Of Peters prerogatiue , and therein first of the personall benefit which he receiued : which is the first thing .

THou art Peter . ] The word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in the Originall , doth signifie a stone : the prerogatiue therfore which Peter had , is this , he is made a stone , non conuersione naturae , not by conuersion of his nature into stone , sed done gratiae , but hee is made a stone by the gift of grace . And he is made a stone two manner of waies ; by his faith , and by his function . Heere is our Sauiour as good as his word ; and performeth that promise which he made vnto him , Ioh. 1.42 . when his brother Andrew first brought him vnto Christ . Thou art Simon , the sonne of Iona , thou shalt bee called Cephas , which is by interpretation , a stone . And our Lord did reserue the confirmation of his promise , till Peter had made this good confession .

The Church of God , which is the companie of those whom God hath elected to life eternall , is often in the Scriptures resembled to a materiall Temple , and in particular to the Temple of Hierusalem ; so that as that was called a house , Mat. 21.13 . the house of prayer ; so is this called a house , 1 Pet. 5.2 . a spirituall house , for distinctions sake . The materiall house was built of stones layed one vpon another ; the spirituall house is likewise said to bee builded , 1 Cor. 12.26 . 1. Pet. 2.5 . builded of stones , not naturall stones , but liuing stones . The naturall stones of the materiall Temple , were ioyned and cimented one to another , that so the building might rise vp to perfection ; and the spirituall stones are fitly framed together , Eph. 2.21 . that the building may grow vnto an holy Temple of the Lord .

Now , to make the similitude more plaine , the materiall Temple had a strong foundation , a Rocke , next to which were stones of great strength , to support the whole fabricke of the building , which stones might not improperly be called the foundation , being indeed a second foundation , most necessarie for so great a pile , and afterwards it was raised with costly and curious stones , 1 King . 6.7 . such as Salomon made ready and brought thither ; or such as those stones which the Disciples did maruell at in the Temple , Mar. 13.1 . for the fairenesse and the greatnesse of them : Antiq. lib. 15. cap. 14. which stones , as saith Iosephus , were 25. cubits long , 8. cubits high , and 12. cubits broad . In like maner , this spirituall building is built on Christ , a most strong and sure foundation ; ( that is the first foundation : ) Isa. 28.16 . Eph. 2.20 . the foundations are the Prophets and Apostles ; ( they are the second foundation : ) and vpon these the members of the Church , as stones , are builded , according to that of the Apostle to the Ephesians , Vers. 22. You are also builded together , for an habitation of God , through the Spirit .

Of this spirituall building S. Peter was a liuely stone . It is a name which no man knoweth , but he that hath it ; hee doth eate of the Tree of life , and of the hidden Manna ; he is a Citizen of Heauen , a fellow-Citizen of the Saints , and of the Familie of God : and to be layed in any place of this Temple , is an honour farre greater , then to bee exalted in the Palaces of Kings . The Queene of Sheba , when she heard the wisdome of Solomon , shee said thus ; ● King . 10.8 . Happy are thy men , happy are these thy seruants , which stand continually before thee , and that heare thy wisdome . Were these happy for hearing Solomons wisdome ? Were these happy for standing before him ? How much more happy are those that stand builded in this spirituall House , in which the Lord doth dwell , who heare his wisdome , who are made wise vnto saluation , who receiue the secrets of the Gospell , who are made the sonnes of God , hearers and vnderstanders of his wisdome ; and because builded vpon that strong and sure foundation , which Christ is , therefore neuer to bee throwne downe ? This happines is common to Peter , with euery true beleeuer ; let vs therefore examine the matter further , that we may see what prerogatiue he might haue in this building , aboue other stones .

I said before , that he was made a stone by his faith , and by his function ; by his faith he was made an Elect and precious stone ; by his function hee was made a great stone , and a necessary foundation stone : by his faith hee was laid into the building ; by his function he was was laid into the foundation of the building : By the first , he had fellowship with the Saints ; by the second , hee had equality with the Apostles : vpon both these respects , dicimus lapidem electum , pretiosum , necessarium , fundamentalem . Wee say that he was a stone , a choice stone , a stone of great worth , meet for the building , and a stone of the Foundation .

By his faith : It is not euery kinde of faith that maketh a stone , much lesse such a stone , a liuing stone , or if you will so haue it , a spirituall stone ; for then were it possible that all men might bee stones of this building , because it is not impossible that all men may haue one kind of Faith or other . There is a common faith which both the Elect and Reprobate haue , and there is a faith proper to the Elect of God , and this doth properly deserue the name of faith : for to speake Theologically , fides est electorum fides , faith is the faith of Gods Elect : Tit● . 1.2 . so saith Saint Paul , that he is an Apostle , according to the faith of Gods Elect. The common faith is of three sorts , Acts 8.13 . Historicall , whereby a man beleeueth the letter or History of the Bible to be true : Temporary , Iames 2 . 1● . whereby a man doth not onely beleeue the Scripture , and in particular , the Gospell : but for some short time doth make profession , and perhaps doth bring forth some fruits , but he is not faithfull vnto death , and therefore hath nothing to doe with the Crowne of life . Reu. 2.10 . Mat. 17.20 . 1 Cor. 13.2 . Lastly , the faith of Miracles , whereby the minde is carried with a vehement inspiration of the Spirit , to doe signes and wonders in the Name of Christ .

Neither of these faiths doe make a man a stone in this spirituall and eternall building ; and therefore though Simon had them all , they could not make him Peter , they could not make him a stone . The Diuels doe beleeue the Scriptures to be true ; Iam. 2.19 . Demas the backslider , and Iulian the reuolter , did for a time make profession of them ; 2 Tim. 4.10 . and false prophets prophecie and cast out Deuils , yea , and doe many wonderfull workes in the Name of Christ . Mat. 7.22 . It is therefore worthy to be enquired what kind of faith St. Peters was : and because we said , that properly faith is the faith of the Elect , so we will call it ; it was the iustifying or sauing faith , Rom. 3.28 . which did lay hold on Christ the Sonne of the liuing God , who came to breake the Serpents head , Gen. 3.15 . and to deliuer vs from the Iawes of death ; for Peter caught him in the armes of faith , when he confessed , saying , Thou art Christ the Sonne of the liuing God .

Let a man haue neuer so much knowledge , let him make neuer so great profession , let him be able to remoue mountains , if he haue not this faith , he is as sounding brasse , or as a tinckling Cymball . This is the faith that maketh euery one that hath it a stone in the building ; I will not say a stone so precious , so bright-shining-glorious as Peter was ( for euen among the foundation stones themselues , there seemes to me to be some difference of gifts and graces in this life , and of glory in the life to come . The first foundation was Iasper , Reu. 21.19 . the second Saphyr , the third Calcedony , &c. but a stone at least , a true member of the Church of Christ , the benefit whereof is , Ephes. 2.3 . that first he is washed from his naturall filthinesse , and of a child of wrath is made the child of grace . Secondly , he is reconciled , Rom. 5.1 . and is at peace with God through Christ . Thirdly , he is the child of God , Rom. 8.17 . and an inheritor of the kingdome of Heauen . Lastly , he attaineth all good gifts to bring him thereto ; as sauing knowledge , religious zeale , constant obedience , perseuerance in grace , and what else you can thinke or speake of ; nay more then can come within the imagination of a naturall mans heart : for he dwelleth in God , and God dwelleth in him , yea , God hath giuen him his Spirit whereby he knowes it .

Let the proud and ambitious men of this world seeke after wealth and honour ; let them Haman-like account the Kings fauour aboue all good things ; let them haue sumptuous Palaces , heapes of gold and siluer , and all pleasures , as Salomon had ; let them enioy these things with health , peace , and libertie : let them haue all the good things of the mind , body , & fortune , which any naturall man ( be he as acute as Aristotle , or Plato ) is able to wish for : this one gift of sauing faith , possessed in the depth of pouerty , and worldly contempt , in the diseased body , and vlcerous skin of Lazarus , and at the best , wandring vp and downe in Sheeps-shinnes , and Goats-skinnes , lodging in dennes and caues of the earth , with the seruants of the Lord , shall preserue the possessors of it , in that great and terrible day of the Lords wrath , when the wicked shall vanish as smoake , and consume away as the fat of Lambes . Let vs not therefore Midas-like ouer-value the things of this world , but bestow our chiefest care how to attaine the sauing faith : let vs not studie how to bee grounded in wealth , but how to bee founded vpon Christ the Rocke : Let vs not emulate Semiramis in those Babels that we build , but rather deuise how we our selues may be builded in this spirituall House , of which Peter by sauing faith was made a stone , and euery one that doth partake with Peter in the same faith , is likewise a stone , though not of so large a size , or so curiously carued ; yet such a stone as shall remaine in the building for eternitie , Psal. 125.1 . like to Mount Sion that cannot be remoued .

Now come we to his Function , the Office of his Apostleship , whereby he is made a strong Foundation stone , vpon whom other stones in the building are fitly placed . Ephe. 4.21 . For Christ gaue some Apostles , and some Prophets , and some Euangelists , and some Pastors and Teachers , 12. for the perfecting of the Saints for the worke of the Ministery , and for the edifying of the Body of Christ . Therefore the Apostles , the Prophets , the Euangelists , the Pastors and Teachers of the Church , are necessary stones for the building , that it may be raised . But the greatest of all these are the Apostles , who , because Apostles , are therefore Prophets , Euangelists , and Teachers . Mar. 10.2 . Osiand . Harmon Euang. lib. 2. cap. 1. Acts 1.26 . Acts 9.15 . Yet no other can attaine the dignity of the Apostleship , but the eleuen first chosen by our Sauiour Christ , in the second yeere of his Ministery , Matthias , who succeeded in the place of Iudas the Traitor and Paul , that chosen and elect vessell , the Apostle of the Gentiles last called . In respect of the Church , these are great Foundation stones , for they obtained commission to teach all Nations , and to baptize them in the Name of the Father , of the Son , Mat. 28.19 . and of the Holy Ghost . Rom. 10.18 . Which Commission of theirs they faithfully executed : for their sound went into all the earth , and their words vnto the ends of the world . I need not tell you with what gifts and graces they were enriched , for the performance of so great a businesse ; surely they so preuailed , that by their Ministery , Acts 2.47 . the Lord added to the Church daily such as should be saued .

These great stones vpon diuers respects are said to lye in the Foundation of the building , for the supportation of other stones , lesse in graces , and lesse in office . First , because they were called to that office , not by the Ministery of man , but immediately by God , as Paul saith that he is an Apostle , Gal 1.1 . not of men , neither by man . Secondly , because they first of all had commission to preach Christ crucified vnto the Gentlies , and to ioyne both Iewes and Gentiles into one people , Isa. 11.10 . that so the roote of Iesse might stand for an Ensigne of the people , and the Gentiles might seeke vnto it . Thirdly , because other great Officers of the Church , as Bishops , Elders , and Deacons , were ordained by their Ministery , Acts 6.6 . and consecrated the hands of their Apostleship , but they themselues were not so ordained , or ordered , but were chosen immediately by God , and receiued their commission from Christ his mouth . Lastly , they ordained none to succeed them , in the fulnesse of their office & charge , that is to say , to go into all Nations , & to preach the Gospell vnto euery creature , Mar. 16.15 . which was their immediate commission Apostolicall , but they ordained proper Pastors vnto particular Churches , to whose care they recommended the Flocke of Christ , in those places where they themselues had preached and preuailed , reseruing vnto themselues Apostolick dignity , euen to ouersee the Bishops and Elders of the Church . And hence it is that St. Paul duiseth Timothy & Titus , how to behaue themselues in their function : and that St. Peter taketh vpon him to instruct the Elders of the Church , and that Saint Iohn counselleth , reprooueth , and commendeth the Angels or Bishops of the seuen Churches of Asia . These things being branches of the Apostolicke authoritie , it was no small matter that our Sauiour performed vnto Peter vpon his confession , saying , Thou art Peter .

Note here what excellent Ministers God hath raised vp in his Church for the sauing of the soules of his Elect ! By these the excellency of Christian Religion is much commended : they are Apostles , Prophets , Euangelists , Pastours and Teachers . If the Indian Schooles grew in estimation , because of the Gymnosophists , and the Persian wisedome by the Soothsayers , and the Egyptian learning by the Sorcerers , how much more shall our Religion bee aduanced , by the worthinesse of the Ministers , and their high calling in Christ Iesus ? This should also teach men , to haue a reuerend regard vnto the Ministers of the Word : for they are not onely stones in the building , if they be faithfull , but necessary workemen , for the edifying of Gods Church , and in respect of their Office closely laid vpon the Apostles for the building of Christ his Body , and therefore , Let a man so account of vs , 1 Cor. 4.1 . as of the Ministers of Christ , and Stewards of the Mysteries of God . Hitherto we haue spoken of Peters personall benefit : now come we vnto that thing whereunto it hath relation , and that is the Church , vnto which it hath reference , as a stone to the building .

Vpon this Rocke will I build my Church . ] Secondly , of the Church , and therein , first , that it is a Church , and more then that , the Church of Christ , my Church . The Elect and chosen of God , saith the Text , are a Church , and more then that , my Church , the Church of Christ .

The word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 is deriued from 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 which signifieth to call out or summon : so that when you talke of the Church , it is as if you should say a company of men called out or summoned . The Athenians were wont to call the Company of Citizens , called out or summoned by the voyce of the Crier to heare the sentence of the Senate Ecclesiam . And by the Etymologie of this word , the condition of Gods elect & chosen , is fitly expressed ; for they are called out of the generality of men , by the Word of God , to know God , and to worship and serue him : and this their Calling , because they obey it , wee call an effectuall Vocation . These so effectually called , are in the Scriptures set forth to bee a peculiar people , 1 Pet. 2.8 . Ephes. 2.19 . Clem. Alexand. Strom. lib. 7. Ambros . in Ephe. cap. 3. Bernar. in Cant. Str. 78. the houshold of God , whom Clemens Alexandrinus calleth the company of the Elect. Ambrose , a people whom God hath vouchsafed to adopt vnto himselfe . Bernard , the company of the elected , which company was predestinated before the world began . To speake expresly of this Church , it is gathered out of all Sexes , Orders , Nations , and Times , and it is therefore called the Catholicke or Vniuersall Church . Secondly , whereas some of the members of this Catholicke Church , are taken out of the vale of teares , and conueighed into Abrahams bosome ; in respect of them the Church is triumphant : and whereas some are left in this Forrest of Lebanon , to wrestle with the Diuell , the World , and the Flesh ; in respect of them , the Church is Militant . Lastly , in respect of the outward practice of Religion , the Church is Visible , and in respect of the faith of the beleeuers , it is inuisible .

The condition therefore of the Church in generall , and of euery member in particular , is to be called out : but they are not all called out at one age , at one time , or vpon one occasion . That great Master of the Vineyard , hired some of his labourers very early in the morning , some at the third houre , some at the sixt , some at the ninth , and some at the eleuenth houre . Iohn the Baptist was sanctified from his mothers wombe ; Timothie was called in his youth : Paul a young man ; and the Thiefe vpon the Crosse at the last gaspe . Againe , it is not one kinde of meanes that doth preuaile to win all those that are called to the faith , or ( if you will haue it so ) not the same manner or method of preaching . Augustine was insnared by the eloquence of Ambrose : and the great disputer at the Nicene Councell , Aug. Confess . lib. 5. cap. 13. R●f . Eccl●●st . lib. 1. cap. 3. was caught by the words of a plaine man . GOD hath sanctified the eloquent tongue of the learned man to preuaile on some ; and the humble speech of the vnlearned to preuaile on others : for he that doth ordinarily call men by his Word , is , if it please him , able to conuert them without his Word . Let no man cease to hope wel of his brother , thogh for the present hee see noe uident tokens of his obedience : God hath a time for him : seriùs ociùs Sors exitura , first or last it may fall to his lot : the Lord of the Haruest may , if it please him , send him into the vineyard , though at the eleuenth houre . O terque quaterque beati , thrice happy all those whom the Lord doth call effectually to his seruice !

Againe , let vs not bee absent when God doth call ; for if we heare not , how shall we obey ? Had the fiue wise Virgins beene out of the way when the Bridegroome did come , how had they beene admitted into the wedding Chamber ? Mat. 25. Luc. 19. Had Zachaeus not stood in the way , how had Christ called him from the tree ? Strange it is to see the practice of the world ; we account him sottish , or rather mad , who will absent himselfe when a worldly preferment may be gotten ; per ma●e , per saxa , per ignes , we ride and runne , when we may be heard for our profit : yet when the King of Heauen calleth vs by his Word and Sacraments , we sticke not to goe about our worldly businesses , nay , our pleasures and delights , as Playes , Tau●r●es , and worse things then these two ! O mis●r● qu●●ta●●● in●ania , ciues ? Shall we be so studious of these things , and shall we not attend for our eternall profit ? Lastly , let vs not bring itching eares into Gods House , but humble and obedient hearts ; and because the Ministers of the Word doe summon vs on Gods behalfe , let not our owne delights and pleasures , let not the wicked worlds sinnes and vanities , reteine our hearts in Sodome : for Gods Family is Ecclesia , a company called out .

This Church so selected , Of the second exposition , & therein of the first proposition , viz the Church is builded by Christ . I will build my Church . 1 Cor. 3.9 . Exod. 36.1 . so called out , is builded , or rather called out that it may be builded ; for it is Gods building . When GOD would haue his Tabernacle in the wildernesse , he sanctified Bezaleel and Aholiab for the worke : and into many others he put wisdome and vnderstanding , to know how to worke all manner of worke , for the seruice of the Sanctuarie , according to all that the Lord had commanded . The sumptuous Temple of Hierusalem , builded by Salomon , 1 King . 6.7 . was of stone made ready , before it was brought thither , so that there was neither hammer , nor axe , nor any toole of yron heard in the House while it was in building . A further preparation for the building of the spirituall House , was heereby fitly shaddowed : viz. Christ , who is to build his Church , doth first prepare the stones : secondly , hee sanctifieth certaine wise workmen to lay them into the pile : thirdly , he directeth them how to build : and lastly , by this meanes the stones are placed . Conceiue this to be the order of the building .

First , the preparation of the stones is meerely Gods worke , who himselfe sorteth and chooseth out such as he will lay into the Temple , de diuinae gratiae largitate , of the bounty of his diuine grace , saith Augustine . Aug. Euchirid . cap. 98. Eph. 1.4 . For he hath chosen vs in him before the foundation of the world , that we should be holy , and without blame before him in loue . By this meanes we come to be stones for the worke , per misericordiam gratuitam , by the free mercie of God ; others being cast by , per iudicium debitum , by the righteous iudgement of God ; that so in this respect wee might attribute nothing to our selues , or glory in any thing that we can doe , but according to the Apostolicall counsell , He that glorieth , 1 Cor. 10.17 . let him glory in the Lord . Secondly , the Ministers of the Word doe worke vpon these choice stones , to lay them into the pile , and for this cause are called builders . Saint Paul affirmeth himselfe to be a wise Master-builder . And they are sanctified , separated , 1 Cor. 3.10 . or put apart from men , for this worke : as the Apostle saith that he is separated vnto the Gospell of God . Rom. 1.1 . Like as in the building of that great Ephesian Temple , one of the worlds seuen wonders , erected by all Asia , in 220. yeeres , as Plinie reporteth , Lib. 36. Cap. 14. the builders layed a sure foundation of Coles trodden and rammed hard together , and fleeces of Wooll superimposed , to keepe it from sinking and from earthquakes : so the builders whom God doth call , and sanctifie to that office , doe in this spirituall House vse all good meanes to preserue their worke , that nothing may bee able to demolish it . Thirdly , they haue receiued rule and direction : for GOD who will haue his Church to be builded , doth direct the workmen how to doe it : and therfore they worke according as they haue receiued order from him . Now God directeth the builders two manner of wayes , ordinarily or extraordinarily . Our ordinary direction is the written Word , which teacheth the true and right faith , according to which we must build . Rom. 12.6 . Let vs prophesie according to the proportion of faith . It is therefore requisite , that the Workmen be learned in the Scriptures , to compare spirituall things with spirituall things ; to discerne which is the faith , which is not the faith ; which thing is to be done by the Scriptures : for , Sacra scriptura haereticorum fraudes et furta conuincit : Tertullian . the blessed Scripture reproueth the sleights and thefts of Hereticks : thence therefore they must ordinarily fetch their directions , and be instructed how to build ; 2 Tim. 3.17 . for they will make the man of God absolute . Extraordinarily , the builders are directed sometimes immediately by God himselfe , and by his holy Angels , as the ancient Fathers from Adam to Moses : sometimes by visions and reuelations , as the Prophets from Moses to Christ : sometimes by the immediate inspiration of the Holy Ghost , as the Apostles . Which extraordinarie meanes beeing now most rare , the direction on which the builders must looke , is the written Word of God , together with the inward assistance of the Holy Ghost . Will you know then how to make experience whether any builder be inwardly guided by the Spirit of God ? Heare then how one of the learned Fathers concludes the point : Chrysost. de 〈◊〉 & ado●and . Spirit . There bee many ( saith he ) who doe bragge that they haue the Holy Ghost : for they that speake of their owne , doe falsly giue out that they haue him . For as Christ did deny that he spake of himselfe , when hee spake out of the Law and the Prophets : euen so now , if any thing saue the Gospell be thrust vpon vs , vnder the name of the Holy Ghost , we must not beleeue it . For as Christ is the fulfilling of the Law , and of the Prophets , euen so is the Holy Ghost the fulfilling of the Gospell . Lastly , by these good meanes , this doth come to passe , that the stones are well placed in the Walles of this spirituall house : for the labourers in Gods Haruest , Mat. 9.37 . whom he directeth by his Word and Spirit , doe strongly proue , and make appeare by the authority of the Word of GOD , that God so loued the world , Ioh. 3.16 . that he gaue his onely begotten Sonne ; that whosoeuer beleeueth in him , should not perish , but haue euerlasting life . This labour of theirs , with the assistance of the Holy Ghost , bringeth this to passe ; that first their minds are enlightened , to see their owne misery in and by themselues . Secondly , their willes are inflamed to seeke reconciliation with God in Christ Iesus .

And it is admirable to see how God hath blessed the labours of his seruants , to lay those liuing stones into the walles of this spirituall House , who are well placed there by faith and baptisme . Saint Peter hauing fully opened the state of the question , and proued mightily Christ to be the Redeemer , Act. 2.41 . at one Sermon conuerted about 3000. soules , who were also baptized . How graciously were these stones layed in and placed ? Augustine confesseth of himselfe , Confes . lib. 5. cap. 14. that he heard Ambrose but for his eloquence sake ; et dum cor aperirem ad decipiendum quam disertè diceret , pariter intrabat & quam verè diceret : By this meanes the Lord caught him ; for while he conceiued how learnedly hee discoursed , he perceiued also how truly hee spake : both conceipts entred together , as heate and light which cannot bee separated . Admirably was this stone layed in and placed . By Caecilius , a Minister of Christ , was Cyprian that blessed Martyr conuerted to the faith : Nazian. laudib . Cyprian . He was both rich and Noble , as Nazienzene reporteth of him : hee was of great note for his learning and eloquence , Lactant. instit . lib. 4. cap. 1. Ioh. Trithem . de script . Cypr. Pont. Diacon . de vita Cypr. as Hierom and Lactantius say . And therefore , considering his superstition , as a rich and noble man , hee might haue scorned to haue heard ; and as a learned and eloquent man , disdained to haue beene taught by so meane a Minister as Caecilius was : but the LORD would haue him to be layed into the building by his Ministery , and therefore he was not onely won to the faith , but euen at the first , to shew that hee would practise what he had learned , he sold all his substance , and bestowed it vpon the poore : wherby ( as Pontius Diaconus well concludeth ) paene antè coepit perfectus esse quam disceret : De vita Cypr. he began to bee a perfect man in his religion , almost before hee had learned the rules of it . Was not this a blessed stone , worke-man-like layed in and placed ?

Wonder heere at the vndeserued loue of GOD toward his redeemed ones ? Epiph. ad Physiol . cap. 21. Diuina opera incomprehensibilia sunt in hominibus , & mirabilia in excelsis , & super mel & fanum , & super creata omnia dulciora . His workes are incomprehensible to men : for who can giue a reason of the choise of these liuing stones ? His workes are admirable in heauen ; euen the Angels themselues haue cause to admire the goodnesse of God toward his people . His workes are sweeter then the honey , the honey Combe , or any thing created : Behold how good it is vnto his people , not to bee choise stones onely , but to haue their Election made sure vnto them , and by faith and baptisme , through the ministerie of faithfull workmen , directed by his Word and Spirit , to be layed into the building . All this were yet nothing , if the house stood but vpon sandy ground ; and therefore to take away all doubts , our Sauiour telleth vs whereupon his Church is built : 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , vpon this Rocke .

Vpon this Rocke . ] Secondly , of the second proposition , ( viz. ) the Church is built vpon Christ the Rocke . Rainolds Conf. Hart. c. 2. diuis 1. Lex . Graec. ad sacri appar . instruct . reg. b●●lior . Tom. 6. Thomas . voce petra . Illyr. voce petra . I will not much contend with our Aduersaries concerning words : onely this I affirme , that 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 doth alwayes signifie a stone , neuer a rocke : 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 doth most vsually signifie a rocke , grandem aliquam rupem , & viuum lapidem , though sometimes it be likewise taken for a stone . In this place it cannot signifie a stone , but a rocke ; for our Sauiour is speaking of the foundation of his great building , the Church ; vpon which foundation he would lay many Peters , many stones . This you shall see further , by the metaphoricall acceptions of the word ; for sometimes petra is a firme place , by way of opposition to sandy or mudground : Psal. 40.2 . Hee brought me vp also out of an horrible pit , out of the mirie clay , and set my feete vpon a rocke , and stablished my goings . Sometimes it signifieth a place fortified and inexpugnable , like vnto a Castle builded vpon a high craggy Rocke , against which the power of the Enemie cannot preuaile : Leaue the Cities , Hier. 48.28 . Psal. 18.2 . Psal. 31.2 . and dwell in the Rocke .

Lastly , God is said to be our Rocke , The Lord is my Rocke , Be thou my strong Rocke , for an house of defence to saue me . This is the metaphor vsed in this place ; for our Sauiour telleth Peter , who is the Rock of his Church , that firm place vpon which his Church standeth , that inexpugnable high Rocke , vpon which it is situated ; namely , himselfe whom Peter had confessed , when he said , Thou art Christ the Sonne of the liuing God . In this meaning haue the Fathers with great iudgement interpreted this place . August . de verb. dom. Ser. 13. Greg. Nyssen . in testim . de Trinn . Cont. Iudaeos . Cyryl . de Trinit. lib. 4. Chrysost. in Mat. Hom. 55. Amb. in Epist. ad Ephes. cap. 2. Hill●r de Trint . lib. 2. & 6. Bed . in 1 Cor: cap. 1. This Rocke which thou hast confessed ( saith Augustine ) vpon this Rocke which thou hast knowne , ( saying , Thou art Christ the Sonne of the liuing God ) will I build my Church : I will build thee vpon me , not me vpon thee . For men intending to build vpon men , said , I hold of Paul , I of Apollos , I of Cephas , ( that is , Peter ) and others who would not be builded vpon Peter , but vpon the Rocke , said , I hold of Christ . For the Rocke was Christ , vpon which foundation , Peter himselfe was builded , sith no man can lay any other foundation , beside that which is laid , which is Iesus Christ . And in this same sense , haue Gregory Nyssen , Cyril , Chrysostome , Ambrose , Hillarie , Venerable Bede , and many other ancient Fathers , and learned Diuines , vnderstood this place otherwise then the Theologians of the Iesuiticall Order , the pillars of the Church of Rome would haue it .

And Christ is the Rocke of his Church , because he is the Redeemer of his Church . For by Adams fall all mankind being in the loynes of Adam , tanquam in radice , as it were in the roote of mans nature , as the Fathers speake ) both Adam and all his posterity were cast into the mire : but the Rocke was promised , when the promise of the womans blessed seed , Gen. 3.15 . to breake the Serpents head was made : which promise , when Adam apprehended by faith , he was then built vpon the Rocke , and not all mankinde which had fallen in and by him , though it were then in his loynes , but onely the elected members of the Church , who by the same faith should apprehend the same sauing promise which Adam did . The Rocke of the Church therefore , is the Redeemer ; for the Church hath no other Rocke to be builded on . Hence it must necessarily follow , that in what respect he is the Redeemer of the Church , in the same sense is he the Rocke on which it is builded : but he is the Redeemer of the Church , qua 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ; therefore as he is both God and Man , hee is that Rocke on which the Church is built . And I say that he is the Rocke , qua 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , because that both natures are vndiuidedly necessary to the redemption of mankinde . How should a satisfaction be made proportionable to our debt , but by the diuine Nature ? How should a cure be found to an infinite euill , but by an infinit good ? how should death be vanquished , the greatnesse of sinne , and the infinitenesse of the diuine Iustice be sustained , but by the diuine Nature ? Againe , who can giue satisfaction to the Iustice of God according to the Law , by suffering sufficiently , by obeying perfectly , but onely man made vnder the Law ? who could suffer death , being made a curse , that so in all things he might be made like vnto his brethren , that he might be a mercifull , and faithfull high Priest , in things pertaining to God , to make reconciliation for the sinnes of the people , Iseb . 2.17 . but onely man ? See the necessitie of the humane Nature ! thus it behoued the Redeemer , the Rocke , that redeeming Rocke to be both God and man . Ludouic . Gran. ducis peccat . lib. 1. part. 1. cap. 4. Sum quidemsummo iure tibi obstrictus Domine mi , eo quod me liberasti ab inferno , meque tibi reconciliasti : multa vero maiora tibi debeo propter modum ipsum quo me liberasti , quam propter ipsam libertatem , in quam me asseruisti . Highly am I bound vnto God , that hee hath vouchsafed to redeeme me from Hell , and to reconcile me to himselfe ; but in afarre greater band am I bound for the manner of my Redemption , then for that libertie into which hee hath brought me .

Set before your eyes the great mystery of your Redemption , looke vpon the manner after which it was done , and if it was not grieuous to the Sonne of God , to assume vnto himselfe the humane Nature ; nay , the sinnes of men ; nay , the penalty due by the Law to sinners , that he might be the Redeemer of his Church : you that professe your selues to be members of that saued Family , let it not bee grieuous vnto you , to come forth of the Sodom of this worlds sinnes and vices , with which Christ will haue no peace , and a Christian will haue no agreement , ( viz. your pride , your lusts , your intemperances , and what things else are forbidden by the Law of God , ) that like as the Word of God doth acquaint you with the mystery of your Redemption , the Spirit of God may seale vnto your consciences , the day of your Redemption . Till this bee sealed , though you haue the world at will , though you be planted as high as the Cedars of Libanus , in wealth and honours , though you come into no mis-fortunes like other men , though there bee no leading into captiuitie , no complaining in your streets , I will not therefore magnifie your happinesse . Why ? your consciences doe tremble when you thinke of death , Sinne raigneth in your mortall bodies , and the sentence of the Law threatneth a fearefull iudgement . I note not here how neere such a one is to the desperation of Iudas Iscariot : but what can he hope for , who doeth willingly , either contemne or neglect so great saluation ? It is a great and a fearefull sinne to commit adultery or murther , it is a greater sin to commit periurie or idolatry ; most vncleane are such persons , and the doores of Heauen are close shut against them , both in this world , and in the world to come , 1 Pet. 4.17 . without great and vnfained repentance : but to disobey the Gospell of God , to cast aside the Redeemer , that sure Rocke , vpon which , whosoeuer is not built , shall surely bee blowne downe ; oh , how great is that sinne ? how wide doth Hell gape for such a one ? Consider this , ye Gadarens , who preferre your Swine before Christ , ( for so doth euery one , who will not be a new creature in Iesus Christ , for the loue of any kind of sinne ) and if yee will not hearken and be wise , but still goe on to fashion your selues like vnto this world ; yet that you may not be ignorant of your owne miserable condition , behold the happinesse of the Church of Christ , and therefore the blessednesse of euery member of the same . It is built , it is firmely builded , it is builded vpon a Rocke , a redeeming Rocke , the Rocke Christ Iesus , and shall therefore neuer bee ouerthrowne by all the aduerse power .

The gates of Hell shall not preuale against it . ] Of the conclusion , and first what those gates of Hell are . Noua glossa in Mat. 16.18 . Vpon this reason that the gates of Cities are most strongly fortified , and most firmely barred and bolted , by gates you may vnderstand , omne robur , & omne munimentum , all power and all fortification ; and by Hell , omnem vim contrariam , & Satanicam , omnem host is impetum , the Diuell himselfe , and all his angels , all the power that they haue , the wicked world , Illyric . voce porta . all tyrants and seducers , which are the Diuels instruments . For to make the matter more plaine in the words of a learned man , the state of the faithfull and chosen of God , in this present life , is as it were a Warfare , 2 Cor. 10.4 . whereof the Church is called Militant . The aduersaries and enemies , whom we must fight against , our Sauiour speaketh of them as of a strong kingdome , Ephes. 6.11 . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . 2 Cor. 10.4 . which he calleth Hell , because it warreth all for Hell , and the Diuell is the prince of it . The gates of Hell therefore doe signifie the holds , the fortresses and munitions , wherewith the powers of Hell doe fight against vs , and assault vs , that is , euen all whatsoeuer the Diuell can doe by force or fraud ; all the which is meant by the name of gates , because the gates of forts are wont to haue the best munition , Epiphan. lib. ●n●●●r . Aug. de S●mb . 〈…〉 . ●●b . 1. cap. 6. and to be fenced most strongly . So that the gates of Hell are not onely Heresies ( though Heresies are of them , as Epiphanius and Austin note ) but also persecutions , and specially sinnes ; in a word , all euils , sweet or sowre , faire or foule , Orig. in Mat. tract . 1. Chrysost. cont . gent. quod Christus est Deus . Greg. in 5. Psal. poenitent . Theophil . in Mat. 16. Hier. & Raban . Com. in Mat. 16. Raynold . Confer . cap. 7. diuis . 8. Cypr. ad Donat. Epist. 2. that seeke to subdue vs to euerlasting death , as Origen , Chrysostome , Gregory , Theophilact , and others well obserue .

Let me now say vnto you , as Cyprian said to a friend of his : Suppose thy selfe to bee carried to the top of some high hill , view the world beneath thee , doe not touch the earth , looke round about thee , and behold how tempestuous the world is , iam saeculi & ipse misereberis , tuique admonitus , & plus in Deum gratus , maio●e laetitia quod enaseris gratulaberis : certainely , thou wilt pitty the world , thou wilt be admonished of thine owne condition , and being more thankfull vnto God , wilt reioyce exceedingly , that thou hast escaped such a place . For shall I tell you ? Ye shall see wonders in the world ; and I will report that vnto you , which , if yee haue the Spirit of God in you , shall prick your consciences . In the Booke of Iudges , it is reported as an argument of Samsons great strength , Iudg. 16.3 . that he carried the gates of Gaza vpon his shoulders : an act almost as great as what the Poets can report of Atlas . But see , not the weake gates of Gaza , but the strong gates of Hell , not vpon the shoulders and backs of men and women only , but ( that which you may admire ) set vpon their heads , layed out by their cheekes , worne vpon their hand-wrests , hung at their eares . O tempora , ô mores ! else what meaneth this monstrous pride of apparell , of tyres , of bracelets , of Iewels , ouerflowing our nation like a generall deluge ? You put the gates of Hell into your purses , by taking of bribes , vsurie money , euill gettings : you set them at your tables in the persons of Hereticks and seducers : you lodge them in your beds by vnlawfull lusts : you let them in at your eares , when you listen to vngodlines : you looke vpon them with your eyes , when you see in your houses that accursed thing which you ought to restore : you lay them vp in your hearts , when you deuise vaine things . Certainely , for many considerations , this Citie may be called an holy Citie : for heere the Word of GOD is most plentifully preached : heere are good Lawes ; and ( for ought I know ) good Magistrates ; and ( I make no question ) many thousands of honest and obedient hearts . Yet the cause being the same , the complaint must needs be the same also ; Isai . 1.21 . How is the faithfull Citie become an Harlot ? The abuse of all good things within this place is wonderfull , and doth ring Migremus hine , in the eares of euery good man , who might vtterly faint and bee discouraged , did he not hope verily to see the goodnes of the Lord in the Land of the liuing . I say , the wickednesse of the place , might vtterly dismay , deceiue and ouerthrow the children of GOD themselues , had not Christ so builded them vpon himselfe , that the gates of hell shall not preuaile against them .

The words are , Secondly , how the gates of Hell preuaile not against the Church of Christ . Psal. 139.1 . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ; Hee doth not say , they shall not assaile it , but they shall not preuaile against it . Many a time haue they afflicted me from my youth , may Israel now say : Many a time haue they afflicted me from my youth : yet they haue not preuailed against me . 2. The plowers plowed vpon my backe , they made long forrowes . 3. The Lord is righteous , he hath out asunder the cords of the wicked . 4. These gates of hell doe assaile the Church generally , and euery particular member of the same , both externally by slanders and persecutions , and internally , by motions , temptations , and inward suggestions ; so that to speake properly ; in all places , and at all times , the gates of hell come about them like Bees : for the Diuell , the Prince of Hell , our Aduersarie , 1 Pet. 5.8 . as a roring Lyon , walketh about , seeking whom he may deuoure . They haue likewise preuailed thus farre , that they haue tempted them sometimes by great and grieuous losses , of their goods , names and bodies ; but that which the Poets feigne of Sisyphus , wee may truly affirme of them ; their labour is lost , and the mischieues which they haue deuised , haue euer returned vpon themselues . They were neuer able to mooue the Church , or any true beleeuer , from that Rocke . Shall I say more ? The impious attempts of the gates of Hell , haue beene as well to the publike weale of the Church , Rom. 8.28 . as to the priuate good of her particular members . For , all things worke together for good to them that loue God , to them who are the called according to his purpose .

Vpon this resolution the people of God haue constantly indured , couragiously contemning all the gates of hell , battering the Walles of the Church , like that great Ram , with which the Romane Armie did day and night beate the Walles of Hierusalem . Troy was besieged tenne yeeres , in the end it was taken by policie . Numantia was besieged fourteene yeeres , and then conquered by famine . Tyrus , a Citie walled with the Sea , in seuen moneths was ouercome by assault . But the Church of GOD , straitly begirt , not by Agamemnon and Menelaus , not by Scipio Africanus , or Alexander the Macedonian , not for tenne or foureteene yeeres , but from the beginning of the world , and expecting to be so dealt withal vnto the worlds end , by the Deuil and all his power , shall neuer , either by policie or force , be ruined : Isa. 49.16 . for Christ is the Rocke and Head of his Church , and hath the walls of it euer in his sight . This which is true of the Church in generall , is as true of euery particular member : for all the true members thereof are elected to life eternall , and builded vpon Christ the Rocke . And therfore the Church , Ambr. in Luc. 2. lib. 3. as Ambrose saith , may rightly be defined to be Mater vinentium , quam aedificauit Deus in ipso summo angulari lapide Christo : the mother of those whom GOD hath preordained to life eternall , which he hath built vpon Christ the chiefe corner stone : they may therefore be assaulted , but neuer vanquished ; and if you will know how , heare a few examples .

Moses was fiercely assaulted by the gates of Hell , euen the wealth and honours of Egypt . I will not say what a strong temptation it is . When the Deuill goeth about to winne vs by prosperitie , he doth then creepe in at our mouthes , that hee may possesse our heart : like the Fish called Langa , who flattereth the Whale , and creepeth in at his belly , that he may eate his heart . He who had experience of this temptation , did fore-warne and fore-arme the people of Israel , Deut. 8.12 . saying , Lest when thou hast eaten and art full , and hast built goodly houses , and dwelt therein ; 13. And when thy heards and thy flocks multiply , and thy siluer and thy gold is multiplied , 14. and all that thou hast is multiplyed : Then thine heart be lifted vp , and thou forget the Lord thy God , which brought thee out of the land of Egypt , &c. For man in prosperity is like vnto the Mule , who hauing suckt his fill of his Dams milke , casteth vp his heeles , and kicketh vnkindly . But the gates of Hell could not preuaile against him ; Heb. 11.24 . He refused to be called the sonne of ●●●rao●s Daughter , choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God , then to enioy the pleasures of sinne for a season : 25. Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches then the treasures in Egypt ; 26. for hee had respect vnto the recompence of the reward .

Iob was strongly assaulted by the gates of Hell , he was bereaued of all his substance ; his children were slaine with the fall of their eldest brothers house ; and his owne body was smitten with sore biles , Iob. 1 , & 2. from the sole of his foote vnto the Crowne of his head . Deare vnto a man are his goods and seruants ; dearer are his children , the fruit of his owne body ; but most deare vnto a man is his own flesh . Oh , how great was this temptation ! neuerthelesse it preuailed not , for he had set vp his resolution , Though he slay me , yet will I trust in him . Iob. 13.15 .

Shadrach , Meshach , and Abednego were strongly besieged by the gates of Hell , for they must either sall downe & worship the golden Image that Nebuchadnezzar the King had set vp , or the same ho●●e be cast into the middest of a burning fiery fornace . What will not a man giue for his life ? Many men haue beene constant in Religion , they haue lost their goods , their places , their honours , yet when their liues haue come in question , they haue fallen away like rotten corne out of the Reapers hand . And no maruell if those who were not built vpon the Rocke , did fall away , ●●●eing that euen the Apostles themselues in time of persecution , when they thought their liues would come in question , Mat. 26.56 . and our Sauiour was apprehended , forsooke him and fled . But the gates of Hell could not preuaile against them , Dan. 3.17 . Our God whom we serue , is able to deliuer vs out of the fiery furnace , and hee will deliuer vs out of thy hand , O King .

Behold the good estate of euery true member of the Church of Christ ! It is neither the prosperity of the wicked world , nor all the worldly miseries and calamities which may be thought vpon , no nor death it selfe that shal be able to cast them from the Rocke . I doe not say that all true beleeuers are equall in graces to these that I haue named ; for neither doth God suffer them all to be tempted in equall measure ; but I affirme all of them to haue the same grace to the same purpose , the sauing of their soules . And hence it is that a regenerate mans estate is perpetuall , he shall neither finally , nor totally fall from this Rocke . The Diuell , that old deceiuer , hath his wayes and means to attempt his ruine , somtimes by fraud , somtimes by violence , now this way and then that way , but to no successe : for the house of God is builded vpon Christ the Rock , & euery Peter of this building , is so strongly placed , that the gates of Hell shall not preuaile against him .

Thus farre you see that the Text is an allegory , the continuation of diuers Metaphors , which doe adorne and beautifie the place , but extend no further then a Metaphoricall construction . Here are diuers things compared ; the Church of God , to a materiall temple : the elected members , to choice stones : the gathering of the people of GOD by the Gospell , preached with the inward assistance of the Holy Ghost , to building or raising of stones ; the Redeemer Christ Iesus , both God and man , to a great Rocke , whereupon you may suppose such a Temple to be builded ; the enemies of the Church , to the gates and munitions of Hell ; their assaults against the Church and her members , to assaults and batteries against an inuincible fort strongly builded vpon a Rocke , and for the incomparable strength thereof , bidding defiance to all her foes ; the lost labour of those that attempt any thing against this strong founded Castle , to vaine and friuolous batteries . All this is either expressed or necessarily included .

Now , for as much as Peter truely beleeued , he was therefore as it were a stone of this strong building , and because he was chosen to the Apostleship , he was therefore as it were a foundation stone , lying close vpon the Rocke , for the supportation of other stones to be laid vpon him . For by his Ministery many should be conuerted to the faith , both Iewes and Gentiles , and bee also edified in the same faith , by his doctrine : to the which doctrine euen the Bishops and Elders of the Church should referre themselues , and thereby confirme the truth , confute errours , and conforme themselues to the Catholike doctrine and manners . Vpon the first reason that hee was a member of the Catholike Church , the gates of Hell could not preuaile against him : they might assault him , they might cause him to recoile ; for Satan winnowed him , and preuailed so farre , that he denyed Christ : but they could not auaile to throw him vtterly from the Rocke , to his damnation , or to separate him wholly and for euer from the grace of God , which is to life eternall . Now , what Christ said to Peter , he saith to euery true beleeuer , he is Peter , he is a stone of this building , and shall neuer finally perish , because hee hath builded him vpon himselfe : for he hath said , I will neuer leaue thee . Heb. 13.5 . nor forsake thee .

Now all the furious winds of Aeolus , — velut agmine facto Qua data porta ruunt — the Diuell , and all the gates of Hell fight against the Church of Christ ; and hence those wars and rumors of warres , that fall vpon Christendome like a mighty storme , possessing the eares of men with the dolefull tidings of Cog and Magog , armed compleatly to fight against the Saints of God . Will you know the euent of all these warres , conspiracies , tumults , seditions , plagues ? They besiege an inuincible sort , the gates of Hell shall not preuaile against it .

Mitylene , a magnificent Citie , was by the report of Vitrunius , Vitru . lib. 1. rarely builded , but very badly situated . For when the South-wind bloweth , the Inhabitants grow sicke : when the West-wind , they cough : but when the North-wind doth blow , they are made well . The Church Militans is rarely builded , yet badly situated , as it were in the vnhealthy Marishes of Egypt ; one while the South-wind bloweth , and it is sicke : this is when Heresies spring vp with the Gospell , as tares among Wheat . You remember how sicke the Church was of no lesse then 80 Heresies within the first 500 yeeres after Christ : you remember the growth , increase and power of the Arian and Papall heresies . Sometimes the Church cougheth and doth labour for life vnder the strength of a disease ; this is in time of tribulation , as in Egypt , in the Babylonish transportation ; in those ten bloody pursuites next following Christs ascension : adde here the Arian and Papall persecutions . With this grieuous disease the Church is sorely smitten at this time , and laboureth for life , being not altogether free from the languishing ill of Heresies . This is the cough of the Lungs , a griefe very dangerous to the Patient , the poore distressed Spouse of Christ : but God the Physician wil turne the wind , neuer doubt it , that it may be cured .

It was Athanasius resolution in those dayes of trouble , which Iulian the Apostata brought vpon the Saints of God , and when the Church of Alexandria , whereof he was Bishop , was compassed with a band of men : when the poore flocke of Christ stood about him their Pastour , with weeping teares , fearing on their owne behalfe , yet more caring on his : Nolite ( inquit ) ô filij , conturbari , Rufim . Eccl. hist. lib. 1. cap. 34. quia nubecula est , & citò pertransit . My little children , saith he , be not afraid , it is a little cloud , the wind wil dispell it euen by and by . Some cloud hangeth ouer that Citie of God , the holy place of the Tabernacle of the most highest , and doeth for the present let fall an vnwholesome raine vpon it , but the wind will turne about to the North to cure it , and the enemies thereof shall misse their marke , because the gates of Hell shall not preuaile against it . What can they doe more then God permitteth them to doe for the good of his Church and Chosen people ? He that said of that great Assyrian Tyrant , 2 Kings 19.28 . I will put my hooke in thy nose , and my bridle in thy lips , and I will turne thee backe by the way by which thou camest ; will also in good time put his hooke in their noses , and his bridle in their lips , and will turne them about to their ruine ; as the Tragedie of all persecutors in all ages shall witnesse with me . But oh , Horrore quatior fata quo vergant timens , Trepidumque gemino pectus euentu labat !

I see the bloody stripes of Confessors , their torments , and tortures ; the cruell deaths of Martyres , their murthers , but cheries ; the subuersion of States , Common-weales , Kingdomes : Nation rising against Nation , and Kingdome against Kingdome . What can these things portend , but the vtter extirpation of the Church of Christ ? Answ . Collect hence three things ; First , a purgation by a fiery tryall , of some particular places , where the glorious Gospell of our Lord and Sauiour Christ hath been prophaned by Heresies , by Schismes , or by licencious liuing . So fared it with Hierusalem , as you may read , 2 Chro. 36. from 11. to 22 verse . And in this case , when I behold the bruised face of our neighbour Churches , States and Kingdomes , being not able to giue a reason of the present misery , I am compelled to admire with the Apostle , saying , How vnsearchable are his Iudgements , and his wayes past finding out ! Secondly , God will make his Church fruitfull by the blood of Martyrs and Confessors : For the Church is the Paradise or Garden of God , his people are his pleasant plants ; that his Garden may be fruitfull , he doth water it with blood .

Sanguine fundata est Ecclesia , sanguine creuit , Sanguine succreuit , sanguine finis erit .

Who knowes not that the Church was founded in blood , the blood of the righteous Abel ? that it had her increase in blood , the blood of the Prophets ? that it had her fulnesse of strength in blood , the blood of the Redeemer ? and that it shall end in blood , the blood of the Martyrs ? If therefore now at last a veine bee opened , and the Church doth bleed , after so many bloody battels , after so many grieuous persecutions , shall we at length stand amazed ? To what end haue the Apostles of our Lord prepared vs vpon a resolution , saying , that all that will liue godly in Christ Iesus , 2 Tim. 3.12 . shall suffer persecutions , but that we should bee ready alwayes to lay downe our neckes to the blowes of tyrants , and so much the rather , for that it is to the growth and increase of the Church of God ? for Sanguis Martyrum est semen Ecclesiae : the blood of the Martyrs is the seed of the Church . Lastly , God will honour some of his seruants before other , as a King doth ; and these shall weare the precious Robes of bonds , stripes , imprisonment , and death it selfe : for what greater honour to a Christian , then to suffer for that blessed Name by which he is redeemed ▪ It was ioy to the Apostles , that they were accounted worthie to suffer for the name of Christ .

Till therefore our Church come to be purged by that fyerie triall ; or till our blood be shed , to water the garden of our God ; or till the Lord will honour vs with the Crowne of Martyrdome : in the middest of these troublesome dayes , as fellow-feeling members of that mysticall Body , of which Christ our Sauiour is the Head , we rest constant and confident vpon that propheticall resolution : Psal. 46.1 . God is our hope , and strength , a very present helpe in trouble . Therfore will wee not feare , 2. though the earth be remened , and though the Mountaines be carried into the middest of the Sea : 3. Though the waters thereof roare and be troubled , though the mountaines shake with the swelling thereof . 4. There is a riuer , the streames whereof shall make glad the Citie of God ; the holy place of the Tabernacle of the most high . The Citie of God is his Church , watred with the streames of the blood of the Redeemer , that Fountaine opened to the house of Dauid , Zech. 13.1 . and to the inhabitants of Hierusalem , for sinne , and for vncleannesse . Seeing therefore that he hath taken vs into his protection , built vs on himselfe , watered vs with his blood , it is enough for vs to commend our selues to his prouidence , and to rest confident , that ( because we haue him for our Rock ) Quatiat licèt Orbem tumultus , terráque sedibus Conuulsa , montium ruinis Arctet aquas pelagi frementis ; The gates of Hell shall not preuaile against vs .

FINIS .