A sermon preached at Paules Crosse, the 23. of Aprill, being the Lords day, called Sonday. 1581. By Anthonie Andreson

Emanuell . Let vs pray , &c. Luke . 13.6 . He spake also this Parable : A certaine man had a Figge tree planted in his Vineyard : And he came and sought fruite thereon , and found none : then said he to the dresser of his Vinyard : Behold , this three yeres haue I come & sought fruit of this Figge tree , and finde none : cut it downe : why keepeth it also the ground barren ? And he answered , & said vnto him , Lord , let it alone this yere also , till I digge rounde aboute it , and dung it : And if it beare fruite , wel : if not , then after thou shalt cutte it downe .

RIghte honourable , learned , & dearely beloued in our sauioure Christe , this sacred portion of Gods holy scripture thus read vnto you , is spoken by oure Maister Christ as a parable most fit , to expresse the wilful ignorance , and obstinate rebellion of that pernitious people of Iewry which now , for their vnfruitefull hearing , and contemptuous reiecting of the greate graces offered them by the word of God , are in shorte time vtterly to bée caste vnder the cursse of Gods malediction . The occasion of this Parable , was the carping spéeches of the Samaritanishe Iewes , in cause of Pilates crueltye , against the Galileans , whose bloude hée had mingled with their pretenced sacrifices , which abused the sacrifices of right religion , in the most curssed purpose , to open rebellion . whiche purpose being moste vngodly , God vsed that ciuill power , to méete with their attemptes , before they had begonne their indeuoure , althoughe in muche crueltie , the President vsed right reuenge . The reporte whereof was brought to Christ , as therby either to drawe from Christe some sharpe censure of the President his cruell acte , or else to terrifie his sacred person , in cause he taught , vnder so seuere a Ruler . But the Lorde sawe their subtiltie , and aunswered them with greate discretion , affirming the execution of the sinners to be iust , leauing the maner of doing , to be decided before the Lorde , and by their owne tidings tooke happy occasion to teach them the doctrine of repentance , saying : Were these only sinners ? I tel you nay : But except ye repent , ye shall all likewise perish . And God himselfe by that other kind of correction in Ierusalem , dothe also forewarne you , that not onely those .xviij. vpon whome the Turret of Siloah fell , were sinners , but also your selues yet left aliue , are likewise righte guiltie of death . And if you doe not by this his ordinarie and extraordinarie hande , take occasion to amend your liues : ye shall al likewise perishe . But you are sharpe of sight into other mens actions , and most blinde to sée your owne estate . But beholde : it is euen like to this Parable : A certaine man hadde a Figge tree , &c. The Lorde hathe planted you Ierusalites in his fruiteful lande , hée looketh for your holinesse of lyfe to hym , hée laboureth to all that maye bee , that you shoulde be fruitefull , but often comming , hée findeth you euer barren : Therefore it is not long ere you shall be cut downe , to your vtter confusion . And thys was fulfilled by Vespasian and Titus , aboute fortie yeares after the ascention of our Sauiour Christe . And thus muche for the Iewish Figge tree .

The argument or summe of thys Parable is , that manye are often suffered of GOD to remaine , whilste some are weeded oute , that yet deserue lyke castyng forthe , wyth others from the Vineyarde : And that this long suffering of oure good GOD , is to drawe vs to repentance , but if we ( abusing his grace ) do remaine rebellious , our contumacie shall cause vs with vehement force to be throwen from the Church and common weale of Gods electe , to the gaping gulfe of extreame hate , and perfecte misery .

The partes of this Parable ( in my iudgement ) are two . First here is sette downe right notably the singular grace and goodnesse of God to his people , shadowed here by this Figge trée . Secondly , the constrained sentence of Gods Iustice , to and vpon the same place and people , where before he hath notwithstanding diffused his abundant grace .

The former parte is approued in these wordes : A certaine man hadde a Figge tree planted in his Vineyard , &c. The second in these : Cut it down , why keepeth it the ground also barren , &c.

The great and singular goodnesse of God shineth here most brightly , as wel in the basenesse of the trée , whiche hée hath planted , as in the moste excellente place , wherein he hathe right mercifully established it . The Metaphor is very elegante , taken from the Figge trée , which by nature in the roote is very bitter , though by the Arte and labour of the dresser , his fruit become right pleasant to the eater . And surely , not only the people of Iuda ▪ but also of the Gentiles , if they be pierced at the roote , shal approue this for moste true , that they are naturallye bitter to the eye and pallate , of any sensible taster . In birth we are moste bitter , as being embrued from the conception , with our firste fathers sin , and in bitternesse of sin , ( not by Marriage , but by naturall propagation ) we are al conceiued both King and Caitife . As Dauid hathe saide : in sinne hath my mother conceiued me : For we are all the sonnes of Adam , and of one propagation , after our common corruption . And in our birth no swéetenesse , but bitter grippings of the mother , bitter wrawlings of the child , and most bitter estate of the same , before the seconde byrth . Whereof I referre you to the reading of Ezech. 16. Ezech 16.1 2.3 . Chapter . Our father is an Amorite , our mother is an Hittite , our kindred is of curssed Canaan , and wee polluted in our owne bloude , and by condition the children of Gods anger , Eph. 2. Oh moste bitter roote , and vnsauerie Figge trée . But are we bitter in oure life ? happily some man woulde thinke , that reason might reache vs his hande of good direction . But ( alas ) we then waxe to encrease in bitternesse . For as the Wormewoode groweth bigger , and so increaseth into bitternesse : euen so wée , as wée encrease in stature , state and strength , so do we abounde in bitternesse of sinne . And if we woulde more plainelye sée thys , let eache man sounde the sea of hys hearte , and hée shall finde there , greate stony cragges ful of bitternesse and gall against God and his owne soule , and al godly men , albeit that Gods spirite of regeneration doth daily purge and mortifie the same . But from our selues lette vs caste oure eies with truth into the earth , and into this our nation of England , and ( o Lord ) what bitternesse ? what bitter controuersies for religion receiued of the enimie ? what greate delight to drinke a carowse of that Wormewoode water of Poperie , Reuel. 7.11 . of which Iohn in the Reuelation speaketh ? And , as the thirde parte of the earth haue druncke of it , so they are become more than thrée parts bitter by it , againste God , oure gratious Prince , hir godlye lawes , state and people .

What bitter hate beare they to the worde ? howe bitterly bite they at the Preachers thereof ? What bitter roote can yéelde suche iuice , as the Papisticall spirites doe streame out againste vs ? These are Figge trées indéede , planted in this holy lande , they make the ground barren and bitter , wheresoeuer they dwell , their children , their seruaunts , their tenauntes , that Countrey that dothe entertaine them , those friendes whiche doe accompany them , are eyther made verye bitter , vtterlye barren , or muche molested by them . The soyle of the lande they doe deuoure , the Nursse of the Countrey ( oure Gratious ELIZABETH ) they doe despise . They are as Mice in the Lords barne , they eate vp the owners corne , but they refuse to ioye his presence . This bitter trée bringeth his fruite , but it is without the dresser of the Vineyarde : Euen suche as the Galileans broughte agaynste theyr allotted Prince : seditions , conspiracies , and publique rebellion . And whatsoeuer good oure godlye Nursse and good Princesse , doth endeuour , the same our bitter Papists turne to Wormewoode , reporting euil of godly lawes , and stirring vp such forraine foes , and domesticall enimies , as they can procure to assay their beste againste vs . And theyr pretence , with the Galileans is religion , fréedome from the bondage of conscience , and tyranny of now gouernement , when as the most bound of them , reape much more fréedome , than either their cause , or conscience can deserue , or yet can win them thankeful vnto God . But is your Figge trée nowe readie ripe , you Papists ? Your buds were preately broken in the North , hapely your after growth is blossomed nowe , and braggeth of his ripenesse , and your Louanistes , Seminaries , and late vpstarte Iesuites , are ready to reape the fruite of your bitter Figge trées . But ( o Lorde ) it is a bitter fruite , a pestilent Figge , and a deadlye dyet , whiche they desire , therefore graunte , that they may perishe . They are ( O Lord ) rotten in their ripenesse , let them fall to confusion , which in this merciful time of so much proyning and dressing , by thy holye worde , and hir Maiesties softened sworde , can not be conuerted vnto thée . But do you desire a daye you bitter Papistes ? What haue you to do with that daye ? our sinnes indéede doe fight againste vs , and if our demerites bring vs a heauye daye , yet it is not yours , but the Lordes day . We may say to you , as the Prophet Amos Amos. 5.18 saide to his wicked ones in his time . What haue you to doe with the daye of the Lorde ? woe to you that desire it . The day of the Lord is darkenesse , and not light : it is as if a man didde flee from a Lion , and a Beare met him , or went into the house , and leaned vpon the wal , and a Serpent bit him : So you runne from hir Maiestie , supposing hir a Lion you Papistes , and hope after a day , but euen in that day , you ( I say ) shall be deuoured of the Bull , of Romishe Bashan , & the she Beare robbed of hir whelpes , shall teare you in péeces . But you haue peace offred you , and you séeke for war . Wherefore you hunger your owne destruction , Ier. 24. euen in that daye , wherein your suppose is of Popishe solace . But ( beloued ) were it that only the Papists of Englande were bitter , wée mighte in swéetenesse lament that soure fruite . But our selues are bitterly sette one againste an other , our hearts and acts at home , our Courtes and Assises in the Countrey , oure thrusting and rushing into Westminster Hall , dothe compell you my Lordes of the Benches to witnesse it , that Englande is full of bitter Figge trées . The Lorde be mercifull to choose vs into his vineyarde , louing to plante vs , willing to dresse vs , and to proine vs , that we may be fruitfull , and bring forth by his operation , swéete Figges , and odoriferous fruites vnto him , for his holy names sake . It maye yrke vs thus to heare of our bitternesse , but it may shame vs to féede of suche fruite . Surely it wearyeth one to thinke therof , and therefore I wil now recorde Gods mercie and goodnesse to this Figge trée : namely , how he hathe planted it in his holy Vineyard . What he hathe there planted you haue hearde , euen a bitter Figge trée : Nowe , where it is planted , our Texte doth say , namely , in his Vineyarde , let euerye manne therfore apply this to himself , as it may appertaine him . The whole Realme of Englande is this Figge trée , planted into the vniuersall Churche of God . This Citie of London is likewise a parte of this Fig trée , growing out of the same . And euery Countrey , Towne , village , Potentate , preacher and priuate person is a braunch of this Figge trée of Englande , being borne or nowe nourished in the same . And so euery man is to apply this vnto himselfe , that he is this Figge trée , planted in this land by Gods mercie , whych land , is of hys infinite grace and goodnesse grafted into his Catholike Vineyarde , the vniuersall holy Church of Christ Militant in earth . The fertilitie of this Vineyarde is suche , if thou do respect but the soile of the land , that wée muste of necessitie say of it , that whych Esay Esa. 5.2 . saide of Hierusalem : My beloued had a Vineyarde in a very fruiteful hil : Of thys landes fruitefulnesse I reste to speake in this noble Auditorie , leaste I shoulde séeme to tell them , that by far greater experience may teache me , that it is the treasure house of Gods abundant and fruitful blessings , seruing vs plentifully , and sending hence abundantly , sufficient proofe thereof to all nations , not only neare , but farre off situate from vs , Gods holy name be praised for it , & Christ Iesus make vs thankful inhabitants , & fruitful Fig trées to the Lord , obedient to hir Maiesty , & trusty in truth , & giue vs right English harts one to an other . Oh Lord how greate is thy goodnes ? but herein muche more , namely , that of thy infinite goodnes & grace thou hast placed vs in this fruitful land , & planted the same , into thy most holy Vinyard , & sacred sea of thy holy Churche . Engl. is a member of the church of God , & ( thankes be to God ) the church of God is in Engl. But here some Papist séemeth to saye , ( me thinke ) Nay sir , not so , England is not , nor hathe the Churche of God in it . To whose blasphemy we maye boldely answere : The perfect notes , & infallible markes of Gods Church , both of the visible & inuisible Churche , are apparante with vs in our Church of England therfore England is the Vineyard of the Lord whiche is the house of Iacob and the Church of God . Esa 5.7 . The visible Church of God we call here , that Catholike company , which is dispersed into sundry places , & are by the word of God called into one society and felowship , as Gods elect people in outwarde profession of sincere religion , participate togither of the Lordes Sacraments , make confession of the Christian faith , according to the word , & do accept the publique & priuate discipline of the same , in séeming sinceritie . And this catholike & militante company , are placed into sundry territories , which for theyr situations & diuersitie of Countries , bée also deuided into particular Churches , and beare such names , as the Country soile is knowen by , as the Church of Corinth , Laodicea , Ephesus , Thessalonica , Englande , Fraunce and Irelande , &c. And this visible Churche as it hath in it in euery Countrey where it is , bothe good and euil ones , elect and reprobate , faithful and infidelious , Math. 3.22 Math 13.27 2 Tim. 2.20 holy and hypocriticall , Wheate and Cockle , Corne and Chaffe , vessels of honoure and dishes of disgrace : So the saide Church of God , called the Militaunt Congregation , is knowne to be there , wheresoeuer these certaine notes and markes thereof are resident , The infallible markes of the isible Churche of God . and to be séene in common vse : that is to say , Puritie of Doctrine , sincere deliuerye of Christes holy Sacraments , and godly Discipline Whiche assured markes and notes to knowe his Churche by , our sauiour Christe hathe couched into one sentence of the Gospell , vnder the commaunding commission from his Maiestie to his holy Apostles , in the Gospell after Saint Mathewe thus . Math. 28.18 And thus spake to his Disciples saying : All power is giuen vnto mee in heauen , and in earth , go therefore & teach al nations , baptizing them in the name of the father , and of the sonne , & of the holy Ghoste , teaching them to obserue all thinges whatsoeuer I haue commaunded you , and loe , I am with you alwaye vntil the end of the world Amen In this sacred sentence ( dearely beloued ) are these thrée heauenly notes giuen of God , to trye if his Militante Churche be in whatsoeuer kingdome , Countrey or people .

Goe teache the Gospell , this is the first : For wheresoeuer the doctrine of the word , is purely , after Christs commaundements delyuered and taughte , there is the Church of God .

The second is the true administration of hys holy Sacraments , Baptizing them in the name of the father , &c. Note wel , that not onely hys matter of Sacrament , but his methode in Baptizing must be obserued , where his Churche is established , & therfore the Lorde deliuereth both the matter , what , and the manner , howe , saying : Baptize them thus : In the name of the Father and of the Sonne , &c.

The thirde sacred marke of this visible Churche , is registred vnder these wordes : Teaching them to obserue al thinges , whatsoeuer I haue commaunded you . Math. 1.29 Do not ( saieth the Lorde ) onelye teache the nations my worde , but baptize the beléeuing , and those whiche beléeue and are baptized , sée that they bée kepte in my obedience , and vnder my swéete and easie yoke , by your aucthoritie in my spirite , that their conuersation amongest men , may aduaunce theyr confession vnto God . Loe , here is the rule and warrant for godlye discipline in the Church of God . Teache them to obserue , bring them to obey , directe the Segniorie into their duetye , teache them how they ought to gouerne in the Church : and let them exercise theyr aucthoritie to my glorie , and to the maintainaunce of the same . Whych then is in the right order , when they are taught by doctrine and discipline , 1. Cor. 11. 1. Thes. 4.2 to obserue all and euery thing that I giue you in commaundement for them : and when you feare to presse vppon them , anye thing that you haue not receiued from me , whiche might tie their conscience to obserue , as if it were of mine . Now this happy land of England , by Gods great mercy , hath al and euery of these marks , namely , the word of God most purely taught , the holy Sacraments of Christ ( in substance ) sincerely administred , & godly discipline by wholesome lawes established : therefore this Churche of England is the true church of God . For the first , we dare appeale to the throne of God , and the consciences of vpright lerned men , that we haue the trueth of Gods holye doctrine taught amongest vs . Whiche doctrine also , by hir gratious Maiestie , in hir godly laws is mightily maintained and by the helping hande of such as be godly Magistrates , is greatly furthered , but by the learned fathers and zealous godly preachexs , most truly , diligently , and plainly in these our days deliuered . And we may for our doctrine in Eng. ( approued as I haue said ) right boldly affirm , as Pet. the Apostle in his time , for the Apostolical doctrine , said then : 1. Pet. 1.25 . And this is the word which is preached amongest you .

And for the two Sacraments of Christs holy Church , which Churche knoweth no moe ) we haue them ( in substance ) sincerely by law established , and by the godly Ministers likewise to Gods people administred , without addition or defalking too or fro the worde of God .

For the Discipline of the Church we also haue it ( thoughe in some weaker sorte ) than either the auctoritie of the worde seemeth ( to me ) to affoorde , or the grauitie of the cause , in our pestiferous time , doth require it : Yet it cannot bée said , but we haue established discipline , by hir graces godly laws , to this Churche of Englande , and at thys laste Parliament ( agaynst the Papists ) haue the same Christianly augmented . God grant that our godly and reuerende Bishops , Iudges , Ecclesiasticall Commissioners and officers whych haue the authority , may , and would , so vse thys aucthoritye they haue , that God myghte be wonne , ( as it were ) wyth theyr godly indeuor , to enlarge the heartes of higher aucthoritye ouer vs in the Lorde by lawefull power , to yéelde vs further and more seuere discipline , to one and all in thys Churche of Englande . Lord for thy mercies sake graunt it to this thy holy visible Vineyarde of Englande we beseeche thée . And in the meane space ( brethren ) let vs be obedient to this we haue , and heartilye praise God for the same , and pray earnestly with conioyned hearts , for a further , by hir Graces aucthoritie , and the strict rule of hys holy worde . These holy and sufficient notes of hys visible Church , we haue in our English Church at thys day ( the Lord be praised for them , and contynue them wyth vs ) and therefore agaynste al your blasphemies to God , your sinister , but subtill suggestions to Princes and people ( o ye poore Papists ) we stand by proofe to bée the Figge trée , planted indeede in the moste holy Vineyarde of the Lorde , and haue our Churche consecrated a sacred member of the Catholike Churche of God , visible wyth the rest of that Militante troupe and companye of sanctified men in the vniuersall earth .

And as for the other forged marks of Vniuersalitie , and personall succession , we count it sufficient to haue the society with suche the sonnes of God , as haue their felowshippe with the Sainctes of Christe , 1. Io. 11.2.3 4. and haue learned to forsake the company of the wicked , and to auoide the way of sinners , but greatly deteste , to stoupe to that Cacolike Apostata of Rome , Ps. 1. whych so arrogantly setteth hymselfe in that chaire of the scorner . But touching personall succession of Bishoprickes and Churches , we holde it not to be always a sure marke of Gods holye Churche . Except ye wil saye of the Church of Israel vnder Ieroboam , that Idolatour , that she was then the true Churche , ( thoughe an Apostata by hir grosse Idolatrie ) bicause she could boast of personall succession from the Kyngs , and Bishoppes of that people . Or that the Churche of Iudah vnder Manasses , ( that idolatrous King ) was ( notwythstanding the murther of Gods chyldren , their sacrificing to Idols , theyr racing out of the lawe of the Lorde , and banyshing hys holy sacrifyces , ) was ( I saye ) ( all thys admitted ) yet the true Church of God , bycause they hadde and coulde shewe a personall succession of Kyngs and Byshoppes , euen from the firste Moses and Aaron . But yée wyll possibly presse vs wyth the auctoritie of the Fathers , as wyth Tertullian that ancient , whych boasted in truth , to haue had succession of the Byshops of Rome , for the furtheraunce of hys purpose . But forget not ( you Papists ) that as yet the Fathers of that Church had not departed from the faith : but wyth theyr succession had contynued the Apostolicall doctrine , vppon whiche point Tertullian chiefly stoode : as it may appeare by hym . And also , would God you would not wyth malitious heartes séeke to darken that notable doctrine of hys , in that hys Booke of prescriptions , that althoughe manye Churches , haue not to shewe theyr personall succession of Byshoppes , yet , if so they haue the Apostolicall doctrine , taught sincerely in them , for that consanguinitie and kinred in Doctrine : those Churches are , and are to be accompted Apostolicall . The Orientall Churches hadde due succession til Arrius had infected them with hys poyson : shall personall succession nowe approue the sect of the Arrians to be the church of God ? So had the Churche of Rome before Antichristes possession therof . Shal we therfore now say , when their doctrine , theyr malice , theyr ambition , theyr pride , theyr dyuelishe conuersation dothe conuince them to be that whore of Babilon : Shal we ( I say ) now say , bycause they possibly can shew vs a great Catalogue of Byshops from Linus or Anacletus , that therefore they are nowe the true Churche of God ? And yet , were that a sufficient proofe of Gods Churche , our Bishops in England then haue their personall succession from the firste , euen the firste that you can name , as by time , and nexte course succéeding one an other .

Thus you sée ( dearely beloued ) howe apparant it is , that this noble Realme of Englande is planted by Gods greate mercy into the Catholike Vineyarde of the Lorde , the visible Churche of God , and is it selfe a notable member of the same .

Now time requireth , that we speake something likewise of the inuisible company and Church of God , to the greater comforte of the godlye in thys visible Churche , whiche this day heare me , or hereafter may heare of this holy labor , to their further benefite . If thou wouldest knowe certainly ( beloued ) in thine owne conscience , whether thou arte verily and indéede , the member of Christ , and so a liuely braunche of the virident Vine , end a fruitful Figge trée : examine thy selfe by these thrée pointes , The true notes of the inuisible Church al which the spirite of God againe hathe laide vp in one most sacred Sentence , and thys it is : The end of the commandement is loue out of a pure hart , 1. Tim. 1.5 . and of a good conscience , and of saith vnfained . In thys sentence ( beloued in Christ ) is laid forth vnto vs , the verye true and infallibe tokens to euery mans soule , whether he be the sonne of God or no. For , by degrées , from the fruite to the trée , from the childe to the parent , he goeth & fetcheth thence vnto vs , the certaine markes , whereby we are sealed to the Lorde . The purpose of God , giuyng his worde , is ( saith the Apostle ) that yée purely loue one another , but your loue muste procéede from a good conscience , not from a corrupted hart , and this conscience hath his purging from an vnfained faith . Then take hence your certaine notes of Gods children , and these they are . First , by the vertue of the spirite and word of God , a pure faith vnfained . Secondly , a renued minde , whiche here is called a pure heart . And thirdely , by the same spirite , suche charitie , as neither can be cold or hypocriticall . In whom soeuer these be vigent & warme , let him be assured , though al the Popes in Rome had sent their curses against him & this honorable nation , yet he is of god , the member of Christ , & one of his inuisible Churche , whyche can not be caste forth of the dores .

But that we maye the better knowe howe to sounde our heartes , and haue a more ful féeling of this heauenly swéetnes , let vs learn what is the operation of this vnfained faith required . Surely , it worketh by Gods spirit and word thrée notable things in vs .

The first is , a perfect beléefe in our inward man , that though our outwarde shoulde be fully punished for sinne , yet our inwarde man , shoulde haue prerogatiue to bring both to the fauor of God bicause our sinnes are not laide to oure charge , Rom. 4.7.8 Ps. 32.1 1. Io. 1. but remitted fully in the purging bloude of Iesus Christ . And therfore through his merite ( our faith apprehending him ) we may approche by that newe and liuing way , vnto his grace , Heb. 10.19 . and call vnto him , as his iustified children , Abba , deare Father , and reste assured , that we , by pure faith vnfained haue Christe Iesus to be to vs againste our sinful folly , Gods holy wisdome , our iniquity , Gods righteousnes , our grosenes , his holinesse , & against our dailye & deadly sins : Christ Iesus our sufficient raunsome , 2. Cor. 1.30 . as the Apostle hathe sette it downe vnto vs in these words : But ye are of him in Christ Iesus , who of God is made vnto vs , wisedome and righteousnesse , and sanctification , & redemption . The seconde worke of this our vnfained fayth , is growing from the firste , to assure our heartes of the countenaunce of Gods fauour , and good continuance of vs in hys loue for euer and euer , so as , neither our dayly sinnes , or Sathans accusations , or yet the verye Iustice of God can possibly take hys fatherly loue from vs , or impeache our great fauour with him , or by laying to our charge true thynges agaynste vs , could yet cast off hys singular loue from vs , Rom. 8. tot . cap. of al whych , that moste noble chapter of blessed Paule , the eyghte to the Romaines doth assure vs . Laste of all , thys faith is so renued by the worde of God , that it can not but saye , to mans soule that hath it , Blessed art thou whiche haste thy parte in the firste resurrection , Apo. 2.6 for thou shalte not taste of the second death , but shalt be the Priest of God , to raigne with hym a thousande yeares . But will yée knowe ( beloued ) who hath this regenerating faith ? verily , euen onely they , which are of a pure hart : For this is the ordinary worke of God , by faith first to approch vs to his holy presence , to make vs his beste beloued children , to iustifie vs by his grace , and to sanctifie vs by his spirite . Then the same spirite descendeth to the second degrée of his most holy labor , Ezech. 36. Ephe. 4. Coloss. 3.1 . and dothe with his moste holye finger , forme and frame vs anewe , changeth our acts and hearts , and fashioneth vs , to the Image of God , in true holinesse and righteousnesse . And out of all doubte , greate is the glorious God , by whose mighty operation the sea of mans hearte is turned so quite to another course so as by the spirite he is brought to hate that horrible vice , whiche before he honored , and ardently to loue , and embrace with great delight that vertue whiche before he did despise . And to desire , to do those blessed things , of whyche he earst could take no pleasure . And this is that puritye of the hearte by the Apostle to Timothie so greatly commended , and is the seconde sound note of Gods holy childe and member of the inuisible elect and predestinat Churche , to life euerlasting . And thys seconde note you sée consisteth in these thrée blessed vertues . The true hate to sin , Rom. Ps. 119. euen as to a Serpent . The sincere loue of righteousnesse , with the exercise of the whole body and spirit to it . And thirdly , the inwarde desire of the heart in soule and body , to doe the wil of God : Althoughe the same godly desire by mightie battels with sinne , and Sathan , is euery day impugned : as by Paule in the seauenth of the Romaines , is moste notably sette downe , whether for breuities sake I sende thée . The laste note of the inuisible Church , and member of it , is sincere loue & burning charitie , loue or vncorrupted charitie , which procéedeth from true faith , is accompanied with assured hope , diffused by the spirite of God into vs , and so borne vnto our brethren , as we shunne by euill example to hurte them , and take greate care with all our power , 1. Cor. 10 31 to doe them benefite , euen as the Lorde hath commaunded vs , and doe omitte the oportunitie of reuenge , or hatefull memorie of euil done déedes : But , as God for Christes sake , hathe forgiuen vs , doe from the botome of our harts , forgiue and forget the iniuries of oure brethren , according to this saying of Gods spirite by Paule : Eph , 4 31.32 . Lette al bitternesse , and anger , and wrath and euill speaking , bee putte awaye from you , wyth all malitiousnesse . Bee yee curteous one to another , and tender hearted , forgiuing one an other , euen as God for Christes sake forgaue you . Shall wée putte the Papistes to silence ( o ye blessed people ? ) In this then doe it , that they blaspheming vs as euil doers , may haue their mouthes stopped by our godlynesse of life .

And further , 1 Pet. 2.12.15 . that so we maye make our calling sure , and an entring into the euerlasting Kingdome of God . Nowe then apply thys doctrine to your selues , 2. Pet. 1 10.11 . ( deare brethren ) that yée haue nowe hearde , and saye to your hearts , for comforte ( if ye finde in trueth these markes liuely in you . ) Now we know for truth that Gods spirite dothe assure our spyrites , Rom. 8. that we are the sons of God . And so maye you be bolde , to blesse God for thys grace , and say vnto the Papistes , Gods goodnesse is great , who hath planted vs in Englande , and Englande into his Catholike Vineyarde , both visible & inuisible . But beholde , yet further , his gracious goodnesse appeareth , & is right notable to behold . For in this Vineyard of his holye Churche of Englande to the great benefite of the Figge trée he hathe firste placed a watche Tower . Esa. 5. He hath secondly set a Hedge of defence rounde aboute it . And thirdly , hauing stoned the grounde , hée hathe stablished a Wine presse within the yarde , where eache trées fruite , shall , in conuenient time be brought to his tryall & purpose of benefite . If that noble Prophet Esay could say so of Iudah and Ierusalem , maye not Gods Prophets crye it out nowe , concerning Englande , and say , the Lordes goodnesse is maruellous greate to thée ( o thou Figge trée of England ) For he hath placed thée in hys owne Vineyarde , he hath set vp a Turret in thée , whence thy watche men may sée thée , and thyne enimies purpose agaynste thée , wherehence to giue thée warning of thine intended harmes . And he hathe sette hys hedge of prouidence rounde about thée , in more ample wise than euer had the Isralits , for they had but warrant , when they came vp to Ierusalem to worship , that no enimies shoulde inuade them . But thou England arte and haste béene hedged and defended , by the Lords miraculous hand , not séeking to serue God , but after a fashion waxing colde of hys seruice , and haste giuen thy selfe to vanitie and securitie in sinne , arte called , and goest rather backwarde : And yet , thine enimies abroad , Hos. 11 1. Esa. 7.1.2 . & deinceps and thy false confederates at home , séeking to make a breache in thée , thy God , Englande , thy good God , saith , it shall not be , and hath vpholden thée , and defended thée , by him self against al secrete conspiracies open rebellion , & forrain threats , now full this 22. yeres . Thy name be blessed for it , my God , & Lord , giue our Englande eies , to sée hir sins , & thy long suffring safetie to vs & for vs in this thy prouident hedge . The pollicie of the watchers , whereof hir Maiestie is chiefe , ( whom the Lord still defend ouer vs , that long she may wake to God , and watche godlily , for this hir people of England , and also the Ecclesiastical , and ciuil honorable councel , and Christian gouernors ) is great no doubt , for whose great and godly paines to vs , we owe in truth greate things to them , and manye blessings to God . Yet is it neither simply , hir Maiestie , their pollicie , or other indeuor . ( For al these with vs are sinners , in his sight ) but hys holy hande alone , and that for his owne names sake , that hitherto hathe guyded their holy counsels , and defended vs . Oh that the watchemen of oure Englande , would consider then right déepely theyr place . You be set my Lords alofte , to see aloofe for the help of vs that are appointed vnder you . Your carcks & care may not be , the Bishop to become very rich , the Iudge to be of great reuerence , the Councellor & ruler , to gape after priuat gaine , but you muste be all helping , rather vs , than your selues , yea , to your own losse , in winter , sommer , heat & cold , day and night my Lords , euen as hiding places from the winde , a refuge for the tempest , as riuers of water , in a thirstie place , & as the shadows of greate rockes , in a wearye land . So the Lord hath allotted you . Esa. 32. ● . ● . So Esay the Prophet hath told you . And the reuerend Bishops must lerne to know , that God hath called them to such reuerend places , that they shoulde not be more ydle and Lordly , Acts. 20. but more labouring and lowely , yea , if possible it may be , than their inferior brethren called to like function in the Lord , and holy office of preaching . And ( beloued brethren ) of the popular sorte , our partes is to blesse God , for our godly gouernors , both reuerende fathers , and the ciuil Magistrates , whyche doe manye of them painefully trauaile in their places to watche ouer vs . And are to pray wyth sighs and sobbes to God , for some suche of them , as neyther teache as they ought , or watche as they shoulde , or yet procure such as willingly would to the benefite of the Fig trée . I knowe some where , some places in England , that haue a Turret or Pulpit , but no Preacher in it almoste since hir Maiesties raigne : For why ? the spirituall officers looke ouer it , some temporall statute , and stearne Papistes , doe so out-countenaunce it , as , neither the worde is desired , or can with quietnes happily haue grace of hearing . The lord from heauen be mercifull vnto hys people in earth . Wel we must render to either state , our due obedience , suffer them to stone vs , wéede vs , & proine vs , that we may become fruitefull , and so behaue our selues in al thinges by loue towardes them , that as they must render accompts to God , for theyr offyces , so they maye take pleasure to exercise theyr function amongst vs . So doth the holye Apostle teache vs , Heb. 13.17 . saying : Obey them that haue the ouer-sight of you , and submit your selues : for they watch for your soules , as they that must giue accomptes ( to God ) that they may do it with ioy , and not with grief for that is vnprofitable for you . The Lord further saith , he stoned his Vineyarde , and surely he hath mightily by hir Maiesty , cropped the toppes , and caste out of the Churche of Englande , the stony hearted Papists . It remaineth , that the stoners vnder hir grace , be not stony themselues : For , if they be Papisticall , that be Rulers , howe shal the Papistes of England , be stoned out of the Vineyard ? Lord , thou clensing God , preserue thy little church of Englande , clense the Benches of the lande , that Benchers maye call to the barre , such as hinder the growth of the Fig trée , in euery part of this thy kingdom & by iustice , authoritie & grace , conuert them Lord , or cast them out of thy Vineyarde : For why Lorde , shoulde they also make the ground barren ? The allegory of the Wine presse , lette it be thus vnderstoode , the worke offered of God to euery calling in this hys Vineyarde of Englande . The noble Potentates haue vs hir people committed vnto them , the Lorde doth looke , that their indeuour shoulde fill the presse with holy labors . The reuerende Fathers , and learned Preachers of the lande , haue their people : namely , the Church of God to exercise themselues vpon . The graue Iudges haue their gréedye plaintiffes and defendants , to trye their industrie , and toyling seruice , yet holy to the Lorde . And surely my Lordes , you must stoutly and with good courage tread the Wine presse in your Assises , and in Westminster Hall . Your calling doth not onelye teache it you , but your verye robes doe preache it vnto vs : You sitte in bloudye Gownes of Scarlet hewe , as whereby your very apparell dothe prognosticate to your selues , and vs , with what hate to sinne and zeale to God , you muste execute the lawes , euen to the not only drawing of bloud , by the sword of equitie , but euen to the dying of the place with the bloud of the wicked , whiche otherwise can not be reclaimed . Your eyes muste not looke vppon the mightie againste the pore , or spare to strike the strong , that else would grinde the simple vnto powder : But you muste aboue all ( my Lordes ) that be Iudges , take greate care of religion , and if in your circuites , you happily find any one bencher , that wil not accompany your Lordshippes to the hearing of the worde , the same you muste call to barre to taste of the sworde : For the iudgement is the Lords and not mans . O Lorde that I might once sée that example in England , of some one godly Iudge or other , that , if any his associates refused in contempte of the word and lawes established to go with him to Churche , to heare the word of God there preached , his Lord would commaund him from the Bench to the Barre , yea , though he were a Lorde . Some of you my Lords are more gretly beholding vnto God , as by health and sickenesse , drawne nearer and nearer him , and are restored againe vnto life , that Christe Iesus shoulde be séene afreshe to liue in you . The Lorde doth knowe his Churche hath néede of you : and therefore in mercie he hath agayne lent vs you , play the men , and helpe to stamp into the Wine presse , those whiche without you can not be broughte to tryall , and muche hinder the gratious growth of the Figge trée . Let your godly heartes , take that auncient precepte from Iehosophat , that godly King , vnto you , which saith , or rather Gods spirite , in that place of the Chronicles : 2. Chro. 19.6.7 . Take heede what yee do , for yee execute not the iudgementes of manne , but of the Lorde , and he wil bee with you in the cause and iudgements . Wherfore now let the feare of the Lord be vpon you : Take heede , and doe it : for there is no iniquitie with the Lorde our God , neither respect of persons , nor receiuing of rewarde .

The Wine presse for you ( my brethren ) of the vulgare sorte , is , that Christian duety , whiche of duty we owe one vnto an other , teaching vs to liue godlily , Titus . 2 11. Gal. 6.9 . soberly , iustly , and not to be weary of wel doing one to another , but as candles alwayes light , we so shine , Math 5. that our workes may procure Gods praise . Let vs doe good vnto all menne , but especially to the Children of God . And know wel , that the Apostle to the Ephesians , Gal. 6.10 . teacheth this to be the end of our placing in the Vineyarde , that we be wel exercized in the Wine presse , saying : Eph. 2.10 . Wee are his workmanship created in Christ Iesus vnto good workes whiche God hath ordayned , that we should walke in them . And thus muche of the first part concerning the great goodnesse and grace of God , to his Churche this aduanced Figge trée . And now ( beloued ) we approche to the reste of our Texte , whiche setteth sorth vnto vs the sharpe and seuere sentence of God , vppon the same Figge trée , that was before so happilye harboured .

The seconde parte . Then , saide hee , to the Dresser of thys Vineyard , beholde , these three yeres haue I come and sought fruit of this Figge tree , and finde none : Cutte it down , why kepeth it also the ground barren ?

THis second parte of our text ( deare brethren ) containeth two speciall points . First , the Lordes long suffering the vnfruitfull Fig trée , to stand in hys Vineyard , wherein his great goodnesse is yet further declared . Secondely , hys heauy sentence vpon the Fig trée , after the long abuse of his greate patience . Then said he to the dresser of his Vinyard , beholde , these three yeres haue I come , &c. Oh happy Vinyard that hath such a Lord , who doth not only plant it , defend it , & fructify it , but also doth daily visite the same , calleth vpon his people , & offereth them the remembraunce of the ende , wherefore they are so planted and placed in his holy Church . He commeth firste in long patience , to his slouthfull trées to sée , if at lengthe they can take blossome , and bring him fruite . Note then ( good people ) the ende of your calling , it is to be holy , Heb. 3.13 . liuely workers in the Lordes Vineyarde , Iude. vers● 20.21.22.23 Esa. 58. to laboure the Lords increase , by teaching & exhorting one an other , while it is to day , helping vppe some , and pulling out other from the fire , comforting the weake , walking with the strong , deliuering the oppressed , and setting the prisoners frée , restoring eche man hys right , vsing no violence to the litle flocke , but by godly example in life , and daily practise to their good , so to yéelde our Figges to our brethren , that they séeing our good workes , maye glorifie our Father whyche is in Heauen . Math. 5.16 . And thus shall we make oure calling and election sure , as the Apostle Peter hath taught vs , saying : Giue al diligence thereto , to bee partakers of the godlye nature , fleeing corruption and luste , ioyne moreouer vertue wyth youre fayth , and wyth Vertue , Knowledge , and wyth knowledge , temperance , and with temperaunce patience , and with patience godlinesse , and with godlinesse brotherly kindenesse , and with brotherlye kindenesse , loue . For if these things be among you , and abounde , they will make you , that yee neyther shall bee ydle nor vnfruiteful in the knowledge of our Lorde Iesus Christe . The Lords people muste doe the Lordes workes , & the working God doth require a labouring people . Forget not ( beloued ) that the Lorde of this Vineyarde doth in visiting vs often séeke for fruite . Thrée thinges are of this Texte to be considered : Firste , hée commeth not hastily , to looke if the trée be full of fruit , ( although his soule desireth the firste ripe fruites ) but he louingly looketh as a manne desirous of some , and if the trée be very sparing , he doth not spéedely depart , as angry at the same : but he taketh the boughes tendrely into his holy handes , and he lifteth vp the leaues therof , and searcheth diligently , if so there be any one Figge there , once , twice , and thrice , and verye often , and if he at anye time comming , find but some fruit , be it but here and there a Figge , he yet kéepeth a blessing for that trée . But if after often comming , and paineful searching , he yet ( from whome nothing can be hidde ) can finde no fruite , then pronounceth he his cursse , vpon that Figge trée , and saieth : Cut it down , &c Oh the long loking eies of Gods mercie vpon the Figge trées of Englande : He came vnto them in the beginning of hir Maiesties raigne , and did mercifully plant vs , he hath daylye since come by his Prophets ordinary & extraordinary , and all to trimme and proine vs , Io. 15. that we abiding in his Christ might bring forth more fruite . But hée hath by his correcting hande to London , ( oh London looke to it , thou City of God ) and other places with punishing roddes of plagues and sodaine deathes , continually of late visited vs , as thereby reprouing our wantes of fruite . And now he stirreth vppe the courage of his Prophets ( the godly Preachers whiche truly feare him ) with one consent to sound , as it were the solempne blaste of a laste visitation , that if we can not yet be fruitefull , Esay . 65.8.9.10.11.12.13.14.15 . they shoulde tell thée ( O Englande ) that then this hys Vineyarde shall be taken from thée , and thou caste out of it , and shalt sée it giuen to a nation that shall bring forth his expected fruite . Oh Englande , GOD make thée carefull and mindefull of this seuere sentence , Cutte it downe .

Secondly , let vs here note , how the Lorde saith not , I haue come and found no Blossomes , but I haue come and founde no fruite . Fruite , and apte fruit ( beloued ) is that whych the Maister of the Vineyard expecteth . Blossomes are blowne awaye with a blaste , Buddes are beaten downe with stormye tempestes , but swéete fruite is moste méete for the Lordes mouthe . But it is a harde thing for the bitter Figge trée to alter hys nature : Wherefore he often draweth the vigoure of the earth to féede his bitternesse . Looke vppon the Iewishe Figge trée , and the Lord comming after long expectation for good fruite , what fruites founde he ? Esay sayeth : Esay . 5.4 . Hee looked that it shoulde bryng foorthe Grapes , but it broughte foorthe Wilde Grapes , viz. hee looked for iudgement , but beholde oppression , Vers 8. for righteousnesse , but beholde , a crying of them that are oppressed , throughe ioyning of house to house , and fielde to fielde , so as they woulde banishe the poore , to dwell alone by themselues . 11. Earely vp to dronkennesse and bibbing from morning till nighte , banquetting , feasting , piping and dauncing , but no regarde of the worke of the Lorde , wherefor he hathe made them . Furthermore , Vers. 20. they gaue a contrary tongue vnto God : For they yéelded commendation of that whiche was noughte , and flatly condemned the simple good . They altered the tymes and seasons to their owne fantasies , darkenesse for light , bitter for sweete , and swéet for sower . 21. They estéemed mannes pollicie aboue Gods diuinitie , makyng muche of their owne conceits , and became prudent in their owne sight , they durst vse , and bragge of it , that a carowsing Cup , or a harty draught coulde not ouertumble them , & therefore they woulde ioine Bacchus to Venus still . Vers 23. Finally , they abused the seate of Iustice , Equity was sent from home , and the wicked were iustified for bribes , yea , the godly , and his cause was by the aduerse power intercepted of his right , and hys case peruerted , so as either the righteousnesse of his cause was darkened , or much diminished , or the true alowance to it vtterly taken away : therefore the Lorde did threaten his cutting down , Esay . 5.24 . saying : Like as the flame of fire deuoureth the stubble , and as the Chaffe is consumed of the flame : So their roote shall bee as rottennesse , and their bud shall ryse vp like duste , bycause they haue caste off the lawe of the Lorde of hostes , and contemned the worde of the holy one of Israell .

But nowe let vs looke into the long suffering of this our God to this people . Beholde , ( saith he ) these three yeares haue I sought for fruit and finde none . By this terme of time , we are to note ( beloued ) the long suffering of God , which calleth by it to repentance . So he dealt with the world in the dayes of the floude , yea , euen when he was ready to strike , then he gaue them afreshe a longer time to repent , namely , 20. yeres . Gen. 6.3 . So prolonged he the time of his plagues , to their posteritie , euen when the daye was conceyued , to sée if they would preuent his anger with their returning vnto him . And by his holye Prophets , cryed vnto them : ( oh ye people ) why wil you dye ? Ezech. 33.11 Turne you from your euil wayes : gather your selues togither ( o people ) not worthy to be beloued , before the dresser come forth , and ye be as chaffe that passeth in a day , and before the fierce wrath of the Lorde come vpon you . Zephany . 2.12 . But they greatly abused his great forbearing , and so do we . Ieremy saide of them , Ierem. 25.3 that hée hadde called them to repentaunce ful 23. yeares , earely and late , but they woulde not heare nor encline thine eares to obey , but prouoked him to anger , albeit he long suffered them , and sente to them his Prophets , as before is saide . Oh Ieremy ( Gods holy Prophet ) thy terme of time is cast vppon vs . These thrée and twentie yeares hathe the Lorde in mercye by the voice of his Prophetes , called for fruite of vs in Englande . But what shoulde be our fruites ? Surely , a duple degrée in fruites , the Lorde dothe require of vs .

Firste a generall fruite , as we be all professed into our Christe . And then a speciall , namely , euery trée his owne fruite . Philip. 1.27 . Of the firste the Apostle Paule speaketh thus : Let your conuersation be as it becommeth the Gospel of God , &c. That is , that our heartes be one in iudgement , oure offections in loue , our confederacie in godlynesse , suche as wée ioyne hands in vnitie one with another , to fight togither through the faith of the Gospell againste the aduersary , and not as dismembred bodies and companies , to deuoure one an other by iarring braules and causelesse contentions . Let this ( beloued ) be neuer out of our minds which are of one religion : If ye bite one an other , Gal. 5 15. take heede leaste ye be consumed one of an other . Our vnitie & loue doth appall the pride of the Papists : our brawling , contentions , and strife , ( not for knowledge but for malice ) doth bréede a breache for the wicked . But , note that our vnitie & godlinesse , muste be a conuersation , not a déede well done by chaunce at a sodaine , but a continued conuersation in holynesse : The guide of whiche conuersation is set downe to vs here to be the faith of the Gospell of God , as from which fountaine euerye manne may fetche hys seuerall fruite , and lycour to life . Marke this you mighty rulers and rich of the earth . From hence , namely , from Gods holy worde oughte you firste ( to others godlye example ) to draw the patterne to your conuersation . God sendeth hys holy Prophets the preachers of the worde , fyrste to call you hyther . Goe downe to the house of the Kyng of IVDAH , ( saith the Lord ) to Ieremy , Ierem. 22.1 and speake thys thing and say : heare the worde of the Lord o King of Iudah , thou that sittest vpon the throne of Dauid , thou and thy seruants and thy people . Execute iudgement and righteousnesse , &c. then shall yee liue . I praye you reade the place at youre leysure you princely Rulers . Know you , that first you aboue all menne are spectacles and myrrors vnto men : your conuersation therefore muste shine by the Gospel ; & Gods holy word , and your loue from aboue must abound in equitie to his Ministers . Moses must loue Aaron & defend him in truth againste the malice of the wicked . But where is this Gospel-like conuersation ? We wil aske of the riche and mighty , nowe at the ende of these thrée and twenty yeres but this equall fruit . But it is with vs fruite good ynoughe , for the Minister to be basely estéemed , it is no matter to priue his portion to your owne purses , but suche are Nabothes & feare not God . I speake not against the godly mighty , but against the rich men of the earth , whiche care not for these wordes : Do my Prophets no harme : Nor for this : He that teacheth the Gospel , let him liue of the Gospell : Nor for this : Muzzel not the mouth of the Oxe , that treadeth out the corne , &c. But are these worldlings but fewe , or rather may we not aske who is it , that delighteth in this conuersation of the worde ? For the moste parte ye dispise our holye calling , but daylye more and more , you labour and hunger to be possessed with our liuings . You are by calling properly temporall , but through elder abuse , many of you are become improperly Ecclesiasticall . The poore Minister muste crouch to such patrons , his knée to the grounde , his stéeple to theyr stealth , his tythe to their granary , and his due portion to their vnsatiable prouision . These be improper persons , and therefore ( I take it ) by law , their Churche detentions are rightly called impropriate promotions . These improper persons receiue hundreds , but the pore Vicar can scarce haue tenne poundes , and yet the whole burthen is layde on hys shoulders . I know not howe many Fathers of the lawe are embrewed wyth this bloude . I am also a straunger to the Citie ( a poore man come oute of the Country ) and whether my Lorde Mayor or his brethren be , or haue in their corporation this improper proprietie , I cannot say : but I am very sure of thys , it is a very vnséemely sight to sée a Parson of a Parishe Churche , so stately attyred in suche costely robes and golden chaines , as the honor of this Citie doth affoorde to hir Aldermen . But if you bée suche improper persons , I pray you yet haue lesse care of your gaine , and more of conscience : lette vs not serue you for suche parings , but somewhat more liberally carue to vs in the Lord , we admonishe you . Remember , that the word of God requireth you to make vs partakers of all your goodes : Mala. 1.14 . And dare you so boldelye take from vs then , our fyrst allotted portions ?

Malach. 3.8 It is counted a blessed thyng wyth manye , in these dayes to spoyle the portion of the Minister : but the dayes to come shall proue it accurssed with God .

But ( Lorde ) this is thy iudgement vppon vs thy seruauntes whyche haue not serued thée , as belongeth vs in these thy forbearing dayes , and thy further plague to the posteritie , for this contempte againste thée . For thy worde , by thys meanes shall bée eyther sparingly , or not at all delyuered them . But surelye , if Potentates hadde lyttle regarde to Religion , yet me séemeth it their greate pollicie , whylest the LORDE dothe yet forbeare , well to maintaine the preaching ministery : For the hart of man is his leader , and the affectictions kindled there , enforce the bodye seruiceable to his will . The handes maye be restrained for a time , but the hearte not altered , a newe assaye is to be giuen . But if the heart of man bée once conuerted vnto the trueth of God , whyche commeth to passe by the office of Preaching ) then the soule submitteth hymselfe to euerye lawfull power , Rom. 13.1 as sent from God , and for conscience to GOD , and dutie to hys worde , causeth his body to obey , euen to moste hard commaundements , impositions , & euery demand . Let a suruey be taken hereof betwixt the Papist , and the true Protestant , the one is ready to rebell at euery motion , the other alwayes preste to aide aucthoritie , with goods , landes , & life . Wherehence commeth this , but that the heartes of men are setled by the worde , to stoupe and stande to their superiors set ouer them , not for feare , but for conscience ? Iere. 29.6.7 And good Ieremy and Barucke Baruc. 9.11.12 . do euer persuade the Israell of God , not only to bende their backes to Nabuchadnezars bondage , but also hartilye to praye to God for his prosperous raigne , and for the life of his sonne Balthazar : how much more then wyl they teache obedience to godlye Princes , by whome God is greately honoured , and his Prophets right louingly intreated ? But this is a hard fruite , ( o noble Fig-trées , and improrer persons ) to giue to God lame liuings and halting portions , to take the beste by spoile from his Minister , and your selues not sanctified to the seruice . For you are not otherwise Ecclesiasticall , then when you call for tythes , but for the charge of the Cure you take no care . Oh , be afraide of thys , you that forget God , and yet boaste of hys truth , for it is a right bitter fruite , and roote of a thousande euils , to the Church of God , whyche is the verye cause why I haue thus saide vnto it . A braunche whereof , beholde , oure presente time hathe bredde , for our Ministers in the Country , for the moste part , are either ignorant and idle , or else ouer poore and néedy . The people , for the moste , are likewise vnder suche , either blinde and Popishe , or hauty and harde harted , and yet the Lorde doth stil beare , and cryeth for better fruites : Heb. 3. oh ( beloued ) lette vs hearken to his voice , while it is to day : that we do not stil thus fall , by degrées , from the lyuing God , thoroughe the deceitfulnesse of sinne . It is ynough that we haue spent the time of two and twentie yeares so vainely , 1. Pet. 4.2.3 lette vs knowe that hence forth we ought to liue not after the lustes of the fleshe , but after the will of God . But this is a greate wonder to manye , that men professing God , and indued with so goodlye wits should in the light of the glorious Gospell ( so manye yeares gloriouslye shining ) delight to dwell in suche obstinate blindenesse . But take vppe thy wonder ( beloued ) and looke into the matter : So shalt thou perceiue this bitter fruit to arise of these thrée monstrous vices , namely , of the carnal contempt of Gods long sufferaunce : Of the naturall distruste of his worde and promise : And of the presumptuous abuse of his goodnesse .

First naturally we feare those things which be angry and able to hurt , as lyons , beares , and tyrannous men : Againe , we doe not feare , but rather contempne those thinges whych be milde , & mind not harme , as louyng , kinde , and peaceable men . Yea , suche Princes as be rough and sharp to punish transgressors , wée feare to offende : but suche as onely strike of mercies string , and seldome touch due Iustice threat , our wicked nature with tooth & naile , enarmeth hautie contempt against them . Euen so it is likewise to our good God , bicause he is slow to wrath , & doth not alwayes strike , we straight contemne his threatning worde , supposing , eyther he is not able , or not knowing , to punishe our open rebellion againste hym , and so the wicked saieth in his hearte , Psal . there is no God .

Secondely , if GOD in mercie doe swéetely persuade vs by hys holy worde to true repentaunce , straightwaye our nature halseth vp a naturall distruste , saying : Malac. 3 . 1● what profite haue we to serue the Lord ? or what be his promises vnto vs ? we wil not hearken vnto his word : Io. 22.14.15 For if we pray vnto him what gaine to vs ? In their deadly distrust , they scornfully saye : Ezech 33. Come let vs goe heare what the Lorde wil say to vs : but they holde his Prophets as iesting persons , and pleasant Minstrels that satisfy the time . & not as the sincere Prophets of God .

For neither beléeue they the promises of Gods loue to appertaine to them , or the iudgements of his wrath doe they accepte in truth , and therfore they neyther embrace the promisse of his mercy , or be terrified with the threates of hys Iustice . But in steade therof they say : Come , lette vs eate and drincke , for to morrowe we shal dye . Oh horrible and thrice curssed nature , so arming thy carnall corps , to abuse the long suffering of thy good God . But be ye sure , that the eternall worde of God is yea , and Amen , that whatsoeuer it promiseth , it shall performe , and though his infinite wisedome ( to drawe thée to repentaunce ) do differ his plagues , yet he wil iustifie his worde in the day of his anger . When those thyngs shall come to passe whych he hath spoken by his Prophets , and then in the midle of his wrath , you shall confesse , that not pleasaunt Minstrels , but Gods true Prophetes & Preachers were sent to forewarne you . 2. Kin. 21.2 These bée much more wicked than curssed Achab , whyche yet beléeued the worde , at the voice of one Prophet , and receiued conforte : But these shall haue him a witnesse to their condemnation , in the day of Gods anger , which cannot , or wil beléeue the Lordes word , by so many yeres trauel amongest them . Rom. 12.1 . But lette vs labour to persuade you by Gods mercies , to offer vp your bodyes a holy , liuelye , & acceptable sacrifice to God : whyche is your resonable seruing of God : Tush , that cannot moue , for you beléeue vs not : you haue Papisticall spirites , that is to say , doubtfull hearts you dare not reste vpon the promises of God , and therefore wil not be allured by his mercies . But let vs tell you , Esay . 26 17 that if ye followe the fashion of this worlde , you shal die in the sinnes thereof , you saie to your selues , safe inough , for we haue made a couenant with death , our Preachers do but scare vs , we sée no suche likenesse of Gods anger , all thinges continue their course as at the beginning : But you wilfully are ignorant , saying , 2. Pet. 3.3.4 that the Lord hath a desire to saue vs , and would haue none to perish , but woulde all to come to repentance . Notwithstanding , be it knowne to you ( O ye curssed scorners ) the Lorde wil come to you as a théefe in the night , and when you crye to youre selues , peace and rest , then sodaine shal be your destruction , 2. Tess. 2.12 whiche woulde not credite the worde of trueth to your saluation . Gen. 7. The first age beleued not Noah , and are vniuersally drowned . Gen. 19. The cursed Sodomites scorned Loth , and wyth fyre and brimstone are consumed . And canst thou think to escape with thy scorning couenant of death , thou Paynim Papist , and carnall Atheiste ? No , the Lord saith to euery such , your couenant with death shall be disanulled , and your agréement with hel shal not stand , When a scourge shall runne ouer , Esay . 28.18 . and passe through , then shal ye be troden down by it , &c. The third vice abusing Gods long suffering is , Our presumption to sin : For we conceiuing by a natural self liking , a sinister coniecture of Gods mercie , that he doth not so narrowly looke to our offences , or will so strictly punish our sins : do therfore take occasion presumptuously to adde sin vpon sin , to passe the dayes of our youth , in distemperate dealings against God & man , promising to our selues a long life , a long tyme to repent , & a long suffering God . But ( O ye gallants of these days ) which sin in this presumption , know ye , that God is iust as he is merciful , & that repentance is his gift , to whom it pleaseth him , & giuen to the humble spirited that feare him : which in the days of their youth remember him , before those euil dayes come , wherein you shal for paine & griefe in conscience & corps say , we haue no pleasure to liue . Be helping therefore to youre selues in God , Eccle. 12 1. and stowpe to the yoke of Christe in time . Nowe is the day of your calling , when the sounde of Gods Gospell ringeth in your eares , now is the acceptable day : In this day harden not your harts , nor treasure vp to your selues anger against the day of wrath . But lende your lustie eares to this necessarye demaunde of the Apostle Paule : O man , Rom 2.4 despisest thou the ryches of hys bountifulnesse and patience , and long sufferaunce , not knowing , that the bountifulnes of God leadeth thee to repentaunce , but thou after thine hardnesse , and heart that cannot repent , heapest vp as a treasure vnto thy selfe , wrath against the day of wrath , and of the declaration of the iust iudgement of God , who wil reward euery man according to his workes . Now ( beloued in God ) let vs pray the Lord our long suffering God to giue vs true repentaunce , that we abuse no longer his blessed bountie , either with carnall contempte , naturall diffidence , or presumptuous sins : but that with Dauid we may praye againste the rebellion of our youth , Psal. 19. our secrete faults and presumptuous offences , that in this long time of his suffering , nowe , drawing so neare the Lordes Haruest , wée may hasten throughe him our heares to be fruitefull , leaste we still abusing his great patience , at the laste shall heare to our endlesse sorrowe , the sharpnesse of this sentence , Cutte downe the Figge tree . But ( O Lorde ) and deare father graunt vs thy heauenly grace , wée béeséeche thée for thy holy Christs sake .

And nowe time requireth to speake some thing of this sharpe sentence , Cut it downe . If he had saide but , cut it , it had bene a harde word of Gods anger , but in that he saith , Cut it downe , and with a further demaund , namely , Why keepeth it the grounde barren also ? hée signifieth his loue is gone , his wrath is kindled , and therefore this barren trée must néedes perishe .

Two wicked euils you sée followeth this wicked Fig trée . Firste , he is not only fruitelesse himselfe , but the verye place where he standeth , he maketh barren also .

Secondly for thys , after a long wattering , proyning , wéeding and wayting , no goodnesse founde in him , but much euill , he is commaunded to be cut downe from the trées of the Vineyarde .

And for the first , would God it were rightly considered of those which are in aucthoritie . For wheresoeuer the barren Figge trée abideth , there he is not onely fruitelesse to God , but very hurtful to the common weale rounde about him , as for example , the child of hel , the shamefull Vsurer , as barren to God , so he maketh barren and vnable to liue , al the trées that earste bare greate shewe in that Forrest of his Countrey . Likewise the hardned Papist is not onely an enimy to God , his religion , and hir Maiestie in his heart , but he maketh according the valor of his countenaunce , the Countrie by proportion where he dwelleth very Papisticall with him . If he be a Gentleman , he corrupteth his tenants , and the godly Minister there hath small ioy of his labor : but if a Iustice of peace ( as too manye suche there are ) then hée goeth very néere ( if not ) to corrupt sundrye his fellowe Benchers , yet by the fleshly fauor they owe him , and through the linkes of bloude or affinitie to him , or other their friendes , they are become very sparing of religious fruite , bothe bearing with his Popery , and all hys , and also , not so dutifull to God , and hir Maiestie , for the purging of the country of such bitter trées or fruites , as they , of faithfulnesse oughte , or for their owne persuasion should , were they not made barren by such a bitter Fig trée . Oh Lord why should such vniuste Papists , sit in place of Iustice , so to barren the soyle rounde aboute them . Mercy they haue had , and it doth rather mar them : Lord , from heauen , from heauen Lord , grant them Iustice or mercy at thy good wyll . Conuert them , or confound them Lord : For why shoulde they yet make their wiues , their children , their seruantes , their tenantes , theyr friendes and kinred , theyr associates and countrey thy people , hir graces subiects in these growing times , so mightily barren ? Wel , wel , the iolity of these , and the number of our owne sins , haue writhen a coard of maruellous length , Esa. to drawe thys heauie sentence vppon this Nation and people , if we repent not , Cut it downe . Thys sentence is most heauy , Cutte it downe : But yet it is here intercepted , with a most louing petition of the dresser of the Vineyarde , viz. Lorde , let it alone this yeare also , till I digge rounde aboute it and dung it , and if it bring forth fruite , well : if no , then after thou shalte cut it downe .

Greater glorie God neuer broughte to nation , than to this country of Iudea , so as the Princely Prophet Dauid said of it : The Lord hath not dealt so with any Nation : And yet where he bestowed his greatest loue , there they caste vnto him for thankes the vile sin of senslesse securitie , contemning his grace , despising his lawe , slouting hys Prophets , killing his Christe , murthering his Apostles , and persecuting his Churche , detesting his Gospell , and leading their liues without féeling with the Gentiles in moste gréedye filthinesse . Wherefore their glorie is turned into shame , Zach. 11. and the staffe of their beautie , & the band of his couenante is broken al to péeces , and they commaunded to vtter ruine , Cut it downe . Oh that Englande would looke to this . More beautie , greater bandes of Gods amitie hath not bin séene , no not in Iewrie , yet Englande is too carelesse what she giueth God : She taketh an argument from his former fauour , and louing band of peace , to be incorporate into a perpetual reste , but she remembreth not that Ierusalem and Iuda are cut down , nor throughly weyeth the cause crauing like censure nowe . In truth ( beloued trée of Englande ) were it not for that interception of thy dressers petition , the intercession of thy only mediatour Iesus Christ , ther is no let of this sentence againste thée , Cut it downe . Consider then with thankefulnesse ( beloued ) who is thy safetie , Euen Iesus Christe alone our mightie Michaell , Daniel 12.1 that standeth in the gap these 22. yeares for thée . But here we may not forget , the Christ our dresser & defender to God his father doth 2. things for his church . Ezech. 22 3 The one is , as a vigilant pastor & defender , he is redy to help , present at néed , & taketh the oportunitie offred , to benefite the same : For euen at that instant , when God commandeth to destroy the trée , at that present , he maketh his harty petition for it .

The other is Christes prayer for his people , but vnder a condition , Spare it Lorde ( saith he ) &c. till I digge it , if then it bring fruite , wel : but if no , thou shalt cutte it downe .

Of Christs vigilancie ouer this land , for hir defence , we haue moste singular assurance , and the same shall appeare moste plainely vnto vs , if we looke into the ancient sins of the same , in hir elder people , and his sentence , executed vppon them after hys long sufferyng , for that there wanted a Mediator at last to stand in the gap . And in sinceritie of our harts doe then leuell the line of oure wicked conuersation , with the sins of our ancestors , & his defending arme vpon vs , we shal be driuen to acknowledge his louing vigilancie to be our only stay . The antient Brytanes the firste Fathers of thys Iland , did liue after Christs incarnation in abundant wealth , but they gaue themselues ( saith the storie ) to the heresie of the Pelagians , to the disdaine of the truth , and to great loosenesse of life , so as the Nobilitie & Clergie were wholy giuen to Bacchus and Venus . The Lord first sent them warnings , then warres with the Picts and Scots , whych mightily molested them . But what didde these brute Brytanes ? They returned not to the Lorde , confessing their sins , and repenting theyr wicked liues , reposing their confidence in Gods hande , but continuing in their luste stil , they sente for aide against the enimy to the Saxons , about the yere of Christ 685. which was the first message of their ouerthrowe . For the Lord in his iuste iudgement vsed them his instruments to driue the Brytanes into Wales , where they remaine as yet , & these their confederates possessed thys pleasant Iland . So came the Brytanes vnder this Censure , Cutte them down . Likewise the Saxons possessing this lande , and abusing Gods blessings , gaue themselues to a declining from God and his truth , and charity was key cold amongst them . Whiche two horrible vices can neuer dwel alone , & therefore ignorance came into the countrey , and tooke possession of the Churche .

It was a wonder ( saith the Booke ) to haue a Priest to vnderstand his Grammer . The Nobilitie became Atheistes and wicked men , the common people were solde to sinne : For pride , whoredome , and drunkennesse entred into them from high Palaces . Nicenesse of apparell , had then a common habite wyth men : for newe deuises were euery day . And ( that which is not at this day amongest the reste to be forgotten ) the Saxons did in very muche brauery clip or shaue their beards to the very face , all excepte onely the ouer lippe . But the Lorde ( as greatelye grieued at the Lande , by some good Bishops reproued them , and when no admonition coulde preuaile , he bente the heauens wyth blazing Comets , to threaten this Sentence : Cutte the Saxons down . For , Anno. 1066. after the Comet , came William the Norman , and did execute that sentence vpon the Saxons , conquering the lande , and ouerthrewe the former state . O deare brethren in God , can wée Englishemen sée our noble trée thus twice cutte downe , and not quake for feare of like iudgement ? or is there not like cause in vs , so to procure Gods wrath ? Be not deceyued , GOD is not mocked , neither come I to flatter , or yet to feare to speak the truth . Englande is full of sicknesse , byles and soares , procuring death . We may truely lament , for it is as the Prophet Micah Micah . 7.12.3 . did for his people , saying : Wo is me , for I am as the Sommer gatherings , and as the Grapes of the Vintage , there is no cluster to eate , my soule desired the firste ripe fruites . The goodman is perished out of the earth , and there is no righteous among men . They all laye waite for bloude , euery man hunteth his brother with a nette . By this sentence the Prophet accuseth his people of 3. pestiferous euils : wherof the firste is a Catholike backesliding from religion & godlinesse saying : the good man is perished for those that remain , are but rare & thin , euen the gleanings of the Haruest , and as the Vine trée , after the Vintage whiche maye happilye haue here and there one Grape lefte behind . Secondly , of a general hipocrisie , for he saith : Nemo rectus , No man treadeth by the measure of the line , whych his profession & calling doth leuil vnto him , but maketh a shew of another than that he is indéede . And laste , of an vniuersal crueltie , vsing the Metaphor , Euery man hunteth his brother with a net . And my brethren lette vs examine the common condition of most parts now in Englande , shal not we perceiue these sins to abound in the same : looke to our earnest profession of the Gospell , in the beginning of hir Maiesties raigne ( whom God in his mercie long preserue ouer vs , & euer in hys Christ ) how we hungred the truth them , how we ioyed of Gods Ministers , how we desired heauenvly encrease , & prepared our liues to answere the Gospel : we clensed our Churchs , our hearts & houses of popish Idolatry , we reedified the same with the squire of the word , that in such zeale ( namely , the Potentates , Bishops , Citizens of London , & other many godly ones ) as we were no whit inferior to the Iewes , whiche with Nehemias & Ezra Esra . 3. & 5 Nehe. ca. 3. ca. 4. repayred the ruinous walles of Ierusalem . But ( beloued ) let vs with a simple eye , looke into euery state almost in England now , & we shal right sorowfully sée a catholike cooling of this former zeale to Gods house . Partly by the malice of Sathan in his seruants the Papists , séeking by persuasion & al policie , to hinder the former work , offring vs their help to build , whose purpose is , wholy to pul down : And partly , Esra . 4.2 . by our owne wearinesse of well doing , which contenting oure selues with our firste building , Haggai . 12.4 . haue taken surcesse for a time , to build & pul downe , & rebuild againe ( to our great cost , & the Countries great paine ) our braue bowers & sumptuous towers , to féed our fantasies , and pore mens eies : but the building of Gods holy house , to the encrease of faith & vertue in true religion , we haue almost laide aside , except a few sommer gatherings , by grace conserued vnto God . May wée not therfore admonish Magistrats , Ministers & godly men , to apply this voice of the spirite of God to his holy churche , which firste was sente to Ephesus ? viz. I knowe thy workes ( sayth God ) and thy labour , Reuel. 2.2 . and thy patience , and how thou canste not forbeare them whych are euil , and hast examined them which say they are Apostles and are not , and haste found them lyars , and haste suffered ( for my names sake ) and hast patience , and for my names sake haste laboured , and haste not fainted . Neuerthelesse , I haue somewhat against thee , bycause thou haste lefte thy first loue . Remember therefore from whence thou haste fallen , and repent and doe thy firste workes , or else I will come shortly and remoue thy Candlesticke . We are all lesse louing , lesse labouring , and lesse zealous in religion , than earst we haue béene : yea , one and all of vs , which the Lordes spirite ( the true discerner of all things ) doth call here a falling from our first loue , and threatneth a comming to cut vs downe , if we preuent not his spéedy comming to our candlesticks . O Lord for thy mercies sake , graunt to our godly Prince , and all hir noble Counsellors : to the Bishops and learned Fathers , to the Iudges , Preachers and godly people ( thoughe Sommer gatherings ) thy grace , that they may all in their callings and spirites , take hold of their first loue , and do their firste good workes , in thée , and by thy Christe , that our Candlesticke ( thy holy gospel and Church , hir Maiestie , and this our hapy state ) may firmely stand to thy glory , and our continuall comfort for thy holy names sake . But if ther be such a weaknesse in Gods Sommer gatherings in England , whiche yet are the best beloued of the Lord : what are wée to looke for in the rest , whyche are but hypocriticall ? Nemo rectus , ( sayth the Prophet ) No man kéepeth hys heart , and his hand , by that line that the lawe of his God , & the simplicitie of his soule , doth direct vnto him . And surely , if you wil not wilfully be blinde , when didde you euer reade , heare , or sée of greater hypocrisie , than is nowe resiante in Englande ?

The Papist supposeth , it his greatest grace to coulour his Italian hearte with hys Papisticall hypocrisie : For lette hym bée accompted Papisticall by the superiours , and Lorde , howe hée protesteth the contrarye , and if hys inferioure enforme him , then he frowneth , sweateth , sweareth , and taketh it hotely : but yet there is no greater poyson in the Toade , nor fixed hatred in the Serpente , or rigoure in the roaryng Lyon huntyng for hys praye , Gen. 3. than lurketh vnder the sugred tongues of oure Italienated Papistes : For the poison of Aspes is vnder their lippes . Againe , what dissimulation amongest menne of all sorts in eache degrée ? O Lorde , it is a worlde to sée Abels countenaunce , but Caines hearte amongest confederates , friendes , parteners and cobrethren vniuersallye abroade . It hathe béene called the holy water of the Courte , but in euerye corner of the lande at thys daye are greate Welsprings of this infernall Lake . If yée buy but corne of the husbandmanne , there is deceit , if you deale with the Artificer , beholde swéete wordes , and sleightie subtiltie . But trafique , or craue counterchaunge with the Marchaunte or Vsurer in Citie or Towne , ( excepte some speciall man of GOD ) and beholde a graue countenaunce , a sugred tong , and séemely welcome : but if thou deale wyth hym , he is as a thornie hedge . Thou takest hym for a shilter , but if he haue delyuered thy clothes from some stormy raine : yet ere thou escape from vnder him , he will all to scratch thy fleshe : If he bit thee not to the very bones . Oh séeming friendship , and sure hypocrisie . O Lorde preserue thy holy ministery from hypocrisie , and kéepe hir farre from Iustice seate . But Micah Micah . 7.3 . saide in his time of it thus : To make good for the euil of his handes , the Prince ( viz. the great Rulers in the lande ) asked , and the iudge iudged , for a rewarde , therfore the great man , hee speaketh oute the corruption of hys hearte , and so they wrappe it vppe . The beste of them is as a bryar , and the moste righteous of them is sharper than a thorny hedge . The daye of thy watchemen , and thy visitation commeth , then shall bee theyr confusion .

No maruayle ( beloued ) for a generall iniquitie , can not but begette an vniuersall cutting downe . Woulde God hypocrisie had not spred his wings so largely in Englande , & pierced so déepe as to the harts of many sorts in hir , or so cunningly couloured his vgly shape , as he hathe at this day . For no where shal religion , godlinesse , or honesty offer hir selfe in England : but hypocrisie dare aduenture to presume of some preferment in that place . He is the vesture of the proude , the habite of the adulterer , the gowne of the Vsurer , and the beste attyre for the Macheuil . The Atheist girdeth him about him , and no treason can be broched besides him . He delighteth not to dwell with beggers , but offereth salutations to sacred states , the Lorde graunte all godly Princes and Potentates eies to sée hym , and spirites to discerne him , for his glorye and oure beste good .

But haue we likewise vniuersall Crueltie ? and doe wée lay watch to forstall our brethren ? surely , thys sinne is too vniuersall . What Village , Towne , or Citie is it , that is not a witnesse vnto this ? Gen. 10.9 . Nymrod was called a greate Hunter , but Nymrods hunting is nothing worth : he hunted after beastes and buildings , but wée againste our brethren . And surely thys hunting muste néedes be vniuersall , while it hathe taken holde of the Clergie . Doe not hir maiesties Courtes approue greate hunting with a Nette lease often , twelue , or twenty yeares to come , is hunted so after , with a couetous Nymrod nowe , that his poore brother whyche dothe enioye it , muste of necessitie , eyther take a newe , or bée in feare to bée forestalled of hys state to come . No offices so base , that sundry nettes of dyuers webbes , are not prouided to forestall them . No forfeite , bée it small , but gréedily some one doth prosecute agaynste an other by meanes whereof , sinne is dailye solde for siluer For the informer taketh his bribe , and lets the faulte remaine . No intreaty , persuasion , or louing desire , can winne the poore , but little fauour in this cruell age . Such dyking in of groundes , suche barring menne of common righte , as the poore Cottier muste eyther begge , and bée starued , or else steale and bée hanged : For so menne hunte after bloude . The Countrey Villages doe decaye , and shire Townes are fylled wyth beggers : for rotten shéepe do ouer runne all . Oh Lorde , cease thys crueltie . Habac. 2.12 . The Prophet Habacucke cryed out of them in olde tyme , whyche buylded Townes wyth bloud viz. rapine , oppression , and cruelty .

But he hathe lefte it also to thée in writing , which pullest down Townes , to féede thy owne couetousnesse wyth pore mennes bloude : Ho ( sayeth he ) hee that coueteth an euill couetousnesse to hys house , Habac. 2.9 that hee maye set hys neste on hyghe , to escape from the power of euill , thou haste consulted shame , to thine owne house , by destroying manye people , and haste sinned agaynste thine owne soule : for the stone shal crye out of the wall , and the beame out of the timber shall aunsweare it , And concerning the Cleargie , such spiteful crueltie is bent against it , as it passeth , not onelye by others agaynste vs , but euen of one of vs againste an other .

It is a greate crueltie , my Lordes , and Fathers of the lawe , that sundrye godlye Preachers in this land , lyuing obedient to the now established laws , haue bene possessed of their benefices for manye yeares , shall be no more regarded than a dumbe Dogge , a blinde Idoll Priest , that can nothyng saye : Nay , by some suche wicked persons and their complices , Noble menne , and greate menne of aucthoritie shall be abused , yea , reachyng sometime to the hyghest Gouernoures , to flitte good mennne oute of theyr seates . I coulde name some suche lewde persons , and wil , if I be demaunded , that make an occupation to espy aduantage , making no difference of men , for their filthie gaine , to thrust out godly Preachars from the Church of God , and for theyr fée , to thruste the greatest giuer into such roomths . These are shamefull Hunters whyche hunt some twentie , some thyrty , some forty yeares past , for forfaites of Benefices , to sette Symony on sale . I beséeche your Lordeships aydes and helpes for Gods church herein , that if you wante lawe for these men , your endeuour may be to procure further , as time and grace will offer it . Wante lawe sayde I ? nay my Lordes , you had néede go afresh to your Books , and studye more law , againste the crueltie of these dayes : For , what say you ( learned Fathers ) to this cunning crueltie . A patrone of a Benefice , giueth his Benefice fréely , fearing the strict examination of some good Bishoppe , so as the poore Clearke to be instituted by his presentation , may safely swere and performe , that he hath giuen nothing , promised nothing , either money or lease , he or hys friendes : but the patrone calleth the friendes of the partie presented , and bindeth them in a greate summe , that whensoeur the same shall be instituted and inducted , he shal at any time , within one moneth , after suche his induction , at the demaunde of the said patrone , or his assignes , absolutely resigne v●pe hys sayde Bene●yre . But what is the purpose of this crueltie ? Forsoothe , eyther to compel the incumbent hauing passed the Byshops handes , to lease vnto him the couetous patrone , that benefice at his owne price , or else to thruste him quite out of that seate , for an other Chapman . O horrible and most gréeuous crueltie : I speake not by gesse , but by certaine knowledge hereof , yet not in mine owne case , I praise God for it . But if cruelty be crepte so high , as it rageth so againste the Ministers of God : shall we not thinke she hath greate authoritie in the temporall sorte ? I purpose not here to saye more of the sinnes of Englande : but be you Iudges ( O honorable audience , whether the petition of our Mediator hathe not hitherto most mightily preuailed againste our deserued sentence , Cut it downe . But now lette vs consider likewise of Christes conditionated prayer for the Figge trée . Till I digge it , and dung rounde about it : if it bring forth fruite , then well : If no , then after thou shalte cut it down .

Here is prayer with condition , the condition hath in it thys : Firste , the labour of the dresser , and also of the good successe of the trée . I will digge it and dung it , saith the dresser of the bitter Figge trée . That is , I will do to it that thing , which , if there be any life in it , shall without doubte make it fruitfull . The great mercie of God doth still yet abounde ( beloued ) and the singular loue of this oure Mediatoure Christe , héere also , that when the daye of destruction is preparing , euen then the Father by the mediation of the sonne is stayed from striking , to a further season . But Christe will digge , and Christe will dung his Churche this Realme , and euery Fig trée to take awaye by the one , the corruptions and impediments that may hinder his fruitetulnesse : And by the other to shelter him , supple , and moysten his roote , that the vigor , whych there is cowched as scante kéeping life , should valiantly aspyre the top of smallest twigges , and mightily make them fruitefull . And this holye operation Christe our Lorde , worketh from heauen by his substitutes and Ministers in earth , namely , his Magistrates , Ciuil & Ecclesiasticall : his holy spirite by them diggeth the trées at the roote , to the glorie of his name , in conuerting and confirming the Figge trée , or in Iustice and equity to cut downe the same . And here you Gouernors vnder God , you must learn from Christ two especiall lessons : First , that you haue suche a Fatherly loue to your charge and people committed to you as Christ our Maister had , and to be frée from those euils your selues , whiche cause this heauy sentence to the Fig trée , cut it down . Secondly , to be vigilant , sober & wise , to discern the time when to make present petition to the Lorde , and to digge and dung the trée , and to stande in the gappe againste the Lordes wrath . To the firste , Moses giueth example , to al Magistrates , and ( besides oure Christe in thys Parable ) Amos the Prophet to al Gods Ministers . And feare you not good successe of youre prayer and youre godly trauel : for thys Parable and other places of Gods Booke , doe hearten you hereto : namely , the Lorde by the Prophet Ezechiell , Ezec. 22.26 who , accusing the Priestes to haue broken hys lawe , to haue defiled the Sacrifices , and prophaned the Sabbothes : The Princes to be rauenous as wolues , and to destroye soules for theyr couetous lucar : The Prophets and Preachers to haue dawbed them ( that is , flattered their vices ) with vntempered morter , to saye , thus sayth the Lord , when the Lorde spake not so : The people of the lande by violence and robery , vexed the pore and nedy , and oppressed the stranger agaynst righte : all whyche prouoked Gods greate anger , and their deadly destruction , yet to the comforte of the ciuill and Ecclesiasticall Gouernors : he there sayth : Verse . 30.31 And I soughte for a manne among them that shoulde make vppe the hedge , and stand in the Gappe before mee for the lande , that I shoulde not destroye it , but I founde none : Therefore haue I powred out mine indignation vppon them , and consumed them with the fyre of my wrath . Theyr owne wayes haue I rendered vppon theyr heades , sayth the Lord .

Note wel thys , howe God in hys anger , séeketh for hys Gods and Ministers in earth , to haue theyr laboure , to dygge and dung , to hedge and stande in the breach against God , if his vengeance be commyng : and they shall preuaile . If the loue of Moses be in the Magistrates , as wée haue greate cause to confesse it , and the bowelles of pitie in our fathers and Ministers of the church of England : No doubte they will pray for vs , they wyll endeuour to make vs fruitefull . Of whose loue , for breuities sake I send the Magistrates to Exodus , 32.31 . and the fatherly Pastor to Amos the Prophet . 7.1 .

Then , to discerne the time of standing in the gappe , is right necessary for the godlye Magistrates in earth , and when to be moste earnest to digge and dung the Figge trée : And that is , euen when else the Lorde woulde destroy it , and saith , Cutte it downe . God vseth not nowe to speake to vs , but by his holy Preachers , whiche be ordinary and extraordinary . His ordinary Preachers ( our dayly Pastors ) we knowe , and by his great mercy féele the great blessings of God in them . His extraordinary Prophets are partely from heauen , partelye from earth . The Lorde by these dothe teache vs into his obedience , and forewarneth vs of his plagues , when they perceiue oure iniquitie to growe into ripenesse . Amos. And surely the Lord doth stil open his secreates to his Prophets , and doth giue them eyes , to discerne hys iudgements , comming by his former hande vppon like transgressions . They are called our watchemen , and surely , we muste yéelde them credite , Ezech. 33. when rightly they ring the Alarma , or else we perish . And that they myghte not be deceiued , God hathe in hys worde tolde them when to praye , and to stirre vppe the Magistrates to digge and giue compose . But when bothe the tokens in the worde , and the extraordinarie Preachers of Gods sworde doe crye to vs , beware this sentence , Cutte it downe : then it behoueth to digge and dung , that is , to take awaye that and those things whiche hinder the fruite of the Figge trée , and to adde and laye to it , that which maye comforte , supple , and moysten the roote therof . The time when to praye , to digge and dung the Figgetrée is , when the Bridegrome is departed from his spouse for a season in displesure , them must his church mourne , and his Prophets pray , as it is Math , 9.

Secondly , when God by his extraordinary Prophets in earth , and from Heauen dothe crye to vs the foresaide heauy sentence , then it is highe time to digge and dung the Figge trée , Esay . 22.

But the Bridegrome is absent from thys Church , when in hir peace by hir owne wantonnesse and wilfull disobedience , she turneth to hir stubborne hart , to loath his worde and fruitefull voice , recallyng hir Fathers house , to hir affections , Psalm. 4.5 . and by the luste of carnall Aegipt , doth quench in hir the purity of loue , and dothe giue hir selfe to hir owne delyghtes , so as hir husbande Christe can take no pleasure in hir company . Thys is wel signified to vs by the Psalmiste , in the 45. Psalme verse 10. Psal. 45.10 . by the opposite doctrine : Hearken o daughter ( saith Christe to his espoused Churche ) and consyder and incline thine eare : forgette also thy fathers house , ( that Aegiptiacall and idolatrous house ) So shall the Kyng take pleasure in thy beautie : For he is thy Lorde , and reuerence thou hym . But by that wée haue sufficiently sayde , and the experience offered to eache man euery day , we maye clearely sée , that our Preachers haue , at this very instant , great cause to call to mourning . For the loue to oure Bridegrome Christe is almost al spent , we waxe weary of his worde , we take vs to our owne direction , and beginne to dislike to be ruled longer by it : For the Papistes will not heare , the Christian doth not consider his backesliding from his former loue , neither inclineth with an obedient eare to the voice of the Bridegroome : but our delights are wholy sette , if not in the golden Calfe , yet to eate and drinke , and rise vppe to playe , as erst we did , euen as the Gentiles , Exod. 32 6. 1. Cor. 10.7 . which knewe not God , and that wyth gréedinesse : but brethren we haue not so learned Christe . Ephe. 4.19 . Gods Prophets séeing this , and this to growe so greate , as growing all abroade , and for the ripenesse of it , ready to the Haruest , wyth one consent they crye to Englande , Math. 3.2 Repent for the kingdome of God is at hande . Verse . 10. Nowe is the Are laide to the trée , therefore euery trée which bringeth not forth good fruite , is hewen downe and cast into the fire . But they crye and lament with Esay , Lorde , Esa. 53.1 . Rom. 10.16 who is it that beleeueth our saying ? Wherefore it behoueth you my Lords , & Gods Magistrates , to ioyne the sworde with the worde , and more forcibly yet to digge aboute the Figge trée . But let vs consider of Gods extraordinary Preachers from Heauen , and with vs here in this land , and marke wel , whether there be not a consent , of bothe in this matter , to sommone vs to iudgement . From Heauen God by fire , hathe sommoned thys land to repentance ( Anno. 1581. primo Elizab. when in that tempest this most notable monument ( of Paules Churche ) by whyche we stand , and is now in our eyes , he , to shewe his kindled wrath , set fire vppon the spier of it , whych was the beautie of the lande . And Christianlye consider it ( brethren ) it beganne not at the Church , least men might haue imagined it , to haue come of trechery or negligence , but from the golden bowle downwardes , that one and all might sée it , to be the only worke of God . Manye other Churches this noble citie hath like subiecte vnto GOD , but hys good pleasure was to make choice of thys ( the moste notable Beacon of the land ) as thereby to expresse his anger vnto al , if we repent not . Againe , the fire fel not on our dwelling houses at home , but only on the house of God : Euen therby , not only to conuince vs of sinne , for the abuse of hys holy Temple , but also to signifie to the beste of oure soules , that wée whyche beare the name of GOD , & his religion in our profession , haue not in sinceritie aunswered oure faith , and therefore are vnder the censure of Gods anger . And surely , thys double abuse is greate this daye in Englande : For there is no place so egregiously polluted as the Churche of Paules , or his worde more contemned in any place . What meaneth else that accustomed walking , and prophane talking in time of the Sermon there ? Neither is there any Nation more blessed wyth puritie of godly doctrine in trueth , or any ( so blessed ) lesse fruitefull vnto GOD . Although I confesse it , with thankfulnesse to God , that his Gospel hath won to hym , infinite soules in this nation which doe the Lorde , his holy word , Sacraments , and Sabaoth , as well in thys Citie , as in the realme abroade . But at the comming of thys firie Preacher , we then cryed ( namelye thys Citie , hir Graces Courte , and the whole lande ) Lord , we haue sinned , spare thy people O Lorde : And so our mediatour Christ stayed the fire . And then also the Lorde stirred vp the heartes of our honorable aucthoritie to giue from hir Maiestie , Proclamation , to take away the abuse thereof , whiche was an approued digging : but alas , how long did we obey ? euen but a short space , for as the lawe came but for that house of stone , so our stony heartes , cast off with spéede , the verye memorie of this iuste threatning Preacher . And nowe who maketh accompts of it ? wel , wel : nay , woe , woe , to vs , if we so loosely looke about vs . O Lord , what harts haue wée ? Shall a sodaine falling of a rotten and olde Turret of Syloah , be by our Maister Christe instituted a doctour of repentance to the Iewes , ( for the fall whereof reason coulde afforde vs some cause ) and shall wée , or dare we so despise this speciall messenger from God , this burned stéeple , whych calleth vs al to daily repentance ? Come hither to me , ye commers to the Citie ( saith Paules stéeple ) and beholde the anger of oure God . For as ye sée me , so I remayne corrected by his reuenging hande , to cal you to repentance . But O Lorde , thou God of Heauen , this Citie , this land , this place , yea this day hath forgotten this . Make vs mindefull ( O Lorde ) of thée , and penitently sorrowfull for oure sinnes against thée , we humbly beséeche thée for Christes sake . And as Gods extraordinary preachers came not alone , but had some one or other ioyned vnto them , as Esay had Micah , Ieremy had Ezechiel , and Hoseas had Amos : So this fire from Heauen hathe to associate his message in earth Gods swift arrowe , and burning sword of pestilence , chieflye in this Citie , Psal. 91.5.6 . from whence it hathe bin sundry times , in sundrye places dispersed , and in suche sorte , as oure gracious Quéene , & godly Magistrates haue gyuen forth holy lawes for prayer and fasting , to moue the people to repentaunce , thereby acknowledging this sword to be far other , and beyond naturall cause of infection . From heauen we haue hadde also a thirde extraordinary Preacher of Gods anger , and warning to repentaunce , whych hath bin termed , The gentle warning , the Lorde make vs méeke spirited in humble sorte , to bée rightly warned by it . But howsoeuer it fare with vs , yet these termes and godly actes doe approue these for Messengers sent of GOD , and that ( by our consent in worde and déede ) to our forewarning . The blazing Starres I speake not of , as hauing foresighte to sée thys cauill : and why they to Englande more than to other countries ? wherefore I care to giue vs our own messengers . From earth also the Lorde hathe moste notably cited vs to iudgement , & signified his sentence ready to be executed , but for the mediation of our Christ , and that alone . What meaneth else that monstrous mouing of that twentye acres of grounde , Anno. 1570. as oure allowed Chronicles do reporte ? or such sundry inundation of waters in euerye coast of our Country ? Such monstrous byrthes , strange sicknesses , and sodaine deaths ? But laste of all , An. 1580. Aprilis . 6 that vniuersall Earthquake , and like watershake , whiche draue vs into present feare , and forced the whole state to Christian prayer , and care to repent ? If nowe the Preachers of our time haue not cause to say , Our God is angrie and prepared vnto battel ? wherfore also I would not haue you to forgett our present Irishe wars , which , although they be farre from the hearte , yet God graunte vs to remember , that his power is greate , our sins are ripe , and the enimies purpose , ( that traiterous Doctor Saunders and his adherents ) right daungerous , But if wée truely turne to the Lorde , he will turne to vs and them , with theyr aides , to vtter confusion , as his grace hath shewed himself a louing God to vs , in their late ouerthrowe in those parts , his name for euer be praised .

Nowe beloued Magistrates of bothe estates your office is at this instant required , to digge and giue compose , and aboue all , you must take care that standing in the gappe to stoppe the breache for the people , you be not like wicked , as the people : for their shall you perishe before them , and great shall be our confusion . The Lorde Mayor muste not be a Protestaunt , during his office , and a Papist after , and so for his office sake , shewe himselfe occupied about the Fig trée of his City : but he with his brethren ought to be touched and sealed in hearte to the Lorde , that at all times , as they are preferred to their people , so they bée godly , religious , vpright , & holye aboue the people , that their prayer and Christian practize maye ben defence for the Citie , not onely against the pernitious purpose of the euill disposed : but also against the iust reuenging hand of God , when he warneth vs of iminent danger . So likewise muste the Bishoppes those reuerende Fathers , and the other councellours and gouernors abroade be , and haue the same condition engrauen in their spirite with the pensil of God , that they may repaire the broken hedge , remoue the hindering matter from the roote of the Fig trée , and lay compose to moisten , supple , and comforte the life therof . Which grace God grant you for your selues , and vs for Christes sake . But our texte doth directe your holy labours vnto two things : First , that you take from the trée , that whiche doth hinder the growth to the fruit therof : Then that you lay to the roote of the same that dung or compose whiche may administer helpe to the life of it . But I praye you lette pore Haggai Haggai . 1.1 . delyuer vnto Zorobabel and Iehosuah the thing whiche mightily doth hinder the growth of the Figge trée , whych may séeme to youre discretions , so muche more worthye of receit , as that the same is sente to youre memories , by that Princely Prophet Dauid . And it is that : Psal. 1.1 . Zorobabell and Iehosuah , ( of a milde purpose ) haue vsed to the enimies of thys trée such mercilesse pitie , that by suche ouermuche lenitie , thrée pestilent cancre wormes are bred in the earth about the roote , and eate vppe the life of the Figge trée . But if they be not with spéed digged and cast away , to the helpe of his life , it is of necessitie , that he muste be cut down . The firste is the cancre of Popishe conspyracie , and their wicked counsell . The seconde is , the stiffe and stubborne standing in sinne and the defence thereof . And the thirde is , that the scorning Atheist , pestilent Papiste , and subtile hypocrite are set with , and aboue the godly in the chayre of aucthority , which is ( by their abuse ) become greately the chaire of scorners . If thys earth be not remooued , the Cancre wormes excéedinglye bréede , and the barren trée must perishe . The conspiracies of the Papistes , and their wicked councels they be eyther publique or priuate . Publique , but yet among themselues , at their solemne places of appointed méetings , where , for their Counter caked Christ , against the Lorde and his annointed they consulte and mightly conspyre , awayting onely theyr trauailing day of such Popish conception . As the laste good Fridaye in our partes , was a suspected number gathered , neare vnto a suspected place , where that horrible sacrilegious Masse , if it often be not , may with greate ease , voide of feare , be daily sacrificed . Their priuate persuasions are greate , and wrought by sundry , sometime by wandering Priestes , ( harboured of no beggars ) sometyme by popishe Phisitions ( greatly magnified of our greater Papistes ) and these secreately sollicite the Romishe religion , to men in towne and fieldes , and in their weary beddes , and muche moleste the valor of the Figge trée .

But these sinners stande the more stiffely in their Italienated sinne , bicause they stande in that way , whiche manie of oure Worshipfull and Noble States be delighted in : to whiche Popishe sinne all lashing luste is fixed , and their state dothe bréede suche stoutnesse , as it is euen at this day déemed a sin , eyther to reproue them for it , or thys Cancre worme of deathe in them . And can we looke to haue eyther Atheisme , Popery , or Popishe hypocrisie , once but a little disgraced , so long as the Chaire of aucthority in most of our shires is filled with the Popish scorner ? Sundry letters are carefully sent many times to search out Papists , but they come to the handes of suche , often , as haue more cause , to be called themselues , than to be in commission to conuent others . And what is then done ? the packet once receiued , happily there is some priuye packing ( of the Popishe Iustice ) to those knowne or suspected , so as for the tyme , non est inuentus , is a good returne : So is God dishonored , hir Maiesties godly endeuor disturbed , hir honorable Councell set to Schoole , and the poore Figge trée vndigged to hir death . You sée then of necessitie it is , if ye wil ( my Lordes whiche haue the authority to place into the Chayre of Iustyce ) rightly digge , the hurting matter from the Figge trée : ) you must take away this earth , that countenaunce and purpose whyche earste haue fedde these cancre wormes , I meane that lenitie & mercilesse pitie , whyche in hope to win thereby the hollow Papist , haue greatly hurt and hyndered the true hearted Protestant . And the verye grounde of your labour , and firste setting the spade to the earth , is and muste here begynne to digge out the Papist from the Chaire of auctority : For you may not forgette , that not onely they are fruitelesse themselues , but they make the grounde also barren , wheresoeuer they rule , yea , they bite at the prospering Figge trée , they whet the téeth of theyr confederates and are practising their purpose ( vnder the pretence of hir Maiesties power ) against the branches , that their cunning maye excell againste the bodye , and the verye roote of the trée of thys common weale in the day of their decrée . But if that the Atheiste , hypocriticall and scorning Papiste were altogither discontinued the seate of authoritie : No doubt thereof , but their agents the Popishe practitioners , that so conspire into the heartes of men , against Gods truth , durste not , or could haue such fréedome , neither suche standing in sin , or so mightie preuailing aide woulde be lent vnto it . Oh Lorde , worke this yet more effectually , for thy holie names sake , and for thy loue to the dresser of oure Figge trée . And London , London , thy Rulers and Gouernours muste well looke vnto it : For , a little digging in the Countrie dothe driue these cancred Papistes into thée . So as thou arte become a mother to manye godlye : So also , a Nurse ( vnknowen to thée ) to manye a wicked Papist , whiche breake vp their being in the countrey , and lurke in the Citie of London , and so are moste safe when they are nearest the place of their deserued daunger : as neare to the court , the Councell , the Bishoppes consistory , Westminster Hall , and the sworde of authoritie . Wherefore my Lord Bishop muste be still vigilant , the Iudges diligent , the Mayor painefull , all to picke oute the scorning Papiste , thys pestilent cancre worme , which for more safetie , créepeth so neare the roote of the Figge trée . The reuerende Fathers muste bée holpen with the aide of theyr preaching brethren . The godlye Iudges with the help of their associats . And surely ( praised be God for it ) England had neuer in mans memory , so manye good christian Lawyers , whych with their study to the Common laws , haue bin so able to benefite the bodies in the common weale , as now they are , by their increase in godly knowledge of his holy laws , to furnish well the Fig trée to hir growth in spirite , for the good successe to hys church . This then remaineth ( my Lords ) that you being our godly Fathers of the law , endeuor with godly strife , to excel one another in digging : and that you become for your zeale in knowledge , so religious , and for youre dexteritie in Iustice so vpright , that al other godly Iudges succéeding you may with reuerent regard , feare to pronounce the sentence of Iustice after you , leaste they should not equall your equitie to Papist or Protestant , but chiefly in digging of euil matter from the Figge trée . To your godly furtherance herein , I pray you reade Psalm. 101.

The seconde worke of the Magistrate of either estate , is to laye to the roote of the Figge trée that which maye supple , and comfort , and mightily help the weakened life of the same , and is here , by our heauenly dresser , exampled vnto suche , namely , earnest and hearty prayer vnto God , to humble his church , to quicken hir , to make supple and nimble hir veynes , by his spirite , that hys sap may be vigent , and working in hir making hir more & more fruitfull : And then to dung the same trée , that is , to indicte to it such godly exercises , as maye rightly humble theyr heartes , and supple their soules before God . And that is , the exercise of true mourning and fasting to the Lorde , approued in the holy Scriptures . Our time dothe aske it , our sinnes , his iust anger , and the wickeds glorious bragge dothe enforce it , I meane not , that ordinary course of abstinence , whiche the lawes haue wholesomely enioyned onely , but I pray , in humblenesse of my hearte , that to those prouisions , might be added the purpose of the Lorde , in the outward exercise of Fasting : That is , that as our plagues are to be feared greatelye , bycause oure liues are so far oute of order , our mourning and fasting shoulde be suche , as might be extraordinary , & yet not voide of Gods ordinaunce , and may be sayde to consist in these two branches : Namely , in the outwarde exercise of abstinence , and in the inwarde drawing of water . The outward exercise of true fasting to humble and supple the hearte , the scripture commendeth vnto vs thus : Firste , that we by aucthoritie , I say , by aucthoritie of the Pastor , and Magistrate , Zoph. 2.1 . Ioel 1 & . 2. Ionas . 3.7 . Nehem , 9.1 1. Sam. 7 3. Ezra . 8.21 . bée assembled into the house of God , there to doe these thinges , for , and during the whole daye , whyche oughte to bée as a Sabbaoth vnto vs . First the Ministers ( Gods Prophetes ) are to preache to vs the lawe of GOD , and to signifie our transgressions vnto God , against the same , which then shal most humble vs , when of purpose wée assemble to that end : ( and herof reade we in Ieremy . 36.6 . Iere. 36.6 and the whole Chapiter : In Nehemiah , the eight and ninth Chapiter , to the diligent reading whereof , at thy comming home , I beséeche thée good people . ) Whose Sermons , must be endeuoured to shewe the cause of oure assembly , and to lay open , Gods anger againste vs , and the imminent daunger that hangeth ouer vs , whyche can not but proue the heartes of euerye suche , as haue any life of Gods spirite in them , thoughe by our insolencie , abusing hys greate patience , the same lye as almoste dead within vs . And further , the Preachers office in thys fasting daye , is , to pray God hartily for the people . 1. Sam. 7.4 . Ioel. 2.17 . Their direction to the people is ruled to vs thus . That they in that day of faste , should not only earnestly for euer after , vtterly deteste all sin & iniquitie , but that they also obstain from things otherwise approued lawfull , and requisite , yea , very necessarye . And these maye bée thus diuided : Into the godly abstinence of the Christian faster , from lawful and godly pleasures : And into the like abstinence from necessarye sustenaunce . Let the Bridegroome goe out of his chamber , and the Bride forth of hir closet ( saith the Prophet ) Ioel. 2.16 . Let man and beast put on sackcloth , saith the lawe of Niniuie , Ionah , 3.8 . which law , though it strictly tye not vs , yet ought Christians to consider , howe absurde a thing it is , and farre from the Analogie , of a true humbled spirite , in the day of fast to assemble with the church in prowde , shining , and glorious apparel : for nothing may be then and there admitted , whiche doth not moue to mourning . And for that our labour & trade of occupation & merchandize , worketh profit & so pleasure , & the vse of it that day , doth work impediment to our fast , therfore , Daniel . 9.5 . the day of Gods fast we must solemnize as a Sabbaoth to the LORD , as to the Iewes it was commanded , Leu. 17.26.30.31 32. ch. ch 23.7.8 . and as a christian help , to our humilitie , before the Lord , is yet by aucthoritie to be embraced , as the Lorde shall worke them , to thinke it conuenient . The holy abstinence from meates , Esther . 4.16 Ionah . 3.7 . is also in our godly faste required , not that thereby , God is simply pleased , but that thereby , our bodies shoulde be lesse sturdy , and our spirites more humbled and apt to praye .

And this is the very cause why abstinence from ( not one kinde of meate , as fleshe onely , but from ) all sorts of sustenaunce , is in the Scriptures so ofte required , namely , that neither fulnesse shoulde make vs lustye and proude agaynste oure God , or drowsie and sléepie , when we were to heare of our sin : but that oure hungrye bodyes , myghte teache our pyned soules , what néed wée haue to crye for the foode of life , and how vnable to liue wythout his hand , whom we so mightily offende , and that the byting worme of hunger , mighte helpe to tame , and bring obedient to the spirite , that fleshe , whiche farced full , hathe so contemned , to stoupe vnto his God . Lo , this is the true vse of oure abstinence , from all meates in Gods holye fasting daye . But to abstaine from meates , by choice , and to vse other , for religion , is méerely euil and Diabolicall . 1. Tim. 4. Againe , to abstaine from meates , and not to vse the inward exercise , is to prophane the holy right of fasting vnto God , Esay . 58.

Wherefore , lette vs consider the second part of true fasting vnto the Lord , according to his worde . This dothe consiste , as we haue saide , in the inward drawing of water , and is set forth to vs by Samuel at Mizpeh , when the Lord had returned the Arke , & increased the zeale to right religion , in his people , whyche twenty yeares and more had bin returned from the Philistines . Samuel sayd , 1. Sam. 7.1 . If yee bee truely turned to the Lord , and come to him with youre heartes , then putte away the straunge Gods from amongest you , and Ashtaroth , and dyrecte your heartes vnto the Lorde , and serue him onely , and hee shall delyuer you out of the hands of the Philistines . Then the children of Israel did putte away Baalim and Ashtaroth and serued the Lorde onelye . And Samuel saide : Gather al Israel togither at Mizpeh , & I wil pray for you , and they gathered togither to Mizpeh , and drew water , and powred it out , before the Lord , & fasted the same day , and said there : We haue sinned agaynste the Lorde , &c. Thys tyme aunswereth ours , and here after oure twentye yeares and odde , of Gods mercifull returne to vs , what dothe he aske of vs , but that wée , if wée be come to him with our hearts , put away the Popish Christe , and that Ashtaroth , that Italian God and Romishe Priest the Pope , and his pelfe ?

And secondelye , that we directe oure heartes , not to our mincing , but to hys Maiestie , and serue him onely , and not oure carnall pollicie , that we faste and pray , and draw water , and powre it out before the Lorde . That is , that hearing our sinnes , reproued by his worde , and hauing our bodies , broughte vnder in abstinence , our spirites humbled , at the sighte of oure sinnes , wée shoulde wyth Christian compunction , digge the stonye fountaine of our hearts , and wyth Dauid , Daniel , Peter , Magdalene , and the Sainctes of God drawe thence the salted water of the same , and plentifullye poure it forthe , by the conducte of the eye , and that , before the Lorde , not before Sathan , thoroughe dispaire , with Iudas or Achytophel , or hypocriticallye before men , wyth Achab and Ishmael , 2. K. 21 27. Iere. 41.1.6 purposing no amendment , but after mischief : but simply before the Lorde , with these Israelites and godly Samuel in Mizpeh , and vnfainedly cry , and confesse to his Maiestie and fatherly mercie : Wée haue sinned Lorde and done vniustlye : We haue neglected the glorie of thy Arke and Testamente : We haue loathed oure heauenly Mannah , thy blessed worde : Wée haue lefte oure first loue , and become barren Figge trées . Wherefore , thy wrath is kindled , and thy fury is waxen hote .

But behold , we thus embrace thy son , our sauiour Christ , and prostrate oure selues before thée : We caste from oure selues , all superstition , and that antechristian Priest , thy great enimy : Wée humble our selues in thys thine approued exercise : We offer our selues by our onely sacrificing Priest , Rom. 12.1 . Christe Iesus , vnto thée , a holy turned people , and liuely offering , whych is our reasonable seruing of thée : We therefore eftesoones beséech thée to spare vs , at our only mediator God & man , Iesus , our dressers petition , & cease thy ready sentence : Cut them downe . As these laws for fasting , whiche hir Maiestie hathe godlily giuen vs , be good : So let vs pray God , that thys our like addition , by hir gracious auctoritie maye be added , and so shall the Fig trée , haue rightly , his moste fertile compose , Amen Lord Iesu . But let vs knowe , that neyther Samuel can profitably pray , or the people rightly & plentifully drawe water , and faste to please GOD , excepte they turne in heart to God .

And further note of Samuels wordes , that the duty of true conuersion , is , first to caste out of the Chayre and Churche , Baalym and Ashtaroth , the Italian Priest and his adherents , and then to direct our heartes vnto the Lorde , in the right addressing to his faste , whych shal bring vndoubtedly his olde aduaile , to oure present Figge trée , that is , though , when we be beste disposed at Mizpeh , the Philistines take occasion to work our spoile ( some by fawning flatterye , and some by open warre ) yet the Lord will rowse vppe hys strength for vs , and hée wil assemble the chariots of his Angels , and the artillerie of hys thunderclappes ( if men were not of force by him ) to disperse the confederates againste vs , that with easie pursute we shall ouerthrowe all Popishe Philistines : As , to our comfortable example and doctrine , we may reade the Lorde to haue done , for these his beloued in Mizpeh , 1. Sam. 7.7 . &c.

And finally our kingdome , by hys mighty hand , shal be then preserued , hir Maiestie in much godlynesse , long continued , and we , hir faithful subiects , shal henceforth liue in al godly peace , with the whole Israel of God . This , & al other thy graces , we beséech thée ( o Lord ) to grant in thy great & rich mercy , to hir maiestie thy seruante , hir counsel , to al spirituall pastors , Magistrats & people , to the whole realme of Englande , and hir Graces dominions , that we may not be cut down as barren Figge trées , but maye endure blessed , as the Palme trée , by the riuers side planted , & euery of vs , to bring forth our allotted fruites . in due season , in the puritie of Faith , by the measure of true Charitie , in the garden of a good conscience , through Christ our Lorde , to whom , togither with thée ( O deare Father ) and the holy Ghost , thrée distinct persons , and one eternall God , be all honor , glorie , power , and dominion , for euer and euer , Amen .

Laudes Deo per Christum seruatorem nostrum . FINIS .