he hath before adorned , & inriched with inward grace ▪ to imitate him in the discharge of their dutyes , and the high places he hath called them to , and therby to set them off , and shadow them more illustriously , to the life , by comparison . Not as if there were any degree of comparison betwixt God , and man , the infinite , and finite , his worke being for soule , and body , mans , for the body only ; his , for ever , mans , for a time ; his , absolutely , and of himselfe , mans , in , and by him ; but that there is comparison betwixt the laudable , and Heroick actions , and vndertakings of men amongst themselues , some approaching neerer , then other , to the greatest , though all , ( yea , the neerest ) stand aloofe off , at a distance vnmeasurable by any rule , but the infinite mercy of God in the alsufficient merrits of Christ . Psal. 45. This Psalme is composed of Salomon , a type of Christ , and may be applyed to algodly princes , who are the deputyes of Christ , and jmages of God . Gird thy sword therefore vpon thy thigh , ô thou most mighty Prince , with thy glory , and thy Majesty , and in thy Majesty ride prosperously because of truth , and meekenes , and righteousnes ( the armour , the ornament of Kings , and Princes ) and thy right hand shall teach thee terrible things . Thine arrowes are sharpe in the heart of the Kings enemyes , whereby the people fall vnder thee . Thy throne ( ô Prince ! ) is for ever and ever ; the scepter of thy Kingdome is a right scepter . Thou lovest righteousnes , and h●test wickednes : therefore God thy God hath annoynted thee with the oyle of gladnes aboue thy fellowes . And if any frontles Enemy dare be so impudent , as to take exception at thy by past actions , & at that present change which they finde , and feele in thy prosperous proceedings , thou hast ( ô most excellent Prince ! ) a sheild in the Armory of David to defend thy selfe , thy honor , and reputation , whilst thou maist justly say , with him , What haue I now done ? Is their not a cause ?

I should now conclude this gratious , and glorious act , with presenting his Majestyes person , and performances to the eye of observation . But Kings ( like the sunne ) must not be gazed vpon with open eyes . It shal be sufficient to touch vpon some perticulars , where I may walke safely ( as I hope ) without exception .

His Majestyes entrance into England , was as showers of raine into a fleece of wool ; so falling gently , received as gently . The inauguration promised a happy progresse . It could not be discerned whither he entered by succession , or election ; the peoples desires so concurred with his right , as that he tooke possession by both . And it seemes had not God , and Nature , designed him to the chayre , by a fayre & lyneall pedigree , he might haue beene ours by choice , if among foreigne Kinges , wee had chose . His governement since , hath beene only vnhappy in this , that he hath over-loved peace , which is the happinesse of all states , but hath beene our affliction . It may bee , because God himselfe will haue no peace with the wicked , Es. 48. 22. much lesse permit his servants to haue it . God , and Baal , cannot dwell together . Or it may bee , because we crost the will of God , with humane wisdome , and would needes haue peace , when he cald vs to warre . Or it may bee , that wee sought for that happinesse here , which is reserved for the saints here-after : to liue in peace within the militant Church , as the saints doe in the triumphant . These , some , or all of them , may be a cause why that blessing of peace , is turned to a curse , to weaken vs , which makes others stronger ; to impoverish vs , which makes others richer ; to devid vs , which vnites others : for woes , wants , and warres , abound by this meanes ; because wee haue not first made our peace with God , but rather with the Enemyes of his truth , and honour .

And to justify my conjecture , this last act declares it clearely . For whereas it hath beene pursued with all the heate of affection , managed with all the wisdome of flesh and blood , secrecy vsed in the conveyance , and the whole mystery , wrought by the handes of most artificiall , and able instruments , and seconded with all the advantages , both sides could wish : Yet , God hath broken the threefold corde a sunder , and turned all thinges to a cleane contrary course , as he did when out of darkenes , he brought light , & out of the rock , water . This is the Lords doeing , and it is merveylous in our eyes .

What injuryes , and wronges , his Majesty hath received in his children , state , subjects , substance , and honor , by this meanes , the world know●s but too well ; and God surely would haue the enemy to do it , and his Majesty to suffer it , that being now exasperated , he might revenge Gods cause , with his owne , and for it , reape honor to God , and to himselfe . The more sincerely his Majesty hath dealt , the more falsely they ; to let him see , though there bee faith to be kept with Heretikes , yet there is none to be giuen to them , nor expected from them . Princes are to vse plainesse , and perspicuity , with their subjects , policy , and reservednes , with strangers : Christ spake to the Iewes in parables , but to his owne , it was giuen to know the mystery of the Kingdome of God .

And now , as if all before had not beene enough to provoke a peaceable Prince to a just warre , behold what God hath permitted these fyre brands , and boutefewes of Christendome to attempt , by accusing the Prince , the Duke , and whole state of Treason , Was there ever such a practise jmagined ? of what do they presume that dare be thus bolde , impudent , impious ? Is it of their owne power ? Noe assuredly , for they are in ours , whilst they doe it . Is it of their party here able to back them , and beare them out ? of our patience to suffer them whatsoever they doe ? or proclivenes to credit them whatsoever they say ? I know not whether they build vpon these , or other groundes , of this I am sure the plot equalls , or exceede's the Gunpowder treason ; because , although , that aymed at the lives of all , yet it did not touch their honors ; this ayme's at life , and honor of the best , yea , of all , to set father , against the sonne ▪ the sovereigne against his subjects , one hand against another . And to what end ? that they in the meane time may distract affavres , hinder resolutions , withdraw hearts , and hands , from succouring the Kinges children , and freinds , ready to perish by their Tyrannyes ; that they may arme their owne pernicious faction , with pretence to be a guarde for the Kings person , and soe , since they cannot rayse a rebellion , and devide the Prince , and people , that their Armyes may enter to stickle betwixt them ( as they indeavored in Spayne ) now they would devide the father , and the sonne , and cleaue this knot by a wedge of the same wood , I meane by the Hispaniolized , and Romanized , natures in England . Since this , ( by Gods grace ) hath fayled , I know not to what they can proceede except it be to accuse the King himselfe , which they will not fayle to doe , if it may fit their turne , vnlesse his Majesty do justice vpon them , and make an honorable president for all posterity , that Ambassadours presume not to doe , what their Masters dare not , and for which , even Kinges themselues being in foreigne Provinces , were liable to accounte . Wee read how zealous David was in redeeming the honor of his owne Ambassadours , 2 Sa. 10. 4 ▪ because they were innocent , and revenging these indignityes offered to them vnworthily : Had they merrited evill , he would never haue protected them , but doing their dutyes , his honor was ingaged in them , & for them . And if he did thus for a few of his servants , what would he haue done for all his servants , yea , for all his subjects , 2 Sam. 24 ▪ 17. for whose safety he offers his life ? Nay what would he haue done for them , and for his sonne , his only sonne , with them ? Even the same ( I hope ) that his most excellent Majesty will doe for his servants , his subjects , his sonne .

Now therefore , to close this wandring discourse , ( mighty Sovereigne ) since by thy servant , by thy sonne , by thy selfe , mouth to mouth , thou hast revealed thy fore-past actions , and passions , and present intents towards vs , and wee ( with all the world ) are witnesses of thy integrity ; draw thy sword , and cut assunder this Gordions knot , which all thy wisedome cannot vnty . And as that painter by casting his pensile ( in a rage ) from him , made ( by chance ) such a fome for a mad Dog , as he could not otherwise light vpon by art , & industry : so God may blesse thy hand , that going boldely on , whilst he call's thee , and leade's thee , and following him in simplicity , and truth , without reliance , trust , or dependancy , vpon the security of thy owne head , or arme , thou mayest happily ariue , at that period , thou wouldest bee at , and force that restitution , and peace , which thou canst neither beg , nor buy .

There is nothing to feare but the Iesuits hand , let thy hand therefore fright them , and their adhaerents farre from thee , out of thy Dominions . Hee that stands vpon simple defense , stands but halfe armed , nor altogether soe ; but he that stands to offende , doth ( by that posture ) stand ready for all assayes , both guarding himselfe , & putting him to his guard , who ( like Ishmaël ) hath his hand against every man . Behold how thou art incircled with myriads of subjects , and millions of Saints , & Angells ; God sends these to defend thee , and secure thy doubts . Looke vpon the Prince , thy blessed Sonne , the Queene of Bohemis , thy distressed Daughter , see how fruitfull shee is . And those children of hers , joyntly , are like oliue branches round about thy table , a hedge of quickset round about thy walkes , a wall of flesh and blood , and bones , round about thy life ; and each of them severally is an armour , a guard , of thine . Who dares touch thee , that considers who is thy successor ? and who dare touch him , that considers her that followes ? and thus successively , if malice be infinite , thy security is noe lesse .

Thus they being thy guard , thou must needes be theirs ; they preserving thy life next vnder God ( for beleeue it , O King ! it had beene , and were now , worse with thee else , then with Henry 4. of Fance ) thou must needes preserue their estates , with thy vttermost power ; and so protecting each other interchangeably , God that hath gratiously raysed you for them , & them for you , will protect you all , with his omnipotent arme . And if any cavilling Enemy , that dares not touch your person , shall dare yet to attempt your honor , and fame , for falling from Spayne , and sayling a new course , you haue that buckler of Davids to hold out against them , in defence of your selfe , and your honour , What haue I now done ? Is their not a cause ?

Thus I haue brought the Prince , and Duke of Buckingham from Spayne , 1 Sam. 1● ▪ like Ionathan , and his Armour bearer , from chasing the Philistims , in their garrison vpon the rock . They called Ionathan , & his Armour-bearer , vp the cliffe in contempt , else they would not haue gone ; so doth Spayne call these with mockings , injuryes , scornes , accusations , challenges , and infinite other intollerable affronts . Ascend then , and conquer , God will deliver them into your hand .

And thus haue I brought his Majesty ( like David ) from the overthrow of Goliah , with the songes of th● virgins , the acclamation , and applause of Nobles , Commons , Clergy , Schollers , Citizens , Souldiars . God make thee strong , and cause thee to remember how thou hast slaine a Lyon , and a Beare , and a Gyant ; and what are the rest of the vncircuncised rout , more then these ?

To conclude therefore , O yee worthyes of Scotland ! to you wee will rayse trophees for saving our sovereigne : To thee Buckingham , for serving thy King , thy Prince , and Countrey , faithfully , in a false , & crooked generation : To thee , O Prince ! for thy obedience to God , and thy Father , with loue to thy loyall loyers : To thee , O King ! for hearing our petitions , and not despising thy poore peoples desires , in seeking redemption of Gods honor , and thine : And to thee , O God! for raysing vp these instruments of our temporall salvation , and for saving these , and all of vs , eternally by the blood of thy Sonne .

2 Sam. 23. 15. 16. 17. And David longed , and sayde , ● that one would giue me drinke of the water of the well of Bethlehem , which is by the gate . And the three mighty men brake though the hoste of the Philistines ▪ and drew water out of the well of Bethlehem , that was by the gate , and tooke it , and brought it to David : neverthelesse he would not drinke thereof , but powred it out vnto the Lord : And he sayde , But it farre from me ( ô Lord ! ) that I should doe this : Is not this the blood of the men , that we●● in jeopardy of their liues ? therefore he would not drinke ▪ These thinges did these three mighty men . FINIS .