Dauids palme and cedar shewing the reward of the righteous. In a sermon preached at Eccleston church in Lancashire; Iuly, 25. 1614. being the day of dedication of Heskine Schoole: founded by Sir Iames Pemberton knight, late alderman and citizen of London. By William Leigh Bachelor ini Diuinity, and pastor at Standish.

DAVIDS PALME AND CEDAR , shewing the reward of the Righteous . Psal . 92.12.13.14.15 .

The righteous shall flourish like a Palmetree , and shall spread abroad like a Cedar in Lebanon .

Such as be planted in the house of the Lord shall flourish in the courts of our God .

They shall still bring forth fruit in their age they shall be fat and flourishing .

To declare that the Lord my Rocke is righteo●s , and that none iniquity is in him .

BEing called vnto this place and presence , by her who may command me much , for that her care , cost , and conscience , is to bury Christ in the soules of these children : I did not consult with flesh & blood , but haue , as you may see , most willingly obeyed the heauenly call , beseeching almighty God , without whose prouidence , nothing proceedes , and without whose metcy , nothing is saued , that hee would bee ayding , helping , and propitious , as in this , so in all other like works of mercy , of which these our chillary dayes of decayed deuotion , are but too cold and dainty .

And because the life of a Christian is a mixed web wrought vpon comforts and troubles : pardon me a while to blend in both , I meane in sorrow and solace ; In sorrow , for the losse of our late Founder , and yet in solace , for his suruiuing Lady , whose longing desire is , as you may see , to giue life and light to all his holy actions .

When Rahel died , Gen. 35. v. 19 , 20. Iacob with all his friends and family mourned her funerals , he buried her in the way to Ephrath , which is Bethlem , and erected a pillar vpon her graue , which is called Rahels pillar vnto this day .

Such is our sorrow in this dayes solemnity , a day of life , and yet a day of death ; wherein , though Iacob the husband be dead , yet Rahels care is to keepe him in life , and so to lap him in her loue , as his memory may be blessed for euer .

His death was naturall , and his obsequies honourable ; so much the more honourable , in that hee was religiously buried in the way to Ephrath , which is , Bethlem Iudah : where Christ was borne , there was hee buried ; for as he liued in his feare , so hee died in his faith , with an assured hope of a most glorious resurrection , neuer to die againe , when sinne and time shall be no more .

So now , what remayneth to the succeeding ages , eyther for imitation , or admiration of his faith to God , or charity towards men ; but that a pillar should bee erected vpon his graue , done as you may see , by the ready hand , and religious heart of his louing consort , who hath put both spirit and life into al his holy actions ; wishing mee , this day it should bee preached here , as an Inscription vpon his graue ; That the Marble stone that couereth him , should sooner turne to greete , then the memory of this righteous branch should be forgotten , or the hope of his resurrection weare out .

For my owne part , I loued him in his life , and therefore may not but honour him in his death , and poure vpon his blessed head this my poore balme , to bury him withall .

The Balme I powre out , is the word I read , breathing sweet as perfume from the mouth and spirit of Dauid , that sweet singer of Israel : He powred it vpon the head of all Iust men ; and why should it misse this righteous branch ? who flourishing in his life , may not wither in his death ; for the righteous shall flourish like a palme tree , &c.

That which Dauid spake in particular of himselfe ; now he sheweth it to appertaine to all the faithfull : for the promises of God made vnto his Church , are not for a few , but they are for all ; and then are they made priuate , proper , and peculiar , when euery mans faith applyeth them vnto himselfe , Ioh . 20. v. 16. Io . 20. v. 28. and can eyther say as Mary did vpon the sight , Rabboni , or as Thomas did vpon the touch , my God , my Lord .

The Prophet therefore in this Psalme comparing state with state , that of the wicked , with this of the godly , doth shew , that although the bough and blossome of sinners for a time seeme sayre in this world ; yet is their flower of no continnance , but is soone cut downe , and withereth , while the righteous man fearing God , is happy in his life , and blessed in his death , euer flourishing like a Rose of Sarum , and a lillie of the valley .

Made good in this place by two apt Similitudes : One of the Palme tree ; the other , of the Cedar : as if hee should say , the wicked shall wither , and be cut downe like grasse ; but the righteous shall flourish like a Palme tree , and spread abroad like a Cedar in Lebanon : where , for the eafier carriage of the whole , foure things are of speciall note , and worthy your obseruation .

First , that the righteous shall flourish : There s a necessity .

Secondly , how hee shall flourish ; to witte , like the flourishing Palme , and lofty Cedar , there s an eminencie .

Thirdly , why hee shall flourish : for that he is planted in the house of the Lord , there s his piety .

Fourthly , the end of his flourishing , to declare , that the Lord my Rocke is righteous , and that none iniquity is in him , there s his profession .

Pardon me a while to solace both my selfe and you by these waterfalls of so heauenly a doctrine , and while the springs thereof issue from vnder the threshold of Gods Sanctuary , goe with that current , and make conscience ; both what , and how you heare ; for cursed is he that doth the worke of the Lord negligently : it s true , as well of idle hearers , as idle Preachers .

But because mention is here made of the righteous , a word frequent in the Scriptures of God , and of diuers acceptions ; Giue mee leaue for the better vnderstanding of the Text , to resolue it into it parts , therby to make knowne vnto you , what righteousnes or iustice it is , the Prophet here speaketh of .

And first , there is an essentiall iustice , and that is onely in God and his Christ , of which it is truely sayde , Ps. 85.11 , Truth hath flourished from the earth , & righteousnesse hath looked downe from heauen : Pro . 8.31 . This righteousnesse leaped downe from the height of all sublimity , and hath solaced it selfe within the compasse of our earth , then when Christ inuested himselfe in the womb of the blessed Virgin , and so became both a righteous God , and a righteous man , to iustifie that truth which was said of old : I will , sayth the Lord , Ie●●m . 23. v. 〈◇〉 bring forth the branch my seruant , I will rayse vnto Dauid a righteous branch , and a King shall raigne and prosper , he shall execute Iustice and iudgement vpon the corth .

And promiscuously this righteousnes may be attributed to all three persons ; To that iust God , whence all righteousnes is deriued ; To that iust man , actually doing all , and passibly suffering for all ; The iust for the vniust : To that iust Mediator , euen Iesus Christ the righteous , clearing the sinner in the sight of his father , not by translating his righteousnesse , as Osiander would haue it , from himselfe vpon vs , but by imputation of his for vs , according to that of Dauid : Blessed is the man to whom the Lord imputeth no sinne . Psal . 32. v. 1.2 . Finally , this is that iust Iudge , into whose hands all iudgement shal be deuolued at that dreadfull day , when he shall come with his Fanne in his hand and iudge according to that wee haue done in this life , be it good or euill . And lastly , to that righteous Spirit breathing where it will , when it will , and as it will .

2 But besides this essentiall iustice in God , and in Christ , there is an accidentall righteousnesse in vs Christians .

And that is eyther Legall or Euangelicall : Legall by iniunction deliuered from Horeb : in feare and fire , whose Rule is the leuell of the law , and who is able to keepe it ?

Euangelicall righteousnesse is by Imputation , as wee haue said , sealed with the bloud of thy Sauiour , and the leuell thereof is loue , a iustice denied to none , who deny not him ; but shrowd themselues vnder that righteous branch , whose shadow is a shelter to all his Saints , like the shadow of a mighty Rocke in a weary land .

In right whereof , Gen. 18. v. 23. ad finem . I may plead with my God , as Abraham did for Sodome ; so I for my sinnes , Shall not the Iudge of all the world doe according to right : O God , thou hast forgiuen my sins , and punished them in my Christ ; therefore may thou not of right neyther detayne them , or punish them againe in me ; for what if I haue done any thing amisse , whereby thou mayest iustly condemne me ; yet hath my Christ lost nothing , but that hee may iustly saue me ; His righteousnesse is is mine , and hee hath bid me put it on , a robe for my wearing , though not of my weauing , as were the royall roabes of Aaron .

Moses hand was leprous while it was in his owne bosome : Exod . 4.6 . so is mine in my owne righteousnesse , but taken out , & put into the print of his nailes , and thrust into his sore side : I am made cleane with doubtfull Thomas , Io . 20. v. 28. and dare say , My God , my Lord . Thy wounds are wide enough to let out thy mercies , thy wounds are deepe enough to keepe in thy iustice .

Abraham must out of his owne Country , away hee must from his own people , and fathers house , if hee will to Canaan : so must I from my owne perfection , holinesse , and righteousnesse , if I will winne heauen ; I and the child will goe alone , so said Abraham , of his beloued Izaack : I and my Christ will goe alone , so sayeth the sinner of his beloued Sauiour : O we● sayde Mary , Luk . 1. v. 49. He that is mighty hath done to me great things , and holy is his name : Fecit mihi , nec in me , nec per● me : Neyther in me , nor by me , but to me , and for me : Acknowledging her selfe no Agent , but a poore Patient , in the blessed worke of her owne , and our Redemption by Christ , whom she carried more faithfull in her hart , then she did in her wombe , for her saluation .

I may conclude , and so close vp the doctrine of mans righteousnesse thus , Cunctorum in Carne perfectorum imperfecta perfectio est : Mans perfection is imperfection , and all his righteousnes is like a stained cloath .

Wee are not the beautifull gate , but as the begger that there beggeth an Almes : O well sayd Dauid , Psal . 4. v. 1 Heare mee when I cry , O God of my righteousnesse : Acknowledging his righteousnesse to bee Gods creature , and none of his : and therefore turneth to him , as doth the Marigold towards the sunne , then fayrest , when it is highest , but dieth , and closeth in it declination .

Where it may be Dauid yet meaneth an other righteousnesse , not yet mentioned , to wit , his personall innocency , in regard of any euill hee intended against Saul , laying downe the equity of his cause before his iust God .

As , and if hee should say , Oh my God thou knowest the Innocency of my heart , mouth and hand , I neuer thought him euill , I neuer spake him euill , I neuer did him euill .

I fought his battels with many a wound , I married his daughter Michal with many a scorne , I abated the fury of Sauls spirit with much danger , I fled his presence with much patience , when I saw him moued , and let the wildernesse of Moan beare witnesse to my mournings , because of his indignation ; I loued his sonne Ionathan as my owne soule ; and thou caue of Adullam witnesse with mee how I reuerenced Sauls presence when I might haue spilt his person ; & yet for all this am I accused of disloialty , treason , and open rebellion Heare me , O heare me when I cry , O God of my righteousnesse .

Augustin sayth well ; Duo sunt ti●… bi necessaria , Fama , & Conscientia , Conscientia propter te , fama propter alio●… There bee two things necessary for thee , a good name , and a good conscience , a good name , in respect o● those that are without ; a good conscience in regard of that which is within ; In regard of both , thou maiest well plead innocencie and righteousnes , if thou bee faultlesse as Dauid was : And this is called a personall righteousnes , in respect of a particular wrong offered against the innocent .

4 Lastly , there is another righteousnesse , and that concerneth our honest carriage & holy conuersation in this world , alwayes ioyned with the feare of God , and vpright dealing towards men .

Holy men in their holy Escripts , when they prayse any , Iob . 1. v. 1. Gen. 18. v. 19. Luk . 1. v. 6 Act. 10. v. 1.2 . 1. Thess. 2. v. 10. they prayse him thus , a iust man , and fearing God . So Iob , so Abraham , so Zachariah , and Elizabeth , so Cornelius , and so Christ , were crowned with the Diadem of this righteousnesse : yea , and of this very righteousnesse ioyed the blessed Apostle , when he sayd : yee are witnesses ; and God also , how holily and iustly , and vnblameable we behaued our selues among you that beleeue .

Nor may we thinke that the grace of God . that bringeth saluation vnto all men hath appeared , that wee should liue wickedly ; Titus . 2. v. 11.12 but teacheth rather that wee should deny vngodlinesse , and worldly lusts , and that wee should liue soberly and righteously , and godly in this present world .

And now conceiue mee my brethren , that I may close with my Text , this of holy conuersation , with that of imputation , is the righteousnes whereof Dauid speaketh , and sets as a triple Crowne and Diadem vpon the head of the blessed ; I meane , to liue soberly in respect of our selues , to liue righteously , in respect of others ; and to liue godlily , in respect of God himselfe ; Hoc opus hic labor , This is the worke and modell of all our righteousnes .

So then , we are iustified by Christ his righteousnesse imputed , by the holinesse of our works , declaring the same , and by a liuely faith , rightly apprehending and applying the same to Gods glory , and the saluation of our soules for his Christs sake ; And so to the seuerall branches of my Text .

Where first I may say with Dauid , Ps. 9.16 . Higgaion , Selah ; This is worthy to bee noted in the silence of our soules , that the righteous thus iustified in the sight of God , thus iustified in his own conscience , and thus iustified before men , shall flourish like a Palme tree , & spread abroad like a Cedar in Lebanon : He shall prosper , he shal prosper , Non vrgente facto , sed disponente Deo , The Lord will so haue it .

It is sayd of Pharaoh his dreame , Gen. 41. v. 32. that it was doubled , both because of the certainety , and expedition thereof , the better to assure thee , of the blessed and flourishing estate of the righteous : The Spirit of God in Dauid hath more then doubled the dreame ; for hee hath rivitted the Nayle foure times with a steddie hand ; Hee shall flourish , he shall prosper , hee shall grow , hee shall bee fatte and well liking .

The Lion hath roared , who wil not be afraide ; the Lord hath spoken , who can but tremble , I will harden Pharaoh his heart , and who shall soften it : I will soften Cleopatres heart , and who shall harden it : The wicked shall bee cut downe and wither like graffe , and who shall make it grow ; but the righteous shall flourish like the Palme , and what wind shall be able , eyther to breake , or blast a bough thereof ?

Iob was a iust man in the land of Hush , Iob . 1. v. 1. &c. one that feared God , and eschewed euill , Satan with God would haue dearned his light and glory , by spoyling him of all worldly comforts : so would his three friends , the Temanit , the Shuit , and the Naamathit , haue prouoked his patience , by vrging him to despaire ; but neyther Satans cruelty , nor those miserable comforters could breake , or blast that righteous bough , but it must flourish & spread like a Cedar in Lebanon .

Ioseph was a iust man and a righteous , Gen. 37. v. 24.28 . his vnkind brethren leauing him in the dearne pitte at Dothan , and selling him ouer to the Ismeelites ; they together with Potephers wife , sought how to sacke his honour , and to bury him in obliuion : but they could not , for Iosephs bough must prosper , and spread to the protection of his fathers family , and of all Egypt : Gen. 41 , v. 41. adv . 46. Ioseph must bee aduanced into the best Chariot Pharaoh had , saue one ; hee must weare his signet and golden chaine , Abrech must bee the peoples applause ouer Ioseph , which his tender father , and Zapnath-Paaneah the expounder of secrets must be his name .

Both Iew and Gentile banded themselues together against our Christ , to haue blotted out the name & memory of that righteous branch , from vnder heauen : he was despised , and reiected of men , a man full of sorrowes , cut out of the land of the liuing , killed vpon the Crosse , and committed to the graue with hope of an eternall obsequie , neuer to breath any mote : but neyther that corrupt Iudge , nor Iury , with all the torments mallice could deuise , no crosse , no curse , no watch , no seale , no stone , no hell , or graue , Mark . 16 , v. 19. & Rom. 8. v. 34. could keepe him from the right hand of his father , but there must hee sit in Potioribus Dei , to plead our cause , lead Captiuity captiue , and giue gifts vnto men : yea , and there to triumph ouer hell and death , both for himselfe and vs. The righteous shall flourish , &c.

Arise , Isay . 52.2.3 . arise , ye righteous buds , put on your strength O yee rede●med of the Lord , put on the garments of his beauty , shake your selues from the d●st ; Psal . 45. arise , and sit down in safety , for yee are branches of that vine that neuer withereth . Of which , both vine and branches I may safely say , Prosper with thy glory , Ride vpon the word of truth , of meekenes , and of righteousnes , and thy right hand ( nay rather thy righteous hand ) shal teach thee terrible things .

And let this suffice to haue proued , that the righteous shall prosper , notwithstanding all the mischiefe , mallice can deuise ; there is no counsell against the Lord , it s but a wearines to wrastle with his might , there is no resistance where there is no proportion of opposition : In his greatest weakenesse is his greatest strength ; and his power cannot be limitted .

Next in place commeth to be considered , how the righteous shall flourish , which is his Eminency : He shal flourish like the Palme-tree .

Plinie writeth , that of all the trees that grow , Lib . 16. Prop●rties of the Palme . the Palme is best for burden , which made Utrivius to say , Sub ipso pondere formicatur , Weight makes it wanton ; for the more it is prest , the more it riseth aboue it burthen . I speake to Schollars : Nititur in pondus Palma & consurgi● in alium , Quo magis & premitur hoc magè : tollit onus . A beautifull Embleme of the Church of God , euer rising in it ruine , prospering in it persecution , and best pleased when it is most prest ; meaning the flourishing branches thereof , to reioyce in their afflictions , and to say with solace , Gal. 6.14 . God forbid that I should reioyce in any thing , but in the Crosse of Christ , whereby the world is crucified vnto me , and I to the world .

Signifying thereby likewise , as Basil sayth , That the Church of God is like to Moses bush , which the more it burned , the lesse it consumed : So is the Church , Euer dying , and yet neuer decaying , conquering in it patience , and liuing in it blood .

The conclusion is good , to all you that would bee righteous ; Resolue , resolue , that then yee beginne to bee fyned for God , when yee beginne to be afflicted in this world : The finest wheat must bee wynnowed ere it be cleane , The stateliest piller of porpherie must bee hammered ere it bee smooth . The best Balme must be broken ere it smell sweet , and ere Camamell grow greene , thicke or sweete , it must be prest with often treading : so must the purest gold bee fined in the gloing furnace of fire , ere it be of price with men : What the Fanne is to the Winnower , what the Hammer is to the Porpherie , what the Morter is to the Balme , and what the burthen is to the Date tree ; that , affliction and pressure is to the righteous man : In his Crosse is his Crowne , and when hee is humbled on earth , then is hee most honoured in heauen .

Againe , it is written of the Palme or Date tree ; for all is one , that there is both a male and a female of that kind , and that they are of so liking & louing a disposition , that they liue & die together ; insomuch as if the male be but remoued into an other ground , the female vailes her highest branch , euer bending both bole and bough , the way hee is gone , and still withereth till she be dead .

Aptly compared to Christ and his Church , neuer desiring to liue longer then shee may grow with him , & in him , the branches with her vine , the members with her head , the Bridegroome with her Spouse , and the Sinner with her Sauiour , here in grace , and there in glory , where true ioyes are to be found .

This made the righteous of all ages so impatient of separation , when by cruell persecution the tormentors would haue diuided them from their God and Christ ; yet did they euer bow and bend towards the place & ground where their beloued was , for their consolation was in heauen , and with good courage they challenged all the creatures of God , both high and low , that none should bee able to separate them from the loue of God which was in Christ Iesus their Lord ; crying out with passion , as Ruth did to Naomy , Ruth : 1. v. 16.17 . Intreate mee not to leaue thee , nor to depart from thee ; for , whither thou goest , I will goe , and where thou dwellest I will dwell , thy people shall be my people , and thy God my God ; where thou diest , will I die , & there will I bee buried ; the Lord doe so to me and more , if eyther death or life depart thee & mee .

3 Thirdly , it is sayde of the Palme , that snee euer turneth towards the sunne , and that her leaues spread furthest when the shine is at the fayrest .

The sonne of Righteousnesse is the light and life of the righteous , and what s their longing desire , but that the light of his countenance may shine vpon them . The lower that the sunne is , the longer is your shadow , and the higher it goeth , it is the shorter ; while the sunne is before you , your shadow is behind you , and you see it not , but turne your backe vpon it , and you see nothing but shadowes ; would you see your Christ in perfect beauty , dearned with no fin or shadowes of legall law or ceremonies ; looke him in the face when he is at the fayrest ; but and if you turne your backe vpon him , Vmbra rerum will be your ruine , you see nothing but shadowes , and you loose the substance for the shadow .

The Eagle when shee would trye her young , which are true born birds and which are bastards , ( say they ) shee beares them vp into the brightest sunne beames , while they are tender , and yet not downed ; and if with open eyes they looke vpon the sunne , then shee taketh them as her owne ; but if they shut their eyes at the brightnesse thereof , then shee casts them out , as base birds and castrels .

So may you trie the children of God , who are faithfulll , and who are faithlesse , who are true borne Israelites , and who are not ; if they can looke vpon their Christ and his righteousnesse with open eyes , if they can looke him fully in the face , and dazle not at the brightnesse of his glory , then are they generous birds , and may soare with him aboue the height of all sublimity : Isaiah . 53. v. 2.3 . but if as it is in the Prophet , They hide their faces from him , and say , he hath no forme nor beauty , that wee should defire him ; then repute them as a base birth and degenerate , good for nothing , but to be cast out of the land of the liuing .

4 Lastly , they write of the Palme ; that when her leaues are faln , and her branches withered , dead and rotten , from the toppe prynne to the lowest roote ; yet euen thence the sunne sucketh a new iuyce , and giueth it a renued life , of many more yeares then formerly it had .

Such is , and shall bee the resurrection of the righteous man , Eccles . 12. v. 1. &c. when the flower of his youth beginnes to wither , and the yeares approach , wherein he sayth , I haue no pleasure in them , when the Keepers of the house beginne to tremble , and the strong men bow themselues , when the grynders cease , because they are but few , when they waxe darke that looke out by the windowes , and the dores are shut without , by the base sound of the grinders . Nay more , ( and to be briefe , mans misery in the forlorne hope of his declining age , ) when all the daughters of singing shall bee abased , when the Almond tree shall flourish , the Grashopper shall bee a burden , and concupiscence shall be driuen away , with many a weary and wakery night .

Yet man so tending to the house of his age , whiles the mourners goe about in the street , because the graue hath deuoured him , corruption hath possessed him , and rottennesse hath consumed his bones , yet shall he bee renewed to a better life , by the sonne of righteousnes Iesus Christ ; prophesying and breathing ouer these dead bones thus ; O yee drie bones , Ezek . 37. v. 4.12 . &c. heare the word of the Lord , Behold my people , I will open your graues , and cause you come out of your Sepulchres , and place you in your owne land ; then shall yee know , that I the Lord haue spoken it , & can performe it .

And thus , my deare brethren , are wee well assured of a royall resurrection from the dead , in , & through the vertue of Christ his resurrection , wherein ( as the Apostle sayth ) hee hath mightily declared himselfe to be the sonne of God , as in the conquest of sinne and death , both for himselfe and vs : In regard whereof , we may say , with a godly Ovation , Death , 1. Cor . 15. v. 55.57 . where is thy sting ? hell , where is thy victory ? Thanks bee to God , which hath giuen vs victory through our Lord Iesus Christ .

And so to the rest , The Cedar with her properties . euen from the flourishing Palme , to the solid Cedar , wherein the wisdome of God in Dauid , seconds the similitude of the palme , with the semblance of the Cedar , as and if the excellency of the one , without the other , were not sufficient to expresse the blessednesse of a righteous man .

Now of all growing trees there is no doubt , but the Cedar is chiefe , first , for strength : 2. for length : 3. for diuturnity : and 4. for fruitfulnes : So is the godly , iust and righteous man .

The wicked flee when none pur●… eth him ; Prou. 28. v. 1. but the righteous are bold 〈…〉 a Lyon ; their perfect loue expel●… th all feare ; I say his loue to God & ●… s truth , is strong as death , cruell as ●… e graue , and the coales thereof as a ●… ehement flame .

In this strength stood righteous Dauid , when he sayd , What is this ●… roud Philistin , that he should reuile ●… he hoast of the liuing God : In this ●… trength stood Caleb as strong as ●… eele , when hee desired to possesse Hebron , and to encounter with the Anakims : Hester . 4. v. 16. Of like strength was Hester , when armed with her righteous cause , shee pr●ssed vpon the King with this resolution , I will goe in , & if I die , I die .

As , and if hee should haue saide with Saint Paul , I can do all things in him that comforteth mee : I dare aduenture vpon any difficulty , I feare no death , I dread no danger . Marke I pray you , Omnia possum , a strong faith in a fraile vessell , an omnipotent power in an impotent flesh : The faith of the righteous , bee it neuer so little , it cannot be lesse then a grain●… of mustard-seed , and yet it is strong enough to remoue mountaines .

All this to teach the righteous that the grace of God is sufficient fo●… them , 2. Cor . 12. v. 9. that his power may bee mad●… perfect in their weakenes ; Sampso●… strength was in his haires , and wha●… so weake as haires . To lesson vs ye●… further , 2. Cor . 22. that wee take pleasure in infirmities , in reproaches , in persecutions , in anguish for Christs sake , tha●… when wee are weake , wee may be●… strong .

Thus conquered the Martyres i●… sire and blood , whom the world was not worthy of , Vrebantur , Cedebantur , Torquebantur tamen multiplicabantur ▪ They were burned , they were bea●en , they were racked , and yet they increased ; yea , and in all these things , they were more then conquerours in him that loued them .

2 Yee see the strength of the Cedar . Now let vs see how for length , it may paralell the righteous man . They say , of all the trees that grow , it is the highest , and like a Piramis , euer poynteth at the height of heauen , The greatest beauty of Salomons Temple stood in the strength & length of Cedars , fetched from Hiram , and fallen in Lebanon for basses , bords and beames , all other trees being too weake and short for that glorious building .

The righteous man as he is strong in the faith ; so are his thoughts elenated aboue the height of all sublimity ; for his conversation is in heauen , where Iesus Christ that righteous braunch sitteth on the right hand of his Father : Great is the extent of his faith , that reacheth from the nethermost hell to the highest heauen : for the soule of the righteous is not where it liues , but were it loues : Oculimei semper ad dominum . Psal . 25. v. 15. Oh it was an heauenly Inspection , and good it was in Ezechias , when tossed vpon his weary bed , from the wall to the welkine ; He turned his watery eyes , Isay 38. v. 14. and sayd , Attenuatisunt occuli mei suspicientes in excelsum : Mine eyes dazle with looking towards thy brightnes .

The vse is good , Iacobs head lay low , when he slept vpon the Stone , yet his thoughts were on high & his soule scaled the heauens : He sought a Leader to Haram ; but hee found a Ladder to Heauen ; Gen. 28. v. 12. his meditations were mixed with no mortall mould , they taught the highest glory : so are the righteous in their repose , they neuer rest but in the bosome of their Christ , and like a Piramis they euer point vpward : What should I say more ; for strength , righteous men are Cedar beams in the building of their God ; and for their length , they reach from wall to wall .

3 Thirdly , I may say , for durablenesse , that the Cedar is of an immortall being .

And therefore Digna Cedrocanere , was a prouer be vsed of old , when any man would vrge for songs , subiects of Eternity ; so may I say , that the Oake at Marme , the hard Marble , and the solid Cedar , shal sooner grind to greet , and turne to dust , then the memory of the righteous shall bee forgotten , their strength abated in the way , or their dayes shortned , eyther in grace or glory : no dayes , no yeeres , no time , shall euer blot out or blemish their blessednes ; but they shall still flourish , and grow green in their life , in their death , and after death , in all eternity , when time shall bee no more .

Prouerbes the third , Pro . 3. v. 16. Wisdome is brought in like a beautifull Queene , and a liberall Lady , with her hands ful , to bestow vpon her dearest friends , length of dayes , being in the right hand , and in the left hand riches and honour .

Now , who are these fayre friends , but the righteous seed , and such as feare God : They tell vs of many meanes to preserue life , and to cure maladies , as pils , potions , and cordials , they tell vs of Oyles , waters and mettals ; but if all this were clapt in one , they are nothing to the feare of God , eyther in giuing health , or prolonging life : Of whom it is true that Abigal spake of righteous Dauid : 1. Sam . 25 v. 29. The soule of the righteous shall bee bound in the bundle of life with the Lord their God : Hee shall defend them in life , and preserue them in death ; for death shall neuer come before they may comfortably bid it welcome : To iustifie that of Iob , he shall deliuer thee in the sixe tribulations , Iob . 5. v. 19.20 . and in the seuenth , they shal not touch thee .

But will some man say , how is it then that many times the righteous perish , and merciful men are taken away , and are often preuented with an vntimely death : It s true indeed , as the Prophet saith , they are taken away , but from vengeance to come , and thogh they bee preuented with an vntimely death , yet shall they rest in an eternall life .

He pleased God saith Salomon of Enoch , Wisdom . 4. v. 10. &c. and was beloued of him , so that where he liued amongst sinners , he translated him : and hee was taken away , lest wickednes should alter his vnderstanding , or deceit beguile his mind : though hee was soone dead , yet fulfilled hee much time , for his soule pleased GOD , therefore hasted hee to take him away from wickednesse .

The conclusion is good for this point , and so I haste to the rest . 1. Ioh . 2. v. 17. This wicked world passeth away , and the lusts thereof vanish ; but hee that fulfilleth the will of God , abideth euer .

4 Lastly , the Cedar is fruitful vnto the end , and it beareth best in it old age , the fewer leaues , the fuller of fruit , and as the first fruit fayleth , the latter euer buddeth .

So are the righteous who trust in the Lord , and whose hope the Lord is , they beare their fruite without flourish , shew or semblance of palliated piety , the very pest of all religion , while the hypocrite doth onely flourish in his leaues , 2. Tim . 3. v. 5. hauing a shew of godlinesse , as the Apostle sayth , but still denyeth the power thereof .

It may bee that the axe of iudgement is now and then laid to the root of the righteous ; but it neyther hacketh nor heweth it downe , and why ? hee beareth fruit , and bringeth it forth in due season ; hee bringeth forth new fruite according to his moneths : his fruit is for meat , Ezech . 47. v. 12. and his lease is for medicine , because the springs that runne out of the Sanctuary , doe water his growth , that is , the shower of Gods grace is euer distilling vpon his buds ; and therefore hee is blessed both in his leaues , and in his fruit .

And heare , O my God , behold how I am troubled , my bowels swell , mine heart is turned within me , I am full of heauinesse , because of the worlds barrennes , we are like the heath in the wildernesse , Ier . 17. v. 6. wee inhabite the parched places in a salt land , and not inhabited , our apples are like the fruite of Sodome , faire to the shew , but vpon the touch turne to dust and sinders ; we belieue in some measure , but wee liue in none ; wee lead not the life of the Gospell : Oh that our good fruits were answerable to the greene leaues of our profession , then should wee not bee idle hearers of the Law , but doers too , neyther deceyuers of our selues , nor betrayers of our owne soules .

Be it spoken therefore to the barren soyle of both professions ; neither shall your faithlesse works , O yee Papist , nor your worklesse faith , Heb . 11. v. 6. O yee Protestants , euer make you righteous before the Lord , till you haue truely put on both : for as without faith it is not possible to please God ; so without holinesse of life , it is not possible to see the Lord ; you haue Scripture for both .

Lucian , playde with the men of his dayes , as well wee may with ours , when hee fained the gods to sit in Parliament , euery one to make choise of the tree he most fancied ; where it is sayde , that Iupiter chose the Oake for it strength , Apollo the Bay tree for it greennesse , Neptune the poplar for it length , Iuno the Eglentine for sweetnesse , and Venus the Mirtle tree for it beauty . Minerua sitting by , demanded of her father Iupiter what might be the reason , that sith there was such store of fruitfull trees , they all made choyse of such as were fruitlesse ? To whom Iupiter answered , Ne videamur fructa honorem vendere , we gods may not chaffer our honour for fruits . Well said Minerua , doe as you list ; but I for my part will chuse the Oliue for it fatnesse ; whereat her father was much ashamed , and commended Mineruas choyse before his owne ; and all the rest .

Carelesse Christian , why smilest thou ? De te narratur fabula : The tale is true of thee ; for euen so is the chaffie choyse of our different trees in this declining world , all are for pleasure , few for profite ; they loue their greatnes , Iudg . 9. v. 9. they loue their greennesse , they loue their sweetnesse , and they loue their be auty ; but where is the man that maketh Mineruas choise and with the Olyue droppeth down fatnesse , wherewithall both God & man are honoured . Surely Minerua is but a fiction ; but were our wits wel seasoned with holinesse , and our tongues with truth , wee would better taxe both the great , and dimy gods of this age , with indiscretion , while they catch at shaddowes , and lose the substance , still disdayning to chaffer their honour with our fruit .

Well , I say no more , but the fruit we tender them is godlinesse , and godlines is great gaine , and yet few catch at it , 1. Tim . 6. v. 6. it is profitable vnto all things , which hath the promise of the life present , and of the life to come : and yet I know not how , but it is a wearines to walke in it , it is a danger to speake of it : Let none rebuke or reproue an other with the proud poasie of Israel : Hosea I pray God it may neuer be the poafie of England , nor that wee should become your enemies for telling you the truth : there s a blessed enimity so to preach , there s a cursed amity so not to preach .

They that weare soft rayment are in Kings Courts , soft & oyled tongues I know not how , but they warble too much both in Court and Country : What went yee forth to see , sayde Christ of Iohn , a reede shaken with the wind : No , no , yee found him a steddy Cedar : Non est calamus , non est homo mollis & aulicus : Iohn is no reed , Iohn is no soft or courtly Preacher : he pearced their harts with the doctrine of repentance , for the remission of sinnes .

The Lord God of Heauen giue vs grace to be faithfull in his house , as Moses was , and to keepe nothing backe of his mercies , or of his iudgements , eyther for feare , or flattery , of any transitory maiesty in this world : and so to the rest .

Next in pla●e commeth to be considered , where , and why the crowne and diademe of the righteous is so renowned , flour●shing & bossed with blessings : The reason is readily rendered , by the words of my Text : He is planted in the house of the Lord , and therefore he shall flourish in the Courts of his God ; The Palme and Cedar grow not in euery ground , the Palme is for Iudea , and the Cedar is for Lebanon : and the sweetest rose is for Saram ; so are the righteous not for euery soyle , but they are righteous because they are planted in the house of the Lord ; euery Lambe is not for the sacrifice , nor euery tree for the fabricke of the Temple ; no more is euery earth a like for the righteous to plant in .

They must be plucked out of olde Adam , and planted into new Christ ; the first soyle was naught , and therefore they are remoued into a better ground ; yea , and grafted into that vine that neuer withereth , eyther in it selfe , or in it branches : And thus they become an holy Colony , planted no where but in domo Iehouae , licking vp the dust of the Sanctuary , and therefore flourishing in the courts of their God , here in grace , & there in glory .

We heare that in Virginia there is a Colony of Christians , planted in the Virgines sonne , and that righteous iudgement hath entred that land ; the Lord of heauen prosper the growth thereof , in it flourish , in it flower , & in it fruit , and that longer liued , it may euer be better leaued , loaden with it burden of ripe fruit falling , and new blossoms blooming Cedar-like .

And it encourageth me the rather for to pray ; for that I see the promise of God to goe with it growth , not onely in the seuerall branches and members of the Church of old ; but also in the whole body & bole thereof , deduced down euen to these our dayes .

All to make good the words of my Text , that the righteous shall bring forth fruit in their age , that they shall bee fat and flourishing : for are wee not fallen euen into the last and worst dayes of the world : Surely , surely , Attigimus punctum , the very period thereof is vpon vs , and yet I know not how , but as in an old and decrepit body , when the state thereof is more languishing and feeble , the soule is euermore hearty and heauenly : So is it now with the Church of God , though worne and wearied in this the declining state of this world : yet to God bee the prayse , it doth flourish and beare fruit in more abundance , and in greater measure , then it did in many ages past . Cast your eies ouer the continent of al Christendom , with the Isles adiacent , and from the high towers of heathenish Gogge and Magoge in their idolatry : Looke downe into the valley of Becor , in it much piety , and yee shall see Miriades of saued soules , there walke from strengh to strength till euery one appeare before their God in Sion , planted they are in Domo Iehouae , and therefore they shall flourish in atrijs Domini .

The house of God is the nursery of his Saints to liue in , and the courts of the Almighty is the Orchard of his delight for thē to flourish in , not for a time , but for euer , not for a few , but for a full family : for who can tell the dust of Iacob , or the number of the fourth part of Israel : but O my God , let me die the death of the righteous , and let my end bee like his , and it shall bee sufficient for mee , that I am but one , euen an vnith of that infinite number .

4 Lastly , to draw towards an end , and so to close with the soules of the righteous , whose glorious building is of Palme and Cedar . Be it known vnto you , that all your planting , flourishing , flower and fruit will faile you in the end , and like the fruit of Sodom fall to cynders , if it bee not sanctified , as with prayer , so with prayse , & made perfect with profession ; ye may not bee silent of the righteousnes of the Lord , but yee must declare , that he is your rocke , and that no iniquity is in him .

Dauids harpe and voyce was neuer more tuneable , then when hee sung and sayd : Psal . 40. v. 10. I haue not hid thy righteousnes within my heart , my talking hath beene of thy truth , and of thy saluation , I haue not kept backe thy louing mercies & truth from the great congregation . Is God in thy heart ? let him be in thy mouth also : for that s the sweet perfume of thy profession , to speake to Gods glory , and to sing an H●lalijah to the Almighty , is heauenly , and well beseeming the sacred assemblies of men , and the highest Hierarchy of Angels .

As speaking is a fruit of the spirit , so is it an effect of faith , to iustifie that , because wee haue the same spirit of faith , 2. Cor . 4. v. 13. according as it is written , I beleeued , and therefore haue I spoken , wee also beleeue , and therefore wee speake .

So then , as in the naturall body , there is an open passage from the heart to the tongue : so is there in the soule a beaten way , from the spirit to the speech ; a religious heart will haue a religious mouth , a sanctified spirit , will haue a sanctified speech , & righteousnes no sooner teacheth the heart to thinke it , but it striketh the tongue to speake it .

A●d thus you see that you must declare , but what is the declaration . The righteous must put into this hi● Court of Iustice & mercy ; euen this , That the Lord is his rocke , and that none iniquity is in him .

As the Caske sauoureth within , so it venteth without , and the stomacke breathes as it is affected ; if sound , thē sweet , if corrupt , then it stinketh : if the soule bee sanctified with spiritual righteousnesse , it doth abound with heauenly eloquence : Psal . 45. v. 1.2 . a good matter boyled in Dauids heart , and therfore grace was powdered in his lips .

The hearts of the wicked are wickedly bent , and therefore with their tongues they shoot point blanck at al impiety , and neuer misse it . The auarous mans talke is of his wedge of gold , and the Idolaters , of his god of gold ; The garrish proud peacocks speach is of his coate of gold , and the ambitious conquerour , is of his mountains of gold : the drunkard with Balthazar belcheth out blasphemy out of his bowles of gold . In a word , the talke of the wanton , is all of luxury , & the tongue of the busie body , is al o●… nouelty , like the curious Athenians , who loued to heare and talke of nothing but newes .

But the righteous man and trulie regenerate , is of an other season , his heart is better filled , his tong is better filed ; for he speaketh of God , hee speaketh for God , hee speaketh from God , and he speaketh to God .

1 Hee speaketh of God , when hee prayseth him .

2 He speaketh from God , when he preacheth him .

3 He speaketh to God when hee prayeth him .

4 And he speaketh for God when he defendeth his truth , and pleades the cause of the innocent .

And thus the Prophet hauing put in his bill of complaint against the wicked , why they should so prosper in the world , as you may see in the precedent words of my Text : Now hee doth declare for the righteous , that they shall flourish in the courts of the almighty , though they seeme to wither ; and he declareth from his owne experience , how hee in his particular hath found the Lord , euen as the shadow of a great Rocke in a wearie land . The Lord my rocke is righteous ; and therefore I say that none iniquity is in him .

It hath been grieuous to the godly euer , euen in the seas of their afflictions , to see that they should sinke , & the wicked swim , to see seruants on horsebacke , and Princes goe on foot ; to see the Bramble breare preuayle against the Palme and Cedar .

I cannot perceyue , sayth Esdras , 2. Esdras . 3. v. 31. how this commeth to passe , that the godly are plagued , and the wicked are spared , are the deedes of Babylon better then they of Sion ?

Surely nay , but it is a caution for the wicked , thereby to take heede , & be well warned ; for if iudgement begin at the house of God , shall it spare the Satadel of sinners ; and if the righteous scarsly shall bee saued , shall not the sinner sincke , Scrutinum in Ierushalem , quid in Babilone tutam , will there be a search in Ierusalem ? what shall then become of Babylon ?

It much perplexed Iob to see the wicked in such prosperity they waxed old , Iohn 21. v 7.8 . &c. they grew in wealth , their seed was established , their houses were peaceable , they hued without feare , and the rodde of God was not vpon them , they sent forth their children in droues , and their sonnes in dances . The tabret , harpe & orgā was in their Feasts : In a word , they spent their daies in wealth , while the righteous liued in woe & want : And could there be a greater tryall ? yet when he saw how suddenly they dropped down to hell , hee knew their hauing was no heauen .

The like temptation daunted Dauid , Psal . 10. v. 5. &c. 73. v. 3. &c. when hee saw the wicked , how his wayes did alwayes prosper , hee deemed his deuotions had been all in vaine , and his foot had well near slipt , till hee went to the sanctuary of his righteous God , and then he saw how they stood in slippery places , & that their habitation could no●where be found any more .

Ieremiah that mourn full Prophet was much in dispute with God about this argument , when he said ; O Lord , Ierem . 12. v. 1. &c. if I dispute with thee , thou art righteous ; yet let me talke with thee of thy iudgements : wherfore doth the way of the wicked prosper , and why are all they in wealth that rebelliously transgresse ? Thou Lord knowest me , thou hast seen me , and tried mine hart toward thee , and yet I wither , while they flourish in this wicked world .

To all these bils of complaint , the declaration is out : Gen. 18. v. 25. That the Lord is the rocke of the righteous , and that none iniquity is in him : for , shal not the iudge of all the world doe according to right . And what is right ? but euen this , when the wicked grow as the grasse , and all the workers of wickednesse doe flourish ; that they shall wither in the end , and bee destroyed for euer , while the righteous shall flourish like a Palme tree , and spread abroad like a Cedar in Lebanon ▪

But bee not curious to search into the secrets of thy God , why the way of the wicked doe often prosper , and why they are in wealth that rebelliously transgresse : Leaue it , O leaue it vayled behind the curtaine of the Tabernacle , and talke we more with thy God of his iudgements ; sith hee hath layd his finger vpon thy mouth , and enioyned thee silence , Ier . 12. v. 5. saying ; If thou haue runne with footmen , and they haue wearied thee , how shalt thou be able to match with horses , & if thou thought thy selfe safe at Anathoth a peaceable land , and was disquieted , what must thou doe in the swellings of Iordan ?

In the Interim , resolue of this without doubt or delay , that there is Dies & Deus vltionis , a day , and a God of reuenge , a day of death , and a day of doome , which two dayes once determined , downe goe the wicked , but the godly shall bee exalted ; Horror , hell and death shall be the doom of the damned : Heauen , ioy , & life shall bee the lot of the righteous : and therefore when you see here on earth things so vneuenly dealt ; know the day will come , when the dowle shall bee more equally deuided ; till when & euer declare , that the Lord thy rocke is righteous , and that none iniquity is in him .

But now I see the howre is out , & with my Text the glasse is runne ; yet pardon me in your patience , to pull backe the Dyall vpon the wall some few degrees , and a while to repose vnder the shadow of the Palme and Cedar , for whom I preach .

Your Founder of worthy memory is dead to this world , but liueth in a better ; & there he liueth now where true ioyes are to be found : the fayre flower and flourish of this Palme is perished by death ; yet the ripe fruit of this Cedar , fallen into the lappe of the needie will neuer die .

Hee was a Palme , and flourished in the most eminent place of the Kingdome , euen in the Kings City , & Chamber of London : Honourable in i● selfe , and famous throughout al the world ; there he liued , and there hee died , not as a priuate man ; for the greatest offices of that gouetnment were cast vpon him , from time to time , which how he passed through , and with what credite , I spare to speake , lest I seeme partiall in my loue towards him ; but hee is now gone , and may say frangantur sasces , priuatus ero : What aduantage hath hee now of those honours , whereof he might then haue boasted : are they not fallen from him by death , and vanished like a morning dew ? Surely they are , for when life left him , honours failed him , as they will doe the greatest Monarchies of the world , in the day & hower of their dissolution .

Yet of him I might say , as they of the Palme , when her leaues , braunches and boughes are withered : euen from the highest sprigge , to the lowest root , buried in the ground , that there s hope in the root of a glorious resurrection , when the son of righteousnesse shall shine vpon it , & giue it a renued life , neuer to die anymore , but euer to flourish greene in the Courts of the Almighty ; such solace and honour haue all his Saints .

Againe , though the fayre flower of his life bee thus fallen ; yet the memory of his blessed works , as fruits of his faith will neuer die : The Lord by his liberall hand hath powred waters of comforts and instruction vpon his thirsty and drie ground ; a Salary of fifty pounds per annum euer to endure ; that the spirit of the Lord may breath vpon your seed , and his blessing abide vpon your bodies ; & yet his hand is not shortned , but strerched out still , from this his Schoole here , to the poore Hospitals in London , a thirsty ground , which hee hath watered likewise , with 500. l. as a legacy of his loue to Christ , and his poore members : Nor hath hee beene straightned in his bowels of compassion , eyther towards the poore prisoners that lye in cold irons , relieued with 100. l. Or towards the poor of the Company of Goldsmithes , with the bounty of 200. l. And lastly , 1200 l. freely giuen to his dearest & nearest of blood , his kinsfolks , lest happily they might say , hee had forgotten his owne flesh .

Thus hath hee stood vp in the rank of the righteous , as a flourishing Palme and a fruitfull Cedar : The Lord hath gotten glory by him , and hee is of them that hath left a name behind them ; 〈◇〉 5 so that their prayse shall be spoken of .

Behind him , how ? and whither is he gone ; the Lord hath remoued him into a better soyle : for the body is gone to the earth , from whence it came ; but his soule is gone to God that gaue it ; Euolauit , it s flowne vp , and like a Piramis of fire , it neuer staied till it came to that light which is accessible . His religious life tolde him in his death , that he should die the death of the righteous ; and therefore hee hasted towards his Master Christ , as Hillarion did , when debating in frailty with his sad soule , loth to depart , he put it forward with an inuincible courage thus ; Egredere , quid times ? Egredere , nima mea , quid dubitas ? Septuaginta prope annis , seruisti Christo , & mortem times : Goe out my soule , why fearest thou to goe out ? these seuenty yeares almost thou hast serued Christ , and art thou fearfull now to die ? and so Animus victor annorum cedere nesciens infirmitati euolauit : His mighty mind conquerour of his many yeares slew vp to God , not knowing how to yeeld to frailty .

I may not forget how I tolde you of the Palme , that there was a Male and a female of that kind , as also that the female being separated from her male will hang downe her branches , and wither , turning , her selfe that way , whither her Male hath bin carried .

Its true indeed , that death hath made a separation , and the Male-Palme is in heauen . Now cast your eyes vpon the Female , and tell mee whether shee doth not turne her selfe that way , whither the Male hath beene carried ; was there a purpose in his heart of any good to be done ; and by him left vndone , which shee hath not perfected ? His louing Lady euen this day hath leaned towards you as he did : she hath laide you in her lappe as a Nursing mother , and drawn out her brests to giue you the sucke of sacred skill , with caution to your Master , Vsher , and Schollars , that yee beware of the Leuen of Popery . His will was , and her will is , that the children bee catechized weekely in the grounds of the Orthodoxall faith , and with secular learning to be trayned vp in the language of Canaan , which and if you doe , her purpose is still to doe you more good : nor shall you euer find her other , till shee heare you be wanting or weary of weldoing : how she hath turned her selfe towards him in the rest of his holy purposes , to perfect them according to the trust and faithfulnesse hee reposed in her , the world can witnesse , all Courts are silent , there is no plaintiue , and therefore there needs no defendant : there s no cry of oppression , there s no complayning in the streetes . And therefore I spare to speak any more of her : leauing her a righteous branch of a femall Palme , leaning towards the soyle and soule of her beloued husband , weeping ouer his graue for that hee is not ; but ioying ouer his righteous deedes , for that the lustre thereof , is a glory to God , a reliefe to the poore , and a blessing to the world ; not doubting , but because they were both planted in the house of their God , they shall together flourish in the Courts of the Almighty , neuer any more to bee separated by the violence of death , but to bee tyed for euer in the bundle of the liuing . So God , onely wise , immortall , and independent , be honout , prayse and glory , now and euer . Amen , Amen .

FINIS .