THE Euangelist Saint Luke ( after he hath by sundry approoued Testimonies , wytnessed to Gods holy Church , the order and byrth of Iesus Christ , borne of his mother the most holye Virgin Mary ) doth purpose the description of Christ hys Office and Function . In cause wherof he first cyteth the gratulatory Song of olde Father Symeon , who doth most pythely set downe the parts of Christes office , and valour of his nature to his Godhead annexed . Namely giuen of his Father , to be our onely sufficient and Omnipotent Messiah , gyuen and not solde , prepared of the Father , not at all purchased by man or Angell , to be the Saluation alone of Iewe and Gentyle . To the Heathen that laye in darknesse , Gods lanterne and light , and to his kinsmen the Iewes , their greatest cause of glorye . But onely Symeon thus fayth : And what is he , and his authoritie , that we should buylde our Fayth on his warraunt ? For aunswere I say : Giue eare to our Euangelist , who by the spirite of God wryteth , and thy Question shall fullye be answered . For thus wryteth Saint Luke . Behold there was a man in Ierusalem whose name was Symeon . Luc. 2.25 . Thys man was iuste and feared God , and wayted for the consolation of Israel . And the holye Gstost was vpon him , and it was declared to him from God by the holy ghost , that he should not see death , before hee had seene that Annoynted of the Lorde . And he came into the Temple by the motion of the holy Ghost , & when the Parents brought in the Babe Iesus , to doe for him after the custome of the Lawe , then tooke he hym vp in his armes , and praysed God , and sayde : Lorde nowe lettest thou thy seruant departe in peace according to thy worde . &c.

Symeon I graunt , is not here adorned of the Euangelist with Princely style , Honorable tytle , or sayde to descend of Noble parentage . Happely he was of baser byrth and meane estate , of the vulgare sorte , not exalted to office , place of credite in the Common wealths Regiment , or to worldly riches . And here in doth Gods spirite continue his well be gonne course in the byrthe of thys Babe Christ : Who hymselfe though king and Lorde ouer all , yet in earth borne , is wrapped in sorye clowtes , layde in a Manger , whose Pallace was the horses stable , and his shrowde against the extreame wynters weather , was the breathe which the Oxe and Asse naturally breathed . A poore beginning : yea , but gloryous , thoughe to the worlde ignomious , and in the accompts of the Atheists of our dayes ridiculous . But so also to poore Shepheards watching their Flockes by night , not to pompous Princes , to the learned godly Magi , not to the prowde contentious Phariseis , did the same spirite manifest our Christs Natiuitie , the Gentyls light and Israels glorye . So likewise brought to the Temple , he is not pompously receyued of the highe Byshop , but louingly imbraced by his pore Prophet Symeon , vpon whome the spirite of prophecie , Luc. 2.36 . in steade of worldly pompe at this instant was restant . By an olde and poore Wydowe also ( but a Prophetisse ) the daughter of Phanuel of the Tribe of Aser , the lowest amongst the twelue Trybes of Israell . This is not done to the contempt of the mightie Monarks and Noble persons of the earth fearing God , but to the glory of his holy name , and the comforte of the poore despised Christians in the worlde , that fleshe and bloud should not haue else where to reioyce , but in the Lorde . ● . Cor. 1.26 27.28 . Againe , that the eyes of men ( being opened ) may sée , that not by many mightie , many ritche , many wise , and Potentates of this world , but by himself in his owne power and wisedome , he vseth the base & beggerly things of this lyfe , to be his preaching Prophetes and faythfull wytnesses , by them to bring to confusion the glorious wisdome of the world , and the pryde therof . This poore man tho , is enobled with most honorable tytles , as to be Iuste , Symeon● style and dygnitie . godly and religious , wayting for the consolation of Israel , and to haue the spirite of God vpon him , all which words as they set forth the excellency of this holye Symeon : So are they of vs further to be considered , for as much as they be to vs the very assured markes infallible , by which we may certainely knowe the faythfull adopted sonnes , and trusty seruants of the lyuing God , from the counterfeyte Christian and vngodly Atheist . But he is called Iust , and that of Gods spirite , which cannot lye . First , Symeon is iuste in Gods sight by the will and grace of God . Secondly , he is iuste in lyfe amongst the sonnes of men : But what shall we saye ? Was Symeon so iuste in the eyes of the Lord , that in him could no vnrighteousnesse be found . Or was he called iuste , for that he iustly fulfilled the commaundements of God ? Or else was he iuste by imputation , bycause his sinnes were not layde to his charge ? I answere this demaunde . Symeon is not so iust in the sight of God , that in him can no vnrighteousnesse be found , for no man is frée from synne ( as Salomon sayth . Pro. 20.9 . ) Who can say my harte is cleane from sinne ▪ If the Fountayne which is the harte of man be corrupted , the conductes his members and actions , must néeds be infected therwith . Truely in Gods syght , neyther are the Starres cléere wythout shadowe , or the Angels iust in this respect . Iob. 15.14 . Where shall we finde then an earthly man , that can stande in and by himselfe thus iuste before the Lorde ? Nay , the best regenerate person , is manye wayes corrupte , No man iust before God . and his actions full of synfulnesse : yea , his best works are impure , farre shorte of that they should , vnworthy Gods sight , muche more his louing acceptation , but most vnworthy the accompts of righteousnesse . In one worde , we & our workes ( alwayes our selues and valour respected ) are ( though regenerate children ) as menstruous clothes in Gods eyes , Esa. 66. 2. Luk. 17.10 . and our selues verye vnprofitable seruauntes . Neyther was Symeon iuste , as fulfylling iustly all the commaundements of God . For that neyther could he , nor any other before him , or since his tyme to the ende of the worlde , can there be any ( Christ Iesus excepted ) which shall or may doe in perfection the commaundements of GOD : And therfore Symeon , nor any other man can chalenge to him or them in truth and déede , as hauing wonne the same , the tytle of righteousnesse . But on the other side , they are all founde Transgressors , Rom. 3.10 and accused of guyltinesse , when as in their best workes they are faultie , and not able to do all , but offending in euerye one , they are worthyly pronounced guyltie of the whole . No , not Abraham in that best approoued worke , when he wyllinglye in Spirite ( though not without sharpe conflicts in bodye and minde ) offered vp his sonne ( as the worde of the Lorde commanded him ) hath warrante to vaunte of righteousnesse before God , or was thereby iustifyed in his syghte , but by his Fayth , Rom. 3.28 . as by the hande wherwith he apprehended his righteousnesse in Christ . Or maye any person obiect ( in right ) as opposite hereto , The words of Iames declared . By the papists abused the saying of Iames the Apostle , was not Abraham iustified by workes ? For Iames doth not in that place dispute the meanes of mans iustification before God , but requyreth that good works be to Christian fayth adioyned , as by which grace holye men on earth , doe approoue that , which God in the Heauens before , through the vndoubted fayth in hys Sonne Iesus Christ , hath imputed to his beloued children : which may easely appeare in the Apostles owne wordes : Shewe mee thy fayth out of thy works ( sayth he ) and I will shewe thee my fayth by my workes . Iam. 2.18 . As if he had sayde . Thou which boastest to haue fayth , shewe me that am but man ( and therefore knowe not thy state before the Tribunall seate of GOD , or his graces in the inwarde man , by which meanes I cannot iudge of thée ) Shewe me I saye thy fayth by hys works in thée , and I will beléeue thée then to be a faythfull Christian . Gene. 22.16 . This sence Moses also testifieth the Angel ( or rather the Lorde by his Angel ) to approoue which stayde the hande of Abraham from the sacrifycing of his sonne . Touch not thy sonne with violent hands , for nowe I knowe that thou fearest God , bicause thou hast not spared thine only sonne , for my commaundement sake . To conclude , the Epistle written to the Hebrewes , doth attribute this great worke of Abraham to the excellency of his fayth , saying . By fayth Abraham offred vp his sonne Isaac . Heb. 11.17 It resteth therefore , sythe Symeon is not able to fulfill the lawe , but fayleth in many poyntes thereof , and therefore guyltie of all . Sithe also that those good workes which he doth , be polluted in Gods syght , as procéeding from hym selfe , by which meanes he is become in himselfe vniuste before God , that nowe his righteousnesse consysteth herein , that his synnes be not layde to his charge , according to the saying of the Psalmist . Psal. 31.1 . Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiuen , and whose synnes be not imputed to them . Thus was Symeon vniust in himselfe , but iust in his consolation Christ Iesus , and that bicause he fyrmely beleeued in him , by whose merittes and death on the Crosse , the Fathers iustice is answered , Symeons synnes raunsomed , mercye to hym procured , his daylie synnes not layde to his charge : bycause by imputation , he is accounted for iust . And in the same maner are all the elect of God alyke blessed with him . And so lykewise all the workes of Gods saintes are impure in his sight , if tryed by the phan of hys spirite , before his Tribunall seate . But such is his fatherly benigne mercye , that in and for his sonne Christ , he accepteth vs , and then our holy actions for iuste ( as he accepted Habel and his sacryfice , but he regarded not Caine , Gene. 4. and therfore not his sacryfice ) & also he casteth our iniquities quight out of his remembrance . Ezec. 18.

Secondly Symeon is called pius godly , religious , Iere. 31.22 or fearing God . This is proper to the chylde of God , if iustifyed by his grace , then to lyue in his feare , that is in his obedience . Tit. 2.12 . Luk. 1. We are also redéemed to this ende . That we should denye vngodlynesse , and walke in puritie of lyfe , in holynesse and righteousnesse before our iuste God , all the dayes of our lyfe . So sayth the holye Ghoste in the mouth of Zachary the good maryed Priest . So did the same holye man of God and his good wyfe , by vertuous lyfe expresse the graces of Gods holye spirite in them , as testifyeth Saint Luke saying : Both were iuste before God , and walked in all the commaundementes of the Lorde without reproofe . Luc. 1.6 . Here hast thou ( good Reader ) the true discription of a godly man , namely he that being iustifyed by Fayth in Christ , walketh ( though he cannot performe in perfection ) in all the commaundements and ordinances of the Lord . Deare Reader , we glorye that we be called christians , but onely this is a true christian lyfe , of which here thou haste heard . Our wants in this profession in these oure dayes , bewray from top to the toe , in the Courte and thence thorowe the Countrie , from the Nobilitie , to the Plowman and his mate . The greater personages boast and bragge of great tytles , Lordships , Baranies , Offices and liberties , of bewty , byrthe , brauerie , manhood , chyualry and force , of cunning skyll , learned tongue . But vnlesse my Lords , ye relye vpon Symeons lore , vnlesse ye be worthyly endowed with his style : vnlesse ye be iuste before God , walke in all the commaundementes of God , not only to do holyly , but to be holy your selues in déede . Vndoubtedly your honor , and all your other pompe in pryde , shall you change for horror , wéeping , howling and gnashing of teeth , and so shall all fleshe that lyueth not in the feare of God . Math. 25.30 . What benefite was it to Diues , nowe boyling in Hell , that he was endewed with all worldlye Epicurious pleasures ? Luck . 16. as gorgious houses , costly array after the fashion , diuersitie of dyshes , and the worlde at wyll . Or what aduantage to the other Ritchman , Luck . 12. that pulled downe his Barnes to make them greater , & sayde to hymselfe . Now soule be merrie , for thou hast goodes and landes in store for many yeres . But how did he possesse this large and newe buylded frame ? Thou foole sayth the spirite : This nighte shall they take thy soule from thee , and who shall then possesse thy goods ? Shall not the wicked ritche men lykewise haue their heauen in this lyfe ? Shall they not after the hower of death , with Diues lye in the Helles lyke shéepe , and say . Sapi. 3. There was no greene pasture which we wente not through ? ( whereby they note in naturall lyfe their courtly pleasures ) We left no token of vertue behinde vs ( in thys they signifie their wicked lyfe buryed in contynuall securitie . ) We thought these men fooles ( vz Symeon and such other the sonnes of God . ) Whereby they vtter their ignorance of godly men , and their owne fréedome from godlynesse . These are they which wee persecuted , scorned and cruelly intreated , but nowe see how they are taken with the iuste . By which the holye ghost sealeth vp the naturall disposition of all Atheists , to their gréeuous and irrecuperable condemnation : Wherefore beloued Reader ( Noble and ignoble , Courtier and Countryman ) séeke the Lorde earely , and whyle he is to be founde , attayne to his seruice , who by his grace will endue thée with iustification , Esa. 55. and holynesse , with obedience to his holy law , and delight to dwell therin , Ephe. 1.14 bicause his holye spirite is his Arrha and earnest penny giuen thée , for thy assurance of his loue and fauour towards thée . So shall your Nobilities more encrease , your state most surely stande , your selues with Symeon shall be famous to your posteritie , & a good example for the age to come . Amen .

Thirdly , he is sayde to wayght for the consolation of Israel . The Euangelists purpose is , Symeons ioye . to shewe vs wherein the ioy of this olde father consisted . Namely that whether he did eate or drinke , or whatsoeuer he else did , therin he neyther tooke more then was méete and sufficient , or made his b●lly his pleasant God , or any worldly thing else , but that his ioye was fixed in his féeling fayth , fastened in the Messias our annoynted Christ , which he knewe by the studie of the Scriptures , to be at hande , by whome he sawe his synnes to bée forgiuen , and hys whole Countrye and brethren with him to haue their full and only consolation . And here agayne is noted Symeons iustification , in that he beléeued in Iesus Christ , promised in the worde of God , to haue the forgiuenesse of hys synnes , and in hym eternall lyfe . His fyrme fastened fayth is here noted vnder thys worde ( He wayted ) which expresseth as well his constancie as his fortitude , against those perillous tymes wherein he was . The common welth of Israell so ruyned , and the Church of God in Iewry so corrupted , that it mighte seeme all her hope of recouerie from their woes , or consolation in their hartes to be vtterly extinguished . We may not forget here howe the Euangelist significantly noteth the corruption and degenerate condition of the Citie Ierusalem , which sometymes being the holyest place vnder Heauen , is nowe become so estranged from her God , so plunged in securitie and synne , Shadow of Englands securitie . so hardened in hart against the truth , and so ignorante of her estate , that neyther shée féeleth her present miserie , or wayteth for her consolation Christ the Messiah . Onely this one man in a whole Citie is here named to féele the one , and with long expectation and pacient abode for the Lords leasure , hopeth after the other , and that bicause he had the warrante of God , by his holy worde for the same , and was fylled with the spirite , whereby he was in mercye preserued from that déepe and iuste iudgement of blyndnesse , wherein the wicked Pharysies , and the whole people and Princes of Iewrie ( a few with Symeon excepted ) were ouerwhelmed , which is vehemently noted by the Euangelist in this worde Ecce , beholde . O beloued England thou mayest lawfully mourne , fostering a great number of such people , which be as wandring , as carelesse , as bolde in their synne , and hardned in heart , as euer were the inhabitants of Ierusalem . They talke of Christ , and they are myraculously preserued by this our Messiah , but as in their déeds they doe denie him : So they counte him to them eyther vnprofitable , or think him not their consolation . For truely they desire not hys presence , they hate his Gospel , Iere. 3.19 . & that bicause their deeds are euill . Neyther desire they his comming : But as the théefe imprisoned , wysheth the Iudgement seate ouerturned , the lawe with his Princes and power deade , and the day of his execution neuer to come : Euen so doe these Caterpillers of the earth , whose consciences doe accuse them guyltie , and fearing his iudgement , they desyre rather that he were not at al , then that he should come to giue them the rewarde of synne , Eternall death , the assured stypende to al wicked actions and thoughts , Rom. 6.23 to Princes fyrst , and to whomsoeuer men and women , which in like wickednesse ioyne with these Princes and prophane Pharysies of Ierusalem . Surely lyke desolation shall ouerthrowe them , if they séeke not Christ in tyme by repentance , and with Symeon wayte for their consolation in him . Note with me ( gentle Reader ) in the commendation of this good man , that the spirite of God ioyneth righteousnesse and Religion in one yoke together , saying : No godlynesse of lyfe , no ryghte Religion . Symeon was iust and religious . Hereby he teacheth vs , that these two are so lincked and connexed by the Fynger of God , that they cannot be seperate in twayne , but of lyke necessitie with the Sunne , which hath his Globe , his light and his heate so conioyned , that wheresoeuer the one shyneth , the other cannot but warme , and as the soule & body are so compact in one , that the bodye cannot but performe the pleasures of the same : Euen so in whomsoeuer true Righteousnesse in Christ is , in him also there cannot but be the true feare of God , and holynes of lyfe , which is the singuler seruing of our God , in the inwarde desyre of our hartes vnfaynedly , and here called Religion , or true godlynesse . Psal. 116. Act. 4.20 I beleeued and therfore I spake ( sayth Dauid ) We cannot but testifie the things which we haue heard and seene ( sayth the Apostle ) I determined to holde my tongue ( sayth Ieremy ( the preaching Prophet ) the peoples obstinacy was such , and my daungers so great , but the worde was as fyre within my hart , as a burning fyre shut vp within my bones , and I was weary with forbearing , & I could not stay . Again , I will be their GOD ( sayth the Lorde by his Prophet ) and they shall be my people . Iere. 20.9 . Ier. 31.33 . They shall not but serue the Lorde to whome he is God . Againe , I will poure cleane water into you , and you shall bee cleane , yea from all your filthynes , and from all your Idols will I clense you . A newe harte will I giue you , and a newe spirite will I put into you , and I will take away the stony harte out of your bodye , and will giue you an harte of fleshe . And I will put my spirite within you , and cause you to walke in my statutes , and you shall keepe my iudgements and doe them . To conclude , it is the Lorde Christ , which hath created his seruaunts after the Image of God , in righteousnesse and true holynesse , which is the perfect newe man , in whom both these graces be ioyned , Ephes. 4.24 . as Paule sayth to the Ephesians . So that true righteousnesse , wyll effectually shewe faythfull holynes , in one and selfe same Christian . But as for such as onely haue Christ in their lyppes , and denye him in their déedes , whose whole course of lyfe , is set vpon sensuall appetite to worldly lustes , and yet can crye Lorde , Lorde . Thou knowest deare Reader , what the Lord hath denounced against them . Luc. 13.26 We haue eaten and dronke at thy Table ( saye these men ) yea wee haue preached and taught in thy name , and therein cast out Deuils . But they haue this sentence : Depart from me ye workers of iniquity , I know you not : That is , I approoue not your acts for godly , or you for mine , therfore departe from me into the Lake of burning fyre that neuer shall be quenched . These be those Atheists of our dayes , which because the gracious Prince , & godly lawes , laye hande to the Plowe of the Gospels profession ( the which the Lord in mercy continue and increase ) therfore to winne fauour in the Courte , & to maintayne their carnall countenance , they wil be Temporarij , for the time Gospellers , they will heare the Preacher , they will curteouslye salute hym , they will giue him séemely entertaynment , they will tourne the Popishe face into the inwarde mynde , and be couered with this cloke to fawne vpon the gospell . But marke their lyues , and eyther they be manifest contemners of Religion , hating reformation of their wickednes , or they doe priuily shoote out their arrowes , Psal. 120.23 . euen tongues as whote as burning coales , into the eares of Princes and Potentates against the Lorde , and hys truth , and against his faythfull seruantes in déede , which eyther by preaching , exhortation or pen , séeme to sommon their conscience to a better consideration of belonging duety to their God . Then saye they : Come let vs imagine some deuise against Ieremy , Iere. 18.18 . for the lawe shall not perishe from the Priest , nor counsell from the wise , The practise of Atheists . nor the worde from the Prophet . That is , the Romaine Church cannot erre , or the holy Pope ( sauing thy reuerence good Reader be deceyued ) and therefore whosoeuer speaketh against that , as farre as we may kéepe credite in these dayes , and though it be with some stayne . Come let vs smyte him with the tongue ( let vs slaunder him and accuse him , for we shal be beleeued ) and let vs not giue heede to any of his wordes . But let not Ieremy be afrayd : For Esay sayth . The enimy shall come lyke a flood ( vz ioyned together vehemently working ) but the spirite of the Lorde shall chase him away , and Christ our consolation ( doe we wayte for him giuing breade to our brethren in due season ) shall come to Sion , and vnto all them that turne from iniquity in Iacob , sayth the Lorde in the former places . Wherfore I eftsoones say to you , Fleshe , bloud , earth , and ashes , not wyse in God , deceyuing your selues . If ye lyue after the fleshe , Rom. 8.13 yee shall dye , but if by the spirite ye mortifie and kyll the deeds of the fleshe ye shall lyue , which be these : Adultery , fornication , Gal. 5.19 . vncleannesse , wantonnesse , ydolatry ( which in our dayes is Popery ) Witchcraft , hatred , debate , emulation , hypocrisie , wrath , contention , herisies , enuye , murther , dronkennes , gluttony , and such lyke , you shall lyue eternally . Further here are conuinced euery such , which not caring for anye Religion at all , take parte of neyther side , but accounte themselues Gods good seruants , if they lead an honest cyuill lyfe amongst men . But in Symeons commendation to be Gods seruante , we fynde this principallye noted , that he was iuste and religious . To these we adde all hypocrites , which professing outwarde shadowes of fayned holynesse , doe spende their waste labors in mens tradicions , for the obseruance whereof , they make no care to transgresse all bounden pietie and seruice to God , obedience to Princes and godlye Magistrates , or obsequie to their natural Parents or louing brethren . But Christ sayth , these worship him in vayne . Mat. 15.9 . Remember wel the prouident care of the Euangelistes pen , that he doth not commend to vs Symeons good lyfe first , but his state from God , and his religion in God , as if hereby he would tell vs , that we are not precisely to tye our selues , to immitate this or that kynde of worke of the saints ( for works shall not be wanting in the children of God as we haue sayde ) but that we should séeke to follow their fayth in Christ , First grace , then graciousnesse . and be zealous in his Religion , walking therin with a right foote , vpright in the sighte of God . Gala. 2.14 We haue here also to consider the dyuers natures of earthly men , according to the spirite whereby they are ledde , whether of synne vnto death , or of righteousnesse vnto lyfe . Rom. 6.16 And this note I gyue vpon the reporte that Symeon wayted for the consolation of Israel . The sonnes of Symon Magus the Pope , and his adherents , as carnall Gospellers and Popishe Atheists , doe wayte also and séeke for all opportunitie , but it is to haue wherewith to satisfie their worldly lustes , and that is their expectation . When will the newe Moone come ( say they ) that wee may sell our corne deare , Amo. 8.5 . and chaffe for corne , and sell our brethren for smale tryflying pleasures and valors , to suck the bloud of their Tenants and inferiors . The fruite of carnall Gospellers . These men can and doe fyrst pull downe Tyllage , and dyke in pastures , with Lammas cloking Closes , they driue the poore p●wman to feast with pease breade on Christmas daye , euen thys yere it was so . These wayte , but it is for the deare yeare . Some of these , nowe buy Corne in Markets , hauing great store of their owne , to bréede a dearth , and in the latter parte of Sommer , when the same is established , Such mind such purpose then bring they forth their corne to fyll their lucring luste . Yea , and Dauid expecteth Bethseba her comming to his call . And Iesabel the euente of her Deuillishe deuise , against Noble Naboth , for his Vyneyarde made Achab sicke . Herodiadas that dauncing Dame , also wayteth , but it is for fytte oportunitie , when best she maye by the caperous footing , and vnwomanly vawting of her Daughter , to begge at Herods hands , the heade of her reproouer the holye preacher of God Iohn Baptist . Whose graunte in delight of such perillous fantasies : shall force the fleeting tymes retyre , to be a wayling wytnesse of this Princes wicked decrée . Iudas did wayte in lyke manner , but to betray his mayster Christ : And the Pharisies expected oportunitie , to crucifye the Lorde of lyfe , and yet to kéepe quyet in the common wealth . 2. Tim. 4.10 . Demas a follower of the Apostle Paule wayteth , when best he maye vnder pretence of religion become ritche , wherof fayling , He forsaketh him and loueth this presente worlde . Alexander the Copersmythe and Demetrius wayte , to reuenge the ouerthrowe of Diana her shryne , Act. 19.23 2. Tim. 4.14 . 3. Epist. 9. vers . and therfore become they enemies to the Apostles . So doth Diotrephes to stop the Truth , though Iohn the Euangeliste doth wryte the same . The Pope and his , wyll not permit the worde of God to come to lighte , for then his kingdome must decaye . The Satrapas doe wayte for tyme , Dan. 6. that Daniel maye by Acte of Parliament , be cast into the Lyons Denne , and a lawe for his destruction to be established , as the lawe of the Medes , Daniels lotte . which cannot be broken . But bicause they cannot obtayne this in christian Cyrus daies , they wayte for another Bull to bring in a Cambyses , which shal vtterly forbyd the buylding of Ierusalem . Athalia wayteth also after the Kings seede , 2. Reg. 11.1 the Scarlet Romanist expecteth her tyme , when to broyle once again Iehosophat his posterity : but Iehoidah our highe and eternall Priest , shall cause the Kings Commission at length , to cast her out of the house of God , that all christian Lords and Captaynes , maye bathe their obedient blades in her thirstie bloode . Oh that the house of Israel had not wayted the departure of Iehoiadah , 2. Chr. 24.17 . supposing with more ease , to disswade vertuous Ioash from the Lorde . The departure of godly Byshops the decaye of Religion . God graunt our godly Ioash to be daylie thankfull to God for her deliuery , and to continue the godly counsell of Iehoidah , I meane her Maiesties honorable Counsell , learned Bishops and godly preachers , and to stop her gracious eares against the wylie charmes of such ( as séeking to bring some sorte of these states to contempt ) would doe their best to drawe vs to their former Idolatrye , the dore of our vtter desolation . Finally , the wicked wayteth but to wallow in all synne and Epicureous lyfe , saying : Let vs eate and drinke , 1. Cor. 15.32 . to morrowe we shall dye , take our pleasures whylst we lyue , for after this , we knowe not what shall become of vs . But Symeons brethren are farre and sure set another waye , they wayte and looke for the Heauenly knowledge of the Lorde , wherein is eternall lyfe , for Christ their consolation to dwell in their hartes by fayth , Iohn . 17.3 for his holye spirite , to kéepe their bodyes , Soules , and Spirits blamelesse , vnto the day of consolation , when Christ with his Angels shall come to receyue them to glorie . They vse the worlde as they whose mindes are else where set , in the heauens , from whence they wayte for their Sauiour . Titu . 2.13 They lyue in hope , and wayte by al meanes to ouercome the worlde , the fleshe and the Deuill , & they abyde paciently the euill degenerating dayes of our lyfe , Hebr. 12. and méekely beare the crosse of Consolation , heauy to the flesh , hoping that the euent shal be to their God glorious , to his Church commodious , and to themselues in hym prosperous . 1. Pet. 2.12 They finally wayte to liue so , as the enimy which backbyteth them , may by their example be trayned to reioyce in the daye of their visitation . And last of all , when God the Father ( with whome their lyfe is treasured vp in Christ ) will by his beloued sonne appeare for our full redemption , Collos. 3. that all we that longly wayte in Spirite and Truth for his comming , to cutte of these dayes of synne , and ende this wretched worlde , maye lifte vp our heades , with assured comforte , Luc. 21.18 . bicause we shall then be with thys our Symeon , and the whole elect of God , for euer after glorious , brought to our Fathers kingdome , the inheritance of our onely consolation Christ Iesus , and lykewise oure inheritance in him .

Furthermore , we are precisely to stande in this , No health but in christ . that besyds Iesus Christ , there is no consolation , and without syncere fayth in him nothing but desolation , and eternall woes . The way to rest in this our Redemption by Christ is with Symeon to fixe our fayth absolutely in him for our Saluation , without which we shall neyther feele comfort in him , or rightly serue him . And before I passe this point , as the meaner sort haue had in Symeon a playne patterne of holynesse : So I thought to giue the Ritcher and more Noble personages , A Noble patterne to the Nobles of England . an example of Nobilitie to followe in this case . And the same is noble Ioseph of Aramathaea , the Disciple of Iesu , and the same was ritche : Luke sayth of him thus . And beholde there was a man named Ioseph , he was a Councellour a good man and a iust , &c. Luc. 23.50 Hee did not consent to the counsell and deede of them which was of Aramathaea a Citie of the Iewes : who himselfe also wayted for the kingdome of God .