Babylons downfall a sermon lately preached at Westminster before sundry of the honourable House of Commons / by William Bridge ... Bridge, William, 1600?-1670. This text is an enriched version of the TCP digital transcription A29365 of text R5651 in the English Short Title Catalog (Wing B4448). Textual changes and metadata enrichments aim at making the text more computationally tractable, easier to read, and suitable for network-based collaborative curation by amateur and professional end users from many walks of life. The text has been tokenized and linguistically annotated with MorphAdorner. The annotation includes standard spellings that support the display of a text in a standardized format that preserves archaic forms ('loveth', 'seekest'). Textual changes aim at restoring the text the author or stationer meant to publish. This text has not been fully proofread Approx. 66 KB of XML-encoded text transcribed from 21 1-bit group-IV TIFF page images. EarlyPrint Project Evanston,IL, Notre Dame, IN, St. Louis, MO 2017 A29365 Wing B4448 ESTC R5651 12798130 ocm 12798130 93998 This keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the Early English Books Online Text Creation Partnership. This Phase I text is available for reuse, according to the terms of Creative Commons 0 1.0 Universal . The text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. Early English books online. (EEBO-TCP ; phase 1, no. A29365) Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 93998) Images scanned from microfilm: (Early English books, 1641-1700 ; 254:E163, no 3) Babylons downfall a sermon lately preached at Westminster before sundry of the honourable House of Commons / by William Bridge ... Bridge, William, 1600?-1670. [6], 34 p. Printed by I. N. for Iohn Rothwell ..., London : 1641. Reproduction of original in Thomason Collection, British Library. eng Catholic Church -- Controversial literature. Bible. -- N.T. -- Revelation XIV, 18 -- Sermons. A29365 R5651 (Wing B4448). civilwar no Babylons downfall. A sermon lately preached at Westminster before sundry of the Honourable house of Commons. By William Bridge, sometimes fe Bridge, William 1641 12314 9 10 0 0 0 0 15 C The rate of 15 defects per 10,000 words puts this text in the C category of texts with between 10 and 35 defects per 10,000 words. 2006-05 TCP Assigned for keying and markup 2006-05 Aptara Keyed and coded from ProQuest page images 2007-05 Taryn Hakala Sampled and proofread 2007-05 Taryn Hakala Text and markup reviewed and edited 2008-02 pfs Batch review (QC) and XML conversion BABYLONS Downfall . A SERMON LATELY PREACHED AT WESTMINSTER BEFORE sundry of the Honourable house of Commons . By William Bridge , sometimes fellow of Emanuell Colledge in Cambridge , and since , Minister of Gods word in NORWICH . And now in KOTERDAM . Published by order of the said House . LONDON : Printed by I. N. for Iohn Rothwell , and are to be sold at his Shop at the signe of the Sun in Pauls Churchyard . 1641. Good Reader , THou hast ( I doubt not ) heard with what difficulty and pains this small work is brought forth , and delivered into the world ; let the difficulty of Printing quicken thine affection in reading . As the fall of Babylon is much expected , so the rising of the Churches is much desired . Thy prayers , and our paines , may help forward both . Wherefore that I might not be wanting to this great service , I am willing that these notes should walk abroad , which I thought should never see more light than what crept in at my studie windowes . This Sermon may prove all the Legacie which your dying friend shall be able to bequeath unto you ; For I am now returning to that Church and people of God , which Jesus Christ hath committed to me , and others . And if in this voyage the Lord shall put the windes , and seas in Commission for my death , my desire is , First , That God would forgive our adversaries ( if it be his will ) that have put us to these extremities . Secondly , That it may be ever said of this Iland , as once it was said of Israel , Happy art thou O Israel : who is like unto thee , O people saved by the Lord , the shield of thine help , and the sword of thine excellency ? Deut. 33. 29. Thirdly , That falling Babylon may be fallen Babylon . And that all the distressed Churches may be restored Churches . Vivat Christus moriatur Barrabas , moriatur Antichristus . For the first wee have great cause to forgiue , seeing all their injuries , are turned unto our blessings . And therefore as Joseph said to his brethren that sold him into a strange Country , As for you , ye thought evill against me , but God meant it unto good , Now therefore feare not , &c. Yet we know that publick Administration of Justice is not contrary to personall forgivenesse . Wee must confesse , that the leaving of our owne deare Country was , and is most afflictive to us ; A trouble to leave our good friends , Convenient houses , Pretious liberties , and so many soules under the hazard of your eternities . But Luthers Counsell is good . If they will not suffer you where they have to doe , let not your minde bee troubled to cease from your work , or disert your office , but teach and persevere , if it be not lawfull in one place , it may bee in another . But thou wilt say , What if it be lawfull in no place , and that wee be every where cast out in the whole world ? Christ answers , Be not solicitous , before it come to passe that no place be left for the word , I will be present by my comming , there shall alwayes be a place where you may teach till I shall come , onely doe you hold on , and you shall be saved ; you shall not have gone over all the Cities of Israel , till the Sonne of man shall come . So that according to Luther , and the Truth , though the persecutions of the Churches bee never so great , yet there shall alwayes be some place free , and open at a Citie of Refuge for Gods people to flye unto , and hide themselves in , till Christ shall come by publick deliverance for the Churches . For the second . You have seene what great things the Lord hath done for you . Beleevest thou because of these , thou shalt see greater , onely let us follow the starre of heavenly , and divine guidance which hath led us along all this while , and not goe in to consult with the Scribes ; and Pharisees of the times , with those that say they are Jeues , and are not ; so shall our starre the Scripture lead us more clearely to the place , and house where Christ is . Neither be thou ashamed to receive , and owne the truth , and way of Christ , though it be despised . The wise men did worship Christ in a manger . And for the third , I shall not prophecie if I say , The sword is now drawne , whose anger shall not be pacified till Babylon be downe , and Sion rais'd . Yet if thou shalt meet with another suffering Bout , In Patience possesse thy soule , In Faith thy God , In Love thy neighbour . And know that it is Gods usuall way to bring his best servants to his choyce blessings by tedious Bouts , Exod. 13. 18. In the interim observe diligently what God is now doing , and help forward the work of God what you can . Quod Deus facit pro nobis facit in nobis . And as you would read , and study some choyce booke to get learning , so read , attend , and study every page , line , and letter of this great volume of the Lords works which is now extant , be in commons with the Lords people . The works of the Lord are sought out of all those that have pleasure in them , saith the Psalmist . Finally , good Reader , pray for us , that wee may stand compleat in all the will of God ; and though the malice of some men hath beene so great , that wee may not live together in one Land , yet the mercy of God is so rich , that wee may live together in one heaven . Now , the God of peace that brought againe from the dead our Lord Jesus , and great Shepheard of the Sheepe , thorough the blood of the everlasting covenant , make you perfect in every good work to doe his will , working in you that which is well pleasing in his sight , through Jesus Christ , to whom be glory for ever , and ever . Amen . Thine in Christ , WILLIAM BRIDGE . Babylons Downfall . REVELATION . 14. 8. Babylon is fallen , is fallen , the great Citie , &c. THis Text hath connexion with the present times , and the preceding words ; for the Holy Ghost having made a description of the state and condition of the Church of Christ , in the first , second , third , fourth , and fifth verses , comes in the sixth verse to make mention of another vision which Saint John saw , and that is of an Angell flying in the midst of heaven with the everlasting Gospell ; which is said to be everlasting in opposition to those Innovations and Traditions of men , under which the Churches of Christ had laboured a long time . This vision being past , as a right consequent of the former vision , he sees another Angell crying , Babylon is fallen , is fallen , ver. 8. And no wonder , for where the everlasting Gospel is preach'd in the midst of heaven , that is openly , there Babylon falls , and falls immediatly . The words themselves are a short , and sweet prophecie of Romes ruine and destruction . Wherein we have : The description of Rome it selfe . The description of her destruction . Shee is described two wayes . 1. From her Greatnesse , called the great Citie . Indeed shee hath beene great in large possessions , and great revenues , so shee is fallen already in a great measure , yet shee is too great . Great in her opinion with Kings and Princes , and thus shee is fallen already in a great measure , yet still too great . Great in her authority , and power over the Saints , and Churches of Christ , and from this greatnesse shee is much fallen already , and yet too great . 2. From her sinnes that shee is guilty of , under that word Babylon . For if wee consult with this book of the Revelation , we shal find that the Church of Rome , and that party is called Egypt , Sodome , and Babylon , as if the wickednesses of them all were concentred in her . Egypt was exceeding harsh , and cruell to the Church , and Israel of God : so are they . Sodome was exceeding base , and filthy in corporall uncleannesse ; and so are they . Babylon full of Sorceries and Idolatrie , so are they . Shee is called Babylon . Her destruction is described , and that 2 wayes . 1. From the fulnesse , and greatnesse thereof , therefore shee is said to fall , and not once , but againe fallen , fallen . As it is Gods way to reward those that are good with the good which they most desire ; so it is his way to punish the wicked with that punishment which is most contrariant to their dispositions , and their owne humours . Babylon , and the Babylonish company most affect rising , and great preferment ; contrary their punishment shall be that it may bee most vexations to them , they shall fall , their destruction is called a fall . 2. From the certainty thereof . 1. It is put in the present tense , as if it were already done . 2. The words are repeated . It is fallen , It is fallen . Hardly a word but it affords it's severall observation . Yet because I would not cut out more bread then we shall eat at one meale , I will fall , and close with these especially . Antichristian , and Romish Babylon is truly Babylon . Though this Babylon be never so great , yet it shall fall . It will fall assuredly . It is the duty of the Saints , and people of God to speake of this fall as if it were done already . For the first . Antichristian Romish Babylon , is truly Babylon . Herein I shall 1. parallell the old , and our late Babylon . 2. I shall prove that by this Babylon is meant Rome . In the old Testament wee read of a Babylon wherein Israel was once captived , that was heathenish Babylon . In the new Testament we read here , and in divers other places of another in Babylon , Antichristian Babylon . Give me leave to parallell them a little . Heathenish Babylon was the Metropolitan , or the chiefe Citie of the Chaldees , full of trade and merchandize , in so much as shee calls her selfe the Queene of the world , who sat upon many waters , Jer. 51. 13. So it is with our late Babylon , who calls her selfe the Queene sitting upon many waters , which is also interpreted by Saint John , to be peoples multitudes , and nations . Revel. 17. 15. Babylon of old was a proud people , and very confident , exceeding delicate , and very wanton , calling her selfe a Lady for ever . Is . 47. 7. 8. Thus Antichristian Babylon sits also . Revel. 18. 7. Shee hath glorified her selfe , and lived deliciously : for shee saith in her heart , I●s 〈…〉 a Queene , and am no Widdow , and shall see no sorrow . This wanton , and delicate place of old was full of Sorcerers and Southsayers . Is . 47. 12 , 13. Stand now with thine enchantments , and with the multitude of thy Sorceries , wherein thou hast laboured from thy youth , &c. Therefore we read that in Daniels time they came before the King to tell him the meaning of his dreame , but could not . So it is with our late Babylon , wherein are many Sorceries and Sorcerers . Revel. 9. 21. Revel. 18. 23. Heathenish Babylon was exceeding full of Idols , and vile Idolaters , the mother of them , and therefore wee read , that the three children were commanded to worship the Kings Idol . Dan. 3. Answerably it is said of our late Babylon , that she doth make all nations drunk with the wine of her fornication . Revel. 17. 2. As ancient Babylon was full of Idolls , and grosse Idolaters , so also it was exceeding cruell to the Church , and people of God . Psal. 137. 1. By the rivers of Babylon there wee sat downe , yea we wept , when wee remembred Syon , &c. Who hath not read of the Babylonish captivity , the fiery fornace , and their denne of Lyons . Answerably in this late Babylon is found the blood of Prophets , and of Saints , and of all that were slaine upon the earth . Revel. 18. 24. The destruction of ancient Babylon was great , and very dreadfull . For , 1. It was universall . Is . 47. 14. There shall not be a a coale to warme at , nor fire to sit before . And Is . 14. 22. For I will rise up against them , saith the Lord of hostes , and cut off from Babylon the name , and remnant , and sonne , and nephew , saith the Lord . 2. It was very suddaine . Is . 47. 9. In a moment , in one day : the losse of children , and widdowhood : they shall come upon thee in perfection . 3. It was irrevocable . Jer. 51. 63 , 64. And it shall be when thou hast made an end of reading this booke , that thou shalt binde a stone to it , and cast it into the midst of Euphrates . And thou shalt say , Thus shall Babylon sinke , and shall not rise from the evill that I will bring upon her . Answerably the destruction of our late Babylon is very dreadfull . For , It shall be universall . Revel. 18. 23. The light of a candle shall shine no more at all in thee . It shall be suddaine . Revel. 18. 8. Therefore shall her plagues come in one day , in one houre . It shall be irrevocable . Revel. 18. 21. And a mighty Angell tooke up a stone like a great milstone , and cast it into the sea , saying , Thus with violence shall that great Citie Babylon be throwne downe , and shall be found no more at all . Because of all these things , great sins , & great destructions , the people of God were cōmanded to depart & goe out of old Babylon . Je● . 51. 6. Flee out of the midst of Babylon , and deliver every man his soule . And ver. 45. My people goe ye out of the midst of her , and deliver ye every man his soule , &c. In like manner , we find that the Holy ghost having given warning to the world concerning the fall of this late Babylon , hee exhorteth his people to goe out from the midst of her . Revel. 18. 4. Come out of her my people , &c. Thus are these two Babylons paralleld , certainly they are , and shall bee exceeding like one to another in these particulars . But the question now is , who is here meant in the Revelation by this late Babylon ; Indeed this is a question of much concernment , because she is to fall , the Princes of the earth are to be provoked to eat her flesh , and drink her blood , and wee are all to depart from her , lest wee partake with her in her plagues . By this late Babylon therefore , we understand the Church of Rome ; not as confined within her walls , but as by her Merchants she tradeth with , and putteth off her commodities to other Kingdomes . Rome in her latitude , with all her Merchants , and those that symbolize with her , is here to be understood . And that Rome , and no other is here meant , I prove by these reasons . 1. Babylon is here in my text called , the great Citie , and in S. Johns time , what was the great Citie but Rome it selfe : for suppose a man were in France , and should heare another say , that such & such a work were to be done in the great Citie , who would not know that he meant Paris ? or suppose a man in England should heare another say , that some great work were to be done in the great Citie , who would not know , that hee meant London ? In S. Johns time the Roman Empire prevailing , the great Citie was Rome it selfe ; and therefore the Holy Ghost saying , that Babylon was the great Citie , saith expresly , that by Babylon is meant Rome . 2. This Citie , and Whore of Babylon , is said to sit upon a beast , Revel. 17. 7. Now if we looke into the book of Daniel , whereby much of the Revelation is to be interpreted , wee shall finde mention made of foure beasts to succeed one another , which is there interpreted to be foure Kingdomes or Monarchies . The first of the Chaldees . The second of the Medes and Persians . The third of the Grecians . And the fourth of the Romans . Now before Johns time , the three first beasts were dead , and gone ; the fourth and last , onely remained , the Roman Empire . And what Citie or people hath so ridden the Roman Empire , as Rome hath done ? 3. S. John tells us , that this beast that carried the woman , this Citie was to have seven heads , and ten hornes , Revel. 17. 7. which the Holy Ghost interpreteth in the same Chapter , saying . These seven heads are seven mountaines , ver. 9. or seven Kings , that is , severall sorts of government , ver. 10. And the ten hornes are ten Kings or Kingdomes , ver. 12. which this Empire did break into . Now though some think , whilest they looke thorow false perspectives , that they see some other Citie sitting upon seven hills , yet let any man shew us these three met together in any other Citie . Who knowes any other Citie whose building hath beene laid on seven hills , so famous that the Citie it selfe is called Septires , and whose government hath been of seven sorts , and whose Empire hath beene broken asunder in to ten Kingdomes , or there-abouts ? This wee know is agreeable to Rome it selfe , and therefore Rome and no other people is here meant by Babylon . 4. The Scripture is most expresse , telling us , totidem verbis , that that Citie which in S. Johns time raigned over the Kings of the earth , was Babylon . Revel. 17. 18. And the woman which thou sawest , is that great Citie which raigneth over the Kings of the earth . But in S. Iohns time no other Citie then Rome raigned over the Kings of the earth , and therefore that , and that alone is truly Babylon , that is , our late Babylon . Whereupon Cornelius à lapide , considering also how Irenaeus , Lactantius , Ierome , and other Ancients , speak fully to our purpose , professes that he will not tergiver●●ri , but granteth , that by Babylon is meant Rome . If so , what ill office have they done to the Churches , and people of God , that obtrude this position upon us . That the Church of Rome is a true Church . But was Babylon a true Church ? was Sodome a true Church ? was Egypt a true Church ? Rome is Sodome , Egypt , and truly Babylon . Oh what abundance of hurt , and mischiefe hath this dangerous position done , that the Church of Rome is a true Church ! I my selfe have knowne some that had relinquisht the Church of Rome , and written against her , who againe stagger'd in their faith , I wish ( I might not say they were revolted ) when they saw this opinion countenanced , and published by great authority . And what say the Papists ? Your owne men , say they , hold that the Church of Rome is a true Church , and that salvation is to be had in her , as for the Church of England it is a Schismaticall , hereticall Church , wherein no salvation is to be had . The safest way therefore is to joyne with us , where , according to all men , both ours and yours you may be sure of your salvation . And indeed the argument were very strong , and home , if the premises were true . But when it shall appeare by Scripture , that Sion is called Babylon , and Babylon called Sion , then , and not till then will I beleeve that Rome is a true Church . I know what some urge , namely , that Antichrist , that man of sinne , is to sit in the house of God , and therefore that the Church of Rome is the house , and Church of God . But if we consult with the originall , wee shall finde that the words are not {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} , in the house , but {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} , upon , or against the house of God ; so Austen , and others turne it . Vpon ; noting his tyrannie and usurped government , so the coherent words also give it , Hee shall sit exalting himselfe above all that is called God . The whole words being nothing else , but a description of his proud government and vile tyrannie . If Antichristian and Romish Babylon be truly Babylon , then set your selves in array against her round about . I meane not in way of warlike hostility , ( O that all your swords were turned into plow-shares ) my exhortation is no other then that of the Prophet Jeremie , concerning old Babylon , Chap. 50. 14. Put your selves in array against Babylon , round about all yee that bend the bowe , shoot at her , spare no arrowes , for shee hath sinned against the Lord . It is the wisedome of every man , to observe what designe God hath upon the world , a Kingdome , or place , and to bee in our callings serviceable , and helpfull to Gods designes . God will help us , if we help him . Wee love to be on the strongest side , & God is strongest . Now is the time that God is bearing downe the walls of proud Babylon , that are raised up in every Kingdome . Magistrates ; Ministers , people , help . Help , O you that love the Lord , help the Lord , downe with them , downe with them even to the ground . But what shall wee doe to help forward the fall of Babylon ? Either you are of publick place , or private station . If you be of a private station , yet you ought to be of a publick spirit . If you be of publick place , give mee leave to tell you out of Gods word what to doe , and yet I will not so much direct you to what you are not doing , as encourage you from Scripture in what you are doing . First , therefore ye Worthies of our Israel , it lyes you upon to search out , and enquire after this Babylonish company , and to repay them according to their demerits . An eye for an eye , a tooth for a tooth , burning for burning , eare for eare , liberty for liberty , and blood for blood . Wee finde in the olde Testament , that if there were a noyse , and report of Idolatry in the land , the Magistrate was not barely to take information , but to make diligent search . Deut. 13. ver. 12. to 15. If thou shalt heare say in one of thy Cities which the Lord thy God hath given thee to dwell there saying . Certaine men of the children of Belial are gone out from among you , and have withdrawne the inhabitants of their Citie , saying , Let us goe and serve other gods which you have not knowne . Then shalt thou enquire , and make search , and ask diligently , &c. And in the verses before , you may see their punishment , ver. 6. 8 , 9 , 10. And who knowes not that of the Psalmist Psa. 137. 8 , 9. O daughter of Babylon , who art to be destroyed : happie shall hee be that rewardeth thee , as thou hast served us ! Happy shall he be that taketh , and dasheth thy little ones against the stones . Though as little ones they call for pitty , yet as Babylonish little ones they call for Justice , even to blood . You may think it cruell , but there is nothing cruell which God commands . Indeed father Latimer in his Sermon before King Edward the sixth , is exceeding earnest , that Popish Prelats might be made Quondams , as ( saith he ) Abiathar the high Priest was , because hee laboured to keepe King Solomon from his throne . And behold , a greater then Salomon , Christ Jesus in the government of his Church is here . And there is a notable Scripture for this . Ezek. 44. from ver. 10. to 15. And the Levites that are gone away farre from me when Israel went astray from me after their Idols , they shall even beare their iniquity . ver. 13. They shall not come neere unto mee to doe the office of a Priest unto mee , nor to come neere to any of my holy things in the most holy place , &c. Whence it appeares , that those which were unfaithfull , superstitions , following Innovations when Israel went astray , and followed Idols , were to be thrust from their places , and to bee made Quondams for ever . This now the Magistrate may see into , I prescribe not , I leave with you this Generall . It is your duty to search , and enquire after these persons , and to punish them according to their deservings . Secondly , it is in you also to call for dayes of publick humiliation , fasting , prayer , and soule-affliction . It will bee said this hath beene done already . True , it hath beene done , and much good hath beene done thereby in heaven ; but when a man layes his eares to the severall Committees , and heares what a world of evill is discovered in each Committee ; what filthinesse , and lewdnesse of filthinesse in this and that Priest , in this , and that Officer ; how can a man but break forth , and say , or rather sob . Good Lord , what a lamentable condition was this poore Land in ? O that the waight of our sinnes should not break the axell-tree of Gods patience . O that wee are a nation to this day . And then is there not yet need of more teares , humiliation , and soule-afflictions ? Of all the reformed Churches in the world , England hath born the name , and worne the crowne for the life , and power of godlinesse ; yet give me leave with griefe of heart , and sadnesse of spirit , to make a chalenge . What reformed Church is there in all the world , that ever knew so many suspended Ministers as England ? Speak ( O Sunne ) whether in all thy travels from one end of the heaven to the other , thou didst ever see so many silenced Ministers as thou hast done here . And is there not then need of more humiliation , more fasting , and prayer , more selfeafflictions , and more teares ? I will lead you but to one Scripture , and leave it with you . Ezek. 43. 10 , 11. Thou Sonne of man , shew the house to the house of Israel , that they may be ashamed of their iniquities , and let them measure the patterne . And if they be ashamed , of all that they have done ; shew them the forme of the house , and the fashion thereof , the goings out thereof , and the commings in thereof , and all the ordinances thereof , and all the formes thereof , and all the lawes thereof , &c. I know not such another text in all the Bible , as this is for this purpose . One man sayes , the government of the Church of England is the best ; another , that the Scottish government is the best ; a third , that a third is best ; another , O that I knew what were the government and forme of Gods house , prescribed by God himselfe . Well . Wouldst thou know ? If you be ashamed of your owne iniquities , God will shew you the forme of his house . Thirdly , It is with you also ( right worthy & beloved ) to see that all the ordinances of Jesus Christ , be rendred to the Churches in their native beauty , and that all the reliques , and remaines of Babylon bee quite removed . Opus marmoreum albario non indiget . True marble needs no painting . And Gods ordinance is all marble , no chalk . True beauty needs no colouring ; and the most deformed of Gods ordinances to a gracious eye , is truly beautifull . Great is the pomp of Gods ordinances , when freed from pomp , great is their glory when freed from ours . Every ordinance is then best administred , when it is most effectuall , and a thing is most full of efficacie , when it is plenum sui , immixtum alieni . As wine , or water which doth most coole , or clense when freed from mixtures . In the primitive times when the heathen would put the Christians to a cruell death , they tyed a living man to a dead man , that so by the filthy savour , and stench of the dead carkasse , they might poyson the living man to death ; this they counted the worst of death ; the death of deaths . So when the dead ordinances of mans Inventions , shall bee tyed to the living ordinances of Gods appointment . What is this , but as much as in us lyes to poyson the living with the dead ? But I pray tell me , what unkindnesse hath the good ordinance of Christ done to us , that wee should put it to so sad a death . And as Christ said to the Jewes , I have done many good works amongst you , for which of all these doe you take up stones against me ? so may the ordinances of Christ say , O ye people of England , I have done many good works among you ; I have converted many of you by preaching to you ; I have healed many of you , that were sore bruised ; I have comforted many of you that were sore troubled , for which of all these doe you use me thus unkindly ; for which of all these doe you thus tye , and linke me to that , which never entred into the heart of God to match mee with . What Luther saves concerning preaching , that may , I say , concerning all the ordinances of God . We that are Ministers ( saith hee ) think to take our people with our expressions , and if we light upon an expression that pleaseth us well , wee think that it should convert every one that heares it from us ; but then the Auditor comes & hominem olet , hee smels man in the expression , turnes his back upon it , and the whole vanisheth , and comes to nothing . The explication is plaine , and easie . Wherefore , I beseech you , in Christs stead , that are the heads of our Tribes , that nothing be obtruded upon the Churches of Christ ; but what may clearely , and plainely have Jus divinum written and engraven upon it . Your wisedomes cannot but observe the severall distractions that are both in Church , and Common-wealth . If you Analize the distractions of the Common-wealth , you may finde thereby what is the head of our distractions in the Church also . And in the Common-wealth this is that which troubles , that proceedings are so illegall ; O sayes one , though it cost me never so much , yet if it were according to law , I would yeeld unto it . This is that which cuts so deepe , sayes another , there is no law for these , and these courses : so in the Church , I cannot yeeld to this , and that custome , this and that Innovation , for there is no law for it . But if a thing be indifferent , and authority command it , then Jus divinum is written upon it . It is the wisedome of authority to preserve the Churches in that liberty , wherein Christ hath left them , for Authority is Tabularum custos , non Author . If a thing be indifferent in its owne nature , and the doing thereof offensive to a weake brother , Authority cannot write Jus divinum upon it ; for to offend a weak brother , is to destroy him , 1 Cor. 8. 11. And the destruction of a weake brother ; is the breach of the morall law . Now we all know , that authority cannot write Jus divinum upon the breach of the morall law . Sal●mon saith , Ecclesiast . 12. 13. Feare God , and keep his commandements , for this is the whole duty of man . As God is an all-sufficient being for a man to live upon , so Gods word is an all-sufficient rule for a man to live by . And if wee looke into Is . 30. 22. Wee shall finde that God doth not onely command , that the Images themselves should be destroyed , but that their coverings should bee desiled . I remember what Master Dering said in a Sermon before Queen Elizabeth . There hath bin much dust in the house , and though for the present the house be swept , yet the dust is but layd behind the doore , and a Hen will come that will spread it all abroad againe . Wherefore , I beseech you take heed , that there be no dust left in the house of God in any corner . Give us the ordinances of Christ in their naked , and owne colours , so shall they be blest to us , we under them , and you by them . It is with you also to set up burning , and shining lights in every Candlestick of the Kingdome . First , that the Candlestick be rightly fashioned ; secondly , that the lights therein be duly setled with golden snuffers , not brasen extinguishers . This is a speciall help to the fall of Babylon , for ye heard from the context , that no sooner did there an Angell fly thorow the midst of heaven with the everlasting Gospell , that is , preaching openly ; but another Angell followed presently , crying , Babylon is fallen . You know , that contraries have contrary consequences . Babylon was built by Ignorance , therefore the Papists say , Ignorance is the mother of devotion , and they say truly ; for indeed ignorance is the mother of their devotion ; therefore they use their friends , that the people may be put off with Mattins , and Even-song , that so our ignorance might be an in-let to their devotion . Wherefore then let there be an Angell sent , that is a ministery flying in the midst of heaven , that is openly , and not by stealth ; preaching the everlasting Gospell to every place , and congregation , then will Babylon fall , and fall immediatly . These be your duties . But it is exceeding hard , and very difficult to doe these : a perfect and full reformation is very good , and necessary , but exceeding hard , and difficult . True . But did not Abrahams Sacrifice hang in the bryers and bushes ? Ye read , that when Isaac should have beene sacrificed , God provided a Sacrifice , but that Sacrifice did first hang in the bryars . Ye are the children of Abraham , and if you would offer a sacrifice of Gods owne a sacrifice that should bee pleasing to him , make account that it must hang in the bryars , bushes , and many difficulties . The heathen could say , Vertue groves upon the rocks , and if the extirpation of Babylon , with the reformation of true Religion , were not a hard work , it were not fit for a Parliament to doe . They are met to unty such knots as none else can unty . The heathen King said to a poore man , Though this gift be too great for you to receive , yet it is not too great for mee to give . Either it is of God that you are assembled , or else it is not ; if it bee not , why sit you here , if it be , can any thing be too hard for God ; Wherefore , let your faith laugh in the face of difficulties . For as unbeliefe will make a thing difficult though never so easie , so faith will make a thing easie though never so difficult . But this worke is not onely exceeding hard and difficult , but very dangerous . In great reformations , there must be some alterations , and alteration cannot be without danger and trouble . 1. There is much difference between smart and danger . If a man have rotten , and aking teeth in his head , though the pulling them out be exceeding troublesome , and full of ache , and smart even to bleeding of the gums , and vexation of all the body , yet there is no danger , much smart , but no danger . So in regard of the Church and Common-wealth , though the pulling out of some rotten members may cause a bleeding , make trouble , and some disturbance , yet there is no danger , some ache , but no danger . 2. Many things seeme to bee dangerous at a distance , that are not so at hand . When Moses rod was at a distance from him , it was turned to a serpent , and hee fled from it ; but when hee tooke it by the taile at Gods command , it was his rod in his hand againe . Prisons , banishments , miseries , at a distance are serpents to us ; when we come to them , are exceeding comfortable , and our rods in our hands . 3. Suppose there were danger in a reformation , and extirpation of all that 's Babylons , yet there 's more danger in want of reformation . Vomiting Physick is very troublesome , but disease more . He that ventures against Babylon , at the worst can but lose his life , which may bee taken away by the fall of some tyle , on the turning of some humour in our body ; but hee that partakes with Babylon in her sinne , shall partake with her in her plagues and punishments to all eternity . What a trouble did Achan cause , yet hee was but one man , his act one , and the Babylonish garment but one . O what trouble then will it be to suffer many Achans , and that continually ? Augustine sayes , that when the Jewes would not acknowledge Christ , lest the Romans should come , and take their place , in preventing losse , they lost most . They would not lose their earth , and they lost their heaven , they would not lose their place , and they lost their God . 4. But suppose that there were the most danger in the best reformation , is there not enough in heaven to pay for all . Nay , my beloved , even on this side heaven , there is no losse by Christ in losing for Christ ; non habendo habemus , In not having , wee have . I remember what is written of fortis Zisca , and ( as my Author sayes ) written upon his tomb in his Epitaph , thus , Eleven times in joyning battell , I went Victor out of the field , I seemed worthily to have defended the cause of the miserable and hungry , against the delicate , fat , and gluttonous Priests , and for that cause to have received help at the hand of God . Mark the emphasis , it lyes there , And for that cause . But ye have an example of Jehoshaph at , which is exceeding full , and much encouraging , 2 Chro. 17. 3. And the Lord was with Jehoshaphat , because hee walked in the first wayes of his father David . He brought up reformation to the first institution , and hee was full therein , for it is faid , he walked in the first wayes , not in the last , of his father David , and sought not to Baalim , Nor after the doings of Israel , ver. 4. And see what followed . Therefore the Lord established the Kingdome in his hand , and all Judab brought to Jehoshaphat presents , and he had riches , and honour in abundance , ver. 5. The Prophet Haggai is most expresse , and bids them compute , whether that from the very day that they set their hands to the building of the Temple . God did not build them up in outward mercies . Certainly , my beloved , the onely way to gaine , is to lose for God . It is a greater mercy to have , that I may lose for God , then that I may keepe for my posterity . But suppose that a man be in place of authority , and finde that his heart is exceeding dull , and dead , and backward to this work of reformation , what should hee doe that may give wings to his affections , that may move and quicken up his spirit in this particular ? In this case , let him put himselfe upon the exercise of his authority in the execution of Justice . For it is with the Magistracie herein , as with the Ministerie , the way to preach , is to preach ; the way to prayer , is prayer . Iter ad gratiam est gratia , The way to grace is grace . God is pleased sometimes to come in with fresh strength , and to give new assistance in the heat of preaching . So in the acts of Magistracie , God comes in also in the dispensation thereof . 2. In that case , present your soules with that great trust that is comitted to you , & put upon you . If a Minister when he is banding away his pretious houres betweene this , and that play-book ; or when he is most prodigall of his peoples time ( for it is theirs not his ) if then I say when hee is most idle , and indisposed to those great services , he could but realize a Congregation , and present before him the many soules that depend upon him , and as it were heare them calling out unto him ; O Sir , study , study for our soules , study for our eternity ; certainly this would awaken , move , and put life into him . So if those that are in authority , and place of Magistracie , would but present themselves with those many thousands that have entrusted them with their liberties , estates , lives , I had almost said consciences , and eternities , surely it would be exceeding quickning , and helpfull . 3. Consider your present oportunity . Oportunity once lost , is never recovered . My words shall know no flattery , never did England see a Parliament more fitted for the service and work of God , then this now is . A quiver so full of chosen and polished shafts for the Lords work . I have often thought that God would deale by our present Parliamentary assembly , as Sampson did deale with the Jaw-bone , wherewith hee had slaine heaps of the Philistines , which when hee had done , hee threw it away ; but afterwards thirsting , and being like to dye for want of water , God sent him back to his Jaw-bone againe , and tells him that he would cleave that , and open a fountaine of water to him from thence . So hath God used this great Parliamentary ordinance for the slaying of many Philistines , but , in these latter times , this Jaw-bone of ours hath beene throwne away , and despised in the eyes of the world ; and it may bee now God will open a fountaine of water from hence , that wee may all be revived , and live thereby . Wherefore then let all those that are of this honourable assembly , think ; It may be God hath raised mee up to this time , all the while I was at the University , God was laying in of abilities in mine education for this occasion ; and shall I lose this oportunity , Oportunitas indicat virum , oportunity shewes the man , and makes the man , and sometimes hath the casting voyce for mans eternity . 4. Consider this also , that if reformation be not now wrought , our sinne and guilt will be greater then ever it was . This Parliament time is a Commencement time for good or evill ; take a good work , and though it were never so private , and personall , yet if it passe in this house , it does commence nationall : so take an evill , and though it were never so private before , yet if it passe here , it will take an higher degree , and commence nationall wickednesse ; this is a fearefull evill , and very dreadfull , that a personall sinne should become nationall . I know you are unwilling that any sinne should steale it's degree ; as therefore you doe desire that no personall sinne should become nationall , I beseech you in Christs stead , let the reformation be full and perfect , and let every man say , Babylon shall fall , I also will have a hand in it , and shoulder at it . Downe with it , downe with it , even to the ground . And if you be a Minister , you know your duty ; onely ( as Luther phrases it ) let your knowledge be incarnate into godly practice ; good works are faith incarnate , knowledge incarnate . Now you read Joshua 3. 13 , 15 , 17. That when the children of Israel went thorow Iordan , those Priests that bare the Ark of the Lord , were first to enter upon the waters , & to stay in the midst of them , till all Israel past over . The water doth note affliction , the feet of those that bare the Ark , are to be first in danger , and there to stand till all be over . In the place before mentioned , Ezek. 44. 10 , 11 , 12. Gods threatning is very terrible . As if he should say , As for those Levites that goe astray when Israel goes astray , and doe admit the uncircumcised in heart to myne holy things , though they be suffered in mine house , yet they shal but do the out-works thereof , as for those inward things of mine house , and selfe , they shall not be admitted to them , nor trusted with them . Though they may preach some outward truthes , which they may read of in books , yet for those inward secret heart things of the Covenant , I will never trust them with them , they shall not draw neere to me . O therefore beloved , that wee could denie our own knowledge , wisedomes , parts , gifts , liberties , and all that 's ours in this great service . But if a mans condition , and state bee private , what must hee doe to help forward the fall of Babylon ? Take heed that thou do nothing to hinder Gods publike designe by your private practices , put away the evill of all your doings , lest your private wickednesse do ponere obicem to Gods proceedings . Achans wickednesse was committed in the dark , and with much privacie , yet what influence had it into publike misery ? Miriam and Aaron murmured against Moses , and envied at him , for which shee was stricken with leprosie , whereby the whole congregation was stayed , and their march hindered . It is said 2 Chron. 20. 33. that the high places were not pulled downe , because the people were not prepared for the Lord ; not because the Prince was not prepared , or the great ones not prepared , but because the people were not prepared . It is in regard of truth , as in regard of error in this particular , though the Baker may have kneaded his dough , that is , his false opinion , and made it ready , yet as the Prophet Hosea speaks , and as Zanchy interprets the place , he sets not in , till the Oven be heat , that is , the heart of the people warmed , and prepared for it . So for a truth also , or a publike mercy , and deliverance , though God have provided it for a people , yet it is not handed to them , and set in , till their hearts be warmed & prepared for it . You may observe therfore , that when David had made his penitentiall Psalm for his own sinne , Psal. 51. after much supplication for the pardon of his owne evill , and for grace , and comfort he comes at last in the 18. ver. to this petition ; Doe good in thy good pleasure unto Sion , &c. How comes that in here ? Yes , when a man hath once repeated of his owne sinne , and cleared that reckoning , then he is fittest to ask mercy for the Church , and till then unfit . Therefore though in regard of your owne soules , your owne eternitie , you will not part with your owne sinnes , yet if you have any pitty , any compassion , any bowells towards y 〈…〉 wne Country , or Churches of God , put away the evill of all your doings . 2. Though your condition be never so private , you may discover the wayes of Babylon , the works , and complotments of the Babylonish party : and the discovery of evill is halfe it's ruine , as the Apostle speaks , 2 Tim. 3. 9. They shall proceed no further , for their folly shall be made manifest to all . 3. You may beleeve downe the walls of Babylon . Faith removes mountaines , though it bee but a graine ; By it the walls of Jericho fell , in the blowing of those poore Rammes hornes . And the walls of Iericho were built up to heaven , surely then the Walls of Babylon cannot bee higher . Wherefore seeke out those promises , and threatnings , set your heart towards them , beare your selves upon them , urge , and presse God by vertue of them , and say , though it be very unlikely that Babylon should fall , yet God hath thus , and thus promised , thus and thus threatned , and he is faithfull , here I will stay , and here I 'le wait . 4. You may spread the blasphemies of the Babylonish faction in the eyes of heaven . Thus did Hezekiah when Rabshakeh blasphemed , and wee know how it prevailed . Great , and grievous have the blasphemies beene wherewith the men of Babylon have blasphemed the Saints of God , and the footsteps of his Annoynted , which God takes as done against himselfe , and so repayes them , Ezek. 35. 12. compared with the 13 verse . In the 12 ver 〈…〉 said , I have heard all thy blasphemies which thou hast spoken against the mountaines of Israel , saying , they are layd desolata , they are given us to consume : But in the 13 verse these words are charged upon them , as if they were spoken against God himselfe , Thus with your mouth you have boasted against mee , and have multiplyed your words against me . Therefore at the 14 verse followes the punishment . The spreading of their hellish blasphemies , is exceeding prevalent with God , and very potent . 5. You may use all the Interest you have in heaven , and whatsoever credit you have there , improve it , which wee beseech you doe now in this particular . Your prayers puts them under Gods curse . 6. Though your condition , and station be never so private , you may according to your place , curse the practices and complotments of all the enemies . Doth not Iacob seeme to pronounce a curse upon the practices of Simeon , and Levi , though his owne children , Gen. 49. 7. Cursed be their wrath for it was cruell , &c. for in their anger they flew a man , and in their selfe , will they digg'd downe a wall . What is the endeavour of the Babylonians , but to digge downe the walls of Ierusalem , and of our protection . O my soule come not thou into their secret . God hath commanded that Merosh should bee cursed , and cursed bitterly ; because they went not forth to help the Lord against the mighty . How bitterly then are they to be cursed , that goe forth to help the mighty against the Lord . It was a Statute , & a Law in Israel , that if any removed the ancient land-marks , he should be cursed . Cursed , sayes the text , shall hee be that removes the ancient Land-marks , and let all the people say Amen . What is the ancient Land-mark of England , but our Laws and Religion , and therefore if any man shall remove this our Land-mark , cursed shall he be , of the Lord cursed , and let all the people say Amen . 7. What ever personall injury hath beene done unto you by any of the enemies of the Churches , you may , you must passe them by , so farre as it is a private concernment , and you shall not lose hereby , your forgivenesse hastens their ruine . For this cause , as you may read , Numb. 12. 2 , 3 , 4. God himselfe tooke vengeance on Miriam , because Moses was a meeke man : see how the mention of his meeknesse is brought in by way of parenthesis at the third verse , as the cause of Gods proceedings against her , ver. 4. Wherefore my beloved , have any beene wronged , and injured by your , and Gods enemies , carrie it meekly , carrie it humbly , no revenge , no revenge , but all forgivenesse . And have they begun to fall before you , let there be much rejoycing , but no insulting , prayses , but no insulting , prayer still , but no insulting . Let your moderation bee knowne to all , for God is at hand . These are your duties . Which things if they bee in you , and abound , in due time Babylon shall fall , and you shall see it ; for the second doctrine tells us it . Though Antichristian and Romish Babylon be never so great , yet it shall fall , and fall assuredly . This is but equall , those that have fallen from God , shall fall by God ; those that have made others to fall , shall fall themselves . Now the man of sinne is the starre that is fallen from heaven , who in the 2 Thess. 2. 3. ( as some observe ) is called in the abstract , Apostacie not an Apostate , a falling away , not one that is fallen away , so notorious is hee for sinfull falling ; and as God rewards grace with his owne grace , so hee rewards sinne with it's owne likenesse . 2. How else shall Sion rise , if Babylon doe not fall ? It is said , when the Lord exalteth the low tree , he bringeth downe the high tree , then shall all the trees of the Forrest rejoyce . God is making way to such a Jubilee , therefore Babylon must fall , and that assuredly . 3. Those that are too bigge for themselves , and cannot mannage their owne greatnesse , must needs fall . Pride goes before a fall ; It is the naturall genius of Babylon to bee proud , and great , great and proud . Babell was at first built to affront providence , that the world might be no more drowned . Afterwards sayes that King in Daniel , Is not this great Babylon that I have built for mine honour . And Revel. 18. saith our late Babylon , Isu a Queene , &c. They have beene great , and in their owne eyes great , surely therefore their owne waight shall sink them . 4. Must not those needs fall that are set in dark and slippery places , whom the Angell of the Lord drives ? Now , if ever , the places of Gods enemies are very slippery , themselves in the dark , and the Angell of God driving them . Therefore they shall fall , and fall assuredly . And if so . Then learne wee how to take notice of , and behold these great works of God concerning the fall of Babylon , as they fall out in our generation . It is in regard of the evill that comes to evill men , as in regard of the good that comes to the good . Now when the Saints doe receive any mercy , their hearts stick not in it , nor their eyes on it , but they see it lying under it's relation , in relation to the word , and promise , saying ; It is indeed a great mercy that I have a house , and place to dwell in , but God hath not onely given me sweet habitation , but he hath given it mee in the way of a promise , to performe the mercy promised . Hee hath given mee wife , children , and friends , to performe the mercy promised , Nay , he hath given mee Christ himselfe to performe the mercy promised , Luk. 1. Thus they see all things , lying under a promise in that relation . So also when ye see any judgement befall the enemies of Gods Church , you are not to looke upon them , as meere works of God , but to looke upon them in their relations , in relation to the threatning , as lying under the threatning , and the fruits of it ; and the reason hereof is this especially , because otherwise you doe not see the whole work of God , when you doe see it before you . As it is said of Israel , Deut. 29. 4. Yet the Lord hath not given you eyes to see , &c. As now suppose that a foole , a mad man , or a beast should come into the congregation , though they should see the water of Baptisme , yet they would not see the Sacrament , or halfe the Sacrament , because they could not see it under it's relation . Wherefore my beloved , when ever you shall behold the hand of God upon the world , in the fall of Babylon , and his great works , that way , be sure that ye behold them under the relation , in relation to the Lords threatning , and say ; True , here is a Babylonish Priest , crying out , Alas , Alas my living , I have wife and children to maintaine , and all is gone , my preferment is gone , my hope is gone , my place , and office gone . But all this is to performe the judgement threatned ; God threatned before , that he would put it into the hearts of the Princes of the earth to eat her flesh , and drink her blood , Revel. 17. 16. Now it is in a great measure fulfilled , for her great revenues , and rich livings are in part her flesh , and blood . God said before , Revel. 18. That her Merchants should stand a far off weeping , & wailing , and saying , Alas , alas , that great Citie . Thus is the word of the Lord fulfilled , and God is faithfull . As the fall of Babylon is very certaine , so it is the duty of the Saints to speake of it as if it were done already . Wee are bound to honour the faithfulnesse of God , more than the faithfulnesse of any other , because other things are faithfull to us , ( as Salvian observes ) because he is faithfull . We expect cooling , and cleansing from the water , and that is faithfull : Why ? For God is faithfull , he bids it be faithfull to us . Wee expect warmth , and light from the fire , and that is faithfull : Why ? for God is faithfull , hee bids it bee faithfull to us . In all these faithfull creatures there is but a drop of Gods faithfulnesse , and when they promise , we beleeve them , and shall wee not beleeve him when hee promises , and when hee threatens ? When a faithfull friend promises , wee say it shall be , but wee are to honour Gods faithfulnesse more , and therefore to speak of the thing promised , or threatned , as if it were done already . When wee doe but begin a good worke , God speaks of it as done already , Heb. 11. 17. It is said , by faith Abraham offered up Isaac ; yet hee did not actually offer him up , but intended it , and set him selfe to doe it at Gods command ; Exod. 4. 20. it is said , that Moses tooke his wife , and sonne , and returned to the land of Egipt ; Yet hee was but in the beginning of his returne . When we have begun any good work for God , he speaks of it , as done altogether ; therefore he having begun that great and good work for the Churches , the fall of Babylon , it is our duty also to speak of it , as if it were done already . Let us therefore correct our manner of speaking . If any storme or trouble arise upon the Churches , wee are ready to break forth into dispondent conclusions , saying , God is now gone , mercy gone , the ordinances gone , wee were in good hope to have seene good dayes , the ruine of the Churches enemies ; but they doe so prevaile , as that wee have no hope at all in this particular . But though the extremity of the Church bee never so great , and the enemies never so flourishing , wee ought to say , They are fallen , they are fallen . But how can wee speake thus when an utter improbability , and unlikelihood dwells upon the businesse ? Yes . For when God destroyes his enemies , hee either takes them away by a weake hand , as Jer. 50. 45. The least of the flocke shall draw them out ; Or they shall perish by their owne hands , as Psalm . 9. 16. The wicked is snared in the work of his own hands ; Or they shall be destroyed without hands , As Job 34. 20. The mighty shall bee taken away without hands . And is this true may the soule say , that the enemies of the Church shall perish by a weake hand , or by their owne hand , or without hands ; then will I never sinke , and despaire in my heart , or give ill language to Gods faithfulnesse , though the condition of Gods Churches be never so low , though the condition of the enemies be never so high . If wee are to speake of this worke , as if it were done already , when it is not done indeed ; then how contrary are those to Gods word , who say it is not done when it is done indeed . That will not acknowledge Gods worke , that say on the contrary , It is not fallen , It is not fallen , when it is fallen in truth . And such there shall be , who when the viall is powred upon the seat of the beast , shall gnaw their tongues , and blaspheme the God of heaven , not repenting of their deeds , Revel. 16. 10 , 11. But I hope better things of you , and such as accompany salvation . Onely now if there bee any here , that have given any assistance to Babylon , by pen , tongue , or hand , let them repent . O every one , repent you of your superstition , repent , repent you left you partake with Babylon in all her plagues , and torments to all eternitie . And remember that speech of Godtes Calchus , I am afraid to denie the truth , lest I bee for ever denyed by the truth . Christus est via & veritas , non consuetudo , Christ is the way , and truth , not custome , not innovation . And if there bee ever a drunkard , swearer , adulterer , Sabbath-breaker , or prophane person here , let him labour to get into Christ , lest when hee shall see these great works come to passe ( and come to passe ye shall see them shortly ) with greater works of God then I have mentioned , ye may bee able to rejoyce in them ; whereas otherwise you will say , I , these be glorious works indeed , and comfortable for those that are in Christ , but I am a poore wretched drunkard , & not in Christ . Wherefore above all things get into-Christ ; so shall you rejoyce with the felicity of Gods chosen . And if any have had any ill thoughts , or words , of , or against Gods people , now change your words , and your thoughts of them : For , for their sakes it is , that those great works are to bee done , Is . 43. 14. Thus saith the Lord your Redeemer , the holy one of Israel , for your sake I have sent to Babylon , and have brought downe all the Nobles , and the Chaldeans , whose crie is in the shippes . ( ⁂ ) FINIS . Errata . Pag. 3 line 3. for vexations , read vexatious . Pag ibid. lin. 24. blot outin . Pag 7. lin. last . for Septiros , read Septicollis . Pag. 15. lin 25. for Author , read Author . Die Martis . 6. Apr. 1641. At a Committee of the Commons House of Parliament , for licencing of Books . It is ordered that this Sermon of M. Bridges be published in Print : Sir Edward Dering , Knight and Baronet . Notes, typically marginal, from the original text Notes for div A29365e-160 Si nolint ves ferre inditione sua non frangatur animus ad cessandum ad deserendum verbum & officium , sed perseverandum & docendum , si non in hoc loco saltem in alio . Ab iterum dices quid sinullo loco liceat , sed ubique ejiciamur in toto mundo , respondet Christu nolite solliciti esse , Antequam id even●●et ut nullus locus amplius sit verbo , ego adero meo adventu , evit igitur semper locus ubi doceatis donec ego veniam , tantum vos perdurate & salvi eritis , non expedietis omnes civitates Israel quin f●ius haminis veniet , Luther . loc. com . de piis exulibus . Notes for div A29365e-550 Doct. 1. Vse 1. Vse 2. Quest . Answ . Object . Answ . I. Object . Answ . Object . Answ . Quest . Answ . Quest . Answ . 1. Doct. 2. Reason 1. Vse . Doct. 3. Reas. 1. Vse 1. Object . Answ . Vse 2.