Two sermons of assise the one intituled A prohibition of reuenge, the other, A sword of maintenance : preached at two seuerall times, before the right worshipfull iudges of assise, and gentlemen assembled in Hertford, for the execution of iustice, and now published / by W. Westerman ...

TWO SERMONS OF ASSISE : The one intituled ; A prohibition of Reuenge : The other , A Sword of Maintenance .

Preached at two seuerall times , before the Right worshipfull Iudges of Assise , and Gentlemen assembled in Hertford , for the execution of iustice : and now published .

By W. Westerman , Minister of the word , in Sandridge .

LONDON , ❧ Printed by R. B. for Gregory Seaton , and are to be solde at his shop vnder Aldersgate , 1600.

MVNIFICENTIA REGIA . 1715.

GEORGIVS D.G. MAG. BR ●●ET HIB . ●●● FD.

J. Pin● sculp bookplate

To the Right worshipfull and worthie Gentlemen , master Rafe Coningsbye , and master Pope Blunt , Esquiers , and in Commission of the Peace for the Countie of Hertf. and libertie of S. Albans , W. W. wisheth all increase of heauenly wisdome , to the glorie of God , the profite of their Countrie , and the saluation of their owne soules .

AT your requests , in your seuerall Sheriualties ( Right worshipfull ) I preached these two sermons : where I trust the Lord gaue a blessing , to the fruit of my barren and vnworthie lippes . But because the most part of Auditors heare sermons , as Trauailers , by the lawe , might vse Grapes : that is : eate some Deut. 23. 25 for the present time , but cary none away with them : and for that our Lord and Sauiour teacheth such frugalitie in feasts of small preparation , that the fragments should be gathered ●ohn . 6. 12. vp , and nothing lost : I haue thought it not amisse , to presse out the liquour of these my grapes , and present the reuersion of them , as it were after the feast , in this basket of leaues : for a more generall vse , and longer continuaunce . If the remaynes seeme greater then the former prouision , impute it to Gods blessing , that suffereth no decrements , nor want at his feastes : and to the short allowance of tyme , wherewith my wordes ( but not my sense ) were assysed , and stinted at the first deliuerie . In such earnest businesse , when there is no surplus of time to bee borrowed , we holde it lawfull to temporize : not quenching the spirit , but conueying the streams of our words within narrow banks : after which sort , they may be more fruitfull ( the Lorde assisting ) then if they ouerflowed , all without boundes or measure . But howsoeuer then , these exercises were abridged by the hower , yet now in the writing , I haue giuen them more free vent , and libertie , where euerie man may bee the caruer of his owne time , in hearing and reading . And in this maner nowe published , I sende them abroade , vnder your names and tytles ( Right worshipfull ) that they may be , not onelie a pledge of my good will to you both , vnited in one Epistle , as yee are in loue ; and in loue like Dauid 1. San. 20. 17. 2. Sam. ● . 2● and Ionathan : but also giue testimonie of that commendable order in your graue assemblies , where I perceiued both Iudges and Gentlemen , beginning their affaires , with the first fruits of their knees , eares , hearts , and tongues consecrated to God , and directing the rest of their proceedings accordingly , in wisedome , and iustice . In this loose and prophane age , wherin too many make an Idole of their priuate fancie , and blesse themselues in their mother witte ( the moste base Idolatrie of all others , ●ib ▪ de vera elig . ca. 38. saith Austen ) It is a comfort yet , that the Cedars , and men of greatest note , will beautifie Gods seruice with theyr worthie examples , as they strengthen iudgement with their Authoritie . The deligent execution of iudgement in ciuil causes , is without doubt an acceptable seruice to God . For which purpose , both Iudges , & Rulers are commanded to be wise , and learned , that in the same they may serue the Lord ▪ yet not onely as ciuil Politicians , but as holy Christians with feare and trembling . And therefore they Psal. 2. must kisse the sonne , least he be angrie , and bende the knees of their wisdome , power , & authoritie , to the name of him first , that is president ouer the congregation of the gods on earth . The heathens neuer durst attempt any matter of great importance , without inuocation on their gods , and some solemne inauguration , or sacrifice , performed by their priests , and wizards ; to get a forehand blessing to their actions . Euen amongst them it seemed absurd , and arrogant , to commence graue enterpryses , without calling a greater power to their assistaunce : although some did attribute so much to their owne wisedome , prowesse , and fortune , that they thought praiers were for simple wretches , and fooles , as Aiax ( like an Atheist ) vaunted : Aliorum est vincere Melancthon ●rat . de precat . D●o iuuante , &c. Other cowardlie fellowes may obtaine victorie by the helpe of God , but such as he could do well enough without him . Yet such were accompted most miserable , euen of those that had onelie a generall glimse of an vnknowne God : and therefore Homer at all hard assaies , sheweth how great , & small , did enterprise nothing without some supplication to the gods . As for the auncient Israelites , they had their Leuites Numb. 10. with trumpets to go before them ; Priestes and Prophets assistant in all 1. Sam. 13. 13 difficult occasions . When Saul left Samuel , he proued himselfe a foole , though hee offered a selfe-will sacrifice to the Lord . And what became of the penne of the Scribes , or the wisdome of the wise , when they leaned to their owne fancies ? The pen ( saith Ieremy became vain , Ierem. 8. 9. the wise men are ashamed , afraid , & taken , for lo : they haue reiected the word of the Lord , and what wisdom is in them ? But the practise in those your assemblies , declare your reuerence to holy exercises , which to your commendations and gods glory are continued : the Charter of heauen being first vnfolded , & the Commission from the next supreame Gouernor , afterward being read , that both your authoritie from heauen , and earth , may giue the Iudges confidence in their proceedings , & good successe in their determinations . In that place at two seuerall times I was a witnes of the generall consent of many worthy gentlemen , for the furtherance of peace , iustice , & good order : but I haue had dayly experience in your selues , & som others about vs , with what singular care and dexteritie , you haue managed the weightie affaires , both of your Prince and country , whensoeuer you haue beene emploied , by commission from the one , or petition from the other . Neither haue your publike employments withdrawne you from the exercise of priuate vertues : your delight in holie exercises is manifest , by your diligent repaire vnto them , your affabilitie , and kindnesse appeareth in the courteous carriage of your selues towardes all men that deserue not the contrarie . Which personall qualities are also graced with a diligent reformation of your followers : a matter of greater In Pa●●gy●ic . dicto Traiano . magnificence ( saith Plinie ) then for a man to reforme himselfe . Whence it was that the Queene of Saba was not onelie in admiration of Salomons wisdome , ● . King . 10. 5. and answers ; but also of the sitting of his seruants , and the order and apparell of his attendants . To confirme and encourage you in this course of vertue , ye haue had both domesticall , and neighbour examples , whereof some haue ended their race , others remaine still , not forgetfull of their Countrie by priuate occasions , or greater preferments . Amongst whom I may register these two worthy & ancient standards , sir Henrie Cocke , and sir Philip Butler , knights of especiall marke , and accompt , such as since my remembrance haue flourished in the Courts of the Lords house , and yeelded much excellent seruice to their Prince , succour to their country , and shadow to the Preachers , and ministers of the truth . Neither is the last of these qualities to be the least regarded , especiallie amongst vs , where the ministers are prouided of maintenaunce , but as yonger brethren , hauing liuings for the most part like the Amazonites , giuing sucke but of one breast , the other being diseased with a Wolfe , or quite cut off with an Impropriation . For who seeth not how euerie Bramble is readie to scratch them that creepe low ? euerie cowarde hartned to strike him that may not strike again ? I speake not this for impatiencie of want , or iniuries , or to plead an irregularitie to priuiledge any corruption in vs : for wee haue learned both to be abased , & to abound , to turne our cheekes to the smiter : and giue for a Philip. 4. 10. Math. 5. need the coat of a poore vicaridge , to him that by law can take away the cloake of of our parsonage . But so long as the Lord maintaineth the crowne vpon the head of his annointed handmaid , & continueth our gracious Prince nurse royall of the Gospel , & mother of peace : we are to expect safely vnder such as you ( Right worshipfull ) being hir hands , & wings of defence , as she is the Angel of God vpon the earth for the preseruation of his prophets & people . And I must confesse , that as the Lord hath planted this barren iurisdiction with many fruitfull vines : so haue they receiued from time to time much comfort & assistance in their ministerie , by you the religious gentlemen of dignitie , and countenaunce , wherein you giue testimony thai you feare the Lord , whose lowly ambassadors you kindly entertain . And his true feare is the only grain , that setteth a perfect glasse , and a liuely tincture vpon all other wordly respectes and colours : which shall flourish , when Nimrods Babel , Absolons pillar , & all gorgeous buildings , with the names of their founders shal lie in the dust . Neither amongest these comforts receyued , toward the encouragement of the Ministers here abouts , may I forget the tender regard of that reuerend father , placed ouer vs , now L. B. of Lond. whose entrance was in much fatherly kindnesse towards vs : not in any hard exactions , coloured with beneuolence , but rather in forbearance of auntient duties ; since when he hath declared his continuall care , by diuerse cautions giuen for our gentle and courteous vsage : beside the preuention of some late expenses , and payments , that else-where , the meanest liuings tasted deepely of ▪ All which temporall encouragements , being supplies of some contentation to a meane estate , we thankefully a●cept , as at the handes of God , thereby acknowledging our selues deepely bound to distill our spirits , and studies into such wine of comfort , as may againe cheare both God and men . In the depth of which desire , I the most vntimely slippe in the vineyard , haue tendered these two Sermons , as an after gleaning of grapes , vnto the presse of learning : the licor wherof if it hath any waterish , or earthly we●t , impute it to the caske : if it haue any celestiall rellishe , or sweet sauour , yeelde the praise and glorie to God , who is able to turne our weake water , into wine of strong consolation ; whereof I wish the perpetuall fruition , to your selues as to mine own soule . And further desiring the Lord of his abundance , to multiplie his graces spirituall & temporall , vpon you & your posteritie for euer : I humbly take my leaue .

Yours in the Lord , William Westerman .

Auenge not your selues ( dearely beloued ) Text Rom. 12. 19. but giue place vnto wrath : for it is written : vengeaunce is mine , and I will repaye , sayth the Lord .

THe most wise and holy Lord & Law-giuer of Israell ( Right Worshipfull and right Christian Audience ) ordayned that the sonnes of Aaron with their siluer Trumpets , should sound out , as well the sommons vnto the ciuill assemblies Numb. 10. 2. 3. of peace , and religious exercises : as the Alarum to battayle , and warlike enterprises . The same Lord beeing our God still , requireth the substance of those ceremonious shadowes in our solemnities . For yee are his people ; we are the Leuites : his two Testaments are the two siluer Trumpets ▪ the distinction of sounds is pricked downe before vs in his booke of truth , whose direct wee are to sing after , sounding out sometime doctrine of instruction , sometime of reproofe , sometime of comfort , setting it sometimes to the heads and rulers , sometimes to the meaner sort , sometimes to peace , sometimes to warr , as the Lord sheweth occasion , and the spirit giueth vtterance . Now because I am at this present , though of my selfe an earthen pitcher , yet called to vtter some certaine voyce out of these siluer trumpets , that all sorts of Auditors heere assembled may reuerently , and in the feare of God , prepare themselues to be Actors in this entended seruice : I haue made choyse of this Text to be the keye whereunto I may set my tune : wherein the holie Ghost by saint Paul soundeth a retreate vnto all quarrellers , and plaintiffes , intending priuate reuenge , or hammering mischiefe in their hearts . For as in the former part of this Chapter , hee vsed all sweet inducements vnto loue , and peace , and all good arguments to disswade from haughtinesse of minde , ambition , selfe-conceipt , being the only sparkes that fire mens affections , and hinder that peace which wee should keepe with all men , if it be possible , and lye in vs : so now as though hee perceaued mens heartes burning , theyr desires swelling , theyr mouthes raging , theyr handes threatning , theyr daggers drawne , and the peace in daunger to be broken , he steppeth foorth in the middest , as a blessed peace-maker , and draweth out the sword of the spirit to take vp all quarrels , & preuent all mischiefes , after this manner : Auenge not your selues ( dearely beloued ) but giue place to wrath : for it is written &c.

This seemes to be a Writ from aboue : and it is to be serued by vs the Messengers of the Lord , vpon you his people , that by meanes of your Christian profession doe owe especiall obedience to the high court of heauen . If wee breake open this writ , wee shall perceiue the contentes thereof to be first A Prohibition 1. Prohibition of Reuenge : Auenge not your selues ( dearely beloued ) but giue place to wrath : secondly a Confirmacion by the Authoritie of scripture . For 2. Confirmati● it is written : vengeaunce is mine , I will repay , sayth the Lord .

Reuenge is the punishment of iniuries , and The Prohibition . the redresse of wrongs ; the question is to whom this punishment and vengeaunce belongeth : it is mine saith the Lord , I will repay , by my selfe or my substitutes ; therefore Auenge not yourselues , intrude not into my throne , forestall not my right ; but rather giue place to myne ordinance , let mans anger yeeld to Gods wrath ; mans impotencie to gods power : mans partialitie to Gods Iustice ; mans secret conspiracie to the publike Iudgement established by God himselfe .

The Reuenge therefore that is by this Prohibition remoued , is priuate : such as receiuing iniuries offered without right , repayeth them againe without Law . The reuenge , & redresse of wrongs warranted vnto vs , is the wrath & vengeance of the Lord : either mediatly to be executed by his Ministers ordayned to take vengeaunce of euill doers : or else immediatly by the Lord himselfe , where the sword of the Magistrate is too short , or the hand too slack , to smite the malefactor .

The chiefest doubt remayneth in this word Wrath , to the which wee are to giue place : for some haue interpreted it of mans Wrath , not Gods : some of our owne wrath wherein wee Imbros . de ●●● . lib. 1. C. 12 are agents and feele our anger boyling , and beginning to kindle in the bosome : these counsayle vs to resist anger at the first , or at the least , to retyre our selues and giue backe from the extremitie , and continuaunce of it : to let Aretius . slippe all occasions of quarrell , and so to forget and forgiue , that wee eschew all prouocations , all motions or speaches , that may renew the memorie of wrongs , or nourish the conceipt of iniuries and indignities : some againe expound it of mans wrath as it is in another , & wherin he is the Patient : as though this were a Caueat to stay vs from laying sticks vpon another mans fire : that wee blow not the coales , of another mans choler : that wee answere not a foole according to his foolishnesse , nor an hastie man according to his hastinesse : Lactant. lib. 6. Instit. Cap. 18. by that meanes adding oyle to his flame , or oyning our impatiencie with his iniustice .

But wee follow those interpreters which with best warrant do vnderstand this wrath of Gods wrath , and the reuenge of iniquitie , Alhanas . irae diuinae . August in Ps● 78. vindictai● quitatis . Thom. Iudicio diuino . or his diuine Iudgement , and not of the anger either of the wrong dooer , or sufferer ? For notwithstanding the sense of the former be godly and somewhat to our purpose : yet this phrase of giuing place , is not vsed in that signification affirmatiuely , but rather negatiuely : as ( Saint Paul sayth to the Ephesians ) Giue no place to the diuell : and so in that sense would hee haue saide heere , giue no place to wrath , if hee had vnderstood it of the vnlawfull and wicked wrath of man , and not of the most lawfull and holie wrath of God . But I neede not make many wordes , let the Holie Ghost interpret it selfe , which by the Confirmation brought from the Authoritie of Moses , and the mouth of the Lord himselfe , doth manifestly declare , that such wrath is heere to be yeelded vnto , as the Lord claimeth to himselfe by the termes of vengeaunce and recompence : the later whereof , Saint Paul for the Deut. 31. 35 , more certaintie , and clearer application expoundeth in the person of God , and action of his vengeaunce , I will repay .

Now wee haue notice of the Authoritie wherewith this writ is confirmed , let vs serch the contents and meaning of the Prohibition , being directed from so great a Lord , vnder perill of our soules if wee obey not his commaunde .

In this behold first the title wherewith S. Paul The title . The re●aint . Reasons ●orcingeery one of ●em . greeteth vs : which is most kinde and louing ; Dearely beloued : secondly the restraint , Auenge not your selues : thirdly a direction ; giue place to wrath . Fourthly : note how euery wotd of the prohibition is backed & seconded with some reason implied , to disswade from priuate reuenge , and to draw to a patient abiding of the Lords leisure , and an expectation of his iudgements to be executed .

Let vs first examine this amiable title , which The title . serueth as a sweet ingredience to qualifie a bitter medicine : Dearely beloued saith hee , as though he would protest before hand , that although he resisted their affections , and crossed their stubborne willes , by with-holding from reuenge , yet he did it for loue to their soules , and cure to the soares of their mindes . If we consider the estate of Gods beloued people in this life , we shal finde that they haue neede of many admonitions and precepts of patience , and forbearance , first because of their infirmities , secondly because of the continual reproches and wrongs which shall be offered vnto them . Gods best beloued are not so perfect and exact , but they are subiect to passions , and often resolutions 1 , Sam. 25. 2● . of Reuenge against their enimies : as , Dauid was marching to the destruction of Naball , for his churlish answere , till Abigail meereth him , and with gracious words asswageth his displeasure . And who seeth not ; but the life of the best Christians is a marke for all wicked men , and the diuell himselfe to be continually darting at , and therefore euen to them , being Gods beloued is it necessarie to giue this Item : Dearely beloued auenge not your selues . Beloued they were to whom Paul vttered this , as those are that he are this first beloued of the Lord : secondly for the Lords sake beloued of the ministers of God . Will you then see what reasons may bee drawne from this title , to keepe all Christians Reasons from the title against reuenge . from reuenge ? Say you are disquieted , reproched , oppressed : Let this be your confort , you are beloued of God , whosoeuer hateth you : you are his dearlings , he tendreth your case , hee numbreth your haires , hee putteth your teares in his bottell .

Wee are content to endure great daungers , for those that wee know loue vs : to put vp many iniuries at the intreatie of our friendes : and who is a louer like the Lord , or a friend like him , which entreateth vs , and chargeth vs , not to Auenge our selues , not to resist euill , but to commit our causes , and soules in well doing to 1. Pet. 4. 19. the Lord our faythfull Creator , and Reuenger .

Againe : those whom wee loue wee imitate , and expresse in manners and behauiour : As God is our Father in Creation & Adoption : so must we proue our selues to be his children in Imitation : but in nothing may wee better declare who is our father , then as wee were beloued when wee were enemies : so to loue againe , and pray for our enimies when they haue wronged vs . Dyd our Sauiour Christ reuenge when hee was hurt ? No : sayth the Apostle , beeing reuiled hee reuiled not againe , Pet. 2. 23. beeing iniuried hee sought no reuenge , when he suffered , hee threatned not , but committed it to him that iudgeth righteously . Thus doing hee left an example , that we should follow his footesteppes .

The diuell when hee getteth audience , telleth a man how much hee is hated , and iniuried : but the spirit of God being pure is also peaceable and telleth him how much hee is Iam. 3. 17. beloued , endeuoring to drowne all conceipt of mens spight and malice , in the depth of Gods loue set as a seale to his conscience . And from this ground of Gods fauour and loue , he rayseth an argument of charitie and kindenesse to other : wherefore Coloss. 3. saith Saint Coloss. 3. 12. Paul ; As the elect of God , holie and beloued put on the bowels of mercie , kindenesse , humblenesse of minde , meekenesse , long suffering , forbearing one another , and forgiuing one another : as Christ forgaue you , euen so doe yee . For it is an Article of Couenant beetweene God and our selues , rehearsed in our prayers , and parle with the Lord , that as wee are forgiuen our offe●ses , so should wee forgiue .

If wee breake couenant , and forgiue not others : how can wee demaund performance at his hands , and not rather looke for such measure as wee mete to others ? When our Master remitteth ten thousand talents , if wee bee straight laced , and will not forgiue a trifle Math. 18. of some hundred pence , it is a token that our finall quietus est , is not signed by the Lord , but that hee will call vs backe to an after reconing , to pay the vtmost farthing , or indeede lye by it for euer .

Dearely beloued , sayth Paul , as of God , so beloued for his sake of my selfe : I loue you and yet may not flatter you . What will many of our paynted Christians say to this ? Surely , hee is not my friend , hee loues mee not , that would aduise mee to suffer this disgrace , or put vp this iniurie : It is against my honour , my worship , say the greatest , against my profit & credit , say the meaner sort : nay it is against my conscience , ( say many ) to endure these wrongs : when alas it is lust and concupiscence , Iam ▪ 4. 1 not conscience that fighteth in their members , and breedeth this disquiet .

Are wee then beloued of the Lord , and of those that are his deare children , though wee be maligned and hated , and oppressed of others ? O let vs keepe this hauen of refuge , and succour open , that when the world is a sea of troubles raging against vs , wee may shoot our selues into the same : and giue backe into the comfortable armes of his loue . Let vs rather loose our longing desire of reuenge , then the fauour of that Lord , by whom we are so dearely beloued .

Thus doth the Apostle sweeten his Prou. 27. 6. sharpe message , like a louer , giuing a faythfull wound for health , and not for hurt : in a tender regarde to preserue his clients ( like a good counsaylour ) in the euerlasting possession of their soules by patience . As Paul , so I would all Ambassadours of heauenly peace would keepe this note of loue , that one string sounding right , might serue to set all the other in tune . And thus much for this sweet title : Dearely beloued : which I desire of the Lord may make such melody in your hearts , at this present time , that all desire of reuenge , and bitter passions of the minde asswaged , you may be transformed into such sincere keepers , counsaylours , and seekers of peace , that this title may remaine for euer verified in your soules , Dearely beloued ▪

Now foloweth the restraint , Auenge not your ● . The restraint . selues . Reuenge is a rash proceeding to the punishment of iniuries receaued , without law , without order , without authoritie . In euery priuate Of reuenge by heart , tongue , and hand . man there be three instruments readie to further this reuenge , the heart , the tongue , the hand .

First is the heart prohibited from all purpose , and deuise , or desire of vengeaunce . 1. The heart . For in the heart is the bottome and coare of this disease . There lurkes a roote of bitternesse , which if it be not stocked vp , will spring vp , and defile both mouth , and manners . Concupiscence is the mother of many wicked impes , fathered by the diuell , and conceiued in the wombe of the heart , which must be strangled in the byrth : or else like the vipers broode , they destroy the wombe , and mischiefe many others . From the heart come Math. 15. 19. euill thoughts , murthers , false testimonies , slaunders , said he that knew the heart . But me thinkes I heare some whisper ; that thought is free : It is free indeede , but how ? free from the detection or punishment of man : but the Lord which made the frame of the heart and searcheth the thoughts , is a Iudge standing before the doore therof , to condemne those that doe but Iam. 5. 9. grudge against their bretheren , saith saint Iames. Hell and destruction are before the Lord : how Prou. 15. 11. much more the hearts of the sonnes of men .

The sinne of the diuell was but an exaltation of the heart . A wicked heart is an abhomination to the Lord : although it want meanes , either of strength to giue correspondencie to the will , or audacitie to vtter the poyson and spight in tearmes : for intention is action , and hating is 1. Iohn . 3. 15. killing , before almightie God , the Iudge of all secrets ▪

The situation of Iericho was pleasaunt , but the water was naught , and the ground venemous and barren , till Elisha the Prophet , by an ● King . 2. 19. infusion of Salt cast into the spring of the waters , cured those infectious qualities : and so beloued , is the estate of a professed Christian , pleasaunt to behold with many seeming commodities , which ( if the waters of the heart be bitter and infectious with the inueterate leauen of malice ) are all dashed , and made matters of daunger and death , rather then meanes of comfort and life .

The word of God is the salt which must be cast into the Fountaine head of the hart , which beeing healed redresseth all daungers and inconueniences , and this is that word , and that salt wherewith wee desire to season and sucke out all corrupt humors from the bottome of your hearts .

Auenge not your selues dearely beloued Diuerse be the reasons that backe this prohibition , Reasons against a Reuenging hart . and may make it of force to withdraw vs from this priuate & priuie rancour of the minde , though commonly the affections incensed haue no eares . But see , ( beloued ) before the Cocatrice egges bee hatched , and they breake Isai. 59. 5. out into a serpent , what trauaile , and payne , there is in the conception , & breeding of mischiefe , & nourishing of a reuenging thought . What disease can so disfigure the bodie and consume it ? what losse can so take away the Reuenge o● hart consumes body , goods , and soule . benefit of Riches or honour ? or what canker can so infect and poyson the soule , as an enuious thirst of vengeaunce , and a desire to cry quittance with our enimies ? Hee that carrieth 1. The bodie . the fire of malice in his bosom , first burnes himselfe , pyneth and scorcheth his braynes , dryeth the marrow of his boanes , drinketh vp his owne bloud , bewrayeth his worme-eaten conscience with the malicious sparkles of an euil eye . For as Wisdome maketh the face to shine , Prou. 15. 13. Prou. 14. 30. and a ioyful hart maketh a cheerfull countenance , as a sound minde is the life of the flesh and restoratiue to the boanes : so doth malice put the face Genes. 4. 5. out of fauour , maketh Caine walke with hanging lookes , consumeth the eyes in the holes , hasteneth Zechar. 14. death to the body , & filles the boanes with corruption .

The spirit of a man ( sayth Salomon ) sustayneth Prou. 18. 14. his infirmitie : but a wounded spirit , who can bear● it ? Anger resteth in the bosome of fooles , and yet Eccles. 7. 11 . lyke a restlesse beast it teareth the soule of him that keepeth it . It swelleth like poyson , & maketh Iob. 18 ▪ 4. grin , and gnash the teeth like a dogge , for so it is said of Stephens enemies , Their hearts burst for spight , and they gnashed at him with Acts 7. 54. their teeth , they shew the tricks of hell , and the propertie of the diuell in this life , for Diaboli propria est inuidia , saith Basil : Enuie of all other Basil ▪ de Inui . sinnes is the diuels peculiar brand , wherewith he is marked . Doe but take a view of the enuious creature , marke his ioy and laughter , it is but to see others weepe and wring : by this , hastening vengeance vpon himselfe , from the Lord which causeth malicious men to bee caught in their owne snares . Therefore ( sayth Salomon ) be not glad , when thine enimie falleth , Prou. 24. let not thine heart reioyce when he stumbleth , least the Lord see it , and hee be displeased , and turne his wrath from him to thee . So great an enimie is the enuious man to himselfe , that he deriues the plagues of others vpon his owne body and soule . Whereof Iob desireth to cleare himselfe , Iob. 31. 29. protesting that hee reioyced not at the destruction of him that hated him , nor was mooued to ioy , when euill came vpon him . As for the sorrow and deadly vexation of the minde , which this desire of reuenge , and hatred effecteth , 2. The vse of goods & honor abridged by reuenge of heart . Esth●r . 5. 11. as it tormenteth the bodie , so it depriueth the rich of his ease , and the most honorable of his contentment : his owne abundance cannot pleasure him , nor his purple garments heale him . When Haman hath reconed vp all the glorie of his riches , the multitude of his children , all his promotions , wherwith the king had honored him , the fauour and banquet , wherewith the Queene had graced him , what is all this to cheere him vp that hath a clog in his heart , which driues him to confesse , that all this is nothing , so long as hee sees Mordechat the Iew sitting at the Kinges gate : so that Haman cannot goe ioyfully to the banquet , except he be the hangman of his enimie , for default of a little curtesie towards him . But if this venime were but only daungerous to the body , or only such as wrought a discontentment toward 3. Reuenge i● heart an enimie to th● soule . riches , honor , and things externall , it might seeme tolerable : but it poisoneth also the soule , infecteth religion , intercepteth prayers , depriueth vs of the sight and presence of the Lord . 1. Pet , 2. 11.

All fleshly lustes ( sayth Peter ) first fight against the soule of our selues , and that before they harme the body of others ; for hee that beareth fire in his bosome first burnes himselfe , before hee endaunger his neighbours . Admit thou knowest the truth , canst teach others , frequent sermons , professe well , speake fauourably , and Godly , yet if thou concealest a spightfull heart vnder this maske of religion , thou art but as a potsheard ouerlaide with siluer Prou. 26. 23. drosse , a guilded scpulchre , and all thy profession is but a lye , not able to affourd any comfort of conscience to thyne owne soule : and therefore from such hipocrites S. Iames pulleth of the vizard , and sheweth them their owne estate .

If you haue bitter enuying and strife in your Iam. 3. 14. harts reioyce not , neither bee lyers against the truth . How can that minde which is stuffed with superfluitie of malice , heare with profit that word , which is sincere milke to bee receiued with meekenesse as of new borne babes ?

Againe , what prayers can issue from a bitter fountaine ? What desire or delyght can the malicious heart haue to present it selfe before the Maiestie of him that esteemeth of hatred as manslaughter ? How darest thou offer those sighes and groanes to the Lord that breake from a forge of reuenge ? With what confidence canst thou lift vp those hands to God for mercie , that are readie to be lifted vp against thy brother in cruelty ? seeing the Lord will haue pure hands lifted vp without wrath or doubting ? Timoth. 2. 8. Math. 5.

Blessed are the pure in hart , for they shall see God : saith our sauiour : their soule is a glasse of Gods cheerefull face : but hee that hateth his 1. Iohn . 2. 11. brother is in darknesse . A turbulent spirit , and a spightfull heart is like a troubled water , wher there appeares no reflection of any comfortable countenance , but dregges , terrour , darknesse , the shadow of death and crueltie , being the Image of the diuell himselfe . For ther is no such harbour for him to lurke and fortifie himselfe in , as that heart which is swept with anger , Luke . 11. 21. 25. and garnished with wrath : vpon whose rage the sunne hath often set : therefore sayth S. Paul to the Ephes: Let not the sunne goe downe vpon Ephse . 4. ●6 . your wrath , giue no place to the dwell : Who if he get in league with the corrupted will , he imployeth not onely the heart , but the tongue , not onely the tongue , but the eyes also in witchcraft , Basil . and vilanie , being his worke commonly vpon a profound malice , and an inueterate desire of reuenge . Seeing then the very thoughts of reuenge , are iudged and condemned of the Lord , seing they are the roote of all mischiefes , the tormenters of the body , the disfigurers of the face , the depriuers of rest in the middest of riches & honour ; the slaughterers of the soule ; the empeachment of religion ; preiudiciall to the hearing , and hinderers of prayers , the eclipse of the eye of our soule , that it cannot see God , nor be seene in peace of him ; and the very harbengers of the diuell , let vs that haue thought wickedly , ( as who can say his heart is cleane ? ) Prou. 20. 9. lay our hands vpon our hearts , and yeeld our selues to the vertue of this prohibition , Auenge not your selues .

As vpon the heart , so the holie ghost commaundeth vs to lay our hands vpon the mouth , to stay the tongue , and surcease all practise of 2. The tong● stayed from reuenge reuenge , by any outward meanes : that if wee cannot rule our affections for loue of him that seeketh to bridle them , yet wee may tame our our tongue , and represse our actions for feare of the magistrate , that is the minister of God to take Rom. 13. vengeaunce of all cursed speakers , and wicked dooers . Two sorts of people are concluded , and shut vp , within this restraint . One sort are like Lions , either roaring in high thundring words , or ramping in cruel maner vpon their pray . The other , like Foxes , close , and subtill , but greedie notwithstanding . One trusteth to his force : the other to his fraude : one taketh his lust and libertie , scorning Gods ordinance , as a refuge for cowardes , and not a fitte redresse for them that haue nimble tongues of their owne , and hands swift to shed bloud . The other giues backe for aduauntage , and will crouch and bowe , till hee see his occasion , and then hee is mercilesse .

First , wee are by vertue of this warrant to charme those great barkers , which vsing that womanish kinde of reuenge , doe bend their tongues like bowes , and shoote their words like arrowes . If to call our brother Racha , as much to say , as paltrie felow , deserueth the punishment Matth. 5. of a councell , if the nicke-name of foole in vnaduised anger be worthie of hell fire ; then what shall be giuen vnto thee thou false tongue , which Psal. 52. 4. louest and vsest to speake all wordes , that may destroy ? which cuttest like a rasor , not onely those that are present , but woundest , like a venemous Psal. 120. Barnard . de tripli●i custod . arrow , the absent and vnseene ? Leuiter volat grauiter vulnerat , sayth Bernard , of the speach of a wicked tongue : it flies lightly , but pearceth deepely : it entreth easily , but goes out hardly : and that more is , Vnoictu multos interficit , with one blowe it spoyles a multitude How great is the wounde , that so small a weapon maketh ? Saint Iames tearmeth it to bee Iames 3. a worlde of mischiefe , a fire that enflameth the whole course of Nature , an vnrulie euill , full of deadly poyson , a beast that no man can tame . And yet the Lordes bel●ued are not to suffer this member runne riot in themselues : for if Iames 1. 26. any man seeme religious , and refraineth not his tongue , but deceyueth his owne heart , this mans Religion is vaine . The beloned of the Lord that striue to bee perfect , and to bridle the whole bodie , must not let the tongue loose . Blessing and cursing , bitter water and sweete , must not issue out of the fountaine of a sanctified mouth . Nay , if a man respect but the benefites of a temporall estate , hee is to set a watch before his mouth . For if anie man long after life , and 1. Pet. 3. 10. Psal. 34. to see good dayes , he must refraine his tongue from euill , and his lippes from guile , sayth the holie Ghost .

In the ranke of those , that practice this kind of Reuenge , there are some that would seeme to surcease from their bitter and vnlawfull course , but it is when they haue rather tired then tamed their tongues , & spurged out their deadly poyson to the ful , then they crie out , in the bitternesse of their heart , vpon God and the Magistrate for further vengeance against him , whom they haue most cruellie torne and depraued alreadie .

But they aske and receaue not , for the spirit of ●m . 3. them lusteth after enuie : and their curse being causelesse , flieth like a byrd , and settleth no where , ●rou . 26. ● . vnlesse it returne to their owne bosome . S. Ierome , likeneth it vnto an arrow shot against a stone , which sticketh not in the marke , but oftentimes , ●eronym : de ●ta cleric . Resiliens percutit dirigentem : flying backward , it striketh the Archer . As hee loued cursing ( saith Dauid ) so shall it come vnto him , it shall ●sal. 109. 17. come into his bowels like water , and like oyle into his bosome , it shall be as a garment to couer him , and a gyrdell to his loynes .

Are all words of rebuke , and curses the fruits of hatred , and actions of priuate reuenge , & therfore vnlawfull ? will some say : To which I answere , that there be reproofes of the righteous ▪ proceeding from loue , and curses of the vngodly , issuing from zeale : and warranted by the spirit of God , and therefore are consequent sentences of his appointed wrath and vengeance vpon sinners . Let the righteous reproue me saith Psal. 141. 5. Dauid , for that shall be as precious balme vpon my head . O fooles and slowe of heart , sayd our Sauiour Luk. 24. 25. to his disciples : and , goe behinde mee Sathan , to Math. 16. 23. Peter , that a little before made a blessed confession of the truth . O foolish Galathians , who hath Galat. 3. 1. bewitched you ? writeth Paul to those for whom he trauayled twyce , that Christ might be formed in Gal. 4. 19. them . In these reprehensions , and taunting words was no malice but a zeale to gods truth , hatred to ignorance , & loue to the soules of the parties rebuked , and thence brake out these sharp and charitable termes of reproofe . Habet vera Amicitia Barnard . 24● Epis. obiurgationem interdum , adulationem nunquam . Trew friendship chideth sometimes , flattereth neuer . But the case seemeth harder in flat curses , and prayers of execration , and vengeaunce , which notwithstanding by warrant from the spirit of God , haue proceeded lawfully from the mouthes of holie men , in especiall commission for the same . What woes , and iudgements Math. 11. doth the Lord thunder out against Chorazim , and Bethsaida , against Pharises , Scribes , and Math. 24. Ierem. 17. 18. Ierom. 18. 22 hypocrits ? Ieremie , and Dauid praye most feruently against certaine enimies to God and them selues . Saint Paule in particular against Alexander 2. Timoth. 4. 14 . the Coppersmith , prayeth the Lord , to reward him according to his deedes , which were euill and cruell . Noah chaunged his fatherly Genes. 9. 25. words of blessing into a heauie curse vpon his sonne Cham , and his posteritie .

What shall we say of all these , but that they were warranted by the spirit of God , and their place assigned to reprooue , and pronounce the sharp sentence of the Lord against his d●sperate enimies reuealed vnto them . For the prayers A●gust . in Psa. 108. and imprecations of those that were in●●wed with a spirit of prophecie , came not from any desire or delight they had to see Gods vengeaunce vpon others for any priuate respect : no not that calling of fire from heauen , by Elias , King ▪ 1. 2. nor that deadlie curse of Elisha vpon the ill nurtured children : but Elias was fired with a peculiar spirit , against the enemies of God , which being doubled on his seruant , procured him in the Lordes name to curse those malepart boyes , that reproched the ministerie of God , in the wanton mockerie of Elishaes defect . So that those curses , whereupon present execution followed , were but modus praedicendi August . in Psal. 108. futura , saith Austin , the maner of foretelling things to come : wherein the spirit giuing notice of Gods pleasure , the Prophet pronounced the iust vengeance of God to ensue . If any one now vndertake to curse , or call fire from heauen vpon any particular persons , as the Pope banneth and curseth the Lords annointed manie times : his praiers are turned into sinne , hee Luke . 9. 55. knoweth not what spirit he is of , and therefore where he curseth , the Lord blesseth .

But I heare ( me thinkes ) some one that hath caught a lewde custome of swearing , cursing , and wishing vengeance at euerie worde , yet maketh this foolish excuse for his filthie language : Although I speake all maner of mischiefe , curse damnablie , sweare horriblie , yet I protest ( with a monstrous oath ) that I meane no harme , it is not for reuenge , or anger , but custom : I am friends with God , and all the world ; And thus hee would iustifie the tree when the fruits be wicked . He sweares his yea and his nay backward and forward , hee salutes his friends , and seasons his ieasts with cursing & banning : and shall we beleeue that he feares God , when he teares God on this maner ? Shall wee thinke him so good a fellow , as he makes himselfe ? Salomon saith , the fauours of the wicked be crueltie , Prou. 12. 10 ▪ 14. 9. his courtesies be cursings , his salutations vengeance , and mischiefe . Are not these such fooles as make but a sport of sinne ? Are not these such deceitfull men , as feigne themselues mad , and cast firebrands at their friends ▪ and then say : Am Prou. 26. 18 . I not in sport ? It is the propertie of some dogs to barke not so much for curstnesse , as for custome , Petrarch . saith one : and yet it is but a currish qualitie at the best : and surely hee that hath such a continual issue , and canker in his mouth of rotten words , and bitter streames , must needs haue a sinke of corruption in the heart : and whatsoeuer small reconing hee maketh of cursing and blasphemie , yet hee that sweareth often , must needes bee like a seruant often beaten and Ecclus. 23. 10. 11. bunched , which can not be without some scarre , saith the wise man : and if he knowledge not his sinne , he maketh a double offense : for the righteous Lord , that wil demaund an account of euery Matth. 12. 36. idle worde , will not hold him guiltlesse vndoubtedly , that with monstrous oathes taketh his name in vaine , howsoeuer the iudgements of the Lord are not regarded by the wicked .

It is a question moued , and answered by that learned father Basil , whether he that vseth audacious speech , and rash termes , and yet vpon admonition for the same , maketh answere , Nihil habeo mali in corde , I haue no euil in my heart , Quest. 28. ●iffus . expl. be to be credited in this case or no ; His answere is that it fareth with a sicke soule , as with a sicke body . The diseases of the body appeare not to euery one ; no not to the Patient himselfe , when he is in his sharpest fittes : yet when he rageth & speaketh absurdly and idly , though he saith hee is not sicke , no man of meane experience will beleeue him , but rather pittie his case , being the more neere daunger , by how much hee seemes the farther from feeling and sense of his griefe .

In which case an expert physicion acquainted with the rules and signes of his art , is able to discerne the secret disease , and the daunger thereof , and better enforme the Patient of his estate , them the standers by , or the patient afflicted himselfe . So is it with a soule-sicke wretch , that nether feels his corruption , nor knows the depth of his deadly wound . For if he rage and belch out vnsauorie & rotten words , cursings & blasphemies , though he say his hart is sound and cleane , shall wee beleeue him ? Nay rather let vs giue credit to the Lord , which as a most approued Physicion hath set downe this Aphorisme as an infallible rule : Malus homo &c. An euill man out of the euill treasure of his hart bringeth forth euill . Luke . 6. 45. For of the aboundance of the heart the mouth speaketh . And howsoeuer mans conscience think it selfe cleare , or his mouth protesteth of his innocencie ; yet God is greater then his conscience , and will waken his sleepie soule at the last , by the scourge of the same conscience : but in the meane while wee are to know the tree by the fruict , and the fountaine by the water , assuring our selues , that where smoke and vapoures are there is some fire , and where maleuolent speaches breake forth , there is a malignant humour that sets them a float .

The offense of an euill tongue increaseth by circumstances of the person , that is assaulted by the ryot of the same . The highest degree is to set the mouth against heauen , as Rabsache , Isa. 36. and Iulian the Apostate did : the next is to curse Eccles. 10. 20. Exod. 22. 28. the King , or speake euill of the ruler of the people , to rayle at Authoritie : and then follow such as vnnaturally curse father or mother , or curse Leuit. 20. 9. their children as Michahs mother cursed hir son ; Iudges . 17. 2. Leuit. 19. 14. and such as vncharitably curse the deafe , which cannot heare , or foolishly curse themselues , and sweare as Peter did , to get credit amongst a Mark . 14. 71. cursed company that vsed belike that fashion in their affirmations .

As in all these the impatiencie or corruption of a wicked hart is discouered , so also doth it shew it selfe in the rage and crueltie of a man against the verie dumbe cattell , the power of whose life and death is in his handes . Balaam ●um . 22. 29. may discouer his wicked heart , when he exceedeth in wrath against his asse , and smiteth him with a staffe , and wisheth a sword in his hand like a ruffian to kill him : for a good man is mercifull to his Prou. 12. 10. cattell , saith Salomon : and the beast that hee may kill vpon an occasion , hee will not curse in his anger , for polluting his mouth , or inuring his tongue to a wicked custome , for euill speach corrupteth good maners . Nay Michael giueth vs an example , that we are not to blame no not the diuell himselfe with cursed speach , but to Iude. 1. 9. giue place to the Lord that shall rebuke him . And therefore they that defie him , and curse him with outragious tearmes , rather serue him and please him , then offend him : for saith the wise man , When the vngodly man curseth Satan , Ecclus. 21. 27. be curseth his owne soule .

But of all other , no cursed speakers are so daungerous in our estate , and neede so much to be curbed , as those monsters which Saint Peter 2. Pet. 2. shadoweth out in their colours , that walke after the flesh , in the lust of vncleannesse , despising gouernment , being presumptuous , and standing in their owne conceipt , and not fearing to speake euill of those that are in dignitie . Be there not many of that vipers brood , cockered vnder the Popes wings , that hisse like serpents , at their dearest mother , and curse like Shimei , casting out rayling bookes , like stones to hitte the Anoyncted of the Lord ? But they fall , like stones tossed into the ayre , vpon their owne heades . Amongst our selues at home : who is hee almost that dares not reuile those that are of greatest vertue , best desert , highest authoritie ? if they perceyue not such to fauour their dissolute behauiour . But when the Diuell and drinke meete togither , as they doe in many of our licentious people now a dayes , then is euerie sober man a noted enemie , euerie Magistrate that keepeth peace or good order , a professed foe . The Drunkardes will Psal. 69. 12. not sticke to make songes of Dauid , nor speake euill of the Gouernours ; and it is like that if the wine fayled not , that is , their liuings melted not , and beggerie came not vppon them like an armed man , they woulde Prou. 6. 11. not blush to braue Authoritie in open place , and disturbe the whole course of iustice . As for our selues that speake of peace , wee are sure to bee assayled with warre : when wee play vpon Dauids Harpe to ease their griefe , they cast their speares to wound vs : and charm wee neuer so sweetlie , yet this Serpent of reuenge and malice , either is deafe and will not heare : or fierce and readie to sting vs : but it is our portion : wee must beare it , you redresse it . And thus haue we discouered not only the humour , but the vapors and smoke of Reuenge kindled in the heart , and venting out at the mouth , that you the Lords beloued may see the deformitie , & reforme the fault , according to this prohibition of saint Pauls , Auenge not your selues : which hee expoundeth to the Ephes. after this sort : Let all buternesse , crying , Ephes. 4. 31. euill speaking , be put away with all maliciousnesse .

Next after the tongue we arrest by this Prohibition 3. Reuenging hands arrested the wilfull hands , and violent proceedings of those that wil be their owne caruers , & therfore without deliberation with themselues , without expectation of Gods vengeaunce , against right , reason , and al good order , reuenge their iniuries receiued in deede , or imagined in conceipt .

The Apostle heere speaketh in tearmes of loue to all : but how shall wee speake ? or what stile shall we vse to the rufflers , & hacksters of our age ? Shall wee call them beloued ? That were out of fashion with such affectate male-contents , that take a pride to be partakers of the curse of Ismael : that had his hand vp against euery Genes. 16. 12. man , and euery mans hand against him . Shall wee call them christians , & so teach them their dutie ? That name fitteth not the tragicall humor , and stage-like behauiour of our dayes : wherein euery Nouice , like a fury , learnes to cry Reuenge , to offer the stabbe , to threaten the pistoll , and in their aduantage not to spare : no not a brother , but to strike him , as * * Primus diabo . li discipulus . Bas . Genes. 4. Caine , the first disciple of the diuell , did Abel : not a reconciled friend , but to wound him traiterously as Ioab did 2. Sam. 3. 27. Abner . Alas how is that pretious accompt forgotten which the Lord maketh and demandeth of man and beast , for shedding of mans bloud , Gen. 9. 5. with an vnpriuiledged sword , and a priuate anger ! What small reconing is made to deface the Image of God , or teare the flesh of our selues , as though men were become wolues & dragons , to their owne kinde ! Is that valour & fortitude so to feare another mans life , that thou canst not liue in quiet , till thou hast seene his death ? Is it manhood , to be monstrous , and cruell , like the ould Gyants ; or sauage , like beasts of the pray ?

If you prouoke beasts , they lay about them presently Lactant. lib. 6 Instit. Cap. 18. with horne and hoofe , saith a father : and so doe fooles receiuing hurt , being led with a reasonlesse furie , to reuenge ; they cannot respite theyr rage , nor mitigate theyr passions . A foole rageth and is carelesse , and in the hast of his anger hee committeth follie , sayth that wise king : but Prou. 14. 16. shall the heate of his bloud excuse his assaults of violence & murder before the Lord ? Shall his anger , being a short madnesse acquire him ? Or shall the wounds that are giuen without Prou. 23. 29. cause , by such as tarry long at the wine , till they are enraged with heate , and dispossessed of wit , pleade a pardon for him , that killeth his companion in drinke ? Aske but the Philosopher , and he will tell vs , that drunken offenses deserue double punishment , for such madnesse is voluntarie , Arist. eth. 3. and such ignorance is wilfull : therefore our common speach sufficiently concludeth this poynt , which awardeth him that killeth a man when he is drunke , to bee hanged when hee is sober .

But of all other , that same violence and murther which is effected by presumption , and premeditated circumstances , is prohibited by the Lord , and to bee resisted by the sworde of his vengeance . O that this sinne might not bee found in the house of Iacob ; But what age is this ? Or what people doe wee liue amongst ? Bluntly to kill , and simplie to murther , is but for plaine fellowes : our gallants that studie to bee madde with reason , haue an art of killing , rules , traditions , and precepts to teach them murther by the booke : in which they growe more expert then captaine Ioab , which 2. Sam. 3. 27. 2. Sam. 20. 10. could take the first ribbe in his stabbes , where he was sure to speede . Such cunning there was in Ierusalem , not long before the ruine and desolation thereof : for common stabbers , with Ioseph . bell . Iud. lib. 2. cap. 12. their cloaked poyniards , and short daggers , in the middest of assemblies dispatched those agaynst whome they made any quarrell , with ●icarii . great arte and secrecie . And it can bee no good presagement in anie Countrie , when bloudthirstie men growe expert , and boast like tyrants , men of power and strength to doe mischiefe , and take away life : when alas it is more August . in Psal. 52. grace and prowesse to giue life , or preserue it : for euerie vermine , and base viper can wounde and kill : and is this a propertie for strong men to glorie in ?

But wee heare dayly the replie of some in their impatient mood : What ? shal we suffer all ? be made fooles ? accounted cowards ? and be so disarmed , and bound to the peace , that euery one shal ouer-crow vs and oppresse vs ? He that putteth vp an old iniurie , prepares a new for himself . These are to vnderstand , that the same God which forbiddeth priuate reuenge , hath ordained a publike redresse for all iniuries , either by them that carry the weapons of his wrath , or by himself , if iudgement slumber with them . And therfore as we haue a restraint to keepe vs from reuenging 3. Direction . our selues : so we haue a direction whither to go , & speed of a remedie in all our grieuances : Giue place vnto wrath . He that wil right his owne cause , & be his own stickler & champion , takes the place of Gods wrath , & intrudes himself ; but the beloued of the Lord must giue place : if thou canst not forbeare iniuries , yet forbeare , & expect a day of hearing of the righteous Iudge , or his lawful delegats . Neither when priuate men see notorious sinnes vnpunished , is it lawfull for them vpon an ouershot zeale , to take vp the sworde , and play the Reformers .

Such a one ( wilt thou alledge ) is a forsworne wretch , Gods enimie : and therefore I may doe the Lord good seruice to kill him .

Who art thou that so iudgest , and presumest to haue powre of life and death , without a commission ? Keepe thou thy bounds , wait vpon the Lord , tarrie his leasure . Priuate men haue no further plea , but complaints to their superiours , or teares and prayers to the Lord , in such a case . Peter must put vp his sword , or else Peter must perish Math. 26. 52. with the sword . Although Symeon and Leui , seeme to haue a iust cause of their violent course , against Shechem , and aske if hee should Genes. 34. 31. abuse their sister , as an whore ; yet theyr father layeth a brand of Gods wrath vpon them , for being Genes. 49. 5. brethren in euill , and slaying the man ( though an offender ) in their cruell rage .

Iudas and Theudas started vp in a time of tyrannie and oppression , when the people were mightily racked with the Romane exactions , and pretended Actes . 5. a deliuerance : but their enterprise , being not of God , came to naught , with all the partakers . The like successe had the Anabaptists in Munster , who made a religious shew , of repressing Sleidan . lib. 5. the tyrannie , and vngodlynesse of the gouernours of their times . And what other end had our Ket of Northfolke , or such like vpstarts ? who swelling to a head by the confluence of many poore wretches , crying out reformation , at length burst themselues like a botch , and declared their corruption . But we are otherwise Prou. 24. 21. taught , to feare God and the king , and not to meddle with them that are seditious : to remoue our matters from our owne affection , to the Lords iudgement , not to auenge our selues , but giue place vnto his wrath : not that wee should make the lawe ( being his ordinance ) an engayne to serue our lusts , as the foxes & troublesome suitors doe , of whom wee shall speake heare after ▪ but that it may be a refuge to keepe vs in peace , to defend our innocencie , which if it doth not performe : yet patiently we are to expect the wrath of our God , that can still the enemie and the Auenger in his good time . Now as many reasons were raised from the louing title to keepe vs from reuenge , so is this restraint Foure reasons against selfe-reuenge . 1. Reason from the action of auenging . full of matter to disswade from that sinister course .

If we consider first this action of auenging , what is it but to repay euill with euill , to punish vice with sinne , and to imitate the wicked in his workes and waies of mischiefe ? Qui malum Lactant. Improbitati opposita impatia en●ia magna● concitat tempestates . imitatur bonus esse non potest : he that imitateth the bad , cannot be good himselfe . He shall haue as good as he brings , sayest thou : he brings the fruite of iniustice , and thou payest him with the thornes of impatiencie . Because thine enemie is vniust , wilt thou be vngodly ? because he is an oppressor , or a slaunderer , wilt thou be froward , and a murtherer ? Ne vtaris inimico praeceptore , saith Basil : let not thine enemy be thy scholemaster , to tech thee that which thou detestest in him . Shuldest thou be a glasse to resemble the fury & madnes of the wicked in his angry moode ? or should thy voice be the Echo of his vngracious speach ? or thy hand the iustrument to bandy backe againe his balles of fire and mischiefe ? No , rather ouercome th eeuill with good : fire quencheth not fire , but rather settes all on a flame : neither can euill represse euill , but increase it rather : and one iniury linked to another ( as Samsons foxes , fastned with firebrands at their tailes ) disturbe the quiet , and destroy the fruit of whole societies . But he that rendreth good for bad , heapeth hote coales vpon his enemies head , not to consume him by his will , but to kindle and stir him to charitie againe , or at the least to a confession against himselfe , such as Saul made to Dauid ; Thou art more righteous than I. This is the victory that ● , Sam. 24. 18. Christians , which are the heires of blessing , should content themselues withall . Contrarywise , Barnard admi●lites templi . Infelix victoriaest , in qua hominem superans , vitio succumbis : It is an vnglorious victory , when conquering a man , thou art foiled by a beastly vice .

Secondly if we note the person here discharged 2. Reasons from the person reuenging . from reuenge : it is our selues . How absurd it is that one man should be plaintiffe , witnesse , Iudge , and executioner , al himselfe in his owne cause , the lawes of God , of men , of nature , and common sense can teach vs . He that is first in his Prouerb . 18. 17. owne cause is iust : that is : telleth a sound tale for himselfe , till his neighbour come and controll it . If the plaintiffe goe no further then the court of his owne affections , he shall haue all the fauour that may be , for he is Amicus curiae , and the defendant shall haue neither audience , nor aduocate there , but all extremitie : for what other thing can be expected , when a man is plaintiffe , witnesse , Iudge , and executioner all himselfe ; but that the action should be rashly commenced , the witnesse corrupt , the iudgement partiall , and the execution both sodaine and violent .

In regard whereof our priuate matters are dismissed from our owne partiall hearing , & wee are inhibited as Iudges in competent to deale for our selues . And although Christians should cary a court of conscience about them , wherein there is no corruption , nor partiality , no hard measure intended to others , but such as they desire to be returned to themselues , yet to auoide the slander & suspition of iniustice , they are to abide the publike triall , & to submit themselues , to the censure of the Lords appointed ministers , & in no case to defile their hands with the base execution of their owne reuenge . 3. From the direction , a ▪ reason against reuenge . A third reason is drawen from the direction made , to send vs where we should seeke , & may finde remedie of al enormities : Giue place vnto wrath . Wherin is thus much implyed , that although , thou haddest the sword & the law in thine own hand , and mightest be thine owne caruer , ●and Champion , yet thy hands might faile thy heart ; though thy priuate anger be curst , yet hath it but short hornes : the strongest reuenger meeteth with his match . Therefore that auncient tryall by combat , is growne out of practise with Christians , because therein the innocent partie is as farre endaungered as the offender , the weake truth is made a prey to strong falsehood , rather then a punishment : And the Lord hath ordained diligent inquisition to sift out offences , and an oath to be the end of controuersies , and girded his magistrates with power and maiesty to suppresse the mightie , & hath not left the defence of the innocent , or the reuenge of the wicked , to one mans valour , or to the hazard of a thing vncertaine , or the exercise of a priuate mans wrath , which hath no warrant from the Lord , but is rather a tempting of God , then a due course of tryall in matters punishable by the sword . It is not for the weakenes of mans anger to preuent the power of gods ordinance . Fret not thy selfe against sinners to doe euill , but trust in the Lord and hee will care for thee : be silent , and he will speake for thee : stand thou still , and he will fight in thy cause . If thou drawest out thy wodden & hasty dagger , he putteth his sword into his scabberd , and leaues thee to thy selfe . A childe that is hurt , doth not turne againe , but runnes and complaines to his father : Christians must as children , declare their wrongs to God their father , & let him alone , giue place to his wrath : we are but vnderlings , he is our Champion : it is policie for the weake to giue ouer his defence to the strong : it is duety to giue place to our betters , and danger to preoccupate & take the Lords vengeance out of his strong hand . Therefore let our hearts be still , our tongues quiet , our hands peaceable , least in priuate reuenge we imitate the wicked , shew our selues corrupt Iudges , base executioners , preuent the Lords assistance , and perish in our owne weake and froward waies .

But I neede not stand longer to presse the wordes of the prohibition , for arguments against this priuate reuenge : seeing we may shew a transcript and copie , out of gods sacred charter and holy Oracles to take down the hearts , silence the mouthes , and restraine the handes 2. Confirmation . of all slesh , from their sinister proceedings . What art thou that darest intrude into gods right and title ? Vengeance is mine ; what art thou that threatnest , and sayest thou wilt do to thy foe , as he hath done to thee ? I will repay , saith the Lord . As in the prohibition the sword of vengeance is wrested out of euery priuate mans hand , and they brought to attend the Lords power and pleasure for the righting of their wrongs : so in this confirmation , the Lord as it were cloathed in his royall apparel , his crowne of maiesty vpon his head , the earth trembling at Psal. 93. 1 . his lookes , deuouring fire going from his throne , maketh knowne his title by this claime , vengeance is mine : and taking his sword , seemeth to shake and brandish it in threatning manner , against all vsurpers , & euill doers : with this prohibition : vengeance is mine , I will repay : saith the Lord . Behold ( Right worshipful ) the Patent & charter from whence your authority is deriued , & whereby the reuerence and submission that euery soule must yeelde , is procured and enforced . All creatures and ordinances be the Lords , but this ordinance of iudgement he entitleth himselfe vnto , by precise , and speciall tearmes , as being a thing wherin he will mightily declare his power and maiesty , and therefore 1 The chalenge bp the exe●ution . 3. The subs●●ption . first is recorded his challenge : vengeance is mine : secondly his execution of the same , I will repay it : thirdly the subscription of his great name is affixed , as thus : saith the Lord . That this is the Lords true act and deede , and a faithfull copie out of the Originall , Saint Paul the Register of Gods holy spirit giueth witnesse , with scriptum est : it is written . The diuell beganne with the like florish of scriptum est , twise when hee tempted Christ , to make stones of bread , and to cast himselfe from a pinnacle : yet hee brought but a shadowe no substance , he vrged the letter but not the trew meaning : but when he came to the kingdomes of the world and the glory thereof , he Luke . 4. 6. fled from his scripture , and hath not so much as one letter or tittle to plead , but onely his bare worde , All these are mine ; If you aske how he came by them , he answeres as the theefe at the barre , they were deliuered vnto him , by whom he cannot tell , the time he remembers not , the place he hath forgot : which is as much to say , they are none of his indeede , hee holdes them by vsurpation , not by any right , hee forgeth a donation , but can make no deliuery nor good warrantize of his gifts . But the Lord , which is witnessed to be the same which raigned of olde , which made all nations , and therefore correcteth all , did Psal. 55. 19. 94. 10. Deut. 32. 35. thunder out his glorious chalenge by Moses , and confirmed by wonders and miracles , that vengeance and recompense was his ; insomuch that Dauid giues testimonie , of the Lords title againe and againe repeated in Psal. 62. 11. his hearing : GOD spake once and twice , I haue heard it , that power belongeth vnto GOD . And the Apostle in this place , sheweth the Lords former title , and pleadeth the continuance of possession without interruption : For it is wtitten , saith hee , and the scripture is not in vaine which speaketh after this maner , vengeance is mine , I will repay , saith the Lord .

This vengeance so claimed by the Lord , is Vengeance spiritual● . eyther spirituall , or ciuill and corporall . The spirituall vengeance is not assigned to the ministers of God , in pompe , & externall violence ; For the weapons of our warrefare be not carnall 2. Cor. 10 4. ( saith S. Paul ) but mighty through God ; the beautie is not outward , but within : the power is not to tyrannize vpon the bodie by a secular arme , nor yet to sley the soule , as the man of sinne would seeme with his brutish thunderbolts , but to threaten from God , to declare & pronounce the vengeance of the Lord , but leaue the execution to himselfe , because we know he will repay , and to this effect , the Author to the Heb. 10 30. Hebrewes produceth this same charter , as one that speaketh by knowledge : we know him that hath saide : vengeance is mine I will recompense , saith the Lord . Vengeance temporall .

That vengeance which is corporall & reacheth but the bodie , is partly reserued to the lords owne hand , immediatly to inflict particularly in this life , and generally , at the last great day of his vengeance : partly it is committed to substitutes , and his ministers of wrath to cherishe the well doers , and cut downe the euill . So that though it please him to call his Iudgements vengeance , and to claime it ; by this most terrible denomination to strike feare and reuerence into all mens hearts : yet by the same speach he vnderstandeth also that mercy and fauour belongeth to him : as it doth indeed more properly & naturally . For saith Barnard , Inserm . de ●at . Domi. he is called not only the God of vengeance , but pater m●s●ricordiarum , the father of mercies : because out of himselfe , and the bowels of his owne natiue goodnesse , he takes matter of compassion , and mercy : sed quòd Iudicat & condemnit , nos eum quodammodo cogimus : but in that he iudgeth In vengeance there must be mercy . and condemneth , the matter and occasion is in our selues , and we after a sort compell him vnto it . We haue therefore the example & precept of the Lord himselfe , to keepe vs that are priuate , from intrusion , disobedience , or a hard conceipt of the magistrate , such as the Anabaptists are possessed with , affirming the politique gouern our to be a necessarie euill , and Danaeus . de hom. lib. 4. cap. 24. rather a plague , then a benefit to Christians , because he doth punish . And the same example from the Lord we may shewe as a president , against those rulers that be all for vengeance , and extremitie ; nothing for mercy nor compassion . For the Lord hath appointed the rulers to be shepheards and watchmen , to feed and preserue : not roaring lyons and hungry beares Pro 28. 15. Micha. 3. to prey vpon the people , to trample vpon them as mire , and grinde them in peeces with extortion & polling . Our Sauiour Christ therefore calleth gouernors 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , benefactors and gracious , not malefactors and mischieuous , because by their title hee would teach them their duety . And if the Lord had ordained his magistrates onely to kill , to racke , and to poll his people , hee might haue put in the diuell for a sole Commissioner , for hee can practise nothing else , but mischiefe and vengeance : but because the magistrate must vse mercie and a fauourable defence of the good , a correction of euill , and not a confusion of all together : therefore hath the Lord committed his sword vnto men , and gaue them this title , I haue saide you are Gods , intending they should Psal. 82. 6. be iust as God , holy as God , mercifull vpon occasion as God , without partiality as God , without iniquity as God , & so doing , they may be fearelesse of the faces of men , as God himselfe . Thus may all men in authoritie behold their faces & dueties in the glasse which sheweth the Lords properties , and telleth them how neere they come to his perfection . The Lord doth not onely exercise punishment , but pitie , and compassion . How farre be those Iudges and officers from the Lords example , that pinch all in the purse , let none goe free , what person soeuer in what cause soeuer , if hee light in their clawes , whose courts resemble the Popes Purgatory ; if he say the word , or any of his proctors , that the soules of men are in , though they be out , yet pay they must by themselues or their friendes , before they be at rest , though they were at quiet before . And how like are such to the ignorant physitions , that prescribe to all persons , in all causes , phlebotomie and letting of bloud , as though euery disease were of excesse and superfluitie , none of defect and penurie : for they drawe bloud of all , and lighten the purse of euery Patient , and this maketh the world to decrease in wealth , but increase in sinnes . What warrant such officers haue for their dealings , I knowe not , except it be this vulgar proued trewe : hee that buyes deare , must seldeare , & he that farmes at a hard rent , must take vp all with the angle , & drag all with the net .

Neuerthelesse it is a more desperate case , when in a Commonwealth a man may do any thing without punishment , then when hee can doe nothing , but he smarts for it . A licentious liberty is more dangerous then seruitude it selfe : & therfore better haue a sharpe gouernour , than In execution mercy , but not remissenesse . an Idole & a blocke , that suffereth the people to be deuoured one of another , & consumed of themselues . Wherfore as the Lord conueyeth ouer his authority to men , & confirmeth them in their place , with these titles , that Iudgement is his ; power is his ; the throne his ; the sword his ; & vengeance is his : so he teacheth them the diligent vse , & carefull execution , adding this clause , I will repay . When Iehos hap hat had ordained Iudges vnder him , he giueth them the same charge , that he had receiued from God & the same encouragement . Take heed what yee do : for ye execute not the Iudgements of man , but of the Lord , 2. Chron. 19. 6 and hee will be with you in the cause of iudgement● wherefore now let the feare of the Lord be vpon you : take heede , and doe it : for there is no iniquitie with the Lord our God , neither respect of person , nor receiuing of rewarde . So that the place of a Iudge is not a place of priuate reuenge , nor a dumbe shewe of honour and pompe : nor a pillowe of ease and securitie whereon men are to sleepe , or tell the clocke : but there must be circumspection , diligence and wisdome : they must take heede , and doe it , hoc agite , attend vpon this office : doe this , and yet take heede what ye doe . When the Lord hath saide to rulers , yee are gods , hee meaneth not that they shoulde be like the Epicures idle god , which sate in his throne , and Psal. 82. let all inferior matters alone , as to base for his eyes : nay rather the Lord woulde haue them like himselfe , which doth not onely Isai. 40. 12. weigh mountaines and hilles in his ballance , but the very dust of the earth , and sandes of the sea . And therefore he setteth downe iudgement Exod. 18. 22. for small matters : and as he saith vengeance is mine , so by Salomon he descendeth lower , and Prou. 16. 11. layeth claime to the ballance , and telleth vs that all the weightes in the bagge , be the worke of the Lord . And who are weaker or lower , then the fatherlesse , the widowe , the poore ? and yet al Iudges haue the Lords Letter commendatory , or mandatory rather , in their behalfe : the tenor whereof is this ; doe right to the poore and fatherlesse , Psal. 82. doe Iustice to the poore and needy : and how they should do this right , he telleth them : deliuer the poore and needy : saue them from the hand of the wicked . And further to keepe the Iudges themselues in awe , hee standeth ouer them , and telleth them of his presence , in the very entrance of the Psalme , saying : God standeth in the assembly of gods , hee Iudgeth amongst gods : he maketh one , in all courts , all assises , & Psal. 82. 1. sessions , and that which men passe ouer , he finds out : that which they winke at , hee punisheth . The Iudges ignorance will not excuse him , if for carelesnes , he suffer the calamitie of the innocent : for if thou say , Behold we knew not of it ; the holy Ghost will reply as in the Prouerbes , hee that pondereth the heart , doth not he vnderstand it ? Prou. 24. 12. and hee that keepeth thy soule , knoweth hee it not ? and will not hee also recompense euery man according to his worke ? And the righteous man Iob will teach thee in dignitie , what thou oughtest to haue done , in his Apology , touching Iob. 29. 16. intricate matters , for when he knewe not the cause , hee sought it out diligently , as hee saith of himselfe . At leastwise the Lord himselfe that vpon the clamorous outcry of Sodomes sinnes in his eares , commeth downe G●● . 18. 21. on the earth , to examine if their sinnes were so grieuous or no : doth rather intend an instruction to those whom he honoureth with the title of Gods : then further intelligence to his owne wisdome , from the which nothing was hidde .

According to the power assigned from God , must be the purpose , & practise of euery gouernour . For what is a sword , if it be alwaies like a childes dagger , riuetted in the sheath , and put to no vse ? what are good lawes without execution , but as belles without clappers ? And what are magistrates , that hauing neither the life nor soule of iustice in themselues , & therefore cannot quicken the dead letter of the lawes , nor make them effectuall in sound or motion ? Are not they rather Idoles than Gods ? rather Images that must be kept by a sexten & keeper Lodouic . Viues in . 1. lib. cap. 3. de ciuit . Dei . ( for so Plato speaketh of voluptuous and doting gouernours ) then guardians and keepers of cuntryes , cityes and people themselues ?

It is a trewe saying experimented daily , that Magistratus indicat virum : the honour and authoritie Aristot. lib. 5. of an office , maketh triall what is in the man that beares it . A priuate man like an empty vessell may haue many flawes and crackes , many faults and defectes that appeare not : but as when vesselles are filled , the chinkes are descryed , by the leakeage of the wine : so when men are graced with authoritie , their vnsoundnesse is discouered through some chinke of folly , or feare , or carelesnesse , or else they proue staunche , and shewe their sufficiency , for wisdome and conscience .

The best course in those that haue a preheminence to ordaine officers , is to try them by degrees , first if they wil be faithfull in little things , that so they may be credited at last with the great : or as men proue their vesselles , with water , before they trust them with wine . Absolon 2. Sam. 15. will be lowly & popular to al suiters , & promise faire to doe Iustice , till he get aloft , and then he sheweth himselfe neither to feare God nor the king , neither to care for Iustice nor honestie . Men can spreade the nets of humilitie , and weaue them with the knots of subtiltie , till they haue caught their desire , and then they shewe their hypocrisie . It seemeth that Pope Boniface followed this course in his clyming : of whome it is spoken ▪ Intrauit vt vulpes , Fascic ▪ temp. Boniface . 8. regnauit vt leo , mortuus vt canis ▪ hee entered like a foxe , hee ruled like a lyon , hee dyed like a dogge . And so commonly it comes to passe , a badde beginning hath a wicked proceeding , and a miserable ende . Wherefore it is expedient for men of honour , worshippe , and authoritie to carrie this title of the Lorde , and this promisse of execution in their memorie , that by it they may be comforted in their good proceedings , repressed from cruelty , & the exercise of priuate reuenge in their publike actions ; & yet stirred vp to be diligent & carefull , because the Lord himselfe is not only a looker on , but a chiefe Actor . For vengeance is mine , and I will repay , saith the Lord .

Now shall it be requisite againe to returne to priuate men , and the people of God for whose sake the Lord hath vouchsafed his power and maiesty , his iustice and equitie , to be established ▪ and executed by worthy men ordained for that end . They are inhibited from that reuenge , which they could not execute without sinne : & sent vnto the courts of gods Iudgement , where they may haue a defence of innocencie without repulse . If any shall obiect the faults , delayes , and circumuentions of courts and lawes , thereby colouring their disobedience to superior powers , they must vnderstand that gods holy ordinance must not be resisted for the personal crimes & defects of those that supply the places , but rather be obeyed , because the sparkes of gods maiesty & iustice remaine in some measure in euery magistrate . The image & superscription of a Prince , stamped in basemetall , is currant amongst his subiects , as well as that which is made in the finest siluer , though in deed it be not so pretious . S. Peter admonisheth seruants , and vnder that title , subiects , to be obedient in all feare , not onely to the good and 1. P●t. 2. 18. courteous , but also to the froward . There be two sorts of people that abuse themselues toward the sacred ordinance of lawes , magistrates , and gouernours ; appointed notwithstanding for the punishment of euill , and the decision of controuersies , that Gods people might liue in honestie and peace .

The one sort are flat Recusants , as Libertines , 1. Recusants ▪ ciuill ordinances , and Anabaptists : and such tumultuous fellowes as would haue al subiect to their lusts , but they will be subiect to no lawes .

The other are Foxes that make accompt of 2. Foxes and ▪ abusers of the lawes . the Iudges and lawes , and vse them to the satisfaction of their priuate reuenge , and malicious humours .

Somewhat are we to speake , God willing , of both : and first , of those former Recusants ? not because any such are in this place : but because vnquiet , and troublesome s●●ters , that follow the lawe to serue their lusts : when they faile of their hope , for the most part turne from one extreame to another , and set themselues cleane at defiance , with Iustice & Authoritie .

Touching Libertines , which promise others libertie , Recusants Libertimes ▪ 2. Pe● ▪ 2. 19. themselues being the seruants of corruption , which walke after their lusts , and despise gouernment , it is no maruell if they scorne and contemne order and magistracie , seeing they dare open their mouthes against heauen , and say , There is no God . But as they blush not to be called the Damned crew : thereby sentencing themselues , to confusion ; So Saint Peter accompteth ● . Pet. 2. 12. them as bruit beastes , led with sensualitie , and made to be taken and destroyed . If you aske howe they shall perish ? Saint Peter answereth , through their owne corruption , the cordes of their owne sinne shall stoppe their breath : and though they escape long , and shift often ; yet the Lord knoweth how to reserue ● . Pet. 2. 9. them to the day of vengeance .

The Anabaptists , and such as leane to their Recusant Anabaptists . stubborne conceipt , are also within the compasse of such Recusants . They would haue all things common to their owne lusts , and nothing reserued or kept for any mans need . Because some rulers are wicked , therfore they will haue no rule nor gouernment at al to be ouer them : a gratefull principle to them that desire to be lawlesse . I know the good father Tertullian may be produced as a patrone for theese : for hee Dan● ▪ in August . de heres. cap. 86. was ouertaken by this errour , that he thought the vse of the sworde in battell , or punishments coulde not bee lawfull , and therefore degraded all capitall and criminall Iudges from their places .

But fathers as men might be deceiued , and so was Tertullian : the Lord himselfe can neither deceiue , nor bee deceiued , and hee hath said , Vengeaunce is mine . He hath said , Giue Matth. 22. 21. vnto Caesar , that which is Caesars . Hee by his worde hath created the Magistrate , called him his Minister , put the sword in his hand , charged Rom. 13. him to strike : and commaunded euerie soule to be subiect , not so much for feare , as the wicked are , but euen for conscience , as the godly . He commanded the captiues by Ieremie , to seeke the prosperitie Ierem. 29. 7 . of Babylon , and pray vnto the Lord for it : He exhorted by Paule , that intecessions and 1. Tim. 2 ▪ ● . supplications should be made for Kings and princes , and all that were in authoritie : the King of Babylon knew not God , the rulers in Saint Pauls time were no Christians , but heathens and tyrants : yet such gouernours are to bee obeyed , and prayed for : that vnder them Christians may liue in peace , godlines , and honesty : how much more the faithful gouernors , that seeke themselues the peace of Ierusalem , & the righteousnes of Gods kingdome ? though many blemishes may be noted , and imperfections of men , in the administration of iudgement vnder them .

Here may we not forget the Papistical Cleargie , Recusant Papists . that acknowledge the power of the Magistrate , when they would haue their pestilen thatred executed against the saints of God , which they call heretikes : but when iustice shoulde worthilye bee turned vpon themselues , then they pleade exemptions , and priuiledges , they are spirituall & may not be touched ; forgetting that which the Lord hath set downe for a perpetual Canon : Let euery soule be subiect . Which Chrysostome expoundeth of Church-men , as well as of lay people : Siue Apostolus , siue Euangelista , siue Propheta fueris , Magistratui subesse debes . Be thou Apostle , Euangelist , or Prophet , or whatsoeuer , thou must yeeld subiection to the temporall Magistrate .

As these would exempt themselues from their due obedience to Rulers ; and yet shrowd themselues vnder their wings , for reuenge , or defence : so Iulian the Apostate , did exact obedience and tribute , belonging to gouernours : but perswaded all Christians , that his tyrannie and crueltie , was good for them , they might not resist but suffer : If hee stroke them vpon one cheeke , they should turne the other : thus , in an irreligious ieast , sending in deede his subiects to heauen , and himselfe merrily into hell . It seemeth , the common translation , which the Romanists follow , speaketh contrarie to their own practise and meaning : Non defendentes , hath the translation in this place ; not defending your selues : but their practise is contrarie : for they trouble heauen and earth , for the auenging of their quarrelles : and doubt not by any violent proceedings to supplant Kings and Princes , and depose them from their thrones , being animated and warranted by that hellish resolution of Gregorie the seauenth , & his successors : that treason against vnbeleeuing Princes is lawfull .

But touching the wordes of our Sauiour Christ , where he prepareth Christians to beare iniuries without resistance : they take not away publike and lawfull defence , such as is sought by a due course of complaint , or reply , at the hand of the Magistrate , without rancour and heart-burning . For when he teacheth Christians , that being smitten vpon one cheeke , they Math. 5. should turne , to him that smiteth , the other : he intendeth they should bee so farre from rendering one blowe for another , that rather they should suffer two , then reuenge one : and yet not to faile in the lawfull defence of themselues . For in the same Chapter immediately , our Sauiour saith : Agree with thine aduersarie quickly , least he deliuer thee to the Iudge , and the Iudge to the Sergeant ; without doubt ratifying the course of ciuill proceedings in iudgement . Moreouer , he giueth example of this himselfe , who being smitten , did not strike againe , but yet he expostulateth de facto , touching the deed , whether it were lawfull or no , in him that strook him . If I haue euill spoken , beare witnesse of the euill : but if I haue well spoken , why smitest Iohn . 18. 23. August . ad Marcellin . thou me ? Vbi ostendit ( saith Austen ) praeparationem maxillae faciendam esse in corde : where he sheweth that the preparation of the other cheeke must be made in the heart . For so Christ Isai. 56. Iesus gaue his cheekes to the nippers , and was not onely content to suffer blowes , but death for his enimies . The like example giueth Paule before the high priest , reprouing the iniustice of the Acts. 23. 3. Acts. 21. 13. ●om. 9. 3. Acts. 23. 17. Iudge , and yet prepared to suffer bondes and death , and to bee separate from Christ for his countrimen . Moreouer , did not the same Paul obtaine a safe conduct for his safegard , against certaine wretched fellowes that had sworne his death ? Did he not appeale to Caesar , and Acts. 25. 12. take the honest aduauntages of the lawe to helpe himselfe ? If this were the practise of the best men , who doubteth but our Sauiours precept respecteth the heart , and priuate court of mans conscience , prouiding against all impatiencie , and immoderate desire of reuenge , but leauing open the lawe for a lawfull defence , and open preseruation of life , goods , bodie , and name . So then the law is good , if it be not abused , as it is saide in another sense : for it serueth to redresse all wrongs , to represse all tumults , and therefore was it a wise speach of the towne Clerke of Ephesus , to the raging Idolaters : If Demetrius , or the crafts men haue a matter against any man , the law is open , and Acts. 19. 38. there are deputies , let them accuse one another .

And here come in the foxes and followers of Such as abuse the law by ouerusing the same . the law , such as will not reuenge in words , nor blowes , but rather desire to bee slaundered , and to take blowes , yet not for any meeknesse , but to get an aduauntage in lawe , wherein they may shew all extremitie of lingering reuenge . And here they spend their witte , their wealth , their friends , their time , their soules , & all : as the Spider that woorketh out her owne bowels , to compasse hir prey . Wil you examine what be their actions and suits commonly ? Surely words of vnkindnesse , actions of some deserued slaunder , some trespasse pedibus ambulando : de lanacaprina , & asini vmbra . Of goates wooll , and the shadow of an asse . How do these Sycophants abuse the ordinance of God , with their contention for trifles ? They are not vnlike those nice people , that continually lie in the handes of physitions and surgeons for pimples and warts , when both the physition and the lawyer was appointed for necessity , and not for wantonnesse . Am I deceiued ? or do I not see these suters pestered with boxes and papers ( the bookes of their profession ) to course about from place to place , more busie to cast away their money then then the lawyer to catch it : They haue a running sore of self-will , and malice , but their worde is onely Currat lex , Let the lawe haue his course : a course they meane without ende , except they can saciate their wilfull mindes with a full triumph ouer their impouerished aduersarie . Their courage is inuincible : for neither the admonition of friendes , threates of authoritie , no nor badde successe in theyr suytes , can make them giue ouer , and sit downe by it : for it fares with them as with the drunkard in the Prouerbes , that boasteth after this maner : They haue stricken me , but I was not sicke : they Prou. 23. 35. haue beaten me , but I knewe not of it , when I awoke : therefore will I seeke it yet still . As such seeke the wine when it hath bitten them , so these being drunken in the pursuite of their malice , though they smarted a while , and caught an ouerthrowe , yet will rouze themselues and to it againe : for hote gamsters will take no checke , nor repulse : losing is no warning ; but the more they lose , the more they seeke to venture .

I know what this generation will replie , if they heare me : We haue stoode before the best in good presence , in the highest Courtes of greatest honour , and iustice . Surely I graunt it , for the Spider worketh hir webbes , and taketh holde with Prou. 30. 28. hir handes , often in Kings palaces ; and Satan , the father of all false accusers , liers , and busie bodies , Iob. 1. Zachar. 3. standeth before the Lord amongst his seruants ; but it is to accuse , slaunder , and picke aduauntages against Gods people .

I perswade my selfe that the wisedome of you ( graue fathers ) can marke out such , better then I describe them . And ye the learned counsellors that are interpreters of the lawe , of credite and conscience , will be loath to open their mouthes in the gates , for such turbulent suiters . Yet ( giue me leaue ) no cause is so desperate , no client so peruerse , that findeth not a solicitor , at the least , to helpe enuie forwarde , and pull iustice backward , if there be wilfulnesse , and abililtie in the follower . Notwithstanding I am assured , that the best for counsaile , and conscience , amongst you , detest both the contencious quarrellers , and all those brokers of ill causes that by shifts and quillets disturbe the honourable Courts of Iustice , and turne wholesome Iudgement into bitter wormewood . And indeed as the lawe is a comfortable baulme , to plaister vp the woundes and sores of euery priuate disquiet , with conuenient expedition : so ( with all due reuerence to Gods ordinance be it spoken ) are the delayes , quirkes , and demurres , like the corrosiue plaisters of an vnconscionable leach , which turne a small greene wound into an incurable Fistula , by poisoning and exulcerating the same , for their further practise and lucre . But I speake in vaine , if I direct my speach to these kinde of people , who are not present in this place now , for the church is as the shadow of death vnto them , and they haue earnest businesse , which they loue aboue their soules . To you therefore prudent Counsellers , and all that feare God , be it spoken . Remember Psal. 5. 8. that as vengeance is Gods , so the lawes are Gods , Iudgement is Gods , Counsell is Gods , verdict and sentence are Gods . He that hath said , Iudge righteouslie , hath sayde also ; Speake the thinges that are right . The tongue of the iust is ●rou. 10. 20. as refined siluer sayeth Salomon . There is no vntruth , no shift , no drosse in it . The presence of Gods Maiesty in iudgement , ingrauen in the browes of his Commissioners , calleth for reuerent speach : it admitteth no railing nor girding to obscure the truth : nor those answeres ad hominem , non ad rem : that are to the person , somewhat : but nothing to the purpose ; though such pleading in disgrace of parties get a popular applause for the time . A captaine Plut. apotheg . of Darius hearing a mercenarie souldier to rayle against Alexander , in high wordes , strooke him with his speare , saying , Ego te vt pugnes &c. I prest thee to fight with Alexander , and not to raile against him . And so do wise and honest clients retain aduocates , & see them to plead their cause , not to reuile their aduersarie . O how sweet are those riches that are gotten with a good conscience , and a tongue of sound counsell , and pure wisdome : But the gathering Prou. 21. 6. of treasure by a deceiptfull tongue , is as vanitie tossed to and fro , of them that seeke death . He that coueteth that euill couetousnesse to build his house , consulteth shame to his house , sayeth Abacuk , for the stone shall crie out of the wall , and the beame out of the timber shall answere it with a woe , ringing aloude in the conscience Haba● . 2● . of the founder himselfe , laying the foundation in bloud and iniquitie .

I would those busie bodies , that abuse the law , and your patience ( right worshipfull ) with trifles , and slanderous actions , as also those cruell tyrants , that crouch before authoritie to make the poore fall into their snares , and to rack them of Psal. 10. 10. spight , by extremities of law , were as well acquainted with their dutie , as I know the better sort here present is . But it is your partes ( graue fathers ) to quiet these stirring heads , & quench these fierie spirits . All lawes both of God and men , haue prouided against the slanderous caueller , and cruell oppressor . Thou shalt not walke about with tales among the people : Thou shalt not stand against the bloud of thy neighbour , I am the Leuit. 19. Lord : that is the diuine law . Mens lawes were diuerse , but the Athenians and Romans , prouided against them , some by banishment : some by penalties , some by an oath taken of the plaintiffe , Wolsius in Deut. 22. that he did follow no suit , animo calumniandi , with a purpose of cauill and slaunder .

And for those cruell tygres , that are all armed with prickles like the Hedgehogge , that Totus Ec●inus asper . seeme to giue place to Gods holy wrath , and yet haue seauen abhominations in their hearts , and a thirst to torment and impouerish their aduersarie ; these , I say , it becommeth your wisdoms to discerne and discomfit . They are such indeed as tarry the leisure of the law , and seeke the face of the Court : but they wring the nose to force out bloud , they houer after extremities , forfeytures , and aduauntages , : which being obtained ; they themselues catch their debtour Matth. 18. 28. by the throat , helpe to serue their owne executions , enter into the gates of him that is Obadiah . 1. 13. fallen , delighting in his aduersitie , and taking pleasure in his miserie , or else feeding themselues with a wicked triumph ouer the bones of a poore captiue starued in prison . Is this agreeable to Gods holy will ? who charged his people , that they should not rule cruelly ouer Leuit. 25. 43. their brethren solde vnto them : who in the 24. of Deuteronomium , commaunded them , when Deut. 24. 10. they asked againe of their neighbor the thing that was lent , that they should not go into his house to fetch a pledge , nor keepe the pledge till the Sunne went downe , of the partie that was poore ; who also in the 58. of Isaie , mocketh at the fastes and prayers of such , as would seeme to bee deisout , Isai. 58. 3. and serue God , and aske after the ordinaunces of the Lord , and yet they would seeke their owne will , and require all their debts , and smite with the fist of wickednesse ; when the Lord required a fast from strife , debate , & extremitie ; a loosing of the bands of wickednesse , a taking away of heauie burdens , a manumission of the oppressed , and a breach of the yoke of bondage .

As the vsurer , may be called a legall theefe , Barnard . de cura rei fa. because hee couereth his cruell extortion by lawe : so may these vnmercifull creditors bee tearmed legall murtherers , such as the lawe in some things doth assist : so that by law they may both go to the diuell togither , for their vncharitable mindes , as well as other theeues , & murtherers without law , for their vnlawful actions .

Amongst other faults that the Corinthians are reproued for , by saint Paule , this was no small one ; that there were many quarrelles , suites , and complaints , commenced amongst them , for small matters , and that before heathenish Iudges , where they made themselues ridiculous , and the Christian profession scandalous , to them that were without . He tenteth their wound , and sheweth what roote those corruptions did spring from . For there wanted first wisdome amongst them , to compound and decide controuersies . Is there not a wise man amongst 1. Cor. 6. 5. you ? saith he ; none that can find where the fault is , and set downe the right of the cause of so small a moment ? Secondly , there wanted loue ; for brother with brother went to law , and 1. Cor. 6. 6. that vnder Infidels . Thirdly , they wanted patience : Why rather suffer ye not wrong , and forbeare 1. Cor. 6. 7. one another , forgiue one another ? let manie faults passe , forget many iniuries , and commit them to God ? Fourthly , there wanted Iustice : Nay , ye your selues ( saith he ) will do wrong , and harme , & that to your brethren . These foure wants must needes be amongst vs ( beloued ) who are so litigious , and readie to go to the law . For want of iustice in foro conscientiae , in the Court of our conscience , wee doe iniuries : for lacke of patience , we will suffer none : for want of loue , we spare neither father , nor brother : for lacke of wisedome we come to no speedie agreement our selues , but the law must trie all . Out of Saint Paules reproofe , may it not well be thus spoken to you that are such sookers in law suits ? Though ye haue not a conscience to do right , nor patience to suffer wrong : nor loue to forbeare your brethren ; yet if you were wise your selues , or had wise neighbours about you , your matters might bee determined at home . And doubtlesse , if men would do as they would be done to : or if the offender would agree with his aduersarie quickly , in the way : and the partie Math. 5. offended accept of reconciliation , and debate the matter with his neighbour himselfe : what quiet of heart , and safegarde of monye , and godlye loue might bee procured ? whereas now men dwell in suites , tossing themselues as in a sea of troubles , enriching the lawyers , abusing the lawe , and empouerishing themselues . It is a token of an vnholsome ayre , Si valeans ho● mines , ars tua ( Phoebe ) iaces . where the countrie is full of thriuing Physitions . And Plato that diuine heathen sayth , Signum est profligatae , turpisque educationis in ciuitate , Danoeus ex Platone . cum multis Iudicibus , iurisconsultis , & foris egeat . Respub . It is a signe of badde and wicked education , and ill maners in any countrie , when the Common-wealth hath neede of manie Iudges , manie Lawyers , manie Courtes . The multitude of these Physitions of our estate , so encreasing , and flourishing , telleth vs with shame that wee are a sight of wrangling Christians , for the most part , without iustice , without patience , without loue , and wisedome : and therefore it is more then high time , that this were amended in those that feare God , and respect the peace of a good conscience . One great meanes of Reformation herein , resteth in you ( Right worshipfull ) if you carefullye put in practise that prudent example of Gallio deputie in Achaia , who beeing importuned by the clamourous outcryes of Paules aduersaryes ; draue them all from the Iudgement Acts. 18. 16. seate , as men hauing more malice then matter . A commendable action in him that was but a heathen , but better will it become the place and profession of a Christian Magistrate .

And thus , dearelie beloued , haue we opened , and serued this writte of prohibition agaynst priuate reuenge , wee haue considered the louing title , vsed by Saint Paule , to allure our heartes to a like proportion of loue a-againe . Wee haue heard how daungerous to our bodies , and soules , how preiudicial to religion , in both the exercise of hearing & praying , and what an enimie to God , and a friend and follower of the diuell , is a heart full of malice . And yet when iniquitie hath conceiued , and brought forth reuenge , either in words or deeds , then is it more daungerous : for as it hurteth it selfe first , so it mischieueth others , being come to that passe . We haue gaged the poyson of a wicked tongue , and found it vnmeasurable ; we haue applied meanes of cure if the patients will endure it : we haue arrested all those , and bound them to the peace , that dare vndertake their priuate reuenge , or proceede to the raysing of a publike mutinie . If they will not obey our writ from heauen , we leaue them to you ( right worshipfull ) the ministers of Gods vengeance , to be bent or broken . We haue directed all plaintiffes from their weake anger , to the mightie wrath of God : for the confirmation royall of our prohibition from heauen , we haue brought a true copie , warranted by Saint Paule a faithfull Register , of that sacred Patent and Charter , wherin the Lord maketh knowne his chalenge , and threatneth not onely reuenge to all vsurpers , and euill doers , but promiseth also a recompence to those that abide his leysure , and commit their cause to him ; or his ministers ordained for reuenge & recompense . Wee haue shewed what Magistrates are , and should be : Gods they are for God , and therefore should not be rigorous , nor flouthfull , but iust , mercifull and diligent . We haue declared that subiectes cannot be well gouerned with oppression of the greater : nor magistrates amended by rebellion of the lesse . We haue examined the absurd opinions of them that would haue no superiours , but all equalles ; nothing priuate , but all things common ; no lawes , but all lust and libertie . We haue merte with those foxes that vse the publike ordinance of God , to racke their priuate spight , & worke their extremities . To conclude , we haue vsed motiues to disswade men both from priuate courses of reuenge ; and also from the abuse of that publike vengeance , those lawes , and that ordinance which the Lord hath planted to preserue the good , to maintaine peace , trueth & right amongst men . Now therefore ( Graue fathers ) remember your publike callings , that your sword , and your sentence , your iudgement & vengeance is the Lords : Remember that by title you are Gods : but forget not your priuate condition ; you shall dye like men : remember that you are maisters and Iudges here , but forget not that you haue a maister and a Iudge in heauen Looke vpon the people , and thinke , though they be many as the blades of the field , yet are they but grasse : all flesh is grasse , surely Isaie . 40. 7. the people are grasse : but yet looke againe , and beholde that as the grasse is , so is the flower also : as the people are , so are the Rulers : there is some difference in beautie and dignitie , as there is in the flower and the grasse : but the grasse withereth , & the flower fadeth : men dye , and mortall Gods , like men perish , but the word of God endureth for euer .

To be short , let all that feare God , obey this precept of his ; renounce the pursuite of their owne malice , purge their hearts , and cleanse their hands , giue place to his ordinance , reuerence his Ministers , seeke lawfull remedies vpon necessitie : but seeke not so reuenge in this world , as though thou wouldest leaue nothing to be reuenged of God , in another . Despise not Gods vengeance here on earth : neither faint , nor be astonied though thy cause can not bee heard , though thy right cannot be cleared : appeale in prayers to the witnesse and Iudge of heauen : he is higher than the highest , euen that king of kings , that God of Gods , that Lord of lords , whose great name is heere subscribed to the claime and promise of trueth : vengeance is mine , I will repay saith the Lord : to whome being one in substance , three in person , the onely wise , inuisible , and eternall God , be all honor , power and dominion for euer and euer ,

Amen . FINIS .

THE SWORDE OF MAINTENANCE .

A Sermon preached before the Right Worshipfull the Iudges of Assise , and gentlemen , assembled at Hertford , the 13. of Iuly 1599 for the execution of Iustice .

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PERIIT ET INVENTA EST printer's device of Robert Barker

LONDON , ❧ Printed by R. B. for Gregory Seaton . 1600.

The text . Hate the euill , and loue the good , and establish Iudgement in the gate : it may be Amos. 5. 15. that the Lord God of hostes will be mercifull vnto the remnant of Ioseph .

INeede not vse many circumstances ( Right worshipfull Fathers and brethren beloued in the Lord ) to moue this graue assembly to attention , whose religious mindes are readily prepared ( I trust ) to receiue with meekenes the worde of God : and therefore cannot but affourd mee beneuolent audience in the handling of the matter of this text , being so consonant to your godly dispositions , pertinent to the present occasion , and set downe in compendious precepts , so fit for your sharpe vnderstanding & short allowance of time .

For what else is my text , but a briefe issue of a long Processe betweene the Lord of hostes & his people ? Who like a plaintiffe much agrieued , Amos. 3. had often protested against the rebellions of Israell , and made many proclamations ( as with sound of trumpet ) against their iniuries offered : reproued their corruptions of Amos. 4. religion , and their defaults of Iustice , cut downe their mightie sinnes with mightie iudgements & executions of famine , sword & pestilence , thereby hauing wasted their multitude from thousands to hundreds , from hundreds Am. 5. to tennes : and yet now as a kinde father intending the correction and not the confusion of his children , hee offereth a capitulation of peace , with these conditions . If you will seeke the Lord , and liue , if you will seeke good and not euill , chuse life and not death : hate his enemies , loue his friends , establish his approued ordinance of iudgement : abandon all places of idolatry , surcease those loftie sinnes of oppression and iniustice , so commonly practised in the gate , then goe to , the Lord will reason with you , and come to a friendly parle for further reconciliation . But before any peace can be concluded , mercie expected , punishment released , or execution stayed : you must condiscend to these Articles : Hate the euill and loue the good , and establish iudgement in the gate .

In these wordes we may generally note these two pointes : First what conditions the Lord requireth : Secondly what truce hee offereth . The conditions concerne the affections and actions : the affections are hatred and loue , each of them being directed vnto his seuerall obiect : hatred is let loose at euill : loue is drawne and confined wholly to the good . The action is mixt , including many vertues , excluding many vi●es , being an accomplishment of iustice and mercy , and the establishment of iudgement , whose fountaine is in the heart , and priuate affections of men reformed : but the streames do flowe , & runne downe in publike to the comfort of the good , and terrour of the badde . These are the Articles which the Lord doth propounde to the Israelites by his Prophet Amos , and daily by vs his Ambassadors doth offer vnto you his people , 2. Cor. 5 with desire that you would be reconciled vnto him , and subscribe with heart and hand to the contents thereof . Which being promised , and performed , beholde a gratious truce and couenant on Gods behalfe : It may be the Lord of hostes will be mercifull to the remnant of Ioseph . Let no man be discouraged at this phrase of speach , as though Gods promises were like the doubtful Oracles of heathenish Idoles , yea and nay : it may be , and it may not be : for with the Lord there is assurance of mercie , his wordes be yea , and Amen . Hath hee saide it , and shall hee not doe it ? hath hee spoken , and shall hee not accomplishe it ? The possibilities Numb. 23. of men are full of hazard , but the Lord is not a man that hee should lye or double , or be preuented of his purpose . Is there no doubt then in this speach ? None , touching the absolute performance of the Lord : but much difficultie in respect of flesh and bloud , if men looke vpon their owne vnworthinesse , vnconstant perseuerance , and the lowe ebbe that the house of Ioseph , and Gods people are sometimes driuen vnto . Yet againe , all is courage , when we cast our eyes vpon the Lord of hosts who is strong to saue , inclyning to mercy , whose readinesse to helpe in extremitie appeared to Ioseph ; and was often shewed to his seed , when they were but a remnant and reuersion : and therefore may assuredly comfort all faithfull hearts that without all doubt , hee will be mercifull vnto them , if they keepe this couenant with the Lord , and consent to hate the euill , and loue the good , and establish iudgement in the gate .

Thus much haue I spoken to declare vppon what ground our doctrine & exhortations ( by Gods assistance ) shall be planted : in what tearmes the estate of the Israelites ●hen stoode : and what Articles were propounded for the redresse of their calamities : in the vrging & vnfolding whereof , our greatest time shall be spent ; because we desire to apply the same approued remedy to our owne decayes , & wants , assuring our selues the Lord will not faile to be mercifull , if we keepe touch and promise with him , in such conditions as he requireth .

In one word therefore to winde vp the summe of all these conditions : it is that which wee Knowledge . 1 call sometimes conscience , sometimes zeale ; not the common conscience of the world : but that same which is first cūscientia , ioyned with knowledge , that it may haue an eye to discerne Courag● . 2. good from euill . Secondly that which is rooted and planted in the will and affections , that it may haue an edge of hatred to threaten the euill : and a backe of loue to defend the good . Practise . 3. Thirdly such a conscience here is required , as hath not onely skill to discerne or will to desire , but also a readie hand to practise : not resting in contemplation , but proceeding to such action as the place and vocation of euery man exhorteth him vnto for the maintenance of iudgement in the gate . These three properties of a good conscience , called by the Lord , in this text , and aspired vnto by all that feare God , or loue the good estate of their country , amongst this graue assembly , occasion mee to speake somewhat of eyther , and first of knowledge .

Knowledge is the guide and light of a good 1. Knowledg● conscience . A fit Intelligencer for the will and affections , for it aduiseth what is euill and to be eschewed , what is good and to be embraced . Without this direction , hatred like a blinde archer shootes beside the marke ▪ and may kill a man in steade of a beast : And loue cherisheth often a snake in the bosome , in steade of a friende . As the eye discernes betweene light and darkenesse , so the vnderstanding tryeth out the difference betweene good and euill . Therefore seeke good , and not euill sayd the Prophet in the former verse . No man can seeke well without light , nor finde the good except hee can distinguish it from the badde , and trying all hold that which is the best .

Many are the difficulties that hinder vs from the discouery of euill , and the recouery of the good : and yet great is the daunger , if wee mistake the one for the other .

The difficulties appeare if wee consider first Difficult . the blindnesse of our owne heart , except it be renewed and supplyed with a light from heauen . Secondly if wee beholde the readinesse of euill , being present with vs at euery turne , compassing vs about , pressing vs downe , Satan as a prince in the ayre tempting vs , a worlde of sinne about vs , a bodie of sinne within vs . Besides this , the custome of sinne hath made vertue so vnpleasant and straunge ; the euil so sweete & familiar , that it seemeth death to be rowzed out of the myre , wherein wee haue long wallowed in ease and securitie . And further : iniquitie is very strong , being in this world , as in her owne country , and proper element , where vertue is but a straunger , alwaies flying vpward , and therefore not followed with halfe so many schollers as iniquitie , that pulles downe the hill to the broad gates of hell and destruction . Lastly euill is mingled with the good , as drosse with the siluer , that it asketh much tryall , and a cunning spirit to extract the one from the other . In regarde of which difficulties hindering our choyce in the good , and presenting to the lust of our eyes varietie and chaunge of euill , in goodly shapes of apparant good , it behoueth vs to haue a sounde vnderstanding for our guide : but especially because the error of our choyce is the danger both of soule Daunger . and bodie .

The fruite of the forbidden tree was pleasaunt to beholde , and good to eate , but it was bitternesse and death at the last . For euill is of two sortes , the seede and the fruit ; the seede is sinne , and the fruite is punishment : the one is a sweete baite , the other a deadely hooke : it goes downe pleasantly like wine , but it stingeth in the end like a Scorpion . Prou. 23. 31. And yet there is a league betwene iniquitie and our affections , as there was betweene Iezabel and her chamberlaines : As Iesabel pearching aloft , painted her face , and commaunded 2 King . 9. 30. her Eunuches attending vpon her , til Iehu , sent with reuenge from God , began to cry , who is on my side ? who ? So doth iniquitie possesse the highest chamber of our heart , and paints herselfe in fresh coloures , raigning ouer our affections as slaues , till vengeance hunt after her steppes , and the messengers of God giue warning to the affections , to cast downe their cursed mistresse , and renounce that sinne , which they haue serued , least the fall of her , dr●we all her Eunuches and partakers to confusion .

The heathens themselues alwaies taught obedience of the will to the wit , of the affections to reason : which had beene well , if the light of reason had not beene extinguished in heauenly things : and so fowly blemished in naturall . But the naturall mans reason perceiuing not the things of God ( his wisdome being folishnesse , 1. Cor. 3. his light darkenesse ) made the conscience corrupt and vaine in the trewe and particular discourse of good and euill . Many say : who will shewe vs any good ? saide Dauid of the common Psal. 4. 6. sort : but he must haue a new spirit and a perfect vnderstanding , that with Dauid can lift his eyes to heauen , and cry : Lord lift thou vp the light of thy countenan e ; acknowledging al our felicity to depend vpon the fauour of the Lord . In matters of common honesty , humanitie , ciuilitie of manners , the heathens were a lawe to themselues , and shall be a shame and condemnation Rom. 2. to vs : in that with so small a glimse of naturall light , they practised many thinges commendable , made many wholsome lawes , excelled in many outward censures , and actions of indgement . But wee hauing the word Psal. 19. of the Lord , conuerting the soule , giuing wisdome to the simple , and light to the eyes : hauing the lawe of God ( I say ) to examine what is good , and what euill , being the onely touchstone of trueth and falsehoode , the rule that sheweth as wel the crooked as the straight : If wee loue darkenesse rather than light , if wee faile in seeking and setting vp the kingdome of God , or the righteousnesse thereof in our life and practise : there remaineth vnto vs no colour of excuse , nor cloke of defence . For vnto euery one of vs in our seuerall charge , may that protestation of Micah be vrged : Hee hath shewed thee ( O man ) what is good , and what the Lord requireth Micah . 6. 8. of thee : surely to doe iustly , and to loue mercy , and to humble thy selfe , and to walke with thy God . And this is that knowledge of good & euill , deriued out of Gods holy and acceptable will and word , which like a cunning rider turneth , and directeth our affections being of themselues like horse and mule that haue no vnderstanding . But as the Lord instructeth Psal. 2. all Rulers to be wise and learned , so in another place he will haue them in the feare of God , to Exod. 18. 21. be men of courage also . For courage is the feruencie Courage . and concitation of the minde placed here in these two affections , hatred and loue : which are profitable to the furtherance of vertue , and taking downe of vice , so as they stand in awe of reason , as a souldier of his captaine , by whose commaunde hee takes vp and layes downe both his courage and Basi , con● . Jrasc . weapons . Wherefore these affections are not onely to be allayed and cooled in man ( as some Philosophers affirme ) but sometimes Peripatet . also to bee kindled and stirred vp : that as the iron is steeled and hardned with the fire , Bas . so mans heart with concitation of the spirites against the right obiect may haue a tincture of greater courage and fortitude against GODS enemies . Neither is this agreeable to the opinion of the Stoickes , Lactant. Iust. lib. 6. cap. 14. who vtterly extinguished all sparkes of affection , in their vertuous and perfect man , pulling out both gall and bowels as though there coulde bee no good vse of them , for the exercise of vertue . For indeede it is an extremitie of sinne , to haue a seared conscience , that feeles no prickes of humanitie : and a token of a reprobate sense to be senselesse , and without naturall affection . Rom. 1. 30. Neither againe hath our first creation planted any malignant nature in the minde of man ( as the Manicheis dreamed : ) nor yet by August . confess . lib. 8. cap. 10. Illyricus . the fall of Adam is there a diuelish substance of mischiefe possessing the soule of man : but the same principles that were created pure and good , and corrupted in qualitie only , by that afterclappe of our forefather : being refined and altered by the spirit of GOD , are to be employed in Gods holy seruice : hatred in the pursuite of euill , loue in the defence of vertue and goodnesse . By these therefore , as by the two supporters . Iustice is aduanced , the scepter of Princes gouerned , the sworde of magistrates kept vpright , kingdomes established , Gods Church and common-wealth preserued .

Seeing the Lord reacheth the affections , and setteth the inward parts first on worke , in the detestation of euill , and fauour of the good : it appeares , that hee condemnes all hypocrisie , that glistereth in some eye-seruice , but acteth nothing heartily : and that hee excludeth all those dissembling Politicians , which Machiauel painteth out in some outwarde coloures and shadowes of Iustice , but inwardly full of all diuelish subtiltie . Neither are those qualified according to this rule , that separate the Serpents wisdome from the doues innocencye . Achitophels counsell , though it be like the Oracles of 1. Sam. 16. 23. GOD for worldly witte , and the great request it was in : yet being like mysteries of the diuel for dishonesty , & mischieuous consequence is rather cursed then blessed by the Lord : for his condition is to haue wisdome matched with holinesse , a iust conuersation with a good conscience : an vpright heart , fearing God , eschewing euill , approuing the thing that is good , with a constant purpose in himselfe & others to destroy the power of Satan braunch and roote , and aduance the kingdome of God with the righteousnesse thereof .

It is straunge to beholde what a spirit of giddinesse , confusion and slumber sometimes possesseth the minde & consciences of many that haue had some knowledge discerning betwene good and euill , but haue wanted this sanctified hatred of the one , and feruent loue to the other . What made that neutralitie of religion in Israell , and Samaria , that men feared God , and 2. King . 1● . 1. King . 18. Zephan. 1. yet worshipped their idoles ? halted between God & Baall ? vsed to sweare by the Lord and Malcham ? It was not simple ignorance of the true religion , but want of zealous and heartie detestation of Idolatry , selfe-wil-worshippe , & hypocrisie . And how is it come to passe , that amongst vs , after so much preaching , & so great light , so many stand at a gaze in religion ; wauering betweene Aegypt and Canaan , betweene Christ and Antichrist , light and darkenesse ? Or what is the cause that in the wombe of our mother the Church of England , there are bredde such corrupt children , as account all religion either a publike policie ; or terme all hatred of sinne , loue of trueth ; reformation of the life , studie of pietie , and practise of modestie but an humour ? and a fancie following the complexion ? Doubtlesse these men haue had knowledge of the good and bad : but some of them haue made no carefull separation of the poyson from the wholsome 2. King . 4. 40. fruite , and therefore death is in the pot : some perceiuing iniquitie to abound , and the loue of Math. 24. 12. Reuel. 2. 4. many waxing cold , became luke-warme and lost their first loue for companie . Others hauing had neuer any loue indeede to the truth , or hatred of vngodlinesse , are giuen ouer to 2. Thes. 2. 11. beleeue lyes in the blindenesse and lustes of their owne sense , and peruerse imagination . Who although they haue bene shuffled with Christians , as Saul amongst the Prophets , by reason of lawes and orders , for a season , 1. Sam. 19. 24. yet are they such as neuer haue made any couenant in heart with the Lord , to hate Psal. 50. 5. the euill , and loue the good .

As in matters of religion , so in ciuill behauiour and outwarde iustice , behold ( Right worshipfull ) the like effectes of the like Ierem. 9. 3. negligence ; when men haue no courage for the trueth , they proceede from euill to worse ; as though they had no knowledge , neither of right or wrong , good or euill .

Such was the sottishnesse of Nabal in the 1. Sam. 25. 10. middest of his plentie , that hee knewe not his friende from his foe , made no difference betweene Dauid , that had beene as a well to his seruantes , and some common fugitiue , 1. Sam ▪ 25. 17. that had runne away from his master ▪ Hee growes so wicked at last that a man may 37. not speake to him , and as hee liued like a blocke , so hee dyes like a stone in the ende . Many , in the Preachers time , were come to that passe , that they made no distinction betweene the conditions of the Iust and the Eccles. 9. 12. wicked , the pure and polluted , the swearer and him that feared an oath . And what say the obstinate and wilfull people in Malachie ? Wee count the proude blessed , and them Malach. 3. 15. that worke wickednesse . Nay , in our age what difference doe many make of the trueth and a lye , of deceipte and vpright dealing , of whordome , and vndefiled marriage , of vsurie and honest trade , of stolne breade and the breade of labour ? the taste is the same , all gaine is godlinesse ; all money sauoureth alike . O fearefull shipwracke of faith and a good conscience ; GOD and Mammon , hell and heauen , light and darknesse are equall matches in their lumpishe vnderstanding .

In all estates and degrees where there is a defect of courage and zeale , such fruites spring vp by little and little ; as indeede Nemo repente fuit turpissimus : no man at the Iuuenal . first steppe came to the height of iniquitie ▪ Barnard● servidi dom. Ecclus. 27. 11. The minister that shines without heate , as he giues no great light , so he is not of any great certaintie , but is changed like the Moone : And Luke . 14. 35. hee that hath no salt to powder his wordes , waxeth altogither vnsauourie at the last , and scarse good for the dunghill .

The Magistrate whose conscience affecteth not the due administration of iustice , groweth by degrees to be a sleepie watchman , whose drowzie lethargie depriueth him of all sense , & distinction of good and euill , right or wrong : the extremitie of which incurable disease , is noted in two properties by our Sauiour Christ , of a Iudge that feared not God , nor reuerenced Luke . 18. 2● men . Experience teacheth vs , that a Bee which hath lost his sting becommeth an vnprofitable drone , neither fit to keepe , or gather honie ▪ and a gouernour that hath neither courage nor zeale agaynst sinne , is vnmeete to preserue vertue in her right , or maintaine iudgements A●●●de is more fit for him then a rodde ; and a ab●●●t foyle to play withall , then a sworde of Iustice to punish with .

The want of this zeale made that the faithfull Isai 1. 21. 22. citie of the Lord became a harlot , their siluer became drosse , & the in wine was mixed with water , their Princes were rebellious , & companions of theeues . A lamentable estate is it when the affections are misplaced , and iudgement so turned vp side downe , that men will speake good of euill , and put darknesse for light , light for darknes , 〈◊〉 . 5. 20. bitter for sweete , and sweete for sowre . A woe is pronounced to those preposterous dealers , that shuffle vp matters with such confusion of iudgement . And I take it a part of the woe , that they grow from euil to worse , til they be so infatuated ●erem. 93. that as they , like Idols regarded in conscience neither right nor wrong : so like Epicures at last they measure the righteous Lord , and his iust iudgements , by the leaden rule of their corrupted senses . Such will the Lord search for , with a candle being frozen in their dregs , and saying in Zephan . 1. 1● . Ezech. 9. 9. their hearts ; The Lord will do neither good nor euill . They sleep , and dreame also that the Lord slumbreth : who notwithstanding euery morning bringeth his iudgement to light , and fayleth Zephan. 3. 5. not : but the wicked will not learne to be ashamed , saith the Prophet Zephanie .

It is no maruell therefore , that the Lord will haue the obseruation of these conditions to be grounded in the affections ; and from thence to breake out into publike action , and the execution of iudgement in the gate : seeing that if the fountain head be intoxicate , the streams wil be 〈◊〉 . infectious ; or if the conscience be seared vp , all other absurdities & confusions of religion , common humanity , & iustice break in amongst men .

Behold therefore how these affections must worke to the establishment of iudgement in our gates , or else what inconueniences follow : First by negligence , where no gaine appeares ; secondly , by partialitie , when lucre is expected . Some that heare this precept vrged , hate the euill , loue the good , will approue of the loue , but repeale his hatred . It is pittie ( say some ) that faire weather should do any harme ; and yet for all this pitty , there must be foule as wel as faire . Loue , and faire meanes , gentle dealing ( which they call onely loue ) are good , but to whom ? Meliores sunt , quos dirigit amor ( sayth Austen ) they are the better sort which will be directed by loue : sed plures sunt quos corrigit timor , but the greater part are not to be amended but by feare .

An olde festered sore must not haue a le●itiue plaister . And it is true that an vnruly Patient maketh a cruel Physition . As the wine that is too hard is vnpleasant : so that which is too flat is vnholsome . The Lord teacheth vs by his example , how to vse these affections , although he be subiect to no passion himselfe . Anger is not in me ( sayth he ) when hee speaketh to Isai. 27. 4. his people . But if the briars and thornes were set agaynst me in battaile , I would burne them , sayth the same Lord , speaking of his enimies . With the pure he is pure , with the froward he will shew Psal. 18. frowardnes , saith Dauid , attributing to the Lord mercie and iudgement seeming contrarie by reason of the obiect he worketh vpon , yet issuing from the father of lights , in whom is no shadow ●mes . ●●7 . of chaunge of contrarietie .

The same Dauid being a kinde sheepheard to Israel himselfe , yet taketh witnesse of the Psal. 139. Lorde , that his thoughts hate euill : Do not I hate them that hate thee ( O Lord ) doe not I contend with them that rise vp against thee ? Moses was a verie meeke man ; and yet with the Idolatrie of his people he is so incensed , that hee breakes the tables of the Couenant , and then he crieth to execution . Euery man slay his brother , his companion , his neighbour : the fact performed Exod. 32. ( sayeth he ) You haue consecrated your handes this day to the Lord . So acceptable a sacrifice is the punishment of Gods enemies , and euill doers .

Iob was an eye to the blinde , and a foote to the Iob. 29. 15. lame : and yet the same Iob maketh this tryumph of his earnest pursuit of the wicked : I brake the chawes of the vngodly , and pluckt the prey out of their teeth .

The Lordes champion Dauid intended a rough c●re of intractable malefactors : when he threatned them , and armed himself after this maner : The wicked shall be euerie one as thornes 2. Sam. 23. 6. 7. thrust away , because they cannot be taken with handes : but the man that shall touch them , must be defens●d with iron . Though the wicked bee vnrulie , sharpe , and daungerous to deale withall ; yet the Lord hath armed your hands ( graue fathers ) with iron gantlets , with authoritie from heauen , Commission from the Prince , to gripe the proudest offender , to strike the Lion and the Beare , the oppressor , extortioner , the robber and bloud-shedder , that the sheepe and and harmlesse people may bee rescued from the vngodly , that are mightier then they . It was 1. Sam. 15. vnseasonable pitie that Saul shewed in sparing Agag the enemie of God , and Israel . And Achab did not wisely , in yeelding such fauour to Benhadad , appoynted by the Lord to die : although his seruants presented themselues with great humilitie in sackcloth and halters , glosing vpon the rehearsall of his wordes ; thy brother Benhadad . Saul had a sharpe rebuke for his vntimely pittie , and Achab threatned that because he had let him go that was appoynted to die , therefore thy life for his life , thy people for his people , said the Lord . Is it not needfull to shewe a deepe displeasure against all notorious offenders , if the Magistrate becomes not onely answerable in his owne person , for the wilfull escape of Gods knowne enemie ; but also the innocent people stand indicted , and are to bee punished before the Lord , and to pay their liues a raunsome for the wicked escaped with impunity ? and that but by one mans default . S. Augustin shewing why the good and bad , were both enwrapped togither within the compasse of the selfe same scourge by the furious Gothes , yeeldeth this reason : Iure amaram vitam sentiunt ; ● ciuitat . Dei . ● . 1. cap. 9. worthily they feele the bitternesse of this life with the wicked , quia peccantibus amari esse noluerunt ; because they were not bitter to them in their sinnes , but ouer gentle , hauing rather fellowship with the workes of darknesse , then reprouing them . And this was the cause that father Eli was plagued as well as his Sam. 2. sonnes , for his indulgence , and remisse correction of that whoredome and sacriledge , which to the dishonour of God , and scandall of the people they committed . For when sinne groweth stoute and loftie , and punishmentes weake , when the rodde of Scorpions is turned into feathers , when priuate men reprooue not the vngodly , ministers rebuke not , Iudges and rulers ( hauing them offered ) punish not , at the last all become guiltie , all actors and consenters in sinne , and all be punished with a grand execution of some famine , pestilence , sworde , or such like calamitie .

I would to God in our peaceable estate , there were no want of this holie indignation , and religious fortitude , in the pursuit of those manifolde sinnes which are the spottes of our peace , and shadowes in the sunne-shine of the Gospel . But set before your eyes ( religious audience ) our whole estate : and consider ( as I doubt not but you do often ) the sores of our body politike , and the breaches of our land , from the top of the head , to the soale of the foote , and you shall behold many wounds , and many soueraigne plaisters , and yet very slow healing , because there wanteth courage in the heart of the Phisitions , to apply the one to the other . Looke downe to the legges of our Common-wealth , and remember that lately they were ready to rot with idlenes & misery . Those idle vagarants ( I meane ) who swarming like Caterpillers not long since , and treading downe Prou. 13. 23. the fielde of the poore ( wherein is much fruit if it bee well ordered ) walking without checke or shame , in theft , drunkennesse , and whoredome , in prophanenesse of life , and all vngodlinesse , swearing and cursing , lying and murthering , begetting a monstrous ofspring , ( the parents without wedlocke , the children without baptisme ) are they not mightilye repressed by an easie medicine , wiselie prouided by the superiour powers ? and yet but coldly applyed by the inferiour officers ? Who amongest vs , remembring the grosse inconueniences of those idle backes and slowe bellyes so tolerated to wnader and increase , but will detest that course of lyfe ? And yet there must bee a respectiue looke of loue to Gods c●eatures , and a commiseration of them : for though they be lazie legges , and yet are they our limmes , and members : and therefore to be supplied with worke , and reliefe , with direction and correction , by those parts that carry the eyes , and wisdome to gouerne and teach , As hatred of their sinne is readie to whippe them : so loue and compassion must be readie to helpe feede them . They must eate ( so nature teacheth vs ) not the bread of idlenesse , but their owne bread , purchased by their labour , so the Scripture informeth 2. Thes. 3. 12. vs .

A wife and auncient Counseller sometime of this Realme , wittily rebuked the maners and orders of a straunge Countrie , not much differing Sir Th. More Vtop . from his owne but in the title ; for that they first made theeues , and taught them to steale , and after hanged them vp . They made theeues ( saith he ) in that they suffered such a multitude of seruingmen , to bee trained vp in idlenesse and pride : which after being thrust out of seruice , must needes be driuen to theeuerie , for begging they scorned , and to labour they had not learned in any honest vocation . I will not say but men made seruice able are verie necessarie , and stand before great men in good place : But idlenesse , permitted to a multitude , must needs be the nurserie of beggers , and where manie lustie open beggers remaine , there , sayth Plato , be many priuie theeues , and pickers . As all other Plato de . rep. dial . 8. Zepper . countryes are noted for some peculiar vice , which the people thereof are most addicted vnto : so English men though they be ingeniosi , yet are they desidiosi , though ingenious , Ascham . yet idle ; it is our fault , and therefore asketh great industrie of the gouernours , before it can be throughly expulsed . Neither is it to be forgotten , that a renowmed King of this nation Edward , the third of that name , procured strangers from beyond the seas , with great rewards Camden in Kent . and priuiledges , to come into this countrie ; and teach our people that trade of clothing , which to the great benefite of this lande , and employment of the poorer sort , is yet in practise : whence al our women are presupposed spinsters : as the men of meane degree are intended laborers . And sure a kingly practise is it to prouide worke for the lustie and strong , as reliefe and hospitalitie for the sicke , and the lame . From the head there descende sinewes to the hands , and inferiour members : and from the highest in place , must issue such good directions , as may gouerne the whole bodie , & keepe it in frame . The legges must not be cut off , or Heb , 12. 12 , turned cleane out of the way , but rather streight steppes are to be made to our feete , and the halting legges to be healed , and the feeble knees to be lifted vp .

If we ascend from the legges to the handes : shall we not see a multitude of them defiled with bloodshed , beside the manifold iniquities wherewith they are exercised ? Compt the woundes , the murthers , and the bloud that is shedde in euerye part of our lande : note how it is couered vnder the wings of men that haue countenaunce : how it is pleaded for , with this allegation , that life is to be fauoured ( euen in fauour of him that had no mercy in his rage ) and we may with good cause be afrayde least the Lord arraigne the whole land for bloud vnreuenged , crying in his eares . The life and bloud of the murtherer is owing to the Lord , who putteth the sworde into the Gene. 9. 6. Magistrates hand to make payment and satisfaction for bloud wrongfully shedde : there is no way to purge the land from bloud , but to strike the offender , that the righteous may reioyce : Psal. 58. 10. and wash his foote in the bloud of the wicked : and make it a Caueat to keepe him from the like .

Looke vp towarde the heades , and greater men of our Common-wealth : If the want of discipline , suffred the Grashoppers to catch a head which skip vpon the ground : what will not the Caterpillers dare that sit aloft in the highest trees , amongst much fruit , clothed in gay colours , despising the Magistrate , and scorning the Minister ? There is indeed a common disease very dangerous in many of them , that carrie something high sayles , and thinke themselues to be mightie : which is called , Noli me tangere , Touch me if thou dare . As in physicke , so in diuinitie , it is thought to be incurable : because the more it is handled & dealt withall , the more it swelleth and rageth with anger and fretfulnesse .

This disease raigneth amongst the vsurers and extortioners of our time , that hate the good , Micha. 3. 23 and loue the euill , and plucke off the skinnes from the people , and the flesh from their bones : that ioyne house to house , and field to field , till there Isai. 5. 8. be no place , but for themselues : that depopulate whole townes , and swallow vp the poore that Amos. 8. 4. the needie of the land may faile : and yet breake through the statutes and lawes as through cobwebbes , which hamper the Flies , but yeeld place of euasion to the Bees .

And are not many of the greater sort farre gone with this disease , that will be blasphemers in their speach as with authoritie ? Their tongues be their owne , and who shall controll ? Are Psal. 12. not Lawes , and Church , and seruice of God , holinesse and obseruation of the Sabbaoth , accompted exercises for meane men ? Great men may doe what they lust . Hard is the fire to be quenched that hath taken the top of the house : and how hard a thing is it , for wealthie men to reforme a vice ? Who dare rebuke or reproue Herode , though he liue in incest and horrible Marke . 6. adultery ? If Iohn Baptist shal discharge his duty , by one meanes or other , at one time or another it will hazard his life , Iudgements of the Magistrate , and reproofes of the Prophet , are not to come neere Bethel , and the Courtes of the Amos. 7. 13. mightie , as many suppose : yet must not wee cease to warne and exhort , and threaten sometimes : but you ( right worshipfull ) who represent the Maiestie of almightie God , and carry the authoritie of a godlie Prince : must especially declare by the couragious execution of good lawes , how little you regarde the high lookes of the proud , and how much you hate iniquitie , and loue iudgement , mercie and fidelitie .

You haue a Sworde of maintenance put into your handes , long enough to reach the most offences , both of high & low : although in those sinnes of blasphemie and adulterie , it seemes to be too short . But though the swearer and adulterer stand not in your Kalender condemned to die : yet the Lord sayth of the one , He will not holde him guiltlesse that taketh his name in vaine : the other hee seemes to reserue to his sharper iudgement , because he is here ouerslipt : for whoremongers and adulterers God will Heb. 13. 4. iudge , sayth the Apostle . And yet as a prince sitting in iudgement chaseth away all euil with his eyes : so with your lookes , and wordes of detestation comptroll , checke these faultes at least , that your zeale and hatred against al such euils may appeare .

Thus haue we sharpned this holy hatred , and brought it to the establishment of iustice in the gate : which notwithstanding is not contrarie to loue , but rather a braunch of that roote . For as the Lordes chasticements are the tokens of his loue : so are mens punishments the fruits of mercie and compassion . The good sheepheard is cruell to the woolfe for the lambes safetie : and a good magistrate rigorous to the wicked for safegard of the meeke . There is Miscricordia puniens , and Crudelit as parcens ; Pittie punishing , and crueltie sparing : say●h that pitifull father Austen , that yet ouermuch contendeth August . ad Macedon . with the Magistrates of his time for the pardon of malefactors penitent .

But as the corrupt time and maners , require a concitation of anger , against iniquitie : so alwayes be it prouided , that hatred and loue , iudgement and mercie , be knit togither in one linke : and sit both togither as Iudges ioyned in one commission . All lawes are not to bee written in bloud : nor euerie offender punished alike , when necessarie circumstances alter the case . They are cruell Surgeons that haue no other meanes of cure , but incision , burning , and launcing , for euerie sore . There shall be iudgement mercilesse to him that sheweth no mercie , Iames. 2. 13. sayth Iames , and the wise man giueth this caueat : Eccles. 7. 18. Be not iust ouermuch . Equitie and not extremitie is to be practised , Be angry ( saith the Ephe. 4. 26. Apostle ) and sinne not : giuing the spurre to the affections : and yet adding a bridle withall , to keepe moderation .

And euen when sinne , detected and discouered , doth enforce the Iudge to execution ; then must he remember , that as he is a Iudge for God : so is he a man agaynst man . Te habes ante te ( sayeth Austen ) Thou hast a patterne of thy selfe before thy selfe . I can bring no better example of Iudges charitablie affected in this poynt , then your selues ( Right worshipfull ) amongest whome wee maye heare the Iudge himselfe giuing sentence of death to the bodye , with such exhortations and comforts that may giue hope of life to the soule : not vnlike the skilfull Physitions Plutarch . herein , which applie gentle and pleasaunt fomentations to the member , that by theyr cutting and launcing is in paine .

There are two names ( sayeth Austen ) Homo : peccator : The man : and the offender : quòd peccator est , corripe : correct the offender : quòd homo est , miserere : but pittie the man . In this respect the mariners that were appoynted to proceede to the execution of Ionas , found Ionas . 1. guiltie by lotte , were much to be commended , for their obedience to GOD , and compassion to the partie condemned . For when they are about to cast him into the sea , they breake out into this affectionate prayer : O Lorde , lay not vpon vs innocent bloud : for thou hast done as pleased thee : which prayer , so well tempered with iustice , and mercie , may well beseeme all men in authoritie , when they sit vpon life and death , and the search or punishment of transgressions .

If we shall enter into a more strict examination of these three wordes , Establish iudgement in the gate , wee shall finde three things in them . First , that there bee a settled habite in the distributers of iudgement : it must bee established : Secondly , that it bee generallye administred , without respect of persons : Iudgement is a common good . Thirdly , that the course of the same be practised in a publike place of free resort , In the gate . It is not onelye some single action which the Lorde vrgeth , but a continuall exercise and practise of iudgement . It is not enough to doe some things iustlie , at some times , and vpon some occasions : but the streames of iustice must continuallie flowe , as from the fountaine heade of a sounde conscience . It is reported of Cambyses , a most wicked King , that hee performed one poynt of iustice vpon a corrupt Iudge : but one swallow makes no sommer .

That vngodly Iudge in the Gospel did once right for a widow , that ouercame his accustomed delayes , with her importunate outcries : Luke . 18. the diuell himselfe ( they say ) is good to some bodie : although it be against his will and disposition . And did not Pilate extende some poynts of iustice towards our Sauiour ▪ Christ , Matth. 27. 24. arraigned before him ? Did he not pronounce him to be a iust man ? did he not protest for his innocencie , that he found no fault in him ? And John . 19. 4. yet behold against his speach , and conscience , he deliuereth him to be put to death ▪ and sheweth himselfe to haue had some shadowes , but no stabilitie of truth or iustice in him .

A Magistrate that hath neither knowledge , nor conscience ( and accordingly , dooth not practise himselfe in the course of iudgement ) seemeth to be naked in the gate , although hee be clothed in scarlet : therefore he must suite himselfe , and adorne his place and person with equitie , and diligence : as Iob speaketh of himselfe . I put on iustice , and it couered me ; iudgement Iob. 29. 14. was as a robe , and a crowne . So was he attired in iustice , as in a comely garment , couering all his parts . The cloke that hangeth vpon one shoulder is quickly blowne away , and some shreds and peeces of iudgement onely , are not sufficient to shew the ▪ true properties of a iust and vpright gouernour . Righteousnesse is to be put on as a girdle about the loynes , to gird all other vertues , to keepe them round and close , and euen on all parts : yet must it not be like the girdle , that saggeth & bendeth it selfe to that side , where the purse and the money hangeth , not inclining to the right hand or to the left , to the rich or to the poore , but equally and indifferently 2 . bent to all alike . And this is the second note of importance , whereby the nature of that which here is called iudgement , is declared . For iudgement must generally be distributed : it is not to giue the offender punishment only : but to yelde defence to the innocent and helplesse . And therfore in the holy scriptures when Isai. 1. 17. we reade that the fatherles are to be iudged , and the poore , then we vnderstand they are to be defended & relieued against their aduersasaries . When the wicked are to be iudged : that Rom. 13. 2. 4. iudgement is vengeance and punishment to be inflicted vpon them according to their deserts . And lastly this refuge for the poore , and resistance of the vngodly must be in the gate publikely : that all goodnes and vpright dealing may finde fauour countenance & maintenance openly : that iudgement be not interrupted but established , and that it flowe plentifully with a setled course , not being bitter like wormwood Amos. 5. 7. to the meeke and innocent . And further that wholsome lawes being carefully enacted , may be as faithfully executed to the confirmation of Gods true seruice , the maintenance of the Princes dignitie vnder God , and the preseruation of Gods people in peace , godlynesse and all honestie .

This mention of the gate is not in vaine : for it teacheth vs that the Iudges & Rulers sate openly in a common place to heare and determine all matters that were brought . The causes are manifest ▪ namely , that iustice might gloriously shine , and shewe it selfe in publike to the cheating vp of all faithfull hearts , and open shame and ignominie of euil workes . And that not only citizens , but countrymen , forreiners , & strangers , might haue free accesse without danger Pet. Mart ▪ co●. Jud. 5. or disturbance by any locall priuiledges . Besides , the exercise of iudgement in the gate & open place , might terrifie those that had mischiefe in their harts , presenting commonly vengeance to their eyes , & terror to their guiltie consciences .

The consideration of this place must needes put vs in minde of the Lords great benefit to vs continued : in that he hath so graciously prouided , that our gates , and publike Courts of Iustice haue neither bin shut vp for feare of enemies , nor pestered with warres & violence ; that Zechar. 2. 7. our Country is inhabited as Ierusalem without walles : that our Castels bearing only the auncient titles of warre , are become for the most part ruinous by long peace , & courts where peaceable iudgements are executed : that our halberds are rather ensignes of honour and ornament , then weapons of necessitie . Deborah , that mother in Israel , triumphed that Iudg. 5. 1● . in her time the townes were inhabited , the people might goe to the gates for iudgement : and such peace vnder the gouernement of a woman had the Land for fortie yeares . Of the like or greater Vers. 31. benefits of peace , people , & iudgements may our victorious Mother reioyce , & set her hearte ( as Deborah did ) vpon the gouernours of Israel & Vers. 9. on them that are willing amongst the people ; to stir them vp to praise the Lord , for victories , deliuerance , & continuance of peace , aboue the space of forty yeares already : By thy good pleasure ( O Lord ) & to thy glory be these yeares doubled ; of life to our Deborah , & of peace to our Israel . But let vs returne to the gates of Israel , & the execution of iudgement there practised in the time of Amos. All was not in frame belike , because the Lord so earnestly dealeth to haue iustice established , as though it were decayed , & ruinated . Isai. 5 7 . It was euen so : when the Lord looked for iudgement , behold oppression : for righteousnes , behold a crying . Iudgement was turned backward , iustice stood a farre off ▪ truth was fallen in the streets , Isai. 59. 14. ●quity could not enter , he that refrained from euil , made himselfe a prey . The Lord knew their manifold , & mighty sins : they afflicte the iust , they take rewards , & they oppresse the poore in the gate . A● . ● . 12 . Therefore amend your waies ( saith the Lord ) establish iudgement : let not vngodlines sit in the place of iustice , any longer .

Shall we take a viewe of that which most corrupted their state , and ouerthroweth iudgement in all places where it taketh foote ? There was respect of persons , a gainefull cause was sooner heard , & had more fauour , then trueth in form a pauperis . The righteous were solde for Amos. 2. 6. cap. 4. 1. siluer , the poore for shooes . The great men were as kyne of Bashan , full fedde , oppressing the poore , destroying the needy , and saying to their maisters ; Bring and let vs drinke . As though couetous Lawyers , should serue the turnes of vnmercifull Landlords , in oppressing their poore tenants : and then call for the price of iniquity , to drinke and make themselues merry with the teares of the widowe , the sweate & the bloud of the poore and oppressed . Then is the estate most desperate , when the lawes are stretched to serue mens lusts , when priuate iniuries obtaine the countenance of the Court , and priuiledges of the gate . When ( as in Micahs time ) To make good for the the euill of their hands : the Micah . 7 , 3. Prince asketh , and the Iudge iudgeth for a reward : therefore the great man speaketh out the corruption of his soule : and so they wrappe it vp saith Micah : as a filthy thing in a faire clout .

The Lord knowing that no wine was so dangerous to Princes , as the swallowing of giftes to make the magistrate dronke , and forget the equitie of causes : & that no trayne was so dangerous to vndermine , and blowe vp the seat of iudgement , as those traines of secret briberies , hath set downe this precept grounded vpon true experience ; Thou shalt take no giftes : for gifts doe blinde the wise : and peruert the wordes Exod. 23. 8. of the righteous . Let no man reply , as though a man might purse the rewards of the suiters : and his eyes see neuer the worse , to doe Iustice : for the Lord saith , it is impossible but gifts wil blind the eyes of the wise : how much more of the foolish ? they will peruert the wordes of the righteous : how much more of the couetous ? and of him that will doe wronge for a morsell of breade ? his conscience being gulled with custome of sinne and iniustice ?

It is not enough then to washe our handes from taking rewardes against the innocent : but hee must not sell right , nor make marchandize of equitie . Hee that playeth a marchaunt of iustice , executeth iustice , but vniustly , saith Philo de magi●strat , delig . Philo : he selleth that for a reward , that he should afford grati● ▪ rem natura pulchram , deformem efficit : he blemisheth a thing that is naturally beautifull : he hurteth the partie , whom hee should helpe : taketh from him that hath the wrong alreadie , and getteth a bad custome , that his hands and heart will linger after giftes more then attend to doe right . For giftes be Augustine . as birdlime , they intangle the winges , & make that the receiuer is not his owne man , but standeth in awe of the giuer .

The Lord knoweth what metall a man is made of , and therfore to keepe his conscience sound , and vncrackt , & to keepe the ballance of iustice vpright , without leaning and tilting to the heauiest end , he wil haue no such tentations of iniusrice admitted . Salomon knew the force of a reward ? when he likeneth it to a pleasant stone , that Prou. 17. 8. prospereth which way soeuer it is turned : as though he ment it to be the Philosophers stone , so much in request , & so strange in effects , And indeede it makes court for a man in this world , & bringeth Prouerb . 18. 16. Prouerb . 29. 4. him beforegreat men : but yet , by iudgement is a country maintained , & a man receiuing gifts , destroyeth it .

The Thebans were heathens , and yet perceiuing Plutar. in Isid. the inconueniences of receiuing rewards : painted their Iudges without hands ; to signifie that they should be no receiuers : an easie matter if Iudges were but images : but the Lord preferres Exod. 18. 21. to his seates of Iudgement , such as hate couetousnesse , because they should neither haue greedy hands , nor rauenous harts after the prey ; though for the pursuite of euil , & cherishing the good , they should be wel prouided of them both .

But gifts do not only consist in taking with the hands , of the rich : for he that respecteth persons , Prou. 28. 21. will do wrong for a morsell of bread , for handfuls of barlie , & sell the righteous for shooes : nay for lesse than this , for some popular praise , for the breath of mens mouths , to get some fauour of the poore , as well as of the rich .

Felix a corrupt Iudge fisheth after money to be giuen him by Paul , for his deliuerance , & therfore sendeth for him & communeth with him often : when he sees no money come , though hee perceiueth his innocency , yet he leaueth him Act. 24. 27. bound , to make some aduantage by him , if not by money , yet to get a poore fauour at the Iewes hand at the least . The desire of praise doth much : but the hope of gaine , and a gift in the bosome blindeth the eyes , charmeth the tongue , rauisheth the affections , seareth vp the conscience , turneth all things vp side downe , altereth the case , & maketh that which is right to day , wrong to morrow . Many in this assembly hauered of that famous Orator Demost hones , & of that trip hee was taken in , to his perpetual shame : for the first day he dealt most vehemently against the Milesian Ambassadors , the second day he appears again but in another likenes ; his neck is wrapped and Plutarch . his cheeks muffled , as one that would shewe an excuse before hand of his silence , by reason of his disease , which he would haue supposed to be Angina : the quinzie , or the mumps : the people perceiuing his swelling & silence , to be but the blowes of a secret bribe , termed his griefe to be Argentangina , as a man should say not the quinzy but the coyn-sec , & siluer mumps . I trust this disease be not amongst our Orators ( amongst the better sort , I know it is detested ) yet some we hear suspected of some such sodaine crampe in their tongues , by reason that they haue failed their clyent at his greatest need in presence or speach , vnder some pretence or other : take heede : for there is no greater wound to publike iustice , priuate conscience or credit , then to play vpon both hands , and betray the trust of him that dependeth vpon your patronage .

But is it not lawfull for Lawiers , or learned Counsailors to receiue fees ? I come not to marre the market , nor to take away the hire of the labourer : they may receiue their fees , if they giue their counsell , although not on both sides . Saint Austen doth rule this case , & teacheth who should be receiuers in the courts of iustice , and who not . A Iudge must not sell , no not Iustum iudicium : iust iudgement : nor a Ad Mac●don . witnesse verum testimonium , no not true witnesse : much lesse falshood . For the Iudge is to hold the ballance equally betweene both parties , and therefore must not be swayed with gifts : the witnesse must speake the trueth indifferently . But for the honorable Iudges , there must be pensions of honor , estate and authoritie , assigned by the Prince , or els in common not depending on the suiters . Nehemiah had prepared for him , daily an oxe , and sixe chosen Nehemiah . 5. 18. sheepe , birds and wine in abundance : although in the distresse of the people , he required not the breade of the gouernour : nor such large allowance . But for an aduocate it is lawfull ( saith Austen ) to prise his paines , and for a counsellor to take reward for his learned counsell of the suiter which retaineth him : the weight of whose cause he must vrge to the vttermost of his knowledge , as being an eye to his clyent that can not wel discerne his owne right , and a mouth for the dumbe , that cannot open his mouth in the gate . And yet such counsell must he giue , as tendeth not to the stopping of the course of Iustice , with crooked shifts and delayes : but his counsell and pleading ( as you can tell best your selues ) must be , rather to giue light out of darknesse , then to cast smoake , & cloude ouer the light , rather to vnfolde then obscure the matter , entering rather a conference than a conflict ; that as two stones strooke together the fire flyes out : so the wise and learned Counsellors arguing the case , the trueth may appeare , the Iurie may vnderstand , the Iudge proceed to sentence ; & Iudgement may be exalted in the gate .

As all good ordinances and benefits of the Lord may be abused by the corruption of men : so may our peace , and place of iudgement be defaced , either by officers or suitors .

By officers from the highest to the lowest , if there be not a hatred of sinne , and loue of vertue fixed in the conscience : when officers will suffer corruption , and suiters offer corruption , what wickednesse is not then bredde betweene them ? When Dauid began to sing mercy and iudgement , he first cleansed his house , ●sal. 101. vowed to walke vprightly himselfe , and to cashire out of his family , the slanderer , the proud , the deceiptfull person , the lyer , and all that ranke : and then he proceedeth and threatneth to destroy all the wicked of the Land . If greate mens houses were so purged , the citie of God would the sooner be cleansed , and the execution the better be furthered . It is daungerous for the head when the eyes be deceiptfull : when the inferiour officers and agents be as false spectacles , to misse informe the conceipt , and make that which is straight , seeme crooked . What a disgrace of Iustice , and iudgement is it , when attendants and officers bee like the horse-leeches daughters , crying euer Pro● . 30. giue , giue , neuer satisfied ? or when they shewe themselues light or vncomely , in gesture or action ? The throne of Salomon had lyons carued ● . King . 7. about it , to declare a kinde of maiesty and grauitie in the very steppes : not apes , nor foxes , nor wolues ; beastes that were eyther toyish , deceiptful , or rauenous after their prey : so should greate mens seruants , and officers of Iustice be lyons in shewe for grauitie , yet harmelesse as those Images about the seate of Salomon : rather terrible to them that stand aloufe , then hurtfull to those that haue occasion to come neere .

That zealous and vpright Ruler Nehemiah , amongst other the abuses of his predecessors the gouernours of Ierusalem , taxeth this to haue ▪ beene none of the smallest , that they themselues were not onely ouerchargeable , but their seruants bare rule ouer the people also . Nehemi. 5. 15. As who doubteth but inferiour creatures wil be most imperious , when they haue but the cloath or countenan e of men in authoritie : if ● . Sam. 2. 13. they may be suffered to make their owne game & games . Elies boyes were more saw●y with their flesh-hookes , than became the sons or seruantes of a holy man : they smarted for it themselues : 1. Sam ▪ 3. 13. but their father also , and his house for euer was iudged beca●se his sons ran into a slaunder , and he stayed them not . Too many not only of the priests boyes , but temporall mens officers , being but hungry flies at the first , bite sore , & pinch neere , making that complaint of the Lord in Isay to be true : Children are extortioners of my people . I know that many godly fathers may haue wicked sons , & good masters bad seruants . Our sauiour Christ had a theefe to his purs-bearer : the Iohn 12. 6. 2 ▪ King . 5. man of ●od Eliseus , had Gehezi , a lyer : but he followed him at an inch , till hee found out his priuie brokeage and cast him off for an hypocrite . It is a worthy answer made by the heathenish prince Tiberius , to a polling customer of his ▪ that thought to haue highly pleasured his Prince with racking his subiects , & exacting great summes : Meum tonderi pecus ●im in Tib. volo , non deglubi : I will haue my sheepe shorne & not fleyed . It is the propertie of these vnderhand dealers , to pretend great husbandry for their maisters , and double diligence in their seruice : vnder which colour they practise their iniquitie without checke or controlment . But because it is not for mee to speake against these , except I haue a sound warrant , I referre them to that threatning of the Lord in the Prophet Zephanie ( where the Lord saith ) I will visit ●ophan . 1. 8. all such as are cloathed with strange apparrell , & those that daunce vpon the threshold so proudly , which fill their masters houses by cruelty and deceipt . Wherein we beholde their apparell to be strange for fashion , their gate more like dauncing then going , their place to be at the entrance , and threshold of their masters dore ; no man may approch but by their admission : their gesture to be full of pride , their gettings to be great , for they store themselues , & their masters houses : the meanes to be wicked , by deceipt and crueltie : and the redresse of these inconueniences to be referred to the visitation of the Lord himselfe . I will visit .

As officers , so suters doe many times vndermine the frame of sacred iudgement in the gate . Suitors are eyther such as seeke for Law or Iustice : or such as owe suite or seruice for tryall of right , as Iurors and witnesses . As for men of our profession , I take them rather to be beholders , then actors , except it be in this place : And ( vnder reformation be it spoken ) extraordinarie men rather than fit Ordinaries to holde the booke and the candle to an old trewant , that all his life time hath liued without booke .

Touching the suitors therefore that seeke for reliefe , and righting of wrongs ; euen they by their crooked & sinister dealings , by their malicious actions , and bad handling their matters with additions of subtiltie , and priuate corruptions may poyson and trouble the wholsome streames of Iustice , which should refresh themselues and others . Of these I haue spoken largely not long since out of this place , in the audience of the most , here now assembled : for this time let them remember Salomons caueat : Goe not forth hastily to strife , least thou knowe not what to doe in the end thereof , when thy neighbor Prou. 25. 8. 9. hath put thee to shame , debate thy matters with thy neighbour . As though he counselled to foresee the end before a man beginne : and to compound all controuersies at home , if it be possible , and vse the lawe as men vse Phisicke for necessitie , not wantonnesse . Against these busie and rash suiters , that seeke rather for lawe then right : no such approued remedie , as the countenance of a Iudge like a Northern wind Pro. 25. 23. blowing them away from the seat of iudgement .

Next vnto these suiters , are such as owe suite and appearance , by reason of some good sufficiencie of wealth , aboue the common sort . Our law intendeth these to be as pettie Iudges , and therfore it behooueth them to learne wisdome , and the knowledge of equitie aboue the vulgar people . It is true that ( as the wise man speaketh ) such as only hold the plough , or meddle with their cattell , or follow their handicrafts , Ecclus. 38. 25. are not asked their iudgement in the counsel of the people : but you are they that can labour , and yet neede not , at all turnes : and therefore your sufficiencie of liuelihoode and employment by the lawes of the Realme doe call for some good education of your children , ability in your selues to vnderstand , and conceiue the order and course of Iustice . If the lawe make you Iudges , the Lord telleth you that amongst the rest , you must be wise : that you Psal. 2. may see , not with other mens eyes , but your owne . Now it is pitifull to beholde how vnreuerently many take their oathes , how slightly they regard them : for the most part it is made but a matter of forme and custome . As they take the same oath with their foreman , so commonly they beleeue as he beleeues , thinke as he speakes , without further examining the circumstances : or els they regard the priuie suggestiēs of a forsworne bailif● & follow him as a false guide : or in the preiudice , & stubborn partiality of their own affections , without reason or common sense , dwell in an opinion : that though they be braied as oatmeale in a morter with a Prouerb . 17. 2● pestell , yet will not their folishnes leaue them . And euen by these meanes , is the course of iudgement hindered in the gate .

After these , follow the witnesses , which speake indeed before them : for witnesse must go before verdict . These of all other must be vpright and indifferent , & speake the trueth sincerely . Therfore the Lord , by prohibiting men from bearing false witnesse , set down that very phrase in his speach , as being the highest offence that by the tongue might be committed against our neighbour . These must know that they speake before God : for they informe , & assist with their euidence , ne quid Iudex ( quia inspector cordis non Augustine . est ) Iudicando erret : least the Iudge ( being no sercher of the hart ) should erre in Iudgement . These being guides to others , in the finding out of the trueth , if they shal faile , may misselead Iudges , Iurie , counsel , right & al. Of al that resort to the place of Iustice , none doth so prophane , & contemptuously abuse the ordinance of God , as a false witnes : Salomon saith , he mocketh at iudgement , Prou. 1● . ●8 . & swalloweth iniquitie . He laugheth in his sleeue , to see that he can delude so many graue wise and learned men assembled .

I greatly feare that iudgement after this sort , by such kinde of people is made but a mockery in our daies . For what say some being defendants amongst vs ? If it stand vpon the proofe of mine aduersarie , I am gone : entending that a man of a large conscience may haue proofe and witnesse for any thing . There were a kind of heretikes , called Priscillianistes : which gaue these precepts , Iura , periura , &c. sweare , and forsweare : but it was to auoide persecution , & to couer their owne filthie absurdities . Certaine heathens vsed to sweare ( as they saide ) with their tongue , but not with their heart : but others that knewe not God , yet condemned this prophane excuse and cloke of periurie .

What shall I call our false swearers , that for a friend , or a master , or a peece of money ( preuailing more then friend and master , or GOD himselfe with them ) will not refuse to iustifie any thing vpon their oath ? These Libertines of our age , worse than heretikes , more wicked than the reffuse of the heathens , dare in the presence of God , before the seate of iudgement ( hauing their diuelish falsehood contradicted by a contrarie oath many times , their consciences gal led with euidence of the trueth it selfe , terrified by the warnings of the zealous Iudge ) yet set abroach a false and forged testimonie to the ouerthrowing of al iust proceeding in the course of iudgement . I know these fellowes are of great antiquitie , though neuer growne so shamelesse as now . Moses prouided legem talionis , for them that should beare false witnesse . The Iudges , sayth he , shall make diligent inquisition , Deut. 19. and if a false witnesse be found , it shall be done to him , as he thought to doe to his brother : an eye for an eye , a tooth for a tooth . As that decree by Moses , against false witnesses , argueth that in his time , such vngodlinesse was feared . so the plot of Iesabell ( that , writing to the Iudges , commanded them to set vp two wicked men , sonnes of Belial , or vnthrifts , as some translation hath , suborned witnesses agaynst the life of innocent Naboth ) manifestly sheweth , that this abuse was both knowne and practised by the higher powers , who should rather haue sought out and punished such desperate vnthrifts , and children of Belial , then made vse of their falshood . But the like customers were imployed agaynst Christ , agaynst Steuen : and the like trecherie possesseth our common knights of the Poste , such as being banquerupt of their goods , hauing lost both credite and honestie where they are knowne , now set to sale their conscience to the world , and their soules to the diuell . Iuuenal , a heathenish Satyrist , in his time derided such Sa● ● . loose companions , for betaking themselues to such professed villanie ; and wisheth them rather to be brokers of old stuffe : Hoc satius quàm si dicas sub iudice , vidi , quod non vidisti . Any base trade were better then to say before a Iudge , I saw , that which thou neuer sawest . Faciant Equites Asiani * * Quamquam & Cappadoces faciant equitesque Britanni . : Let the Asian knights , renowned for periurie , and false euidence , exercise that professed trecherie . He thought it a disgrace for Romanes . And wee may thinke such damned practises vnworthie to bee named amongest Christians , except it be with reproofe and detestation .

If any such vngodly wretches flatter themselues in their sinne , supposing by their secrete carriage to escape , let them remember that the Lord threatneth to be a swift witnesse against Malach. 1. 5. false swearers : and to send a flying booke , whose contents shall be a curse , to enter into the house of Zacha. 5. ● . him that sweareth falsly , and there remaine till it consume house , timber , stones and all .

And thus haue we vnfolded those conditions at large , which the prophet from the Lord doth vrge to the people , in this briefe abridgement ; Hate the euill , loue the good , establish iudgement in the g●●e . You haue heard that the Lord requireth holy ▪ affections , iust actions ; a good conscience led by knowledge , to the hatred of euill , & loue of the good : an vpright conuersation exercised in the workes of iustice , & mercie , holinesse and iudgement , by euery man from the highest to the lowest , in their degree .

Wee haue seene the defectes and decayes of iudgement , and how they are to bee repaired and amended , that Gods people may haue a sure refuge from all iniuries and oppressions . And to this end is euerie man to meditate vpon his vocation and place , first in the Church and state of Christianitie , secondly in the Common wealth ; and to studie how his conscience , and actions thereupon grounded , may turne to the maintenance of religion , vertue , and peace , and to the wracke and confusion of sinne and transgressions . Singulus quisque homo , est vt vna litera De ciuit . Dei lib. 4. cap. 3. in sermone , & quasi elementum in ciuitate , sayth saint Austen : Euery man is as one letter in the speach , and Alphabet ; one element and member of the Citie or Countrie . The highest in dignitie , & deepest in skill , as reuerend Iudges , worthy Gentlemen , learned Counsellers , are as vowels : ●urors and witnesses , as halfe vowels , to speake when they are spoken to , & to sound somthing with others , nothing with themselues . Mutes there bee that cannot speake in their owne cause : whose silence is to be assisted by the sound of others , that are charged to open Prou. 31. their mouth for the dumbe . Dipthongs there be too many ; double tongues , which breath out hote and cold ; these marr● the consort of iudgement , and harmonie of truth , and therefore are to be razed out of the row of a Christan Alphabet . To conclude , if all hearts be zealous for the aduauncement of Gods kingdom , and all hands strong & couragious to establish the righteousnesse thereof ( both in the true seruice of the Lord , as also in the preseruation of his people ) then doth the Lord of hosts promise for his part a truce , and peace to be extended to vs , as to his intirely beloued subiects .

Hauing thus declared what conditions the Lord expecteth : now remaineth to shew the Content of his promise , and mercie propounded for his part . It may be the Lord will be mercifull to the remnant of Ioseph . Seeing that if there be any default it will be on our part : therefore haue we beate most vpon this poynt , that we first performe these articles required : for ( as the Lord saith in Malachie ) Bring all your tithes into my store-house , that there may be meate in my house , and proue me now herewith , if I will not powre vpon you a blessing without measure . So , if we would bring the first fruits of our wisdom , zeale and courage , that there might be iudgement prouided as meate in due season for the reliefe of Gods people : proue him , if he will not be mercifull vnto vs , aboue all that we are able to aske or thinke .

This phrase of speach , It may be ; implieth no vncertaintie , on Gods behalfe : neither doth it teach to doubt in the Lords goodnesse : but rather it referreth all to his owne good pleasure , which neuer faileth them that turne to him vnfainedly . But as the Israelites , in regard of their manifold transgressions , and many euident tokens of Gods anger burning towards them : in regard of the small remnant of people left , being but as some two legges , and a peece of an Amos. 3. 1● . ear , rescued by the shepheard , out of the mouth of the Lion : might conceiue some vnlikelihood of their restauration : so we ( beloued in the Lord ) casting our eyes vpon the infinite number of our sinnes , beholding them as redde as skarlet , and hearing them clamorous in the Isai. 1. eares of God and men : beholding his sworde Ezech. 21. 10. ready furbished to smite : remembring the losse of many sound Church-men , religious Fathers , graue Counsellers , deepe states-men , vpright Iudges , valiant warriours , worthie lusticiaries , which in short time we haue sustained : may perhaps in a sodaine passion breake out , and crie with the Prophet Amos , in a vision : Spare ( O Lord God ) I beseech thee : who shall raise vp Iacob ? Amos. 7. 2 . for it is small . And yet againe , as the Israelites beholding an outstretched arme of a mercifull father , an almightie power of him that is the Lord of Hosts : remembring his deliuerance to Ioseph their father , contrarie to expectation : and seeing yet a Remnant still reserued , of such as may be instruments of their recouerie , might lift vp their heades in hope of their prosperitie to be restored . So we considering the Lordes mercie , sealed to vs by many fauors : the Gospel yet continued : the barres of our gates made strong : the light of our Israel vnquenched by ●al. 147. 13. Sam. 21. 17. preseruation of the Lordes annoynted : beholding a supply of faithfull Counsellers ; a tythe of graue and learned fathers , godly and painfull Ministers : the seates of iudgement furnished with men as renowmed for wisdome and courage , as in any age ; the Countrie replenished with many zealous gentlemen , prepared both to keepe the peace , and build the wall of Ierusalem , ●ehemiah . 4. with Nehemiah , and armed also against the sodaine enemies of God , and the realme , at all assayes : perceyuing an holy seede , being as the substance of a tree that hath cast her leaues , a sprinkling of true O liues remaining amongst vs ●sai . 6. 13. vngathered : a fresh care springing vp in the nurseries of our land , for religion and all good artes ; some houses of learning erected ; libraries of mute masters restored from their ruines ; ● Sam. 19. 22. ●amen . 4. 7. many good Samuels gouerning Naioth , and the schooles of the Prophets , many pretious Nazarites , as the polished Saphires shining . If they Amos. ● . 12. Reuel. 17. 4. may be kept from the wine of that golden cup in the Reuelation : and not forbad by their parents to qroqhecie , and serue God in his ministerie . Seeing , I say , such meanes rescrued , and sparks of comfort shewing themselues in this dark generation , and knowing the Lords mercy in appointing meanes of safetie , to those whom he intendeth to deliuer : knowing his power in effecting his will by feeble meanes : we may yet haue some confidence that the Lord will take some longer truce , & grant a larger time of repentance towards vs , suffering vs still to eat the good things of our land , and enioy peace with godlinesse and honestie . But who are we that we should prescribe vnto the Lord any conditions ? or stand vpon tearmes with him ? It is best for vs to imitate those valiant captaines of Dauid , who hauing set their men in aray , and readinesse for battell , breake out into this couragious 2. Sam ▪ 10. 12. exhortation . Be strong , and let vs be valiant for our people , and for the cities of our God : and let the Lord do that , which is good in his eyes . So now hauing placed euery man in his ranke and order , in the Church and Commonwealth , there remaineth onely this , that we ( fastening our eies vpon the Lord our strength ) be strong and valiant in the hatred of euill , loue of the good , and in the aduauncement of iudgement , and righteousnesse in our gates : that the Lord may subscribe to the continuance of our peace and felicitie , in such particulars as it shall seeme good to his wisdome , and Maiestie ▪ to whome being the King euerlasting , immortall , inuisible , and God onely wise , be honour and glorie for euer and euer ,

Amen . FINIS .