A remedy for the vvarres: or, Certaine deplorable expressions, of the great miseries and wofull effects, which the horrid, bloody, cruell, domestick, and intestine warres, have lately produced (amongst us) in this our kingdome of England. Together, with spiritual salves for the cure thereof. By John Tarlton, preacher of Gods word, and minister of Ileminster, in the county of Somerset.

A REMEDY FOR THE WARS . PSAL. 122.6 .

O Pray for the Peace of Jerusalem .

THis Psalme ( as one of our Church both Learned and judicious well observeth ) breaths out nothing but a sweet perfume of inflamed affection : such as the only bird , the dying Phenix lying in her bed of spices , all the spices in Arabia fired with the pure beames of the Sun cannot parallel .

If you please with me , to view it considerately with a spirituall eye , we shall conspicuously see , it primarily begins with Davids tryumphant joy : I was glad when they said unto me : we will goe into the house of the Lord .

Our feet shall stand in thy gates : O Jerusalem .

The first word of this Psalme ( in the Originall ) is 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 id est , Laetatus fui : that is , I have been glad : and the Radix from whence it is derived , is 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 id est , Laetatus , vel Hiralis fuit : that is to say , hath been glad , or merry : metaphoricè Luxit , the which word Metaphorically is borrowed from the Light ; for as those that are blind , or sit in Darkenesse , are deprived of that benefit which the Light affords unto others that participate thereof : So in like manner those persons who live in the Darkenesse of ignorance , wandring in the devious & by-paths of blind Superstition , & dangerous Errors , and walking in the thick & foggie mists of seducing opinions , and shaddow of death ; never comming into the house of God , but altogether neglecting his holy Ordinances ; neither tast the comfortable sweetnesse , nor behold the joyfull Light which others partake of , that zealously frequent them , and conscienciously are exercised in them . And hence is that saying of Solomon . Prov. 13.9 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 The light of the righteous shall rejoyce . Thereby giving us to understand , that the knowledge of God greatly delighteth his Children , and they also rejoyce to communicate it to others .

So in like manner , as is here expressed , Davids delight consisted in gathering the children of God together , and his joy was in the assembly of the Saints , furthering them in the service of God .

But alas beloved , what have we to doe ( in these cloudy and darkesome dayes ) with this Davids joy ?

Every Naturalist will tell us , there is an Antipathie between Joy , and Sorrow ; yea , they are as contrary , Heretogeneall , and opposite in their operations , as Light , and Darkenesse , Peace , and War .

So that our former late joyfull Comedy , being turned into a present dolefull Tragedy , how then can we rejoyce ?

The sad and great disaster which lately hath befallen us , whispers in our ears , and tacitely tels us , that we must now ( for a Remedy ) set our faces Sion-way , and with our weeping eyes half blinded with brinish tears , immitate those sorrowfull Saints , in this our sad , dejected , and cast-downe condition .

Too truely may I for mine owne particular , and that by wofull experience , in the sadnesse of Spirit , and pensivenesse of Soule , together with many thousands more of this distracted Kingdome , who are unhappily co-involved into the same pittifull predicament , ( at this day ) condolingly complaine , of Englands distractive and calamitous condition ; having had hastily taken from us , ( altogether contrary and also inconsistent to the practice both of Humanity and Christian Charity ) our Houses , Goods , Lands , Livings , and all other meanes of our livelyhoods present subsistence , both Spirituall and Temporall , properly and lawfully belonging to us ; whereby we are now left in a most despicable , languishing , and perishing Condition :

And as an aggravation to this our present affliction , our names are ignominiously traduced , and we are both in the Judgement , and also the Eyes of our remorselesse Enemies , 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , a Spectacle or Gazing-stock to the World . 1 Cor. 4.9 .

And even as it were 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . The filth of the World , 1 Cor. 4.13 . and the off-scouring of all things .

Yea , as Abjects unto our Adversaries , and also the very Objects of their reproach , scorne , contempt , and derision .

So that we have cause rather ( Crane or Swallow-like ) to chatter ; Esay 38.14 . or ( Dove-like ) to mourne with afflicted Hezekiah , then with joyfull David here in the beginning of this Psalme to rejoyce .

Yea , woe and alas may we justly cry out , the bitter fruits of War in our Land , proceeding from the provocation of our crying sins , from the swift swords sharpnesse , hath turned our former late joyes sweetnesse , into present bitter sorrowfull sowrenesse .

When the Lord by his Prophet Ezekiel declared the Swords comming upon the Jewes for their sins , He commanded him to say , A Sword , a Sword , Ezech. 21.9 , 10. both sharp and furbished .

It is sharpened to make a sore slaughter , and it is furbished that it may glitter : How shall we rejoyce ?

So in like manner , our present wofull and hearts-convincing condition tacitely tels us , that we have little to do with this Davids joy , now in these sad times of War and Sorrow : Can there be joy in our hearts , whilst there is War in our gates ?

Sackcloth and ashes becomes us better : Davids case in the next Psalme before this save one , suites better with our condition : where he complaines , Woe is me that I am constrained to dwell with Mesech , and to have my habitation among the tents of Kedar . Psal. 120.4 , 5 , 6.

My soul hath long dwelt among them that be enemies unto Peace .

I labour for Peace , but when I speake unto them thereof , they make ready to battell .

Loe , This perverse practice of preposterous persons , must needs greatly afflict a truely , charitable and Christian-sympathizing heart , who heartily desireth , and earnestly endeavoureth both for himselfe and others , to have the blessing of Peace .

The like also our Kingly David in these late times of our wofull War , hath often solicited the sons of Mortals , for a speedy , setled , firme , and wel-grounded Peace ; not onely for Himself , but also on the behalfe of many thousands more of our English-Natives , yea , even the whole Kingdome : but alas the birth of all those His Solicitations ( as yet ) hath proved abortive .

Eminent and publique Persons placed in Authority above others , ought ( above all others ) to make the Word of God the Rule , and the Glory of God both the Aime and End of all their Actions .

But woe and alas may we at this day justly cry out , that too many such persons of our English Nation , have of late years wilfully rejected the holy Commandements of the righteous Lord , and greedily followed the sinfull lusts of their owne gracelesse and wicked hearts , for their Self , Sinister , and By-ends ; whereby utter ruine hath been wrought to the lives of many thousands that are already dead , and also great detriment brought to this English Church and Common-wealth wherein still we live : to the great grief and prejudice of our Gratious and Dread Soveraigne His Majesty ; and all His wel-affected , obedient , dutifull , and loyal-hearted Party ; both in , and also of this our divided and distracted Kingdome .

How many thousands of poor , distressed , destitute , desolate , disconsolate Women , and almost hunger-starved Children , have often submissively Petitioned ( and that according to the severall Ordinances pretendingly extant on that behalf ) with grieved hearts and watry eyes , for some relief out of their owne Estates wherewith to preserve their languishing lives ? But alas their Petitioning hath been to no purpose , insomuch , as that they have not onely been perfunctorily neglected , but also scornefully rejected .

Oh that those poor distressed creatures violent Adversaries might not too truely be termed , Viri inexorabiles , inflexibiles , implacabiles & immisericordes , qui nullius precibus flectuntur .

I blush to expresse to the Vulgar in English the condition of such persons , and the rather for the preservation of the Gospels purity , because they have put upon their shoulders the Cloakes of Religion , and yet deale thus cruelly with their Native , Nationall and Christian Brethren .

The Orders & Ordinances which have been made for the relief of such distressed persons are repealed at the pleasures of the Authors thereof , and thus they practise Penelopes telam retexere , viz. Doe and undoe , assoone as they apprehend that their so doing will conduce to their owne advantage .

O Heav'ns be pleased in mercy towards us to helpe us speedily : Or else the Kings Loyall-hearted party will perish suddenly .

The Scripture tels us , For the Divisions of Ruben there were great thoughts of heart ; and for the Divisions that lately have been among our selves , there have been great searchings of the heart .

Searchings indeed , when the Sword point hath been imployed as the Instrument , like a bloody inquisitive revenging Searcher , to rip up the bosome , and to make the scrutiny , digging there untill the last drop of the heart-blood issued : to the great griefe of heart and disturbance of the peace of Jerusalem , the Church , our Mother , that her Children should deale thus unnaturally one with another .

Oh , how justly may the Lord ( in these troublesome times ) complaine of England , as once he did by his Prophet Jeremiah concerning Jerusalem .

As the fountaine casteth out her waters , Ier. 6.7 . so she casteth out her malice : cruelty and spoile is continually heard in her , before me , with sorrow and stroakes .

So that England for the present ( in these particulars ) may undeniably be parallel'd unto Jerusalem !

And not onely so , but also what great and just cause ( at this day ) hath our distressed Militant Church of England , to complaine of her calamity , with the church of Jerusalem , expressed in the Lamentations of the Prophet Jeremiah ?

She findeth no rest : Lam. 1. all her Persecutors tooke her in the straits .

The Adversaries saw her , and did mock at her Sabbaths .

Her Princes are become like Harts that find no pasture : and they are gone without strength before the Pursuer .

Her Priests sigh : her Virgins are discomfited , and she is in heavinesse .

Yea , Mat. 2.18 . She mourneth like Rachell for her lost Children , and will not be comforted because they are not .

In so much , as that not onely many thousands of the Vulgar sort of our English Nation have been lately slaine , but also many Noble , Worthy and Valiant Champions , who were Loyall hearted Subjects , have ( in the behalf of their King , Country , and Religion ) willingly exposed themselves , not onely to the bloody pangs of uncertaine hazards , receiving dangerous wounds in their Bodies ; but also to the mercilesse jawes of cruell Death , whereby they have been deprived of their pretious Lives , in this bloody English , and unnaturall Quarrell .

If but a little while we recollect our thoguhts , and imploy them in these Tragicall passages , we shall coactedly conclude , that we have all just cause joyntly to pray for the peace of this our Jerusalem :

For listen either East , West , North , or South , and you shall hear not only private whisperings of Multitudes , who hastily fled from their lawfull habitations , to escape the inraged Violence of outragious Souldiers in their fierce fury ; fearfully affrighting their disconsolate families left behind them , and violently Plundering their lawfull goods unlawfully from them : but also publique complaints of those that have lost their nearest and dearest friends , whose dearest heart-blood hath been spilt like water on every side of Jerusalem .

Thus Death and Desolation have ( of late ) rid tryumphantly through many parts of our Kingdome , and also made both visible and tragicall Expressions of their puissant and successefull Valour and magnanimity , ( maugre all malignancy ) in their desperate attempts against all their Opposers ; swiftly cutting downe with their fatall swords of War , divers of all sorts from off the face of the Earth , making our pleasant English fields to become Golgotha's , even Receptacles for dead mens bones , and laying their slaine bodies in the darke Cell of this sublunary World low in the dust .

So that this wofull War hath produced these patheticall Effects , viz. That many heavy-hearted Fathers and Mothers have sorrowed for their Sons , woful-hearted Widdowes have wept for their Husbands , tender-hearted Children have cryed for their Fathers , compassionate-hearted Sisters have complained for their Brothers , yea , thousands have lamented for the losse of their loving Friends , Neighbours , Kindred , and Acquaintance ; so that many thousands have already lost their lives in this intestine War , and unchristian Quarrell .

Loe , thus immature Death ( Samson-like ) hath suddenly seized upon them , speedily surprised them , and also swiftly cut them downe as well young as old , with the fierce and fatall Sword , of cruell , bloody , and mercilesse War ; to the destruction of their bodies that are dead , and the ruine of many thousands of poor Widdows and fatherlesse Children left behind them , that are yet languishing alive .

Alas then , whose heart cannot sympathize their sorrows , and bleed at the consideration of their calamity ?

Oh therefore Tell it not in Gath , 2. Sam. 1.20 . publish it not in the streets of Askelon : lest the daughters of the Philistines rejoyce , and the daughters of the uncircumcised triumph .

And whereby also our English Natives , should hereafter become a By-word amongst other Nations ; But rather labour to pacifie Gods displeasure by praying for Jerusalems Peace .

O Pray for the Peace of Jerusalem .

But if David in a time of Peace , when Jerusalem was as a City at Unity in it self , makes his prayer for Peace , & prayeth for the preservation & continuance of the Peace of the Church , and would also have others fluctuating ( with himself ) in their prayers for the Churches Peace , like the Sea with Surges , and kindling their Devotions with fervent zeal , would have them willingly bring plentifull store of Altar-fuell to this holy fire , desiring them to pray for the Peace of Jerusalem :

Oh then , how much more doth it concerne us in these Dismall , Disasterous , and Dog-dayes of the worlds declining Age , viz. in these calamitous times of discrepancy and dissention , to do our best endeavours joyntly to the uttermost of our power , to prevaile with the God of Heaven , for the speedy removall of these our present penall Evils from us , that are still remaining amongst us , and lying heavy upon us : For alas , we live ( at this day ) amongst a perverse people , who differ too little in disposition from those generations of Men , Prov. 30.13 , 14. spoken of by Agur the son of Jakeh , Whose eyes are haughty , and their eye-lids are lifted up . Whose teeth are swords , and their jaw-teeth as knives , to devour the poor from off the earth , and the needy from among men . And like those in Davids time , of whom he complainingly spake , Who imagine mischief in their hearts , Psal. 140.2 , 3. and stir up strife all the day long . And have sharpened their tongues like a Serpent , having Adders poyson under their lips .

And Who have whet their tongue like a sword : and shoot out their arrowes , Psal. 64.3 . even bitter words .

And also Lying among the children of men that are set on fire : Psal. 57.5 . whose teeth are spears and arrows , and their tongue a sharpe Sword .

Beloved , too much do the people with whom we now dwel , resemble those persons that are here recited : having their judgements blindly infatuated with false Principles ; burning inwardly with the fire of indignation , against those indigent persons , who are harmlesse towards them , and helplesse to themselves and others ; grinding fiercely the faces of the poor , eating up the Lords people , Psal. 53.4 . as they eat bread ; piercing sharply into their hunger-starving stomacks ; shooting their poisonous Darts deep into their tender Consciences , against the wils of their forced Patients , and contrary to the light of their knowledge ; and also wounding their candid Reputations , with the sharpe Rasors of bitter Obloquies , and reviling Reproaches , by unjust Aspersions , and caviling Calumniations .

Thus cruelly dealing with our languishing Lives , almost as deadly as Death it self . Of all which perverse passages , together with many more , being here ( for brevity ) omitted , which might also justly have been expressed , let all Wise , Judicious , Learned and truly Religious persons censure : and God in mercy towards us speedily deliver us out of them all .

And for a speedy Remedy whereof , let us all in the fear of God , and confidence of his mercy toward us , make our present approaches , unto the beautifull gate of Gods never-failing-Mercy to his faithfull Children , imploring in all submissive and possible humility , his gratious and powerfull assistance , in this our great & woful extremity : humbly desiring him in the bowels of Jesus Christ , to looke downe with his mercifull eyes of loving pitty , and tender compassion , upon this our distressed and distracted Kingdome ; and to compose ( and that speedily ) all unhappy differences between our Gratious Soveraigne , and those that either are , or else ought to be , His Loyall and dutifull Subjects ; and to repaire the late-made-Ruines , and build up the now-broken-Wals of this our low-cast-downe , and disquieted Jerusalem ; Psa. 122.7 that so Peace may be within the Wals thereof , and Plenteousnesse within her Palaces .

Such holy and fervent Prayers , steeped in sorrowfull and penitent Teares , flowing from the truely contrite Spirits , greatly grieved Soules , and throughly-humbled Hearts of faithfull and righteous Persons : and with powerfull Groanes , Marshall'd forth from between our fasting Lips ; will ( in the acceptable time ) be prevalent with our Gracious God ( through Christ ) for the speedy healing of our Lands manifold Distempers ; and also well become this present time and occasion .

Oh then , let us all in Gods fear , ( without any farther protraction of time ) speedily labour , and earnestly endeavour , even from the ground of our hearts , thus to pray for our Jerusalems Peace .

O Pray for the Peace of Jerusalem .

TEXT .

THe Text , that I may not affect any curious Logicall distribution thereof , Divide it , and briefely the parts thereof are foure .

1. A Patheticall Particle , or Interjection , O!

2. An exhortary Christian Religious Duty , Pray .

3. The Subject of this Duty , Peace .

4. The Object of this Subject , the Church , Jerusalem .

O Pray for the Peace of Jerusalem .

Of these briefely and in their Order , as the blessed Spirit of God shall assist me , &c.

From the which 4. parts of the Text , there do arise 4. particular Doctrines , viz.

1. From the patheticall Particle or Interjection O.

Doct. It is the duty of the Children of God , to provoke and stir up one another to the service of God .

2. From the exhortary Christian Religious Duty , Pray .

Doct. Prayer to God is the onely salve to cure calamity , and to continue the favour of God to his people .

3. From the subject of this Duty , Peace .

Doct. Peace is a pretious blessing of God , well deserving the prayers of his faithfull Servants .

4. From the Object of this subject , the Church , Jerusalem .

Doct. It is required as a due debt from the children of God , that they should pray for the Peace of the Church their mother .

O Pray for the Peace , &c.

Now let us returne to the Particle , O.

But here before we goe into the Temple with Peter and John to pray , this Particle O doth as it were tell us , it will not be amisse to make a little stop in Solomons porch : that so all the people may flock about us , Act. 3.11 . as they did about them . And also bear us company into the house of the Lord .

This is that the Psalmest drives at in this Particle , or Interjection O , O Pray , &c.

This Interjection O , is like the Cryers O Yes , before some weighty Proclamation ; or the ringing of a Bell before some excellent Sermon ; or the sounding of a Trumpet , calling the Souldiers together , for to March speedily upon some great , weighty , and important service .

Yea , it may not unfitly be parallel'd to the Hebrew word Selah ; Psal. 3.2 . which signifieth a lifting up of the voice , to cause us to consider the sentence as a matter of great importance .

Behold , the Prophet here is earnest and patheticall in his perswasion to this Religious duty : his heart breaketh out for the very fervent desire he hath that all good men should joyne with him in this Sacrifice of Prayer , to offer up the calves of their lips unto God ; And for the kindling of which holy Devotion , this O is as it were the bellowes of the Sanctuary , to blow this Sacred fuell into a flame .

O Pray , &c.

Not that David here intended to exclude himself , and to ease his owne shoulders , by laying the burthen on the necks of others .

As Pharaoh did by Moses and Aaron , when his land was afflicted with horrible haile , thunder and lightning ; Pray ye unto the Lord saith he , ( for it is enough ) that there be no more mighty thunders and haile , Exod. 9.28 . and I will let you goe .

And as Simon Magus dealt by Simon Peter , who when he was exhorted by the Apostle to pray , If perhaps the thought of his heart might be forgiven him ; revolved back the businesse upon St. Peter , and would needs engage him to doe the service for him ; Pray ye ( saith he ) to the Lord for me , Acts 8.24 . that none of these things which ye have spoken come upon me .

No , David meant to be one of the company himselfe , but would not willingly goe alone ; And therefore saith elsewhere , O praise the Lord with me , Psal. 34.3 . and let us magnifie his name together .

Now for proof of this Doctrine from the Particle O , viz.

Doct. 1 It is the duty of the children of God , to provoke and stir up one another to the service of God .

Our blessed Saviour in his Sermon upon the Mount told his Disciples , Mat. 5.13 , 14. they were the Salt of the Earth , and the Light of the World ; meaning thereby , that their Office was to season the hearts of others with their heavenly Doctrine , and also by their knowledge , to give Light unto those that sit in darkenesse .

And when Christ taught his Disciples and others with them , the true Patterne of a Christian life ; He set it forth by this Querie , Mark 4.21 Is the candle lighted to be put under a Bushell , or under the Table , and not to be put on a Candlestick ? Alluding to those that have a greater measure of Knowledge and Understanding then others , to impart it to them for their Benefit ; whereby others also might be brought to the service of God .

We have here also Davids practice , and it is the very same lesson that S. Paul commends unto us , 1 Thes. 5.11 . even to exhort one another , and to edifie one another , and to provoke one another to love , and to good workes .

Yea , this was the practice of St. Paul himselfe , 1 Cor. 9.19 , 20 , 21 , 22 , 23. where he saith of himselfe , For though I be free from all men , yet have I made my selfe servant unto all men , that I might win the more .

And unto the Jews I became as a Jew , that I might win the Jews : to them that are under the Law , as though I were under the Law , that I might win them that are under the Law .

To them that are without Law , as though I were without Law , ( when I am not without Law as pertaining to God , but am in the Law through Christ ) that I might win them that are without Law .

To the weake I became as weake , that I might win the weake : I am made all things to all men , that I might by all meanes save some .

And this I do for the Gospels sake , that I might be partaker thereof with you .

And this lesson S. 2 Tim. 1.6 Paul gave in charge to Timothy , that he should 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , stir up the gift of God in himselfe .

The which Gift of God is a certaine lively flame , kindled in our hearts by the Spirit of God , which the Devill and our corrupted nature labour to quench , and therefore we must nourish and stir it up .

And S. Paul exhorts Timothie with this expression . viz.

That the servant of the Lord must not strive , 2 Tim. 2.24 , 25. but must be gentle towards all men , apt to teach , suffering the evill men patiently .

Instructing them with meeknesse that are contrary minded , proving if God at any time will give them repentance , that they may know the truth .

And that they may come to amendment out of the snare of the Devil , who are taken Captive by him at his will .

Yea , S. Paul exhorts his Galatians , Gal. 6.1 . Brethren , if a man be overtaken in a fault , ye which are spirituall , restore such a one with the spirit of meeknesse , considering thy selfe , lest thou also be tempted .

And 1 Tim. 4. ult. S. Paul there lessons Timothy , to take heed to himselfe .

But this is not all . True it is indeed that Charity is to begin at home , but it is not also there for to end : But to resemble that pretious ointment spoken of Psal. 133. which being poured upon Aarons head , did descend and worke downe by degrees unto the skirts and hem of his garment .

And therefore in our Charity we are commanded to be like to him who is the God of Charity ; Luk. 6.36 . Be ye mercifull , as your father in heaven is mercifull ; who saith the Apostle 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 would have all men to be saved , 1 Tim. 2.4 and to come to the knowledge of the truth .

It was Cursed Kain , that member of the Church Malignant and bloody murtherer , that was the first that thought himselfe discharged from being his Brothers keeper ; when he answered the Divine Majesty , 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 Am I my Brothers keeper ? when as his guilty Conscience within him , tacitly told him , his Brothers blood would be required of him .

Whereas the manifestation of the spirit is given to every man 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 to profit withall . 1 Cor. 12.7 .

So that all those gifts and graces that descend from above , are not given particularly for the good of one , but mutually for the good of one another ; viz.

That others should reap the benefit of our Prayers , the benefit of our Almes-deeds , and the benefit of our good Councels and exhortations to godlinesse .

Therefore the Apostle exhorts us , that we should exhort one another daily while it is called to day , Heb. 3.13 . lest any be hardened through the deceitfulnesse of sin .

It was a good resolution of them , had their tongues and their hearts gon together , when they spake one to another , every one to his brother , Come , and let us goe and heare the word of the Lord .

When we are to come into the presence of God , to looke our Joseph , ( I meane our Jesus ) in the face , 't is fit we should bring our younger brother with us .

And S. Jude exhorts us in his Epistle , concerning weaklings , that we should 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 have compassion on some , 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . putting a difference : Jude 22 , 23. And others to save with feare , pulling them out of the fire : meaning milde spirits by gentle admonitions , and obstinate spirits by sharpe reprehensions , endeavouring by all good meanes to the uttermost of our power , to provoke them to obedience and the fear of the Lord ; as David here doth , to Pray for the Peace of Jerusalem .

O Pray for the Peace of Jerusalem .

Loe , thus have I plainly proved unto you this point of Doctrine by Scripture .

And now follow the Reasons to confirme the same ; viz. foure .

Reas. 1 Because it is one end wherefore we are borne into the world ; and shall we not performe the end of our Creation ? The Heathen man could say , non nobis nati sumus : we are not borne for our selves : Therefore by consequence we are to doe the best good we can for others .

And what better good can we doe for others , then to provoke and stir them up to the service of God ; the reward of which service will be the full fruition of heavenly happinesse .

Reas. 2 Because by our so doing , we shall bring glory unto God .

Not that any thing which is finite can adde any thing to that which is infinite ; so that no finite creature , can adde any glory to the infinite Creator ; but the greater number that walke in Gods service and obey him , the more the Lord is glorified by them .

Reas. 3 Because by our so doing we shall win soules unto God , and save them from eternall destruction .

He which converteth the sinner from going astray out of his way , Iam. 5. ult. shall save a soule from death , and shall hide a multitude of sins .

Reas. 4 Because our so doing will be so acceptable to God , that we shall shine like stars in the firmament of heaven .

They that be wise shall shine as the brightnesse of the firmament ; Dan. 12.3 . and they that turne many to righteousnesse , shall shine as the stars for ever and ever .

By which the Prophet meaneth not onely the Ministers of Gods Word , but also the faithfull , who instruct the ignorant , and bring them to the true knowledge of God .

And thus passe I from the Reasons of the Observation , to the Application .

The Uses of this point are briefely foure .

1. Vse of Examination . 2. Vse of Exhortation . 3. Vse of Reprehension . 4. Vse of Consolation .

Examination .

Vse . 1 TO Examine thy selfe whether thou hast been active herein , and a proficient in this practice ?

And whether thou hast done thy best endeavour to the uttermost of thy power to convert soules unto God ?

But contrarywise , hast thou at any time heard , or beheld thy poore ignorant Brethren , or any other wilfull wicked wretches , perpetrating iniquity with violence , and following their sins with eagernesse , and as it were like Brands burning in the fire of their owne destruction , and not done thy best endeavour and that with expedition , to pull them out for their preservation ?

And if upon examination thou findest thou hast not , then mourne for thy negligence therein for the time that is past , and speedily reforme thy selfe thereof for the time to come .

Exhortation .

Vse . 2 TO exhort us in Gods feare to doe our best endeavours in this particular , viz. to provoke and stir up others to the service of God .

This is that pretious Balme , that on our parts should never be wanting to the heads of others .

Hence then we are all to be admonished , to lay hold upon every oportunity , and to take all occasions that possibly can be offered , for to edifie each other mutually in the knowledge of God : according to that Prophesie of the Churches restoration by Christ , as it was fore-told of these times , Come ye , Esay 2. and let us goe up to the mountaine of the Lord , to the house of the God of Jacob ; and he will teach us his wayes , and we will walke in his paths : And Verse the fifth , O house of Jacob , come ye , and let us walke in the light of the Lord .

The word here Light in the Originall is 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 à radice 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 id est , Lucidum fieri , vel illuminari , vel Lumen recipere . So that , as far as the Omniscient God is pleased to inlighten us , & impart the knowledge of his truth unto us , we must to the uttermost of our power communicate it unto others ; never forgetting nor neglecting , but ever remembring and also practising Christs Charge unto Peter ,

When thou art converted strengthen thy brethren . Luk. 22.32

Behold , if any of us traveling abroad , should espie a blinde man wandring without a Guide , and drawing neere to a dangerous River , into the which if he should fal , he must certainly perish : if uncharitably we should passe from him , without either leading him from the danger , or calling to him for his preservation ; so that he falleth therein and is drowned : would not our hearts terrifie us , and our consciences condemne us , as being guilty of his Death ? doubtlesse they would , unlesse they were cauterized : So in like manner , when those whom God hath indued with the light of knowledge and understanding , shall see others walking in darkenesse and the shadow of death , and wandering in the broad way that leads to eternall destruction ; and not doe their best endeavours to instruct them that they may come out of their errours , to shew them the light of knowledge , that they may arise out of the darkenesse of their ignorance ; and to lead them into the narrow path of eternall life , that thereby they may escape the broad way that leads to everlasting death : Their negligence ( I say ) therein will be laid as a foule fault , and hainous sin to their charge .

For if it were a fault in Churlish Nabal , as indeed it was , Not to relieve ( out of his plenty ) fainting hearted David in the wildernesse ; 1 Sam. 25. And the rich Glutton Luke 16. out of his superfluity , not to cherish the pined stomack of hunger-starved Lazarus :

Oh then how great a sin will it be unto those that abound in knowledge , not to stir up others to the service of God ?

Let us all therefore in Gods feare to whom God hath given a greater Talent of knowledge then to others , deale with their souls , as holy Job did with infirmed bodies ; who was eyes to the blind , and feet to the lame . Iob. 29.15 . Labour to make the deafe to heare , the ignorant to understand : That so we may strengthen the weake armes , and feeble knees in the service of God , and bring home those weake and blind Wanderers , into the sheep-fold of Christ .

Reprehension .

Vse . 3 TO Reprove all those persons that take a quite contrary course , who instead of stirring up others to the practise of holinesse and piety , they provoke them to profanenesse and impiety .

Who pray over daily the black-booke of damnation ; that say one to another , Prov. 1.11 . Come with us , let us lay wait for blood , let us lurke privily for the innocent without a cause .

Or with those Epicures that say one to another , Wis 2.6 , 7 , 8 , 9. Come and let us enjoy the pleasures that are present , &c.

But those beastly belly-Epicures rest not themselves satisfied with this their voluptuous living , frequenting the Schools of Drunkennesse , and Temples of Bacchus , and putting in practice Sardanapalus Epitaphe , Ede , bibe & lude , post mortem nulla voluptas .

Eate , drinke and be merry , for after death there is no pleasure .

But they goe one step farther in their impiety , reviling righteous men for not runing into the same excesse of riot with themselves , Vers. 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 , 18 , 19 , 20 , 21. Come ( say they ) let us defraud the righteous man , for he is not for our profit , he is contrary to our doings : He checketh us for offending against the Law , and blameth us as transgressors of discipline , &c.

But will you read the doome of those men by their owne confession , in their mentall alteration , justifying others whom they have condemned , and condemning themselves whom they have justified ?

Then shall the righteous man stand with great boldnesse before the face of him that hath tormented him , Wis. 5.1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 , 9. and taken away his labours , &c.

Certainely beloved , if they that doe their best to convert soules , and draw them to the service of God , shall shine like stars in the firmament of heaven ; Dan. 12.3 . then they that make it their worke to pervert soules and seduce them , shall shine too :

But not as stars in the firmament of heaven above ; but as firebrands in the region of darkenesse and shaddow of death in hell beneath .

And therefore woe will it be with all such persons at the last judgement day .

Consolation .

Vuse 4 TO comfort the hearts of all those who have been diligent in the conversion of the soules of others .

Cheere up thy heart my beloved brother , for there are degrees of glory in heaven , and the greater number thou doest convert and bring to the true knowledge of God here upon earth , the greater degree of glory shalt thou have hereafter in heaven .

Almighty God is a bountifull Benefactor , his service never goeth unrewarded ; He seeth in secret , Mat. 6.4 . and will reward his servants openly .

Loe , this S. Paul knew right well , the which caused him rejoycingly to say , I have fought a good fight , I have finished my course : I have kept the faith .

Henceforth there is laid up for me a Crowne of righteousnesse , 2 Tim. 4.7 , 8. which the Lord the righteous Judge shall give me at that day : and not to me onely , but to them also that love his appearing .

And therefore up and be doing , 2 Chron. 19. 1 Cor. 15 58. and the Lord will be with thee ; and thy labour shall not be in vaine in the Lord .

Thus much for the Particle or Interjection O , which stands here in the Front of our Text , as a patheticall Preface to some ensuing weighty Declaration , not onely craving our diligent attention , but also our best assistance for our Mother the Churches Consolation .

O Pray for the Peace of Jerusalem .

And thus having passed through the Portch , let us now enter into the Temple .

The next considerable in our Text , is the exhortary Christian Religious Duty , set downe in this word Pray , O Pray .

From which word you may remember the Doctrine .

Doct. Prayer to God is the onely salve to cure calamity , and to continue the favour of God unto his people .

O Pray for the Peace of Jerusalem .

By Prayer , I do not meane after the manner of Rhetoricians , an Order of speech throughly laboured by art , which the Graecians call 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , but I meane according to Divinity , a holy speech or talke with God , not so much of the mouth as of the heart , which also in other termes , according to the Originall of the New Testament we call 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 id est invocare & implorare , to call upon and to request , quod propriè de eo dicitur , qui in periculo constitutus , Dei subsidium cum clamore petit , which is properly spoken of him , who being in danger desireth the helpe of God with a crying out .

Hinc 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 pro toto Dei cultu accipitur , hence by a Synecdoche it is taken for the whole worship and service of God . Whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved . Act. 2.21 .

Whereby S. Peter teacheth , that Prayer is the remedy to avoid the wrath of God , and to obtaine Salvation .

The severall parts or kinds of prayer are foure .

1. 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 Deprecatio , whereby we desire the aversion of present punishment , or imminent evill .

2. 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 Petitio , whereby we desire those things that make for the glory of God , and the benefit of our selves .

3. 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , Intercessio , whereby we intercede & mediate for others , Acts 12.5 . as the Church did for Peter when he was in prison .

4. 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 est gratiarum actio , wherein we give thankes unto God for benefits bestowed both upon our selves and others .

All which foure parts or kinds of Prayer , are set downe in one Verse by S. Paul to Timothy ,

I exhort therefore , 1 Tim. 2.1 that first of all supplications , prayers , intercessions and giving of thankes be made for all men .

But ( beloved ) if thus I should handle this word [ Prayer ] Common-place way , then should I walke in so large a path as would tire your patience ; and therefore for brevity sake I shall herein reduce my self unto these two particulars , together with the Reasons of the Doctrine and the Application ; viz. 1. Orationis Necessitas . 2. Orationis Dignitas .

1. The Necessity of Prayer .

2. The Dignity of Prayer .

And upon these two considerations , as upon the two wings of Prayer , I desire your soules may flye aloft unto the hill of the Almighty .

O Pray for the Peace of Jerusalem .

And First , for the Necessity of Prayer ; Certainly a great Necessity of Prayer lyeth upon every one of the sons of Adam , whose whole composition is nothing else but wants and necessities , and those no way to be supplyed but by Prayer .

This is the seed we must sow , we must sow to the Spirit , if ever we meane to reape the harvest and increase of Gods blessings .

It is our Saviours owne rule , and may serve as a proof of this Doctaine .

〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 Aske , and it shall be given you , seeke , and ye shall finde , knock , and it shall be opened unto you .

Here is but Aske , Seeke , and Knocke ; and ye shall obtaine : Loe , thus Christ doth exhort us to make use of a Triple-chaine , consisting of three links , viz. Asking , Seeking , and Knocking . Aske with the Mouth , Seeke with the Heart , and Knocke with the Hand ; but the Mouth must be guilelesse , the Heart faithfull , and the Hand righteous . So that we must Aske with a guilelesse Mouth , Seeke with a faithfull Heart , and Knocke with a righteous Hand . And so shall we obtaine by our guilelesse Mouthes Asking , things Temporall for our bodies ; By our faithfull Hearts Seeking , things Spirituall for our Soules ; and through the merrites of Christ by our righteous Hands Knocking , things Eternall both for our bodies and soules .

But alas there are ( at this day ) many Antithesticall persons in the world , who are contrary to these in disposition , viz. Such as have guilefull Mouthes , faithlesse Hearts , and unrighteous Hands : whose guilefull Mouthes speake deceitfully , whose faithlesse Hearts , conceive unbeleevingly ; and whose unrighteous Hands ; perpetrate wickednesse violently .

Such as were those wicked Heads of Jakob , and the Tyrannicall Princes of the House of Israel : of whom the Lord complaineth by his Prophet ,

They hate the good , Mic. 3.2 , 3. and love the evill : they pluck off their skins from them , and their flesh from their bones .

And they eat also the flesh of my people , &c.

In which words , the Lords Prophet condemneth those cruell Tyrants , not onely of cursed Covetousnesse , unjust Robery , and bloody Murther , but also compareth them unto Savage beasts , who are of Wolvish , and Lion-like dispositions .

Will the Lord hear the prayers , and grant the requests of such cruell and mercilesse persons ? Certainely no : But he will rather cast their prayers as dung upon their faces . Mal. 2.3 .

And will also hide his face from them , Mic. 3.4 . Esay 59.2 . and will not heare them .

But when Godly and sincere hearted Religious persons Pray , the Lord will heare their Prayers , and grant their requests :

They shall call and the Lord shall answer : Esay 58.9 . they shall cry and the Lord shall say , Here I am .

Behold , of all helpes , Prayer is the readiest at hand , for all persons , upon all occasions , in all places , and at all times : And by its fervent and faithfull performance as we ought ; we shall assuredly obtaine full Remission of all our sinnes , hearty Repentance for all sinnes that are past , and irrisistible power against sinnes for the time to come : And also be kept from Afflictions , or made able to beare them . And God will certainely give us , either all outward good things necessary for us , with a Blessing upon them ; or else his blessing of contentednesse without them :

The which contentment , although in this worlds conception it be a despicable condition : yet , it is the Blessing of Nature , the Salve of Poverty , the Master of Sorrow , and the End of Misery .

The Psalmist when he would inroll and magnifie the goodnesse of God towards his people , tels us , Psal. 84.12 . that he will give grace and worship , and no good thing will he withhold , from them that live a Godly life .

Indeed the Lords hand is ever open to give , but then he lookes also that our mouthes should be open to receive : Open thy mouth wide , saith God , wide , Psal. 81.10 . in prayer and supplication to heaven , and I will fill it .

His grace like a cloud still hangs over our heads , but the drops of that cloud descend not , unlesse first dissolved by the breath of our Prayers .

Ye have not because ye aske not . Iam 4.2 .

And there are some also that aske and yet goe away empty ; Ye aske and receive not , because ye aske amisse , Iam. 4.3 . that ye might consume it upon your lusts .

True it is beloved , that the Children of God have a full and unquestionable Right to all those Blessings that descend from above .

All things are yours , 1 Cor. 3.12 , 23. saith the Apostle , whether it be Paul , or Apollos , or Cephas , or life , or death , or things present , or things to come , all are yours , and ye are Christs , and Christ is Gods .

A large Patent , including all good things , whether Temporall , or Spirituall , or Eternall , whether of this life or that to come , all are theirs .

But how hold they their Charter now ? surely the conveyance runs altogether in a stile of mercy , Rom. 2.4 . according to the riches of his goodnesse .

And according to the riches of his grace . Eph. 1.7 .

Alas there is nothing in us that can intitle us upon merit to the least expression of Gods goodnesse : our tenure is ex merâ gratiâ written and sealed up unto us in the blood of the Lambe .

And although we make no Purchase of our Christian Estate , but receive it by deed of Gift , yet God hath reserved some small Homage , or as it were some peny-Rent as due unto himselfe , and that is our prayers and thanksgiving : For the non-payment whereof our Estate becomes escheat and forfeited , and returnes back into the hands of the Land-lord .

So that we connot claime so much as one morsell of Bread without our Prayers ; and if we are not uncapable of it , yet I am sure we are unworthy of it , Psal. 145.16 . if we begge it not at his hand , who opens his hand and fils all things living with plentiousnesse .

And for this cause we are taught by our blessed Saviour to pray , Mat. 6.11 . Give us this day our daily bread . Which Petition we may not thinke to be put into the Lords-Prayer onely for poor men ; but even they also whose barns are full of corne , and have bread laid up in store for many yeares , have as much need to supplicate God with this Petition , as the poorest man that now liveth upon the face of the Earth .

If there be any one in this place so hard driven through extreame poverty , that he can Vye necessity with that poore Widdow of Sarepta , and protest in the integrity of his heart as she did , I have not so much as a cake , 1 King . 17.12 . but a handfull of meale in a barrell , and a little oyle in a cruse , which I am now to dresse for me and my sonne that we may eat it and dye .

Why yet I say , the rich man that swims in the confluence of all outward good things , and knowes no end of his riches , is as deeply engaged to begge his daily bread as he . Because man liveth not onely by bread , Mat. 4.4 . but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God .

If men be provided of bread , and have not Gods blessing on their bread , they are like to fare as ill with bread , as without it ;

The leane kine may eat up the fat kine , and be never the fuller , Gen. 41.4 . we may eat much and not be filled , and drinke our fill and not have enough , Hag. 1.6 . and cloath our selves and not be warme , and earne wages and put them into a broken bagge .

So that all outward things will be nothing beneficiall unto us without Gods Blessing upon them , and also upon us in the use of them .

True it is indeed that I finde in Scripture mention made of the staffe of bread , by which Metaphor I am taught , that bread in its latitude is the prop , fulciament , and support of our naturall life .

But withall , we ought to know , that as bread is the staffe of our life , so Gods Blessing is the strength , and as it were the staffe of that staffe .

And unlesse his blessing rest upon the meanes of our sustentation , the staffe we rely upon , will prove no other then a reed of Aegypt , that instead of supporting our bodies , will pierce our hands :

Or like Moses 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 his rod cast upon the ground , if we take it by the wrong end , Exod. 4.3 . without prayer and thanksgiving , it will turne into a Serpent , that will rather sting us with diseases , then nourish us unto soundnesse of health .

Loe , thus the outward things of this life , if we receive them not rightly , and use them holily as God commands us , they being sanctified by the word of God , and by prayer ; 1 Tim. 4.5 . Instead of being unto us helpefull and beneficiall , they will prove hurtfull and prejudiciall .

Oh then beloved , how great cause have we to pray with David , that the same God that prepares a Table for us , and make our Cup to overflow , that he that gives us the staffe of Bread , would also give us the staffe of his Blessing , Psal. 23.4 . that his Rod and his Staffe may continually comfort us .

Deceive not thy selfe whosoever thou art , to thinke by thine owne industry to raise thee a fortune without God :

For it is not he that riseth early , Psal. 127.2 . nor goeth late to bed , nor eates the bread of carefulnesse , that is in an infallible way to be rich : No , when all is done , Prov. 10.22 . It is the blessing of the Lord that maketh rich .

A Fortune collected by meere industry , and without Gods speciall Blessing , shall shortly melt away , and not have the Blessing of continuance , unlesse it be obtained by suit at his hand , who must prosper unto us the worke of our hands .

It will therefore be good for us to take the advice the blessed Spirit of God gives us , Rev. 3.18 . I councell thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire , that thou maiest be made rich , and white raiment , that thou maiest be clothed .

To purchase a Patrimony by our Prayers , and to lay the foundation of our wealth in Religion .

And every stone and spit of earth we bring towards this building , still to pray for a blessing . Psa. 90. ult. Prosper thou the worke of our hands upon us , O Prosper thou our handy worke .

And now what hath been spoken of our estate Naturall , is no lesse true of our estate Spirituall ; In both it is the blessing of the Lord that maketh rich ; Iohn 15.5 . Act. 17.28 . for without Him we can doe nothing .

In him we live , move , and have our being , for our estate Naturall .

And it is He also that worketh in us both the will and the deed for our estate Spirituall . Phil. 2.13 .

So that unlesse he give a Blessing to the labour of our hands , we may with Peter , toile all night and catch nothing . Luk. 5.5 . Paul may plant and Apollos water , I may preach , & you may hear , 1 Cor. 3.7 . but no increase unlesse God give it .

Oh then beloved , how needfull it is for us to pray unto the Father of lights , Iam. 1.17 . that he from whom every good and perfect gift doth descend , would open unto us the Ministers of his word a doore of utterance , that may give a free passage unto his Gospell .

And that he would also open unto you our Hearers a doore of enterance , that his word and spirit may enter into your hearts and dwell there ; And that we may all of us bring forth the fruits thereof in our conversation , to Gods glory and our everlasting consolation . O Pray , &c.

And thus I passe from the Necessity of Prayer , unto the Dignity of Prayer .

For the Dignity and excellency of Prayer .

Our life faith Job , is Militia super terram , a Warfare upon the Earth , Eph. 6.12 . and we wrestle not onely saith Paul with flesh and blood , but with principalities and powers , &c

Indeed by our prayers and importunate suits we wrestle with the greatest Power of all , even with God himself , Mat. 11.12 . and offer a kinde of Sacred Violence to the Kingdome of Heaven .

It was in this Harnesse that good Jacob was clad , Gen. 32. when he strugled with the Angell all night for a Blessing and prevailed .

So that Prayer is the great prevailing ordinance of God . Oratio est telum quo vulneratur cor Dei , saith S. Ambrose . Prayer is the weapon that wounds the very heart of God , and makes it bleed in tender compassion towards his Supplicant .

Preces & lachrymae arma sunt Ecclesiae .

Prayers and tears are the Churches weapons .

Preces & lachrymae vincunt invincibilem , ligant Omnipotentem , saith S. Hierome .

Prayers and tears overcome the invincible , and bind the Omnipotent .

Faithfull Prayer is a chaine to tye up Gods hands from punishing .

And such a Chaine it was that Moses cast over the armes of God to preserve the Jsraelites from destruction ; insomuch that God himselfe doth even sue unto Moses , the Master unto the Servant , that he would suffer his vengeance to breake out upon his people .

Let me alone , Exod. 23.10 . saith God , that my wrath may wax hot against them , that I may consume them .

Flectitur iratus voce rogante Deus .

What ? 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 The strong , most mighty and omnipotent God , to be overcome , by weake , infirmed , mortall , and impotent man , through the power of faithfull and fervent Prayer ?

O the Excellency , and the Efficacy of devout Prayer !

It it Gladius , & Arcus Christiani ,

The sword , and bow of a Christian :

Jocob gave Joseph one portion above his brethren , Gen. 48.22 . which he got of the Amorites by his sword and by his bow .

But the Chaldee Paraphrast translates it , By my Prayer , and by my Supplication . Which Translation proveth , that Prayer is the Sword , and Supplication is the Bow of a Christian , whereby he subdueth all his Enemies .

It is Scala coeli , the Ladder of heaven , on which the Angels ascend and descend to our reliefe and succour .

It is Clavis Coeli , the Keye of heaven , and if the wards of this Key be of Faith , it will unlock unto us the doores of everlasting life .

Against whom can you imagine the gate of Heaven to be surer and faster lockt then against Theeves and Robbers ?

S. Paul is peremptory in this particular ; Be not deceived , saith He , neither Theeves , 1 Cor. 6.10 . nor Covetous , nor any of that cursed rabble he speakes of there , shall have any inheritance in the Kingdome of God and of Christ .

But no sooner comes the penitent Thiefe with this Key of Prayer , Domine , memento mei cum veneris in regnum tuum , Lord remember me when thou commest into thy Kingdome , but presently the doore is open unto him ; with an Hodie mecum eris in paradiso , This day shalt thou be with me in Paradise .

A Key did we call Prayer ? It seemes rather to be a Pick-lock , that did not onely open heaven gate , but also even let in a Thiefe .

He that formerly had rob'd passengers on the way , and walked in the way of errour , and shaddow of death ; Now bids Stand to the Way it selfe : And sets onely upon him who is the Way , Ioh. 14.6 . the Truth , and the Life ; and by his prayers unto him , as it were by a new kinde of theft steales Heaven .

And as the Thiefe by his prayers opened the doores of heaven , so Elijah the Prophet by his prayers made them fast .

He prayed that it might not raine , Iam , 5.17 . and it rained not by the space of three years and six monethes . 1 King . 18. When he fled from the presence of Ahab .

He tyed up the influences of heaven , and carryed away the Clouds in his Mantle .

It seemes God who is the Father of the drops of dew saith Job , Ioh. 36.28 Mat. 5.45 . and sendeth raine upon the just and unjust , saith our blessed Saviour , had granted unto Elijah a Patent , or Monopoly of the raine , and his prayers were the onely Rent he paid for it .

Eusebius reporteth , Lib. 5. That in the Primitive Church , Anno Dom. 175. The Army of Christians was called the Thundering-Legion ; because upon their prayers , God scattered their Enemies with Thunder , and refreshed themselves with comfortable showers from Heaven .

But not to loose our selves and protract the time in this Panegyrick of Prayer .

It is our Christian Sacrifice , the calves of our lips , which after all the abolished Sacrifices of the Law , doth yet answer them all .

It is our morning and evening Sacrifice , our incense offering which we put into the hand of our high-priest Christ Jesus to offer for us .

Let my prayer be set forth in thy sight like the incense ( saith David ) and the lifting up of my hands be an evening Sacrifice . Psal. 141.2 .

Like incense , it vapors up in a sweet perfume in the nostrils of God .

It is our Juge Sacrificium , our daily Sacrifice , pray continually , saith the Apostle , 1 Thes. 5.17 . pray without ceasing .

Prayer is our sinne-offering , our clensing-offering .

Oratio sonat pestes mentis , saith the Father ; It cures the plague-sores of the Soule .

And God accepts of the fruit of the lips proceeding from a penitent heart , for the faults of the whole body .

Lastly , Prayer is our Elevatum , or heave-Offering , even the lifting up of our hands in his sight .

And blessed are they that can lift up pure hands in his Sanctuary , they shall be sure to have the Victory , and to triumph over all their Necessities .

When Moses hands were lifted up , Exod. 17.11 . then Israel prevailed , but when they hung downe , then Amaleck prevailed .

Moses is the History , and every man that is a meeke and faithfull man as Moses was , is the Morall .

When we lift up our hands and hearts to God in faithfull and fervent Prayer , then our sinnes and enemies doe both retire ; but when we let them hang downe neglecting that necessary Duty , then they charge us with double Forces . Which teacheth us , how dangerous a thing it is to faint in Prayer .

And therefore cease not to Pray for the Peace of Jerusalem .

And thus doe I passe from the Dignite of Prayer , unto the Reasons of the Observation , viz.

Wherefore Prayer to God is the onely salve to cure calamity and to continue the favour of God unto his people .

Reas. 1 Because it is the Lords expresse Injunction , together with a gratious promise to grant our requests .

Call upon me in the time of trouble : Psal. 50.15 . so will I heare thee , and thou shalt praise me .

Reas. 2 Because there is a blessing pronounced by our blessed Saviour unto those persons that labour for the Peace of others .

Blessed are the Peace-makers : Mat. 5.9 . for they shall be called the Children of God .

Reas. 3 Because we being Children of the Church our Mother , we have a Portion in our Mothers Peace .

For the Church our Mother and we her Children are relata , and mutually sympathize the distresses of each other .

And as we should condole the Church our Mothers adversity : so in like manner , we ought to congratulate her prosperity ; our Portion being in her Peace .

Reas. 4 Because of the happy Effect that Prayer produceth .

If ( saith God ) I shut the heaven that there be no raine , 2 Chron. 7.13 , 14. or if I command the Grashopper to devoure the Land , or if I send Pestilence among my people .

If my people among whom my name is called upon , doe humble themselves and Pray : and seeke my presence , and turne from their wicked wayes , then will I hear in heaven , and be mercifull unto their sinne , and will heale their Land .

Unto which also S. James alludeth , where he saith , Pray one for another that ye may be healed : Iam. 5.16 . for the prayer of a righteous man availeth much , if it be fervent .

And therefore Pray for the Peace of Jerusalem .

And thus doe I passe from the grounds of the Observation , unto the Application .

The Uses of this point are briefely foure , viz.

1. Vse of Examination . 2. Vse of Exhortation . 3. Vse of Reprehension . 4. Vse of Consolation .

Examination .

Vse . 1 TO Examine thy selfe whether thou Prayest for the Peace of the Church or no ? if thou doest , then it is an Argument of thy Regeneration :

But if thou doest not , then it is an Argument that ( as yet ) thou art without the pale of the Church , and art still in thy Naturall cursed condition :

And one of the bastard-brood of Sathan , and consequently a firebrand of hell ; rather then a faithfull Son of God , and Heire of Heaven .

Exhortation .

Vse 2 TO exhort us all in Gods feare to pray for Jerusalems Peace :

And this ought to be done secretly , privately , and publiquely ; secretly by our selves , privately with our families , and publiquely in the Assembly .

Beloved , if thou art so aged , or otherwise possessed with infirmities , as that thou canst not fight for the Church when she is in distresse : yet if thou cast Pray , thou art for the Churches turne ; and that thou maiest doe : for Prayer is a Spirituall quality of the Soule , which may be performed by a weake and infirmed body , and therefore as occasion is offered neglect not the same .

But , admit the Lord hath decreed ( as I hope he hath not ) that we should perish in a generall Calamity : yet notwithstanding , let us all endeavour for to die at the Altar , with Prayers in our mouthes .

Have not many Souldiers ( who are out of this life departed ) fighting , and dying in their owne blood , cryed aloud in the ears of God ? and shall we be silent who are left ( as yet ) alive after them ? Shall not we Pray for the Churches Peace , who living in the bosome of the Church , have had our lives given us for a Prey , in this time of War ?

Can we be so senselesse & carelesse both of our own and others present calamitou ; Condition ? That would not only be laid to our charge as a Sinne , but also redound to our great Shame , in succeeding Ages , even from all posterity .

Loe , this is a duty which we owe unto the Church our Mother , and she may justly claime it at our hands .

The word here Pray in our Text is rendred by some orate , and by others rogate , but the word in the Originall is 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 the which being translated is postulate , The Hebrew Radix is 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 which signifieth Rogavit , Quaesivit , & precibus impetravit ; impetrare , est quod petitur obtinere , in petione effectum habere .

That is to importune God uncessantly , ( and never to give him over ) by our Prayers , untill he be intreated of us that the Church enjoyeth her Peace .

Behold , our gracious God willingly accepteth uncessant Suters , and also dearly loveth importunate Petitioners : Yea , the more earnestly he is desired of us , the more sweetly he is delighted in us .

And therefore men of Israel helpe , helpe with your Prayers , Psal. 121.2 for our helpe standeth in the name of the Lord , who hath made Heaven and Earth .

So that it is He , and onely He , that can preserve the Churches Peace from disturbers .

Oh then let us flye and that speedily to the Lord of Hosts , and importunately implore his assistance ; Let us be earnest suters to heaven , and desire the Almighty to command his Angell to pitch his tents about his Church ; And for the preservation of her Peace , Zecha . 2.5 . that his providence may be as a wall of fire round about her , to surround and incircle her from the insurrection of wicked doers .

And thus whilst others digge out of the bowels of the earth powder and shot for our destruction , let us fetch our Ammunition from Heaven : let us looke up to the hils above , and to the heavens above them , from whence commeth our help .

Yea , let us all resolve with holy David , Psal. 44.6.7 . O Lord we will not trust in our bow , it is not our sword that can helpe us , but it is thou that savest us from our enemies , and puttest them to confusion that rise up against us .

Vnto thee therefore do we lift up our eyes , Psal. 123.1 . O thou that dwellest in the heavens .

O Pray for the Peace , &c.

And now by the way of a necessary digression , we are to pray not onely for the Church in generall , but also for our selves in particular :

Art thou fallen into any sinne ?

Then pray that thou maist recover thy foote out of the snarne of the Devil .

Doest thou stand upright in thine integrity ?

Then Pray that thou maiest not be led into Temptation .

And thus upon every occasion we should repaire unto the Throne of grace , to finde grace and helpe in the time of need ; that so we may have a speedy supply of assistance from heaven against all our infirmities .

At which Throne of grace , our faithfull and fervent prayers will find acceptance , and will be so prevalent both for our selves and others , that we shall grow in the strength thereof , from one degree of grace unto another , untill we become perfect members in Jesus Christ .

And therefore , let us not cease to pray particularly for our Selves , and generally for the Peace of the Church .

O Pray for the Peace , &c.

Reprehension .

Vse . 3 TO reprove all those persons that doe not pray for the Peace of the Church :

My Charitable censure of this Congregation is , that there are no such persons present here ; But if there be any , then to them I say ,

Oh Ungratious Children , what are ye utterly void of all humanity ?

Are ye stupified and become altogether senselesse of your Mother the Churches callamity ?

Are ye wholly deprived of all naturall affection ?

Is your Mother in misery , and can ye not mourne for her ?

Is Shee in adversity , and can ye not pitty her ?

Is she in distresse , and can ye not pray for her ?

Unto whom shall I compare you ? but unto that Widdow of whom S. Paul speaketh to Timothy , who living in pleasure , 1 Tim. 5.6 is dead whilst she liveth .

Or to the Angel of the Church of Sardis , of whom the blessed Spirit of God saith , Rev. 3.1 . Thou hast a name that thou livest , but thou art dead .

Loe thus , such persons are frozen in the dregges of their owne impieties , and will not suffer the heat of Gods blessed Spirit to enter into their hearts to dissolve them ;

Whereby their hearts might relent , and their bowels of Compassion yerne within them , towards the distressed Church which they professe to be their Mother .

Oh , how justly are those unnaturall Children to be reprehended !

Let therefore all such persons be ashamed for their neglect herein for the time that is past ; and make it their practice to pray for the Churches Peace for the time to come .

O Pray for the Peace of Jerusalem .

Consolation .

Vse 4 TO Comfort the hearts of all those persons that have conscionably performed this Christian duty of praying for the Peace of the Church ; for their reward is with God .

The God of the true Church , for whose Peace thou hast prayed , and whom thou hast greatly pittied when she was like a Lily amongst the Thornes , will one day imbrace thee in the armes of his mercy ;

And thou shalt see the Church in her perfect beauty , and shalt with her ( from God ) receive a Crowne of immortall glory .

And therefore comfort thy selfe , for having done the worke , thou shalt be sure to have thy wages , not as deserving any thing that is good at the hand of God , but onely proceeding from Him ex merâ gratiâ ; having laboured faithfully by fervent prayer , to procure the peace of the Church militant here upon earth ;

Thou shalt be sure to reigne with her when she shall be gloriously Tryumphant in heaven .

Where all tears shall be wiped from her eyes , and she shall sing Hallelujah , Praise , Rev. 5.13 . and Honour , and Glory and Power , be unto him that sitteth upon the Throne , and unto the Lambe for evermore .

And thus much for the exhortary Christian Religious Duty , set downe in this word Pray .

O Pray for the Peace , &c.

From which word you may remember the Doctrine .

Prayer to God is the onely salve to cure calamity , and to continue the favour of God unto his people .

And now let us come to the next considerable in our Text , viz. the Subject of this Duty , set downe in the word Peace .

From which word you may remember the Doctrine .

Doct. Peace is a pretious blessing of God , well deserving the prayers of his faithfull servants .

As I spake formerly of the Duty Pray , so now I shall say of the subject Peace ; I purpose not to handle it Common-place way , for then I must speake of Pacis externae , Internae & eternae , of Peace Externall , Internall , and Eternall ; and so should I be copious in the prosecution thereof , and consequently troublesome to your patience ; but through the assistance of Gods blessed Spirit , I will observe the same method as I began .

This word Peace , although it be but a short word , yet it worthily deserves our Devotions , and justly may bespeake our Prayers .

For , it is the Mother , yea and the Nurse too , of all earthly Blessings , without whose fostering and attendance , like wretched Infants left to themselves , they quickly dye and are turned againe to their dust .

And therefore cease not to Pray for the Peace of Jerusalem .

Peace , is a word but of one sillable , yet very pregnant in its signification , and may not unfitly be parallel'd to that Cloud which Elijah's servant saw , 1 King . 18 44. The which although at the first sight it seemed no bigger then a mans hand , yet it was full of water , and quickly over-spred it selfe over the face of the whole heavens .

Loe , such is the name of Peace , a little Cloud to looke upon , but very full of water ; for it conteines in it both the former and the latter raine of Gods mercy .

Peace , may fitly be compared to Pandora's Box , for it is ( as it were ) the Nest wherein all other good blessings are hatch't ; yea , the summe , complement , and Epitomy of all earthly felicity :

Arts , Sciences , Lawes , Trades , Husbandry , and all the good these bring us , are formed in her wombe , and suck the milke of her brest ; She first gives them life , and afterwards gives them growth and perfection .

Whereas , when War once invades the gates ; it deales with the Children of Peace as Herods Butchers did with the Infants of Bethlehem . Mat. 2.16 .

It ravishes them from the sweet embracements of their tender Mother , and cuts the throates of all her hopefull Progeny .

The time was that our English Nation thought themselves very secure , singing nothing but Requiem's of Peace , Peace unto themselves , Ier. 6.14 . as the Prophet Jeremy speaketh of the Jewes .

At which time , Reason should have perswaded them not to be so lulled asleep , and as it were bewitched with the sweet and charming name of Peace , as utterly to forget the time of War .

It is no ill policy whilst the weather is calme , to provide for a Storme ; for when once the Skie is obnubilate , the Cloudes are growne thick and black , the Tempest is up , and the great drops begin with violence to fall upon us , then it is necessarily high time for thin-cloathed persons to runne for a Shelter : The former of these we have improvidently neglected in the time of Peace , but alas the latter is now our present condition , being greatly afflicted in this time of War .

And therefore Pray for the Peace , &c.

Beloved , If ever there be a time that the Sea doth rejoyce , and the floods clap their hands for joy , as David saith there is ; If there be a time that the Hils are joyfull together , and all the Trees of the wood rejoyce before the Lord :

And if there be a time that the Vallies Psal 65.13 , 14. stand so thick with corne that they doe laugh and sing :

Surely , it is no other then the time of Peace .

For if once Nimrod the mighty Hunter be up with his Kennell of Plunderers at his heeles , they quickly make them alter their Note .

Loe then , Ioel. 1.12 . the harvest of the field is perished , the Vine is dryed up , and the figge-tree languisheth , the pomegranate tree , the palme tree and the apple tree , even all the trees of the field are withered , because joy is withered away from the sonnes of men .

And thus , all the joy of the field is by the noise of Drums , and the neighings of horses , and the clashing of Armes , quite dround and destroyed ; and so its mirth is turned into mourning :

And therefore Pray for the Peace , &c.

And doth not Religion also owe much unto Peace for her Pupillage & Protection ?

Surely , She spins the cloth for the Curtaines of Solomon . Prov. 31.

Take an example hereof , Acts 9.31 . Then had the Churches rest , saith the Text , throughout all Judea , and Galilee , and Samaria , And what then follow'd ? They were edified , and walked in the feare of the Lord , and were multiplied by the comfort of the holy Ghost .

Good dayes , Faire weather , and Peaceable times , make much for the Churches enlargement : But tempora si fuerint nubila , In the stormy winde and tempest ; Psal. 32.6 . In the great water-floods they will not come nigh her .

When the Earth is overwhelmed with a deluge of blood , no marvell if Religion flutters like Noah's Dove hither and thither , Gen. 8.9 . and finding no rest for the sole of her foot , returnes back to the Arke , into the hand of God that sent her forth .

So that now we may plainely perceive ; all Blessings both of Church and Common-wealth , as well Divine as secular , are wrapt and folded up ( as it were ) in the bosome and lap of Peace .

As that Great ARTIFICER Phidias , who made that famous BUCKLER for Minerva the Goddesse of the Athenians ; so contrived the same , that he wrought his owne name in the Center of the BUCKLER , which was so framed of severall pieces and minims , that it was impossible to race or pick it out , without destroying the whole worke :

So , Almighty God , the great Opifex rerum , as the Poet styles him , the Creator of the Universe , hath so interwoven his owne name and attribute who is the God of Peace , in the very heart and Center of the World , that it is impossible to race or pick Peace out , without the whole Series of Gods blessings fall to the ground .

And therefore Pray for the Peace , &c.

Thus much for the proofe of the Doctrine , arising from this word Peace , viz.

Peace is a pretious blessing of God , well deserving the prayers of his faithfull servants .

And now follow the Reasons to confirme the same .

Reas. 1 Because Peace is one of the fruits of Gods blessed Spirit , and therefore a pretious Blessing of God , well deserving the prayers of his faithfull servants .

The fruit of the spirit is love , joy , Peace , &c. Gal. 5.22 .

He that prayes not for it , is altogether unworthy of it , and may justly conceive he shall goe without it :

And he that prayeth for it , and doth obtaine it , let him not thinke there is any thing in himselfe that deserves it , but that it proceedes onely from the free grace of the God of Peace , Esay 9.6 . through him who is the PRINCE of Peace .

Reas. 2 Because the want of Peace is accounted as a Curse upon wicked men that have it not , this is their portion in judgement allotted unto them , to be tumbled and tossed , vexed and perplexed .

It was Jezebels expression to Jehu when he came to destroy her , Had Zimri Peace who slew his Master ? 2 King . 9.31 .

And to this purpose also speaketh the Prophet Isaiah , where he saith , Esay 57. ult. There is no Peace , saith my God to the wicked .

Reas. 3 Because of the great Benefits both Temporall and Spirituall which the blessing of Peace unto us produceth .

Temporall , In the time of Peace men may follow the ordinary workes of their particular callings , without molestation or interruption , whereby worldly wealth may be attained , which through Gods blessing upon it , may be for the comfort of our selves whilst we live , and the benefit of our families when we are dead .

Spirituall , In the time of Peace , the Temples of Gods may be freely frequented , the holy Communions reverently received , Opportunity had to hearken to the word preached , Leisure also to read , pray and meditate upon the sacred Scriptures , all tending to the salvation of the Soule in the world to come .

Whereas , if there be dissention and War , then the offices of husbandry and all profitable callings are neglected , corne and grasse are spoiled , houses fired , women ravished , all holy duties through fear of the Enemies violence omitted , whereby prophanenesse and barbarisme commeth to prevaile ; to the ruine of the body , and the destruction of the Soule .

All which are answerable to that Expression , Concordia res parvae crescunt , discordia dilabuntur . By Concord small things grow great , but by discord great things are soone wasted and brought to nothing .

Loe , thus beloved , I have apparently proved unto you , that Peace is a sweet Blessing ; a Blessing of Blessings , yea and as considerable a gift as any of those that descend from above .

And thus I passe from the Reasons of the Observation to the Application .

The Uses of this point are briefely foure , viz.

1. Vse of Caution . 2. Vse of Instruction . 3. Vse of Exhortation . 4. Vse of Thankefulnesse .

Caution .

Vse . 1 IS it so then that Peace is a pretious Blessing of God , well deserving the prayers of his faithfull servants ? Oh then , let us all beware and take heed , that we violate not that Peace which God is pleased to bestow upon us , by sowing the seedes of discord , and kindling the coales of dissention in those places where it is ; Eph. 4.3 . But doe our best endeavour to preserve the same , and to keepe the unity of the spirit in the bond of Peace :

That so we may be in a capacity to live comfortably in this world , and also prepare our selves to live joyfully in the world to come .

And therefore Pray for the Peace , &c.

Instruction .

Vse 2 TO teach us to lay the foundation of this Blessing of Peace above with God .

Wouldest thou be at peace with all men , and that all men should be at peace with thee ? then be thou carefull that thy conversation displease not God , that he may be at peace with thee , who hath all power ( when he pleaseth ) to turne the hearts of all men in the world against thee .

Wouldest thou be at peace with the Creatures , Iob 5.23 . and have a league made with the stones of the field , and the beasts of the field ? Then be thou at one with their Creator , whose hosts they are to destroy thee at his pleasure :

For the creatures are all armed against him , who by sinne taketh up armes against their Creator .

Doest thou desire to have inward Peace in thy Heart and Conscience , whereby to strengthen thy Heart , and comfort thy Conscience , in thy inward conflicts , and Spirituall combats , against the filthy lusts of the Flesh , that they infect thee not ; the inticing allurements of the world that they deceive thee not ; and the subtile suggestions of the Devill , that they destroy thee not ; whereby thy pretious soule ( maugre all Malignity ) may be safely preserved from Infection , Deception , and Destruction ?

Then thou must list thy selfe under the PRINCE of Peace , become a dutifull and faithfull servant unto his Commands , and a magnanimous and valiant Souldier , for to fight couragiously under his Banner .

Wouldest thou have all opposite power against thee subdued under thee , and thine enemies to become thy friends ? then let thy wayes please the Lord .

In a word , Wouldest thou enjoy prosperity ? then acquaint thy selfe with God , Iob 22.21 make peace and thou shalt have prosperity .

And labour speedily to become a Childe of the Church , Esa. 54.13 for much peace shall be to her Children .

Also delight thy selfe in the law of God . Psal. 1.2 , 3 , 4.

Object . But none have more peace in this world then the wicked man , he prospereth in the world , and all things goe well with him , even according to his hearts desire .

David is hunted like a Partridge upon the mountaines ; 1 Sam. 26.20 . while Saul and divers others joyfully pursue him , expecting his ruine .

Hezekiah liveth in pensivenesse , 2 King . 18. while Rabshakeh raileth blasphemously ( against him ) at his pleasure .

Lazarus lieth at the rich mans gate in a pittifull condition ; Luk. 16. while the rich man himselfe is at ease , and swimmeth in the confluence of outward good things .

The Jewes are sorrowfully captivated in Babylon ; Psal. 130.7 . while their reprochfull Enemies insultingly and triumphantly over them , are glad and rejoyce .

The Israelites are vassalized , Exod. 5. being oppressed with heavy burthens in Aegypt ; while Pharaoh and the Aegyptians live in jollity , and plot greater mischiefe against them .

And are there not also ( at this day ) here in England amongst our selves , many living in great want and poverty ; Godly , Religious , indigent , and poore persons , living in great want and poverty ; whose hunger-starved Skelleton-like bodies , are as it were Anatomized dead Corpses , while their Soules are still remaining in them ; lying under the heavy pressures , and intollerable burthens imposed upon them , the which have been unto many who lately have departed this present life , no lesse bitter then Death it selfe ; whose blood ( I am perswaded ) like that of Abels , cryes up into heaven for vengeance , to descend upon those their unnaturall , cruell , and mercilesse oppressours : the Lord in mercy towards our English Nation , speedily put a period to this Evill amongst us .

Whereas there are also amongst us , many godlesse , gracelesse , and vicious persons , Psal. 73.7 . whose eyes swell with fatnesse and they doe even what they lust ; fatting themselves ( without Repentance ) against the day of slaughter ; posting in the way that leads to the Land of everlasting darkenesse : and yet prosper in the world , enjoying ( for the present ) abundance of worldly wealth , Peace , and prosperity .

Loe , the consideration of this seemingly prosperous strange condition , exceedingly troubled the Prophet Jeremiah , Ier. 12.1 , 2 O Lord ( saith he ) if I dispute with thee , thou art righteous , yet let me talke with thee of thy just judgements : wherefore doth the way of the wicked prosper ? why are all they in wealth that rebelliously transgresse ?

Thou hast planted them , and they have taken root : they grow and bring forth fruit : thou art neere in their mouth , and far from their reines .

And this also greatly grieved the Prophet David , My feet ( saith he ) were almost gone ; Psal. 73.2 , 3. my treadings had well-nigh slipt .

And why ? I was grieved at the wicked : I doe also see the ungodly in such prosperity .

Thus , the flourishing , imperious and prosperous condition of wicked men , spreading themselves like a greene Bay-tree , and bringing their enterprises to passe according to their owne hearts desires , while the Children of God lie low in the dust , Psal. 102.9 eating ashes as it were bread , and mingling their drinke with weeping , are trampled upon by their Insolencies , Oppressions , and prophane Censures ; caused David ( being a tall and well rooted Cedar ) to stagger : yea , this Conflict had neere surprised him ; this Tempest had wel-nigh overwhelmed him ; and this Blow had almost wounded his faith unto death ; had he not timely stept into the Sanctuary of the Lord , and there understood the end of those men ; How suddenly they are destroyed , perished , and horribly consumed .

The words in the Originall are 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 the which being translated are Consumpti sunt à terroribus .

So that the Peace and prosperous estate that ungodly men have , though it seeme to the world never so pleasing and delightfull ; yet notwithstanding , it is but of short continuance and full of feares .

Such men like Damocles at Dyonisius Table , may feede their hopes with the choisest dainties ; but the just revenging Sword of the righteous God , being pendulous over their heads , threatens fearfull judgements to fall upon them to their destruction .

Answ. Wicked men have indeed a kinde of Peace , but it is onely outward , not inward , nor grounded on peace with God : and therefore although to the world it may seeme faire and flourishing , yet notwithstanding it is but deceitfull , unsound and vanishing .

Zophar the Naamathite compares it to a Dreamo , Iob 20.5 , 6 , 7. affirming that the wicked mans joy is but for a moment .

So that although his Excellency mount up to the heavens , and his head reacheth unto the clouds . Yet shall he perish for ever like his dung .

The holy Ghost compares it to the crackling of thornes under a pot , Eccles. 7.6 . which for a time make a faire blaze , and a great noise , but all is almost ended , as soone as kindled .

Yea , the Peace of wicked men is so deceitfull , as that it most deceiveth them when they depend most upon it .

It is S. Pauls expression , 1 Thes , 5.3 When they shall say , Peace and safety : then sudden destruction commeth upon them , as travaile upon a woman with childe , and they shall not escape .

The which made the Prophet Amos say , Amos 8.9 . that the Lord will cause their sun to goe downe at noone .

As Belshazzar sunke downe at his banquet , Dan. 5.5 , 6. when he saw the hand writing upon the wall .

So that their Peace is but a Truce for a time , which once expired , the Lord is up in Armes , for further revenge against them .

Loe , thus beloved we see , that although wicked men sometimes have peace , yet it will be unto them no better then a broken reede of Aegypt , deceitfull , unsound , and vanishing .

And therefore that our Peace may be the more permanent , let us lay the foundation of it above with God .

And cease not to pray unto him , for the Peace of Jerusalem .

Exhortation .

Vse . 3 TO exhort us all in Gods feare to doe our best endeavours to procure this blessing of Peace .

And here I shall speake Per 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , id est cùm per contraria amplificamus , A prevalent Motive hereunto may be taken from the contrary , viz. the great calamity , the miserable misery , and the devouring destruction of woefull War .

The worth of a Jewel is best knowne by its want ; witnesse the long absence of our Gracious and Dread Soveraigne .

For good things are knowne Carendo , magis quàm fruendo , as the Philosopher speakes ; better by their lack then their enjoyment .

And we are likely to judge more exactly of a beautifull picture , by casting our eyes upon some deformed misshapen draught that stands neere unto it .

Answerable hereunto , turne but your eyes now a little from the beautifull face of Peace , to behold the deformed and ugly , morphewed vizor of War .

And here I shall not need to ship your meditations for a waftage beyond the Seas ; that so I might land you on the desolate shore of Germany , or the no lesse woefull and blood drunke Country of Ireland :

Although it might be well worth your labour , sometimes to be imbarked for such a meditation .

I shall not need to travell far abroad to shew you the dismall face of War , Woe and alas , our owne Country and Clime hath saved me that labour .

For looke either East , West , North , or South , this way or that way , and you may see the blood of your brethren that lately hath been spilt like water on every side of Jerusalem .

And not onely seene with your eyes , but also heard with your eares , the daily dolorous and Tragicall tidings , of the sacking of Cities , the burning of Towns , the Plundering of Houses , the filling of Prisons , the emptying of Purses , yea and of veines too , for there hath beene Bloodshed , Ruine , Destruction , and Heapes upon Heaps , so that many thousands of our Christian Brethren have lately lost their lives in this unchristian Quarrell .

And yet notwithstanding ( alas ) what is all this ? for unlesse the blessing of Peace commeth in to succour us , all these are like to be with us but the beginning of sorrowse . Mat. 24.8 .

Our dissention hath been a Civill , Domesticall , and intestine War , in the very bowels of the Kingdome , and may fitly be parallel'd to that Burthen of Aegypt which God laid upon their shoulders by his Prophet . Esa. 19.2 . I will set the Aegyptians against the Aegyptians : and they shall fight every one against his Brother , and every one against his neighbour , City against City , and Kingdome against Kingdome .

Which cals to minde those destructive dayes that our Saviour predicted should lead on this wicked world to its utmost period .

There shall be five in one house divided , Luk. 12.52 . three against two , and two against three .

Beloved , I need not tell you that this day this Scripture is fulfilled in your eares , you know it right well ( unlesse you be onely strangers in Jerusalem , and know not the things that are come to passe there in these dayes ) That this unnaturall War hath engaged the Father against the Sonne , and the Sonne against the Father ; and the Brother against the Brother .

Who like the Serpentine Brood of Cadmus , sheath their swords in each others bowels .

Pereunt per mutua vulnera fratres .

And now in this unnaturall Condition , ( not much digressing ) I shall in a few words give some Religious directions unto the Souldiers , being the Instruments of War , concerning their deportment in their Warfare .

The Lords servant Joshua , Iosh. 12.24 . being Israels most Noble and valiant Generall , who had the leading of six hundred thousand men , and Conquered one and thirty severall Kings in a short time ; having received his Commission from the Lord of Hosts , Iosh. 1.2 . Rev. 19.16 who is the King of Kings , and Lord of Lords , had this exhortation from the Lord , annexed unto it , with a gratious promise unto his proceedings : Iosh. 1.8 . Let not this booke of the Law depart out of thy mouth , but meditate therein day and night , that thou mayest observe and doe according to all that is written therein : for then shalt thou make thy way prosperous , and then shalt thou have good successe . The which is recorded and still remaineth in force for succeeding Ages .

Hence then , All Souldiers should learne , that in all their Military Actions , they ought to make the word of God to be their guide ; for the Omniscient and Omnipotent God is the great and universall Warriour of the whole world , He it is who directeth every Bullet , Sword , Speare , and Dart to the Person appointed . And wherefore it commeth to passe , that in the Battell some are wounded , some out-right killed , and some escape untouched , is a secret lockt up in the bosome of God , and therefore not to be pried into by the sons of men .

Every Souldier that putteth himselfe into Military service , and doth execution upon others , ought to have in his heart zeale for the glory of God , without any by-ends , or sinister-respects of his owne unto himselfe , otherwise , he is a Murtherer in the sight of God : For the Lord saith by his Prophet Hoseah . Hos. 1.4 .

〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉

I will visit the blood of Jezreel upon the house of Jehu : That is , I will be revenged upon Jehu for the blood that he shed in Jezreel : for although God stirred him up to execute his judgements upon wicked persons , yet he did that Military service for his owne Ambition , thereby to satisfie the lusts of his owne proud heart , and not for the glory of God .

The word there in the Originall is 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 which signifieth bloods , intimating thereby to the world , that the blood of every particular person that hath been so shed by a party not so qualified , shall be reputed as Murther in the sight of God .

Oh then let every Souldier seriously examine his owne heart in what condition he standeth , whether he be justly acquitted for what he hath done in that nature , or standeth guilty as a Murtherer in the sight of God .

Object . But happily some Souldier may here say in defence of himselfe , who hath not chiefely and zealously aimed at the glory of God in the passages of his hostile service ; I have beene pressed to this service against my will , and that which I have done in any Battell was but in mine owne defence , and therefore if I have slaine any , the guilt of that blood will lye upon those that compelled me so to doe , my selfe shall be acquitted of it , and they themselves responsible for it : but howsoever ( I know assuredly ) that the Lawes of the Land can lay no hold upon me for it .

Answ. Although thou maiest have security given thee from all Temporall Lawes , and freedome from all corporall punishments ; yet notwithstanding , Murther is such a cruell , bloody , hainous , and horrible sinne , as that the guilt thereof will continually wound thy Conscience , and constantly will follow thee at the heeles , as the Jaylor doth his Prisoner , ever stinging , vexing , troubling , and tormenting thee , at the inevitable remembrance of the righteous judgements , and just vengeance of the all-powerfull revenging God , unto which ( by the sinne of Murther ) thou hast made thy selfe lyable every houre , untill thou doest truly , throughly , and heartily repent thee of it .

And therefore whosoever thou art that takest upon thee the honourable calling of a Souldier , examine thy condition by the word of God , viz. The justice of thy cause ; the willingnesse of thy heart ; the lawfulnesse of thy calling : the readinesse of thy obedience to Gods commands , as to strike when he biddeth , and to forbeare when he forbiddeth .

Have regard unto this I humbly pray thee ; as also not to Rob , nor Plunder , nor Kill , nor fight , but against a lawfull Enemy : ever remembring , and constantly practising that Religious exhortation of Moses , Deut. 23.9 . unto Souldiers when they goe to War ; When the Hoaste goeth forth against the enemies , then keepe thee from every wicked thing . And so shall thy service bring glory to God , Credit to thy Person , and comfort to thy Conscience .

And as Souldiers in a skirmish , if they keepe not Ranke and File , they will be in danger of their bodies destruction : So in like manner , if Souldiers observe not these Rules , they will be in danger of perishing their Soules .

But alas , all Souldiers observe not these Rules , for many times in the Wars , there is Gaine instead of Godlinesse , Courage instead of Equity , Blood-thirstinesse instead of Valour , Policy instead of Justice ; and which is also greatly to be lamented , in many Souldiers no Religion : for seldome doe they pray till they be in danger of Death : And yet how carefull ought they to be to have grace in their hearts , who carry ( as it were ) their lives continually in their hands ? But O how defective are many of them , of what they ought to be ; being full of fierce fury , enraged Violence , cruell Hatred , cursed covetousnesse , thievish Plundering , swinish Drunkennesse , beastly Whoredome , abhominable Oathes , horrid Blasphemies , hellish Curses , impure Discourses , terrible Threatnings , false Accusations , filthy Communications , &c. The consideration whereof greatly grieveth the soules of Consciencious men , and frequently maketh their hearts to tremble within them .

Can such irregular Souldiers to the Lawes of God , hopefully expect in mercy a Blessing from God , upon their Military Designes and Actions ? Certainely no : but rather in judgement fear a Curse , where by there shall be to themselves nothing but Ruine & Confusion .

And therefore I heartily wish that all Souldiers would henceforth carry themselves ( in all their thoughts , words , and Warlike Actions ) so Religiously towards God , as that they may be constantly in favour with him , and consequently have him for their Protectour in their greatest danger : and not resolutely to follow the wicked wayes , and leud lusts of their owne corrupted hearts , to the great dishonour of God in this world , and the everlasting and just condemnation of their owne soules in the world to come .

But here peradventure some may Object , Object . We fight for the maintenance and continuance of the Protestant Religion .

Unto which I answer ,

Answ. Religion , as it is in truth and sincerity , is highly and greatly to be esteemed , being a Divine honouring of God , according to his holy will revealed in his word : but woe and alas may we all justly cry out , as it hath beene formerly , so it is now in these disasterous dayes especially , the delusive specious Pretence , the deceitfull dangerous Masker , and the dazling golden outside of all Rebellion .

And to the great griefe both of our Dread Soveraigne , and all His faithfull Subjects , the very Load-stone to draw and attract the Iron hearts of many thousands of this Kingdome , into unnaturall , unchristian and horrid Rebellion , against all just , Regall and lawfull Authority .

Under which delusive Pretence , of fighting for the Protestant Religion , there hath been produced many unhappy , yea cursed effects of late amongst us , of which I will nominate a few , viz. The Omission of the holy Prayer of Jesus Christ .

The not publishing of the Law of God .

The not reading of the Apostles Creed .

The not administring of the Sacrament of the Lords Supper .

The mixture of the Fancies , Inventions , and Corruptions of men , with the pure and holy Gospell of Jesus Christ , The deprivation of all the Lands , Livings , Goods and Estates , of all the Nobility , Gentry , Clergy , and Laity of this Kingdome , that either are or were of the Kings Party .

The over-burdening of this whole Kingdome with intollerable Taxes .

The bitter , fatall and deadly imprisonment of many for their Kingly fidelity , in which Prisons some of them yeelded up their soules into the hands of their heavenly Father , my selfe then being in the Metropolis of this Kingdome a Prisoner with them , and at the deaths of divers of them .

These , together with the losse of many thousands of the Kings faithfull adhering Subjects innocent lives , have beene some of those woefull effects , which the delusive specious Pretence of fighting for the Protestant Religion , hath lately produced amongst us in this Kingdome .

God in mercy looke upon us , and speedily deliver us all out of this destructive and calamitous condition .

War , may not unfitly be compared to a cruell wilde Beast , a Savage Tyger , or a fierce Lion , which at the best lookes gasht and grim , even then when he is first rouzed out of his Den :

But nothing to that he will doe afterwards , when he hath been well baited and chafed .

Oh , then death sparkles through every looke : And in the end he growes savage , and teares and rents all that lies in his way .

God looke downe in mercy upon us , and keepe us from those distastefull fruits of War that other Nations have tasted ; Sower fruits have they been unto them , by which their teeth have been set on edge : such as the Dishonouring of Matrons , the Deflowring of Virgins , the tossing of Children upon the pikes of remorslesse Souldiers , the rosting of Infants , Murthers , Rapes , Massacres and all Tragicall Pompe of bloody cruelty that useth to attend upon the inraged Sword .

And when the Sword hath acted his part awhile , and the Drums sounded alarums to the Battell , and the Trumpets blown preparatives for the War , and the Cannons roared loud destruction from the one end of the Kingdome to the other :

Then steps up Famine for a new scene of Misery , and this proves no lesse cruell , and altogether as fatall as the former .

Then , those over-gorged stomacks and full bellies , that have been too much filled with dainty diets variety , must be made a prey to the hungry jawes of pining Scarcity .

This sets forth the Prophets cry in the streets , My leanenesse , my leanenesse . Esa. 24.16 .

This brings the late fastidious & over-curious palate , to the loathsome diet of Horse flesh , and Dogs flesh , and vermine , and excrements of Beasts ; yea , of old shooes and leather trunkes .

Such a black Bill of distastefull dyet and surfeiting fare Josephus brings in of Gods owne people , when Titus and Vepatian laied siege to the wals of Jerusalem .

The Children there cryed out unto their Mothers , Lam. 2.12 . Where is bread and drinke ? when they swoonded as the wounded in the streets of the City , and gave up the ghost in their Mothers bosome .

Yea , the Prophet complaines there , of the peoples extreamity through Famine ;

Behold O Lord ( saith he ) and consider to whom thou hast done this : shall the women eat their fruit , and Children of a span long ? Verse 20. The words in the Originall are 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 Little of educations .

What obdurate hearted Parents cannot mourne for their little Infants in so great extreamity ?

Also the Famine in Samaria was so great , 2 King . 6.25 . that an Asses head was sold at fourscore pieces of Silver , and the fourth part of a Cab of Doves dung at five pieces of silver .

Yea , in the extremity of Famine , Mothers have eaten their owne Children ; which caused the woman to cry out against her neighbour unto the King , Helpe , my Lord , O King .

The King said unto her , What aileth thee ? And she answered , this woman said unto me , Give thy sonne that we may eat him to day , and we will eat my sonne to morrow .

So we sod my sonne , and did eat him , and I said to her the day after , Give thy sonne that we may eat him , but she hath hid her son .

When the King heard this , 2 King . 6. he rent his clothes , in token of humiliation .

Oh , whose heart cannot relent within him , at the consideration of this woefull condition : That the hunger-starved and pined mother , though compassionately affected and tender hearted to her Infant , shall be driven to dish up her owne Childe for a Breakfast .

And thus a miserable Myriam sacrificing her sonne to famine , shall be constrained to make the Wombe of her increase , the Tombe of her posterity .

And so to turne the fruit of the Wombe into meat for the belly .

Beloved , if it be a griefe to any to hear this ; what then will it be for them to see it and suffer it ?

Loe , thus have we heard of the woefull misery of Famine which War produceth .

And therefore let us all in Gods feare doe our best endeavours to procure the Blessing of Peace .

O Pray for the Peace of Jerusalem .

The word here Peace in our Text in the Original is 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 à radice 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 quod significat pacem habere , id est , pace vel prosperitate frui , which signifieth to have Peace , that is to say , to enjoy Peace or prosperity .

And would we not willingly enjoy Peace ? certainely yea ; Then let us now at the last learne the true and right way to remedy this our evill of War amongst us ; lest by our carelesnesse and continuance in wickednesse , our 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 the house of God become ( unto us ) 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 the house of Affliction : and our 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 the Vision of Peace ; be made ( unto us ) 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 a most homely and unpleasant place : and our 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 the house of Grace and Favour ; be turned ( against us ) into 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 the house of Anger and Displeasure : and whereby also the Lords long-suffering turne ( against us ) into Wrath , and consequently the Sword of War our lives into Death .

The Meanes then to attaine Gods blessing of Peace in this our disturbed Kingdome follow , and they are these , viz.

The first is Prayer .

The second is Humiliation .

The third is casting away all our transgressions .

For a Man to be in Misery and not to Pray ; is an infallible Signe of his Infidelity .

For a man to pray , and not to humble himselfe , is an evident Token of his Hypocrisie .

For a man to pray , and humble himselfe , and not cast away all his Transgressions ; is an apparent Testimony of his Obstinacy .

And therefore , to free our selves from the guilt of Infidelity , Hypocrisie , and Obstinacy , let us speedily put in practice the Meanes here prescribed , viz. Prayer , Humiliation , and Casting away all our Transgressions .

Concerning the first of these , viz. Prayer ; I shall not need to say much , because I have spoken so largely thereof already ; yet notwithstanding in regard Prayer is one of those Meanes here prescribed , for the Aversion of the judgement of War from us , I shall therefore speake a little more thereof .

Prayer , is the great prevailing Ordinance of God ; both for a prevention from our falling into evils , and also for our speedy deliverance out of them , being fallen into them .

The Saints of God have ever made Prayer the Alpha and Omega , of all their Actions .

The good and right use of holy Prayer amongst devout and Religious persons , hath alwayes been esteemed both the first and last Remedy in our greatest dangers ; as being most prevalent with God for our speedy deliverance : For when all earthly Policy , and worldly Stratagems are fled from us , and all our former fast friends shrinkingly from us , have forsaken us , and Death stands at our elbowes ready to seize upon us ; yet still Prayer is left with us , as a gracious Oratour , and an effectuall Advocate to intercede for us .

And unto this we have Gods owne Injunction , Psal. 50.15 Call upon me in the day of trouble : so I will deliver thee , and thou shalt glorifie me .

And here also we must remember , that our Prayer must be cordiall if it be prevalent .

Non vox sed votum , non musica cordula , sed cor clamat in aure Dei .

It s not the voice , but the vote ; not the musicall harmony , but the heart that cryeth in the eare of God .

Thus Hannah prayed , 1 Sam. 1.13 she spake in her heart : her lips onely did move , but her voice was not heard .

Yea , Prayer hath also beene the Practice of the Saints of God in the time of their calamity : as for example .

David Prayed to the Lord when he was in trouble : Psal. 120.1 and the Lord heard him .

Hezekiah Prayed to the Lord to send him aide against the King of Ashur : 2 King . 19.15 , 16 , 17 , 18 , 19. 2 King . 6.18 . And he prevailed .

Elisha Prayed to the Lord to smite his enemies with blindnesse that were sent to apprehend him : And he obtained .

Jehoahaz , 2 King . 13.4 . Prayed to the Lord being surprized by the King of Aram : And he was delivered .

Asa , 2 Chro. 14 Prayed to the Lord for aide against his enemies : And the Lord smote the Ethiopians before Asa , and before Judah ; and the Ethiopians fled .

Jehoshaphat , 2 Chro. 20 Prayed to the Lord for helpe against the Ammonites , Moabites , and inhabitants of Mount Seir his enemies that came against him to destroy him ; And the Lord laid ambushments against them , and they fought one against another , and when the Ammonites , and Moabites had destroyed the men of Mount-Seir , then every one helped for to kill each other .

The Israelites cryed to the Lord when they were in trouble , Exod. 2. Iudg. 6. Psal. 107. and he heard them and delivered them .

Loe , thus the Lord hath formerly heard the Prayers of his servants being in afflictions , and also granted their requests , for his glory and their comfort : and still he is the same God , his hand is not shortned . Esay 59.1 .

And therefore let us not neglect to practise this duty of Prayer , it being the great prevailing Ordinance of God ; either to prevent us of falling into troubles , or else to free us out of them , being fallen into them .

For the Second , viz. Humiliation .

We have Gods Querie to the Prophet Elijah , concerning the Aversion of Gods judgements from Ahab ; Seest thou how Ahab humbleth himselfe before me ? 1 King . 21.29 . Because he humbleth himselfe before me , I will not bring the evill in his dayes : but in his sonnes dayes will I bring the evill upon his house .

And when God ( by his Prophet Jonah ) threatned the Ninevites , adhuc quadraginta dies , & Nineve subvertetur . Yet forty dayes and Nineveh shall be destroyed .

Yet notwithstanding , upon their Humiliation , that threatning was reversed , and the Nirevites preserved . And God saw their workes , Iona. 3.10 that they turned from their evill waies : and God repented of the evill that he had said , that he would doe unto them , and he did it not .

What ? were the sinfull Ninevites spared from Destruction , through Gods mercy towards them upon their Humiliation ?

Oh then , how ought we in this our present and deplorable condition , to make expression of our Humiliation with zealous Nehemiah , Neh. 1.4 . who when he heard of Jerusalems Calamity , He sate downe and wept , and mourned certaine dayes , and fasted and prayed before the God of Heaven .

Humility , is the first helpefull step , by which we ascend the heavenly Throne of Gods sacred Majesty for mercy ; and also the first raising Round of Godly Jacobs long reaching Ladder , by which , like swift Angels , our pretious Soules climbe up to God in Heaven , and his holy Angels , and heavenly blessings descend downe to us upon earth .

Loe , thus the most great and glorious God , whose habitation is in the highest Heavens ; Esa. 57.15 yet also vouchsafeth his gratious presence , to dwell amongst humble minded men here upon Earth , in the lowest hearts .

Therefore , one of the meanes to obtaine mercy , in this our present misery is , in , by , and through Humility .

But admit thou canst not by thy Humiliation obtaine at the hands of God , the deliverance of a Nation from a Generall calamity : yet notwithstanding , thou shalt thereby procure for thy selfe the Marke of the Servant of God . Ezek. 9.4 .

And although our Humiliation be not the cause of healing our Lands distempers ; yet notwithstanding , it is one of those meanes which God hath ordained for procuring the Cure thereof : and therefore it must not be neglected by us ; for , God hath commanded us to use the meanes to attaine the end .

And using the meanes as we ought , there will be no cause for us to doubt , of Gods blessing upon them .

Despaire not then of helpe in thy greatest dejection , for there is yet Balme in Gilead , and Hope in England : And as Shechaniah once said unto Ezra in another case ,

Yet now there is Hope in Israel concerning this thing . Ezra 10.2 The which I hope may not unfitly be applyed to us English Natives in these many , present , and great distractions amongst us : For God is more mercifull , then we have been sinfull , if we can be truely sorrowfull .

And for the proofe hereof , I will declare unto you two examples in the holy Scriptures .

The one in the time of the Law ;

And the other in the time of the Gospel .

1. That in the time of the Law , shall be that of Manasseh the King of Judah ; He was a notorious Malignant against the Lord , He committed many horrible and hainous abominations , wherewith the Lord was wrathfully displeased against him .

He shed so much innocent blood , till he had filled Jerusalem from one end to another .

Wherefore the Lord brought upon him and his people , 2 King . 21.16 . the Captaines of the Hoast of the King of Ashur , which tooke Manasheh , and put him in fetters , and bound him in Chains , and carried him to Babylon .

And when he was in tribulation he prayed to the Lord his God , and humbled himselfe greatly before the God of his Fathers , and prayed unto him : and God was intreated of him , and heard his prayer , and brought him againe to Jerusalem into his Kingdome .

So that , what although thou hast formerly fallen into sinne , and thereby greatly provoked the Lord to wrath against thee ? yet notwithstanding , now at the last returne unto God , and humble thy selfe before him :

Cast downe thy selfe before the Lord , Psal. 15.17 and he will lift thee up : he will not despise the Sacrifice of a sorrowfull spirit .

He will not reject the sighing of a contrite spirit . Esay 66.22

He will dwell with thre , Esa. 57.15 and revive thy humble spirit , and give life to thy contrite heart . And will heale thy backslidings , Hos. 14.4 . and love thee freely , and turne away his anger from thee .

2. And for a Gospel-patterne hereof , Luke 15. looke upon the Parable of the Prodigall .

Who by his riotous living greatly grieved the tender heart of his loving Father , whereby also he vexatiously provoked him to displeasure against him : yet notwithstanding , when in Humility he returned unto his grieved and angry Father ; Loe then , His Father received him joyfully , imbraced him lovingly kissed him sweetly , and forgave him freely .

And therefore prepare thy selfe in Humility for to meet thy God . Amos 8.12

And also to walke humbly before him . Mic. 6.8 .

And so shall we , by the sorrowfull tears of penitential water , quench ( through Gods gratious acceptance ) the furious fire of his fierce displeasure , and have him to be unto us againe , a reconciled Father in Jesus Christ .

And for the third , viz. Casting away all our Transgressions .

We have Jehues Querie to Jehoram , concerning the destruction of his Mother Jezabel ; 2 Kings 9.22 . What Peace , so long as the whoredomes of thy Mother Jezabel , and her witchcrafts are so many ?

Yea , beloved , and as for our Sinnes , we must be so far from having Many ; as that we must not willingly reteine Any : But deale with them all , as Moses ( in another case ) once answered Pharaoh , concerning the Israelites Cattell , Exo. 10.26 There shall not an hoofe be left behinde .

Even so beloved , for a speedy , present , and permanent prevention , of farther , future , and greater mischiefes , that by continuance in any one of our sinnes may befall us ; Every true Christian must have regard in the sincerity of his heart , to walke in a constant , cordiall , and universall obedience to all Gods Commandements :

He must not foster , cherish , or keepe any one sinne whatsoever : For S. Peter bids us lay aside ( not some , but ) all malice , 1 Pet. 2.1 . and all guile , and hypocrisies .

And S. Paul exhorts us to abstaine from all appearance of evill . 1 Thes. 5.22

And to cleanse us from all filthinesse of the flesh , and spirit . 1 Cor. 7.1 .

And S. Jude would have us to hate even the garment spotted by the flesh . Iude 23.

And S. James tels us , Iam. 2.10 . Whosoever shall keepe the whole Law , and yet faileth in one point , ( meaning wilfully ) he is guilty of all .

Oh then , let us all in Gods feare , take heed of our Serpentine Delilahs , Iudg. 16. and beware of our soule-destroying Herodias's . viz. Mar. 6. Our bosome , deare , and darling sinnes :

And let none of us say of that sinne , Gen. 19.20 as once Lot did ( in another case ) of Zoar , Is it not a little one , and my soule shall live ?

Unto which I answer , Though that sin in thy judgement seeme never so small , yet the effect which it will produce unto thee , will be that of Joabs Sword unto Abner , viz. 2 Sam. 2.26 bitternesse in the latter end .

Resembling that little booke which S. John did eat . Rev. 10.10

Though for the present it be sweet in thy mouth ; yet for the future it will be bitter in thy belly .

For the sweete meat of Sinne , must have the sower sauce of Punishment .

And as Jonathan spake of the death of his body , 1 Sam. 14.43 . for the tasting of a little hony ; I did but taste a little hony with the end of the rod that was in mine hand , and loe , I must die .

So in like manner , the exercising of thy sweet-darling-sinne , though never so little , and living and dying in it ( without repentance ) will be the everlasting destruction of thy soule .

So that , If we desire the aversion of Gods bitter judgements of War from us , and the comfortable enjoyment of his sweet mercies , and blessing of Peace upon us ; then must we imitate the Widdow in the Gospel , seeking that shee had lost , Luk. 15.8 . who swept her house , to finde her Groat .

So in like manner , we must sweepe , purge , and clense our hearts of all filthinesse and corruption ; if seeking we desire to finde Gods blessing of Peace .

Otherwise , the terrible sword of Gods justice against us for our sinnes , will still continue the Wars in our gates .

Alas beloved , shall any of us of this English Nation , who live in the heavenly Light of the glorious Gospel , and also unto whom both the Law and Gospel have been for many years together , both clearly , plentifully , and powerfully preached ; be so spiritually blind , and full of unregenerate darkenesse , as not to see , that those unexpelled sinnes which lie lurking still in our soules , cause the continuation of these unnaturall Wars in our Land ?

Or can any of us be so blockishly senselesse , or stupidly ignorant in our understanding , as to have the least conception , or thought in our hearts , that the holy and righteous God , will be so mercifull and friendly unto us , as to remove the raging Wars from us , while we retaine our crying sinnes with us , which make us become enemies unto him ; calling continually and earnestly upon him , to open the Vials of his fierce wrath and vengeance , and poure downe his fearfull and terrible judgements , in his great displeasure and indignation upon us to our utter destruction ?

Observe ( with me ) I pray you , the Lords former and just proceedings , against the Violators of his sacred Lawes :

Was there ever any Transgressors of the Decalogue , viz. the Ten Commandements of the Morall Law , who continued in their sinnes , and had not punishment ( from God ) inflicted upon them to their destruction ?

Take a view with me of those particular Offenders against those Ten severall Commandements : as for example ,

The Idolatrous Israelites violating the First Commandement , by making other Gods , were so smitten by the hand of God , Ex. 32.27 . as that both brethren , companions and neighbours , ( contrary to all naturall affection ) sheathed their swords in each others bowels .

Superstitious Nadab and Abihu violating the Second Commandement , by offering strange fire upon the Altar , Lev. 10.2 . were both of them ( both speedily and fearefully ) consumed by fire .

The blasphemous Aegyptian Israelite violating the Third Commandement , Lev. 24.16 by blaspheming the Sacred name of Almighty God , was stoned to death .

The prophane and carelesse Stickgatherer violating the Fourth Commandement , Numb . 15.32 , 36. by gathering Sticks upon the Sabaoth day , was also stoned to death .

Rebellious Absalom violating the Fifth Commandement , 2 Sam. 18.9 , 14. by raising War against his Father David , whom he ought ( both by the Law of God and Nature ) in all filiall duty to have obeyed ; was hanged upon an Oake in his owne haire , and also thrust through with three Darts by the hand of Joab .

Blood-thirsty Cain violating the Sixth Commandement , Gen. 4.8 , 15. by murthering his brother Abel , was branded with the marke of Gods indignation .

Uncleane Zimri and Cozbi violating the Seventh Commandement , Num. 25.8 . by committing the filthy fact of Fornication , were thrust through both their bodies with a Javeling , by the hand of zealous Phinehas .

Avaritious Achan violating the Eighth Commandement , Iosh. 7.21 , 24 , 25. by taking a Babylonish garment , two hundred Shekels of silver , and a Wedge of gold ; Loe , himselfe , his sonnes , his daughters , his oxen , his asses , his sheepe , and all that he had , was stoned to death , and burned with fire in the valley of Achor .

Dissembling Ananias and his wife Sapphira violating the Ninth Commandement , Act. 5.5 , 10. by lying and dissembling , concealing their Sacriledge , were both of them ( through Gods displeasure ) about three houres the one after the other , smitten dead at the feet of S. Peter .

And Covetous Ahab violating the Tenth Commandement , 1 King , 22.38 . desiring and thirsting after Naboths Vineyard , his blood was devoured by dogges .

Loe , thus beloved , we evidently see , that the Transgressors of Gods Lawes , continuing in their sinnes , have punishments constantly attending upon them , and also swiftly following after them , to their ruine , subversion , and destruction .

And therefore for a speedy prevention of our owne Confusion , let us all ( in Gods feare ) even speedily cast away all our transgressions .

Otherwise , we may justly feare , that the righteous Lord in his fury will fiercely come against us , and draw forth his revengefull sword upon us , and never leave us , till he hath destroyed us : for thus hath been his former practice against obstinate sinners continuing in their sins .

And this truth also holy David confesseth , God shall wound the head of his enemies : Psal. 68.21 . and the hairie scalpe of such a one as goeth on still in his wickednesse .

A notable & fearfull Example hereof we have in the Lords righteous dealing against Jerusalem , who had many fore-warnings both by the Lords Prophets in the time of the Law , and also by Christ himselfe in the time of the Gospel , to forsake her sins , and by timely and true Repentance to turne unto the Lord :

But alas , She still continued in them without Reclamation , the which at the last turned to her owne destruction .

So that it may now truly be said of Her , with great Griefe , Shame , and Reproach unto Her ;

Jerusalem , that formerly was a beautifull , famous , glorious and Sceptred City ; hath now bequeathed no other Monument to Posterity , then the hatefull Character , the odious Embleme , and the disgracefull Example of her owne Shame and Infamy .

She , who sometimes splendidly shone as the bright glorious Star of the East , to the terrour of all her neighbour Nations , and also the admiration of the whole world ; serves now but as a prodigious Signe , or blazing Comet in the view of the world , for to threaten all Nations sinfull Security .

That sacred Sanctuary , wherein the holy God had set his rest , and would have been the peoples delight and glory ; was afterwards not onely irreligiously profaned , but also abominably prostituted to all Impiety .

Those stately Streets being full fraught with sumptuous Buildings , wherein Pride was wont to vaunt her selfe with Ostentation ; are now become the stinking dunghills , and noysome Receptacles of uncleane , filthy , and ugly Vermine .

Also the losse of divers hundred thousands of Lives , by the Romane military Power , together with the Persons remaining scattered Ruines , who are ( as yet ) groaning under the worlds scorne and their owne Calamity .

Loe , These were some of those wofull Miseries , and cruell heart-breaking Calamities , which Jerusalem justly suffered for her continuance in sinne .

But of this particular concerning Jerusalem , more largely towards the end of this Booke .

So that the continuation of wicked mens perversenesse , is the immediate fore-runner of Gods vengeance .

Continuance in our sinnes , stoppeth the eares of God to our prayers .

Yea , if our hearts have but an inclination to evill , though our hands perpetrate it not , yet the Lord will not hearken to our Prayers .

If I incline ( saith Daaid ) unto wickednesse with mine heart : Psal. 66.16 the Lord will not hear me .

And therefore according to the Apostles rule , 2 Tim. 2.19 . Let every one that calleth upon the name of Christ , depart from iniquity .

As in the time of the Law , the Lord commanded his Prophets to cry aloud in the peoples eares , Ier. 6.1 . and without sparing to tell them of their sinnes , and also of punishments , Esay 58.1 . that for their sinnes , ( without repentance ) would justly be inflicted upon them ; Ezeke 33. dealing with them as a mercifull and clement Combatant , giving them a Caveat before he sendeth his Capias , that so men being premoniti , they may be premuniti , being fore-warned , they may be fore-armed , hearing of punishments before they come , they might thereby timely shunne and avoid the same .

So in like manner , The faithfull and painfull Ministers of the Gospell , have often fore-told to sinfull England , that if She continued still in her Sinnes , Mal. 2.2 . the Lord would turne her Blessings into Curses .

But woe and alas , She would not be reclaimed , and therefore now the Lord hath justly taken away the sweet blessing of Peace from her ; and instead thereof , sent the bitter Judgement of Warre upon her .

Beloved , when wicked men will not cast away their Trangressions , but still wilfully persist in their sinnes .

Loe then , the just punishing sin-revenging hand of the Righteous God , will draw forth the Sword of Justice , and fight against them to their destruction .

If ( saith God ) I whet my glittering Sword , Deut. 32.41 , 42. and mine hand take hold on Judgement ; I will execute vengeance on mine Enemies , and will reward them that hate me .

I will make mine Arrowes drunk with blood , and my Sword shall eat flesh , for the bloud of the slaine , and of the Captives , when I begin to take vengeance of the enemie .

And for this cause hee is called 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 The Lord of Hosts , as though he came with a mighty Army to fight against wicked men because of their Sinnes .

Yea , the Lord hath all the Creatures in the world ready at his owne Command to execute his Judgements upon Obstinate sinners at his pleasure : And it also hath been his practice even in all Ages for to act the same . As for example ,

When He fought against the vitious men of the Old World ; Gen. 7.21 . Then the Deluge took his part , & so he wrought their Destruction .

When He fought against the beastly Sodomites ; Gen. 19.24 . Then the fire and brimstone from Heaven took his part , and so he wrought their Destruction .

When He fought against the blood-thirsty Aegyptians pursuing the Israelites ; Exod. 14.28 . Then the Red-sea took his part , and so he wrought their Destruction .

When He fought against those Rebellious Persons , Numb . 16.32 . Korah , Dathan , Abiram , and their Complices ;

Then the Earth tooke his part , and so he wrought their Destruction .

When He fought against those cursed Amorites , Iosh. 10 , 11 , 12 , 13. warring against the Gibeonites ; Then the Sunne , the Mooone , and the Hailestones from Heaven tooke his part , and so he wrought their Destruction .

And the Starres also in their courses fought against Sisera . Iudg. 5.20

When He fought against those reviling Mockers of the Prophet Elisha ; 2 King . 2.24 . Goe up thou bald-head , Goe up thou bald-head .

Then the Beares tooke his part , and so he wrought their Destruction .

When He fought against those accusing Idolaters of the Prophet Daniell ; Dan. 6.24 . Then the Lions took his part , and so he wrought their Destruction .

Loe , Thus the Lord hath not onely these , but also all other Creatures in the world , ready at his owne command to fight against wicked Persisters in sinne .

At the beginning the greatest and strongest Creatures were by Nature and Creation subject to Man ; but alas now , not onely they , but also all others , both great and small , are either become our Enemies , or else our Conquerers : And what must this then teach us , but onely how Odious , hatefull and abominable Sinne is in the sight of Almighty God ?

Sinne ,

It was forbidden by God ;

It was condemned by Angells ;

It is revenged by Beasts ;

And punished by Divills .

It drave Adam out of Paradise ,

It kept Moses from Canaan ,

It destroyed the Inhabitants of Jerusalem ,

And it hath also excluded infinite thousands from the Kingdome of Heaven .

It was wilfully committed by the disobedience of Man .

It was willingly redeemed by the life of Christ .

It was faithfully reproved by the death of Martyrs .

And yet still it is wickedly maintained by the practice of Multitudes .

Oh , whose heart bleeds not within him , to see such a wicked Monster made more account of , then all other good things in the world ; which was hatcht by the Devill , fed by the life of Soules , and yet still raignes , that it might winne Millions of Soules unto Condemnation ?

Shall reasonable Men rescue it , when unreasonable Beasts fight against it ?

Every Creature in his kinde cries Vengeance against it :

It made the Angels Damnable ,

It made the World Abominable ,

It maketh the Beasts Corruptible ,

And it maketh Men Miserable .

Miserable ( I say ) by Birth , for they were borne in it ; Miserable by Life , for they are vexed with it .

And most miserable by Death , for then they shall be accursed by it .

Loe , Thus doth the Earth cry , woe unto Sinne , for it cursed her ;

Thus doth the Heavens hate it , for it destroyeth her Children ;

Thus doe the Starres fight against it , for it dazleth their Light ;

And thus doe the wilde-Beasts warre against it , because it increaseth their Groanes .

It was the Jewes complaint in their extremity , O Lord , Ier. 14.7 . though our Iniquities testifie against us , deal with us according to thy Name : for our Rebellions are many , we have sinned against thee .

It was the Wickeds expression in their Calamity for sinne : We roare all like beares , Esa. 59.11 , 12. and mourne like doves ; we look for equity , but there is none , for health , but it is farre from us .

For our trespasses are many before thee , and our sinnes testifie against us .

So that , unlesse thou leavest thy Sinnes , expect no Peace , but look for mourning instead of mirth , according to that Curse imposed upon the Jewes for their sinnes , declared by the Prophet .

The Earth lamenteth and fadeth away ; Esay . 24.4 , 5 , 6 , 7 , the world is feebled and decayed : the proud people of the earth are weakned .

The earth also deceiveth , because of the inhabitants thereof : for they transgressed the lawes : they changed the Ordinances , and brake the everlasting Covenant .

Therefore hath the Curse devoured the earth , and the inhabitants thereof are desolate : wherefore the inhabitants of the land are burned up , and few men are left .

The wine faileth , the vine hath no might : all that were of merry heart doe mourne .

Thus beloved we see , that Sinne is the Cause , and Punishment the Effect ; So that , Sublatâ Causâ tollitur Effectus . The Cause being taken away , the Effect ceaseth ; And untill then , expect no Peace .

For , so long as our hearts are full of Corruptions , let us look to have our lives full of Afflictions .

Afflictions are divine medicines , sent from God to correct our corruptions : Yea , they are Chastisements for sinnes that are past , and also Preventions of sinnes that are to come ; like a Prophylacticke Phlebotomy , or a Preservative Purgation . And hence is that expression of Saint Paul , 1 Cor. 11.32 . We are chastened of the Lord , that we should not be condemned with the world .

So that we have here Life and Death set before us , performe the Meanes prescribed . and we shall live comfortably ; neglect them , and we shall perish miserably .

Loe , this truth , the Author of all truth hath expressed , Levit. 26.17.18 . I will set my face against you , and ye shall fall before your enemies , and they that hate you , shall reigne over you , and ye shall flee when none pursueth you .

And if ye will not for these things obey me , then will I punish you seven times more according to your sinnes .

Hence then we may learne , that if the former punishments of Pestilence , Famine , and the Sword , which lately have beene amongst us , and upon us ; will not reclaime and reforme us : then the Lord will send more , and heavier judgements upon us , untill we either are converted , or confounded .

And now for a Prevention of Englands Confusion , let me speake unto her , as once the Lord did by his Prophet Jeremiah unto Jerusalem , Jer. 6.8 . Be thou instructed , O Jerusalem , lest my soule depart from thee : lest I make thee desolate , as a Land that none Inhabiteth .

So say I , both freely and mournfully , Be thou instructed , O England , learne righteousnesse , and speedily be reclaimed from all thy wickednesse : lest the righteous Lord in displeasure against thee , suddenly depart from thee , and so thou becommest a Desolation .

The which Desolation that we may all escape , let every one throughout this whole Kingdome , seriously examine his owne heart of all those sinnes wherein ( at this day ) he stands guilty before the Lord ; and search and try his wayes , and speedily turne unto the Lord our God .

And for a prevalent Motive hereunto , Let all Traitors against the King , call to minde Gods just Judgements upon Ahithophell : 2 Sa. 17.23 2 Sa. 18.14 . 1 Sam. 8.3 1 Sa. 4.18 . 2 Sa. 20.22 Ester . 7.10 Rebels , upon Absalom : Corrupt Judges , upon Samuels Sonnes : Idle Ministers , upon Eli : Wicked Magistrates , upon Sheba : Proud persons , upon Haman : Fornicators , Nu. 25.8 . Nu. 15.36 upon Zimri and Cozbi : Prophaners of the Lords Sabbath , upon the Stick-gatherer : Ion. 1.15 . Disol edient persons , upon Jonah : Swearers and Blasphemers , Lev. 24.16 upon the Aegyptian-Israelite : False witnesses , upon ( those wicked Elders ) Susanna's Accusers : Susan . 62. Iosh. 7.25 . Covetous persons , upon Achan : Murtherers , upon Joab : 1 K. 2.34 . Despisers of the Gospell , Ministery , Word , Sacraments , and all true Religion , Act. 8.23 . upon Simon Magus : And all Thievish , Blood sucking , Cursed , Intruding Vsurpers ( contrary to all Law and Justice ) into the Rights , Estates , and Possessions of others , both Clergy and Laytie , upon greedy , covetous and avaricions Ahab : 1 K. 21.19 who wrongfully took away Naboths Vineyard : And the Lord in mercy towards us , grant so much grace unto us , that the consideration of their punishments , may worke so effectually in our hearts , as that it may cause our speedy amendments .

And that thereby , all Magistrates may leave their Connivency , and too much Winking : Men of eminent Places , their Partiality , and too much Favouring : Patrons , their Theevery , and too much Church-robbing : Ministers , their Soothing up , and too much Flattering : Lawyers , their Subtiltie , and too much Delaying : Courtiers , their Policie , and too much Dissembling : Citizens , their Pride , and too much Deceiving : Gentlemen , their Racking , and too much Oppressing : Country-men , their Lawing , and too much Contending :

And also every one of us forsake our deare , darling , and bosome Sinnes , whereby we may amend our Conversations , by casting away all our Transgressions ; greatly grieving , and heartily lamenting , that we have lived so long in them : that so we may ascape Destruction and Desolation , which the Sword of Warre ( at this day in our Land ) being shaken against us , threatneth to bring upon us , to our Confusion .

Oh then , let the serious Consideration hereof , sink so deeply into our hearts , as feelingly to move us , and also speedily to make us put in practice , these ensuing Exhortations of the Lords Prophets and Apostles , viz. Esay 1.16.17 . Wash ye , make you cleane , put away the evill of your doings from before mine eyes , cease to doe evill ,

Learne to doe well , seeke judgement , relieve the oppressed , judge the fatherlesse , and defend the widdow .

And Ezekiel 18.31 . Cast away from you all your transgressions , whereby ye have transgressed , and make you a new heart , and a new spirit : for why will ye die , O house of Israel ?

And Jam. 1.21 . Lay a part all filthinesse , and superfluitie of naughtinesse , and receive with meeknesse the engrafted word , which is able to save your soules .

And 2 Cor. 7.1 . Let us cleanse our selves from all filthinesse of the flesh and spirit , perfecting holinesse in the feare of God .

And 1 Thes. 5.22 . Abstaine from all appearance of evill .

Upon all which places of holy Scripture , my Inference shall be that of the Lords Prophet Isaiah , If ye consent and obey , Isa. 1.19 , 20. ye shall eate the good things of the land : But if ye refuse and be rebellious , ye shall be devoured with the sword : for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it .

So that my Exhortation then ( in this Use of Exhortation ) to you all , shall be that of the Lords Prophet Daniel , unto Nebuchadnezzar the King of Babell ,

O King , Dan. 4.24 . let my counsell be acceptable unto thee , and breake off thy sinnes by righteousnes , and thine iniquities by mercy towards the poore : Loe let there be an healing of thine errour .

That is , cease to provoke God to displeasure by thy sinnes , and suffer the former errours of thy life to be redressed .

We lye under the pressure of an heavy affliction , and that which makes the Burthen the more intollerable is , That it is not an open enemy that hath done us this dishonour , for then we should have borne it :

But it is thou my Companion , Psal. 55.14 , 15. my guide and mine owne familiar friend : wee tooke sweet Councell together , and walked in the house of God as friends .

But woe and alas , this is now our wofull Condition , that those who formerly have lived friendly , now altogether voide of humanity , sheath their swords into each others bowells , and so mutually worke each others Destruction

Beloved , as you desire to Preserve your Selves , your Lives , your Wives , your Children , your Brethren and Companions , your Cattell and Substance , yea , and the whole Kingdome from Destruction , speedily performe the meanes delivered .

But alas , the Meanes here prescribed , is by many too much neglected , and the contrary too fluently , and frequently practiced .

Beloved , I doe heartily wish on the behalfe , and for the welfare of our English Nation , that there may never be justly objected against them , the Lords complaint against the Obstinate Jewes .

And in that day did the Lord God of Hoasts call unto weeping and mourning , Esay . 22.12.13 . and to baldnesse , and girding with sackcloth .

And behold , joy and gladnesse , slaying oxen , and killing sheep , eating flesh , and drinking wine , eating and drinking , for to morrow we shall die .

But I greatly feare , there are too many thousands ( at this day ) in England , that are foully faulty herein , and deeply guilty hereof : who little , or nothing at all lay to heart , the wofull miseries of these present sad and calamitous times : never calling their sinnes to minde , and smiting their breasts , saying , What have I done ? Ier. 8.6 . or using any of these Meanes here declared ; whereby to pacifie Gods displeasure , that so he might have mercie upon us , and speedily be intreated of us ; whereby we might also once againe sweetly enjoy from him , his former Comfortable blessing of Peace inour Land .

Such carelesse , yea , impious Persons , by their Prophane , Carnall , and Pernitious Practices , hasten to draw downe Gods Just and heavy Iudgements both upon themselves and many others ; to the ruine of their bodies in this world , and ( without Repentance ) the everlasting destruction both of bodies and soules in the world to come .

Now the three Salves that I have prescribed for the Curing of these Sores , viz. Prayer , Humiliation , and casting away all our Transgressions , are all summed up , ( By the blessed Spirit of God ) in the former part of one verse in the holy Scripture .

If ( saith God ) I shut the heaven that there be no raine , Chron. 7.13 , 14. or if I command the grashopper to devour the land , or if I send pestilence amongst my people .

If my people , among whom my name is called upon , doe humble themselves , and pray ; and seek my presence , and turne from their wicked wayes : Then will I hear in heaven , and be mercifull unto their sinne , and will heal their land .

So that , if we performe these three things , then the Lord hath promised , that he will heare us , and help us , and heale us .

Thus beloved , if carefully and faithfully we use the Meanes here prescribed , we shall certainly have Gods blessing upon our endeavours therein , as he hath promised : whereby our sorrow will be turned into joy , our mourning into mirth , and our Warres into Peace .

Oh then let us speedily put in practice the Prophet Hoseas exhortation to the Jewes .

Come , Hos. 6.1 . and let us returne unto the Lord , for he hath Wounded us and he will heale us , he hath broken us and he will bind us up .

And let us heartily send up our Prayers into Heaven for the Remnant that is left .

Be uncessant Suiters to the Lord for Peace : Let me intreat you all in the bowels of Jesus Christ , to make your approaches to the beautifull Gate of Gods mercy , and importune the God of Peace , even for his deare sake who is the Prince of Peace , that he would be pleased to looke once againe with his eye of pitty & compassion , upon the distressed estate of this Church and Kingdome :

And to take the matter into his owne hand , and compose the divisions of Ruben for whose sake there are great thoughts of heart .

That he that maketh men to be of one minde in an house , Psal. 68.6 . would unite the heart of King and People , that in their happy Union , Peace may flourish in our Land .

That he who maketh warres to cease in all the world , that breaketh the bow , Psal. 46.9 . and knappeth the speare in sunder , and burneth the Chariots in the fire ; Esa. 2.4 . Mic. 4.3 . would break our swords into plow-shares , and our speares into mattocks and pruning-hookes ; that he would once more speake Peace unto his people , that he would give unto his people the blessing of Peace .

O Pray for the Peace of Jerusalem , Peace be within her walles , Psal. 12● . 7 and plentiousnesse within her Palaces .

This is the way ( yea the onely way left that I know ) to Preavile with the God of heaven , that he may be intreated for the Land .

Loe , thus it remaines , then on our part , that by the breath of our prayers and windy sighs and groanes , through Gods permission and acceptance , we labour to blow away the dark and black cloud of Gods vengance that hangs over our heads , and threatens a deluge of blood to fall upon us ; lest wrath break forth to the uttermost against us , and there be no remedy for us .

And then he raine upon us in his displeasure , snares , fire and brimstone , storme and tempest , Psal. 11.7 . and make this our portion to drink .

From the which miserable , forlorne , wretched , wofull and calamitous condition , as we are the workmanship of thine owne hands ; For thy mercy sake , Good Lord deliver us all .

And yet notwithstanding all this that hath been spoken , peradventure it may ( by some Weakling ) be demanded : What , although I diligently use all the Meanes here prescribed , viz. Pray , Humble my selfe , and cast away all my Transgressions , for to procure the Churches Peace ; Yet I can conceive but little probability of prevailing ; for the true Members of Christs militant Church are but a little flocke , Luk. 12. and their naturall strength is weak , in comparison of the numerous multitude of the Church-Malignant : and therefore how shall they be able to encounter with them , when they doe oppose them ? My answer hereunto , shall be that of Asa's , in his humble prayer unto God for his assistance against the multitude of his Enemies : 2 Chron. 14.11 . It is nothing with the Lord to help with many , or with no power ; the words in the Original are , 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 against many without power .

The sacred Scriptures perspicuously and fluently declare unto us , that God hath in all Ages performed great , wonderfull , and admirable Actions , and that even by weak Meanes , contrary to the expectation , and also the conception of humane sense and reason : as for example ,

He overthrew the innumerable Army of the Midianites , Iudges . even by Gideons three hundred men .

He slew a Garrison of the Philistines , 1 Sam. 14. even by Jonathan and his Armour-bearer .

He Conquered the Kings of Sodom , Gen. 14. Gomorrah , Admah , Zeboijim , Bela , and diverse other Kings about them , even by Abraham and his Family .

He surprised Goliah by David , 1 Sam. 17. Sisera by Jael , Judg. 4. and Abimelech by a woman , Judg. 9.

And who would ever have thought , Iudg. 3.31 . that Shamgar , the sonne of Anath , with an Oxe-goade should have slaine six hundred men ?

And Samson with the Jaw-bone of an Asse , a thousand Philistines . Judg. 15.16 .

It was not possible that so great execution could be done onely by them , being but weake Instruments to encounter with such puissant Adversaries : there was more then so in those their Warlike Actions .

There was the Eternall Omnipotent Providence , unto which all the Designes and Actions of all Mortalls have been subject from all Eternity . Yea , there was also the supernaturall and effectuall Concurrence of the divine and powerfull assistance , against which all the forces in the world could make no resistance .

So that it is neither the number , nor the meanes that the Almighty regardeth , when he resolveth to get himself the Victory .

When once the Lord God Omnipotent is pleased to arise in his own strength , all Nations in comparison of him are but as the drop of a bucket ; yea , lesse then nothing , and vanity it self . Isay 40.15.17 . & all their forces united together , are not so much for him to destroy , as the Elephant to break the Spiders webbe .

Gods heavenly and unlimited Providence farre transcends the carnall eye of all humane discovery .

Who would ever have thought , that Moses from the Bulrush-Cradle , floating on the teares of the weeping river , should thereby have derived his Princely title in Pharaoh's Court ?

And that Pharaoh's daughter should preserve that vessell as a Cabinet of pleasure , Exod. 2. which Moses Mother ( with an heavy heart ) at his last farewell , bestowed upon him , her poor innocent Infant , as a mournfull Coffin ?

Or that Pharaoh's tyrannous decree against the people of God in Aegypt , Exod. 14. projected for his safeguard , and their extirpation ; should have turned to Israels deliverance , and Pharaoh's destruction ?

Loe , thus the Lord can ( when he pleaseth ) drive the Enemies of his Church into the ruinous Labyrinth of their owne Confusion .

And as the Lord ( in times that are past ) hath done great things for his Church even by weake meanes : So in like manner , Esa. 59.1 . his hand is not shortned , but that he can doe as great , or greater things , by as weak , or weaker means , for times that are to come .

Oh then in Gods fear , let us all walke as dutifull children before him our heavenly Father ; let us Pray unto him , Humble our selves before him , and cast away all our Transgressions from our selves ; that so we may be in his favour , and have him to shelter us under the wings of his fatherly Providence in all Exigents that doe befall us , and to be our Protector in our greatest danger .

Then shall we be secure from the violence of all adversary power , though all the men in the world were mischievous Malignants against us , and purposed with bloody malice to destroy us .

For , If God be on our side , who can be against us ? Rom. 8.31 .

Thankfulnesse .

Vse 4 TO TO be thankfull to God for that Peace we now enjoy ; and although it be not so compleat a Peace , as we desire , yet to rejoyce in it , and to be heartily thankfull to God for it .

The Motives hereunto are many , but I shall onely and briefly declare Six .

Motives .

Motive 1 BEcause of the Effects which Thankfulnesse produceth , viz. it doth not onely retaine Gods favour for the present , but also moveth him to bestow his Blessings upon us for the time to come .

So that Thankfulnesse for present Peace may not onely continue it to us , as it is for the present , but also for our greater comfort increase it for the future .

You know ( beloved ) that Thankfulnesse even Inter homines , amongst men , is not onely a meanes still to retaine their former Favours , but also to purchase the fruites of their future Affections .

Now if Policy amongst men produceth this gratefull Effect , ought not then Religion towards God to work it in us much more ? Certainly yea .

Oh then , let us not be like those nine unthankfull healed Lepers in the Gospell , who returned no thanks unto Jesus for healing their infirmity .

But let us be like the Tenth of that company , that good Samaritane , who thankfully for his cure turned back , and fell on his face at Jesus feet , and with a loud voice praised God . Luke 17.15.16 .

Motive 2 Because it is Gods owne Injunction to his people . Deut. 8.10 . When thou hast eaten and filled thy self , thou shalt blesse the Lord thy God for the good land which he hath given thee .

And Psal. 50.15 . Call upon me ( saith God ) in the time of trouble : so will I heare thee , and thou shalt praise me .

Then contrarywise , not to be thankfull is to disobey God , and consequently to contemne his Command .

What ? Doth God Command , and shall not man Obey ? Oh what is Impotent Man the Creature , that he should oppose the Omnipotent God his Creator !

The Larkes , and other little sensitive Birds that fly in the Aire , doe ( after a sort ) in their language sing praises to their Maker : And shall rationall Men whom God hath indued with understanding , be more remisse in performing their Duty then they ?

Let all Ingratefull men then blush for shame , that those little sensitive Creatures should transcend them : And learne to be more thankfull for blessings received , and to make God the Object of their praises for the time to come .

Motive 3 Compare our present condition in this Land with other Countries beyond the Seas , which have been visited with greater desolations and destructions then we our selves ( as yet ) have been .

So that their Wives , like those of this Land , are not onely Widdowes , and their Children Fatherlesse , but also their Cities , Townes and Villages sacked and burned , their Women ravished , their Virgins defloured , their Infants rosted , their Goods plundred , their Cattell destroyed , and Country wasted .

So that by reports , a man may travell many miles before he shall meet with any person for his travells farther direction , or visibly discerne for his hungry and thirsty bodies repose and present refection , a place of repast and supplying Habitation .

So that those places that formerly have been habitations for Christians , are now become Nests for wild Birds , Dens for favage Beasts , and Receptacles for Toads , Adders , Snakes , Serpents , and such like Vermine .

Oh then , what great cause have we to magnifie God , that we are not ( as yet ) in their condition !

Motive 4 Consider what we are in our personall walking towards God , even dissolute in our deportments , and desperate Rebels against his Lawes .

Alas , ( Beloved ) what are we but the spurious off-spring of our unhappy Progenitors ? from whose loynes we are polluted with originall cursed corruption , which hath contaminated all the powers and faculties of our soules , and defiled all the parts and members of our bodies , and we have and still doe daily bring forth the fruits thereof in our conversations : So that we justly deserve even present destruction .

And there is nothing but the free bountifull goodnesse , and the admirable unparalleld longanimity of our gracious God , that restraines his destroying Angel from seizing upon us to our utter confusion .

And have we not great cause then to praise him for our peaceable Preservation ?

Motive 5 Let us reflect into our selves , recollect our thoughts , and seriously consider , what we have deserved at Gods hands , if he should enter into Judgement with us , and deale in Justice against us ?

Loe then , we could looke for nothing but all manner of temporall punishments in this World , and everlasting burnings in the World to come .

In which never-dying flames , Cursings should be our Himnes , and Howlings our Tunes , Blasphemies our Ditties , and Lacrymies our Notes , Lamentations our Songs , and Shreekings our Straines .

These should be our morning and evening , yea , mourning Songs ; there Moab should cry out against Moab , Father against Sonne , and Sonne against Father that ever he begat him .

And those infernall Torments should be unto us , both Endlesse , Easelesse and Remedilesse , not onely for a Thousand yeares , but also unto all Eternity .

Oh , let us all then consider the mercifull dealing of our gracious God towards us in this Condition , who still suffers us to live in this time of Grace , and also in the bosome of the Church , from whence the light of Truth shines most splendidly unto us , and doth out of his goodnesse toward us , suspend his Judgements from us , and gives us time to repent of our Wickednesse , and to cry unto him for the pardon of our Sinnes , that so we may escape those intollerable Punishments which by our sinnes we have deserved .

Whereas , it had beene just with God that our Bodies should long agoe have beene laid in their Graves , and the Wormes gnawing upon them , and our Soules cast into Hel-fire , and the Devils tormenting of them .

What great cause then have we to magnifie God , for giving us so gracious an Opportunity untill this Moment , whereby we may endeavour our selves by Humiliation to pacifie Gods displeasure , and have him become a reconciled Father to us in Jesus Christ ?

Motive 6 Thankfulnesse to God hath ever beene the Practice of the Saints of God , for all the Benefits he hath bestowed upon them , whereof our selves can speake experimentally the blessng of Peace is not the least .

Noah , after his deliverance from the Flood , Gen. 8.20 . built an Altar to the Lord ( in thankfulnesse ) and offered burnt offerings upon the Altar .

Abrahams servant when he found experimentally that the Lord had prospered his journey , Gen 24.48 . blessed the Lord for guiding him in his way .

Isaack , Gen. 26.25 . built an Altar to the Lord in Beersheba , for his Blessings ; and there he called upon the name of the Lord .

Moses , and the people of Israel sang praises to God for their deliverance from Pharaohs fury : And the Forme of their Thanksgiving was this . Exod. 15.1 , 2 , 3. I will sing unto the Lord , for he hath triumphed gloriously : the horse and his rider hath he overthrowne in the Sea .

The Lord is my strength and praise , and he is become my salvation : He is my God , and I will prepare him a Tabernacle : He is my Fathers God , and I will exalt him .

The LORD is a man of Warre , his name is Jehovah , &c.

Deborah , Iudg. 5.1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6. & Barak the sonne of Abinoam sang a song of Praise for the peoples Victory .

Hannah , 1 Sam. 2.1 praised God for her sonne Samuell .

It was S. Phil. 4.6 . Pauls Exhortation to his Philippians , that they should be Thankfull unto God .

And also to his Colossians , Col. 2.6 , 7 that they should abound with Thanksgiving .

Thus Raguell praised God for the preservation of Tobias life ; Tob. 8.15 . O God ( said he ) thou art worthy to be praised with all pure and holy praise : therefore let thy Saints praise thee with all thy Creatures , and let all thine Angels and thine Elect praise thee for ever .

It was the desire of wicked Balaam to have the Righteous mans Death . Num. 23.10 .

But he would not live the Righteous mans life .

If therefore we desire to be happy with the Saints at our Death ; Let us endeavour to imitate them in our Life : And one way whereof , must be , by being thankfull to God for his Blessings received .

Holy Davids thankfull heart unto God makes it his Quaerie , Quid retribuam Domino ? What shall I give unto the Lord : Psal. 116.11 , 12. for all the benefits he hath done unto me ?

I will receive the Cup of Salvation , and call upon the Name of the Lord .

Yea , the serious consideration of Gods Blessings , caused David to stir up his owne soule to be thankefull unto God , when he said ,

Praise the Lord , O my soule : Psal. 103.2 and forget not all his benefits .

And the same Princely Prophet , foure times in one Psalme , heartily wisheth that the people would praise the Lord ; and set forth his loving kindnesse to the world .

Psal. 107.8 , 15 , 21 , 31. O that men would therefore praise the Lord for his goodnesse : and declare the wonders that he doth for the children of men .

Our Thankfulnesse to God ought to be testified ( as far as Mortals may ) in a threefold duty : In Corde . In Affectione . In Lingua . In Professione . In Vita . In Actione .

In Affection , Profession , and in Action . Cordially , Verbally , and Visibly .

1. Thankefulnesse in Affection is , when willingly we accept the Benefit , and heartily think our selves indebted for it .

2. Thankfulnesse in Profession is , when we make publication of a benefit received , to the praise of the Giver .

3. Thankfulnesse in Action is , when the party receiving a gift , doth expresse a reality of gratitude , gratifying thereby the Donor , to the uttermost of his power .

So that our reall thankfulnesse must be , by a constant , cordiall , and universall obedience to Gods commandements .

It should therefore be the care of every one who would be truly Thankefull , to be the same , all these three wayes , viz.

In Heart , in Mouth , and in Life .

Let us therefore call to mind , my beloved Brethren , how many Bonds of Thankfulnesse the Lord hath bound us in : And also consider with our selves , it was onely his free mercy towards us , that we had not beene those children that were ripped out of their Mothers bellies , 2 King . 8.12 .

Or those young men that perished in the Battell , Judg. 9.

Or those women that ate their Babes to preserve their lives , 2 King . 6.29 .

Or that we were not Infidels , Pagans , Papists , Atheists , or Hereticks .

So that we may comfortably say with the Prophet David , He hath not dealt so with every Nation , Psal. 147. ult.

Let therefore evermore the Praises of God be in our Hearts , the Word of God in our Mouthes , and the Gospel of Christ in our Lives .

And by how much the more we have tasted of the Lords Goodnesse above others , so much the more let him tast of our Thankfulnesse above others .

And let us all in Gods feare pray continually for the Peace of England , and the flourishing estate of this Church , and Common-wealth wherein we live . Use the meanes to keep it , refuse the way to lose it , and long , yea , for ever may they prosper that love it .

O Pray for the Peace of Jerusalem .

Thus much for the Subject of this Duty ( being the Third Considerable in our Text ) set downe in this word Peace .

From whence you may remember the Doctrine .

Doct. Peace is a pretious blessing of God , well deserving the prayers of his faithfull servants .

And now let us come to the last Considerable in our Text , viz. the Object of this Subject , set down in the last word of our Text ; Jerusalem . By which is meant the Church of God .

From the which word you may remember the Doctrine .

Doct. It is required as a due debt from the Children of God , that they should pray for the peace of the Church their Mother .

O Pray for the Peace of Jerusalem .

And here I am not to speak of the invisible Church triumphant in Heaven , but of the visible Church Militant here upon Earth ; and of that as briefly and orderly as I may .

The word used for Church in the Originall language of the New Testament is 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . id est , 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , which is to call ; for 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , was called of the Graecians an Assembly of the Citizens , called from home by the voice of a Cryer , to heare the Judgement of the Senate .

But the Jewes called their place of publique meeting for the reading of the Law and the Prophets 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , a Synagogue , that is , a gathering together , 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , to gather together , to bring together , and to assemble together .

But the Christians that by the very name of publique meetings , they might distinguish betweene their Christian meetings , and the Jewish assemblies ; have used and kept the word Church , for the Congregation of them that professe Christ .

So that the Church of God is the company of selected Saints , being effectually called from the world by the Preaching of the Gospell , and chosen before all Worlds to the Worship of God , being also Justified and Sanctified in Christ Jesus , through the Operation of the Holy Ghost ; who heartily desire to serve , and earnestly endeavour to please their Creator in all things , whilst they live here in this world , and shall have the full fruition of Eternall happinesse hereafter in the world to come .

And from being Members of this Church , none that are true Believers are excepted , whether they be high or low , rich or poore , old or young , noble or ignoble , learned or unlearned , simple or politique , of what estate , degree , or condition soever they be : For there is neither Jew nor Grecian ; Gal. 3.28 . there is neither bond or free , there is neither male or female ; but they are all one in Christ Jesus .

The Sapient Solomon describeth the Church as though it were a Stately Court , Cant. 6.7 . in which there are none but those that are of the Blood Royall , viz. Kings & Queenes , and those that are Heires apparent to the Kingdome of Heaven .

So that the true essentiall Members of the Church being faithfull Believers in Christ Jesus , are the most precious and Noble Persons that live upon the earth , even such as are descended of the Blood of Christ , in which regard they are the dearest of men , and nearest unto God .

Yea , they are a people distinct from all others by Gods Grace of Election , and stand before him in their new Birth and Second Creation ; in which the Lord lookes joyfully upon them , and delights to behold them , because they sprang from Christ , of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named . Eph. 3.15 .

And this Church Metaphorically and by way of similitude is called Mater Fidelium , the Mother of the Faithfull , because she brings forth Sonnes unto God , unites them to Christ , and nourisheth them by the Preaching of the Word , and by the Examples of good Workes : And hence is that expression ,

Non posse quemquam habere Deum Patrem , qui non habet Ecclesiam Matrem .

No man can have God for his Father , who hath not the Church for his Mother : alluding to that of S. Paul .

Though ye have ten thousand Instructers in Christ , yet have ye not many Fathers : 1 Cor. 4.15 for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the Gospell .

So that , if we would have God for our Father , we must account the Church for our Mother , and procure her Peace with our best endeavours , and there is no more prevalent way for us to helpe her , then by praying heartily to God for her .

O Pray for the Peace of Jerusalem .

Jerusalem was the Metropolis of Judea . And she was also a Tipe of the Church of Christ , and that in diverse respects , viz.

1. Jerusalem was a Citty compact in it selfe , by reason of the bond of love , and Order that was amongst the Citizens themselves ; as in this Psalme , verse the 3. Jerusalem is builded as a City that is at unity in it selfe .

So in like manner the Members of Christs Church are linked together by the bond of one Spirit : Ephes. 4.3 . And they joyntly endeavour to keepe the unity of that Spirit in the bond of Peace .

2. In Jerusalem was the Sanctuary , a place of Gods Presence and Worship .

So in like manner , the Church of Christ is the roome of the Sanctuary , in which we must seeke the presence of God and the word of Life : 1 Tim. 3.15 . Therefore the Church is called 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , The Pillar and ground of Truth .

3. The Lord mercifully promised the people of Jerusalem , that if they would call upon his Name , they should have Deliverance : Joell the 2. & ult. the which hath resemblance to the Church of Christ amongst the Gentiles ; alluding to that of S. Paul ,

There is no difference betweene the Jew and the Grecian : Rom. 10.12 , 13. for he that is Lord over all , is rich unto all , that call upon him .

For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved .

4. In Jerusalem the Citizens yeelded obedience to their Kings : So in like manner , the Members of Christs Church being true Believers , Eph. 2.19 . are fellow Citizens with the Saints and of the houshold of God .

And they yeeld obedience unto Christ their King . Esa. 2.5 .

5. In Jerusalem was the Throne of David ; as in this Psalme , verse the 5. So in like manner , in the Church of Christ is the Throne or Scepter of Christ , Rev. 3.7 . figured by the Kingdome of David .

6. Zach. 2.8 The Lord chose Jerusalem above all other places in the world , and tendered the people therein , even as the apple of his owne eye .

So in like manner , the true Members of Christs Church are a Chosen Generation , 1 Pet. 2.9 . a Royall Priesthood , an holy Nation , a Peculiar people , that ye should shew forth the vertues of him that hath called you out of darknesse into his marvelous light .

Lastly , in Jerusalem the names of the Citizens were inrolled in a Book .

So in like manner , all the true Members of the Church of Christ , Rev. 20.12 have their names written in the booke of Life .

S. John had a Revelation of the last Judgement ; And he saith , I saw the dead , both great and small stand before God : and the bookes were opened , and another booke was opened , which is the booke of life , and the dead were judged of those things which were written in the bookes according to their workes .

Whereupon we may orthodoxally resolve , and infallibly infer , that whosoever have not their names written in that Book of Life , must have their portion with the Devil and his Angels for evermore : as plainely appeareth in the last verse of the same Chapter ,

And whosoever was not found written in the Booke of Life , was cast into the lake of fire .

Loe , thus Beloved you have heard , the neere Resemblance , and Typicall Representation betweene the City of Jerusalem , and the Church of Christ .

Now let us come to the Reasons of the Observation .

Reas. 1 Because the Church is in a continuall warfare in this world , and therefore she is called the Church Militant , because she is daily fighting against the Flesh , the World , and the Devill ; yea she hath many enemies that come from Satans Campe very fiercely against her .

Who like Tyrants by violence and force of strength , like Sophisters by subtilty and corruption of doctrine , like Hypocrites by dissembling and superstition , and like Epicures by leudnesse of life , and filthinesse of conversation , doe daily assault and sight against the Church of Christ .

Loe these , like cunning Fowlers , strive daily and hourely for to intrap her ; the Flesh would infect her , the World would deceive her , and the Devill would destroy her .

And therefore it behoveth us with our best endeavours even heartily to pray unto God for her .

O Pray for the Peace of Jerusalem .

Reas. 2 Because , whosoever desires to have his Habitation in Gods Tabernacle , must love & make much of the members of Gods Church , Psal . 15.4 . And how can we better manifest our love untothem , then by praying for them when they are in distresse ?

And this duty of Love to the Members of Gods Church , is both Commanded , Commended , Approved , and Rewarded in the holy Scriptures .

It is

1. Commanded . 1 John 3.23 . This is his Commandement , that we should believe in the name of his sonne Jesus Christ , and love one another , as he gave us Commandement .

2. Commended , 1 Cor. 13. ult. Now abideth Faith , Hope and Love , even these three ; but the chiefest of these is Love .

3. Approved . Apoc. 2.19 . The Blessed Spirit of God spake to S. John , to say to the Angell of the Church of Thyatira , I know thy Workes and thy Love ; meaning towards the Members of Gods Church .

4. Rewarded . Heb. 6.10 . God is not unrighteous , that he should forget your worke , and labour of love which ye shewed toward his name , in that ye have ministred unto the Saints , and yet minister .

Yea beloved , and were it so , that the love to the Members of Gods Church were neither Commanded , Commended , Approved , nor Rewarded .

Yet notwithstanding , if thou hast received an Influence of Grace from Heaven , the sparkes of Grace will so kindle in thy soule , that thy praying for the Church here upon earth will be inevitable .

So that I may say of such a one , as the Prophet Ieremy once spake of himselfe in another case , when Pashur had put him into Prison for denouncing Gods Judgements against Jerusalem : Jer. 20.9 . Then I said , I will not make mention of him , nor speake any more in his name ; But his word was in my heart as a burning fire shut up in my bones , and I was weary with forbearing , and I could not stay .

So in like manner , if thou hast grace in thy heart , ( the Church of God being in distresse ) thou wilt be weary with forbearing to pray for the Peace of the Church .

O Pray for the Peace of Jerusalem .

Reas. 3 Because the Church is invironed with many Enemies , yea , sometimes ( David-like ) inclosed with fat Bulles of Bashan on every side ; even Cruell Tyrants , who seeke her Subversion .

Yea , She is like a Lillie amongst the Thornes , Cant. 2.2 . She is often beset with dangerous and troublesome Thrones , viz. hurtfull , gracelesse and pestilent Spirited persons , who prick and wound the Lillies in their goods , names , liberties , yea , and lives also .

And thus it hath beene , even from the beginning , for when there were but two men borne into the World , the one was a Lillie , and the other a Thorne , but the Thorne suppressed and perished the Lillie , viz. Gen. 4.8 . Caine destroyed his Brother Abel .

Yea , the most beautifull Lillie that ever saw the light of the sunne , Christ Jesus our blessed Saviour , was so fiercely and violently beset with Thornes , as that all his love and purity , meeknesse and innocency could not keepe them from him ; but they violently thrust at him , pricked him to the heart , and wounded him to the death .

And loe , thus will it be with the poore Members of his Church untill the last Judgement day ; when as both Lillies and Thornes must appeare before Christ in the Cloudes to receive according to their deeds . Mat. 25.

And then shall the persecuted Lillies be received into Heaven , and the pernitious Thornes be cast as Fuell into the fire of Hell .

So that this persecuted condition of the Church pathetically implores us to pray for her Peace .

O pray for the Peace of Jerusalem .

Reas. 4 Because the Church is Seated in Bochim , being a place of Weeping , she now lives in a Vale of misery and Vallie of teares , and must be Contented so long as she liveth upon the face of the Earth , to sit downe like a desolate widdow , Psal. 137.2 and hang her harpes upon the Willowes , and make her Expressions in mournfull Elegies and Dolefull Ditties , untill her Husband returnes unto her .

Alas , woe and alas may we of this English Nation ( at this day ) deploringly complaine , that the little Barke of Christ is now almost sunke under Water ; She is tossed up and downe , to and fro , hither and thither , in the troublesome Seas of this turbulent Age : Rabshakeh raileth , Haman plotteth , Balack bribeth , Balaam curseth , the Enemy rageth , and the Devill roareth ; and all against the innocent Doves in the little Barke of Christ , as they are sailing hopefully towards their resting Haven of happinesse in the Kingdome of Heaven .

So that Peter-like in the eye of humane sense and reason , they are in the way of perishing , did not the hand of Gods Providence preservingly support them .

She was prefigured in Noahs Arke floating upon the Waters , and doth now resemble a little Ship in the vast Ocean , which sometimes is carryed along quietly with a calme & prosperous Gale , but suddenly the boysterous windes arising , and the unresistible Surges , Billowes and Waves swelling , the Seas become rough and troublesome , and she is in Danger , and necessarily standeth in neede of our Prayers : And therefore let us not cease to Pray for her Peace .

O Pray for the Peace of Jerusalem .

And thus doe I passe from the Reasons of the Observation unto the Application .

The Uses whereof are briefely Five , viz.

1. Vse of Terrour . 2. Vse of Instruction . 3. Vse of Reprehension . 4. Vse of Consolation . 5. Vse of Exhortation .

Terrour .

Vse 1 TO terrifie the hearts of all those that have persecuted the Church of Christ . Listen a while I pray you to those heavy ( though just ) Judgements of God , that have befallen the bloody Persecutors of his Church .

Pharaoh Oppressed the poore People of Israell in the Land of Aegypt and when they had leave to depart the Land , Exod. 14.28 . yet he pursued them with a purpose to destroy them : But in the end , his intention was frustrate , and both himselfe , and all his Hoaste perished in the Sea .

Haman , Hest . 3.9 . upon the promise of Ten thousand talents of Silver , procured a Decree from King Ahashuerosh , to kill and destroy all the Jewes , both old and young , men , women and children that were in all the Kings Provinces in one day : But his Designe was blasted , Hest . 7.10 . and in the end himselfe hanged upon the gallowes he had prepared for Mordecai .

Senacherib , the King of Ashur , sent Rabshakey to raile upon the living God , and to discourage his Army ; but the Birth of his Project proved abortive , insomuch that the Angell of the Lord in one night slew in the Campe of Ashur , Esa. 37.36 an hundred fourscore and five thousand , and in the morning , behold they were all dead corpses .

Yea , and after that , Senacherib himselfe was slaine by two of his owne Sonnes , Adramelech and Sharezer as he was worshiping his Idoll God Nisroch in the Temple .

Antiochus the sonne of Demetrius , after he had chased Tryphon from the Kingdome of Asia , and broken the league which he had made with the Jewes , gave himselfe wholly to worke mischiefe against them .

Then violently he set upon Jerusalem , and tooke it by force , Commanding his Souldiers to destroy those that were therein , insomuch that within the space of three whole dayes there was such a bloody massacre both of old and young , men , women , and children , that there were destroyed fourescore thousand of the Jewes , 2 Mac. 5.

After this was done , this bloody Tyrant was put to flight by the Inhabitants of Persepolis a City of Persia , going about to rob their Temple of their Treasures .

Then furiously he threatned the people of the Jewes , saying , I will make Jerusalem a common burying place of the Jewes when I come thither .

But the Lord Almighty the God of Israel , smote him with an incurable and invisible plague : for assoone as he had spoken these words , a paine of the bowels , that was remedilesse came upon him , and sore torments of the inner parts .

So that the wormes came out of his body in abundance : and whiles he was alive , his flesh fell off for paine and torment , and all his Army was grieved at his smell .

Loe thus , the Murtherer and Blasphemer suffered most grievously , and as he had entreated other men , so he dyed a most miserable death in a strange Country , among the Mountains , 2 Mac. 9.

Nero , that bloody Tyrant , being the first Emperour that persecuted the Church of Christ , exposed the poore Christians to the fury of rude , barbarous , and mercilesse men .

Hereupon the poore Innocents were apprehended , and some of them clad with skins of wilde beasts , were torne in pieces by dogs .

And others cast one upon another , untill they became great heaps , after the manner of Bone-fires , and then fire put to them , and their bones burning served for light in the night , in the stead of Torches .

But at the last this wicked wretch , the causer of all that cruelty exercised upon the poore Christians , seeing himselfe in danger to be murthered , by one appointed for that purpose , ( as a just reward for his horrible , unjust , and inhumane dealing ) hastned his owne death by killing himselfe , as Cornelius Tacitus reporteth , Lib. 5.

We reade in History of one Cyrillus a Deacon of Heliopolis , scituate neare to Lybanus , who lived under the Empire of Julian the Apostate , and came to a miserable end .

For after Constantine was deceased , by whose authority the holy Martyr had broken downe many of their Images and Idols , the abominable Idolaters did not onely murther him , but also devoured his liver with bread , as if it had beene the sweetest morsell of meat in the world .

But the all-seeing eye of Almighty God beholding their villany , his revengfull rod bruised them to pieces .

For their teeth wherewith they chewed that unnaturall food fell out of all their heads ; and their tongues wherewith they tasted it , rotted and consumed to nothing ; and lastly , their eyes which beheld it , failed them , and they became all blinde .

Loe thus were they all served , bearing justly the markes of Gods indignation , for so horrible , inhumane and unnaturall Cruelty , as Theodoret reporteth , lib. 3. chap. 7.

Valerian the Emperour , was a deadly Enemy to the professors of Religion , and very terribly persecuted them in his Dominions .

But shortly after , himselfe was taken prisoner in the Persian Warres , being Threescore and ten yeares of age , and was made a slave to his Conquerour all the rest of his life .

And whose condition was so miserable , that Sapor , the King of Persia , used his back as a block or stirrop to mount upon his Horse , and at the last , to make up the full number of his miseries , he caused his Skinne to be taken from his Flesh , whilst he was alive , and then poudred him with salt , as Josephus reporteth , in his Ecclesiasticall History . Booke 7. Chap. 30.

The cruell , mercilesse , and hard-hearted Jewes , did persecute even unto the death , the innocent Lambe of God , who is the Lord of life , our Blessed Saviour Christ Jesus .

But did they escape Punishment ? Verily no , for the avenging hand of the Just-punishing , sinne-revenging God , followed after them , overtooke them and seized upon them to their Destruction .

For they were driven up and downe , from place to place in diverse Countries by the Deputies :

And after that , there were slaine of them at Cesaria in one day Twenty thousand :

At Alexandria another time Fiftythousand .

At Zabulon and Joppa Eight thousand and Foure hundred , besides the burning of both the Townes :

At Damascus Ten thousand had their throats cut :

And as for the Jewes that were in Jerusalem , they were pinched with so sore a famine , as that they did eate the excrements of Oxen ; and many women were constrained to boile and to eate their owne Children .

And in that great extremity many thinking to save their lives by flying to the Enemy ; were taken and slit in pieces , in hope to finde gold and silver in their bowells :

And at the last the whole City was taken by force & the holy Temple consumed by fire .

And this in generall was the miserable issue of that lamentable Warre : during which time , Fourscore & seventeene thousand Jewes were taken Prisoners , and Eleven hundred thousand slaine .

Some of the Prisoners were carried reproachfully into Rome ;

Others were murthered at their Conquerours wills ;

Some were torne in pieces and devoured of wilde Beasts :

Others were constrained to march in Troupes against their Fellowes , and kill one another as if they had beene Enemies .

And the Remnant of that wretched people which remained alive , after the mighty tempest of Gods Wrath was past , were dispersed and scattered abroad throughout all Nations under Heaven :

So that their condition ( at this day ) is so vile and contemptible , as that no Nation under Heaven is halfe so miserable : which is a manifest evidence of Gods vengeance still abiding upon them . — As Josephus reporteth in his bookes of the Jewish Warres .

And here I might also be very copious in the expressions of the remarkable Destructions of Agag . Goliah . Benhadad . The Moabites and Ammonites . Nicanor . Herod-Agrippa . Domitian . Trajan . Hadrian . Antonius . Severus . Decius . Aurelian . Dioclesian . Maximinus . Maxcentius . Licinius . Arnolphus . Smaragdus . Mamucha , &c. Who were destroyed for persecuting the Church of Christ .

Yea beloved , and many more terrible examples of Gods fearfull Judgements ( that fell upon diverse other bloody Persecutors of Gods Church ) I could here recite , but for brevity sake I passe them over .

Oh then ( at the consideration of this that hath beene spoken ) let all the bloody Persecutors of Gods Church tremble and desist from so doing , lest the Lord come suddenly as a swift witnesse against them , and speedily be avenged of them , to the ruine of their bodies in this world , and the utter destruction both of bodies and soules in the world to come .

And let them also labour to the uttermost of their power to make up the Ruines of the Church of Christ , and doe their best endeavours for her , by praying for her Peace .

O Pray for the Peace of Jerusalem .

Instruction .

Vse 2 TO teach the Church to arme her selfe for Troubles , Crosses , and Afflictions , so long as she remaineth here upon the face of the Earth .

For as the comfortable sun-shine Dayes , and the uncomfortable darksome Nights , ( in the order of Nature ) follow each other : So in like manner , in the Administration of the Church of Christ , there is a continuall Entercourse amongst the Members of Christ Church , between Peace and Persecution .

To live continually in Jollity , and be alwayes free from Crosses , is one of the Worlds pleasing Cognizances of Satan's Imps ; for being alwayes without Chastisements , Heb. 12.6 , 7 , 8. whereof all Gods Children are Partakers , we are Bastards and not Sonnes .

Beloved , There is a strict Dependence , neere Relation , and close Connexion betwixt Christianity and the Crosse ; they are Concommitants , Individuals , and inseparable Companions .

This is an infallible Aphorisme of Divine Observation under the Kingdome of Christ , & an indubitable Axiome of Christs Gospell , Providence , the which proceedeth from the good pleasure and providence of God , in the dispensation of things under the Gospel .

Our blessed Saviour told his Disciples , and in them every true Member of his Church , In the world ye shall have affliction , Ioh. 16.33 . And it was also the generall Proclamation of Christ to the whole World , Mat. 16.24 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , If any man will come after me , let him deny himselfe , and take up 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , his Crosse and follow me .

The which Crosse , although to unregenerate men , in their Naturall Condition , it be tedious and burthensome ; yet notwithstanding , to the faithfull Members of Christs Church , they making a right use thereof , it will be helpfull and profitable .

As for example , Holy David was so greatly oppressed with troubles , as that he complained in the anxiety of his soule , The snares of death compassed me round about , Psal. 116.3 and the paines of Hell gate hold upon me .

What Adversaries are more horrible , and Enemies can be more terrible , then Death , and Hell ? And yet notwithstanding , he making a snactified use thereof , they wrought in him most blessed and happy Effects , the which he found experimentally in himselfe ; and therefore freely confesseth , Before I was afflicted , I went astray : but now I keep thy word , Psal. 119.67 . And Verse the 71. It is good for me that I have been afflicted : that I may learne thy Statutes .

And the Lord saith ( of the Israelites ) by his Prophet Hosea , Hos. 5.15 . In their affliction they will seeke me diligently . And the Prophet Isaiah , speaking of the Faithfull in affliction , saith , Lord , in trouble have they visited thee : Esa. 26.16 . they powred out a prayer when thy chastning was upon them . So that Afflictions , being Gods Rods , are his Childrens Remembrancers : yea , Troubles make many Returners , and Seekers to God , who formerly have been Revolters and Straglers from him : as were the Israelites , Manasseh , the Prodigall Sonne , and diverse others . Yea beloved , and to be continually without Crosses , Troubles , and Afflictions , men may justly suspect themselves , to be rather Members of the Devils Church Malignant ; than of Christs Church Militant .

St. Ambrose , that godly , devout , and religious Bishop , travelling ( with some others ) towards Rome , went to a Rich-mans house , resolving to lodge and remaine there till the next morning ; And after some short discourse , he demanded of the man of the house , how it went with him , and in what case he stood concerning his present condition for the things of this Life ? Unto which the Rich-man replyed ; Sir , my condition hath ever beene happy and fortunate , I never tasted any kinde of Adversity , I never had any sicknesse or losse of goods , all things have hitherto beene with me , even according to my hearts desire . When Saint Ambrose heard this , he said unto them that were with him , Eamus hinc , nam Deus non est hic . Let us goe from hence , for God is not in this place . And immediately after they were departed from the Rich-mans house , the Earth suddenly opened her mouth , and swallowed up the Man , together with his house , and all that he had . Intimating thereby to the World , that God is not there ( in mercy ) present , where the Crosse is continually absent .

Hence then , Let all the Faithfull Members of Christs Church , account it as an indubitable Aphorisme of infallible Truth , believe it as an Orthodoxall Article of their Christian Faith , and hold it as an undeniable Maxime in Divinity ; that as the Children of Israel went through many Troubles , before they could come to the Earthly Canaan ; which was a Type of the Faithfuls Passage from Earth to Heaven : So in like manner , the Children of God must passe through many Afflictions , before they can come to the Heavenly Jerusalem .

St. Paul desired to know nothing ( amongst his Corinthians ) but Jesus Christ , 1 Cor. 2.2 and him Crucified . And he also rejoyced in nothing so much , as in the Crosse of our Lord Jesus Christ ; whereby the World was crucified to himselfe , and himselfe unto the World , Gal. 6.14 . He also expresseth to the World , that no man is Crowned , except he fight lawfully , 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , 2 Tim. 2.5 . And also confesseth of himselfe , I bear in my body the markes of the Lord Jesus , Gal. 6.17 . The lawfull and valiant fighting of earthly Souldiers , for their King , Country , and Religion greatly reflecteth upon them with Credit , and exceedingly redounded to their Honour : & they also account those Wounds that are given to their Bodies in Skirmish , as Markes of their Magnanimity , Cognizances of their Courage , and Characters of their Valour ; intimating thereby to the World , for whom they have fought , how they have suffered , and who they are .

Now for Application of this to our selves : Heaven is appointed for none but onely Spirituall Conquerours , viz. the valiant fighting Members of the Church of Christ , against their Soules Adversaries surprizing , subduing and conquering all their spirituall Enemies : For they wrestle not against flesh and bloud , but against Principalities , Eph. 6.12 . against Powers , against the rulers of the darknesse of this World , against spirituall wickednesse in high Places . So that , of necessitie they must be Fighters , for without a Fight there can be no Conquest , and without a Conquest there will be no Crowne : And therefore they must not onely be Fighting Souldiers , but also Conquerours upon Earth , before they can be Inheritors of Heaven .

For a Man to be a Christian , and not a spirituall Souldier , is to falsify his promise at the Font of Baptisme .

For a Man to be a Christian , and a spirituall Souldier , and not to fight under Christs Banner , both manfully and faithfully for Christ , is the Cognizance of a pusilanimous spirited Souldier , and Badge of an Hypocrite .

For a Man to be a Christian , and a spirituall Souldier , and to fight for Christ , and not to Conquer , is to lose the Reward promised to Conquerours .

But to be a Christian , a spirituall Souldier , a Fighter for Christ , and a Conquerour of all his owne spirituall Enemies , Loe , that Man , and onely he , shall be a Partaker of the rich Reward promised , even the full fruition of the heavenly Inheritance .

And therefore , whosoever thou art , that desirest to be a true Member of Christs Militant Church , thou must resolve with thy selfe , to live the life of a Christian , to a be a spirituall Souldier , a Fighter for Christ , and also a Conquerour .

Hence then we may infallibly collect , that none shall be crowned hereafter in Heaven , but onely those that ( in some measure ) first endure a spirituall Fight here upon Earth ; that so they may become crucified Christians , and thereby made conformable to Christ their Head : Phil. 3 10. The which Conformity is the greatest Honour , that this World can afford to the Sonnes of Mortals .

And to such spirituall Conquerours , Christ Jesus himselfe hath made a large promise , even of no lesse Reward then Eternall Life . He that overcommeth shall be clothed in white raiment , and I will not blot out his name out of the booke of life , Apoc. 3.5 . And ver. 21. To him that overcommeth , will I grant to sit with me in my Throne , even as I also overcame , and am set down with my Father in his Throne . And , Be thou faithfull unto death , and I will give thee a crowne of life , Apoc. 2.10 . and Jam. 1.12 . Blessed is the man that endureth temptation : for when he is tryed , he shall receive the crowne of life , which the Lord hath promised to them that love him . And what Fight is it that we should not willingly undergoe , for to inherit Eternall Life ? And herein let Christ Jesus himselfe be our President , Who for the joy that was set before him , endured the Crosse , despising the shame , and is set downe at the right hand of the throne of God , Heb. 12.2 .

Oh , what a comfortable and joyfull day will that be to thy immortall and pretious Soule , when stepping forth of her earthly Prison , and speedily conducted by the blessed Angels to the Tabernacle of Heaven , she shall rejoycingly be there received , by the honourable Companies of that heavenly Consistory , viz. with all those blessed Spirits mentioned in the holy Scriptures , viz. Angels , Arch-angels , Vertues , Powers , Principalities , Dominations , Thrones , Cherubims , and Seraphims : also with the holy Patriarches , Prophets , Martyrs , Innocents , Confessors , and Saints of God ; together with the blessed Apostles and Disciples of Jesus Christ ! all which shall then greatly triumph and exceedingly rejoyce , at her Coronation and Glorification .

Yea , and farre more Happinesse she shall enjoy than all this , viz. the Knowledge of the invisible Nature of the most blessed Trinity . The All glorious and Beatificall VISION , the sight of God which maketh us happy : of which St. Augustine saith , Haec sold est summum bonum nostrum . This SIGHT of God is our onely and chiefest Happinesse , in which consisteth the Soveraigne Good and Life of the Soule : which no mortall Eye hath seene , nor Eare hath heard , neither hath it entred into the Heart of Man . The which SIGHT of God , is the full Beatitude , and totall Glorification of Man . Loe , this is the Happinesse , which the Soule of a Christian , Spirituall , Fighting , Conquering , Souldier , shall for ever enjoy .

Where she shall sing Hallelujah , Praise , Rev. 5.13 . and Honour , and Glory , and Power , be unto him that sitteth upon the Throne , and unto the Lambe for evermore .

Quest. But here peradventure some may demand , What shall I doe when I have been a long while under the grievous and weighty pressure of many Troubles , great Crosses , and heavy Afflictions , and still continue under them , seeing ( as yet ) no probability by sublunary assistance of ease in them , no likelyhood of freedome from them , or Deliverance out of them ?

Answ. If this now be , or at any time hereafter shall be thy deplorable Condition , Loe then , I beseech thee in the Bowels of Jesus Christ , as a Sympathzing Brother of thy sorrowes , murmur not thereat , but acknowledge God to be righteous , and that thou sufferest justly for thy sinnes ; and be not sorrowfull because thou sufferest , but for the Cause of thy suffering which are thy sinnes which thou hast committed . According to that complaining Querie of the Prophet Jeremiah , Wherefore is the living man sorrowfull ? man suffereth for his sinne , Lam. 3.39 . And also labour for to live by Faith , and not by Sense , For the Just shall live by his faith , Hab. 2.4 . Ever being mindfull of , and also constantly depending upon the Providentiall name of God , amongst the Hebrewes , 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 which denoteth unto us , the speciall Prodience of God towards his children in all their distresses : resolving also constantly in thine owne Soule without wavering , that whether longer continuance of Life , or speedier seizing upon by Death shall befall thee ; yet notwithstanding , according to that comfortable Expression of the Apostle , Antid. 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . All things work together for good , to them that love God , Rom. 8.28 .

The continuall Consideration hereof , should serve as a spirituall Antidote to preserve thy afflicted languishing Soule ( for ever ) from Despaire . And God Almighty , who is the onely Physitian both of Soule and Body , and can ( at his pleasure ) apply a Remedy to every Malady , according to each particular Persons severall wants and necessities ; give a speedy , comfortable , helpfull , healing Blessing , to the divine Operation thereof within thee .

Of which my selfe can speake both comfortably and experimentally , who being fast lock't in Prison ( for my Kingly Fidelity ) with diverse others of the ministeriall Function , and having not any corporall Sustenance allowed us for above forty dayes together , wherewith to preserve our languishing naturall Lives , they all ended their dayes in the same Prison ; and shortly after all their Deaths , my Body was from Prison enlarged , and Life from Death ( under God ) thereby preserved .

Loe , thus farre the speciall Providence of God extended unto me , when I was wel-nigh brought to the Period of my Life , and almost cast into the cruell jawes of devouring Death : Blessed be the God of my Life and Liberty ( for it ) for ever .

Beloved , a Valiant and Couragious hearted Souldier , will not be discouraged at the roaring of Cannons , the clashing of Armes , the clattering of Weapons , or the hideous noise of furious Enemies comming siercely upon him , although that military Service be never so sharp or dangerous unto him ; because he expects to receive some rich Booty to himselfe when the Battell is ended : so in like manner , a true crucified Christian , who hath the blessed Spirit of God in him , ( which is the only Spirit of all true Valour and Courage ) will not be daunted or dismayed , at the comming on of Troubles , Crosses , or Afflictions , how great or many soever they be , because he is not left to himself alone , as a Souldier in the field , when all his pusilanimous spirited fellow-Souldiers have deserted the Service and forsaken him ; but hath the All-powerfull Lord of Heaven with him , compassing him about with his speciall Providence , as a never-failing Shield , and defensive Buckler to preserve him from perishing ; onely bringing him into the Field , that so he may fight against his Enemies , and thereby have the great Glory and rich Reward , of a magnanimous spirited and valiant Conquerour .

In earnall Judgment , and the fleshly Eye of humane sense and reason , the rich Gluttons case was desirable , Luke 16. and poor Lazarus condition despicable : but the poor Man was received to Mercy , and the rich Man rejected to Judgement .

And herein ( beloved ) we may behold , the great , grosse , and palpable Errour , of the carnall mens Judgement of this World , who conceive their chiefest Happinesse consisteth in creature Comforts , and esteeme it their greatest Delight to swim in the Confluence of all outward good things , and account it their principall Felicity to be in the present possession of outward Pomp , and earthly Prosperity . Loe , thus blind , erroneous , and ignorant , are carnall-minded men , in their naturall Condition .

But the Children of God , to whom the heavenly light of Truth hath appeared , who have been often exercised in Troubles , Crosses , and Afflictions , being crucified Christians , living unto God , and not to themselves , are of a contrary Judgment ; knowing assuredly , that Afflictions are necessary physicall Potions for their Soules , to purge out their sinfull Corruptions , to try and exercise their Faith , and to refine their Soules , whereby they may be the fitter Receptacles for the Spirit of God .

Although the Heaven of Heavens be exceeding High , yet notwithstanding , the Gate thereof is very Low , and none but humble hearted and lowly spirited Persons , ( being crucified Christians ) shall enter therein .

Beloved , we may not think to goe to Heaven in beds of Downe , we must ( in this Vale of misery ) passe through an earthly Purgatory , I meane the Afflictions of this Life , before we can come to the heavenly Paradise , viz. the Joyes of the Life to come . Yea , we must goe by the Suburbs and Gates of Hell , before we can come to the City of the new Jerusalem , and joyes of Heaven .

Every true Member of Christs Church is a crucified Christian , and therefore not onely incident to suffering , but also strict in his Conversation ; for strait is the Gate , and narrow is the way that leadeth unto life , and few there be that finde it , Mat. 7.14 . None must live the life eternall hereafter in the joyes of Heaven , but onely those that first Crucifie their carnall Corruptions , and mortifie their sinfull Affections here upon Earth . We must live in the Spirit and not in the flesh , For He that soweth to his flesh , shall of the flesh reap corruption : but he that soweth to the Spirit , shall of the Spirit reape life everlasting , Gal. 6.8 . And hence is that of S. Paul to his Colossians , Mortifie therefore your Members which are on the earth , fornication , uncleannesse , the inordinate affection , evill concupiscence , and covetousnesse which is idolatrie . Col. 3.5 , 6. For the which things sake , the wrath of God commeth on the Children of disobedience .

The Members of Christs Church publiquely promised ( by their Sureties ) at their Baptisme , to forsake the Devill and all his Workes , and constantly believe Gods holy Word , and obediently keep his Commandements : and were incorporated into Christs Church , to confesse the Faith of Christ crucified , to be faithfull Souldiers for Christ their Saviour , and manfully to fight under his Banner , against Sinne , the World , and the Devill : and the Lord expects the constant spirituall Performance , of this their publique Promise , during the troublesome time of their earthly Pilgrimage .

And how shall the Valour of Souldiers be evidenced to the World , who keep themselves continually in their Quarters , and never goe upon service ; who lye alwayes in the Campe , and never come into the Field ?

But , when once Troubles doe arise , and the Enemy draweth nigh , and Christs Souldiers ( by the sound of Drums and Trumpets ) are called from their Quarters , and they march forwards and meet their Enemies in the face ; Loe then , Abrahams Faith , Davids Piety , Vriahs Constancy , Jobs Patience , Jonathans Love , Jehues Zeal , Gideons Valour , and Pauls Courage will appeare ; who like valiant spirited , and heroicall hearted Souldiers will zealously strive , & unanimously desire , ( for the Glory of God , the Honour of their King , the Peace , Good , and Welfare of their Country ) to be placed in the Front of the Battell .

So in like manner , when Troubles seize upon the Soules of the Members of Christs Church , then the Graces of Gods blessed Spirit within them ( as occasion is offered ) will be operative and working ; yea , the more excellent in Graces , the more eminent in Affflictions : and thereby they are distinguished from the Souldiers of Sathan .

The Earth ( of it selfe ) will bring forth little else but briers and weedes if it be not tilled , and Vines will wax wilde if they be not pruned : Even so , the corrupt and sinfull Affections of our gracelesse and rebellious Hearts , like pernitious Briers and noisome Weeds , would quickly over-runne , not onely all the Parts and Members of our Bodies , but also all the Powers and Faculties of our Soules , if our Gracious God by his tender Care over us , loving Chastisements upon us , and powerfull working of his blessed Spirit in us , should not effectually Purge , Dresse , and Manure us .

And the superfluous Branches of our naturall Corruptions would spread so far abroad within us , as everlastingly to destroy us ; if the Lord by sharp sanctified Afflictions should not prune them , and by his loving fatherly Corrections cut them off .

Therefore , let the Church of Christ be content to suffer Afflictions here upon Earth , and also be glad to bear the yoak in her youth . Lam. 3.27

The present Condition of Christs Church Militant in her Warfare , ( at this day in our Land ) resembleth the case of Judah .

Manasseth , Ephraim , and Ephraim , Manasseth : and they both shall be against Judah .

Loc , this is the Sting of the Churches Crosses , and unto her it is inevitable .

For it was the portion of Christ her Head , and shall the Members expect to escape ?

It was the Lot of her Master , and shall the Servants thinke to fare better ?

It was the condition of the Saints in the Old Testament , and also of the Apostles in the New .

Of the Saints in the Old , Abraham banished both from his Country and kindred ; Jacob lay in the fieldes ; Joseph in the prison ; David hunted as a Partridge upon the mountaines ; Elijah full of feare through Jezabels bloody Tyranny , desired the Lord to take away his life from him ; Job scraped himselfe with a potsherd upon the dunghill ; Jeremy put into the dungeon ; The three Children into the fiery Furnace ; Daniell cast into the den of Lyons ; And Susanna , brought almost to the place of her execution .

Yea , the Church her selfe complaineth of her suffering condition .

O Lord , behold mine affliction : Lam. 1.9 . for the enemy is proud .

And verse the 12. Have ye no regard , all ye that passe by this way ? behold and see , if there be any sorrow 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 like unto my sorrow , which is done unto me , wherewith the Lord hath afflicted me in the day of his fierce anger .

The Apostle rehearseth a Catalogue of the Saints sufferings that were before Christs Incarnation .

They were tried by mockings and scourgings , yea , moreover by bonds and imprisonment .

They were stoned , Heb. 11.36 , 37 , 38. they were hewen asunder , they were tempted , they were slaine with the sword , they wandred up and down in sheep skins , and in goats skins , being destitute , afflicted and tormented .

Whom the world was not worthy of : they wandred in wildernesses , and mountaines , and dens , and caves of the earth .

Loe , these were the sufferings of the Saints in the Old Testament .

And as for the Saints in the New , Poore Lazarus lay in a wofull condition at the rich Gluttons gate , but there was found no mortall heart to sorrow for him , nor eye to pitty him , nor hand to relieve him .

And none of Christs Apostles dyed a naturall death but onely S. John , and he was banished by the Emperour Domitian to the I le Patmos , and also put into a Tunne of hot oyle at Rome ; as both Tertull. and S. Jerom report .

So that , although with the rest he suffered not an immature death ; yet notwithstanding , he also tasted deepe of his Masters Cup : of which every one must be contented to drinke , that is a true Member of the Church of Christ .

Beloved , this is the Lords usuall dealing towards all the true Members of his Church , thereby to make them Crucified Christians , that so they might be like unto Christ their Captaine , who is called by the Prophet 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 a Man of sorrowes and acquainted with griefe . Esa. 53.3 .

And it was Saint Pauls generall rule to Timothy , 2 Tim. 3.12 . 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . All that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution .

Loe , this truth Paul and Barnabas preached at Lystra , Iconium , and Antiochia , and S. Luke reports it with an Oportet , signifying the necessity of suffering , Act. 14.22 We must through many afflictions enter into the Kingdome of God .

Shall we hope to live with Christ in the Church Triumphant , and not be content to die with him in the Church Militant ?

Would we gladly reigne with Christ there , and not willingly first suffer with him here ?

Let us not deceive our selves ; None shall have teares wiped from their eyes in Heaven , but those that have first shed them upon the Earth .

So that no perplexity , no felicity ; no misery , no glory ; no Crosse , no Crowne .

For our happinesse is Conditionall , Si sustinemus , conregnabimus .

If we suffer with Christ ( meaning ) in Affliction , we shall also reigne with him ( that is ) in glory . 2 Tim. 2.

Therefore let all the true Members of Christs Church arme themselves for Troubles , so long as they live upon the face of the Earth , Amos 6.6 . and never forget the afflictions of Joseph , but mutually pray one for another .

O pray for the Peace of Ierusalem .

Reprehension .

Vse 3 TO reprove all those Persons that are Disturbers of the Churches Peace . And for brevitie sake I will but onely Hint at them : and they are of two sorts ; 1. Those that help her not . 2. Those that hurt her .

So that the Church hath both Omissive and Commissive Enemies :

Omissive , neglecting to help her : and Commissive , endeavouring to hurt her .

1. Those that help her not .

Whosoever is not for her , is against her ; and whosoever gathereth not with her , Mat. 12.30 . scattereth abroad .

And they are of two sorts .

1. Ministers .

2. Lay-persons .

1. Ministers , who have Pastorall Charges in the Church of Christ , and doe not feede those flocks that are committed to their Charge .

And they are of two sorts .

1. Those that are Ignorant , and cannot feede them .

2. Those that are Idle , and will not feede them .

The Ignorant that cannot , are called reproachfully dumbe dogs . Isay 56.10 . and the Idle that will not , must be accountable for the blood of that part of their flock that perish through their defect . Ezech. 33.6 .

2. Lay-persons , and they are of three sorts .

1. Those that pray not at all , either for themselves , or for the Church .

Such stupified persons being both senslesse and carelesse of their owne and others conditions , though they dwell amongst Christians , yet ( to their shame be it spoken ) they live like Heathens , Their foolish hearts are full of darknesse , Rom. 1.21 . They live as strangers from the life of God , through the ignorance that is in them , because of the hardnesse of their hearts , Ephes. 4.18 . and are as without God in the world . Ephes. 2.12 .

2. Those , that if they pray at all , pray but onely for themselves , utterly neglecting the Church , never laying to heart the afflictions of Joseph . Amos 6.6 .

3. Those , that if they pray for the Churches Peace , they performe that great and weighty duty but lightly and perfunctorily : as not being earnest and zealous in the performance thereof .

Yea , give me leave I humbly pray you , to demand of you all here present assembled before me , who is there amongst you , that in the sincerity of his heart can stand forth and say , when once he did humble himselfe upon the bended knees of his soule unto God , and sigh , and groane , and pray , and shed teares flowing from a penitent heart on the Churches behalfe ?

Oh how few there are that can truly say , when once they did heartily humble themselves unto God for the good of the Church !

I will not censure so uncharitably of that number ( as if there be any ) to say of that party he is a Phenix : But I feare I may too truly say of them , they are black Swans , even rare Birds amongst us .

Beloved , if they be true Members of her , it cannot be , but they must Sympathizingly suffer with her , and consequently pray unto God for her .

And therefore they come justly under the lash of Reprehension that are defective herein .

2. Those that hurt her .

And they are also of three sorts :

1. Open prophane persons who revile her , by casting obloquies and reproaches against her : as Potiphars wife to Joseph , Shimei to David , and Rabshakeh to Hezekiah .

Let all such know , that whosoever revileth or reproacheth the true Members of Christs Church , Christ taketh it as done unto himselfe .

He that heareth you , heareth me ; and he that despiseth you , despiseth me : Luk. 10.16 and he that despiseth me , despiseth him that sent me .

2. Those that live in the bosome of the Church , and make a profession of Religion , and yet are vicious in their Conversations .

Those are cruell Enemies to the Church of Christ , they make the Enemies of God to blaspheme , cause the way of Truth to be evill spoken of , scandalize the Gospell of Christ , and are unto the Church as the Canaanites were to the Israelites , even thornes in their eyes , and pricks in their sides .

I shall referre all such Hypocrites to that learned Father who reprehensively saith , Oh Hypocrite , if it be a good thing to be good indeed , why wilt thou not be that which thou seemest to be ? And if it be an evill thing to be evill indeed , why wilt thou be that which thou wouldest not seeme for to be ?

My counsell in this case to all such persons shall be , I pray them in the bowells of Jesus Christ , to consider that God is Omnipresent , and that all things are naked before him , and they cannot blinde the All-seeing Eye of the Omniscient God , whose eyes are Ten thousand times brighter then the sunne , beholding all the wayes of men , and considering the most secret parts . Ecclus. 23.19 .

The Lord beholdeth the ends of the world , and seeth all that is under heaven . Job 28.24 .

He seeth all the imaginations of the thoughts of mens hearts , Gen. 6.5 .

He beholdeth our wayes , and telleth all our steps , Job 31.4 .

And pondereth all our paths , Prov. 5.21 .

And there is no thought hid from him . Job 42.2 .

The Hebrewes say , 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 The Lord searcheth all hearts , and understandeth all the imaginations of thoughts .

And he is called of the Grecians , 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , The Searcher of the heart .

Loe , this truth is acknowledged by holy David , where he saith , O Lord , thou hast searched me out , and knowne me : thou knowest my downe-sitting , and mine up-rising : thou understandest my thoughts long before . Psal. 139.1 .

Yea , he knew right well , Jezabels Fast , 1 King . 21.9 . Absaloms Vow , 2 Sam. 15.7 . and Judas kisse , Mat. 26.49 . although their bloody intents , and mischievous purposes were never so secret : for He beholdeth , and tryeth the very hearts and reines . 1 Sam. 16.7 . Psal. 7.10 .

So that he perfectly knowes both the true-hearted Nathaniel , John 1.47 . and the false-minded Simon Magus , Act. 8.20 .

Yea , the Everlasting Searcher of the hearts , hath written the sinne of Hypocrisie ( being double iniquity ) with a pen of iron , and the point of a Diamond , Jer. 17.1 .

So that the Diabolicall sinne of Hypocrisie , must ( at the last ) breake forth , & be detected .

And therefore let them not be deceived , for God cannot be mocked ; as they sow , so shall they reape ; their seed-time wherein they sow nothing but the seedes of wickednesse is in this life , and their harvest shall be in the end of this life , in the land of everlasting darknesse : for the Hypocrites portion shall be in utter darknesse , where shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth . Mat. 24. ult.

3. Those that are Schismaticks , who separate themselves from the Church of Christ .

Against all such persons of that dangerous Brood , S. Paul gave in one verse , a Three-fold Caveat to his Philippians , 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Phil. 3.2 .

The first , the Apostle termeth Dogs .

The Second , Evill-Workers .

And the Third , the Concision .

1. By Dogs , is meant those who barke against the truth of Christ for lucre sake .

And hence it is , that there is such a Deluge of Errours ( at this day ) flowing in the Church , viz. the splendor & glittering shew of Balaks gold , which hath not onely dimmed , but also blinded the avaricious eyes of the bastard brood of corrupt-hearted Balaams , and ( against the light of their knowledge ) turned their Consciences into covetousnesse , answerable to that true saying of Virgil the Heathen Poet ; O sacra auri fames , quid non mortalia pectora cogis ? O cursed desire of gold , what mischiefe is it , but ( for the love of thee ) thou forcest man to attempt it ? Whereby they are not onely fitted to worke their owne sinfull ends by sinister meanes , but also eagerly exercised ( as every opportunity is offered ) in speaking both privately and publiquely , those things ( though never so pernicious to the soules of their Auditors ) that shall conduce to their worldly Advantage , and helpe to their expected and greedy-wished-for wages , for the satisfying of their unlimited and avaricious desires : Who serve not the Lord Jesus , but their owne bellies ; whose glory will turne to their shame , minding ( as they doe ) nothing but earthly things . Phil. 3.19 .

The approach of which Medusa's head ( being Demas-like avariciously affected ) in this declining Age of the World , 2 Tim. 4.10 wherein the people are as desirous of Novelty , as subject to Discontent ; the world hath suffered a fearfull and fatall Metamorphosis , and justly may wonder to finde her selfe so great and grosse a Changeling : but politique Hypocrisie accounting Gaine to be Godlinesse , is a building which hath but a lubricall , sandie , and slippery foundation : and therefore with terrour to her co-operating Agents , and comfort to her over-oppressed Patients , she cannot promise to her selfe , and her viperous Brood , any certainty of long continuance , although her deceitfull and pestilent Agents are never so Active .

The which pernicious practice of those pragmaticall and pestilent Impostors , may not unfitly allude , to those late , upstart , factious , pedanticall Novelists , who pretend to the world , they are sufficiently gifted to be Teachers of others , and that they also are the onely , able , Orthodox , and powerfull Preachers of these latter Times ; and yet they are not able to read the Texts of the Old and New Testaments , in those Languages wherein God by his Prophets and Apostles ( Originally ) spake to his Church ; wherein is contained the infallible Demonstration of the holy Scriptures .

Such ignorant Pedants ( not knowing what they speak , or whereof they affirme ) must of necessity build their Christian Faith ( if they have any ) upon the judgements and opinions of other men ; as not being able themselves for to discerne betweene Truth and Error . 1 Cor. 2.14 .

And yet notwithstanding , they often speake swelling words , being vainely puft up with their fleshly minds .

Who partly out of their Pride , or Malice , or Covetousnesse , or Ignorance , or some other as great or greater sins moving them , teach desperately erroneous Doctrines , to corrupt the minds of their itching-ear'd-hearers , and divulge the brain-sick devices of male-contented factious persons , which onely tickle their all-hearing Auditors itching eares , but worke no saving grace in their hearts ; mixing with the limpid and pure waters of Life , the putrified dregs , and polluted , schismaticall , and foule corruptions , of their owne filthy and deceitfull factions : turning the heavenly sweetnesse of Truths infallible and plaine direction , into the hellish bitternesse of hereticall expressions , and erroneous Confusion .

Thereby causing their seduced Proselites to wander from the direct and true paths of Gods Commandements , leading to Heaven and Salvation ; into the devious and by-paths of cursed sinne , and infectious wickednesse ; walking blindly in the broad way leading to the wide gate , going downe to the darke and uncomfortable lodgings of Death , Isa. 30. ult. and terrible Tophet of Perdition .

2. By Evill-workers , those that make their whole life a trade of sinning : whose sole practice is to doe nothing but evill ; and are also ever plotting mischiefe against the Church of Christ .

As was the practice of Cain against Abel , Gen. 4. Esau against Jacob. Gen. 27. Pharaoh against the Israelites . Exod. 14. Saul against David , 1 Sam. 23. Benh●dad against Jehoshaphat , 1 King . 22. Senacherib against Hezekiah , 2 King . 19. Haman against the Jewes , Esther 3. The Jewes against our blessed Saviour Christ Jesus , Mat. 26. Also Nero , Domitian , Trajan , Adrian , Anthony , Dioclesian , & divers other malignant Emperours , against the zealous and religious Christians , in the tender Ages of the Christian Church .

Loe thus , there hath been ( even from the beginning ) inveterate hatred in the Church Malignant , against the Church Militant : the which Malignity , even as a Gangrene or Leprosie , hath pernitiously spread it selfe , so far abroad into the world , as that we of this English Nation may experimentally ( at this day ) with sadnesse of spirit , and great griefe of heart , justly complaine of the bitter fruits thereof ; the which hath unhappily produced by the violence of the enraged Sword , the late great destruction that hath been in our Land , and the present afflicting Distractions that still remaine amongst us .

Such persons are as opposite to the true Members of Christs Church , as Light is to Darknesse , Heaven to Hell , and God to Satan .

Yea , that cursed Brood of venomous Vipers , having their hearts set on fire of Hell , are both maliciously minded , and bloodily affected , whose wisdome is earthly , sensuall , and devilish ; Lam. 3.15 . exercising their power to the uttermost against the true Members of the Church of Christ ; nothing regarding to contemne the approved Truth , and Peace of the Church .

3. By Concision , those that make Rents and Divisions in the Church of Christ ; those Separatists that pluck up the pales , and teare up the hedges thereof , giving liberty thereby to the subtile Foxes to pluck off her grapes , whereby to strip and speedily starve her , and the wilde Boare of the Forrest to root her up , and utterly destroy her .

Such as were those over-selfe-conceited , arrogant , and contemptuous Jewes , of whom the Prophet maketh expression , Isa. 65.5 . who said , Stand apart , come not neere to me : for I am holier then thou .

But Agur the sonne of Jakeh , describeth the condition of such insolent spirits : Pro. 30.12 There is ( saith he ) a generation that are pure in their owne conceit , and yet are not washed from their filthinesse .

The which truth will plainly appeare unto us , if we looke into their conversations ; For we shall finde many of them possest with boyling Malice , swelling Pride , cruell Oppression , cursed Covetousnesse , swinish Drunkennesse , beastly Whoredome , abominable and crying sinnes , leud and lascivious lives , filthy Lusts , and fleshly Pleasures :

Who may not unfitly be compared to the Athenians , whom Pantolidas the Ambassadour hearing dispute of Vertue , and being demanded how their speeches pleased him ? He answered . Your talke indeed is good , but this is greatly to be lamented , that talking so well , ye live so ill .

And so in like manner , may I say of many such Separatists , their words are commendable , but their workes condemnable ; their speeches are glorious , but their lives vicious . Amply expressing ( in their vicious lives ) that Heathen mans complaining Accusation against precise and deceitfull Epicures ,

Qui Curios simulant & Bacchanalia vivunt .

I could willingly wish they might not too truly be termed Pedants , condemning and rejecting all opinions which they either understand not , or like not : Supposing with themselves , they have a speciall point of the Spirit , and know more then the common sort of people , being filled with an enraged folly , resolving to reject all opinions and sayings but their owne , which they keepe pertinatiously with themselves as Oracles .

And thus like positive and affirmative Dogmatists , they are so wedded to their owne opinions , as that they would have all the world to be ruled by their opinionated Lawes , and subject themselves to the Scepter of their sayings , although they be never so unconformable and inorthodoxall .

God in mercy to us of this English Nation , prevent our Christian Kingdome from being involved ( by such turbulent Spirits ) into a new Chaos of spirituall Darknesse , Combustion , and Confusion .

For when once such pestilent , over-selfe-conceited , Church-renting Hypocrites , have palliated themselves with the Cloake of fained puritie , by the externall profession of Religion ; and masked their impudent faces with the Vizor of seeming Sanctitie ; and anointed their fraudulent tongues with the oyle of smoothing Flatterie ; whereby they can deceitfully expresse themselves in Saint-like Discourses : speaking lyes in hypocrisie , 1 Tim. 4.2 . whereby to delude ignorant persons .

Loe then , they can cunningly , like the Scribes and Pharisees , under the colour of long prayers , devoure widdows houses . Mat. 23.14 .

And are in a Capacitie to Creepe into houses , and lead Captive sillie women laden with sinnes , led away with divers lusts . 2 Tim. 3.6 . Yea , ( if it were possible ) to deceive the very Elect , Mat. 24.24 . but that their names are written in heaven , Luk. 10.20 . and the foundation of God ( which is the Election of his Children ) remaineth sure , 2 Tim. 2.19 .

Loe , thus they seeme externally to the World , like harmlesse Sheep ; but they are internally to the Church , Mat. 7.15 . ravenous Wolves .

They appeare extrinsecally like innocent Lambes ; but they are intrinsecally devouring Lyons .

Foris Catones , Intus Nerones , Grave Cato's without , but Cruell Nero's within :

They have Jacobs voice , but Esaus heart and hands .

They are 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , Men of double mindes , having a heart , and a heart , to comply both with persons and times ( for their own advantage ) as all occasions are offered ; swimming like Fishes with the streame , and steering all their courses and passages ( temporizingly ) suitable to the present times .

Shifting their Sailes with the turning of every wind , and sowing satisfactory pleasing Pillowes , under godlesse , gracelesse , and wicked mens Elbowes .

Resembling those four hundred flattering falfe temporizing Prophets ; 1 King . 18.19 . who were not onely invited , but also advanced to Jezables table .

Such Ambidexters playing with both hands , They are like Janus with his two faces , who looketh both before and behind ;

They are like those Israelites , who speak both Ashdod and Hebrew . Nehe. 13.24 .

They are like the Barnacles , who are both flesh and fish :

They are like Balaam , Num. 23.25 . who doth both blesse and curse .

They are like Tullie amongst the Romances , who could not ( for the present ) fully perswade himself , whether he should take part with Cesar or Pompey .

They are like Tytides amongst the Grecians , who could not resolve whether he should adhere to Achilles or Hector .

They are like the Tribe of Ephraim amongst the Jewes , which was as a cake upon the harth not turned , Hos. 7.8 . baked on the one side , but raw on the other .

They are like the Church of Laodicea amongst the Gentilos , which was neither hot nor cold , Rev. 3.15 .

And therefore as lukewarme-water offensive to the stomack , and incident to be spewed out of the mouth of Christ .

They are like the Ostriches which have wings to flie , but never doe flie ; pretending that to be in their deceitfull heads and hearts , which they have neither purpose nor ability to performe .

They are like the Beasts of Ethiopia , called Nabes , or Camelopardales , whose heads resemble the Camell ; their necks the Horse ; their legs and feet the Oxe ; and their spots the Tiger . Fronti nulla fides .

They are like the Herbe Moli , whose flower ( as the Herbalist reporteth ) is as white as milke , but the root thereof as black as inke .

They are not in practice , much unlike the Cameleon , or fish Polypus , who change themselves into variety of Colours ; or like to Protheus , Metamorphosing themselves into diverse formes ; of whom it was said , Formas se vertit in omnes , he turned himself into all fashions .

Yea , they imitate those out-side persons who have musked mouthes , but stinking breathes : whose words and wayes are like the Hermites breath , wherewith he both warmeth his fingers , and cooleth his broth .

And thus have I ( as briefly as I could ) both truly and plainly deciphered unto you , the both dissembling and cursed condition of such Church-lacerating Hypocrites ; who , when they are so deceitfully furnished , and wickedly qualified , loe , then they have fitted themselves meete to be listed under Satan ( their infernall Generall ) the Prince of darknesse , 2 Cor. 11.14 . who can transforme himselfe into an Angell of light .

For then they can worke craftily and politiquely , as well as fight stoutly and boldly under his Banner of Dissimulation , for the enlargement of the hellish Territories of his Kingdome of Darknesse .

Loe , thus the Devills hypocriticall Souldiers , serve him as well internally by craft and subtilty , as externally by strength & corporall ability ; working mischief every way ( that lyeth in their power ) against the holy & harmlesse Members of the Church of Christ .

But let all such Soul-destroying Hypocrites know for their present convincement , that true Piety was never pinned upon the sleeve of wordly Policy : and that no service can be acceptacle to God , but that which is performed with the hearts sincerity .

But I beseech you mistake me not , let me not be accounted an Enemie , because I tell you the truth , Gal. 4.16 . Neither make me that Requitall , which the obstinate Jewes did to the Lords Prophet Jeremiah , when he justly reproved them for their sinnes . Jer. 18.18 . Then said they , come , and let us imagine some device against Jeremiah : for the Law shall not perish from the Priest , nor Councell from the Wise , nor the Word from the Prophet : Come , and let us smite him with the tongue , and let us not give heed to any of his words .

If thus you shall requite me , then may you justly feare , that the righteous Lord will be wrathfully displeased with you , and that may redound to your owne ruine .

But let me crave your candid censure ; for I call Heaven and Earth to record , that I speak not this out of the spirit of betternesse against the Saints of God , whose sanctified Conversation is answerable to their holy profession , zealously serving , and faithfully worshipping the living God in spirit and truth as he commandeth .

Yea , Ioh. 4.24 . my hearty Prayers ( I sincerely confesse ) are constantly unto God for them , that he would continue them in the wayes of holinesse , and daily increase the number of them in our Land ; and that they may splendidly shine as Lights in obscurity , in the midst of a perverse and crooked generation amongst whom they live ; that so they might not onely glorifie God themselves , but also be holy Patterns , and godly Examples for imitation unto others , whereby to draw them the more speedily to the service of God .

But I speak onely , and that reprehensively , of those who are mere tongue-tipped-table-Gospelers , having a forme of godlinesse , but denying the power thereof , 2 Tim. 3.5 who onely make a shew of sanctity , having their hearts full of all manner of guile and hypocrisie ; who are facilie perceptible by their Fruites , and evidently conspicuous to the world by their Actions , walking in the wayes of dissimulation , which lead to the infernall Pit of eternall perdition . Mat. 24.5 .

And therefore , if such persons will become true Members of Christs Church , let them stand no longer at a distance from the Church , but let them labour with expedition to purge out their owne Corruptions , abandoning their former leud Conversations , humble themselves for their sinnes , come in and close with Christ , and speedily pray for the Churches Peace .

O Pray for the Peace of Jerusalem .

Consolation .

Vse 4 TO comfort the Church in her saddest condition ; by calling to minde , Psa. 126.6 They that sow in teares , shall reap in joy .

And heavinesse may endure for a night , Psal. 30.5 . but joy commeth in the morning .

Considering also , that Christ calleth none unto him with a promise to comfort them , but those that are grieved persons .

Come unto me all ye that labour , Mat. 11.28 . and are heavy laden , and I will give you rest .

And remembring the Cordiall that Christ gave unto his Disciples , when he was to depart from them , and in them to his whole Church , John 16.20 . Ye shall sorrow , but your sorrow shall be turned into joy .

That is , ye shall rejoyce that ever you were sorrowfull .

As if Christ in other words should have said unto them , Comfort your hearts my beloved Disciples ; for although I shall leave you for a while as Pilgrimes in the wildernesse of this wicked world ; yet notwithstanding , ye shall hereafter come to the land of the heavenly Canaan , even to the new Jerusalem whither I am now going , and there you shall receive the end of your faith , even the salvation of your soules , 1 Pet. 1.9 . Psa. 16. ult. where there is fulnesse of joy , and pleasures for evermore .

The Lord ( without doubt ) will preserve his Church from the scratching Pawes of savage Beares ; the tearing Mouthes of ravenous Wolves ; and the covetous Clutches of greedy Cormorants ; who lie daily and hourely in waite to supplant , subvert , and devoure Her : and all under the spetious pretence of Piety , the counterfeit shew of Holinesse , and candid colour of Religion .

Will not Christ , Mat. 23.37 who wept over Jerusalem , and would often have gathered the Children of the Jewes together , as a Hen gathereth her Chickings under her wings , preserve his Church from perishing ?

Certainely yea .

And will not God , who clotheth the Lillies , Mat. 6.26 , 28. and feedeth the foules of the aire , preserve his Church under the winges of his Providence , Zach. 2.8 . whom he tendereth as the apple of his owne eye ? Undoubtedly yea .

Conjugall-love is strong ;

Paternall-love is powerfull ;

Loyall-love is very effectuall ; But

Divine-love , viz. the love of God to his Church farre transcends them all .

Can a mother forget her childe , Isa. 49.15 . and not have compassion on the sonne of her wombe ? though they should forget , yet will I not forget thee , saith the Lord to his Church .

Yea , and let the Church also listen to that sweet Expression of the Lord , by his Prophet unto his people , Isay 51.7 , 8. Hearken unto me , ye that know righteousnesse , the people in whose heart is my Law : feare ye not the reproach of men , neither be ye afraid of their revilings .

For the moath shall eate them up like a garment , and the worme shall eat them like wooll : but my righteousnesse shall be for ever , and my Salvation from generation to generation .

So that the Church of Christ needeth not to feare , though at any time she should be plunged into the depth of calamity , for rather then her Persecutors shall goe unpunished , the Lord will make the very moathes and wormes , and other contemptible creatures of the earth , to be the Instruments of her enemies confusion , and his hand shall bring unto her everlasting salvation .

And therefore , what although the Church for the present , sits pensively , and mournes like a desolate widdow tristively , weeping and lamenting for the personall absence of Christ her Husband ? Mat. 28. ult. yet notwithstanding , his comfortable Spirit is present with her , and also will be unto the end of the World .

And at the appointed time there will be a cessation from all her sorrowes ; for he will joyfully returne unto her , lovingly embrace her , Rev. 7. ult. and wipe away all teares from her eyes : and then she shall receive a full deliverance from all afflictions both of body and soule .

Then that confident expected 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 shall be turned into 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 that Slavabit into Salvavit , he will save , into he hath saved .

And then all the violent brumall winter stormes of bloody persecution shall be fully passed over , and the glorious sun-shine - beames of Gods loving and comfortable countenance most splendidly shine upon her .

And then all the Chaines of her afflictions shall be broken asunder , Psa. 124.6 and she delivered as a bird out of the snare of the Fowler .

And the Lord will give unto her beauty for ashes , the oile of joy for mourning , Esay 61.3 . and the garment of gladnesse for the spirit of heavinesse .

And when all these consolatory Blessings are come upon her , then hearken unto her rejoycing , Isay 61.10 . I will greatly rejoyce in the Lord , and my soul shall be joyfull in my God : for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation , and covered me with the robe of righteousnesse , he hath decked me like a bridegroome , and as a bride tyreth her selfe with her jewells .

Beloved , the serious consideration of this , may serve as an Antidote to keep the Church of Christ from despaire ; for the yeare of her everlastaing Iubile will certainly come .

Oh what unspeakable joy and ineffable comfort doth this afford unto all the distressed Members of the Church of Christ ! considering that although the Church of Christ be subject to sorrows , yet the Lord bestoweth upon her proportionable comforts .

Whereupon the Psalmist in the person of the Church experimentally confesseth , In the multitude of the sorrowes that I had in my heart : thy comforts have refreshed my soule . Psal. 94.19

And therefore let the Church continually comfort her selfe with this infallible confidence of Gods love and mercy towards her , that as Christ put forth his hand and preserved Peter when he was in danger . Mat. 14.31 .

So in like manner , the Lord will never suffer those that are his to sinke in the bitter waters of Marah , and sorrowfull Seas of this turbulent life , so farre as to perish ; but will sanctifie all the dispensations of his providence unto them , and sweeten all their sorrowes with the comforts of his blessed Spirit , 1 Cor. 10.13 . and will also give an issue in all their afflictions , that they may be able to bear them .

And therefore let them comfort themselves together , and mutually pray one for another .

O pray for the Peace of Jerusalem .

Exhortation .

Vse 5 THe last Use is for Exhortation , and that is three-fold .

1. To pitty the Church when she is in calamity .

2. To labour to become true Members of the Church of Christ .

3. To use the meanes to attaine the end for procureing the Churches Peace .

1. To pitty the Church when she is in calamity .

And herein I shall speak , 1. Generally , 2. Particularly .

1. Generally , and that shall be concerning this whole Kingdome , whereof we are all Members , and wherein also we live .

And of that I say , Be thou exhorted , O England , and seeing the Lords Judgements are now in our Land , Let the Inhabitants thereof learne righteousnesse , Esay 26.9 . And speedily be reclaimed from all thy wickednesse ; and frequently , faithfully and fervently pray unto the Lord , to fill thy heart full of the rich Graces of his blessed Spirit ; and endeavour by the power of his grace and blessed Spirit , to live the life of grace , to subdue all thy naturall corruptions , to resist all sinne and wickednesse whatsoever ; to deny all ungodlinesse and worldly lusts , and to live soberly , righteously and godly in this present world , Tit. 2.12 .

And heartily lament all thy sinnes , fully forsake them , and speedily turne unto the Lord our God .

Come thus to the Lord with confidence , that he will receive thee , and for his mercy and promise sake thou shalt be received ; for there is still mercy with the Lord , Psal. 130.4 that he may be feared ; and we are not ( as yet ) consumed , because his Compassions faile not . Lam. 3.22

And though our Sinnes have abounded , Rom. 5.20 yet his Grace doth Superabound .

And therefore to us he will certainly be mercifull , if we can be truly sorrowfull .

For , although every sinne be damnable ; yet no sinne actually condemneth , but the sinne of impenitency .

Therefore let my councell now be acceptable to thee O perplexed England ; Esay 55.6 . Seeke the Lord while he may be found ; And call upon him while he is nigh at hand .

Draw neere unto God in Prayer , in Faith , and in humblenesse of heart , that thou mayest be healed .

Come to the Lord prayingly , confidently , and humbly , that thou mayest finde mercy : Lest the righteous Lord in displeasure against thee , suddenly depart from thee , and so thou becomest both ruinous and desolate to thy utter Confusion .

2. Particularly , Beloved , we know experimentally , that in the Naturall body , if any Member be wounded , all the rest joyntly doe their best endeavours to succour and helpe it .

The Eare is open to hearken after a remedy for it .

The Eye looketh upon it .

The Hand toucheth it .

The Tongue calleth for a Chyrurgion to cure it .

And all the Members of the same body ( in a sympathizing way ) are ready to relieve it .

And shall not the Members of Christs Mysticall Body be as ready to pitty one another , and to relieve each other when they are in distresse ?

That were not onely a Sinne , but also a Shame unto them .

What ? shall the promptnesse and practice of the Flesh , condemne the dulnesse and slacknesse of the Spirit ?

Shall a Naturall Sympathy , out-strip a spirituall Congruity ?

And shall Naturall Pitty , transcend spirituall Piety ? 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . God forbid .

It was Saint Pauls Exhortation to his Galatians , Gal. 6.2 . Beare ye one anothers burdens , and so fulfill the Law of Christ .

Intimating thereby , that there is mutuall love betweene those that are true Members of the Church of Christ .

So that , if one of them be grieved , all the rest that heare of it , are afflicted for that party till he be relieved .

An instance hereof we have in the Churches practice on the behalfe of S. Peter , Acts 12.5 . when Herod had imprisoned Peter , the faithfull Members of Christs Church met together , and earnest prayer was made of the Church unto God for him .

Oh how greatly doth this condemne the practice of all those unnaturall Persons , who hearing that the Members of Christs Church are in distresse , doe wholly shut up their bowells of Compassion from them , and will neither relieve their Bodies with their Purses , nor their Soules by their Prayers !

2. To exhort all those that are ( as yet ) without , to labour to become true Members of the Church of Christ , without which there is no salvation .

And for this cause S. Luke reporteth , that the Lord added to the Church from day to day , Act. 2.47 . such as should be saved .

The Church of Christ is most excellent in her selfe , because in her alone salvation is to be found , and no where else .

Answerable unto that preservative Expression of S. Paul to the Centurion and the Souldiers , concerning the Mariners , Acts 27.31 . Except these abide in the ship , ye cannot be saved .

When the Lord destroyed the Old World by the generall Deluge of water , none were preserved but onely those that were with Noah in the Arke . Gen. 7.23 .

Which Arke was a Type and Figure of the Church of Christ .

And beloved , thus shall it also be at the end of the world , when Christ shall come in the Cloudes to judge both the quick and the dead ; none shall be saved from everlasting burning in the fire of Hell , but onely those sheepe that are of Christs fold , Mat. 25.34 . even those that are true Members of the Church of Christ .

Now lest any should be deceived , thinking themselves to be true Members of Christs Church and are not .

I shall briefly lay downe some Markes , whereby they may try themselves whether they be or not .

And for brevity sake I will but onely Hint at some of them .

Markes . 1. Peace . 2. Holinesse . 3. Love . 4. Regeneration . 5. Obedience .

1. Peace . Concord amongst the Children of God , is like the agreement and harmony in Musique : yea , it is well pleasing to God , and acceptable to all good men .

God is the God of Peace , 1 Thes. 5.23 . The very God of peace sanctifie you throughout .

And he is also the Authour of Peace , 1 Cor. 14.33 . God is not the Authour of confusion , but of peace , as we see in all the Churches of the Saints .

And his Children are the Children of peace , Isay 11.9 . None shall hurt or destroy in all the mountaine of mine holinesse .

And Christ in his Sermon upon the Mount , pronounceth a blessing unto them that labour for Peace .

Blessed are the Peace makers : Mat. 5.9 . for they shall be called the children of God .

When as King Salomon who had his name from Peace , built that most glorious and stately materiall Temple for the Worship of God ; it is very remarkeable , that in the making thereof no Noise was heard , by strikeing or beating upon any of the materialls whereof it was made ; the which Temple was also a Type of Christ ; Esay 53.7 . who was mute like a sheepe before the Shearers , and with Patience did beare silently many injuries and indignities , not onely offered unto him , but also laide upon him .

In imitation whereof , all true Beleevers in Christ , who are the Spirituall Temple of the living God , 1 Cor. 3.17 . ought both silently to suffer , and also patiently to endure the troubles and miseries of this their militarie Warfare , according to that rule of our blessed Saviour , learne of me , Mat. 11.29 for I am meek and lowly in heart ; and ye shall finde rest unto your soules .

And S. Paul , when he was to leave his Corinthians , he exhorted them to Peace , that after his departure from them , they might have the comfortable presence of the God of Peace with them . Leaving them this memorable Valediction at his ultimum vale .

Finally brethren , fare ye well : be perfect : 2 Cor. 13.11 . be of good comfort : be of one minde ; live in peace , and the God of love and peace shall be with you .

So that , to live peaceably towards others , is a Marke of the true Members of the Church of Christ .

2. Holinesse . The Apostle S. Peter speaking to the faithfull , who should be heires of everlasting glory , exhorts them to be holy in all manner of conversation , 1 Pet. 1.15 .

Heaven is an holy place , and none must inhabit there but holy persons , viz. Saints , those that are made holy by the blood of Christ , those whose soules are washed in the blood of the Lambe .

Whosoever is not thus qualified , must for ever from heaven be excluded , Apoc. 22.15 . Without shall be dogs , and Enchanters , and whoremongers , and mutherers , and Idolaters , and whosoever loveth , or maketh lies .

Yea , the Apostle is peremptory herein , Heb. 12.14 . Follow peace with all men , and holinesse , without the which no man shall see the Lord .

Therefore labour to finde this Grace of Holinesse in thy selfe , for it is an infallible Marke of the true Members of the Church of Christ .

3. Love . Spirituall Love is the most excellent effect of the Soule , and also a fruit of Gods blessed Spirit , Gal. 5.22 .

Yea , and our blessed Saviour to distinguish his Disciples from the prophane persons of the world , expresseth Love as the cognizance of distinction .

By this shall all men know that ye are my Disciples , Ioh. 13.35 if ye have love one to another .

So that spirituall Love is also a Marke of the true Members of the Church of Christ .

4. Regeneration . Art thou sensible of thy new Spirituall birth ? Dost thou finde in thy selfe experimentally Mortification and Vivification ? a killing of the Old man , and a quickning of the New ? dost thou feele the power of Christs Death in thee more and more to mortify and kill thy sinnes ? his Blood to sanctify and purge thy heart ? and the Vertue of his Resurrection to quicken thy soule unto newnesse of life ? and to make thee stand manfully , and with an undaunted courage and magnanimous Resolution , valiantly to fight , against Sinne and Satan ?

If these things be in thee , they are certain Evidences unto thee , that thou art a true Member of the Church of Christ .

5. Obedience . This is a satisfactory Duty , well-pleasing and acceptable both to God , and Man .

The time was , and that of late yeares , that England had a plentifull Peace , and a peaceable Plenty throughout this Kingdome , and also lived in filiall Feare of the righteous God , and dutifull Obedience to Her lawfull Soveraigne ; at which time the Lord even loaded Her with plentifull Store , both of Spirituall and Temporall Blessings : She being then for satisfactory Accommodation to Her Inhabitants , Gen. 47.6 . farre transcending Goshen to the Israelites in the Land of Aegypt ; insomuch , as that She was comfortable to Her Friends , terrible to Her Enemies , and the glory of all Her neighbour Nations round about Her : so that , they all must beare Her witnesse , that as once the Dew of Heaven fell downe onely upon Gideon's Fleece , when as all the Earth beside was drie about it ; So in like manner , the Dew of Gods Blessings hath onely fallen upon this our English Kingdome , when all our neighbour Countries have been destitute of it , lying drie and unfruitfull , and being also utterly untilled by the Plough of the Farmer , but yet every where harrowed by the Hand of the Souldier , and almost rent in sunder , with all those great Calamities , which the fierce Fire and cruell Sword could bring upon them : all which while ( untill of late yeares ) our English Nation lived in Peace , dwelt without Feare , sate in Safety , and slept Secure : But when flourishing England waxed wickedly wanton , supine , and carelesse , and fell from the Light of Grace , into the Darknesse of Sinne , wilfully walking in corrupt waies , according to the carnall Lusts of Her owne sinfull Heart , being very dishonourable to God , distastfull to all good Men , and disgracefull to the Protestant Religion ; and also grew both Vnthankefull , and Vnfruitfull , and like an untamed Heifer , Ier. 31.18 . cast off the yoake of Her dutifull Obedience , both towards God , and Her lawfull Soveraigne :

Loe then ! the Lord in Judgement against Her , being wrathfully displeased with Her , turned Her Peace into Warre , Her Plenty into Penury , Her Strength into Weaknesse , and Her Glory into Shame : since which time of Alteration , She hath liberally pluck't the Grapes of gall , and plentifully dranke the gall of Bitternesse .

Yea , and so deeply hath She dranke of the bitter and poysonous Dregges thereof , as that those deadly Draughts which lately have beene forcingly given Her , have turned the Lives of many thousands into Death .

And yet , woe ! and alas ! She still remaineth incorrigible , under Gods afflicting hand , by the sharpe stroakes of his Rods of Remembrance ; and will not yeild Obedience to God and Man , as in the sacred Scripture She is commanded .

Obedience , is two-fold , in respect of the Persons to whom we owe it : 1. Unto God . 2. Unto the King .

1. Unto God , for himselfe , as being our Celestiall Soveraigne .

2. Unto the King , in God , and for God , as being Gods Terrestriall Vice-gerent .

So that , Caesar must have Casars , as God may have Gods ; that the body of Christ may be kept without a Rent , as his Coate was without a Seame ; and that thereby also may be both produced and continued , a melodious Harmony , delightfull Agreement , and sweet Consent amongst our selves , in this English Christian Common-wealth , whereof we all are Members , and wherein we live .

Therefore , Obedience , either Active or Passive , must be yeilded to all lawfull Authority : whereas , 1 Sam. 15.23 . Rebellion being as the sinne of Witchcraft . The which as an infernall , polluted Embryo , lurking in the hatefull Heart , of a malicious , malecontented , disobedient , and revengefull spirited Person , having her sinfull Increasing , cursed Birth , wicked Growth , and mischievous , bloody , and polipragmaticall Operation , by the hellish working , pernitious provocation , and damnable power of the Devill ; is not onely diametrically repugnant to our subjective Fealty , but also utterly abhorrent to all Christian Loyalty : Heb. 10.26 , 27. and being wittingly , willingly , and wilfully , ( contrary to the Light both of Knowledge and Conscience ) committed , continued , justified , and maintained , the condemnable , pestilent Incendiarie , for the present Overthrow , and speedy Confusion of a Christian Common-wealth , the hatefull Compendium of cursed Cruelty , the horrid Epitome of all Impiety , and the very Character of the Firebrands of Hell ; wanting nothing to all such illegall Actors thereof , but onely the sharpe fatall Stroake of impartiall Death , whereby to cut assunder the brittle Thred of their mortall Lives , and thereby to send their sinfull soules into the deepe Dungeon of Eternall Darknesse , there to be intollerably tormented , with the Devill , and all damned Spirits World without End .

The word translated Rebellion , is in the Originall 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 a Radice 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 which properly signifieth Bitternesse , and is applied to Apostacy and Disobedience ; and that in a two-fold respect :

1. Because Rebellion is more distastfull to God , than bitter things are to the Palate of that Man ( between whose Tast and Bitternesse there is an Antipathy ) who naturally desireth to tast onely those things that are sweet .

2. Because it provokes and exasperates both God & Man , unto Wrath & Bitternesse .

For , in one and the same Act of Rebellion , there may be committed both a Sinne against God , and a Trespasse against Man ; So that , both being offended by the same Act of Rebellion , they are also both of them thereby provoked to Wrath and Bitternesse , against the Offendors .

Rebellion , is the Fore-runner of Gods Vengeance , to the Actors Confusion .

According to that fatall Querie of the Lord by his Prophet Jeremie concerning the Jewes , Doe they provoke me to anger , Ier. 7.19 . saith the Lord , and not themselves to the confusion of their owne faces ?

So that , Rebellion , being Disobedience , provoketh to Wrath , and Wrath worketh Confusion , to the Provokers thereof .

To satisfie the carnall Lusts , inordinate Appetites , and greedy Desires , of military desperate Rebels , in their violent prosecution of horrid Rebellion , either by bloody Murther , or plundering Theft , is unto them ( for the present ) very sweet ; but the Consequent of it , to all those that are guilty of it , will certainly prove according to the Originall signification of it , viz: very bitter : answerable to Abner's speech of Joabs devouring Sword , viz: 2 Sam. 2.26 . Bitternesse in the latter end .

So that , he that conscionably careth not Now for that cursed Act of his Sinne , shall compulsively care Hereafter for the bitter Smart of his Punishment .

The word Sword , in the Hebrew language , is , 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 ab Exsiccando & Vastando dictus : a Radice 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 id est , Exsiccatus fuit : both which words have a distinct Difference , as well in Pronuntiation , as in Signification , and yet all the Characteristicall Consonants of both which words , viz: 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 of Schem , and Ponghall in Gnavar , Noune and Verbe being the same , may both necessarily and also profitably serve to put us all in mind , of a reciprocall Punishment waiting upon the Sword , when it is not rightly used , as God in his Holy Word hath expresly commanded .

The which is very perspicuously instanced unto us , in mischievous minded , sanguine hearted , and bloody hand-acting murtherous Joab ; for Joab having slaine Abner and Amasa , men more righteous and better then himselfe , must die ( for so doing ) by the Sword of Benaiah , notwithstanding his hastening to the Tabernacle of the Lord , 1 King . 2.28 . and there laying hold on the hornes of the Altar .

What ? Hath bloody Joab committed Murther upon Murther , against that holy Commandement of the righteous Lord which expresly forbids the perpetration thereof , saying , Thou shalt not kill . Exod. 20.13 .

And then would he have the Lords sacred Tabernacle to be his preservative Protection from due deserved Punishment for it ? No , No , that may not be ; his Counterfeit Holinesse could not so farre palliate his murtherous Ungodlinesse , nor still the loud voice of His crying Wickednesse , as to exempt him from Execution : but the just punishing sin-revenging Hand of the righteous God will follow after him , must overtake him , and inevitably seize upon him to his deadly Destruction .

His golden outside of Religion , and deceitfull seeming Devotion , could not preserve him . No safe Sanctuary of preserving Refuge could murtherous Joab finde , wherein to secure his bloody life , from the swift Swords fatall stroake of impartiall Death , but Volens , vel Nolens , Lex talionis , whether he will , or will not , the Law of Retaliation must both necessarily , and also inevitably be executed upon him .

So that , as Joab himselfe had formerly done to others , the Lord rewarded him with the same Punishment upon his owne head . 1 King . 2.34 .

Thus Joab's bloody Murther must Recalcitare , id est , retrò pedem jacere .

By which just rebounding , and retrograde punishing Passage , of bitter Punishment retorted , from sweet Sinne committed , we evidently see , that Sinne and Punishment are Reciprocates , being both of a close Connexion , & neere Relation , resemblingly characterized in Hipocrites Twinnes , suitable in Corditions ; and being deeply involved together , have their unhappy Reflections upon each other : who may not unfitly be paralell'd to the Camets Catuph T : and Chateph Camets T : amongst the Hebrewes , of whom it is said , Idem esse recipiuntur ; varying not any thing in Figure , as here plainly appeareth , and also differing nothing at all in Signification , but onely in the length of time in Pronuntiation .

So in like manner , the Worke of Sinne goeth before , and sometimes the same Wages of Punishment ( very shortly ) followeth after .

As it fared with Chush the Sonne of Jemini , Davids Enemy , of whom David himselfe spake by way of Sinnes penall reflection , Psal. 16. He hath graven and digged up a pit ; and is fallen himselfe into the destruction that he made for other . His travell shall come upon his owne head ; and his wickednesse shall fall on his owne pate .

The which reciprocall Punishment justly proceedeth , from the strict hand of our impartiall God .

God often punisheth Offendors , in the same kind wherein they themselves have offended : as they have done unto others , even so in like manner , God himselfe doth unto them .

According to that dolefull Expression of Adoni-bezek concerning himselfe , Iudg. 1.7 . Threescore and ten Kings having their thumbes and their great-toes cut off , gathered their meat under my table : as I have done , so God hath rewarded me .

And also answerable to that scornfull Exprobration of deriding Eliphaz to distressed Job , I have seene , Iob 4.8 . ( saith he ) they that plow iniquity , and sow wickednesse , reap the same .

And therefore in the feare of God , let every one of us who professe the Name of Christ , alwaies doe unto others , Mat. 7.12 . as we would they should doe unto us .

For so to doe , is the very Drift , and Scope of the sacred Scripture . Ever remembring those equall requiting words of our blessed Saviour , Mat. 7.2 . With what measure ye mete , it shall be measured to you againe .

Loe thus ! the righteous Lord being the just Revenger of all Injuries , but especially of Murther , payed Joab home in his owne kinde .

According to that Law which God gave unto Noah after the Flood , when he came forth of the Arke to replenish the Earth , Who so sheddeth mans blood , Gen. 9.6 . by man shall his blood be shed .

Hence then , let all those that are guilty herein , tremble at the consideration hereof ; for if Cain will murther Abel , then shortly after , the blood of Abel will crie up into Heaven for Vengeance against Cain . Gen. 4.10 .

So in like manner , the blood of those innocent English Persons , whose Bodies have beene lately murthered in our Land , by the fierce Violence of their furious Adversaries , cryeth up into Heaven against the Murtherers of them , for speedy Vengeance to fall upon them : like those faithfull Soules of the blessed Martyrs under the Altar , who cried with a loud voice against their bloody Persecutors , Apoc. 6.10 saying , 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , How long ô Lord , holy and true , doest thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the Earth ?

Oh then ! that the serious Consideration hereof , might so deeply take place in the hearts of all those that are guilty herein , that they may speedily endeavour ( especially now in this time of Warre ) to make their Peace with God and the King whom they have offended ; lest Wrath breake forth to the uttermost against them , & speedily seize upon them , and then there be no Remedy for them .

And for the speedy Reclamation , and present Reformation of all such guilty Offendors ; I humbly intreat , and also heartily desire them all in the bowels of Jesus Christ , to consider diligently of the immortality of their Soules , and that upon the short and weake Thred of this brittle and mortall Life , dependeth the welfare or ilfare of their Eternity ; and also attentively to hearken to the vexing Instructions , & checking Dictates of their troubled Consciences , which cannot chuse but be full of horrour , although remorselesse : And then answer me in their owne Soules , if they doe not often heare to their great Terrour within them , a powerfull , divine , convincing , and condemning Eccho , summoning them to appeare in the Cloudes , at the Generall Assizes , before the High-Bench Bench of the Lord Chiefe Justice of the whole World , and Peeres of Heaven ; there to receive their just and deserved Doomes , for their wilfull Disobedience unto lawfull Authority ?

And therefore , as all such Persons tender the glory of God , and the everlasting welfare of their owne Soules ; let them stand no longer at a distance , but let them mourne for their sins , and speedily come in , and lay hold upon the present Opportunity , of being reconciled both unto God and Man , that so they may be in the favour of God and love of their King ; that thereby they may have Mercy from God , Peace in their owne Consciences , the manyfold Distempers of our Kingdome cured , and our Land enjoy againe her former pristine peaceable Condition : for if ever they will make their Peace with God and the King in this particular , Now is the time ; and therefore let them not neglect it , lest their negligence therein turne to their utter Destruction .

For it is a Maxime in Divinity , that to none belongeth the mercy of forgivenesse , but onely those who are Desisters from sinne , and Repenters of sinne : And as for all the rest who constantly have fellowship with the unfruitfull workes of darknesse , Ephes. 5.11 . they are justly reserved ( by the righteous Judgement of God ) to the blacknesse of darkenesse for ever . Iude 13.

And for the continuall preservation , both of my selfe and all others , ( who feare God and honour the King ) from that cursed and damnable Condition of Rebellion ; I shall ever pray with that Good Old Hebrew Patriarch Jacob , as he did against the hainous and crying Sinnes of Simeon and Levi , his wicked and bloody Sonnes , Gen. 34. who were 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 Brethren , Instruments of Iniquity , Destinate for Division ; whose bloody Cruelty began with Craft , prosecuted eagerly in crafty Blood-thirstinesse palliated with Religion , and ended murtherously in the blood of the wounded Shechemites , to their deadly Confusion . 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 O my Soule ! come not thou into their secret : Gen. 49.6 unto their Assembly ( mine honour ) be not thou Vnited .

The word here translated Secret , is in the Originall , 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 id est , Concilium , vel Coetus Consultantium . Wherein also according to Jacob's sense is implied , Impiorum : From which for ever , Good Lord deliver us all .

The Sword of the Lord and Gideon , is but one two-handed Sword ; and when it is wrested by violence out of the hands of the King , then doth God take it into his hands , and with it wound the head of his Enemies , Psal. 68.21 . O consider this , ye that forget God ; and the King , and God in the King ; lest he teare you in pieces , and there be none to deliver you , Psal. 50.22 .

Oh! whose Christian Sympathizing heart bleeds not within him , at the deepe Apprehension , and serious Consideration , of the fatall and destructive Actions , of the dismall Dayes , in these mortiferous Times wherein we live ? Wherein also many thousands are so farre from yeilding either Active or Passive Obedience unto lawfull Authority , as that they doe not onely wilfully reject it , but also wickedly practice against it , without any remorse at all towards their poore , distressed , over-oppressed , and languishing Patients : yea , and so farre are they from sorrowing for those persons , who so bitterly and sharply suffer by their so doing ; as that they rejoyce in it , and also take delight in the perpetration of that hainous , horrible , black , and bloody Sinne of Rebellion .

And yet such pestilent Agents , being both the Church and Common-Wealths Disturbers , doe oftentimes deceitfully expresse to the World , that they earnestly desire to have Peace , and heartily pray for a speedy Period to these present Troubles , and also greatly mourne for so great store of Christian English blood , which of late hath been so profusely , fluently , and violently shed in this our Kingdome .

And yet notwithstanding , all their faire Pretences , patheticall Speeches , and mournfull Expressions for Peace , when once they plainely perceive , that there is any Proposition really intended , and seriously proposed , for a firme , settled , and well-grounded Peace throughout this whole Kingdome ; Loe then ! they are as averse in disposition to Peace , as Saul's Armour was to the body of David , 1 Sam. 17.38 , 39. when he was to fight with the Gyant Goliath .

Loe ! thus like grosse and palpable Hypocrites , they deceitfully professe that with their fallacious Mouthes , which they never really purposed in their guilefull hearts , & also utterly deny the practice thereof by their vicious , disquietfull , and contentious Lives .

Rebellion , stands ( this very day amongst us in this Kingdome ) at the Barre of Gods Justice , expecting every houre the giving up of the bitter Verdict of due deserved Guiltinesse , and from thence the irrevocable Pronuntiation of the direfull & fatall sentence of Condemnation , and that ( without Repentance ) to a perpetuall and datelesse durance of Damnation . Oh , fearfull , and intolerable , Rom. 13.2 . Punishment !

And for the speedy Prevention hereof , I doe here heartily wish , that some patheticall Aposiopesis would modestly whisper , and secretly suggest to each mans Conscience that is guilty thereof , the intolerability of that Punishment justly due to the Sinne of Rebellion : and that through the operation of Gods Grace and blessed Spirit in their hearts , there may be a speedy Reformation in their lives ; that so the damnable Sinne of Rebellion , may not Syren-like be unto them , the subtle bewitching Inchanter , and immediate fallacious Fore-runner , of their both temporall and eternall Destruction .

And although there be ( at this day in our Land ) such violent Opposition against Kingly Authority , yet notwithstanding , a faithfull-hearted Subject , will readily make expression as occasion is offered , of his loyalty to his King .

And as farre as the King hath a lawfull Supreme power to Command ; the Subject ought to have a willing heart , and ready hand to Obey : forasmuch as the dignity of a King transcends the Subject , so much is the Obligation of the Subject to his King : Neither is the Duty lesse which we owe to our Soveraigne , then the Safe-gard we claime by his Protection ; as the Center next under God , from which we derive our Honours , and to which we owe our Services : and the same Kingly hand of beneficence & power , which dispenseth honours and safety unto the Subject ; pointeth out the lines of dutifull Obedience , and obliged Loyalty to His Prince .

Our gracious Soveraigne , hath formerly and also frequently cast his Princely Eyes , of sweet Favour and loving Kindnesse , upon many of his meane Subjects , who were but of low Degrees ; and also freely raised them up unto high Dignities ; not onely by conferring great Honours upon them , but also store of Wealth ( accordingly ) wherewith to maintaine them ; whereby they were ( almost ) become Companions of Princes .

Quest. But what Requitals have many of them made His Majesty , for His so Graciously dealing towards them ?

Answ. They have fallen off from Him , Spoken hardly of Him , Adhered to His rebellious Enemies against Him , Raised up unnaturall Warre upon Him , And also drawne ( by their verball Perswasions , and personall Examples ) many thousands of this Kingdome after them , for to effect those things , which themselves with others projected against Him .

What ? Could Christian English Subjects be thus forgetfull , of so great , & undeserved , Princely Favours , freely conferred upon them ?

Did they receive such Kingly Courtesies , from the beneficent Hand of a Royall and bountifull Benefactor ?

And have they rendered Him no other Requitals for them , but onely unnaturall Opposition against Him ?

And to such a One also as He is , being Constituted by the God of Heaven , for to be their lawfull Soveraigne upon Earth ?

And whose royall Person is sufficiently knowne to be of eminent Worth and Integrity , who constantly beautifieth the Protestant Religion , with the gracious Example of His holy Conversation ; and who hath also given most ample Testimony of His reall Affections to the Peace , Good , and Welfare of this our English Kingdome .

To whom also even out of Conscience , by the Oath of Allegiance , they are strictly obliged for to yeild Obedience ?

Oh , ineffable Ingratitude !

For whose unnaturall and ingratefull Requitals , His Majesty may ( at this day ) both truely and also mournfully take up against them , the Lords just Complaint against the Obstinate Jewes , I have nourished and brought up Children , but they have rebelled against me , Isa. 1.2 .

Loe thus ! woe , and alas ! ( even David-like hath He been dealt with by them ) They rewarded him Evill for Good , to the great discomfort of his Soule , Psal. 35.12 .

And as such pernitious Persons , by those their rebellious Actions , have publiquely evidenced to the World , that they were His Majesties professed Enemies : I doe heartily wish with the earnest desires of my Soule , that it may not too truely be said of some others , who were accounted His Majesties faithfull Friends , ( and upon whose Fidelity ( under God ) His Majesty greatly depended , being confident of their constant Loyalty towards Him ) that they have dealt treacherously with Him , by abusing that Authority conferr'd upon them ; some of them ( being Selfe-Seekers ) corruptly executing His Majesties Commissions , granted forth for His Majesties Military service Promotion , betraying that Trust reposed in them , by under-hand dealing sinisterly for their owne private Advantage , receiving black Bribes secretly , wherewith to minorate His Majesties rebellious Enemies pecuniarie Mulcts just deserved and assigned present Satisfaction .

Whereby wicked avaricious Policie being in the Front , and corruptly commanding the Vaunt-gard , hindered ( very unhappily ) the just and necessary furtherance , of His Majesties compulsive Military Service in the Reare .

Nam pecunia est nervus Belli .

And others by delivering up ( unnecessarily ) those strong garrison Holds , of Forts , Castles , Townes , and Cities , which longer ( with safety ) they might have kept , had their pusilanimous Spirits beene magnanimously heroicall , and perfidious Hearts subjectively faithfull ; by which their so treacherously doing , they greatly weakened His Majesties Royall Power against His professed Enemies , utterly ruined His Loyall-hearted Party in their outward Estates , and wickedly inriched themselves with the cursed Mammon of Vnrighteousnesse . Luke 16.9 .

So that , of all such Judas-like Friends we may truely say with the Prophet Micah , A mans Enemies are the men of his owne house , Micah 7.6 .

All which detrimentall Effects together with many more , have lately been unhappily produced amongst us in this our Kingdome , which have proceeded from the deadly sinne of cursed Covetousnesse , the which also have beene , is , and will be , to the great prejudice of the Actors thereof themselves , as well as others : according to that true saying of an ancient Poet.

Ipse cupido nocet multis cupidóque cupido .

Had such unconstant and false-hearted Persons , both timely and carefully taken into serious Consideration , ( had it been but for their alone particular Welfare ) but onely those unhappy and bitter Fruits which such cursed Trees of Treachery might have produced to themselves alone , for their owne particular Ilfare ; peradventure that Consideration might have been as a Bridle to have restrained them : viz. the outward just disgraceing , and due deserved publique vilifying of their Reputations and Persons , after the pestilent Perpetration of such Treacherie , though never so eminent in the eyes and esteeme of others before the Discoverie ; the inward discontentments and vexations of Minde , deeply wounding themselves with the unappeaseable Horrour of their guilty Consciences , which will continually gripe , gnaw , and terrifie them , unlesse they be cauterized ; but most of all , the everlasting Damnation of both their Bodies and Soules for ever , to the darke and unconceiveable tormenting Pit of eternall Perdition : the which ( without true Repentance ) will at the last Judgement day certainly be their Portion .

Oh! that such guilty Persons had timely layd to heart even in those their daies , the Felicity of Fidelity , and the Misery of Treachery ; so might they faithfully have performed their loyall Promises , which might have conduced to their owne both Temporall and Eternall Peace : but woe , and alas ! the former of these is ( to them ) already past , and God grant the latter be not too late .

I shall not ( censuring charitably ) doome such guilty Persons being Selfe-servers , ( for such their treacherous black-Workes ) to the Land of Eternall Darkenesse , for so to doe , farre transcends both the Power and Knowledge of any Mortall ; but I will speake both of them , and to them , by way of Interrogation , for their present Convincement , and future Animadversion :

What ? could seeming-loyall Subjects deale thus disloyally with their King ?

Did He preferre them to honourable Places above others , depending upon their Fidelitie ; and have they requited His loving Kindnesse with no lesse then damnable Treacherie ?

Were they so farre intrusted by Him , and have they dealt thus deceitfully with Him ?

Did they pretend themselves as faithfull Friends to helpe Him , and have they proved His perfidious Enemies for to hurt Him ?

Oh , treacherous Dealing !

This is 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 indeed , Simulatio , ab 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , & 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , id est , Occultatio judicii , & Malum sub specie boni celatum . It is Iniquitie in a Mysterie , even masked Vngodlinesse , a Thes. 2.7 . Et dum non cognoscitur , non cavetur : and being in their blacke Breasts not descried , it could not be declined . The which treacherous Iniquitie , being most detestable , abominable , and double Impietie , cryeth aloud in the Eares of God , for Vengeance to fall upon the pernitious Perpetrators thereof .

I greatly tremble at the serious Consideration hereof ; and therefore , let none that are guilty herein , falsly flatter themselves in their corrupt hearts , with deceitfull hopes of perpetuall Impunity ; for assuredly , such Hypocriticall , Treacherous Malefactors , for such their Notorious , Perfidious , and cursed Malefactorship , cannot ( without great Repentance ) escape the heavy Wrath , and just Judgement , of the sin-punishing , just-revenging , righteous God , but it will follow after them , overtake them , and seize upon them to their Destruction .

Fidelitie , and Treacherie , are ever at Enmitie ; they are like two great Warriours , in one and the same Heart , stisly striving , violently opposing , and fiercely fighting against each other for Mastery .

And as they are Heterogenean in Conditions , so in like manner , ( as they prevaile ) they produce contrary Effects : viz.

Fidelitie , Joy , and Comfort . But

Treacherie , Sorrow , and Terrour .

As for Example ,

Fidelitie , seeketh no Corners , but shineth splendidly , as the bright Beames of the glorious Sunne in the firmament of Heaven at Noone-day , when he is in his chiefest Brightnesse , fullest Splendor , and greatest Luster ; to the great comfort of the Actors thereof , and all others concerned therein :

But Treacherie , lyeth in Obscuritie , ever fearing the Light , and alwaies trembling at the remembrance of the Touch-Stone of Truth , the which may not unfitly be compared to that thicke , blacke , tangible Aegyptian-Darkenesse , sent as a Punishment upon Pharaoh for his Disobedience , Exod. 10.21.22 . The sharpe Smart whereof hath lately beene bitterly felt , by too many thousands in this our Kingdome , to the great terrour of Conscience to the Committers thereof , and sorrowfull utter Ruine of many others thereby .

Fidelitie , desireth heartily ( though it be to her Hinderance ) the full performance of that Trust reposed in her : but Treacherie , laboureth craftily ( for her owne Advantage ) to falsifie her Promise to those that intrusted her .

Fidelitie , wisheth lovingly the wel-fare of others as well as her owne : but Treacherie , endeavoureth secretly but onely for her owne safety , not careing for the Ruine of all others .

Fidelitie , being rightly principl'd , is syncerely guided by the blessed Spirit of God , who is the King of Glory ; and he sweetly affects her , and lovingly leads her , in the delightfull and pleasing Paths , of Obedience , Truth , and Righteousnesse ; and at the End of this World he will certainely remunerate her , with the full Fruition of Eternall Happinesse : but Treacherie , being falsly grounded , is corruptly guided by the cursed Spirit of the Devill , who is the Prince of Darkenesse ; and he leads her on blindly in the deceitfull Wayes , of Disobedience , Errour , and Unrighteousnesse ; and ( for her sinfull Service ) he will surely reward her at the End of this mortall Life , with the bitter and cursed Wages of Everlasting Death .

Fidelitie , Larke-like rejoyceth at the Light , and desireth to be publiquely Exemplary to all others , singing praises to God with a comfortable Conscience , because her workes are wrought in God : but Treacherie , Batte-like ( being an uncleane Bird ) flyeth not abroad but onely in Darkenesse , Lev. 11.19 . desiring no Notice to be taken of her , for when once the Light approacheth , she keepeth her selfe close in a Corner , as not daring to appeare in the Light of Truth , because her Workes are not wrought in God , but onely by the Subtilty , Instigation , and Power of the Devill .

Loe ! thus we evidently see , that there is as great an Antipathie , Contrarietie , Disparitie & Difference , between FIDELITIE , and TREACHERIE , as is between Light and Darkenesse , Truth and Errour , Obedience and Rebellion , Peace and Warre , Life and Death , Heaven and Hell , God and Satan .

So that , no marvell although our perplexed Kingdome be ( at this day ) so greatly divided ; having lately had therein , the damnable Sinne of Treacherie so frequently practiced .

Those that have done such treacherous Workes , may justly challenge to themselves their due deserved Wages ; which Workes of Treacherie , must have the Wages of Iniquitie , the which Saint Paul expresseth in that Theologicall Aphorisme of his to the Romanes , 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , The wages of sinne is death , Rom. 6. ult. Death temporall to the Body in this life , and ( without repentance ) Death eternall to both Body and Soule in the life to come .

And therefore , now as a spirituall Physitian , for the speedy and perfect Curing of sicke , fore , and wounded Englands great Distractions , and manifold Distempers ; my Soule sincerely desireth , and Heart also earnestly wisheth , as a Christian , sensible , and sorrowfull Sympathizer , of Englands wofull Distresses , that 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 the strong Omnipotent God , would Graciously be pleased , in much Mercy and tender Compassion , towards this bleeding , sinfull , English-Nation , for to set home to the guilty Consciences of all obstinate Offendors , all those infallible Truths , that here already have beene , together with all other that hereafter shall be delivered by Mee , being but 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 a weake , infirmed , Mortall , and sinfull Man ; and to make them become Divine , Physicall , convincing Aphorismes , serving as prevalent , healthfull , soveraigne , spirituall Potions , for the speedy Curing of blinde , ignorant , sinfull and sicke Soules ; that so they may prove to the Soules of diseased Persons , as sweet Balsame of Grace wherewith to heale them , for their present Preservation , and also to keepe them from future Destruction ; being made by the mighty power of God , Profitable to teach , to improve , to correct , and to instruct in righteousnesse , 2 Tim. 3.16 . And through the Divine Operation of his Blessed Spirit , to worke so powerfully by them in the hearts of all those Persons ( of what Quality soever ) that are any wayes guilty , of Disobedience unto lawfull Authority , as speedily to open their eyes , that they may turne from darkenesse to light , and from the power of Satan unto God , that they may receive forgivenesse of sinnes , and inheritance among them , which are sanctified by faith in Christ , Acts 26.18 . And also to rouze them up , from lying any longer in the drouzie Lethargie of their sinnes , under the hellish Power , and damnable Domion of cursed , bloudy , and sinfull Rebellion ; lest Pharaoh-like , they sleepe so long in their Sinnes , untill the voice of Gods mighty thunders , Exod. 9.23.24 . and haile mingled with fire from Heaven , awake , and rouze them up .

And to prevaile so farre with them , as to walke in those wel-pleasing Pathes , both to God and the King , which the sacred Scripture expresly commandeth , of that subjective Fealty , Christian Loyalty , and dutifull Obedience , which all Subjects owe to their lawfull Soveraigne : For to live Anarchically , where there either is , or else ought to be Monarchicall Government , is to live ( as it were ) Without God in the World . Eph. 2.12 .

But if obstinate Rebels will not be awaked , rouzed up , and reclaimed , then let them hearken to the Lords Servant Moses , predicting their fatall Doomes , He that heareth the Words of this curse , and blesseth himselfe in his heart , saying , I shall have peace , although I Walke according to the stubbornesse of mine owne heart , thus adding drunkennesse to thirst , the Lord Will not be mercifull unto him : but then the wrath of the Lord , and his jealousie shall smoke against that man , and every curse that is Written in this booke shall light upon him , and the Lord shall put out his name from under heaven , Deut. 29.19 , 20.

Oh , fearefull Judgements ! What ? both Temporall and Eternall ? Not onely corporall for the Body , but also spirituall for the Soule ? And both of which Punishments no lesse then insufferable , and that for ever ?

Loe ! this must needs inevitably fill a sensible guilty Heart , full of perplexing Amazement , and tormenting Horrour .

And let Mee also tell them , both as a timely faithfull Remembrancer to them , of their past and present Sinnes , and also as a Christian sensible Sympathizer of their future Sorrowes ; they may all justly feare , that unto them belongeth , that fatall propheticall Expression , judiciously pronounced against Old Elies disobedient and rebellious Sonnes , They hearkened not unto the voice of their Father , because the Lord would slay them , 1 Sam. 2.25 .

And therefore , in Christian Pitty , and tender Compassion towards them , my greatly grieved Heart shall wofully mourne , and sympathizing sorrowfull Soule bitterly weepe in secret for them , Jer. 13.17 .

When there was no King in Israel , every man did whatsoever seemed good in his owne eyes , Judg. 21.25 . Anarchie looseneth the Bridle , whereby wicked men take liberty to themselves for the perpetration of all ungodlinesse , without any Restriction ; and will thereby ( in a short time through the perversnesse of their wicked Wils , and prevalency of their cursed Corruptions ) become like wilde Horses left to themselves , without their Riders to command them .

Such loose Libertines , and carnall Gospellers , despise Government , and speake evill of them that are in Authority , Jude 8.

By whose wicked Words and Workes , great Detriment befalleth both Church and Common-wealth .

Those good , necessary , and Ancient Lawes of this Kingdome , which formerly have beene , and still ought to be , the Rules of the Subjects continuall Obedience , to all lawfull Authority ; are now ( by such Anti-monarchicall Persons ) converted into Club-lawes : For , the Arbitrary and Military power is now growne to such an height ; as that will you doe such a Thing ? Or will you pay such a Summe ? If answer to either Question be made , No : Then presently followeth , take him Souldiers by the power of the Sword ; but if ye cannot apprehend his Body , then speedily seize upon all his Goods with violence , and sell them with expedition for his disobedience .

Is this the Liberty of the Free-borne Subjects ?

Is this the Priviledge of the English Nation ?

God forbid that Zion should be built up with bloud , and Jerusalem with iniquity ; Micah 3.10 . that were abhorring judgement , and perverting all equity .

Was it ever knowne that the Children of God strove to erect and establish a Religion by the power of the Sword ?

To lay the Foundation thereof in Blood ?

To draw obedient Subjects ( against their wills ) into Disobedience ?

To make others ( with themselves ) to falsifie their sworne Fidelitie , to their lawfull Soveraigne ?

To compell the Conscience , and force it by Violence ?

To kill the Body , to convert the Soule ? and that also without affording any time of Preparation for the Kingdome of Heaven ?

The which is rather a Prevention of the Soules Conversion , and consequently the Destruction of both .

Loe ! such sinfull , hainous , and diabolicall Practices , were never formerly heard of to be in this our Land , especially amongst those who desire to be reputed as refined and purified Christians , who also publiquely professe themselves to be Saints , zealously walking in the Wayes of Holinesse , constantly living in the Power of Godlinesse , and also faithfully performing all their Workes in Righteousnesse : every particular whereof necessarily requireth , a farre more ample and larger Discourse , than this superficiall , short , occasionall Glance expresseth .

Oh then ! what a great , happy , and rich Blessing , is a godly , vertuous , and Religious King , from whom his people ( under God ) receive the whole Benefit of Religion and Justice ? He is the Anointed of the Lord , the Nurse of the Church , the Father of the Common-wealth , an Husband to the Widdow , a Mouth for the Dumbe , Limbes to the Lame , the Light of our Eyes , the Breath of our Nostrils ; and without whom ( where there either is , or else ought to be Monarchicall Authority ) both Church and Common-wealth will be in the way of Confusion ; of which our selves ( of late ) have bitterly tasted by wofull Experiment .

Oh then ! how ought we to love our Dread Soveraigne , to obey Him , to doe our best endeavours to preserve Him , to magnifie God for Him , to rejoyce in Him , and both constantly and heartily to pray unto God for the long continuance of Him amongst us , and His happy and prosperous Reigne over us , and that ( now at the last ) the All-powerfull God of Heaven would be pleased ( in mercy towards our Gracious Soveraigne , ) to arise in his owne Strength , and make bare his owne Arme on His behalfe , and to smite through the Loynes of all His Enemies , bow downe the Backs of all His Adversaries , and inable Him to set His feete upon the Necks of all those that either now doe , or hereafter shall rise up in Rebellion against Him , and to direct and protect Him continually from all Treacheries , Conspiracies , and Treasons , and to hedge Him about with his Providence and Protection , Zech. 2. ● . and to be constantly as a Wall of fire round about Him , to preserve Him from the Violence of all adversary Power both bodily and ghostly , and to raise Him up Forces ( both by Sea and Land , ) potent and powerfull , and to let his blessed Spirit come along with them , and direct them in all their military Practices , and teach their hands to warre and their fingers to fight , and cover their heades in the day of Battell , and give them the Victory over all His , Their , and Our Adversaries , and to wipe away all teares from His Eyes , and cheare up His sorrowfull heart , with the sacred Influences of comfort from his blessed Spirit , and comfort Him for the time in which he hath afflicted Him , and for those yeares wherein ( of late ) He hath suffered Adversity , and to dissolve the Bonds and breake the Fetters of His Captivity , and re-establish Him in His Throne of Righteousnesse , for the advancement of Gods Glory , the farther propagation of Christs Gospell , the extirpation of all Poperie , Heresie , Superstition , Atheisme , and all other Sects , and Schismes which are ( at this day ) remaining in this our Kingdome , dissonant to Gods Will revealed in his Word , for the Peace and Tranquillity of this Land , and the flourishing Estate of this Church and Common-wealth wherein we live ; distasting ( as He hath ever done ) both Alteration of the true Religion , & Toleration of any other ; chusing rather to suffer a long , hard , tedious , and barbarous Imprisonment , than to perjure Himselfe , by the Breach of that Oath formerly taken by Himselfe , at His Coronation .

Oh therefore ! ( in Gods feare ) as it is our bounden Duty , let it also be our constant Care , and frequent Practice , to pray to the Glorious , Mighty , and Great God , for our Gracious , Pious , and Religious King ; together with His illustrious Off-spring , that there may never be wanting one of that Royall Race , to sway the Scepter of this our Kingdome righteously and religiously , untill Christ shall come in the Clouds at the latter day for to judge the World .

The very officious Denominations of King and Subject , are necessarily usefull for them both , whereby to put them both continually in mind , of what they ought inevitably to performe , in all their particular Actions each unto other , viz: the one by Office to Governe , and the other in Duty to Obey , and both of them ( at all times ) to performe the same in Obedience to God ; unto whom they must both of them be ( one day ) responsible if guilty , either by omitting those Good things which God hath commanded , or by commitring those Evill things which God hath forbidden , viz: Rex à regendo dictus . Subjectus à subjiciendo dictus .

And to the end that Subjects may not be ignorant of this their Duty of Obedience , Almighty God himselfe , who is the great and universall Monarch of the whole World , having all Kings and Subjects at his owne Command , expresly commands us ( in the holy Scripture ) to honour the King whom he hath made his Vice-gerent ( over us ) here upon Earth ; the which Honour consisteth in the hearty Expression of our willing and loving Obedience towards Him ; the Resistance of which supreame Authority , by Subjects casting off the yoake of their lawfull Obedience , being upon the Penalty of no lesse ( to the illegall Actors thereof ) then Damnation . Rom. 13.2 .

So that , whosoever he is , that by wilfull Disobedience ( contrary to the Light of his Knowledge and Conscience ) trespasseth injuriously against the King , whom God hath expresly commanded to be Honoured and Obeyed ; doth very wickedly even by the same sinfull rebellious Act , ( as farre as in him lyeth ) smite through the King even at God himselfe . What ? shall God constitute a King and appoint him to reigne over a People , and command the People to Obey him ? Rom. 13.1 . and to Pray for him ? 1 Tim. 2. v. 1 , 2. and shall the People dare to disobey him , and revile him ?

Oh! that many thousands of this Kingdome were not ( at this day ) deeply guilty of this cursed condition . What other thing ( I pray you ) may such a sinfull Quality in such a perverse People be called , then contemptuously smiting at God himselfe through the King ?

Yea , and so dearely doth God affect , and tenderly love , those who are lawfull and religious Kings , as that , whatsoever Subjects shall doe to such their lawfull Soveraignes , ( delegated by God himselfe to the sublime Offices of supreame Authority ) either by yeelding dutifull Obedience to them , or else by wilfull Disobedience resisting them , the everlasting Lord Paramount of all Dominion , Almighty God himselfe , who is 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 the King of Kings , accounteth the same as done to himselfe : for ( through Gods Mercy ) there is so neare a Relation , and close Connexion , betwixt God himselfe , and such religious Kings , as that in reference hereunto , 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 Kings are called Gods themselves ; and that in a twofold respect , Primò , in respectu Potestatis . Secundò , in respectu Pietatis .

First , because of that extraordinary Power and Authority which God hath conferred upon them above others :

Secondly , because of that exemplary Piety and Integrity which God requireth to be in them beyond others . And what Kings soever are thus qualified by God , both with Power , and Piety , as ( blessed be God for it ) our Soveraigne is , they carry continually the Character and Image of God himselfe in their Persons amongst the People . And to this alludeth that of the Prophet David , Psal. 82.6 , 7. I have sayd ye are Gods , and ye all are the Children of the most High . But being subject to mortality , therefore , ye shall die like men , and fall like one of the Princes .

Loe ! thus corrupt hearted , and virulent spirited Persons , by such their Disobedience unto so qualified , lawfull , and Kingly Authority ; become even Fighters against God , Acts 5.39 . The which Truth is perspicuously evidenced unto us in that religious Dehortation given to those Israelitish Rebels , who tooke up Armes and fought against their lawfull King , Fight not against the LORD GOD of your Fathers ; 2 Chro. 13.12 . Intimating thereby to the whole World , that whosoever taketh up Armes , and fighteth against his lawfull King , fighteth even against God himselfe .

Hence then , let all those that are guilty herein , tremble , tremble , yea , tremble with Amazement , at the strict Rumination , and serious Consideration , of so great , horrible , & ineffable Impiety ; the unfathomable depth whereof , doth farre transcend the deepest and largest Comprehension both of Men , and Angels ; that weake and mortall Men , should be so sinfully wicked , as to fight against the Omnipotent and Immortall God , which all those Persons certainly doe , who after such a manner as is here declared , doe oppose , take up Armes , and fight against their lawfull King .

Loe ! such gracelesse and godlesse Persons , have just cause to feare , that the righteous Lord will open the revengefull Quiver of his displeasure , and from the strong bent Bow of his unappeaseable Anger , swiftly and fiercely send forth the sharpe Arrowes of his furious Indignation against them , whereby they shall be deadly wounded to their utter Confusion . According to the Lords righteous dealing , towards those revolted Rebels , adhering to wicked and usurping Jeroboam , who tooke up Armes and fought against their good , and lawfull King Rehoboam ; unto whose malecontented and rebellious people , Jeroboam gave way to their Worshippe in Religion , after that manner which best pleased them , displaced and drave away the Lords faithfull Priests and Levites , from their lawfull Habitations , and also utterly suppressed them from the necessary Execution of their sacred Offices , who were conformable to the Law , and dutifull Subjects to their King , lest they should keep up the peoples hearts in Obedience to their lawfull Soveraigne ; these things he did , thereby to further his wicked Designes against their just and rightfull King Rehoboam , whose Wronges ( shortly after his Death ) were mortally vindicated by his sonne Abijah : for God stirred up the Spirit of good Rehoboams Sonne Abijah , and he raised an Armie of Foure hundred thousand men , and with them feared not to goe against wicked Jeroboam , who had an Armie of Eight hundred thousand able fighting men , and fought against him , surprized him , destroyed his great and mighty Armie , and was ( through Gods Blessing unto him ) established in his Fathers Throne , where he lived and reigned with great Honour , and Kingly Glory all the rest of his daies , in which he begot two and twenty Sonnes , and sixteene Daughters , and then slept with his Fathers , and his sonne Asa reigned in his stead . Of the which great and admirable Victory which God gave to Abijah , the Scripture expresseth in these words , Abijah and his people slew them with a great slaughter , so that there fell downe slaine of Israel , 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 five hundred thousand chosen men , 2 Chron. 13.17 . The which words ( being the Language of the Holy Ghost ) both may , and also ought usefully to serve , as a memorable Caveat unto all Rebels that either now are , or hereafter shall live upon the face of the Earth , to take heed that they neither take up Armes , nor fight against their lawfull King : for , here you plainly see , that it was neither their gratnesse in Number , nor expertnesse in Warlike Service , that could preserve these Men from Ruine , but they must be mortally wounded , fall downe , and be destroyed , because they had rebelled , taken up Armes , and fought against their lawfull Soveraigne . And God is the same God in these daies that he was in those , as he hath done in times that are past , so can he doe for times that are to come ; for he is JEHOVAH , he changeth not , Mal. 3.6 .

So that , although Rebellion lyeth never so long lurking abstrucely in the corrupt hearts of disobedient Persons , yet notwithstrnding , when once she appeareth practically in the view of the World , actuating her cursed Designes , against that lawfull Authority unto which she ought to subject her selfe with all dutifull Obedience , then she must not looke for any long Continuance : For , looke into the Generations of old , even from the Creation of the World untill this very day , and then tell me , if ever any rebellious Persons taking up Armes , and fighting against their lawfull Soveraigne , have enjoyed one Age of an uninterrupted continued Prosperity ; but that the black Cloudes of just Revenge have appeared unto them , and fiercely showred downe the terrible Stormes of Gods righteous Vengeance upon them , to their deserved Confusion ?

Object . But here peradventure some may object , Why should any tell us of Rebellion ? or of taking up Armes and fighting against our lawfull Soveraigne ? or of Confusion that is like to befall us for our so doing ? What ? Are not we in the Favour of God ? Hath not God assisted us in all our Endeavours ? Have not we had the Blessing of God upon all our Military Practices ? Hath not God made us Victorious ? Have not all our Attempts been successfull , and Designes prosperous ? Wherefore then should not we comfort our selves , and both boldly and fearlesly goe on in the same waies ( which others call Rebellion ) wherein now we walke ?

Answ. Unto which I answer with the wordes of Salomon , There is a way which seemeth right to a man : but the end thereof are the waies of death , Prov. 14.12 . And Prov. 11.19 . He that pursueth evill , pursueth it to his owne death . Yea , and it is one of the greatest Judgements that usually befalleth the men of this wicked World , when God suffers them to prosper in their sinfull Courses . Prosperity is no infallible Argument of Gods Favour , neither is Adversity any evident Testimony of his Displeasure , for sapient Salomon tells us , that no man knoweth either love or hatred , of all that is before him , Eccles. 9.1 . And that There is a just man that perisheth in his righteousnesse : and there is a wicked man that prolongeth his life in his wickednesse , Eccles. 7.15 .

And therefore , let no such blinde infatuated Persons , being mis-guided by their erroneous Conceptions , falsly flatter themselves with any such fallacious Conceits , of being in Gods favour , because their actions ( for the present ) are prosperous ; for they can never comfortably assure themselves of Gods gracious Love and speciall Favour towards them , ( though never so prosperous in their Designes ) unlesse they have his feare before their eyes , which teacheth them to abstaine from the working of all Iniquity , and to depart from the practice of all Impiety , which none of those either doe , or can doe , so long as they continue in the sinfull perpetration of horrid Rebellion .

Now for a spirituall Salve wherewith to cure this carnall Infirmity , I doe referre all such deluded and selfe-deceiving Persons ( for their farther and fuller Convincement herein ) wandering in the foggie Mists of blinde Ignorance and dangerous Errours , to that cleere and infallible light of Truth which the holy Scripture ( by way of Collection ) expresseth , viz. That every successfull and prosperous military Action which the Providence of God permits , is not justifiable in the sight of God from the Actors thereof , although God himselfe commands it to be done .

Loe ! this Truth evidently appeareth unto us , in the military Practises of Jehu that Valiant , Couragious , and Kingly Captaine , who exceedingly prospered in his War-like Actions , and did great Execution upon divers Malefactors , and that also by Gods owne appointment ; and yet notwithstanding , even Jehu himselfe must be accounted as a Murtherer in the sight of God , for his heart was not sincere in the service of God , he was a Selfe-seeker and Selfe-server , aiming at his owne Ends , and not at the Glory of God : and therefore God threatned to visit the blood of Izreel upon the house of Jehu , Hos. 1.4 . What Jehu ? That prosperous , Valiant , and victorious Conquerour ? Must He who did so much military Service , and that also by Gods owne Injunctions , and expresse Commands ? Must He ( I say ) be accounted as a Murtherer in the sight of God ? yea , even Jehu himselfe must be reputed guilty of Murther , and his Posterity must be responsible and suffer for the same .

And therefore deceive not thy selfe with the false Conception of war-like Prosperity , for prosperous Successes in Military Services , are not always infallible Arguments of the Favour of God : Josiah . for one man may perish in them , and yet be in Gods Favour ; and another man may prosper in them , Jehu . and yet be in Gods Displeasure .

The prosperous Successe which some wicked men have in their evil Actions , doth Dadulus-like make them Wings , whereby they will mount so high towards the Sun , untill the heat of God's just Anger shall melt the Wax which holds the feathers thereof together , and then themselves Icarus-like must fall down into the deep Sea of God's Displeasuer , to their deadly Destruction .

Prosperous Successe in evil Actions , makes wicked men think that they are carried on as the Sun , Moon , and Stars are , without any restraining Resistance .

Yea , as long as there is a prevailing Ingredient , the which with prosperous Successe answereth the Expectation of wicked men in their ungodly Enterprises ; so long they will endeavour to make all those their evil Actions justifiable , because ( for the present ) they serve their turn , being compatible with their own carnal Contentment : and will continue mustering up their Forces marching still forward , and John-like driving on furiously in their pestilent , pernicious and perverse paths of rebellious Impiety , though ( at the last ) their so doing should prove to the Destruction of themselves , and many others .

Every Logician will rationally tell us , that the Consequence will necessarily follow its undoubted Premises ;

Hence then , Syllogis . the Argument may thus be framed , viz.

Whosoever shall rebelliously take up Armes , Proposit . and fight against that lawfull Authority , unto which he ought legally to yield Obedience and Subjection , ( though never so prosperous therein for the present ) doth thereby make himselfe liable to the Malediction and Wrath of God :

The guilty Consciences of too many thousands of this English-Nation , Assumpt. will hereunto ( at this day ) adde the Assumption :

And what subtill Sophister is there to be found in all this sublunary World , Conclusion . that without great absurdity can deny the Conclusion ?

Furthermore , for our fuller Satisfaction in this particular , we must necessarily consider , the Cause of wicked mens such prosperous Successe , as it reflects upon God permitting the same .

The Primary , Chief , and Efficient Cause , à qua res est , & causa causati , sine qua non est Causa . Upon which all other Causes with their concomitant Circumstances have their Dependance ; and from whence also all inferior Agents fetch their Strength and Action ; is , The Eternall and Omnipotent Power of Almighty God , as the onely Center from which all Operations first spring , and the boundless Circumference into which all Actions run . Nam , Aug. Deus est in omnibus rebus causa essendi . For all Powers have their being from God . Answerable to that of the Apostle , For whom are all things , Heb. 2.10 . and by whom are all things . And also according to that Nominal Attribute of God used amongst the Grecians , denoting his Essence ; viz. 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . being derived 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , because ( by his Omnipotency ) he runneth through , and compasseth all things whatsoever . Ephe. 4.6 . Who is above all in his Power ; and through all by his Providence . Heb. 1.3 . Psal. 103.19 . Mat. 10.29.30 . Eph. 1.11 . Whose powerfull Providence doth continually govern all his Creatures , and all their Actions . And , in both Creatures and Actions , at all times , and in all places , working all things after the councell of his own will .

And , as alluding to this very Purpose , the Naturall Philosophers themselves call God Principium , 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , Effectivum , primam Naturam , primam Causam , Causam infinitam , primum Motorem , primum Movens .

And farther also , as by Philosophy we learn , that the Soul of Man is the Originall Cause of all Motion in Man ; lame and impotent Motion onely excepted : the which proceedeth from another Cause ; viz. some defect in the Body . Even so , by Divinity we are taught , Gen. 2.7 . that God is the Life of the Soul . And without him , we can have neither Life , Act. 17.28 . Moving , nor Being . Answerable to that Expression of Christ himself to his Disciples , Ioh. 15.5 . Without me ye can doe nothing . And that acknowledgment also of the Church herself concerning the Almightie's Power , Psal. 74.13 . God is my King of old : the help that is done upon the earth , he doth it himself .

So that , we may truly collect from Philosophy , that , God is the Beginner and first Cause of Motion ; but , not of defective Motion : that is from our Selves . And also safely conclude from Theology , Amos 3.6 . that , God is the Originall and Author of every Action ; but , not of any Evil in any Action : that is , from the Committers thereof themselves .

Hence then we may learn this infallible Point of our Christian Religion , without the true Knowledge and right Understanding whereof , it is not possible for us to preserve the Purity of Christian Doctrine , in divers other Orthodoxall Points of our Protestant Religion : viz. that the mercifull Concurrence of God's Power , in all the good Actions of Godly men , by his Providence working ; and the just Withdrawment thereof , from all the evil Actions of Wicked men , by his Permission suffering : makes clearly for the full Justification of the righteous God , and the just Condemnation of unrighteous Men. According to that condoling Complaint of the Lord himself , concerning Israel's just , Hos. 13.9 . and due deserved Self-Ruine , O Israel , thou hast destroyed thy self ; but , in me is thy help .

And here , ( for the farther clearing of this Point , which to many Persons may seem somewhat abstruse ) we are inevitably put in mind of the Decree of God , and the Will of Man : and , ought also therein seriously to consider , of their joynt Concurrence in one and the same Thing , and severall Orderings and Operations , in particular Actions : for , to Order , and to Act , are two severall Things , and may also be differently done , by two particular Persons , in one and the same Action ; and yet the One , not compell'd by the Other , either to Order , or Act.

As for Example ,

God's Decree doth not enforce Man's Will ; but , the Will of Man worketh and moveth of it self . Yea , the Will of Man hath in it self the beginning of evil Motion , and sinneth willingly . Therefore , though the Decree of God imposeth a Necessity upon all secondary - Causes , so that , they must needs be framed and disposed according to the same ; yet , are they not coacted or compelled thereunto : but , are all of them carried with their own voluntary Motion . So that , God's Decree doth move all secondary - Causes , but , not take away their own proper Motion .

For , all secondary - Causes , are so moved of God himself , being the primary - Mover of them ; as that , he always doth well , holily , and justly , in every one of his particular Movings , Psal. 145.17 . being righteous in all his ways , and holy in all his works . But , the secondary - Causes themselves being moved , are carried in contrary Motions , according to their own Nature and Frame . If ( therefore ) they be Good , then they are carried unto that which is Good : but , if they be Evil , then they are carried unto that which is Evil. So that , according to the double beginning of their Motion and Will , there is a double and divers Work and Effect performed by them .

From whence then we may safely collect , that the Decree of God doth not take away the Will of Man , or the Contingency thereof ; but , onely order and dispose it .

The which Disposall both of Man's Will and its Contingency , is not done onely in part , but also even to the full , and that by the just Decree of our holy God . According to that Expression of Solomon , Prov. 16.33 . The lot is cast into the lap : but the whole disposition thereof is of the Lord .

The words there translated Lot and Lap , are in the Originall Language of the Old Testament 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 Haggoral ve Chek , and the next words following , viz. the whole disposition thereof , are 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 Colmischphato . Intimating thereby , that nothing ought to be attributed to Chance or Fortune , because all things are determined in the Councell of God , which shall come to pass : and , by the Power of his Decree , Providence , and Permission , ( in his due time ) they shall be effected .

True it is indeed that the translated Scripture tells us of Chance and Fortune , yet ought we to be informed , that there is nothing casuall in regard of God's Knowledge , but there are many things casuall in respect of Man's Ignorance . So that , we must not ascribe any thing to blind Fortunes Performance , but attribute all unto God's All-seeing Providence ; yet so , that the Divine Providence doth not take away the Will of Man , or the Contingency thereof : for God according to the common Axiome of the School , non necessitat , sed facilitat , he doth induce the Godly to doe good with Alacrity , not inforce them against their Will with the least Urgency .

A plain and pregnant proof we have to this purpose , by the Fall of Adam , being ( at the first ) both Himself & his Will made good ; yet , mutably good : for he so stood , as that he might fall . The Cause of whose Fall was , the voluntary Inclination of his own Will unto Evil. Not that his Will was any thing at all forced , or by any Violence of God's Purpose compell'd thereunto : but , Adam fell of Himself , without any Coaction ( at all ) from God .

And , for the better clearing of this Point , we must a little farther consider of Adam in first Condition ; to whom God gave ( at his Creation ) Naturam flexibilem , à flexible Nature , being subject to mutation : creating him in Potestate standi , seu Posse cadendi , in Power of standing , or Possibility of falling . His Power of standing proceeded from God , as being his Creator ; his Possibility of falling came from himself as being but a Creature . Aug. Con. Whereupon Saint Augustine saith , God made Man ex nihilo , of Nothing : and therefore left in Man a Possibility to return in nihilum , into Nothing , if he transgressed the Command of his Maker .

And thus , Man was even ab Origine suo , from his Creation , very incident to his Alteration . The which evidently sheweth the great Difference between the Omnipotent & Unchangeable Nature of the holy God , & the Impotent and Instable Condition of sinful Man . For , it is a Maxime in Divinity , Immutabiliter esse bonum , proprium solius est Dei. Mal. 3.6 . Heb. 6.17 . Isa. 14.27 . 2 Chron. 20.6 . Job 9.12 . Pro. 21.30 . To be immutably Good , is onely proper to God .

Hence then we may learn , that the Decree of God , did not take away Adam's Will , nor the Contingency thereof : but , onely order and dispose the same .

So that , Adam's Fall was 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , id est , Spontaneus , Voluntary , even of his own Accord , without any Compulsion by any other . Whereupon , a learned Writer saith , Beza . Volens peccavit , & proprio mout . He sinned willingly , and of his own proper Motion .

The Guilt of whose Sin hath spread it self through the whole World , even as a Leprosie , upon all his Off-spring ; strictly obliging them with himself to eternall Punishment , into which Adam ( by that his Fall ) joyntlyentangled himself , & all his Posterity . For , as the Person of the first Man corrupted the whole Nature ; even so , that very Nature it self , doth now corrupt all the Persons of his Posterity .

The which bitter Root of Adam's planting , hath brought forth innumerable Multitudes of wild Gourds , 2 King . 4.39 . whereof all his Posterity must needs tast , though it be with never so great Distastfullnesse , yea , and Death it self to them all . Rom. 5.12 . For Sin and Death , being cursed Correlatives , will ( one day ) cleave as close together , 1 Sam. 15.33 . Rom. 6.23 . as Samuel's Sword and Agag's Flesh did to each other : no way under Heaven can possibly be found out , to keep them afunder .

So that , all the Sons of Adam , that either heretofore ever were , now are , and hereafter shall be , ( as they tast thereof ) may justly cry out against themselves , as did those Children of the Prophets , to the Prophet Elisha , when they had so distastfully tasted of their own bitter Broth , 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 Mavet bassir , 2 King . 4.40 . id est , Latine , Mors est in Olla . Death is in the Pot.

Therefore , no Evil at all , be it of the least Nature whatsoever , ( either in the Fall of Adam , or in any other Person whomsoever ) ought to be imputed to the Decree of God , but , must fully , and onely be attributed to the Will of Man . The which wholly proceeds from the voluntary Inclination of Man's own Will unto Evil. Ezek. 18.31 . Rom. 6.12 .

The stinking Camarina , filthy Puddle , and foul Fountain whereof , being the very Seed and Spawn of all Sins whatsoever ; which so greatly infecteth , contagiously contaminateth , and pestilently poysoneth the Bodies and Souls of all Adam's Off-spring in this World , is , Originall Sin , viz. the cursed Corruption of Man's polluted Nature , the which is Originally born , and propagated together with our Selves ; being by naturall Generation lineally descended from the defiled Loynes of our polluted Primogenitor , disobedient Adam : which makes all the Sons of men as long as they live in this world , so incident to fall into Sin .

For , Sin - Originall , and Sin - Actuall , are , Species subalternatae inter se , Kinds subordinate one to another , the Latter having an hereditary Relation to the Former , as the Daughter to the Mother ; the Originall , being ( as it were ) the Cause and Root , and , the Actuall , the Effect and Fruit , proceeding from the same : and both Originall and Actuall , joyntly concurring , and cursedly conducing to the utter Ruine of all Sinners . And thus , 1 Joh. 5.19 . Hos. 13.9 . the whole world lying in wickedness , every one that perisheth therein , is the sole-Causer of his own Destruction .

And here , if We of this English Nation would seriously consider , and should strictly search with soundnesse of Judgement , either as deep Divines , or profound Philosophers , into the mysterious Manner of God's working against us , in these present Distractions amongst us ; we shall evidently find no small Argument to be drawn , from the great Disparity , between Divine , Providence , and Worldly Policy : the Generall Result whereof must necessarily be , this ensuing Hebrew divine Aphorisme ,

〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 id vulgò apud Latinos dicitur , Homo 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 Proponit ; Pro. 16.9 . Pro. 16.33 . Psal. 33.11 . sed Deus Disponit . Man meerly Proposeth ; id est , Voluntas Hominis : that is , the Will of Man ; but , God wholly Disposeth ; id est , Decretum Dei , that is , the Decree of God . Answerable to that Expression of Solomon , Prov. 19.21 . Many devices are in a mans heart : but , the councell of the Lord shall stand . For , as in the vast Frame of Nature , Bodies compared one with another seem Heterogenean , consisting not onely of different Constitutions , but also of divers and sundry opposite Operations : yet notwithstanding , as so many Wheeles in an artificial Engine , are by the same Hand directed to the same common Use ; even so , all the Councels and Actions of men , howsoever they seem casually to meet with , and oppositely to justle one against the other ; yet , are they certainly pre-ordained by the same Infinite Councell , to co-operate to the same Universall End .

The which Proposall of Man , and Disposall of God is a Proposition which amongst worldly minded Polititians , is better known as a Proverb , then acknowledged in their Practice . And yet , the longer they Run in this Maze of Worldly Policy , the farther they Estrange themselves from Christian Piety : and the Distance which at the first seemed to be below their Sense , will at the last be found to be above their Understanding .

And thus may it also one day befall those super-polipragmatical Polititians of this Age in this Land , now amongst us ; who when they are in the midst of their Mirth , and have mounted themselves up to the highest Step of their usurped Power and Ambition ; even then , Dan. 5.6 . they may Belshazzar-like be stricken with Fear and Consternation , for those horrid , bloody , and treacherous Actions , which they have now usurpatiously attempted : at which time through their Unskilfulnesse for the wise managing of those wicked , though weighty Affaires , being then justly infatuated by the justice of God against them , they may in a confused Combustion , Act the part rather of Phaeton then of Phoebus , to the Confusion of themselves and many others .

But , had such politique Persons been so religiously happy , as to have had so much saving Acquaintance with the Word of God , for the good of themselves and others ; as they craftily had , and still have , with their own wicked Wills , cunning Combinations , and pernicious Projects , against both King and Kingdome ; they should doubtlesse have heard the Lord in the holy Scriptures ( before this time ) both frequently calling to them , and also severely threatning to inflict his Judgements upon them : the which ( long agoe ) would have staggered the politique Councel of the Wicked , and turned the worldly Wisdome of the Wisest of them into Folly . But , they resembling the blind Andabates will not see , Psal. 58.4 , 5. and as deaf Adders refuse to hear the Truth declared to them ; whereby their Consciences might be convinced , their Souls converted , and their Lives reformed : that so , there might be a speedy Peace fully concluded , and firmly settled throughout this whole Kingdome , between King and Subjects ; for , the Glory of God , and Well-fare of our English-Nation .

But , woe and alas , may we of this English-Nation ( at this day ) justly cry out , that those pernicious Polititians being averse to Peace , are in their present Practice become like wilfull Mariners , having ( as it were ) already ship'd themselves for a dangerous Voyage , & are now desperately resolved to sail along in the vast Ocean , as the windy Gusts of their new Councell will drive them , and the inconstant Tyde of Occasion shall befriend them ; adventuring all Hazards of their own and others Safety , which by the means of Enemies , Tempests , Rocks , Gulphs , Whales , Quick-sands , &c. may any ways befall them ; running rashly thereby , the great Danger of their own and many others , both Temporall and Eternall Ruine .

Lo ! such desperate Rebells by their pernicious practices in Rebellion , may not unfitly be parallel'd to those impious Spirits Zijm and Ochim , Isa. 13.21 . breathing-out nothing but destructive Desolation , against our poor distracted , and distressed English-Nation .

And yet notwithstanding , all the Adversaries Opposition ( at this day ) against Kingly Authority , there was never under the Cope of Heaven a clearer Truth , so antient , so generally acknowledged by all Christians , and that also in all Ages since the name of Christ was first professed upon the Earth , as is , the Doctrine of Faith in God , and of Obedience to lawfull Princes ; which being fully known , and throughly practiced , doth alone ( indeed ) make Christians , and Christian Religion , manifestly to differ from all other People , and Religions in the World : and the same Orthodox Doctrine , England hath willingly embraced , and obediently practiced for many years last past with Glory to God , and Comfort to Herself ; untill of late , the horrid sin of Rebellion like the Witchcraft of Circe transformed Her into another Creature : which strange , unhappy , and unlooked-for Metamorphosis , doth mournfully minister ( at this day ) just Occasion to every religious , and judicious Spectator , both to exclaime of Her , and to lament for Her : She being now foully fallen off from the holy Condition of Her first Creation . For the sacred Image of God stamp'd in the reasonable Soul of man , is to the Children of God both Law and Liberty ; aswell to preserve the just Rights of their lawfull Princes , as the full Freedome of their own Priviledges : but , the ugly Embleme of Satan , imprinted in the unsanctified Souls of wicked men , is to the Sons of Belial Liberty without Law ; respecting onely the full Freedome of their own Priviledges , nothing regarding the just Rights of their lawfull Princes .

That 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 Behemoth , Job . 40.10 . the multitude of earthly Beasts , the belluina multorum capita , that many-fold headed serpentine - Hydra , ( I mean ) the rebellious Anti-monarchicall Patty of the English-Nation ; whose Hearts , Heads , and Hands , by affecting , projecting , and acting , the hainous Sin of horrid Rebellion against their lawfull Soveraign ; doe thereby shew themselves rather heathenish and mischievous Monsters , then rationall and religious Men.

And here , I willingly would demand , What is that which those obstinate Persons would have , who ( at this day ) thus rigidly , barbarously and violently oppose our Gracious King ?

Would they violently take from Him that Soveraign Right which the God of Heaven hath freely given Him over Them ? Would they wholly anihilate all Kingly Authority ? Would they utterly abolish the worthy and antient Church-government of this Kingdome ? Would they fully destroy the good , wholsome , necessary , and fundamentall Laws of this Land ? Would they speedily turn a well settled Monarchy , into a licentious Anarchy , whereby themselves might live like loose Libertines without any Restriction ? If these be their Intentions , then let me tell them as a timely Remembrancer , these things for them to doe , are not onely Irregular and Impious , but also Difficult and Dangerous ; and therefore , let the desperate Attempers thereof take heed , least by their earnest endeavouring to Effect them , they doe most miserably involve this whole Kingdome , both Church and Common-wealth , into a Labyrinth of Languishment , and Chaos of Confusion .

When God at the beginning had made Adam , he gave him Power over all the Creatures , so that , there was nothing but Monarchy at the Creation ; and the like also was restored to us by Christ at our Redemption : and so to be taken by us , both from the Father and the Son , as the best , most excellent , and onely Form of Government for all Nations in the World . And , not onely Monarchicall Government appointed for Men , but ( also as it were ) for all other Creatures in the World , for every Species of all Creatures have a Subordination to some one of the same Kind ; as the Birds of the Aire to the Eagle , the Beasts on the Land to the Lyon , the Fishes in the Sea to the Whale , the Bees in their Hives to the Chief Governour amongst them , &c. But wo and alas ! the irrationall Creatures by the very Instinct of Nature yield more subjection to their Superiors , then the Rebels of England living in the Light of the Gospel do ( at this day ) to their lawfull Soveraign .

And as a farther Aggravation to his Majesties Affliction ; divers of those pernicious Polititians that are guilty of , and also Agents in this horrid Rebellion against our lawfull Soveraign , are such as have been raised to great Honours by Court-Preferments , who with their court-like Dissimulation seemed to their over-credulous Kingly Master as Angels of Light by their Words ; but , woe , and alas ! they proved to be against Him like Devills of Darknesse by their Deeds . Even such as those ungodly and wicked Doers were of whom the Psalmist complained , which speake friendly to their Neighbours , but imagine mischief in their hearts . Psal. 28.3 . And thus equivocatingly they dissembled the profession of Fidelity towards Him in their Mouths , keeping treacherously an impious Disloyalty against His Royall Person , Crown and Dignity in their Hearts ; the which as Opportunity offered it self to them , they manifested ( to the uttermost ) in their Lives .

But , against all such unnaturall and ingratefull Rewarders , Solomon pronounceth a sorrowfull Sentence , Pro. 17.13 . He that rewardeth evil for good , evil shall not depart from his house . The Evil of such impious Ingratitude shall constantly dwell with , and certainly bring Punishment upon such evil - Rewarders .

To render Evil for Evil , is the Part of a Beast : to render Good for Good , is the Part of a Man : to render Good for Evil , is the Part of a Saint : but , to render Evil for Good , is the Part of a Devill . And yet notwithstanding , woe , and alas ! the last of these Renderings have lately been , and still are rigidly Rendered to our Gracious Soveraign , by his ungracious and ingratefull Enemies . So that , our gracious , lawfull , and loving Soveraign , may justly ( at this day ) say of those his graceless , lawless , and envious Enemies , as the princely Prophet David himself ( in his days ) spake of his cruell , injurious , and false Friends , Thus have they rewarded me evil for good , Psal. 109.4 . and hatred for my good will . For , thus diabolicall hath their Disposition been , in their late perverse Passages acted against Him .

And therefore , of , upon , and against all such evil Agents , may we all ( at this day ) with causefull heavy Hearts complainingly cry out , Quis furor , O caeci , & surdi scelerum ? O you blind and deaf men , what strange Madnesse to act such Evils hath seized upon your Spirits ? What can you justly imagine will be the finall conclusion of these continued Courses , but onely the calamitons Confusion of the English-Nation ; which by such your pestilent Practices you will bring upon your selves with many thousands of others , to both your and their deadly Destruction ? And yet , in the Interim , know all of you assuredly , that all your Power upon Earth is limited by the Power of Heaven ; and when God shall be pleased to relieve his own Children that are now by your Tyranny over them greatly afflicted ; then your usurped Power will be totally restrained , and your selves also wholly confounded . And then the Children of God shall joyfully sing with the Psalmist , Psal. 124.7 . Our soul is escaped as a bird out of the snare of the Fowlers : the snare is broken , and we are delivered .

So that , although the Plots and Counterplots of Rebellious Men , may be craftily contrived , pernitiously prosecuted , and ( for a while ) also absurdly , abusively , and violently acted , by ambitious , malitious , and wickedly witty cunning Politicians ; yet notwithstanding , both themselves and all their Actions have Relation to the Divine Providence and Permission ; and when once the Lord God Omnipotent shall be pleased to look down ( from Heaven ) with his pitifull Eyes of tender Compassion , upon the bleeding Condition of poor , distracted , and distressed Englands Affliction , and to arise in his own Strength , make bare his own Arme on her behalfe , and take the Matter into his own Hand ; he can put an Hooke into their Nostrils , and a Bridle into their Lips , whereby to restraine them ; and also ( maugre all their Designs ) speedily bring their greatest Power to its utmost Period : for the Divine Eternal Providence , and Wicked Worldly Policy , may not unfitly be compared to the Arke of God , and the Idoll Dagon , 1 Sam. 5.3 , 4. the Former shall ( for ever ) stand , but the Latter ( in God's due time of punishing ) must certainly fall .

Oh! how ought the serious Consideration hereof , to quench the fiery heat , and quell the fierce fury , of the most desperate deceived Rebells , from their farther military prosecution against their lawfull Soveraigne ?

And here as a memorable Caveat against all such desperate Rebells , let me instance unto them , that fearfull Judgement which befell Adonijah for his Usurpation .

The hauty Heart of aspiring Adonijah , being proudly puf'd up with an ambitious desire of Kingly Power ; prepared for Himself Charets and Horsemen , and Fifty men to run before him , whereby to expresse publiquely to the World his Regall Magnificence : and also spake very largely to that purpose , saying , 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 Ani emloch . 1 King . 1.5 . I will raign .

Lo thus , in his Thoughts he Projected , by his Words he Declared , and by his Actions he Attempted , quantum in se , what lay in his Power , even by his wicked Usurpation for to Rule the Kingdome of Israel , unto which he had no Right , for it properly belonged to his Brother King Solomon . But what became of him for his Usurpation ?

Lo , the just Judgement of God seized upon him , insomuch , as that , ( although Himselfe was of the Blood-Royall ) His dayes were ended in blood . 1 King . 2● . 25 .

And here my Heart compells my Hand to iterate these tragicall Words , as a Christian Caution , to all the obstinate Rebells of our English-Nation , whereby to deterre them from any such godlesse and gracelesse Usurpation ; HIS DAYES WERE ENDED IN BLOOD .

God give them Grace to amend their Lives in this Particular , least as bad , or a worse End befall them , for the like Usurpation ( at this day ) practiced by them .

For in the hainous Sin of bloody Rebellion , there lieth secretly wrap'd up , the just Vengeance of the righteous God ; and when the Sin of Rebellion is throughly ripe , then the due deserved Punishment of it will certainly break forth , and fiercely fly upon the Committers thereof , to their inevitable and deadly Destruction .

Insomuch , as that those pernitious Persons , whose Heads ( at this day ) project , whose Hearts affect , and whose Hands act the Sin of Rebellion , against their lawfull Soveraign ; the Prophet David who was inspired with the blessed Spirit of God plainly tells them , Psal. 62.3 . They shall be slain all the sort of them ; yea , as a tottering wall shall they be , and like a broken hedge .

And yet notwithstanding all this , methinks I hear some obstinate and incorrigible Rebell , who desperately desireth ( though against both the Word of God and the Laws of this Land ) to continue still in his own present and cursed Condition , to persist in his perverse Paths , and to walk in the wicked Wayes of his own rebellious Heart say unto me ;

What necessity is there for so much to have been spoken of concerning Monarchicall Authority ?

Must we subject our selves so strictly thereunto ?

Can we not evade it ? but must we inevitably be obedient to it ?

Quest. What although in Antient time , the Old Testament under the Law required such Obedience to Kings as you have here declared ; yet notwithstanding , we who are Believers doe conceive , that we are not obliged to such Obedience to Kings now in the New Testament under the Gospel ; and therefore , why should Obedience to Kings be so earnestly preached unto us , and so strictly pressed upon us in these daies ? Doth the New Testament binde us to such Obedience ?

Answ. Unto which I Answer , The holy Apostle S. Peter , who was himselfe a Gospel Preacher , called immediately to that sacred Office by Jesus Christ , and also inspired powerfully with the Holy Ghost ; and according to that heavenly and blessed Inspiration expresly commanded the Jewes , and in them also all Christians to the End of this present World , in these very words , 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , 1 Pet. 2.17 . the which words being translated are , Feare God , Honour the King .

He there links God and the King together , as justly he may , for there is such a neere Relation , and close Connexion betwixt God and the King , as that the true Feare of God , and due Honour of the King , are Individuals ; they are Inseparables , never to be divided , but constantly dwell together , in one and the same syncere Heart , of a faithfull Servant to God , and loyall Subject to the King .

Hence then , let none ( deluding the World ) fallaciously say , they have Gods true Feare before their Eyes , who have not really the Kings due Honour in their Hearts .

And if the Kings due Honour be in their Hearts , then it will both constantly and perspicuously appeare in their Lives , for every Tree is knowne by its fruits , Mat. 7.20 .

If Men truly feare God , then will they also faithfully honour the King , in God , and for God , whose Vice-gerent He is .

Which due Honour of the King consisteth in the Peoples Love , and Obedience to Him : viz: when as His People shall obediently Love Him , and lovingly Obey Him .

The which Feare of God , and Honour of the King , in such a People so qualified , will inevitably worke in them , a constant , cordiall , and universall Obedience to all the Commandements of God , as also an hearty wel-wishing towards their lawfull Soveraigne , by frequently , faithfully and fervently praying to God for Him ; and also a continuall wel-speaking of Him , constantly vindicating His Honour , by boldly contradicting all those that falsly and malitiously speake against Him ; and also helping Him to the uttermost of their Abilities , both with Persons , and Purses , as Necessities require , and Occasions are offered .

So that , if disobedient to the King , then fearlesse of God ; and if fearlesse of God , then ready to run into all Impiety ; and that with as much Violence & Eagernesse as the Horse rusheth into the Battel . Jer. 8.6 . Of which our distracted England ( of late ) hath sorrowfully tasted by wofull Experience .

But woe , and alas ! the quite contrary Effects , to those which the true Feare of God , and due Honour of the King produce , have not onely beene formerly , but are also still both too fluently and frequently practised , by too many thousands ( amongst us ) in these Dismall and Disastrous Daies .

Insomuch as that ,

If sturdy Tumults arising , and violently proceeding , by the which driving our Dread Soveraigne ( through feare ) from His Royall Habitation , be honouring of Him , then ( at the beginning of these Troubles ) He was Honoured .

If furiously chaseing His Majesties Royall , peaceable , and innocent Person , from place to place , circumventingly pursuing Him , and craftily hunting after Him , ( even Saul-like towards David ) as a Partridge upon the Mountaines , be honouring of Him , then He hath beene Honoured .

If Raising Forces upon Him , and taking up Armes against Him , whereby to suppresse His Regall Power , be honouring of Him , then He is Honoured .

If Separation of His lawfull and Royall Consort , to gether with all those Olive Branches , His Deare and Princely Children from Him , be honouring of Him , then He is Honoured .

If Deprivation of all His just Rights , Priviledges , Prerogatives and Revenues , unjustly from Him , be honouring of Him , then He is Honoured .

If the Imprisonment of His Royall Person , abridging Him of His Princely Liberty , and falsly calumniating His Candid and Royall Reputation , be honouring of Him , then He is Honoured .

Loe ! these are a few of those many inhumane Injuries , and barbarous Indignities , which formerly have been , and still are most injuriously perpetrated against Him .

Oh , pitifull Condition , into which ( at this day ) He is deeply involved .

Is this that Legall Active Obedience , which all Loyall-hearted & Dutifull Subjects , ( who rightly feare God , and heartily honour the King ) owe to their Just and Lawfull Soveraigne ? God Forbid .

And the Lord in much Mercy , with his tender Eyes of loving Pity , looke downe from Heaven , and speedily deliver this our distressed , guilelesse , faithfull , and true hearted Israelite out of all His Troubles .

Me-thinks I heare His Majesty in the Anxiety , Anguish , and Bitternesse of His Soule , with great Solicitude , Sadnesse , and Pensivenesse of Spirit , whose pious Affections ( through Gods grace ) moving Him to follow Christ His Captaine , and ( as a faithfull spirituall Souldier ) manfully to fight under his Banner , against Sinne , the World and the Devill , is now brought by the Providence and Permission of God into the fiery Fornace of Affliction , for the firme triall of His saving Faith , and profitable Christian Exercise of Gods heavenly graces within Him ; and also ( by probability extracted from fatall Conjectures ) in the very Twilight of His time , betwixt the Day of Life , & Night of Death , ( being now a PRISONER in Carishrooke-Castle in the Isle of Wight ) mournfully complaining unto God , in these words :

Oh! my loving and compassionate God , who by thy most holy , wise , and powerfull Providence , dost continually preserve and governe all thy Creatures , and all their Actions ; I humbly pray thee for Jesus Christ his sake , to grant me Pardon and Patience ; thou that searchest the heart , and triest the reines , thou knowest the Sincerity of my Soules Service towards thee ; my constant Resolution for the continuation of the Protestant Religion ; the carefull Preservation of the Ancient Lawes of this Kingdome ; the rightfull Priviledges of Parliament ; the just Liberty of the Subjects ; the firme Settlement of Truth and Peace amongst the People ; and the Conscience I make of keeping that Oath administred to Me , and also taken by Me at My Coronation : for which things sake , &c. I am now deeply involved into great Misery : and therefore , O My tender-hearted God , take Me into the safe custody of thy powerfull Protection , and shelter Me under the preservative Wings of thy speciall Providence ; for the fierce Floods of popular Rage are risen up against Me , the swelling Surges of mischievous malitious Adversaries looke big upon Me , the rough Waves of the rude Multitude strive to overflow Me , the proud Billowes of insolent insulting Enemies have almost overwhelmed Me , and the violent Streames of the bitter waters of Affliction are also every day ready to swallow Me up : all which I know thou canst ( if thou wilt ) suppresse at thy Pleasure ; who stillest ( when thou pleasest ) the raging of the Seas , Psal. 65.7 . the noise of the Waves , and the madnesse of the People . And now , ô Lord ! in this My great Extremity , I flie unto thee who art Almighty , with whom there is Helpe , from whom there may be Reliefe , upon whom dependeth My Hope , and in whom resteth My Confidence ; one Deepe calling upon another , Psal. 42.9 . the Depth of My Misery , calling upon the Depth of thy Mercy , craving thy present & powerfull Assestance , for My speedy and joyfull Deliverance . And though ( for the present ) My Body from Liberty be restrained , yet ( through thy Mercy towards me ) My Heart with grace from thee is greatly enlarged , and Love in Me towards thee much increased : thou hast often put the oyle of gladnesse into My heavy Heart , and such sacred Influences of heavenly Comforts I daily doe receive from thee , as that I nothing doubt of thy Mercy towards Me.

Oh , my deare God! thou hast beene graciously pleased to make Me thy Vice-gerent over three Kingdomes ; but woe , and alas ! I am now deprived of all that Power which formerly I had in them all three ; abridged not onely of that sweet Society of My deare Consort , but also of all My loving and tender-hearted Children , who might in this My great Distresse ( as comfortable Cordials to My heavy Heart ) afford Me some Comfort ; & those who formerly were , and still ought to be My loyall Subjects , are now risen up against Me , have here Imprisoned Me , and I am now become not onely as an Abject unto them , but also the very Object of their Reproach , Scorne , Contempt and Derision : and none of My Subjects in all My three Kingdomes , will vouchsafe to rescue Me out of Mine Enemies hands .

And in this My great Distresse , My teares have beene my meate day and night , Psal. 42.3 . while Mine Enemies daily and hourly reproach Me , and also craftily plot greater Mischiefes against Me ; not onely for the deadly destruction of My mortall Body , but also for the utter Extirpation of Monarchicall Authority ; whereby My Royall Issue and their Princely Posterity , should ( for future times ) be for ever abridged of all their just , lawfull , and Kingly Power ( in this Kingdome ) after Me : for which My potent Adversaries so wickedly intending , and cruelly practising against both My selfe and Mine , I have often eaten the bread of Carefulnesse , and mingled my drinke with weeping . Psal. 102.9 .

Now in this My deplorable , captivated , and calamitous Condition , I beseech thee , O My gracious God , who breakest not the bruised reede , nor quenchest the smoaking flax , looke downe with thy favourable Eyes of fatherly Pitty upon me , and let thy mercifull and loving Bowels of tender Compassion yerne towards Me ; Heare my prayer , ô Lord , & with thine eares consider my calling : hold not thy peace at my teares , Psal. 39.13 . And if it shall please thee ( O my good God ) to deliver Me out of the hands of Mine Enemies , whereby My Life may be preserved from their furie , I shall ever praise thee , for being so mercifull to Me ; but if otherwise ( in thy heavenly Wisdome ) thou hast decreed , concerning the last Period , and inevitable Expiration of My naturall Life , that ( Martyr-like ) I shall deeply drinke with My blessed and sweet Saviour , in his owne passionate Cup of bitter Death , and so My mortall Body to perish and be destroyed by the Violence of the People ; yet shall I ever acknowledge thee to be righteous , and will alwaies ( even to the last breath of My Life ) pray from the ground of My Heart , Lord , pardon whatsoever I have done amisse through the whole course of My Life , and sanctifie all the Dispensations of thy Providence ( in these My great Sufferings ) unto Me , forgive all Mine Enemies their cruell and unnaturall dealing towards Me , lay not their Sinnes to their Charge , and then , Not my will , but thine ( ô righteous Father ) for ever be done .

Loe ! these pittifull Passages ( proceeding from His Majesties greatly grieved Heart ) together with many others , me-thinks I heare Ecchoing in mine Eares ; for which by way of Christian Sympathie , as well as obliged subjective Duty towards His Majesty , my heavy Heart ( Heaven is my Record ) doth often pray privatly , and sorrowfull Soule mourne secretly on his behalfe : and so in like manner , all other loyall hearted Subjects ought for to doe as well as my selfe ; that thereby we might prevaile with the God of Heaven , for our gracious Soveraigne His present Deliverance out of all His Troubles , and speedy Re-establishment in His Throne of Righteousnesse .

The which over-joyous & welcome Blessing , to this perplexed and distracted King-dome , our good God ( in his great Mercy ) grant to us all , for the Glory of his great Name , the Peace of this disquieted Land , and the slourishing Estate of this English Church & Common-wealth wherein we live : and let all those who sincerely professe and faithfully love the Lord Jesus Christ , truely searing the living God , and heartily honouring their lawfull King , say hereunto unfeignedly ( with my selfe ) even from the very ground of their HRARTS and SOULES , So be it . Amen . Amen .

Oh! let us all in the filiall feare of God , both continually remember , carefully observe , and constantly put in practice , S. Paul's patheticall Exhortation to his Romanes , If thine Enemy hunger , feed him : if he thirst , give him drinke , Rom. 12.20 . And also that pious Precept of our blessed Saviour Christ Jesus ( in that holy Sermon of his in the Mount ) unto the people , Love your Enemies , blesse them that curse you , doe good to them that hate you , and pray for them which despitefull use you , and persecute you , Mat. 5.44 .

What ? are we expresly commanded to be thus helpfull to our Enemies ? and shall we sit still contentedly , and suffer our royall Friend , our nursing Father , yea , our Gracious Soveraigne to remaine in Prison , and not strive to rescue Him ? to lie in Misery , and not labour to relieve Him ? Shall not His Extremity , be our Opportunity ? and such a One also as He is ? of whom we may all truely and deservedly expresse this Encomium and Commendation , without the least touch of pleasing Flattery ; that He is one of the Jewels of the Protestant Princes of Christendome , for those rare , incomparable , and celestiall Endowments and Qualities , that so illustriously ( at this day ) shine in His royall Person ; being as a perfect Patterne of Patience , and pretious Pearle of Piety unto His People : and amongst them to be remembred ( for the same ) even from Generation , to Generation .

Loe here , we Loyalists of this English Nation , may all justly crie out against our selves , and that with watery Eyes , heavy Hearts , convincing Consciences , and sorrowfull Souls , Oh , superlative Remisnesse , disgracefull Disloyalty , and ineffable Ingratitude ! For We , even We our selves in this Particular , are ( at this day ) deeply guilty of too much Slacknesse and Negligence herein : And how shall all those that are sworne to subjective Fealty , be able to answer for this their perjur'd perfidious Remisnesse , before Christ the just Judge both of quick and dead , when he shall come in the Clouds ( at the latter day ) for to judge the World ?

But although His Majesty in this present pitifull Predicament , and extreame wofull Exigent , is ( at this day ) by His seeming-loyall Subjects so remisly regarded , and unnaturally neglected , as to suffer His Majesties Continuation in Durance , and His Adversaries still insultingly to triumph over Him : yet let me tell them , and also in them the whole World , that a truely loyall-hearted Subject will constantly , carefully , and diligently , out of his dutifull Obedience , study with his best Endeavours , to the uttermost of his Power , though it be to his owne Prejudice , for to helpe his Prince .

And here I will relate unto you , one remarkable instance of a loyal-hearted Subject , unto which you may all hearken with Admiration .

There was a right Noble and Valiant Knight , whose name was Zopyrus , who seeing Darius the King his Master could hardly surprize Babylon , bethought himselfe of a wonderfull strange practice :

Domi se verberibus lacerari tote corpore jubet , nasum , & Iabia , & aures sibi praecidi , saith the Historiographer . Justin . lib. 1. in fine .

He went home to his owne house , and caused his servants to rent his whole body all over with whipping him , and also to cut off his nose , his lippes , and his eares : And then speedily running to Babylon , in such a fearefull and mortified manner , he made the Assyrians believe , that Darius the King had exercised this Cruelty upon him , because he had spoken on their behalfe , counselling him for to breake up his Siege , and to remove his Army from assaulting their Citie .

The Assyrians hearing this report , and the rather thinking it to be true , because they saw him so shamefully dis-figured in his body ; were presently perswaded for to make him their Chiefe Captaine .

By which meanes he betrayed them all , and surrendred both them and their Citie into his Masters hands .

O most faithfull , loving , and loyall Subject , yea , most worthy , resolute , and Couragious Heart , who spared not the parts of his owne Body , but voluntarily dismembred himselfe for to helpe his Prince .

I doe earnestly wish , with the hearty desires of my soule unto God , on our Dread Soveraigne . His behalfe ; that His Sacred Majesty may find many such Subjects , yea may see us all as true unto God , faithfull to Himselfe , and constant to our Country , as Zopyrus was to his Prince .

Ob. But here peradventure some may object against me , You are ( indeed ) very sharpe in your Reprehensions , but we suppose milder passages might be more prevalent .

Ans. Unto which I answer ,

Every Minister of God is strictly obliged by the infallible Rule of Gods Word , ( at all times ) to reprove Sinnes ; but more especially those sinnes that are most raging and predominant , both when and where he preacheth : otherwise he will prove but a false Prophet , daubing deceitfully the walls of his spirituall building with untempered Morter , to the great dishonour of God , and utter destruction both of himselfe , and many others .

And for mine owne particular herein , as I hope to have communion with God in Christ , I onely aime ( in the whole Current of this my Booke ) at the Glory of God , and both temporall and spirituall welfare of this our English Nation ; that we may all unanimously worship God in the beauty of Holinesse , and once againe enjoy Gods healing and comfortable Blessing of Peace in our Land .

And therefore dispence I pray you , with my boldnesse and sharpnesse in reproving ; for wild Horses must have rough Riders , and when milde Perswasions will not prevaile , then sharpe Corrections must be used , or else the wounded , putrified , and sinfull soules cannot be cured .

And thus as briefly as I could , I have here hinted at some Markes of the true Members of the Church of Christ .

Motives .

Mot. 1 WE shall have the Prayers of all the true Members of the Church of Christ .

For , when they pray , they pray not Particularly for themselves alone ; but they pray generally even for all the sheepe of Christs Fold , as well as for themselves .

So that , although that most excellent , necessary , and holy prayer of Jesus , called the Lords-Prayer , containing in it both heavenly fulnesse of matter , & also exactnesse of order , be ( at this day by some ) so much neglected ;

I will not say ( censuring charitably ) despised :

Yet notwithstanding the true Members of Christs Church will never desert it , but will ever highly account of it , strictly observe it , and frequently use it ; earnestly endeavouring , and heartily desiring the welfare of others as well as their owne .

That God-man Preacher , Christ Jesus , our blessed Lord and onely Saviour , who spake as never man spake , Joh. 7.46 . yea , he was also without sinne , 2 Cor. 4.21 . and therefore he could not erre .

And shall that Prayer which he hath made for us , be ( by us ) excepted against ? God forbid . Yea , farre be it from the Protestant English-Nation , who zealously professe the Name of Christ , to be guilty hereof .

Let not , oh let not us ( I beseech you ) repute that holy and heavenly Prayer of our Blessed Saviour Christ Jesus to be ridiculous , and as unnecessary , triviall , and frivolous ; being made by the wisdome of God , published from the mouth of the Authour of all Truth , yea , by the voice of him , who is the Way , the Truth , and the Life , John 14.6 . even Truth it selfe : for Quicquid in Deo , Deus est . The judgement of Man may erre , Humanum est errare . He may pray , and not obtaine . Ye aske , and receive not , because ye aske amisse , Jam. 4.3 . A man may pray long and often , and yet his Prayer may be erroneous or defective ; he may pray for those things that may rather hurt , than helpe him , and yet his prayer may proceed from the utmost of his understanding ; and he may also aske many good things at the hands of God , and yet omit divers things which he ought earnestly to crave of God , both for himselfe and many others : but that holy and heavenly Prayer of our Jesus , is both true and perfect , even the Truth and Word of God it selfe ; and therefore well might Christ deliver it to his Disciples as a Patterne , saying to them , when ye pray , say , Our Father Which art in heaven , &c. for it is the very Summe , Complement , and Epitome of all Prayers whatsoever ; containing in it all things necessary both for our Bodies and Soules , even for this life and that which is to come . It is a PRAYER farre more than worthy to be written with Letters of purest Gold , in Tables of the most pretious and permanent Marble , as a continuall religious Commemoration to all succeeding Ages , and the constant forme of Prayer-practice for all Posterity : yea , the very Marrow , Pith , Substance , and Quintessence of all necessary Prayers , to be offered up to the God of Heaven , by the sonnes of Mortals , is contractedly contained in that Prayer . And therefore whensoever thou prayest , lest thy Prayers ( though long and many ) should be erroneous or defective , be sure thou concludest with that holy and heavenly prayer of Iesus , that thou mayst aske and receive , both for thy selfe and others , all those necessary things contained therein ; and so benefit others by thy Prayers , as well as thy selfe .

Mot. 2 2. We shall have the helpfull assistance of the blessed Angels .

This truth the Apostle declared to the Hebrews , Heb. 1. ult. where speaking of Angels , he saith , Are they not all ministering Spirits , sent forth to minister for them , who shall be heires of salvation ?

Yea beloved , if we be true Members of Christs Church , then there will be a neere Relation , a sweet Society , and a heavenly Communion , betweene the blessed Angels and our selves .

The which confisteth in these five ensuing Particulars .

1. They , and we , shall be Fellow-servants ; worshipping and serving one and the same God , as the Angell himselfe confesseth .

2. They , and we , shall be Brethren in the Testimony of Jesus , as the same Angell affirmeth in the words following .

3. They , and we , shall be Fellow-Citizens of the heavenly Jerusalem , Heb. 12.22 .

4. They are Souldiers under the Standards of God , and are also our Guardians ; Psal. 34.7 . we are under their protection , and are also their Charge .

5. They are our Patternes , and we their Resemblances ; both for Obedience whilst we live here upon Earth , Mat. 6.10 . and also for Glory hereafter in Heaven , Luke 20.36 .

Mot. 3 3. We shall have Peace of Conscience , the which transcends all earthly and mundane Comforts .

It was reported of Socrates that he so greatly delighted in Vertue , as that no kinde of sorrow did ever alter his countenance .

But beloved , the inward Jubile of the minde in the Kingdome of Grace , doth farre excell his condition : which standeth not in meate , or drinke , or any other outward things , but in righteousnesse , and peace , and joy in the holy Ghost , Rom. 14.17 .

The which Peace of Conscience amongst the Ancient Fathers hath many honourable Titles given unto it ;

They call it Agrum beatitudinis : Hortum deliciarum : Gaudium Angelorum : Domum Spiritus sancti : & Paradisum animae .

They call it a Field of Blessednesse : a Garden of Delight : the Joy of Angels : the House of the holy Ghost : and the Paradise of the Soule .

So that , I may truly say , The Spirit of a true Member of the Church of Christ , being sound in sincerity , and seconded with a good Conscience , is able to beare out all his infirmities , together with all the miseries incident to his humane Nature : And through the power of Gods Grace , is able also to encounter with the terrours of Death , and the fearfullnesse of the Grave : yea , to endure with a gracious humility , even the glorious presence of God , and his holy Angels at the last Judgement Day .

Whereas , there is no Peace to those that are without the Church , Esa. 57. ult continuing in their sinnes .

So that , if any one of them had strength in his Limbes transcending Sampsons , and power in his Bones excelling all the sonnes of Anack united together : yet notwithstanding , unlesse his Conscience be seared , he shall often heare to his terrour , an Authenticke Divine condemning Eccho , summoning him to appeare before Christs Tribunall-Barre , to give an accompt of all his evill thoughts , words and workes ; the which will so greatly terrifie his bitter , afflicted , and wounded Conscience , as that he shall be restlesse , even in the midst of all his earthly delights , and worldly pleasures .

For , unlesse the Consciences of such wicked persons are Cauterized , they have often times gripings and gnawings , and horrible convulsions within them , which are as it were certaine flashings of the flames of Hell-fire unto them , before they come into that place of torment .

But the Peace of Conscience which the true Members of the Church of Christ have , is so comfortable a Cordiall unto them , as that it made the Apostles to rejoyce in their afflictions , Act. 5.41 . that they were counted worthy to suffer for their Masters sake .

This was it that made Paul and Silas to sing in prison at mid-night . Act. 16.25

And as Augustine saith , made holy Job more happy in Stercore , on the top of a Dunghill , then Adam was in Nemore , in the midst of Paradise , because , as he saith of himselfe , Job . 27.6 . I will keepe my righteousnesse , and will not forsake it : mine heart shall not reprove me all my dayes .

So that , Nihil jucundius , nihil tutius , nihil diutius bona Conscientia : fremat Orbis & orcus illa erit secura . There is nothing more sweet , nothing more safe , nothing more durable , then a good Conscience ; rage World , & roare Hell , that Person who hath this Peace of Conscience within him , is ever at quiet .

Mot. 4 4. We shall ever have the Love and Favour of God .

Beloved , if we are in the Love and Favour of God , then God hath a will for to doe us good , and we know he wants no power , for he is Omnipotent .

Impotent men , when those whom they love are in distresse , would sometimes helpe them but cannot : but no impediment can let , nor obstacle hinder , the Omnipotent God .

If an earthly King favour any man , and beare a speciall Love towards him , what needeth that man to care though the Subjects hate him ?

So in like manner , if we are in the Love and Favour of God , we need not feare either the raging Malice of Malignant men , or the hellish fury of Devouring Devils : For the Love of God towards us , will be as Armour of proofe for us , to defend us against all their bloody malice , fierce fury , and raging cruelty ; whereby God shall be glorified , our selves preserved , and our Enemies confounded .

So that these Motives seriously considered , should stirre us up to labour to become true Members of the Church of Christ .

I Will close this passage with the words of the Apostle , 2 Cor. 5.20 . We are Ambassadours for Christ : as though God did beseech you through us , we pray you in Christs stead , that ye be reconciled to God .

And therefore let all those that are ( as yet ) in their naturall condition , hasten to become true Members of the Church of Christ , and speedily Pray for her Peace .

O Pray for the Peace of Jerusalem .

The Third and Last Use is to exhort us all in Gods feare , to use the Meanes to attaine the End for procuring the Churches Peace , and that must be by Praying for Her .

And therefore , let us all zealously labour by our hearty prayers to awake Christ , and earnestly intreat him to rebuke the boisterous windes , and the raging waves of the turbulent Seas , wherein the now distressed Church of Christ ( amongst us ) betweene Scilla and Carybdis doth dangerously saile ; and cause unto her with glory to himselfe , and rejoycing to us all , a comfortable Calme . Mat. 8.26 .

Whereby also Glory may once againe dwell in our Land .

And let us not cease to importune 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 The strongmost mighty God , Esay 9.6 . to arise in his owne strength , and make bare his owne arme on the behalfe of his Church , Psal. 68.1 . and to scatter abroad all her enemies .

And to infatuate the Counsels , blast the Designes , and confound the Enterprises , of all those malevolent spirited Persons , that are Enemies to the Peace of our Church and Kingdome .

And by the joynt forces of our Prayers together , to set upon God with an holy violence , that he would be pleased to set on worke his Power , his Wisdome , and his Goodnesse , for the speedy exaltation of his distressed Church , and the utter confusion of her implacable Adversaries .

Yea , let us all on her behalfe , cry unto God for her Peace prayingly , and pray for her Peace cryingly , and through the importunity of our uncessant prayers unto God on her behalfe , give him no rest untill he be intreated of us ; and till he repaire and set up our Jerusalem , Esa. 62.7 . the praise of the world .

And herein let us take the Prophet Jeremy for our Patterne , Jer. 9.1 . Oh that my head were full of water , and mine eyes a fountaine of teares , that I might weepe day and night for the slaine of the daughter of my people .

And let not our hearts be possessed with blockish Senslesnesse , and Stoik Stupidity , called by the Phylosophers 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , for that is averse to our fellow feeling of others calamity , and also repugnant to our Christian Charity .

But if as fellow-feeling Members of the Churches miseries , we faithfully and fervently pray for her Peace when she is in Calamity ; doubtlesse the Lord will be intreated of us ; and when it shall make most for his glory , and her good , Rev. 7. ult the Lord will wipe away all teares from her eyes , and will give her rest .

Whereby also to many other of Gods former blessings bestowed upon us , this of Peace may be added as one more , having thereby ( as it were ) our lives given us for a Prey in this time of Warre ; it might be unto us as a farther ingagement of our humble and dutifull Obedience , to carry our selves ever hereafter towards Him , as a people preserved by their God .

And that so we of this English Nation , may in sincerity of heart amongst our selves , joyfully sing in this our Land , that Angelicall Antheme , once sang at the birth of our blessed Saviour ; Glory to God in the highest , Luk. 2.14 . and on Earth Peace , Good will towards Men.

The which Glory to thee our heavenly Father , we heartily intreat the assistance of thy powerfull Spirit working in us , to performe unto thee ; and blessing of Peace and Good Will amongst our selves , we humbly pray thee to bestow upon us ; that so there may be a blessed and speedy Period to all the present distractions in this our Kingdome , and thy blessing of Peace upon thy poor , distressed Militant Church in this our Land .

That we may all with one minde , and one mouth , rejoycingly say , with the blessed Virgin Mary , Luk. 1.94 . He that is mighty hath done great things for us , and holy is his name .

And also justly say ( in Confidence and Thankfulnesse ) with the Prophet David , We shall not die , Psal. 118.17 . but live and declare the workes of the Lord .

And that , both in our Church and Common-wealth , Mercy and Truth may lovingly meet and hold together : Psa. 85.10 and Righteousnesse and Peace sweetly imbrace and kisse each other .

That the Sonne of righteousnesse may arise , Mal. 4.2 . ( and speedily come amongst us ) with healing in his wings .

That so the Rents of this divided Kingdome may be closed , and the Breaches thereof made up ; & the destroying Angell put up the Sword of thy Justice , into the Sheath of thy Mercy ; that the Sword of vengeance may eate no more flesh , nor drinke no more blood in our Land ; but that the current of Christian English blood may speedily be stopped amongst us ; Psal. 144.14 . that there may be no more leading into Captivity , no crying , nor complaining in our Streetes , but that we may all continually keepe the unity of the Spirit in the bond of Peace ; Ephes. 4.3 . and joyfully serve thee our gracious God , with that willing obedience , & comfortable alacrity of heart as thou commandest .

And so we that are thy people and sheepe of thy pasture , Ps. 79. ult. shall give thee thanks for it for ever : and will alway be shewing forth thy praise for the same , even from generation to generation .

Heare us , and helpe us , and heale us , O God of our salvation , for the glory of thy name who art the God of Peace , and for thy deare Sonne his sake who is the Prince of Peace , to whom with thine owne Majesty , and God the the holy , blessed , and sanctifying Spirit , three Persons , and one Eternall , Immortall , Invisible , and onely wise God ; we ascribe as is most meete of us , and of all thy Creatures ; all honour and glory , power , praise and majesty , might , dominion , and hearty thanksgiving , from this time forth for evermore .

AMEN . Deo Patri , Filio , & Spiritui Sancto , omnis Laus & Gloria in Seculo . FINIS . 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉