Disce vivere Learne to live : a briefe treatise of learning to liue, vvherein is shewed, that the life of Christ is the most perfect patterne of direction to the life of a Christian : in which also, the well disposed may behold their orderlie passage, from the state of grace, to the state of glorie. Sutton, Christopher, 1565?-1629. 1604 Approx. 614 KB of XML-encoded text transcribed from 309 1-bit group-IV TIFF page images. Text Creation Partnership, Ann Arbor, MI ; Oxford (UK) : 2005-12 (EEBO-TCP Phase 1). A13187 STC 23484 ESTC S1737 21514484 ocm 21514484 24724 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. A13187) Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 24724) Images scanned from microfilm: (Early English books, 1475-1640 ; 1716:18) Disce vivere Learne to live : a briefe treatise of learning to liue, vvherein is shewed, that the life of Christ is the most perfect patterne of direction to the life of a Christian : in which also, the well disposed may behold their orderlie passage, from the state of grace, to the state of glorie. Sutton, Christopher, 1565?-1629. Perused and corrected. [46], 563, [i.e. 557], [11] p. Printed by E. Short, for Cuthbert Burby, and are to be sold at his shop in Paules Churchyard, at the signe of the Swanne, At London : [1604?] Dedication signed: Christopher Sutton. Marginal notes. Signatures: A¹² [par.]¹²(-[pst.]12) B-2A¹² 2B⁸. Numerous errors in paging. Reproduction of original in the Bodleian Library. Created by converting TCP files to TEI P5 using tcp2tei.xsl, TEI @ Oxford. 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Keying and markup guidelines are available at the Text Creation Partnership web site . eng Christian life -- Early works to 1800. 2003-05 TCP Assigned for keying and markup 2003-06 Apex CoVantage Keyed and coded from ProQuest page images 2005-06 Rachel Losh Sampled and proofread 2005-06 Rachel Losh Text and markup reviewed and edited 2005-10 pfs Batch review (QC) and XML conversion DISCE VIVERE . LEARNE TO LIVE . A briefe Treatise of Learning to Liue , vvherein is shewed , that the life of Christ is the most perfect patterne of direction to the life of a Christian. In which also , the well disposed may behold their orderlie passage , from the state of Grace , to the state of Glorie . Perused and Corrected . EPHE , 5. 14. Awake thou that sleepest , and stand vp from the dead , and Christ shall giue thee light . AT LONDON Printed by E. Short , for Cuthbert Burby , and are to be sold at his shop in Paules Churchyard , at the signe of the Swanne . To the honourable and vertuous , his very good Lady , the Lady Elizabeth Southwell . AMongst Artes and Sciences ( Right vertuous Lady ) there is none , without comparison , more beseeming our Christian care , then that which teacheth to liue well and godlilie whilest wee are heere , so when we are gone wee may liue eternally . For most sure it is , that vpon this moment of time , depends either an vnrecouerable losse , or a happie welfare in the world to come . And from hence is it , that I call the well ordering of life in this world , A learning to liue : a learning , because wee ought to make it a matter of labour , and studie ; to liue , because without good and godly life , wee are said rather to be , then liue . To stirre vp our dulnesse to this learning , I haue thought good to lay before the eies of the well disposed mind , the Tenor of the life of Christ , the best pattern for imitation that euer the world had . Children will follow their parents . Nature doth teach the Bees to goe forth at the very voice of their King or Leader : wee may goe to Schoole to those small creatures , wee haue not onely the voice of our heauenly King & Leader , but according to his humanitie , his example also to call vs forth to gather the pleasant sap of seueral vertues , that so at the euentide of our age , we may returne loaden with the sweete honey of holinesse , vnto that safe Hiue of euerlasting peace . From this most diuine life of Christ our Sauiour , there doe arise three principall reasons , before other , for our better instruction in this lesson of Learning to liue . The first is drawn frō the lesse to the greater , as thus , We should be humble , meeke , patient : Christ the Sonne of God himselfe was so . The second is taken from his example , We should be helpfull vnto others , louing to our friends , charitable to our enemies : this our Redeemer did . The third is from the end , Wee ought to endure the crosses & calamities of the world : Christ endured them , and so entred into his glory . How little this Learning is thought vpon , much lesse practised , wee see it too apparantly before our eyes . Of this Saint Chrysostom complayned long agoe , when hee willed men eyther to haue opera secundum professionem , that is to say , workes according to their profession , or professionem secundum opera , a profession agreeable to their workes : for this default , there needes no farther proofe but experience , when some haue little of Christianitie , except the name . Other Treatises ( right vertuous Lady ) may seeme forcibly to call men to the amendment of life ; by this , in tabing a suruay of the life of Christ , they are rather allured , then called , onely when they remember , that of Christ they are called Christians . In the whole Tract , if I shall but adone drop to the maine Ocean , I haue attained the farthest of my desires . None can sooner reprehend the meanenesse of my labour , then I willingly reprehend my selfe . The patronizing heereof I most humbly cōmend vnto your Ladiships protection , whose I remaine euer in all deuoted manner . Your La. in dutifull sort to be commanded , CHRISTOPHER SVTTON . The Preface to the Christian READER . IF to liue , were no other but to draw in , and to breathe out the soft ayre ( as the Wise man speaketh ) a needlesse labour were it ( good Christian Reader ) to lay downe anie instructions vnto the world of Learning to liue ; for this is done naturally both of men and beasts , without anie teaching , or learning at all . If to liue , were no other but to cast about for the fauour , and riches ( as some men are wont to call it , the way to liue , ) then would it soone followe , the greater Machiuilians , the better liuers . But somewhat more there is required to liue Christianly then so , somewhat more , I say ( and that all shall one day finde ) then either drawing in , and breathing out the soft ayre , or the plotting to compasse the pleasures and profits of the world . It was Balaams wish , Let my soule die the death of the righteous : It should haue first beene his practise first to haue liued the life of the righteous . The time we spend as we doe for the most part , consuming our dayes in vanity , and our yeeres in folly : ( to say a plaine truth as in the sight of GOD ) is rather a death , then life : for life is not that which is measured by the number of yeeres : It is the religious , honest , sober , and harmelesse conuersation , that draweth to an honourable age amongst men heere , and to eternall happines with God heereafter . Nowe the generall decay of this Christian course , is the generall course of these sinfull dayes , wherein so many haue iust cause to crie out , Th●… 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 world , a wretched world , an vngodly would ; such as our forefathers before vs neuer saw ? With ●…he buyer , euery one ca●…isay , It is naught , it is naught : but all this ( saith Saint Austen ) Professio est , non emendatio , A profession it is , but no amendment is seene . Religion is become nothing lesse then Religion , to wit , a matter of meere talke : such politizing is there on all parts , as a man cannot tell , who is who : so little sinceritie in regard wee haue of our soules , as if wee had no soules at all . When Plato sawe the Argentines liue so vnreformedly as they did , Surelie these men , quoth hee , liue as if they should neuer die . What soeuer men for fashions sake may giue out inwords , it is to be feared , there is in some no firme beleefe of another worlde setled in theyr hearts . Eli sayd , this is not well . Young men without obedience , olde men without deuotion , Christians without charitie , it would make ones heart to mourne , to consider seriously the calamitie of our time , when there needes no more , but as Phillip saide vnto Nathaniel , Veni & vide , come and see . VVithout all peraduenture Christianitie is much out of frame , if wee consider thinges aright : vvee are generally Christians in name , but in action nothing lesse : farre from the olde Christianitie of the worlde , howe so euer wee are readie to controle all that euer liued , and will not sticke to censure the blessed Saints of heauen . Our boldnes is great , and I pray God our security doe not marre all in the end . Cornelius , his Almesgiuing and Prayers ascended vp into heauen , where are these to be found amongst vs heere in earth ? In times past Christians vowed them selues to all holmes of life , they serued God in hunger and thirst , in watching and praying , night and day , they cared not to be poore vnto the world , so they might be rich vnto God : to be pilgrimes , or as banished men vpō the earth , so they might be citizens in heauen . These holy friendes of Christ , as Confessors , Martyrs , Virgins , deuout Christians of all sorts , men fearing God , and eschewing euill , gaue euident testimonie to the world , whose seruants they were . It was once the complaining wish of Caesar , That wee had such Souldiers as were in the time of Alexander the great . Viuitur nec Deo , Liue wee doe , is it to God ? I would to God it were . Wee passe on for a while , More nostro , after a fashion such as it is , but is all this to liue Christianly ? No verily : so a priuate estate in this world be prouided for , let all sinke or swimme for the worlde to come . We respect our selues onely , neglecting all others . Christ pleased not himselfe , saith the Apostle , with vs it is otherwise , and yet wee thinke our selues perfect Christians . In that great knowledge we haue ( for we sinne not so much of ignoraunce , as of negligence ) wee knowe but little as we ought . VVhat auaileth it to haue Pharaohes glorie , and Pharaohes ignominie ? Ahabs vineyard , and Ahabs destruction ? The rich mans life , and the rich mans death ? VVhat blindnesse is it in seeking riches or honour ; wilt thou perish , sayeth Saint Austen , for that which perisheth ? Thus we goe on ( and that which is worse ) we cannot tell when wee shall make an ende . Thus wee liue , and thus we die . VVhat other remedie in this estate of thinges ( the disease beeing so generall , then vvith Iairus in the Gospell , who comes vnto Christ with his Domine , veni , et impone manum , Lord , come , lay thy hand on her , and my daughter shall liue : or to renue that petition of the Prophet Dauid , It is time Lord that thou haue mercie vppon Sion , yea , the time is come . All that men can doe in this case , is to obserue the manner of louing friendes , who in visiting the sicke partie , euerie one bringes somewhat , by the grace of GOD to further his health : for while GOD doth afoord space of repentance , and the happie light of his Gospel amongst vs , wee may not dispayre of anie ones conuersion to aduise men for the best , it is their care to whom God hath cōmended in his owne sted a fatherly care of soules . There is a necessitie laid vppon vs all to liue well : wee runne for a wager , we fight for a garland . In seeking to repaire deuotion & pietie , which this world hath welneer lost , we will be as ready as our aduersaries themselues , and in honouring our Lord Iesus Christ , who hath honoured vs all , we wil goe with them hand in hand , if not before them , in cleaning to the foundation , wee hope one day to see the goodnesse of the Lord in the land of the liuing , howsoeuer vncharitable , vnpriestly , and vnchristian Censurers in manie spitefull Pamphlets giue out against vs. T is true , the sinfulnes of this age is great , with sighing hearts we wish it were otherwise , and with the Publican say , Nowe God be mercifull vnto vs , for we are sinners , we are not as we should be , good God make vs better . But sirs , are wee alone in this defect of godlinesse ? Your owne Writers will tell you , no : happily , your own experience can tell you , no , seeing iniquitie like the darknesse of Egypt , hath spread it selfe ouer the face of the earth . Would to God this bitternes were left on both sides , and that contention were once laid asleepe , Moyses would not haue an Hebrew smite an Hebrew . There is a common aduersarie of vs all , let vs fight against him vvho lieth in waite like a subtill spie , his desire is to make discorde and trouble in earth , because hee can trouble heauen no more . VVell , let busie medlers content themselues , and serue GOD humbly in their calling , let them cease to trouble the peace of this Church and Common-wealth ( which Iesus Christ long continue ) remembring that of Gamiel , If this counsell be of men , it will come to nou●…ht , but if it be of God , you cannot destroy it . VVere wee no other but plaine naturall men , God giuing vs reason and vnderstanding , we are thence mooued to passe our time orderlie whilest wee are heere . It is our common saying : Better vnborne , then vntaught : but beeing Christian men , mercifull Lord , that wee should not remember the happie hope wee all haue , or ought to haue . In the Articles of our Creede , wee mention an euerlasting life after death , and acknowledge a iudgement to come : O good God , that wee should liue , as if hell fire were no other but a Poeticall fiction ! Assuredly , wee doe our calling open iniurie , acknowledging the holie Catholique Christian faith , when our profession promiseth one thing , and our practise performeth another . Is it not wonderfull , that we shold euen forget whose creatures we are ? yet this we doe , all knowe their beginning was from God , & that after a while in GOD they must end . Now for to spend this space betweene our beginning and our end , in vndutifull sort toward him , were in very reason vnreasonable . When wee see a vineyard well manured and ordered , wee by and by say , It hath a good Keeper : shall wee not say the same of a life well ordered ? It is a glory vnto the vine , when the branches are fruitfull : it is a ioy vnto the Father , when the Sonne is dutifull : we are the braunches , Christ is the vine : we are his children , hee is our Father , Father which is aboue all , through all , and in vs all . Being Christians , we are the Lords heritage , and the Lords heritage should be holy vnto him , wherfore the name Christian , saith an ancient Father , is a name of iustice , a name of goodnes , a name of integritie , of patience , of humility , of innocencie , of pietie , and hee rightly beareth this name , who neuer beareth malice in his heart , who followeth Christes doctrine , and endeuoreth Christes example , that blessed patterne for imitation . The skilfull Painter , hauing nowe proposed vnto himselfe some excellent worke , all his study & care is to expresse in as liuely manner as he can the forme laid out before him : the life of Christ our Sauiour according to his humanity , is laid out before vs as a goodly table , our best Arte and industrie is required to work according to this forme , and to labour seriouslie vntill Christ be formed in vs , as the Apostle speaketh , that is , vntill some forme or resemblance of him appeare in vs , vvho are his children , and beare his name . Rude work , God knowes , make they , who neuer regard the patterne set before them , nor any way respect the wel ordering of the pensill , and so drawe such monstrous and vgly formes , as themselues may be sorie to see : should I call him a christian , sayeth one , in whom there is no act of Christianitie , no conuersation of iustice , who oppresseth the miserable , who maketh manie poore to make himselfe rich , whose mouth is polluted with vntruthes , and so forth ? vvhom doe proude men fashion or shadow out lesse then the sonne of God , who humbled himselfe that we might be exalted ? whom doe reuenging stomackes lesse resemble thē him , who meekely prayed for his enemies ? Christ saith , Haue I been so long with you , and haue you not knowne me ? To call our selues a little to consideration , it cannot be denied that wee are as much ( if not more ) moued by good examples , as wee are by good instructions , but what say we to that teacher , who hath both examples and instructions ? Then looke wee vnto the life of Christ , sayeth Saint Chrysostome , and wee shall finde it the Philosophie of the simple , the nurse of yong men , the meate of strong men , the buckler of weake men , the phisicke of sicke men , the booke full of diuine instructions , sit for all men . Those vvho applie themselues ( saith Saint Austen ) to anie of the liberall Artes or Sciences , are wont to make choice of some especiall Author , vvhose precepts before other they obserue and followe : vvhat better Author then the Author of all righteousnesse ? vvhat better learning , then that of which Christ is the Teacher , his Church is the Schoole , those which learne are Christians , that which is learned is religion , and the end of this learning , is to liue eternally ? VVherefore in the setting downe some plaine & briefe Treatise of Learning to liue , mee thought there was no better matter or method , then onely to mention the most diuine Actions of our Redeemer , that not so much my small labours , as the life of Christ might lay downe vnto well disposed Christians , a good forme of Learning to liue . The more ample and exquisite dilating heereof , I leaue to greater Clerks , my selfe am content for this time ( being required where I might not denie ) as before of Learning to die : so now to treate somwhat of Learning to liue , and in both to submit my imperfections to better iudgement , and my meaning to the honest minded , who are wont to take good meaning to the best : take therefore in good part , gentle Reader , this Treatise for our better Christian Learning , to Liue Christianly as wee ought , taken out of the life of Christ , the best patterne for imitation , that euer this world had . To them who are passing through darke places , anie light bee it neuer so little , may stand them in sted : To him who wandreth in vnknowne wayes , any smal direction is acceptable , be it neuer so small , so it point him towards the way wherin he should passe : The trauailer in a forraine Country , meeting with some bodie that speakes his naturall language , though it bee but harshly , yet it is some comfort vnto him : Wee often passe in the darknes of our sensuall desires , and are somtimes blinded in the mists of worldly vanities : wee stray we knowe not whither , any small light , the least direction may in this case somwhat helpe vs : Wee are strangers in this world and frō home , as the Apostle speaketh , to heare somewhat of our natiue language , that is to say , of heauen , and heauenlie thinges , though it be in the meanest manner , yet it may somewhat affect vs , especially , our affections beeing homeward . If it be saide , how should our weakenes come neere Christ his perfection , to whom all thinges were possible by reason of his diuine power ? The answere is , our good endeuours are acceptable . If wee fancie vnto our selues a secure estate in that wee are called Christians , it is shewed wee are farre wide , and how , ( if in deuotion we would see our spirituall passage from the life of grace , to the life of glory , and obserue that happie Christian course which tendeth vnto a thrise happie end ) wee are directed vnto his vertues all along , from vertue , to vertue . Assuredly we honour him who hath so much honored vs , ( for of Christ are wee christians , to haue part with him ) When our light doth so shine before men , as we glorifie our Father which is in heauen . VVhich light sheweth that our happines is folded vp in the bosome of hope . And this is briefelie the summe ( good Christian Reader ) of that which is mentioned more at large in the Treatise following , of Learning to liue , which learning onely teacheth to become good men by the grace of God. It now remaineth that wee all apply our selues to the practise of this learning . Time will away , Hippocrates exhorting some to the study of that learning which doth concerne the health of the body , would haue them make all possible expedition they could , his reason was , Ars longa , vita breuis : Art is long , life is short . The same may be saide of that Arte which cōcerneth the health of the soule . Should we wax white before we begin ? God forbid . Would to GOD men would more often meditate of the life of Christ , then ordinarily they doe : The birds of the aire haue nests , and the Foxes haue dennes , but the Sonne of man hath not where to lay his head : What 's that , saith Saint Austen ? Marie ambitious , and soaring desires , subtil and vngodly deuices , haue nests and dennes in our hearts , but a remembraunce of our Lord Iesus , which should take peaceable possession of our soules , can haue no entrance at all , in vvhich case vvee rather want teares , then cause of teares . That euery well disposed christian , who keepes a carefull watch ouer his soule , & is desirous to liue worthie of his calling heere , vntil he come to liue eternally , wold begin with the best attention , his best deuotion can yeeld , to take a dilicent suruay of the life of his life , whose soule-sauing loue , is the Loadstone of our harts : whose sayings & doings are a lawe vnto our actions , a Lanthorn to light our steps , the guide to direct our iourney , a Compasse to steere our Shippe , and last of all the Iudge , for to end our controuersies . As the iust liue by faith , so the iust liue the life of faith . Nowe they liue the life of grace , one day they shall liue the life of glory . It is Christ , and Christ alone , who hath made a full and ioyfull satisfaction for our sinnes . The God of patience and consolation , make vs followers of God , as deare children : and graunt that wee be like minded one towards another , after the example of Christ Iesus , Amen . If ought be worthie of thy obseruation , good Christian Reader , remember it is Gods : if otherwise , it is mine owne . Christopher Sutton . The Contents of the Chapters . 1 AN exhortation mooning euery deuout Christian to the often meditation of the life of Christ. 2 That the life of a Christian should bee passed ouer in this world , in a holy and vertuous conuersation . 3 That the end of a Christian life , is endlesse felicitie in the world to come . 4 That the best direction to this end , is to follow the example of Christ our Sauiour , who was not onely a sacrifice for sin , but also the most perfit patterne for imitation . 5 That this example of Christes life should euer stand before the eies of our minde , for our better direction in all our wayes . 6 The first vertue to be learned in the life of Christ , which was his humilitie . 7 What we learne by Christes leading into the wildernes , his fasting , and temptation there . 8 Of Christes great compassion towards the state of man , his continuall doing good in the world , and what instru●…ions we hence learne . 9 How little our Sauiour esteemed popularitie and glorie of the world , and howe by his example wee learne to doe the like . 10 Of Christes continuall labours & trauailes in the world , whereby wee may take a suruay of our Christian condition . 11 Of his teaching the multitude , and his actions before hee taught , which doth also teach vs what we should doe . 12 Of Christs visiting the sicke , his feeding the hungrie , & curing all that came vnto him , which doth lay before vs a most absolute rule of shewing pittie and compassion . 13 Of the great meekenes of the Sonne of God , in bearing the reproches of the world , an instruction vnto vs of suffering patiently . 14 Of Christes most milde and penceable cōuersation amongst men , which is our Christian direction of passing our time so in this world . 15 Of the name of Iesus . 16 Of Christes teaching his disciples to pray , and the tenour of that diuine forme of prayer , so often to be vsed of all deuoute Christians . 17 Of Christes often praying , & speciallie in the Garden , when his soule began to waxe sorrowfull , and what feruencie in deuotion , we heereby learne . 18 That christian men may take comfort amidst the calamities of this life , by that of our Sauiour , Iohn 14. 1. Let not your hearts be troubled : where he armeth his Disciples with consolation against troubles . 19 Howe that our Sauiour exhorting all that would followe him , to denie themselues , and take vp their crosse daily , doth concerne vs all that beare the name of Christians . 20 That Christian men ought to liue in all orderlie and dutifull obedience to Princes and Gouernours . 21 That Christians may lawfullie enioy earthlie commodities , and possesse riches , but how they should be affected towards them . 22 Howe Christ exhorteth to forsake Father and Mother , and all for his sake . 23 Of Christes manie miracles , and ●…hat we learne by them . 24 What wee learne by Christes most diuine wisedome in answering his aduersaries , and all that came vnto him . 25 Of Christ our Sauiour , what hee did vpon the Saboath , and Festiuall dayes , and what Christians may gather for the obseruation of the same . 26 Of Christs weeping ouer Ierusalem . 27 Of his passion and suffering vpon the Altar of the Crosse , for the sinnes of the world , and saluation of our soules : howe often , and with what deuotion all Christian men should meditate heereof . 28 Of Christs resurrection from the dead , and howe the veritie heereof doth much strengthen our Christian faith . 29 Of Christs Ascension vp into heauen , besides manie good instructions , how heereby our hope of ascending is confirmed . 30 Of the comming downe of the holy Ghost , and howe wee shouldin all Christian manner entertaine this diuine spirit , into the mansion of our soules . 31 How that exhortation of our Sauiour Christ , Iohn . 12. 23. Walke while ye haue light , least darknes come vpon you , doth appertaine vnto vs Christians . 32 How that , inferred vpon the parable of the ten virgines , Math. 25. 13. Watch therefore , for you knowe neither the day nor houre when the Sonne of man will come , doth expreslie appertaine to all Christians in this life . 33 A louing conference had with Christ , and the deuoute Christian man , touching the state and ioyes of the life to come , promised to them that learne of Christ , and follow him in this life . Disce viuere . Learne to liue . The first Chapter . An exhortation mouing euerie deuout Christian for his better direction in learning to liue , often to meditate of the life of Christ. WHilest I was musing ( sayeth the Prophet ) the fire kindled : what was this fire , but the loue of God ? what was this musing , but the bellowes to blow the sparks , and kindle the flame of Dauids affection ? which affection bred destre , which desire caused loue , which loue moued delight , which delight brought forth labour , Lord , saith he , what loue haue I vnto thy statutes ? all the day long is my studie in them . Whereby wee sée that among the exercises of a deuout life , there is none that is wont more to eleuate or lift vp the mind to a higher degree of perfection then meditation . In meditation , what doth more mooue man to loue God , then the reuoluing of his benefits ? Amongst these benefits , was there euer any comparable to that : So God loued the world , that he gaue his onely begotten sonne , that whosoeuer beleeued in him should not perish , but haue life euerlasting ? So then , to meditate of the life of him by whom wee haue eternall life , is the verie life of life . What is there found that can more arme vs against the vanities & allurements of the world , or the tribulations and aduersities of the same , then continually to haue before the eyes of our mind the memorie of his doings , and sayings , of his suffering and satisfaction made for the redemption of our soules ? 2 In which Christian meditation so many vnlooked for motiues to loue God doe occurre , when the deuout soule doth recount the ioy & inexplicable happines whereunto all doth tend , as they may sée me , not onely infallible testimonies of grace present , but after a sort , gladsome presages to the beléeuing hart , euen of future glory that is to come . Abraham sawe Christ when the couenant was but promised , and yet it reioyced his hart : wee sée him now the couenant is performed , and shall we not reioyce ? Simeon was a happie man , who saw him with the eyes of his body , and the faithfull are happy too , who still by meditation sée him with the eyes of the soule . 3 Euery man ( saith Sen●…a ) that listeth to applie himselfe to reading & meditation , may haue priuate conference with Zeno , Pythagoras , Aristotle , Theophrastus , & the Authors of good Arts , he shall finde them all at leasure to commune with him . But a thousand tunes more truly may it be said of the deuout soule , that she may daily commune and conuerse with Iesus Christ the Author of her happines , in calling to mind his loue mixed with so many labours , the scarres and markes of his suffering , which she may behold , his diuine precepts which she may obserue , his louing comforts which she may receiue in all distresses incident in the life of man. 4 Is it not more acceptable to sée God with the sheepheards at Bethelem , when the Angels sing , then with Moyses when he was flaming in the fierie bush ▪ To heare him vpon mount Tabor to preach blessednes after blessednes , then vpon mount Sinah , when for lightning & thundering it was present death for the people to approach ? Is not the case altered ? It was said as a testimonie of the loue of God vnto the Israelites . Did euer God come so neare a Nation ? How much more then may it be said when hee spake vnto vs by Christ Iesus his sonne . Did euer God come so neare a people ? 5 Wherefore what better meane of enioying heauen before heauen , then to meditate of the mysterie of our redemption , then often to call to mind the incarnation of the sonne of God , his netiuitie , his circumcision , his fasting , his praying , at his labours and trau●…es , his swéet conuersation , his behauiour that was so mild and gentle , as all the malice of ▪ his enemies could not wrest an angry word from hun , his curing the sicke , cleansing the Leapers , dispossessing the deuils , raising the dead , his preaching , his teaching , his compassion towards all , and after all , his most innocent ( yet sharp ) suffering , and all for our sinnes . How should we often in soule goe with the wise men to Bethelem , being directed by the starre of grace , and there fall downe and worship the little king , there offer the gold of perfect charity , the frankincense of deuotion , the myrth of penetencie , and then returne , not by cruell Herod , or troubled Ierusalem , but another way , a better way , vnto our long and happy home . 6 How should wee séeke him sorrowing with blessed Mary , and neuer leaue séeking vntill wee find him ? how should we accompanie him with the Apostles , beholding him doing wonderfull miracles , how should wee with the women follow him vnto the crosse , and there condole his most bitter , yet blessed passion , how should we descend in meditation whither he descended , rise early with Mary Magdalen , come to the Sepulcher and sée his resurrection , with the men of Galile wonder at his ascension vp into heauen , and with ioyfull admiration expect his cōming againe in the same forme he ascended ? Last of all , how should we with the disciples continue in prayer , tarrie at Ierusalem , or the vision of peace semblablie the church , waiting for the comming of the holy Ghost from aboue ? How should we euer hold him as Iacob did the Angell , not letting him goe vntill he blesse vs ? 7 The more we loue Christ , the more we meditate of his loue , where our treasure is ( that is , the thing wee most affect ) there are also the cogitations of our hearts : what greater treasure then Christ the verie Mine , where doe lie millions of treasure ? on whom should we rather bestow our harts , then vpón him who is the ioy of our harts ? or where our best labours , then where the best reward of labours is had ? But to come to that which concernes the direction of lift , wherein the whole world shalt thou sooner finde true humility , perfect charity , obedience , patience without example , prayer , with many coadioyned and allied vertues , then in the life of him who was the Lord of vertues ? consider how humbly he behaued hims●…fe in the world , how fellow like with his Apostles , how mercifull he was to the poore , who séemed his speciall familie , hee despised none although leapers , he flattered none though neuer so glorious , frée was he from the distracting cares of the world , whose care was his fathers will and mans good , how patient was hee in bearing reproches , how gentle in aunswers , thereby to cure ●…alue the enuie of his aduersaries . Then hast O Christian soule , faith Saint Austen , in the life of Christ a most heauenly medicine to help all thy defects : what pride is there , that his humilitie doth not abate ? what anger , that his gentlenes doth not le●…e ? what couetousnes , that his pouertie doth not salue ? what heart is there so benummed , that his loue doth not inflame ? in euerie way héere wee haue what to behold . What to imitate : what to admire , here we learne what to flie , what to follow . Where shal we find the miserie of man better salued , the goodnes of God more manifested , loue and grace more enlarged , then in meditating of the life of Christ ? The louing Captaine would that the souldier somtimes behold the wounds receiued in his behalfe , therby to take comfort and courage . The martyr calling to minde Christ crucified vpon the crosse , endureth trying and frying flames of greatest persecutions , so patiently , as if the soule exiled from the bodie by a diuine meditation , both body and soule were in part become sencelesse , and made to liue , not where they liue , but where they loue , that is to say , in Christ. 8 This made the holy men of God so full of deuotion , so great despisers of the world as they were , their chiefest care was to care for a time to come , their continuall meditation was the mystery of mans redemption , and the accomplishment of their hope in an other world , for this cause , and vpon this learning Festus thought Saint Paul had ouerstudied himselfe , when all his minde was so often in contemplation , had Festus knowne the depth of this knowledge , hee would haue thought the Apostle to haue béene learned indéede , hee might haue learned by Christes nakednes how to cloath him : by his meekenes , how to exalt him , by his praying for his enemies , how to reuenge him , that his stripes , his speare , his thornes , his wounds , his crosse , were more deare and precious then all the diadems in the world . When we behold Christ in his passion , we see innocencie suffering for sinne , humility enduring torment for pride , righteousnes for vnrighteousnes , what charitie was that , which amidst so many paines , besought God for the causers and actors of his persecution ? what silence was that , which vnto false accusers aunswered nothing ? what loue was that , which was prodigall of life , for his friend ? no , for his verie enemies ? Neuer was there any such loue , as the loue of the sonne of God shewed ? 9 Merciful Lord , what a spacious field doe wee enter , when we consider the proiect of Christes life ? In whom we obserue two natures , both resembled to Iacobs ladder , whereof the one part stard vpon the earth , which was his humanitie : the other reached vp to heauen , which was his Deitie . The descending Angels by this ladder are Gods inercies , the ascending are our penitent prayers , and therefore Christ is the meane whereby God descends in mercy towards men , and men ascend by grace and acceptation vnto God. We should often call to minde the life of Christ , but when labours and troubles come , when by calamities we séele that wee haue offended , then wee fall to comparison : when wee endure hunger , we think of Christes fasting : when we are tempted , we think of his leading into the wildernes : when we suffer reproches , we call to mind his suffering , and lift vp our harts to heauen , and our soules to him , who bare our infirmities , and therfore we hope will best respect the case of the miserable , of whom wee may say with the Prophet , Whō haue we in heauen but thee ? 10 Some are not a little delighted to reade the liues of the auncient worthies of the world , of Iulius Caesar , Scipio , and such other , but these may sooner delight the fancie , then instruct the soule . Come wee to the life of Christ , all their conflicts were but shadowes , all their glory but froath , all their pompe but miserie to his conflicts , to his glory , who vanquished when hee was conquered , and ouercame death when he suffered death , subduing the Prince of darknes with all his power , & with a few meane men made a conquest ouer the whole world , by a force in outward shew cleane contrarie to all victorie , to wit , by his word , which in the sight of the world séemed féeblenes . What hart is not moued at the remembrance of his woorthie actes ? who would not celebrate vnto the Lord a swéete Sabaoth of Meditation , and hither bring all his prayers and prayses ? Surely wee will doe little for him , who hath done so much for vs , if wee keepe not , at least a remembr●…nce of so many graces , so many mercies bestowed vpon vs ? should we be wearie to meditate of his life , who was not wearie to doe , and suffer so many things to restore vs to eternall life ? 11 God saith , Deliciae meae cum filijs hominum , My delight is to be with the sonnes of men . And the godly say , deliciae nostrae cum filio Dei , Our delight is to be with the sonne of God. Saint Hierome writeth of certaine holy women , so deuoted this way , Vt caro esset pene nescia carnis . That flesh ( saith hee ) almost forgat it was flesh , they did so dwell in the contemplation of Iesus Christ , ●…hat they séemed in place onely remote , but in affection to ioyne with that holy companie of heauen , there beholding in that splendent Theator the King of Kings , sitting vnder the state of glory . The Athenians erected a place called Asylum , whither the poore and distressed repairing , ●…ght finde refuge . How God hath exalted our Lorde Iesus vnto the right hand of his throne in glory , and there for his sake erected an Asylum of grace , whither all sorrowfull and afflicted minds repayring may plead priuiledge , and a satisfaction against sinne , hell , death , and the deuill : faith in him doth tell vs as much . When the accuser of the brethren doth ●…ay a remembrance of their sinnes vnto the charge of Gods chosen , and thereby séeketh to cast them downe by despaire , by and by they flie to meditate of Christes loue , and how al-sufficient a sacrifice he was for the satisfaction of their sinnes , and how readie he is to embrace in the armes of his mercie , and couer vnder the shadow of his wings , all that crie & come vnto him . 12 Would wee haue a president of all perfection to stand before vs ? why Salomons wisedome is but ignorance : Sampsons strength , but weakenes : Hazaels swiftnes , but slownesse : Methusal●…hs age , not a day , being once compared with the perfection of the sonne of God. The loaues which Christ tooke were but few in number , but when he brake them , and his disciples distributed them , they did excéedingly encrease and multiply . The life of Christ when at first wee consider the same , it séemes not so much ; but falling to meditate thereupon , and to distribute it as it were amongst faithfull beléeuers , it encreaseth so wonderfullie as wee can truly say with them in the Gospel . vve neuer saw it after this fashion , in effect , we neuer thought it so admirable . 13 The people in the wildernes were directed by a cloud in their passage towards the land of promise : we haue for our iourney not a materiall cloud , but the life of him that sits aboue the clouds , vpon whom the eye of our soule euermore fixed , we may goe forward , or stay , as this heauenly direction shal giue vs ayme . 14 Last of all , how mindfull , I pray you , we should be to meditate of Christ , not onely in respect of the time present , but chiefly for the time to come : this was in Saint Pauls thought , when hee thought of his departure hence , desiring to be dissolued , and to be with Christ. Iacob leauing the world , his mind was vpon Shiloh , or on him whom God would send , when he said , Expectabo salutare tuum , Lord I will wait for thy saluation : O Iesu , saith Saint Austen , whether I speake of thee , I write of thee , I read of thee , me thinks I am present with thee , as if a remembrance of his redéemer did wake with him , and sléepe with him . 15 The law was a shadow of good to come , this good was Christ : when the Sunne is behind , the shadow is before : when the Sunne is before , the shadow is behind : so was it in Christ , to them of old , this Sunne was behind , and therefore the law or shadow was before , to vs vnder grace the Sunne is before , and so now the ceremonies of the law , these shadowes are behind , yea they vanished away : Iosua succeeded Moses , Christ the law , Moses dies , Iosua leades the people , Iosua brings the people ouer Iordan , which Moses could not doe . The Fathers eate Manna in the Desert , we haue the liuing bread which came downe from heauen . In blessing their posterities the Patriarkes mentioned the promised séed , in comforting the distressed , the Prophets fore-told the Sauiour to come , all their solemne sacrifices were but figures , and signes of some excellent subiect , their many hymnes & diuine songs were reioycings at his comming before he came , in their highest deuotions nothing was more mentioned , then that God would respect his people , and Abraham to whom in mercie , the multiplying of the same mercie by the promised ofspring , was mentioned : so by this wee sée , the faithfull all a long minded nothing more then him , in whom all the Nations of the earth should be blessed . 16 For the beleeuers vnder grace , surely they should be so addicted to meditate of him who wrought the great work of their redemption , as that they ought to haue their hearts replenished with an incessant reuoluing of his loue , séeing their faith is confirmed by a consideration of his merits , their hope by a remembrance of his promises , their duty by calling to minde his benefits , their fortitude by a contemplation of his assistance , their liues directed by his life , who was the mirror of the world for perfection and true holmes , the Prophet Esay saith , This is the way , walke in it . Chap. 2. That the life of a Christian should be passed ouer in this world in a holy and vertuous conuersation . IT is the manner of Princes and gouernours , forthwith vpon their inuestures to places of greatest dignitie , seriously to recount with thēselues , to what authority amongst men God hath called them , what to doe , how to gouerne , and in conclusion which way to demeane themselues , like themselues : th●…t is to say , aunswerable vnto their place and calling . This care we find to haue béen in king Salomon , who in regard of the dignitie whereunto God had called him , besought God before riches and honour , to giue him an vnderstanding heart . No lesse care should a Christian man haue , whom God hath in mercy called to the state of grace , a calling of excelle●…cie , no lesse care I say , sh●…uld h●… h●…ue forthw●…th to sit downe and consider for what cause he was redeemed , to what end , what will oned●…y be required at his hands , vpon his returne by him that did send him hither , and preserued him whilest he is here . 2 When Naaman the Syrian was healed of his leprosie , and saw that by the power of God he was from a ●…aper become a sound man , to acknowledge this benefit , well the knées of his bodie might bowe in the house of Rimmon , a false God , yet when he came there he made a solemne vow , the knées of his soule should bend to the true God , whom he perceaued had done him good . When Peters wiues mothér was cured of her Feauer , shee rose vp & ministred vnto Christ , when the people saw the care of Iosuah , which hee vndertooke to bring them into the land of Canaan , they all saide as it were with one hart , O Iosuah , all that thou commaundest , we wil do , and whither so euer thou sendest vs , we will goe . Wee haue receiued a greater cure then euer Naaman did when he receiued the cleansing from his leprosie , or then 〈◊〉 wiues mother , when at Christes word the feuer left her , some bending of our harts , some ministring vnto Christ should be remembred , and let our Iosuah haue his due , who is leading vs to the land of promise . 3 When Zacharie mentioned the loue of God in visiting and redéeming his people , in raysing them vp a mighty saluation , in deliuering them from the hands of their enemies , first shewing what God had done for them , he then consequently annexeth the end of all , and what they should doe to God , to wit , To walke before him in holines and righteousnes all the dayes of their life . This the Apostle sheweth in more expresse words at large , the grace of God hath appeared , that bringeth saluation vnto all , and teacheth vs that wee should denie vngodlines and worldly lusts , that we should liue soberly and godly in this present world , looking for the blessed appearance of the glorie of the mighty God , and of our Sauiour Iesus Christ. Thereby shewing our first entrance into grace , and therewith the works of grace , and then in order the appearance of glory . For what else doth grace require , but the works of grace ? therefore wee beséech God , that wee fall not amongst théeues , as the man that passed betwéene Ierusalem and Iericho , which would spoile vs of this precious garment , and the true vse thereof , Lord ( saith Dauid ) keepe thy seruant from presumptuous sinnes , that they get not the dominion ouer me . What should the children of light haue to do with the works of darknes , what should Christians walke according to the flesh , who are by Christ their redéemer regenerate , and borne●… new according to the spirit ? Alexander ( saith Quintus Curtius ) willed that the Grecians & the Barbarians should be no longer distinguished by garments , but let Grecians , said he , be knowne by their vertues , and Barbarians by their vices . The application is plaine , let Christians be knowne by Christian behauiour . 4 When Almightie God had brought his people from the oppression of Pharaoh , and that they were now towards a land which should flow with milk and honie : Moyses soberly aduiseth the people after this manner , and telles them what God doth looke for at their hands . And now Israel what doth the Lord require of thee , euen that thou serue him ? If he be Deus tuus , then must hee haue adorationem tuam . Is hee thy God , then will he haue thy worship ? Saint Peter vnto the dispersed Iewes , and conuerted Christians , saith , you were not a people , but now are the people of God and therfore should walk as the children of God , the night is passed ( saith the Apostle S. Paul ) where hee resembleth the law vnto the night , by reason of the dark mists and figures therof : the day is come néere , where hee resembles the state of grace vnto a lightsome time : what followes , Let vs cast away the works of darknes , and put on the armour of light . All which , as it inferreth a dignitie in that we are called : so withall a duty that is required , a final sinne in the world , is notwithstanding great , in one professing Christ. Saint Bernard thought it a thing prodigious in nature , to haue the first place , and the lowest life , a high calling , and some abiect course of liuing : because the calling to place of dignitie , doth chalenge vnto it selfe the greater exellencie . Quid prodest ( saith Saint Austen ) vocari quod non es ? What profiteth it thée to be called the thing then are not ? To beare the title of a Christian , and to be in action nothing lesse ? To be a Christian in name , but not in déede , to séeme , and not to be , to haue the voyce of Iacob , but the hands of Esau , one thing in shew , but another in substance : what dost thou ( saith Saint Cyprian ) rush in with a blinde headie zeale thou knowest not whither , nor howe extinguishing peace and charitie the true lights of a christian life ? certainly these vices , they are as blemishes in the face of our profession . Zeale without knowledge is a blind sacrifice , & knowledge without zeale is a maymed sacrifice , neither blind or maimed should be offered to God. 5 Aulus Fuluius perceiuing his sonne gotten vpon the wings of pride , and associating himselfe with Cateline that firebrand of the common wealth , comes and takes him aside , and schooles him after this manner , Thou vnthrift , haue I brought thee vp for such an end ? when we find our affections inclining to foule desires , let vs say vnto our selues as Aulus Fuluius said vnto his sonne , Is this the end why God hath giuen vs our being , and well being , were we redeemed from sinne , to continue in the lusts thereof , were we freed from the seruitude of the world , to become seruants of so bad a Lord ? Why were we redéemed to good works ? ( should so great a price bestowed for vs be cast away ? God forbid . ) To come to a consideration of our selues , and to call to mind our adoption , whereby we crie Abba Father : if God be our father , then must we remember what he requireth , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , be you holy , for I am holy : the duty of the child is the fathers honor . We are resembled vnto the branches , and Christ vnto the vine , euery branch that beareth not fruite , which fruite is good life , the husbandman which is God , taketh away . We are compared vnto fruitfull trées planted by the water , or pleasant streames of Gods graces , and therfore should bring forth fruite in due season . Wee may remember the curse of the bagge trée that bare leaues , some shew only of fruit , and that sentence denounced against the other that bare no fruites at all . The Axe is laid to the root of the tree , euery tree that bringeth not forth fruit , shall be cut downe , and cast into the fire . The Axe , death , the cutting downe , the execution of iustice , the casting into the fire , the sētence of iudgment . Now is the Axe , there will be a now : the Axe not a rod to the roote , not to the branches , cast it into the fire , and so there is somewhat more then a cutting downe . Daniel said vnto Nabuchodonozor , which Iohn the Baptist in effect said to euery one who were fruitlesse , This tree is thy selfe : but for the good trée which our Sauiour saith , bringeth forth good fruit , it shal be like the gréen Oliue planted by the house of God. Blessed is the man ( saith Ieremie ) that trusteth in the Lord , and whose hope the Lord is , for he shall be as a tree that spreadeth out her rootes by the riuer , and shall not feele when the heat commeth , but her leafe shal be greene , and shall not care for the yeere of drought , neither shall cease from yeelding fruit . And thus as the negligent are resembled vnto barrenheath , or trees twise dead , and plucked vp by the rootes , as vaine professors are compared vnto trées which bare leaues , or at least fruit goodlie and pleasant to the eye , in shew like Apples of Gomorrah , which are gone as soone as you touch them : so are the religious and deuoted to the worship of God , most fitly likened to good & fruitfull trées , grafted vpon the true stocke Christ Iesus himselfe , planted in that vineyard , whose kéeper is the Lord of hosts , and lookes for at their hands better then wild grapes . 6 In the eleuenth of the Acts and sixe and twentieth , were the Disciples first called by this name , Christians , a name of great sanctitie , from annoynting , a ceremonie vsed amongst the ancient people of God , vpon none but those whom they accounted holy , and had an holy calling , as their Kings , their Priests , their Prophets , and therefore should Christians be as Iohn the Baptist , whose name was holy , whose teaching was holy , whose life was holy , all agréeing in one . He was a burning light , not only burning , saith Saint Bernard , as zealous in seruencie , but a light also as conspicuous in charity . But whence ( saith Isidor ) haue we this title ? euen from Christ are we called christians , surely a great prerogatiue , he hath graced vs with his own name , ciensed vs with his owne blood . The Apostle saith , wee are bought or redeemed with a price , if it be so , then are wee his who hath paid our ransome , & consequently are bound to doe his will willingly , who hath bought out our freedome . Wee are not debters , saith he , to the flesh , as if he should haue said , we are debters , and owe dutifull seruice to another Lord , and to liue after his will. Sarah saw but Ismael playing with Isaacke , and shee said vnto Abraham , put away the bandwoman with her sonne , it is not safe for the soule to be dallying with the flesh , cast out the bond woman , and her ofspring or desires : the playing of Ismael with Isaack , the holy ghost by the Apostles , called a persecution . One saith , This body of ours will not let vs to be right Philosophers , but sure it is this corrupt nature of ours , vnlesse we did represse the affections thereof , it would not permit vs , to be right Christians . There is a serpent within vs , saith Macarius , that will entire with an argument , a iucundo , the forbidden trée is most faire , forbidden pleasures , forbidden wayes are most delightfull . Had we ( saith Saint Bernard ) stoode by , when Adam was betwéene the perswasion of his wife , and the precept of his God , when the one said , Adam eate : and the other , Adam , Thou shalt not eate , would we not haue cried out , and said , O Adam , take héede what thou doest , the woman is deceiued ? The counsel we would giue to Adam , let vs apply to our selues , and neuer harken to the counsel of the flesh , séeing the condition of Christians is to walke not after the flesh , but after the spirit . The Apostle calleth the desires of the flesh , deceiueable , because they deceiue : and whereas other sinnes are mentioned by one name , this of the flesh is mentioned by many , as adulterie , fornication , vncleanenes , wantonnes , all these shew how vile it is . It is said , flie from sinne as from a serpent : but of all sinnes , she fornication , saith the holy Ghost , for this serpent stingeth to death . Hee that will eate so often as he is tempted by hunger , hee that strikes so often as he is tempted by ●…re , hee that will commit the sinne of fornication so often as he is tempted by ill motions : what hath he , I say , not of a Christian man , but of a man , except the name ? 7 But is it credible that Christian profession should in anie age put on m●…sking attire , and play her part vpon the stage , or that those who bare the name of Christians , should endeuour like cunning ●…uglers to cast a must before the sight of the simple , worke dissimulation in so fine a web , cast such glosse vpon all , as if all were holy , like hote Meteors in the aire , which shoot & shew like starres , but are in deede nothing lesse : for these , deceiue men they may , God they cannot , nay they may one day find , they deceiued themselues : if they spend an houre or two now and then in godly exercises , though all the wéeke after they liue in contention and eniue , they thinke themselues good Christians . In the Comedie of Menander there is a Hercules , but not true Hercules : in the course of the world there is a Herod , that pretends worship , but intends the life of an innocent babe : there is an Ahab that proclaimes a fast , thereby to compasse Naboathes vineyard , but all is not gold that glisters . He is not a Iew which is outwardly a Iew , neyther is that circumcision which is outward in the shew , but hee is a Iew which is one within , and the circumcision is of the heart , not in the letter , whose praise is not of men , but of God. One man discerneth another by his habit , God by his hart . The Arke , saith Origen , was it pitched without onely ? no , but within and without . The kings daughter , saith the Psalmist , was glorious , was this glorie outward ? no , she was glorious within . The coat of Christ was without seame : the conuersation of Christians should be plaine and honest without dissimulation : least their calling suffer indignitie amongst men . Let vaine boasters talke of profession so long as they will , and make religion as they doe , a mere talke : vnlesse they shew deuotion to God , humble and charitable behauiour towards men , are they right Christians ? no verily . When one ill affected was now about to be saluing his sore fingers , a certaine Phisitien , perceiuing by his countenance his liuer was corrupt : my friend , quoth he , séeke to salue that is amisse within . 8 At the end of the day , shall it be said , call those discoursers ? no , call the labourers , giue them the pennie . S. Iames saith , shew me thy faith by thy works , I am a mortall man , and cannot search the hart . Hast thou faith ? let me sée it by thy actions of life . Is it a liuely faith ▪ Why , where life is , there motion is . We are not ( sayeth Cyprian ) Philosophers in words , but in works : he is not a Phisition , which is a Phisition in name . It was said indéede vnto him that came to the mariage , amice , friend : but if we math the sequell , it was in effect said , Amice & non amice , Friend in profession , but nothing so in action , in name , but not in nature , howe camest thou in hither not hauing a wedding garment ? When you sée saith Saint Chrysostome , the leaues withered , you may gesse the trée is not found at the roote : when you sée the actions of life but so so , is all will at the roote ? Are wee not rooted in faith , the bud , the leafe , the flower , the fruite , all is from the roote . The fire so long as it is fire , it hath heate , and faith so long as it is faith , it hath effects . Wherefore wee must take héede that wee deale not with our holy calling , as Amon did with Dauids seruants , when he visguised them , and cut their garments in the middest . Let vs not separate those whom God hath ioyned together , a good profession , & a good conuersation , good learning , and good liuing . A man saith Syrach , may be knowne by his looke , and one that hath vnderstanding may be perceiued by his gesture , nay a mans garment , and therefore much more his life declare what he is . 9 Looke wee into the liues of the former Christians , whose remembrance wee honour in our very thoughts , and whose vertues we cannot but ad●…re , if we reade how they spent their time , wee shall finde that their whole course was a continuall exercise of pietie : they were iust in promise , they needed no other surety but their word : they were moderate in diet , plaine in attire , keeping a Decorum in all their actions . They did not only with Simeon see Christ with their eyes , but also take him vp in their hands , and carie him about in their liues : wee are for the most Christians in shew , they were Christians in deede : wee outwardly professe somwhat , but there is a heart within meanes nothing lesse : they inwardly and outwardly were the same . Assuredly hee said well that said it , they were happy in respect of vs , who receiued with humilitie one vniforme faith , vpon this foundation they did build good life : we are still hampering and hammering about the very foundation , and neuer settle our selues to worke , not as hirelings for a reward , nor as seruaunts for feare , but as children for loue . Tertullian setting downe the hardest censure of their greatest aduersaries , sayth , That excepting they would not sacrifice vnto their Idols : their holinesse was such , as it made their very persecutors to stand amazed at them , and to crie out : what a miserie is this , that wee are more wearie of tormenting , then these men are of enduring torments ? Nay , it made the greatest Emperours themselues to feare poore Christians , as Herod did Iohn Baptist , because hee was a holy man , and one that feared God. Saint Basill affirmeth , that the very beholding of their constancie in suffering , made manie heathen men suffer with them . The deuoute lyfe of a poore Captiue Christian woman ( as Sozo●…ne wryteth ) made a King and all his familie embrace the fayth of Iesus Christ : and Eusebius sheweth , that Maximinius the Emperour , could not but woonder to see howe sedulous they were in doing good , when their very enemies were euen consumed with miserie , they tooke from their owne sustenance , and small store they had to releeue them , they buried their dead , and neuer ceased to follow them with the works of charitie . They were so religious , so humble , so iust , so charitable , as they made great tyrants to giue out Edi●…ts with Nabuchodonozor , that none should worship any other God , but the God of the Christians . ●…ulian the Apostata , writing to Arsatius Bishop of Cappadocia , said , Christiana religio propter Christianorum erga omnes ●…uiusuis religionis mortales beneficentiam propagata est . This same Religion which they call Christian , is spread farre and wide , by reason of the great beneficence , of those whom they call Christians , doe shew to 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ortall men of what religion so euer , whence we see that the greatest enemie of the faith of Christ , could not but acknowledge the sincerity of former Christians . Mercifull Lord , to compare our coldnes with their seruent deuotion , our negligence with their industrie , our faint loue with their burning charity , wee shall finde such ods , as we may sorrow to see our owne defects in this case . Calling to minde the learning of the ancient Fathers , wee may thinke they did nothing but reade : séeing their workes , that they did nothing but write : considering their deuotion , that they did nothing but pray . 10 How was God glorified in these ? and how is God glorified in vs , when wee truly serue him ? To this end Christ willed lys Disciples , that their light should shine before men , & Saint Peter exhorteth , that by our good works we glorifie God in the day of visitation , in effect , that we honour Christ by our Christian behauiour , which behauiour , saith Saint Cyprian , is to doe the will of God , which will is , that we haue Stabilitatem in fide , modestiam in verbis , in factis institiam , in operibus misericordiam , in moribus disciplinam , cum fratribus pacem , and so foorth . Stedfastnes in faith , modestie in words , vprightnes in action , in works mercy , in manners discipline , and peace towards our brethren . Ought not our vprightnes to be inwardly , because vnto God , outwardly because vnto the glory of God ? By this , saith our Sauiour , shal men know that you are my disciples , when he spake of loue : which loue is the accomplishment of the whole law . Euery Generall in the field hath his colours , whereby he and his companie are knowne . Holinesse is Christes banner , vnder which we all traine and kéepe a séemely Christian marche , following Christ our Captaine , & finisher of our faith . Our enemies are the assaults of sin , and temptations of sathan : our weapons are the shield of Faith , the helmet of saluation , the sword of the spirit . Our conquest is a crowne of glory : I haue sought ( saith the Apostle ) a good fight , I haue finished my course , I haue kept the faith , from henceforth is laide vp for mee a crowne of righteousnes . 11 Looke we vp into heauen , who are there reioysing ? who ●…e nowe tryumphant in glory , but those who were sometime militant in the works of grace ? who are now in that celestiall societie of Angels , and there be●…olo the presence of God himselfe , but the pure in heart , and those who somtimes liued godly in the world ? To cast our eyes downward : to whom is that wofull dungeon of darknesse so often denounced , but vnto dissolute and loose seruaunts , who neuer thinke on their masters returne , and the account which will one day be required at their hands ? The schoole●…en do wel distinguish of a double punishment , the one Damni , and the other Sensus : The one of losse , and the other of seeling : of losse , when they loose for euer in glorie him , whom they would not receiue , so often offering himselfe vnto them for a time : of feéeling , they would not endure the paine of a little repentance , and therefore shall suffer the punishment of eterna●…l ●…ame . 12 Of all 〈◊〉 ( say the Mathematicians ) a circle is the most absolute , because the beginning and end concurre in one : such is our holy conuersation , which comes from God by grace , and ends in God by the works of grace : all our actions are from him , as the beames from the Sunne , as the smell from the flower , as the sparkes from the fire . The Sunne is dispersed by his beames , the flowers by their smell , the fire by the sparkles from thence procéeding . God is séene in his creatures , ad●…ured in his works , but most glorified in his seruaunts , the sonnes of men . Wee knowe there is in man somwhat more then man , Christ said vnto the Pharisees , when the Herodians shewed him a tribute pennie , Whose Image or superscription is this ? when we f●…d in our selues a most diuine & heauenly resemblance , whose Image is this ? me thinks we cannot but replie , assuredly it is our heauen●… Caesars : and therefore giue we ●…nto him the homage of our ●●arts , and if we haue a thousand ●●arts , let vs pay them all in tribute . The Angels of heauen ●…oke for vs , Iesus Christ himselfe the Lord of Angels expects vs , whom hee hath chosen to be ●…es of glory , should we follow the world , then may wee feare the punishment of the worlde . What is it to gaine a farme , with him who would goe to sée his farme , & loose heauen ? what is it to be married to the momentarie pleasures of a sinfull life , and for euer and euer to be deuorced from Christ ? There are in holy scripture promises laid downe of a happy state to come , it may be well applied , which was misapplied in the triall of the holy man Iob , We doe not serue God for nothing . As sure as God is God , the righteous shall receiue a reward . We know that man is immortall , and that his happinesse is not heere , though that part which we sée ( saith Philo the learned Iew ) be mortall , and perish for a time , yet there is a time to come , when it shall be raysed , and there is a part in man which abides for euer . 13 Children when they are young , loue their nurses more then their true and naturall mothers : but comming to ryper yeares , they then loue where they chiefely ought : wee are a while addicted to the world , and loose our selues in the loue thereof , but vpon mature iudgement we sée , that God onely should haue our loue , and duties of loue . It is the manner of some Nations ( saith one ) for the inferiour first to salute their superiours , and it is the custome againe of other Countr●…es as a signe of benediction , going downward , for the superiour , first to salute the inferiour . This custome Almightie God himselfe obserueth with men : first hee salutes vs by his benefits , and then we salute him by our obedience : first he loueth vs as a father , then wee honour him as children . Should wee with the fed Hawke forget our master ? or being full with Gods benefits like the Moone , be then most remoued from the Sunne , from whence comes all her light , and then by her imposition of earthly desires , become darke ? Hath Christ done so much for vs , and should we séeme to be caried away into the land where all things are forgotten ? At that dreadfull day of doome , the greatest part of the euidence , sayeth Saint Cyprian , that Sathan will bring in against carelesse men is , the neglect of their dutifull seruing the Lord Iesus , when hee shall say , O eternall Iudge , for these , I neuer benefited them , I neuer endured labour or trauaile to redée me them , and yet haue they followed me , I no sooner tempted them to euill , but they obeied me : Thou camest from heauen , and enduredst manie things in the world to winne them , and yet they neuer followed thee , thou diddest shed thy most precious blood to saue them , and yet they would neuer worship thée : hitherto Saint Cyprian . 14 Now , can wee then omit the performance of our Christian duty ? should it be said of holines , as it was once in another case , Audiuimus famam ? Wee haue heard report of such a matter , and so let it goe ? wil our lip-worship serue the turne ? the foolish virgines were found with their , Sic dicentes , so saying : but the good seruants shal be found with their Sic facientes : so doing . Our Isaack wil not only heare Iacobs voyce , but come hither my sonne , let me haue thy hands too , and then receiue a fatherly benediction . In the seauenth of S. Luke , Iohn sendes his Disciples to Christ , to know whether he were the Messias that should come into the world , or they should looke for another ? the aunswere out Sauiour returneth is this : tell Iohn what you haue heard and séene , what you haue heard only●… no , but heard , and séene the blind sée , the lame walke , the leapers are cleansed , the poore receiue the Gospel . He doth neither affirme , nor denie , saith Beda , but would rather haue his works testisse of him , then that he would testisse of himselfe . Christ came from heauen to doe his fathers will in earth , and wee héere on earth doe his will , who is ascended vp into heauen : to whom was that applied , but vnto Christians ? This is the will of God , euen your holines . 15 To comprehend manie things with the circle of a short conclusion , the summe of all is . There is nothing more swéete then to serue God : when Pythagoras heard a vicious fellow , affirme hee had rather spend his time in wanton company , then amongst these sower Philosophers : no meruaile , said he , for Swine had rather be tumbling in the mire , then laid in the cleanest places of all . There is no peace comparable to that which is wont to accompanie christian conuersation . It is said of the Dioscorides , men liuing farre remote , yet professing Christian religion , that dwelling in the middest of the se , yet haue not the vse of ships : they liue with such quiet and content in their estate , or without any desire of séeking superfluitie . Who shall ascend ( sayth the Prophet ) vnto the hill of the Lord , but euen hee that hath pure hands , and hath not lifted vp his minde to vanitie , he shall receiue a blessing from the Lord , and righteousnes from the God of his saluation . Nature hath taught the Bombyx , a small worme , prouiding before for her end , first to wind her selfe all in silke , and then becomming white and winged in shape of a flying thing , she dieth : let grace leade vs in the same course , first clothing our selues with that precious silke of Christes merits , and then become white for innocencie and holinesse of life : and last of all , with the wings of faith & hope , prepare our selues to flie to that heauenly repose of our euerlasting rest . Chap. 3. That the end of a Christian life is endlesse felicitie in the life to come . MOst sure it is that the end of man , or mans felicitie which is his end , is not consisting in any thing héere below , but in a state supernall , and therefore to be sought aboue . It héere remaineth that wee enter a little into the consideration of this end , as also of the meane precedent vnto the same . Infinite were it to shew how the Philosophers of old , as men in a winters night , amidst many strange and vnknowne wayes , did runne and range they knew not whither : Infinite were it ( I say ) to set downe , how they spent all their life poaring in the darke , ( if we respect the light of grace ) in séeking and searching out mans chiefest end . Some would haue it to consist in pleasure : why if pleasure were mans chiefe happinesse , then beasts were happy : if sensuall life be mans end , then is he oft ended by his end . Some would haue it to consist in riches , in honour , and th●… like : if mans chiefe happines , & end were placed in these , then were man worse then a clod of earth , or puffe of wind , because the end is euer better then those things which are tending vnto the end . Last of all , if mans chiefest good consisted in things mortall , then where becomes the felicitie of the soule , which is a substance immortall ? 2 To leaue these in the maze of their owne fancies , and roauing in the ayre at an vncertaine mark , our Christian faith ( blessed be God ) teacheth vs to mount higher , and to behold an other end , which cannot be worn out , and therefore is not subiect to feare : full of all happines , and therefore is able to satisfie our desires to the full . The difference then , betwéene those who remained in the foggie mist of Egypt , and them whom God hath in mercy placed in the little land of Goshen , is this : they to an vncertaine , but wee direct all our actions vnto a most sure and certaine end : they hope for somwhat in shew , we somewhat indéede : they are about the delight of the sense , we in the perfect contentment of the soule , in looking vp to those ioyes , whither all our endeuours doe ioyntlie runne , as vnto the sole period of all our being : well is that state wherein nothing is wanting . Peter cried out ( and we may all crie out with him ) Domine , bonum est nobis hic esse ; Lord it is good for vs to be héere : Being fréed from sin we are made the seruants of God , our fruit is holines , our reward is euerlasting life . 3 Man is neuer more heauenlie , then when he begins to consider his end , which is to liue in heauen . Wherefore what should wee but take order with our selues , to bend all our actions to this end ? To be indifferent to all creatures , riches , pouerty , or the like , as shall be most conuenient for the obtaining of this end . Qui arat , arat in spe , all our plowing tends to the hope of this haruest . in the meane time , what should we doe , but often minde a supernall condition ? Almightie God hath placed the earth vnder our féete , whence wee may gather , that earthly things should be least thought vpon : the hart of man , which is of a triangular figure , comprehends more then the earth that is only round . The Philosophers can tel vs , that aboue the superior spheare , nothing is subiect to alteration . But wil we heare what the Apostle saith , nay wil we heare what hee was not able to say , concerning the excellencie of this end ? Eye hath not seene , eare hath not heard , heart cannot conceiue , the things which God hath prepared for them that loue him . The glorification of man is a state inexplicable , and therefore to enter into it , were to wade into a bottomlesse Sea : faith onely is the meane whereby we can approch and sée but the backer parts , as Moyses in the cleft , when the glorie of God passed by . It doth not yet appeare , saith Saint Iohn , what wee shall be , but that happy time will come when it shall appeare , and then we shal be like vnto him : At that day shal the iust shine as the Sunne in the kingdome of the Father . A meruailous saying of Christ our Sauiour , and in humane sense almost incredible , that the children of God shall shine , and become as cleare as the Sunne : they shal not néede the light of the Sunne , who shall themselues shine as the Sunne . Héere wee are as the cloudes , some higher , some lower , all goe too and fro ; there shall we be as fixed starres in the firmanient of glory : here we are fighting with enemies , there wee shall be tryumphing without enemies : héere striuing to ouercome , there secure w●…th victory : héere in action , there in contemplation : héere in the way , but there at the end of the way . 4 The end considered , the meane pr●…cedent vnto this end remaineth to be obserued . For the meane , only this , Religion is the way leading to a Christian life : a Christian life is the gate , whereby wee enter into the confines of this senctuarie , for therein first wee take vp the merits of Christ in the armes of our faith : and next , walke with Simeon in the Temple or seruice of God , in all vprightnes of life Now whereas we desire the content of our will , naturally to be well , and the exercise of our wit to haue a certaine end , and this end to be the particular good , benefit , and welfare of all our being : let vs in the name of God , resolue vpon the counsell of the Prophet Ieremi●… , to séeke the good way , and walke therein , that wee may finde rest vnto our soules . Man who is immortall , what should he else tend vnto , but an immortall end ? Let the Epicure propose vnto himselfe pleasure , the Atheist plots and Castles in the ayre , the Christian hath where to rest his soule , knowing that the end of his being in the world , was to serue God , and the end of seruing God , is to enioy endlesse ioyes in the world to come . For it cannot be , that hee for whom the world was made , but that hee should haue some further end , more excellent then the world , for the accomplishment of which , he neuer ceaseth vntill he be there , as all naturall things tend vnto the center , and when they are there , they would not be remoued . 5 Now whereas it is not a written law , but a law that is borne with vs , which wee haue not reade , or heard , but drawne as it were from the pappes and dugges of nature her selfe , to séek a state of happines , knowing both wherein this doth consist , as also the way of attayning the same ; how can wee but goe forward in that happy course , tending as hath béene shewed vnto a thrice happy end ! In which course of a Christian life , saith Saint Basil , there is a reward , a reward indéed , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 : be it far aboue the work , and not according to the desert thereof , but the magnificence of him that rewardeth the worke , as in truth it is , yet can it not but encourage vs to goe forward in the performance of the same . When King Alphonsus was perswaded , as stories mention , not to attempt warre for feare of imminent danger : I feare not danger , quoth he , for who hath euer attayned victorie , without aduenturing dangers ? Distrust , and feare of difficultie , doth often disswade vs from the prosecuting and pursuing of this reward . If all difficultie should dismay vs , then how should wee attaine our hoped end ? for who hath euer attained the same end , since the foundations of the world , without labour and trauaile ? Christ himselfe went not vp into glory , but first he suffered paine . One being asked whether he would rather be Socrates , or Craesus ? the one an industrious and painfull Phylosopher , the other a man flowing in all aboundance : aunswered , that for this life he would be Craesus ; but for the life to come , Socrates , thereby shewing that héere rich men are happy , but héereafter good men are happy : now of the two , future happines is the better . 6 By all this it hath béene proued , how desirable a thing it is vnto man , to attaine his wished end , for the attaining wherof , he must applie himselfe who●…y héereunto , neyther may the christian man of all other , think himselfe exempted in this case . When Christ cured the blinde man in the Gospell , his least touching , nay , his word only was sufficient to haue restored him his sight : yet to shew how hee required induindustrie , the blinde man must goe and wash at the poole of Siloam . The Apostle had receiued it by a diuine vision , that none with him in the ship should perish : what then , must al be secure , and wilfully cast themselues into the sea ? No , that were to haue tempted their preseruour , but when the case so requireth , euery one must endeuour himselfe , to vse the meane ordained to saue himselfe ? We saile in this mortali life with contrary winds , sometime there is a tempest , & anone commeth a calme : the one is readie to make vs doubt of God by impatiencie , the other , to forget him by security . Therefore foure principall vertues we must euer exercise in this passage : The loue of God , the hate of sinne , the hope of mercy , and the feare of iustice , which shall euer guide vs in a right Christian course , vnto our end , all the way meditating , that God is an Ocean sea of infinite goodnes , and that by this hee first created the world : by this he still guideth it , by this he suffereth many iniuries offered vnto his most sacred name , by this hee causeth the Sunne to rise vpon the good and euill , by this he maketh the raine to come downe vpon the iust and sinners , by this he hath ordained man so many meanes and helps to come vnto him : and last of all , by this he would not be alone in a state of high excellencie , but hath vouchsafed his creatures , Men , and Angels , to be partakers with him , and in a manner consorts of his glory . Could euer man so much desire his owne good , as hee is now brought vnto by the goodnes of his God ? No meruaile though Sathan do so much enuie this happines of man , from which he is miserably fallen . O the depth of the wisedome of the riches of the mercie of God! 7 Who is able sufficiently to expresse the great dignity of our Christian calling , the end wherof is so ioyfull ? All the labour of a religious life , is no way comparable vnto the excellencie héereof ; our fasting , our praying ( the chiefe matter we are to attend ) our seruing of God is the best time bestowed of all other : those thinges which are ioyfull when they come , doe comfort vs before they come . Faith sayeth , there is a great and costly banquet prepared : Hope sayeth , this banquet is prepared for mee . Things of the world are subiect to mutability , strife , discord , enuie , but the time will come , when the shéepe shall no more feare the wolfe : the glorification of man in the life to come , is such as he shal crie out with Dauid , Lord what am I , that thou hast brought me to this ? 8 Tell me now , if there be anie state or condition in the world , comparable vnto a Christian life , passed ouer in the exercises of deuotion and piety , séeing the end thereof is such as it is ? what happines do they loose that neglect so great a price proposed vnto them , for the vaine pleasures and sensuall delights of a sinfull life ? It is saide of one Lysimachus , who being in battaile against the Scythians , onlie for the satisfying of his appetite , and procuring a little liquor to stay his thirst , gaue himselfe ouer into his enemies hands : when he was now leading away captiue to perpetuall miserie , hee then began to acknowledge in these words , his owne folly : O ( sayth he ) for how little pleasure , what liberty , what felicity haue I lost ? séeing his Country-men returne home with ioy , and himselfe hayled along by his enemies to remaine in misery . That men would consider Lysimachus his case , and not loose their eternall liberty , for some momentary and fading delights , what a wofull case will it be to sée themselues leading to that rufull seruitude , and to behold the seruants of God , going in triumphant manner to reioyce , and liue with him in glory ? wherefore leauing all allurements , let them goe forward to the price of the high calling in Christ Iesus , knowing that the triall of their faith ( as Saint Peter saith ) is much more precious then gold that perisheth , though it be tried with fire , that it may be found to their praise and honour , and glory of God , at the appearing of Iesus Christ , whom they haue not séene , and yet loue him , in whom nowe ( though they sée him not ) yet doe they b●…ue , and reioyce with ioy vnspea●…able , and glorious , receiuing the end of their faith euen the saluation of their soules . The mother of Lemuel exhorted her sonne , not to be woone with the vanities of the world , for why , he was a man of worth : we are of worth , who are reserued to so happy an end . When the people were in captiuity at . Babylon , they euer made their prayers towards Ierusalem , whither they did hope one day to returne . Iosuah sayd , I and my house will serue the Lord. That there is an estate and condition of felicity in the life to come , none will denie , vulesse he denie God : that this estate and condition , is the pearle , for which wee should sell all that we haue , wee know , or cannot but know : that there is no attayning the end , but by the meanes , God and nature doe plainely shew vs. To conclude , the end of a Christian life , is not as Anaxagoras dreamed , of the life of man , to behold the heauens , but to liue in heauen . Ostende faciem , et s●…lui erimus , Lord , saith Dauid , shew vs thy countenance , and wee shall be whole . Chap. 4. That the best meane of direction to attaine this endlesse felicitie , is to followe the example of Christ our Sauiour , who was not onely a sacrifice for sinne , but also a most perfect patterne for imitation . CHrist , the Messias & Sauiour of the world , as hee became a Mediatour betwéen God and man : so was he 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , or a partaker of both , for the reconciliation of both : otherwise , mercifull Lord , what had become of vs sinners ? As he was God , the obiect of our faith , as man , an instruction of life . As hee gaue himselfe vnto the Father a sacrifice , by whom we were redéemed : so did hee exhibite himselfe vnto all beléeuers an example of holines , of whom he will be followed : so he pleased God by his sacrifice , and bound man in duty by his example . Therefore was he the summe of the Law & Gospell , the Law , teaching vs what to doe : the Gospel , what to beléeue : so in Christ both beléeuing and doing concurre in one . The scope of the Law was the auoyding of sinne , and of the Gospell , a satisfaction for sinne : the Law driues vs to grace , and grace enableth vs to plead in Christ a satisfaction of the Law. To shew in the first place that he was a satisfaction for sinne , it is an oxioine so generally receiued on all parts , as all in a manner ioyne hands in this , Sanguis Iesu , The blood of Iesus cleanseth vs from all our sinnes . This is a sure confession of faith , vpon which we stay as the house vpon the foundation : Adam eate the Apple , Christ payed the price : the foundation we know is first laid , because all stayes vpon the foundation . The woman in the Apocalyps signifying the Church , she was cloathed with the Sunne : this cloathing was the righteousnes of the Sonne of God. Our righteousnes ( sayeth Saint Austen ) where is it ? It is his righteousnes that must doe vs good : Sufficit ad iustitiam ( saith Saint Bernard ) solum habere propitium cui soli peccaui : It sufficeth for my iustice onely , to haue him reconciled , against whom onely I haue sinned : yea , sayth Saint Ierome , when wee confesse our sinnes , which we cannot but do , when wee remember them : our righteousnesse consisteth not in merit , but in mercy . Men may argue and tosse matters to and fro , speaking this or that of merit , but come to the touch , open the closet of the conscience , and aske what is deserued ; then the case is altered . The learned in the schooles may debate question , pro & contra , but come to their deuotions , and there wee finde all meriting ascribed onely vnto mercy . Aske what may be done of others , happily one thing may be aunswered : but aske in good earnest what they thinke of themselues , they will tell vs of another . One of the greatest Clarkes that this age hath had , when hee had long discoursed of the contro uersie of iustification , and therein left no stone vnturned , towards the folding vp of all , hath these words : Tutius est obliuisci meritorum , & in solam Dei misericordiam respicere . It is more safe to forget merits , and to looke onely vnto the mercy of God. So when men haue wearied themselues in matters of doubt , they find ( O holy Christ ! ) that thy onely merits must stand them in stead . 2 To procéede then , and to shew that as Christ was a sacrifice for sinne , so also an example of liuing : let vs consider that the more diligently we trace him in the steps of this his most holie life , the more wee shew our selues to become true Christians . The chiefest pitch of our perfection , is to haue some resemblance of his holinesse : hee was without sinne , and the lesse we commit sinne , the more doe we resemble him : at least , let not sinne raigne in vs. Wee are promised to become like vnto him in the state of glory , & what should wee but endeuour to haue some similitude of him in the state of grace . The Iewes said vnto him , Art thou greater then our Father Abraham ? yes , that hee was by many degrees ? 3 In former ages , when Almightie God was remoued from man , in the height of his Maiestie , ●…ee neuer required at mens hand , that hee should imitate or follow him , ( for howe could a weake creature any way imitate him , who was higher then the heauens , as the Apostle speaketh ? ) then man had only a law , which did bind him to conforme his wil to Gods will , to will and loue nothing but that which God willed , and required . Héere might man say , Lord , excepting thy law , how might I learne to be humble , poore , and to despise glory , when thou art high , rich , and all glorious ? This complaint is now staid , sée God in another forme , and receiue , O man , an example for thée to follow , in these and all other vertues . Those whom precepts do not so effectually moue , we sée them sometime induced by examples : for example , neuer any of like efficacie , with this which the sonne of God himselfe hath giuen , of whose life it may be said . Respice , & fac secundum primū exemplar , Looke and doe after the first sample . Tell men of fasting & praying , they will giue you the hearing : tell them the godly in all ages haue done this , you begin to perswade : tell them their redéemer hath done it , if any thing moue , this will. 4 And now to runne a little ouer the whole life of the Sonne of God , sée we ●…ery age , euery action therein ( so farre as our capacitie is able to conceiue ) and wee shall finde it a schoole of instruction , a perfect rule of most perfect discipline : no where doe wee behold such a president of loue , of humility , of patience , of chastitie , & in a word , of all vertues . Where is there true wisedome , but in the doctrine of Christ ; true fortitude , but in the passion of Christ ; true clemencie , but in the mercy of Christ ; true humility , but in the obedience of Christ ? he was made man , and walked in the world as man , that he might teach man to liue , as he taught him to beléeue . Before euer hee preached in words , hee preached most effectuallie in works . O sacred Babe , heauens blisse , and hels bane , lying in the manger at Bethlehem , & brought vp in a meane hostage at Nazareth ! What else did hee teach by all this , then contempt of the world , his exile or banishment into Egypt , his being borne in the dayes of cruell Herod ? What doe we hence learne , but patient suffering of persecution ? by his fasting in the wildernes , austeritie of life : by his conflict with the tempter , h●…w to withstand temptation : behold we his contumelies offered of the Iewes , calling him a blasphemer , a friend of Publicans , a seducer of the people : what a lesson haue we héere of patience ? let vs see his labours , and trauailes in the world : his iourneying from Citie to Citie , how he teacheth in the day , and is al the night praying : his chastitie , whose virgine mother brought forth chastitie it selfe : his loue , who euer more charitable then hee , who in the ●…gues of death prayed for his persecutors : his obedience , was there euer greater , as an innocent lambe he became obedient vnto death , euen vnto the death of the crosse . 5 By his nakednes we learne to cloath vs , by his gall and vinegar how to delight vs , by his wounds and pearsings howe to pamper vs , if wee speake of the world and worldly things , who lesse respected them then hee ? If we consider the care of heauenly , thither tended all his care . If a●…es , where was there euer such an almes man heard of , that gaue his owne body and blood to refresh the hungry ? if bountifulnes , Paradise it selfe was graunted vnto a sinfull suter at the very first motion . What can a Christian hart desire , which is not found with spirituall delight in the life of Christ ? what vertue can he wish , but there he shall sée a liuely image thereof ? Christ was the eye that was without moate , the white without staine , hee was the lambe without spot or blemish . The Prophets shew his innocencie before he comes , and being come : the Euangelists approue the same : the Chronicles of heathen men are not silent , the Romain●… Register makes report of Iesus , which was called of the Nations , the Prophet of truth , a man goodly to behold , hauing a reuerent countenance , his stature somewhat tall , his haire after the colour of the ripe hazell nut , from his eares somewhat cripsed , parting it selfe in the middest of the head , and wauing with the wind , after the manner of the Nazarites , his forehe●… smooth and plaine , his face without wrinkle mixed with moderat●…ed , his heard somewhat co●…ous , tender , and deuided at the chin , his eyes gray , various , and cle●…re , he is in rebuking seuere , in instructing louing and amiable , merry with grauity , he somtimes wept , but was neuer soene to laugh , in talke sober , and full of vnderstanding , sparing , and ●…dest . Thus as ancient records haue laid it downe , wee may behold him according to that of the Psalmist , Goodly to see to aboue all the sonnes of men . Outwardlie his gracefull behauiour was such , while hee walked in the world , that the world it selfe did behold him with high reuerence , and admiration , yet his externall feature compared with his inward graces , the externall was farre inferiour to that hidden excellencie of his . 6 Enoch is commended for pietie , Abraham for faith and perseuerence , Iob for patience , Isaack for meditation , Ioseph for chastitie , Moyses for méekenes , Phinees for zeale , Samuel for vprightnes ; Toby for mercy , Daniel for prayer , and deuotion : and last of all , Salomon for wisedom . Saul was higher then all the men of Israel by the head , Christ the head of the congregation is aboue all : the lights of the starres are many , but all are not comparable to the light of the Sunne . Holy men haue a measure of grace , but the Sonne of man had grace without measure : wherefore take the pietie of Enoch , the faith of Abraham , the patience of Iob , the meditation of Isaack , the chastitie of Ioseph , the méekenes of Moyses , the zeale of Phinees , the vprightnes of Samuel , the mercifulnes of Toby , the deuotion of Daniel , and with these the wisedome of Salomon , put them all together as a cloud of witnesses , and Christes example is in ste●…d of all . Wherefore hee is called sanctus sanctorum . The holy of holies : and in this sacred place ( sayth the Apostle ) was contayned the golden censer , the Arke of the Testament , the golden pot that contayned Manna , the rod of Aaron , that being dead budded againe , the wings of the Cherubins ouershadowing the mercy seate . So in Christ is contayned the Arke of couenant betwéene God and man , with the censer , the acceptation of the prayers of the Saints , with the golden pot that contayned Manna , the blessed Sacrament , with Aarons dead rod that budded againe , the hope of the resurrection . The two Cherubines that looke face to face , the two Testaments both looking to one mercie seate , to wit , Christ , whom Esay calleth the Prince of righteousnesse , Aggai , the desire of the Nations , Malachi●… , the Sunne of righteousnes , the Angell , Iesus , who shall saue his people from their sinnes . 7 There was none of those beatitudes , sayth Saint Austen , which our Sauiour spake of in his first sermon vpon the mount , ( Mathew the fift & first ) whereof hee was not onely a teacher , but also a perfect and full obseruer , for Christ euermore liued as he taught . He exhorteth to be poore in spirit , who poorer then he who became frō being equall with God , farre lower then the Angels , yea a scorne of men , as the Prophet speakes ? He exhorted to méekenes , who more méeke then hee who was as a sheepe not opening his mouth before the shearer ? he exhorted to mourning , who hath mourned as he mourned , who in the dayes of his flesh , did offer vp prayers and supplications , with strong crying , and teares vnto him that was able to saue him ? hee exhorted to hunger and thirst ofter righteousnes , who could hunger & thirst more , then he who gaue his life for the righteousnes of many ? he exhorted to suffer persecution , who euer suffered more , or with more patience then did the Sonne of God ? Last of all , he taught his disciples to leaue al for the loue of him , but he first left all for their loue , when he left his kingdome & throne in heauen . 8 It is said of Caesar , that in his greatest attempts , hee vsed not that word of authority , Ite , goe you , but after a more louing and sociable manner he would euer say vnto his souldiers , Eamus , come , let vs goe . It was most true in Christ before all other , hee neuer but lead the way before his Disciples , in all holines , in all trials and tribulations , in all conflicts which are wont to arise in the life of man. And therefore the Apostle wisleth vs to runne with patience the race set before vs , looking vnto Iesus , the Author and finisher of our faith . 9 What better example could euer haue béene giuen , then the example of Christ ? How could our pride be better supprest , then by his humility ? our disobedience better lessoned then by his méekenes , our vanities better expelled then by his labours , our impatiencie better qualified then by his mildnes ? where haue wee , saith Saint Bernard , true iustice but in his mercy , true fortitude but in his constancie ? Christ was made vnto vs , saith the Apostle , wisedome , and righteousnes , and sanctification , and redemption . Wisedom by instructing vs , righteousnes by absoluing vs from our sinnes , sanctification by giuing vs of his spirit , redemption by purchasing vs life by his death . That we should not loue gold ( saith Saint Austen ) Christ taught vs to contemne gifts offered : that we should not feare hunger , he fasted : that we should not distrust nakednes , he forbad his Disciples diuers change of reyment : that we should not be dismaied at tribulations , he endured tribulation : that wee should not feare death , he himselfe died . 10 Before all these things , saith the same Father , and for our better instruction in all , as he taught vs by his word , so was he our fore-runner by his works , and hath leuelled and laid out the way wherein wee should walke , which way leadeth vnto life ; in the meane time , if we follow his steps so farre forth as we may , if his way be our way , his ioyes shall be our ioyes . 11 Neither do his diuine actions onely serue for the direction of our life , but also minister manie things tending to the constr●…ation of our faith . His birth was our regeneration : his victory ouer the tempter , our triumph : his labours , our peace and quiet : his proyers our intercession : his pouerty our riches : his sores our salues : his wounds our medicines : his death our life . That which was wanting in vo was supplied in him , & therefore saith an auncient Father , Opera 〈◊〉 merita nostra , his works are our merits . Whatsoeuer is written of him in the Gospel , whatsoeuer he did , or said , all tends to our good , that wee may together sée , & know , in whom we may hope , of whō we may learne . Stories make mention , how Themistocles by the onely example of Miltiades , whom he proposed vnto himselfe to followe , of a vicious man hee became very vertuous . It was not the least praise amongst the Romanes , for the younger of best hope , toimitate such as were men of speciall note for wisedome and gouernment in the Common-wealth : Hée reby an opinion was bred , they would not proue farre vnlike those whom they had proposed to imitate . It cannot but preuasle much , that Christ should be the center of our thoughts , about which they should role : the load-starre of our eyes , to which they should bend : the guide of our iourney , whom wee should follow . 12 Wherefore generally in all our sayings and doings , let vs euer haue respect to Iesus , if we speake to think how he hath spoken : if wee are silent , to call to mind how hee was silent : and let vs doe the same in all actons of life , séeing his life instructed our life , who had modestie in his countenance , grauity in his behauiour , deliberation in his spéeches , purity in his thoughts , & righteousnes in all his doings . His life is the way , by which we must walke , the doore whereby we must enter , entring at the last vnto our desired end ; this end , is , to follow the Lambe , whither soeuer he goeth : and therefore héere to follow him , is but to begin to doe that in earth for a time , which wee shall doe héereafter in most ioyfull maner , with that blessed company of Saints and Angels for euer aboue in heauen . 13 The sponse in the Canticles sayth , I am blacke , but meruaile not , the Sunne had made me so , the Sunne , but what ? the Sunne of righteousnes ? And how could that be ? yes , his labors and trauailes in the world , his reproches and suffering made him , looke with a sorrowfull hue : Hee was wounded , sayth the Prophet , for our transgression , and broken for our iniquities , the chastisement of our peace was laid vpon him . What néeded he to be circumcised the eight day ? what néeded he fast so long in the wildernes , and pray so often as he did , who was so pure , so innocent , so powerfull , but all to shew it was for our sakes , whom as he redéemed from sinne , so hath hee also redéemed from the works of sin : and therefore without all question , the more faithfull we are , and the more deuoted to his loue , the more destrous are we to shew duties of loue . Why is the holy Ghast so plentifull in registring and enroling all his diuine actions , so many , so singular , but that héereupon should be inferred , These things are written for our example ? Now therefore , séeing that God hath giuen vs his son , as a satisfactorie sacrifice for sin , and a most absolute example for the direction of life , let vs embrace him as our Sauiour , heare him as our Teacher , follow him as our Leader , that so he may be vnto vs as God himselfe would haue him be : Pharao said vnto the people , Goe to Ioseph , and whatfoeuer he shal say vnto you , do it . Chap. 5. That this example of Christes life , should stand before the eyes of our mind , for our better direction in all our wayes . THe skilfull Pylot , as he often casts his eye to the storres , and Planets aboue ; so is his hand busie at the helme beneath . The Christian man betwéene contemplation , and action , faith , and good works , doth the like : by faith he lookes vp to Christes deitie , by good works , hee practiseth the vertues of his humanity : in the one , he worships him as God , in the other he beholds him as the most absolute patterne for imitation , that euer walked amongst men . 2 Why ? but is it possible for earth and ashes , any way to come néere him , in whom the fulnes of the godhead dwelt , or is not his perfection vnimitable ? Sinke is neuer without a shift , and course wooll , is that which will take no die . Though wee cannot be as strong as Sampson , as wise as Salomon , as holy as Enoch , wee must not let all alone . When we cannot be as Mary the blessed virgin , let vs be as Mary Magdalen , séeing wee cannot haue a cleane heart , let vs haue at the least a broken heart . Wee know there is no water without some mud , no corne so cleane , but it hath some wéeds , the clearest fire hath his smoke , and while wee carry about these bodies of sinne , wee are Adams children : This notwithstanding , it is the part of euery good Christian man , to say as Iacob , Praecedat Dominus , ego paulatim sequar : Let my Lord goe before , I wil softly follow after , as I may : or with the holy man Iob , Vestigia eius secutus est pes mens , My foote hath followed his foot-steps . Indéede we follow Christ , as Peter followed him , a longe , a far off , or as that tender infant did his aged Father , Non passibus aequis , with short and vnequall paces , yet wee know that euen two mites are acceptable vnto him , not what wee ought , but what wee can , when a willing heart and good endeuours concur in his seruice , are acceptable and rewardable with him , who is wont to take in good part the veri●… intention , or well meaning of our most meanest labours of all . A cup of cold water , of water a common element : cold , on which we bestowed not so much cost as fire to heate it , shall not with him want a reward . Moreouer , the greatest blemishes in the child are but small warts to the louing Father . First , God looks fauorably vpon Christ , and then vpon these who are ioyned with Christ. 3 Our Sauiour vsed this , a speciall argument , to perswade his Disciples to huminity and loue , Dedi vobis exemplum , I haue giuen you an example . S. Peter speaking of his suffering , sayth , Christ suffered , leauing vs an example . When the Apostle would haue the Ephesians to follow him , he tels them his meaning was , they should indeede follow Christ : Be ye , sayth hee , followers of me , as I follow Christ. When hee would have them forgiue one another , he would haue them thinke of him , who hath forgiuen vs all , saying , Forgiue you one another , as Christ forgaue you . Saint Iohn layes downe the matter plainly , Hee that remaineth in him , ought to walke as he walked . Why did Saint Austen say , that euery of Christes actions was our instruction , and Saint Ambrose wish , that the wise men of the world would be wise in déede , and learne to followe Christ in lowlines of minde , that they would euer set before them his example , who is gone before vs to heauen ? Therefore Gregorie , amongst other high and heauenly ends , Filius Dei ( sayth hee ) formam infirmitatis nostrae suscepit , ad hoc contumeliarum ludibria , illusionum opprobria , passionum tormenta tolerauit , vt doceret Deus hominem : The Son of God tooke the forme of our infirmity , bare the scoffes of contumelies , the reproches of irrision , the torments of suffering , that so God might teach man. To this Isidore addeth , Christ ascended vnto the crosse , died , and rose again the third day from the dead , to leaue vs a double example of suffering , and rising againe : of suffering , to conforme our patience , of rising to confirme our faith . For the confirming of our faith , we ought to cast off all unpediments to come vnto him , of whom we may say with the people of eld time : Cum ignoramus quid agere debemus , hoc solum residui habemus , vt oculos nostros dirigamus ad te . When wee know not what to do , O Sonne of God , this only is left vnto vs , to lift vp our eyes vnto thee . 5 For worldly pleasures , those of the best sort , if they are honest , yet they perish , if otherwise , we perish , onely to followe Christ is mans chiefest good . Abimelech the sonne of Iernbaall , in the ninth of Iudges , goeth to the men of Sechem , and thus séeketh to perswade them , I am of your kindred , of your bone and flesh ; the men of Sechem answered , our hearts are moued to follow Abimelech , he is our brother : we haue somwhat more to moue vs , then these men had , if we remember our selues well , & therefore may more truly say , We will follow the Lord Iesus , he is our Sauiour . 6 The Eagle to learne her young ones to flie , doth oftentimes flutter ouer them , all to teach them to rayse vp themselues by little and little , and so at last to be able to take their flight , and be gone . What doe all the precepts and examples of Christ our Sauiour , but houer ouer vs , that wee should learne to lift vp our selues from earthly affections , and in time ascend whither he ascended , that is , to heauen ? The seruant will follow his maister , the souldier his captain , the naturall child desireth nothing more then to manifest the vertues of his Father . Is hee worthy to beare the name of Christ , saith Saint Austen , who doth no way endeuour the imitation of Christes actions ? In that we beléeue in him , we acknowledge him our God : in that wee doe that which Christ did as man , we doe that which Christian men should doe . The holy Scriptures were not therefore giuen vs , that wee should haue them in bookes , or only read , or peruse them , and so no more , but the folding vp of all is , a pronouncing of them blessed that doe his commaundements , and keepe the words of these testimonies : Better is it with the Lacedemonians to doe wel , then with the Athenians to speake well , or only know what belongs to well doing . 7 Christ hath done his part , and conformed himselfe to vs , our part remaines to conforme our selues vnto him . In the way of life , whom may wee more safely follow , then the way it selfe ? Let the same mind be in you , saith the Apostle , that was in Christ : the same , that is , in humblenes of minde , a resemblace of the same . Whence is it that wee are so soone cast down with euery touch of aduersity , but that we doe not déepely consider Christes constancie ? whence is it that we are so easily caried away with euery shew of vanity , but in that wee lightly passe ouer Christes contempt of the world ? who , sayth Fulgentius , will not despise his cottage , when he séeth a Senatour despise his large and spacious buildings ? and who contemnes not earthly things to get heauenly , when he sées a Consull of Rome doe the same ? yea , much more , what Christian man in the world will place his whole delight vpon a transitorie estate , when hee sées the Sonne of God passe this life onlie séeking his Fathers glory in heauen . 8 Sure it is , that whereas our liues héere are partly guided by precepts , and partly directed by examples , then haue we sufficient instruction in respect of both , from the Sonne of God for the latter , to wit , examples by which we are led , if wee respect the generall course of men : for ( we say a long way by precept , is by example short and easie ) had we no precept in the world , the onely life of our Redéemer were enough for our guide & direction all the way . The actuall obseruation of whose precepts and manners , to wit , those manners which hee proposed vnto man ( for in his diuine works we will admire him as God ) the obseruation of these , I say , is for thrée causes required at our hands : first , for that they are fruites of our regeneration : secondarily , Testimonies of our loue towards him : thirdlie , signes of our profession , séeing of Christ we are called christians . Our Sauiour reasoned with the Iewes after this manner , If you were the childrē of Abraham , then would you doe the works of Abraham . In the tenth of Saint Iohn , he calleth himselfe a sheepheard , and we are resembled vnto sheepe : now although shéepe , according to the Philosopher , be pecus erraticum , a cattell giuen to stray : yet , sayth our Sauiour , they will heare the voyce of the sheepheard , and follow him . 10 Now then awake O christian soule , saith Saint Austen , awake , and imitate the footsteps of thy Lord , he teacheth thée , who is the way , the life , & the truth : the way without erring , the truth without deceiuing , the life without fading : the way by example , the truth by promise , the life by reward , neglect not the following of so gracious a Lord. Now shal the negligent be one day confounded ? the valuptuous , to sée him in glory , who once liued in fasting and great deuotion ? the proude in séeing him exalted , who refused earthly pompe ? the couetous in beholding him Lord of heauen and earth , who neuer followed the riches of the world , but now to liue and raigne for euer ? mercifull God , what a strange sight will this be vnto them , how shall they be amazed in themselues , how often will they wish with sighs , they had walked in his wayes ? Dionysius the elder , when hee heard of the great folly committed by his son , he cals him vnto him , and reasons with him after this maner , Didst thou euer see me do as thou doest , liue as thou liuest ? the same may be said to men who followe their owne fancies , did ye euer sée Christ doe so and so ? 11 When Marriners do want in the maine sea marks to direct their course by , they take their marke , which is the surest way , from the heauens : in like manner , if we had not examples ( as we haue many to this effect ) yet the surest marke to direct our ship by , is to looke to him whose habitation is in heauen , which will kéep vs betwéen Scylla and Charybdis al the way vnto the port of Paradise : wee stand in néede of a guide , for how should the blind walke , vnlesse hee haue a helper to lead him ? the weake and féeble stand , vnlesse he haue an assistant to stay him ? the wandering come into the way , vnlesse he haue a conducter to direct him , which is Christ. Whom to follow , as whom to know , is life eternall . 12 By that vision of Saint Iohn , in the Apocalypse , where he saw the foure beasts , and the foure and twenty Elders falling downe before him , who sate vpon the throne , and pouring out their vyals , is vnderstoode the church , & Christ the head of the Church ( say the learned ) and the duty of his members in following him . In that it is mentioned , They follow him whither so euer he goeth . First , he is called the Lambe , and therefore they follow him in humility : this wee sée by their falling downe . Secondly , by mortification , for this Lambe was sacrificed , and they giue their bodies a sacrifice to serue him . Thirdly , they follow him in loue , he in loue gaue himselfe for the redemption of sinners , and they haue their golden vyalles pouring out charity vnto men . Fourthly , they follow him in deuotion , he often prayed , & they offer sweet odors and prayer vnto God. Gedeon said vnto all his troopes and company , quod me videtis facere , facite : our Gedeon sayes the same vnto all beléeuers , That which you see me doe , doe ye . They cannot goe amisse , whose guide is the way : they cannot erre , whose directour is the truth : they cannot perish , whose preseruer is life If the children of Israel did learne many thinges of the Egiptians , only because they dwelt amongst them , how much more should the faythfull learne of Christ , who is said to dwell with them , and in them . Chap. 6. The first vertue to be learned in the life of Christ , was his humilitie . IT is said of those who excell in the Art of elocution , that they neuer find lesse to speak , then when the matter is the most c●…pioas , wherof they should speake . Such is the enumeration of thy vertues , O holy Christ , which the more wee consider them , the more we wonder at them , and the longer we labour how to expresse them , the lesse able wee finde our selues how to conceiue them : 〈◊〉 these , of all other we stand amazed at thy humility , who being God from euerlasting , woulde●… take thy passage from the throne of glory , and héere arriued in a valley of teares , wouldest exile thy selfe thrée and thirty yeeres from this thy maiestie , and what more ? wouldest be borre man , and what more ? euen as the meanest amongst men , and what more ? wouldest be circumcised according to the law , who wert aboue all law , and what more ? wouldest become a seruant , and so in subiection , and what more ? wouldest be as an offending seruant , and so suffer , albeit in thy selfe farre from all offence . And what more ? wouldest sustaine reproches , and obloquie in the world . And what more ? wouldest vndergoe death : yea , a most ignominious death , beeing the God of life , the Author of life , and life it selfe . Héere Saint Austen crieth out . Quo descendit humilitas ? O sonne of God , whither did thy humility descend ? If thy owne loue drew thée to this , it was thy goodnes ? if our loue , it was thy gift . 2 Adam transgressed the law of his maker , and not onely that , but Adam , and in Adam , all his posterity ( for wee haue not sinne by imputation ) not onely transgressed the law of his maker , but wilfully rebelled agaynst the wisedome of his God , which wisedome was God the Sonne , the second person in Trinitie . Adam thou and all thy ofspring ( because all are accessarie ) shall rue this contumacie offered with so great indignity , vnto the Lord of heauen and earth : what sayes our Ionas ? for me is this tempest raysed , O Father , for me is thy iust wrath incensed . Let me be c●…st out into the Sea : for me hath this we begun ; by me let it haue an end ; let me be the Lamb slaine , so these Israelites may be deliuered ; Sanguine quaerendi reditus , and must that poore posterity of Adam haue a returne vnto their lost Countrey by bleed ? let me be the virginall sacrifice : And wilt thou haue an offering ? let me be the Isaack that shall goe to one of the mountaines of Moria . Of the two Goates , let me be the scape Goate , sent to wander in the wildernes . O the humilitie , and loue , and bounty of the sonne of God! 3 But to leaue that which the Apostle sayth , Being equall with God , hee became like vnto man , and ( sinne onely excepted ) was euen as one of vs , to sée a little his estate and condition in the world : when hee was borne , where was the place of his birth , but at Bethlehem a little Citie ? And where did the shéepheards ●…ade him , but in a sorrie Cottage , whose seate was aboue the Cherubins ? when he chose Disciples , whom did hee choose , but poore fishermen ? when hee walked vp and down , who were his associates , but Publicans , and for the most part the common people ? when hee would take repast , where was his table , but vpon the plaine ground ? what were his dainties , but bread , and some few fishes ? who were his guests , but a company of féeble and hungry creatures ? when hee would take his rest , where was his lodging , but at the sterne of a ship ? 4 Thou art deceiued , O Iew , that expectest in the promised Messias , pompe , and glory of the world : looke ouer all the ancient Prophecies of him , and thou shalt find it farre otherwise . The Psalmist will tell thée , that hee shall becom a worme and no man. The Prophet Esay , Who wil beleeue our report ? Hee is despised and reiected of men : He is a man full of sorrowes . Zachary , Behold the King commeth in meeke maner , and so along : Feare not Herod the losse of thy Diadem , this King is borne , sayeth Fulgentius , Non vt tibi succedat , sed vt in eum mundus vniuersus credat . Not to succéede thée , ( thou art deceiued , if thou thus thinke of him ) but hee was borne that all the world should beleeue in him : Feare not him to become thy successour , beléeue in him , and hee will be thy Sauiour . Hee came not to possesse the kingdom of others , but to giue the possession of his owne kingdome to all beleeuers . Hee came not by armes to subdue Kings , but by dying to giue them all a better kingdome for the time to come . He sought not others glory , who for our sakes for sooke his owne : he was hungry , and yet hee fed many : he was weary , and yet he refresheth all that are heauy laden : he was dumbe , and opened not his mouth , and yet was the diuine spéech of God himselfe . he was of meane reputation amongst men , and yet was Lord of heauen and earth . 5 If you aske when he was ? Saint Iohn saith . In the beginning ? If you aske what he was ? he tels vs , The word was God : if you aske what he did ? he sayes , All things were made by him : if you aske what he doth ? hee sheweth that he enlighteneth all that com●… vnto him : If you aske how he came ? hee setteth it downe in plaine words . The word became flesh . If there were no other testimonies to proue his Deitie , yet this were sufficient : Before Abraham was , I am . To whō all power in heauen and earth , is giuen . This same is God , but this was giuen vnto Christ. Mat. 28 , 18. If all things were made by him , then was hee the Creator , for no creature is the maker of all things . Great is the mysterie of godlines , sayth the Apostle , Hee was manifested in the flesh , iustified in the spirit , seene of Angels , preached vnto the Gentiles , beleeued on in the world , and receiued vp into glory ? When his comming did now approch , Zacharie was striken dumb , hee prophecied , as if the prophecies of olde now ceasing , behold him who was the end of them all . Iohn is more then a Prophet , the Prophets s●…y , hee shall come : Iohn sayes , behold the Lambe of God , as if , he is come . Behold him , from his cradle at Bethlehem , to his crosse at Ierusalem , a myrror of true humility , so great , so mighty as hee was , to become ( to sée too ) in meane manner a poore pilgrime amongst men ? 6 Where are they that séeke , and neuer cease séeking ( for were not men happy , if they could ké●…p a meane in their musicke , which wold make better harmony , both before God and man ) where are they , I say , that neuer leaue séeking that mountain-like height , or superiority in the world ? let them remember the world it selfe wil haue an end . How great , trow you , was the pride of mans hart , when God himself must be humbled to teach humility ? Where is that grace that brings low euery hill , and makes plaine the roughest passages ? where is our time spent in the schoole of Christ , since wee tooke vpon vs in Baptisme the name of christians , séeing we remember so little our maisters lesson , Discite ex me , Learne of me to be humble & méeke : take vp my yoake , this yoake it is a swéet yoake , for being taken vp by humility , it rather beares , thē is borne . O Lord ( sayth Saint Austen vnto his f●…miliar friend ) we professe much knowledge and learning . ( This he spake a little before his conuersion ) and yet go on in flesh & blood , looking aloft , and ouerlooking others : these poore soules , meaning them who lead an humble life , shall carrie away heauen from vs. We sée the Lord of glory how lowly he was , when his Disciples were discoursing , and debating the matter of ●…perioritie , he bringeth in amongst them a little child , setting him in the middest of them , saying , Vnlesse you become as little children , you are not meete for the Kingdome of heauen : nay , which is more , himselfe is downe at his Apostles féete , washing and wiping them . What humility was this ? But hence what would hee haue his Disciples learne ? Ye call me maister , and Lord , and ye say wel : for so am I , if I then your Lord , & maister , haue washed your feete , yee also ought to wash one anothers feete . For I haue giuen you an example , that you should doe , as I haue done vnto you . 7 To haue séene him whom the Angels doe adore , whom the powers & principalities do worship , at whose very name euery knée , both of things in heauen , in earth , and vnder the earth , doe bend and bow , haue séene him , I say , kneeling downe vpon the earth , and doe seruice at the very feete of his seruants , could not but haue béene a sight most admirable . If we aske the cause , himselfe hath told vs , euen to teach vs this vertue of humility : of which vertue , Saint . Austen thus speaketh . If you aske , what is the first step in the way of truth ? I aunswer , humility : If you aske , what is the second ? I say humility : If you aske , what is the third ? I answer the same , humility : These are as the steps of degr●… in the Temple , whereby wee descend to the knowledge of our selues , and ascend to the knowledge of God. The poore Publican humbly confessing his sinnes , and striking his breast , as if his repentance came from his very heart , found mercy . The prodigall Sonne humbleth himselfe in his Fathers sight , and is receiued into fauour with him . The Centurion was neuer more worthy , then when hee thought himselfe most vnworthy . Of all other examples , the humility of the blessed virgin , ( blessed amongst women , to be his mother who was her maker ) an Embassadour comes vnto her from the King of heauen with a high message , Haile full of grace , how could not the mother of humility , ( and yet a tender virgin ) but with bashfull countenance , be told that she was full of grace , and that shee was so highly accepted of God ? Howe did modest shamefastnesse change her colour , so often as her imagination varied ; still humblie conceiuing of her selfe ? How did shee at last acknowledge the goodnesse of God with all submission : Beholde the handmayde of the Lord , with humble obeysaunce vnto that God , which had respected and regarded , as shee sayeth in her Canticle , The humblenesse of his hand-mayden ? Thus wee sée how much humility pleased God ; when it pleased him so much to respect this vertue : When in the fulnesse of time hee sent his Sonne into the world borne of a woman . 8 Being borne , it was sayde vnto the shéep●…heards which were sent to see him , Et hoc vobis signum , and let this be a signe vnto you , you shall finde the child wrapped in swadling cloathes , end layde in a manger . In séeking Christ , hoc vobis signum , you shall finde him in humility , hee betooke him to a poore Cottage , that hee might teach vs where wee should sometimes sée him : hee was not borne in the house of his parents , but in the way , to shew vs that his Kingdome was not of this world , Et hoc vobis signum , you shall finde him in humility , he became méeke that wee might be made strong . Poore , that wee might be made rich . Uile ▪ that we might be made glorious . The sonne of man , that wee might be made the sonnes of God. Et hoc vobis signum , & this shall be a signe vnto you , you shal find him in humility . Super quem requiescit spiritus meus ? vpon whom , saith God , doth my spirit rest , but vpon the humble ? to whō do I looke but vnto these ? where did the Doue light ? not vpon the swelling waters , but cropt a braunch of Oliue that had layne below . I thank thée , O Father , sayth Christ out Lord , that thou hast hid these things from the wise , and prudent , and hast opened them to Babes , and sucklings : what are these wise and prudent , but the proud in their owne eyes ? What are these Babes , and sucklings , saith S. Austen , but the humble , and lowlie ? Humble Moyses is made a ruler of Gods people : humble Gedeon , the least in his family ( as himselfe confessed ) was by God made the greatest gouernour . When S●…ule was lowly in his owne eyes , God exalted him , but when S●…ule forgot God , then when he should haue remembred him , Saule soone comes to ruine . 8 What art thou , O man , that liftest vp thy selfe in pride ? know that pride cannot sit so high , but vengeance can sit aboue it , to pull it downe . God and pride , sayth Saint Bernard , cannot dwell in the same mind , which could not dwell in the same heauen , and pride fallen from heauen , ascends no more from whence it is fallen . Old records make mention , that in Egypt there was ●…ound the picture of Senacharib , of whose pride the scripture maketh mention , hauing by his picture this inscription : Learne by mee to feare God , as if they would shew the cause , and ouerthrow of Senacharibs pride , as thus , Senacharib feared not God. We●… are wont of all other , to call proude men fooles , & not without cause , for they often exalt themselues in their riches , in their honours , in their learning , and what not ? Plutarch sayth , that on●… Chares a meane fellow , waxed so proude , and began to grow into such admiration of himselfe , because hee had hurt Cy●…us in the knée , that in the end through very prdie , he became starke mad . The church stories ma●…e mention of Arrius a Priest , in the Church of Alexandria , a man of sharpe witte , that of very pride hee sell to open and fearefull heresi●… . Let it be remembred and written in the tables of our heart , God resisteth the proud . 10 The more dire●…t the Sun is ouer vs , the lesser is our shadowe : the more Gods grace is ouer vs , and in vs , the lesser is our shadowe of pride , and selfe-loue . Had we Christian harts to consider the humility of our Redéemer , and how farre hee was from our haugh●…e and disdainfull dispositions , it would pull downe our pharisaicall humors , I am not as this man , and make vs to remember our selues , remembring that of the holie Ghost , He that stands , let him take heede l●…ast he fall . The soule is said to haue sences in some manner as the body hath , in stéede of séeing , it hath faith : in stéede of hearing , obedience : of smelling , hope : of tasting , charitie : and last of all , in stéede of touching , humility : a sence of a●…l other is this touching most necessary , for this fayling , life fayleth . The Moale is said to liue without seeing , the Flie without hearing , the Camelion without tasting , the shell-fish without smelling , but without féeling nothing sensitiue existeth . The same may be considered of the grace of humility , in the life of grace . 11 The mother of Zebedes children comes vnto our Sauiour , as a sutor for her Sonnes , that they mighthaue superiority and sit next him in his Kingdome : she , as yet not fully illuminated , thought , that Christ should beare a state in the world , sit as a King in princely authority , and therefore would to take her tune , and lay for promotion , that h●…r Sonnes might be great about him , and beare some sway , as no meane states : but all this while she was far wide . Christ as hee neuer affected superioritie in himselfe , so did hee teach others that those who were greatest , should be as the least , and the chiefest as he that serued , for hee came not into this world to haue any high preheminence , in regard of worldly dignity : but in lowlines of mind from his first entrance , vntill his departure vnto his Father , was the whole cariage of his life ; whereunto , his doctrine accorded , when hee pronounced them blessed , who were poore in spirit : his reprehension accorded , when he disliked their manner , who were wont to thrust , and striue for the highest places , at seasts and other assemblies : hee that contented himselfe with so meane and lowlie a condition , was able with one word to haue shewed as much state , as euer Salomon d●…d , when all the world in a manner did admire him : but we see how much he respected humility . 12 Wherefore if we follow our heauenly leader , then must wee humble our selues . More saf●… 〈◊〉 it to be vpō the pauement , where we may walke surely , then to be clyming vpon the pinn●…oles of the Temple , where , and whence we may take a fall . Humility is the very honour of honour . Peter in humility and feare , craueth distance from Christ , Lord goe frō me , for I am a sinfull man : Hester that good woman , made a good protestation in her prayer , Tuscis quod detestor signum superbiae , God thou knowest I detest the signe of pride . Lord , saith Dauid , I am not high minded , I haue no proud lookes : The Sp●…rtans heathen men , were honoured in the world for their great humilitie and obedience : The counsell of the Angell vnto Agar , may be counsell befitting mans insolencie , O Hagar , go humble thy selfe . It is a temptation of Sathan , saith Machariu●… , thou art better then other , wiser then other , worthier then other , harken not vnto it . 13 When as Rebecca vnderstoode it was Isaack which came walking vpon the ground , down she comes from her Cammel , and couereth her selfe with a vaile : she thought it vnséemely her selfe to be on high , and sée her spouse content to goe on foote belowe . When wee consider with our selues how our Lord and Maister was so lowly & méeke , what should we else doe , but be ashamed of our conc●…tes , come down from lofty and swelling desires , remembring that of S. Iames , Humble your selues vnder the mighty hand of God , and hee will exalt you or that of Salomon , humility goeth before honour : or if all this will not serue to learne vs , to be humble and méeke , yet let the fall of Lucifer be a warning vnto all , while they haue a day to liue , to take héede of pride 〈◊〉 for is it likely , that he who cast a proud Angell out of heauen , will place a proud man in heauen ? Chap. 7. What we learne by Christes leading into the wildernes , his fasting , and temptations there . IT cannot but adde courage and comfort vnto the souldier , whē he séeth his Captaine in the fore-front of the battaile , to encounter and foyle the enemie : who is not animated in mindé , when he heares of Christes conflict , and conquest , with , and against the professed enemie of vs all ? Men are wont to reade with delight , and marke with attention , the magnanimitie of great champions shewed in assaulting their enemies in warre , how they haue gone forth in the day of battaile , and quited themselues like men , for the sauing of their liues & liberties : but what co●…bate more ioyfull vnto the Christian man , then this of our Sauiour , who vndertooke hand to hand that great Goliah , which did vpbraide the God of Israell . 2 For the better obseruation héereof , we are heere to consider foure thinges : First , Christes baptisme : Secondly , his departure into the wildernes : Thirdlie , his fasting : Fourthly , his conflict and conquest ouer the tempter and temptation . In the first , we call to mind our regeneration in the fountaine of grace ; in the second , our departure from the vanities of the world : in the third , the mortification of the flesh : in the fourth , how to resist the enemie . If wee respect ou●… regeneration in the fountaine of grace , wee looke vpward where we see heauen opening , and heart a voyce testifying of euery one , Hic est filius meus dilectus , This is my beloued Sonne , in who●… God was well pleased , and i●… whom wee are well pleased . 〈◊〉 wee respect the second , ( our departure from the vanities of 〈◊〉 world , ) we heare that of our sauiour , I haue chosen you out of the world . If the third , that of the Apostle , Take no thought for the flesh , to fulfill the lusts of it . If the fourth , that of Saint Iohn : And they ouercame him by the blood of the Lambe : Watch , sayth S. Peter , for your aduersarie the deuil ●…s a roaring Lyon goeth about , seeking whom hee may deuoure ? Why doth the shéepheard watch , but because the woolse watcheth ? 3 And héere , before wee enter into consideration of our Sauiours departure into the wildernes , we may call to mind , how before his preaching the Gospel , or ●…lad tydings of saluation vnto the world , he first prepared himselfe by fasting , being thus prepared , hee goeth out against the enemie . Now , as the Arke of God went before the people in the wildernes , not onely to shew them the way , but also to strike a feare and terrour into the harts of their enemies : the same hath Christ done for vs all , and what he wrought for vs , he doth work in vs. Hauing entered o●… names into his familie , we ha●… the title and testimonie to be h●… ▪ hauing this title and testimonie , wee are led by his spirit : being led by his spirit wee leaue th●… world : leauing the world , we f●… to fasting , and other exercises of piety : in these exercises of piety , the tempter will assay vs : t●… tempter assaying vs , wee l●… vnto Christ , who is gone be●… , and hath subdued our mortallnemie . 4 By Christes fasting , w●… sée howe to arme our selues ●…gainst this aduersarie , that t●… flesh may be obedient vnto t●… spirit , the spirit to grace , and 〈◊〉 to say as Dauid , I come forth v●…to thee in the name of my God , This fasting dooth much h●… the soule , which is the chiefe ●…gent in this battaile , that 〈◊〉 and body both together , 〈◊〉 withstand the force of the ●…mie . When two are combati●… if one step in to assist eyther p●…tie , the party assisted is like●… to preuaile : Fasting helpes 〈◊〉 soule , Christ fasteth , and is strengthened against the force of the tempter . Phisitians can tell vs , then fasting there is nothing better for the body : and Diuines can shew vs , then fasting nothing better for the soule : in this combate it is not the worst policy to weaken the enemie before wee ●…ght with him : the flesh is an enemie . For this holy exercise of fasting , it beséemes no man more then Christians . First , because they are men , not brute beasts , led by sensuality , and therefore those whom temperance should ●…de : Secondarily , that they ●…e men , yea Nazarites , set a part amongst men to serue God. Who are to liue , not according to the ●…sh , but according vnto the spirit , and therefore are not to passe their liues as Epicures , ●…or stuffe themselues like wooll-packs : Let vs eate and drinke , to morrow wee shall die . Thirdly , for that they are men now in the ●…d , and besieged ●…aylie with a ●…full aduersary , and therefore should be sober , and watching vnto prayer . 5 Christ fasted forty dayes , & was armed against the tempter , Christ fasted forty dayes , and forty nights , whence wee may gather , that we must be armed against this enemie , as we●… in the dayes of prosperity , as nights of aduersity . Hee fas●… truly , giuing vs an example , and for this cause , sayth Saint Basil , is fasting necessarie for our spirituall combate . Who ouercame the hoast of the Assyrians , Fasting Iudith : who mittigated the wrath ready to come vpō a gre●… Citie ? Fasting Niniuites : wh●… preuailed for the preseruation of the people ? Fasting Moyses : who stayed the intended destruction of many Innocents ? Fasting Hester . That thou may●… learne , O man , how necess●… a thing fasting is , against the enemies bodily and ghostly , s●… Christ thy Sauiour , after his baptisme , led of the spirit into the wildernes , where he fasted . 〈◊〉 which brought ruine vnto the state of man , began the same by eating : but hee that brought recouerie vnto the ruinated state of Adam , began the same by fasting . He in whom we all fell , did fall by yéelding to temptation , but he in whom wee all rose , and being risen , are still preserued from falling , did raise vs vp by vanquishing the Tempter , and temptation . 6 When one cureth a sick man , he commaunds him not to doe againe in any case the things that procured his sicknes : Christ hath wrought our cure , and prescribes vs a diet , Take heed that your hearts be not ouercome with surfetting , and thus shewes vs what is hurtfull to our health . The sinnes of Sodome amongst other , were these , pride , and fulnes of bread , which fulnes was the very fuell of foule iniquity , that followed . Wee must be eyther Niniuites , or Sodomites : Niniuites , and so those that fasted and prayed , that God would haue mercy vpon them for their sinnes : Sodomites , and so those who liued in all voluptuousnesse , and were consequently consumed in their sinnes . The more abstinent at the table , the more continent in the chamber . Moses that was fasting , sawe God aboue in the mount : the people that were eating and drinking , committed Idolatrie beneath in the valley . As fasting is a most excellent meane of sharpning our deuotion to God : so on the contrary , sacietie and fulnesse , doth often cause vs to forget him . They were filled ( saith the prophet Ose ) as in their pastures , and their hearts were exalted , therefore haue they forgotten me . They who are Christs ( saith the Apostle ) haue crucified the flesh , & this crucifying is for the soules safety . The Champion loues his buckler wel , & yet for all that , he cares not how it 〈◊〉 hackt and hewed , so his bodie be defended . It is no matter for chastis●…ng the outward man , so the man within the man may b●… kept safe and sound . 7 Nourish the flesh , & nourish the vices of the flesh : nourish the flesh , & giue thy very enemy weapō to hurt thee : what more séemly then a temperate man ? what more vnséemly then the vntemperat , who is compared vnto the bruit beasts , the wolf , the Beare , and such like . There is not ( saith Salomon ) any great hope in him that loueth banquetting . But how abstinēce is a mean to bring vs to all vertues , it appeareth in those thrée children , who being content with pulse & water , increased in wisedom and vnderstanding , aboue all the delicious wantons that were in Babylon . 8 A singular example may be séene in Christ fasting , Vt ●…m vtilem , non solum verbis , sed etiam exemplis instrueret . For so necessarie instruction , saith one , Christ woulde not onely teach vs by words , b●… by example also . What a goodly Christian art thou which disdainest Fasting , and séest how the Sonne of God endured such hunger for thy saluation ? Should that flesh fast , that knew not how to rebell against the spirit , and should not thine , that knoweth to doe nothing else ? But thou wilt say , Christ fasted forty dayes & forty nights , therefore should I endeuour to fast so long ? A thing impossible . Why nothing that goeth into the man , deflieth the man ? What Logicke call they this , which is a resoning without reason , and comes from the schoole of carnall security . Though we●… fast not as Christ fasted , should we doe nothing at all ? Though no meares are vncleane of themselues , if some superstitiously put a difference betwéene time , and time , meate and meate , is there no order to be obserued ? Is this fasting a matter onely of policy ? Which serueth first of all to s●…ew our sorrow for sinnes past : Secondarily , feare of punishment for ●…o come : Thirdly , in that it serues for the castigation of the body : and in the fourth place , for the humiliation of the soule . If we respect the first of these ends , so did the people fast , Iudges , 20 , ver . 26 : If the second , so did the men of Niniuie fast , Ionah . 3 , ver . 5. If the third , so did the Apostle fast , in the 1. to the Cor. and ●…th chapter . If the last , so did the Prophet fast , saying , I haue humbled my soule with fasting . Psal. 35 , 16. 9 Can the world better gra●…e the old enemie of man , then to make light of fasting , which Tertullian calleth , A work of reuerence to God ? should we carelesly ( besides those many precepts & examples in holy scriptures ) passe ouer this one example of our sauiours fasting , which being duly considered , doth 〈◊〉 much matter worthy of our Christian obseruation ? Christ , sayeth S. Ambrose , wrought our saluation , not by ryot , but by fasting , and he fasted not to deserue grace to himselfe , but for our instruction : for them that say wee should not fast , let them shew mee ( sayth the same Father ) why Christ fasted , but that his fasting should be an example to vs. And héere fitly is the number of forty dayes mentioned in christes fasting : Because the number of forty dayes , saith S. Ierome , is often times in holy Scripture applied vnto a time of penitencie and affliction for our sinnes . Fortie dayes continued the waters of the flood , forty yéeres wandred the people in the wildernes : Forty dayes had the Niniuites to repent them of their sinnes : Fortie dayes slept Ezechiel vpon his right side , sorrowing for the Tribe of Iudah : Fortie dayes fasted Elias , when hee s●…ed before Iesabell : Fortie dayes fasted Moses when hee receiued the Law vppon the Mount. Moyses for the Lawe , Elias for the Prophets , Christ for the Gospell , which all communed together , saith S. Austen , and accorded in one . Thrée sufficient witnesses to authorize fasting , & the number of forty dayes fasting , which time , saith S. ●…erome , the church hath kept since the time of the Apostles themselues . Wee haue the dayes of Lent , saith Cyrill , consecrated to fasting all our life time , saith S. Austen , wee should tend to she course set before vs , but chiefly in the daies dedicated to abstinence : wherefore considering the excellencie of Christes example , the deuotion of the ancient Fathers , to both which we may wel think nouelty should giue place 10 And now come we vnto the conflict it selfe . The Tempter saith , If thou be the son of God , as yet doubtfull of his Deitie : When he heard that a virgin had conceiued & born a sonne , there he thought hee was the Sonne of God : but when he perceiued she was espoused to Ioseph , there he thought hee was the sonne of man. When hee heard the Angels make that heauenly melodie at his birth , there he thought he was the Sonne of God , but when he saw the tender babe in Bethlehem , with Mary his mother , layd in a Manger , there he thought he was the Son of man. When hee saw him circumcised , then he thought there appeared a plaine signe of his humanity : but when hee heard the name of Iesus , then he began to suspect his Deitie . When hee saw him baptised with the multitude , hee thought , sure he was the Sonne of man : but when the voyce came from heauen , then he heard otherwise , that hee was the Sonne of God. When he saw him fasting so long , and not hungering , then he thought he was the Sonne of God : but when at the end of fortie dayes hee hungred , then hee thought hee was the Sonne of man. And therefore in the first place , he assayes him by eating , as man , with a conditionall , if , to haue hun shewe his power , whether he were or no the Son of God. But our Sauiour , when hee had fasted forty dayes and forty nights , hee proceeded no farther , that the power of his Deitie as yet might be hid , seeing that Moyses and Elias , men , had afore time fasted so long . Forty dayes without hunger , was not of man ; and yet afterward to hunger , was not of God : and therefore the deuil as doubtful what to do , tempted him after this manner , If thou art the Sonne of God , that naturall Sonne , and so equall to him in power , Commaund that these stones may be made bread . There is a voyce that hath testified of thée from heauen , that thou art the Sonne of God , canst thou liue by this title or testimonie ? thy Father , either he sées not thy distresse , or he will not helpe thée : the best way is , helpe thy selfe , and looke thou to thine own safetie , while the voyce is testifying thou art staruing . 11 In this , or the like temptation , great is the subtilty of the olde serpent ; wherein first hee moues to distrust Gods prouidence : Secondarily , to trust in our owne power , and thirdly , to neglect fasting and patience , the exercises of true pi●…tie . Commaund that these stones may be made bread , As if , now shall I sée , whether he be the Sonne of God or no : If hee turne stones into bread , assuredly hee is the sonne of God , if not , it shal plainlie appeare hee is the sonne of man ; whereby he would at once both trie him whether hee were God , as also allure him as man. But the tempter méeting with Christ , met with his match , for he could not gather the certainty of either , Man , saith he , shall not liue by bread onely , but by euery word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God. 12 Doth the Tempter thus leaue ? no , he assayes him again ; this man fasteth , liueth deuoutly in the wildernesse , is not caried away with the temptation of eating , surely hee is good , and better then others , may hee not be brought to affect glory ? This affectation of glory is wont to moue the best . Now he taketh him to the pinnacle of the Temple , setteth him on high , vnto the Temple , a shew of holines ; on high , a place of eminencie , a hundred to one , ( thinkes he ) if a shew of holines , if a place of dignitie , be not a meane to tempt : If thou be the Sonne of God cast thy selfe down , being the Sonne of God , thou canst by thine owne power saue thy selfe , if not , thou hast the ministerie of Angels to saue thee . The Scripture it selfe saith it , and therefore doubt not , throw thy selfe downe , He shall giue his Angels charge ouer thee : Casting thy self down , & the Angels sauing thée , all the world will giue thée applause , and thou shalt be so glorious as neuer was any . Wee sée the drift of this temptation , when intemperancie doth not take place , when a meane estate beneath doth not seduce , yet to be aloft , the tempter thinkes it a fitter opportunitie of preuailing . But what doth hee say , Ego mittam te ? I will cast thée downe ? no. But , Tu te mitte : Cast thy selfe downe , to shewe that he can hurt none , vnlesse any by consenting to temptation , hurt himselfe : for he that desireth that all might fall , can perswade , but not cast downe , his property it is to suggest , but our duty it is to resist his suggestions a diabolicall voyce truly prouoketh to descend , not to ascend . The tempter sayth in desperate manner , throw thy selfe downe , but God sayth in hope of mercy , raise thy selfe vp . 13 In that hee alleadgeth scripture , or rather misse-alleadgeth holy writ , it teacheth vs with the men of Berea , to try whether it be so or no. Wee sée it hath béene the manner of deceiuers , following this old deceiuer , to forge euidence , and somtimes saith Origen , to shew themselues like subtill Pyrats , who set vp lights néere dangerous rockes , that the trauailer repayring thither , thinking by the lights all is safe , is by that meanes entrapped , and taken of his enemies . In this fashion , peruerse men to strengthen their fancies vse also to deale , and force scriptures to the bent of their owne opinions . But consi●…er wee a little the place of scripture héere alleadged , taken out of the ninety and one Psalme , all which Psalme , say the auncient Fathers , concerneth Gods protection of the faithfull man , ouer whom he hath appointed the ministerie of Angels . Now for Christ , who was God from euerlasting , he rather kéepes the Angels , then the Angels him , & therfore no way was it appliable vnto him . They shall keepe thee , that is to say , thy self , O man , which art fraile & weak , least at any time thou dash thy foote against a stone , or fall away being striken at the stone of offence : so in the first place the text is not rightly vnderstoode , if wee respect the state of the righteous man , as the Prophet meaneth : yet héere is a contrary sence , hee shall keepe thee in all thy wayes , true , but not in all thy presumptions : Hee shall giue his Angels charge ouer thee , well , shalt thou therefore tempt God the Lord of Angels ? Christ aunswered rather , thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God. In the third verse of the same Psalme , it is said , Hee shall defend thee from the snare of the hunter , and in the thirtéenth verse , Thou shalt goe vpon the Lyon and Adder , both which places concerne our preseruation from the tempter , which he leaueth out , and onely inserteth 〈◊〉 vnperfect sentence , which Christ soone aunswereth , Non tentabi●… Dominu●… deum tuum , thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God. 14 Hath the deuill yet done tempting ? no , he taketh our blessed Sauiour into an exceeding high mountaine , and there sheweth him the Kingdomes of the world , with the glory of them at once , making a large promise to bestow them all , who had not authority to dispose of any one : he will giue kingdomes , but vppon such a condition , as should make any good dealer breake off from coping with so bad a bargayner . The condition is , hee must be worshipped , what , should man forsake the worship of God , and bestow that vpon anie but God , for riches or kingdomes themselues ? these were déere riches and Kingdomes in déede : no , saith Balaam , I cannot doe it if he would giue me a house full of siluer and gold . 15 Hitherto hath our Sauiour shewed no signe of his Deity , the tempter takes him to be man , & therfore tempts him as man , in the Desert where is hunger , hee tempts him to gluttonie : vpon the temple where was the chaire of doctors , he tempts him to vain glory : vpon the high mountaine , whence worldly things are séene , hee tempts hun to couetousnesse , which is indéede , as the Apostle saith , Idolatrie : for héere hee would haue worship . All in vaine was it to shewe Christ the glory of the world , who beheld it no otherwise then Phisitians are wont to doe vlcers , & diseases of their patients , he offereth earthly kingdomes , to him who had in his owne hands to bestow heauenly , hee would haue worship of him whō all the Angels doe worship , & at whose very sight himselfe did tremble . And héere is to be noted , that by this temptation vppon the mountaine , thou mayst learne , that when thou art great and high , the deuill setteth before thée great and high desires , & would haue thee fall downe , that thou mayest accomplish them . Ambitio , saith Saint Ambrose , domesticum malum , & vt dominetur alijs prius seruit ; curuatur obsequio , vt honore donetur ; & dum vult esse sublimior , sit remissior . This ambition hath a domesticall danger , that it may rule , it serues : that it may be honoured , it bends & bowes in giuing honour : while it would be aboue others , it becomes inferiour to others . 16 Let men knowe that all rightfull power & preheminence is from God , and that all ambitious power is of the tempter . In this temptation consider wee Christes answer vnto the tempter , Dominum Deum tuum adorabis , et ei soli seruies : Thou shalt worship thy Lord thy God , and him onely shalt thou serue . And this aunswere Christ giueth him with authoritie , commaunding him to depart , at which commaunding the tempter leaueth him , finding himselfe euery way confounded , and that his combate with Christ was ●…mpar congressus , hee was not able to stand in this champions hands . Now concerning the last assault , we may call to minde how quickly our sauiour reiects him , when once he begins to mention Gods worship , whereby wee are taught to beare iniuries offered to our selues , but no wayes to tolerate iniurie offered vnto God. For the other temptation , sayth Saint Chrysostome , Mitte te deorsum , Cast thy selfe downe , Christ was not so much moued , did not rebuke the tempter , but when hee began to meddle with Gods worship , and speake of casting that away vpon worldlie glory : Christ sends him packing with a vade Sathana , anoyd Sathan , and tels him , for worship it was Gods onely , and none but Gods. 17 Against the temptation of intemperancie , wee learne these things , first , not so much to respect the life of the body , as the life of the soule : for should we regard the house , and let the housholder pine away in misery ? Should the seruant be adorned , and the Maister himselfe become an abiect ? Secondarily we learne , not to yéeld vnto any perswasion of the tempter , for the necessaries of a fraile , momentarie & transitorie life . Thirdly , that man doth not liue by bread onely , but by Gods sanctifying his creature , by his word . Fourthly , that for the want of bodily sustenance wee should not breake out into impatience , but depend vpon Gods prouidence , and vse the order that God hath ordained to maintaine his creatures . 18 Against the temptation of vaine glory , wee learne , not to beléeue the embracings of this deceitfull Ioab , who when hee knowes any one to be giuen to fasting , or any other exercise of Christian piety : he would make hi●… as the boasting Pharisie , to say with contempt , Non sum ve ut ille publicanus , I am not as yonder Publicane . Wee see when he hath men on high , how hee there mooues them to tempt God by presumption , and séeke by submission , but we learne also in this case what to doe . I am a man , and therefore can otherwise descend , then by casting downe my selfe , I wil not tempt God , and neglect the meanes he hath ordayned for my preseruation , for a little glory I respect it not . 19 Against the temptation of desiring the greatest thinges in the world , I learne to preferre Gods worship before all , and so to breake off by his good grace from euill motions of the ●…end . Against all temptations in generall : I learne by this of our Sauiour , to resist temptations when they come . S. Basill likeneth the tempter vnto the Leopard , which hath such a naturall hatred against man , that if he sée but mans picture , hee is ready to flie vpon it , & all to teare it . Such is the enmitie of the red Dragon whom Christ vanquished , if hee sée but a picture or resemblance of Christ in a good man , hee is ready to rage against it : wee sée him assaulting , but not preuailing . 20 By the order of these temptations , it is manifest , that the tempter first beginneth with lighter , then commeth to greater . First , he began with eating , then he goeth to the affectation of glorie , and last of all , falleth to flat Idolatrie : in all these Christ méeteth with the temptation in the beginning , kils the serpent in the egge , ●…ps vice in the blade , strangles sinne in the first motion . For the old serpent , sayth Ierome , is slipperie , and vnlesse we kéepe out the head of suggestion , he will get in his body of consent and all . 21 In these temptations , Christ repaireth , as we see , to a scriptum est , it is written , a speciall lesson for our Christian learning : if we are tempted with a desire of sinfull delights , we may call to minde , we haue a Scriptum est , to aunswere this temptation : Not in chambering & wantonnes . If wee be tempted with an inordinate desire of riches , we haue 〈◊〉 Scriptum est , Godlines is great gaine , if a man be content with that he hath . If wee be tempted with a vain opinion of our selues , we haue a Scriptum est : Behold , I am but earth and ashes . If we be tempted with a carelesnes of our estate and condition , wee haue a Scriptum est , It is appointed for all men once to die , and after that comes iudgement . Furthermore , wee sée Christ would not turne stones into bread : to learne vs not to consent vnto the Tempter in any thing , no though it haue a shew of good . There were many high places in Ierusalem , yet the temptation of the casting downe was from the Temple , the best , the holiest estate of all . Christ would not cast himself downe , though he might haue saued himselfe without the ministerie of Angels : to shew vs not to séeke supernaturall meanes , when God doth lend vs natural ; we tempt him when wee séeke health without a medicine , or victorie without a combate : wee tempt him when wee may by reason or counsaile auoide some euill , and will notwithstanding explore his power : and last of all , we tempt him , when we enquire too farre into his wisedom , or require that of him vnlawfullie , which hee is wont to offer by meanes . 22 Christ would not hearken vnto the temptation of win●… praise , wherby the tempter seeks to drawe many from God , and godlines , nor vnto a desire of hauing Kingdomes of the world , whereby he is wont to draw manie for a great deale lesse , & néede not be at cost to offer so much to withdraw them from Gods worship . What Christ did we sée , and hence all may learne what they should doe . 23 At the end of this conflict of our Sauiour , the Angels come vnto him : at the end , for so long ( saith Saint Chrysostome ) as he was combatting , he suffered them not to appeare , nor to come néere him , least hee might haue séemed to haue put the aduersarie to flight , by the helpe of Angels . At this time the Angels minister vnto him , as appliable to his Deitie , in his agonie they are said to comfort him , as hauing reference to his humanitie . Another thing we heere learne is , that the Angels doe congratulate at resisting the temptations of the deuill . We sée we haue a great aduersarie , but a greater Captaine to stand with vs in the combate . For the aduersarie , he doth assaile the children of God by many meanes : in that w●…ch is good , by pride : in that ●…h is euill , by abiect feare : for the meeke , hee is ouer them : for the stout and wilfull by perswading good for euill , hee is vnder them : hee hath nets for euery disposition : For the ambitious hee hath glory , for the couetous gaine , yea , for the most religious themselues hee hath some meane or other to assaile them . 24 I would you should know ( sayeth Saint Bernard ) that no man whilest he liueth in this bodie can liue without temptation . When the Apostle sayes , God is faithfull , which will not suffer you to be tempted aboue that you be able : he doth not say , which will not suffer you to be tempted at all , sayeth Saint Austen , but which will not suffer you to be tempted aboue that you be able . Sathan sléepeth not , but is busie to tempt , and specially when thou art in the desart of the contemplation , and euen caried by the spirit of God in the wildernes , that is from the delights and pleasures of this world : but wee may be of good courage , our Iosuah goeth in & out before vs ; he was tempted , that we might not thinke much to endure temptation : he ouercame temptation , that in him wee might haue power likewise to ouercome . The tempter come vnto him , not once , or twise , but the third time , to shewe that our temptations are many : but howe many so euer they ●…re , we haue these comforts , which are more and of more efficacie : First , that Christ hath subdued the force of our enemie : Secondarily , that hee taketh compassion vpon the tempted , hauing himselfe endured temptation : Thirdly , that from henceforth he wil ouercome him in his members , whom he ouercame in his owne person , being the head of the body . Wherefore , as Moyses sayd vnto the people , Dread not , nor be afraid , for your God fighteth for you : So may it be said vnto euery Christian man , whose armour is the shielde of faith , the sword of the spirit , whose battaile is temptation , whose grand Captain is Christ Iesus our Sauiour , whose conquest is an immortall crowne of euerlasting glory : be of good courage , pluck vp a good heart , the Lord of heauen & earth , is with thée , and for thée , in the conflict . Chap. 8. Of Christes great compassion towards men , his continuall doing good in t●… world , and what instructions wee hence learne . WHen wee enter into consideration of the great compassion of the sonne of God , towardes the distressed state of man , wee finde it a worke of inspeakeable mercy . In the creation , Dedit te tibi , O man , God gaue thée thy selfe , but in the redemption , Dedit se tibi , God gaue thee himselfe . In the creation of all things necessarie for man , onlie sixe dayes were passed : but in mans redemption thrée & thirtie y●…res were expired : in the creation , pauca dixit , hee spake few things ; in the redemption of man , multa dixit , mirabilia fecit , hee spake many things , hee did wonderfull things . Adam in the state of innocencie , for perfection left all his posteritie farre behind : his reason was vncorrupt , his vnderstanding pure , his will obedient : he was for knowledge of heauenly matters , an excellent Diuin●… : for the nature of things , a déep Philosopher , for power , hee had a whole world to commaund . Adam had nothing which was necessarie nowe wanting vnto him , that when he saw he had all things which hee could desire in earth , hee might then turne his desires towards heauen : his dutie for all , is to kéepe the law of his God. He hath one precept amongst these many blessings , this one precept is most vndutifully broken : Adam , vnlesse mercie step in , thy felicitie and the felicitie of all thy posterity is at an end : therefore behold a helper when thou art now in the pawes of the Lyon , The seede of the woman shal break the Serpents head . Here the Serpents hope is turned into a curse , and in Christ ( who was to come ) Adams dread is turned into a blessing . Behold loue , which affected Adam more , then Adam did affect himselfe . 2 Now Christ the promised séede being come , hee compares himselfe vnto that Samaritane , who tooke compassion vpon the wounded man. This wounded man may resemble humane nature : the Priest and the Leuite that passed by , the offerings and sacrifices of the law , the Samaritane Christ , who beholding man in this case with the eye of mercy , bound vp his wounds , poured in the softning oyle of grace , and searching wine of contrition , layeth him vpon his own nature , and righteousnes therof , taketh out the two Testaments , bringeth him to the holy hostage of his Church , commandeth his Priests to take care and charge of him , and promiseth that one day they shall finde , they haue not lost their labour . 3 In consideration of mans fall ( sayth Saint Bernard ) mercie began to knocke at the bowels of God the Father , which mercie brought with her peace as a companion : on the other side , trueth accompanied with iustice , began to approach and contradict mercie . Betweene these sisters began a long controuersie : Mercie sayeth vnto God : O God , man , this creature of thine would haue compassion shewed him , being now so miserable . No , sayth Truth and Iustice , Lorde fulfill thy word : Adam , that day thou eatest , thou shalt die , Mercie replies , but thou hast made mee mercie , but if thou shew no mercie , I am not : on the contrarie , Truth saith , and I am truth , & vnlesse I take place , I abide not for euer . God the father commits the deciding of all vnto God the sonne , before whom Truth and Mercie speake the same things . Truth saith : if Adam perish not I perish : and Mercie sayth , if Adam be not conserued I languish . Well , let death be good , and let both haue that they desire , let Adam die ; and yet for all that , let Adam haue mercy and liue . O admirable wisedome ! but how can death be good , séeing the death of sinners is worst of all ? Let one be found which of loue may die , and yet is not subiect to death . The motion séemed good , but where may any such be found ? Truth séekes about the earth , and cannot find one cleane from sinne , no not an Infant of one day : mercy goeth vp to heauen , and there findes none that hath this loue , as to leaue life for sinners ; these sisters returne at the time appointed , not finding that which was required . At the last , peace calling them aside and comforting them , sayeth : You knowe there is none that doeth good , no not one : hee that gaue you this counsell , when all is done , must surely giue you help : whereat the vmpire began to procéede , and calling the Angell Gabriel , said , Goe tell the daughter of Sion , Behold , her king commeth . Let these sisters now accord in one , and let that of the Prophet be confirmed , Mercie and truth are met together , righteousnes & peace haue kissed each other : now , Truth thou shalt haue thy right , for Adam shal die : and Mercy , here is thy desire , Adam shall be restored to life . O happy harmony , who euer reade of such wisedom and loue ! it was Gods goodnes to think vpon vs , it was his bounty to reléeue vs : this is the fountaine frō whence our riuers come , the Sea from which all our waters arise . Here mercy is the wine that gladdeth mans heart , and loue is the oyle that makes him to haue a chéerefull countenance . Martha said , Lord , he whom thou louest is sick , as if the loue of Christ were enough to moue him to a worke of loue . Thus much of Christes compassion towards the state of man in general . 4 For his continuall doing good in the world , his pitty was euer pardoning , his wisedome was euer teaching , his liberality was euer giuing , his compassion was euer helping , all his teaching , whereunto did it tend but vnto the remission of sinnes ? all this tends to our consolation . For his sincerity of life while he walked in the world , Tertullian bids the Romaines but reade their owne Registers , there they should finde mention of the faultlesse conuersation of Iesus the sonne of the virgin Mary : his doing good was in effect our good : looke what was due to his obeence , to wit loue : to his desert , to wit reward : to his humility , to wit honour : to his sorrow , to wit ioy : to his death , to wit life : to his victory , to wit tryumph : all is attributed vnto vs. His merites became our merites , his suffering our satisfaction , his ioyes our ioyes : hee fed many in the wildernesse with materiall bread , and he imparted the bread of life vnto whole multitudes that came to heare his most diuine doctrine . If we respect his goodnes , hee was 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , goodnes it selfe ; if his clemencie , he was 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , placability it selfe : for curing the diseased , a Phisitian both of body and soule : for reléeuing those that were miserable , he was a priuiledged place , whereunto al might repair : as infants vnto their mothers lay , wher the dugs of mercy are neuer dry . Stedfast was he in loue without change : sufficient without want : frée without desert , & euer more ready to doe good vnto all , his loue was ouer all , wold al haue accepted of his loue . 5 This is a true saying ( saith the Apostle ) that Christ came into the world to saue sinners Was this benefit restrained vnto some before others ? no , saith S. Iohn , it was for all sinners : hee is the reconciliation for our sinnes , and not onely for our sinnes , but for the sinnes of the whole world ; saith he . The further any good reacheth the more nobler it is , the commission of the Apostles was , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , Preach glad tydings : as it could not be but acceptable , so was it large also , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , preach it to all creatures , according to that of the Psalme , their sound went out into all Lands : Samuel said vnto Saul , thou hast cast away the Lord : there is the very cause of thy reiection . God , saith the wiseman , hath not made death , neither delighteth hee in the destruction of sinners : hee that would haue all men to be saued , and come to the knowledge of the truth , would not haue the worke of his owne hand miscarie , for he desireth nothing more then the good of all . Wisedome lifteth vp her voyce to all that passe by : Turne you , saith the Prophet , from your vnrighteousnes , and you shall liue : why will you die , O you house of Israel ? The rich man sendeth his seruaunts , to call in all vnto the great supper : his reuealed will , calleth all , and his will of well pleasing respecteth all , Come receiue the Kingdome prepared for you . Goe into euerlasting fire , which is prepared for the deuill & his Angels : a Kingdome is prepared of God for men , not destruction , this is from men themselues : he hath hath giuen a law to all , doubtlesse hee excludes none . Hee who would haue gathered Ierusalem , as the Henne dooth her chickens vnder her wings , sheweth how much he respected her welfare , if she would haue harkened vnto him . The Sunne , saith Saint Chrysostome , extendeth his beame vniuersally , if any wilfully shut their eyes , and wil not behold the light of the Sunne , is the fault in the Sunne ? no verily , of this mysterie dispute he that will. 6 But to come to the life of our Sauiour , hee went about , saith Saint Peter , doing good , and healing al that were oppressed of the deuill , for God was with him : Nay , his goodnes shewed it selfe towardes his very enemies : for while they were séeking to slay him , hee sought to saue them , hee neuer regarded 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , his owne , but 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , the common welfare , and benefit of others . The candle being enlightned , with what carefulnes did he séeke the lost groat ? what mountaines and desarts did hee wander to finde , and finding , to bring home man the stray sheepe , leauing the ninety & nine , or companies of Angels in glory . 7 By this we learne , that we liue not in the worlde for our selues , but setting Christes example before our eyes , how wee ought , to endeuour that we may in any thing wee can be helpfull vnto others . Of all liuing creatures there is none created to a more louing , and sociable end , then man : but amongst men none more ordayned to doe good each to other then Christians : while we are in the way , saith Saint Austen , let vs beare one anothers burthen , that we may rest together at the end of the way . In artificiall buildings one stone doth beare vp another , much more should the same be done in that building , wherein , saith Saint Peter , All the faithfull are as liuelie stones . Nature hath taught the Beauers to help one another in swimming , and the Crames flying ouer the mountaine Taurus , when the formost is wearie in beating the aire , that the next should succéede , and so in order euery one to labour for the safety of them all . Grace doth teach vs the same lesson , or rather the Author of grace : liue coales wil kindle the dead , the holy gift of Gods spirit , S Paul tels vs we receiue it , to profit withall . And nothing is good vnto vs ( sayeth S Austen ) vnlesse we communicate the same good to others . 8 We shew whom we resemble , when we haue compassion on some , and others saue with feare , pulling them out of the fire . Wee know not , howe soone wee may st●…nd in néeede of God , and therefore should desire nothing more then to shew our selues helpfull vnto others , a token wee are liuing members , when we féele the infirmitie of sore parts in the bodie . Christ our Sauiour doth not say , be mighty , or wise , or workers of myracles : but be mercifull as your heauenly Father is mercifull . It was the voyce of Cain : Num quid ego fratris custos ? am I my brothers kéeper ? it was the aunswere of those that conspired the death of the Sonne of God , Quid ad nos ? what is it to vs ? ●…ooke thou to it , as if they cared for no more but themselues . It is the practise of worldlings , only to respect themselues , and make no conscience like gréedy Harpyes howe they spoile others . In Pharaoes dreame the leane deuoured the fat , but in the course of these men the fat deuoure the leane , like flshes in the Sea , where the greater doe eate vp the lesse ; we are enemies one to another , like the Madianites . It is a hard winter ( they say ) when one woolfe deuoures another , yet this is vsuall with men . For these , sayth Origen , that punishment , ( misisti iram & terra deuorauit ●…s , thou diddest send forth thy wrath and the earth deuoured them ) is verified in them : hath not the earth deuoured them , which waking , doe talk of earth , sléeping dreame of earth ? Inopiae multa , rapacitati plura desunt . The poore man wanteth many things , but yet gréedie ●…aking rich men lacke more : Terra deuorauit eos , the earth hath deuoured them , Sathan came from compassing the earth : & these are compassing of earthly things , but neuer thinke of compassing heauen . 9 Dauid saw a poore woman but looke with a sorrowfull countenance , and she néeded not wait long for a day of hearing , himself commeth & demaunds the cause of her sorrow , saying , Woman what ayleth thee ? For examples néerer home , the good benefactors of olde , that haue left vs so manie monuments , were not their minds set vpon doing good ? This saith Philo , is to imitate God the fountaine of all goodnes , when wee are rich , not to be rich vnto our selues : when wee are wise , not to be wise vnto our selues : to conclude , when we haue all done , this shewes whose seruants wee are . Christ said , I haue compassion on the multitude , a spéech like him that spake it . Chap. 9. Howe little Christ esteemed popularitie , & glory of the world ; and how by his example , wee learne to doe the like . ANd now , let vs call to minde a little , how far Christ was from seeking the glorie of this world , to whose greater glorie it was ( sayth Origen ) that hee appeared without glory : to whose strength , that hee c●…me in weakenes . In the sixth of S. Iohns Gospell , when the people would haue giuen him the title and dignity of a King , he gat away into a solitarie place , nothing at all regarding that weather cocke blast of popular applause . Christ was no way inclinable to their disposition , who as Milles goe & grind no longer then the puffe of wind holds : he fled frō a kingdom amongst men , for his kingdom was not ( as him selfe told Pilat ) of this world . 2 And héere wee may in the first place obserue , that euen in this his humility flying frō glorie , glory followed him : hee was circumcised as a sinner , yet named as a Sauiour of men ; lying in a manger at Bethlehem , he is adored of graue sages , dying as man , yet is he worshipped & beleeued on as God : after many of his myracles , he specially charged the people to conceale them : sometimes he steales away from the multitude , least per aduenture they should magnifie him . 3 O holy Sonne of God ( saith one ) when the candle is lightned , why wilt thou haue it put vnder a bushel , why wilt thou not shew thy glory vnto men ? was it because thy kingdome was not of this world ? True Lord , & therfore I reioyce to see thée in humilitie . Untill the age of thirtie yéeres we find , saith Saint Bernard , ( excepting onely his disputing with the Doctours in the temple ) no other , but that our sauiour led a silent & a solitary life . What , did he feare vaine-glory , who was the glory of the father ? He feared indeede , but was it in regard of himself ? No , it was for vs , who were to be feared , and therefore would draw vs by his precept and practise from ambitious desires . 4 Although it was but seldome that hee vsed reprehensions , yet we finde that there were none whom he did more often reprooue , or more openly rebuke , then a kinde of men , Pharisei ( so called ) the Pharisies , h●…uing their name of separating themselues from other men . These we●… those whom hee resembled to painted Sepulchers , as being faire without , but foule within , whose vizard was better then the face , all their holines was no other but a shew of holines : their corner counterfait praying , to be seene of men : their Trumpet blowing almes , to haue a little glory . Our Sauiour could not away with this fashion , & therefore willeth his Disciples to pray in secret , that is , with a minde ( although séene ) yet not caring to be séene of men , and to giue their almes plainly , without any respect had , eyther of reward or prayse . 5 It is a wonderfull case to consider , how wee make this our chiefest iewel , how all the sheaues of the field doe fall downe before a conceite of preheminencie , where as nothing is more fickle , nothing more vncertaine . All that was shewed , when all the glory of the world was shewed : the word is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , which signifieth no other but a shadow , an opinion , a shew . What is praise but a puffe of winde , which sometimes bloweth one way , and sometimes another , or as the Eccho , which makes a sound , but is indeede no substance ? what is our mirth , but a little Sun-shine before a storme ? What is our peace , but a calme before a tempest ? What is the praise of men , but a shadow of small continuance ? a little after looke for it , it is gone . Those who are ouercome with a little wine , shew they are men but of weake braines , so are those , who for some little praise for vertue , waxe high minded . If in any thing a Christian man shew himselfe what hee is , then surelie most especially in being crucified to the flesh , and the world : the pleasures of the one , the glory of the other . Three there were crucified vppon the crosse together , two malefactors , and Christ in the middest : and thrée there are to be crucified in Christes members : the flesh , and the world , as the two théeues , the spirit , as Christ in the middest . The flesh as the théefe vpon the right hand . They that are Christes , haue crucified the flesh : The world is the théefe vpon the left hand , according to that : The world is crucified vnto me , and I vnto the world . In the middest of these is the spirit also crucified , according to that : A troubled spirit is a sacrifice to God. The théef on the left hand was not saued , this is the state of the world , from whence Christ hath taken his , That they be not condemned with the world . The théefe on the right hand is saued , so is the crucified flesh with the spirit , when ●…th are remembred of Christ in ●…s kingdome , and are with him 〈◊〉 Paradise . When nothing delights but God then is the world crucified to vs : when as we seeke co●…tend in none but in God , then 〈◊〉 wee crucified to the world : when we labour to bring others to this , then are we crucified for the world 6 Thus in despising the world , and the glory thereof , we attaine vnto the perfection of a Christian ●…ate and condition of life . If there were no other reason to ●…e vs to seeke after heauen , and heauenly thinges , this one ●…ight suffice , that Christ did onelie this . Comming into the worlde , hee neuer followed the shewes and shadowes therof . Again , if there were no other cause , to make vs litle estéeme of worldlie vanities , yet that the continuance of them is so mutable , this onely were enough . What is it , saith S. Austen , to be lifted vp in this world , and in another world to be cast down ? what , for a short time to shine in glory , and héereafter to consume in misery ? 7 Héereunto may be added , how little this worldly glory is worth , being fully considered : first , because it is vile , according to that which Mattathias told his sonne when he was dying : Feare not ( said he ) the words of a sinfull man : for his glory is as dung . Secondly , because it is of no continuance , according to that of the Prophet Esay , All the glory of man is as the flower of the field . Thirdly , because it is deceitfull , according to that of Baruch , Where are they that sometimes had glory amongst men ? as if hee should haue saide , they are no where to be found , their glorie hath deceiued them . Fourthly , because it is subiect to alteration , according to that of Ose , Commutabo gloriam eorum in contumeliam , I will change their glorie into ignominie . A chitophel for all his policie , Hamā for al his sway , these found the vncertaintie héereof . What was the cause ( sayeth Saint Chrysostome ) that the house spoken of in the Gospell , f●…ll ? Was it in the wind , or the tempest , or the waters ? No , what was the cause then that this house fell ? The Text saith , It was builded vpon the sand : the foundation was not good . To ●…ld vpon hope of riches , or glorie , is a weake foundation , the house may séeme goodly in faire weather , but when a storme comes , it is gone . To let riches and glorie goe , and to build vppon the Rocke , Our trust in God only , is that building which wel neuer faile , what wind , what storme , what waters so euer swel and rage against it : excepting our trust in him , all humane respects are but froth . 8 Fie vpon that folly that delights more to séeme vnto men , then to be in truth & verity vnto God : doth not that wife displease her husband , who adorues her selfe to please others ? the same do they , who by these actions onely seeke to please men . A strange practise there is in the worlde , that goeth about to alter that countenance which God hath formed , so , and so , as if he had not done as was meete , they thinke they would teach him how , and how hee must haue made them . Christ said of the tribute money , whose image is this ? the same may be sayde concerning some , whose visage or countenance is this ? The workeman is wont to grow out of loue with his work , séeing it deformed by others . How can wee pray or looke vp to God , when wee are not of that forme hee hath giuen vs , or how can we lift vp our eyes to heauē , but thinke impietie shall not enter there ? These think to deceiue others , whereas indéede they deceiue themselues , and I pray God they doe not one day find as much . Pictures desire to make somwhat in shew , they respect not anie thing within , but what is it to haue a foule guest in a faire house , or a little praise and glory with men , and to loose praise and acceptation with God ? Saint Ambrose saith of Ioseph , ●…ulcher corpore , sed pulchrior animo , hee was faire in body , but fairer in mind , which is best of all . 9 To glory in honour & praise of men , in building , in banquetting , is as friuolous as to account none worthy of honour , but our selues . To séeke for ostentations sake to excell others , is méere vanity : Thy wordes , said Phocion to a boasting companion , are like a Cypers trée , tall enough , but without fruit . Goe to the Sepulchers ( saith Saint Austen ) & there shew me a difference if you can amongst the bones , betwéene the rich and poore , betwéene the maister & the seruant , betwéene the greatest senator & lowest subiect ? Loe this is hee ( saith the Prophet ) That put his trust in riches , as if he wold infer , you sée what comes of putting trust in earthly things . It is said of Herod in the Acts of the Apostles , that he that gloried to himselfe of applause giuen him , what becam of this ? the holie Scripture telleth vs , he was eaten vp with wormes : and Iosephus also writing of his end , accordeth with the holy scripture , that it was miserable : but first , saith he , there appeared an Owle sitting vpon his head , & after hee was taken with the before named torments : hee was a little before called a God , now it appeares hee is a miserable man : where were all his Phisitians ? they could not ease his pains , no , all his seruants cannot defend him from silly wormes . 10 Christ told thē that sought superiority aboue others , they knew not what they sought . The people could not in any thing more displease the Apostles , then when they would run in to sacrifice vnto them : the iust man ( saith Gregory ) when he is praysed is then humbled , fearing he is not vnto God , as hee is estéemed of with men : when he hath done any thing amisse , he accuseth himself : if any thing wel , he giueth all the praise only vnto God , according to that of the Prophet , Non nobis , Domine , non nobis : Not vnto vs , O Lord , not vnto vs , but vnto thy name giue the praise . The Prophet teacheth vs to speake twise against our owne praise , wee are so ready to praise our selues : yea in our best actions ( saith S Ambrose ) take héede of that same théefe , glory , which would steale away from vs all acceptation with God : Si putaui aurum robur meum , saith Iob , if I haue thought gold my strength , if I haue lifted vp my hand against the fatherlesse , if I haue said to treasure , My trust , if I haue exalted my self in riches : by which kind of spéech the holy man in effect saith , I haue not thought gold my strength , or said to treasure my trust , or exalted my selfe in riches , or lift vp my hand against the fatherlesse . 11 Plutarch writeth that it was the manner of vain glorious men , to haue a kinde of Iester sing their praises in great assemblies , but how farre godly men haue béene from this foolishnesse , who could not abide such iarring enterludes , wee may easily perceiue . Moyses would not be counted the sonne of Pharaohs daughter , though hee might : Saint Paul would not count himselfe worthy of the name of an Apostle : the rich man glorieth in his riches , but Saint Paul in his infirmities : the proud man in his glory , he in a good conscience : the voluptuous man in excesse , he in being content : all the instruments with their noise , could not make the thrée children fall down before the Idol ; nor all the popularity in the world make good men affect vain glory , they know both what it is , and how soone it vanisheth . Those who from some high Turret or Tower , behold things farre beneath vnder them thinke they are great , but those aboue account them small & little : in like manner those whose minds are eleuated to heauenly things , and haue their affections on high , worldly glory séemes to these so little , and so little worth , as they cannot but wonder , why men néere these in affection should so much desire it as they doe , being so transitorie and variable as they are . 12 Where is Pharaoh , that gloried in his Chariots : doth not his ouerthrowe tell boasting Champions , that an hoast is nothing without the God of hoasts ? Where are the Giants that wold build so high , & glory in a name , doth not Gods word tell vs , they were scattered and defeated of their purpose ? Is glory then so fléeting ' then may worldlings say , farewell world , for as much as there is no trust in thee , which failest thē whom thou most fauourest , they soonest fall when they think them selues surest . Farewell world , thou that quarrellest , but doest not pacifie , in thée there is no ioy without trouble , no peace without discord , no loue without suspition , no rest without feare , no aboundance without blemish , no honour without discontent , no estate without carefulnesse of mind . Farewell glory of the world , for in thy delights promises are made and neuer kept , in thy vineyard men labour , but are neuer rewarded . Farewell world , which callest the rash , valiant : the proud , séemely : the couetous , good husbands : the babler , cloquent : the wanton , youthfull . Farewel world , which deceiuest all that trust thée , which doest promise to the ambitious , honours : to the gréedy , rewards : to the couetous , riches : to the young , tune : farewell , I say , vaine glory , which because thou art not of God , failest all . 13 It was before said , that our Sauiour tolde them that sought superiority , they knew not what they sought : wee sée the same true in the condition of the world . When Gyges a great worldling , would faine know if any man were more happy then himselfe ( thinking him most happie which had most riches , and most glory ) it was aunswered him , that one Psophidius a poore old man of the Arcadians ( who was rich with a little , and had neuer gone all his life time frō the place where he was bred and borne , but there liued peaceably ) that this man was far happier then hee . If heathen men could so little estéeme of earthly glory , what should christians do ? whom should they thinke most happy , but those who most mind the state of happines to come , and for worldly glory in the name of God let it goe . The Church of Christ is not triumphant , & glorious in earth , but triumphant and glorious aboue in heauen . Toby sate musing vpon the shore of the riuer Tigris , which with a swift streame ranne by him ; we sit downe by meditation of the inconstancie of worldlie glory , which runneth a long with a maine current , calling to mind that glory which is euerlasting in heauen . Chap. 10. Of Christes continuall labours & trauailes in the world , whereby we may take a suruay of our Christian condition heere . THe sicke man that is about to take some bitter medicine , when he sées but the Phisition himselfe begin vnto him , it makes him the more willing to receiue the potion how bitter so euer : the labours end trauailes of this transitorie life haue no doubt a very vnpleasing tast to humane pallat , but séeing Christ the Phisitian of our soules , not onely tooke an assay thereof , but euen drunk a full draught for our redemption , wee should be the more willing to admit the receiuing of this medicine . When wee consider his long watchings , wherein hee passed whole nights in prayer , his often iourneying from place to place to instruct and teach in euery City ; his fasting , his suffering all a long from his very infancie , his flying into Egypt , what shall we else behold in him , but a life full of labours and trauailes , neuer ended but with losse of life ? was it not thy birth , O Christian soule , which was then to be brought forth , when our Rachel trauailed vnto death ? was it not thy cause , for which our Iacob endured so many yéeres seruitude ? hee who with one drop of blood could haue redéemed a worlde , would notwithstanding suffer so many labours , so many trauails , that no labours whatsoeuer might dismay vs. 2 At fiue seuerall times did he so farre procéed in labours , as there ensued the effusion of his blood : first in his circumcision , there hee began to redéeme vs : secondly , in his prayer in the garden , there he shewed how he affected vs : Thirdly , when he was scourged ; there hee cured vs by his stripes : fourthly , when hee was fastned to the Crosse , there he payed the price and ransome for our sinnes : fiftly , when his side was opened with the speare , there was an issue made for the streames and riuers of grace : all these were done for our redemption , and yet remaine for our instruction . By the first we learne to labour in cutting off the vnlawfull desires of sinne : by the second , to mourne with sighes and groanes for our sinnes : by the third , to mortifie the pleasures of the flesh : by the fourth , to be crucified vnto the world : by the fl●…t , to haue our harts wounded with a daily remembrance of his vnspeakeable loue . 3 The holy man Iob suffered as gre●…t tryals and troubles ( we thinke ) as great might be : but for all that , Christes were greater , for looke wee into his whole life , sée we therein euery age , goe we to euery place , where he was conuersant in , nay , take wee a view of his sacred person , and therein sée wee euery part suffering . Euery age : in his infancie how cold and hard was his cradle at Bethelem , how busie was he with the doctors in the Temple ? To come to further yéeres , what hatred did he endure most vndeseruedly of the Iewes , euen hatred vnto the death ? Euerie place : he suffered hunger in the Desert , resistance in the temple , sorrow in the garden , contumelies in the Iudgement Hall , and erucifying it selfe without the Citie . Euery part : his eyes suffered teares , his eares reproches , his tast suffred gal , his head pricking of thorus , his hands , the pearcing of nailes , his whole body is sacrificed as an offering for sin . Now there is no reason that the seruant should be aboue the maister . When Ionathans Armour-bearer sawe Ionathan goe vp the hard and steepie rockes , he told him he would goe with him : when we sée our Ionathan go before vs in the trauails & labours suffered for vs , should we not be emboldned to endure labours , though no way answerable vnto his ? yet such as are agréeable with the condition of our life , séeing wee are going into the land of promise by the desert of this world . 4 Strange it was , that Dauid a man after Gods own hart , as the scripture speaketh , should be so much afflicted as hee was : Strange it was , that Daniel a man beloued of God ( as the Angell told him , ) strange it was , I say that these of all others should be so much in labours and trauailes of the world , as they were ? But considering that the life of man is but as the dayes which goe before the Sabbaoth of rest , wee doe the rather lesse meruaile . We sée the Sonne of God himselfe treading the wine presse alone , and a man full of labours , as the Prophet speaketh we sée his dearest friends in the world , his owne Apostles , yea the blessed virgin her selfe found this life , no other but a state subiect to many and great sorrowes . What should we otherwise thinke of it , saith one , Tota vita Christiani hominis secundum Euangelium , Crux & martyrium . All the life of a Christian man , according vnto the Gospell , is no other but a Crosse , and martyrdome . This martyrdom , saith Isidore , is twofold , the one , In aperta passione , in open suffering , the other , In occulta virtute , in inward or hidden vertue , that is , a minde ready to suffer But how is it , saith S. Austen , that Christ cals those that labour , to refresh them ? How is his yoake swéete when hee cals from rest , to labour , and sends those that are at qu●…et to worke in his vineyard ? The rest that he giues ( saith the same Father ) is spiritual : Iohn is banished into Patmos , but Iohn heares melodie from heauen . 5 Besides these spirituall labours , wee knowe Adam in the time of innocencie laboured , and that God hath made nothing to be idle , that he will haue no Ciphers in his Arithmeticke , or slothfull seruaunts in his vineyard . Euery thing in nature doth accomplish his ende , by a kinde of motion , and therefore much more man of all other , who by slothfulnesse doth become a very burthen of the earth . For in this vice , wit , vnderstanding , and all honest endeuours lie buried , as it were , in a loathsome sepulcher , from whence ariseth the vnsauorie smell of corrupt manners . In that Christ our Sauiour called Peter and Andrew while they were fishing , Iames and Iohn while they were mending their nettes , wee may gather howe he liked of labour , and thought them fitte for a laborious profession . Homo natus ad laborem , man is sayde to be borne to labour , and therefore not to rest while hee is héere . Scipio banished all idle Souldiours , and vnprofitable people from his campe : hee sound it true by experience in the course and continuance of his warres , which the Romaines had with them of Carthage , that whilest they had enemies in Affricke , they knewe not what vices meant in Rome . The Christian mans life , as it should of all others be farre from vice , so withall should it bee from this slothfulnesse , the cause of vice . It was the Apostles rule , If anie would not labour , hee should not eate . 6 New betwéene these two , to wit , the labours of the minde and body , we sée what wee must frame our selues vnto for the time of our continuance here : we haue set our hand to the plough , and in the first place let vs take care of all other thinges , that Gods husbandrie goe forward well with vs , howsoeuer the world goe . This is the difference betwéene the labours of the righteous , and theirs , who wearie themselues in the way of vanity . When the Prophet speakes of trouble , which the first of these shall haue , hee speakes of deliuerance . The Lord deliuereth them , saith he , out of all : but of the other he speaketh after this manner , Great miseries remaine for the vngodly , and there is no mention at all made of their deliuerance . When hee speakes of sensuall men , he saith , Non sunt in laboribus , what was the sequell ? Ideo superbia tenuit eos . 7 Wherefore when the labors and sorrowes of this transitorie life gréeue vs , we may thinke of deliuerance , and of our arriuall to that place where no labours and sorrowes are . The husbandman , saith S. Iames , waytes for the fruites of the earth , & should not wee waite for the fruites of heauen ? We sée Merchants for gains , souldiours for tryumph , to put themselues into many dangers , and yet neither doeth the Merchant alwaies compasse his gaine , nor the souldiour alwayes tryumph : put case they doe , yet are they not long to enioy either , if the earthly souldiour doe this , what should the heauenly souldiour doe ? It falleth out otherwise in our labours , the gaine is certaine , the tryumph euerlasting : Quodhbet opus ( saith S. Ierome ) leue fieri solet cum eius praemium cogitatur : Euery work is made light , when the reward of the same worke is thought vpon . But here is a reward so great , that it cannot be measured , so precious , that it cannot be estéemed , so permanent , that no continuance of time can diminish it . Let vs call to minde how swéete fréedome is after a tune of bondage : It is said of the faithfull , that they shal sit with Abraham , & sitting presupposeth rest . The state of happines to come , is called in the Reucla●…ion , The Supper of the Lambe . The supper , and so the last refection after the labours of the day . Trauailers hauing but sorrie vsage at their first baite in their iourney are wont to say , well , the best is wee shall say at an other place : So when we perceiue we haue not much rest héere , we may say , we shall come one day where the entertainment will be ●…etter . God knowes what is sittest for passengers ; labour in the way , rest at the end of the way : it was the sentence of almighty God , the woman labour in the fruite of the wombe , the man labour in the fruite of the earth . 8 Though Ioseph spake a little hardly to his brethren , and made them for a time to trauaile to and fro , yet hee loued them neuer the worse . But these trauels and sorrowes are surely hurtfull vnto men . King Cyrus was not of that opinion , when for a punishment to the people of Sardis ; hee commaunded them to spend their time in gaming & feastings . Whereas the contrary hath the contrary effect , eight persons entred into the Arke , and eight only came forth againe at the end of that sorrowfull deluge . Noah and his children all this time little ●…hought of any other thing , then howe the world was now in the chastising , and therefore it was not a time for any other cogitations . 9 Hauing giuen our names vnto Christ , it remaineth that wee looke for labour ; to them assigneth he the crowne , who fight the battaile . When we suffer and endure trauailes in the world for righteousnesse sake , it sheweth that we are vnder Christes standard , our watchword is , Be constant vnto the end . It makes men suffer the more patiently , when they sée others suffer before them , but most of all Christians , who beholde Christ suffering before them , and for them . Is it méete that thy seruaunt should liue in pleasure , when thou art full of toyle and trauaile ? Is it fit that hee should lie at ease , and thou sweat in labours ? What reason is it then , O man , that séeing the Lord Iesus , who is so farre aboue all earthly monarks , as the greatest Lord is aboue his meanest seruants : Is it méet that he who is not onely thy maister , but thy maker , should passe his time in continuall trauaile , and thou in continuall e●…se ? Heathen men were wont to say , that the Ants who liue , and trauaile , and make prouision together , & haue no law neither , as S. Ambrose speaketh , to cōmaund them , doe shew men how to become fit members of a Common-wealth . But the care indéede of holy men , who were euer watchfull , prouident , industrious , doe teach vs to become fit members in that mysticall bodie , which is héere onelie militant . It was said vnto that laborious seruant , O thou good seruant , Thou hast beene faithfull ouer little , I will make thee ruler ouer much , enter thou into the ioy of thy Lord. Thus we sée Christ in labours , and trauailes of the world . Iob is fasting and sacrificing , while his children are banquetting . Such as repine at labours & trauailes , shew they make no other account , but to liue at al ease , and at quiet in the world , and forget how Adam hath left this heritage to his posterity , Labour , and sorrow . Certainly the labouring mans life is commendable , his estate is a remembrance of Adam created to worke , his body is refreshed with rest , his health is maintained by trauaile , his hungry morsels make him more thankfull to God , then the greatest delicates of the rich , his course bread , and small drinke bring healthfull nourishments . It was not Adams case alone , but it is the case of euery one in his calling . In sudore vultus tui , in the sweat of thy browes thou shalt eate thy bread . When the people were deliuered out of Egypt , God might haue soone brought them by a néerer way , into the land of promise , but it seemed good in his most diuine ordinance , that first they should for a time trauaile in the wildernes : we labour while we are here , and when this life is ended , Then blessed are the dead which die in the Lord , they rest from their labours . We are going to heauen , and heauen wee know suffereth violence . Chap. 11. Of Christes teaching the multitude , and his actions before he taught : which doth also teach vs what we should doe . AT sundry times , and in diuers manners ( saith the Apostle ) did God speake in olde time to our Fathers by the Prophets : but in these last dayes hath hee spoken vnto vs by his Son , whom he hath made heire of al things , who was the brightnes of his glory , of whom also the diuine voice frō heauen testified , Audite illum ▪ Heare him . Come we vnto his first Sermon vpon the Mount , which if wee deuoutly consider , saith S. Austen , we shall find therein contained whatsoeuer doth appertaine to the perfection of a Christian life : there sée that pouertie , which at one stroke doth cut downe by the roote all the solicitous desires of earthly thinges : there sée that méekenes , that doth vtterly exclude all hatred & contention amongst men : there s●… those teares that doe rebaptize the sorrowfull & repentant soule : there sée that hunger and thirst which doth bring euerlasting sa●…ietie : there sée that mercy that is euer helpfull to the necessity of men , and shall also receiue mercy from God : there see that peace that causeth all concord , and vnitie amongst the faithfull members of Christ Iesus . Last of all , there sée that patience that lifteth man aboue the starres of heauen , to whom these mistie clouds of this inferiour Region , and stormes héere beneath are as it were vnder his féete . 2 To procéed with his forme of teaching , which was , Tanquam habens potestatem , as one that had power and authority to pearce the very heart , as may appeare by those words : but I say vnto you , where hee spake as one that had power to commaund , and enioyne the heart . Who could looke into man , but the maker of man , or who could enioine a law to mans thoughts , but hee which knewe their thoughts ? The Iewes thinke , that onely a false oath was vnlawfull : no , Christ wil not haue them sweare at all , Let your cōmunication be , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , yea yea , nay nay . Whereupon Saint Basill , Yea in speech , and yea in hart : nay in speech , & nay in hart . Being asked of the Pharisies , whether it were lawfull for a man to put away his wife for euery cause ? They could soone answer him themselues out of Moyses law , concerning the giuing a b●…l of diuorce : our Sauiour sheweth the original of this , That it was permitted onely by reason of the hardnes of their harts , & therefore openeth the matter vnto his Disciples , and setteth downe as it were a full determination of this doubt , that he who putteth away his wife , ( except it be for fornication ) & marieth another , cōmitteth adulterie : and Saint Paul so taketh it without further scruple : The woman is bound vnto the man so long as the man liueth : By the lawe of coueting , the Iewes vnderstoode the outward signes , Non concupisces , id est , signa concupiscentis non facies , thou shalt not couet , that is , thou shalt not doe the signes of him that coueteth : Christ tels them there was more required in this law then so : for why , not onely the outward , but also the inward man must concur in the obseruation of the same , & therefore the very intention of the mind was to answer the default in Gods consistorie . But whence had our Sauiour this authority of teaching to moue all that heard him ? First , from a profound habite of heauenly wisedome : next from a most sincere manner of life he liued amongst men , this moued all that heard him . 3 To wade déeper into his doctrine , ( which was all along liuely , graue , and full of maiesty ) the Euangelists themselues doe sufficiently declare , and manifest as much , according to that replie of the messengers sent from the high Priests , Neuer man spake as this man speakes , or that of Saint Peter , Tu Domine habes verb●… vitae , Lord thou hast the words of life . For the subiect of his first doctrine , it tended to repentance , to prepare the way to Christ. Iohn preacheth repentance , as if repentance were the way to come to him : repentance makes vs finde the disease , & finding the disease , wee runne vnto the Phisitian : repentance makes vs féele the burthen , and when we féele the burthen , we flie vnto him that can ease vs : repentance makes vs accuse our selues , & if we accuse our selues héere , saith S. Austen , Sathan shall haue nothing to accuse vs héereafter . Iohn preached health ; Christ brought health : Iohn was a light , and a light is necessarie before day : Iohn was a voyce , and the voyce goeth before the word , the voyce vanisheth , the word abideth for euer . As Iohn taught repentance , so Christ also taught the same , to shew that this is necessarie doctrine for the state of man , who by repentance should oft times commune with himselfe , debating Gods cause against himselfe , and his owne cause with the mercie of God. Genus mortis est ( saith Saint Austen ) sine paenitentia viuere , a kinde of death is it to liue without repentance . Ahab thought Elias and his prophecyings did but trouble him , as in anie thinke of the doctrine of repentance : but he found , and they shall finde , it will be their owne sinnes that at the last shall trouble them . 5 But to goe forward , as his doctrine in this calling of sinners to repentance was most peaceable , so was it also easie , plaine , and perspicuous , euen when hee treated of the profoundest mysteries : wherein hee vsed neither pompe nor pride of affected eloquence , yet was it ponderous , without either feare , flattery , or by-discourses mixed with gall and bitternes : this plaine and perspicuous manner of spéech bare with it a maiestie , declaring from whom it came , manifested in that , hoc fac , et viues , doe this , and thou shalt liue . Hee disanulled not the law of Moyses , but rather ratified the same , that , speaking of the circumcision of the flesh , which was the signe : he , of the circumcision of the hart , which was the thing signified : in all which there was a powerful operation : the Disciples reasoned , Did not our hearts burne while he opened the Scriptures ? In this his teaching hee also vsed parables , a forme of instruction taken ( saith Saint Ierome ) from resembling one thing by another , which by a thing known , is wont to draw the hearers to a more plaine vnderstanding , of things vnknowne vnto them , notwithstanding vnto the peruerse more intricate , & mysticall , according to that in S. Mathew , Vnto you it is giuen to know the mysteries of the kingdome of heauen , vnto others in parables . 6 This one thing wee may withall learne for our Christian obseruation , that Christes actions were euery way answerable vnto his doctrine , his wordes preached holinesse of life , his works preached the same , Coepit facere & docere ( saith S. Luke ) he began to doe and teach : a long way by precepts , is by example oftentimes made short and easie . Hee fulfilled in his owne person whatsoeuer hee taught others to doe , that in him the world might haue a light , both of good teaching , and good following . 7 For the application héereof , and what wee may obserue by Christes teaching : first , that he was the very Prophet , whom God had promised by Moyses to raise , whom all should heare , and hearing follow . Wee often meruaile at their hardnesse of heart , who hauing Christ amongst thē , their eares were so dull they would not heare him , their eyes so blind they would not sée him , who came as hee ought to haue come according to all the prophecies of olde , let the Scriptures themselues in this case manifest as much , and let all gaine-sayers for euer be silent . In the next place , we may consider that Iesus Christ is the same for euer : many Christians would haue béene glad , if it had so pleased God to haue béene present with those eye-witnesses , in beholding their Redéemer : For what a ioy would the 〈◊〉 haue offered the beholders , his ●…enerable countenance , his gracefull behauiour , and to haue heard his most admirable manne ? of exhortation , which would haue made a Christian soule to dissolue it selfe , as it were , into commisera●… . 8 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ●…t all , for he had not so soone 〈◊〉 , but there was somewhat more behinde , which was , an et custodiunt , that is , a kéeping of those instructions that they heare : to shew that the scope of his teaching was not to haue his Auditors to heare onely or admire , but to kéep and follow ; not to discourse , but to practise ; for hee shewes that hearing , and kéeping , and blessing goe together . In the law were those cleane sacrifices which did chew the cud onely ? no , they must chewe the cud , and deuide the hoofe . Christ saith of Mary that heard the word , Mary hath chosen the good part , hearing is but a part , when the Prophet speakes of the Testimonies of Gods law , hee addeth this , In custodiendo merces magna , In kéeping of them there is great reward , he doth not say , in audiendo , in only hearing . The promises of saluation in holie scriptures are not so much layde forth to the hear●… , as to the 〈◊〉 ▪ practise to doe his Fathers will that sent : 〈◊〉 . Thus ▪ ●…he ioyned in one , doing and teaching ; so should wee , beléeuing and following : that so a right faith , and a christian life , which are as it were coupled together , wee should in no case seuer : You know these things , happie are you if you do them . What soeuer we professe , wee must not thinke to come to heauen by doing nothing worthy of our Christian calling . T is true ( saith Saint Bernard ) of good works , that they are not causa regnandi , the cause of raigning , yet are they , via ad regnum , the way to the kingdome : they doe 〈◊〉 inst●…e before God , yet sure they do glorifie God in his seruants . Chap. 12. Of Christes example in visiting the sicke , feeding the hungry , and curing all that came vnto him , doth lay before vs a most absolute rule of shewing mercy and compassion . WHether it were to beholde our Sauiours myracles , ( for so came manie of the people , Iohn , 6 , 2. ) or to be cured of their corporall maladies , so came a multitude , Luke 6 , 17. Whether it were of desire to commune with him , so came Nichodemus , Iohn , 3. 2. or of an affection to sée him , of whom so great fame went abroade , so came Zache , Luke 19. 3. Whether for these causes , or any other : so it was that a company of people all together , came flocking after our Sauiour in great aboundance , as when some skilfull Phisition repaireth to any populous Citie , the diseased of all other draw vnto him : so came they vnto Christ , who was able , not onely to cure their sicke bodies , but euen to raise to life againe their sick ( nay respecting the life of grace , their dead soules ) looking vpon all with the eye of mercie , shewing hee would not the death of a sinner , that came to die for sinners . 2 Ancient and latter records , make mention of an Epistle sent by Lentulus the Procensull vnto the States & Senate of Rome , in which he shewes them , of one Iesus , who appeared in Iurie , going about , doing good , and healing all of what infir●… y so euer they were taken . Iosephus affirmeth hee was a holy man ( if I may , saith he , call him a man. ) Iulian the Apostata himselfe confessed thus much of him , indéede , saith he , hee cured certaine blind men , and recouered some few that were diseased in bodie : yea Iulian , and that was enough to haue made thée sée him to be the sonne of God , hadst thou not béene obstinately blind . For was it euer heard since the beginning of the world , that any , gaue sight vnto men borne blinde , except Christ the redéemer of the world ? The great power hee shewed in healing onely by his worde , the diseases of the body , might haue moued thée to beléeue on him for the health & welfare of thy soule . Sae him , Iulian , doing such works , and if for no other cause , yet beléeue him for his workes sake . The Centurion had authoritie ouer his Souldiours , if hee said to one , goe , he goeth : to another , co●…e , and hee commeth . Christes authority was as absolute ouer all diseases : if he said , goe , they departed : if come , they obeyed , but chiefly was he wont to commaund them to depart : and not onely diseases , but euen his authority was the same ouer the deuils themselues , whom hee cast out , bringing many tormented creatures into their right minds againe . 3 Well did our sauiour Christ compare himselfe unto a Phisition , and so was he , for there was no disease so desperate but hee could s●…e it . He wrought manie 〈◊〉 ▪ 〈◊〉 when he cured the soule of 〈◊〉 hee wrought a cure indéed 〈◊〉 effecting whereof , hee 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 kindes of medicines : 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , by diet , when hee fa●…d fortie dayes and fortie nights . The seeg●… ▪ by Electuarie , wh●… 〈◊〉 most precious 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 his last supp●… . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 sweate , at his ag●…e in the 〈◊〉 . The fourth , by 〈◊〉 , 〈◊〉 his face was ●…etted 〈◊〉 by th●… Iewes . The fifth , by p●…tion , when he tasted vineger mixed with gall . The sixt , by letting of blood , when his hands and féete were pierced , yea , when his heartvaine was striken , his side goared with the speare . Heire was a cure of all cures , which all the Galenists in the world may admire with reuerence , and become his patients , who was such a Phisition for vs all . A strange kind of prescription he enioyned , euery one of his patients must kéepe it , Behold thou art made whole : sinne no more , least a worse thing come vnto thee . Christ hath wrought thy ●…re , thy c●…re must be to obserue a good dyet , for the time to come , because the relapse is wont to prou●… dangerous . 4 And héere we may not omit to obserue the 〈◊〉 of Christes curing : hee sayth vnto the sicke man in the second of Saint Marke , ●…nne , thy sinnes are forgiuen th●… . The woman of Canaan 〈◊〉 , Some of 〈◊〉 , haue ●…cy 〈◊〉 mee : my daughter is ●…rcy on c●…se of her 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 sicknes . The prophet Dauid saith , propter i●…quitatē corripuisti hominē , Thou hast corrected man for iniquity . Achior said to Holofernes , enquire if this people haue offended their God , otherwise all our warring wil come to nothing , vnlesse he send a punishment vpon them for their sins . Which made Saint Ierome to say , Nostris peccatis barbari fortes facti sunt , By our sins are these Infidels made strong : and therfore a mean to lessen our punishments , is to lessen our sinnes . 5 But to consider a little farther Christes taking pittie and compassion vpon the miserable , when some earthly King wil visite his subiects , and people vnder him , they all by way of gratulation bring him presents , and offer the best gifts they can deuise : but when the King of heauen came to visite his people , they bring him in beds ( saith the Euangelists ) all that were diseased , those were Christes presents , and he tooke them in good part too , when they were presented vnto him . It is said of Dauid in the first of Samuel and two and twentieth , that all who were indebted , distressed , or of a sorrowfull mind , came vnto him . When we come vnto Christ , wee come vnto him , to whom Dauid himselfe came , when he was distressed . The blind man threw off his sorie cloake to runne to Christ. The Centurion comes for his sick seruant , it was a thing commendable to haue a care of his seruant in time of his sicknes . A man that was deafe & dumbe is brought vnto him , Christ openeth his eares , looseth his toong , shewing him the best vse thereof , Goe , and giue glory vnto God. When the Leaper came vnto him and saide , Lord , if thou wilt , thou canst make me cleane : why Leaper ? hadst thou come néere any of the Pharisies , there was no other to be looked for , but away : thou mayest not approach towards the Congregation , I wil in no case touch thée . Leaper , Thou art vncleane . What doth Christ ? he gently stretcheth out his hand , which was liberalitie against the couetous , which was humility against the proude , which was pitty against the enuious , and last of all powerfull against the incredulous . If thou wilt ( sayeth this Leaper ) thou canst make me cleane ? yes , hee would , nay would to God wee were but so willing as Christ is . He touched him , he healed him . When the Phisition recouers the sicke , who hath the benefite , the sicke party , or the Phisition ? The Centurion thought Christes word was enough , and this Leaper that his will was enough : how willing hee was to doe good , we may sée in that when the sicke were not able to come vnto him , hee went himselfe to visite them , as hee did to Peters wiues mother , and the rulers daughter . 6 Amongst other workes of mercie , his deliuering those who were possessed of deuils was most admirable , and none knew the benefite héereof better , then those who were partakers of this benefit . The euil spirits crie out : Iesus , thou Sonne of God , what haue we to doe with thee ? Sure indéede : They had nothing to doe with Christ , but Christ had to doe with them , to wit , to cast them out from men into Swine . Questionlesse ( saith S. Austen ) vnlesse men did liue like Swine , Sathan could neuer enter into them , Christ once cast out euill spirits , and there are ( saith Cassianus ) many euill spirits which wee beséech him daily to cast out as the spirit of pride , the spirit of fornication , and such other . Christ cast out seauen deuils out of Marie Magdalen , and so many soule vices , as 1. pride , 2. couetousnes , 3. luxurie , 4. enuie , 5. wrath , 6. incontinencie , 7. sloth , doth his grace daily cast out from us , and still he is casting forth euill spirits . 7 Another testimonie of his most louing affection toward the sonnes of men , was his often refreshing the hungry : for he would not send them away without refreshing , and specially in the wildernes , a place otherwise farre 〈◊〉 to procure foode for a multitude , and therefore hee vsed the word , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , misereor , I haue compassion : this hee spake when the people had now farre to goe , and therefore without releese might haue fainted by the way . By all that which hath béene laid downe , the nature of the sonne of God is discouered vnto vs , how much he tendereth mans welfare , and specially how readie hee is to be helpfull to all distressed persons , what infirmitie so euer they haue . 8 Hence we learne , first of all to acknowledge his goodnesse : secondarilie , to haue recourse vnto him in time of néed , and thirdlie , to be mercifull vn to others by his example , who hath béen mercifull vnto vs. The Apostles of our Lord saw by his déede , and heard by his doctrine , how much hee would haue them respect the necessitie of the miserable . Beati misericordes , blessed are the mercifull ( ●…th hee ) and if he say . It shall be said vnto those naked clothers , Come receiue the kingdome prepared for you . The holie Ghost compares our deed●… of charity vnto séede sowen ; they that sow plentifully , that is , poe giue plentifully . Now we know that after sowing , in time comes the haruest , and when the harnest comes , there are many for one , & the husbandmans sowing is recompenced : ●…éepe our seede by vs , it wil corrupt : cast it forth , we shall haue encrease . By this , there is a kind of giuing , which may be called gayning . The rich man in the Gospell , cared for ●…ing his Barnes , the Scripture calleth him foole , hee neuer cared for ●…ing the best Barnes , to wit , the bellies of the poore . Wee may not think ( saith S. Chrysostome ) that God made rich men for the profit of the poore , but God made the poore for the profit of the rich : make you friends ( saith the scripture ) of wicked m●…mmon , as if rich men should their best friends , when they come to be receiued into euerlasting habitations : for God ( saith Gregorie Nisen ) séemes for to make them Porters of heauen . Abraham and Lazarus , rich and poore , both together by the grace of God , and héede taken in time , shall reioyce together in the kingdome of heauen . 9 What more praise worthy in a Christian man , then where God hath blessed , industrie gathered , and frugality saued ; there by charitable deedes of mercy , to pittie the distressed case of others , séeing Christ accounteth this as done vnto himselfe ? When I was hungry , you fed me : if this may not moue vs to be charitable and shew mercy ; good Lord what may ? Whence is it ( saith Nazianzene ) that we liue , that wee know God , that wee looke for another world , and ioyes in the same ? Who hath granted vs to looke vp and behold the heauens , the circle of the Moone , the m●…titude of the starres ? who hath giuen vs the course of times and seasons , the spacious ayre , the showers , fruites , meates , mansions , lawes , ordinances to containe vs within the bounds of ciuill societie ? who hath giuen vs lands , hereditaments , cattaile , goods possessions ? but euen hee who would haue vs merciful vnto others , as himselfe hath beene mercifull vnto vs ? And therfore to conclude with the same father , O man , giue som what vnto man : nay , giue somthing vnto God. Chap. 13. Of , the great meekenes of the Sonne of God , in bearing the reproches of the world : which may be an instruction vnto vs of suffering the like patiently . IN all discomforts of the world wee learne by this to comfort our selues , when wee call to mind that Christ and wee are partners : & that he hath vouchsafed to make vs ( vnworthy that we are ) his fellow sufferers , of which suffering of his , how great that was which he shewed with all meekenes in bearing the reproches of the Iewes , that of the Prophet doth specifie , They rendred me euill for good , and hatred for my good will. And here consider we these together , when he did miracles , he was a sorcerer : when he cast out deuils , it was done by the power of the deuils ; when he reprooued sinners , he was a seducer : when he receiued sinners , he was their fauourer : when hee healed the sicke , hee was a breaker of the Sabbaoth : what , and how manie vniust contumelies endured he of the Pharisies , who sometime cast him out of the Citie , accused him of blasphemie , cried out vpon him , that he was a man not worthy to liue amongst thē ? Reading the Euangelises , wee shall find , that all this Christ patiently put vp at his aduersaries hands , when he was reuiled he reuiled not againe , but was as a Lambe before the shearer , as the Prophet Esay speaketh . 2 Come we to his passion , and what hart is able to conceine the milde suffering of the Sonne of God ? there shall we find his eyes full of teares , his mouth full of gall , his eares full of contumelies , his heart full of sorrowes , and amidst all , himselfe praying for his persecutors : there is hee derided and scorned , Come down from the crosse , if thou be the Son of God. Whence ( saith Gregorie ) si tune descendisset , nimirum insultantibus cedens , virtutem patientiae non ostendisset : expecta●…t paululum , tolerauit opprobria , i●…isiones sustinuit , patientiam seruauit , distulit admirationem , & qui de cruce descendere noluit , de sepulchro resurrexit : plus igitur est de sepulchro surgere , quam de cruce descendere ; plus fuit mortem ●…surgendo destruere , quam vitam descendendo seruare : If Christ when hee was reproched , had come downe from the crosse , giuing place to those who insulted ouer him , where had the vertue of patience béene ? he expecteth a while , suffereth a little reproches , and derisions that were offered him , and he that would not come downe from the crosse , rose by from the sepulcher , and that was a greater matter to arise frō the sepulcher , then to come down from the crosse , to destroy death by rising , then to saue ufe by descending . Of whose patience also Cyprian speaking , saith , Oh how humbly did hee giue place to his persecutors ? how quietly bare he the reproches offered ? hee was crowned with thornes to crown martyrs with glory , he was fed with g●…l to giue vs Manna frō heauen , he was loaded with reproches to cleare vs of blame : in the ninth of S. Luke , when his disciples would haue had him cal for fire from heauen as Elias d●… , hee answered them méekely , nescitis cuius estis spiritus , you know not of what spirit you are , or you cannot discerne betwéene spirit , and spirit . That of the olde Testament , and this of the new : that of requiring punishment vpon our enemies , this of forgiuing them . In the Gospell by Saint Iohn we read , for all that the people a little before were ready to stone him , yet Christ goes by and by to teach and instruct them , as if hee cleane forgat any wrong intended at all against him . 3 If euer we call our best attention to obserue , then let vs doe it in obseruing Christs patience , in bearing the reproches of the world , séeing wee liue not without some contuinelies amongst men , for howsoeuer we liue wee may looke for no other . The people , though Moyses did neuer so much entreate for them , yet they stung him with their tongues , but God stung them for it with the tongues of flerie serpents . Ioseph ( saith Saint Ambrose ) had two great troubles at once , the one was temptation , the other calumniation : the temptation he ouercame , but the calumniation was sorrowfull for the time . Dauid had many hard wordes when Shemei did curse him : Dauid beares all and bethinks himselfe , if this were not a chastisement sent from God. Fulgentius a reuerent prelate being much iniuried by some Arrians , when he was willed to conuent these malicious men before the magistrate : no , quoth he , I referre my cause to another tribunall : Tertullian sheweth how the Christians bare with admirable patience all reproches , and Cyprian saith , that their prayers were , that those who persecuted them for a time , might at last come to the knowledge of God , & so reioyce with them for euer in heauen . Thus after the example of Christ , haue the godly endured the hard vsage of the worlde , though the Seas rage , and the waues beate against the rocke , they hurt not the rocke , but are themselues turned into froath . Mention is made of those who write the natures of things , that the hearb Dyanton , though you throw water neuer so often vpon it , you shall notwithstanding , euer find it drie . The waters of tribulation may be poured out vpon the patient , but they euermore are the same . When certaine heathen men asked a Christian , what fruite hee had by Christ ? is not this fruit , said he , not to be mooued at your reproches offered ? 4 In this case , men must refer all to God , Si tu tacueris , Deus loquitur : if thou hold thy peace , God speaketh for thée , & if God speake for thee , it shal be better then thou canst speake for thy selfe . Christ willed the man that was cured to carie his bed , and as he caried his bed , hee caried reproches too ; who being a diseased man , lay without any one grudging against him , as the blind man , he , nor his parents were euer troubled of the Iewes while he continued in this blindnes . Ezechiel must be a companion of Scorpions : the prophet Dauid sheweth that his enemies had sharpned their tongues like swords . God remoue enuie from the minds of christian men , for it is a diabolicall vice , & bringeth forth malicious contumelies , and the enemie of man hath his name of accusing , or speaking 〈◊〉 of others . In the law it is said , Non male dices surdo , thou shalt not curse or speake euill of any deafe man : and what else is hee whom thou ●…amest in his absence ? The leaper was kept vp seauen dayes , that none should vnaduisedly say hee was a leaper , without triall : nay , hee must be kept vp seauen other dayes , that it might plainely appeare whether it were so or no : to shew , it must be long before wee censure others . Séest thou any fast , saith S. Austen , praise him not by and by , it may be done for glory : and take héede on the other side thou dispraise him not , for this may be of his deuotion to God , and true holines to him . They were the wicked Philistines that paid out Sampsons eyes , to mocke and scoffe at blind Sampson . It was the spéech of the proud Pharisey , Non sum velut hic publicanus : I am not as that publican : a fancie there is crept into the mindes of many , to discourse of their owne profession , and to discouer other mens faults ; like some kinde of flies , that if there be any sore part in a sound body there they light : The prophet Dauid likens these to the Aspe , a beast that is quick of hearing , but very ill sighted , weake , and yet full of poyson : let these men remember the malediction of Cham , and the curse that came vpon the mockers of Elisha , and the reproofe of the Apostle , Why doest thou iudge thy brother ? much more , speake euill of him . 5 Trées well rooted beare all stormes , & good men know how to beare the reproaches of the world . Bene sibi conscius ( sayth Saint Ambrose ) a good conscience at home , is not so much moued with rumors abroade . The wind doth not carie vp and down the massie wheate , but the light chaffe . We cannot better bestow our patience then vpon rebukes , or more shew how we haue profited in the schoole of Christ , then by enduring euil sayings against vs. The thrée children walked vp and downe the flerie flames praysing God. The Apologie of the righteous man , is , Lord , whō haue I in heauen but thee ? Truth ( saith Tertullian ) is a stranger in earth , where it hath many enemies , and but fewe friendes . Patience is that soueraigne vertue that ouercomes all ; if patience be in our calamities , they are no calamities : this is that vertue that keepes the hart from enuie , the hand from reuenge , the tongue frō contumelie , and often ouercomes our enemies without weapons . 6 When thou séest the maister of the house himselfe called Belzebnb , why complainest thou of being iniuried and maligned ? Let God be God , and doe as séemes him best in bringing vs to heauen . Behold our Redéemer , when false witnesses came in against him , how hee was silent , and spake neuer a word . Hast thou béene striken ? Christ receiued first many strokes : art thou mocked ▪ so was he of the Souldiours , & Herods seruants ? Art thou betrayed of thy friend ? so was he of his own Disciple . Art thou falsly accused ? so was hee who was innocencie it self . O ye slow of heart , saith our Sauiour to his Disciples , know you not that he must suffer these things ? ( speaking of the Messias to come ) and so enter into glory . 7 Whereas the vulgat text hath Dilectus meus candidus , & ●…ubicundus , electus ex millibus : My beloued is white and ruddie , for ( ex millibus , of thousands ) some translations say , sub sign is ●…abens exercitū decē millium . Hauing vnder his banners an army of ten thousand : This whitenes is purity , this ruddines his passions , the ten thousand vnder his banners , the faithfull that follow him enduring afflictions . In the law , the Goat that must goe into the wildernes , must first be presented vnto the priest , who laying his hands vpon the head , and confessing the sinnes of the people , the Goate forth with must wander in the Desert : vpon him the iniquities of vs all were laid , how he wandered in the desert of this world , we are not ignorant , and what reproches hee endured amongst men , wee may not looke for other , but to endure sometime the hard censure of the world , which is for the most part ready to interprete all to the worst . If any be humble , he is an hypocrite : if of a plaine meaning , he is of no capacity : if merrie , he is dissolute : if silent , he is melancholy : if hee labour to doe good , he seekes praise : if hee will not flatter , he is proud : if he giue little , niggardly : if much , prodigall : if hee by mildnes exhort others , he is but luke warme : if he haue friends , enuied : if enemies , pursued : so what so euer he doth , hee must haue nowe and then at least some censure or other , it is no new custome for enuie to wait vpon the best of mens actions . Hee that was borne after the flesh , persecuted him that was borne after the spirit ; & euen so is it now , saith the Apostle . What this persecution was , Moyses telleth vs , surely no other but that Ismael was mocking Isaac . whence we see that mocking and speaking euill is a kind of persecution , which wee should suffer , sayeth Saint Peter , and why ? Christ suffered for vs , leauing vs an example , that wee should follow his steppes , who did no sin , neither was there any guile found in his mouth : who when hee was reuiled , reuiled not againe . Of all miseries in generall it is true , moriuntur miseriae , viuit homo : the miseries die , the man liues , the faithfull sée the end of miseries , as Abraham did the day of Christ , a longe , a farre off , or some long time before it came . Chap. 14. Of Christs most mild and peaceable conuersation amongst men , which is our Christian direction for passing our time in this world . FAthers are much delighted when they sée in their children , and ofspring , the feature & similitude of themselues , when we are humble and méeke , wee beare a similitude & resemblance of him who was the myrrour of all méekenes . Moyses was the ●…ldest amongst the children of men , yet in mildnes farre inferiour to the sonne of God , whose Angelicall life in the world was such , as all the world may admire . Behold ( saith Zacharie ) the King commeth in meeke manner . And Esay sayeth , Hee shall not quench the smoking fl●…x , or break the brusen Reed . When the Angell Gabriell brought message from the Court of heauen , concerning his conception and birth , the Angell came to Nazareth , which signifieth as set apart , so in some sense , & flower , conuement was it , that Christ so odoriferous a flower , should be conceiued at Nazareth which signifieth a flower , & there too of a virgine , so pure a flower ; and then too , when the spring began , a time of flowers . Christ was a flower for the séemelinesse of his peaceable conuersation , for the swéere sauour of his loue , for the fruite of his passion . This flower began to grow in his conception , to put forth in his birth ; to flourish in his most holy life . This flower withered for a time in his passion , but refloured more oriently againe in his resurrection . If thou wilt gather this flower ; follow then the steps of his sweete and peaceable conuersation : If thou wilt haue the operation héereof , applie vnto thy faith the comfortable sauour of his passion . 2 The Prophet Esay in the person of Christ , saith , Spiritus Domini super me , The spirit of the Lord is vpon me , for he hath anointed me , and sent me to shew peace . This was spoken long before he came , and this of the power of his comming , then shall the Lambe and the woolfe fée●…e together , euen nature & grace . Nowe when was hee borne , but in the raigne of Augustus , which , as histories shew , was a time of peace ? his doctrine that should be taught in the worlde , the Apostle calleth it the Gospell of peace : his Messengers that promulgate this doctrine , are saide to be the Messengers of peace : and he himselfe the Author thereof , is called the Prince of peace . To come a lit●…le to his conuersation , which was aunswerable to all this : When the blessed virgin began a little to expostulate the matter with him , for loosing himselfe ( as she thought ) in Ierusalem , he mildly answereth her , That he must goe about his Fathers busines . When Peter drew out his sword , and stroke a seruant of the high Priests cutting off his eare , Christ cured this seruant , and parted the fray with a peaceable admonition , Peter put vp thy sword . When the feast came that all went to Ierusalem , Christ stayed a little behinde , but for conformities sake he shortly followeth after : when hee spake of paying tole or tribute , Peter are the children free ? Yes Lord , yet goe Peter ( that we may offend no body ) Pay custome for thee and me . 3 Mercifull Lord , how mild a demeanour was this ? The Apostles were sorie when they heard him tell that hee should shortly depart from them , and so might they wel be , respecting the great benefit they had by his presence : for if at any time they were fearefull , he strengthned them ; if ignorant , hee instructed them : when they were moued to wrath , he appeased them : when he saw they were sorrowfull , he comforted them : when he foresaw their troubles in the world , hee prayed for them : when they were doubtfull what to do he directed them : when they did well , hee praised them : in a word , hee gouerned them as a Father , counselled them as a friend taught them as a maister , & in all his cōuersation so bare himselfe , as he wan their harts both to loue , & feare him . 4 For other sorts of men , and first for the Pharis●…es thēselues , hee would not refuse to eate and commune with them . When Nichodemus came vnto him , be entred into a familiar colloquie cōcerning regeneration , howe hee should be borne againe , a misterie to humaine reason . When another questioned with him of the chiefest commaundement in the law , he shewed him the summ●… of the law , which was , Loue God with all thy heart , and thy neighbour as thy selfe . For the inferiour sort of people , yea the very Publicans , a kind of men , which were of all others most out of grace with the world , when these resorted vnto him , hee receiued them , nay , when he saw Zacheus one of the chiefe of these Publicans , was but desirous to sée him , he would goe & abide in his house , more then be séene of him . What shall we say ? how méekely sate he vpon the ground talking with a poore woman of Samaria ? How graciously did he speak vnto the woman diseased with an issue of blood , she said within her selfe , yet Christ heard ; if I may but touch his vesture : shee touched Christ , and Christ by a sauing grace touched her . 5 By all this of our Sauiour , we learne many things , we sée that he who could haue called thousands of Angels in a moment , to auenge him of his enemies , would notwithstanding quietly remit all . We may obserue that hee who was Lord of heauen and earth , would for all that conuerse in sociable manner with the meanest of men , yea with sinners themselues : that hee who was fréed from the law , would for conformities sake shew all obedience to the law : that he was none of those crossing and tossing dispositions , who will liue and die in a strange moode of contradiction . Poore shéepe will liue peaceablie together , and men by vnnaturall bitternes séeke the ruine oftentimes one of other . A heathen Emperour forbad a couple of troublesome fellowes to take vpon them any more the name of Christians . These of all other should liue peaceably within themselues : First , because Christian men are members of one body , and members are ioyned together , and members suffer together , reioyce together . Secondarily , for that they are heires of one hope , which is to be partakers in one of the Kingdome of heauen , should an Hebrew smite an Hebrew ? 6 Christ restrayning the letter of the Law , which permitted the hating of our enemies , saith , Whosoeuer shall say vnto his brother , Racha , which word of indignation ah , signifieth a minde set vpon reuenge and trouble , shall be in daunger of a councell , as if hee would haue our very passions pacified , and therefore much more our implacable humors , our cholericke and hastie motions euer fretting & fuming , and set vpon reuenge : which make men in a heat and rage become furious , and in a manner ( saith Cassianus ) madde men . This was farre from his manners , from his spirit on whom the holy Ghost came in the similitude of a Doue . God neuer dwelleth any where but in the house of peace , where his spirit taketh vp residence as in his proper mansion , say peace be vnto this house , was the Apostles salutation . 7 Howe much it concerneth the condition of Christian men to be giuen to peace , and to passe their time in this world in withdrawing themselues from contentious desires , wee may from hence easily perceiue . O happie life voide of continuall stormes , which being farre from boyling enuie , and a restlesse desire of reuenge , with setting nought by the vaine pleasures of this worlde , can sit downe in a calme & quiet contemplation of God. Stories make mention of Cato , that after the age of flue and fiftie yeares hee left Rome , and withdrew himselfe to a little village néere to Picen , there he passed the residue of his life , for the most part accompanied with his bookes , onely sometimes hee would goe & labour in the fields and vineyards néere adioyning : being on a time forth , one comes and writes with a coale vpon his doore , O Cato , tu solus scis viuere ! O Cato , thou onely knowest howe to liue ! The like is said of Scipio Affricanus , in the greatest warres hee enterprised , he neuer lost battaile : and yet he made war in Asia , Europe , and Affrica , sacked Carthage ; when age came on , hee betooke him to a quiet and peaceable kind of life , and therein passed the rest of his dayes , esteeming that course of life more commendable then all the other . If heathen men haue so much addicted themselues vnto peace , what should they doe whom God hath called to a calling of peace , and therein to serue him truly all the dayes of their life ? 8 This notwithstanding , when the cause is iust , the authority lawfull , the intent good , that God may be glorified , a right continued , and imminent dangers auoyded , it is and may be lawfull for Christians to take armes , and so to doe is nothing contrary ( as some haue dreamed ) to Christian peace . God hath assisted iust warre , the crie of the people was , Gladius Domini & Gedeonis , the sword of the Lord and the sword of Gedeon , but say these men , Hee that strikes with the sword shal die with the sword : and vengeance is mine , I will reuenge : Indeede in the old testament it was true , accinge gladium tuum super femur , Gird thy sword vpon thy thigh : but in the new it is , pone gladium in vaginam , put vp thy sword into thy sheath : then the people entred into Canaan by weapons , but we into heauen without sword or shield , & therefore in no case we admit warre amongst Christians . True indéede ( saith S. Austen ) Bellum necessitas , pacem voluntas , warre of necessitie , peace voluntarie : and of the two , our Christian desires tend rather to peace , for warre is no blessing , but a punishment : but yet the premisses obserued , then vade & percute Amaleck , Goe and strike Amaleck , but in any case let not that 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 desire of superioritie be the cause . To answer the fancie of those men before mentioned , he which strikes with the sword , whose condition is priuate , may feele the stroke of the sword . To take vengeance in a cause of iustice , is appertaining properly vnto the publique magistrate , and so much doe those testimonies of holy scripture inferre . For the lawfulnes of warre , the practise of Constantine ( who by the assistance of God prospered héerein , and preuailed against Maxentius , not so much in multitude , strength , or knowledge , as by the diuine assistance ) doth manifest the same ; yet euer so , as Christians rather desire peace , and deliuerance from the disturbance , either of defensiue , but most specially of vnnecessarie and offensiue warres ; That there be no leading into captiuitie , nor no complaining in their streetes , happie are the people ( saith the Prophet ) that are in such a case , yea blessed are the people , whose God is the Lord. When the building of the materiall temple began to goe forward , all Israell came together as one man : when the spirituall temple began to be erected , Credentium erat vnum cor ; of the beléeuers there was but one hart : O that peace and vnitie might so preuaile , that strife and contention might be laide at rest , that once Christes last departure frō the world might be remembred : pacem meam relinquo vobis , my peace I leaue vnto you . Let this be Christians rule at enmitie with the serpent , at vnitie within our selues . If wee will néedes be crossing , would to God wee would crosse our euill affections , which are too ready to moue vs vpon euery light occasion to reuenge , to ●…r passionate , and to infame any that hath a shew of honestie . Pacem habeto cum hominibus ; cum vitiis bellum , haue peace with men , be at warre , ( if thou wilt néeds warre ) with thy owne vices . The oblations of the peaceable man are as Abels were , acceptable vnto God : wherefore , for all vnquiet passions , for all ambitious desires , or for all hasty of reuenge amongst vs Christians , may that of the Apostle be applied : I would to God they were cut off that trouble vs. Swéete is the life that is frée from boyling enuy , happy is that man that beareth miserie and hideth the s●…ine , that neither waxeth proud in prosperity , nor is too much cast downe with aduersity , but with that tranquility of mind which is wont to thanke God for all , passeth along peaceably to his eternall happines . While Salomon raigned , there was peace in Israel : while the grace of God doth rule and raigne in our harts , there is peace and vnitie in our liues . Chap. 15. Of the name of Iesus . IEsus in Hebrew is interpreted a Sauiour , a name attributed vnto the sonne of God , a name had in much honor ( saith Eusebius ) amongst the old Patriarkes , a name brought from heauen by the Angell Gabriell , for though in the olde law , others had the appellation of this name , as Iosuah the sonne of Naue , and the high Priest which came forth with the people after their captiuitie , yet had these their names no way comparable to this of our Lord and Sauiour : for they were onely Sauiours of the body , but Christ was a Sauiour of soules : The Prophet Esay saith , vocabitur tibi nomen quod os domini nominauit . Thou shalt be called by a name , as the mouth of God shall name thee . A new name , according to a new redemption . For those others to whom this name was giuen , they had it of men at the tune of their circumcision , this was giuen of God before the conception , in their names was included the sauing of a multitude of people from some worldly seruitude , but in this , of sauing people frō their sinnes , et vocabis nomen eius Iesum , And thou shalt call his name Iesus . O swéete name , who is so deafe that his eares are not filled with ioy ; who so dead , that hath not his senses raysed vp with delight , when hee remembreth the message of the Angell , And thou shalt call his name Iesus ? This name Iesus ( saith S. Bernard ) it is honey in the mouth , harmony in the eare , melodie in the hart : this name Iesus ( saith Anselme ) is a name of comforting sinners , when they call vpon him , therefore himselfe saith : Iesus , esto mihi Iesus , Iesus , be my Iesus : this name is aboue all names , First , for that it was consecrated from euerlasting . Secondarily , for that it was giuen of God. Thirdly , for that it was desired of the Patriarkes . Fourthly , for that it was foretold of the prophets . Fiftly , for that it was accomplished in the time of grace , magnified of the Apostles , witnessed of the martyrs , acknowledged and honoured shall it be of all beléeuers vnto the worlds end . This name Iesus , it is compared vnto oyle ; and oyle hath these properties , it suppleth , it cherisheth , it enlightneth , it maketh look chéerefully ; so doth this name of Iesus , it suppleth the hardnes of our harts , it cherisheth the weakenes of our faith , it enlighteneth the darknes of the soule , dispersing the foggy mists of discomfort : & last of all , it maketh man looke with a chéerefull countenance , as the Prophet Dauid speaketh , it makes him looke chéerefully towards the throne of grace . Our Lord hath many diuine resemblances in holy scriptures , or names to expresse his nature , sometimes hee is called a shepheard , for that hee watcheth his flocke ; somtimes a Captaine , because he defendeth his armie ; a Prince , in that he gouerneth his people ; a light , because hee illuminateth those that are in darknes ; a dore , by which men doe enter ; a rocke vpon which they doe build : but in briefe , this name Iesus includes all . 2 This name Iesus , is a name of intercession : Whatsoeuer you aske the Father in my name : and therefore may that of the Prophet be remembred , Not vnto vs , Lord , not vnto vs , but vnto thy name giue the praise ; If God did so much for Abraham , for Moyses & Dauids sake , what shall he do for Iesus sake ? This name Iesus , is a name of power , for in this name the Apostles gaue strength vnto the weake , health vnto the sicke , and wrought manie other great miracles . Domine quam admirandum est nomen tuum ? Lord how wonderfull is thy name in all the world ? This name Iesus , is a name of inuocation , not onely in a time of distresse , while we are liuing , to say with the blind man , Iesu thou sonne of Dauid haue mercie vpon me : but with the blessed martyr Saint Steuen , in our last extremities when we are dying , Domine Iesu accipe spiritum meum , Lord Iesus receiue my spirit . 3 But howe is it that at the hearing of other names of God , as Elohim , Elohah , El , Eli , Elion , Iehouah , ●…ah , Adonai , Shaddai , Zebaoth , which signify his name , essence , power , omnipotencie , we are not so much moued : and at this name Iesus ( the Apostle saith ) euery knée shall vowe , not only the k●…s of our hart ( which at this name should bow & tend indéede ) but euery knée ? the Apostle goeth further , saying , Of things both in heauen and earth , and vnder the earth : but why at this name of God aboue other ? because this name cost much when it was bought by the blood , by the honour , by the life of the sonne of God himselfe , and seeing it cost such a price , we ought with all reuerence to be thankfull for it , he humbled himselfe in procuring it , and wee therefore in receiuing it . Iesus , a Sauiour , therefore God ; Christ annoynted , and so the holy one of God : Iesus in Hebrew for the Iewes , Christ in Greeke for the Gentiles : Iesus to saue sinners , and Christ in respect of vs to kill sinne , saith Bonauentura . It is the property of a Sauiour , first to encounter with the enemie . Secondly , to helpe with counsaile : thirdly , to giue strength : fourthly , not to saue once but still : fiftly , not one , but many : sixtly , not for a time , but for euer : all which our Lorde Iesus hath fully accomplished . And sure most cōuentent was it , that he who came to saue sinners , should haue a name answerable thereunto . For names ( saith Isidore ) were giuen of olde according vnto the properties of the persons named . And therefore Abraham was so named , because hee should be the Father of many Nations . Esau rough , because such were his maners , & actions , & conditions . Abishahar , brother of mourning , because such were his passions . Aristarchus a right & good gouernour , who was cōpanion to S. Paul. So to omit many other , wee see names were giuen to expresse the principall properties of those who were named , & therfore this name Iesus , a name of sauing , of which the Apostle sayth , There is no other name giuen vnder heauē , wherin we may bo saued . The blinde man saide in the ninth of Saint Iohn , The man that is called Iesus did so , & so vnto me . Festus speaking of Saint Pauls doctrine , and the sum therof : It is , saith he , of one Iesus , who was dead , & Paul affirmes to be aliue . Yea Festus , this one Iesus was hee , that liues and raignes for euer . 5 In this name ( saith Saint Iohn , when hee sayeth for his name ) are our sinnes forgiuen vs , & they circumcised the child the eight day , & called his name Iesus . The child what humilitie was héere , when so high a Lord accepted so small a name ? They called his name , not gaue him this name . Wee reade in the Gospel , that the euill spirits did shake & tremble at his presence , and no meruaile , for assuredly his very name is a terrour vnto them , and men of experience , and good proofe doe affirme as much of this blessed name , Iesus . 6 In the old law Iesus was the expectation of Nations , but in the new , Iesus is the saluation of the Nations . If at anie time we haue lost Iesus , what should wee but with Mary and Ioseph séeke him sorrowing ? O swéete Sauiour ( saith S. Bernard ) Si non inuentus es inter cognatos tuos , quomodo inueniam te inter cognatos meos ? If thou wert not found amongst thy own kindred , howe should I looke to finde thee amongst my kindred ; or if thine owne mother found thée not but sorrowing , shall I finde thée in reioycing ? but what are wee without Iesus ? and therefore how should wee séeke him ? When Iesus is present , all is well , nothing seemeth difficult , but when Iesus is absent , all is hard and vneasie : when Iesus speaketh not inwardly , vile is all our consolation , but when Iesus speakes one word onely , there is felt great comfort . Did not Mary Magdalen straight arise from the place whereon shee wept , when Martha said vnto her , The Maister commeth , & calleth for thee ? Happie honour when Iesus calleth from teares to ioy . Howe dry and hard art thou without Iesus ? How foolish and vaine , if thou couetest any thing without Iesus ? Is not this greater losse then if thou haddest lost the whole world ? What can the world bestow without Iesus ? to be without Iesus , is a gréeuous hell , and to be with Iesus , is a swéet Paradise : If Iesus be with thee , no enemie can hurt thee : if Iesus be from thée , no friend can helpe thee : he is most poore that liueth without Iesus , and hee most rich who is well with Iesus . There is great Art to knowe howe to be conuersant with Iesus , and wisedome to learne how to possesse him : be humble and at peace , and Iesus will be with thée : be deuoute and quiet , and Iesus will not depart from thée , thou mayest driue Iesus away , and loose his grace : if thou decline to externall thinges , and if thou hast lost him , to whom wilt thou flie ? what friend wilt thou séeke ? without a friend thou canst not long continue : and if Iesus be not thy friend before all , thou wilt be heauie and desolate . Thou dost therefore foolishlie , if thou repose or reioyce in anie other , thou oughtest rather to haue the world thine enemie , then to offend Iesus : wherefore of all things deare vnto thée , let Iesus be especially beloued . All things for Iesus , and Iesus for himselfe : for him , and in him let all bee alike vnto thee . Sée thou neuer desire to be praised or loued singularly , for this appertayneth onely to Iesus , who hath not his equall : neyther let another possesse thee , or dwell in thine heart . Be pure , and at inward libertie , without the implicatures of the worlde , if thou wilt bare thy heart to Iesus , and see how swéete the Lord is . 7 Finally , thou oughtest not to be cast downe by any aduersitie , but patiently to endure all that shall happen , remembring this happy name , Iesus , to which thou mayest flie , as to a Citie of refuge . Iesus is the ioy of vs Christians , hee was borne for vs , giuen to vs : he was the price of our ransom , & therfore our redeemer : he was the Author of our being , the worker of our wel being , & therfore whatsoeuer we doe ( saith the Apostle ) let vs doe all in the name of the Lorde Iesus , In nomine Iesu , must be the beginning : In auxilio Iesu , must be the prosecuting : In laudem Iesu , must be the concluding . It was once said vnto the blessed virgine , and it is still said to the beléeuing soule , Ecce conci●…ies , behold , thou shalt conceiue and beare a child , and thou shalt call his name , Iesus . Chap. 16. Of Christes teaching his Disciples to pray , and of that diuine forme of prayer , so often to be vsed of all deuout Christians . THrée principall exercises there are before other of our Christian pietie before God and man , almes , fasting , and Prayer . These we vse as medicines , to cure euils past , to driue away those that are present , and to preuent such as are to come ; Almes , and fasting as two winges , cause our prayers to soare vpward : yet , saith Saint Austen , wee see that all cannot giue almes , for that some labour with want : all cannot fast , for some are faint by reason of natures imbecilitie : but all may pray , if not with sound of words , yet with the affection of the mind , according to that of the Prophet . My sighings are not hid frō thee . Whence wee sée that by our very grones , our deuotion hath a vent , and the sparkes goe vp to heauen . 2 Wonderfull was the prouidence of Almightie God , in ordering all things that did appertaine vnto the Tabernacle , there was not any particular thing about it , but an expresse forme was set downe , how , and after what manner it must be done . Now wee haue not a materiall Arke or Tabernacle , ( for these were shadowes of thinges to come ) wee haue a forme of worshipping God more excellent , with all things appertaining to this worship . Christ our Sauiour hath set all things in order about this Tabernacle , and first of all concerning our first sacrifice héere to be offered , that is to say , prayer : this he layeth down , with many circumstances , as by the prayer of the Publican , to pray with humility , by the parable of the widdow , to pray with importunacie , by his cōmendation of the woman of Canaan , to pray with feruency , by his refuting the pharisies , for their desire to be séen praying , to pray secretly in our chambers , & other such like directions for praier : Wherby we may see that our deuotiō is no by-matter , whereabout the sonne of God is long instructing vs. 2 Now Christ beginneth , to teach his Disciples a forme of prayer : when you pray , Sic orate : Pray after this maner , Our Father , and so forth . Surely a most diuine forme of prayer aboue all other in the world , and so much the more excellent , by how much the more the Author theref is aboue men , and Angels . S. Austen calleth it , A prayer of prayers , Tertullian , a Breuiary of our faith . O what prayer ( saith Saint Cyprian ) is more gracious with the father , thē that which is deliuered vnto vs of the sonne ? and howe comfortably may wee pray , when we doe not onely vse his own name to countenance our sutes , but euen his owne words : And heere wee may obserue , that Christ setteth downe a prescript forme of prayer , to shewe vnto vs that all our prayers should not runne vpon indigested words , and sencelesse Tautologies , as many vnwisely haue dreamed of voluntary praying , which doth much detract from this excellent part of Gods worship . In the sixt of the booke of Numbers , almighty God layed downe vnto the Priests a direct forme howe to blesse the people : In the second of Ioel , the verie words are mentioned , which penitent finners should vse in their conuersion to God , and héere Christ ( we sée ) prescribes a forme of prayer , which for diuision sake , may branch it selfe into a proem , and seauen seuerall petitions adioyned vnto the same . When you pray , say after this manner , Our Father which art in heauen . This proeme may inclusiuely be vnderstoode at the beginning of euery petition . In that Christ teacheth vs , to call God Father , we are in the first place emboldened to make our sutes vnto him : least we might say as Abraham , what be we which are but dust & ashes , to speake vnto God ? but when we consider him as a Father in the very beginning of our prayers , wee acknowledge his bounty , and grace . For first this name of Father , is a name to moue vs to come vnto him : The wandring sonne said , Ibo ad patrem , I will goe to my Father . Secondarily , it is a name of priuiledge , he hath giuen vs ( saith the Apostle ) his spirit whereby we crie , Abba , Father . Thirdly , it is a name of prouidence , your heauenly Father careth for you . But how come wee to call God by a name of loue , of priuiledge , of prouidence ? surely he that willed vs , to call him Father , hath made him our Father , Potestatem dedit , &c. Hee hath giuen vs power to become the sonnes of God. In the olde lawe , God is called by the name of a Lord : ego Dominus , I the Lord , there his people are called seruaunts ; now from the name of Lord he is called Father , his people , from seruants are become sonnes , and all by the meanes of Christ : Ascendo ad patrem meum & patrem vestrum , I ascend to my Father and your Father . Now calling God Father , as it is a name of dignity ( for it is thought to goe well with children of a rich and louing Father ) so is it a name of duty , and as he hath the properties of a Father , to loue , to care for , to pitty : so should we haue of children , to honour , to serue , to obey : least it be said as it was once of some , Nutriui filios , I haue nursed children , and they haue rebelled against me . 4 Againe , as we say Father , so say we our ; as if when we pray , we pray all in one ( saith S. Cyprian ) noster Pater , our Father , a forme of prayer presupposed to be said of many : Let not the rich or mighty despise the poore , it pleaseth Christ to haue vs all together to call God our Father , and therefore none ought to disdaine other , and as wee say our Father , so in that wee mention him to be in Heauen , wee confesse what maner of father we meane , to wit , heauenly , and that we be not degenerate children , we shold be heauenly too . In heauen , what more powerful then to haue a Father in heauen ? In heauen , & therefore howsoeuer we are distressed in earth , the comfort is , we haue a Father in heauen : In heauen , and therefore if our Father be in heauen , then is our inheritance in heauen . In heauen , and therfore praying wee lift vp our eyes vnto the h●…s , as the Prophet speaketh . In heauen , not as placing his diuine power onely there , which filleth heauen and earth : but we say in heauen , because there chiefely his glory doth shewe it selfe , there he blesseth the Saints and Angels : Well then ( sayth S. Austen ) we haue a Father in heauē , let vs not cleaue to things héere in earth , and thus much of the proeme . 5 In the first of the seauen petitions , we say . Sanctificetur nomen tuum , Hallowed be thy name . Beginning to pray , wee forget our owne necessities , and make a petition for Gods glory , we remember wee haue the dignity to be children , being children of such a Father , therfore by and by we pray for our Fathers glorie , Sanctificetur nomen tuum , hallowed be thy name : Christ sought his Fathers glory , and Christians seeke his glory , and the hallowing of his name : it is said of the wicked , polluistis nomen meum , you haue polluted my name . In that wee pray that Gods name should be hallowed , it is not but that Gods name was holy from euerlasting , Be you holie , as I am holy , but in this , we pray that the name of God may be hallowed both of vs. and in vs : of vs , when we say , vnto thy name giue the praise , in vs when we liue worthy of him . Manie haue had a great & mighty name , but none a holy name , except God , & therfore we pray , halowed be thy name , not so much that we hallow it , as Sanctificetur , let it be hallowed , that all Iewes , and Infidels may honour God , that his name may be hallowed , From the rising of the Sunne vnto the going downe thereof . 6 In the second petition wee pray , adueniat regnum tuum , thy kingdom come , and this petition we vtter and mention ( saith S. Chrylostome ) animis eleuatis , with windes lifted vp . Séeing we haue a Father , and a Father which hath an inheritance for vs , & this inheritance is in heauen , we therefore pray that wee may once come to the enioying héereof , saying , adueniat regnum tuum , thy kingdome come . Séeing wee are héere in the way where all is wearines , & on the contrary side , knowing our inheritance is aboue , loue which is impatient of delay , makes vs desire the comming of this kingdome . Now as there is regnum gloriae , a kingdome of glory : so is there also regnum gratiae , a kingdome of grace . And as wee doe pray , bidding all earthly riches and delights and honours farewell , for the cōming of the kingdome of glory aboue vs , so also do wee pray , leauing all sinfull desires for the cōming of the kingdome of grace within vs , that is , that his spirit may rule & raigne in our hearts , and there haue the preheminence , ruling and gouerning vs as his subiects . And héerewithall wee pray also , pro regno ecclesiae suae , for the kingdome of his Church , that whereas Christ is called a King , and his kingdom in the world is spirituall , we pray that his Scepter may sway , that all may yéeld obedience & faith to his gouernment , reiecting the tyrannie of the prince of darknes , & for all these seuerally , or altogether , we pray , adueniat regnum tuum , thy kingdome come . 7 In the third petition , wee pray , Fiat voluntas tua , thy will be done : this may be called a petition of duty : for séeing wee exspect in time to come a kingdome in heauen , our dutifull desire is to doe his wil , who giues vs this kingdom while we remaine here in earth . Like that of the Apostle , Lord what wilt thou that I doe ? as if hee were ready to doe his will who called him . Thy will be done , that is , not our obstinate & rebellious wils , but Lord thy wil : Impiorum est ( saith S. Chrysostome ) volumus , & nolumus : we wil , and we wil not ( say the wicked ) but thy will be done , the godly say . There is nothing either more fondly loued , or more hardly resisted then our owne wils , therefore our desire is that wee may crosse our owne wils , referring all to the will of God. And this petition we pray with a sicut , saying , Thy will be done in earth , as it is in heauen : This doth shew the feruentnes of our desire to do the wil of God : those of that ioyfull assembly doe thy will aboue , and we desire to doe thy will beneath , or to begin for a time to doe that héere on earth , which thy Saints & Angels doe for euer in heauen . 8 Because we cannot continue the doing of Gods will héere in earth , without things necessarie for our earthly condition , therfore in the fourth place we pray , Panem nostrum quotidianum da nobis hodie , giue vs this day our daily bread : wherein first wee acknowledge , that we wholy depend vpon Gods prouidence , to receiue all thinges necessary for the preseruation of the life present . Secondarily , that wee craue them at his hands , when we say , da nobis , giue vs , according to that of the Prophet , Te dante nos colligimus , thou giuing , we gather . And therefore with his giuing , our endeuoring ; with Gods encreasing , Paules planting . Giue , an action of liberality and loue , giue vs our bread , panem nostrum , panem filiorum , our bread , not ours as due , but our bread , or the bread of vs thy children , which thou art want to bestow , and in mercie to giue , quotidianum , daily bread : or as some say , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , super substantialem , our supersubstantiall bread . Wee pray to day , Giue vs this day our daily bread , and if we liue till to morrow , we pray the same againe , as if euery day wee looke vp vnto God , that he in sending things necessary for the life present , may in mercy looke downe vpon vs. Some thinke this petition to be poore mens petition . No , rich and poore must pray for this bread , for what are earthly creatures to maintaine life without his blessing . Who is the Author of life ? Last of all , when we pray , Giue vs this day our daily bread , We pray , Neque pro diuitiis , neque pro delitiis , sed pro necessariis ( saith an auncient Father ) neither for riches , nor for delicacies , but for things necessarie vnto life : according to the wise mans prayer , neyther too much , that wee doe not forget God , nor too little , that wee forsweare him not : onely a competencie , and so be thankfull vnto the giuer of all . 9 Hauing begged at the hands of God things necessarie for the life present , because ( as the Prophet Ieremie saith ) our sinnes doe make God take these good thinges from vs ; in the fift place therefore , wee pray for the forgiuenes of our sinnes , saying : Dimitte nobis debita , nostra : Forgiue vs our debts and trespasses . Whence we may learne , that our sinnes are debts and trespasses : for when wee sinne , wee runne in debt , and commit trespasse against God. Wee owe him obedience , and therefore are indebted by our sinnes : wee doe him wrong , & therefore are trespassers , which wee beséech him in mercie to forgiue , and so this petition is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , an acknowledgement or confession what we are , to wit , sinners : We say not with him , spare vs , and we will pay all , but Lord forgiue , and this we all pray ( saith Cyprian ) because we all sinne , Dimitte nobis debita nostra , Forgiue vs our trespasses : ours , and therfore of our own committing : wee may not post off the matter as Adam did , with a mulier quam dedisti : The woman that thou gauest mee caused mee to sinne , whereas indéede the sinne was his owne , in giuing consent . This forgiuing of our sinnes , we craue with a clause annexed , Sicut & nos dimittimus debitoribus nostris , As we forgiue them that trespasse against vs : whereby wee shew of what spirit wee are , in that wee can finde in our hearts to forgiue others , and therefore beseech God to forgiue vs. Cassianus writeth , that some in his time would leaue out this clause , as the Pelagians would haue done the former , for which they were taxed by a Councell for this foule default : wee must thinke , Christ taught vs a most heauenly forme of prayer , and impiety were it to alter the same : wee must shew mercy that looke for mercy , and forgiue that looke for forgiuenesse : wherefore with charitable mindes wee say , Forgiue vs our trespasses , as wee forgiue them that trespasse against vs. 10 When wee haue craued pardon for our sinnes past , wee begin to be carefull for the time to come , and now in the sixt petition we pray against leading into temptation , Et ne nos inducas in tentationem : The forgiuing of our sinnes is a procuring of good ; the not leading into temptation , is a remoouing away of that which is euill . In this petition , first we acknowledge our owne infirmitie , ready to be led into temptation : and secondly wee pray for a preuenting grace , that when temptation comes , wee be not ouercome of it . Saint Cyprian reades it , And leade vs not , and suffer vs not to be led : not that God doth lead vs , but we rather lead our selues , in consenting to temptations when they come , whether they be temptations of peace or persecution , afflicting or flattering , and of the two , the latter are the most dangerous . Some of the auncient Fathers vnderstand it , that in this petition we pray to be deliuered from all temptations whatsoeuer , because wee knowe not how soone wee may fall : others by leading into temptation , that wee be not willing to consent , and be led or caried away by temptations and so seduced , and this may be our humble petition , eyther for preuenting temptations before they come , or when they come , that they doe not preuaile . 11 And this is an entrance to the seauenth and last petition . Sed libera nos a malo : but deliuer vs from euill . We pray to be deliuered from all euill , that , be it sometimes we fall into temptation , yet that we doe not fall like the Olephant , who falling riseth not againe . Being fallen , wee pray to be deliuered , or to come forth . In praying to be deliuered from all euill , doth include all dangers both of body and soule , present , or to come , that may befall our selues , or others , ( when we say , Deliuer vs ) which we also insert in the other petition , as not praying for our selues alone : and praying to be deliuered from all euill , wee vnderstand all mischances which may befall vs by Sea , or land , sléeping , or waking , from bodily or ghostly enemies : from fire & water , from sodaine or vnprouided death , and anie manner of danger , Et libera nos a malo And deliuer vs from euill : to all which petitions we beséech God to giue his blessed graunt , and so seale vp all with a deuout Amen . For the clause of giuing honour vnto God , acknowledging his kingdome , power , and glory , his glory being mentioned in the first petition , his power , and kingdome in the second , we leaue that clause vnto a Christian meditation . 12 And thus haue wee heard Christs forme of prayer , which of all other is most worthy of our continuall Christian practise : First , for the authority thereof , because it was taught by the sonne of God : Secondly , for the efficacie , for no prayer more likely to preuaile with the father , then that which is taught by the son : Thirdly , for the diuine order of the petitions : fourthly , for the compendiousnes thereof , our deuotion consisting not in a multitude of wards , but in the affection of our harts . We néede not now say as one did vnto Christ our Sauiour , Lord teach vs to pray as Iohn taught his Disciples , meaning a forme of prayer : But Lord giue vs grace to direct all our prayers by this diuine forme of prayer , and neuer cease to lift vp our harts and hands vnto thée . Chap. 17. Of Christes often praying , and specially in the Garden , when his soule began to wax sorrowful , and what feruencie in deuotion we heere learne . IF euer the worlde were occasioned to call to mind the high deuotion of the Sonne of God , his often praying , and with that feruencie too , as neuer any prayed , then most especially in these dayes , when Sathan , euermore enuious of mans felicitie , most séeketh to possesse the world with a dumbe spirit : we may call to mind that whē the Wolfe most layeth waite to stop the shéepes throat , that no voyce be heard of the shephe●…rd , there in time the daunger is very great . For the passion of Iesus Christ , let vs remember our selues , and thinke a little more of calling vppon God , by religious and deuout prayer , remembring who it was that spent whole nights in prayer , when he was labouring for the sinnes of the world , & the saluation of our soules . If the eyes of God doe at all times , and in all places beholde vs , then most especially when we present our selues before him in prayer , when both attention of mind , and humiliation of body concurre , actions most befitting humble sutors . We often repeat that of the Prophet , O come let vs worship , and fall downe before the Lord our maker , but doe it not , by humbling of our bodies , for to sue pardon for our soules . To approach and enter vnto the place of prayer , as if wee came to sit in commission with God , or would countenance him in his own house , is as vnséemelie a custome as Christianity can yéeld . To dehort men nowe a dayes from long prayer , we are eased of that labour , ( which Christ vsed in refuting the Pharisies ) whē so many care not how little they pray at all : nay which is more , when some séeme not to make so much account of this holy duty vnto God , wherin Christians assemble themselues in publike prayer . And yet for all this not onely to speake of prayer , but of feruencie in prayer , may be helpfull to our Christian desires in seruing God , séeing our deuotion is often so remisse , as wee may seeme rather to speake then pray ; seeing the very house of prayer is almost made nothing lesse , whereas our repairing thither , minds vs of a duty to be performed : therefore he that prayes not in the Church doth as hee that eates not at a banquet , that learnes not at the Schoole , that fights not at the warre , that walkes not when he is in his iourney . There is a matter of moment to be performed , that wee pray , and after what manner . In consideration héereof , let vs obserue at this time Christes praying in the Garden , when his soule began to waxe sorrowfull , as the Euangelist testifieth . In this his praying , we may consider these circumstances . First , that it was solitarie , for that hee now left his Disciples , as hee had oftentunes before done , when he went out alone to pray : which doth commend vnto vs solitary praying . Secondly , hee prayed with humiliation of body : S. Luke saith , he knéeled downe and prayed ; S. Mathew and S. Marke , that hee fell prostrate vpō the earth : The Euangelists may soone be reconciled , for it may séeme hee first knéeled , and afterward for faintnesse hee was faine to fall prostrate : and this commends vnto vs humiliation in praying . When he raysed Lazarus , & restored the dumbe man to the vse of speaking , wee finde he lifted vp his eyes to heauen , which was sometimes his gesture in praying . When Moyses prayed , he held vp his hands vntill the going downe of the sunne , which holding vp of the hands , Dauid called his euening sacrifice . When Steuen prayed , he knéeled downe according to Christes example , héere in the second pl●…ce mentioned . 3 The third circumstance to be obserued in this our Sauiours praying , is , that it was iust , and right : for hee subiected his wil to the wil of his Father , saying , Situ vis , If thou wilt : which doth teach vs to commend our selues , & all our petitions , wholy to the will of God. The fourth , that it was with sorrow , for he was in an agonie , and this doth put vs in minde of that of the Apostle . The spirit helpeth our infirmities , for wee knowe not what to pray as wee ought , but the spirit maketh intercession for vs with sighes , which cannot be expressed . The fift , that it was with perseuerance : for hee came three times vnto his Disciples , three times and in thrée places was he tempted , and thrée times did hee héere pray , and willed his Disciples to pray , that they enter not into temptation . O what deuotion was héere ? his last supper being ended , hee goeth forth accompanied with his Disciples , & speakes vnto them ( as a louing father vpon his death bed , when hee hath not much to say ) giues his children precepts at parting which they should remember , when hee is gone from them , of which precepts , this was not the least , Watch & pray , that you enter not into temptation . Peter , Iames , and Iohn goe with him : for those to whom hee had before shewed the glory of his transfiguration , to them would he now shew the humility of his passion , that as they had séene glorious thinges , so nowe should they sée humble thinges , to these hee sayeth : My soule is sorrowfull , vsque ad mortem ; vnto death , euen to begin to feare death : or vsque , vntill , may be taken indefinitelie , and so , my soule is sorrowfull vnto death , that is , vntill a satisfaction for the sinnes of the world be made by death : or vsque , vntill , may bee taken inclusiuely , and so , My soule is sorrowfull vnto death , that is , vntill the scandall of my death be turned againe to the life of faith : Tristis est anima mea , My soule is sorrowfull . Héere Anselme crieth out , Vnde hoc Deus mi ? How commeth it to passe , O my God , that thou taking vpon thée the nature of m●…n , shouldest begin to forget thou art God ? 4 Christ assumed this feare and sorrowfulnes for many causes : First , to proue the truth of his humanity , for it is naturall vnto man to feare death , and of this naturall sorrowe was our Lord sorrowfull : yet so doe wee vnderstand him to be sorrowfull , and to feare , not with that feare and sorrowe , which ordinarily drowneth reason , and causeth man to ouershoote himselfe , as Peter for feare of death denied his Maister . This manner of feare was farre from Christ , for hee came for this intent to suffer , and reproued Peter when he disswaded him from going to Ierusalem , and suffering there . There is a kinde of stepping backe , naturally incident vnto all , which at this time appeared in Christ as other humaine actions did , his eating , his sléeping , his hunger , & the like , all which were in Christ ( finne onely excepted ) properly as in man : now this sorrow & feare was otherwise in Christ , then in vs. In vs for the most part the passion of feare doth goe before the rule of the will , and the iudgement of reason ; but in Christ it did follow after , for both the will and the iudgement of reason went before : for when hee hungred and thirsted , hee did it willingly , and of iudgement , hee feared willingly , hee sorrowed willingly , and of iudgement . By this then , there is nothing to be considered in Christ as constrained , but all is to be beléeued as voluntarie , and therefore feare and sorrow , as they were naturall , so were they voluntarie and rationall . Wherefore , the originall of the text saith , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , Coepit contristari , hee began to feare , he began to be sorrowfull , and not hee was fearefull . Feare and sorrowe began in the part sensitiue , but came not to the minde or vnderstanding . For when the Euangelists say , His soule began to be sorrowfull , there the soule is taken for the part sensitiue , in which are passions . And héere we may consider , that Christ could not die by nature , as Adam could not die vntill hee committed sinne : ( For the reward of sinne , saith the Apostle , was death ) but as hee tooke vpon him humane nature , so did hee also without our infirmities , suffer that voluntarilie which was incident to our nature , yea to our fall . 5 A troubled passion ariseth in the minde , eyther besides the decrée of reason , or in opposite manner against the decree of reason : The former of these two is sometime incident vnto men ; although the best amongst men : the second , to the imperfect onelie . A perfection farre surmounting both was in Christ , for that in him , sence was subiect vnto reason , reason vnto will , the will to the vnderstanding , the vnderstanding to God. Christ was sorrowfull , sayth Saint Ierome , not for any feare of death , which nature refuseth , but for the scandall of his Disciples , the infelicitie of Iudas , the ruine of the Iewes , and thus it is not dissonant from truth , sayeth Saint Ambrose , if hee were heauie in soule for his persecutors . Wee sée according to the iudgement of the auncient Fathers , how farre our Sauiours feare was from distrustfull thoughts or weaker passions , which to thinke to be in him , were most impious : but in these sufferings being rightly considered , wee sée a most admirable conueniencie in all , without fancying of vnlearned and irreligious conceites . 6 To come to matter of instruction , for that is most hehoueful of all : In this sorrowing of our Sauiour , we learne these things : First , to kéepe down by the rule of reason , sorrowes , and passions that arise in vs , to restraine them , and kéepe them in obedience vnto the will. Secondlie , no : to dispaire if sorrow and feare at any time surprise vs , euen vnto the suffering of death . Thirdly , to be sorrowfull for the state of others , after Christs example . Fourthly , amidst all our sorrowes to repaire onely vnto God , and commend our selues vnto him as Christ did , by prayer , & thus vniting our sorrowes with his sorrowes , wee shall the better beare them . 7 This done . Christ departed a stones cast from them , and there prayed , Father , if it be possible remoue this cup : he saith Abba , Father , and we too ( saith the Apostle ) say Abba , Pater : twise Father , both according to the Hebrew & Gréeke , shewing that God is now Father of Iew and Gentile . Hee saith , If it be possible , referring the graunt of his petition to the will of God : if it may stand with the same wil , and not otherwise . Hee prayeth for the remouing of that Cup , yet so , that looking to obedience , he goeth forward towards his suffering , and saith , F●…at voluntas tua : Thy will be fulfilled . What of humane desire he before mentioned , hee now in action procéedeth to relinquish , as if he would say , Let not that be done which I haue spoken according to humane affection , but let that be done , for which I was sent into the world , and now am willing to suffer . That which he required as man , to wit , the remouing of the Cup , he now leaueth , as resoluing whollie to procéede with the will of God. But was the will of Christ any way differing from the will of his Father ? No verily , for hee saith , Non quaero voluntatem meam , sed voluntatem eius qui misit me . I séeke not my owne will , but the will of him that sent me , and this manner of conditionall prayer should be remembred of vs in praying , not our wils , but Lord , thine be fulfilled . 8 Hee prayeth the third time the same thing , shewing that hee goeth to pray , and to pray the selfe same thing too : not of forgetfulnesse , but of very feruencie . Whereby wee may obserue , that to pray and pray againe , is a part of high deuotion : The Doue went forth of the Arke the first time , and returned sorrowfull as she went out , still the waters were vp : she goeth forth the second time , then the flood is abated , and shee brings a branch of Oliue , a signe of quiet & peace , First , a sorrowfull prayer goeth forth , still the waters of aduersitie are vp : the prayer goeth forth againe , behold the waters are fallen , prayer brings a crop of Oliue , ioy , and tranquillity of mind . 9 At the end of Christs praying , the Angels appeare comforting him , they who at this time séeme to haue presented themselues in the presence of God the Father , astonished at the agonie of his Sonne , came foorth , and pray for the remoouing of this Cup : answer is made , my sonne hath of méere loue and mercie , vndertaken the redemption of man by the effusion of his blood , which could be brought to passe by no other meanes : which the Angels hearing , they returned to Christ , and in honouring , they comfort him ; and in comforting they honour him . And héere obserue wee three thinges : First , that our Sauiour prayeth long before hee receiueth an aunswere : to shew , wee must not by and by giue ouer . Secondly , that the greater his agonie was , the longer his prayer was : to shewe that in greatest agonies wee should continue long in prayer . Thirdlie , in that the Angels came and comforted him , to signifie that if wee continue with constancie , the Angels reioyce ouer vs : In that the drops of blood came downe , it shewed the greatnesse of our Sauiours conflict , wherein hee seemed both to doe , and to suffer : his blood was true blood according to his naturall existence , but yet myraculous and supernaturall , if we respect the manner : for it is aboue nature to poure out together water & blood , which Christ did both aliue , and dead : behold , O Christian soule , thy redéemer and Sauiour cast into sweate for thy sinnes . In this it is manifest how bitter his passion was , whose onely thought so much chaunged nature . Of this our Sauiours sweating may be gathered these seuerall obseruations , first , the greatnes of his agonie : secondly , that this agonie caused sweate , when it was a cold night : thirdly , this sweate falling vpon the earth , wee may gather that the earth or men inhabiting the earth , haue benefit héereby . 2 Now was presented before the eyes of the Sonne of God , on the one side , Gods iust iudgment and wrath towards man , yet vnappealed : on the other side , death and hell as yet not vanquished : himselfe left as it were alone to enter the conflict , putting forth his hand to receiue the cup , and yet he beginneth to pull it in againe , but after a little while , goeth forward with full resolution to the worke well begun , which hee brought to a most happie end . Let the deuout man learne , in all the pressure of aduersity , to set before him Christes agonie in the garden ; be it that doubtfull obiects betwéene feare and sorrow doe much obscure our naturall delights : héere haue wee for times of trouble a president to follow , but chiefely in the aganie of death , when sick man are panting and labouring for life , they are said then , especially to endure an agonie , for then beginneth a conflict , nature drawing one way , and obedience to the will of God another : the spirit goeth forward , and the flesh draweth backward : besides , many thoughts occurre about leauing the world , and going to answere for our time here spent , with manie other things seldome before thought vpon . Our Sauiour was in an agonie when death approached , whence Gregorie saith : Appropinquante morte certamen adest , nec immerito : tune enim anima terretur , cum post pusillum hoc inuenit quod in aeternum mutari non possit : Death approaching an agonie is present , and not without cause : for then is the soule put in great feare , when after a little while she findes that which neuer will be changed or altered . 1 In this agonie of agonies and all other , wee learne by our Sauiours example , to haue recourse vnto prayer , hee prayed in the Garden , hee prayed on the Crosse , to shewe that in times of distresse , wee should principally apply our selues to prayer . Moyses prayed at the Sea : Daniell prayed sitting amongst the Lyons : Iob on the dunghill : Paule at midnight , when hee was in the prison : and héere Christ our Sauiour in his agonie , when he not onely prayed , but with great feruencie , alone , to shew that the minde is best eleuated vnto God , when sometimes in our sorrowes wee goe aside to pray , as hee himselfe heere prayeth , hee withall exhorts his Disciples to pray , that they enter not into temptation : and surely no better remedie against temptation then prayer : which prayer is the very whip & scourge of euil motions . When the théese heareth the good man of the house to cry and call for help , he thinks there is no tarying for him , if good friends be within hearing . Cornelius , Cornelius , Thy prayers are come vp before God : Wouldest thou exercise thy selfe in a spirituall life ? pray : wouldest thou attaine the swéetnes of heauenly things ? pray : wouldest thou haue God helpe thée in time of extremitie ? pray : wouldest thou be deliuered from temptation ? pray : Betwéene Babylon and Ierusalem there is a trustie messenger that often passeth thither , which is well acquainted in the Kings Court , and is very gracious with the King himselfe , for hee shall haue audience and dispatch as soone as hee comes . This messenger is prayer , that euen in the silence of the night ascendeth into secret places , and cōmeth vnto God himselfe . Moyses praying vpon the mount , hath the rod of God in his hand , wee praying haue hold on the Crosse of Christ crucified : The brethren of Ioseph besought him to shewe them fauour , if not for their owne sake , yet for their Fathers sake , Ioseph heard them and wept . Chap. 18. That Christian men may take comfort amidst the calamities of this life , by that of our Sauiour , Iohn , 14. 1. Let not your hearts be troubled , where he armeth his Disciples with consolation against troubles . GIue wine , saith Salomen , to those that haue griefe of minde : Christ séeing his Disciples to haue griefe of mind ( for why the shepheard being taken away , the shéepe will be scattered ) hee giues them the swéete wine of consolation in these words , Let not your hearts be troubled . By which , hee that knew their troubled harts , partlie in that hee had saide , One of them should betray him , & partly in that hee had told them he must shortly depart from them , began now to comfort their harts after this maner , You beleeue in God , beleeue in me also . Christ knowing that his own Apostles were left vnto the iniuries of the world , that they had vndertaken a militarie profession , and were to ●…ght vnder the red colours of his Crosse , hee héere comforts them against afflictions , not so much by taking away afflictions , that they haue them not , as by strengthening them when they come , that they faint not : to the outward man hee foretelleth a crosse , but to the inward man a stay , or fortresse : a crosse to the outward man that it exult not : comfort to the inward man , that it languish not , Let not your hearts be troubled . 2 In this of our Sauiour , wee sée whereunto this his e●…hortation tendes , not that they should not bee troubled at all , for that is aboue humane nature , himselfe ( as wee haue heard ) was troubled in his agonie : but the trouble héere spoken of , is that which hindereth reason , dis●…ayeth the vnderstanding , is opposite to peace and tranquillitie of minde . When the soule is cast downe by distrust and heauinesse , to shake off all this , Let not your hearts be troubled : you beleeue in God , beleeue in me also . When an earthly Captaine doth comfort his souldiours , the vttermost he can doe is to strengthen them , as Iudas Machabeus did by exhortation : Christ not onely doth strengthen his Souldiours , but hee puts strength into them . 3 A noble Prince somtime of great deuotion and valour , séeing his Armie much dismayed , when they beheld the huge multitude of their enemies comming toward them , perceiuing by their co●…tenances that their hearts began to faile them , ascending to an eminent place , hee makes them a verie hartie oration , which hee drew vnto three heads : first , he shewes , their cause was iust , and that God was went to prosper ●…st enterprises : secondly , that their enemies were those whom his , & their auncestors who now bare armes with him , had often foyled : Thirdly , that being so few , if they preuailed against that huge multitude , the v●…orie would be glorious ; howsoeuer , for himselfe hee would die in the battell , or returne with triumph . His oratiō was no sooner ended , but a voyce was heard through out all the Armie , euery one crying , forward , forward , the euent was , they happily preuailed . A multitude of crosses are readie to ass●…e vs in open 〈◊〉 , which may cause our harts to be troubled , but a most noble Champion haue wee that assures vs that our cause is iust , that our enemies are those whom all Gods seruants haue euer resisted ; if we preuaile , our conquest will be heauenly . Our Champion himselfe 〈◊〉 liue and die in our defence , why should our hearts be troubled ? Nay , we haue wonne the day : you shall haue troubles in the world , but be of good comfort , I haue ouercome the world : forward , forward , in the name of God : our enemies are foyled enemies , our battell is not so much to ouercome , as to cleaue vnto him , who hath ouercome in the assaults made against vs : we are rather seduced , then vanquished in these assaults , that wee should not like Iob's wife stumble at the aduersities of the world , as at a rocke of offence , thinke our selues the rather out of Gods fauour , wee may perceiue we haue vndertaken a condition of life subiect to suffering . 4 Because Christ knew the hardnesse of suffering , therefore where he spake of suffering with him , there he spake also of sitting with him in his kingdome , You shall sit vpon seates , iudging the twelue tribes of Israel . Like the Phisitian , who is wont to mixe sweete syrupes with his bitter potions , that the patient may be the more willing to receiue them : so our Sauiour heere comforteth his Apostles , not by promising to take all troubles from them , but when troubles come , to assist and ayde them . Simon , Simon , Sathan hath desired to winnow you as wheate , as if hee would say , tosse and winnow you he may , he shall , but make thy faith faile he shall not ? No , Simon , I haue prayed for thée , Beleeue in God , beleeue in me also . By faith ( saith the Apostle ) Moyses passed the red Sea , and by faith we passe the red Sea of many tribulations in the world : it was not Peters body , but Peters faith , saith Saint Ambrose , that walked vpon the waters . That which he saide vnto some , the Sonne of God sayeth vnto all , for hee euer spake to the hart : Let not your harts be troubled . 5 Wee may not promise vnto our selues better things then our fellowe seruaunts haue tryed , nay , then our Lord himselfe hath suffered : Meruaile not at this ( saith Saint Iohn ) if the world hate you Men might haue béene encouraged by the example of Camillus , Scipio , and others , which haue béen hated euen when they did wel in the Common-wealth ; and Christian men might haue for examples , the suffering of Esai , Ieremie , Micheas , and other of the olde Prophets , a cloude of witnesses might be collected in this case , to shew how they must looke for troubles in the worlde , but our Sauiour ●…rgeth his own case onely : You know that it hated me before you . Meruaile not at this , There be thrée thinges , sayeth Thomas Aquinas , which wee are wont to meruaile at : The first , when anie thing is great : the second , when it is new : the third , when it is seldome . Nowe that the world , that is to say , the louers of the worlde , doe not affect the children of God , it is no great thing . The Phisitian thinks it no great matter if the Lunatike man , whom hee binds doe strike or kicke him , alas hee is frenzie and knowes not what hee doth . Secondarily , it is no new thing , to haue trouble in the world , wee finde it so in Abel , and Isaac , and all from the beginning : Thirdly , it is no rare thing : for there is nothing more common , & therefore our harts should not be troubled ( that is to say , ouer much troubled ) with the griefes of the world : wee must not cast away the Nut for the bitternes of the ●…ind , Si non tribularis fortass●… nō inuocares , If thou wert not troubled , peraduenture thou wouldest not deuoutly haue called vpon God , which is a principal part of Gods worship . 6 The world , and the tempter , both beast of giuing pleasures vnto carnall men , but come to the performance , & these pleasures are very torments : Christ promiseth tribulation in the worlde , but come to the inward man , and there we finde a world of ioy . The roote of the tree is bitter , but the fruite is pleasant : Christ promiseth rest , Inuenietis requiem : you shall haue rest , but it is Requiem animabus , rest vnto your soules : his burthen it is light by loue , and wee are made strong by grace , a burthen this is w●…nt to vnburthen sinners . He that sets vs in this iourney , knowes what is fittest for passengers , and therefore wee may endure with comfort these outward aduersities when they come . Foelix Lepra , ( sayeth one ) happie leprosie was it that made Naaman worship the God of Israel in his heart . The sharpe stormes of the winter , they make the trées bare , and the windes scattering the leaues , they for a time stand as dead , yet there remaines still life in the roote : In like manner afflictions of the worlde make the members of Christ séeme desolate , & the stormie winds of persecution scatter abroad the leaues of worldly prosperity , yet there is life in the roote , there is faith and ioy in the heart . 7 There is a difference betwéene the ioy of worldly men , and the ioy of those whom Christ hath , as it were , taken out of the world , that is , from the loue of the world : The former thinke felicity to consist in aboundance of riches , in pleasures , in glorie , and such like , all this is but outward and momentarie , like a little Sunne-shine in Winter , for one faire day it hath oftentimes ten foule , and such a number of troubles as almost the former pleasures are dasht , and vanish to nothing . For the latter of these , they haue indéede often outward aduersities , but such ioyes within , as if all aduersities were nothing , & this principally commeth to passe by Christes meanes : for whatsoeuer he touched , he did sa●…d 〈◊〉 it , and therfore hunger , thirst , persecution , they are not nowe so greeuous , but worke all for the good of the faithfull . The waters of Mar●… which were so bitter that none could drinke them , Moyses but casting in the wood that God appointed him , they became swéete : the crosses of the worlde were greeuous vntill Christes Crosse was put in amongst them , now their taste is altered : A strange sight was it in times of persecution , to sée a few lambes to ouercome by no other weapons then patience and faith a multitude of Wolues , and to reioyce ( as Tertullian sayeth ) in the midst of torments . Wonderfull is it to heare how Saint Paul endewed with grace from Christ , doth euen chalenge and prou●…ke tribulation , and anguish , and hunger , yea life and death , shall any of you all : and if hee would speake like a man of courage to all the aduersities of the world : Shall you all separate me frō the loue of Christ ? 〈◊〉 , you shall not : And thus wee sée how in Christ , we are armed with inward grace against the world without , and all the troubles thereof . 8 Another reason which our Samour vseth , is , I goe to prepare a place for you , and therefore ●…e of good hope : Moyses to stirre vp the people in times of their distresse , speakes vnto them after this manner : The land you goe to po●…esse , is not as Egypt , but a champion Countrey , and goodly to enioy , which the Lorde visiteth with the earlie and the latter rayne : We haue promise of a better land then euer Moyses promised : In my Fathers house are many mansions . The iourney was long and wearisome for Iacob , a weake and féeble person as he was , yet by reason of inward ioy hee had conceiued in his heart , he wel endured it . Be it ( saith S. Austen ) that wee haue not temporall deliuerance from troubles , this sheweth that wee doe not embrace Christian Religion for the commodities of this world , but for the ioyes of a life to come , which will make amends for all . The benefit of a calme is best welcome after a tempest , liberty is wont to be most pleasant after a time of bondage , you shall sorrow ( sayth our Sauiour ) but your sorrow shall be turned into ioy , your sorrow , and therfore not euery ones sorrow : yours , who haue béene faithfull vnto the end . When the Prophet Dauid spake of the sorrowes of this world , hee calleth them waters : Saue me O God , for the waters are entred euen to my soule : Lord ( saith Peter ) bid me come vnto thée on the water . The same Prophet in another place goeth farther , saying : The floods are risen O Lord , the floods haue lift vp their voyce , the floods lift vp their waues , the waues of the Sea are mighty , and rage horribly , but yet the Lord that dwelleth on high is mightier . And surely vnto trouble as vnto the raging water hath he said , Huc procedes , et non procedes amplius , hither shalt thou come , and thou shalt come no farther : wat●…s as they rage and swell , so be they often quench heate , cleanse corruption , and they serue to temper . In the nine and thirtieth Psalme , he vttereth with what great griefe & bitternes of minde he was vrged to complaine : yet remembring himselfe by whose prouidence it came , hee sayeth : Obmutui , & non aperui os meum quoniam fecisti : I became dumb , and opened not my mouth , because it was thy doing . Chap. 19. How that of our Sauiour exhorting all that would follow him to denie themselues , and take vp their Crosse daily ; doth concerne vs that beare the name of Christians . BEing forewarned , and armed against the trials of the world before they come , it remayneth that wee be readie to vndergoe them when they come . Christ shewes vs plainely what wee must looke for if wee will be his Disciples , when hee giueth out in open Proclamation , Who soeuer will follow me , let him denie himselfe . In the text of the Euangelist , hauing before spoken of his owne suffering , hee by and by speakes of their s●…ring , who would followe him : First , that they should not thinke that his suffering did absolutely exempt them from all crosses of the worlde , for Ego meam , vos vestrā : I haue taken vp my crosse , and you must take vp yours . Secondly , hee sheweth himselfe as a carefull Gouernour in the ship , who in a calme is wont to instruct the Marriuers against the tempest likely to follow , and this hee doth as it were in familia●… manner , by shewing what himselfe had done , and then what his disciples should doe : First , what he would suffer , and then what they should suffer . What Peter ? and should I not goe to Ierusalē ? yes , it is not only my case but thine , & the case of you all : Whosoeuer will follow me , let him denie himselfe , & take vp his crosse daily & follow me . 2 Heere Christ speaketh generally vnto all , of what estate and condition so euer , high and ●…ow , rich and poore whosoeuer . When hee spoke of some speciall mysteries , their turning him to his Apostles , he sayeth : Vestrum est scire : It is for you to know : but speaking of the way to follow him vnto his kingdome , he speaketh vniuersally vnto all , Whosoeuer , omnium est scire , it is for all to know . Againe , as he speaketh vniuersally , so doth hee speake louingly : Whosoeuer wil , not as ●…orcing any , but louingly inducing all , leauing his followers to their owne willingnes . Whosoeuer will , by which hee doth more effectually draw them , then if he had vsed all the threatnings in the world . The stayed men & gray heads in Israel , said vnto Roboam , if thou speake kinde wordes vnto this people , this people will be thy seruants : Christ speakes kind words vnto vs all , & deales most bountifully with man , according to the dignity of his person . Hee which hauing laide vp rich treasures to bestow amongst his friends , if he wil or command the publike cryer to say , this and this treasure is ready , to be bestowed by a bountifull Lord , may it please you now to come and receiue it : doth hee not now more perswade , then if hee should by a sharpe Edict pull and draw men to receiue this treasure against their wils ? 3 Againe , hee which hath in his houshold two sorts of seruants , the one frée borne and of his alliance , the other slaues and bondmen , when he requireth any seruice of the former , hee speakes vnto them mildly according to their ingenuous disposition , but the other hee commaunds absolutely as common seruants : We are as of the chiefer sort of Christes family , if not hauing frée wil , yet will fréed by grace , nay , wee are of his owne alliance , & therefore when he speakes vnto vs , he speakes louingly vnto them that loue him , Whosoeuer will : but vnto his other creatures , as the heauen , the earth , the sunne , the Moone , he doth not require but commaund them : so in the time of Iosua he commanded the sunne to stand still , in the time of Elias , hee commaunded the heauens to be shut : When some rebelle●… against Moyses , hee commaunded the earth to open and swallowe them , but with man , to winne his heart he deales most gently , & cals after a mild maner , whosoeuer will : The antecedent sheweth the maner of calling , the consequent a duty of him that is called , Let him denie himselfe , and take vp his Crosse daily and follow me . 4 In this consequent we sée that somwhat is required at our hands , if we will be Christs followers , as also what this is : to wit , the denying of our selues , and the taking vp of our Crosse daily : and surely most aptly doth out Sauiour Christ after speaking of his owne crosse and passion , speake in the next place of our crosses and suffering , least presuming of his suffering , wee should be ouer readie to flatter our selues , and count of nothing but libertie of the flesh , and securitie of state , thinking that his suffering was enough : therfore to take away this daungerous conceite , Christ speakes at one time , both of his suffering and our suffering , of his passion as also of the meanes , howe wee shall come to be partakers of the benefit of his passion , that is , by following him . This following must be in the giuing him the full possession of our hearts : this giuing must be with all willingnesse , for hee will haue voluntaries too march vnder his banner . The three children followed God , and how ? By going out of their place ? the text saith , they followed God in their hearts . Rebecca was said to go and enquire of the Lord , whither went shee ? from the place where hee was not , to the place where he was ? No , I the Lord 〈◊〉 heauen and earth , shee went not from place to place , as it is not required to doe in following Christ , but shee went from life , to life , from manners , to manners : from good to better : from grace , to grace : and this is to followe him . Diuersly , faith S Austen , did our Sauiour deale with thr●… sorts of men concerning their following him , one offers himselfe , and is refused , Maister I will follow thee ; another that sayes nothing , is called , sequere me , follow me ; a third deferred when he was called , and is blamed : the first respected his profit for all his profession ; the second saide little , & was receiued to grace : the third mindeth temporall things , when he might haue had eternall . In the world , sute is made to be followers of men that haue countenance aboue others , but to be one of Christs followers , in sincerity and truth , is far better , yet for this few care little at all . The poore followers of him in humility , shall one day ha●… more countenance then all this worlds pompe is able to afford . Small suite is made for this , nay , Christ himselfe becomes a sutor to vs when he calleth , Whosoeuer will , the people sayde vnto Iosua , the Lord is our God , and wee will serue him : so may we say , Christ to our redéemer , and we will follow him . 5 Now what is to be done of him that will followe Christ ? Marie two things , the first , Abneget seipsum , Let him deny himselfe : the second , Toll●… crucem suam quotidie , And take vp his Crosse daily . For the first , hee that wil follow Christ , must loue Christ , for hee which requireth a cheerefull giuer , requireth a cheereful follower : but how must he loue Christ ? as himselfe , yea more then himselfe , for hee must euen denie himselfe , Abneget seipsum . And how must a man denie himselfe , marie as Abraham did in forsaking his Fathers house , Adams naturall desires , that seeme pleasant vnto him . We best see , saith Saint Chrysostome , what it is to denie our selues , when wee beholde what men are wont to doe in denying others : when any casteth off an unfaithfull companion hee neyther reioyceth at his prosperity , nor is greeued at his aduersitie , he respects not at all what pleaseth him , or what displeaseth him , as one that wil haue no more to doe with so bad a nature : the like is done in denying of our selues , that is , our sensuall desires , to grow out of loue & liking of them , and cleans reiect them . To denie our goods , our friends , yea our very pleasures is very much : and yet to follow Christ , wee must goe a step further , that is to ●…it , we must Denie our selues . 6 First of all wee denie our selues , when wee yeeld obedience in all thinges vnto God , which obedience is better then sacrifice . In obedientia , sayeth Gregorie , voluntas propria , in sacrificio caro aliena mactatur , In obedience our owne will is sacrificed , in these externall oblations the flesh of some other creature is offered . In the olde law they had many kindes of sacrifices which were killed and offered . Now , saith Origen , this manner is altered , in stead of a ●…ain , wee kill our i●…efull passions : in stead of a Goate , our vncleane affections : in stead of flying foules , our idle thoughts and wandring cogitations . All these must wee kill in denying our selues , and the faithfull surely by suppressing the motions of sinne , make Martyrs of themselues . Secondly , wee denie our selues , when we resist the prouocations of sin offered , as Ioseph did when he withstoode euill , of whō it may wel be sayd , that it was as great a myracle to sée him chast in that present prouocation of his mistresse , as it was to see the three children walke without hurt amongst the ●…erie flames , so excellent a thing is it : so acceptable vnto God , to denie our selues , whē prouocations of sin are offered . Thirdlie , we deny our selues when we put vp wrongs & iniuries of the world , saying with Steuen : Lord forgiue them , or lay not this to their charge . Fourthly , we denie our selues when we crosse our own wils , & relinquish our naturall desires , and when we begin to be Centurions ouer our owne affections , & say to this or that , Goe , or come , referring our selues to the wil of God , that so not so much wee liue as Christ by grace , may be saide tè liue in vs : Last of all , wee denie our selues when we cease to sacrifice vnto the Net , or attribute anie thing to our owne ●…ctions , much lesse to our owne merites , & therefore least of all in the high misterie of our iustification , euery one to say with the Apostle , By the grace of God , I am , that I am : And againe , Not I , but the grace of God in me And this is the sum of denying our selues , being the first degree in following of Christ , Abneget seipsum , Let 〈◊〉 denie himselfe . 7 The second , Et tollat crucē suam quotidie , And take vp his Crosse daily Le , him denie himselfe , and this denying must be done indeede : The worde is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , that is , denie for all together , or denie for good and all . Let him denie himselfe , by declining from euill : Take up his Crosse , by suffering euill : and follow me , by conforming himselfe vnto me , and my lawes pre scribed him . Let him 〈◊〉 himselfe , by renouncing his owne will : take vp his owne Crosse , by bearing patiently lesser or greater persecutions : & follow me , by walking in my wayes . Et tollat crucē suam , And take vp his crosse : It is not said , et ferat crucē s●… , And carie his crosse , but tollat , let him take it vp , to signifie , a voluntary and willing suffering , because euill men may haue crosses , but they beare them , & do not take them vp : they beare them grudgingly & impatiently , not willingly and thankfully , as those doe that followe Christ. This Crosse is saide to be daily , because we can neuer liue without crosses , and therefore must daily prepare to suffer , or at leastwise haue a mind ready to suffer : It was not without cause our Sauiour pronounced a blessing to those that suffer persecution , because to the iudgement of the world they are subiect to a curse . There is none liues , or can liue , but he shall finde either from himselfe , or others , a crosse to take vp : The crosse of humble men is iniurie , the crosse of religious men , is fasting and watching : the crosse of rich men , is the contempt of the world : of the poore , want and scarcitie : so euery one hath his crosse . The dayes of Christ himselfe in the worlde were as Iob spake before of the dayes of man , few and full of miseries , knowing that his Disciples should be subiect to the hatred of men , he tels them of taking vp a crosse . In this we see that our Sauiour doth not deale after the manner of worldly rulers , who to haue troupes and traines follow them , are wont to tel of pleasures and profits , and such like : Christ speakes of taking vp a crosse , of suffering , of denying himselfe , if any will follow him . One would think that this perswading were a kinde of disswading , & a meane rather to make most men sooner forsake him , then folow him ; & yet such was that power of his cadling , so great was the hope of ●…ortalitie , as this calling of Christ stiled the world full of christians , not withstanding these colde rewards the manifold crosses they were before promised to endure , yet they left al their hope that the world might promise , & followed him by afflictions That same , Et sequatur me , and follow me , doth sweeten the most bitter & sharpest aduersities of al : to follow Christ , what else is it , but the greatest felicity that can happen vnto man ? 8 But héere we sée we must expect a crosse , as our Sauiour foreshewes vs , that we take not offence thereat when it cōmeth . Wee sée Christ suffered his owne Apostles to hunger to be in danger of tempests , to go forth in the world amongst many enemies . Let it not greene vs to heare the gate is strait , & the way narrow , because the end thereof leadeth vnto lift . The crosses of the world are many , as we see in Abraham , who was faine to forsake his owne Countrey , and liue in feare among strangers : in Sampson , who was taken of his enemies , & scornfully handled : in Zedechias , who in his old age had his eyes pulled out , and was saine to end his dayes in sorrow heathen men make mention of Polycrates , of Samio , & of Cambyses , who after much glory , suffered sorrowfull crosses : but for the faithfull , let not the worlds crosses dismay them , the natural Sunne is profitable vnto vs , not onely in Sommer when it ripeneth our fruites , and is néerer vnto vs , but in winter also when we sow our séedes , and the heate thereof is farther off : so is it with the Sunne of righteousnes . Unto Tobie the bitter gall opened the eyes of his body , but vnto Nabucho donosor the bitternes of affliction opened the eyes of his soule . The crosses of this world they are vnpleasing to humane palat , yet they are often medicinable : the engine is layed to the bulwarke , but the fortresse is not woone : the trée is beaten with sto●…es , but the root is sure , afflictions assay the outward man , fayth within it remaines safe . In all these , Christ sends first the oyle of gladnes in the state of grace , then a full deliuerance in the state of glory : first a reficiam is giuen to the languishing soule , then a Satiabere , whē it shal sée God in glory . Chap. 20. That Christs example doth teach Christian men to liue in all orderly and dutifull obedience , to Princes and gouernours . THe saying of the Gréeks is true , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , Order is the mother and preseruer of things : for sure it is that the societie of men consisteth in ●…ling and obeying , obedience is the vertue that teacheth all their duty to God & man. Gouernment & gouernours are from him who ruleth and gouerneth all . Where none doe guide others , what order can be looked for ? where order is not had , confusion wil follow , and the successe of confusion is plaine ruine . Where ●…en shake off obedience , and liue as they list , what peace can be preserued ? Where peace is not , what state eyther in Church or common-wealth can long stand ? some runne headlong they wel know not whither , in the bent of their owne wils , others are wauing vp and downe in opinions , all are as a body cleane out of course , and subiect to a dissolution : on the contrarie , where gouernours ordaine a law , and all harken vnto the law ( because a law without partialitie , doth speake indifferently vnto all ) there is obedience , there is concord , there is continuance in wel doing . 2 Nowe for those of all other who liue vnder the lawe of lawes , to wit , the law of grace : for those I say , before all other , to shewe all dutifull obedience to rulers and gouernours , placed ouer them by God , what more séemely , more Christian ? branches of one vine , stones of one building , fellowes in one familie , children of one Father , members of one head , nay , heires of one Kingdome : what more beséeming then amongst these people to obey rulers , and rulers to obey God ? When Moyses is praying , Iosua leading , Israell obeying , God blessing and prospering all , O happie are the people that are in such a case ! The water , saith Saint Cyprian , that is separated from the fountaine , drieth ; the bough that is cutte from the trée withereth ; the light that is remooued from the Sunne vanisheth ; the people all say , hee that will not obey Iosuah let him die . Christian Religion as it doth bind men in duty and deuotion to God , so doth it also containe them within the lists and limits of duty and obedience towards man : knowing that the powers that are , are ordained of God. The onely example of our Sauiour Christs obedience doth ouerthrow at one touch , the loftie and Babylonicall building of stubborne spirits , who refuse conformitie and obedience to gouernment amongst men . At his very birth obedience was shewed , when the B. Uirgine came to Bethlem to be taxed : his Circumcision was his obedience to the law , his presentation in the Temple was the same , his paying tribute , and exhorting others to do the like shewed how much hee allowed and established ciuill obedience to superiours and gouernours , in giuing euery one his due . The Apostles Saint Peter and Saint Paule exhort héereunto : the one willing vs to obey for Gods sake , the other for conscience sake . The practise of the Primitiue Church , not only in laying down their liues when rulers were tyrants , but when the Church had the countenance of authority vnder those good Emperours , Constantine , Iouiman , Theodosius , Valetninian , & others , sheweth howe dutifully and orderlie Christians liued , for obedience aboue all Nations and people of the world . Eleutherius commendeth Lucius a King of this land , for his gouerning the people according to the lawes of God , and S. Ambrose praiseth Valentinian for the same . 3 Now where is the opinion of those men , who thought themselues fréed from obedience by a vaine surmise of Christian libertie : surely it is so slender , as almost it is not worth the refuting , the misunderstanding of some Scriptures , which they haue hammered in the forge of their weake braines , haue caused them to roue and range into humors , forth are they wont , to be striken with a spirit of giddines that would be singular and aboue others . Princes of the Nations beare rule , amongst you it shall not be so . What a farre set consequent is this , and a silly reasoning , The Apostles must not haue a tyrannical authority one ouer another , as Nero , Caligula , and such tyrants had , therefore Christian people should not liue in obedience to superiours ? We are fréed from the law , therefore called to Christian liberty , but subiection taketh away liberty ? If free , then where is restraint ? S. Peter tels vs that ignorant men peruert scriptures , the answere is plaine : Christian liberty fréeeth vs from the bondage of the law , and the seruitude of sinne , but most fitly agréeth with obedience to rulers , and in rulers to God himselfe , who saith : By me Princes raigne . The Apostle telleth vs that in the latter dayes , Men shall be louers of themselues , disobedient , headie , high minded , hauing a shew of godlinesse , and from such , he saith , Turne away . Saint Iude also saith , These are murmurers and complainers , walking after their owne lusts , but edifie your selues , saith he , in your most holy faith . 4 The first precept is , Peare God : the second , Honour the King : as if the wiseman would say , both goe together . To shew that we must homage our hearts to our heauenly Father : It is so manifest as none cannot but know it , yet séeing we liue in that calamitie of times , wherein men forget almost whose creatures they are , we had néed to be put in mind of this duty which we owe vnto the king of kings : Faith saith , he is our Father ; obedience saith , Ergo worship him . Our alleageance towards him is deuotion & loue , & nature hath taught vs to acknowledge as much . The light which is borne with vs doth shew vs , we haue a duty to performe to the God of heauen . The greatest Emperors of this world are his subiects , they haue God ouer them , & men beholding what they do . Aske the poore and naked Indians , they will tell vs that religion is no matter of pollicie , & that there is another magistrate then the magistrate of this world , to whom in nature they yéeld obedience . We are all Gods creatures by existence , his Clyents by law , his children by adoption , his people by obedience . Thousand thousands serue him in glory , who knowes as veritie , sits as maiestie , loues as charitie , and rules as equity . Heathen Philosophers can tell vs , it is ingrafted in man to pray , to offer sacrifice : If wee are distressed , wee séeke vnto God : if wee haue want , we craue succour of him : the submission therefore of our soules is the tribute wee should giue , while the soule is the soule . 5 Now as wee shew our obedience to God , so ought we shew obedience also to those who haue a subordinate power , and are set ouer vs by God : it is not thée , said the Lord to Samuel , but it is me whom this people haue refused . It is not so much the ruler set ouer them by God as God himselfe , whom disobedient people refuse to obey : hee that resisteth the power , saith the Apostle , resisteth the ordinance of God : because there is no power but of God. For the cōfirmatiō of this , we finde that God hath punished from time to time murmurers & mutinous people , as by that of Dathan , Corah , & Abiram , whom he made an example for others : and the Apostle S. Paule hath reference to this , when hee sayth , Neither murmure you as some of them murmured , and were destroyed of the destroyer . These came vpon them for an example . Wish no euill in thine heart vnto the ruler of the people , for the bird of the aire shal disclose it : Should we not honour them whom God hath honoured ? And loue them whom God hath loued ? Doe we not sit down vnder their gouernment as vnder a shadow , kéeping vs from the heate , and stormes , when wee are defended from inuasion abroad , and oppression at home ? When the Queene of the South came from farre to heare the wisedome of Salomon , beholding his princely order , & magnificent state , shee had heard much , but saw more : what doth she , but by and by begin to magnifie the Author of Salomons estate ? O blessed be the Lord thy God ( saith she ) which loued thee , to set thee on the throne as King in stead of the Lord thy God : because thy God loueth Israel for euer , to m●…ke thee King to doe equitie and righteousnes . As if she would haue saide : O Salomon , such a state , such a gouernment , such a peace , such a time , such a temple , such wisedome , it is not of man , nor from man , Blessed be the Lord thy God which loued thee , to set thee on the throne of Israel . 7 Affectionate were the harts of the people to Dauid their king , whom God had set ouer them , what should Dauid aduenture himselfe ? O no , better it were that many miscarie , yea , tenne thousand , say the people ( as it were with teares of thankfulnesse : ) God saue our Dauid , for i●… Dauid goe , the light of Israel is extinguished : they would not the least hurt should befall him , who was the stay of them all , and therefore as humble suters seemed to begge his preseruation at the handes of God. Those of Be●…hulia sayde to Iudith ; thou art the reioycing of our Nation , good Iudith , thou hast done much good in Israel , blessed be thou of God. The Apostle willeth that praiers and supplications and giuing of thanks be made for all , for Kings and all that are in authoritie , that wee may liue a peaceable life vnder them , in all godlinesse and honestie . Great cause had the men of Israell to beseech God , that Iosias might continue with them : for if hee were taken away , it was because hee should not sée the euill to come . O , saith the Prophet , saue and deliuer Dauid from the hand of strange children , that there be no leading into captiuitie , nor no complayning in our stréetes . And thus should we adde vnto obedience loue : to loue prayer , for whom God amongst men hath set in commission with himselfe , to rule for him : His debetur ( saith Tertullian ) honor , propter excellentiā : timor , propter datā potestatem : obedientia , propter morale debitum : amor propter affectionis operationē : To these honour is due , for their excellencie : feare , for their power giuen them : obedience for ciuill dutie : tribute for the preseruation of peace : loue for affection , which bringeth forth prayer and piety : so what should Christians of all other in the world , but honour them whom God hath placed in his owne roome for the establishing of his owne lawes , & worship heere beneath amongst men , and specially appointed ouer his Church , which is the company of Christian people , for the quiet , and conseruation thereof , according to that of the Prophet spoken ●…ong before , Kings shal be thy nursing Fathers , and Queenes thy nursing Mothers . Chap. 21. That Christians may lawfully enioy earthly commodities , and possesse riches : but how should they be affected towards them . MAn , who consisteth of two parts , the one earthly , the other heauenly , hath answerable hereunto meanes alotted him of God for the preseruation of either : and therefore first temporal things for the state being , and in good tune eternall , for the time to come . Before God created man he first made him prouision : and God said , Adam haue dominion ouer the fish of the Sea , the fowles of the ayre , & euery thing that moueth vpon the earth : and againe , Adam , I haue giuen thée euery hearbe bearing seede , and euery trée in which is fruit : and so euery thing serues Adam , and Adam is onely to serue God. Abrahams seruant sayde , God hath blessed our Maister Abraham meruailously , hee hath giuen him Shéepe & Oxen , siluer and gold , men seruants and mayde seruants . Iacob ( speaking of his two bands or great heards of shéepe , and Cammels that went befo●…e him ) saith , With my staffe , ( or without any prouision at all , a poore lone man as it were ) came I ouer this Iordan : Lord I am not worthy of the least of thy mercies . As if Iacob should haue said , these Kine and Bullockes , these Asses and Foales , all this substance round about me , They are the mercies of God , and so come from the great store-house of heauen . There was a man in the land of Uz , called Iob , an vpright and iust man , and one that feared God and eschewed euill , saith the holy Scripture : The next thing mentioned of Iob is , his substance was very great , yea , hee was the greatest of all the men of the East , hee was withall iust , vpright , & one that feared God ; he did not forget God , when hee shold most haue remembred him , that is , when he was blessed and prospered by him : but as hee abounded in riches amongst men , so did he also encrease or abound in deuotion towards God , whō he feared : Iob did sacrifice euery day : Héere was right possessing of earthly substance , rich & godly together , rich in godly actions : this was a rich man indéede , when both met together . If riches encrease , there is the encrease of riches , which are giuen from God himselfe : Set not thy heart vpon them , there is the vse of riches , and with what prouiso we doe enioy them . 2 To call in question whither Gods people may possesse earthly cōmodities , is an inuention more strange then true : hee which would haue euery Trybe a part alotted for an inheritance , for them and theirs amongst his people , did entend no other , but that they should successiuelie haue an inheritance to possesse : and why ? hee hath giuen the earth and earthly things vnto the sonnes of men . The lawes of nature and Nations tell vs , that amongst men there must be meum & tuum : mine and thine : and the Gospel doth well accord with this as requisite amongst Christians , Accipe quod tuum est , take that which is thine , or that which God hath alotted thée out , and giuen thee to enioy : The Apostles say , where shal we buy , so there was possessed wherewithall to buy . It was a méere irreligious , rapinous , and scoffing deuise of Iulian , to spoile and pray vpon both the goods of the Church , and people of God , after this manner , If thou wilt be perfect , leaue all that thou hast : onely séeke treasure in heauen , this is fittest for men of your profession , who haue renounced the world . The like saide Foelix that was a great agent vnder the before named Iulian , beholding the munificence , and ornaments of the Church , with what sumptuous vessels is the sonne of Marie ministred vnto ? in short time this vnhappy Foelix did come to wretched end . The like said Auxentius , when hee would haue the Church and Church possessions to wast and consume them as hee list : but S. Androse tels him , if Naboth would not leaue his Fathers inheritance , should I ( quoth he ) leaue Christs inheritance ? These be but shifts pretended , when the greatest persecutors of Christians could formally tell them , Their God was no gatherer of money , or possessor of riches , & that their account should not be for thinges transitorie : wherefore they did them good , in vnburdening them of these troublesome possessions , and as for greater reuenewes downe with them , downe with them euen to the ground . 3 There was no fitter way ( as these men thought ) of ruinating Christs religion , then by taking away those meanes whereby the exercise of Religion was continued ; and surely it was so , for soone would the publike practise of religion decay , were there not some meanes by temporall commodities for the continuance thereof . To this end therfore endowments were first alotted out by God to the t●…e of Leui , and since hath he stirred vp good men , to shewe great bountifulnes this way . The people neuer thought it a burden to bring vnto the tabernacle , and the well disposed haue béene glad they had somewhat to dispose for the setting forth of the seruice of God ; accounting it a mercy of God , they had the honour to doe good . For the vse therefore and exercise of Christes Religion , wée sée in the first place , not onely how lawfully , but howe religiously these temporall and earthly possessions may be enioyed , and that the Church may vse lawfullie those benefits wherewith God hath blessed her . For the state of Christians in generall , both the hungry conceite of those ( of whom Epiphanius maketh mention in former times ) and the running fancie of the Anabaptists of latter time , who would bring in a mingle mangle , partly consisting of a platonicall communitie , and affected pouertie , is most dissonant frō the state and gouernment of Christians , who should rather be helpfull then chargeable to others , & by works of deuotion , hospitalitie , and such like honour God. Pharao cries vpon the Israelites to haue them make their stint and number of bricke , and yet takes away that which might yéeld them meanes to accomplish their worke : Christians must féed Christ in the hungrie , cloath him in the naked , harbour him in the harbourlesse , let these men shew how this shold be done , if earthly riches be not possessed ? but riches ( say they ) are the Mammon of iniquitie , and the possession of them is the roote of euill . True , some men haue hurt themselues with weapons , not vsing them as they ought , as these doe in misapplying of holy Scriptures , therfore take away the vse of both generally from all ? This is a farre fet inference , and from the rule of common reason . That riches are called the riches of iniquity , it is not so said , as if they were in themselues so , but the default is , that oftentimes they become so by the fault of those that possesse them . It is not 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , the matter of money , but it is , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , that same loue of money , that is , the roote of euill . Sathan soonest preuailed with Iudas that bare the bagge , yea that loued the bag . This was the cause of that our Sauiour spake : How hard it is for rich men to enter into the kingdome of heauen , because rich men for the most part are so caried away with the loue of riches : so that they oftentimes forget & forgoe the loue of God for a little drosse and baggage of the worth . This was the cause that made the young man in the Gospel sorrowfull , euery word of our Sauiour was a sworde that did pearce his heart , Goe , and therfore make no delay : sell , & therefore depart frō hence out of hand ; All that thou hast , and therefore thy whole substance : Giue , and therefore fréely bestow : vnto the poore , and therefore to them that cannot recompence thée againe . The text saith , He was rich and went away sorrowfull : and surely so it is , that rich men in these cases are much sorrowfull . Christ our Sauiour likeneth riches to thornes , and if riches be in couetous mens hearts , no meruaile though they haue many sorrowes , for the nature of thornes is , they are pricking , and choking , and they grow thick . 4 Now though riches sometimes , and to some men are the occasion of euill , ( when we séeke them to follow vanities , and liue without controlement ) it doth not therefore follow , that they are so generally vnto all . True it is , that we should not trust in such vncertaine riches , nor stay our selues vpon these inferiour and transitorie things , but minde a state of all continuance to come : yet this renouncing of the world in affection and loue , doth not enioyne an vtter contempt of all earthly benefits , which wee may vse to the good of our selues & others , & yet somtimes forsake for the loue of heauenly things . When Christ our Sauiour saide , Feare not them which can kill the body , he doth not exclude all reuerence and feare to be giuen vnto such , but the meaning is , doe not so feare them , as you neglect to feare him , which hath power to kill both body and soule . When hee sayeth , Labour not for the meate that perisheth , but labour for the meate which perisheth not : Hee doth not th●…eby dehort vs from labouring for the meate which perisheth , but this is spoken per modum comparationis , by way of comparison , that is , doe not so labour for the meate that perisheth , that you neglect to labour for the meate that perisheth not : So when hee sayeth : First seeke the Kingdome of God , and the righteousnesse thereof : It is not contradictorie to that of the Apostle : Prouide afore hand thinges necessarie : Prouide for thinges necessarie , hath his time : so that our Sauiours , Primum quaerite regnum Dei , be first remembred : First séeke the Kingdome of Heauen , and the righteousnes therof . It was not saide in solicitudine , in carefulnes , but in labore , that is , in labour , thou shalt eate thy bread : nay , it is not so much the care , as the inordinate care of earthly thinges , which the Gréeke text hath , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , that is there dehorted . The care for the life present and thinges necessarie thereunto , is in the Apostle commended , but in the Euangelist the care of heauenly things is preferred : hee that prouideth afore hand for thinges of this life , as hee that giueth his virgine into marriage , doth well : but hee that prouideth for thinges appertayning to the life to come , as hee that giueth not his Uirgine , doth better : The desires of thinges necessarie for our aboade heere are manie , but the desire of and for our heauenly being is more commendable : Rachell was the fairer , though Lea was the fruitfuller , our onely care to possesse heauen and heauenly thinges , is like Marthas part , which Christ said , should neuer be taken from her . 5 This notwithstanding , a sufficiencie for the maintenance of life , the lawfull vse of worldly goods & possessions may be continued , so we vse them as Mariners doe their oares , to help them along till they come to the Hauen , or as Way-faring men doe their staues , which willingly they lay aside when their iourney is done , the scope is , that wee be indifferent vnto riches , & thinke of them in Christianitie , as the Philosopher himselfe did concerning the state of felicity : Si adsunt , ornant ; si absunt , non tollunt . If we haue them , they help vs ; if not , they doe not vndoe vs : because Christians can be rich with a little , and content howsoeuer , hauing learned with the Apostle both to abound and to went ; knowing that they brought nothing into this world , neither shall they carie any thing out . Thinke , and thinke againe , ( sayeth S. Austen ) That wee Christians are not borne for this world , or to enioy the riches of the same : but wee looke for farther & better riches to be receiued and possessed in the world to come . 6 It is the insatiable desire of riches which is so often reprehended : take héed to your selues , least at any time your hearts be oppressed with the cares of this life , and that day come vpon you vnawares . The Eagle died not so much of age , as of hunger : of all vices none doth more waxe old with vs then couetousnes , what should we be so earnest vpon the world , which wee must shortlie leaue ? how should wee vse the commodities thereof , but as the Egyptians did their bondmen for vse onely , euermore looking of greater riches else where ? When Iudas Macabaeus saw his men ouergréedy of a little gaine , and thereupon to begin to desist from the battell they had in hand , Iudas willeth them to follow on the pursuite of the enemie nowe flying ; for , quoth he , in the ende you shall safely take the spoyles , or at last you shall haue riches enough : Let vs not stay vpon these transitorie things too long , forgetting the present occasion we haue in hand , but let vs go●… forward in the course of Christian profession wee haue vndertaken , there will come a time when we shall take the spoile , and haue treasure to the vttermost of our desires . 7 The touchstone is saide to trie gold , and gold is saide to trie men : if one should haue offered Alexander the great a commoditie to the value of twentie pound , & shewed him the meane and manner how to gaine it ; Alexander would scarce haue harkned , or giuen eare to such a motion , because his minde was vp pon gaining kingdomes & Empires . In like manner tell a heauenly minded man of compassing great possessions , and laying vp much treasure , he will not much respect the discoursing of these matters , for why ? hee mindes the getting of greater matters , or the laying vp of treasure in heauen : and after this manner did Abraham and Iacob , and many others possesse riches , hauing their minds euer set vpon better riches to come . And heere is the manner , how Christian men may enioy riches , and hold earthly possessions , Si nihil amando possidetis ( sayeth Gregory ) etiam possidendo relinquitis : If you doe not loue them as you possesse them , you do leaue them in possessing them , Relinquere possumus etiam retinendo : Wee may leaue them euen when we possesse them . The reason is , we doe not loue them , or set our hearts vpon them , we rest content with that God hath bestowed vpon vs , & for that insatiable desire of game in the name of God let it goe . A miserie is it vnder the Sunne , men liue poore , that they may die rich , and make no ende of gathering ( they know not themselues for whom ) so they may leaue rich Executors , but they respect not the state of their néedie soules , there are riches that no shipwrack can take from vs. Chap. 22. How Christ exhorteth to forsake Father and Mother , and all for his sake . WHen we heare by that of Simeon , that Christ our Sauiour Was the light of the Gentiles , That by him came grace and truth , that he is our righteousnes , wee rea●…ily harken vnto all this , and can find in our harts to beléeue it , and wee doe well in so doing : but when we heare on the other side , that in following of him wee must take vp our crosse , denie our selues , leaue father and mother , and all for his sake we draw backward , and begin to say with the men of Capernaum : Durus est hic sermo , This is a hard saying , and who is to endure it ? We perswade our selues we loue Christ , and think we haue discharged this loue in a little beléeuing in him : No , it is not so : if wee did loue Christ indéed , then would we forsake all strange loue for his sake . When Iacob loued Rachael , hee left his kindred and Countrey . If wee loue Christ indéede , then where are the properties of true loue , in forsaking all for his sake , and giuing him ●…ur hearts ? 2 All creatures ( say the Philosophers ) desire their center , and doe no where rest but in their proper spheares ; the spark of fire tendeth vpward , the floods and all waters haue many turnings , and windinges , but they neuer cease vntill they come into the Sea , that common receptacle of all waters : the soule of man hath her center , which is God : shee neuer resteth vntill shee be there , and when she is there , she would not be remooued , Fecisti nos domine propter te , & inquietum est cor nostrum donec perueniat ad te : Lord thou hast made vs for thy selfe , and our heart is vnquiet vntill it be with thée : we néede not meruaile to sée men , which are addicted to the loue of the world or the flesh , or anie thing ( except God ) how they are often troubled and vexed , howe they are weake , wearie , and full of discontent : the reason is , they are not in their proper sphere , which is in the loue of God. It is said , that when Christ came into Egypt at his flying from Herod , that all the Idols there fel down : and sure it is , that when the loue of Christ doth come into our harts , all the Idoll desires of the world , & the flesh will fall to nothing : No man can serue two maisters , that is , at one time two maisters , commanding contrarie things , so doth the loue of Christ , & the loue of the world . Wherfore let vs leaue the one , & cleaue vnto the other : least leaning vnto the one , we forsake the other , and our selues be forsaken of him . 3 And should wee not forsake all the world , for Christes sake ? Should wee not leaue chaffe for gold ? Puddle water , for the fountaine of life ? Straw and stubble for precious stones : nay , vile earth , for the heauen it selfe ? when Elizeus followed Elias his maister , hee left his Oxen plowing , as if hee had now a better husbandry in hand . When Christ called his Apostles , they left their fishing ( and yet continued a trade of fishing still , for now they should be fishers of men ) they followed him . Peter saith , Domine , reliquimus omnia : Lord , we haue left all : what was this Al , but some old Boate , and a few rotten torne nets , for these were now in the mending ? Was this that all ? yea , & Peter left more too at this time then Alexander the great could desire : for Peter left the loue of the world for the loue of Christ , which was more , and of more worth , then many worlds . The Apostles indéede , saith Saint Austen , left not much , but yet looke what they were willing to ●…eaue for the loue of Christ , and we shall finde it more then many kingdomes . By this example of the Apostles , wee learne to forsake thrée things , for the loue of Christ : by their Nets , the pleasures of the flesh , which are wont to take men and snare them : by the ship , the riches of the world which doth carie vs away from the hauen of true rest : by their father and mother , those thinges that are néerest and dearest to vs in the world : all these must wee leaue for the loue of Christ. 4 There is a néerer coniunction betwéene Christ & the faithfull , then there is with father and mother : of them wee haue Esse naturae , a being in nature : but of Christ , Esse gratiae , a being in grace : of them our being , of Christ our well being . To honor father and mother is the fist commaundement , but to honour God is the first commaundement of the law : to shew , that to honour God is aboue all . It is sayde , Man shal leaue father and mother , and liue with his wife : but he must leaue father , and mother , & wife , and all to dwell in loue with Iesus Christ. S Ierome sayth , if my father stoode wéeping on his knées before me , and my mother were behinde mee , pulling mee backe ; I●… all my b●…hren , sisters , k●…folkes , and children on euery side were about to 〈◊〉 ●…e in a sinfu●… life , I would despise them all , fling o●… my mother , runne ouer my Father , to goe to Christ , who calleth me . Whosoeuer hateth not his Father for my sake : a strange speech to heare charity it selfe speake of hate , and much more to exhort it : but consider how it is spoken not litterally or simply to hate ( for how could hee speake so , that so much honoured his Father and mother , and gaue a law for the performance of this duty of loue ? ) but if Father and mother will be loued more then Christ , or draw vs from his loue , then ( as God said vnto Abraham , get thée from thy owne Country and kindred ) so get thée in this case from Father and mother , yea , goe a step farther , & animam tuam , a Gods name forsake thy owne life ; forsake all rather then forsake the loue of Christ : O take not away Beniamin sayes Iacob , for if Beniamin be gone , the ioy of Israel is gone : O leaue not the loue of Iesus Christ , for if that forsake vs , all the world cannot comfort vs. In the eight of S. Mathewes Gospel , one excuseth himselfe for not following Christ , saying , Maister , suffer me to burie my Father , hee had a loue to Christ , marie regard of his father stayes him from the performance of any duty , but our Lord admits no excuse of carnall affection when he cals : the father , saith S. Austen , is to be honoured , but euermore God is to be preferred , the father in earth should haue honour , but the Father in heauen more . 5 One compareth the state of a distressed man vnto that steward in the Gospell , who was called by his maister suddenly to giue an account of great substance committed to his charge : this man not able in the world to make any account , being afraide ( his dealings had bin so slender ) to look his master in the face , in this distressed condition hee knowes not what to doe , he must giue an account , a great account , and a great account suddenly , at last hee be thinkes himselfe of three friends he had , and he resolues in this necessitie to make tryall of them , what they would doe for him . Hee comes vnto the ●…rst of these friends , opening his griefe : this friend tels him that he could finde in his hart to doe him good , but hee had so many to pleasure , that he must n●…des be pardoned for this t●…me , and so leaues him . This done , he commeth vnto his second friend , and sheweth him as vnto the first his miserable estate , prayes him to speake a good word for him : surely , saith he , I would speake for thée , but to tell thée a plaine truth , when I come before thy M. I shal rather speake against thée then for thee : nowe was this distressed man more sorrowfull then euer , hee hath one onely friend which hee had often iniuried , and therefore was ashamed to go vnto him , yet at last hee comes and makes his moane vnto him : This friend had no sooner heard the case of this miserable distressed man , but forthwith hee goes and makethfull satisfa●…tion , and account in his owne person for all the debt . The first of these thrée friends is the world , which hath so manie to pleasure , as the distressed sinner findes little comfort , if at any time he craue helpe of it . The second friend is the law of God , which will rather speake against him then for him . The t●…ird is our Lord Iesus , the surest friend of all , whose loue is more déere vnto vs then heart can conceiue ; this is the friend that will stand by vs , when all faile vs , & should wee not therefore forsake all for his sake ? Should we with De●…as follow the world , because it hath a litt●…e more pleasure then Paul ? No , S. Paules crowne of glory will make amendes for all . 6 What should possesse our harts wholy , rather then the loue of Christ ? The soule is as an house possessed of a tenant which is the loue of God , that when the desire of earthly thinges doth come , there is no roome , the house is taken vp before . Way faring men , when they see the I●…ne fu●… , they passe along : Wandring desires , when they sée our hearts full of the loue of God , away they goe . In the Gospell by S. Luke , a certaine m●…n sayes vnto our Sauiour , Lord , I will followe thee : Christ telleth him that the Foxes had holes , the birdes had nests , but the Sonne of man had not where to hide his head . In effect if thou wilt follow mee for pro●…s sake , and a little comm●…dity héere , thou art not fit to be one of my Disciples : for if thou doe follow me , it must be for loues sake , and this loue for my sake , must make theé forsake all : Non attenditur quantum relinquitur , sed qua voluntate : It is not so much regarded howe much wee leaue , as with what wil we leaue all things in the world . 7 We reade that so●… heathen Philosophers haue left all earthlie cares for the loue of learning : but much ●…ore ●…uld wee doe it in following Christ , because too many cares of this worlde doe much trouble vs , as much seruing did Martha . Chap. 23. Of Christes many myracles , and what we learne by them . THat wee might learne to know him to be the true Messias , which was sent into the world , Christ confirmed his heauenly doctrine by many heauenly déedes , that those whom his teaching could not moue , at least his d●…uine working might compell . The people were content to heare his sermons , so they might sée his myracles , and Christ was content they should sée his myracles , so they would heare his Sermons . If I doe not the workes of my Father ( s●…yeth hee ) beleeue mee not ; If I doe them , though ye beleeue not me , yet beleeue me for my works sake . The works , which I doe testifie of me . By which we may gather , whereunto tended the myracles of the sonne of God. These things are written that yee might beleeue . Let wauering mindes but consider a little his admirable workes in the worlde : was it knowne from the beginning , yea , since the world began it was not heard , that euer any man opened the eyes of one that was borne blind ? Nichodemus saith Rabbi , we know that thou art a teacher come from God , for no man could doe these myr●…cles that thou doest , except God were with him : nay that which is more , Nichodemus , none could doe them except God were in him , and hee in God. To manifest that hee had power in earth to forgiue sinnes , he sayes vnto the sicke of the Palsie , no more but this , fi●… , d●…mittuntur peccat●… tua , Sonne , calling a poore miserable man sonne , and bidding him to be of good comfort . To confirme that hee was the bread of life , he féedes a great multitude with fiue barly loaues and two fishes , to shewe that hee had authority ouer Sea and land , hee commaunds the waters , and they obey him . To make his power known ouer the power of darknes , hee chargeth soule spirits , who had taken vp their dennes in many distressed creatures , to come out , and they beséech him not to cast them into the déepe . To declare plainely that hee was the resurrection frō the dead : he raysed Lazarus , who had laye●… foure dayes in his graue . The Magitians of Egypt did some wonders before Pharaoh , but they came not neere to Moyses doings , for they were but slender illusions : yet Moyses myracles ca●…e farre behind these of our Sauiour , they were so many , they were so wonderfull , as none but God could effect them . 2 And this order did our Sauiour Christ obserue , that from the power of his doctrine he procéeded to shew myracles , that if his words could not preuaile , yet his workes might . By which works it was euident how willing hee was to heale our infirmities , and how able to helpe all that still call vpon him to this ende , therefore in the first place serue his myracles to shewe his power , that hee was God , and that there is no disease so desperate , which hee by his onely word cannot cure : and in the second place , his goodnesse , that there is none so miserable whom hee will exclude , who excludes none . Iosaphat the King , when hee was at a great straite , and knew not what to doe , at last hee resolued vpon this : Aske counsaile of the Lord , I pray thée , as if he should say , I will goe séeke helpe of God : when wee knowe not what to doe , or which way to turne vs for helpe , wee may resolue vpon this , wee will goe to Christ , hee was mercifull on earth , and shewed many myracles in helping all that came vnto him , and hee is the same still , sitting at the right hand of God in heauen . 3 But nowe obserue wee the manner of his working myr●…cles , at one time hee speaketh the word onely , at another , hee toucheth the diseased , sometimes hee cures in presence , at another time beeing farre absent . In some hee is lifting vp his eyes to heauen , in others hee prayeth openly , all which want not a mysterie , and appertaine as well to the instruction of our fayth , as the direction of our life , and are as part of the Gospell , because they shewe vnto vs good and ioyfull thinges . When the Prophets wrought myracles , they were alwayes praying : but we heare Christ commaunding , and speaking the worde onelie , and it is doone . Hee commaundeth the windes , and the Seas , hee chargeth diseases to cease , and deuils to depart . Unto the Leaper he saith , I will , be thou cleane . Unto the man that lay by the poole Bethesda , Take vp thy bed & walke : Unto the widowes sonne , Young man arise : And wee may obserue by the way that vnto whom he gaue remedie , he oft times enioyned a duty . The Church storie doth mention a certaine Letter written by one Agbarus an Edissean vnto our Sauiour Christ , the forme whereof was this : Agbarus the Edissean to Iesus the good Sauiour in the Countrey of Iurie . &c. It is shewed vnto me , that thou and thy Disciples doe giue health to mortall men without hearbes , or medicines : for as the fame goes of thée , thou doest bring to passe that the blind see , the lame walke , the Leapers are cleansed , that thou doest cast out foule spirits , and euen raysest some dead amongst the people , these things when I heard them of thee , I began to conceiue this , to wit , that eyther thou wert God , or at the least the Sonne of God , come downe from Heauen . In this we sée that the myracles of our Sauiour made the world to stand amazed at him , and the faythfull to beléeue on him . 4 In the second of S. Iohn , when Christ had turned water into wine ( for that was his first myracle ) who did turne sorrowe into ioy , the law into grace , the Euangelist sayth , hee began to shew forth his glory , & his Disciples beléeued on him : for his myracles , they saw them and beleeued on him , wee heare them and beléeue on him : Blessed are they that beleeue , and haue not seene . And what else dooth the daylie hearing of his diuine myracles , but daylie encrease in vs faith more and more : The Iewes reasoned within themselues , If this man were a sinner , hee could not doe these thinges . And Christ himselfe saith , for the remoouing of their incredulitie : If I had not done the workes which no other had done , they should haue had no sinne , but now they haue no excuse . Some will say , holy men of old wrought myracles , at the prayer of Iosuah , the Sunne stoode still . Elias , and Elizeus did manie great and wonderfull works . It is so indéede , saith S. Austen , but if you marke the manner , these were farre inferiour to Christes myracles : These wrought by prayer , Christ by his owne power : they as holy men , he by authority as God : they when they raysed one from the dead did no more , Christ did manie , and of all sortes . It was but his worde , and his déede , vnto the blinde man , Receiue thy sight . 5 Compare we a little Christes myracles , with the testimonies of the Prophets long before his comming : hee hath giuen medicine to heale our infirmities , saith Esai . The eyes of the blind , the eares of the deafe are opened , the lame shall leape as a Hart , the dead men shall liue , then shall hee preach the acceptable yeare , all which accord with his myracles in the Gospell . Our Sauiour vpbraydeth the Cities of Bethsaida , and Chorazin , wherein he wrought manie myracles , which were so perspicuous testimonies of his Dettie , that if they had béene done in Tyre and Sydon , they would haue repented sitting in sackcloth and ashes . Why did the Pharisies so much enuie him , but for his glorious workes , for which they should haue loued him ? neuer did they pursue him more eagerly , then when hee had nowe latelie raysed Lazarus from the dead . Those who scorned him vppon the Crosse , could out of their owne mouthes iudge themselues , Hee saued others . 6 For those myracles of our Sauiour they ceased not in him , eyther aliue or dead . Sée what his power did : He was crowned with thornes , & now Kings and Emperours doe cast downe their Crownes at his feete . What a death was that which did such things which all the liuing could not doe , by weakenes hee ouercame power ? Twelue Fishermen in short time subdue the world vnto him , by suffering and teaching men to suffer , by dying , and teaching men to die , he wrought myracles in himselfe , and ( as he before promised ) he wrought by his power myracles in his Apostles , he cured a woman that touched the hemme of his vesture , and Peter cured diuers by his very shadow : Verily I say vnto you , hee that beleeueth in me , the workes that I doe shall hee doe also , and greater then these shall hee doe . Whence wee sée what was done in beléeuing on his name . The Primitiue Church had manie myracles , trées newly planted are wont to require watering , but hauing once taken roole , that labour ceaseth . We reioyce , ( saith Thomas Aquinas ) that wee are past the beginnings , not to require signes againe : Now the faith of Iesus Christ is established in our hearts , dumbe and deafe flesh is not opened , but the dumbe and deafe heart , by the operation of his word : neither is Christ still without myracles , for he cured visibly and inuisibly the blindnes of the body , and the blindnes of the vnderstanding : he raysed thrée from the dead , and so doth he still thrée sorts of dead sinners : The first was the Rulers daughter , whom hee raised , putting foorth the multitude in the presence onely of her Parents : these are those whom hee rayseth from secret sinnes , knowne onely to God and themselues . The second was the widowes Sonne , which was now carrying forth of the Citie , and Christ met him by the way , and raysed him : these are those who are going on in an euill course to the pit of destruction , but Christ happily méetes them , preuenting them with his grace : being deliuered to their mother the Church , they become new men , and so liue . The third was Lazarus , who had béene foure dayes dead , and Christ comes and wéepeth , groneth , and calleth at the Sepulcher : Lazarus come forth . These are those that haue layen long in their sinnes , and begin to sauour , for these Christ groneth and wéepeth , and these he calleth by his grace at their dead hearts , readie to restore them to life , and at last they reuiue , and when Christ rayseth these , he workes a myracle indéede , and yet blessed be his name , for hee often workes this myracle . In the time of Elias the childe neeled seauen times that was raysed from death , they leaue seauen capitall sinnes that Christ thus rayseth to life . In the Gospel by Saint Mathew , the woman of Canaan sayes vnto him , my daughter is distressed ; but wee say vnto him . Sonne of Dauid , thy daughter our redéemed soule is distressed . In the Gospell by Saint Marke , Christ saide vnto one that lay languishing , Take vp thy bed and walke : this doth hee say to many , the bed may resemble the body , wherein wee lie languishing while wee doe serue the desires of sinne ; wee walke ; when wee serue him in newnesse of lyfe ; wee goe to our owne house , when wee prepare our selues towards heauen . 7 By sixe workes of mercie , Christ wrought myracles ●…an : the bodie , and by those s●…e also dooth hee worke myracles vppon the soule , blindnesse is ignorance and error , ●…menesse is infirmitie and way●…rdnesse of the will , Leprosie is concupiscence of the fleshe , ●…eafenesse , is obduration of the heart , the separation of grace from the soule , is death : pou●…tie is the defect or want of the knowledge of God , the poore receiue the Gospell . Some are blinde by ignorance , these hee ●…inateth by the light of faith : some are same by unperfection , these hee enableth by the strength of hope : some are Lea●…ers by contagion of sinne , these , hee cleanseth by the merites of his death : some are hardned by the obduration of heart , these hee wakeneth by the calling of his word , some are dead by reason of sinfull life , these hee raiseth in the inward man to a spirituall life , some are néedle and destitute of helpe , these hee adorneth and cloatheth with grace . Christ ( as was before shewed ) reproueth those Cities for their vnbeléefe , wherein his myracles were done , by a woe : woe be vnto thée Chorazin , woe be vnto thée Bethsaida , by Chorazin may be vnderstoode the state of rich men , by Capernaum , of carnall men , by Bethsaida , the wise men of the world : some of these myracles doth Christ worke in Bethsaida , in Chorazin , in Caparnaum , these should haue beléeued , but did not , these ought to beléeue , but doe not : The men of the olde world were ouerwhelmed in the flood for their sinnes , when they had no other law , nature was a law vnto them : and of the Heathen , the Apostle saith , that the inuisible thinges of him , that is , his eternall power and godhead are séene by the creation of the world , being considered in his works , to the intent they should be without excuse , because that when they knew God , they glorified him not as God. But what should we speake of myracles ? if wee open our eyes and looke abroad into the world , there we sée them : If we enter into a consideration of our selues , there wee finde them . The Iewes required a signe of Christ , when they saw nothing but signes frō him . Paulus Sergius in the Acts saw but one myracle of Paul the Apostle wrought vpon another , and by and by he receiued . Paules preaching . Wee sée not one , but many myracles wrought not on others , but vpon our selues . Christ began to vpbraid the Cities wherein his myracles were 〈◊〉 , Incepit , hee beg●…n , as if he doth still the same : but to the use . 8. A diligent consideration of Christes myracles doth offer vp unto our religious thoughts manie thinges worthy of obseruation , as first , they moue to giue prayse and glorie vnto God : so did the Israelites when they sawe themselues deliuered by a myracle in the red Sea : so did the people in the Gospell , when with astonishment they cryed out ; Wee neuer saw it on this fashion : hee hath done all thinges well , hee hath made the blinde to see , and the lame to goe . When tenacitie is brought to be liberall , then a withered hand is restored : when the meanes of beléeuing is giuen , the blinde and the dumbe in soule are cured : when a sinner is brought from going astray , and now called frō an euill custome of life , then the deafe heare : when a sinner is conuerted , one dead is raysed : and for these myracles wee giue glory vnto God. Secondarily , they reach vs to haue recourse vnto him in all time of necessitie : for when wee see him full of pittie & compassion , we learne not to dispaire , but to trust in him : when we sée hee canforde whole multitudes in the Desert , where otherwise there was little hope of succour , wee learne howe powerfull and how pittifull he is to reléeue . Thirdly , these and the consideration of them may serue as an inuincible truth , for the confirmation of our faith . The Centurion said : Surely this was the Sonne of God. Chap. 24. Of Christes most diuine wisedome in answering his aduersaries , and all that came vnto him , and what we learne thereby . TO come in order from his doings to his sayings , for he began to doe and teach in these , such was the diuine wisedome of the Sonne of God , that it moued all that heard him to admiration , for why , hee alwayes spake to the hart of man. When hee was disputing in the temple , the Doctors were astonished at his vnderstanding , when he exhorted the multitude , the people were amazed at his doctrine , when some should haue apprehended him , they say , neuer man spake as this man speaketh . And now behold a greater then Salomon . In the two and twentieth Chapter of Saint Mathewes Gospell , the Herodians sent by the Pharisies , thinking men vnknowne vnto him , might sooner intray him , and that hee would not so much beware of these as of themselues , being men knowne vnto him . These Herodians come with a question of tribute , Maister , thou teachest the way of God truly , neither carest thou for any man , how sayest thou , is it lawful to giue tribute vnto Caesar ? They call him maister when they meane nothing lesse then to be instructed by him : they praise him , saith Saint Chrysostome , ●…en their intent is to intrap 〈◊〉 , as flatterers are w●…nt when they ●…uld br●…e men ●…hither they 〈◊〉 . Wee knowe ( as if they ●…ld say ) thy ●…eritie is such , t●… sp●…est none , no not Caesar himselfe ; Dio nobis , Tell vs , thy ●…ledge is such as thou canst 〈◊〉 re●… v●… . Christ percei●… well rnough this ●…eight proceeding , 〈◊〉 their praise , re●… their hypocrisie , & calling for a tribute pennie , bids them goe & doe their duty in the name of God to Caesar as they ought to doe , for that verie inscription of Caesars did shewe them as much . These men beeing answered , the S●…douces came vnto him with a captious question , putting the case of a woman which had seauen husbands , nowe to which of these should shee appertaine in the resurrection ? If vnto any one of them , then ●…urie was offered vnto the rest , which was eui●… : if vnto all , then must he admit a plura●…e , polyga●…e , which was worse : and therfore they thought by this 〈◊〉 kind of question , to haue strongly inferred against the resurrection , and to haue grounded our Sauiour at first dash . Christ soone disappoints them of their purpose , which they missed of , and by and by shewe●… then they erred , not knowing the Scriptures , that the resurrection was not to be considered with any carnall conceite , that there was neither marying nor giuing vnto marriage , for they were as the Angels of God in Heauen . By which answere they were at a Non plus , whose wife of all ? why nones at all : to which of them ? to none of them , There is no marying : The text saith , they were put to silence , as if nowe they had no more to say . 2 After this a Doctor of the Law asketh him which was the greatest commaundement in the law , a question at that very time in controuer●…e amongst the Iewes , concerning the precepts of the law morall , iudiciall and ceremoniall : Christ comprehendes all in briefe , as Salomon●…d ●…d when he saide , The summe of all is , feare God , and to keepe the commaundements . Thou shalt loue the Lorde thy God with all thy heart , with all thy soule , and with all thy minde , this is the first and the greatest commandement : The second is like vnto this . Thou shalt loue thy neighbor as thy self . Thereby shewing him that the scope of the commaundements , did tend principally to loue , and in this loue ●…od did chiefely require the verie affections of the heart , and therefore that they should not so much basic their heads about néedelesse questions , as applie their harts to kéepe the precepts of the lawe , which in a generality did consist in the loue of our God , and our neighbour , a short lesson , and yet wee are all our life about it . 3 In the eight of S. Iohn , the Scribes and Pharisies bring him a woman taken in adulteris , and set her in the middest , saying : Maister this woman was taken in adulterie in the very act . Nowe Moyses commaundeth in the law that such should be stoued , what sayest thou therefore : This they did to tempt him : If hee should haue condemned her , then where is that mercie that all the worlde speakes of to be in thee ? If hee should not haue condemned her , then loe thou art cleane contrarie vnto Moyses law : thus by a Dilemma they thought to catch him . Christ sounds the secrets of their hearts , and willeth them after examination of themselues , to procéede to execute the sentence of Moyses law vpon the woman . In effect the law is iust , but let iust men performe the equitie of this law . By which diuine answere , they all stand mute and confounded in themselues , fin●…ing not where to reproue him , they slink away : which answere saith S. Austen , was iust & gentle , Pu●…iatur peccatrix , sed non a peccatoribus , Let this sinner be punished , but not of sinners . When some other of the Scribes said within themselues , he blasphemeth , who can forgiue sinnes , but God onely ? Christ knowing their thoughts , saith : whether is it easier to say , thy sinnes are forgiuen thée , or arise , take vp thy bed and walke ; héere , saith Tertullian , hee sheweth he was the Sonne of man. 4 In the sixt of Saint Luke , a diseased man is brought vnto him vpon the Sabaoth day , not to heale him , were want of compasiton : but yet to heale him , were to giue occasion to the Pharisies of murmuring against him : murmure or not murmure . Christ doth the poore man good vpon the Sabaoth day , & shewes them the end thereof : That the Sabaoth was made for man , and not man for the Sabaoth . In the 22. of the same Gospell , Pilat the Iudge asketh him . If he were the Sonne of God , Christes answere is . Tu dixisti , Thou hast saide it , neither affirming or denying of himselfe . When hee was in the Temple , the chiefe Priestes and Elders of the people , came vnto him as hee was teaching , and sayd , By what authority doest thou these thinges , and who gaue thee this authoritie ? For Christs authority to teach in the temple , there is found this Historie . In the temple of Ierusalem , there were 〈◊〉 ▪ ordinarie Priests , and as soone as any of them died , the residue chose another in his place : now it happened that Iesus for his singular doctrine and godlines , was chosen to be one : and there is great likelihood that this should be true , considering that Iesus , at this time and other times did preach in the Temple , which thing , the pride of the Pharisies would otherwise haue hardly endured it , and therefore we perceiue at this time , they did not long stand about denying his authoritie . Christ asketh them a question about Iohus Baptisme . The Baptisme of Iohn , whence was it ? from heauen , or of men ? they reasoned among themselues , saying : If wee shall say from heauen , hee will say vnto vs : why did you not beléeue him ? and if wee say of men , wee feare the people , for all holde Iohn as a Prophet : then they aunswered Iesus , and saide , Wee cannot tell , and hee sayde vnto them , neyther doe I tell you by what authoritie I doe these things . 5 The like question to this , proposed hee at another time vnto the Pharisies , saying : What thinke yee of Christ , whose son is he ? They said vnto him , Dauids : he said vnto them , How doth Dauid in spirit call him Lord , saying , The Lord said vnto my Lord , sit at my right hand , till I make thine enemies thy footestoole : If then Dauid call him Lord , how is hee then his Sonne ? And they could not answere him , neither durst they from that day foorth , aske him any more questions . Thus our Sauiour Christ , whether he were answering or opposing the Pharisies , they sawe his diuine wisedome was such , as they could not but wonder at it , and no meruaile , séeing hee was the diuine wisedome of the Father himselfe . When the Iewes obiected vnto him , that he cast out deuils by the power of Belzebub . First he asketh them by whose power thē did their children cast them out ? secondarily , hee sheweth their great errour or malice , in obi●…ting this against him , for if he by the power of Belzebub should cast out deuils , then was Sathan deuided against himselfe : if so , then could not his power stand , and therefore the summe if our Sauiours answere was this , Whosoeuer casteth out de●…s , the same is cl●…ane opposite or contrary vnto Sathan : But I , is you séen , cast them out , it followeth therefore contrary vnto pour assertion , that I doe this not by the power of Sathan , but by a power opposite vnto his , and thus they saw themselues sna●…d in their owne snare : And in the trap , as the Prophet speaketh , they laide for other , is their owne foote taken . In the twelfth of S. Luke , when one said , M. speake vnto my brother to deuide the inheritance with me , Christ sayeth , man , who made mee a Iudge ? though he were a Iudge both of quick and dead , yet he refused to iudge in a priuate inheritance , to shew that his first cō●…g was not to iudge , but to be ●…dged , this notwithstanding Christians may be Iudges in matters of controuersie , as the Apostle requireth . In the 13. of the same Gospel , hee went through all Cities and Townes , teaching and iourneying towardes Ierusalem , then said one vnto him , Lord , are there few that shall be saued ? And hee said vnto them : Striue to enter in at the straite gate : This man asketh of a high mysterie onelit knowne vnto God , about which hee needed not haue troubled his head : Christ answereth not to what hee asked , whether there were few , or no ? but to what hee ought to aske , to wit , of entring in at the straight gate , and therefore willeth all that heard him to striue to enter in at that gate . For questions or questioning , in néedelesse or intricate matters , Christ saith vnto his owne Apostles , It is not for you to know , or to presse into the priuie chamber of his secrets whose counsell is vnsearchable : wee should praise God in those thinges wee know , & wonder at him in those thinges wee know not : hee hath giuen no man leaue to be ouer curious in his works , much lesse to meddle with depth of his counsell . Concerning the number of the elect , or who they are , is more then man should meddle withall , wee know not how soone God in his endlesse mercy , may call those whō we are often ouer proue , to pronounce as vessels of wrath . For such d●…pths , curiosity is it to examine , presumption to determine , impossibility to conclude , want of charity to censure . While God doth affoord time of amendment , and space of turning vnto him , what should we but in christianity hope the best ? When Peter saide vnto Christ , Lord what shall hee doe ? Christ answereth , What if I will that hee tarri●… till I come , what is that to thee , follow thou mee ? Harken vnto that which doth appertaine vnto thy selfe : and let that alone which in the vnserchable purpose of God , doth appertaine vnto others . S. Austen sheweth , that it hath been the maner of busie heads in all ages , because they would not be idle , & specially of the Ma●…ches , to bring themselues vnto a laby●…inth of a number of vnnecessarie questions : as it is the manner of many now a dayes , vnto whom these answeres of our Sauiour before mentioned are sufficient ? Whē Pilat asketh what is truth , Christ answereth not hee would not shew what was truth ( saith one ) to a desp ser of truth . 7 When the young man sayde vnto Christ , Good M●…ister , &c. Our Sauiour saith , Why callest thou mee good ? there is none good but onely God ? A strange answere we would thinke , why Lord thou art God , and therefore well might he say vnto thée , good , but when wee consider the matter throughly , wee shall perceiue that Christ in this answere had reference to that which this young man thought of him , not what he was , estéeming him on●…e some good and iust man , and no more : againe , we are taught by this answere to turne away the eyes of our minde , when wee are praised of others , & thought to be good of men , saying with our selues , wee are not worthy to be called good : There is none good but God. Iudeth when shee was praysed of the people , shee turned their prayse to the praysing of God : so the blessed virgine did , as hath béene saide , when shee was magnified , her soule did magnifie the Lord , other magnified her , but she God. In these and many other answeres of our Sauiour to those that came vnto him , looke how many answeres , so many instructions haue wee , both for the strengthning of our faith , and the direction of our life : Apertis pas●…ur , obscuris exercemur , sayeth S. Austen , by plaine scriptures wee are fed , by harder exercised , now in Christs most diuine answeres we learne these things . 8 First in that he so answered the chiefe Pharisies , that they could not tel which way to turne them , it might make them well reason , whence is this wisedome , surely it is not of man ? S. Ierome saith , Qui ad tantam sapientiam credere deberent , mirati sunt quod calliditas eorum insidiandilocum non inuenit : They ●…ho should haue beléeued at so great wisedome , onely mer●…ailed that their subtilties of deceiuing tooke not place , and so they left him remaining still in infidelitie and hardnes of heart : O sencelesse men , haue you not heard with your eares the mighty power of God ? In steade of reuerencing him for his wisedome , how could you find in your harts to speake euill of him ? The woman of Samaria , hauing but a little communed with him by the Well side , shee leaueth her water pot , and going into the Citie , and saith : Behold , a man that hath told me all that euer I did , is not he the very Christ ? 9 Secondly , for the direction of our life , wee learne by this of our Sauiour , to haue respectiue care in answering others , sometimes as he did by silence , and sometimes also as S. Peter speaketh , being readie to giue an answere to euery man that asketh vs a reason of the hope that is in vs , which our Sauiour did obserue with such coldnes and moderation , as he caused his gainesayers to be confounded in themselues . This in part also he exhorteth , when he willeth his disciples to be as simple as Doues , and wise as Serpents . In consideration of both these manner of instructions , we may replie with that of S. Peter , when Christ said , whom say yée , that I am ? Simon Peter answered and said , Thou art Christ the Sonne of the liuing God , as if hee should haue said , the prophets haue foretold vs of Messias to come , Tu ille es , Lord thou art he . Chap. 25. Of Christ our Sauiour , what hee did vpon the Sabaoth , and Festiuall dayes , and what Christians may hence gather , for the obseruation of the same . FOr the better kéeping in a religious remembrance from age to age some speciall benefites receiued , as also for the necessary rest of man , sometimes to be at leasure from bodily labours and trauailes of this life : so it was that Almighty God did permit , nay , expresly enioyne his people from age to age the kéeping of the Sabaoth , and solemne obseruation of other Festiuall tunes , and seasons , as memorials of some publike benefite receiued from him , that in kéeping and solemne obseruation of th●…se times of rest , the people for their parts might not onely call to rembrance Gods goodnes past , but also direct their desires to the obtaining of a future rest to come : when that héere in earth did as it were put them in minde of a ioyfull Sabaoth , and festiuall solemnit●… , they should one day keepe ( by the grace of God ) in the Kingdome of heauen . For this cause ●…ly did the Fasts which are appointed goe before the Feastes , signifie our condition in the life present , but the feasts thēselues our happy estate , to be enioyed in the life to come . 2 As concerning the Sabaoth , and other festiuall times and seasons , for euery Feast was in a generality called a Sabaoth , we finde ●…ath continued all along ●…till the comming of our Sauiour Christ , who did himselfe ra●… the lawfull vse thereof by his own example vpon the Sabaoth dayes , he was often teaching in the Synagogue of the Iewes , and at other festiuall times , hee resorteth vnto Ierusalem , as we finde in the Gospel , there to kéepe ( after the manner and auncient custome of the people of God ) their feasts appointed vnto them to be kept by the ordinance of God himselfe . Of this ordinance we reade in the thrée and twentieth of Leuiticus , And the Lord spake vnto Moyses saying , speake vnto the children of Israel , and say vnto them , the feasts of the Lord which you call holy assemblies , euen these are my feasts . There mention is made of the Sabaoth , the Passeouer , the feast of vnicauened bread , the feast of first fruites , the feast of tabernacles : concerning all which , Moyses not onely mentioneth that God will haue these obserued , but also setteth downe in particular with what circumstances , and the maner how . 3 When as nowe in the first Table of the law , God had mentioned both his externall and internall worship in the two former precepts thereof , and in the third place , placed reuerence and honour to be doone vnto his holie name : that there might also be a sanctified time , separated from others , for the obseruation of these holy duties : therefore in the fourth commaundement doth hee commaund a sanctified and holy time , to shew that as hee had giuen lawes for his worshippe , so would hee also ordaine a tune for his worship : which time hee would haue to be holy , which holines hee would haue to resemble his ownerest : the 7 : day sanctified by him , his rest , so called in that hee censed the seauenth day , as it is saide , he rested , or ceased frō the creation of the world , and was created towards the end of the sixth day , that he might begin to leade his life vpon a time sanctified . And this cōmandement God setteth down in many words , as if hee were the longer expressing it , to teach his people to be the more carefull in the obseruing of it . The other lawes were onely negatiue , but this is both negatiue and affirmitiue , not onelie shewing , what we should bee , but what wee should not doe . Thou shalt keepe holy , and remember that thou keepe holy , thou shalt not labour , and so forth , as is expressed in the lawe . When the Prophet would shewe eyther wherein a people did honor God , or otherwise dishonour him , they mention it in kéeping or not kéeping the Sabaoths , wherefore Esay saith , Blessed is the man that keepeth the Sabaoth . And when the prophet Ezechiel would shew how the people had cast off all reuerence of God , hee expresseth it in this phrase of spéech , Polluerunt Sabatha mea : They haue polluted my Sabaaths . 4 What our Sauiour determineth concerning this , who came not to breake the law , but to fulfill it , wee may easily perceiue . That part of the Sabaoth which was ceremoniall , wee acknowledge to cease , but for the law morall , that still to remaine the same for the rest of our verie cattell , and therefore much more the seruants , that liue vnder vs , and principally for the religious vse it hath amongst Christians , that God may still haue a sanctified time , cons●…rated before others vnto his worship and man a vacation from bodily labours , as agréeable to the condition of his estate , which doeth require rest . Mention is often made in the Gospell , whatour Sauiour did vpon the Sabaoth dayes , besides his teaching , he cured manie that came vnto him , and had much adoe with the Pharisies in shewing them their superstitious obseruation of the same . The right vse whereof hee most truly obserued in doing so many sanctified workes therein , in curing diseased creatures , which the Rulers of the Synagogue could not brooke . In the fifth of Saint Iohn , he bids the man that had long time layen by the pooles side , to take vp his bed and walke . Now this ( saith the Euangelist ) was the Saboath day , if the man had not béene cured , how could hee haue borne his bed , who was before borne of others ? If it had not béene vpon the Sabaoth day , happily there had not béene so many eye-witnesses of the power of God. In curing another vpon the same day , Christ tooke occasion to shewe the end of the Sabaoth , that it was made for man , and not man for the Sabaoth : as also to manifest the workes of the Sabaoth , what they were , and of what nature , to doe good vpon this day , were it but to a dumb creature . Christ did not disallow , and the Pharisies did not amisse in lifting out an Oxe or an Asse from the ditch vpon this day , but howe much more was it agreeable vnto the sanctifying of the Sabaoth , to helpe a distressed man , and to loose one whom Sathan hath bound , soe manie peares . For the superstitious obseruation of the Sabaoth , which the Iewes vsed , it grew , as wee may perceiue by our Sauiours discourse with them , from very ignorance of the very first institution . It was not saide , Otio celebrabis , Thou shalt celebrate the Sabaoth with rest , but Sanctificabis , Thou shalt sanctifie , or thou shalt kéepe the Sabaoth with a holy rest . Againe , to shew that charitie , which is the summe of the law in generall , is to be preferred before anie Lawe in particular , ( for I will haue mercie , and not sacrifice , sayeth the Lord. ) Christ our Sauiour , as wee see chiefelie aymed at dooing good vpon the Sabaoth day , secretlie to interuent thy neighbour , or openly to enuie a poore mans health , was with the Pharisies no breach of the Sabaoth , but to doe good vpon him , the Sabaoth is broken . For the kindling of fire , but chiefely the gathering of stickes , was it not punished in a verie high degree ? and therefore not the least action to be doone vpon the Sabaoth day ? these men considered not how the first institution required strictnes , which in that instance is manifest , for the veterring of others : contempt is one thing , necessitie is another , which Christ shewed in excusing his Apostles , when they were murmured at for plucking the eares of corne vpon the Sabaoth day . The ignorance of the Pharisies did cleaue onely to the letter of the Law : Christ addeth a fauorable dispensation , and confirmes what he had done : Hee that cured me , said , Take vp thy bed and walke , or he that bid me , will beare mee out in that I doe , He said vnto me , Take vp thy bed and walke . 5 Doubtlesse with great Religion , did the old Israelites wel obserue and kéepe the holy Sabaoth of the Lord , which day God himselfe sanctified from the beginning : as this day Noe in the Arke rested on the mountaines of Ararat : as this day the Israelites were deliuered from Egypt , when they rested from the oppression of Pharao : as this day the people brought in Christ into Ierusalem with Palme boughes a little before his passion : as this day shewed he his first myracle at Cana in Galilée : as this day after all his myracles rested he in the Scpulcher , gloriously arising from the dead the day following , which day by the constitution of the Apostles them selues ( and so Authors against whom no exception can be taken ) the Church celebrateth this day as her Christian Sabaoth vnto the Lord. This is therefore called by S. Iohn , Dies Domini , our Lords day , from the resurrection . Concerning the alteration héereof the prophet O see might séeme to speake , when he sayeth : I will cause their Sabaoths and Feasts to cease . The day of our Lord , saith S. Austen , which we kéepe as our Sabaoth , it is not onely a remembrance of his resurrection past , but a type and figure of that eternall Sabaoth which is to come . The alteration therefore in part is as thus . They did celebrate their Sabaoth with a remembrace of the creation , we of the resurrection : they as a figure of grace , when they should rest from the seruitude of sinne , wee as a figure of glorie , when we shal rest from occasions of sinning 6 Eusebius sheweth vs of certaine men called the Ebionites , which would keepe the Sabaoth with the Iewes , and the Sunday with the christians , like men who wold be of all religions , whē they are indéede of none . Others tel vs of the Petrobrutiani , a kind of men which would haue no solemne and sanctified Feasts , to the honour of God at all . The Iewes were not so superstitious , as these were irreligious . These men are gone , but yet their fancies in some part remaine : for the former , to wit , the superstitious manner of the Iewes in kéeping their Sabaoth , we sée it refuted by our Sauiour , & the right vse to be kept , how & after what manner . The question hath béene moued whether the Machabees did well in violating the Sabaoth ? the question rightly proposed is otherwise : whether the Machabées in fighting that day did violate the Sabaoth ? many began to waxe scrupulous , Mattathias a good and godly Captaine saw it was no time to stand vpō points , that now they must eyther fight it out like men , or be murdered like beasts , to be hampering vppon nice matters of the lawe , when the enemies of God were readie to destroy the lawe and them , hee thought good to defend themselues , and offend their enemies , which was approued , the case standing as it did . For the Sabaothes dayes iourney , which consisted as some say of two miles distance , for that the people placed their tents , or their vttermost parts thereof so farre from the Tabernacle , or that mount Oliuet was about that distance from Ierusalem , whither the people on that day might repaire , the discussing heereof is not so necessary . For the trauel of Phisitions , or any in case of necessitie , so it be not ordinary vpon this day , men néede not be so scrupulous , I wil not say Iewish , as to say truth they are , if in this they remaine opinionated . In the Christian obseruation of our Sabaoth to stand vpon a number of curious conceites , is without iudgement & learning , and in part Pharisaicall . It were to be wished that a serious and religious obseruation thereof , were in vse without farther friuolous deuises of running fanciers . There are other dayes for our vocation , the holy Sabaoth is of our vacation to God , the people vpō other dayes offered a Lamb , but vppon the Sabaoth , two Lambs were offered , as if that day our deuotion should be doubled : Euery day would Dauid worship God , yea & seauen times a day would hee call vpon him , this is the day wherin we should call vpon God , more then ordinarie , a day of prayer and meditation of reconciling our selues to God and man , of doing good , and sanctifying a holy time with holy conuersation , therefore called the Lords day , because the Lorde should chiefly be worshipped vpon this day . 7 In the second place for the obseruatiō of other festiual tunes , & annual solemnities , it hath béen shewed that Christ our Sauiour went often vnto the Feasts . A little before his passion his disciples come vnto him saying : Maister where wilt thou that wee prepare the Passeouer ? As if they knewe it was their Maisters manner to keepe the Feast nowe approching . For the feasts of the Iewes there is no question , as they were commaunded of God , so were they euer solemnly kept of the godly : as they had their feasts , so haue Christians theirs . Christ out passeouer is offered for vs , therefore ( saith the Apostle ) let vs kéepe the feast . They had a passeouer , and wee haue a passeouer too : they were deliuered out of the bondage of Egypt , and we are deliuered from à bondage too : they kept a solemne remembrance , & we haue as much cause as euer they had to kéepe a solemne remembrance too . By their feast of first fruites , the fiftieth day after the passeouer they held a holy assembly vnto God : wee who haue receiued the first fruites of the spirit , by the comming downe of the holy Ghost , at the Feast of Penticost vpon the Apostles , holde a holy assembly vnto the Lord also . The other of our Christian feasts which concerne the chiefe points of our redemption , as the birth of Christ , his Circumcision , the Epiphanie , and his Resurrection from the dead , haue so good vse in the Church as the ancient custome , and Christian maner of the best , and best learned , that haue liued since the Apostles time , is of more sufficiencie to make vs continue the godly vse thereof , then all that the deuisers of nouelties are want to say , to draw vs forced texts to the contrary . Sathan is subtill , and neuer more , then when hee is changed into an Angell of light : to take away a solemne remembrance of him , who shed his blood for our redemption : To passe ouer the memorie of his birth , without any solemne and religious obseruation , were the next way to make both dutie and loue ●…re colde in Christians , and by little and little to forget all , ( which wee may tremble to thinke ) Christ Iesus and all . Wherefore wee cannot but muse whereunto that straunge spirit ●…d tend , which was readie to ●…troule euery Christian constitution , which eagerly sought the euersion of our solemne and Christian Feasts . These wee kéepe ( sayeth Saint Austen ) least vnthankfulnes or forgetfulnes should grow vpon vs , and therefore a sinne is it for men to spend their time , and trouble the quiet of the Church , in séeking to ouerthrow the Christian vse of solemne and seemely obseruations . By our Feastes ( sayeth Tertullian ) speaking in the behalfe of Christians against the Heathen ) we sanctifie vnto God the memorie of his benefites , Epiphanius taxeth Aerius for denying Christian solemnities , they haue litle in them except boldnes , which charge vs that our auncient rites come within the compasse of S. Paules reprehension . You obserue times and seasons : no , no , there is no such matter , they are farre from fatall sur●…ises of constellation , or any other Heathenish respects . There is no such feare , God be praysed , in these séemly obseruations : wherfore vnlesse wee sée them more strongly refuted then so , that is to say , by a few new names for our feasts , there is no ca●… 〈◊〉 the Church should still cont●… them in Christian maner as she doth , and so shall by the grace of God. Christ our Sauiour himselfe hath honoured these times by his blessed birth , his resurrection , and ascension vp into heauen , at which times we honour him , as at all times , so especially when we haue Feasts consecrated to a co●…emoration of his goodnes towards vs , when we in loue assemble , it is also a meane by honest recreation , to encrease amitie amongst our selues . 8 Sometimes wee celebrate the mention of the Martyrs and Saints of God , who haue liued 〈◊〉 former times , and this we doe by no other end , but onely to set before vs examples of repentance , of faith , of piety : Besides , occasion is offered of assembling our selues in publike prayer , which the oftner we do , the great●… is our deuotion , abuse taken may , we sée the kéeping of these is a commendable and Christian custome . 9 For the manner of keeping our Christian feasts of all sorts 〈◊〉 generall : first the duties of deuotion , as prayer , hearing the word of God , receauing the Sacraments , require our speciall ●…e , with these our laude and praise is offered vnto God , and therefore of the learned they are ●●●ied in Hebrew Kaggei , of reioycing : secondarily , at these times wee extend as wee may liberality vnto others , and therefore saith Saint Austen , festiuall times would haue liberality , which make manie blesse God for his benefites . Last of all , these solemnities orderly obserued , they doe sometimes call vs away from the wordinate carke and care of the world , and moue in our hearts many good and comfortable thoughts , in calling to mind , the time will come , When wee shall keepe a Feast of Feasts . Chap. 26. Of Christes weeping ouer Ierusalem , and what we learne thereby . THat it went not with the sonne of God héere in earth , as it did with King Salomon , who spent his time in great royaltie in the world , or as it is saide of Aristoxenus the philosopher , who led all his life amidst instruments of musick , we all know it fared otherwise with him , who did seldome laugh in the world , and the world as seldome laughed vpon him . S. Luke tels vs of his sad iourney towards Ierusalem , how he passed the way wéeping , and what small delight he tooke in the peoples Hosanna , or all the troupe about him : for as it is mentioned , while they were singing , hee was mourning . Christ was not mooued with that which was without , but respects that which was within , not that present , but things to come moue him . Hee casts vp his eyes to Ierusalem , and beholding the Citie , he had compassion vpon it , and wept for it : hee wept for them which would not wéepe for themselues . Dauid saith , Mine eyes gush out with water , because men keepe not thy law . Christes eyes gushed out with watry teares , because they would not kéepe his lawe , nay they would not accept his loue . Hee saw the Citie , and foresaw the ruine and miserie thereof . He wept for it , foreshewing the desolation , which would be lamentable , & this he doth not so much by words as by teares . 2 The prophets of olde haue sometimes spoken vnto the sons of men by sorrowfull signes . Samuell when hee would manifest how Sauls Kingdome should be rent from him , hauing the lap of his conte in his hand , hee rent it in the middest . Ezechiel to shew the destruction of the people , takes a bricke stone and layes it before them , and portrayes vpon 〈◊〉 the Ci●…e , and layeth siege against it . Christ at this time spake little , but his teares prophesied great sorrow to come ; he came neare the Citie , not so much in motion , as in commiseration . Dauid wept for Absolon , saying , Absolon , Absolon , O my sonne Absolon , I would to God I had dyed for thee ! Christ did as much mourse for Ierusalem , as euer Dauid did for Absolon , Ierusalem , Ierusalem , I would to God I had dyed for thée : no Ierusalem , I am now going to die for thée O what should I doe vnto thée , that I haue not done ? Many a time came Christ toward Ierusalem , but hee neuer came weeping , as now he did , because Ierusalem was neuer so neare desolation 〈◊〉 ruine , as now it was , and therefore Christ neuer sorrowed more , then nowe , when they were nearest destruction . Was it for the ouerthrow of the wals , and goodly buildings that Christ wept ? no , it was for the sinnes of Ierusalem , which should be the cause of all this , What affection was héere in the eternall Sonne of God , to wéepe for sinfull men ? Euen then was hee weeping , when they were most reioycing and laughing . The Phisition most weepes when the frauticke man is , or séemes to be most merrie , because hee knowes then the daunger is greatest , and therefore giues ouer to administer Phisicke any more , leauing him to be lamented of his good friends . 3 O that thou hadst knowne in this thy day , those thinges that belong vnto thy peace ! Which wordes were weeping wordes , and vttered with an interrupted voyce , and as it were for verie sorrowe breaking oft in the middest , by a manner of spéech called Aposiopesis , when there was something more to be spoken , but very sorrowe would not suffer him to vtter it . I wéepe , but O Ierusalem , which art now reioycing , if thou diddest know the thinges which doe belong vnto thy peace , thou wouldest as well weepe for thy selfe , as I doe weepe for thee . Thou hast had a day of peace , but there is a day comming full of sorrowe and persecution . O Ierusalem , because thou wouldest not accept the one , thou art like shortly to rue the miserie of the other ! In this Christ lamented their forgetfulnesse of their estate : in prosperitie they remember not what is to come after all . And thus heare wee a mournfull Phisition wéeping for his wilfull patient , which would not be healed , nor receiue help though it were offered with teares . 4 The most dolefull desolation that came vpon this Citie , so mighty in promesse , so glorious in fame , so rich in all abundance , is set forth by those , who haue mentioned the tragicall ende , which befell about the fortieth yée le after our Sauiour suffered , the beholding thereof made Eleazar one of the inhabiters , at the very time to breake out into this , or the like mournfull oration . O Ierusalem , thou great and goodly Citie of the worlde , where is now the beauty of Sion , the ioy of the whole earth ? where is thy glory , where is thy magnificence , O Ierusalem ? Where is that Sanctum sanctorum , where are thy Priests who were attendant vpon God as Angels ? Where are thy sages , thy young men ? O from what glory art thou fallen , to what reproach and infamie ? O Ierusalem , Ierusalem ! Who can reade with drie eyes , the most wofull ende of this Citie and people ? They refused the father and the sonne , and God sent Titus and Vespasian , the Father & Sonne that neuer left them , vntill they were vtterly defaced ! O Ierusalem , strongly did thy enemies besi●…ge th●… , but thy sinnes did more strongly assault thee . They sold the Sauiour of the worlde for thirty p●…e , and what followed in the captiuitie , thirtie Iewes were solde for a pennie . The Lord Iesus was apprehended vpon mount Oliuet , and upon mount Oliuet was Ierusalem first besieged : the Lord Iesus was crucified at the Passeouer , and at the Passeouer was all Iewrie , as it were shut vp in a prison : Ierusalem sacked , and in such sort as the Romanes themselues confessed , saying , That vnlesse this people had offended the God of heauen , they could neuer haue preuailed against them as they did . A ele●…n hundred thousand , saith the Historie , changed life with death , and that within the circuite of a short time . Thus haue we heard of Christes weeping ouer Ierusalem , and the cause which moued him to weepe , by which without farther application , we may consider ( as Gregorie saith ) that their destruction is our admonition : If the naturall braunches were cut off , the wild may feare . When Scipi saw Carthage burne , hee wept , being asked the reason , for that , saith he , I know not what shall become of Rome : who can but sorrow when he cals to mind that Ierusalem sometimes the Garden of the world , is come to vtter desolation ? 5 For thrée causes did Christ our Sauiour wéepe , and at three seueral times . First , Christ wept that wee should haue by so much the more our hope and confidence in him when wee sée him wéeping , which procéeded of meere compassion . Secondarily , Christ wept to teach vs to weepe , and bewaile our owne miserie , as hee did the miserie of others . Thirdlie , he wept , to shew vs when we should wéepe , euen then when wee thinke our selues in greatest securitie . At thrée times also did he wéep , first in raysing Lazarus , there he bewayled mans miserie . Secondarily , ouer Ierusalem , there hee bewayled mans securitie : Thirdly , vpon the Crosse , there hee bewayled mans infirmitie . If our Sauiour Christ were séene to weepe in the presence of others , wee may easily conceiue that secretly in the dayes of his flesh , he often offered vp groanes , as the Apostle speaketh , with strong crying , and teares vnto him , that was able to deliuer him . 6 Now what may we learne by this weeping loue of Christ : Shall we sée ( saith Cassiodor ) the Prince himselfe wéeping , and we in the meane while solace our selues in pleasure ? Is he a good childe , that beholding his father sit in sackcloth and ashes , will stand by laughing and sporting as nothing mooued ? Shall the Sonne of God wéepe for thy sinnes , and wilt thou delight thy selfe in vaine mirth ? O Christian soule mourne a little , when the house is on fire wee bring water , when the soule is ●…lamed with vnlawfull desires , wee bring the teares of repentance . Call to minde that doctrine of Christ , Blessed are they that mourne : Harsh doctrine , but sweetened with a ●…ssing : It was the prayer of Saint Austen , O God giue me the grace of teares . And there is in godly mindes , saith S. Ambrose , a certaine delight to wéepe , flendi voluptas . The vnwise make but a sport of sinne , sayeth Salomon : their heart is as a barren land , where all remembrance of God is forgotten : but the wise man is conuersant in the house of mourning . Pharaoh & his host were drowned in the Sea , as sinne and the works of sinne are in the teares of repentance . Those who were diseased , found cure in the troubled poole . We lost our felicitie by delightfull eating , and wee recouer our selues by mournfull chastening . There is , saith the wise man , A time to reioyce , and a time to mourne : Many take their time of reioycing , but cannot hit vpon the time of mourning . O that we did knowe at the least in this our day , those things that doe belong vnto our peace , better is it to mourne heere , then heereafter . When wee are moued to mournfull , passions , let vs remember with how small pompe and pleasure . Christ passed his time in the worlde , who passed it in often weeping . The two Kine carying the Arke , they lowed all the way as they went , and yet neuer stayed vntill they came to the place appointed ; we goe on wéeping in this vale of teares , but yet kéepe on the way still , vntill we come vnto our iourneyes end , ●…nd then an ende of wéeping . Heere as in Romah a voyce is heard of weeping , and mourning , heereafter they shall haue all teares wiped frō their eyes . The prophet Ezechiel , when hee came to sée the glory of the Lord in the Sanctuarie , he was brought about by the North , wee passe along by many sorrowes , and then come to sée the goodnesse of the Lord in the land of the lyuing . Of mournfull euents , Ieremie said , This is my sorrow , and I will beare it ; causes of wéeping and wailing , are somtimes offered : Eli saide , it is the Lord , let him doe as it séemeth good vnto him : hee that nowe goeth forth wéeping , shall surely returne , saith the Prophet Dauid , & bring his st●…aues with him : those that a time mourne with Christ , shall reioyce , when the laughing world shall weepe . Christ sowed in teares , it was , that wee all should reape in ioy . Chap. 27. Of Christs passion , & his suffering vpon the Altar of the Crosse , for the sinnes of the world and saluation of our soules , how and with what deuotion all Christians should meditate thereof . ALthough in meditating the holy vertues of Christ our Sauiour , which worthily require our most deuotionate consideration : wee are much moued ( I doubt it not ) yet when we begin to call to minde his passion , then ought wee to be euen caried away from our selues , by admiring his goodnes towardes vs : And héere is it saide to deuoute soules , as it was to the disciples in the Garden : hic sedete , sit yee here . Let vs not say vnto Christ , with the Iewes , come down frō the crosse , but let vs fastē our selues to his crosse Let vs goe with the blessed virgine to mount Calu●…rie , and stand by a while , beholding in mournfull manner what is done , and when wee haue beheld vntill they haue done crucifying the sonne of God , then with Ioseph and Nichodemus let vs take downe and annoynt his crucified body , with the swéetest perfumes of prayers and prayse our hearts can yéeld , putting it in the new Sepulcher of our holiest meditation : of them who thus doe , it may be saide as Dauid saide to those who brought him word they had honourably buried their maister Saule , Blessed are you of the Lord , the Lord recompence you this mercie : The Lord to recompence them this deuotion , that thus doe , And blessed be they of the Lord , &c. who thus reuerence the Lord of Lords . 2 And now to enter a while into the consideration hereof , Christ lou●…dvs , saith the Apostle , and gaue himselfe a sweet smelling sac●…fice and oblation vnto God. Wherein wee may consider these thrée thinges : first , the mouing cause , to wit , loue , Christus dilexit nos , Christ loued vs. Secondarily , the offering which this loue caused him to offer , Obtulit seipsum , hee gaue himselfe . Thirdly , the end why hee gaue this offering . Vt esse●… propitiatio Dei patris , That hee might be a reconciliation for man with God the Father . For the first , to wit , loue , the mouing cause of all : if a mother loue her child because it cost her paine , neuer Mother bought her sonne with so great paine , as Christ bought vs. What greater loue is there then for one to giue his life for his friend , yet greater was thy loue , O holie Sonne of God , who gauest thy life for vs that were thine enemies . Doubtlesse , saith the Apostle . one will scarce die for a righteous man , and yet one is found to die for vs that were vnrighteous , and then too , when it was in his power to die , or not to die . These things may be cōsidered , that his loue that loued sinners , that the Sonne of God his loue to incite our affection to him , hee th●… had not sinnes of his owne , a signe he suffered for the sinnes of others . The greatest perfection and force of loue , say the Philosophers , is the force vnitiue , and this was neuer in any so forceable as in Christ , when he would vnite vnto himselfe his Church or Congregation , which accordeth with that of the holy Ghost , Let a man so loue his wife , as Christ loued the Congregation , The wife is chargeable , but farre more chargeable was the Congregation to the Sonne of God. 3 For the offering it selfe , it was himselfe , Aaron and all his sonnes , neuer made such an offering as this was : he gaue himselfe a sacrifice . Why was there nothing in heauen or earth that could haue béene offered else ? Was there no other sacrifice to be had but innocent Isaack ? Must none be approoued to make a reconciliation for man , but the sonne of man ? was sinne then so heynous , that nothing could ●…eanse the contagion thereof , but the death of an innocent Lambe ? Stand and heare a little , O sinfull man , thy Sauiour himselfe speaking vnto thée : For thy sake doe I suffer all this , for thy sake doe I offer my selfe , as thou séest , a sacrifice vpon the Crosse : all this doe I doe for the loue of thée , thy sinnes are the thornes that pearced my head , the speare that opened my side , thy delicates was the vinegar and gall that I dranke , thy libertie and loosenesse was the nailes that fastned mee to the Crosse , sée whither thy sinne , thy vanities , O man haue brought mee ? Behold me suffering for thée , to reconcile thée vnto my Father . Doth hee not by this , O Christian man , enflame thée with his loue , strengthen thée with his merite , and comfort thy sorrowfull heart with his aboundant mercie , if he were punished for vs , then were we punishable of our selues ? When nowe iustice had taken place ; and began to waxe ●…ercer and fiercer , amongst the rest of the people , Aaron makes spéede , takes the censer in his hand , puts on fire , & goes quickly vnto the Congregation to make an attonement for them . This attonement hath our Aaron made for vs all , whē he offered no other offering then himselfe . 4 What hath man more to offer , or to giue then his goods , his honour , and his life , all this hath Christ offered and giuen for vs : his goods , when he left his kingdome in heauen ; his honor , when he was reproched of men ; his life , when he yéelded vp the same for all vpon the Altar of the Crosse. But how many indignities did he suffer before he came to the accomplishment heereof , when as like a méeke Lambe hee was caried and recari●…d from iudgement , to iudgement ; when hee was mocked and scorned of all forts ? In his suffering it selfe wee may consider , amongst whom , where , and when he suffered : amongst whom , euen his owne people : Pilat saide . Thine owne Nation hath deliuered thee vnto me . Where ? at Ierusalem the Kings Citie , and there without the gate of the same Citie , in a place called Cal●…arie , where théeues , & murderers were wont to suffer . When was al this done , but in the chiefest solemnitie of the Iewes , at which time no ●…all concourse of people from all places were assembled , & might behold what was done ? accor●…ng to that , O vos omnes qui transitis per viam attendite , si est dolor sicut dolor meus , O all you that passe by , beholde and see , if there were euer sorrow like my sorrow ? From the houre wherein he was sought for , and taken by Torch-light , and ●…hornes , vntill the sixth hour of his crucifying , that hee gaue vp the ghost : one betrayeth him , another apprehends him , one bindes him , another leades him bound from Pilat to Herod , f●…om Herod to Pilat againe : one séeketh false witnes against him , another crieth out vpon him , he is not worthie to liue : one scourgeth him , another strikes him on the face : one clotheth him with purple , another putteth on his heade a crowne of thornes , a third giues him a Réede , mocking him , so they neuer let him rest , vntil they haue no more what to do against him . 5 When we haue séene the maner of his suffering , let vs consider how great he was that suffered , euen hee it was , to whom power ouer all thinges in heauen and earth was giuen : he , before whom the 24. Elders fall down : he , whose countenance Iohn a little after behelde to shine as the Sunne in his strength : when he saw him , and fell at his féete as dead , hearing a voyce , Feare not , I am the first , and the last , and I am aliue , but was dead , and am aliue for euermore , and haue the keyes of hell and death , And thus who it was that suffered . 6 Nowe for whom suffered hee all this ? Euen for none other then sinnefull men . For Christ suffered in the place of sinners , and with sinners , to ●…ewe that hee suffered for sin●…rs . Learn●… , O man to hate ●…ne which was so haynous , ●…d as often as thou art at ley●…re to meditate of the passion 〈◊〉 Iesus Christ the Sonne of God , ( which thou shouldest daylie doe ) for it is better , sayeth one , then thy fasting with ●…ad and water : so often , I say , as thou doest meditate of ●…is passion , call to minde as the greatnesse of thy sinnes , so ●…so the greatnesse of his loue , who dyed for thy sinnes , that as in the one thou mayest bewayle thy owne wickednesse , so in the other , thou mayst acknowledge his bountie and mercie towards thée . 7 But of whom suffered hee all this iniurie ? Euen of his owne kindred and acquaintance the people of the Iewes . After all his myracles , and workes of mercie doone amongst them , in curing their sicke , cleansing their Leapers , and healing all that came vnto h●… : after his féeding so many hungry people in the Wildernes , teaching so many the way to saluation that came to heare him , now they reward his paines and trau●…ile with opprobrious contume●…es , his vnspeakeable mercy with bitter hatred , neuer leauing him vntill they bring him vnto the death of the Crosse. Thus hee sufferes not o●… str●…ngers and forrayners , but of his owne neighbours , yea , his 〈◊〉 brethren , as himselfe calleth them , It is not good to take the childrens bread , and to giue it vnto dogges : By the one hee vnderstandeth the Iewes , & by the other the Gentiles . 8 Foure thinges there are which wee should meditate vpon concerning the passion of our Sauiour Christ. First , for imitation , calling to minde his patient suffering , wee should not abhorre suffering , or murmure against tribulations , séeing hee suffered so great thinges as hee did . Secondarily , for compassion , wee ought to consider with griefe of minde , that our sinnes were the cause of all this , and ●…refore we should truly repent 〈◊〉 of them . Thirdly , for admiration , when wee call to minde , who , for whom , and what he suffered . Fourthly , for resolution , that 〈◊〉 , to giue our bodies , as the Apostle speaketh , a sacrifice to serue him , who hath giuen himselfe a sacrifice to saue vs. And so haue we 〈◊〉 his passion , imitation to direct , compassion to vnite , admiration 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 vp , resolution to perfect our Christian loue and duty towards him . 9 To go forward , and to leaue 〈◊〉 the indignities offered him in the indgement Hall , his scourng , crowning with thor●…es , ●…eting , spetting vpon , bearing ●…s crosse , and the like . Now the gréedie Souldiours begin to spoile him of his garments , exposing his sacred body 〈◊〉 naked vnto the sharpe & colde ●…re , which crueltie was not ●…ont to be offered , but to abiect persons . Then begin they to fa●…en him to the crosse , racking and ●…ning his hands and féete , farther then naturally they w●…d extend , so cruelly are all parts of his body stretched , that the beholders might tell all his bones , according to that , dinumerauerunt omnia oss●… mea , They tolde all my bones . Héere is he fastned vnto the crosse with nailes , at the hands and féete , Foderunt manus , They digged my hands and féet . Inexplicable was this suffering , the nailes pearcing those places where the sinewes mé●…te together , the poise of his body euery moment increasing the paine , nowe they offer him ●…gar mingled with gall , according to that , they gaue me gall to eate , and vinegar to drinke . Oh 〈◊〉 mildly did he suffer all this ? How should wee be consent to leaue earthly things , séeing him stripped & spoiled of his clothing ? how should wee crucifie the flesh , & the concupiscence thereof , when wee remember his spare flesh to be fastned to the Crosse ? Sée wee héere Abell killed of his brother , the serpent lifted vp to heale all that are stung : O most louing Sauiour , saith S. Austen , that which the sinner deserueth , the ●…cent suffereth . 10 A superscription is written by Pilat , vpon the crosse , Iesus of Nazareth , King of the Iewes . ●…at although ignorant cōmen●… Christ in this superscription in thrée things . First for the re●…ssion of sins , in that hee wrote Iesus . Secondly , for the besto●…ing of grace , in that he saide of ●…areth . Thirdly , for his po●…t , in that hee called him King of the Iewes , & this is written 〈◊〉 thrée tongues , for that of all ●…ts comming , vnto the Feast , ●…ry tongue might confesse Ie●…s the sonne of God. It is written in Hebrewe , Gréeke , & Latine . In Hebrew , 〈◊〉 the Iewes who gloried in the Law. In Greeke , for the Grecians who gloried in wisedome , and in Latine for the Romanes , who most gloried in dominion and power , as if Pilate should haue saide : This is the King of all Religion , hauing reference to the Hebrewes : of all wisedome , hauing reference to the Gréeks : of all power , hauing reference to the Romaines . And these thrée sorts , sayeth S Austen , may challenge vnto them the dignity of the Crosse , to wit , all deuout and religious rich or poore , all signified by the Hebrewes : all wise , who are noted by the Gréekes : all mighty , who are resembled by the Latines : So then the Religion , the wisedome , the power of the worlde , confesse Christ their King , Rex Iudaeorum , King of the Iewes , Iudaeorum , that is to say , of them that confesse him , for so signifieth Iuda , and this superscription is written in their harts : he wrote King of the Iewes , not for that he was onely King of them , but he was King of the Gentiles also , euen of all that doe confesse him . 11 And this tryumphant title or superscription is written in his death , to shew that for all his suffering death , he l●…t not 〈◊〉 Kingdome : The Iewes saw it to their shame , and therefore would not haue it altered , which Pilat refused , saying : Quod scripsi , scripsi : that which I haue written , I haue written : it is true , I will not alter it , and Pila●… 〈◊〉 the end found it true indéede , to 〈◊〉 terror of his wretched consci●…ce , who hauing heard of the shouldiours the veritie of the re●…ection liued in continuall an●…sh , vntill at last after disgrace receiued of the Romaines , hee came to a desperate ende , by ca●…ng himselfe away , as histories ●…ntion . 12 While this was doing , to ●…turne vnto the manner of our Sauiours Passion , at this time 〈◊〉 they not spare to reproach 〈◊〉 , and this was done by manie , first , by them that sate by and watched him : secondarily , by same of the high Priestes that came to marke him : thirdly , by those that passed by , and wagged their heads at him : fourthly , by one of the théeues that was crucified with him . S. Mathew saith , they both reuiled him : S. Luke mentioneth one onely . It séemeth , sayeth Austen , that both of them began to reuile him , of which S. Mathew spake , but one perceiuing the heauens troubled , and other signes , moued with remorse ●…esisted , and then only one of them according to S. Luke reuiled him . 13 Nowe they begin to repeate the words of the false witnesses : Thou couldest build the Temple if it , were destroyed , If thou be the Sonne of God saue thy selfe . No , sayeth Beda , Sesaluum facere crucem descendere noluit , quod Christus est Dei electus : If thou be the Sonne of God ? nay , because hee was the elected of God , hee would not come downe , for therfore came he into the world . Beléeue ye him , rising frō the Sepulcher , which is more then descending from the Crosse. The other malefactor sayeth vnto him : Remember me when thou commest into thy kingdom . What kingdome was this ? su●…lie no temporall Kingdome , In regno tuo , In thy kingdome , that is a better Kingdome then anie héere beneath , or that which Tiberius now enioyeth . Great was the fayth of this Chéefe , for neyther the feare of the Iewes now present , nor the sharpenes of his owne paine , the blasphemie of his Fellowe , the flight of the Disciples , the apparant in●…rinitie of Christes flesh , made him any way to wauer , but first he acknowledgeth Christ to be a Lord : secondly , he prayeth to him , and therefore he acknowledgeth him to be of power : thirdly , he acknowledgeth him to haue a Kingdome . This theefe could helpe himselfe but in two things , his hart , and his tongue , which he doth , with his heart he beléeueth , with his tongue hee maketh confession of Christ his Sauiour . 14 And now behold wee our redéemer , yéelding vp his life for the sinnes of the worlde . Let vs consider a while his seauen last wordes vttered vppon the Crosse , which by some are deuided into eight : Two of these he spake for sinners : Pater ignosce illis , & mecum eris in Paradiso , Father forgiue them , and thou shalt be with me in Paradise : Two for the godly , Woman behold thy Sonne , and to the same disciple , Behold thy mother : Two for the world , Sitie , consūmatum est , I thirst , it is finished : Two for himselfe , My God , my God , why hast thou forsaken me ? and Father into thy hands I commend my spirit . 15 The first of these was spoken in the act of his crucifying , when framing himselfe to the Crosse , he saith : Father forgiue them , they knowe not what they doe : Good to mee , but hurt to themselues , & so is it with them that hurt others , they know not what punishment they bring to themselues , and what crown and garland to them whom they thinke they most hurt : They know not what they do : He prayeth not so much for them who did know , or ought to haue knowne him to be the true Messias , as for the Lay and illiterate people , who of a blinde zeale did , they knew not what : what greater myracle then this louing prayer ? héere was a word of all patience and piety , full of loue and vnspeakable sweetnes , they say , his blood be vpon vs , and hee prayes ●…t be not vpon them , Father forgiue them : euen nowe pearced with nayles , crowned with thornes , loaden with scoffes and reproches , and yet héere amongst all , a Pater ignosce illis , Father forgiue them ? and it was not without a mysterie that he sayd , father forgiue them . By all this we learne to beare the greatest iniuries of the world , and to pray withall for our very enemies : what should dust and ashes take vpon it to reuenge , when the Lord of Heauen and earth so méekely endureth all ? what did the world euer sée more patient , more charitable , then the Sonne of God ? Father , forgiue them , ●…ttying those that persecuted him . 16 The second word was spoken to the Penitent theefe , Mecum e●…is in Paradiso , Thou shalt be with mee in Paradise , which wee vnderstand not to 〈◊〉 spoken of that earthly Paradise , from which Adam was expulsed , but of that Emperial place , whither Saint Paul was taken vp , where the Saints and Angels are aboue in glory . By this saying , comfort is giuen to them that repent them of their sinnes , and call for mercie vpon Christ crucified : beholde howe bountifull Christ is , he giues a théefe paradise that doth but aske it of him . Héere one worthy of punishment , and worthy to suffer death by his owne confession , receiueth mercie at the last instant , but yet no man ought by this example , of sette purpose to deferre his conuersion vnto the last , the priuiledge of a few , much lesse of one , doth not inferre a common lawe for all . Christ heere giues mercie vnto a théefe , and vnto a théefe at the last cast , to shewe there is no place left for desperation : one example makes vs bolde , one findes mercie at the last , that none should dispaire , and but one , that many should not pre●…me , but sée the fayth of this théefe that findeth mercie : a disciple denieth his Maister , this théefe acknowledgeth him , hee séeth Christ hanging vppon the Crosse as man , and yet he prayeth vnto him as God , hee accuseth his owne defaults , reproo●…th the blasphemie of his Fellow , hé acknowledgeth Christes innocencie , the Iewes that know the law crucifie him , he seeeth him in all contempt , and yet he confesseth him a Lord , a king : to be a Lorde requireth power , find a King rule , but héere is neither to sée to . Hee beholdeth him suffering death , & yet hee makes request vnto him as the giuer of life : they who had before seene him raysing the dead , wauer , this man dying with him , acknowledgeth the resurrection . What fruite , sayeth Saint Austen , did Christ héere reape of a ●…le trée : let anie sinner shewe this mannes fayth , and wee dare shewe the remission of his sinnes , hee had before stolen earthly thinges , but now steales heauen : O admirable conuersion ! That which we should take example of , is an example of comfort , of mercie , of hope , of forgiuenes , of confessing our sinnes , and with stedfast faithfulnesse of acknowledging the Sonne of God , and crauing mercy to be remembred of him in his kingdome . 17 The third worde was , when he said vnto his blessed mother : woman behold thy Sonne . And to consider these two together , when he said vnto the same Disciple , behold thy mother , as if hee should say vnto the blessed Uirgine , hither to haue I obeyed thée , & cared for thée as a Sonne , from hencefoorth in my stéede , I will leaue thée a Disciple . Unto the other , Iohn thou hast done me seruice as a good seruant , nowe doe it where I will thée , beholde her to whom thou shalt performe obedience , and care , as the sonne to his mother . And thus Christ a Uirgine ( saith Saint Ierome ) commits his Uirgine mother , to a Uirgine Disciple . This third word , is a word of pittie , & care , for to sée him now in such dolours and paines , to take care for his mother , was a token of much loue , whereby he sheweth vs , to helpe our parents , and doe them good , what in the world wee can . But what a chaunge dooth the blessed Uirgine make , who hath for the Lord , the seruant : for the Master the man : for the sonne of God , a sonne of Zebede ? This change could not but gréeue her , and pearce ( as Simeon had before said ) her very heart . Woman behold thy Sonne , not naming her mother , which very name Mother , might haue encreased her griefe , beholding the passion and departure of so déere a sonne , and might mooue her motherly minde to more and more sorrowe . The sonne crucified aboue , the mother mourning beneath , his wounds wounded her heart , his piercing was her piercing , euerie stroke of the nayles strooke through her brest , all this while not a word is mentioned , wéeping would not suffer her to speake , who at any occasion spake seldome , the longest spéech she vsed that wee reade of , was her Magnificate , her deuotionate speech with God. The Nurse sees her youngling dying , the Mother her Sonne . In one day shee is depriued of a sonne , of a Sauiour , though not lost , yet left for a time , such a parting , such a sonne , such a mother , such teares , such loue neuer was , nor shall be ? On the other side , O louing disciple , beloued of the Lorde of loue , thou art nowe left for a time , but neuer cease to mention loue ; or write of loue ! Ionathan and Dauid , Iacob and Beniamin , wept at parting : it followeth . 18 From the sixth houre , there was a darknesse vnto the ninth , the Sunne of righteousnes suffereth Eclipse , the visible Sunne , or the most cleare light of the world hideth his beames , as not able to behold the Lord of heauen and earth suffering , all creatures seeme to suffer with him the earth trembleth , the heauens are all in black , as in mourning manner . The graues open , the rockes or stones cleaue asunder , the whole frame of nature is disquieted , when as nowe the God of nature suffered . What a solemne and dolefull time was this , some strike their breasts , others stand wondring ? The Centurion saith , as it were lifting vp his handes to heauen : Surely this was the Sonne of God. 19 The fourth word , was about the ninth houre , when hee cryed , Eli , Eli , Lamasabacthani , My God , my God , why hast thou forsaken mee ? Which for that hee spake in the Hebrew , some standing by and hearing this , sayde , hee calleth for Elias . These according to Saint Ierome were the Romaine Souldiours , who vnderstoode not the Hebrew , or peraduenture some of the Iewes themselues , who by reason of the noyse , could not well discerne what was spoken . The doubling of the voyce , sheweth his double nature , his Deitie spake not this , which was impassible : Like as the Sunne shining vpon the wood , the axe cutteth the wood , but the Sunne remayneth inuiolable . His humanitie spake this , which suffered and spake at this time as humaine nature is wont to speake : when it thinkes it selfe forsaken , not that the Sonne of God was any way doubtfull of diuine assistance , but to shew how truly he bare vpon him mans infirmitie , ( sinne onely excepted ) which thinkes it selfe forsaken in times of griefe . Héere wee are moued to suffer with Christ , beholding insensible creatures themselues to suffer with him . S. Ambrose saith , Pro me doluit , qui pro se nihil habuit quod doleret . Hee sorrowed for mee which had nothing for himselfe to sorrowe . Rationall affection cryed , My God , my God , why hast thou forsaken me , Sensitiue affliction cried the same , and yet in Christ , a voyce not of diffidence , or so much of complaint , as of admiration . Behold O man what I suffer for thée , behold the punishments wherewith I am afflicted , and when thou beholdest the outward man , thinke also that the inward man is partaker of sorrow and suffering : wherewith I am pearced , finding the vngratefulnes of thée towards me suffering for thy sinnes . Héere we learne in times of extremitie to offer vnto God our sorrowfull sighes & supplications , & though we séeme to the eye of the worlde to be forsaken ; yet wee may take comfort in his mercie , who is néere vnto all them that call vpon him , as the prophet speaketh , yea then , when they powre out faithfully their complaints before him . 20 The fift word was , when Iesus knewe that all thinges were nowe accomplished which were spoken of him , this remained : They gaue mee vinegar to drinke , hee saith , Sitio , I thirst , that the Scripture might be fulfilled which was written of him : They gaue me vinegar to drinke , when it is saide that the Scripture might be fulfilled , wee doe not vnderstand this causatiuely , but consequently , as the Schoolmen speake , for Christ did not this , therfore because the Scripture had spoken it , but therefore the Scripture spake it , because Christ in time should doe it . When he saith , I thirst , what was this thirst natural , caused by the emanation of his bloode , together with the extremities of his sorrowes ? Which in part also is true , for his blood exhausted , extremitie of thirst followed : but there was withall in Christ a thirst supernaturall , & this thirst was the saluation of soules wherewith he laboured , as with a most vehement thirst , or desire . The Prophet saith , Sitit anima mea ad deum , My soule is a thirst for God. This thirst of Christ was our health , our ioy , O good Iesus , saith Saint Bernard : Sitis tua salus mea , Thy thirst was my saluation . 21 And heere somewhat is added to his suffering , for when these men had hurt him so much , that they could almost hurt him no longer , they giue him sower wine , vpon a bunch of I sope a bitter harde , mixed with Myrrh and gall , such as they had giuen him to drinke , before his lifting vp to the Crosse : héere they denie that vnto the Sonne of God , which they were wont to graunt to greatest malefactors , giuing them at these times Wine to drinke , but Christ hath no other but vinegar and gall . Beholde what a Supper they giue our Lord ( for it was now Supper time , ) héere was the banquet , our sinnes gaue him gall to eate , and vinegar to drinke , O myserable men that wee are , to séeke delicates : héere are wee taught to drink with Christ , the wine of deuotion mixed with Myrrh , the mortification of the flesh : and gall , the conpunction of the spirit . On the other side , we must take heede that wee giue not Christ thirsting for our saluation , vinegar mixed with gall , as these men did , that is , an euill and sinfull life , which is vinegar mixed with the gal of scandalous conuersation . 22 The sixt word was , when he said , Consummatum est , It is finished , that is , all whatsoeuer was spoken of my suffering is now compleate , the honour of my Father , the good of the faithfull , all that I should doe concerning my obedience to his will , who gaue mee this worke to accomplish , Consummatum est , It is finished : Nothing remaineth in this suffering but nowe my dying , and now I die . This our sauiour spake , as hauing fought a good fight , & finished his course : this hee spake as one hauing vndertaken a iourney , & nowe gone through many passages , at his iourneyes end he saith , Consummatum est , It is finished : first lifting vp his eyes to heauen , Fa-thy will : then beholding men vppon the earth ; faithfull men your health : then respecting the breaking of the Serpents head , Sathan the vanquishing of thy power : Consummatum est , It is finished , O happy voyce of the Sonne of God! 23 The seauenth word was , father , into thy hands I commend my spirit : S. Luke saith , that hee syed this with a loude voyce : some of the auncient Fathers ●…ke our Sauiour was nowe ●…ditating vpō the one and thirtieth Psalme , and comming vnto ●…se wordes in the Psalme , In ●…us tuas commendo spiritum ●…eum : Hee vttered them with ●…udible voyce . Into thy hands I commend my spirit , and so gaue 〈◊〉 the ghost . This was nowe 〈◊〉 ninth houre of the day , when 〈◊〉 Sunne was darkened , the ●…th shooke , the graues opened , 〈◊〉 the Euangelists shewe . At ●…s houre Adam sinned . Hora 〈◊〉 Adam peccauit , Christus ex●…auit , The same houre of the ●…ay wherin Adam sinned , Christ ●…ed : by dying , Christ opened the gate of Paradise , which Adam 〈◊〉 sinning had shut vp against 〈◊〉 and his . Adam in the Gar●…en lost life , and Christ in the Garden restored life , when hee yéelded himself with these words vnto his Father , Into thy hands I commend my spirit : These words being vttered , he gaue vp the ghost , his eyes closed , his countenance pale , his head bended down : heauen nor earth euer saw such a sight , the God of life , the Author of life , and life it selfe becomes dead . In this word wee may consider many thinges : as first , that our departing soules should be commended into the hands of our heauenly Father : Secondarily , somewhat wee haue héere for the strengthning of our faith , Christ bending downe his head , vttered these wordes ; not of constraint , but voluntarily : who euer lay downe to sléepe so peaceably , as Christ died , when he gaue vp the ghost ? Man whē they are dying , they are scarse able to breath , at this time Christ speaketh with a loud voyce . Father , into thy hands I commend my spirit We sée what Christes example doth teach vs to doe in commending our departing soules into the handes of God , howe at the houre of his death , he prayed , he wept , & spake vnto his heauenly Father . And héere also may the Christian man enter into a large field 〈◊〉 meditation , vpon many things together . We were more insensible then the sencelesse creatures , 〈◊〉 wee should not be moued with the passion of our Lorde ; whose death was our life : consider we 〈◊〉 great thinges the Sonne of God hath done for vs , and suffered for our redemption : consider be how great things they were which he suffered , how great his sorrowes were , which shewed the greatnes of his loue , howe ●…eat his iniuries were , when he was falsly accused , mocked , spetted vppon , buffeted , whipped , crowned with thornes , berest of ●…s clothes , burdened with his crosse ; pierced with nailes , lanced with a speare , and so dyed . They shall sée him whō they haue pierced . When Ioseph saide vnto his brethren , I am Ioseph whom you ●…d into Egypt , they were so a●…onished they had not a word to say : when Christ shall say , I am your brother , I am he whom you crucified , how shall they be confounded that crucified him ? But what ioy shall they haue who beléeue on him ? Up O Christian soule , and with the Doue make thy nest in the holes of this rock . Behold the wounds of thy Sauiour . Come to this Arke , whither all creatures repaire to saue themselues . Stand , and behold a little with the deuoute women , the body of thy Sauiour vppon the Crosse , sée him afflicted from top to toe , see him wounded in the head , to heale our vaine imaginations : sée him wounded in the hands , to heale our euill actions : sée him wounded in the heart , to cure our vaine thoughts : sée his eyes shut vp , which did enlighten the world : sée them shut , that thy eyes might be turned away from beholding vanity : sée , those eares which were wont to heare the ioyfull hy●…e of the Cherubins , Holy , holy , holy , now haue heard a multitude of reproaches : sée , that countenaunce which was goodly to looke vpon , is spetted 〈◊〉 and buffeted . The blood of 〈◊〉 cried , iustice , iustice : but 〈◊〉 blood of Christ crie●… , mercie , 〈◊〉 : Oh that we had hearts 〈◊〉 meditate of the passion of our 〈◊〉 ! There is nothing of ●…ch we ought more to thinke , 〈◊〉 to speake , more to reade , or 〈◊〉 to meditate of , then of this , ●…ause the remembrance héereof ●…tameth to the saluation of 〈◊〉 soules , increaseth faith , dri●…th away despaire , giueth forti●…e against the afflictions of the ●…ld , strengtheneth vs against ●…tatious , 〈◊〉 the minde 〈◊〉 ioy , causeth a loathing of 〈◊〉 , and after a wonderfull ma●… stirreth vs vp to all deuotion . This our Sauiour Christ him●…fe well thought vpon , when he 〈◊〉 so high a Sacrament so full 〈◊〉 hauenly mysteries , for the ●…tinuall renuing in our hearts 〈◊〉 this his most blessed , passion . 〈◊〉 swéete Iesus , should euer vn●…fulnes of this loue of thine ●…pe vpon vs ? Should not thy ●…ous blood soften our adamant hearts , who hast deliuered vs from infinite miseries , purchased by thy death ? O infinite goodnes , and fréely offered ! thy selfe hast offered thy selfe vnto thy Father ; a sacrifice for our sinnes , there is no burden heauier then sinne , this hast thou eased vs of : O blessed Sonne if God while I liue , saith the Prophet , will I call vpon the Lord , yea , as long as I haue any being . Wee will offer vnto God the sacrifice of thankesgiuing , and prayse his name for euer and euer . And thus wee meditate of the passion of our Lord , who suffered death , to ouercome death : of which Saint Austen mentioneth a double cause , the one , that Christ died for vs to deliuer vs , the other , that those whom he redéemed by his death , hee might teach by his grace , and by his example instruct : for why did the head , saith he , suffer , but to giue the body an example ? Christ humbled himselfe vnto death , euen vnto the death of the crosse : we ought also to humble our ●…es to bee crucified vnto the ●…ld , and the world to vs : vnto 〈◊〉 were our sinnes imputed , ●…to vs his righteousnesse : hee gaue himselfe a sacrifice to saue vs , and wee giue our selues a sacrifice to serue him . Chap. 28. Of Christs resurrection from the dead , and how the veritie hereof doth much strengthen our Christian faith . LOue , saith Salomon , is as strong as death , wee shall see in the resurrection of our Lord this verified , whom we haue considered in his passion , dying for our sinnes : for héere we find that loue which was stronger then death . Now behold we him , as a Champion returning from th●… spoiles after so many labours and trauailes , now méete we him with gratulation . Our Dauid hath slaine his ten thousand , our Eagle is renued , our Phenix is reuiued , our Ionas is come safe and sound from the belly of the Whale . Our Sunne that went downe in a ruddy cloude , is risen againe with glorious beames of light : our graine of corne that was cast into the earth , is sprung up and flourisheth : our Ioseph is deliuered out of prison : our Sampson hath caried away the gates 〈◊〉 his enemies : our spouse is 〈◊〉 , the voyce of the Turtle is ●…ard in our land , Christ our re●…er is risen from the dead . He is risen early , that was late in the euening layde in the Sepul●…r after his dolefull passion ? hee is risen , hee is risen , where●… with the Prophet , wee say , Sorrowe may endure for a night , but ioy commeth in the morning . Christ hastened his resurrec●…n , that his disciples might not 〈◊〉 long dwel in sorrow , he would ●…t their mournful harts should 〈◊〉 reciue comfort . Christ rose ●…ly the third day , to haue layen ●…ger , might haue bred doubt of 〈◊〉 rising , to haue rose sooner , of 〈◊〉 dying . Had only the sorrow●… Apostles , or those women ●…at came mourning vnto the ●…epalcher , the ioy of the resur●…ion ? No , this was the ioy of thousand thousandes , which may say with Dauid . This is the day of the Lord , wee will reioyce and be glad in it . Looke we vnto the passion before mentioned , there wee sée wéeping , and wayling , sorrowe , and suffering on euery side . The blessed virgine , the Disciples full of heauines , now all is turned into ioy . The Angell appeareth in white , the women runne and tell the Disciples , they scarce beléeue either the Angels , or one another for ioy . A little before , the stone is refused of the builders , Deliuer vnto vs Barrabas : nowe is this stone the head of the corner , which ioynes together the building of two nations , both Iewes and Gentiles . A little before , we haue no other King but Caesar , now is hee a King aboue all Caesars : A little before , he trusted in God , let him deliuer him , if he wil haue him ; Now is he deliuered , and God is with him , & hee with God : A little before , is he a lamb ●…ed vnto the slaughter , but now a Lion of the tribe of Iuda : A little before , he was in humility , and ●…ged of others , now is he risen to appeare the Iudge both of quick & dead , at the right hand of God aboue in glory . 2 Wherfore O faithfull Christian man reioyce in the Lorde , yea , saith the Apostle , againe I say , reioyce , reioyce in the resurrection of thy Sauiour : for manie are the benfites that hence ●…rise . Nowe is thy Lorde returned from the battaile , nay , from the conquest ouer the deuill , sinne , hell , and death , thanks be vnto God that hath giuen vs the victorie by Iesus Christ our Lord. Beléeue that his resur●…ion was the cause of thy resurrection , for hee which raysed Christ from the dead , shall also rayse these our mortall bodies by his spirit that dwelleth in vs. If thou consider this , thou shalt haue consolation agaynst all feare and dread of death , for thou mayst say , I knowe that my Redeemer liueth . Againe , I will lay me downe to sleepe , and take my rest , for the Lord maketh me to dwell in safety . Because this was so beh●…uefull a poynt for the stay of our christian faith , Christ appeared so often vnto his Apostles , after his resurrection communed with them , as at other times : so then especially , when their hearts did burne within them as hee opened the Scriptures , shewing them the veritie of his resurrection . The Apostles whose charge was to teach glad tydings vnto the world , the first tydings they taught , was the doctrine of the resurrection . The Euangelists doe most diligently set foorth vnto vs the resurrection of Christ , as a thing profitable and ioyfull to all faithfull beléeuers , for in the resurrection , wee sée how Christ is exalted , and what hope wee haue in him . This they lay downe with many circumstances , both by testimonies before and after : before , that hee had told his Disciples he must die , and rise againe : after , in that he was conuersant amongst them forty dayes , walked in the way with two of them , communing of the thinges that ●…re done at Ierusalem , ( and surely in time of sorrow to com●…ne of Christ , and talke of him in our wearisome iourney of this life , shall much comfort vs , ) at this time , Christ walketh with them , their vnderstanding is opened . 3 The women come vnto the Sepulcher , and view euery place throughly , they finde the stone ●…ed away , the linnen cloathes ●…aining , a signe his body was not taken away , but risen , for these were together laid with his body in the Sepulcher : the body ●…ne , the Angels testifie he is risen , what say the Souldiours to this ? First they confesse a truth , afterward corrupted with mony , they giue out , his Disciples had stolen away his body , while they were a sleepe . If they were a sleepe , howe saw they the Disciples steale away the body ? If they were not a sléepe , how could a fewe weake fishers take away the body from a band or company of armed Souldiours : but let them confesse the truth , as they did before vnto the high Priests , and after when they were charged , that they had séene a vision of Angels , that he was risen indéede . So the veritie is inuincible , and the ioy great of the resurrection . Wee see a desire and loue to Christ in Peter and Iohn , for why , they runne to the Sepulcher ( affection makes vs diligent ) the women come with sweet odors to annoint the body , we haue no swéet odors , but manie vnsauorie sins to bring vnto the resurrection , & there to offer vp the incense of our praise , which is the swéetest offering our harts can yéeld . Mary commeth néere her Lord , Christ saith vnto her , Woman , touch me not , not but that Christ had a body tangible after his resurrection , but Mary touch me not , doe not so much affect my presence héere on earth , as my presence in heauen . By this we learne , to know and honour Christ , as he is risen , & sitteth at the right hand of God aboue . S. Paul writing to Timo●…e , saith , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 : Remember that Iesus Christ is risen from the ●…ad : When the Teacher giues his Scholler many lessons , if he giue him one amongst that rest with 〈◊〉 Momento , Remember this : he thinks that of all other of most especial regard , and worthy of the best obseruation , & it seêmeth the Apostle so accounted of the resurrection : for what is there more necessarie for our christian meditation , then héere to call to minde that it was hee who did redéeme Israel , that as he rose powerfullie in himselfe , so also did hee in those that beléeue on him , that hee rose 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , according vnto the Scriptures , that hee rose by way of equitie , for first hee humbled himselfe , & then God exalted him , giuing him a name aboue all names . That hee rose by way of power , for being without sinne , death could not holde him : for it was vnpossible he should be holden of death . 5 He whom Iohn not long before had séene as a sacrifice offered vpon the Crosse , when hee was , as the Prophet speaketh , without for me to looke vpon , now hee séeth him after another manner then amongst théenes , nowe walking amongst the seauen candlestickes : then cloathed in purple , by way of derision , nowe cloathed as the Sunne : then called a King by those that reproached him , now called the King of Kings by them that honor him . Wherefore as we haue séene him in his humility , so with Iohn also let vs sée him in his glory . As we haue séene him fighting for vs in his passion , so let vs also beholde him tryumphing for vs in his resurrection , for all was for vs. In the passion and resurrection of Christ our Sauiour , consisteth the summe of all our happines , he dyed for our sinnes , and rose againe for our iustification : vnlesse he had dyed , we had not been deliuered from sinne , and consequently from death : vnlesse hee had rose from the dead , wee had not receiued comfort of rysing againe from the dead ; his passion remoued away that which was euill , his resurrection brought vnto vs that which was good . As in these two wee haue a double benefit , so haue wee a double example : in his passion , an example of suffering , in his resurrection of hope , when wee haue suffered . Which doth shew in vs two liues , the one in the flesh laborious , which we must endure , the other when wee are deliuered from the flesh , which wee must hope . 6 Now we must not onely acknowledge with the mouth , or beleeue in the heart this sacred truth of the resurrection , but we must also be raysed vp to newnes of life : for thus much dooth the holy Ghost require of vs in beléeuing the resurrection . Wee are ( sayeth the Apostle ) buried with him by Baptisme vnto his death : that like as Christ was raysed from the dead by the glory of the Father : so we also should walk in newnes of life . And this is the similitude which wee doe carie of his resurrection . This is to set our affection on heauenly things , or thinges that are abaue where Christ fitteth at the right hand of God ; and this is the third thing that we should apply our selues vnto , in beléeuing the resurrection from the dead , that is , first to rise with him from the death of sinne , and consequently to be raysed by him vnto a hope of the resurrection vnto eternall life . 7 It is wonderfull to consider with how many strange enemies Christ had to do at once , with the world , & the Prince of the world , with death , and sinne the cause of death . Who would haue thought that one shéepe should haue béene able to haue withstoode so manie Wolues , but yet heare the triumphant voyce of the conquerour . Death , where is thy sting ? Hell , where is thy victorie ? the sting of death is sinne , and the strength of sinne is the Lawe . The Apostle like a valiant champion goes forth , and offers challenge and combate to all these , or anie of them : Who shall lay any thing to the charge of Gods chosen ? If Sathan say , that will I , because they haue followed the wayes of ungodlines : If the world say , I will lay to their charge the manie vanities they receiued of me : if the Lawe say , I will indite them because of transgression : if death say , I will arrest them by reason of sinns : S. Paul answereth them all with a short reply : Iesus Christus mortuus est , imo resurrexit : Iesus Christ is dead , yea , he is risen from the dead , as if hee would say , that same rising of Christ from the dead , hath be●…t you all of all your force , and nowe all your Pleas are frustrate . Nay , howe is the poore Captiue comforted , when the Iudge himselfe shall say , Who shall detaine this man ? I haue pa●… his ransome . 8 What a ioyous thing is it nowe to be strengthened in the faith of the Resurrection ? First , in regard of the calamities of this life , for what shall dismay vs , séeing the members hope to be ioyned with their head ? Secondly , though this life be transitory and troublesome , yet Daniel shall be deliuered out of the Lyons den : The Doue shall returne to the Arke with a braunch of Oliue , when once the flood and waters are fallen : Ieremie shal come out of the pit whereinto hee is cast of his enemies : Our noble Dauid hauing gotten the victorie , is gone triumphantly to raigne in Ierusalem , we all his people and armie tracing and trayning after him , wee were detayned and held as captiues of cruel enemies , but by Christ the enemies are vanquished , and wee deliuered , how are we deliuered but by the sonne of God ? was it not his suffering onely that was ( as hath beene said ) the remouing of euill ? Him selfe saith , what profit is there in my blood , if I goedowne to corruption ? as if he would tell vs , there were something adioyned héereunto , to make his suffering glorious & beneficial vnto others , and this was his resurrection . 9 Euery effect naturally doth shew his cause : The resurrection was the effect of his deitie , and therefore gaue euident Testimonie he was God. Againe , his resurrection confirmeth our faith , for so doth S. Paul reason against the Pseudo-Apostoli , if the dead rise not , then is not Christ risen , if Christ be not risen , then where is our beléeuing ? but Christ is risen , therefore there is a resurrection . The head doth not rise without the body : The head is risen , the body therefore shall rise . So the resurrection of Christ is the cause of our resurrection , and he rising , we all rise . The Lord is King ( sayth the Prophet , ) Let the earth reioyce , end the ●…es be glad therof . The first fruites being sanctified , all the other fruits are hallowed vnto the Lord : Thomas bring hi●…er thy hand , and féele the print of the nailes : Blessed are those that haue not seene , and yet doe beléeue . That which befell Christes body ( saith S. Austen ) the third day , shall befall our bodies in the last day . 10 Foure sortes were there , which behelde & heard the whole manner of our Sauiours passion , and resurrection . The first were a kind of men , which onely were present as spectators hearing and séeing what was done without further obseruation , and these were many of the common people , which following their owne affaires , little respected that which was then a doing . The second , were the Souldiours , who when they had watched the Sepulcher , séene the Angell of the Lord , & the Earthquake , as men amazed went forth into the Citie , shewing what had happened , yet by and by corrupted with money , did not sticke to tell the contrarie . The third , were the high Priests and Pharisies , these altogether endeuouring to suppresse the rumor of the resurrection , could in no case abide that any shold so much as mention it . The fourth , were the disciples of Christ , and those beléeued on him : to these did hee appeare , to these brought hee great ioy when they beheld him , and communed with him after he was risen . 11 After the same manner are there in the worlde foure sortes that are diuerslie affected towards this Article of the resurrection . Some as those of the common sort , receiue neither ioy 〈◊〉 sorrow , as if it did not appertaine vnto them to haue care or respect to this principall point of their Christian beléefe : These haue the name of Christians , but little consider what euer Christ did for them . Some there are of the second sort , which doe beléeue that Christ is risen , they think of it , & speake of it , but they ●…seuer not : for going away , they 〈◊〉 corrupted with the worlde , they speake the contrary , by their works they deny , that there is anie resurrection at all . These like the Souldiours that kept the Sepulcher , follow the fauour of the world , and are led from truth to falshood . O vnhappie men that for vile things of the world leaue the ioyfull tydings they haue heard and seene of the Resurrection . Some there are , who with the high Priests & Pharisies cannot endure the same of Christ , or those which would set forth the honour of his Resurrection : And of these what shall wee say ? When they heare this happy tydings , they labour to draw the minds of men from the deuotion thereof , these are the worst of all other . But some there are which with the Disciples reioyce , and neuer rest vntil they come vnto the Sepulcher : for loue resteth not , and these sée it so as it is tolde them , and Christ by faith appeareth vnto them : they are assembled with the faithfull , and not absent with Thomas , who by his absence had not with others at first the ioy of the Resurrection . They goe not with Mary from the Sepulcher , but are there wéeping vntill his grace speake comfortably vnto them , then they reioyce and say : The Lord is risen indeede , and hath appeared vnto vs : And these are those who haue part in the ●…st Resurrection , for on such the ●…ond death hath no power . This first Resurrection is to re●…ne Iesus Christ in true faith , 〈◊〉 to rise from sinne by newnes 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , and these also shall one day 〈◊〉 part in the second resurrec●… , when they shall sit with ●…ft that is risen before , when ●…ey shall liue with him , & raigne ●…th him in the Kingdome of heauen . In the meane time , Christ still inuiteth them ( saith Saint Austen ) to that life , where there is no defect , no death : The Angels say , why séeke you the ●…ng amongst the dead ? If one ●…ke a mine of gold in some place , where no such thing is to be h●…d , ●…ee which well knoweth it to be 〈◊〉 , doth he not say , why doth this ●…an digge and del●…e in vaine ? 〈◊〉 labour is but lost , he maketh ●…ch , whereinto hee may des●…d , as for treasure héere it is ●…ot : In like manner while wee ●…ke our ●…licity héere , well wee may digge and delue , and endanger our selues , but héere lyeth no treasure , wherefore we must set our affection in heauen , whither Christ is risen and gone before vs. Chap. 29. Of Christes ascension vp into heauen : besides many good instructions , howe heereby the hope of our ascending , is confirmed . BEcause the asc●…ion of our Lord was after all his trauailes , the farewell he tooke of the world , his doings and sayings at this time would haue at least our Christian attention . S. Mark telleth vs that he was giuing his Apostles their commission , to preach the Gospell to euery creature , that they should haue power as the working of myracles , and the like , to con●…rme this teaching by : so after hee had spoken unto them , hee was receiued vp into heauen . Saint Luke tels us , that he gathered them together , commaunding them not to depart frō Ierusalem , but there to wayte for the promise of the father , which , said he , you heard of me . And when he had spoken these things , while he was euen nowe ( as the same Euangelist sayth in another place ) blessing thé , hee departed from them , and was caried vp into heauen , for a cloud tooke him out of their sight , and they returned to Ierusalem from mount Oliuet , and when they were come into an vpper Chamber , they all continued in prayer and supplication with the women , and Mary the mother 〈◊〉 Iesus . 2 H●…re we sée a louing Master taking his leaue of his io●…ng family , h●…re is blessing and praying on both sides , héere is comforting , and looking vp to heauen : though distance of place id●… separate them for a time , yet ●…ue should continue them as one for euer . The men of Ephesus wept aboundantly , when Saint Paul departed from them , being chiefely sorrie for the words that he spake , that they should sée his face no more . But two men in white apparell , or Angelles in mens forme aske the Apostles , why stand you gazing or looking vp to heauen , and they tell them , This Iesus shall so come , euen as you haue seene him goe to Heauen . When Elias was taken vp because his prayers had stoode Israell in as good stéede as all the horses and chariots did against the force of their enemies : The text saith , Elisha cried : My Father , my Father , the chariot of Israell , and the horsemen thereof , and hee saw him no more . The Apostles of our Lord , though silent , we may easily conceiue , their hearts cryed , Our Sauiour , Our Sauiour . At the very instant , two Embassadours from the Court of Heauen , to preuent dolefull passions , tell them that they shall so sée him come , as they saw him ascend , calling to minde what himselfe had before tolde ●…m : Ascendo ad Patrem mean , et Patrem vestrum , I as●…d to my Father , and to your father . 3 He that euer gaue his Disciples diuine instructions , ceased 〈◊〉 at the last , euen vnto the very ●…ant of his departure from 〈◊〉 , to teach them still . His ●…ing them what they should 〈◊〉 , where they should abide , in ●…at manner , in what place , his ●…ing them , his gathering thē●…her with one accorde : all ●…ch might learne them manie ●…ns . And where doth Christ ●…ue his Disciples , but vppon ●…t O●…uet , where he had of●… prayed with them , and they ●…th him ? from thence he ascen●… . When we haue done our de●…ons in this world , and done ●…th the world , when wee haue ●…ssed our brethren by holy acti●…s , assembled in prayer , giuen ●…m good examples , continued ●…ongst them in one accord , from ●…unt Oliuet , our last deuotion 〈◊〉 prayers vnto God , or ( if prayers cannot bee mentioned in wordes ) the lifting vp of our hands may suffice , or if that faile , S●…um corda ; let our hearts be on high : Our deuotion & prayer is the mountaine from which we ascend , and for Gods sake ( saith Saint Bernard ) let it not séeme we arisome to abide long on this mountaine , let vs raise vp our minds and our hearts , and our hands vnto heauen , and let vs ascend with our Lord ascending . Let vs followe the Lambe whither so euer hee goeth , let vs follow him suffering , by mortifying the flesh ; let vs follow him rising , by newnes of life , but most ioyfully of all , let vs follow him ascending , by setting our affections on heauenly things , or things aboue . 4 Howe this Article of our Christian beléefe , Ascendit in coelum , He ascended vp into heauen , whither hee hath caried our nature before , doth appertaine vnto the stay of our Christian faith , is best perceiued of faithfull beléeuers . The death of Christ , saith Saint Austen , is our viui●…ation , his resurrection is our ●…e , but his ascension is our glo●…cation : when as now the Angels themselues , might seeme to haue sung Christ with a Psalm 〈◊〉 heauen , Exultate domine in vir●…e tua , Be thou exalted Lorde in thine owne strength : And his Apostles séeing him ascended vp into glory , returned to Ierusa●…m with great ioy , and there ●…tinuallie in the Temple , did ●…de and prayse God , because ●…e sure faith had shaken off ●…andalous and doubtful sorrow , remembring his words , I goe to prepare a place for you . How forceable testimonies are these ? euery one telling vs what is the ende of our Christian be●…fe . For as all other things in Christ were for vs , hee was borne for vs , hee was giuen to vs , is for vs also hee ascended , saith Saint Bernard . Where the bo●…e is , thither shall the Eagles ●…so be gathered together : wee are by nature a noble kinde of creature , and of a loftie spirite , naturally desirous to get higher and higher , and therfore we shew of whose stock and linage we are , when wee couet to ascend wh●…ther he is ascended , who is go●… before vs. And no small comfort is it , to haue this assured , that howsoeuer we are kept down for a time : yet we shall one day ascend to the full accomplishment of our good desires . 5 In the meane time , what should wee doe but follow him in whom wee ascend , in the sweete smelling sauour of his perfumes : knowing that pride cannot ascend whither humility is gone : that hatred cannot come , whither loue is ascended : that 〈◊〉 cannot approach where vertue is exalted : that impietie may not appeare , where holines it selfe is seated : and therefore to follow him in humility , in loue , in vertue , in holinesse , are as it were the steps of ascending , to co●… vnto the place whither hee is gone before . It was once s●…ide vnto man , Terra es & in terra●… redibis , but now is it said , Terra 〈◊〉 & in coelum ibis , earth thou art , 〈◊〉 yet into heauen thou shalt 〈◊〉 , whither since thou art going , leaue in any case those allurements , which not onely stay thy ●…rse , but cast thée backe to thy ●…tter perill . 6 And héere it is not amisse to call to mind some seuerall ver●…es of our Sauiour , precedent ●…to his ascension , as first , if euer ●…at of Samuel spoken vnto Saul , Obedience is better then sacrifice , ●…re verified , then most truly in 〈◊〉 ascension of the Sonne of God. He was obedient vnto his fathers will , we sée after all his ●…ience howe hee is exalted to heauen , as if obedience were the ●…ay thither : Consumma●… opus ●…od dedisti mihi : I haue accom●…ed the work which thou ga●…st ●…e . Secondarily , wee may ●…sider his humility according 〈◊〉 that , Qui ascendit , descendit , 〈◊〉 which ascended , first descen●…d , to shew that humility also in ●…g downe to a lowly conceie 〈◊〉 our selues , is the second step of following him in his ascension . Thirdly , we may consider his patient suffering , according to that , If wee suffer with him , wee shall also raign with him . Fourthlie , we may call to mind , how familiarly this louing shepheard was conuersant with his little flocke , vntill the verie time that he left them : to shew tha●… 〈◊〉 passe our time , and to end our time , in charitable and louing manner amongst men , is the way whereby we follow the Sonne of God , ascending vp into heauen . Last of all , purenes or sinceritie of life & conuersation , is a degrée of ascending after him . If wee will , saith Saint Austen , ascend with Christ , we must leaue our faults , for with our Phisition our faults ascend not , Quis ascendit in montem Domini , sayeth Dauid , Who ascendeth vnto the hill of the Lorde , but hee that hath innocent handes , and a pure heart ? 7 Wee would be happie : I know it saith Saint Austen , but why séeke wee not the way to happinesse ? Many there are that would ascend , but fewe endeuour themselues to walke the way of ascending , these with the Sonnes of Zebedee , would sit on the right and left hand in Christes kingdome , but they wil not taste of Christes bitter cup in his passion . Others there are which fearing they cannot as●…d , haue their whole hearts bu●…d in the earth , where they are content to abide . A third sort ●…ere are , which so loade themselues with the cares of this world , and are so heauy that they 〈◊〉 lift vp their minds to hea●…n , but euen as the Serpent whose breast is vpon the earth , ●…ere they abide , & goe no farther , ●…d sure a lament able thing is it , that whereas Christ with so much labour , hath laid out a way for vs , yet so few there are that follow him in this way . O that we wold mark , & mar●…ing kéepe the happie course of Christes ascending , for euen in ascending many erre : the Angel would ascend , but of an Angell he became a deuill : man would ascend in Paradise , but from a happy creature hee became miserable : both fell by affecting power , and knowledge , and manie follow this course ; nowe Christ hath taught vs a true manner of ascending as we haue heard , hee first descended , and then ascended : hee ascended the mount to pray and to teach : hee ascended the Asse to weepe : he ascended the crosse to suffer , and after all , hee ascended heauen to raigne in glorie : These are the true degrées of ascending : first , wee must ascend to prayer : secondly , wee must ascend the mount , to learne the way to blessednes : thirdlie , wee must ascend the mount to contemplate of glory , as hee did when hee went to be transfigured : fourthly , wee must ascend vppon our carnall appetites , to wéepe for our sinnes : ●…ftly , wee must ascend vnto the crosse , to be crucified vnto the world , and so last of all we shall ascend , in good time by the grace of God into heauen , to reioyce with Christ in glory . 8 To all this , saith S. Bernard , may be annexed this short forme of ascending . First , wee must ascend to our heart , that is , to the knowledge of our selues : then in our heart , that is , to acknowledge our own infirmities : next from our heart , that is , from the loue of our selues : and last of all , aboue our heart , that is , to the loue of Christ. What doth our Christian loue on earth : when Christ our head is in heauen ? The Lord is my portion , saith Dauid , If wee loue Christ , why are not our affections with him in heauen ? Shee saide vnto Sampson , Thou hast saide , thou louest me ; if it were so , thy minde would be with me ? For the Apostles , Christ was taken out of their sight , but not out of their hearts , by his corporall presence he departed from them , but for his spirituall presence hee continued with them : and therefore as they in heart ascended with him , so he still in spirit remained with them , by this his spirituall presence , which was and is euer the same . And heere wee may obserue , how Christ departed from his Apostles : first , hee leadeth them out of the Citie by way of application , from the ●…oncourse of sinne : secondly , hee leadeth thē to mount Oliuet , a place of prayer : thirdly , hee blesseth them , or endueth them with his grace at parting , this done , he ascendeth , and this doing , all faithfull beleeuers ascend . 9 Thus we sée how Christ ascendeth vp vnto his father , how , though hee left them as concerning his bodily presence , yet with his loue , his grace , his power , he was still with them . Concerning the mysterie of his ascension , it is very great and excellent , the high and glorious King cloathed with our nature●… is entred into his royall pallace . By this wee that are flesh and blood , haue a comfortable and sure trust of our ascending vp into heauen , and therefore wee finde cause of ioy in the meditation héereof , for foure reasons : first , that we haue an Aduocate nowe speaking for vs at the right hand of God : secondly , that where he is , wee shall be , Assu●…am vos ad me ipsum , I will take you vnto my selfe : thirdly , that as he hath taught vs what to doe , so also what to hope : fourthly , that hee hath left vnto vs a comfortable promise in the meane time : I ascend vnto my Father and your father . 10 And nowe as wee haue héere many good instructions , so howe our hope of ascending is confirmed wee sée , that nothing may be more ioyfully thought vpon then this , while wee are here in this mortall body of ours . Esra and Nehemias , shewe with howe great desire the Nation of the Iewes were held towardes the earthly Ierusalem , after they had beene a while in captiuitie : with what desire should wee be ●…ed of our heauenly Ierusalem , after our captiuitie héere in this worlde ? assuredlie there is nothing that wee can meditate of with more ioy , then of Christes ascension vp into heauen , to the right hand of his Father , where he sitteth as now resting for euer , which once was in labours of the world : at the right hand of Maiestie , which amongst men liued at the left hand of aduersitie . In the old law , the high Priest once 〈◊〉 yéere entered the Holy of Holies : wee haue an high Priest ( saith the Apostle ) that is entered into the heauens , and there maketh intercession for vs. Chap. 30. Of the comming downe of the holy Ghost , and how we should in all Christian manner entertaine this diuine spirit . IT is expedient for you , saith Christ our Sauiour vnto his Apostles , That I depart frō you , for if I depart not , the comforter which is the holy Ghost will not come . It is expedient , that I depart from you , that I depart . No meruaile though the Disciples hearts at these words were full of sorrowe , to heare of their maisters departure : but that this might be expedient vnto them , they could not but wonder howe : Wherefore Christ by and by tels them the cause why this should be , that is to say , his departure from them was , that the comforter might come , Vnlesse I depart , the comforter which is the holy Ghost , will not come , It is expedient that I depart , because euery thing hath his time : It was expedient that I should suffer to make a satisfaction for sinne : it was expedient that I should die , that you might be deliuered from death ; it is expedient that I ascend , that so I may open you the way to ascending : it is expedient that I depart from you , that so the holy Ghost , which is the Comforter may come . But what is this , saith Saint Bernard ? This is a great mysterie , Vnlesse I depart the Comforter shall not come : Was the presence of the holy spirit so opposite vnto the presence of Christes humanitie ( which was not conceiued , but by the operation of the same holy spirit , that nowe the one will not come , without the departure of the other ? What is this , Vnlesse I depart ? First , the head is glorified , then the members are graced The Ap●…stles for his bodily absence , shall haue from henceforth the holy Ghost to supply his presence , Behold I am with you vnto the end . 2. In the creation when the earth was without forme , Spiritus super aquas , The spirit moued vpon the waters : in the re●…mption when the mind of man was without forme , the same spirit moued vpon the sinfull waters of our soules , Emittis spiritum tuum , & creabuntur , & reno●…abis faciem eorum : Thou sen●…est out thy spirit , saith the Pro phet , and they are created , and thou shalt renue the face of them . God the Father saide , Fiat lux , Let there be light in this greater worlde : God the holy Ghost saide , Fiat cognitio Dei in anima hominis , Let there be the knowledge of God in the mind of man , of man this lesser worlde . God the Father sayde , Fiat firmamentum , Let there be a firmament . God the holy Ghost sayde , Firmetur voluntas in bono●… , Let the will of man be confirmed in that which is good . God the Father sayde , Let the waters be gathered together in one place : God the holy Ghost saide , Let many graces be vnited in one soule . God the Father said , Fiant luminaria in c●…lo : let there be lights in heauen . God the holy Ghost saide , Let the lights of faith , hope , and charitie , be fixed in the beléeuing soule . God the Father said , Fiant volatilia , Let there be flying fowles , God the holy Ghost saide , Let there be Meditations in the mind of man soaring vpward . God the Father said , Faciamus hominem ad imaginem nostram , let vs make man according to our owne likenes ? God the holy Ghost hath saide the selfe same : Let him be according to our Image , holy as I am holy , and thus wee sée our Sauiours saying verified , Expedit , it is expedient . 3 Againe , if wee respect our regeneration , wee knowe what was our state by nature , when the Apostle saith , 〈◊〉 , The children of wrath , but now being borne againe by the holy Ghost we are cast in a new mold , and so are become Filii Dei , The children of God. If wee respect the powers and faculties of the soule the intellectuall part , and the will : the intellectuall part to disce●…ne , the will to desire heauenly thinges , these were restored by the holy spirit . If we respect our s●…nctification , we were as Naaman the Syrian , vntill our wa●…ing in this Iordan , therefore is the spirit of God called Spiritus sanctus , the holy Spirit , eyther to discerne it from other spirits , or else of the powerfull effect when it makes vs holy . If wee respect the darknes of our vnderstanding , the holy ghost is called , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , Illuminatio , an ●…lightning of the minde of man. If wee respect the strengthening of our ●…aith against terrours of conscience within , The spirit of God doth beare witnesse , saith the Apostle , to our spirit , whereby wee crie Abba Father . If we respect the calamities of the world without , Christ promising to send his Apostles , this holy spirit sayde , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , The comforter or Aduocate shall come vnto you , to chéere vp their sorrowfull soules in all aduersities . If wee respect the mortification of the flesh , the same Apostle tels vs , that wee doe this by the helpe of the holie spirit : If wee respect the vnderstanding , it was deafe and dumb , vntill the holy Ghost said Ephata . And what neede wee more to shewe , howe expedient it was for vs , and still is , that we be partakers of the holy spirit ? without the vitall spirit , what is the mortall body but an earthly carkasse ? without this holy spirit , what is the soule of man , but a Sepulcher of sinne ? That there doth dwell in vs a liuing spirit ; our liuing actions shewe , that there is in vs a diuine spirit , our diuine actions approue , When heathen m●…n did perceiue that there was something in them , which did moue them to argue , to discourse , to compare thinges present with things to come , they did straightway gather that there was in man , more then a lumpish bodie , and therefore they inferred that there was a soule : but when the children of God doe finde something within them , that makes them to pray , to repent , that ●…pes them from falling into a thousand vndooinges , they straightwayes perceiue that there is a man within the man , to 〈◊〉 , the diuine spirit of God himselfe . Motum sentimus , modum ●…scimus , we feele the motion , we know no : the manner . God gaue the people Angels food from hea●…en , they called it Manna , saying , Lord , what is this ? Hauing di●…ine inspirations from aboue , which we find mouing in vs good desires , we say , Lord what is this ? This is the holy Ghost . And therfore for this article of our beléefe , it may be said , we doe not so much heate with our ●…ares , or sée with our eyes : Credo in spiritum sanctum , but finde it true in our verie soules , I beleeue in the holy ghost . 4 That this holy Ghost is God , by our beléeuing in him , we acknowledge as much . Peter said vnto Ana●…ias , Why hast thou lyed vnto the holy Ghost ? he by and by addeth , Thou hast not lied vnto any man , but vnto God , The holy ghost therefore is God. The Apostle S. Paul saith to the Corinthians , Know you not that your bodies are the Temples of the holy Ghost ? Hee by and by willeth them to glorifie God in their bodies : The holy Ghost therefore is God. Whosoeuer hath power of cleansing from sinne , the same is God , but this power hath the holy Ghost ; the holy Ghost therefore is God. Et tetigit labia , et abstulit peccati , saith Esay , Hee touched my lips , and tooke away my sinnes . Last of all , to whom so euer wee giue glory , the same is God , but as vnto the Father , and vnto the Sonne , glory is giuen : so also is it vnto the holy ghost . The Cherubins crie three times , Holy , holy , holy , as speaking vnto thrée , and yet in the wordes following . Lord God of Hosts , as appliable vnto one . Wee meruaile when we consider that men shall goe to God , but we doe not so much meruaile at this , that God doth come to men ? 5 A familiar thing is it amongst those that loue to leaue pledges of loue , Ionathan to shew his loue to Dauid , left with him the coate that was vpon him , and other things , his sword , his ●…ow , ●…s pledges of his loue : Elias whē he was taken vp into heauen , left ●…is cloake with his seruant : our Ionathan hath left with vs a pledge of loue , a pledge of our hea●…enly inheritance that is to come : ●…ur Elias hath left vs a cloake . O precious garment ! our nuptiall ornament , This is that cloathing which doth couer our vnrighteousnes , let vs make much of this garment , wherein wee come with Iacob for a blessing . When the woman of Samaria heard our Sauiour Christ tell of a water , which being once drunk of , the party should neuer thirst againe , she said , Lord giue me of this water : So when wee doe heare of that spirit which doth sanctifie our soules , cleanse our sinnes , comfort our consciences , ●…minate our vnderstanding , strengthen our faith , and is as a pledge vnto vs of Gods diuine loue , nay of glory to come ; as the woman saide , Lord giue mee of this water ; so may wee all say , Lord giue vs of this spirit . 6 The excellent effectes of this diuine spirit may be gathered by the manner of the appearing of the same spirit , as in a cloude at our Sauiours transfiguration , in forme of a Doue at his Baptisme , and vpon the Apostles in fierie tongues . The cloude may signifie moysture , or the dew of heauen : The Doue the diuine verities of humility , meekenes , and peace : the fierie tongues ; of fierie , because the seauen giftes of the holy Ghost haue the seauen qualities of fire : it purgeth by the gift of feare , it sof●…eth by the gift of pietie , it adorneth by the gift of knowledge , ●…t maketh solid by the gift of fortitude , ●…t lifteth vp by the gift of counsell it ●…lightneth by the gift of vnderstanding , it burneth by the gift of charity . Of tongues , to shewe that these giftes as they burne inwardly so do they speake ●…utwardly : nay of clouen t●…ngs , 〈◊〉 it were one tongue deuided in●… many , for to shewe th●… diuers ●…guages giuen by this spirit . Furthermore , the appearing 〈◊〉 the holy Ghost was visible in 〈◊〉 tongues , and sure it is , wee ●…st shew signes of Gods spirit , 〈◊〉 as it doth kindle in charitie , so 〈◊〉 it speake charitably . The 〈◊〉 Ghost is re●…embled vnto the 〈◊〉 , and there was a mightie 〈◊〉 at the cōming downe ther●… ▪ First , to shewe that the doc●…ino of the Gospell should nowe ●…ake out into the world , & that 〈◊〉 none can keepe backe the force of the wind , so should none be able to hinder the passage of this ●…octrine . Secondarily , the wind ●…ceably be●…reth downe what●…uer do●…h resist it : so did the ●…rking of this spirit . Thirdly , 〈◊〉 wind is wont to carie vp the 〈◊〉 against the mayne streame 〈◊〉 swiftest tides that runne , so doth the holy Ghost beare vs vp against the strongest current of naturall inclination . Againe , the holy Ghost is resembled vnto water , because it cleanseth . Dauid calleth it a right spirit , right because it leadeth vs the right way . The Apostle calleth it th●… spirit of Adoption , because it maketh vs the children of God ▪ Somtimes it is called the Teacher of truth , sometimes the eternall spirit , all which names ●…oe tend to shew the diuers operations of the holy Ghost ▪ as 〈◊〉 the former appearance of fire , 〈◊〉 stre turnes all things into fire , because it expe●…eth the coldnes of our hearts , & bath burneth with inward loue , as also shineth by outward charity . It teacheth , 〈◊〉 directeth , it comforteth , it cleanseth , in a cloud , in a Doue , in fire , in tongues , in the winde , all which moue vs to pray with the Prophet , Emitte spiritum tuum : Lord ●…end forth thy spirit , and wee shall be created . The light of Faith shall arise in vs , our 〈◊〉 shall be confirmed in good , man●… graces shall be collected in one : our desires shall mount vpwar●… , and last of all , we shall be holy as is holy . 7 Contra●…ise , without this 〈◊〉 spirit what are we but as 〈◊〉 men of Sodome striken with ●…dnesse , not knowing which 〈◊〉 to goe ? sorrowfull is it to ●…ider the case of Saul , who ●…en the spirit of God was with 〈◊〉 , hee was a man of courage 〈◊〉 va●…our , able to encounter 〈◊〉 the enemies of God , but 〈◊〉 once the spirit of the Lord 〈◊〉 departed from him , he was ●…ressed as is wonderfull , he ●…es to a Sorceresse , disgui●… himselfe , knowes not in the 〈◊〉 what to doe , nor which 〈◊〉 to take , there was not a 〈◊〉 in the field , nor a corner in 〈◊〉 house , that could hide him 〈◊〉 his troubled conscience . E●…●…ryed ●…ryed , My Father , my Fa●… , but Saul might haue cryed ●…en the spirit of the Lorde de●…ted from him : O my ioy , my 〈◊〉 gone : his body died once , 〈◊〉 his hart often . The wife of ●…es in her last breath cryed , 〈◊〉 the same might Saul haue 〈◊〉 also , O the glory of God is gone ? when the Prince remoueth , all the Princes troope and trayne , euery one is remouing to accompanie the person of the Prince : so when the Spirit of the Lorde remooueth , all ioy , all faith , all knowledge , all loue , at once departeth : Wherefore the Church doth well and deuoutly pray , Et spiritum sanctum tuum ne aufer as a nobis , And take not thy holy Spirit from vs. It was Saint Austens prayer , Ve●…●…ancte spiritus , Come holy spirit , the cleanser of the vncleane , the comforter of the sorrowfull , confirme mee , that I may keepe thee , keep me that I may not loose thee . If Sathan ●…de the house once emptie , hee entereth by a foule spirit : wherefore besée●…h we God that his spirit may euer keepe possession of our hearts . Nowe as Christ promised his Apastles the comming of the holie Ghost ; so did hee also shewe them howe they should be prepared for the receiuing and conseruing thereof , for albeit this diuine Spirit , were promised before , and after the Resurrection , 〈◊〉 he would they should be pre●…red for it : that wee should 〈◊〉 to vse meanes for Gods ●…ites promised . First , they 〈◊〉 wait for it : secondarily , they 〈◊〉 waite at Ierusalem , and ●…re in an vpper roome , what 〈◊〉 they doe ? they are assembled ●…th one accord , what else ? they 〈◊〉 assembled with one accord in 〈◊〉 : all which doe shewe vs 〈◊〉 meanes of preparing our 〈◊〉 for the participation of the 〈◊〉 Ghost : First , faith is ne●…rie , for the Apostles belée●… : Secondly , hope is necessa●… for they expected the accom●…ment of the promise : Third 〈◊〉 charity is necessary , for they 〈◊〉 assembled in loue , the Text ●…eth , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , with one ac●…d : Fourthly , holinesse of con●…sation is necessarie , they were 〈◊〉 vpper roome . The Spirit 〈◊〉 God , sayeth the wise man , ●…eth not in a body subiect to 〈◊〉 . Last of all , deuotion is ●…cessarie , they were all assem●… in prayer . The seauentie Elders rec●…ed of the spirit of the Lord at the dore of the Tabernacle , where God was worshipped . When the Disciples were assembled in prayer , the place where they were assembled moued , and the holy Ghost came downe vpon them , and héere wee sée both of receiuing , as also the meanes of entertayning one and the same holy spirit : Gregorie saith , In terra datur Spiritus , vt diligatur proximus : e coelo da●…ut Spiritus , vt diligatur Deus , The holy ghost is giuen on earth , that we should loue men , and the holy Ghost is giuen from heauen , that we should loue God. This loue of God is neuer idle , but alwaies busie héere beneath , it was Christes owne rule : If you loue me keepe my commaundements , it is a signe we loue the great Emperour , when wee kéepe his lawes . Last of all , whereas the receiuing of the holy Ghost is called the earnest of the spirit , how manie comforts are there which doe hence consequently ensue ? when 〈◊〉 substantiail dealer maketh a bargaine or couenant , and in part of payment giueth earnest before ●…and , the residue behind is as ●…re at the day , as if the partie ●…ad it already down : God of his ●…nite loue in Christ Iesus , ●…ath agréed with beléeuers for the receiuing of heauenly trea●…re , or treasure in heauen , his holy spirit is before giuen in part of payment , a good earnest , and of the rest behind , this earnest is ●…fficient assurance , which wee 〈◊〉 receiue at that ●…ay , when the ●…onne of righteousnes shall appeare , and all his holy Angels ●…ith him . Chap , 31. How that exhortation of our Sauiour Christ , Iohn the twelfth and thirtie siue , doth appertaine to vs Christians : Ambulate dum lucem habetis , vt non tenebrae vos comprehendant , Walke while yee haue light , least darknes come vpon you . THese wordes of our Sauiour Christ , spoken in the first place to the people of the Iews , are ●…y way of appropriation appliable vnto all , but most speciallie vnto them on whom the ends of the worlde are come . Walke while yee haue light , least darknes come vppon you : For in this remnant of time , Sathan seeketh in malice to destroy men , and God in mercy to saue sinners , by whom the day of grace is fitly resembled to a time of light , Walke while yee haue light . The children of God are called the children of light : his Angels are called the Angels of light : his doctrine is called the doctrine of light : you were darknes , saith the Apostle , but nowe you are light , and are called to an admirable light . And so after the s●…me manner the time of grace is a time of light , our co●…nuance in this grace , is the light of life , which very life hath sometime●… the appellation of light , because when death comes as the wise man saith , ●…ur light is lost , that is , the continuance of life , which is light . And so in regard of the true light , which is Christ Iesus himselfe , of his doctrine , which is a doctrine of light , of his grace which is the benefite of light : of our con●…inuance in the world , which is a little continuance in the light : of these seuerally one by one , or of all together . Walke while you haue light , least darknesse come vppon you : walke , and therfore no standing s●…ll , least darknes come , therefore the light will not be l●…ng . 2 The light , saith Saint Iohn ▪ shined in darknes , but the darknes comprehended it not . It is no disgrace vnto the Sunne , though Battes and ●…ies cannot endure it , Christes grace is the light to guide our steps , his Gospell is the lanthorne to shewe our goings : if we refuse to walke by this light , and while wee haue a time of light , and to walke too while it is our last moment of light , our darknes is great , our errour is great . May wee not feare a time of darknes ? Haue we any warrant to the contrary●… yet a little while is the light with vs : It is sayde in the Canticles , I sought him vpon my bed : was the spouse there found ? That wee finde not : I sought him , but I found him not , saith the text . The Scripture saith of Cains offering , it was Post multos dies , after many dayes , as if we should say , it was long before Cain came with his sacrifice , it proued vnseasonable . The stone vpon the top of the hill may be stayed with little , but being once in a violent course , it is a hard thing to stay it , wee should in time returne vnto God. The euill théefe vppon the Crosse , his care was for his bodie , Saue thy selfe and vs : but his fellow vpon the right hand , who made speede in calling vppon Christ , saying , Lord remember me when thou commest into thy kingdome , his care was chiefely of his soule . We had néede walke , before our day of life be turned into the night of death , before our light of grace be turned into the darknes of iustice . Our continuance standes at a great vncertaintie , there is but a little ayre betwéene vs and death , and they that thinke themselues most secure , are sometimes s●…nest of all deceiued , and at last wish in vaine , they had beene better aduised . God met with Pharaoh in the Sea , with Eli sitting in his Chaire , with Holophernes lying on his bed : The rich man when he said , soule take thy ease , yea take thy farewell of case too . Héere we leaue one , and there another , and time is the ea●…er out of vs and ours . The Sunne though it séeme to stand still , it is caried about with a violent motion : The shadowe in the D●…all wee see gone , but not going . Wee neuer stand still , but are euery euening tide of our life , néerer our iourneyes ende by a day . The Sn●…yle though shee créepe neuer so softly , yet comes she at last to the highest trées , and eateth the gréene leaues at the very tops thereof . Age wil steale vpon our youthfull & flourishing dayes , and therefore while wee haue light to walke , let vs walke with God as Abraham did when he liued in his feare . When the people gathered Manna , they must gather it in the morning , for when the heate of the day came , it vanished away . If we will gather our heauenly Manna , wee must gather be●…es before the heate of the day arise , that is , before the day of mercy be turned into a scorching day of iudgement . Our state and condition héere is as the naturall day it selfe , our youth is as the morning , the noonetide is our strength , when the euening of age comes , then we make readie to take our rest , so preparing our selues , wee haue life in patience , and a good departure in desire . 3 It is saide to the great folly of the Athenians , that they wold neuer consult of peace , vntill they were driuen thereunto by extremitie of warre . Greater is the folly of the sinfull men , to be consulting of a state of peace , when they are driuen thereunto by necessitie , neuer calling vpon God , but in time of sicknes and aduersitie : n●…y , that which is more , when the time of calling is past ▪ when the light is departed from them , and that happy opportunitie let slip : Walke while yee haue light : At that black day they shall finde errour vnrecouerable , danger vnauoydable , punishment vnsupportable , repentance vnprofitable , griefe inconsolable , into what a pittifull plight shall the carelesse man see himselfe brought at this tune ? It will be a sad Catastrophe , or sorrowfull end after all . O that we would now be , as we would wish to be at the day of iudgement ! A foolish Marriner is hee , that while the weather is faire , will lie still , when the wind is nowe seruing to further his passage , and will neuer set forward vntill a daungerous tempest be come : of these , saith S. Ambrose , I wil not determine how doubtful it is , whether they shall attaine the hauen , only this I wish , that they set forward before it be too late , when they shal not néed to haue any accusers , for their owne consciences shall article against them . The Prophet saith , Misericordiam & iudicium cantabo tibi domine . Lord , I wil sing vnto thée of mercy and iudgement , mercie in Christes first comming , and iudgement in his second . The kingdome of heauen in the Gospell , is fitly compared to the Sommer : first , for that the Sommer is a lightsome time , so is the kingdome of heauen : secondly , it is a fruitfull time , so is the kingdome of heauen : thirdly , Sommer is a pleasant and ioy●…ull time , so is the kingdome of heauen : fourthly , Sommer is a quiet and peaceable time , so is the kingdome of heauen . Christ putteth forth vnto his Disciples ●…parable of the Fig trée , why of the Figge tree more then others , saith one ? because it putteth forth last of other trées , & sheweth that Sommer is néere : Againe , the Figge trée if it be good , it is very good : but if it be otherwise , it is in the contrary extreame : If naught , saith the prophet Ieremie , very naught . Such is the state & condition of men in the state of iudgement , if they put forth in time , they bring forth swéet fruits of euerlasting ioy : if their estate be happy , most happy : if vnhappie , the most vnhappiest of all . 4 Some there are that are so delighted with the pleasures of the life present , that they forget what a heauenly treasure they carie about with them , in these mortall bodies , and what a great charge is in their custodie to look vnto while they are h●…re . The housholder , saith our Sauiour , should watch for the comming of the thiefe : This théefe may resemble vnto vs the day of death , which comes vnawares , the house is the body , the doore is the mouth and cares , the windowes are the eyes , the treasure in this house is the soule , let the housholder watch , & not suffer his house violently to be broken vp : but let him be prepared to yéeld peaceable possession , both of his house and treasure , when h●… gentle Lord shall require the same , because hee will giue him state in a better inheritance for the time to come ▪ wherefore that spoken vnto the people of old , may be considered , Redite ad cor , Turne vnto your hearts , or , nowe your hearts and you consider together what to doe , fall to an account with your selues , séeke not life in death , stand with God , and hee will stand with you , lose not the opportunitie of light , for some sensual and perishing delights of the world ▪ when these offer themselues , let the carefull Christian say this thou mayest doe , but this is not that thou shouldest doe : in the morning he s●…yes to himselfe , what wilt thou doe , and at night , what hast thou done , let him take sometime from the pleasures and profits of the worlde , I say , to consider of these things . Iudas made the worst bargaine that euer man did , which bought and sold , when for a little earthly profit he parted with heauen , and for thirtie péeces of siluer sold the Sauiour of his soule . Hee had heard Christ was transfigured , and least in such a transfiguration hee should be taken from him , be wold make gaine of him while he had him . Let vs neuer follow the trade of so bad a Marchant , leauing for a fewe temporall commodities , that great and plentifull storehouse of heauen , and the inestimable treasure which God hath prepared for them that loue him . In this respect all of vs are Marchants , that men would fall to traffique for this pearle . It is not beyond the Sea , that anie should complaine , howe shall wee attaine it , thrise happy are they that come vnto that light , where the light of the Moone shall be as the light of the Sunne , where the light of the Sunne shall be se●…uen fold , as the Prophet Esay speaketh . Wherefore O Christian man , if thou walke in the light , whilest thou hast the benefi●… of light , Thy Sunne shall neuer goe down neither shal thy Moone be hid , for the Lord shall be thine euerlasting light , and the dayes of thy sorrow shall be ended . Sorrowe thou mayest for a time , but this sorrowe should be heauenly , and heauenly sorrowe ( saith the Apostle ) causeth life . Of old time repentant sinners , as wee reade in the Prophets , should put on sackcloath , and sprinkle themselues with ashes . Put on sackcloath , to shew they haue laide off all pompe and glory of the world : sprinkle themselues with ashes to signifie , they were no other ( b●…ing compared to Gods maiestie , who was now readie to take reuenge vppon them ) but dust and ashes . Againe , howsoeuer they had before exalted themselues , ye●… now they were come to a full consideration of their estate , what they were vnder the hand of God. Yet a little while is the light with vs , Onely a little while , and therefore the time of light , the time of walking is not long . O blessed are they that make sure work for a time to come , that apply their haruest while the sunne shineth , that walke while they haue light , that by a good life draw n●…rer and néerer , vnto that life which is void of all death , vnto the which the Lord bring vs all in Christ Iesus . 5 The commination , if men walke not while they haue the light , is , Walk least darknes come vpon you . Want of light is a punishment : When many of the Iewes sawe the darknes at our Sauiours Passion , they were much afraide , they smote their brests , & were in a maner at their wi●…s end . If externall darknes of the world be so terrible , what is the spirituall or internall darknes of the minde , to be depriued of the light of grace ? Nay , what is the eternall darknes , to be vtterly dep●…ued of all light of glorie ? It was said of him that had not his wedding garment , ●…st him into vtter darknes , O do●…efull dome , neuer more to sée the light of that ioyfull Sonne of righteousnes ? Who would not be aduertised in this case ? our time is but short , our departure vncertaine . What is the ende of our redemption , the fruite of our calling , but to walke before God in holinesse of life ? beastes haue eyes of the body to behold things present , but men haue eyes of the minde to foresee thinges to come . In the second of Samuel , and second Chapter , Abner calleth vnto Ioab in the euening , to stay his reuenging hand , Ioab saith , haddest thou called vnto mee , in the morning the people had departed backe euery one from his brother : let vs vse this to our commoditie , and for our learning ▪ let vs call for helpe early , and not deferre vntill the euening , thinking to strike in with God in our last groanes , when the most sensuall are made so●…er against their wils . When Moses foretolde the Egyptians of a mighty great hayle , such as neuer was in Egypt , those that re●…arded not the word of the Lord , left their seruaunts and cattell in the field , and so were destroyed , but such as feared the word of the Lord , amongst the seruaunts of Pharao made his seruants and his cattell flie into their houses . These were preserued , as for the other the tempest destroyed them . Haue we not cause to be carefull ? Our sinnes carie vs away as the wind . O Lord , saith the Prophet Esay , wee are the Clay , thou art the Potter . Chap. 32. Howe that , inferred vpon the Parable of the ten Virgines , ( Mathew 25. 23. ) Vigilate itaque quia nescitis diem neque h●…ram , Watch therefore , for you knowe neither the day nor houre when the Sonne of man will come , doth greatly concerne all Christians to consider . SAint Mathew hauing mentioned Christ his comming to iudgement , and the manner in paradies , in the next place setteth downe by another parable , the suddainnesse of this comming , although no mention be made of the time , when it shall be , as the comming of a bridegroome at night , when none would haue thought him néere : At this time suddainly there was a crie . The Bridegroome commeth : When some are receiued in , & other are ●…uded , and for euer shut out : 〈◊〉 are found wise , & these are ●…ose that prepared oyle in their ●…pes , others foolish , and ●…se were those , who had their ●…ampes , but no oyle in them : all ●…aue the name of virgins , all ex●…t the Bridegroomes cōming , ●…t all are not prouided for his ●…ddaine comming : therefore ●…st any be taken vnprouided as ●…he foolish were , Christ giues ●…is adu●…onition vnto all : Watch therefore , for you know not , the ●…ay nor houre . Man which is gone into a strange Countrey , hauing giuen authority vnto his seruants , and ●…lled his Porter to watch , those seruants must be watching , that at what time soeuer the Maister returne , he may find thē so doing . There is nothing more behou●…ful ●…nto the state of a christian man , then to arise from the security of a sinfull life , that spirituall Apo●…xie , or dead sléepy disease of the soule : the very word Watch , doth not only import we haue enemies , but also require industrie to preuent them , Watch & pray : Watch , and so vse industrie ; Pray , and so receiue Gods assisting mercie . We know that while Ionas slept , the ship was in danger of drowning : while Ishboseth slept , hee was surprised suddainly : while the husbandmen slept , the enemie came and sowed ●…ares : while Holofernes slept , his head was taken from him , all which import many dangers , the ship , the soule , the surprising , the vnexpected calling to giue an account , the enuious sower Sathan , the head , Christ Iesus : this considered , had wee not neede watch ? while the foolish slept , suddenly there was a crie at midnight , when they would goe & buy them oyle , the bridegroome was passed , and the gate shut , it was not the title of being called virgines . It was not the repeating of the name Lord , Lord , that now serued the turne : to shewe that the name of holines wil not sustice ▪ as the rich mans calling Abraham Father , stoode him in little s●…éede . It is the watchful care of the wise virgin●… that did them good indeede , the gate was shut to the foolish : what was this gate ? Euen the gate of mercie , in respect of indulgence : the gate of grace , in respect of acceptance : the gate of glory , 〈◊〉 respect of entrance . Take heed , saith our Sauiour , watch & pray . Dauid might haue slaine Saule●…hile ●…hile hee was sléeping , but hee ●…as pittifull , & would not , wher●… he awakes him , and shewes ●…im the danger hee was in . The goodnesse of Almightie God to ●…an is farre aboue Dauids pitty to Saul . See the patience and long ●…ffering of God , saith the Apo●…tle , to leade vs vnto repentance . Behold , I stand at the doore , and ●…nocke . God knocke●…h by his grace at the doore of our hearts : 〈◊〉 his worde at the doore of our ●…ares : by his benefites , at the ●…oore of our plenty : by his cha●…sements at the doore of our sorrowfull hearts , to raise and st●…rre ●…s vp to vigilancie from the sleep of sinne , wherein hee might haue taken vs , but that his mercie is to spare , for a tune of grace , wherin we should be prepared for him : hee knockes to awake vs , and striues to enter , if wee sléepe o●… and shut vp the dore , then hee departs , we cannot escape him eyther aliue or dead . 2 Watch , for you know not the day , This day shall bee as the dayes of Noe , of Lot , while Noe was building and labouring , the worlde was rioting , and neuer more secure : but Noe and his were saued when the rest perished . In Sodome , there was eating and drinking , as if our Sauiour would haue vs heare what the sinnes of the men of Sodome were , that hearing them , w●… might take héede of committing the like . It was not their eating and drinking ( saith Beda ) that condemned these men , but the immoderate vse of thinges lawfull , neither is it so much mentioned what they did , as whereunto , neglecting the iudgements of God , they wholy gaue themselues that is to say , to eating , & drinking . Destruction came suddainly vpon these , not that their ●…ruction was not foretold , bu●…●…t it was not beléeued of any , ●…re was not a stroke giuen in ●…ming the Arke , which did not ●…monish the carelesse world of a ●…d to come : though Noe were ●…nt in voyce , yet hee spake in ●…rke , according to that in the ●…pel , If you beleeue not me , yet ●…eue these works of mine : but ●…uerse men beholding the Ar●… 〈◊〉 the building , continued in their ●…s , & were sodainly swallowed 〈◊〉 by that suddaine destruction ●…t came vpon them . No maruel ●…gh men sin , to say true , it is 〈◊〉 such wonder , séeing they con●…r so little the end of sinning , & 〈◊〉 suddainnes of their own end , ●…at security is this ? 3 This shall be , saith our Sa●…our , at the time when the Sonne of man commeth , Though it be ●…uer so often foretold , and the ●…ke bee neuer so long a buil●…ng , though many speake by ●…ce , & by works , for al that , nothing is thought vpon , somtimes a little is spoken of in this world about amendment of life , all is but words . For the comming of the bridegroome , wee haue in holy Scripture to cōsider these three things : first , the signes going before , as the darknesse of the Sunne , the trouble of the creatures , and such others : secondly , the signes that doe accompante him , as the conflagration of the world , the sounding of the trumpe , the resurrection of the dead . Thirdly , those that follow after , the going vpon the right and left hand , the separating of the shéepe and Goates , the ioyes of some , and the wofu●… miserie of others , the one called with a venite benedicti , Come you blessed : the other refused with an ●…te maledicti , Goe yee cursed . Lord , say the Apostles , where or when shal these things be , or what shall be the signes of the comming of the Sonne of man ? 4 For the signes precedent , ( as so many Heraulds before the comming of the King of glor●… ) amongst other , trouble is described to be in those superiour bo●…s , as in the Sun , the Moone , ●…d starres , vnwonted signes , & ●…unge sights repugnant vnto ●…ure shall be seene . These are 〈◊〉 signes , because they signi●… the Sunne and Moone shall 〈◊〉 obscured , the starres shall fall ●…n heauen , their light shall be ●…rcom of a greater light , which 〈◊〉 the glorious appearing of ●…ust , like as the stars appeare 〈◊〉 at the rising of the Sunne . Concerning these signes , let thē●…e also their mysticall sence . ●…he Sunne shall be darkened , ●…t is , the loue of Christ , the ●…nne of righteousnes , by the ●…s and cloude of unpietie : the ●…oone , or the Church with her ●…ht from the Sunne , shall loose 〈◊〉 light : the starres or teachers ●…ll fall from heauenly doctrine , 〈◊〉 so forth . Let them haue their ●…alisence , and so let be consi●…r how the heauens frowne vp●… vs , and the earth trembles ●…er vs. Secondly , there shall 〈◊〉 trouble in the elements , and ●…eat sorrow of the Nations , the Sea , and the floods shall make a noyse , and men shall bee at their wits ends . The confused noyse of the waters , mouing to and fro , the elements ( as S. Peter saith ) melting with heate , at all which the hearts of ●…en shall be smitten with great terror , there is no flying , but all amazed , they shal not knowe what to doe , nay , that which is more , the powers of heauen shal be moued , séeing these vnusuall effectes to happen , they shall be moued , euen the Angels themselues , at the suddain transmutation and the incomprehensible maiestie of Christ , what shal the sprigs of the Desert do when the Cedars of Libanon be ●…ken with feare ? If the pillars themselues shall shake , how may the weaker parts of the building tremble ? 5 When this little worlde , to witte man ( for so is hee called , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ) is now vpon the dissoluing , he suffereth fantasies , & many troubles , euery part is moued , euery sence is altered , the whole body , Lord , how is it troubled ! how much more shall trouble & disturbance appeare when this greater world is vpon disso●…tion , and nowe giuing vp the Ghost ? For the signes in particular , as first that the lights of Heauen shall fall , the waters ●…re , mens harts shal faile them for feare , and the rest , all which ●…e shew the violence of all , shall be by the force of fire . The first iudgement was with water , to ●…le and quench the heate of incontinencie , which then chiefely abounded : the second iudgement shal be with fire , against the coldnes of loue , and charitie , which ( the world waxing old ) shall , and both more and more decay . All earthly things shal be consumed , for the end ceasing , those thinges which appertaine vnto the end , cease . The Nations shal ●…ourn , or , as Ieremie saith , the tribes of the earth , that is , those that haue not their fréedome in heauen , the Iewes shall mourne , the Gentiles shall mourne , Christians that loued the worlde more thē Christ , shal mourn : the tribes of the earth , not the tribes of the Lord : for these , they shall goe ( saith the Prophet ) to confesse vnto the name of the Lord. The other shall bewaile themselues in their faults , which they haue committed in their follies , but not corrected , in their glory which they haue lost : and last of all , in their punishments which they shall incessantly suffer . 6 For the signes that accompany him , as the sounding of the Trumpe & others , what a noyse shall this be , which the ioyfull creatures aboue in felicitie , and that wofull soule beneath in misery , and ( betwéene both ) the dead body in the graue shall heare ? what a noyse will this be that all shall heare at once in most wonderfull manner ? The Captaine wakeneth his Souldiours by the sound of the drum : Christ shall waken the whole Armie of the worlde , by the sound of the trumpet ; the trumpet to ty●…orous & ill Souldiers is a dreadfull hearing , but to good and men of valour it is a chéerefull noyse , saith Saint Austen . Then shall followe the resurrection of the dead , Awake thou that sleepest , and come to iudgement : The Sepulchers shall open , as they opened at Christes passion , not many , but all : not from the holy Citie onely , but from all Cities , and parts , and corners of the world , all that are in the graues , shall heare the voyce of the sonne of God. When we heare the thunder , we thinke there is a God , when wee heare this , wee shall sée it . Then shall the Sonne of man appeare , and all his holy Angels with him , then shal he to whom the Father hath committed iudgement , come visibly in the cloudes , in that verie forme to iudge , wherein hee was iudged : They shall see him whom they haue pierced : The good shall sée him to exultation , the euill to confusion , and shame of their owne folly . Nowe is hee called a Iudge , who was before called the Sonne of man : Now is hee called a King , Dicet Rex , The King shall say , Goe into euerlasting torment , prepared for the deuill and his Angels : It is said , Benedicti patris mei , not maledicti a patre , as if God blesseth , but reiecteth none , did they not reiect themselues . Then Pilate shall not doubt , and aske the question , Num tu Rex ? art thou a King ? Then the Iewes shall not say . Non habemus Regem , we haue no King : Pilat and the Iewes shal now sée , he is a King indéede , Euen the King of Kings . Then shal he come cloathed with light as with a garment , he shall come with great power and maiestie , his Angels shal gather all together from the foure corners of the earth , the whole world shal fight against them , who fought against the Author of all things , such as the King is , such shall be the power of his comming . Nowe for the day and t●…e of his cōming , let none busie their heads , seeing it is not knowne to the Angels of heauen . 7 For the signes that followe after , which are these : Then shall the sheepe be separated from the Goates , the tares from the wheat . Then two shall be grinding in the mill , the one receiued , the other left alone : two in the field , one receiued , the other forsaken . The very place shall shewe euery ones condition , some vnto the right hand , and some vnto the left : Then come ye blessed , when I was hungry , ye fed me , when I was naked ye cloathed me , counting all done vnto the néedie , as done vnto himselfe . Then shall the righteous say , Lord , when haue wee fed thee , and cloathed thee ! by a kinde of admiration , procéeding from the greatnes of the reward , as if we thought not wee had done all this vnto thée . On the contrarie part , the vnmercifull shall not wonder after this manner , because they knew Christ did hunger in the poore , and want cloathing in the naked , then shall not that be granted which is required , because that was not performed which was commaunded . So vnto the iust this comming of the Iudge shal be as Sommer after Winter : but vnto the vniust , as the Winter after Sommer : Salomon to shew the estate of these , taketh an instance from a young man , one that thinks himselfe farthest off , the Wise man tels him , iudgement will come . 8 In all temptations i●… auaileth much to call to mind the day of iudgement , that a remembrance héereof should sinke déeplie into our harts : If we would be couetous , & desire that which is other mens : or ambitious , and séeke the glory of the world , let a remembrance of iudgement come into our minds , Let vs say vnto our owne soules : O soule , there is a resurrection , & a iudgement that doth expect thée . Hee that would not haue then his wounds séene , let him now séeke to cure them : this is the time when the secrets of all harts shal be reuealed . Adam when he sinned had the trées to couer him : when all shall be consumed by fire , what can couer men ? surely nothing . The world passeth ( saith Saint Iohn ) and the concupiscence thereof : Wherefore whosoeuer cleaueth to these wo●…ldly thinges , is in continuall passage with the world , the whole perishing , euery part perisheth . Take heede to your selues , sayeth our Sauiour , that your hearts be not oppressed with surfetting & drunkennes , and cares of this life , and least that day come on you vnawares : for as a snare shall it come vpon all , which sit vpon the face of the earth , that is , which delightfully rest vpon the loue of earthly thinges . The godly truly passe ●…uer the earth as straungers and Pilgrimes , but the worldly minded as Citizens and inhabitants : to these this day is as a snare , because it takes them vnprepared , but vnto the other it is a day of expectation , because it finds them ready . 9 If any skilfull Phisition should commaund vs , saying , Take you héede , that any of you eate not greedily of the iuice of such and such an hearbe , if he doe , he shal dye presently : with what care doth euery one kéepe this commaundement , least by tasting of the forbidden hearbe hee perish . But nowe the Sauiour of our soules and bodies cōmandeth vs to beware of the hearbes of surfe●…ting & cares of this life , and howe many of vs notwithstanding doe not onely , not feare to be wounded héerewith , but also wholy consumed ? will we not beléeue our heauenly Phisition , Watch and pray alwayes , Watch , not that the sense of séeing onely is héere vnderstoode , but the watchfulnes of the vnderstanding : Pray alwayes , not as if our prayers should not be interrupted by any necessities of the body , as the Massilians dreamed , but pray alwayes is vnderstoode euery day , and at all times , that no sinne may hinder vs from God & good works , and therefore it is saide , Vt digni habeamini , that ye m●…y be accounted worthy to auoid these things . 10 Watch , for ye knowe not the day nor houre : Nemo quaerat quando venit , sed vigilet vt paratum inueniat . Let no man ( saith S. Austen ) séeke curiously when the Iudge commeth , but let him make himselfe ready against his comming : the vncertainty of the time doth cause feare : the ignorance of the signes may lead into error : so wee alwayes liue , that alwayes wee may be watchfull . Wee may knowe the signes , but ought not search after the knowledge of the time it selfe : it is vnsearchable . When we see in an old man the signes of age , we gather his time is not long , when hee shall die , we know not : so beholding the world troubled , charity waxing cold , we know these are signes of a decaying age , yet somtimes age continueth , howe long none knoweth , & this is the very reason our Sauiour himselfe vseth to stir vs vp to watchfulnes : Watch , because you know not the day , nor houre when the Sonne of man commeth . If the Housholder watch for the sauing of his substance , howe much more should euery one be watchfull for the sauing of his soule ? In the Housholder three things are obserued : first , he endeuoureth to knowe the deceite of the théefe : secondly , to prouide for the custody of himselfe : thirdlie , he careth that his house be not broken vp , and thus he watcheth , not one , but euery houre of the night , that at what houre so euer he be assaulted , hee may be found stirring . 11 Those who looke for the comming of the Bridegroome , haue their lights in their hands , that is , their shining workes : these lights are burning , that is , ardent in charity : they are shining , that is to say , giuing good example of piety : These watch in the day , that is , open the eyes of their faith , when the light of the Gospell of Iesus Christ shineth : these watch in the night , that is , when the world is giuen to all iniquitie , the workes of darknes . Foure things there are which may make men to wake : the first is , the crowing of the cocks , that is , the calling of those to whom God hath said : O Sonne of man , I haue made thee a watchman : The Cocke beateth with his wings , and wakeneth himselfe first : and then with his voyce wakeneth others . The second thing to make men wake , is the rising of the Sunne , this Sunne is the light of grace : a shame is it for men to sléepe , when as now long agoe the Sunne is risen vpō them . The Sunne riseth ( saith the prophet ) and man goeth forth vnto his labour , The night is past , and the day is come neere , let vs walke ( saith the Apostle ) as in the day : The third thing to make men awake , to , the feare of the théefe , or the day of iudgement , which is as the comming of a théefe in the night : the carelesse it will seaze vpon and spoile them , but vnto the watchfull it can doe no harme . It was said vnto the rich man , hac nocte , This night shall thy soule be taken from thee . It was said of the bridegroomes comming : At midnight there was a crie made , behold the Bridegroome commeth , goe out to meete him . The fourth thing to make men awake , is care of their goods , wee haue a great charge vnder our hands , and a charge of so great care , that wee had neede watch early and late . For the carelesse , Salomon sayeth , Sleepe on , so shall necessitie come vppon thee like an armed man. Many are so heauie a sléepe , that no calling will awake them , there shall a voyce one day sound in their eares that shall awaken them , ( I pray God ) not affright them , whether they will or no. That which I say vnto you , sayth our Sauiour , I say vnto all : Watch. The night of death may steale vpon men before they be aware , the day of iudgement will come when they thinke not of it : Watch , for you know not the day nor houre . Watch , you know not when the Maister of the house will returne : Whether in the morning of childhoode , or in the third houre of youth , or in the sixt houre of strength , or in the euening of age : Watch , for you knowe not the time : Should they sleepe in securitie , vntill they sleepe their last ? God forbid , God forbid . Chap. 33. A louing conference had with Christ , and the deuout Christian man , touching the state and ioyes of the life to come , promised to them that learne of Christ , and followe him in this life . Christ. AWake , Awake , O Christian soule , and stand vp from the dead , how long wilt thou sléepe in this dangerous securitie of a sinfull life ? Arise , arise , the light of my grace and truth hath shined vnto thee , how long wilt thou preferre the loue of this transitorie world , before the loue of mee thy Redéemer and Sauiour . Christian man. O Lorde Iesus Christ , thy mercie is great in staying for my conuersion , in vouchsafing to remember mee so forgetfull of my loue , and duty towardes thée my Lord , now I wretched creature prostrate my selfe before thee , Lord what wilt thou that I doe ? Christ. If thy desire be to knowe my will ( O my beloued ) this desire of thine doth merua●…lously please me : for my delight is in thy saluation : thou knowest for thy sake I came from heauen , for thy sake endured I the griefes and troubles of the worlde , for thy sake suffered I many reproaches of mine enemies : I vndertooke thy dolours , to giue thée my glory : I suffered thy death , that thou mightest receiue life : I was buried in the earth , that thou mightest be raysed vp to heauen : now thy sinnes are more gréeuous vnto me , then much suffering I endured for thée : this is that I require , séeing thou wouldest know my will , giue me thy life , for whō I haue giuen my life . Christian man. Lord I perceiue thy will , and my owne weakenes : how should walke ( as I ought ) in consecrating my life vnto thée ? Christ. If thou wilt dedicate thy selfe vnto me , first loue mee alwayes , and aboue all thinges , next to know howe thou shouldst walke after my wil , sée thou often meditate of my life once led amongst men : when thou wilt be humble , thinke howe I was humbled : when thou wilt suffer patiently , call to minde with what patience I suffered : when thou wouldst be obedient , thinke of my obedience : when thou art oppressed with enemies , remember I had enemies too , and call to mind that I prayed for them . Christian. I sée most mercifull Sauiour , that thou requirest loue aboue all thinges , which I yéeld thée willingly ( as I ought ) but Lord , for to beare these crosses of the world , I finde it too difficult to humane nature , so as almost I know not what to say . Christ. If thou loue me as thou sayest thou doest , thou néedest not take scandale at the troubles of the world . Thou knowest I dispose all things swéetly , & great pe●…ce there is to them that loue mee : shouldest thou be impatient at the least thinges , beholding me suffering great ? Wilt thou a worme refuse to endure a word spoken against thée , and sée mee loaden with reproaches ? thou canst for the loue of the world suffer tribulation , rise early , late take thy rest : and wilt thou doe nothing for my loue ? Christian. I beséech thée , O mercifull Lord Iesus , strengthen me with thy grace against all aduersities , for I willingly yéeld my selfe vnto thy will. Christ. Be not afraide to suffer somewhat for my sake , behold I am with thée for whom thou sufferest . And behold I come quicklie , and my reward is with mee . Consider what I haue saide , In my fathers house are many mansions , there haue I prepared a place for thée . Call to minde that the dearest friends I euer had in the worlde , haue endured the same sufferings . Christian. O my Sauiour , I am more delighted in hearing , and beléeuing this , then I am able to expresse : I knowe not whether I may more reioyce to beholde thée dying vpon the Crosse , or raigning amongst the Angels , to sée thée subiect vnto all , or exalted aboue all . O swéete Iesus , howe should I praise thée ? I remember that of the Prophet , Rectos decet collandatio , Praise becommeth the righteous . Lord I am not righteous , shall I not therefore praise thée ? thy poore creatures doe the same , and therefore I will not be silent . O my God , draw my minde from all earthly things , that it may onely reioyce in thée . Where are ye all my desires , come and enter the Courts of the Lord with ioy . Christ. Thou hast , O Christian man , peraduenture some taste of my loue , in that thou art so desirous to praise mee , in that thou dost as ioyfully behold ●…e borne of a virgine , as God from euerlasting : In beholding mee thy redéemer suffering for thy sinnes , thy loue is acceptable vnto me , and shall finde loue againe in thy greatest labours : but the best is to come , when thou shalt reape the fruite of all , then no aduersity shal touch thée , then shalt thou beholde my presence in glory , and therfore let happines moue thee to séeke happines . Christian. O swéete Iesus , when shal I sufficiently loue thée ? When shall I duly remember thy benefites , thy méekenes , thy patience , thy bountie with all reuerence and deuotion ? If thou be my redéemer , where is my duty ? if my Sauiour , where is my affection ? O good Iesus , seeing thou hast done all this for me , what shall I doe vnto thée ? Nay , séeing thou hast reserued such ioyes as I am not able to comprehend , let me not liue but to loue and know thée . Christ. It sufficeth that thy wil o●… intention is good , which I respect more then many sacrifices , when thou doest offer me thy obedience vpon the Altar of thy humble desires , for which desires I haue recompence , & thou shalt finde as much , when thou commest to receiue the same : when for a cup o●… colde water , thou shalt receiue a whole fountaine of the water of life : when for two untes thou shalt haue giuen thée the whole treasure of the temple , then shalt thou enioy immediate fellowship with me in my kingdom , & where I am there shalt thou also be , then shalt thou come from the troublesom sea of this life , to the hauen of rest , there shalt thou sée me , & enioy me alwayes , & euery where : blessed shall that life be , for the continuance therof , it is eternall : for the certaintie , it is without change : for the place , it is in heauen : for the companions , they are multitudes of saints & Angels : for the greatnes of the felicitie , there is an euerlasting Sabaoth . Christian. I am rauished , O my S●…uiour , with the very meditation of thy heauenly reward , when I cōsider that in thy presence there is fulnes of ioy , and at thy right hand are pleasures for euer more . O happy and happy againe , are they which are once freed and set at liberty to come to thy Kingdome ! O Kingdome of all con●…unce , séeing there is found ioy without sadnes , health without sicknesse , aboundance without want , light without darknes , life without death , all good without any euill : all bitternes , all trouble , all punishment , all discord , all feare is away . O ioy , excéeding all ioyes , when shall I enter into thée ! O my redéemer , when shall I behold thée , the verie end of my desires ? I nowe perceiue there is a reward for the righteous , and therefore what blindnes doth possesse the minds of men , in loosing the fr●…ition héere of ? O what folly is it in thē , to spende their time in vanitie : nay , in the harsh discord found in the loue of earthly things , and lose that ioyfull harm●…me of heauen , when all the Saints in that blessed societie shall say , The Lambe that was slaine is worthie to receiue power , and riches , and wisedome , and strength , and honour , and glory , and praise . There they enioy that perfect felicitie , where sorrow is neuer felt , complaint is neuer heard , losse is neuer feared , when all labours and trauailes shall cease , then shall vertue shew her selfe , where vice shall not be able to looke vp or appeare , then shall the world which séemed before so glorious , be consumed to nothing , onely the iust shal then receiue a crowne of glorie . The consideration héereof is able to draw mortall men from all the allurements of a sinfull life , and to enflame their hearts in the fire of the loue of God : for who would not finde in his heart to honor that God which hath prepared so excellent thinges , for those that serue and honour him ? Who would not turne all his endeauours , all his desires , to walk before him in holinesse of life , whose reward is without measure in the life to come ? This is the profit of this consideration , ●…ely to moue vs to returne loue vnto him who hath first loued vs. And nowe O most mercifull Iesus , I beseech thée by thy sorrowes which thou sufferedst , by thy blood which thou sheddest , yea , by that infinite loue which thou bearest towardes vs , encrease in vs true loue of thée , O redéemer of the world . Christ. Consider yet a little farther thy creation , and what excellencie and dignitie thy Creator bestowed vpon thée , we●…gh with what loue and with what worship hee is againe to be honoured . Surely when creating and ordaining the vniuersalitie of visible and inuisible thinges , hee had ●…sposed to make humane nature : with high counsaile handled he the worthines of thy creation , as one whom he decréed to honour before all the creatures in the world : behold therfore the highnes of thy creation , and recount more and more , thy d●…ty of rendring loue . Let vs make ( saith God ) man after our owne image : Marke therfore diligently , what it is for thée to be created to the image of God : vnderstand , that image is one thing , & similitude is another : for examples sake , vnreasonable beasts may haue a similitude with man , but the image of man none can haue but another man. Man eateth and sleepeth , so doe the beasts , beho●… a certaine similitude & communitie betwéene diuers natures : Nowe the image of man noue i●…ateth , but another man of the same nature : The image then is more wor thy then the similitude . By this meanes shalt thou haue a likenes of the image of God : if considering that he is good , thou studie to be good : knowing hee is iust , thou endeuour to be iust : beholding his mercy , thou giue thy diligence to be merciful : and now harken howe thou mayest be like vnto him in his image ? God is alwayes mindfull of himselfe , vnderstands himselfe , loues himselfe : thou therefore for thy measure shouldest be continuallie mindfull of God , vnderstand God , loue God , endeuoring to do this , which God alwayes doth , and then begin to magnifie him , as thou hast well spoken of gi●…ing him praise . Christian. O most mercifull Sauiour , I knowe , and truly acknowledge , that it more becommeth mee a wretched sinner , to cast my selfe prostrate before the Lord of heauen and earth , wéeping and sighing for my sinnes , rather then to praise him with a polluted mouth . Notwithstanding , trusting in his mercie through thy onely merits , O my Sauiour , I desire to praise him , beséeching him not to despise an impure worme , a dead dogge , an vnsauorie carkasse . If the powers of heauen cannot sufficiently praise him , much lesse man which is no other but infirmitie it selfe , and least of all my selfe , which a●… worser then others . Christ. To praise thy Creator thou art created , that intending héerevnto , thou mayest héere alwayes goe forward , and liue blessedly héereafter , for this praise giueth héere righteousnesse , and there blessednesse : when thou praysest him , praise him with thy whole heart , praise him by louing , for he is the rule proposed vnto the Saints of praising . Hee praysed the Lord with all his heart , and loned God which made him . Praise therefore , and praise worthily , to the vttermost of thy power , thy mercifull God. Let no intent , no cogitation be vacant from thée , let no prosperitie recall thée , let no aduersitie with-holde thée from praising him : let him be the end of thy desire , who is the reward of thy labour , the solace of thy fading life , and the possession of thy true and blessed life : therfore exercise thy self in his praise , to this ende seruest thou and all that thou hast . Christian. O Lorde of mercies , séeing that hee goeth about to catch the shadowe , or follow the wind , that thinketh to praise thée worthilie as thou deseruest , yet séeing the meanest of thy creatures , as the impure Frogges croking in the Fennish Moores , praise their Creator : for although as the Larke and Nightingale , they knowe not howe to sing swéetly , nor as man , are no way able to comprehend the least sparke of knowledge , yet haue they a resemblance of praise . Now seeing all thy creatures praise thee , I should be sorie to breake the harmonie . O would to God , that all swéet instruments of musicke ( for in them did the diuine Psalmist praise thée ) O would to God all earthly melodies could go vpward from my heart , and send vnto thée condigne praises . But what shall I say ? I knowe my selfe vnworthie to set forth thy praises , wherefore I beséech thée at the least , that other creatures more excellent in place , may supplie my imperfection : I wish and desire from my whole heart , that the Or●…es of the Planets , the starrie heauen shining with most pure light , nay that the supernall Quire of Angels may doe as they doe , neuer cease singing tha●… ioyfull Alleluia . For my selfe I could wish , that if it were so that my youth ended , my age had equalled the age of Methusalem , yet that euery yeere of that long time , and euery moneth of those yéeres , and euery wéeke of those moneths , and euery day of those wéekes , and euery houre of those dayes , & euery moment of those houres , might haue béene wholy spent in landing & praising God the Father who created me , God the Sonne , thée , O my Sauiour , who hast redéemed me , God the holy Ghost who hast vouchsafed to sanctifie me . What shall I say ? Because I cannot doe as I would , yet will I endeuour to doe as I may , as long as I liue will I praise the Lord : Yea as long as I haue any being , will I sing praises vnto my God. When the hability of speaking shal faile , and I shall not be able to pronounce thy name . O sweet Iesus : 〈◊〉 at the least , the lifting vp of ●…y eyes , or the mouing of my fin●…rs , shall be a confirmation of ●…y desirous affections to praise ●…ée , O my redéemer . And I be●…ch thée good Lord , remember ●…e , that it may be so . To whom with the Father , and the holy Ghost , be all power , and glorie , and honour , for euer and for euer , Amen . Laus Deo. The Table . A ABraham and Lazarus , both rich and poore in ioy . 211 Almes-deedes commended . 212 Ascension of Christ , the hope of our ascending . 480 Ascension of Christ ioyfull . 484 Ascension of the faithfull . 491 B Blessednes in the life to come described . 555 C Christians the children of light . 15 Christians resembled to fruitfull trees . 26 Christians in shewe reproued . 28 Christians of old commended . 37. 38 Christ onely a satisfaction for sinne . 64 Christ an example of all vertues . 69 Christes sayings and doings went together . 197 Christes labours in the world . 176 Christ began to doe before hee taught . 197 Christes wonderfull mercy in curing all that came vnto him . 201 Content to beare contume●…es we Christians must be . 213 Crosse howe euery one haue . 319 Christ the best friend . 357 Consideration of our estate necessarie . 520 D Description of our Sauiour Christ , according to his humanitie . 72 Doing , not hearing onely required . 190 Deuils dispossessed by Christes power . 209 Deuotion decayed . 277 Denying of our selues what it is . 316 Despaire not at all in Christes suffering . 449. 450 Day of iudgement to bee remembred . 543 E End of mans hope is felicitie . 49 Endeuour cōmendable , though we come not to perfection . 48 Example of Christ layd downe for vs to follow . 87. 88 Earthly possessions giuen of God to be enioyed . 335 F Faithfull men see Christ. 5 Faithfull beleeuers spiritually conceiue Christ. 18 Faith which hath life is seene by motion . 34 Fasting commended . 121. 122 Fasting helpeth against temptation . ibidem Fasts before the Sabaoths and festiuall dayes . 120 Fortie dayes fasting auncient . 126 Feastes moue our desires to thinke of heauenly things . 408 Festiuall times to be obserued among Christians . 407 G Gods benefits should moue vs to serue him . 20 God prouokes vs with his benefits to loue him . 43 Gods goodnes extended towards all . 154 Good must be done one to another . 159 Glory how Christ fled from it . 160 Glory of this world vncertaine . 166 Gesture to be vsed in prayer . 277 H Holy women giuen to deuotion . 13 Humilitie commended . 96 Humilitie learned of Christ. 97 Hate father and mother , howe we are said . 351 Holy Ghost , the comming downe thereof . 495 Holy Ghost the manner of his comming , and the fruite thereof . 500 Hearing and doing goe together . 190 I Ioyfull is it to meditate of the life of Christ. 11 Ioy to the faithful to see Christ in the flesh . 12. 13 Iesus a name of great efficacie . 240 Inuocation to be made in the name of Iesus . 248 Irreligion to take away temporal benefits from the maintenance of religion . 339 Iudgement , Christes cōming thereunto described . 532 Iust , the cause so being , Christians notwithstanding they are children of peace , may take armes . 235 K Knowledge of the comming of Christ to iudgement , the yeere or day not curiously to be sought . 538 Knowledge of intricate and needlesse matters disallowed . 387 L Life of Christ a direction for our life . 85. 86 Labours of Christians manie . 183 Labour of body ought to bee endured . 186. 187 Lawe , howe wee are deliuered from it . 328 Labours of Christ in the world . 176 M Meditation kindleth the fire of the loue of God. 1 Meditation of the life of christ , necessarie in time of affliction . 7 Mans perfection before his fall described . 147 Man reconciled vnto God , and being forsaken , by what meanes . 148 Mercy of GOD manifested . 146 Myracles , what wee learne by them . 375 Myracles daylie wrought in vs. 376 Myracles how ceased . 370 N Neglect of grace dangerous . 580 Negligence of our estate reproued . 600 O Often to meditate of the loue of Christ. 5 Our end attained by labours . 42 Order the preseruer of things . 323 Obedience seemely amongst Christians . 325 P Pride reproued . 108 Patience in Christ. 214 Patience in Christians . 221 Peaceable conuersation agreeable to a Christian life . 233 Prayer a speciall part of Gods worship . 288 Prayer a forme thereof . 287 Prayer for those in authoritie . 332 Primitiue Church had myracles . 370 Passion of Christ to be meditated vpon . 432. 433 Passion of Christ should much moue vs. 458. 459 Q Questions captious and difficult answered by Christ. 387. 388 R Repentance necessarie for christians . 105 Reproches patiently to be suffered 214 Reuenge of Christians not to be vsed . 213 Riches not euill of themselues . 338 Resurrection of Christ , and the benefits thereof . 462. 463 Resurrection of the faithfull . 470 Resurrection from sinne . 471 S Shadow , the Law was , and how by that of the Apostles . Heb. 10. 16 Sicke soule cured , and how . 110 Sabaoth day the obseruation thereof . 397 The end of it , and other festiuall dayes . 407 T Tempter howe to withstand him by Christs example . 144 Temptations howe to be resisted . 145 Temptations neuer without , while we liue . ibid , Trauels in the world necessarie . 186 Teaching of Christ with great power . 191 Temporall commodities are meanes for the continuance of religion . 340 V Vertues of all sorts to be seene in the life of Christ. 8 Vice confounded in beholding Christes vertues . 54 Vanitie to seeke prayse of men . 163 W Workes of charity commended . 211 Works of Christians what they are , 39 Worldly things to be forsaken for the loue of Christ. 351 Wisedome of Christ in answering difficult questions . 386 Weeping of Christ ouer Ierusalem . 415 Weeping for our sinnes necessarie . 420 Walking while we haue light , 〈◊〉 . 523 Watch●…ulnes very necessarie . 526 Wise virgins signifie wise Christians . ibid. Z Zeale blind , rusheth it knoweth not whither . 25 FINIS . Notes, typically marginal, from the original text Notes for div A13187-e410 Num. 23. 10. Aug. de Temp. Na. Serm. 30. Iohn . 1. 47. Mat. 8. 18. Psal. 102. 13. Act. 5. 38. Ephe. 4 6. Aug. de vit Christ. Iohn . 14. 9. 2 , Cor. 5. 9. Mat. 5 , 16. Ephe. 5. 1. Rom. 15 5. Notes for div A13187-e2060 Psal. 39 , 3. Psal. 119 , 17. Iohn , 3 , 16 Ioh , 8 , 56. Luk , 2 , 30. Seneca de bre●…tate vitae . Luk , 2 , 16. Exod , 3 , 2. Math. 5 , 1. Exod. 19 , 18. Luc. 2 , 16. Mat. 2 , 11. Luc. 2 , 48. Lu●… . 23 , 27. Luc. 24 , 1. Act 1 , 4 , 10 Ioh. 17 , 4. Aug. de ver . dom . Act. 26 , 24 Ioh. 19 , 10. Gen. 28. 12. Orig. li. 1. con . Cels. Hiero. in Regula Sanctimo . Mar. 6 , 38. Lu. 9. 16. Exod. 13 , 21. Gen. 49 , 18. Aug. med . 1 , Cor. 10 , 1. Esa. 30 , 21 2 Chro 1 , 20. 2 Reg 5. 18. Mat 8 , 15. Iosu. 1. 16. Lu●… , 1. 75 Tit. 2 , 12. Luk , 10 , 30 Psal. 19 , 3. Luc. 16 , 18 Rom. 13. 12. Deut. 10 , 12. 1. Pet. 2. 10. Rom. 13. 12. Bern. li. 2. consid . ad Eug. Aug. de vit . Christiana . Cypr. de zelo & liuo . 1 , Pe. 1 16 Ioh. 15 , 2. Psal. 1 , 3. Mat. 21. 19. Luc 3. 9 Dan. 4 , 19. Mat. 7 , 17. Ier. 17 , 7. Apoc. 10. Esa. 5 , 1. Act. 11 , 26 Bernard in nal . Iohan. Rom. 8 , 12. Ge. 21 , 10. Gal. 4 , 29. Macari . ●…om . Rom 8 , 1. Eph. 4 , 22. Gal. 5. 19. Mat. 2 , 8. 1 , Reg. 21 , 12. Rom. 2 , 29. Orie . in Numb . Mat. 20 , 8. Iam. 2. 18. Mat. 22 , 12. Greg. Mor. Chrysost. opere imperfect . ●…o . 32. 2 , Sam. 10 , 4. Tert Apol. De quad . Martyr . Sozomen . lib. 7. Euseb , li. 9 , cap. 8. Dan. 3. Mat. 5 , 16. 1. Pet. 2 , 12. Cyprian in orat . Domini . Io●…n , 13 , 34. Eph. 6 , 17. 2. Tim. 4. 7 Mat. 5. 8. Mat. 22 , 20. Luke . 14 , 18. Philo de ●…rica 〈◊〉 . Cypri . de opere & El●…mo . Iob , 28 , 22 Ma. 15 , 11 〈◊〉 . 12. 43. Gen. 27. 22 Luc. 7 , 22. Bed. in Lu. 1. Thes. 4. 3 Eccl. 23 , 27 Psal. 24 , 3. 5 , 6. Mat. 14 , 4. 1 , Cor. 9 , 10. 1 , Cor. 2 , 9. Exod. 33 , 22. 1 , Ioh. 3 , 2. Ma●…h . 13 , 43. Iere. 16 , 6. Basi●…i . in Psal. 114. Iohn , 9 11 Act. 27 , 44 2. Sam. 7. 18. Phil. 3 , 14. 1 , Pet. 1 , 7. Pro. 31 , 1 , 2. Ios. 24 , 13. Psa. 80 , 19 1 , Iohn . 1 , 14. Aug. de ciuit . dei , lib. 19 , 27. Ber. epist. 119. Ierom. in dial . cont . Pelag. Duran li. 2 , di●… . 88. quest . 4. Tho. Aduer . Gen. li. 1 , ca. 44. Bellar. li. 5 , de iust . cap. 1. 1 , Ioh. 3 , 2 Iohn . 8 , 53. Heb. 7 , 26. Exod. 25 , 40. Lentulus ad senatum . 1 , Sam. 9 , 2 Dan. 9 , 24. Heb. 12 , 1. Heb. 9 , 3. Esay . 9 , 6. Aggai . 2 , 8. Mal. 4 , 2. Mat. 1 , 21. Aug. in ser. in mont . Mat. 5 , 1. Heb. 12 , 1 2. 1. Cor. 1 , 30 Aug. epi. 111 , ad Iulianum . Apo. 14 , 4. Can. 1 , 5. Esa , 53 , 11. Ge. 41 , 55. Gen. 33. 14 Iob , 23 , 11 Luk , 22 , 54. Luk , 21 , 2. Aug. ser. de tem . 93. Ioh. 13 , 15. 1 , Pe. 2 , 21 Ephe. 5 , 1. Ephe. 4 , 32 1 , Iohn . 2 , 6 Greg. mor. Isid. lib. 10. cap. 29 , de Ecclesi of ficiis . 2 , Chro. 20. 13. Iudg. 9 , 1. Deut. 32. Aug. de vita christiana . Apoc. 22 , 9 Phil. 2 , 5. Fulgen. de con●… . ad Theod. Iohn , 8 , 39 Ioh. 10 , 14. Aris. de nat . anim . Aug. de vita Christ. Iohn , 17 , 3. Apo. 5 , 8. Apo. 14 , 4. Iudg. 7 , 17 Mat. 2 , 1. Luk , 2 , 21. Aug. med . sept . Ion. 1 , 12. Apo. 5 , 12 Gen. 22 , 2 Leu. 16 , 8. Phil. 2 , 7. Math. 2 , 1. Luc. 2 , 16. Luc. 5 , 10. Luc. 15 , 1. Math. 14 , 19. Mat. 8 , 24. Esay . 53 , 3. Zach. 9 , 9 Fulg. de Epipha . 1 , Pet 1 12 Iohn , 1 , 1. Math. 28 , 18. Iohn , 1 , 1. 2 3 , 4 , 5. Iohn , 8 , 56. Math. 28 , 18. Iohn , 1 , 2. 1 , Tim. 3 , 16. Luk , 1 , 22. Luk , 3 , 5. Mat. 11 , 29. Aug. con . 8. Mat. 18 , 3. Iohn , 13 5. Phil. 2 , 10. August . Luk. 18 , 13 Luk , 15 , 21 Math. 8 , 8 Luc. 1 , 28. Gal 4 , 4. Luk , 2 , 12. Esa. 66 , 2. Exo. 3 , 10. Iud. 6 , 15. 1 , Sam. 15 , 17. Bernar. in medit . 2. Reg. 18. Iam. 4 , 6. Luc. 18 , 11 1 , Cor. 10 , 12. Math. 20 , 21. Mat●… . 5 , 3. Luc , 14 , 7. Hester . 14. Psa. 131 , 1 Macha . ho. 27. Gen. 34. 65. Iam. 4 , 10. Pro. 15 , 33 1 Sam. 17 , 10. Mat. 3 , 18. Ioh. 17 , 16. Ro. 13 , 14. Apo. 12. 11 1 , Pet. 5 , 8 Exo. 13 , 21 1 , Sam. 17. Rom. 18 , 1. Cor. 15. 32. 1 , Pet. 5 , 8. Basil. de ●…ud . Ieiu . Iudic. 9 , 1. Ion. 3. 6. Exod. 17 , 11. Hest. 14 , 2. Math. 4 , 2. Gal. 5 , 24. Luk. 21. 34 Eze. 16 , 49 Exo. 32. 2. Deu. 9. 16. Ose. 3. 6. Gal. 5. 24. Iud. 20 , 26 Ion. 3 , 6. 1 , Cor. 9. Psa. 35 , 16 Tertul de laud. ie●… . Ambros. Tom. 3. Epist. 10. Hieron . in Ezech. Gen. 8 , 4. Psal. 95. Ion. 3 , 1. Ezec. 4 , 4 , 1 , Reg. 19 , 8. Exod. 32 , 2 Hier. con . Mont. nos secundum traditionem Apostolorum vnicam obse●…uamus Quadragesimam . Cyrill in L●… . Aug. Serm. 64. de temp . Mat. 1 , 20 23. Luc. 2 , 14. 16. Luk , 2 , 21. Mat. 3 , 16. 17. Deut. 8 , 3. Psa. 91 , 11 Act. 17 , 11 Deu. 6 , 16. Num. 22 , 18. Deu. 10 , 20. Chrysot . hom . in 4 , Math. Basil. in aliquot s●…ript . loco . hom . 21. Rom. 13 , 13. 1 , Tim. 6 , 6 Ge. 18 , 27. Heb. 9 , 27. 1 , Cor. 10 , 13. Deut. 29 , 30. Luk , 10. 33 Gen. 3 , 3 Psal. 14 , 3. Mat. 21 , 5. Psa. 85. 10 Iohn 1 , 3 Tertul●…ia Apologet. 1. Ti. 3. 9. 1 , Ioh. 2 , 2. Mark. 16 , 15. Psal. 19 , 4. 1 , Sam. 29 VVis . 1 , 13 1 , Ti. 2 , 4. Pro. 1 , 20. Eze. 33 , 11 Luk , 14 , 23 Math. 23 , 37. Chrys. hom . in Io. hom . 1. Act. 10 , 38 Luk , 15. 4. 1. Pet. 2 , 5. 1 , Cor. 12. Iud. 23. Gen. 4 , 9. Mat. 27. 4 Gen. 41 , 3. Origen . in illud Psal. 2 , Sa , 14 , 5. Philo de mund . fab . Orig li. 1. cont . Cels. Iohn , 6 , 15 Ioh. 18 , 36 Luk , 2 , 21 Mat. 2 , 8. Mat. 9 , 30. Ioh. 16 , 15 Bernar. in ser. de ver . Mat. 4 , 8. Gal. 5 , 24. Gal. 6 , 14. Psa. 51 , 17 1 , Cor. 11 , 32. Au. ep . 111 1. Mac. 2. 62. Esa , 40 , 8. Bar. 3 , 16. Ose , 4 , 7. 2 , Sam 17 , 23. Hest. 7 , 10 Chry. hom . 4 ad pop . An tioch . Ambrose de Ioseph . Psa. 52 , 7. Act. 12 , 23 Ioseph . lib. 19. de Ant. Iud. Psa , 115 , 1 Iob , 31 , 24 Heb. 11. 24 1 , Cor. 15 , 9. Dan. 3 , 18. Ex. 14 , 48 Gen. 11 , 4. Math. 20 , 22. Tob. 6 , 1. 2. Luk , 6 , 12. Ge. 35. 18 Ge. 29 20. Math. 10 , 25. 1 , Sa. 14 , 7. Psa. 142 , 2 Dan 9. 23 Esa. 53. 3. Isid. Ety . li. 7. ca. 11. Gen. 2 , 15. 2 , Thes. 3 , 10. Psa. 34. 19 Psa. 73 , 18 Apoc. 19. 9 Gen. 42 , 7. Gen. 7 , 7. Gen. 8 , 16 Mat. 15 , 25. Iob , 1. 5. Heb. 1. 1. Mat. 17 , 5. Mat. 5 , 3 , 4 , 5 , &c. August . in ser. in mon. Mat. 7. 27. Mat. 5 , 37 Mat. 19 , 7. Iohn 7 , 46. Io●… , 6 , 68. 1 , Reg. 18. 17. Lu. 24 , 32. Mat. 13 , 11. Act. 1 , 1. Deut. 18 , 18. Leui. 11. 4 , 5. Lu. 10 , 41. Psa. 19. 11 Bernar. in cant . ser. 22 Iohn . 6 , 2. Luc. 9. 17. Iohn . 3. 2. Luc. 11. 3. Magdeb. cent . 1. Iohn , 9 , 32. Ioh. 14. 11 Mat. 8 , 9. Mat. 8 , 32 Luk. 8 , 29. Mar. 5. 8. Mat. 4 , 1. Mat. 26 , 26. Luc. 22. 44. Mar. 15 , 65. Isa. 19 , 29 Luc. 23. Ioh. 19 , 34 Iohn , 5 , 14. Mar. 2 , 9. Mat. 15. 22. Iud. 5. 20. Hieron ad He●…dor . Mar. 2. 4. Mar. 9. 2. Luc. 5 , 19. 1. Sa 22. 2. Mar. 10. 50. Luc. 7 , 6. Mar. 7 , 34. Mar. 7 , 43. Mar. 1. 40. Mar. 8 , 2. Mar. 1. 14 Mat. 8 , 14. Mat. 9 , 25. Mar. 5 , 8. Luc. 8 , 29. Mat. 8. 32. Cass. de spi. ine . Luc. 7 , 38 Luc. 8 , 2. Mar. 8 , 2. Mat. 15 , 32. Luc. 6 , 36. Ma●… . 5 , 8. Mat. 25 , 35. Gal. 6 , 7. Lu. 12 , 20. Luk 16 , 9. Luc. 16 , 23 Mat. 25. 35. Nazian . de pauper , amandis . Psal. 35 , 12 Iohn , 8 , 32. Iohn , 8 , 48 Luk. 15 , 1. Iohn , 5 , 14. 15 , 16. Lu. 23. 14. Luk. 4 , 29. Ioh. 10 , 36. Math. 27 , 65. Esai . 39 , 7. Act. 9 , 32. Mar. 15. 30. Mat. 27. 42. Cypr. de bono patient . Luk. 9 , 54. Iohn , 11 , 8. Num. 21 , 5 Ambro. de Iosep. 2 , Sam. 16 11. In vita B. Fulg. Cypri . ad . Demetr . Iohn . 5 , 8. Iohn 9. 18. 19. Aug. de doct . chris . Leuiticus . 19. 14. Leui. 1 ●…9 . Iud. 16 , 25 Lu. 18 , 11 Gen. 9 , 22. 2 , Reg. 2. 24. Ro. 14 , 10. Ambro. de officiis . Dan. 3 , 25. Psa 37 , 25 Mar. 14. Can. 5 , 10. Leuit. 16. 22. Gal. 4 , 29. Gen. 21 , 9. 1 , Pet. 2 , 23. Num. 12 , 3 Zach. 9 , 9. Esa. 42 , 3. Luc. 2. 6. Esay , 61 , 2 Luc. 2 , 1. Eph. 2 , 14. Luc. 2 , 49. Luc. 22 , 52. Iohn 7 , 10. Mat. 17. 27. Iohn , 14 , 1. Luc. 14 , 1. Iohn 3 , 2. Mat. 2●… , 35. Luc. 15 , 2. Luc. 19 , 5. Iohn 4 , 21. Mat. 5 , 22. Cass. de spi ritaracund Mat. 3 , 16 Iudg. 7 , 20 Mat. 26 , 51. Ro. 12. 19. Psal. 45 , 6. Aug. 107. a●… Boni●… . Contr. Fa●… . lib. 22. Euse. lib. 8. de vita Const. Psa. 144. 14 , 15. Esra . 3 , 3. Act. 4 , 32. Gal. 5 , 12. Eus. lib. 1. Chap. 5. Mat. 1 22. Ios. 1 , 1. Zach. 3. 3. Esay , 62 , 2. Mat. 1 , 21. Ber. in can . serm . 15. Ioh. 14 , 13. Psa. 115 , 1 Psal. 8 , 1. Lu. 18. 38. Act. 7 , 59. Phil. 2. Isuor . Etym . lib. 7. cap. 7. 1. Chro. 7 , 10. Act. 12 , 29 Rom. 10 , 9. Act. 4 , 12. Iohn 9 , 11. Act. 25. 29. 1 , Iohn 2. 12. Luc. 2 , 21. Deu. 4. 43. Col. 3 , 17. Exod. 39. 9 , 10 , 11. 12. 13. Luk. 18 , 13 , 4 , 5. Mat. 15 , 28. Mat. 6 , 6. Aug. Ser. 2. post pentec . Tertull. in Orat. Do. Cyprian in Orat. Dom. Numb . 6. 24 , 25. Ioel , 2 , 12. Lu. 15. 18. Rom. 8 , 15. Mat. 9 , 22 , Iohn 1 , 12. Ioh. 20. 17 Esai . 1. 2. Psa. 121. 1 Io●… . 17. 4. Esa. 52 5. Chryso . in Orat. Do. Act. 9 , 6. Ps. 145. 15 Chryso . in Orat. do . Pro. 30. 8. Ier. 5. 25. Gen. 3. 12. Cassi. in orat . dom . Con. Mileuit . sub Innoc. 1. can . sept . Mat. 26 , 31. Lu. 22 , 41. Mat. 26 , 39. Mark. 14. 35. Ioh. 11 , 41. Mar. 7 , 34 Ex. 17 , 12. Ps. 141. 4. Acts. 〈◊〉 . 60. Rom. 8. 26 Math. 26. 41. Mat. 17. 1 Mark. 14. 68. Mar. 8 , 33 Mat. 26. 37. Hiero●… . in Mat. cap. 26. Ambr. in Lu. cap. 10. Mat. 26. 39. Mat. 26. 39. Iohn 5. 30 Gen. 8. 11. Greg. moral . Dan. 6. 16 Iob. 2 , 8. Act. 16 , 25 Act. 10. 4. Ge. 50 , 17. Pro. 31. 1. Mat. 26. 31. Iohn . 14. Ioh. 16. 33 Lu. 22. 29 30. Lu. 22. 31 Heb. 11. 29. 1. Ioh. 3. 13 Ioh. 15. 18. Tho. Aqui. in 1. Epist. Ioh. cap. 3. 2 , Reg. 5. 6. Ex. 15. 23. 25. Tertul. ad Scap. Rom. 8. 38 Iohn 14. 3. Deu. 11. 10. Gen. 46. 1. Ioan. 14 , 2. Aug. lib. 22 cap. 22 , de ciuitate dei Ioh. 16. 20 Psa. 69. 1. Mat. 14. 28. Psa. 93 , 4. Iob. 38. Mar. 8. 34 Mat. 13. 11. 1. Kings . 2. 7. Iosu. 10. 1●… 1. K●…ngs . 17. 1. Nū . 16. 30 Dan. 3 , 41. in cant . Gen. 25. 22 Ier. 21 , 24 August . de verb. Serm. 7. Chryso . in hom . Mat. 16. 2. Sam. 15. 12. Origen . in ●…euit . Gen. 39. 7. Dan. 3. 25. Act. 7 , 60. Gal. 2. 20. 1. Cor. 15. 10. Gen. 12. 1. Iudg. 10. ●…0 1. King. 25 7. Ex. 17. 17 Cyp. de vni . Iosu. 1. 18. Rom. 13. 1 1. Pe. 2. 13. Luk. 2. 4. 27. Ma●… . 17. Mat. 22. 21. Epist. Eleu . citatur inter leges . Edu . prim . Ambro. in Orat. fu . Sleyd . in com . de Anabapt . Lu. 22. 26. 2. Pe. 3. 16. 2. Ti. 3. 4. Iud. 16. 17 Dan. 7. 10 1. Sam. 8 , 7 Rō . 13. 3 7. Numb . 16 32. 1. Cor. 10. 10. 11. 2. Chron. 9. 8. 1 ▪ Sa. 18. 3 Iud. 14. 1. Tim. 2. Psa. 144. 10. Tertul. ad Scap. Esa. 49. 23 Gen. 1. 28. 29. Ge. 24. 35. Gē . 32. 10. Iob. 1. 〈◊〉 . Psalm . Ios 14 1. 2 Mat. 25. 14. Nazi . Orat. contr . Iulia Mat. 19. 21. Theodoretus lib. 3. cap. 11. 12. Ios. 13. 14 Ex. 36. 5. Epiph. haer . 61. Ex. 5 , 10. 11. Luk. 16. 9. Mat. 19. 16. Mat. 13. 22. Iohn 6. 27. Mat. 6. 33. 2. Cor. 8. 2. 1. Cor. 7. 38 Gē . 29. 17. Lu. 10. 41. Arist. Eth. lib. 1. 1. 〈◊〉 . 6. 〈◊〉 . Epist. ad Iulia. 11. 1. Luk. 21. 1. Mach 4. 17. Luk. 2 , 32. Iohn , 1. 17. 1. Cor. 1. 30. Mar. 8. 34 Lu. 14. 26. Iohn . 6. 60 Ge. 29. 27. Aug. medi. Mat. 6. 24 1. King. 11 20. Ma●…h . 19. 27. Ex. 20. 1. 2 Mar. 10. 7 〈◊〉 14. 26. ●…k . 2. 51. Gen. 12. 1. Lu. 14. 27. Gé . 42. 38. Luk. 16. 3. Damasc. 2. Ti. 4. 10 Luk. 9. 58. Gre. in ill . 1. Sam. 7. Ioh. 10. 38. Iohn , 9. 32 Iohn . 32. Iohn . 6. 9. Mat. 8. 26. Lu. 18. 43. Ioh. 11. 43 Ex. 7. 22. 1. King. 22. 5. Mat. 8. 13. Mat. 9. 24 Mar. 7. 36 2. Ki. 4. 35. 1. Ki. 17. 2 Iohn . 5. 1. Eus lib. 1. cap. 14. Iohn . 2. 11. Ioh. 20. 29. Ioh. 15. 24. Ios. 10. 11. 2. King. 2. 4. 35. 1. King. 1. 17. 22. Lu. 18. 34 Esa. 35. 55. 56. Dan. 12. Mat. 10. 20. 21. Ioh. 11. 48. Lu. 23. 35. Mat. 9. 21. Act. 5. 15. Ioh. 14. 20 Th●… . in Epist . 10. Aust. Mat. 9. 24 Luk. 1. 14. Ioh. 11. 39 Mat. 10. 20 , 21. Rom. 1. 20 Mat. 12. 38. Act. 13. 12 Mat. 10. 21. Exo. 15. 1. Mar. 7. 37 Chrys●…om . 41. in Ma. L●… . 15. 31. Mat. 27. 54. Luk. 2. 48. Mat. 7 , 28 Iohn . 7. ●…6 . Mat. 12. 42. Mat. 22. 16. Chrysost. in Mat. hom . Mat. 22. 25. Mat. 22. 36. Ecc. 11. 13 Iohn . 8. 4. Ter. lib. 5. aduer . Marcio . Luk 6. 6. Luk. 23 , 3 Mat. 27. 12. Mat. 21. 25. . Mark. 12. 35. Lu. 20. 42. Psa. 110. 1 Mat. 22. 46. Lu. 11. 15. 1. Cor. 6. 〈◊〉 ▪ 13. 23 Act. 1. 1. Ioh. 21 , 22 Aug in Gen. ad lit . Mat. 19. 17. Iud. 16. 2. Luk. 1 , 46. Aug. de vero . Dom. Serm. 11. Iohn . 4. 1 , Pe. 3 , 15 Mat. 16. 16. Mat. 16. 16. Leu. 23. 1. Theoph. in Luc. Luke . 6. 6. I●…n . 5. 2. Iohn . 1. 14 Leui. 23 , 1 Exo. 20. 1. 2 , 3 , 4. Exod. 20. 4. 5. Esa. 56. 2. Eze. 02. 16. Mat. 5. 27 Luk. 6. 6. Mat. 12. 9 Mar. 3. 1. Lu. 13. 14. Iohn . 5 9. Ambro. de side lib. 4. Cap. 3. sanatis iam manbabat officium . Mat 12. 9. Ose. 6. 6. Nū . 15 , 36. Luk. 6 , 3. 1. Sā . 21. 6 Iohn . 5 , 10. Gen. 8. 4. Ex. 12 , 41 Lu , 19 , 37. Iohn . 2. 11. Mat. 28 , 1. Act. 20 , 7. Apo. 1. 10 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . Ose. 2. 11. Augu. de ciuit . dei . lib. 22. Eus. lib. 3. cap. 27. 1. Mach. 2 34. Act. 1 , 12. Num. 28 9 Psa. 119. Mat. 26 , 7. 1 , Cor. 5 , 7. Leu. 23 , 10 Aug. de ciu . de lib. 10. cap. 4. Tertul. ad Psysic . Epipha . ho. 72. Gal. 4. 10. Aug. in A●…e . Do. 2 , Cro. 9. 9 Lu. 19. 41 1 , Sam. 15 , 27. Ezec. 4 , 1. 1. Sam. 18. 33. Egesi . Iose Heb. 5. 7. Cassidor . in Psal. 50. Aug. in med . Pro. 14 , 9. Exo. 14. 6. Iohn . 5 , 2. Eccles. 2 , 1 3 〈◊〉 1. Sā . 6 , 12. Eze. 44. 4. Math. 26. 36. 2 , Sam. 2. 5 Ephe. 5 , 25 Ephe. 5 , 25. N●… . 16 , 47. Ioh. 18 , 35 Mat. 28. 18. Apo. 1. 18. Mat. 15. 26. Rom. 12. 1. Psal. 22. 16. 17. Aug. medit . 7. Mat. 27. 37. Ioh. 19. 22. Mat. 27. 44. Luke . 23. 39. 40. Mat. 27. 40. Mar. 15 , 29. Eus. Emis . de Beat. Latron. Hier. cont . Iouinian . Luk. 2. 35. Psa. 69. 2●… . Gē . 45. 34. Esai . 6. 3. Aug. S●…rm . de Nat. 3. et in Psal. 34. Cant. 8. 6. 1. Sā . 18. 7 Iudg. 16. 3. Psal. 30. 5. Ps. 118. 20 Ioh. 20. 2. 3 Ps. 118. 22. Esa. 28. 16. Act. 8. 32. Apo. 5. 5. Phil. 4. 14. 1. Cor. 15. 57. Lu. 2●… . 32. Act. 2. 24. 32. Act. 3. 26. Act. 4. 33. Mat. 16. 21. Mat. 28. 13. Iohn . 20. 4. Ioh. 2●… . 17. 2. Ti. 2. 8. 1. Cor. 15. 4 Phil. 2. 10 Act. 2. 14. Esai . 53. 2. Apo. 1. 13. 14. Rom. 4. 25. Rom. 6. 4. Colo. 3 , 1. 1. Cor. 15. Rom. 8. 34. 1. Cor. 15. 13. 14. Ioh. 20. 27 Aug. Ser. de tep . 114 Mar. 16. 15. Act. 1. 9. Act. 20. 38 Act. 〈◊〉 . 10. 2. Kin. 12. 12. Bernar. in ascensio . do . Coloss. 3. 1. August . in ascen . dom . Lu. 24. 53 Gen. 3. 19. Ioh. 17. 4. Eph. 4. 10 Psa. 24. 4. Aug. de temp . 141. Mat. 20. 21. Math. 5. 1. Luk. 6. ●…2 . Iud. 16. 15 Nehe. 1. 1. He. 11. 25 Ioh. 16. 7. Ber. in as●…ent . Do. Gen. 1 , 2. Ps. 103 , 30 Ephe. 2. 3. 2. Ki. 5. 16 Rom. 8. 16 Ioh. 14. ●…6 . N●… . 16. 19. Act. 5 , 3 , 4 1. Cor. 6. 19. 20. Esai . 6. Esa. 6. 3. 4. 1. Sā . 18. 4 2. Ki. 2. 14 Iohn . 4. 15 Mat. 17 , 5. Mat. 3. 16 Iohn 3 , 8. Act. 2. 2. Psa. 51. 10. Rom. 8. 15. Ioh. 14. 26. Heb. 9 , 14. Ps. 103 , 13 1. Sā 16 , 14. 1. Sā . 4. 22 Aug. medi. 1 , 7. Act. 1. 1. Wis. 1. 11. Nū . 11 , 24 Act. 4 , 31. G●…c . 〈◊〉 . 26. 2 , Cor. 1 , 21. 2 , Cor , 6. 5. I●… . 13 , 23 2 , Cor. 11. 14. Ephe. 5 , 8. Rō . 13. 12 ●…cc . 22. 11 Iohn . 1. 5. Can. 3. 1. Gen. 4 , 3. Ex. 14. 28. 1. Sā 4. 18 Iude. 13. 2. Lu. 12. 19. Exo. 16. 21 Ambr. de Agenda penit . Mat. 24. 32. Iere. 24 , 3. Mat. 24. 43. Hier. in Mat. cap. 26. Esa. 30. 26 Esai . 6 , 20 2. Cor. 7. Iona. 3. 5. Lu. 10. 13. 2. S●… . 2. 27 Exo. 9 , 19. Esa. 64. 8. Mat. 25. 13. Iona. 1 , 5. 2 , Sam. 4. 7 Mat. 13. 1. Sam. 27. 17. Rom. 2 , 4. Apo. 3. 10. Lu. 17. 27 Mat. 24. 29. 1. Thes. 4. 16. Mat. 25. 33. Mat. 24 4 2. Pe. 3. 10 Lu. 21. 26. Psa. 102 , 4 Apo. 1. 7. Ioh. 18 , 37 Luke , 17. 35. 36. Mat. 25. 37. 38. Eccle. 11. 9 1. Ioh. 2. 17 Luk. 21 , 34 Luk. 21. 35 Luc. 21. 36 Luc. 21. 36 Eze. 33. 7. Ps. 104 23 Ro. 13. 12 Pro. 6. 10. Pro. 24. 33 Apo. 22. 12