WHEN the birth of our Lorde , and Sauiour Iesus Christ , was made manifest vnto the shéepeherds , that were kéeping their shéepe by night , it wrought effectually ( as you haue heard ) : first , in the Angels of God , that they were moued to praise and glorifie God , saying : glorie to God in the highe heauens , and peace in earth , & towards men good will . Whereby , they both declared , that all praise , honor , and glorie was due to God , for the work of Christs incarnation : and also made knowne the blessing of god , the was shewed vpon mankind thereby : to wit , that here on earth they should féele themselues at peace in conscience , because of the full perswasion of the remission of their sinnes : and also should be tyed together one to another , in a true league of spirituall vnitie : all which , floweth neither from mans will , nor desert , but onely from the frée fauour , and good will of God , our heauenlye father . Secondly , it wrought most effectually in mankind , generally so many as were made partakers of the knowledge thereof . Which parties remayne now ( together with the doctrine conteined in the historie of them ) to be considered of : that we may learne out of the same , such doctrine as may serue for our edification & comfort : the place of Scripture , therefore ( that we may procéede according to our ordinarie maner ) offereth the doings of thrée sorts of people to our consideration . 1. The shéepeherds . 2. The people that heard of it . 3. Marie . In the doings of the shéepeherds , the holy ghost setteth downe their conference , their iorney to the place , where it was told , that Iesus was : and the fruite or euent of their iorney : In the conference , there is set downe the time when it was , and the thing it selfe . The maner of their iorney is set downe to be in haste : the fruite or euent that came of it , is thréefold : first , that they found Marie , and Ioseph , and the child : secondly , published those things that they had heard : thirdly , ( which is in the last verse of all ) they returned , glorifieng , and praysing God . The second sort is the multitude , that wondered at the thing . The third is Marie , that kept al these things , and pondered them in her heart . These be the braunches of the matter , conteined in this text .

And it came to passe , that when , &c. ] The first braunch , that is to be considered of , is the time when these shéepeherds conferred : to wit , presently vpon the departure of the Angells : that is , as soone as euer the Angells had made an ende of speaking , and were gone from them , they began to consider with themselues , that the matter was of great importance , and therefore not to be deferred : that it was a thing most necessary , and therefore not to be neglected , but further to be enquired after . Out of which we haue to learne , for our instruction , two profitable doctrines . First , that we may not linger or prolong the time , in the performance of those things , that God enioyneth vnto vs : we may not deferre the matter vntil hereafter , but presently vpon the hearing We may not put of from day to day . of his worde by his ministers , we must obey it : the reason whereof is most apparant : for when God speaketh , then doth he offer the thing , whereof he speaketh . If he threaten his iudgements for sinne , his word speaking the same , his hand is ready to powre downe the thing : if he teach vs any point of doctrine , for the confirmation of our faith , then is he ready with his spirite , to seale the same in our hearts : if he exhort vs vnto amendment of life , with promise of reward , then doth he mercifully bind him selfe to the performance of the same , so that we may surely settle our faith vpon an vndoubted expectation of it : the which doctrine is notably vrged , in the epistle to the Hebrewes , out of the saying Heb. 3. 7 , &c. Psal. 95. 8. of Dauid : to day , if ye will heare his voice , harden not your hearts . Where the holy ghost doth tell vs , that whensoeuer the worde of God is preached vnto vs , euen at that instant doth Almighty God offer his mercie , and maketh this vse of it , that then we should not harden our harts with contempt , or carelesse harkening therevnto , and ( to imprint it the déeper in our hearts ) the Lord , by the mouth of Salomon , hath vttered this Prou. 1. 24. fearefull threatning : because I haue called ( sayth he ) and ye refused , I haue stretched out myne hand , & none woulde regard : but ye haue despised all my counsell , and would none of my correction , I will also laugh at your destruction , &c. then shall they call vpon me , but I will not answere : they shall séeke me earely , but they shall not finde me , because they hated knowledge , and did not choose the feare of the Lord : wherevnto that of the Prophet , accordeth : beholde , the dayes Amos. 8. 1●… . come ( sayth the Lorde God ) that I will send a famine in the land , not a famine of bread , nor a thirst for water , but of hearing the word of the Lord , and they shall wander from sea to sea , and from the north , euen vnto the east , shal they runne to and fro , to séeke the word of the Lord , and shall not finde it . We haue a moste terrible example of Gods iustice herein , in that profane person Esau , who despising Heb. 12. 6. the blessing of god , in the birth right , sold it away for a portion of meate : of whome it is sayd , that he found no place to repentance , though he sought the blessing with teares . We sée then , both the necessitie of present imbracing Gods word with faith and amendment of life , and also the terrible threatnings that God denounceth to powre vpon the heads of the contemners : the which we ought to apply most diligently vnto our selues : for if God estéeme so greatly of his word , and punisheth so sharpely the neglect thereof , we haue great cause to searche our owne consciences , how faithfull obedience we haue yéelded therevnto : for we haue heard his word longe , we haue professed the same , and doe professe it , to the sight of the world . Nowe , if by triall we can finde , thorough the testimonie of gods spirite in our hearts , and examination of our liues , that we haue not heard in vaine , but haue increased both in knowledge of the gospell , and also reformation of life , according to the same , our owne consciences may minister vnto vs matter of vnfeined consolation : but contrariwise , if we haue long time bene hearers of the worde , and haue neither profited in knowledge of god , nor obedience to his lawes , surely our estate is most lamentable , howsoeuer we flatter our selues in our owne imagination : and therfore let vs search our owne consciences , whether we finde that ready mind in our selues , that we sée to be in these shéepeherds , to make present profit of gods word , when we haue heard it .

The second thing , that we haue to marke out of this point , is , that we sée the word of god was effectuall in them , and made them carefull to séeke further , to be informed in the matter of the birth of Christ : that they hauing the whole knowledge of the thing in euery point , might not lacke the vse of it any way , because they did know , that the thing both being straung , and also comming from God , must néedes be most necessary for them to know . The lesson that is to be gathered out of the same , for our instruction , is this : that those who be truely called vnto the faith in Iesus Christ , and haue the vnfeined earnest of Gods spirit within them , doe perswade themselues , that Gods word in euery point , Euery point of gods word , is to be knowne of euery man . is to be knowne of them , and also euery way to be practised : which is a doctrine most néedefull to be learned : for Satan hath so inueigled the hearts of a number , yea euen of them that take themselues to be gospellers , that they thinke the most part of Gods worde not to appertaine vnto them : that the knowledge thereof is néedelesse , the comfort of it fruitlesse , and the particular obedience therevnto , more precise , than necessarie : insomuch that they settle themselues in these , and such perswasions . I beléeue in Iesus Christ , & hope to be saued by his bloudshedding : I knowe that Christ died for my sinnes , and that I ought to liue wel : as for those points of doctrine , that be so many , they belong to preachers , and men that professe learning , and so forth . In which kind of people you may most liuely behold the subtiltie of Satan , that vnder pretence of beléefe in Christ , would ouerthrow the knowledge of God , and perswade them , that he can bring them a nearer way to heauen , than by that ordinary way , which God hath ordeined : but we are to know : that God , whose wisedom shineth in the least of his creatures , hath not set downe his word to be an idle thing , or belonging vnto a fewe , but vnto al , yea euen to giue vnto the simple wisedome , and sharpenes of wit , and to Psal. 19. 7. Prou. 1. 4. the childe knowledge , and discretion . And therefore , howsoeuer they arme themselues against knowledge , and hide their hearts in the dungeon of ignorance , we must make this vse of it : that Ephes. 4. 12. Acts. 20. 27. as God hath appointed his ministers to teach all the councell of God vnto his people : so it is his will , that his seruants should learne it all , to the ende that they may haue vse and consolation of it , in the gouernment of their liues , and strengthening of their faith . If this were truely learned , it would ouerthrow that setled perswasion which Satan hath grounded in the heartes of many , whereby they thinke themselues ( if they haue heard the word for some smal time ) that they haue learned enough : that they haue sufficiently profited in religion : and therefore they become colde , and carelesse , not regarding whether they frequent the holy exercises of religion , or no. Which is the cause ( at this day ) that so heynous enormities reigne in mens liues , to the great dishonor of God , and slaunder of the Gospell . But let vs perswade our selues , that euery poynt of Gods word is of most weightie importance , néedefull for vs to be knowne : and that ( doe what we can ) we shall neuer 1. Cor. 13. 12. Then we can not be too for ward , as some say . knowe , but in part , neuer go farre enough , neither in knowledge , nor strict obedience , for still we be vnprofitable seruants : and therefore , that we with all humilitie , and reuerence , be most diligent in frequenting those places where we may learne to knowe more and more of Gods will , and praye vnto him , that we may become euery day more godly than other , so long as we liue .

They sayd one to another . ] The second braunch of the first part , which conteyneth the maner of the conference , the meaning wherof is this : that when they did sée , both the weightines of the matter , and also the necessitie of the knowledge thereof in themselues , they began one to exhort and stirre vp another , to the earnest & hastye séeking out of the thing . Out of which , there may be gathered diuerse doctrines , for our instruction . First , in that they say one to another , let vs go vp then vnto Bethleem : we may behold the beginning of the performance of that propheste : where it was foretold , that in Esay 2. 3. the time of Christ they should say : come , let vs goe vp to the mountaine of the Lord , to the house of the God of Iacob , and he will teache vs his waies , and we will walke in his pathes . Whereby the holy Ghost teacheth vs , that in the time of the We ought to stirre vp one another to religion . Gospell , there should be such zeale , that euery one should excite , and stirre vp his neighbour vnto religion : which prophesie being verified in these shéepeherds , doth teach vs our dutie : to wit , that if we acknowledge our selues to be of that number , whom Christ in his Gospel ruleth , then must we practise this point of obedience to him , and loue to our brethren : that we be meanes to stirre them vp , to exhort , and further them in the duties of christianitie : wherevnto , in the doctrine of the Gospell , ( which is the statute law that Christ gouerneth his kingdome by ) we are oftentimes exhorted . The holy Apostle S Paule ▪ sayth : wherfore exhort one another , and edifie one another , euen as ye doe . And in another place : exhort one another daily , while it is called to day . And againe : let vs consider one another , & prouoke vnto loue , 1 Thes. 5. 11. Heb. 3. 13. 19. and to good works . The reason whereof is this : that séeing by the mercifull calling of God , we are members of one body , wherof Iesus Christ is the head , and linked together by one spirit , the fellowe féeling of the griefe of others , ( if we be féeling members in déede ) constraineth vs to doo good one to another : and therefore especially to informe those that néede , in the way of righteousnes . Thus we sée what is our dutie , required of vs by the Lord himselfe , which we are diligently to consider of : for we may not thinke , that the gifts of God bestowed vpon vs , are for our selues alone , but for the benefite also of others . Which , if it were rightly weyed , religion would not be so geason amongst vs as it is : for men thinke now adayes , that if they sée others wallow in ignorance , and bring forth the fruites of the same , ( most enormious sinnes ) in their conuersation , it is not their dutie to instruct them , because ( forsooth ) it is the office of the preacher : nay , they thinke the minister ought not to doe it neither , vnlesse he be in the pulpit : and therefore his documents are vnsauerie , vnlesse he himselfe be hedged in with a péece of wood on eche side : but howsoeuer they would shut out knowledge , by these and such like spéeches : we are to learne , that it is the duetie , not only of ministers publikely , but also of all men priuately , to instruct those that be ignorant , and to bring them from error : & the partie informed , is not to cauil at the man that doth it , nor the place where it is done : but in reuerence to receiue it , as from the Lorde , and to laye it vp in his heart , for the amendment of his life

Secondly : in that these shéepehers doe ( after they haue hearde the message of God , by the Angell ) thus conferre of it , howe they may be further edified : we learne that they were careful , that they shouldnot forget the things that they had heard : & therfore they are earnest to goe to the place ▪ which the angels had named , for their further satisfaction . An example of fruitful hearers of the word of God , by whom we may learne a very profitable lesson , which is , that when we come to the hearing of the word of God . ( forsomuch as we are vnfit , & ( in truth ) vnable to cary al things away that we heare , partly thorough the corruption of our nature ( the remnants whereof we shal alwaies carry about with vs ) & partly thorough the subtiltie of Satan , wherby he suggesteth other cogitations into our minds , to the ende that he may bereaue vs of the benefite of Gods heauenly word & steale our minds from attending to it . After that the sermon is done , we ought at our comming home , to méete together , & say one to another : come , we haue al bene where We must conferre of the word of God , after that we haue heard it . we haue heard Gods word taught , let vs confer about it , that we may not onely call to remembrance those things that euery one of vs haue caried away , but also that one may haue the benefit of the labors of others : & surely it must néedes proue a very profitable way : for if one haue missed the obseruation of this or that point , an other hath marked it , so that among them they may bring away the whole , and so be edified one by another . And as all are to be careful herein , soespecialy it is to be practised by maisters , & fathers of families , that forsomuch as children & seruants be often carelesse , in attending vnto the word of God , the very feare of rebuke or correction , at their faithers or maisters hands , wil make them learne somwhat . If the benefite of this course were perceiued , and the practise of it vsed ( besids the commodity redounding to the parties ) it would be the meanes to stay manie horrible offences , that are committed : For what is the cause of such idle talk that men haue delight in ? Euen the lack of better matter wherein they might be occupied . What is the cause the Lords saboths be so ill spent : yea so horribly prophaned ? Euen this , that so soone as they come from Church , ( if yet they come there at all ) they thinke their dutie to God fully performed , and so go in all haste ; to dice , cardes , bowling , tipling , and euerie other wicked pastime ( as they call them ) wherin want neither cursing , swearing , nor blaspheming , to the great dishonour of God , and procuring of his heauie wrath to be powred vpon this land , and the decay of all religion : but marke in this point the height of all iniquitie , in these out daies , whereas Magistrates should redresse these things , and others that take vppon them the correction of vice in the Church , do make a shewe of defending religion : if there be anie smal number ( which is rare ) that woulde gladlie ( following the example of these shéepheardes ) confer priuately of those things that they haue hearde , and be carefull to grow in the knowledge of religion , by and by it shal be charged to be within the compasse of a conuenticle : and their good and godly course shal be checked and blamed by pretence & colour of law : but if twenty méete togither in an Alenouse ( though they most prophanely abuse the creatures of God , lewdly mispend their time , blasphemously dishonour the Lord , and vncharitably reuile , euen the very profession of Iesus Christ : all this is no harme : it is but good neighbourhood , it is no conuenticle , they haue ( or will haue ) no law to punish it : from hence do spring all the abominable sinnes that reigne in this land : euen that religious exercises ( by the secret papistes and prophane atheistes The wicked ause mans lawe , to depraue the word of God . that be in authoritie and abuse the law and meaning thereof ) are discountenanced , & godlesse and irreligious dealinges boalstered , whose reckoning , for their partes , in the day of account , wil be most intollerable , which they least think of : but let vs pray vnto God that he woulde grant vs reformation of these and such thinges when his good will and pleasure is : and in the meane while to grant vs the spirit of wisdome , and discretion , that we may walke warily in these daungerous dayes . Moreouer in the consideration of the parties , what kinde of people they were , we may note that which concerneth our instruction . They were ( as you see ) shéepheardes , men of no greate calling , and most like of small learning : yet beholde , both howe the Lord doth reueale the birth of his Sonne , first , vnto them , and also how carefull they are , to search out euery circumstance of the same . There is no doubt , but if they had liued in these our dayes , they should haue bene charged with great presumption ( that being men of meane vnderstanding ) durst meddle with such high matters , whereof the very Rabbines could not agrée . But we learne by their example : 1. to admire the wonderfull wisdome , and loue of God : wisdome that doth thus reueale his Sonne to these simple ones & not to the great clarkes of the Iewes the Why God reuealeth ( oftner ) his word to the simple . 1. Cor. 1. 29. Scribes and Pharisies , his loue , that so mercifully maketh him self knowne vnto these , that in their own eies ( no doubt ) and also in truth , were by reason lesse capable of so high mysteries : the vse wherof we must acknowledge to be this , which ( also ) S. Paul teacheth vs , that the Lord thereby stoppeth the way for anie man to reioice or boast in himselfe : but that he may learne to ascribe all glorie onelie vnto God : Secondly , we learne , that it is the dutie euen of the simplest , to séeke the knowledge of Iesus Christ out of his word , and to exercise himselfe continually in the same : and not to say , ( as commonly is said ) I am a Lay man , I haue No excuse must keepe the simplest from the knowlege of Gods word . no learning : let them that are preachers , and haue béene brought vp in Schooles meddle with Scriptures : I must attend vpon my worldlie businesse : by which , ( and such like spéeches ) they thinke they haue gotten inuincible shields , to defend them from knowledg , and shrowd them in their ignorance : but they will proue no better than broken réedes , and figge-leaues in the daie of iudgement : for God hath not placed any man in this earth , to the ende , that he ( sléeping in ignoraunce ) should fatte vp himselfe , with the vse of Gods blessings here , and seeke no further : but that he should aboue al things , be carefull to search out of Gods worde , how to know his will , that knowing it , he may obey him , and so earnestly set foorth the glorie of his holie name .

Againe , we sée the maner of their procéedings to be this : that they say , let vs go then vnto Bethlehem , and sée this thing that is come to passe , which the Lord hath shewed vnto vs , as if they should haue said : as we are careful to be further certified in this matter , so must we both be wary that we go to the place , and also search the things that haue been told vs , least we ( doing otherwise ) reape no benefite by our iorney : wherein wée may behold ( for our example ) a patterne of right obedience vnto God : they are verie forward , and yet notwithstanding ty themselues vnto that which they had heard . Al men by the verie instinct of nature , are desirous to knowe the trueth , Where and how the truth is to be sought but yet in the manner all naturally doe erre , for they seek it after the course that their owne fancies doe imagin : but they that wil séeke the truth truly , & in truth : they that euer shal come to the knowledge of the same , do follow the stricte rule of Gods worde , neither swaruing to the right hand , nor declining to the left : and they be most earnest and diligent in the same . Whereby we may make notable triall of our selues : both whether we be in the way of truth or no , and also how carefull we be to finde it . Which triall if it were duely applied vnto our hearts , the greatest number of vs no doubt should find themselues carelesse and so haue iust matter with in themselues either to conuince themselues , & so be excuseles , or else to find their owne wickednsse , & so become more diligent and attentiue to the word of the Lord . Lastly this doth notably declare vnto vs the cause that so fewe do shew forth that care in obeying the Lord as they should , euen because they make so small reckoning of Gods The cause that so fewe finde Christ word perswading themselues that either the knowledge thereof is not néedfull at al , or if any whit , yet they goe about it as though they had no stomacke to it : but sillie soules , if they did either know the necessitie , or comfort of it , they would not estéeme it so base : the necessity : that it should be our continuall counsel , for the direction of our affaires : that it should Psal. 119. 24. 2 Pet. 1. 19. be as a lanterne to our féet & light vnto our paths : that we are naturaly in darknesse , & it must be the candle to directe vs , or else we cannot choose but fall into spiritual dangers : the comfort , that among the diuers troubles of this miserable world ( the waywardnesse of our owne nature , and the manifold temptations of Sathan ) it is not possible that we should stand or haue any hope of consolation but only in the promises of God , which be there set downe , whereon the soules of al holy men haue euer sed , and bene stayed : and therefore Dauid who was a kinge Psal. 119. 50. 92. indued with wisdome , strength , and riches , yet sayeth he plainelye that that it was his comforte in his trouble : and , except the law of God had béene his delight , he had perished in his afflictions : and therfore let vs not flatter our selues , who are manie and infinite waies inferiour , and more vnable to stand , than he was : but let vs continually craue at Gods handes , that wée may be dailie more and more rauished with the loue of his word , and may haue the right vse of it , and then we shall sée , that of al things in this worlde it is the thing that wée should most desire .

So they came in haste ] . The second generall branch of the effect is this , that when they had one stirred vp another , and being earnest in enquiring out the matter , and also knowing by the direction of the Angel , both the place where vnto they should go , & also the thing where ▪ of they would be certified , do now , in all haste , without anie further delay , go to the place to sée the thing , wherein wée may beholde the true worke of Gods word , that it not onelie instructeth them to conferre and talke of the thing , but also to do it indéed . The maiestie of Gods word ( as we shall sée hereafter ) getteth an assent' vnto it ( almost ) of all men : insomuch , that all nowadaies are contented to professe wel , and to make a shew : they are willing to crie , Lord , Lord , and carrie the countenaunce of Gospellers , but to bring foorth the fruit of it in their conuersation , this is the thing that they straine curtesie at : but we are to learne ( by the example of these shéepherds , ) that if we wil be indéed , that which we wold We must not onelie professe Gods word , but do italso be accompted to be , then must we be as carefull to practise Gods commaundements in our life , as to speake of them in our months : for religion standeth not in profession onelie : the seruice of God standeth not in wordes alone : he is not straightway a Christian , that carieth the countenaunce of one : but he onelie who is careful both of profession , and also true obedience . For as it is most true , that without professing of the Gospel we can not be the members of Christs Church héere vpon earth : so is it as true , that without the fruit of that which we make shew of , we cannot perswade our selues Rom. 8. 9. 10. Galat. 5. 22. to be ( neither in déede are we ) the seruants of God . For whom God teacheth by his word , he indoweth with his spirit where the spirit of God is , there be the fruites of the spirit : and the body is dead because of sinne , but the spirit is life for righteousnesse sake . Let euery one of vs ( therefore ) lay this vnto our owne consciences , and labour to make profit of it vnto our selues .

Againe we sée in these shéepheardes , that as they make the motion one to another , that they may goe , so they leaue not there , and so let it rest , but they goe forward also , a notable example for our instruction . When men that haue more It should be so is not sufficient ciuill honestie and moderation of themselues then the common sorte haue , doe méete togither often , they haue vp whole common wealthes in their talke : euer saying , this is not wel , and that mighte be amended : & it were wel if such a thing were so : but you shal neuer heare more : They content themselues with ( it should be ) & neuer put to their hands to further it : euen like to them , that being reproued for swearing , saie : indéede I am to blame , and I confesse it is a fault : or being exhorted to this or that godly course , answere : indéede it should be so : hearing a minister teach any pointe of religion , say : he said very well , he is a very good man : I would we could followe him : but neuer striue to amend : neuer labour , nor indeuour to doe so : but couer all vnder this cloke , flesh is fraile , we are all sinners , and so thinke that to be excuse sufficient to kepe themselues still in the state they be , or else waxe worse and worse : Euen so deale these men : they moue or approue any good motion , and neuer striue to stirre vp others , that it may be practised , and these people be commonly such , as either beare offices , or are some way assistantes , in corporations , where they be gouerned by the consultation of man : and therefore you here present may haue good vse of this doctrine when you haue anie publique matters in hand : especially when you do méete togither , for the election of your Magistrates , I am sure you will all saie and wish in generall termes , that a sufficient man may haue this and that office : but surely it falleth out , that euerie man almost is led by his priuate affection , in the particular wishing either the preferment and benefite of him selfe , or his friend , neuer regarding how able hée is to discharge it . And hence it is that ( as Salomon saith ) we may sée a great euil vnder the sunne , as an errour that procéedeth from the face of him that ruleth : Ecclesiast. 10. 5 follie is set in great excellencie , and the rich ( in al manner of wisedom ) set in the law place . I haue séene seruants on horses , and Princes walking as seruants on the ground : wherevpon foloweth all disorder , because the gouernours either can not , or dare not , or wil not execute their office aright .

We may moreouer sée in these shéepherds a note of great zeale , that their mindes being rauished with desire of the thing , they went in haste : striuing ( as it were ) to go one before an other : and they had great reason for it : for being taught that the sonne of God , the sauiour of mankinde , their redéemer , was to be séene in Bethlehem : who can blame them , if they ran one ouer an other for hast ? Which teacheth vs what we are to do in matters of religion . Forsomuch as in the worde of God , we séeke the same Christ , yea , farre more glorious than he was , when they sought him : we are to contend with all possible indeuor , that we may euen go before our teachers , that ( as Dauid did ) we may excel them , in wisedome , zeale , vnderstanding , and godlines : But do we so ? Alas , no , we are maruellous manerly herein : we giue place to euerie one to go before vs , and Psal. 119. 98. We straine courtesie , who should first be religious , but who should first gaine riches . we would be so fine ( after the fleshly maner ) that we looke at men , and follow them : and though we sée manie goe forward before vs , if anie in whom wée haue anie confidence , procéede not , wée tarrie also : and this is our excuse , loe ( say we ) is not such a man wise , and learuedder ? is not he of great accoumpt with the best ? trowe you if it were the right way to heauen that he would so little regard it ? I know him to haue more skill then I , and therefore looke how he doeth so will I doe : for he is an honest substantiall man . And thus we builde vpon men , forgetting the rocke Iesus Christ , vpon whom we should settle our ground , and of whome we must learne both knowledge , and example of life : but in our worldlye matters ( which Math 7. 2. 4. 11. 29. 16. 24. should be meanes to induce vs to the consideration of heauenly thinges ) we doe not so , for if we heare of a benefite , or preferment , or any other thing whereby we may gaine : we say not , he is a man more worthy to haue it then I , he hath more néede of it then I : but we striue by all meanes to preuent our neighbor : then happie is he ( thinke we ) that can rise eareliest , and can spurre his horse to runne the fastest : then is our mannerlinesse that we vse in Gods matters clean forgotten : the gredy desire of gaine hath so rauished our heartes , that we cleane forget , nay that we are carelesse , whom it is that we goe before , father or mother , friend or foe . Whereby we doe euen condemne our selues to be méere worldlinges , wholly addicted to the mucke of this worlde , not caring what become of all our dearest friendes , yea of our owne soules after this life , so that we may haue present gaine . O that we were thus minded towards heauenly thinges : that we had such a care to get vnto vs true wisdome , vertue and holinesse . O that we were as vigilant to increase in knowledge , faith and righteousnes : as we be in dignitie , welth , and worldly pleasure . O that we could consider the excellencie of the soule aboue the body : and thereby compare the ornamentes of the one with the other , and the necessitie of the one beyond the other : then ( doubtlesse ) would our righteousnes burst foorth as the starres , and our holinesse as the sun at mid-daie : then should not wée poore preachers of Gods worde , crie out so much as we do , for religion and reformation , with so small profite : then should not Christ be turned behind ●…s , and our owne denises be preferred : then should not the counsel of God giue place to the decrées of men , nor follie beare the sway , and wisedome be despised as it is euerie where , to the great dishonour of our most louing and bountiful God , and griefe of the consciences of all that feare his holie name .

And found ) Now foloweth the fruit of this trauaile of the shéepherds , in thrée points ( as you heard in the beginning ) first , they found that they sought for : secondly , published it abroad : and thirdly , glorified God for it .

And found both Marie , and Ioseph , and the babe laid in the cratch ) The first fruit , which is this : that according to their expectation and earnest desire , they vsing the meanes , and taking the course that was inioyned vnto them , obteine their desire , & find Christ , as it was told them : The truth of Gods worde . wherein we may behold generally the truth of the word of God that euer commeth to passe according as it is foretold : to teach vs to repose vnfained confidence in it . And perticularly we may sée that veryfied in this place , that our Sauiour Christ promised , saying : aske , and it ●…halbe giuen you : séek , and ye shal find : Mat. 7. ●… ●…nocke , and it shal be opened vnto you : ●…r whosoeuer asketh receyueth , and he ●…hat seeketh findeth , and to him that ●…nocketh it shal be opened : God is not ●…ke vnto worldly men , that are very li●…rall in promises , and sparing in per●…rmāce , but what soeuer he promiseth , we vse those meanes that he prescri●…eth , for the obtaining of it , he perfor●…eth it , yea and that not niggardly : so at , if at any time thou beest not parta●…r of those thinges in particular : which God hath generally promised vnto his , ●…ure thy selfe , that the cause is only in ●…ee , and no part in him : for the most ●…dlesse that euer were , coulde neuer ●…ccuse God of this , to be shorte in ●…e performance of his word . And ●…herefore let vs make this vse of it , vnto ●…ur selues : y● séeing he is so free in word , ●…d so bountifull in déed , let vs cast all ●…ur care vpon him , let vs cleaue , with●…t doubting , vnto his mercy , and take ●…at course of life that he inioyneth , vsing all the lawful meanes that he hath sanctified in his word , & then shall we proue Rom. 12. 2. what is the good will of God , acceptable and perfect : then shall we to the greate comfort of our soules , séele that it is no vaine thing to serue God : that we haue not washed our handes in innocency for naught . But here we are to be very wary , that we tempt not God , and so accuse him of breach of promise . For in truth●… Why men do seeke , and find not . there be many that séeke and finde not : that aske and haue not : that beg and obteine not : that would enter in , and cannot . Whereof S. Iames giueth the reason : Iames 4. 3. for that ( saith he ) they aske amis , that they might consume it vpon their owne lustes : which wee doe sée moste euident in our owne experience : for euery man wisheth , that he were perswaded of the loue of God towards him , that he coulde serue God , as he commandeth , and might come to the kingdome of heauen , and yet the most part neuer the nearer . For either they dispise and contemne the To dispise the meanes in trusting of God , is to tempte him meanes that should bring them to the thing that they desire , ( as he that doth wishe he were religious , condemneth word preached : he that would be holy , refuseth to striue against the lusts of his ●…wne flesh : he that would be rich , refuseth ●…he paines to trauaile for the same or else ●…edoth it so distrustingly , that he reposeth ●…ot the confidence in God , which he should . The world is full of both these sortes of people : the former are espied folishe , euen by naturall reason , the latter séeme to haue greater colour : for ( thinke they ) I coulde be verye well contented to be religious , and so inioye the reward of the same . But what is now in this world ? I sée yet what is there , I cannot tell , I will not therefore be so foolish , as vtterly to renounce these present pleasures so farre , as to denie my selfe wholly : but this I will doe , I will take vpon me the profession of Iesus Christ , and giue him some intertainement in my heart , but not wholly : I will not trust him too farre , but take him in the one hand , and the world in the other , that if at any time , I be troubled for the one , I may cleaue with honesty to the other , and say I neuer meant any lesse . Thus doe a number in these dayes ( as their déeds doe most euidently declare ) but what get they by it ? Surely , the Lord in his iust iudgement , doth so bridle them because they would not trust him wholly to be their gouernour , that they doe neuer féele the swéetnesse of Religion , in so much that in time of persecution they vanish away , and in the dayes of trouble they knowe not which way to turne , because they would gladly retaine Christ , and yet feeling no comfort by his worde dare not cleaue wholly vnto him . But let vs beware of parting stakes betwéene God and the world : let vs not come limping vnto the Lord , but with our whole wils , hearts and minds , haue affiance in him : that by his mercy we may reape the benefit of Iesus Christs obedience , for our full contentment in this world , and glorification in the world to come .

And when they had seen it , they published abroade that which was tolde them of the Childe . ) Nowe followeth the second fruit of their trauaile : to wit , that they séeing the truth of God in his promise , and perceiuing that God had some greater work to doe in him , they dispersed it abroade , and told it to others , as they coulde get conuenient occasion : so that this being the meaning of the wordes , let vs obserue those things that are to be learned out of the same , for our instruction : & first let vs consider the time when they published it , euen when they did sée and perceiue plainely , that it was so indéed , as they were told of the Angell , so that there could be no deniall of it any way . Which teacheth vs this lesson : that religion must first be knowen before it be vttered : for how can a man reueale a thing vnto an other , whereof he is still ignorant Knowledge is the first pointe of gods seruice himselfe ? How can a blind man sée to directe an other in the way ? and therfore the first thing that is required at our handes , in the seruice of God , is that we seeke thoroughly to knowe his will , to the end that we may haue a most certain ground , both how to directe our owne wayes , and also to make our lightes shine to others , which al men do desire to do , or at least to be so accounted : but because they haue not that care to be directed by certaine knowledge , both their own wayes that séeme good in their own eyes ( yea thoughe they be workes in themselues good ) are odious in the sight Hipocrites nether be loued of God or man of God , as being fruits that procéede not from faith , and also their profession or outward shewe , is espied faultie euen in the world , and they accounted hypocrites : so that if we enter duely into the consideration of the estate of such persons , we shall sée it to be of all others most desperate : for in the sight of God , their doings are abhominable , insomuch as they haue not learned by the knowledge of his word to do them in faith , and in the iudgement of men , they are also reiected : for both the godly ( to whom the Lord hath giuen the spirit of discretion to discerne those thinges that differre ) do sée their course to be only in outward appearance , and therefore ioyne not with them : and also the wicked who cannot discerne otherwise then by the fruites , do sée that they make a shewe of one thing , and practise an other : and therefore doe euen of all other detest them most , so that they being neither beloued of God , nor man , must néedes ( of all other ) be in the worst case . Therefore they that intend to take a right cause , where with they may both please God , ●… bring comfort vnto their owne soules , and also stoppe the mouthes of their aduersaries , as they be desirous to doe those thinges that may be approued before men , so let them first beginne with this that they may learne of the worde how they may haue warrant from him , and be sure that they doe his will , and not to take vpon them for any priuate occasion ( either of gaine , credit , or pleasing others ) to make shewe of that , which neither they know , nor yet haue any féeling of : so shall they in any extremitie haue the testimony of a good conscience , the comfort whereof ouercometh all those euils that the godly are continually ( thorough the malice of Satan ) haunted withall .

Moreouer , as wée sée that these shéepheards begunne with knowledge , and were first instructed thoroughly in the thing themselues : so we see ▪ that as soone as they had sure intelligence of the matter , they published it , and made it knowen to others : wherein they make knowen , both their thankfull heartes to God , and also their louing affections to their bretheren : their thankfull heartes , that hauing reciued such a benefit from the hand of God , thinke it their duetye to make knowen vnto others , what a bountifull God he is : Their louing affections to their brethren , that are desirous to haue them partakers of those notable benefits of God , in the birth of his Sonne Iesus Christ : whereby we may learne a most notable point of our duety , that our thankefulnesse to God , and loue Profession of religion standeth in reprouing and instruction . to our brethren must moue vs , by al lawfull meanes , to make that knowen vnto others which we our selues doe learne out of Gods worde , the summe whereof standeth in these two pointes : to reproue our bretheren offending , and to instruct them when we sée them ignorant . The carnall man that would not be reproued , because he will not amende , nor be instructed , for that he despiseth knowledge , will say , that a minister must doe so , but priuate persons are not to meddle in any such matter : against whom if I shoulde aleadge no more but only the doings of these shéepheardes , he were thoroughly answered : but to make it more cleare by the Scriptures , for reprouing sinne , Leuit 1●… . 17. which is the first point : The Lord sayth thou shalt not hate thy brother in thy heart , but thou shalt plainely rebuke thy neighbour , and suffer him not to sin . Whereby we do most euidently sée , both that we ought to reproue one another offending , and also that if we doe it not we hate him : and for instructing , the second point , Dauid saith , restore to me Psal. 51. 12 , 13. ( O Lord ) the ioy of thy saluation , and sta blish me with thy frée spirit , then shall I teach thy wayes vnto the wicked , and sinners shall be conuerted vnto thee . So that it appeareth plainely hereby what is the duety of euery Christian , which ( indéede ) causeth them that haue a care to kepe Gods commandementes , to take this course where with all the godlesse are moste of all offended , and are readye The world cannot away with priuate rebuking and instruction . to offer them any violent iniury , charging them to doe it not of care ouer Gods glory , nor loue to them , but either to shew themselues buste , in carping with others , or else of an arrogant brauery , for praise to be accounted religious persons , whose accusation thoughe it may fall out to be true in some , ( for we haue examples of both in the Scriptures : Iudas was a buste body , carping at the déede of Iohn . 12. 5. Marie , for spending the precious ointment vpon Christ , that might haue bene sold , and giuen to the poore : and Simon Magus Acts. ●… . 18. was an arrogant person , who desired the gifts of the holy ghost , for vaine glory sake , rather then to doe good with them : Yet it is no excuse for them : for though a man reproue me of malice , mistrust me of vaine glory , yet that is only to him and not to me . I must respecte the thing which is for my owne benefite , and not the intent of the party which he shall answere for Therefore seeing the worlde cannot abide this , and yet thou seest it inioyned vnto thée from the Lord : be With what mind we must reproue others carefull that in thy owne conscience thou be not guiltie of any sinister minde in doing it , and then let them storme neuer so much , thou standest vpon a sure foundation , and discha●…●…st thy duety , so that his bloud shall be vpon his owne heade .

It is said here of them , that they published abroad the thing which was tolde them of that child : that is , all that they had heard , & no more shewing their faithfulnesse for our instruction : that as God hath giuen his word , so would he haue it al published & made known , as he hath perfected it himselfe , so is it hys wil , that we should neither adde to it , nor detract from it , but leaue it as we find it : a lesson that is very néedefull to be learned : For the world doth commit high treason The vngodly either detract●… from , or ad to the worde of God . against God in this point , on both sides : some doe estéeme certaine pointes of doctrine , too high misteryes , and therfore would not haue them medled withall , but buried in silence : as namely the doctrine of Gods eternall predestination : the very staffe & vndoubted stay of our hope in Iesus Christ : which is moste largely handeled in many places of the Scripturs at large , and euen ( as it were ) discoursed vpon of purpose . Especially Rom. 9. 11. to 24. by the holy apostle S. Paule in two seuerall places : the which , whosoeuer would haue vnknowen , doth accuse God , either Ephe. 1. 45. of lacke of discretion , to set y● downe in his reuealed word that is not to be taught , or of folly to trouble himselfe in reuealing it , and man in séeking to know a néedelesse thing . Others ( not hauing the right vse of Gods word ) doe in some thinges thinke it insufficient , and therefore they must adde ( forsooth ) some deuise of their owne braine , whereby the Scriptures might be made perfect , and these do accuse the Lord of great They that doe not knowe the vse of Gods word thinke it vnperfect carelesnesse ouer his Church , that would giue them such an vnperfect lawe , wherby all and euery cause and person in his Church cannot be directed : and therefore letting them both goe , let vs imbrace all Gods worde , and nothing else : let vs publish that all , and nothing but it , by the example of these shéepheardes .

We may yet further behold in them the victorie of the spirit against the flesh , there were diuerse reasons to induce them not to beléeue it : as the basenesse of his The bataile of the flesh and the spirit●… in the entrance to religion . birth , the simplicitie of his mother , and contemptiblenesse of his kindred ( for the stocke of Dauid in those dayes was most hated by the heathen kinges , and gouenours ) : There were also reasons to moue them ( though they did beléeue it , yet not to publish it , as , that Herod would be his enimie , because he shoulde be king of the Iewes , and so they clapte in prison for spreading it abroade : that the Phareseis and Scribes woulde be grieued with it , because they looked for a Messias comming in worldly pompe : & so would excomunicate these poore sheepheardes , if they confessed this child to be Christ : so that they might feare both the gouernours of the church , and also of the comon wealth to be against them : which must néeds bring vnto them great trouble : and as for Christ , he was but a child , and his kindred being poore , and therfore his partie weake , they coulde haue no rescue at his handes from their violence : but none of these considerations troubled them so , as to feare them from publishing it : why ? because they were fully perswaded , that the saluation The spirit euer getteth victorie in the faithfull at length . both of their soules and bodies , rested only in that child , and therefore it was their duty to vse al meanes , that the glory of God might be aduaunced for it , by whose example we may learne a moste necessary lesson . Many thereby , that take vpon them the profession of Christ , who , notwithstanding by the consideration either of his base estate , or for feare of wordly losse or tribulation for his sake , or by one temptation or other , are driuen backe from that sincere course that once they did practise : whose doinges are cleane contrary to the doinges of these shéepeheardes : this then is the lesson for vs , where the feare of God taketh roote , & religion is once truly sealed in the heart , by Gods holy spirit : the seale of the glory of God doth so possesse that man ▪ that al worldly considerations cease , that agrée not with it : al alurements are lothsome , that draw him from it : and all afflictions are swéete , that come to him with it : this is a most necessary meditation in these our dayes , wherein men are so generally carried away with the pleasures , delights , and riches of this present world , that there séemeth to be euen such a reuolt , as was in the time of our sauiour Christ , Iohn . 6. 66. when many of his disciples went backeward , insomuch that Christ may say to a very small number , that serue him truly , now will you goe too ? whose stay and comfort is that beauenly aunswere of Peter , to whom should we goe ? Seing Christ hath the wordes of eternall life , whome we beléeue and knowe to come from God , and to haue all the treasures of knowledge and wisdome hidden Col. 2. 3. in him . The Lord open our eyes that we may sée his waies , & truly walke in the same .

Let vs pray .