CHAP. I. A briefe exposition of the Text.

THe cause of Babilons destruction , and Nabuchadnezzar his subuersion , is Pride . (a) (a) Dan. 4.34 & 6.22.23 Who here stands as vppon the Stage , vaunting her selfe , like Absolon vpon the battlements of his house , bewraying his sinne without any shame . (b) (b) 2. Sam. 16.22 . And is at defiance with God , like Pharao (c) (c) Exo. 5.2 . or Rabshacheh , (d) (d) 2. King . 18.22 . speaking heere by Nabuchadnezzar , as the diuel did by the serpent , (e) (e) Gen. 3.1 . and thinkes scorne to be equall with any creature . And therefore as you see , she mounts her selfe aboue the cloudes , and will be like God : as the Serpent told Eua she should . (f) (f) Gen. 3. Such is her shamelesse impudencie , that shee fears not to encounter with God , as the diuell did with Christ , (g) (g) Mat. 4.3 or the dragon with Michael . (h) (h) Re. 12 7. But God lyeth as in a scout-watch , not as the Elders did to catch Susanna , but as Israel did , to entrap their enemies . (k) (k) Iud. 7. Or rather tells her to her teeth , as Elias did Ahab , (l) (l) 1. King . 1.18 . answering her with no lesse terror ( if it be marked ) then the hand-writing shewed the destruction of Balthasar (m) (m) Da. 5.5 saying : Thou shalt be brought downe to the graue , to the sides of the pit .

Marke the text . I ( saith Pride ) will ascend aboue the cloudes . See her insolencie . And will be like the most high . Behold her impudencie .

But ( saith God ) there is a stop ; thou , euen Pride : shalt , that s thy hope : bee brought downe , it is thy fall : to the graue , that is thy honour : to the sides of the pit , that is the end , not onely of thee , but of all other sinne , except ye repent . (n) (n) Luk 13.3 .

The diuision of the Text.

Here in order to helpe memorie , I obserue a double proposition : the first sheweth the chiefe cause , of all mens fall , and heere most certainly of the King and Kingdome of Babilon : that is Pride : whose haughtie humor is heere seene by two things .

First by a generall contempt of all other in regard of her selfe , in these words . I will ascend aboue the cloudes .

And her wings to mount , may be first Disdaine : second , Presumption : third Rebellion : fourth Discontentment . Noted out of ( I will ) .

Secondly , by a vaine estimation of her selfe , to be like God . 1. In proprietie , as in seeking to be exalted alone . 2. In chalenging vengeance vnto her selfe . 3. In name , by vsurping the glorious name of God .

The second proposition noteth two things , first , the certaintie of proud Nabuchadnezzar his fall : where I note , 1. Who threatneth . 2. What force the threatning is of . 3. How it is effected . 4. What it is . viz. the graue .

Secondly , the vtter destruction and finall ouerthrowe of Pride and proud men impenitent in hell : whereof note 1. the true being and certaintie of that place for the damned .

Secondly , the torments thereof , wherein is 1. Most horrible paine . 2. Confused woe . 3. An euerlasting continuance of the same .

CHAP. II. A view of Pride .

SOme follow euill counsell to their own destruction ; like Ahab , and Ahaziah . (o) (o) 1. King . 22.23 . Some mens wicked deuice turn to their owne confusion ; like the builders of the Tower of Babell . (p) (p) Gen. 11.8 .

Ede cace boule to bouleusanti caciste , Euil counsel worst wringeth the councellor himselfe .

Mee thinkes it is no wisedome to triumph before the conquest .

Benhadad King of Aram or Syria , sent & greatly threatned Ahab , king of Israel ( the effect of the Text is ) to tread him & his people vnder his feete . Ahab sent answer againe saying . Tell him that girdeth his harnesse on , let him not boast himselfe as he that putteth it off . 1. King . 20.11 . Now a litle you heare what Pride saith , but she maketh no reckning of her ende , but that will quaile her .

Pride , what is that ? why shouldest thou aske ? But indeed the Sunne in his brightnesse is not seene of him that dooth winke : neither doth any truth preuaile with them that will not heare and beleeue . Pride is as common , as corne is like to be plentifull . For this praise the Lord , ô my soule , and all that is within mee praise his holy name : and pray that corne may be kept in the Land for the confort of the poore : For I feare the diuell wil Pride , though he neuer want store . And because she strutteth in euery streete , I need not seeke farre , as desirous to finde her : but am ●●●●ing to speake to her , wishing to reforme her .

Loe shee starts out of my Text in shape of a monster , as the diuell did out of the earth in Samuels likenesse ; (r) (r) 1. Sam. 28.13.15 and hath as long a reach , as the diuells kingdome is large . (s) (s) Math. 4 8. Shee will ascend aboue the cloudes , and she will be like God : it may bee shee meanes as the diuell was like Samuel : therefore she here saith , I will , I will . This is all her reason for it : she thinks this may serue . Stet pro ratione voluntas . But her reason is as strong , as his foundation was firme , that laid it vpon the sand : (t) (t) Mat. 7.26 . both the buildings must downe . From this her double desire , which to obtain , she is as greedie as the Lion of his pray . I will make her knowne vnto you by this description .

Pride is an vntamed lust of the heart , rebelling against God , in exalting that which he would haue cast downe , euen the Flesh : and in casting downe that which hee would haue exalted ; that is the Spirit : Against which , God made a law , specially for Princes , because they should be good examples to their people . (v) (v) 2. Sam. 3 35.36 . and generally , for all other because the subiect should not bee proud : (w) (w) Num. 15.28 . saying . The King must haue the law , read the lawe , and keepe all the words of this law , &c. that his heart bee not lifted vp aboue his brethren . That is , the more higher of calling , the more humble in condition they should be . (x) (x) Deut. 17 20. If Princes ought not to bee proud , subiects ought not to aduenture it . Therefore the holy Ghost saith to all . Bee not high minded , but feare . (y) (y) Ro. 11.20 . Learne of mee ( saith Christ ) that am meeke and lowly in heart , and yee shall finde rest vnto your soules . (z) (z) Mat. 11 29. As if he should say , if you be proud , you shall finde no rest for your soules . For cursed are all they that doo erre from thy commaundements . (a) (a) Ps. 119 21. If you would see further what Pride is , S. Augustine saieth . Amor excellentiae superbia vocatur . (b) (b) Aug. de verb. domini . Ser. 54. The loue or desire of renowne , or to be exalted , is called Pride . Who then is not proud ? who so toucheth pitch is defiled therewith . (c) (c) Eccl. 13.1 . Pride is like pitch . Therefore Augustine saith , it is The head and cause of all other sinnes . (d) (d) Aug in Psal. 18. Againe he saith , it is of all other sins , the Beginning , end , and cause . Be●●●●● it is not onely a sinne it selfe , but that there neuer hath beene , is , or shall be any sinne , Sine superbia , without Pride . (e) (e) Aug. ad Iulia. epist. 3 Nay further , it straineth euen our good deeds , (f) (f) Act. 12.23 . and therefore saith Augustine , Caetera vitia in malefactis valent , sola superbia etiam in recte factis est cauenda , (g) (g) Aug. in Ps. 50. & lib. de natura & gra. all other sin in wicked deeds doth appeare , onely Pride in our good deeds , we ought to beware : for it is like the hearb Coloquintida , where that is in the pot , the broath is neuer good : and where Pride is , all our workes are abhominable . And as for our wicked deeds , (h) (h) Aug. Ser. 54. de verb. domini Prior est in vitijs superbia , in them , Pride first setteth foote aboorde : for Pride is the originall of sinne . (i) (i) Ecclesi. 10 14. If you aske how it can be sinne , the Apostle saith , that of many , Couetousnesse is the roote of all euill . (k) (k) 1. Timo. I will answere you from the auncient holy Father S. Aug. (l) (l) Aug. ad Iulia . Epist. 3. Superbia & cupiditas in tantum est vnum malum , vt nec superbia sine cupiditate , nec sine superbia possit cupidus inueniri . Pride and couetousnesse are thus one euill , or do consent in one , that neither a proud man can bee found without couetousnesse , nor a couetous man without Pride . They are like two ●●rlots , which make but one body . (m) (m) 1. Cor. 6 If you desire to heare of her any more , I wil omit that Pride which is most common , for it is sufficiently knowne : and I will speake of that which is least suspected .

CHAP. III. Foure kindes of proud men appealed .

SAint Augustine speaketh of three sorts of proud men , (n) (n) Aug. in Ps. 93. vnto which from the Apostle , I wil adde a fourth . First they are proud , Quibus parum est qùod mala faciunt , sed & sua peccata defendere volunt , which make small account of sinning , and will also haue an excuse for their sinne , like Adam , Aron , Saul , and Ionas . Adam sinned , and cast the fault vpon the woman , and shee sought to excuse her selfe by the Serpent , (o) (o) Gen. 3.12 . but all would not serue . Aron made a golden calfe to be worshipped , and when he did see Moyses his zeale and anger against it , he cast the fault vpon the people . (p) (p) Exod. 32 33.34 . Saul sinned against God , in lauing that which he was commaunded to destroy . And when he was reproued for it by the Prophet , hee straight had his excuse ready : Forsooth the people did it , to offer vnto the Lord. (q) (q) 1. Sam. 15.21 . And Ionas sent to Niniuie , fled from the commaundement of the Lord , and being punished for it , yet he would excuse his sinne . (r) (r) Ionas . 4.2 And thus do Vsurers at this day , common swearers , blasphemers , prophaners of the holy Saboath day , and infinit other sinners , which not onely do such things , but with as bad an excuse fauour themselues in their owne wickednesse . And here may be reprooued non residents , dumbe dogs , and Idle Pastors , theeues , &c. But when Christ shall come with his Redde rationem , giue account of thy Stewardship , (s) (s) Mat. 25.31.32 . It is not Lord , Lord , haue wee not prophesied in thy name , and in thy name cast out diuels , and done great workes , that shall helpe ; much lesse then any of your excuses . The will of God must be done , or else it shall be said , I neuer knew you , depart from me ye that work iniquitie , into euerlasting fire , &c. (t) (t) Math. 7.21.22.23 It was not inough for Israel , neither could they escape Gods wrath by their Templum a●trint , Templum domini ; nor the Iewes with Domine , domine , nor for the Romanists , The Church , the Church ; nor for vs , The Gospell , the Gospell , the Word , the Word ; but wee must do workes worthy of the Word , worthy of the Gospell , as saith a learned Bishoppe . How many Kingdomes & Nations hath God cut off for their sinne ? and shall we escape that do not only commit sinne , euen with greedinesse , but also will not stick to defend the doing of it ? As the Minister doth such a thing , others doo such , and such things , and why may not I ? Thus wee our selues cause others to blaspheme the worthy calling wherewith wee be called : (v) (v) Rom. 2.24 . And thus men heape one sinne vpon an other , (w) (w) Eccl. 3.29 . to make vp the measure of their sinnes , (x) (x) Mat. 23.32 . and so hasten the wrath of God . But alas ( deare bretheren ) it is written , Thou shalt not follow a multitude to doo euill . (y) (y) Exod. 32.2 . That is thou must not take example to sinne : which is , to feede thy selfe with winde , in excusing thine own wickednesse . (z) (z) Hos. 12.1 Nec enim exempla nobes simpliciter imi●anda deus proposuit , sed verbum suum dedi● , adcuius regulam & consilia nostra , & aliorum exempla examinemus . (a) (a) Gual . in Hos. cap. 12 Ser. 39. For God hath not simply set vs examples to follow , but he hath giuen vs his word , according to the true rule , and direct line wherof , we may examine both our owne deuices , and the examples of other . If they swarue from the commandements , go not after them , neither excuse thine owne sinne . Binde not two sinnes together , for in one thou shalt not be vnpunished . (b) (b) Ecc. 7.8 . And as for them that giue wicked example , it is written : Woe bee to that man by whom the offence commeth . (c) (c) Mat. 18.6 . But if it were not for Pride , all this would soone be laid aside .

Secondly saith Augustine , He is proud ( Qui in confessione peccatorum non agit penitentiam ) which in the confession of his sinnes doth not repent : like Kain , Saul , Ahab , and Iudas . Kain murthered his brother , he confessed his sin , but could not repent . (d) (d) Gen. 4.13 . After Saul had sinned & was reprooued , hee said . I haue sinned , I haue transgressed the commaundements of the Lord , and thy words , because I feared the people , and obeyed their voyce . Now therfore I pray thee take away my sinne , &c. (e) (e) 1. Sam. 15. Was not this much ? yet all this was but like a sacrifice of swines flesh : because this confession was not washed with teares , wroong out of the heart , with grieuous grones of the spirite , which cannot bee expressed . Ahab hearing Gods iudgements denounced against him for his sinnes , Hee rent his cloathes , and put Sackcloath vpon him , and fasted , and lay in Sackcloath , and went barefooted ; (f) (f) 1. King . 21.27 . yet hee could not repent : for the eye of his soule was closed vp , that he could not behold the bright beames of the sonne of righteousnesse , appearing with the spirit of regeneration ; and so he sunke backe to his sin again , as appeareth in the chapter . As for Iudas , he said : I haue sinned betraying the innocent bloud : (g) (g) Math. 27.4 . and he brought againe the siluer peeces , and cast them downe in the Temple , and departed , but he could not wash his soule in the lauer of the innocent blood , and take hold of the hornes of the altar of Gods mercie . Therefore he went and hanged himselfe ; and hath purchased a field with the reward of iniquitie , (h) (h) Act. 1.18 . euen hell fire , by his euill gotten goods . Beware you bribe-mongers . Now at this day , how many Kains , Sauls , Ahabs , and fewe so good as Iudas haue we ? many to confesse , fewe to restore , none to repent , then all to bee damned . Except ye repent , ye shall all likewise perish . (i) (i) Luk. 13.3 . And if any desire to know repentance , entending to liue in it , I will borrow so much time of my Text , as to describe it vnto you , but the true and right vse thereof , euery one must shewe forth in his owne life and conuersation , like Vrim and Thummim on the breast of the Priest .

Repentance is an vnfeyned griefe and groaning of the heart , through sorrow for sinne committed , confessing and forsaking the same , (k) (k) 2. Cor. 7 10.11 . with turning vnto God by newnesse of life , (l) (l) Act. 2.18 . apprehending the mercie of God by faith in Christ Iesus ; (m) (m) Rom. 3.21.22 . &c. Who of God , is made vnto vs Wisedome , and righteousnesse , and sanctification , and redemption . (n) (n) 1. Co. 1.30 . Where this is , that mans heart is filled with ioy , Iohn . 15.11 . as the temple was with the glory of the Lord. (o) (o) 2. Chro. 5.14 . This felt Dauid and Peter , and therefore though theyr sinnes were great , yet the guiltinesse thereof was done 〈◊〉 way : and so with confession seeke wee repentance , and cast away Pride , the deadly enemie thereof .

Thirdly hee is proud saith Augustine . Qui illa ipsa pauca quae videtur habere bona , sibi vult arrogare & derogat misericordiae dei . Such ( Paul saith ) are proud , boasters , (p) (p) 2. Timo. 3.2 . which do arrogate or attribute vnto themselues those fewe good things , which they doo but seeme to haue ( for indeed they haue none ) (q) (q) Ro. 7.18 and so do diminish the mercie of God . Which is to rob God of his honour , as do the Pelagians and Papists , who putting their trust in their workes , as some put their confidence in horses and chariots , neuer remembring the name of the Lord , and grace of God in Christ , may haue a name to liue , but they are dead with the Angell of the Church of Sardi , because they remember not how they haue receiued , and heard , and hold fast and repent : (r) (r) Re. 3.1 namely , that saluation is of the Lord (s) (s) Gal. 5.4 . and that there is no good thing in man , but that which is wrought by the holy Ghost . (t) (t) Isay . 26.12 . Without me ( saith Christ ) ye can do nothing . Paratur enim voluntas a domino . For mans will is prepared of the Lord , (v) (v) Most excellent saith Aug. Epist. 105. Tom. 2 per tota . to euery good worke . And now for the warre betwixt the Papists and vs about this poynt : this peace I proclaime , as Embassador from the Lord : That faith is a supernaturall knowledge , wrought by the holy Ghost in a regenerate man , by which hee is assured of eternall saluation through Christ , (w) (w) Ephe. 1.17.18.19 and good works do approue this knowledge to be sound and true . (x) (x) Iam. 2.17.20.22 If the tree bee good , so is the fruite also , and the tree is knowne by his fruite . (y) (y) Math. 12.33 . And thus as faith and workes cannot be seperated by the sun and his light , fire and heate : so ô Lord vnite the Papists and all other Heretickes to vs , and thy true Church militant , that we may all worship thee in one spirit and truth . If this beame of Pride were once plucked out of mens eyes , the bright sun-light of the truth of Religion would clearely appeare , and all men would walke as in the day time .

Fourthly , hee is proud , that is furious like a mad man , or doteth like a foole , ( for so the Greeke word signifieth , about questions and strife of words , not being content with the doctrine of the Gospell . ) If any man teach otherwaies , ( saith the blessed Apostle , hauing exhorted vnto obedience ) Tetuphotai , he is proud , knowing nothing , Alla noson , but furiously doating about questions and strife of words : whereof commeth enuy , strife , raylings , euill surmisings , vaine disputations of men of corrupt mindes , &c. (z) (z) 1. Timo. 6.3.4 . Insani vocantur tales questionarij , vt qui sibi de quibuslibet rebus ( etiam de lana caprina ) discertare , & per animi morbos conflictari indulgeant . (a) (a) Marl. ex Iodo . Vilich in 1. Timot. 6. Such bee called mad , doating , or busie questionists , or disputors , as giue themselues to contend about euery matter , ( euen of smal moment , as of the Moone shining in the water , or wearing of a comely Surples ) and through Pride so to trouble themselues . As many doo about the orders of our Church , established neither for superstition nor Idolatry , nor for the maintenance of any accident adioyning vnto them : ●ut to keepe comelinesse , vniformitie , and order in the Church : this satisfieth my conscience , and what should I seeke ●o alter the decree of a whole Parliament ? I know wherein to obey God rather then man : and I know how to obey God by man : and I know how to obey God and man : and it is not for euery priuate man to know all the reasons why such and such things bee ordained for policie and order in a Common-wealth . Now then , if no offence bee iustly giuen , if thy vnbrideled and vntamed spirite , ( whatsoeuer thou art ) vniustly take any , what is that to the Church ? looke thou to that , as the Iews said to Iudas : to his maister and Lord as traiterous , (b) (b) Mat. 26 as you to your Princes good orders are malicious ; and to her Maiestie how true , iudge your selues , as Paul saith to the Communicants . (c) (c) 2. Cor. 13.5 . I iudge no man : I doo commaund from the Lord , that you Giue vnto Caesar that which is Caesars . If you say , our blood is not too deare a sacrifice to be offered in her Maiesties quarell : no more then Isaac was to his father . (d) (d) Gen. 22 1.10.11 . I say againe : And will you not then spare one affection to obey her ? One saith out of Gregory : Probatio dilectionis est exhibitio operis . The triall of thy loue , is the shewing of thy deed , or to shew it by thy deeds . (e) (e) Ser. de temp. 100. And Christ saith : If ye loue me , keepe my commaundements . (f) (f) Ioh. 14.15 How can you loue your holy Prince , & do not her will ? If you deny to do that which is least , who may trust you in that which is most ? Seruants obey their Maisters , (g) (g) Mal. 1.6 the Oxe knoweth his owner , (h) (h) Isay . 1.3 and subiects should their Prince . (i) (i) Ro. 13.1 Faith without good workes , is dead in it selfe . (k) (k) Iam. 2.20 . And Iudas his haile Maister , with his kisse , was treason against the sonne of God . Math. 26. And as Dauid saith : Good words in the mouth , and warre in the heart , is nothing better then plaine hypocrisie . Therefore Christ called the flattering Disciples of the Pharisies , and the Herodians hipocrites , (l) (l) Mat. 22 18. which are a people or generation , pure in their owne conceit : (m) (m) Prou. 30.12 . and it is a mightie Pride for one to conceiue well of himself , where fewe or none else doth : and the worse , where there is no cause . Well , Christ saith , Hee that gathereth not with vs , scattereth abroad . (n) (n) Math. 12.30 . S. Aug. saith : Non est particeps diuinae charitatis qui hostis est vnitatis . (o) (o) Aug. Epist. 50. He is not beloued of God , which is an enemy to the vnitie of the Church . The braunch beareth not fruite except it abide in the vine , (p) (p) Ioh. 15.4 and what life is in the body beeing torne asunder ? If I were now to come to the Papist & Puritane , I wote what to say ; but others are before me ( whose shooes I am not worthy to beare ) then heere will I stay . A foule puddle the more it is stirred , the more it stinketh . Onely this I could wish , that our busie-bodies would cease to licke vp the vomit which others haue cast , & washed from them : as also to meddle with Callings , who , why , and how , such , and such men haue their calling lawfull : and as for my brethren of my owne calling , to meddle with matters of state , my poore wisedome and learning garded with humilitie , councelleth and teacheth me to behold and learne of King Dauid , the man after Gods owne heart ( & wiser then the most peeuish schismaticke , or opinionaries ) who saith : Lord , I do not exercise my selfe in great matters which are too high for me , but I refraine my soule and keepe it lowe . (q) (q) Ps. 131. And to what end should a Countrie Pulpit meddle with matters of gouernment in Malam partem , except it were to teach the people to tread vpon the Princes lawful Scepter , and tread the Crowne vnder their feete ? What they haue intended , God hath preuented : and because this their counsell or worke is of men , it comes to nought : as Gamaliel told the men of Israel theirs should , if it were against God . (r) (r) Act. 5.34 38. Admit some things might be amisse , the best way to amend them , is there to speake of them where mends may be had , and not to keepe a wrangling among such as cannot helpe . No , no , ( my deare brethren ) if wee looke well about vs , wee shall finde no time wherin to omit speaking of the matters of faith , for men will not beleeue : and to smite at sinne & corruption among Officers at this day . For though ( perhaps ) some one head of sinne and corruption be wounded to death , yet it recouereth the deadly wound ; like the beast in the thirteenth of the Reuelation . And men returne to their sinne againe like the dogge to his vomit , ●nd the sowe that was washed , to her ●allowing in the myer . (s) (s) 2. Pet. 2.22 . Nay though ●ne head of sinne be cut off , yet there ●●iseth two in the roome : behold our Pride , which I may call our English Hydra . But ( alas ) I desire here rather to lament , then to open the vanitie of mens mindes , and vntamed affections of this time : through which , who knoweth not the church of God to be grieuously rent , and the aduersary to haue got no small occasion for to blaspheme ? But to ende with these kinde of proud men , let them view Caluin , who saieth it Math. 13.41 . They which proposterously make haste to roote out and abolish whatsoeuer liketh not , or displeaseth them , do preuent so much as in them lyeth the iudgement of Christ● and do rashly vsurpe vnto themselue● the power of Angels , & the office pertaining vnto them . Therefore let vs al● embrace and hold fast the counsell o● the holy Apostle . Seeke peace and follow after it , (t) (t) 1. Pet. 3.11 . and studie to be quiet . (v) (v) 1. Thess. 14.11 . Fo● God is not the author of dissention , bu● of peace : (w) (w) 1. Cor. 14.33 . and therefore build we 〈◊〉 together the building of God : the daie 〈◊〉 are euill , the end of all things is at hand● and happie is hee in whose worke i● found no guile .

Thus you heare of some that ar● proud , other you know , and moe will appeare by the rest that followeth .

CHAP. IIII. Whither Pride will ascend .

NOw sir , Pride saieth shee will ascend aboue the cloudes , may one ( thinke you ) beleeue her ? let vs see what may be ment by the clouds , and then how she doth clime .

Cloudes haue these fiue significations in the word of God . 1. They signifie those Meteors which are drawne vp into the ayre out of the sea and moyst places , by the superior powers . These clouds we see daily the wind driues too and fro . Such was that cloud which Elias his seruant sawe arise out of the sea in bignesse like a mans hand , and presently the heauens were blacke with clouds and winde , and there was a great raine . (x) (x) 1. Reg. 18.44.45 2. Cloudes signifie a diuine ordinance of GOD , supernaturall , appointed for a time to doo his will . Such was that cloud , that led the children of Israel by day , to escape from the Egyptians . And he , first God , went before them by daye in a piller of a cloude (y) (y) Exod. 13 21. 3. They signifie a multitude . We are compassed with so great a cloud of witnesses , &c. (z) (z) Heb. 12.1 . 4. They do signifie the wicked and wretched worldlings which are without the truth of good workes : these the holy scriptures doth call cloudes without raine . (a) (a) Prouerb . 25.14 . 5. Clouds do signifie all those good men of godly conuersation , whose lights of righteousnesse do shine before men , whose good deeds do comfort the poore , as raine from the cloudes dooth moysten the earth . Of these Isay speaketh , saying . Let the cloudes droppe downe righteousnesse . (b) (b) Isa. 45.8 Ouer the first the builders of Babell ment for to mount . To be aboue the fourth , what credit is it for Pride , but to be counted the king or captaine , ring-leader , and lord and maister of all wickednesse ? but at the fift it is that she aymeth , and though they be as is in the third a multitude , yet superioritie you heare she proclaimeth : she will bee aboue the cloudes : shee will bee aboue them , though she be none of them . The meaning is , that Pride perswaded Nabuchadnezzar , as it doth the Pope and Spaniard , that he should ouerthrow Ierusalem the Citie of God , and place , which hee had chosen to put his name there , and as it were tread the people vnder his feete , driue them away captiue , and take his will and pleasure vpon them : as I feare the rich doo by the poore , and therefore he saith : I will ascend aboue the cloudes , &c.

CHAP. V. How Pride doth ascend .

NOw if you would know the steps by which Pride dooth clime , or the feathers of her wings which make her to mount , ( for she is a winged beast , looke else on many womens gownes , but theirs hang downe as if they were broken in the flight . It may bee some of the wings of their faith are not sound , and that maketh the wings of their gownes bee so ill fauoured , hauing more cost vpon a paire , then would make a poore child a coate , which they neuer remember . ) Well , though they be many , yet at this time I wil speak bu● of foure , which I take to bee the foremost & strongest feathers of her wings And one is disdaine , which mounts h●● aloft , by insulting ouer , dispising , an● preferring her selfe before all other● scornfully contemning her betters , lik● the Gentiles , who seeing that God ha● cut off the Iewes , which were the natural braunches , and had grafted them in● being but wilde Oliue braunches , (c) (c) Rom. 11 18. these began to boast against them , despising them : as Hagar did her mistress● Sarai . (d) (d) Gen. 16.4 . And so the most whom Go● fauoureth aboue their brethren , they insult ouer them , & swell one against a● other , like the Corinthians : (e) (e) 1. Co. 4.6 . setting one an other either altogither atnought or else lightly regarding them , as the rich did the poore , among the same Corinthians . (f) (f) 1. Cor. 11 22 But S. Ambrose saith o● the rich , proud , and mightie men of th● world . Ambr. lib. de Nab. Iere. cap. 13 Quid enim superbis diues ? quid dicis pauperi , noli me tangere ? &c. Wherefore ô rich man , art thou so proud ? why saiest thou to the poore man , come no● neare me ? your beginning and end are both alike : you came from the wombe and shall to the ground .

We read , that when the huge Philistine Goliah looked about and saw litle Dauid , he disdained him . (g) (g) 1. Sam. 17 , 42. And you that bee as Goliah , should not thus deale with the Dauids among you . But behold further , the poore Publicane humble in spirit , ( I speake of him first , for he was the better man ) and the rich Pharisie proud in heart , went into the Temple for to pray . The Publican perceiued how vnmeete a thing it is for a poore soule all to be smeared with sinne , impudently to stare in the face of the most holy God : therefore hee durst not lift vp so much as his eyes to heauen , but smote his breast saying . O God be mercifull vnto mee a sinner . (h) (h) Luk. 18.13 . But the proud Pharisie stood ( he would not bowe : like our Puritanes when they come to the Church , and holy Communion ) and prayed thus with himselfe . O God I thanke thee , that I am not as other men , extortioners , vniust , adulterers , ( such then there were , though peraduenture not halfe so bad as be now ) or as this Publican , &c. Hee said true , but not so well for himselfe , as he thought he did . For ( surely beloued ) hee was not like the Publican , for the Publican was better then he : as S. Augustine well noteth , saying : Ille superbus erat in bonis factis , ille humilis in malis factis , videte fratres , magis placuit deo humilitas in malis factis , quàm superbia in bonis factis . (i) (i) Aug. in Ps. 93. The meaning is , The Pharisie was proud in doing good deeds , the Publican meeke and lowly because of his euill deeds . Marke my brethren , God was better pleased with the Publicans humilitie , though he had liued wickedly , then with the good deeds of the Pharisie , because hee was proud and disdainfull . Which Christ confirmeth , saying : I tell you ( and he knew the truth ) this man , euen the humble Publican , departed home to his house iustified more then the other . Or as some note , and not the other .

Againe , you know the insolent boasting of the proud youth in the Gospell . (k) (k) Mat. 19.16 . to . 23. He said he had kept the commaundements , ( but hee lyed with those that say so ) and so thought to haue eternall life . But when Christ came to search him by his deeds , hee found no such matter in him , but that when he thought best of himselfe , and euen preferred himselfe before other , then was hee worst in the sight of God . And Pharao king of Egipt disdained that there shuld be any God to commaund him ; therefore when Moyses & Aaron came with commission from the Lord , for Israels deliuerance out of Egipt , the King answered . Quis est dominus vt audiam vocem eius ? Who is the Lord that I should heare his voyce , (l) (l) Exod. 5.2 and let Israel goe ? I know not the Lord , neither will I let Israel goe . Euen so in these dayes men make as little account of Gods word , and his Embassadors : and through Pride , by which they are ouerwhelmed , they disdaine that God should teach and commaund them to let their sinne go , and this is the cause they regard him no better , but euen say like Pharao , who is the Lord , that I should heare his voyce , and let my Pride , vsury , extortion , oppression , or any my pleasure goe ? I know not the Lord , neither will I let them goe . Iesus Christ saith : Learne of me , take my yoake vpon you , my yoake is easie , and my burthen is light . (m) (m) Math. 11.30 . But S. Augustine speaking of Pride , sheweth the cause why men will not , saying . Propter hoc vitium , dedignantur subdere colla iugo Christi , obligati arctius iugo peccati . (n) (n) Aug. in Ps. 18. Because of Pride men disdaine to yeeld their neckes to the yoake of Christ , and will rather gall them in the yoake of sinne . But know you this , that whosoeuer by this disdainfull Pride , will endeuour to mount himself , the higher he riseth , the greater shall bee his fall . And if you meane to ascend indeed , the humble your selues vnder the mightie hand of God , that he may exalt you in due time . (o) (o) 1. Pet. 5.6 And let euery man esteeme others better then himselfe . (p) (p) Phil. 2.3 For he that humbleth himselfe , shal be exalted . (r) (r) Luk. 18.14 . As the examples of Iob , Daniel , Sidrach , Misach , and Abednego , Christ , Stephen , the thiefe vpon the Crosse , and the Centurion , with many other , do plainly testifie . The Centurion in the meekenesse of his humble mind , said to Christ ( who promised wh● he did come to his house , to heale hi● seruant ) Lord ( saith he ) I am not worth● that thou shouldest come vnder my roofe● but speake the word onely , & my seruan● shall be healed . (s) (s) Math. 8.78 . If hee were not worthy that Christ should come vnder his roofe , because of his maiestie & holines , it is a shame for you to foster Pride in yours , as the bawd doth the hatlot , because of her filthinesse . His humilitie Christ honored with a great commendation : shall not your Pride be shamed in due condemnation ? but I returne . The want of this humilitie , such height of haughtie minde & swelling with disdaine , like bodies poisoned , caused Kain that he could not abide to see Abels sacrifice accepted before his , therefore Kaine slew Abell his brother . (t) (t) Gen. 4.8 . It made Iosephs bretheren that they could not abide to thinke that their brother should come to greater honour then they : therefore they made awaye with him , and sold him into Egypt . (v) (v) Gen. 37 The Rebells , Corath , Dathan , and Abiram , hauing found this , they disdained superiorie , like our pretended Presbitery , so they rebelled against Moyses their godly gouernour . (w) (w) Numb. 16.12 . It made Herod that blood-sucker , to seeke to murther Christ : (x) (x) Math. 2 16. and the Nobles of Babilon greatly to thirst after Daniels death . (y) (y) Dan. 6.4 Where disdaine lookes out at Prides window , as Iezabe● did to see Iehu , (z) (z) 2. Reg. 9.30 . there euery one despise other , (a) (a) Luk. 18.9 and iustifie themselues : (b) (b) Luk. 16.15 . onely because as Diotrephes loued the preheminence among men ; (c) (c) Ioh. Epist. 3.9 . so they would haue the highest roomes , (d) (d) Luk. 14.7 . and disdaine that any should get before the Thus much for disdaine , a feather of Prides wing : I will plucke at it no longer , for it will not come out . But now to your selues , and yet I will spare you in hope you will amend .

The second feather of Prides wing may be presumption , two waies to bee seen to mount her vp aboue the clouds . First , when men dwell in wickednesse , and therin delight , as the Owle in darknesse , and say , Thou God carest not for it : tush I shall neuer be cast downe , there shall no harme happen vnto me . (e) (e) Ps. 10.6.12.14 . And therefore of Pride presumptuously they determine with Synacharib the subuersion of Kingdomes , (f) (f) 2 Reg. 18.19 . and commit murther with Kaine , (g) (g) Gen. 4.8.19 . whordome with Lamech , the first founders thereof : extortion and oppression with Rehoboam , (h) (h) 1. Reg. 12.14 . against the law of God , which saith : Thou shalt not oppresse thy brother . (i) (i) Leu. 19.13 . Nay Pride in mans hart , maketh him entend to do euen what him list , and thinks to go forward without any controlment , neuer so much as once making the blessed God of their counsell : which the Apostle S. Iames sharply reproueth . (k) (k) Iam. 4.13 . These , and such like , I take to bee those of whom the Prophet of God speaketh : where he saith . The vngodly is so proud , that hee careth not for God , neither is God in all his thoughts . (l) (l) Ps. 10.4 And therefore in distresse thinke not that God will care for them . (m) (m) Pro. 1.28 . Will they yet runne on ?

The other kinde of presumption is , when men will dwell and continue in sinne , and thinke to salue the matter with this plaister , God is mercifull : (n) (n) 2. Cor. 1.3 . forgetting that he is iust and true , (o) (o) Ps. 7.9 . & 10.14 . & 11.7 . and so repentance is deferred , sinne is encreased , God is blasphemed , and in the end , thou thy selfe most like to bee deceiued , like one that ouer-sleepeth the Tyde , and then cannot take Ship : or like the 5. foolish Virgins , who sought ●yle when it was too late . (p) (p) Math. 25.10 . Of such almightie God complaineth by the Psalmist , saying . The plowers plowed vpon my backe , and made long furrowes . (q) (q) Ps. 129.3 . By which is ment , that to prolong thy sinne , and to put off from day to day thy amendment of life , still hoping on mercie , to haue it at thy will , is to plow or digge vpon Gods backe : but marke what followeth . The righteous Lord hath cut the cordes of the wicked , to wit , in peeces . Heere is a crosse barre , or a double gate to stoppe thy way to presumption , euen the iustice of God , and the execution thereof according vnto truth . Ah fellow , art got vp to plowe and goare the backe of God ? hee is iust as well as mercifull , and hee will cut in sunder the cordes of thy presumption . First hee will frustrate thy hope , by which thou drawest on thy sinnes , as the Oxen doo the plough by the chaine . And to assure thee of this , the holy Ghost vseth the time past in this word , Hath , for the time to come , as that it shall so surely bee performed , as if it were past alreadie . To confirme this , the word of God saieth : The person that doth ought presumptuously , whether he be borne in the Land , or a Straunger , the same blasphemeth the Lord : Therefore that person shall bee cut off from among his people , because hee hath despised the word of the Lord , and hath broken his commaundement , that person shall bee vtterly cut off : his iniquitie shall bee vppon him . (r) (r) Numb . 15.30.31 Paul also will haue no man presume aboue that which is written . (s) (s) 1. Cor. 4.6.1 . And it is written , Put not off from day to day , for suddenly shall his wrath come , and in the time of vengeance hee shall destroy thee . This then expect , except thou repent , &c.

Thirdly , rebellion is an other feather in Prides wing , by which shee would heaue vp her selfe in vsurping and stretching her authoritie ouer men wthout lawfull right , or true commission : forcing them to obey her , and leading them captiue after her owne will ; as well against Gods word , as any ordinance of his . And heere to goe from time to time , from one Common-wealth to an other , and view the cause of treasons among subiects towardes theyr Princes and gouernors of warres & contentions , &c. we should find it to bee Pride and loftinesse of minde , ambitiously desiring one an others kingdome , rising and rebelling through immoderate greedines of glory . Which the holy Apostle Saint Iames affirmeth , saying . From whence are warres and contentions among you ? are they not herehence euen of your lusts that fight in your members ? (t) (t) Iam. 4.1 Onely of Pride ( saith wise Salomon ) doth man make contention . (v) (v) Prouer. 13.10 . Looke in Genesis . 14. and the second booke of the Kings . cap. 18. As in many places more , and thou shalt haue examples to confirme this matter . And our English Chronicles want no store , but Richard the third dooth make mee tremble to name any moe . Therefore for this time I wil keepe me at home , and as I speake to you , so I wil speake of you : for you ( beloued ) I desire to be taught . Will you giue mee leaue in a word to tel some of you how you runne after Pride & rebell against God ? if you will , I shall but onely passing along by your coats , costs I mean , plucke at here and there a weed , which hindreth the growing of better corne .