BEcause , gentle Reader the confirmation of things inuisible , wherevpon the eternitie of life or death dependeth , can neuer bee too recent in memorie ; things surpassing reason being so subiect to obliuion . And that the soule of it selfe is so insatiable , neuer vpon earth hauing found any such contentment , but it still aspyred to some-what higher and more excellent ; yea , euen then when it hath that , which it so earnestly but now desired , in full possession , becommeth weary of that : with Alexander when it hath all which earth can affoord , wishing for moe worlds . Thus farre the Heathen . But the Soule , that is troubled with the greatnesse of sinne ; that goeth crookedly , whose eyes faile ( as Baruch speaketh ) findeth this to be most true , when in the midst of all tentations , tribulations , crosses , and all other calamities whatsoeuer incident in this life , or raised by the Prince of darknesse ; it onely hath recourse to things surpassing reason : there it stayeth : there it hopeth : there it beleeueth : and there onely it findeth rest ; but chiefly , in the free promises of the inuisible-visible God of all glory . This confirming promise , reposing vpon things inuisible , to the Christian soule is a salue against all sores ▪ no earthly thing can content it , vntill it rest vpon this promise , opposing it as a buckler against all miseries whatso euer . This doth the Prophet Dauid , the true patterne of Christianity , in his booke of Psalmes notably expresse : but chiefly in that hundred and nineteenth ; where he at length declareth , that all his confidence did onely relye vpon the promise : Sometimes , in these words , Remember the promise made vnto thy seruat , wherin thou hast caused me to trust . It is my comfort in my trouble : for , thy promise hath quickned mee . Somtimes againe , Mine eyes faile for thy promise ; saying , when wilt thou comfort me ? And a little after , How sweete are thy promises vnto my mouth ! yea , more then hony vnto my mouth . In another place hee saith , I haue hid thy promise in my heart , that I might not sinne against thee . How often in that Psalme doth he challenge the Lord of his promise in generall ? as it were , forcing the kingdom , in these words ( according to thy promise . ) And Iob , speaking of his obedience to the commandements , saith , that he esteemed these words more then his appointed food . All which , shew the vnexpressable power , and surpassing sweetnesse of the promise to a troubled soule , when faith hath once apprehended the truth of the promiser . Many are the examples , tedious to relate , how euen parcels of the promises haue exceedingly comforted the children of God . The Scriptures are full of such places , where the height of consolation , is placed onely in the free promises of God in Christ : in whom ( as the Apostle speaketh ) all the promises of God , are yea and Amen . And because it is not giuen to euery one to search , nor in searching to find , nor in finding to apply , nor applying , to apply aright , without a harmonie . Therefore haue I ( by the grace of God ) as thou seest , gathered togither a heape of the cheefest promises : that when the soule in extreame anguish is readie to cry out ( at it is in the Prophet Isaiah ) who among vs shall dwell with euerlasting burnings ? and with Iob , that changes and armies of sorrows are against her ; her eye casting out water , because the comforter that should refresh her soule is farre from her ( as the Prophet in the Lamentation speaketh ) the Lord for the time seeming couered with a clowde , and Sathan for his part hauing hid all the gratious and sweet promises of mercy , representing nothing vnto the sight , meditation , memorie , but horror , curses and woe , and the cruell reuenge , of a terrible thundring God , armed in the seuerity of his iustice , to throw it downe into the pit of hell with the deuill and his Angels for euer : She may also heerein presently behold , that same God , which thundred in Sinai , clothed with flesh , reconciled to vs , and his vnspeakable wrath appeased in his Sonne , who is the end and fulfilling of the law for righteousnesse to euery one that beleeueth ; Finding also sufficiently therein , if the diuell assaile thee by Scripture ( following in this our Sauiour Christ ) to dash the lye with Scripture in his teeth againe . Which I offer vnto thy milde censure ; not that therein thou shalt finde any perfect order or collection of the heads gathered ( for who can iudge as hee should aright , of such a bottomlesse , boundlesse , neuer-sounded depth ? ) much lesse I , the vnworthiest of all ) : But onely as a morsell of some dainty dish , the sweetnesse wherof may stir vp & allure thy appetite ( if it be not already ) to drinke at will of the great fountaine it self . But chiefly I intreat thee ( who hast not onely this , but a great deale more in thy memory , euen the whole frame it selfe , and canst bring it forth hand in hand , in well ordered squadrons and battel array , as time & opportunity fitteth ; either to confound the proud , or raise vp the humble ; to beat down sinne , banish tentations , or any other thing that shall oppose it self against this mighty word ) to whom the Lord reuealeth his secrets ; whose lips should & do preserue knowledge , to whom the spirit of prophecying is subiect ; why ( by thy heauen-a-spyring meditations , and then Spirit-assisting power ) canst , as it were , Metamorphose the hearts of the hearers , forcing some-times , a bribing Foelix , or prophane Agrippa ( much more a true Israelite ) to tremble and cry out , thou almost perswadest me to be a Christian , to leaue my sinnes , &c. ] to looke here-vpon with a gentle aspect : and ( although thou thy selfe with thy Eagles winge , soarest aboue high mountaines ) not to disdeigne him , who farre off , looketh after thy flight in the low valleys : wishing to follow thee ; but that fearing Icarus reward , hee durst not presume with waxen wings .

But to draw neerer the marke ( because the promise shall auaile nothing , without assurance of the verity of the things promised ) thou hast first of all , a view of the perfection of the said word , by the word it selfe ; the most assured testimony that may be . For , vnlesse an internall reuerence of this word ( procured by it owne maiestie , and secret operation of the holy Ghost ) assure thee of the excellencie and verity thereof ( causing thee to cast aside all humane inuentions and reasons ; onely beleeuing , and not carping , why , nor wherefore this nor that ? ) in vaine shall all other helpes and proofes bee . And therefore the Prophet Dauid , in meditation thereof , had such delight therin ; that hee confesseth that it was a Lanthorn to his feet , and a light to his paths : that it was most pure ; the righteousnesse thereof euerlasting ; the beginning and entrance therevnto , truth and vnderstanding . In another place , that it was as siluer tried in a fornace of earth seuenfold : being perfect , conuerting the soule , giuing wisdom vnto the simple , reioycing the heart , giuing light vnto the eies . And surely it is no meane assurance vnto vs of the vndoubted verity therof , that albeit it beat downe our damnable lusts & affections ( being so contrary in all things to our vile & corrupt nature ) yet notwithstanding , we reuerence & imbrace it , as vndoubted Oracles : because a certain venerable maiest● shining therin , doth with such attractiue power , hale and draw the heart & affections vnto it , beyond all other writs kindling therein ioy vnspeakable , assuring , that such strange effects as it worketh , could not proceed , but from the spirit of God . Therefore it is our part in all calamities and miseries to rest vpon this word ; since the inspirer & author thereof is eternall , and the begining and antiquity therof before al writts : and the rather if we shall a little neerer consider that well-ordred harmony of the two Testaments ; how in the Old , the Law & Prophets do all point at the Messias to come ; all their types figures , offrings & sacrifices , being to end with his comming ; all their then perfection , consisting in his perfect oblation , sacrifice , & free offering to come : Againe , how in the New , the Messias being come , requiteth their hopes , fulfilleth all their prophecies . pointeth back again at thē as need required , citing the law & Prophets for confirmation of his doctrine ; establishing the law Morall , taking away the cursse thereof , abrogating what was needfull of the Ceremoniall ; Lastly , to make all sure , giuing , as behooued , his life for his sheepe ; crying vpon the crosse that all was finished ; and returning , whence ( as a Father speaketh ) he as God neuer was absent . This word hee himselfe commanded vs to search ; therein to finde eternall life , Moses calleth it our life ; and the Apostle Paul , the power of God vnto saluation ; in another place telling , that it is able to make the man of God absolute and wise vnto saluation . What should I say of it ? It is all in him , who is all in all .

But heere , the monster of men , the all-abhorred Atheist ( either that hee may with the more libertie cloake his knauery , or that hee will not beleeue but what by reason is demonstrated ) of set purpose opposing himselfe against all that is of God , standeth vp with open mouth , denying all at the first push , making a iest of this most holy word , and all the Miracles therein ; dreaming of ( I know not what ) absurdities . The Creation hee cannot abide , because it must presently lead him to the Creator . But , if there be any so impudently wicked in this our miserable Age , let vs grant it for a while , ( which yet were abhominable blasphemie to maintaine ) that the heauens and all the inuironing regions of the ayre were from euerlasting , ( shewing notwithstanding the contrary , by their continuall motions leading vs to the first vnmooued moouer ) : yet would I onely know of them , from whence this little world , Man , did spring , if hee had no creation ? setting aside all other vnreasonable creatures ; one man leadeth vs to another , vntill by degrees wee come back to the first : and here I aske where hee had his beginning ? for from eternitie he was not : which , his miserable and perishing nature , so subiect to changings , well sheweth : but chiefly his dissolution ; eternity and change , like light and darknesse beeing so directly contrary . It were most absurd to thinke , that the woman and he did spring like a leafe , an hearbe , or a stalke of corne out of the earth : for then why might not the earth still haue produced such fruite ? what needed then this change in begetting one of another ? Neither dare he ( for his excuse ) confesse a fall , whereof alteration , misery and change might haue ensued , and so the course of nature bee changed : vnlesse hee bee also forced to confesse One , from whom they had fallen . Then must we of necessitie , finde for Man a Creator ( since he had a beginning , and a time wherin he was not ) who ( as the Spirit of God by Moses affirmeth , and all the Christian world euer since bebeleeued , yea and Heathen also ) onely was God . Now , that omnipotent Power , who ( with such wonder ) of a peice of earth , to his owne holy image created him , was euen as able to create all other things before him , for him . But since wee are none of these miscreants , let vs leaue these men ( whatsoeuer in their disputations , life , or sayings they maintaine ) with Caligula to hide themselues at a crack of thunder ; resting assuredly vpon these scriptures : assuring our selues , that the vnserchable Depth Soule-quieting power , great Antiquity , Maiesty , Vnity , perfit Harmony , Sweet Simplicity , admirable Excellency , rich Pouerty , graue Modestie , most holy Beautie , and heart-inflaming feruency of them , are sufficient proofes against all Principalities and Powers opposite , of their absolute perfection .

Heere I would willingly haue passed to the next ; but that the mysterie of iniquity , the purple whore , the mother of abhominations , the triple-crowned man of sinne ( who vnder colour of the seruant of the seruants of God , exalteth himself as King of Kings and Lord of Lords ) came in with his worme-eaten and dung-hill Traditions ; which hee maketh equall vnto this word , in all places where his word may passe for a law , or where men will beleeue that black is white , if he will haue it so ; wresting these Scriptures , to whatsoeuer crooked sense hee and his Parasites pleaseth ; like vnto a piece of waxe making it receiue any impression ; sealing it vp in an vnknowne toung from the vulgar , forbidding it vnto them on paine of damnation ( as though they had no soules to saue ) not without great policie of the diuell their grand Captaine ; that the poore soules ( being ignorant of this heauenly food , and onely Truth ) might the better receiue , as Oracles , whatsoeuer lyes should thence-forth proceed from their blasphemous mouthes : contrary to the expresse command of our Sauiour Christ ; who commandeth vs to search the Scriptures , Neither is it lawfull to say , that our Sauiour spake onely to the learned Rabbies , but also to the poore people , to all , making no exception of persons ; vnlesse also they dare affirme , that hee came onely for the redemption and saluation of such . Who , but mad-men , durst impute imperfection to this word ? since the Apostle to Timothie , commendeth , it to be able to make the man of God absolute and perfect vnto all good workes . Yet no maruaile hee and his Baalamites dare not abide the open touch of this word , closing it vp in a strange toung , in this , shewing them-selues truly to be false coyne : not daring to abide the cleare shining of that light , whose brightnesse freed from the clowds of darknesse , ( where by their falshood it was long detained ) hath so shamed this age past , and yet doth their kingdome of darkenesse . No maruaile I say , for in it they heare no rules giuen for the subuersion of states , stirring vp of rebellions , killing and poysoning of Princes : discharging of subiects from their lawfull obedience to their Princes and Gouernours : massacring of thousands , men , women , and children , to appease their neuer-appeased furie : no foundation of their wicked carnales Cardinales , abhominable and idolatrous Masse , their world of prophane ceremonies : and lastly ( for what yeares could reckon all ? ) of the sanctitie of Sathans last thunder-bolts , the Locusts of the bottomlesse pitte ; sent post from Belzebub , for the vnderpropping of his now-falling kingdome .

I meane the Iebusites , Non cum Iesuitis , si qui itis cum Iesuitis . A Iesuitis : ( Iesuites I should haue said ) who beeing a vermine but now ( to speake truely in respect of antiquitie ) creept vppe : the more to deceiue the world tooke vnto them the name of Iesus , that like Wolues in this lambes skinne , they might the better deuoure the flocks : since which time they haue so multiplied Proteus-like transforming themselues into innumerable shapes : that like the Frogges and Grashoppers of Egypt , they are a plague vnto all kingdomes where they remaine : not onely to the ground , ( the best whereof by their good-will they ioyne to their Colledges ) but also to soules and bodies , with the breath of their venemous doctrine , which they euery where sow , vnder coullour of fained holinesse and long prayers , ( as our Sauiour speaketh of their brethren the Scribes and Pharisees ) deuouring all Lords , Knights , Ladies and Widdowes houses , who once giue eare to their inchanting Syren songs . Like vnto their father the diuell , if they can but get in one foote , will shortly bring also their body : ( there-after ruling the roast , Bella sonat , sonat arma , minas sonat : omnia martis . as the Prouerbe speaketh ) But let them and their Bellum arma minans ( famous like Erostratus for impiety ) the diuell , and all , doe what they can : this word which already hath made such a breach in Babels falling towers , shall ere long finish that which it hath so happely begun .

What should I say more of this barbarous , vncomfortable religion ? our Sauiour Christ hath left vs a true note to know it , and them in it : ( that hee that speaketh of himselfe seeketh his owne glory . ) What I pray you hath the Church of Rome and all the Hierarchie thereof beene doing these hundreds of yeares past , but seeking their owne glory ? incurring that fearefull woe of the Prophet Ezekiell , to those sheapheards which neglect their flockes , feeding themselues with the wooll and the fatte : killing those who are fed . And in Mathew ( to know them by their fruites ) where hee affirmeth , that a good tree ( as they pretend to bee ) cannot bring forth euill fruite . If wee shall examine some of their supererogating fruits ( to leaue Antiquitie , and haue recourse to bleeding memorie ) Bartolomeus flet , The numerall letters make the year 1572. the yeare of the massacre . quia Gallicus occubat Atlas : leauing also Saint Bartholomews bloodie massacre ( quia animus meminisse horret , &c. ) we may behold two royall Henries wallowing in their dearest bloud : ( would God all succeeding Henries would learne to tame , and not trust , such wild beasts ) the first killed by a Iacobine nouice , the seconds tragedie , most cruelly begunne by a Iesuite , who strooke him in the teeth ( a bloodie presage of what ensued ) and ( who doubteth ) finished by their close politick knauerie . But I had almost forgotten that horrible ( yet silence shall best expresse it ) Powder-treason : who can excuse them in this ? since their Prouinciall Garnet , old in wickednesse , was cheefe Confessor to chis damnable action . Whose excuse was , that it was reueiled to him , vnder the sacred seale of confession ; therefore not daring to disclose it .

What monster could hee bee , which made such a lawe so directly against the whole booke of God ? was it not lawfull in such a case to reueale ? should so much mischiefe haue beene committed that good might haue ensued ? thus might Lots daughters incest with their father , and the like bee excused . But his Maiestie in his Apologie cleareth this c●ntrouersie , where hee prooueth that Garnet heard of it walking with another Iesuite , and what manner of fained confession such a walking one could bee , th●se who are accustomed to crouchings and kneelings to their Confessors at the like times well know . Yet why ? It may be all was intended of meere loue , because our hereticall religion ( as they terme it ) could not haue brought vs vnto heauen : out of their cha●itable affection , chiefly to his sacred Maiestie , Queene , & royall progenie , Bishops , Nobles , Barons , Iudges , and whole body of state : working a worke of supererogation , like vnto Eliah , to haue sent them all vp for the more celeritie , like a whirle-winde , in chaires and seates conducted by fire vnto the clowds , for the more state , wearing a crowne , and in Robes . Belike to shew vnto God that royall magnificence ; doubting least his all-seeing eye , which so long had spared them in the powder-mine , had now become dimne , not able other-wayes to beholde them .

If th●se bee of the supererogating workes of th●ir perfectest , such as they esteeme their Iesuites and Iesuited ones to be ; for which their powder-martyrs and traytors are so extolled , who notwithstanding haue all suffered , for high treason , contempt and breach of the lawes , let them all so perish - For it is no great thing ( as the Apostle speaketh ) since Sathan him-selfe is transformed into an Angell of light : though his ministers transforme them selues , as though they were the Ministers of righteousnesse ; neither tree nor fruite beeing good . Euery tree therefore ( as our Sauiour speaketh ) that bringeth not forth good fruite , is hewen downe and cast into the fire . Cursed be that tree , and let neuer fruite grow vpon it , which barren of good fruite , hath so long deceaued the world with a faire shew of leaues onely : and let all true hearted subiects for euer beware of such a Iewish , Heathnish , Turkish , Hypocritish , Diuelish , kill-King Religion .

As for the Prophecies of Christ , begun presently after the fall , continued to Abraham : that of Iaakob , Moses , Balaam , and all the Prophets : how fully all were fulfilled is apparently in the Euangelists to be seene . Let the wandering , desolate , runnagat , misbeleeuing Iew , say what hee will : as the Papists in vaine dreame of another Antichrist , so in vaine doe they looke for another Messias ; their true , hauing come as it was prophecied , iust when the Scepter ( according to Iaakobs Prophecie ) was departed from Iudah : Herod a stranger , by the Romanes , hauing obtained the kingdome , ordaining what high Priests hee pleased , the abhomination of desolation , prophecied by Daniel , then beginning to worke .

But one of the chiefe causes of this their error was , that they looked for a temporall glorious King ; and not for one so poore in shew , found in a cratch , entring Ierusalem vpon an Asse , not hauing wherin to hide his head , his kingdom , as they supposed , not being of this world . And if we consider , how his death & their blindnesse was by the Prophets fore-prophecied , by whom it was to bee act●d , that for our saluation , redemption , and eternall glorification , it must ( as it was prophecied ) bee finished , euen by the inhabitants of Ierusalem and the●r rulers ; and the cursse and vtter desolation vpon people and country euer since inflicted : wee shall no wayes doubt thereof : For to vs their affliction and wandering is a most assured testimonie , that the brasen gates of death are broken a sunder : and a sure path-way for euer opened vnto the fountaine of grace . And because our faith can neuer be too strong in this our pilgrimage , which is assaulted with so many doubtings : leauing Scripture , if wee will but cast our eyes vpon histories of all sorts , it shall be no little ease : beholding the Prophecies of Sybils , hundreds of yeares before the incarnation of Christ : cited by Augustine out of Lactantîus , so venerable amongst the Romanes , dcfended by great Constantine : as Eusebius reporteth . How she prophecied briefly of all that happened vnto him : of his comming , life , actes , abusings , death , resurrection , second comming . How at that time all Oracles did cease , giuing place to the greater . How Iosephus speaking of him , doubteth if it was lawfull to call him a man : saying further , ( not that they said hee appeared aliue vnto them the third day , according as the diuine Prophets had fore-told . How Augustus visiting Apollos Oracle when he grew aged ( as Nîcephorus reporteth ) could receiue no answer but with doubled Hecatombes . The Oracle at last answering , that an Hebrew child ( ruling ouer the blessed Gods ) commanded him to leaue that place , departing to his infernall region . Wherevpon returning to Rome , hee builded an Altar in the Capitoll , with the inscription of PRIMOGENITO DEI , the Altar of the first begotten Son of God . How Plinie also reporteth of Christs starre which the wisemen saw , vnder the name of a Commet : worshipped in Rome by Augustus , for that good which , as hee thought , it pretended vnto him : the Pagan concluding as Caiphas did , though in another fort ▪ that if we will confesse the truth , it was a good , hapy , & helthfull presage vnto the whole world . How Appolophanes the Sophist , as it is reported , being with Dionysius at the time of that wonderfull darknesse and Ecclipse of the Sun , contrary to the course of nature , in Heliopolis a towne of Aegypt ▪ burst forth in these words , ( O good Dionysius , these are the alterations of heauenly things ) as also that of Dionysius him-selfe , when that great earth-quake and darknesse was , at the passion of our blessed Sauiour , ( the vnknowne God , in fleshly shape suffereth ; for whose cause the vniuersall world is darkned & shaken ) what should I speake of Tiberius wonderfull proposition to the Senate , vpon Pilates letter ? euen to receiue Christ for a God : Quia , vetus erat decretum , ne qui Deus ●b Impe●atere consc●raretur , nisi a ●c● atu prob●rc●ur . who , notwithstanding their deniall , gaue free passage to the Name of Iesus : as Eusebius and Nicephorus in their Ecclesiasticall stories relate . It were tedious to search , or reckon vp all , which might serue for this purpose , onely let it suffice thee , that since God himselfe , his holy word , heauen and earth , Angels and men , diuels and oracles , the consent of so many hundred yeares , haue all confessed that thy blessed Sauiour did once come to take away the sinnes of many ( as the Apostle speaketh ) as assuredly to looke for him the second time : without sinne vnto saluation :

Durst I now but aduenture to touch his Eternall God-head ? surelie heerein silence were best Oratorie , in so vnsearchable a mistery . Yet since the disciples of that ancient-condemned-foe Arrius , by so many generall Councels , holy Fathers , and graue Bishops : dareth yet now and then , spew out some dregs of their ancient venome , heere and there in corners . It shall not be amisse , by his grace and thy patience , as I thinke , to brandish once againe aboue their heads , that sword , which long since did after a great skirmish , so ouerthrow , shame , wound , and put them to silence . How copious the Scriptures euery where are , to set out , extoll , and maintaine this eternall God-head , is well knowne to euery indifferent reader : this word , this Angell of the New Testament , shining so brightly in the Old. At first Creating , discoursing and appearing to the Fathers , working such wonders and miracles . For what else could doe it , but his eternall wisdome counselling , and his mighty word effecting ? and when could euer this wisdome and word haue beginning ? which of necessitie , from all eternity had residence in the bosome of the Father . How in so many places thereof , that name of Lord , of God , which is spoken of the Father : is also sometimes meant , and vnderstood of God the Sonne . Dauid calleth him Lord , the Lord said to my Lord , &c. the Prophet Isaiah , calleth him Wonderfull , Counseller , The mighty God , the euerlasting Father , the Prince of peace . And Ieremiah , Iehouah our righteousnesse : then which what more can bee said ? The Prophet Micah also giueth him a begining , but he immediatly addeth , that that beginning was from euerlasting .