Doxologia; or Glory to the Father the Churches hymne, reduced to glorifying of the Trinity, in life, the Christians dutie, at Edinburth, by Will. Annand, M.A. one of the ministers of that city, late of Univers. Coll. Oxon.

Doxologia ; OR GLORY TO THE FATHER :

The Churches Hymne , Reduced to Glorifying of the Trinity , in life , THE Christians Dutie ,

At EDINBURGH , By Will . Annand , M. A. One of the Ministers of that City , Late of Univérs . Coll . Oxon .

Lactan . de Sapient . Lib . 4 , c . 3.

Ubi Ergo Sapientia cum Religione Conjungitur 5 Ibi Scilicet , ubi Deus Colitur unus , ubi vita & Actus om●is , Ad unum Caput , & ad unam Summam Refertur .

1 Cor . 10.31 .

Whether therefore ye Eat or Drink , or whatsoever ye do , do all to the Glory of God .

London , Printed by I. D. and are to be sold by George Sawbridge , on Ludgate-hill , at the Blew Bible . 1672.

TO THE RIGHT HONORABLE JOHN Earl of Rothes , Lord Leslie and Bambreith , &c. Lord High Chancellor of the Kingdom of SCOTLAND ; and One of His Majestie's most Honourable Privy Council in both Kingdoms . Right Honourable ,

IN the Histories and Books of Fame , Relating to this Ancient Kingdom , there is Found a Poor Mans King , and he Attended with a poor Mans Bishop : wanting as yet Officers of State , whereof I hope the Chronicles of this Age in after Times shall plentifully store him ; At present were a Draught to be Compiled , by suffrage , your Lorship should be Enrolled , the Poor Clergies Chancellor , Your care for them is such , and your Justice given them is so Just , that we have often heard the oppressed Loyall Levite , solaceing Himself in this , I 'le tell my Lord Chancellor , and is not ashamed of his Hope , neither is his expectation cut off .

My Lord , I have sometimes Asked from you , and never was Denyed the Suit entreated for ; I now beg this , That being to publish my Doxologia ; A point Truly Ancient , and purely Ecclesiasticall , it might be Emitted under the wings of your Lordships Name , Authority and Patronage , for mor● Strongly Fencing it against th● assaults of such Mutiniers who in the Church attempt t● Levell whatever is Church-like : Grounding my petitio● upon this Rock ; That as you● Honour stands for it in Text Your Goodnesse will not disdai● to stoop to it in Comment .

This , My Lord , shall Oblidge the Author to implore the Persons , whose Glory is herein Treated of , to Beautifie an● Irradiate your Lordships Worth , in Becoming a Brazen Wall , for Securing and Perpetuating the Memory of your Ancient and New House of Leslie , by Augmenting vertue , and Entailing Honour alwayes upon Its Sons and Daughters , Its Daughters and Sons .

May the First Sex , by Divine favour , procure the Worlds Respect to that Height , which that Famous German Count Leslie ( a Cadent of your Lordships House ) Purchased , who in that late and great Turkish Embassie , by his Stately Countenance Graced the Christian Emperours Cavel-cadewith such Beaming Reverence , that the Sultan himself in admiration protested , He had never in all things seen the like .

The Compiler of that Affair speaking of the Counts Venerable Hair , Enforceth me to add , that in Piety and Renown , they may Number the Days of that late Reverend Prelate John Lesly , Bishop of Clogher , whose Epitaph Expressed this , Aetate hâc nemo tot vixit Episcopus Annos , Aevi nemo magis mole Gravatus obit .

Dying An. D. 1671. in his Hundreth years Compleat , yet of so vigorous and active a Body , as it but Refreshed ( though afterward decayed ) him , to post from Dublin to London , in Anno 1660. Where I had the Honour to confer with him , and the Passion to admire at him .

Both Church and State in Voto , being thus Replenished , what remaineth , but Industry , that the other Sex may have Graven in Verity upon their Tombs , what by one ( it seems no Fla●terer ) was uttered in the Funeral Oration of a Vertuous Lady , ( viz. ) I knew several women in this place that I had Good thoughts of , but of her , I say that of Solomon , Many Daughters have done vertuously , but thou Katherin Leslie excellest them all . So be it said of all your Honours Off-spring : Unto whom , It shall be my Ambi●ion to be ever Accounted , what now I am , in you the Root , that is ,

Right Honourable , Your Lordships Unfeigned Well-wisher , Will . Annand . From my Study , May 28. 1672.

TO THE READER . Courteous Friend ,

THe Learned Erasmus in h● High and Excellent E●comiums , or Commendam● of Folly , Pourtraieth H● bearing Testimony for h● Self , as preferable abov● Wisdom in many points , particularly in th● one , ( viz. ) That she can write Volum● and hath written large Treatises in sma● Time : And truly in the narrow Circui● of my Observes , it is Hardly Credible , ho● Many Authors have Dropped Books Faster , then an Ordinary Cook can Potc● Eggs. ( The Premisses plead for an Excuse of the Levity of the Comparison , Grave Instance being not Sutable thereunto . )

Upon which Score , when the Date of ●hese Discourses , from the Pulpit , shall be Compared with the Date of their Publication from the Press , this Manual must and shal ●e Accounted a Wise Piece , Folly therein ●aving no Share , so great is the Distance of ●ime betwixt . But if that Subtility of Cardanus be reflected upon , that what is ●ritten ought to have Presentem utilita●em , Certum Finem , Inexpugnabile ●undamentum , I shall be Adjudged to hit ●he very whit of Sapience : ( The Gravity ●f the Theme , urgeth for an Allowance ●f this Loftinesse , that being Ineffably ●erious . )

Yet , lest the World Conclude me wiser ●han I am , It 's Acknowledg'd , this Trea●ise was in the Printers Hands in July last : And from some Remora's on his part , and ●n differency on mine , It sleeped with the ●wallow untill Spring ; ( then its birth was ●ike to be prevented by Pharez ) And But now Flyes Abroad , Providence purposing

Errata .

AMong the Mistakes , which notwithsta●ding of the Composers Care , hapned in th● Manuall , these are accounted of the Gross● sort , the other being Remitted to the Reade● charity and pen .

PAg. 34 l. 27. r . Ascend . p. 42 l. 24 r . Co●ronets . p. 46. l. 14. r . Filching . p. 7● l. 14. r . They . p. 128. l. 29. r . From . p. 15 l. 7. r . Touch .

DOXOLOGIA ; OR GLORY TO THE FATHER . REDUCED TO PRACTICE Tolbooth Church , May 14. 1671. PHILIP . 4 , 20.

●ow unto God , and our Father , be Glory for ever and ever , AMEN ,

THE Soul of Man , in ordinary operations , can no sooner turn in to consider and contemplate upon the ●orth , Excellency , wherewith either by ●agination it is Fondly Fraughted , or ●om clearer understanding , it knoweth it ●lf to be splendidly stored ; But the wisest ●d it Difficult , to prevent by reflection , as from a glass , the Image of somewha● that Tickleth , Pleaseth , & Puffeth up , swelling the most solid Spirit , into an unusual bulk , by a forbidden vain Apprehension of themselves ; whilst light , & more Aery minds , hav● no object so delightful , as the Mimick conceits appeare in their all-wonder-workin● Fancy , Humming continually at the Shape f● projects of their unsetled brain , and ev● smiling upon those Images , Reflected fro● the Christal of self Conceit , Fancied wort● Touring Notions , Bulging inventions , an● what other thing , Insipideness , or Empt●ness , shall offer to represent . Which pha●tastical humour to preserve , what pain● Services , nay Drudgery , are not the So● of Adam put unto ? yea what will they n● Rush upon , rather then be Foy'ld , in t● Field of self Repute ? Our first Father r●ceiving a Son , called his Name Cain , that i● Possession , but as acknowledging the Mistak● he called his next Ahel , by Interpreta●on . Vanity : and we know the Event both ; yet so vain are we of our possessio● that we are loath to have them named , 〈◇〉 their proper Name Abel .

From this bitter Root is it , that God oft Robbed , and Deny'd , the Honour , Fa● and Glory , justly due unto his Greatne● and Merited by him , because of his Beneficence : Not only wicked and Gracelesse Persons , like Nebuchadnezzar , committing Idolatry , in looking upon themselves as Deitys , for being almost worshipped by the Vulgar , because of Equipage and Attendance : But even the good , as Hezekiah , are apt to enhance their own price , by representing the Gallantry and plenty they are abundantly stor'd withall , above others ; Between which upper and nether milstone , the Glory of God is so dusted , that it s hardly perceptible ; or if seen , made contemptible and base , the Mans shining , detaining the eyes of Admirers so ravishingly upon himself , ( Expecting as just debt the Applause of , and Homage from , those so ensnared ) that God is not in all their thoughts : for striping these as naked as Man in Innocence , any thing , every thing , shall sooner be found , Then , Magnifie the Lord with me ; And , let us Exalt his Name together .

For cure of which Malady , for casting out of which Devil , the examples of the Prophets and Apostles are before us , who begin no sooner to be accounted great , then they enter upon proof against Worth , as David in the case of being Son in Law to the King , 1 Sam . 18.23 . Peter and John , in healing the impotent man . Acts 3 , 12. Paul and Silas , in that intended Sacrifice of the Lystrians , Acts 14.15 . Nay , lest it be thought that Christ ( accounted only Man ) knew all things , he said , Of that hour knoweth no man , no not the Son of Man , Mark 13.32 . Correcting that Folly so natural to Man , in the good Man , that Sanctity , and Gratitude , with him , may give to the Lord th● Glory of all Gifts , Abilities and Parts

THe great Apostle , Recording to the Philippians Fame the supply their Liberality afforded , for remeading his indigence and poverty , after a discovery of his acceptanc● thereof , with a Prophesy touching Gods future rewarding them therefore , closet● with Magnifying God , for their forwardnesse in his relief , and for his relief by thei● Forwardness : Glory being all the rewar● Expected by God , for all the purposes , Benefits , Doctrines , Wonders , Inclinations he hath priviledged & endowed Man withal : exhorting in distresse , himself to be invock'd , and for effectual deliverance , Glor● is the only Boone he craves , and the sol● Tribute he Demands , Psal . 50.15 . Her● offered , Here told down , to God and ou● Father , ( i.e. ) to God who is our Father singly expressing the first Person , as in another place , he only mentioneth the second , Rom. 9.5 . Yet so , that the word God excludeth no person , that all may be feared , Father here expressed , that honour may be superadded .

You are not I hope , so much in the dark , as with the Jews not to descry , what we are about ; or not to understand , that we intend , to speak of the Father , and of the Nature of that Glory we owe unto him under that Relation : In order to which , Let us see , the Genuine sense of the word Glory , the special application of that sence to him , as Children , and what practices of ours , can chiefly and principally conduce thereunto :

SECT . I.

TO give Glory , is an acknowledgment of that excellent Majesty , Transcendency , Eminency , which we upon solid demonstration , know to be in the glorious . If with Saul , one be Higher then all the people , in Vertue , in Office , in Dignity , in Superlative Accomplishments , Or , Separat from the Masse of Men , for Signaliz'd encounters , because cut out , for Actuating high Atchivements , then to Shout , Hollow , then to Rejoyce in , and because of him so Selected , is with us to give him Glory ; It is to make one Shine Glister and Sparkle , above the course sort , ●qually as Diamonds and Rubies , d● beyond the dimmer and plainer Flint an● Pibble ; And that conform to the Heroicknesse of their deeds , the greatness of the● conquests , the Antiquity of their Familie● the Universality of their actings . Thus Sa● was said to slay his Thousands , that is , in th● Philistines Flight , by Order , and Command ; but David his ten thousands , ( viz. in that one Goliah , upon whose confidenc● the Army of the Uncircumcised stood . It to estimate , and put a high value upon on● who though one , yet stands as a Counter , 〈◇〉 place for a thousand , and that in real wort● because of powerful effects , and numero● Blessings , expected in opportune Seasons , t● flow from Him . Thus in the account 〈◇〉 Davids officers , is his single person wort● ten Thousand , 2 Sam . 18.3 .

All which being known to that King , h● as a true Saint of God calls to the mighty , 〈◇〉 give unto the Lord Glory and strength , Psa● 29.1 . and not to assume it to themselves , t● Mighty being before him as nothing , b●cause weak as children ▪ Foolish as the Ostri● Naked as Destruction , Hungry as the Egy●tian , Thirsty as Samson , Empty as Haga● Bottles , Lean as Pharaohs Kine , Base as the ●arth . though Gorgeous in Silver cloath , ●s Herod was , which yet God gave him , Or ●tinking wine , as Belshazzar did ( in bowls ) ●hich was not press d from his own Grape , ●r adorning their House , as did Ahasuerus with green and blew Hangings , of which he ●ight have said , as the Prophet of the Axe , ●hey were borrowed , God being only Great , ●ea Cloathed with Majesty and Honour , Psa . ●04 . 1 . The people therefore are not to bless ●hemselves , in those their Mushrom migh●ys , but to make the voice of his praise to ●e heard , Psal . 66.8 . not doing it only Ob●curely , or Inwardly , but Publickly and Open●y , making his praise Glorious , to Animate ●he Souls of Hearers , with the same Spirit ●f zeal and praise , that no Flesh might glo●y in his presence .

Some glorifyes themselves , by reviling God , in scorning and mocking of his aw●ulnesse , and threats , making mouths at his ●hunder , saying Tush to his precepts , stand off ●o his judgements : like Zimri and Cozbi , Numb . 25.6 . committing fornication in the ●ight of Moses , and the Congregation , while ●he Judges were executing , and the people ●weeping before the Lord , for Idolatry ; ●ecause Cadents of a chief House , As Lot's Son's in Law , they scoffe at approaching Misery , not regarding , though they conclud● it shall come at the end of Days , because o● their burlesque wit . As those of the ol● World , they Eat , they Drink , are merry i● Wine , though the Ark be building , Boasting in a Frantick Security , and Glorying a● if out of Gods reach , because he is not see● by their eye , while yet they are in his presence , dancing upon his Holy Ground ▪ th● Subject of their Jibs , Jears . Tales and Jest● being his Heaven , his Gospel , his Son , hi● Word , without fear , reverence and dread , t● the debasing of his Name , vilifying of hi● Authority , and disrespecting of his Greatness pronouncing in the audience of all , tha● they care not for ; Because they do not fea● the Almighty Jehovah .

With Pharaoh these declare , saying , Wh● is the Lord that we should obey him ? Exod 5 , as if they had deny'd themselves to b● under Government , or as if God had no suc● Dominion over them ; as at his precept , t● lay down or throw off , such profitable Sins as they delight in ; These are true Childre● of Pride , Spiritual Egyptians , worshippin● and Prostrating before the Apes , Beasts , Garlick , Onions of their own passion : and deceitfull lusts , knowing not the Lord , & for ought he can say , will not let their Avarice , Mur●hers , Lasciviousnesse , Idlenesse , Drunken●esse , nor their Whoredoms go from them , Glorying in the abundance , and robustnesse of ●heir own strength thereto , allaying it may ●e , some minuts , the Horror which sempi●●ernally is inflicted upon their Father the Devil , this Brag being a divertisement , and ●oken of the Towardlinesse of these his own ●egotten .

There are , who Glorifie themselves by Mocking God , Hypocritically pretending to ●eavenly-mindednesse , look ascue upon Publicans and Sinners , saying to the Law , What ought I to do , and it shal be done ? To ●he Corpulent , and Fat Body , Verily tbou must ●e brought under Subjection , To the sturdi●st Devil , lurking in the recesses of the Dar●ing Soul , Thou shalt be cast out by Prayer and Fasting ; To the poor and hungry , Dine with me at noon : Yet not satisfied , except the invitation be heard by others as by the ●ound of a Trumpet , in which Levie there goeth up , God I thank thee , to evidence which thankfulnesse , he will Pray standing ●n the Synagogue ; But all these actings , are as so many conjurations , to amuse the people , so many roundels , or steps of a ladder , by which he resolves to mount unto the Tip-Top of Glory among men all this winking , being but to hit the whit of his own Honour the more Dextrously , that He , not God , may get the praise of all ; He to be a good-man for his giving . God not blessed , who sent it him to give . The want of the Love of God , of true Faith in Moses and loving the praises of Men , was the great Ground , why the Jews crucify'd the Lord of Glory , and now is a moving cause of Gods mockage among us , being Bow'd unto , called upon , yet Blasphem'd , yet derided , by prideful , lustfull elevation of our selves above our Brethren because of specious pretences , which it may be others makeing not such blustring for occasioneth contempt , and wrath , on al hands , and God to go without his Glory by both parties .

That young Josiah of England , the las● Edward , when little , stretching himself a● some desirable thing then out of his reach ▪ One of his shorter pages , officiously put 〈◇〉 great Bible by his Feet , for advancing o● his stature , which that holy Prince wa● offended at , and kissing it , put it in its ow● place ; but what displeased him , hath frequently been used by others since , losing the reward of their Fasts , Reading , Hearing , Praying Tything , shal I say fighting ? because employed as Foot-stools , for easier catching at the Wealth , Dignity , Office , Power , and Authority of others , as if saying , The Temple of the Lord , The Temple of the Lord , had been sufficient , to expunge the guilt of robbery and treason , and detestation of Idollatry , a divine Sanctuary for all covetous and Sacrilegious Ruffians . It 's true they had their Reward , ( i.e. ) As they loved , so in some places , at some times , and as occasion served , they were Tickled with the praises of men , whose poring eyes could see no further then a sad countenance , whereas more discerning judgments , beholding their main scope , saw it worldly pomp , carnall renown , vested only with the robe of Sanctity , and guilded by naming God .

True Glory being first seated , where Michals despisement had it 's first rise , that was in the heart . 2 Sam . 6.16 . An ingenuous son having towards his Father , contrary to Ham , Awe , Love , Fear , Reverence , lodging in the secretest Cell in his bosome , whereby in his Fathers reproach , were it in a Syllable , a wry look , a deformed carriage , the feature of his Face is Alter'd , and prompted to a just defence , if not a smart reply : The power , the Wisdom , the Justice , and the Love of God , made Davids Soul to tremble , Because of the wicked that forsook the Law , Psal . 119.53 Remembring he not only begot them at first but supply'd the breath , and secur'd th● tongue , they Blasphem'd withal , and coul● from the immensity of his power in reveng● of the abuse , not only reduce them to dust but adjudge them to Eternal Flames , more biting then ordinary stripes , for offences i● correction . It was to the Lords Glory , tha● Hezekiah rent his cloths , at the Blasphemy of that Apostat proselyte Rabsheka , calling i● a Day of Blasphemy , as if that day , as Job● Birth day , should have been darkned , because of that Eclipse that railing Tongu● brought on the splendour of the power of the Lord of Hosts , which grieved him at heart . Eli's heart did break before his neck , at the taking of the Ark , and his Daughter in Law bowed down , because the Glory was departed from Is●ael , in the Arks surprize knowing the Philistines , would thereby Blaspheme the God of Israel , so tender wa● her cordial Respect .

Good Joseph had his heart so open , tha● when as Spys he had secured his Brethren himself Apologizeth for the Confinemen● allowing Liberty , because said he I Fear God , as if presumption of guilt in Innocents , without more clear probation ; should be canves● by that great Judge , the apprehension whereof promoted the Patriarchs liberation , their ●elease flowing from no motive , but from ●he dreadfulnesse of God . Pharoahs better ●nd greater then Joseph ; so that for their ●reedome he Tacitely instructs , for glorify●ng their God , Rather then his person , for ●moothing his stem countenance ; and changing his austere style and language to a more ●micable mean , in Friendship , Advice , and Provision , still exalting God , in giving them 〈◇〉 thorne in the Flesh , to remember their guiltinesse toward him their Brother , ( with disrespect unto their Fathers Gray-hairs , and base revenge unto his innocent childishnesse , and all , as if God had been unconcern'd therein ) whose Feet they hurt with Fetters , he was laid in Jorn , Psal 105.18 . And should we dive into the Bottom of all those irregularities , that are in the World through Lust , into the Source of those oppressions streaming from Avarice , into the cause of that Blasphemy , Atheism , Hypocrisie , Prophanness , we behold Heart-contemning of the Patience , Love , Authority , and Severity of God , will be found to be the spring & the rise of all , most as those ●n the parable , preferring , pleasure , profit , a ●oke of Oxen , to the rich inheritance to be ●ossessed , if abiding in ou● Heavenly Fathers house , dutifully in Childlike , that is , reverend deportment , whereas with the Pro●gal , our affections are upon Wantons , in r●spect of whom , that rich patrimony is a●counted beggerly and poor , yet becau● Shame , and Conscience , or some such self-e● wil not permit us to shake off all obligatio● and honour , we cover the Pot-shard of hea● disesteem , with the silver Dross of respecti● expressions , coming up close , with t● younger Son , and calling God Father , as due veneration towards him , were in o● Affections , which is but adding iniquity our Sin .

For Glory will not lurk , lest it sho● loose its name , being always desirous shine , to be seen , to be discern'd and know whence some will have this word Glory ●quivalent to Celebrat , desiring to have t● word DOXA so translated , not nakedly beh●ding , but frequently speaking of him , wh● we would Glorifie , glory being a certain lig● a Sun , which cannot long , if at all , be hid , the Lamp , and Firmament of some emine● essence or being the observer whereof , ha●ing on serious cogitation imbib'd Hono●able conceptions , enlargeth upon its beau● and Lustre , that others may Regard , Reve● may Like , and Love , the Vertue , & Perso● under his Elogie , and Commendam amo● men .

It is the Glory of riches to be spent , of the ●un to be shining , it is our duty , to be dis●oursiing , for making famous the Industri●us , the Wise , the Just , the Courteous , and ●hose who ar● Vertuous in any sort , that God ●ay be glorifi'd in , and for their accomplish●ents : How much more then , is he himself 〈◇〉 be declaimed upon , who accomplisheth ●em therewith , giving to each one , some ●ngular gift ; forming Excellency from that ●oundlesse store , ●f all great , good gifts , he ●ath intirely in , and from himself , indepen●ent of all others ? for if the light be Glori●us , transmitted th●ough the diaphanous , or ●ansparent glass , and thereupon talked of ; ●ught not the Suns beautifull , and beaming ●ody to be infinitly more admired , whence ●at light unweariedly , unwastingly comes , ●nd on which hourly , minutly and constant● it depends ? Our lips are apt enough ●o move , towa●ds grandizing our Fa●orits , Friends and Benefactors , thanking , ●nd being gratefull toward them ; But they ●e chiefly to be imployed , in consigning the ●lory of such resolves to him , who hath the ●earts of all in his hand , and hath touched ●hese with his own finger , for inclining ●hem towards acts of kindnesse , and Mercy , ●nto us , in our impoverish'd condition . Israels remove from Egypt is a deed where God often Glories , resolving to have it tol● from generation to generation , that the pra●ses of the Lord might be shown to Generatio● to come , Psal . 78.4 . And though othe● demand , what shall we eat ? or what shall 〈◇〉 drink ? If we Quere , what shall we rend● unto the Lord for all his Benefits ? of N●ture , of Grace , of Fortune , for our Bodie● which are warmed with his wool , for o● Houses , which stand upon his ground , v● shall before the world , advance the reput●tion of our Heavenly Father .

This is the Homage , the blessing , we oug● as Children , both to begin and end the D● withal , other creatures from the lofty Firm●ment , to the Flowry mead , from the twin●ling Star to the shineing Glow-worm , cel●brating as with open mouth , and lifted u● Hands , Gods glory , in the skilfulnesse of th● Wisdome , wherein they are created , and in , and by our bodies , we magnifie not th● Lord , For the same purpose , and for his co●tinual effluxes of Love , Help , and Tende●nesse , by us the Father is not Glorifi'd ; the● shall the insensible condemn the rationa● creatures , gratitude being so lively draw● upon , and seen in the face , and image of ever● visible thing , towards their maker , that Snow and vapors , are said to blesse , that is , exalt ●he Name of God , according to their kind , Nature , and degree ; how much more is it ●ncumbent upon us , to shew forth the wonderfull works he hath done for the Children of Men , both in words and deeds , ●oth with heart and tongue ; both with Feet and hands that is , with all the Facul●ies both of Soul and Body ?

Shall the Red-sea be dryed up ? shall Pharaoh be drowned ; and Moses and the Children of Israel not sing unto the Lord ? shall Abrahams servant so readily meet with Rebekah , and Ruth fal into the fields of Boaz , to the advantage of the whole Per●on , and its Allies , the tongue appointed for ●xpression only surcease from uttering , Taste ●nd see that God is good , while all the other ●embers are heated , with the thoughts of ●ove , and Glory ? Our Father not abiding ●n Heaven as unconcern'd in us , but Methodically placing these mercies , then and thus ●o accost ; the Astonishment whereof , should so religiously affect , that the Toyl & labour undergone , in the pursuit of things ●ecessary , and convenient , Convenient and de●ectable , delectable , and lasting , lasting and divertising , ought so to be virtuat with holy , & hearty gratulations , that the very Fumes from our pores , should as it were Notifie , to the Air , to our cloaths , our cordial resentment of the good things given , which should not there sist , but from our Tongues ascend , as Noahs sacrifice , as incense to the nostrils of God , as a sweet smelling Savor Prosperity , plenty , pleasure , not abating , bu● consuming us , the more with the zeal o● his Name and House .

Make search into those Offals , whereo● the worldling doth boast , and Glory ; and i● the longest day , they are not to be name● when God , and our Fathers Furnitur● sounds in the ear ; to that degree of nothingness , is this transient Bubble , of worldly Fame , to be reduc'd , that if with St. Pa● we be own'd , and call'd Servants of the mo● high God , which yet was Melchisede● Title , shewing the way of Salvation , whi● yet Jacob long waited for ; we with hi● ought to discharge the Herauld , and n● suffer so particularly , so vain gloriously t● truth to be told of our selves . The concei●ed Glory here , being but Varnish , but sk● deep and so In-glorious , that in all ages t● greatest Glory , Mortals could , or can be c●pable of , is not to Glory , Families , Parts , O●fices , Children , Houses , Lands , Friends , Ba● being all cased , or boxed up , in the substan● of Years , Months and Days , as the Moon shall disappear , being carried away in these which of themselves consuming , must neede infect what ever is contained in their bowels . Had we seen the Prodigal vapouring , in sprucenesse , neatnesse , and plenty , how wholesome had that advice been ; Glory not in uncertain riches and how saving had it been if followed ? Had we seen the Rich Churle , in his ruffes , and under his stately canopies , had it not been well done to have said . Be rich in good works ? that hungry Lazarus may glorifie God on your behalf : and had it not been much better , had he embrac'd the Admonition ?

We find Alexander surnamed great , from his sword and successe : but Death a more daring Monarch took him captive by a little poyson , enflaming him to that degree of Scorn , that his stinking Corps was drolled upon by his own Mother ; that while he sought to conquer all the world , he was made to ly above the earth , no corner of the world having any so great in charity , as to offer him a grave . How soon got God glory when Herod godded , gave him not the Glory ? It being truly the Glory of God who is our Father , and the parts and parcels of praise , for this and the other favour that are ( when compacted together ) the materials whereo● that crown of Fame is made , which is give● to us his Children , while that which w● give to , or take from one another in commendation , as Air from us vanisheth int● Air about us , the last falling down in show● of plagues , and vengeance , to our sham● and Eternal reproach : But if pent up in th● Heart , by applauding our selves , whe● Tickled by others Plaudit , it infects an● rots , breedeth snakes and worms tormenting to all Eternity ; for though we shoul● be in vulgar estimation Crowned , or Sainted and by providence both Enriched and Nobilitated , still it is to be remembred , we are Mortal , and must passe hence and that shortly too , unto the Fathers exacter Inquest .

Eye the fountain of Mans life , the Heart , whence all his Acts must come ; and wherein is he to be accounted of ? It is the dry root of his strength , the date of his life , being written thereon , which though it Gloriously lift up it self , it 's but Flesh , Isa . 40.6 . and that 's but Grasse , and all the goodnesse thereof as the flower of the Field ; during its Shining , its Dying , its Withering suddenly may the one ; and speedily will the other be took away , having no strength to resist a Blow , but must lodge ( even the highest ) in the common swath , with his Brethren and Fathers , the Burial place of Kings , saying even to them , Here must you dwell . But what should it be lifted up for ? Because thence proceed Evil thoughts , Adulteries , Fornications , Murthers , Thefts , Covetousnesse , Wickednesse , Deceit , Lasciviousnesse , an evil Eye , Blasphemy , Pride , Foolishnesse , Mark 7.21 . In which words , one sagaciously observeth , the breach of all the ten Commandments to be contained Pride and Folly against the first , Blasphemy against the second and third , an Evil eye , against the fourth ; all these in one Heart against the law , contrary to the fifth , Particularly , Murthers , against the sixth ; Adultery , against the seventh : Thefts , against the eight ; Wickednesse , against the ninth , an evill Eye against the tenth . The erection of such a crest , the strutting of such a Blacka Moor , shal be as the going up of smoak , which cometh down in scattering winds , as vapours at the setting Sun , which as Dew m●y cool , and refresh , but the morning heat shal dry and scorch it so much the more . No question but Dives's pains , famine , and want in Hell , is the Bitterer , that here he fared deliciously every day & Achithophels pains increase : when the greatnesse of his Wisdom is reflected upon , in amazing sorrow .

Surely Men of Low Degree are Vanitie , o● Men of High Degree are a lye , saith the Prophet , who Knew both Conditions , Psal . 6.9 . Putting it out of Doubt , enforceing incredulity it self to believe it , in the wor● SVRELY , the one cannot Help Himself the other is oft Deceived by himself : th● one is vain in his Speaking , the other in hi● Doing : the one Vainly wisheth for Abundance of the things of this life , the othe● by Lyes , and Injustice , vainly gather● heaps of them together . But as Vanity shal● they passe , and as a Lye shall they at last b● found , both confessing the Truth . In in , Wha● shall we say ; or , how shal we clear our selvs God hath found out our iniquitie , Ge . 44 . i6

SECT . II .

BUt if you ask , How we may more particularly glorifie God , even our Father ? It i● answered , By Magnifying of his Name fo● Revealing of his Son . We consider his Paternity , which being the Funde of our Sonship , we must look where Father-hood begun , which being in his Son , our Meditation must thence Emerge . The prophet one said , To whom is the Arm of the Lord Revealed Isa . 53.1 . meaning Christ , Now to which of you is he not Revealed ? O that you might believe this Report ! that Many Prophets , and Kings , and Righteous , have desired to see those things , and hear those things that you hear , and see , and have not seen them . Just Lot , Righteous N●ah , Faithfull Abraham , Holy David , saw those dayes of the Son of God : it s true ; But at Distance , in Types , visions , Figures , in Faith , as we see noon in the morning . But now hath God spoken to us by his Son , Heb . 1. Knowest thou not that Christ is risen from the Dead ? Received up into glory , to receive gifts for men ? Hast thou not Tasted of his Body and Blood in the Symbols of Bread and Wine ? Do'st not know his Body was broken for thee ? If this be , Thou art greater in the Kingdom of Heaven , that is in the Clear Gospel-dispensation , then was John the Baptist : God hiding much of this from him , both Wise and Prudent , Revealing them now to Babes , from whose Mouth Praise should Arise . Even because this seemed good in our Fathers sight : therefore should not each say , Father , I thank thee ? Matt . 11.26 . Shall the News be this day , ( this Sermon , tbis Communion , in this promise ) is born to you a Saviour , called the Son of the highest , the Image of the invisible God , which is Christ the Lord : and shal we not with the Jewish shepherds glorifie God , saying Thank● be to God for this his unspeakable gift .

The blind men called , Jesus thou Son o● David : But we may , can , and dare , and d● call , Jesus thou Son of God , have mercie o● us . The Angel would not tell Manoa his name , Jud . 13.18 , How wonderfull● hath our Father Loved us , say these Times wherein he hath made known his ow● Name , and his Sons too , with a Charge t● hear him ? Matt . 17.5 . And let that grea● Lesson his Son taught us , as Children an● Younger Brethren [ Our Father which ar● in Heaven , hallowed be thy Name ] be no● learned , be now got by Heart . For is ther● Consolation found in Prayer ? Is there Eas● in confessing sin ? Is there joy at the Approach of Death ? Is there hopes of rest i● the Grave ? and flowes it not from the Manifestation of the Son of God unto th● World ? Who when he was Revealed to Paul , How did the Churches of Jude● that were in Christ glorifie God , Gal. 1 24. I believe , said the Eunuch , that Jesus Christ is the Son of God , And went on hi● way Rejoicing , Acts 8.40 . in that belief , Reading , to fortifie that Faith , and Rejoicing in the understanding of the Thing● Read , before Ha●d , but now Clear , Jesu● being Known .

It adds to the honour of a Father , if fame report his good agreement with his Son , and Children . It was a stain to Noah , and part of his punishment , the cu●sing of his Son ; Jacob in discontent apprehended his good Name would be ma●e to stink because of the bloodinesse of his two Sons : But glory be to our Father , say we , who is at no distance , but one with his Son , Joh . 1.39 . yea so Glorious , so ineffable is the nearnesse of the intimacy , that to his greater Glory , the Dul pate of the unbelieving world , cannot reach it , apprehend it , nor close in to give it Credit . It is now a puzling Theme to report ; it shall be a thorny subject , and they shall grant it when they shall behold this Son in his Fathers Glory , Mat . 16.27 . not like it , but exactly the same where hopelesse Sorrow shal fill their now sporting Souls , beholding that despised o●e in the Glory of the Father , which is ever Inseparable from the Fathers nature , consequently the Son must be one with him , the Father being alwayes in the Son , Et●rnally begetting , the Son ever in the Father , Eternally begotten , one in knowledge alwayes , in Honour equal , in Worship inseparable , and in love and affection indissolvable , the God-head , and the fulnesse thereof , being in both alike : yet so , that the one is not the other , but both the one and the other , One

Which Unity to deny , yet presse with th● Alcoron , glory not in the wealth of the world Or practise with the Jew at or before mea● Blessed art thou Lord , our God , who hast produced bread for us out of the Earth , is but t● blast the glory of our Fathers Truth ; An● make him a lyar like unto our selves : for d● not both they and we read , that the Lor● rained upon Sodom : & Gomorrah , Brimston● and Fire from the Lord ; that is , the Fathe● from the Son , Gen. 19.24 . find we n● Daniel obtesting ? O our God hear the prayer of thy servant , for the Lords sake Dan . ● 17. that is for Christs sake he appearing i● this word Lord , as the form of the fourt● which is as the Son of God ? Dan . 3.2 . We cannot fully comprehend this , it 's tru● we know not all the intricacies in its wor●ing , nor ought we to attempt at it : the olde● of us being but very young , time cannot lea● us this lesson exactly but Eternity shal cle● all doubts . Until which , ask no more , le● I demand , how the thoughts of thy unbeli● be formed in thy own Soul ? how tho● thoughts are uttered by the tongue ? Ho● that tongue through the air conveys tho● words to me , why incredulity is attested For if these be inscrutably mysterious , shall not God get the Glory of his testimony , in thy acquiesence ; Except the inexpressible identity he hath with his Son , be made as clear to thy thick capacity , as the image of thy Face in a mirrour , which yet may and doth occasion many dark and brain-perplexing riddles before all objections can be answered ; and their answer yet gives no satisfaction to the Sceptick , Nice Inquisitive and Curious ?

In the faith of this Doctrine we must live : and proceeding forward in our subject , we find it dishonourable for a Parent , if his Children crouch at anothers table for a morsel of Bread , we might infer that child to suffer cold , and hunger at home , should he ordinarly creep to the hearths or boards of strangers : but contrary , to depend upon a Fathers allowance , and in all matters punctually to attend , to run , to call for things wanted , conform to his place , pleasure season , and opportunity , is a Fathers Glory so is it additament of praise to the Glory of this our Father , if to him , and not to gold , we say , Thou art my confidence , with the Avaricious , if to him and not to the Prophets , and Apostles , we say , Undertake for me : With the Idolatrous , let none that would give Glory to the Father , run in pinches to the Virgi● though , as Rachel they may be in hard l●bour . For though Rome hath assigned Ma● somewhat of the Midwifery office , yet suspect her Modestie with other causes , i●peds Attendance . Go not in youth to tric●ing , nor in age to stealing , nor in sickne● to charming , nor in hunger to cu●sing : b● in every thing , make thy request known 〈◇〉 God in thanksgiving .

The relation of child-hood endur● for ever ; and Paternity here alwayes ab●deth : fear not then that former debauch● shall disinherit , for Faith in , and repentan● before thy Father , will as with the Prodig● restore thee ( if an out-cast ) to the comfo● of a Son ; which may be in thy conscien● only suspended for disobedience ; and hi●ing thy self in Holes , and Corners , or see●ing Mediators , or mediums discovering t● Fathers rigidnesse , here is wanting ; whi● shal not be seen in thy direct Accostings f● pardon & mercy ; care not for to morrowt , 〈◇〉 Father careth for that ; and will provid● knowing what is wanting , what is useful , wh● is fit for thy age and strength . One vert● of an Ingenuous Child , is , to be patient , ●ven under a frown : another is , to watch o●portunties for reconcilement ; and a third 〈◇〉 ●o leave the pains of breeding , education , ali●ent and other necessaries to his Father , ●nd as Sons we may expect it from him we ●reat of , whereas to flee , or keep away , is ●ighly direspectfull , and under such dan●erous Problems , as , What shall I do ? Make 〈◇〉 true use of that Response , said to be given that Monk , who being cogitabund about ●he condition of a Kingdom , If its good Ed●ard named the Saint , or Confessor , should Dye , was answered in a vision , That the ●ingdom of England belonged to God himself , ●ho will provide it a King at his pleasure , first ●hecking the Man for carping care : and ●ext encouraging the sad , that God would ●ok after his own . If evil thoughts arise in ●y heart , remember thou art his Son ; and ●n that relation build the house of thy con●dence , abiding with the great Provedi●or .

The Devil is sufficiently nimble , of his ●wn accord , to attend Man in his exigence ; ●ut wonderfully agile , when called upon for ●elp in extremity ; yet can neither give ●traw , nor Brick , yet take both Soul , and Bo●y , for his hire , Is it not better to contemn that Bandog , ( though he pretend to the whole ●orld ) and whether our portion be large , or ●etty , bitter , or sweet , gaudy or plain , sadning or cheering , to addresse to Heaven with 〈◇〉 holy reverence , Gods affection towards 〈◇〉 producing what we see in earth , Sea , an● Heaven ; and his two hands , of mercy an● omnipotence , holding forth the same thing we desire , viz. Peace , Wealth , and E●tertainment , if as children we cast our burthen upon him , whence concord , conten● plenty , comfort , and settlement , do originate all other wayes contributing solely to sham● dread , poverty , pangs , terrour , and uncertai●ty : for long the theft shall not be conce●ed , Murther is not alwayes hid , the pe●jur'd tongue wants not its own night-sta●tings , the cheating Head-piece its ow● checks , nor he who repairs to the Saints , h● own doubts , nor he that with Saul goeth t● the Witch of Endor , his own trembling nor he who curseth , his own terrors : G● oft times , for greater conviction , saying ●men to execrations which might be instan●ed in nearer hand then Spain . But Acce● of that , to spare all , in the straight of Gibrali● a Tower being builded ; and the expenc● contracted for being deny'd , the Ma● gave it to the Fiends in wrath , since th● none inhabits there ; And it s known by t● name of , the Devils mansion . Such dangero● effects being alwayes the issue , where Sat● called to Agent or officiat ought to cultivate ●e mind and irritat , that is , to provoke the ●art , in straits , to fervent , holy and hearty ●ayer , which not only furnisheth , but stor●h up consolations , firm , durable , and last●g .

Moreover , it is a cause of endearment be●wixt parents and children , and honourable ●nto Fathers , when their Off-spring , candid●y and innoffensively act or stand before them . ●ome ingenuity was in Esau , that he purpo●ed not to kill his Brother , untill the dayes ●f mourning for his Father were over . Some●hing there was like this , moved Absolom to ●il Abner , when from court : Yea Cain hid A●ell possibly upon this score , that Adam ●hould not be grieved at the sight of his murthered Son . Hence then , to beautifie our Father in Heaven's good name , that he may be by the World accounted worthy of veneration , in binding our selves to this good behaviour , is a child-like conversation . It 's said the men of Sodom were sinners before the Lord , Gen. 13.13 . Not that the Men of Shinar were behind his back ; But whereas other bordering Cities had in their sinning , bashfulnesse and shame : and if unclean , leaped not over the pale , or hedge of nature , those of Sodom boldly professed their filthy purpose , old and young in down rig● tearms crying , Bring out these Men that 〈◇〉 may know them . When the eye is beholdi● the Preacher , when the hand is on the tab● the body sitting in the Sanctuary , the kn● bent in the oratory , then for the heart to frisking after this , and the other vanity , transgression : and conjecture thy Fath● saying as Ahasuerus , will he force my daug●ter , ( i.e. his Soul , his Neighbour , h● Acquaintance , by seeking objects , laying Example : and provoking to misbehavio● in the House ? The House , the place , t● Duty ▪ the person hieghtning the aff●ont :

O the stupendious debauchry of so● Hectors in this way of revelling before t● face of our dreadful Lord ! being proud their strength , for s●n , and iniquity ; of th● might , to Drink strong Drink . if not goi● in with Absolom , in the sight of the S● yet in its light , can b●ast of their going i● reiterating their past sordidnesse , in this fe● way of talking : The strange woman t● while , looking upon them as greater str●gers to God and Modesty than her self f● she after eating of that stolen bread , wipe● her mouth , that no vestige of impurity a●pears about her , Pro . 30.20 . when y● both of them may reflect upon that of t● Prophet , Thy walls are before me , Isa . 49.16 : that is , thy bed , thy board , ●hy curtains , thy heart , is continually under my eye : stand in awe therefore , and sin not , in not tasting , not touching , not handling what is distastefull to thy Father , the Father of purity .

Scoffing Lucian made the shadows of men their accusers , when they appeared before Hells judges ; these bei●g best acquainted with their wayes , as ever with them from the womb : but , in sad earnest , how great shall be the conviction of such malaperts , when the great Justitiary shall not only have evidenc'd their iniquity , by the air that gave them breath , the Sun that gave them light , the bed that gave them ease , and the like ; but shall say himself , went not my heart with thee ? 2 Kings 5.26 . Did not my eyes try thee ? that is , were they not upon thee when thou didst all this ? So that if Women must be covered , that is , now modestly arrayed , because of the Angels , ( which I strange why it may not be literally understood ) ought not a decorum to be observed , and conscience to institute Laws , digests , for rules against maleversation , conjuring it self ●or exact performance , not only in the light , ●ut in the dark , that the Father beholding towardly behaviour with plyablenesse to his instructions abroad , and ●everence to hi● person at home , may remunerat this honouring of him , with sensible comforts and visible blessings , inducing the mor● obstinat and sawcie , to more shame-fac'● carriage , in , and before his awful countenance and sight . Ce●tainly , young Cicer● taking in large draughts in the sight of h● abstemious ●ather , put his otherwise-conf●dent parent to a blush as ashamed of h● Sons intempe●ance , beholding him as a stai● a blot , upon the pure Cambrick of his ow● repute . So do such , to speak after the ma●ner of Men , who offer indignity to th● grandour of heaven , in not only tipling 〈◇〉 the dark , but will swear , swagger , that i● transgress in broad day , but ( pardon t● expression , it is the Prophet's ) will sp● in the face of God , filling their tables full 〈◇〉 vomit , Isa . 28.8 . to the defilement of the● own Glory , Hab . 2.16 that is , their estee●

For if we eat , or drink , if we play , 〈◇〉 worke , we are enjoyn'd to do all for the Gl●ry of God , 1 Cor . 10.31 . The Whit aimed at the winking with our eyes , for the more pre●imate hitting the point of the designed pr●ject , ought to be ultimatly Glory , if we offen● The P●arisees by goeing to the Synagogu● by reading Scripture , by long praying , & intended to Spin a robe of renown unto themselves , or Forge a stirrop for their own advance , that with more refin'd disdain , they might trample upon their betters , when fixed in the saddle of vulgar vain-Glory , for Religious and devout . Antartick to whose motion mov'd our Saviour , For see thou tell no man , was his charge to the cleansed Leper , apprehending lest himself as Man , and not as God , should otherwise have had the Honour of the cure . The contentions that were in the World , during Christs abode upon earth , the Litigiousnesse of this age , under plenty of his Doctrine proceeds mainly from that bladder of conceit , we have blown up within our selves , to that degree of stiffnesse , that we touch not one another without Ratling : ●nd that again maketh us rebound f●om each other , with a disturbing noyce , I might say unholy , since by catching and ●triving at , and for our own Glory , credit ●nd praise , to cock it , and crow it , brave ●t , and carry it away ; the Glory of our God 〈◇〉 trod under foot , and the worth of his ●eaceable Gospel much impared , to the ●ontempt of his sacred Majesty in the Ap●rehensions of those without , yea about us .

More suitable ●o Christianity , was the temper of Mary , daughter to Charles the fifth , Empresse to Maximilian of Germany , who gave in a shield two M's interwoven , signifying her own and her Husbands name , with this devise , Sola spes mea ; as if her hopes , confidence , her d●sired rest , had been bottom'd upon , and founded in , and crowned with , her Lord and Husband's affection , Maj●sty , and Wo●th , the Royalty of her own great extract not considered , except as inconsiderable in the Symbole : yet lest the World should mistake , on the other side was effigied three Crowns , for Castile , Arragon , and the Empire ; but above a rainbow , a great one , embelish'd with eight stars , to represent the eight Beatitudes , Mat . 5. with Sola spe● mea ; as if all her Husbands Glory , by which she had her's , being under storms and tempests were to wash away : But that crown of blessednesse above the clouds , whence other crowns came , had been her sole support , st●ff ●nd consolation . Much may be here possessed of that which is Glory in the Worlds ●stimat , but all must be laid ( as the Elders Crowns ) at the throne of God , in the ●●altation of his name , power and mercy , Revel . 4 10 for giving good things to us poor mortals , worthy at best of no power , of no honour , being of our selves of no account . Somewhat like this it must be which moveth the Grand Negus'es , or Emperours of the Abyssins , in their progresses ( which are as it should seem troublesomely frequent , not staying three days in one town ) to lodge usually in tents , except they be near a Church , or Monastery : for to these they turn in by custome , God being therein served , and his law studied ; and therefore not to be neglected , insinuati●g thereby , themselves to be bettered in parts , and their honour more to be augm●nted in esteem ; lately so well understood by one of them , that dividing his vast revenue into three portions , appointed one for his own Family , the next for the Church , the third for poor Orphans , hating the deformity of impure wastefulnesse , concluding his grandour ●ot ●iminished by this expence , nor the lustre of his glory to be ecclipsed , b● sheltring in places , and with Persons , separate for devotion : But rather more beamingly to circulat throughout the World , Studying discreetly , lof●ily to support what by law , both he and his predecessors were engaged to do , ( viz. ) that every place visited by his , or their Majesties , order was taken for observing , and worshipping of one only God , one faith , one Law ; and to uphold the Christian and Apostolick Church , as if in these Forts , not i● their Forces , stood the strength of thei● Diadem , Government and Glory of the● silver Cross , wore by them as the scepter b● other princes . The continuance of whic● custome , among a people so Martial● gently enforceth the giving credit to th● deduction , or somewhat similary thereunto

SECT . III .

But what Acts are those of ours , th● chiefly and principally conduce to th● bringing of this Glory of our Fathers abou● even by all wayes , explodding Partne● and Sharers of his Glory ? First it is so sol● a thing that it cannot be parcell'd out , 〈◇〉 retail'd to any , though never so excelle● in themselves , or eminently gifted above ●thers . It is a proper thing , that albeit he b● queatheth to others , Honour , Wealth , Wi● yea , part of his Authority and power , y● his Glory he will not give to another , th● is , except to his Son and Spirit , who a● not another , but indeed himself , Isa . 4 8. Whence glory to the Father , Son , an● Holy Ghost , secludeth all from Glory , whic● had a beginning , as all beings , the Trini● excepted , had .

Why Rome hath blotted out the second commandment from the ten in many Bo●ks , I have no leasure to inquire ; Or for what cause a distinction is framed , between worshipping of Idols and Images : ●he one bei●g lawfull , as She teacheth ; yet not as gods , but Representers & Remembancers of him : the other altogether unjust . Which difference I imagine should hardly secure a whore from the sin of adultery , if by her applyed to her Accusers . For we may believe She took not the Adulterer for her husband , but only imbraced him , may be , as her Husbands dear intimate and acquaintance ; and because She found , she remembred Him most thereby . For if an Image get worship , in Reason as well as in Religion , that Image is made an Idol of , and the sin of Idolatry not avoided by the force of that slie distinction ; All worshipping of Creatures being discharged by that Caveat , and Prohibition against Worshipping of Angels , as disjoyning from the head , Col. 2.18 . In whom only , because we are to trust , are we only to pray : for since our Faith is only placed in God , on him are we solely to call ; and by consequence , he properly is to have the Glory of what ever is acquired by that Faith .

What could be in the mind of that learned , and great Cardinal Bellarmine , to end a large Volumne of Disputes , with Lau● Deo , Virginique Matri Mariae ( i.e. ) Gl●ry be to God , and to the Virgin Mary , 〈◇〉 know not : for if at his first girding abou● his sword , to encounter all Hereticks , tha● is , taking up his pen to confute that whic● he called Heresy , He asked wisdom of God as he ought , Jam . 1.5 . Gratitude ought to have prompted him , to have given somewhat more then half the Glory , to the Father of all good Gifts , and Author of ever● perfect donation : And the nature of th● Holy Eucharist being here handled in thos● debates in which we Sacramentally participate of our Saviours Blood , it ought to hav● been Reflected upon , that when he She● it , he Trode the Wine-presse alone , and o● the people there were none with him , Isa . 63.3 . Therefore neither to Men nor Women , but to himself ought the Glory of hi● Atchievement to be ascribed . He of Bearne was better advised , who being Counselled to call upon the Virgine Mary , in a straite ; Thrice repeated , Thine , O Lord , is the Kingdom , Power , and Glory , for ever . Amen .

Let us c●me to Visions and Revelations , how warily doth S. ●●●l expresse himself , about one Caught up to the third Heaven , accounting it not convenient to be expresly plain ( lest either he should be puffed up , or men should think of him above what they ought ? ) 2 Cor . 12.1 . Being Jealous both of himself , and others , clearing how self-denyingly , even ravished Saints ought to be in Raptures , though true ; lest insignificant and pore-blind man , f●x his thoughts upon one so Exalted , forgetting that God who made the Exaltation . Hence may be i●fe●●ed , that if any lift up Paul to the right hand of God , by making him in any sort a Redeemer , raiseth up that Humble Apost●e many degrees higher , then his own Mo●esty wil allow , nay or his parts deserve , since the Kingdom must go , with the Glory of God , dominion and power is attributed truely to him , who is who was , and who is to come , in the gl●ry of the Fat●e● .

Let therefore a religious Modesty , be the vertue wherein we may exercise our selves : Knowing that our boasting before God , robs us of any benefite we could procure in officiating for him , our very prayers being thereby turned into Sin . And because Flattery is said to be the Companion of prosperous Adventures , let others behold our infirmities , lest they think of us above what we are : which Renunciation sha● really be found as the effectuall means of du●able Commendation ; worldly glory , whit● many strives after , Flying fastest as a sh●dow , from such who most violently pursu● fawning oft upon none more , then the● who loath her Embraces . And if we lo● to be known publickly to men to Fast . I● disfigured Faces , Sad countenances , demu● not to say Surly , Behaviour is it not evide● both with God , and Man , that we lose o● reward of Fame , which is their desired r●ward that so behave ? But if ●ortunately pu●chased through deeper dissimulation fro● Man , what is it more then the glory a● flower of the grass , withering when faire , and being nearest to Rottenesse , when m● Beautifully spred ? Or if more solid , th● like dry timber , aptest to burn● Or if yet l●porous , how suddenly shal it be melted , f●ling upon , and vehemently scalding t● head of its vapouring wearer , which ma● Martin the fifth give confusedly , Crow● M●tres , Coronels , Swords , Scepters , Ca● Globes , in a flame , with this motto on● Embleme , Sic omnis Mundi gloria ; t● greatest E●rthly Transcendency passing wa● as smoak , and it s most Radiant Lust to ●e clouded with dissolution .

How fond a folly is it then for poor Man , For the Wise Man , to glory in his Wisdome , the Mighty Man in his Might , the Rich Man in his Riches ? Jer . 9.23 . since they are all so fleet , that a Morning and a Night may transport them into the land of Nod , we beholding the motion . It is our wisdom to know this , and to conform early to that Knowledge , lest terminating in , a●d bounded by our selves we become in opposition to the first open Fools , Unitiue Mystical , or true wisd●m , being then most comf●rtable when i●s the product of ignorance ( pardon the expression ) by the Minds receding from the things seen , or known , inclining to behold the resplendent , and inscrutable Rayes , Beaming from the depth of the wisdome of God , which a Straw , a ●lower , a Cloud , a Waue , a Dog , a Mouse , a Bird , shall so Document us in , t●at ●ur Richest Conceits , Briskest Notions , Finest apprehensions , we have ●bout the existence of things , shal be disdainingly underv●lued , and the Almighty only be ●●puted wise .

The vexatiou● a●xie●ies , wherewith the best furnished S●ul is Harr●ssed , in gleaning up those loose observations , and leasing those pennies , in th● multitude whereof the Vaunter boasts , with those Thorny Questions , and troublesome thoughts , which doubts about cle●●ing and keeping starts into the Head and Heart : Are Symptomes of that anguish the Breast shall be tortur'd by when either o● these ( Being set up in the place of God ) shall Dagon-like , be made to Fall , and want their principal parts , for his support who confided in them , as Achithophel and Nabal ; excellently portrayes who being short of the great Alexanders vertue , are Recorded in the Sacred and eternal R●cord , for desperate and peevish Fools . For that Conquerer was great and Mighty in this Observe that after great sicknesse Attested Himself to be nothing the Worse , the grief , weaknesse , pain , thereof lessoning him , not to have too high imaginations of himself or of his triumphs : and really a tertian Ague , a lent Fever , will discover better what we are , and what likely we shall be , then the clearest perspective of our healthfullest collections ever did represent to our curious search .

A wise-conceited Thraso , a Parisian Doctor , having accutely answered a Theologicall problem , was so foolishly tickled with his own solution , that he proudly and sinfully flaunted , Should an Angel come from Heaven , he could not answer better : Bu● next morning , could not have answered the plain question , What is your Name ? being found witlesse , senselesse ; and remained an idiot unto Death . How man● wise hath God made fools ? and how many rich hath he made poor ? and how many mighty hath he made weak ? by young Daniels , little Davids , yea by thieving hands , small sparks , dull heads , and shallow pated that no flesh should glory in his presence .

While Job made his steps in butter , he as a true Son promoted Gods Glory in hi● daily sacrifice , and converse : but not only hen , but sitting on ashes , and scraping with potshards , by silent suffering , did he work out his task did he bear his chastisement laid upon him by God . If the rich be impoverisht , the strong weakned , opportunity is offered , as by an after game , for redeeming both to God , and themselves , that which had been lost , in more august amplitude , by laying their hand upon their mouth , not complaining for the punishment of sin , Lam 3.39 . To turn again , to brawl , to fight , as it would be unprofitable , so here it would be undutifull , since this Father doth not willingly afflict the Children of Men . The people hindered Saul , we read not of Ionathans contending with his Father to eschew death . Abraham stretched forth his hand to slay his son , then about thi ty years old , there being 〈◇〉 Resistance . May no● a little Hunger , a sho● Thi●st , an i●ksome sicknesse , be endure● without Bumbast talking , or Irr●veren● Discontentednesse ; Since craming Meals full Goblets , soft Downs , hath not excite in many dayes to one Halleluiah ? Here ma● a Vertue of Necessity , and what cannot b● Sho●k off , do not da●e by strugling to b● delivered from : Or if Abundance hath M●tiv'd to Holy Exultation , and behold Sca●city , as an armed man cometh ; loose no● the benefite of Prayers , and Tears , an● dependency , by lying , by Perjury , by Fitc●ing , to remove the Rod of that which th● Soul calls Affliction . For the thoughts Inducing to these , perswads to the forsakin● of Vertue , to the Neglecting of the Sou● Contemning of God : and as in Sea-sickness the storm continuing , there is no Cabi● wherein Help or Ease is to be found ; s● neither shal these shifts , nor such as these accommodate them with Settlement , an● Fixednesse in the things desired .

The Brevity of these Disasters may Influence for the Endurance . Lazarus Hunge● endured not long : God , whom he Trusted Shining out of Darknesse so comfor●ably that an offered exchange of Conditions with , and for the Glory of the purple , and Fare of the Rich Glutton , had , like the Redemption of a Brothers Soul for money , ceased , that is , been contemned for ever . Call therefore upon the Lord in Distresse ; and as he hath answered others so he will reply , and set thy feet in a large place , Psal . 118.5 . Giving Liberty , that is , Room with the Impotent Man , to Walk , and Leap , and praise his Name . F●r this Evil is from Him , not from the dust , and at the time appointed he will say to it , Remove and go yonder : ●othing being of long continuance but Heaven and Hell , his prison w●erein he puts his Run-away Servants , the cursing Soul , the disrespecting Son ; the other , the Inheritance , the Ma●sion house , he bequeaths to the Dutifull , the Patient , and Obedient Child .

Who in the hardest dispensations glorifies his Father , not only by closing his lips , but by bowing his knee , for a bless●ng upon what he Feels , even to smart : as one when vehemently troubled with the Gout , cryed , Lord , I thank thee , Lord , I thank thee ; mak●ng that Sanctified chastisement , pregnantly ●o prove his Son-ship , Correct●on bei●g to be ●ndured even to Severity , in the Spleen ●nd Ra●cour of a Pa●ents passion . God , in whom is no Fury , nor pleasure in the punishing of Men , is more to be respected , whe● laying on his rod ; which bringeth fort● in us un●uly , very oft the fruits of right●ousness , and mild behaviour , Heb . 12.8 . an● should alwayes do , were we equally sollic●tous for grace to profit under it , as we a● carefull to be rid of it . Nay not in this , b● also in more secunde smi●ing , and prosperous adventures , are we to magnifie o● Father , craving his benediction for manag●ment thereof : As did Abrahams servant 〈◇〉 praying for a discreet Wife to his Maste● Son , Isaac in praying for a fruitfull won● to his darling Rebecca ; and both purcha●ed the supplicated blessing . Had Simon M●gus gone to his prayers , when he went un● his pu●se , who can deny , but he might ha● received the Holy Ghost ? Yet beware th● success in prayer ferment not in the bowe● causing utterance of great swelling Wor● of Vanity , to the dishonouring of Gods co●descendence . Honey was prohibited t● Jews , in their meat-offering to the Lord ; was Leaven , Levit . 2.11 . as being of sowring , fuming , frothy nature● in t● mystery , discharging that pernicious v● of barming up the soul , by conclusions dra● from the familiarity , homeliness and co●fidence we have in Heaven ; and Heavens Maker : all which fervent and Hearty prayer , with serious consults of self-unworthinesse , because of flesh-pollution , shall prevent an approved remedy against that excess of seperating insolence : and diabolick imposture , now floating over , or as scum beheld upon the face of this present generation .

However it happen , if God should slay thee , yet trust in him : if he cover a Table , and make thy cup run over , bless him ; So shall mercy and goodness wait upon thee . ●f a thorn , or trouble in the flesh befall you , ●ray against it : if it continue , rejoyce under ●t , complain never of thy Fathers severity ; So shall thy light , as in a dark night , shine ●orth , instructing others to glorifie God which is in Heaven , by not turning aside af●er the Idolatry of the heathen , the vanity ●f the prophane , with Saul , to play or ●rink away their damps , that masks may ●ase their conscience or divert their pain ●he other calling , like Baals Priests , to pre●ent their death , upon abominable idols : or ●s a couple in Guince , who being beaten by ●heir Fetich , or god , which yet to their ●ye was but a brittle Tyle , to expiat their ●isdemeanour , & procure his countenance , after the offering of a He● , joyntly supplicated his s yleship , in these words , Me Cusa Me Cusa ; in our language Make me good , t● my author , who saw it , hath expounde● them . He who is seen to repair zealously and setting his resolute Fore-head against a● attaquies , that would detard from holy purposes of adhering unto God , shall , in th● Name of the Lord , destroy them all . Praying , perswading the Jew to cry , Abba th● Gentile to cry Father , save me , or I perish or , into thy hands I commit my Soul ; prove signally effectual for advancement of Go● Honour , to the advance of the champion own repute , making the converted sinne to call , Blessed is the Womb that bare the● and the paps that gave thee suck , and blessed t● the Lord God of Israel , now known by th● endeavors which sent thee this day , this ye● to me , and blessed he thy advice ; and bless● be thou who hath keep'd me this day fro● sacrificing to my own dreg , and hindring my mouth to kiss my hand , in applaudin● my own industry , and commending m● self , not my God , for the good things I po●sesse , or the multitude of what I expect t● enjoy .

By these things shall many Sons a● Daughters be begotten unto God , whereb● the Glory of God is once more advanced , each of them resembling the Children of that King of Saints , when the hungry shall eat of thy bread , the naked be cloathed with thy Flocks , the thirsty refreshed at thy bottel , the clamorous in being still'd by thy patience , the contentious in being cooled with thy reason , the slanderer in being dashed by thy check ; shal not the revenue of Heavens praise be enlarged , by their insisting thereon as goodly , and enamour'd thereof , present it as an ordinary text , that benevolence may fructifie by commemoration ? and God himself to boast in that Man , as he did in Job , For eating and drinking to his Glory , 1 Cor . 10.31 . Yea ( these being not the limits of Due respect ) whatsoever he doth , he is beheld to do all for that end , which shall be by going to the mercat in honesty , in wearing our apparel in chastity , abiding in the Church in gravity , in the house with integrity , walking the street reservedly , not accounting one glorious , because gilded , gorgeous or dazlingly equipag'd ; But he who is beautifi'd inwardly by grace , joy and peace , shining as in John the Baptist , throgh the dark Lantern of the Body , in courtesie , affability , modesty , humility , sobriety , and doing good works , which God hath commanded , and are profitable to Men .

●he●e are offers made by a learned pen , clearing the way for communicating with mutes , deaf or dumb persons , such as are keep d by the Grand Seignor , for the same purpose ( viz ) that by beholding then discourse ●ationally to each other by demonstrative signs , his Courtiers may in time do much businesse in great secrecy : that Author discovers how the knowledge they a●e see● to have , and admired for , may be by them acquir'd , by receiving of sounds by the mouth , of knowledge by the eye , their soul● within them not being unactive , lurking i● the lethargy of a benum'd security ; because some organs are vitiated , nature being able to supply that in one member , or part which she finds another defective in : it i● manifest , that as things Divine , by then are wonderfully known , so we may learn , and edifie those attentive beholders , having our converse interlin'd with vertuous and graceful deportment , to the provoking o● the Souls of Men , even Deaf , or Dumb , to ascend , glorifying God , in beholding us , hav● Pleasant faces at good , a rugged brow at evil actings , a hand discreetly to smite a● wickednesse ; and sin , that producing i● them a hatred to what may offend , or occasion any severity in , or alteration from a smooth countenance , the sentiments or conceptions of such Souls , being ( through deficiency of parts ) purely fixed upon , and flowing from , what they behold in our actings and deportment : which being unpe●ceable , impure , offensive , hurtfull , they conclude it to be unholy , and so disgraceful to the Creator of all things ; a Father being honoured in no one thing more then in a concord and agreement among his Children , in which it may be Job had none like him in the East , that his Sons and Daughters feasted vicissim , mutually in their Brothers houses , in which he had so great comfort that he left his Daughters , their inheritance among their Brethren , Job . 42.15 .

We grant this unity among Brethren is somewhat difficult to procure ; and because of some rotten Core in every Pomgranate of mans constitution , harder to preserve ; Nay , the Spirit whispers somewhat tending to evidence this , in that Hypothetick charge , If it be possible , as much as lyeth in you , live peaceably with all men , Rom. 12.18 . Yet let none despair ; for an excellent Hand in dividing the Word of Truth hath in the immediatly preceeding words found the mean , ( viz. ) Recompence to no man evill for evill , and provide for things honest 〈◇〉 the sight of all Men : which when we ha● done , we have done what in us lyeth , to liv● peaceably with all men ; and if found imp●sible , we may tell our Father , I am for peac● but then they make themselves ready fo● Warr , leaving the reckoning of their i●pl●cable disposition upon their own head which yet perhaps may be lessen'd by she●ing for more garnishing Gods Honour , wh● desolations he hath made in the Earth : fo● who can tell , but the hearing of what 〈◇〉 did upon Pharaoh , upon Sodom , upon th● Amalekits , the Philistins , upon Saul , may ●nite hands and tongues for exalting h● Glory above all the earth , pulling in the● Horns , not speaking with a stiff neck , Psa 75.5 . being no longer insolent in the strengt● of their power , in a contemptuous neglec● of others , violently and reproachfull● wagging their heads at serious instructions enforcing to sobriety of mind ?

There have been seven eminently intim● with God , and because of that Glory the● gave to him , touching the point in hand have been ruggedly handled by Man ; yet t● detect the betternesse of submitting to God in self-abhorrence , notwithstanding of sublimated raptures , may their lives becom● our example : these are Abraham , Isaac , Ja●ob , Moses , Job , Isaiah and Micaiah , who in ●he most chrystalling visions of Heav●n still , that is , ordinarily demeaned themselves , as lesse then the least of Gods mercies ; and wherein they deviated from this rule of Glory , were reduced to the exact proportion , that is the short measure of their natural stature , in nothingnesse , and ignorance , by punishments and stripes ; yet holding forth to the unbelieving World , the irresistibility of the power of God , by the infringers of his Law , and despisers of his soveraignty , in the thunder of his power , wherewith they uphold themselves , and condemned ranting Swashbucklers .

Among other capital persons , sunk with the Weight of their own Glory , the great English Woolsey of the last age , merits an Asterisk : one who was the Bias swaying the Bowls of all the affairs in Christendom : a Butchers Son , incredibly magnificent , in Palaces , Colledges , Houses , Building , House-keeping , Houses furnishing , yet ascribing too much to himself , he groaned out his Soul , in the midst of Wealth , and Honour , for not giving Glory to God , saying ▪ Had I been as Faithful to God , as to the King , he had not left me in my old age as the other hath . So dyed he a terible example of Worldl● puffe , enflaming the advertent to Fortifie with ●roper amunition , against Earths brav●ry , that death , judgment , self-unworthinesse , misery , hell , weaknesse , unconstancy , uncertainty , may still with Philips page mind him of his being Man , and that suddenly his thoughts wil perish , which alone shall establish his Grandour , and cause his Name continually to shine .

Glory be to the Father .

DOXOLOGIA ; OR , GLORY TO THE SON . REDUCED TO PRACTICE ; Tolbooth-Church , May 28. 1671. 2 PETER 1 : 17.

For he received from God the Father , Honour and Glory , when there came such a voice to him from the excellent Glory . This is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased .

AMong the many Legions embatled against the Honor and authority of our Lord and Saviour , the Turk and Jew , are most numerous , and glistering : the one , in a spiteful disdain , contemns his sublimity ; the other in a cold unbelief , are in expectation of one more excellent : While others not so byassed , are either altogether ignorant of him , as the Heathen , or by a tepid Neutrality , having no impresse of religion , are Supine , following their own frisking conceits , doing what their Souls , void of fear , finds suitable to their interest , condition , place , or parts in this subsequent discourse , we must eye all these ; and in their returns , speak to them , if possible , perswadingly for giving Glory to the Son .

For which we insist on these Topicks . First , Wherein the Glory of the Son consists ? Next , How in practice to ascribe that Glory to Him ? Lastly , Whether , or how , Men may Glory of their own before Him ?

SECT . I.

HErein we must in our conception Believe , and stand firm in the Faith of his Divinity , the chief Glory of the Son , above Men and Angels , principally being in this , that he is God , equal to , and one with the Father . Sonship here , not adding substance ; for as we believe him to be Man in nature , a Rede●mer in office , innocent in life , so also is He to be Credited , when attesting his Godhead . The Baptist called him a Lamb , the Prophet , a Messenger ; but the Disciples calls him the True God and Eternal life , 1 Joh . 5.20 . And the Father orders him to be Heard , that is , Believed , on that score ; not God simply , as Angels or Princes are , because Endowed with Power , but God over all , Blessed for ever , Rom. 9.5 . The first Text urged for his Deity , by the great Apostle , and to the last end of all things , Excluding all Distinctions , forged to evite the Slander of unbelief ; The Words ever blessed , looking to each part of Time past , present and to come : And wholly bent upon Eternity , affirms him to be from everlasting . That same suffering in weaknesse of him , the Man , being no other then the power of God , he being God , undergoing that weaknesse of Death , as Man , and that power exercised by the Wisdom of God ; That that weaknesse might be undergone and overcome , 1 Cor . 1.24 . His person being a Continent of all the Treasures and Wisdom of God : not Reveal'd , for he was Man , but Occult and Hid , Col. 2.3 . That no Flesh in point of Salvation , should Idle upon certainty of sense , but industriously Dive by Faith , and Observance , to behold the Deity in him ; ●or , as shallow Rivers may conduct the Curious to the Immense Ocean : so may the Works he did in Man , perswade to an Infallibility of the Infinity to be Found in him , God . By words , I will , be thou clean ; Touching the skin , by deeds : Take up thy Bed and walk ; By search : Why Think you evil in your hearts ? Which yet they knew they did , and in that particular did not accuse him of Falshood , or Calumnie .

Modestly he avouched his own greatnesse , John 8.50 . I seek not mine own Glory , there is one that Seeketh and Judgeth ; Defending himself , that as Man he sought no Glorie , but Obedience and Belief : yet when Man , God appointeth him to be glorified : which they not yeelding to do , he himself is again the one that Judgeth : For having received glory from the Father , he cometh Glorious in his Actings , expecting to be received , and there he is one that Seeketh : and if Neither of these be granted , there is a Moses that seeketh my Glory , and judges you for your disrespect unto that wherein my Glory is Founded , which lyeth in this , that before Abraham was , I Am : Before denoting time past ; I Am , the present ; past , and Future , not being in the Deity : he sayes not , I was , but , I am , meaning himself to be God .

If his Miracles be conceived to flow from Sorcery , yet his fulfilling of t●e Prophets of God , who before hand spake of what he should Do , and what he should Suffer , might cause at least an I●quisition after the Verity of this Proposal : all being accomplished to the very Manner of his Death and Buriall ; Why should he distrust them , when they shew what he shall be . ( viz. ) The Man who is Gods fellow ? Zecha . 13.7 . Words discovering the Union of God and Man in him : Neither did Moses a Servant , conduct the people over Jordan into Canaan , but one Jesus or Joshua ( the Name is one ) Figuring , that none but Jesus , God and Man , a Son , is to be Followed , as Authorized by the Father , to fix our abode in the Land of Rest Above . The Eunuch wanted not competent knowlege of God , but the Saving one , since Christs Revelation , he had not clearly , untill he believed , that Jesus Christ was the Son of God , which belief was wrought by heedfull observance of those Scriptures , delineating the draughts of Christs sufferings to the unbyassed , and Intelligent . The Seers seeing but darkly , and at a distance , were not understood . Flesh and Blood Revealed not his Son-ship unto Peter : but after the Rising from the Dead , that Christ behoved to suffer , was not a secret , and proclaimed as a necessarie Truth , perfection of knowledge being in and by him ; As God acquir'd by man .

He is that Word which was from the beginning , and from that beginning was with God , and not after , and so with him in it , tha● he was God , as he is , John 1.1 . One of One , Truth of Truth , Life of Life , Glory of Glory : The Image of the Invisible God , Col. 1.15 . God being in himself invisible , that is , the Father , but he , as the Son truly Represents the Father visibly , as the word spoken doth represent the sentiments of the Soul Audibly , so he Reveals that God whom we cannot with eyes hehold . Yea , nearer then the Instance given , the Son , being the Essence of the Begetter , from whom the Begotten is not parted , not divided , the Father being in Him , and He in the Father . All that the Father hath , being the Sons : For , saith he , All Mine are Thine , and Thine are Mine . The nativity of this Son , having in it a Tremendous Mistery ; no● known , yet believed ; not understood , ye● Comfort had by it , the Union having no Nativitie , expressing posterior to that high that it were Anathema to say , this is the one , then , this is the other : the generation being Like of Like , a Motion from the Father Flowing , yet retained by Him , He communicating his own Essence to the Son , conserveing the same , Impassibly , Indivisibly , in himself . A Man , it s true he was : yet then , He and the Father was one : He said , I and the Father , being Names of different things , Am one , therefore one Name . God , Jehovah , Lord ; One , professing Identity of Nature ; Am , excluding Time , from having Flux , when this Begun , there being nothing wherein there is a Discrepancy , yet , I and the Father , are Diversifi'd , yet One Discovers no Distinction : and confutes the Existency of two Gods , There being no Medium or mean to Sense , Reason , or Faith , between the Begetting of the Son of God , and the Existence of God the Father : Each being fully and together in Either ; without intervall or space : Neither subsisting in themselves without the Other , Hence , the Son is the - everlasting Father , Isa . 9.6 . Which could not be , had he not from Eternity been , which Eternity must pertain to the Father , or then the Son were not Everlasting ; Everlastingnesse , or Eternity , Admitting no Duplication or Doubling .

God is known to have as many Sons , as He hath Creatures , He is called Father of the Rain , Job 38.28 . Giving it a Formative power , to Refresh and ●ruct●fie the Ground Yet to separate his Transcendency of who● we speak , from the Energy with which other productions are endowed ; He is calle● the only Begotten Son , that is , Only begotten in the beginning , clearing the Consonancy betwixt the Old and New Testament yet with this Difference ; The Heavens an● the Earth were created : But in that beginning the Word was , John 1.3 . And being made in that Beginning , the Earth and Heave● because Begotten , This day , Psal . 2. ( i.e. ) Gods day ; that is , in his Eternal Light . Therefore with the Father , is he Omnisoent , Omnipotent , and is Jehovah : and s● owned by Abraham , in that preludium 〈◇〉 his Incarnation , being bowed unto and prayed unto , and called Lord , Gen. 18.22 . Fait● and Revelation manifesting one of the Thre● men , to be no other , then he that mad● both Men and Angels : to that Holy Patriarch , who yet was zealous enough agains● Idolatry , and had not given that respect unto the Man , except by his Majesty and comlinesse : by his Faith and the Angels reverence , and Spiritual and Divine information he had known him to be the Lord Jehovah A verity to be adhered unto by men , an● owned once by the Devil , through Fear Mark 5.7 . Though out of Subtilty he endeavour now a Refutation .

The word Son , is thought to be but the Calde Zun , which signifieth to feed or nourish , the Son being to be provided for by the Father , and in case of nec●ssi●y the Father by the Son , the word Filius , to be only the Greek Philia , Friendlinesse and Love ; as if Sons were the darlings of a Parent , being new Roots for support of a decaying Family . And how doth the Father and the Son from Heaven , in the Scriptures , in the Prophets , and in the Psalmes , to Jew , to Gentile , stop the Insolence of Unbelief , pressing for Reciprocall glory to each other , as occasion serves : So superlativley Infinite is the Love , which equally , as one , they bear to One Another . Now is the Son glorified , and God is ●lorified in him : If God be glorified in him , God shall also glorifie him in himself , John 13. ●1 . That for the Son . And again , when he ●ringeth in the First Begotten to the World , ●e saith , Let all the Angels of God worship ●im , Heb . 1.6 . That for the Father . And ●eeds must he be first , since he said unto the ●on , Thy throne , O God , is for ever and ever , ● . 8. And deservedly worshipped , Being ●nointed with the Oyl of gladnesse above thy ●ellows , v. 9. That is , endowed , when Man , with more excellent prerogatives , Royalt● and Power , then all unto whom God ev● gave Power and Royalty . The scatter● gifts given , some to this , some to that O● being all in him United , and exceeded , the Fountain exceeds the Vessel ; Isaac 〈◇〉 wonderfull in his birth , Moses and Eli● for their Miracles , Daniel for his Prophesi● Lazarus by his Rising from the Dead , ●noch , and Elijah for being taken up to H●ven : But compare these with their circu●stances , to the Glorious Endowments of Son of God , and his powerfull Acti● thereupon , and wherein are they to be c●sidered ? How is he , not they , to be w●shipped in heart and Spirit ?

In this Meditation , let not the Manich● Heretick trample upon the verity of his M●hood ; As if that were swallowed up by 〈◇〉 Immensnesse of the Deity : or that the h● thereof Evaporated , or Attenuated it much , as to repel truth ; Fancying Christ have no real Flesh , no Rationall Soul : 〈◇〉 as the Bush burned , and was not consum● though Earthy , so that Substance wh● he took from his real Mother , as Man , 〈◇〉 still mans Substance and Fleshy , vailing Godhead Omnipotence cont●acting it self him , because it was Omnipotence : He ●ing infinite , as begotten of the Father , by Spirituall Generation without a Mother , and Finite as born of a Mother by Naturall progression from the womb , without a Father , ●o every way , neither Infinite nor Finite ; Not Finite begotten by an Infinite Father , of whose Nature he must be participant , not infinite , born of a finite Mother , of whose nature also he must be partaker . I am deceived if ●omewhere it be not Recorded , that he in Countenance much resembled Mary : and ●ure we know , in Doings , he was the Image of the Almighty , Infinite like him , Finite like her , being one Son to both : It being Incongruous in Spirituals , to have two Fathers , or two Mothers ; therefore as the Son of the One is he ubiquitat and as Son , to the other is He Limited , each nature remaining distant , without mixing , though uniting in him , for constituting one Person , eviting the Absurdity of Four persons in the Godhead , by this Ineffable Coalition , or abiding together .

In this the Church obtained the utmost of her souls desire ; Seeing him that is God , as Her Brother , that sucked the Breasts of her Mother ; Purposing in publick to kisse him ; that is , owne him , embrace him , though ●n Flesh beheld , concluding not to be despi●ed thereby , Cant . 8.1 . Glorying in him above all Lovers , and most d●serving her Amorous huggings , the Lawrel of transcendency , above all other Suiters , for purchasing her Favour : they being Libidinous , He Holy , harmlesse , in his Caresses , or respects protects her Modesty , Face to Face , as Frien● with Friend : solace they each other , wit● powerfull Incentives of Incontaminat , and unspotted Love , She cryes with that Martyr . None but Christ , None but Christ : He speak with that King , What is thy petition , and 〈◇〉 shall be granted ? what is thy request , and i● shall be performed ? Whole God being mad● whole Man , that man might be wholly blessed : in procuring whatever was amiable , delightfull , and that with Felicity , to plenty and abundanc . Heere that is in him , is the Sheeps going in , and going out : for the pasture of never-failing consolation , John 10.9 . Laying aside the strength of Ox , like reason , we may go out in the belief of hi● Manly nature and countenance ; and go 〈◇〉 worshipp●ng before the Majesty and Powe● of his Godhead : which duality of natures i● expressed in the words , Child and Son , and these united in the Name Immanuel , Isa . 7 14 And if this purchase not a plenary yeelding up of Sense , for glorifying of the Son then believe him for the works he hatb done and for those done through him , John 10.38 . Had he not been Man , he could not have Fasted : and had he not been God , he could not have Fasted so Long . That Fam'd Faster John Scot of this Kingdom , for 40 dayes out of discontent : his 32 dayes Fast in the Maiden Castle of this City for Tryal ; and at Rome the like number of dayes ; as also at Venice ; his 50 dayes Fast at London : being vitious in life , may be thought to Originate from some other Soyl then Heaven . As for that much Talked-of Faster Martha Taylor of Darby-shire in England , Anno Dom . 1667. Who in sicknesse is said to abstain from Food thirteen months together ; nothing of Eminent Sanctity preceeding , nor of Enthusiasm accompanying it : I shall not at this time passe my judgement ; But must say to such , who would argue this , or the like , to be naturall , that the●eby the wonder of our Saviours fast , and His hunger afterward , is affronted before the adversaries of his Divinity . And since it 's one priviledge of the glorified Saints , neither to Eat nor Drink ; I shall conclude it expedient for all , while in the flesh , to call Daily for their Dayly Bread , and that convenient for Support ( which in the forsaid Martha hapned not ) Believing withall our Lords Divinity , because he fasted fourty dayes ; Truly , Harmelestly , Heavenly , the Godhead only strengthning him : for doing whereof Nature of her self cannot pretend to an Imitation . I in all the extent of Time , during the continuance of the Law , and Prophets , untill Christ , it is nobly observed , there were but seven men to whom God gave the gift of Miracles , the New Testament Exceeding the old in this particular , that seventy were endowed with it at once , the twelve Disciples , and others afterward , by the power , and in the Name of our Lord Christ ; who also himself bringing the Gospel , brought first Miracles with him for confirmation . As did Moses who gave the Law , first working of Miracles , to evidence his Mission . Our Saviours giving eyes to the blind , hearing to the deaf , strength to the lame , &c. Matth . 11.5 . were proofs sufficiently pregnant unto John , that He was He who was to come , and that another was not to be looked for ; for he had Read in the Scriptures , that all these should be done when God came , Isa . 35.4 .

Though at his birth , the World was not agast with prodigious and portentuous visions , As at Alexanders ; the Sun fighting with the Moon , Stones sweating blood : Neither did the heavens seem to burn the year , thereof , as they did in that of Mithridates ; Though the Theatre never beheld him grapple with Tygres , Boares and Lyons , as the old Combatants : Nor pluming his Innate Heroicknesse ; Dazling the eyes of the Clamorous Vulgar ; Nor did he triumph as the Conquerour uncovering himself at once for Acclamations among men , for that Cob-web thing , the Name GREAT . Yet in the darkest Shade and Tract of his life , we defy the Histories of the Worlds Champions , to equal him in Power and Glory ; As a King coming to his Kingdom , had he not his Harbingers , in the multitude of the Baptists converts ? their Master being only his voice , as a trumpet , to prepare the way of the Lord . He was indeed laied in a Manger , his own refusing him ; But the Ox , though knowing his owner , and the Asse his Masters crib , not being capable to declare his arrival ; Angels , who knew him best , as being of his his Court , and a multitude of the heavenly host , made musick at the Birth of this Prince of Heaven , Heir of Earth , Maker of all things , and first begotten of the Father : Heaven shined with unusuall light , as by torch-light , to guide Wise men and Sages unto the House , where this King of Saints was to be worshipped . In poverty he appointed Peter to his hook , and fish for a penny , ( the house in probability being Peters , for which the tribute was to be payed ) in which charge he first shew his Godhead , that the fish was there , and had coyne ; Next that he was a Man , and stood at that time ( as the best sometime may be ) in need : Further that he was God , being not willing in any case to Offend the Rulers of the Land : Lastly , that in both natures , he was in office and Authorithy , Judge-like , condemning that fish to death , the half Crown in probability being robbed or picked from the Pocket of some drowned person .

In His giving up the Ghost , he uttered a loud cry , evidencing weaknesse , not altogether to have hastned his removal , he shook the Earth , darkned the Heaven ; a type of that darknesse now encompassing his murtherers , condemning an impenitent Thief ; Giving a Kingdom to the other contrite Malefactor . So that albeit , as the Tabernacle ( which also umbrag'd him ) there was nothing to be seen outwardly in his person , save the goats hair , and badgers skins of Frailty , In●irmity and Debility , for which he was deemed neither Comely , Beautiful , nor desirable , Isa . 53.2 . Yet the Rod ( which was stronger then Aarons ) of his Authority , Gagging the multi●ude , the Manna-pot of his plentifull provision for the hungry and faint , the Mercy Seat of his tendernesse and compassion towards the blind , the possessed and the dead ; The Tables whereon his Laws were written in so deep Characters , in the hearts of men , though so contrary to the heart , cleareth to the Surveyer , that the Godhead dwelt bodily in him : Compiling clearer answers to him that asketh us , in whom we believe , then did that Savage of Domingo , who answered in Toquilla & Toupan , that is , ( sayeth my Author ) who was present , in the Sun and Thunder ; yet learned he after to believe in Jesus and him crucified , and was baptized , as we , I hope , by the Holy Ghost : So strong was the power of Truth .

Let us reason together a little with the Jew on our Saviours behalf , and go round about that once pleasant land , more narrowly then Nehemiah did circuit Jerusalem , and hath there one word which our Gospel records the Son of God to have spoken , concerning it , fallen to the ground ? Hath not their house been left unto them desolate ? their Temple wherein they trusted , being left without one stone upon another ? Had not their daughters cause to weep ? And do they not yet bitterly lament the burning of their Temple by Titus the Roman Generall , August the 6. The self same day on which Solomons had been burned by Nebuchadnazzer King of Babylon ? W●re not your children and fathers crucified untill there was no Room for Crosses , and thirty sold for one penny ? were not your Noses slitt , your Ears cut , by which you had snuffed , and scorned to hear your Messiah preach ? whence came those earthquakes , showrs of blood , like crosses falling on your garments , when liberty was granted you , to re-edifie your Temple ; your own hands with infinit pains , working for fulfilling of our Gospel , one stone being not left upon another , in removing the Rubbish , for laying a new Foundation ? I say whence came this ? from heaven or of men ? if from men , why did not Care , Strength , Vigilancy and charge preserve the Building ? if from heaven , why do you not believe ? Have you not heard that astonishment which befell those Workmen , that after much pains about a dark cave , for expediting their work they found in white and clean linnen a Book , and opening it in great Letters read , IN THE BEGINNING WAS THE WORD , &c. the book being S. Johns Evanegel , which made many of you to forsake that work of Spite , and darknesse , and build themselves up in the Holy Faith we professe , with prayers and hymns glorifying Christ , as the Saviour of the world , the Salvation Jacob their Father had longwaited for , but already found , Jerusalem being in dust , and Capernaum reduced to Beggery , as he had foretold , refuting trivial objections .

Yea when Christianity pittied to behold her under the Iron Rod of the Saracen Turks armed with invincible courage , once more to have Jerusalem bear in a Gospel sense , what she formerly was for the Law called , and by the Turks now known ( viz. ) Cuds the Holy Citty , did not God from Heaven chide and check the intentions of those Princes ( as being too officious ) by sending for two years , a rageing pestilence all the world over ; The first fruits of that destruction by plague , famine , and sword , which came upon all in heaps , during the fond salutes of that Harlot City .

Is it not observable , that many warlike Nations , not so old as the Jews , as Goths Vandals , Picts , are not known save in History ? their Dreadfull Valour Perishing with themselves , whereas these Hebrews are yet fruitfull in posterity , and remaineth famously , an infamous people , so Beggerly Spirited , so far degenerat from the courage of of the Ancient Israelites , that the naming of a sword to many , is sufficient to affright o●e into a Feaver ? And amongst the millions of legions encamped by Turks , Persians , or Indians , not to Name Christians : where do we hear of a Jewish Army ? They as Moles delighting only to nestle in the Earth , felicitating their Souls with Hoords of Wealth ; Leaving honor to be pursu'd by a● other Nations , Or rather honour , for fear of disgrace , having wholly forsaken those Sons of the earth , and Justly , since he● crucifi'd their King .

The Christian doctrine among othe● causes they hate , for preaching Salvation to the Gentiles ; As if God had not blessed Japheth as well as Sem , and as if Japheth wa● not to dwell in the tents of Sem , of whom the Hebrews came , Gen. 9.27 . As if Abishag the Shunammite had not been brough● to King David , or as if Solomon had not Married an Egyptian , or Moses an Ethiopian woman : As if Hirams workmen had had no hand in the building the first Temple , nor Cyrus cash , and tribute wasted by repairing of the Second ; As if Jonah had not been sent to Nineveh ; As if the City of Jerusalem had no● been the property of the Jebusits , for sin forfeited : but afterward pacified and reconciled , restor'd again to the first owners the Gentils ; which that City by some is thought to report unto all ears , by i●s found IERUSALEM , a Name comp●unded of t●e Greek word Ieron a Temple , and the Hebrew Solomon , that is , Solomons Temple , as if the mixing of these Languages , protested for a joynt interest in the mysteries of Religion ; From which collection I can behold no very great absurdity : though the Grecian take place in going out , or coming in , before the Hebrew in the streets of Jerusalem : ( Craving pardon in dissenting from him , whose Name , whose Fame , is so pure , and white , so as no FVLLER can exceed ) as at first it came from the Gentiles , so by its name , might the fi●st owners be remembred : Untill the Jewish Tenant by treason was ejected , and then to return to the first possessors , that both might fear , and repent , and believe , Living in it by , and through Grace alone .

An honourable Traveller being pressed by a Rabbi , principall of the Syn●gogue at Sophia , to discourse of Christianity , not Bluntly , but Acutely , p●oved Christs divinity , and divine aid to our cause : that in such a meek humility , it had raised it self over all the proudest oppressours : Was answered in grave spite , that Christ came , when the world had been tamed by the Romans , and when the Spirits of most Nations had been broken by their heavy yoke : wherefore he would not build his Religion , as the old Heathen had done , upon Heroick Acts ; but upon the contrary , me●k humility of contrite hearts ; Which , being the greatest number , causes his doctrine to prevail so well . But , men of Israel , and you that fear God , give audience ; Consider you are without a King , withu t a Temple , and reflect upon Jacobs Testament in both , these are to be with you only untill Shiloh come , Gen. 49.10 . Unto whose Name Jerusalems pool of Siloam might respect ; and you know , and the Pharisees also , who sent a blind man thither for cure , John 9. The Sense of the word , forming Felicity and successe in ordinary reading , the unusuall way of writing , pronouncing and pointing of the word , making it both Masculine and Feminine , his true Man-hood and his Mothers Virginity therein couched , the Affix , or Letter He by use ( the great mistris of Speech ) being feminine , and should be Schilah , but the pronounciation and punct●tion is masculine : and therefore you read it Shiloh , and he was to come of Judah , as Mary did , of whom Christ was real Son , by your own confession ; but without the ordinary rule of generation ; as we believe .

We find you by God your Father , as Tarn'd Children , nourished and suckled , with wonders and miracles ; what darkned the Heavens at the death of Jesus ? what made your dead appear ? Your rocks and your vails rent ? your prophets ( save false ones , and to your own destruction ) long before him , and ever after him to cease ? but to prepare you for him , and discover your Sin in his Bloodshed ; We have a double prophesie of your Future relenting , from your own prophets , yet ours , because believed by us , That that Salvation which is come to the Gentils , shall provoke you to jealousie , and that you shall look upon him whom you have pierced , Zecha . 12.10 . whom you valued at no goodly price , even for thirty pieces of silver , Zecha . 11.12 . Which three pound fifteen shillings bought the Potters Field , a Field of Blood ; the belief of which predictions , by us Gentils , ought to be a provocation of jealousie stirring up you Jews for suspecting Errour in not believing this report touching the arme of the Lord revealing , Isa . 53.1 . that Jesus is the Christ

It is the conjecture of one Lea●ned an● skilled , in untying knots of difficultie and intricacy , that to the whole world God in the conversion of Paul , gave a Typ● of the Jews access to the Christian faith that as he was last of the Apostles , so shal they be of the Nations , after which , as he , they shall be most Zealous , and reprov● Romes Idolatry with boldnesse , as he Peter● dissembling : but this to be brought about , no● by the Ordinary way of preaching , but by some sign , vision , or ●evelation from Heaven . The greatest number of the Jews converted since the death of Christ wrough● that way , For one example . In the Kingdom of the Omerites , in Arabia , then sur● the Happy , under Iustinian , where a disputation of three dayes being held betwixt Gregentius Bishop of Tephra , and Herbanus 〈◇〉 Jew , who not satisfied from Scripture-proof● ( according to the wont of that Nation● would have and craved a Sign from Heaven protesting , if Jesus of Nazareth should appear , they would believe . Whereupon , afte● a dreadfull Thunder , Christ was seen , wit● beams of glory , walking upon a purpl● Cloud ; a sword in his hand , a Diadem o● his head , saying to the Assembly : Lo , her● am I present unto your Sight who was crucified by your Fathers : at which the Christians calling for mercy , the Jews were stricken blind , and remained dark untill they were Baptized , as Paul also was ; who was until then , the greatest persecuter the Church had , as the Jews at this day are .

When Caliph King of Tartary was contriving a way for exterminating the Gospel his Dominion , A. Dom . 1225. as fictious and feigned : one counselled to let the Gospel it self become its own judge , that saying , if any of its professors have Faith , he may say to this mountain , be thou cast into the Sea ; and it shall be done , Mat . 21.21 . Purposing to cut off the heads of Christians with their own sword . This made the test ; and ten dayes allowed for discovery : after much humiliation , praying , and fasting , one of the Bishops , directed by God , ordained a squintey'd shoo-maker to give the charge ; and after many tears , and acknowledgement of self-unworthinesse , at the end of the days , when butchery was ready , he kneeled between the Camps , and ardently summoned the designed hils removeall , which succeeding , the ●mazed Barbarian Prince , was incontinent●y baptized . To pass the thundering legion ●n older times , How hath God both to Jew and Gentile magnified his Holy Child Jesus ? what rich promises are yet unfulfilled ? & the very preservation of the Jews , is prognostick of Gods future benevolence , animating our zeal for suing out good things for them ; they having in the City Saphetta near Bethsaida , both honour , freedom , and learning , and their own language purely , though studiously spoken , as an earnest that in due time their conversion , may restore to their posterity , the whole Country . Fiat , Fiat ,

Henry the third of France h●ving instituted that order of Knight-hood , called of the Holy Ghost , being , on Whitsunday the day on which the Holy Ghost came down upo● the Apostles , both born of his M●ther , fell to the Crown of France , and elected King of Polland , afterward erected another called Christian charity . We have in this Kingdome the voice of the Spirit , as clear as any Kingdome under Heaven , if not more , ( though many evill eyes among us , grudgingly are up● us , fretting at , and hindering the progres● thereof , by prints calumny , and slanders , &c. testifying from Heaven , the advance of o● blessed Lord Jesus , above all powers i● Heaven and earth and under that Doctrin● have we been born , nobilitat and bred , chose● for to reign over the World , hel and death and that Little S ster of ou●s , the dark Gentiles , that Son of our Father Ishmael , not being induced to say , Glory to the Son , let Christian love enflaming hearts , cause a repetition , to those our kindred of that p ophesy , O House of Jacob , come ye , and let us walk in the light of the Lord , Isa . 2 , 5. God i● tending that we in light , and converted , should not be unmindfull of those in darkness , and in the shadow of Death , but as earnest for the Salvation of our Brethren , to the glorifying of the Son , pray for removing of their Dark vail . Amen , Amen .

Let the registers of the devout , and records of the old Fam'd Religious , be viewed , and the name Jesus hath been writ in capital , and Text-hand letters , for consolating the distressed , easing the pained , sustaining the dejected , for supporting the fainting , animating the drouping , resolving the doubting Conscience , for strengthning the feeble , liberating the sheckled , encouraging the vanquished Heart , enriching the poor , impregnating the Barren , and comforting the persevering Christian . The hopes of a Goel , kinsman , or Redeemer , was the Veny by which Iob warded off the most pernicious thrusts his skilfull adversary could , or did make at him , keeping Satan still at a dista●ce by his confidence of a Resurrection both of goods , and good N●me . It was Jesus made Moses refuse to be Son or heir to Pharaoh , or Pharaoh's Daughter preferring the riches of Christ , that is , Reproaches for Christ , before precious Jems , or Orient pearl ; these adorning the brow with eternal rays of glory an● never-fading splendo●r , not the other .

That visi●n , that blessed sight of Iesus , Stephen saw , was so ravishing , that the stones breaking his bones , warmed not his blood to rail , neither went his life from him in grief , save for these who took it , Bowing , not to his adversaries for respite , but to Iesus to receive his Spirit . Wise Paul esteemed the Treasures of the World but Dung , to be cast behind back , to be put ●ut of sight , to be naus●at , when the knowledge of Iesus Christ is under communication . The cleansed Samaritane thankfully returnes to glorifie Jesus , and therefore is said , to Glorifie God . The like is done in the fervent accosts made by the zealous to the Throne of God , for their expectations , for their possessions through the whole World , Jesus the Son , the Lord Christ , his only Son Jesus , still ecchoing from their Mouth , being first honourably conceived of in the heart . This made Religious and great Constantine not delight in the Musick of the Worlds commendation , when he had done much good in the world ; but , in anger , commanded him silence , who accounted him worthy to reign with the Son of God in Eternal Glory , earnestly desiring prayers that he might live and dye his faith●ull Servant accounting Subjection more then deserv●d Honour .

That excellent Prince , and Marques of Vico , Galeacius Caracio us , ( unto whom judicious Calvin Dedica●es his comments upon the first epistle to the Corinthians ) having left Father , Lady , Honour , Kindred and Children , with castles , for the Testimony of the Truth in Italy , to follow God , and the voice of his Spirit in Genevah , conquering all D fficulties , moved for his return home , with unparallelled courage and meeknesse , but by a Jesuited kinsman being offered Money , zeal appeared , he saying , Let their Money perish with them who esteem all the Gold in the World worth one dayes Society with Jesus Christ , &c. Though with him all have not ample revenues , or many acres to forsake , yet the varnish wherewith delusion adorns the rottennesse of the world , making it seem thick and strong , Beautiful and usefull , dazling the Eye , and ravishing the Heart of the beguiled , causeth their lives careful , irksome and doleful , f●r want of its intertainment in Tenure and possession , while the illuminate , though poor even to contempt , forsake those land-skips , in pitching upon Christ , for worth and abundance , undervaluing the most amiable prospect of fields , orchards and vineyards ( as he those of Vico , among the rarities of Italy ) solacing it self with much more inward Joy , in the wise contrivements of powerful a●d gracious providence about its Salvation through Iesus Christ : Intuating the Body as a House built by God , for a mansion to himself , for which kindn●sse , being th●nkful , the Saint writes upon his actings , as upon his portal , Glory to the Son , or which is the same , Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift , inviting travellers to the same duty and acknowledgement , reflecting the same hand to have erected that house of bone , wherein their Souls dwell , for the self-same end and purpose : Therefore not to be used as a Barn for storing up of Worldly pelf , nor as pits for the Mascarads of empty vanity , Gratifying our senses with the pompous phantastick bravery of the worlds Mimicks , much lesse as Stews to be dallying , and continually inflaming our heart with heat of every pander lust , in making provision for the flesh , by chambering and wickednesse , dru●kennesse and excess ; But as Temples of the Holy Ghost , beautifi'd within , as by the sweet scenting cedar of affability and benevolence , without by the curious carved stones of regular deportment , sanctified by the Altar of a pure and Holy heart , for gaining proselyts to the Doctrine of the Gosp●l , as did Iovianus , who being chosen Emperou● of the Army , Refused that honour , attesting that being Christian , he could not rule over infidels , was almost deafned by the shouts of his Troups We be Christians , we be Christians , to the Illustrating of our profession .

Among other titles given by the Heathens to their Jupiter , Elicius was one ; the Romans , in their Engagements , difficult Skirmishes , and bloody Battels , being to their honour , often assisted by his powresse . And harke ! how the Church chants forth the praises of this her Captain , styling Him the King of Glory , the everlasting Son of the Father . Commentars upon which being made , may be Antepasts , for edging the Hungry , the Sick , the Sad , the Dejected and the Troubled Soul , more and more , to call for a full Meal of those Delicates , whereof it may be , their heart hath sparingly been fed . For no sooner did the Spouse deliniate the perfections of her beloved , the● the Daughters of Jerusalem turn aside from their own wayes , to seek him with her that is , to find , enjoy and possesse him , s● Glorious , so eminent , above other belov'ds . that is , above the transient fooleries , whereon their hearts did Formerly dote , and which their tongues did anciently applaud , resolving afterward to follow , and to glory in our Lord Jesus , Can . 6.1 .

If Glory , and Renown , and Veneration , be attributed to Man , proportionate to those large dimensions , or parcels of Earth he hath under Rule and Government , the● who can vey , or cope with this Son ? For save to him , the Earth was never given to Man , to the Children of Men it is . And Augustus Cesar measured an Imaginary shadow , not his own stature , when he ordered the whole World to be taxed ; for much of it saw never his Image , or superscription , nor were shadowed with the wings of his Eagles : But to this Man , as Man , the uttermost Coasts of the Earth are given for a possession , Psal . 2. Not that Heaven is not his , for by Eternal Generation from the Father , he hath all without a donative ; But the Earth is said to be given him , in respect of his inferiority to the Father , as Man , so that He is King of Nations , to break the bones of such in pieces , who will not bend to his Soveraignty , nor do homage to his knee ; all Kingly Glory being but so many beams of splendor , which by his authority , as sealed Commissions , flow from him the Sun of Government , enlightning the lesser stars of Potentates and Princes , their greatest Treasures being but Tributary pennies , bearing his Image , the best of them writing , Gratia Dei , by the Grace of God : Grace recalling or lengthning their commissions , not quamdiis se bene gesserint , so long as they behave ; but Durante placito so long as he thinks fit , saying , Return ye Children of Men , that is , to the dust whence you came , impowering others with authority to command , and Majesty to rule , yet still under him , and as his Vice-gerents .

As Man therefore , all power being given him in Heaven and Earth , he says in his Ap●stles , to the body of believers , I am with you to the end of the World , the Glory whereof being seen in that excellent Mount , when on Earth from Heaven , Moses , Elias , Peter James and John attended , his countenance changing , and his raiment becoming white as snow , an embleme and Type , of that splendor , wherein he shall judge the quick and dead . Hence it s called the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour , Tit . 3.13 . Appearing only on Tabers Mount , as Glorious , but then shall as the great God , before whom Angels , Devils and Men , must stand , all judgment bei●g committed to the Son . Because he is the Son of Man , John 5.27 . Not to others , for they are the Daughters of Men , nor to others , for they are not the Son , that is , of God , because he is the Son of Man , and fittest to umpire betwixt God and Man , and a●bitrate between Man and God , in all kind of affair , wherein advice is to be given , and redress to be made , Untill al rule , all authority and power be put down , 1 Cor . 15.24 . Words expressing the highest supremacy , subordinat command , and lowest government under Heaven , even to death ; which as the last enemy is to be destroyed , having boldly and audaciously seised on Christ , intending to keep him captive , but could not ; yet for his offer , at last shall not be seen . By Death understand sicknesse , calamity pain , anguish , poverty , frights , fears : all which are to be dash'd , at the delivery up of the Kingdom of his Mediatory Goverment to his Father ; by which , that power he received as Man , and called authority , i● laid down ; that which is Omnipotence , stil as God re●ained by himself : both which uniting in him , disposed him strenuously to undergo the indignities , affronts , offered him in the contradictions of sinners , he knowing , as the head , how to deliver himself , and the Church his body , from obolquie and reproach , by a glorious Manifestation of himself to those who pierced him , and to such who depended on him , for full satisfaction : like that last and imperfect speech of that famous Hexaplist Willet , who groaning said , let me alone I shall be well , Lord Jesu — That both the one and the other may proclaim him greater then all , and know his exaltation , Col. 2.17 . The first and the last , Revel . 1.17 . meriting from us his subj●cts the name Beldugian , more singularly , then Prester Iohn who hath it from his people , the Ethiops , signifying with them , the Ioy of incomparable excellency , which from us Christ in due respect , ought to be acknowledg'd , as being above all value .

SECT . II .

IF particular enquiry be made touching the defraying of that respect , praise and Glory , we are indebted unto the Son for , we must deposit and reckon from the day of his resurrection , vulgarly called Sunday , ( which with equal harmlesness may be pronounced ) ( though heathnish ) as S Luke hath recorded the names Castor & Pollux more fabulous ; for ( to silence the Quaker in his carping against the Word Sunday ) they were held Brethren , the product of Eggs from Leda Queen of Oebalia , Sea-gods , fortunate if appearing together to Marriners , &c. therefore effigied on the stern of S. Pauls ship , Acts 28.11 . and equally sinlesly mentioned , as Sunday may be , our Lords Day . The two great adversaries of Jesus name slighting and passing by that , accounting other days more glorious because of some emergency , thereupon hapning . The Jew celebrates the seventh da● , because God sanctified that for a day of rest at the Creation : which Creation being in Glory inferior to the Redemption , which yet was a second Creation , the Church Apostolick held it incongruous to commemorate an old Sabbath . Moses a servant , and a faithfull one too , was fourty days with God in the mount , and brought down the Law of Remembrance . The Disciples were Servants also , and equally trusty , with whom God in flesh abiding fourty days , speaking of a new Kingdom immediatly they practis'd against the old institution of the seventh , observing the first day of the week , Acts 1.3 . communicating , preaching and collecting for the poor thereupon , and that by way of Law and command , 1 Cor . 16.1.2 . which in point of Church-Goverment must be understood to flow from Christ , ●e being Lord of the Sabbath , that is , the owner & commander or Abolisher of it , Mat . 12.8 . In this second publication , as the Father was of the first appointing it in Remembrance of his rest , as the Son did for his , not ●evealed , by expresly disannulling the Sa●urday , Except by doing , that in all things the Gospell might correspond to it self , that is , in Faith , the Son being to be Honoured by all men , as they honour the Father , John 5.23 . which will weekly be enquired after by thus Worshipping of his Name . Throughout that pregnant Chapter , Heb . 4. for a day of rest , under Gospel dispensation in distinction to that Day in the laws publication . There is a special one said to rest from all his Works , here in this life ( the very reason of a Sabbath ) as God rested from his , which cannot be understood of any , but of Christ : the rest spoken of towards the multitude of Believers , being to come , and called , my rest , that is , Gods , v. 3. whereas the other rested from his works , as God did from his , yea from all his works , resting with comfort , delight , complacency and satisfaction , as God did from his , that is , at the creation , or as the Creator who rested the seventh day , ceasing from making any new species , or forms of things , but still preserving by his power , what he had on the seventh day finished : so the He mentioned , v. 10. rested from watching , fasting , bleeding and temptation , on the first day delighting in all that he had done ( as God had ) thence forward upholding by his power , the new creature he had wrought for , blessing that day in appearing to the assembly of his Disciples , more then once , which maketh a new Sabbatism for the people of God , that is , of Christ ; for the Works of these two , are evidently differenced , ( and the reason of the rest , as cessation from working ) from that work wherein God , that is , the Father , rested , who did speak of the seventh day , v. 4. Either of which being to be remembred , and observed , as oblidging to their respective people , for whom the resting was blessed , enforceth observation upon the Christian of the first days rest , under the forfeiture of that rest ab●ve , whereof these here , are leading , and but ways tending thereunto , and from which unbelief doth decline , and drawe holy as disrespective unto Christ . Under the shaddow of whose rest , upon the first day , the holy Martyrs , and confessors of the Church , the holy people throughout the world , sat down with great delight , and the fruit hath been sweet unto their taste evidenci●g ●t , to be from Heaven , not from Man . And having now no tabernacles to remember the Wildernesse , nor Pasch to reflect upon Egypt , but the Lords Table , the Lords Supper , the Lords cup , the Lords Body , the Lords death , to Grandize his Fame , ( that our Book swell not ) what 's more pertinent f●r his Honour equaling the Father , then to have the Lords Day ? Revel . 1.10 . Which in all ages of the Church , by all Churches , and by all the Fathers in those Chu●ches , hath been found divine and apostolical , considering that in matters so sublime , so directly tending to the magnifying of Iesus , to the moral , and ministerial duties of Church-professors , the the Apostles could not err , and therefore tieth our consciences now to observation of that first day .

Let observation be made of those , who disrespect , or contemn this day , and seldom , if ever , is this the only folly such are guilty of ; They will be found Idle , Loose , Drunkards , Swearers , Gamsters , Vagrants , Debauch'd , by all , or in many matters of conversation ; Against whose affronted Language , may be proposed the Scriptural Authorities , the Apostles practice , the Churches evidence , and the Multiplied confessions of the Deceasing Ranters , and Condemned Malefactors : In the Catalogue of whose sin , generally , carelesse obs●rvers of the Lords Day , is marked in Red Characters ; and by themselves most bemoaned .

A loose Nimrod , a great hunter , usually followed the chase upon this day , but his Wife being delivered of a child , with a Dogs Head , put him to his thoughts , and the Heads and Limbs of such profligats , professing , and sorrowing for their Misdemeanour in this particular , we dayly behold , may cause reflection upon providence , and force a Religious attendance upon the Lord in Holy Duties . As for the Jews , they must know that if Jesus , that is , Joshua , had given their Fathers rest ; then would he not afterward have Spoken of Another Day , in the Psalmist , there was Another Rest then ordained for the people of God then Joshuah gave them , of which this Rest , on Another Day the● they of old observed , was a Type , Heb . 4.8 . For that there is another Rest , and another resting , then the rest and resting of God ( i.e. ) which God gave in the Law , is clear .

As the Iews deny that he Rose , so the Turks deny that Jesus dyed , he being translated from the Hands of the Centurion , and Another like Him left in his Room , who was crucifi'd in their opinion , and therefore regards not our Lords Day , making Friday their day of Rest and Worship . Mahomet a greater then Moses being on that Day born , and on that Day Saluted King ( by his Army , after the conquest of Medina , though by Perfidie ) therefore Saturday not observed , and perfecter of the Law of Christ , therefore our Sunday not remembred , but Friday for the Honor of that Impostor as he was called by Mahomet the seond Turkish Emperour , who yet was so wicked as to oppose the Gospel to that degree , that in the year 1479. he took twelve Kingdoms , & two Hundreth Cities from the Christians . And now that same Deceiver , as by wealth and Hypocrisy , he got himself almost deifyed at first , so this day , by Force , Valour and Invasion , Infects the greatest part of the world with his Muslemans ( i.e. ) True Believers . Whereas our belief in Jesus should in Jealousie be provoking , by Faithfulnesse , Decency , Holinesse , and Order , to those and all other deluded Nations , to appear before the Lord with us , the morning of thi● Day , in which ( if Augustin may be believed ) the Elements of the World , and the Angels were created , wherein the Holy Ghost came down in the new , and whereon Manna descended in the old Testament ; And so to be observed as if now on the Lords Day the worlds were finished , and its inhabitants provided for : In our Lords Appearance about , & among our tents , as bread , and nourishment for the exercise of peace , and holinesse , unto which the Sanctification and Rest of the Sunday excellently , and elucidly invites the Faithfull , though for that called by those Muslemans , Gwar , that is , Unbelievers .

As an Appendix to this , I might speak against that , which the World now calls Contempt of the Clergy ; But that so many hath done i● before me . It not being a Mushrome of yesternights growth nor Rootlesse either , being long before the shedding of the blood of Zacharias the Son of Barachias , who was slain between the Porch and the Altar , ( such by the way , being most apt to disdain the Pries● who mocks the Altar , and reverenceth not t● Temple . ) Can it be thought that the grou● of our Great Masters contempt , or fewn● of converts , proceeded either from his poverty or ignorance ? Or that Paul was stoned for his Mean Condition ? Or that the old Prophets , and Church M●rtyrs , ( whose Doctrine in spite of Drollery , did drop as the Rain , and distill as the Dew , Deut. 32. ● . ) were derided for their blunt Dialect ? There must be some other cause , which I shall not dive into ; However it is told us , Contempt will come and the Master of the house ( i.e. ) of the Church , hath been called Beelzebub . Ambassadors Church-men are , and Kings sendeth such , in Splendor , but conform to the Grandeur of those to whom the Embassey is appointed . All are not Kings , Emperours , Great or learned , Christ hath to do withall ; but some are poor , illiterat , ignorant and base , and wisely conformeth Emissaries to such . Faithfull Stewards will give Food ( though perhaps not of the Banquet , or Stately Service , to the under Sculls , that are of the Lords blackguard , these being serviceable to their Master , in their turn-spit occupation : It is known , blunt and plain Sermon● , have done good , like course meat to hungry stomachs , and wholesome .

That similitude of Peter Martyrs dance was ●o quaint one , yet was it the ground stone of that Fam'd Italian convert of Vico his conversion , he from that hour resolving to restrain his affections from following the World and his pleasures , yea every thing , but the truth of Religion , and the way of happinesse , &c. Though every Preacher be not Recorded for the like Success let the cause be search'd ) yet he that despiseth the least , shall at last severely reckon for it ; yea as Jesabel said , Had Zimri peace who slew his Master ? From Modern and Ancient Registers we might demand , had he rest , had he quiet ? had he comfort , who hurt a Preacher ? which is so well known , and untill this brazen-fac'd age heeded , that it is a proverb not yet out of date ; Be a Minister good or bad , they seldo● thrive that hurts him .

Sure it is for the glory of the Son , that he be respected ; And the Devoire shewn to the ignorant Mufti , among the Turks , and to the cursing Rabbi among the Jews , hath not a little influence upon the signalizing of their respective Prophets , Moses and Mahomet , by the Basest vulgar , and rationally Suggested , to that first Christian King of the Saxons , among our selves , Ethelbert , whose speciall care , and mean for propagating the Gospel , and preserving peace , for himself , was to punish those , who had Stole ought from Church , or Church men chiefly : which strictnesse when restricted by Eadbald his Son , occasioned , first , loss , next sorrow , which drove him to repent , and make amends . Pharaohs devotion ( if not his policy ) secured the priests lands from Mortgage or Sale : and he that looks upon a living Clergy man as a dead Dog , may before he die . Crosse proverbs , and professe that the dead can bite , which all Histories can instance in , whether Fresh or Musty , yea the Musty in that particular , may be found to be Fresh .

Under this paragraph of the Sunday , we may comprehend the sincere performance of all Religious and Christian duties ; that as it is not said of the seventh day , the Morning and the Evening , it being all light , so on the Lords day , there be no dark corner , no reserve for carnall , or selfish interest : but as full of light , let ingenuity be seen in confession of sin , in attention to the word , God who is truth , will make out the truth of what he hath promised , if he be worshipped in Spirit and Truth . It is deemed in Turky an indifferent thing to serve either Christ or Mahomet , noting the subserviency , But it s a disgrace to Jesus if he be waited upon even in ●quality to any ; but more Ignominiously handled , if post-pon'd to Mammon , to Venus to Bacchus , by suffering the Soul to straggle , in sensuall paths , while the Ear is listening to the way of the Law . Conceit then , at entry into the Temple , Jesus to be seated by thee , saying , My Son , give me thy heart , that with thy mind thou mayest serve the Law of Cbrist , Rom. 7.22 . For though the Whore have her peace-offerings by he● , that is , part of that She had offered unto God in the Temple ) which she purposeth to Feast her lover withall , Prov. 7. yet God will have no partner in the Heart . As the late Heroe Charles of Sweden , who being offered Swedens Crown , by the present Christina , she reserving some part for Sovereignty and absolute Dominion to herself ; bravely answered , I will not be a King without a Kingdom ; so as to Regiment in the Soul and affections , God , even our Saviour will have all or none .

The Retinue with which the Grandoes of the World , adde many Cubits to their stature withall , Operats much upon the heaviest Spirits , to rouse them up , for glorifying of them , that is , standing in aw and reverence , because of that Gallantry beheld in their relations , and servants Menial , who it may be , followeth , as the multitude did Christ for the Loaves , but not for Love , shunning the Motive : let us imitate the practice , and follow Jesus wheresoever he goeth , chusing him for our Lord and Master , telling the Generation , we wait upon the Son as Exactly 〈◇〉 Abraham waited upon the Father , and He followed him to his foot , Isa . 41.2 . that is , not heeding , or not inquireing after the end ; But a progressive Advance , in the steps of Obedience , Faith and Patience . As a sister say , with Rebekah , I will go , Gen. 24.58 . Do as Solomons Queen was advised forsaking by forgetting , our own People and our Fathers House , Psal . 45.10 . Like Ruth , say to him , spread thy Skirt over thy Servant , Ruth 3.9 . As the Disciples , Leave all and follow him : put thy hand in his hand , turn to him , in Hunger for Bread : when Naked depend upon him for Cloathing : If in doubtings , droopings , expect comfort solely in his assistance : Though for a time thy Lord may be , as it were not at leasure , yet keeping in the Train , may occasion opportunity of Speaking , and then shew him thy Anguish and Vexation with confident humility .

If none of these be through affluence of earthly enjoyments , then as the Reubenits to Moses , go on before thy Brethren , Armed ; and like the Rich Women , Minister to him of thy Substance , as did that royall Guilliam , Brother to Achaius King of this Ancient Kingdom : who being very Rich and wanting Heirs , made Christ his Heir by building ( according to the light of his Time ) Many Monasteries for his Service and Name , whereof there are many yet remaining .

Sins sickness , the conscience distemp●r , the discomposure of the Soul , is as lasting as life and through him is rest and ease only to be had . Wait therefore , wait , I say , on this Lord , and he 'l bring to pass the desire of the Heart . The Rechabites followed , that is , obeyed their Father Ionathan , in abstaining from Wine ( the space of three hundred years known from 2 Kings 10. Jer . 35. ) yet that was comfortable : from building houses , yet that was convenient , from planting vineyards , yet is that good Husbandry . Have not the Jews obeyed many false Messia'ses ? Doth not the Turk follow Mahomet , in forbearing the ju●ce of the grape ? to that degree , that the drinker thereof once known , in all actions thereafter , his Testimon● is invalid and of no force . Now when Adultery , Fornication , Uncleannesse , Covetousnesse , &c. are by this Son , branded with marks of abhorrence , as unfit to be indulged , why should his pretended Disciples run a tilt at these as exercises of recreation , or divertisement ? more purity , were More becoming , and greater deliberation more adorning our profession , in heeding the documents of self-denyal , relating to these extravagant excesses . We ordinarly hear Men in discourse , composing Eulogies , of Davids advance , Abrahams b●essing , &c. but obedience the radix of these found in the Codex of the History of their lives , unhappily wanting in our selves , involveth us into the contrary abysse of ignominy and unsetlement : Dependence on him being the hand wherewith we must grip every thing for our spiritual lively-hood , or advance , Glorifying of him in our observance : being the proper mean , for our being by others observed , as standing in the Sun , discovers the various colours , in our silken dress .

The Son is the Churches Agent for the affairs of Believers , whether in Heaven , or Earth : no other Mr. of Requests there but He , none is of like authority , none of like skill to address , to plead , to silence : it is therefore In-glorious for Rome , to pass him by , imploying others in the office of intercession . I know she pleads from the parable of Kings , whose Majesty is affronted ( saith she , ) if free accession be promiscuously allowed to solicitors , without Favorits and Informers ; As if there had not been of old ▪ a condemned voluntary humility in worshipping of Angels , because in so doing , Christ the Head was forsaken , Col. 2.18 . The finitnesse of princes , compelleth to Plurality of Counsellours ▪ whereas the infinity of Iesus discourteth such Statists , he being ever with us , looking upon us , ought not to be shifted off , but gone unto with the Leper , with a Lord , if thou wilt , in things Temporal , or with the Publican with a Lord , be mercifull to me a sinner , in matters Spiritual .

Let the verse be as brisk , as Art can invent , and the doubt , whether to prefer Marys milk or Christs blood most , be as crabbed , as learned ignorance can urg● ; the solution Scribanius the Iesuit Rector gave , is to be accursed , ( viz. ) Rem Scio , &c. I would with my right hand , fix upon the breasts , and with my left lay hold upon the wounds , &c , Giving the wall or right hand to the Virgins merits , in the great Piazza , or high street ; respecting our blessed Iesus , in some privat yard , or wynd , or lane , to the abuse of his Royal and Kingly Majesty . For though with the Iew we will not curse , nor defame that bl●ssed , that Sainted Virgin , lest we dishonour her Son , yet she will hold it ( I am sure she ever did ) undutiful in us to be importunate , after her Sons distast is published . We have a Law to repair to hims●lf , when heavy laden : which Law if Kings should publish , were it fit to sollicite them by courtie●s ? On Earth his bodily presence being much looked upon messengers might be sent with a Lord he whom thou loveth is sick ; But now we must live by Faith , and pray in Faith ; which Faith tendeth to him alone , having neither in old , nor ●ew Testament , an example enforcing , or a promise encourageing , to get aid from o●hers . That of the Temanite . To which of the Saints wilt thou turn ? Iob 5 1. p●esseth no P●ayer to any one , but circumspection , and h●edful observance of all : that Iob , finding no Saint persecuted like him , might confesse hi● Hypocrisie , and repent . Which interpretation if disallowed , what will they say to that great Pope Gregory , who looketh upon it , and justly , as a derisory thing and spoken to Iob in Scorn , God Omnipotent being only to be , as to prayer , regarded , dead Saints being incapable of giving Succou● ? From whose Authority , I press the Reader for engraving on his mind ▪ the valediction gravely given the Fellows of Exeter Colledge in the most famous University of Oxon b● Dr. Holland ●heir Rector , when he was to j●urney , which was , I commend you to the Love of God ( I say of Christ ) and to the Hatred of Popery and Superstition : with which memento I pass forward in my design .

Our adversaries the Jews , in their ordinary devotion , after the Reading of a Chapter out of Moses by one of the gravest , and another out of the Prophets by one of the Basest some one of the Rabbies , exalts the Messiah , comforteth the people , and Rails at Ch●ist ; Whereas the Turks make honourable mention of him , as a Prophet , Visiting of his Sepulchre , being reputed meritorius : Yea accounteth him the Breath of God , and bo●n of a Virgin : ( Fondly conceiving him to be conceived , by the smel of a Rose , or Breath of God ) for all which excellency , among them it is punishable to speak contemptibly of him . Of what Religion then , are those Baptized Ruffians , who in Tavern-communication mention our blessed Lord in such Accents , as vilifies his repute , their customary swearing by him , as estimating him one of the ordinary Fellows ; yea worse , for even such would Rage , hearing their Names . their Goods , their Activity made sportingly bounds of confirmation . Would not the Knight be incensed , if his Page should attest by Sir Johns Valour , or Sir Henries Wisdom ? and if his Lordship saw his Lacquey enforceing a belief of his History , by Vowing by My Lords Honour ; And another tauntingly to obtest , by My Lords Life : It may be conjectured , he would be moved . And shall not Christ much more ? by whom to swear , is to swear by God Incarnat : the Sound whereof is productive of Awe , and Comfort . In scorn Pilat writt Jesus on the crosse , shall we in Vanitie , in Furie , in Passion , in Jest , write it on our Bowls , Cups and Glasses ; as obstinate against the reprover as he was : Refusing to Recall , or Recant any thing spoken , though in derision of his Majesty , or in contempt of his Law uttered , yea , it may be , written : Saying , if I have done it , I 'le do it again .

The Ancients frequently call that which we call Mystery , a Sacrament (a) Sacrum Secretum , a holy divine secret , and to be looked into with Religious reverence : such is the Person , such is the name Iesus : such the words Lord , God , such the Scriptures , such the Death , the Blood of the Son of God , and suitable to the secretnesse therein , are we to adapt our publick and privat behaviour , least scorn follow upon our prophane detection , he giving himself to Redeem us from all iniquity , Tit . 2.14 . least we be condemned , by those who live in Darknesse and the shadow of death in compar s●n of our light . Particularly by the Grand Negus , King of the Abissins , whose Table is first of all furnished with three dishes , one of them with peares , such as when sliced represent a Cross , ( a - strange propertie . ) Another of burning Coals , the third of Ashes , to represent to him in his Magnificnt Delicates , Death and Hell , and our Saviours Passion , for preventing Excess and Ryot at the Royall Board .

If these sacrilegious ones , reflected upon their own interest , and well-being , in this the r defyance against his Honour , who is God over all blessed for ever ; I am so charitable as to think , they would not prostitute their Tongues to every occasional temptation they encounter with , tempting to this kind of Obloquy . For if every idle word , even to him must be reckoned for , that is , in which no Good is found , nor profit , no delight known , no joy perceived , no fruit for God or Man , themselves or others : How severe shall that reckoning be , when large Folio , s , orderly digested , of Curses , Blasphemies , Unholy , Cor●upting , Dishonourable expressions , mis-becoming God , our Lord , Themselves ; Shall be presented , and a reason sufficient for each of them demanded , or he damned ? Mahomet alledgeth , that at the day of judgement , some shall have in their Right Hand a Book , containing all the Acts done in their life ; others shal have it in their Left ; and thereupon presseth for purity , threatning to the Infidel , that he shall know the Truth , when the Soul shall forsake the Body . From the Spirit of Truth , we know : that men dying are followed by their works , and if conscience do not Heer , it shall afterward tell us all that ever we did . Christ the judge is even at the Door , he is designed , and appointed to judge the world ; Be wise therefore ye Princes , be holy therefore ye Nobles be religious ye Commons ; For behold he cometh to judge the World with Equity , and t●e People with Truth .

Speak One to Another of this ( viz. ) that he is the Man by whom Angels and Men are to be Tryed . Let this be eccho'd forth , for the Honour of his Excellent Name . Instile and insinuat this , into the Ears and Hearts of the impure and dishonest , for Repentance ; into the Holy and Religious , for Humility : Not ●yeing altogether the Relation of a Brother , of a Saviour , but of a Judge , a God ; terrible , even in his greatest appearance of glorious friendship . For on the Holy Mount when Heaven open'd , and glory from the Father was given to the Son , the Disciples themselves were afraid ; how much more shall the Sinner tremble , when by Moses they shall be accused for violating the Law ; by Elias , for stoning , and scorning the Prophets ? But when by Christ himself ( Aggravating the other two ) in stately posture , and thundring words , they shal be upbraided for defaming of his Noble Acts , his Word , Sacraments , his Messengers , his Life , his Death , Burial , Resurrection , &c. How shall they sweat ? The cogitation whereof would restore them to more transforming conversation , inclining by Humility and Sorrow , to seriousn●sse in imploring a remission ; that this great Judge might at their Death , seal unto them , what Sir William Fitz Williams a Famous London Citizen , did at his Death to his Poor debtors : for having done much for Universities , High-wayes , Bridges , &c. Had some writings of debts in his Closet , upon which he had writ , amore Dei remitto , I forgive this for Gods sake : which Christ shall also do to the debtor of Ten thousand talents , He craving Remission for himself , and shewing Mercy towards others , As God for Christs sake hath discovered to many : for which Christ is to be esteemed precious by all .

As the Idolatrous Caldeans possessed themselves of the Fathers Glory , in Sacr●●icing to their Net , and burning incense to their Dreg , Hab . 1.16 . As if by their own Va●our , they had dilated and enlarged the ●ounds of their Empire , the Almi hty hav●g no hand therein . Hath not the Wisdom , ●rudition , Experience , the Rich●s of some , ●he Strength , the Authority of others , swell'd ●hem to a Supine neglect of the Son ? Things ●hereby purchased , like the Rich Mans Barns ●n the Gospel , being so near their Eyes , that they see neither God , nor Christ , nei●her Death nor Judgment , saying in Effect . Is ●ut this great Babel that I have builded by the Might of my Power ? Dan . 4 30. without adding , by the grace of God I have what I have ; I am what I am . When some were for Paul , others for Cephas , in the Church of Corinth , it argued Carnality in those Saints ; they holding those Worthies , as Worthies , for the Gifts they severally poss●ssed , not regarding God in these his Ministers , in which ●hey glorified Cephas and Paul , not him . How this corrupt Flesh hath putrifi'd a great part , if not all the body of the Church of Christ , in these dayes , is for a lamentation ; wherein Doctrines be priz'd , not for their truth and soundnesse , but from the preacher , or observer ; As if the Son had not brought Life and Immortality to Light rhrough the Gospel , and had given gifts to Men , for this end , that they might grow in grace and in the knowledge of Jesus Christ : Not in the admiration of Men so gifted , how Advantagiously soever it may be , in worldly , selfish , carnal or politick ends , & respects .

The Tyrians made Blastus the Kings Chamberlain their Friend , to mediate on their behalf with Herod , their countrey being nourished by the Kings countrey , Acts 12.20 . The Territories of that Citty , being straitned and encompass'd by Galilee , whence it had much provision , the want whereof , by the Kings displeasure , might have procured Famine . That we are nourished from the Sea , the Aire , the Fields , the Flocks , of the King of Heaven , being a truth known to the Child , let us make as Blastus , Gods Son our Patron , our Friend , that by his intercession , we may possesse what we have , and be sure he have the glory of his Arbitration ; Thanking God through Jesus Christ , by whom we have attained an inheritance , and Eternal life , Ephes . 1.11 . Rom. 6.23 . His Merits , watering the four parts of the World , as the Rivers Paradise , for bringing us Food for Soul and Body , not only in the things possessed , but in the things expected , saying alwayes in pronity of Spi●it , what King James the Solomon of his Age , parted from his Body withall , V●ni Domine Jesu , Come Lord Jesus . Avowing with the Knights of the Anunciation that all the wealth we hold , is the Fruits of our Lords Courage , blessing , and conduct : for they being Assisted , when Knights of Jerusalem , ( now better Known by that of Maltha ) by Amodeus Duke of Savoy , in conquering Rhodes , wore a Collor , with FERT , FERT , FERT writ thereon , Fortitudo eius Rhodum Tenuit : boasting that not by their own , but by his power , they purchased and poss●ssed Rhodes .

SECT . III .

IT must be granted , that just men , when unjustly accused , may wash off Calumny from the Face of their Fame , by doing that , which the World may call , vain glory , in exalting of themselves , as did Samuel , 1 Sam . 12.3 . and Paul , 1 Cor . 14.18 . And a greater then both , Christ himself ; yet as God seeks not glory for himself , but for others : So Godly men in many cases , may seek not as for themselves , but for others , the Magnifying of their deeds : Who not heeding , not believing , and not doing good works , may be made to hear , and learn to do , for glorifying the Son , a●d the Father . B● the ●orch-light of Words , they discovering the goodnesse of the example shewn , for imitation of others , as by Nehemiah . Besides the consolation the upright hath in reflecting upon the Vertuous Courses they have continued in , for more earnest perseverance , as in Hezekia's per●ect heart : It gaggeth the mouth of the gain-sayer , when they hear good words ▪ and see good works : Still the glory of the sufficiency , for doing these thi●gs , being acknowledged to flow from God , 2 Cor . 3 , 5. Lest the World through disingenuity be rend●ed Idolatrous in resting and centuring in mans applause , which Peter and John feared in the cure wrought upon the impotent man , Acts 3. being gazed upon , and thought Gay , when indeed it was not their Self-vertue , but faith in Jesus made the man whole .

The last words of the old Testament , may seem to be a brag , oblidging an interpreter to discuss the decency of self-commendation , Remember me , O my God , for good , Nehem . 13.31 . Especially if the Train put before , follow after , According to all that I have done for this people , Nehem . 5.19 . ( that book being the last writ , though not Placed in our Bibles : yet are they nothing contrary , to the last words of the new , even so come Lord Jesus , The Grace of our Lo●d Jesus Christ be with you all , Revel . 22.20 . Both being prayer ; The first , expressing , Sincerity and Zeal had towards Gods honour , in , and about his House , Minist●y and Temple , craveing through Grace Accep●ance , only through his , ●ha● is Gods , not Nehemia's goodnesse : he arrogating nothing in Dealing with God unto himself , but Misery , to which he opposeth Mercy , Nehem . 14.22 . Which is to be understood in the word Remember , He knowing integrity to have a promise . So that in times of Calumny , Slander and Division , may the Religious Ruler , Holy Divine , the upright Neighbour , the peaceable Subject , the harmlesse Saint , crave a Remembrance , and stop the mouths of Adversaries thereby , or gagge their lips , whose Teeth are commonly fastned in the flesh of them , who have done best service , in their place and callings , ( as Nehemia did , who was spoken against , Nehem . 6.17 . ) this being the Worlds wages . Let me see the Governour , the Ruler , the Prince in his collar of S S S , or Esses , ( that is , a Chain of Gold worn in that form , and a Badge of Honour ( i.e. ) imitating the vertues thereby signified , which is , the uncorruptnesse of Sanctus Simon Simplicius , a primitive Judge and Saint : and when Twitted in the teeth with Maleversation , vindicating his innocency with Nehemia's rememb●ance , or Pauls , I have lived without Offence : The Relation ought not to be mudded , nor soyled with the Shadow of a boast , but Radiated with commemorated inoffensivenesse and glory , it beaming foreward unto that , we have pretended , in this Essay to signalize ( viz. ) Christ in his glory , He having Ascended to the Father , for no other end , then to get from him , Good Gifts for men , which Good men in their Remember , Do acknowledge , the Gospel being revealed , which sayeth , He giveth more grace , James 4.6 . Until the time that Grace end in Glory , which the gifted long● for , in their come Lord Jesus , come quickly ; Comforting each other , in the fingering of these words , The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you all , where our Bible ends : the Scop of both Testaments , not obscurely teaching by it , that when in practice the content● of both are performed , by Obedience and Faith , the Palme and Prize , the Reward , the Glory of all , is to be referred to the person , Merits and worth of Christ Jesus , the Son of , and the Eternall God , and our Saviour . Hence the Church equally sings ,

Glory be to the Father , and to the Son .

DOXOLOGIA ; OR , GLORY TO THE Holy GHOST . REDUCED TO PRACTICE ; Tolbooth-Church , June 4. 1671. 1 PETER 4.14 .

If ye be reproached for the Name of Christ , happy are ye , for the Spirit of Glory and of God resteth upon you : on their part he is evil spoken of , but on your part he is glorified .

IT is no limitation to the Rambling and Roaving Fancy of the Lewd and Subtile , beholding eminency , and pregnancy attending the parts of others , to traduce and endeavour to frustrate the paying of that Obligation of Honour and Respect , which by Merit , is vertuously due to ●hose so qua●ified . But a certain Species of ●rmented envy is perceptible in the World , against the glorious God himself , for magnifying of his Son and sending forth of His Spirit . Men not only presuming to list exceptions and Buts of unsavoury restaints , for discharging just and full commendation ●f persons like themselves ; But daring to defame with the Jew , the exalted Name of Christ ; though his works , and their perswasion , testifie him to be God , sometimes ●penly in Ridicule , or Scorn , and ofttimes Covertly in Perfidie , or Treachery in postures of friendship & alliance , in significant Rites , and Expressions , Judas-like exposing him to the scorn of the base and contemptible ; yea , no person in the Trinity , by their steel'd behaviour , escapes unspattered in obloquy , the Father having no Honour in his providence , the Son no respect in his Mediations , the Holy Ghost no Reverence in his effects and operations ; that Spirit of Glory being reproached , blasphem'd , that is , evil spoken of by some in his nature , by some in his Acts , by others in his Gifts , by many in the Manner of his being .

Hoping better things of you , and for procuring the things that accompany salvation ; we shall , for procuring the Holy Ghost his due Glory and Religious Veneration , sink our plummet in these ( though deep ) waters , descrying first , wherein his glory consisteth ; next , how in practice that Glory may be ascribed to him .

SECT . I.

Praying for the assistance of that blessed Spirit , in clearing so dark a Theme , we enter upon laying the first Stone for building of his glory , in our Assurance , and owning of his Deity : for from this , must all other arguments for renown commence ; And without this , Glory were neither his Due , nor our Debt ; Therefore must it be prefixed , as an undoubted and an indispensible principle ; yea , is it not the first step we make in our moving toward Christian profession ? Being Baptized in the Name of the Father , and of the Son , and of the Holy Ghost ; Not in their Names , as being many , but in the Name , these being one among themselves though three expressed ; Yet the intimation of a single Name , to that Triplicity , enforceth a reflection upon that Unity . The second being Holy as the Third , the Third with the First , that is , equally with the preceeding two , which to us , who glorifieth the Son , in the belief of those truths he hath avowed , is methodically cleared , from the event that Blasphemy against him committed hath , which is , never to be forgiven , though all manner of Blasphemy against the Father and the Son shall , Matth . 12.31 . Whence it is manifest , He can be no whit inferiour to the Father and the Son , the Blasphemy against him being irremissible , not that against either of the other two , which at least excludes Subjection .

On the other side , his proceeding from the Father , John 15.26 . apparently evinceth , his not being above the Father , the Father being the principle whence he cometh , which confidently may be said to deny superiority over the Father ; And his not giving of his own , his not speaking of himself to the Church , but of the Son , John 16.13 . equally demonstrats him not to be more excellent then the Son , He being but as a Messenger from him ; So that his not being inferiour to the Father and Son , and in no wise Superiour to them , the Illation of this mean is good and sure , that he is equall to them , destroying at first , and dashing in pieces that thought , which hath a tendency to make offer his being a Created thing , that casting him as far under God as a Creator is remote from the Creature , and that 's no lesser distance then Infinity .

At the Creation the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters , Gen. 1.1 . So that he was at the framing of this world ; and because of that , must be concluded to exist before the World : for when a Man in verity , can be said to subsist without a Soul , the Eternity of God shall be allowed , granting him to abide without his Spirit ; which here , Brooded over the worlds Embrio , animating the same for production , infusing such vivifying heat , as might capacitate the first confused Mass , to bring forth the severall forms of things we behold , And no Question was that which dark Philosophy called afterwards the Soul of the World , beholding Hourly , vertue and power ; emitted in framing this or that being , by an unknown workman , yet curiously to be joynted by a close Union of parts , not knowing the Scriptures , inferred the certainty of this Globs animation , whereas the Universe received that Energy , from the Spirit of God revealed to us , to be that Spirit that searcheth all things ; yea , the Deep things of God , 2 Cor . 2.10 . Solemnly informing him to be the true God , & accordingly to be adored , no Creature being in its utmost Sagacity , able to dive into the In-fathomable Abysse of Gods deep and secret purposes ; It must be the Creator that is instanced , to make Scrutiny therein , which being adjusted by the Spirit , his Deity is excellently conclusive therefrom , and the verity of his God-head triumphantly inferred thereby .

Ghost , or as our old English reads Gheest , or Geist , is a name common to all , or to any Spirit , but the Expression Heiligh or Holy , discriminats God from all other , being also called the Spirit of truth . Against whose Testimony Ananias lying , He is said to lye unto God . Paul was taught his Gospel only by the Revelation of Jesus Christ , for so it pleased God , Gala . 1.15 . Yet the Holy Ghost saying , Separate me Barnabas and Saul , for the work whereunto I have called them , Acts 13.2 . proves , that he must be God ; fo● God it was that first set in the Church Apostles , Secondarily Prophets , and that for his own Work , 1 Cor . 12 , 18. Wherefore , while the Church fasted and prayed unto the Lord , the Holy Ghost , commanded Separation , and that for his own designed Operations , enforcing the report of his being that Lord , unto whom the Church at that time did pray and fast , and who in Answer to those prayers , did appoint Preachers , and Apostles , for himself , Barnabas and Paul for two .

The Old and New Arrians readily grant the three Persons , yet deny the Unity , owning neither the Son nor Spirit , to be called God ; but as Moses was , or as Kings are ( that is ) from their power and Authority , not their nature . Turks and Jews avouch the Unity of God , but Abjure the Trinity in the God-head : Mahomets Alcharon in that Chapter called of Truth , threatens those who deny his Unity , that they shall know the truth thereof in Hell-fire . But such Bug-bares need not cause us flee from this truth , Our Triplicity agreeing with Unity : the Jews unity ignorantly Speaking Solitude ; Our Unity , Excluding Multitude ; Speaking one , the Father Son and Holy Gho● , not like the Spirit , water and blood , agreeing in one But being one , 1 John 5.7 . That is , in Name , Honour , Glory and Eternity , as well as Purpose , Mind and Counsel , contrivance and design , and seen in many thing● sensibly , being groped at in the darknesse o● naturall Reason , by the Poets and Orator● of old : who made Jupiter , Neptune and Pluto the great three , ruling Heaven , Sea and Hel : yet oft would unite them in that one Name Jove . There was to them seen Time past , Time present , Time to come in that Flux and — Stream of Motion , they called Time . Man hath Memory , Understanding and Will , yet these are joyned and are one , in that indivisible thing the Soul . The sacrifices to the Idols , were accompanied with Prayer , Fasting and Alms. The Graces Euphrosyne , Aglaia and Pithus , goddesses distinct from others , yet for ever Inseparably handed together , was a Fiction shewing their groping ( as the Men of Sodom for Lots door ) to obtain the hidden Mystery of this Sublime Doctrine of the Trinity in Unity .

The Caldeans writ the Name God in three Letters , and these in the Center of a Circle , expressing their ignorance of First , Second and Third , as to place ; yet hinting at Third , Second and First as to being . The Turk sits not down to Eat , goeth not to wash , goeth not to pray , untill first be pronounced in the Name of God , his Mercies , and the Spirit of them , which Sanctification of the Creature , by these three in practice , eludeth their Surmise of Gods singularity , taught in their Law , that plainly , though darkly assaulting this , and peremptorly causing a perswasion of the three Persons . The Hebrew writes the ●ame Jehovah , in f●ur Letters , but one ( viz. ) He , is twice found , in that one word , as standing in a double Relation to the other two , which the Son in the Three Persons , intelligibly doth . And all other Nations , finds the Word Spirit , in the Holy Tongue , in the gender Feminine : with the Greeks it 's found in the Neuter , & with the Latins in the Masculine ; As if the infinity of the Spirit , and his being incomprehensible as God , could in this singular variety be even Grammaticaly deduced : that our juvenile understandings might be trained up in this necessary truth , of the Spirits Divinity . Nay where Learning was a stranger ( viz. ) in Peru , lately , in Temples stood an Image , called Pachacamac , believed by them , to have a Spirit , which he sent upon Earth , to execute his will , and that in his hand , he bo●e a Dart , exterminating all of bad lives ; called of them Chinnequil , ( i.e. ) the Ghost of the Great Creator , Nature , or Devil , not being ignorant of , or not daring to conceal so great and clear a truth , as the Existence of the third person rom the first .

In the Kingdom of Manopotapa , in Africa , all kinds of Religion are embraced , ( yet loyaltie to the Grand Tahaqui , their ●ing , Rigidely observed ) the inhabitants be●g assured of Salvation from their friend●ip with all the Gods in Heaven , chiefly with Runia , Adula , Isaten , whom they call ●he Christian Gods ; somewhat teaching them ●he Dominion of Three above all created Angels , Intelligences and Dominions . But ●o come nearer hand , Rome hath an Hospi●l dedicated to the Holy Ghost , that Church ●eing Orthodox in the Doctrine relating to ●s subsistence : and each Christian is to keep ●is Body ( not to say as an Hospitall , or In●mary of , but ) as a Temple of the Holy Ghost : And a Temple was never yet in any ●ge builded , but to One , who either was God , or so reputed ; and the Spirits allow●ce , yea , injunctions of heeding this Temple ●nd cleaning this Temple as his , and for his own use , is apposite to refute the imperti●ency of his being Created : since Temples ●re made for instruction , and the knowledge ●f him being necessary for us , our Bodies are consecrated for this Important truth , that ●e is God blessed for ever . For though Eter●all life be Annexed to the knowledge of God ●e Father and Christ , John 17.3 . Yet the perfect knowledge of these two , when acquir'd , the goodnesse which emergeth from them , being the Spirit , cannot is not possible to be concealed .

His procession or proceeding from the Father and the Son , hath not the least share of that Glory to be by us attributed to him : and hence , he is called Ghost or Spirit , not begotten as is the Son ; not created , as are the Angels ; but proceeding from the Essence of the God-head , as a breath : A firm belief of which dark , and majestick Maxime , must be opposed to all the probo●s , or arguments , Unbelief can draw from all the Topicks , when most sublimat : For though we cannot reach the Apex , or top of its Excellency ; we may lay hold upon the Fund , or bottome whereon it stands , which is , Who proceedeth from the Father , John 15.26 . He shall take of mine , and give it unto you , John 16.13 . Which proposition maketh not this conclusion Aiery , that he cometh from the Father and the Son , who was that Breath from the Lord , by the Word through whom the Heavens were made , and all the Hosts of them , Psal . 33.6 .

The Greek Church did therefore degrade the Spirit one degree , in alledging his procedure from the ●ather only , to be seen : say some in that it lost its Glory , Dominion , Crown and Dignity , May 29. 1453. Be●g the day of the year , in which the Church ●lebrates the memory of the Holy Ghost's ●ming down upon the Apostles , that is , ●hitsunday , the Turks having thereon en●er'd Constantinople , their Crown and City : 〈◇〉 the da●es of Constantine the eleventh , Son to Helena , having been builded and de●eated , May the 5. Anno Dom . 330. By Constantine the first Son to Helena , Orthodox ●d Sound in the Faith in this particular , ●nd at this day possessed by the Grand Seig●or , the honour of Command being never Regained , perhaps for this one cause , among ●thers , that this Error is still continued and ●ropagated among them . Though with a ●everend Author , such deductions may be ●ft hazardous and uncertain ; yet in this , ●he time , at least , is to be marked , as by the Finger of God , the Constantines therein , ●eing a matter worthy of all observance , the one being Sound , the other Corrupt , in the Doctrine of the Spirits precedure .

A studious Brain plodding about this Union and Procession of the Spirit , intending to compasse it within the Bounds , Mould ●nd Confinement of his reason , for fuller satisfaction , and clearer proof , then he surmised the Scripture afforded , was made to start by a Spirits Appearance in the Shape of a Body , with three Heads : which frighting him from further search , Concluding it too gross & Satanical ; He learned greater Humility of mind , and sat down believing , without further search . In which resolution your Wisdom shall be seen , Happinesse be found : For as the Rivers flow'd from Paradise , and as waters proceed from a Fountain , so the Spirit proceeds from the Heavenly Father , with this Heavenly and Eternal difference , that what proceedeth , still abideth with the Father , preserving unity , which nature cannot manifest ; for as none can declare the Generation of the Son , so neither shall any be able to discover the processi●n of the Spirit , these things being written that we might believe , and no more , that we might still believe , and have everlasting life , begun here in that holinesse , which as proceeding from the Son and Father , he workes in us , by vertue of our faith in him proceeding .

SECT . II .

TO atempt somewhat upon that Glory , we poor Creatures are to hold out unto the Holy Ghost in practice , in opposition to those crude and unbelieving Notions , concerning him in the Wor●d : Let us gird up the loins of our mind , and to death disjoyn neither our Hearts nor Tongues , strenuously maintaining him , to be the Author and Inditer of the Holy Scriptures , in the old and new Testaments . From these alone is the will of God revealed , only in these are the Mysteries of the Deity published , they being destinate for that end . At first its true he Transmitted the contents therein by Tradition , after he impressed them upon Tables of Stone , but the Church enlarging , and tradition being capable of Error : He lastly writ it on writing Tables , that he who runs may Read it . The Turks as otherwise busied , Flinch from us , at every turn , going Forward and Backward , and Side-wayes at pleasure . The Jew with an untoward and Skew Countenance , keeps even pace with us untill Malachy : where if we presse him to proceed unto John the Baptist , or Jesus , he sayes , the Lord rebuke you , vowing by much , that God never writ more : and here he fixes his Foot . But Holy men of old speaking as they were moved by the Holy Ghost 2 Pet . 1.21 . Isaiah , speaking by the Holy Ghost , Acts 28.25 . The Holy Ghost himself testifying these things to us , Revel . Apointing them to be the Norma , Rule , or Square , for Doctrine , for Reformation , for Disputation , while the World stands ; yet not as Judge , but as the Judges Sentence or his Decreet , or if as a Judge , not the Supreme , it being the Spirits Glory to preceed over all , in , or about the Church : And from the Mirrour of the Law , may be discovered the face of the Gospel to be of God , the resemblance being so just , in its Washings , Sacrifices , Temple , Priests &c. determining the same Spirit who writ , In the beginning God created the Heaven and the Earth , to have writ , composed and dictated , In the Beginning was the Word , John 1.1 .

We are beholding for the Chapters of the Bible , to the Memory of the Most Reverend Father , Stephen Langton Archbishop of Canterbury , who Dyed Anno Dom . 1206. According to good Authors ; and for the verses to that Exact Printer Robert Stephens , very lately : but for the Matter , or History , i● these two contained , let us for ever glorifie the Holy Ghost ; who registrating the History of the Creation , the Faith of Abr●ham , Israels going down to Egypt , M●ses's travel in the wildernesse , Jobs patienc● exercised about that time , the Royalty o● David , the exhortations of the Prophets , th● Birth , Death , the Resurrection of Jesus , the increase of the Church , and the hopes of the World to come ; Being as bread given us by him to Eat , As Swords sharp'ned by him to fight with , untill we triumph , and have Abundance in the Kingdom which is above .

The greatest indignity upon this score offered the Holy Ghost in this Age ( if my judgement be of any weight ) was by the Divulgers , Believers , of those Prophesies , called of Drabicius his visions and pretended Revelations , touching the House of Austria , Rome , &c. Not only by the old Man himself , given out as parallel in truth and clearnesse , to those of Isaiah , Jeremiah ; and belief pressed as such , under the pain of Damnation : but received , expounded , as earnestly , as the dreams of Daniel , and raptures of S. Paul . The terrible Oath compiled , and his being compelled , by the Hungarian Clergy , to swear against Iuggling , the prayers before its taking , the singing of the Hymne , Come Holy Ghost ; The Astonishment that fell upon , and the Tears which fell from the eyes of all beholders , are not Nervous to Fetter the solid into a firm perswasion , that his prophesies were in truth the words of God , the probability of delusion therein being so facile to be found from themselves . His dedication prefixed before hi● prophesies , contrary to Scripture Language or Holy practice , not being directed , a● Burthens and Visions , to Moab , Edom , &c But poet-like and superstitious-like , ther● were prefaceings . To the most Seren , most Invincible , King of Kings , Lord of Lords , Jesus Christ ; the Eternall and only begotte● Son of God . a Style , suiting neither to the old nor new Prophets , in the old nor new Testament , in their Sermons . And to the Virgin Mary , who is the Alpha and Omega , the first born from the Dead . A prhase unbeseeming a Prophet , and a Partner not becoming the Majesty of the Holy Ghost , whence it is said these predictions came .

Besides , it look'd ( at least to me ) scurvily , that he having found a Book of one Paul Veterin , writ against him ( which by the way I am sorry I could never see , nor any of that nature ) in zeal took up the Sacred Book , resolving to ground a printed defence , from what places soever opened up ; an Action that hath not very great Sympathy , with former Actings of Holy men of God ; But the sad Luck was , that the third place , should happen in the Apocryphal book of Wisdom , and thence discourses : A Book which the Holy Ghost yet , in no Age respected so much as to Name , and our Saviour and his Apostles in all their defences , Heeds it no more then if it had never been ; yet this defence ( forsooth ) must be eyed , called for , as another Little Bible , as an appendix , a new Edition of the Blessed word of God : yea , it may be more heeded , so fond are men , of every trash that cometh with the appearances of Novelty , though attended with Falshood . The very contrary happening , to what that pretended Prophet had fore-spoken , which yet is Caveated in his History , and urged as one Reason why he should be believed . Because we find many things threatned by the true Prophets , which for some time hath otherwise fell out , which we grant ; yet it s a bad Omen , that after a long Vacancy of Prophets , one should rise , and at the first dash , providence by Death and Warr , to walk in direct opposition to that which the Man sayeth , God ordered him to publish .

That Revelation commanded him to write June the 30th 1664. I sha●l Subscrive unto ( viz. ) that there shall be a day of vengeance to the worshippers of Idols , and to all false worships of those that do not Rightly acknowledge thee , the Tri●une God : But must , and shall demurre , upon the Revelation of that Christiana Poniatovia , a Virgin , who dyed that same year , and whose memory must with some , smel like that of Deborah , and her Prophesies , much like to Drabicius's , must be Reckon'd as Authentick , a● the Song of the Blessed Mary . And besids the transgression of that established rule , prohibiting a Woman to preach ( which u●till , or unlesse recalled , by some Stupendious an● not to be Imagined Miracles , is now , and fo● ever will be in force ) For all her rising fro● the Dead ( Not to walk any longer in this , 〈◇〉 to me , untroden Path ) in behalf of the Scriptures , I herewith cast in my protest , It is 〈◇〉 Forgery , which I principally draw from th● Familiar Entercourse , she is said to hav● with God under the representation of an ol● Man : Adding this only as a remark , that i● this particular the Plot was somewhat cu●ningly layd .

God finisheth the Old Testament , wi● the Charge of Remembering the Law 〈◇〉 Moses , Malach . 4.4 . Lest his peop● heeding other Teachers , should be unlim●ted in their Religious adherance , and c●ried away by the boldnesse of the Ambitio● or Delusions of Confident , Proud or Ig●rant Enthusiasticks . And know we not , 〈◇〉 the New Testament closeth with a C● upon the Enlargers or Abridgers of its Doctrine , Rev. 22.19 . Otherwise , whether might not the Church be Hurried by Diversity of Doctrine and brisk pretenders ? For though it may be Granted , that some Devoto's may be Inspired ; yet the least dissonancy from Holy writ , may justly cause somewhat more then Suspition : or admitting a Symetry , they may be looked into , Perus'd and Read , but to affront the Spirit by Incongruous and Unproportionate observes , by Firmnesse of Faith and Hope , Fear and other Qualities to Revolve the Treatises of men , though Learned , Old and Religious , upon the Charge of Damnation , by the Author , is against the Glory , wherewith the Spirit is Invested on the throne of the Scriptures ; God only so Speaking to us , and ordering a moulding of our lives and conversation , conform to such Summons , as by his Servants , of old , and by his Son in these last da●es , in Holy writ , Promulgat and made known , and still publisheth unto us .

It is also Incumbent upon Men , to speak of the Spirits Endowing of the Ministry with Qualities and Abilities , for opening that Book ; A Work Meriting great Glory , these having from him . Diversity of Gifts , One the Word of Wisdom , perswading to things Divine ; to another the Word of Knowledge , that by the Creatures God may b● made manifest , 1 Cor . 12.5 . For the perfecting of the Saints , for the Edifying of th● Body of Christ , which is the Church of ou● Lord , Ephes 4.12 . It is He who speaketh by us unto you , and in you , through us , He making us your Overseers , as ●urely as he made those Elders of Ephesus Feede●s of that flock , Acts 20.28 . Though our Call be not so Immediat , as the call of the Ap●stles was , which Immediat Call from Jesus those Ephesian Preachers also wanted with us ; yet by him set apart for that Function , as we also are . Stephen disputed by the Spirit , the Apostles Preached by him ; And we also do , Figured in those Seventy upon wh●m God sent the Spirit of Moses , qualifying them to prophesie : not that Moses gift was thereby Diminished , but that thei● Vessels were filled at his Fountain , he still Remaining full himself : their Lamps Kindled at his Flame , he still burning clear himself , Numb . 11.11 . That Knowledge , Light , Heat , Spirit , Faith , Love , or Hope , which at Tim● Shine Forth toward God , toward Man , toward the Gospel , and towards Heave● by our Preaching , ought to be looked upon , not as ours , but as the Work of the Spirit , and He Glorifi'd , not the Preacher , Accordingly .

For Prophesie is not to be bounded to a predicting , or shewing things to come , but for an orderly declaring of the will of God , in speaking to Edification and Exhortation and Comfort , 1 Cor . 14.13 . Which is done by the Gifts severally bestowed , in one , two or three Talents , on the Ministry , by the Holy Ghost , and for preparing people , as the voice of a Cryer , to make straight paths for their Feet ; or as the wind ▪ to awake them for R ceiving of the Holy Ghost , as at Pentecost . Every Sermon , being as so many Stones , for Building the Saints up in the most Holy Faith ; the Contrived Method of Gods converting Men from the Errour of their wayes , being the Scriptures opened and applyed ; God in this Informing his Servants , his Preachers , as he did David his Servant , his King , in the Matters of the Temples Materials and Structure , 1 Chro . 28.19 . Making the builders of his Spiritual Temples the Souls of men , to understand by writing and his Spirit upon them , how the converted should Edifie themselves , and one another , in the Faith and Love of God , He letting them know that holy Maxime oft in the Mouth of Judicious Hooker : That the Scripture was not writ , to beget Pride and Disputations , and Opposition to Government ; But Humility , and Obedience , and Peace , and Piety in Mankind .

This sure is the cause that maketh the Rude Russians to speak so Respectfully of their Churches , that when Destroyed by Fire , they say not , They are burned , but they are Ascended , or gone up : As if the place wherein the Holy Spirit gave them Lessons of Holy Deportment , and endowed them by preaching to aspire to a Holy Life , should not be Deemed to vanish when out of sight , but rather r●moved to that Holy Place the Spirit dwelleth in above , that sometime visited them in it , when below : Respecting the Church for the preachers sake , and him for the Spirits sake , fixing their Eyes on him as principal Agent of their Saving Knowledge . For though Paul preached , yet it was the Lord opened the heart of Lydia to attend upon the things by him taught , Acts 16.14 . A stone of Obduration against the word , of peevishnesse against the Preacher , lying ordinarly upon the cave of the hearts of Men , untill the Spirit , as Joshua roll it away , and bring forth Envy , Covetousnesse , Pride , Self-love , Fury , Uncleannesse , Intemperance , and whatever is contrary to true Holinesse , setting his Feet upon their Necks , ●en hanging them up as Trophees of his ●ictory , and pledges of the Souls Release ●om their Tyranny and force . Of which Conquest , It were Adultery to give Paul , ●r that Son of Nun , and not the Holy Ghost ●e Glory ; but Laudable and true Glorying ●ere it to blesse the Lord , for his great de●verance in this matter .

Henrie the fourth Emperour , in a pro●resse . Allighted at a Countrey Chappel to ●ear Sermon and Service : the Priest that Officiated , being unusually deformed , and ●most Monstruous ; His Majesty said with● himself , How can God like so ugly a Fel●w's Service ? Disdaining him in his Heart : But that part of the office being through Mistake twice repeated , It is He that hath made us , and not we our selves , His High●esse changed his mind , concluding him a Prophet , for Knowing and Checking his Harsh thoughts , which so wrought ( by the Spirit sure ) upon the heart , that Royalty stooped to crave the Priests Remission , and bounty opened , to set him now regarded , in great Authority , which he Piously , Honourably and Faithfully discharged . The Holy Ghost is that Master , that teacheth within , the up-taking of such Rules , as are outwardly sent to the Ear ▪ whether it be in the fearing of God , or Eschewing of evil .

Among other temptations laid upon Martin Bishop of Tours by Satan , this was thorny , that one Cloathed in Purple , Crown'd with a Diadem , appeared to him , saying , Know , Martin , that I am Christ , whom thou worshippest , &c. But the Word , and the Spirit , ( sayeth my Author ) so far instructed him , as to reply , My Christ was crucified , and wounded , in that Habit , I will neither worship nor believe .

Be this Relation true , or false , this is sure , that by the word , as in Cornelius House , the Spirit is obtained : and He that heareth not us , that is , he who obeyeth not ; but taunts at the Preacher , and scoffs at the Sermon , hath not yet received the Holy Ghost : being a stranger to his Fruits , Comforts , Intentments and his Law , He being abused in these his Messengers , their garments being Cut in the Middle , for discovery of that , which they ought to hide ( if Vanity be found ) as Hanun did to Davids Ambassadors , 2 Sam . 10. to his own Destruction : Which oft in Death-Bed , and publick Executions , is evidenced , the most Ignorant Buffoons , then Regrateing this Insolence ; How shall it then peirce the Soul of the more Serious Don Pedro ; if God ever call him to Repen●ance , or the Inquisitour , if he make Inquisi●ion for Sin , towards Amendement of life ?

Yet alas ! may it not be surmised that this ●ame Prophesy shal be Accosted with Derisi●n and Encountred with a Smile ? Men , ●arnal men , saying to it , as the Children to E●isha , go up , go up , that is , to Heaven with ●hy Master ; These things being our ●efuse , and such thoughts , as Glory in the Holy Ghost , being too lean a duty for our Honourable Tables : For to be plain , and to passe Law-distinctions , to avoid Boggling at Words , There is a thing men surnames , as from Simon Magus , Simony , not a vice , but with too many accounted vertuous , though loathed by , because leading unto , Ignominiously handling of the Spirit , so much the more , as his Disciples ( in this , short of their Master ) that they give not , ( though they might ) signes of their Repentance and Conversion , in calling Pray for us , Acts 8.24 . But by Simoniack Compact , continue to Affront the Holy Ghost , the Servants and the House of God ; And that from the right of Patronage , against which we have no debate , proclaming peace peace unto it : But however it would be known , that the right of presentation according to the old verse . Patronum Faciunt Dos , Aedificatio , Fundus , came either from Endowing , or Building of a Church or Allotting some of their Land whereupon it should be builded , and by the Conveyance of Estates and Sale of Lands , doth this passe from Hand to Hand : as a property in Succession ; now Consider , whether if he , who never did any of these , make advantage of Gods House ▪ for standing upon his Ground , may not justly be called unthankful , God suffering Many Houses , and Large Mansions of that same Person , to be founded upon his Soyl , For the Earth is the Lords . And his hands formed the dry Land . For which it may be , the Holy Ghost hath no requital , or at least none greater , then exemption of his own House , from that Annual Tribute , though it perhaps be payed roundly at once .

The usuall answer is easily repelled , that this is neither Buying , nor Selling of the gift of the Holy Ghost ; for though I acknowledge another Expression might have been chosen , yet custome the Rule of Speech , hinders from carping at the word : but for the thing it self , is it not a Buying and a Selling , a Taking up , and a laying down of Money , for the performance of that , which both Merchant and Customer know , to be the Mean , by which the Holy Ghost is given ; ( viz. ) Preaching the Word , Administring of the Sacraments , which if the Patron will not suffer to be entr'd upon , untill the time that Money open the Pulpit door , which , when done , the Chaplain in opening his Bible , for sanctifying the People , may by ●hem be accounted somewhat Diminishing to his Acceptance , Cash being Principal Virger or Usher to that Exercise : And ●hough the Poverty of some , might Extenuat ●heir unthankfulnsse , pleading Excuse , yet ●he Wealth of others , maketh it the more Criminal ; Yea the dark conveyance of it ●owards all , is a strong Circumstance of self-Condemnation : but the unsuccessfulnesse ●hereof , in most of all the Ages of the Church ( it Seldom thriving on any Side , but Contrary ) might be urged as Arguments of Abhorrency .

But We Proceed . When we shew that Henry the second of that name , Emperor , engaging in battel against the Hungarians , ( conscious in guilt ) openly vowed in the Head of his Army , if God gave Conquest , to Root out from his Dominions , as David the wicked from the Land , all Simonists and Simony , which his Predecessors had temerè , rashly , suffered and unadvisedly permitted to be used in the Empire . he Fought , he Vanquished , Dethroning an Usurper and Fixed the throne upon its own Basis .

In the winter nights of Fears , Entanglem●n●s , Faintings of a touched Conscience , Hungry B●●ly , diseased Body , Perplexed Heart , How hath the Spirit Formerly come with , The Lord is with thee ? Judg . 6.12 . in unexpected supply and comfortable relief , Reason failing , Sense growing , the Spirit hath called , ●etire into thy Chambers , talk with Job , with David , with Daniel , with Silas , with Peter , with Lazarus , as the Leper , Math . 8. Lord , if thou wilt thou canst help me and then if Comfort , Patience , Strength , flow forth , fo●get not to say , this is the Comforter . For his Oyntment Runs down from the Head Christ to the utmost skirts of his Garment , that is , the poorest Depender , supplei●g the Flesh , cleansing the Wounds , glading the Heart , beautif●ing the Face of such as have lyen among the pots , causing a glistring in the Sun-shine of Serenity , by secund Providence and warmth to the whole man ▪ by the precious Knowledge of a reconciled God . While others , in Great Vanity , for no profit , Rise up Early and sit up Late , eating the Bread of Sorrow , Psal . 127. ( i.e. ) Got by that , which shall procure them sorrow , or sorrowing , because they ●ust eat Bread , or Sorrowing that they can●ot get more , grumbling they have so little , ●r hasting Sorrow upon themselves by un●earied diligence and pains , that they may ●ill have bread : Whereas the Heritage of ●hem who blesse the Lord , hath , as his Beloved ●ot only sweet sleep , but , as the text may be ●ead , Good Children , Rooted in God , bloom●g towards Man , Content , Peace , Wealth , Honour , Courage and Holy Audacity , At●ending them in their Correspondence with ●sen , and Employment with God , Speaking , that is , Defending themselves , against all ●heir Enemies , and overthrowing them in ●e Gate , that is , in Judgment , the Spirit ●leading for them , Psal . 127.2 , 3.

Is the Soul convinced of it 's Sin ? of it 's of●ences ? is it thereupon prompted to acknow●edge , Father , I have Sinned ; to say , Lord , ●ir give , and that in a sweet f●eedom , this must ●e entertained , as Acts not flowing from Flesh and Blood , or obtruded upon us , from Principles and Collections of our own : but for Enhansing of the respect due to the Holy Ghost , they are to be Noted , as d●legated by the Spirit , for testifying to the Conscience of Acquir'd peace with H●aven ; For it is he that maketh intercession for us , R●m . 8.26 . That is , provocketh us to interceed for our selves , with groans that cannot be expressed ( i.e. ) which we cannot expresse , being ignorant of those particular Remedies , requisit for that Condition , we groan , or pray under , which he can readily delineat , being God , and passionatly alarum the Soul by Home-set reproofs , Forcible Convictions , Joh . 16.9 . To shake off Sensuality , stoutly to Guard against wrath to come , by putting on the Armour of God , particularly that piece of it , Prayer , from which excitation , the Spirit is Surnamed a Spirit of Grace and Supplication , Zach. 12.10 . As infusing goodness , discovering to the darkned understanding , the past ingratitude of a Debauch'd life , loosely Spent in opposition to the Fathers Benevolence , Mercy and Tender-heartednesse : So that Petition and Thanksgiving , for preventing deserved judgement , and for Receiving undeserved Acts of Grace , filleth up the la●ge Scrolls of the Souls Capacity , that but these , and what are Annexed to these , are only Legible , in their presentments unto God .

Hence proceeded that pious Custome of the Church , in all Meetings , wherein Government , Doctrine and Order were concerned , first to sing that Hymne , Come Holy Ghost , &c. and then enter upon Businesse , Enact Laws , or form Conclusions , his want exposing the most choice Elections to Ignorance , Division , Inadvertence ; But directing the most Suspected , to the desired port of Truth , Unity and Peace , flatting Carnal Interests , enlightning doubtful breasts , by calming the Clamorous Tongue , and suggesting convincing arguments to the Costive Fancy , by which , how much glory , with the Devout , hath the Spirit in all Ages got unto himself ? Commencing since the Death of all the Apostles , from two Famous Counsels held in Jerusalem and Nice , when it s thought this Hymne was first composed , and drawn up by the Holy Constantine , the second being like unto the first , called of Nice not so much , or not only from the City Nicea , wherein it was held , as from the Greek word Nikos , the Eternal Truth , the Holy Doctrine of the Blessed Trinity , therein conquering , & triumphantly coming off Against Arius and his Doctrine , in denying the Trinity , and Famous Stately Churches Edified , wherein to publish , that Christ and the Holy Ghost was from the beginning .

On the other hand , with the Advertent , how hath the Spirit purchased praise , in beholding the Ghostly , that is , the Dead-like Issues of Subtil , Factious and Unholy Assemblies ; where through the want of the Spirit , Ignorance hath vanq●●shed Learning , Confusion triumphed over Order , Passion silenceing Reason , Fraud conquering Justice , and Brawling honting at Peace , Pride , Envy , Interest , Treason , insulting over Humility , Love , Clemency , Loyalty and Piety , ( which ought not to be Separat ) to the disturbing , not Quieting a Common Wealth ; The Spirit not blessing , not directing the convention , because convocat for some sly purposes , concerning the Members own Grandeur , not about the Refulgency of his Glory , therefore Blasted be their deepest Contrivances , and Withered their Fairest Flourishes , confounding theirs , preserving the honour of his own Name .

What ever we suffer , let us by a Holy , Pure and Innocent life , evidence our respect to the bless d Spirit ; Lying , Stealing , Bitt●rness● , U●cleann●sse , Idlenesse , Filthy talking , Ba●e whispering , Bitter reviling , Devillish revenge , Brutish anger , Deafning clamour , Foolish malice , Ape and Mimick-like conversation ; Grieving his Holy Person , Ephe . 4.30 . Being Exotick , Forreign and Strange plants , not consisting with the Soyl , with the Soul he hath given us . To that good example expected of us , nor to those Acts , promises , gifts , assurances , he hath offered , and freely given for our behoof : But most ●f all , for their Dissonancy from that Majesty , Sanctity , Honour , wherewith he is endowed ●n himself , and according to which he justly expects , our conversation should conform , ●re alwayes being in his presence and under his inspection .

No Creature we read to be made accor●ng to the Image of God , but Man ; and that ●mage by his fall , is not so much broken , or ●f it were , the second Creation by Christ hath ●et so much of it together , that our know●edge can competently and savingly in●t uct , how to be righteous to our Brethren , S●b●r to our Selves , and Holy to God , even ●ur Father , if we will be studi●us : And ●ught it not to be ponder'd , that the know●edge already infused , repells and puts to Flight , propha●e , S●rdid , Fetid and Mad ●ehaviou● , as procuring shame and dishonor ●o our Man-hood , the Indignity offered the Spirit in whom we live , in Ingenuous mo●ality , being but brought in to Aggrege the guilt ; For disdaining su●h Monstruous , Prodigious and Unmanly Deportment : But its ●irect Tendency for moving the Holy Ghost ●o forsake the Christians Body his own temple , Rom. 3.16 . Because too loathsome , too sluttish for his pure being , who will not have the Ranknesse of the Goat , nor the Drunkennesse of the Swine , to be in any corner of that House , wherein he inhabits , I say , this immediat operation upon him , obligeth Man to put his Knife to his throat , that is , kill the Appet t , destroy the thought , avert the object , that in the lest degree delights in , or warps toward , such impurity : And if by these or the like , the mind be defiled , by Religious Ejulations , holy mournings , contrite tears ; Let the floor be washed and cleaned again , for a Second Invitation , by Love and Repentance .

When Dead mens sculls by an unknown hand , were one morning found cast into Jerusalems Temple , a little before its last Destruction , the Angels were Heard saying , Let us be Gone ; the place by these bones being defil'd : And surely Lustfull thoughts , Fleshly concupiscence , Rousting in the Soul and Heart of a Christian , enforceth the Spirit ( who is Holy and loves to ly Clean ) to prepare for a Remove ; Which change considered , the disadvantages thereby , when calculated and cast up , the folly before man is inexcusable , the Choice undiscreet ; but in the Sight of God , so Disrespectfull , that the pleasures Contracted in such embraces , shall be requited with ineffable Anguish , when he leaves that breast in Justice , and Anger , which made him Relinquish it , for Filthinesse in Grief .

That Good . Wise , Learned and Great Alphonsus of Aragon , blessed oft God that he was a Man , that he was a Christian , and that he was a King of many Kingdoms : And what Testimony of G●atitude , can in Fairer Characters , with more Authoritative subscriptions , be drawn up , for our Reverencing the Holy Ghost , as Homage for what we possesse , then Harmlesnesse , then Innocency , in denying ungodlinesse and worldy Lusts ; living Soberly and Righteously and Godly in this present evil world , Tit . 2.12 . In opposition to the Luxury , Avarice and Haughtinesse , which is in the world , In contradiction to the Pleasures of the Flesh , the delights of the world , and Temptations of the Devil , which the Spirit himself in a Secret opennesse , hath forced us to Remember , in descending upon Christ at 's Baptism , which figureth Washing , and Whitnesse , in a Dove , Mystically presenting to the Baptized , Simplicity and Love . At his presentment in the Temple , there was offered by Mary a pair of Turtle Doves according to the Law , or two young pigeons ; Undoubtedly and Emphatically , Subjected such , who followeth him to the Church , to live , or be as the Turtle , whose Vidual Chastity ( after the death of her Mate , or first choice ) whers I am sure against Prophane Ribbauldry ; and the young Pigeons , as not Acquainted with Generation , ( without a perhaps ) Leads to captivate every deceitfull Lust , Contributive to make more Glistring , in the eyes of the World , the Glory we owe to the Holy Ghost .

In Rome it s said , there is a Place , called Via Pia the Holy way , and the life of Man ought to be spent in the like Ascent , still climbing up from one Scale to another , in Cumulative vertue , adding to Faith Knowledge , to Knowledge Temperance &c. 2 Pet . 1.5 . Untill the Crown of all Excellency , of perfect Holinesse , be Acquir'd in Heaven ( by the Guidance of the Holy Ghost ) which shall indubitatly be fixed on that head , wherin the thoughts of being Candidate for Glory , are pressing and urging ; to the Disannulling the sinful Decrees , of Satisfying flesh ; Heaven admitting of nothing that defileth , Revel . 21.27 . And practically condemning , the Frumping Hector , who Facius Cardan-like , will in unholy Jollity , conjure up seven Devils at o●ce , that is , Entice men to Act as Devils , in all kind of Sensual Excess , Outstripping the inhabitants of Jangona , ●n Feasting , Dancing , Eating and Drinking , ●houting and Roaring with the Devil , be●ause we know him to be the bas●st of Crea●ures ; and yet in those Debaurds , daring to Name the Persons of the Blessed Trinity , as 〈◇〉 Gods associate w●re Belzebub ( whom they Caress ) then which nothing is more con●ounding , or more obscuring , his Fame and ●ranscendent Perfection .

Were it not more Conducing to our Feli●ity , if , as is Prophesyed of the Kings of the Earth , we would bring our Glory and Ho●our to the City of our God ? Revel . 21.24 : Delivering into the Exchequer of the Most High , Most Mighty , all the substance of our Revenues , that he might be All in All , which ●o us should be no deprivement , or Diminution , of that which the World calls Great●esse ; But a more expedient way for its permanency and fixednesse , to us and ours . When in Spite of Carnal Interests , Pretend●ng the losse of all we ●ngage with Holiness , as Merchants with the Assurance Office , the Principal Venture of a Souls Worth is Secured , and insured , Durable Glorys , of Everlasting Blesse , upon the bare offer of Acceptance , Articled for , the Oath of Verity it self Appended to the Bargain , for greater certainty . It was this made Canutus of England ( for Refutation of vain-Glorious Buffoons in conceiting him a god ) to Erect his Throne on the Shoar-side , Prohibiting the Sea , not to touch his Royal Feet : but the Fierce and Sawcy Element , slighting the Charge , Accosted his Pavilion , to that nearnesse , that his Kingship drew back , yet with that Austerity , that he would never after wear a Crown , fixing that ( according to the Superstition of the Times ) upon the Crucifix , as if he had said , there is no King to the King of Saints , when he did say , that none deserved to be called King , but he that could Command both Sea and Land .

In purer Rethorick , did James the Fourth of this Kingdom , expresse his Dependence ; who in a wreath of Laurel , on a Shield , Shadowing his Soveraignity , and growing Strength , writ the word Jehovah , encompassed with this devise , in virtute tua ( i.e. ) by thy power . As if the Glory of his Dominion had ( as it had ) for its principal Efficient , and Government . not his , but the Almighty's benign Aspect . Care , Blooming and Fructuating Influence , Poor Feeble Man , being confined to a narrow bounds , in a Spacious Kingdom , God must Reign , Rule , Protect , ●nd blesse , or the Scepter of the Wisest unprosperously shall be Manag'd , & the Coun●ellors of the most Potent , Jeroboams like , will Separat Subj●cts , first from Loyalty , then ●rom God . The power of Kings without Gods Authority , not strengthning Laws , in Reference to the Subj●cts Obedience , but ●ather maketh such Convulsions in the Face ●f Affairs , that Frequently the glory and dig●ity of Princes undergoeth an Ecclipse and ●uffereth a Diminution : yea , is oft Extinguish●d . The Serpentine Qualities , inherent in ●en , in whom there may be somewhat of ●he Spirit , being not purged and drained by ●he awe and f ar of God , will be found at ●he back , that ●s at the Strength , of all their Edicts , consuming them and Reducing them ●o nothing , as was that Still-born Infant , at Cracovia in a Street called the Holy Ghost , Anno Dom . 1494. A living Serpent be●ng found and seen with astonishment to have ●ed upon the miserable and poor Infant , then ●nd there brought forth ; Jehovah only be●g able to Charm those Adders , of Ambi●ion , Pride , Covetousnesse , Revenge and Spite , which may infest a Land , and lay it desolate , kill a Soul , and make it deformed ●nd confounded .

Upon this account it is , that to the Glory given to the Father , Son and Holy Ghost the Church hath added , As it was in the beginning , is now and ever shall be , World without End. In which words , the word IT exempts plurality of Gods , when the numbe● of Persons in the God-head is Individuall● expressed , THEY or YOURS , not being s● much as thought upon in this Holy Stanza but IT , the Glory of the Three being one , no● Multiplied , but United . As in the Angel● Antiphony's , Holy , Holy , Holy , is the Lor● of Hosts , the whole Earth is full of his Glory Isa . 6.3 . Expressing the three Persons , t● have but one Glory , and that Glory to be affix●d in the Words , to him who is , Holy Holy , Holy , the Lord God ; not Lords , no● Gods , but , Lord God of Hosts . And as in th● Psalmists predictions . God shal blesse us , Go● even our own God shall blesse us , and all th● Ends of the Earth shall fear HIM . God being thrice Named because of three Persons yet three Gods denyed , because HE , n● THEY shall blesse us .

And therefore Kings , States , Princes , Nobles , and all , who are inferiour to him , as 〈◇〉 who possesse the ●●ds or Shreads of th● Earth are , being Incapable of giving t● three-fold blessing here intended , of Eart● Conscience , and of Heaven , are to fear , that is , Glorify him , who filleth the Earth , This is o●e God , these three Persons . The power of the Father making him Glorious , the Wisdom of the Son making him Glorious , the Goodnesse of the Spirit making him Glorious , yet inferr not three , but one Glory which was in the Beginning , when Kings were not , and who is , in the whole Earth , where Princes cannot be , and who shall be , that is , Endure when both are gone , His glory Enduring for ever : Unto which let the whole World say , Amen . And they who say that , in Si●cerity , say the Jews , Hasten their Redemption ; because for the Elects sake , these dayes , that is , ●hese evil dayes shall be shortned , sayes our Sa●iour .

Glory be to God from all Creatures , said Holy Chrysostome , and Dyed in a troublesome ●nd turbulent time . Beholding now that glory , in that Holy Mount , where three is seen , as Peter James and John , three heard , as Christ Moses and Elias . Three lived in , as Father Son and Spirit , and that after Six days wher all Created things and Essences are passed over , Faith only being Guide and Captain in Soul-Employes of which the Trinity in Uni●y is Eminently one , as appeareth in that Splen●ide Name , which is , and which was , and which is to come , Revel . 1.8 . The Father being that He which is Exod . 3. the Son which Was John 1. and the Spirit He which is to come , Rev. 1. and in all , one only Amighty Gen. 17.

The Churches Care in this particular , in Transmitting the Trinity-Doctrine to her Sons , is Religiously methodicall , for having Festival days for Commemorating the Birth , Passion , Resurrection and Ascension of her Redeemer the Son , she Nobilitats the Year , with one Day , indeed a Whitsunday , for Remembrance of the Holy Ghost ; And the Fathers Kindnesse to Mankind , being in these Unitely taught , lest Detractors , or Ignorants , should Surmise a Separation , Trinity Sunday of old Judiciously followed , and yet Succedeth , that White one which teacheth the Existence of these three , to be in themselves , but one , that the Unity might be Glorified by us , and all other at all Times .

Over and above the yearly Celebration of these Invaluable Mercies , with the weekly observation of our Lords Resurrection , wrought by the Father , and the Spirit , we have by ou● Pious Ancestors been taught to assert , and provide for Beautifying of the Holy Trinity through the Person thereof Incarnat , that is the Son , in regard that though some Nations reckon and begin their Day with the Sun Ris●ing , that being indeed the cause of the Day , as Persians and Babylonians : others from the Setting of the Sun , that being the Scripturall account , making the evening and morning the first day , as Bohemians and Italians , with whom it is ordinary to dine at sixteen of the Clock . Others from Noon to Noon , accounting it day , when the bright Sun is seated in his highest Triumphal Pavilion , as with the Arabians which it is with a witness , we with the German Provinces reckon from mid-night to mid-night , because about that time was our Lord Jesus born of the Virgin ; Evidencing thereby our Churches account of time , not to be so much , from the Suns motion in the Firmament , as from our Saviours lying in the Manger , when rejected by the Jews .

Such as descend for searching into the causes moving the Christian Philosophers . for giveing or owning , the Names appropriat to the Zodiack Signs , finds Aries the Ram to reign in March . From the deliverance of Isaac from the Altar , beginning the year with Remembrance of Abrahams obedience : but Capricorn is called a Goat , and reigns in December , the Jews being as Goats placed on the left hand of him then born , who is to Judge the world , because they contemned him , when born in the night , though sent by the Father , Formed by the Holy Ghost . compleatly furnished with Authority & Gifts from both to bring them & u● from Darknesse unto Light , from the power of Satan unto God , Acts 26.18 . the Christian world Acknowledging ( as it were ) ignorance to reign untill his appearance , Acts 17.30 . Dating Imperial Letters from the year of Christ , first done by the Emperour Charles the Gross , A. Dom . 800. Papers before him , bearing from the Worlds Creation or building of the City , &c. Which universal dignity is to be seen Abridged , in the Symbole , or Motto of Genevah that formerly being , Post Tenebras , Spero Lucem , but in the last Age , when ( and since ) Enlightned by reformed Doctrine , as the Expresse is , Post Tenebras Lux . Jesus by his Gospel-Doctrine , his Apostles mission , converting da●kn●sse , not only , into Sun-shine , but creating confidence of a brighter day . One great Mean whereof is a yeelding to the Dazling truth of Three in Heaven which are one , the Holy Ghost having asserted it in writing , John 1.7 . Rather then Bely , whom , let's , stand for this Grand Truth , when Tabled in our Churches ( the Trinity being so much blasphemed in some Books , Mouths and Streets ) fl●cking unto it as a Vexillum , or Flag , demonstrating affiance , lest the Glory of our God be Darkned in its just Refulgency , yet shining in our Assembly . And the Mahumetan Turk , rise up against us , with Equal Confidence to those of Sodom ▪ against the Jews , who will , and are bound to rise in arms at the display of the Banner of Mahomet ( which is carefully keeped for , and brought forth in , extremity ) to that intensnesse , or degree of Ardour and Zeal , that the Boy of seven years old , will and must fight , for its Protection , and Dignity , or be Accounted Guar , that is , an Unbeliever , in regard they think ( as they are Foolishly taught ) it came from Heaven , whence this Doctrine of the Trinity , did Certainly and Infallibly Descend , &c.

In a Word , it is our Christian Philosophy , to believe in one God and three Persons , which the Doltish world of the Ethnicks , on one Hand , cannot consider , nor the perverse Jews one the other Comprehend , which neither can we ; yet both we and they may discover it in the Scriptures , and so discover it , that we may perceive it to be a hard th●ng , yet necessary to be Embraced . We may read it in the Creation , when the Lord God said , Let us make Man , Gen. 1.23 . There are who behold it in the Patriarchs , Abraham shadowing the Father , in giving up of his Son for sacrifice ; Isaac the Son , in being obedient to the Death ; Jacob the Spirit , in issuing from these two ; and all swallowed up in the Name Israel , Psal . 105.10 . Yet with ●avour , these see but darkly , the saving knowledge of the Great Three , being Supernatural : And as nothing is more dangerous , and nothing more laborious , so nothing is more Fruitfull , then Sober Questions about the Trinity , in Unity , when Founded upon Faith , that Eminently forming Purity , by consequence , the Avoiding of Filthinesse and Frigidnesse , or coldnesse in Devotion , enticing to Fixednesse and Perfectnesse in Gospel Light and Revelation .

For though some Articles of our Faith have reason to wait upon them , Enforcing an Atheist to consent , as the Worlds Creation , the Immortality of the Soul , the being of God , &c. Yet there are others , in which Reason , is of no Reason , Weight , or Force , such as the Incarnation of the Son of God , the Essence of the Trinity , which Faith must still contend for , and obedience through the Ear must listen unto , In Integro , without baulking , virtuated with the same qualities , Ph●losophers Required their pupils of old to attend their Lectures , ( viz. ) with Upright Bodies ( i.e. ) not shruging through Misbelief ; A steady Soul , not wandring among the thorns of debates ; Cleanses Ears , in being apt to hear , that is , Consent t● its Verity , through purity , lest the Body o● Soul of the Discipls Conversation admit every unclean Pilgrim lust , with rich , that is , Carnal or Hearty Entertainment , as the Hospital of ●he Trinity at Rome admits all Travellers , for ●hree days : Or any unlawfvll motion , of unchast pleasures , at the sound of each Temptation , as that Hospital of the Holy Ghost , in the same City , receiveth Bastards , at any hour of the night , by the Ringing of a Bel , from their Parents and Trustees : Such practices , being destructive to that Grandeza that Excellent Glory , we owe to the third Person or to the whole Trinity .

The first part whereof is Believe , for the Paternity of the Father Begetting , the Generation of the Son , and Procession or the Spirit is a sight not Adequat to Flesh and Blood , and therefore preserved for Heaven , which as yet is locked up from our eyes . And therfore I cannot understand those Novissima , or last words of that Great Trismegi●stus ( An Egyptian Prince the first Hum●ne writer in the World , ( i.e. ) whether they Flowed from Reason , or Revelation , or both . he being about the time of , if not before Moses , for having advised his Son to pray to th● Lord and Father , and to the Alone , and to ●he One , fr●m whom is One , to know and understand so great a God closed his eyes with these sayings , not favoring of Heathenism , nor partaking of Flesh and Blood ( viz. ) O Heaven , the Work of the Great and Wise God , And thou O Father ! I adjure thee by the only begotten Word , and by the Spirit , comprehending all things , to have mercy upon me . Hence it s inferable , that by the blood of the Lamb , God hath Redeemed unto himself ( some men ) out of every Kindred , and Tongue , and People , and Nation , Revel . 5 9. And the Redeemed are to sing this new , this old Song , Glory be to the Father , and to the Son , and to the Holy Ghost . As it was in the Beginning , is now and ever shall be , world without End. Amen .

The rather that there be among us some that Deny the Glory , some the Trinity , and others the Eternity of God ; and being a short Creed ought the more to be Inculcate into the heads of the unlearned , being the Jewish Alleluia , praise ye the Lord , at the End of some Temple Psalms , making them all with us . Church Offices , by this Appendix , Giving thanks unto the Lord , for he is Good , for his Mercy endureth for ever , Psal . 107.1 . Let the Redeemed of the Lord say so , whom he hath Redeemed from the Hand of the Enemy , Praising him for his Mighty Acts , Psal . 150.2 . And according to his excellent greatnesse , Halleluia , praise the Lord , all ye his Angels , praise ye him both Sun and Moon , Rich and Poor , High and Low together , giving him the Glory due unto his Name .

In this Spiritual Hymne aimed at from its beginning , where after the Form of Baptism , the Father , Son and Holy Ghost , the Ancients gave Glory to the whole Three ; But Arius and his Disciples , acknowledging a time when the Son was not , making him to be but called a God , as Moses was , as Kings are , about A. Dom . 300 The Church Condemning that Ambitious Heretick , added to the words . As it was in the beginning , is now , &c. Which to the worlds End is to be stood unto , as a necessary truth● both in Confession and Conversation the second without the first , being but a Flowre without a Root , as not proceeding from Faith ; The first without the second , as a Root , not blosoming into Fruit , in not tending to a good example , making our Faith to be evil spoken of , if we may call it Faith , that Justifies not , ( that is ) that declares not it self to be Faith by works : which all that believe , must be carefull to maintain . Otherwise our Believing in God the Father , Son and Holy Ghost , is no more to be thought believed upon by us , then He who making a conf●ssion of all the Twelve Articl●s , in English can be thought Christian when Immediatly he should turn and Renounce them all in the French Language . So necessary is Practice , to the Doctrine of our Faith , in giving

Glory to the Father , and to the Son , and to the Holy Ghost .

FINIS .

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