A76214	----	Short instructions for the sick: Especially who by contagion, or otherwise, are deprived of the presence of a faithfull pastor. / By Richard Baxter. Baxter, Richard, 1615-1691. 1665 Approx. 13 KB of XML-encoded text transcribed from 1 1-bit group-IV TIFF page image. Text Creation Partnership, Ann Arbor, MI ; Oxford (UK) : 2009-10 (EEBO-TCP Phase 1). A76214 Wing B1416A ESTC R172655 45097537 ocm 45097537 171152 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. A76214) Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 171152) Images scanned from microfilm: (Early English books, 1641-1700 ; 2562:1) Short instructions for the sick: Especially who by contagion, or otherwise, are deprived of the presence of a faithfull pastor. / By Richard Baxter. Baxter, Richard, 1615-1691. 1 sheet ([1] p.). Printed by Robert White, for Francis Tyton, at the three Daggers in Fleet-street: And for Nevill Simmons, book-seller in Kederminster., London, : Anno Dom. 1665. Reproduction of original in the Bodleian Library. Created by converting TCP files to TEI P5 using tcp2tei.xsl, TEI @ Oxford. Re-processed by University of Nebraska-Lincoln and Northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. Gap elements of known extent have been transformed into placeholder characters or elements to simplify the filling in of gaps by user contributors. EEBO-TCP is a partnership between the Universities of Michigan and Oxford and the publisher ProQuest to create accurately transcribed and encoded texts based on the image sets published by ProQuest via their Early English Books Online (EEBO) database (http://eebo.chadwyck.com). The general aim of EEBO-TCP is to encode one copy (usually the first edition) of every monographic English-language title published between 1473 and 1700 available in EEBO. EEBO-TCP aimed to produce large quantities of textual data within the usual project restraints of time and funding, and therefore chose to create diplomatic transcriptions (as opposed to critical editions) with light-touch, mainly structural encoding based on the Text Encoding Initiative (http://www.tei-c.org). The EEBO-TCP project was divided into two phases. The 25,363 texts created during Phase 1 of the project have been released into the public domain as of 1 January 2015. Anyone can now take and use these texts for their own purposes, but we respectfully request that due credit and attribution is given to their original source. Users should be aware of the process of creating the TCP texts, and therefore of any assumptions that can be made about the data. Text selection was based on the New Cambridge Bibliography of English Literature (NCBEL). If an author (or for an anonymous work, the title) appears in NCBEL, then their works are eligible for inclusion. Selection was intended to range over a wide variety of subject areas, to reflect the true nature of the print record of the period. In general, first editions of a works in English were prioritized, although there are a number of works in other languages, notably Latin and Welsh, included and sometimes a second or later edition of a work was chosen if there was a compelling reason to do so. Image sets were sent to external keying companies for transcription and basic encoding. Quality assurance was then carried out by editorial teams in Oxford and Michigan. 5% (or 5 pages, whichever is the greater) of each text was proofread for accuracy and those which did not meet QA standards were returned to the keyers to be redone. After proofreading, the encoding was enhanced and/or corrected and characters marked as illegible were corrected where possible up to a limit of 100 instances per text. Any remaining illegibles were encoded as <gap>s. Understanding these processes should make clear that, while the overall quality of TCP data is very good, some errors will remain and some readable characters will be marked as illegible. Users should bear in mind that in all likelihood such instances will never have been looked at by a TCP editor. The texts were encoded and linked to page images in accordance with level 4 of the TEI in Libraries guidelines. Copies of the texts have been issued variously as SGML (TCP schema; ASCII text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable XML (TCP schema; characters represented either as UTF-8 Unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless XML (TEI P5, characters represented either as UTF-8 Unicode or TEI g elements). Keying and markup guidelines are available at the Text Creation Partnership web site . eng Church of England -- Prayer-books and devotions. Sick -- Prayer-books and devotions. Broadsides -- England -- 17th century. 2008-07 TCP Assigned for keying and markup 2008-08 SPi Global Keyed and coded from ProQuest page images 2009-01 Megan Marion Sampled and proofread 2009-01 Megan Marion Text and markup reviewed and edited 2009-02 pfs Batch review (QC) and XML conversion Short Instructions for the SICK : Especially who by Contagion , or otherwise , are deprived of the Presence of a Faithfull PASTOR . By RICHARD BAXTER . THose happy persons who have made it the chief care and business of their lives , to be alwayes ready for a dying hour , have least need of my present counsel : It is therefore those unhappy souls , who are yet unprepared , whom I shall now instruct . And , O that the Lord would bless these words ; and perswade them yet , ere Time be gone ! If sin had not bewitched men , and made them Monsters of senslesness and unbelief , it could not be , that an Endless Life , so sure , so neer , could be so sottishly made light of , all their lives , as it is by most , till they perceive that Death is ready to surprize them . But , poor sinner , if this have been thy case , supposing yet that thou art unwilling to be damned , I earnestly intreat thee in the Name of Christ , for the sake of thy immortal soul , that thou wilt presently lay to heart these short Instructions , before Time and Hope are gone for ever . I. At last bethink thee what thou art ? and for what End and Work thou camest into the world ? Thou art a Man of Reason , and not a Brute , and hast a Soul which was made to Know , and Love , and Serve thy Maker ; and that not in the second place , with the leavings of the flesh ; but in the first place , and with all thy Heart and Might . If this had been indeed thy life , God would have been thy Portion , thy Father , and thy Defence , and thou mightst have liv'd and dy'd in peace and comfort , and then have liv'd with God for ever . And should not a Creature live to the Ends and Uses which it was made for ? Must God give thee all thy powers for Himself , and wilt thou turn them from him , to the service of the flesh , and that when thou hadst vowed the contrary in thy Baptism ? How wilt thou answer for such treacherous ungodliness ? II. It is time for thee now to have serious thoughts of the Life which thou art going to : If thou couldst sleepily forget it all the way ; it is time to awake when thou art almost there . When thy friends are burying that flesh in the earth , which thou didst more regard than God and thy Salvation , thy Soul must appear in an endless world ; and see those things which God foretold thee of , and thou wouldst not believe , or set thy heart upon : As soon as Death hath opened the curtains , O what a sight must thou presently behold ! A world of Angels and of holy Souls adoring , and praising , and admiring that God , whom thou didst refuse to mind , and love , and serve : A world of Devils and damned souls , in torment and despair , bewailing their contempt of Christ and Grace , their neglect of God , and their Salvation , their serving the flesh , and loving the world , and wilfully losing the time of mercy , and all the means which God vouchsafed them . Believe it , sinner , there is an Endless Joy and Glory for the Saints , and an Endless Misery for all the ungodly ; and one of these must quickly be thy case . Thy state is changeable while thou art in the flesh : If thy Soul be miserable , there is yet a Remedy : It s possible Christ may renew and pardon it : But as soon as thou goest hence , thou enterest into a State of Joy or Torment , which must never change : No not when millions of years are past . And dost thou not think now in thy conscience , that such an Endless Misery should have been prevented with greater care and diligence , than all the sufferings of this life ? And that the attaining of such an Endless Glory , had been worth thy greatest care and labour ? And that it is far better to see the Glory of God , and be filled with his Love , and joyfully praise him with his Saints and Angels , for evermore , and by a Holy life to have prepared for this ; than to please the flesh , and follow the world a little while , and be undone for ever ! Hast thou got more by the world and sin , than Heaven is worth ? Thou art almost at the end of worldly pleasures , and hast all that ever they will do for thee ? But if God had had thy heart and service , he would not thus have cast thee off ; and his Rewards and Joyes would have had no end . O how much happier are the blessed Souls in Heaven , than we ? III. And seeing you are so neer to the Judgment of God , where your Soul must receive its final sentence , it is high time now to judge your self , and know what state your Soul is in ? whether in a state of Justification , or of Damnation . For this may be certainly known if you are willing . And first you must know who they be whom Christ will justifie , and whom he will condemn : And this the Word of God will tell you : For he will judge them by that Word . In a word [ All those whom Christ will justifie and save , are made new creatures by the renewing work of the Holy Ghost : Their eyes are opened to see the vanity of this world , and the certainty and excellency of the Glory of Heaven ; and to see the odiousness of sin , and the goodness of a holy life , and to believe that Christ is the only Saviour , to cleanse them from their sins , and bring them to that Glory . And therefore they forsake the sinful pleasures of the flesh , and set their hearts on the everlasting blessedness , and seek it before all things , and lamenting and hating their former sins , they give up themselves sincerely , to their God and Father , their Saviour , and their Sanctifier , to be taught and ruled , justified , sanctified , and saved by him ; resolving whatever it cost the flesh , to stand to this choice and Covenant to the death . ] This is the case of all that Christ will justifie and save : The rest who never were thus renewed and sanctified , will be condemned , as sure as the Gospel is true . Therefore let it be speedily your work , to try whether this be your case or not ? Have you been thus enlightened , convinced , and renewed , to believe in Christ , and the life to come , and to give up your self in a faithful Covenant to God your Father , your Saviour , and your Sanctifier ? to hate your sin , and to live and love a holy life , in mortifying the flesh , and seeking Heaven before the world ? If this be not your case , I should but flatter and deceive you to tell you of any hope of being saved , till you are thus renewed and justified . Never imagine a lye to quiet you , till help is past . No one that is unregenerate or unholy , shall ever dwell with God. Yet you may be saved , if yet you will be truly converted and sanctified : But without this , assuredly there is no hope . IV. Therefore I counsel you in the name of Christ , to look back upon your sinful life with sorrow ; not only because of the danger to your self , but also because you have offended God! What think you now of a sinful and of a holy life ? Had it not been better that you had valued Christ and Grace , and lived in the love of God , and in the joyful hopes of the life to come , and denyed the sinful desires of the flesh , and been ruled by the Law of God , and spent your time in preparing for eternity ? Do you not heartily wish that this had been your course ? Would you take this course if it were to do again ? and God recover you ? Repent , repent from the bottom of your heart , of the time you have lost , the mercy you have abused , the grace you have resisted , of all your fleshly , worldly desires , words and deeds ; and that you gave not up your soul and life to the Love of God and life eternal . V. And now resolvedly give up your self in a hearty Covenant to God! Though it be late , he will yet accept and pardon you , if you do it in sincerity . Take God for your God , your portion and felicity , to live in his Love and praise for ever ; Take Christ for your Saviour , to teach , and rule , and justifie you , and bring you unto God ; and the holy Spirit for your Sanctifier , and certainly God will take you for his Child . But see that you be truly willing of his Grace , and resolved never to forsake him more . O happy Soul , if yet at last , the Lord will make this change upon thee ! And I 'le tell you certainly how to know , whether this late Repentance will serve for your Salvation , or not . If it be but Fear only which causeth your Repentance , and the Heart and Will be not renewed , but you would turn again to a fleshly , worldly and ungodly life , if you be recovered ; then it will never save your soul . But if your Heart , your Will , your Love be changed , and this change would hold if God recovered you to health again , then doubt not of pardon and Salvation . VI. And if God have thus changed your heart , and drawn it to Himself , be thankful for so great a mercy ! O bless him for giving you a Redeemer and a Sanctifier , and the pardoning Covenant of Grace . And now be not afraid or loath to leave a sinful world , and come to God! Pray harder for grace and pardon , than for life . Commit and trust your souls to Christ ! He had never done so much for souls , if he had not loved them , and been willing to receive them ! How wonderfully came he down to man , to bring up man to the sight of God! He is gone before to prepare us a Mansion in the City of God , and hath promised to take us to himself , that we may dwell with him , and see his Glory ! The world which you are going to , is unlike to this ! There is no pride , or lust , or cruelty , oppression , deceit , or any sin ! No wicked men to scorn or persecute us ! No vanity to allure us ! No Devil to tempt us ! No corruption of our own to burden or endanger us ! No fears , or cares , or griefs , or discontents ! No poverty , sickness , pain , or death ! No doubtings of the Love of God or our Salvation ! But the sight of God , and the feelings of his Love , and the fervent flames of our Love to him , will be the everlasting pleasure of the Saints ! These will break forth in triumphant and harmonious thanks and praise in the presence of our glorified Redeemer , and in concord with all the heavenly Hosts , the blessed Angels , and the Spirits of the Just ! This is the end of faith and holiness , patience and perseverance : When Hell is the end of unbelief , ungodliness , sensuality , and hypocrisie . How justly are they condemned , who sell their part of endless Joyes , for a shadow and dream of transitory pleasures ? and can delight more in the filth of sin , and in a fading vanity , than in the Love of God , and the fore-thoughts of Glory ! What Love can be too great , what Desires too fervent ; what prayer and labour can be too much ! what suffering too dear for such a Blessedness ? VII . Lastly , Because there are many cases of the sick , which require the presence of a judicious Divine ; if it be possible get the help of such ; if not , remember that God is just , in denying men that mercy in their distress , which in the time of their health and prosperity they rejected with scorn & contempt , and cleave to him whom you may enjoy for ever . LONDON , Printed by Robert White , for Francis Tyton , at the three Daggers in Fleet-street : And for Nevill Simmons , Book-seller in Kederminster . Anno Dom. 1665. Notes, typically marginal, from the original text Notes for div A76214-e10 Deut. 6.5 . & 10.12 . & 11.1 , 13. Deut. 32.29 . Matth. 6.19 , 20 , 33. Matth. 25. Rom. 2. 2 Cor. 4.18 . & 5.1 , 7 , 8 , 9. Phil. 3.18 , 20. 2 Thes . 1.9 , 10. 1 Pet. 4.18 . 1 Cor. 11.31 . 2 Cor. 13.5 . Pet. 1.10 . John 3.3 , 5. 2 Cor. 5.17 . Ephes . 1.18 . Joh. 3.16 , 19. Gal. 5.24 . Rom. 8.9 . Mat. 6.21 , 33. Mat. 28.20 . Heb. 12.14 . Rev. 2.7 , 10. Prov. 11.7 . Job 8.13 , 14. Luk. 13.3 , 5. Luk. 15. Matth. 18.3 . Matth. 11.28 . 2 Cor. 8.5 . Act. 11.23 . Psal . 78.34 , 35 , 36 , 37. Hebr. 8.10 . & 10.16 . Jer. 32.40 . Phil. 1.21 , 23. 2 Cor. 5.1.8 . Rev. 14.13 . Act. 7.59 . John 17.24 . & 12.26 . Rev. 21. & 22 ▪ Mal. 2.7 . James 5.14 . Psal . 73.26 . 
A20806	----	The sicke-mans catechisme, or path-way to felicitie Wherin is contained great variety of sound directions and most sweete co[n]solations collected and contriued into questions and answers, out of the best diuines of our time, by Thomas Draxe minister of Gods Word. Wherevnto is annexed two most comfortable and powrefull prayers. Draxe, Thomas, d. 1618. 1609 Approx. 135 KB of XML-encoded text transcribed from 67 1-bit group-IV TIFF page images. Text Creation Partnership, Ann Arbor, MI ; Oxford (UK) : 2003-07 (EEBO-TCP Phase 1). A20806 STC 7186 ESTC S117551 99852764 99852764 18107 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. A20806) Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 18107) Images scanned from microfilm: (Early English books, 1475-1640 ; 1234:26) The sicke-mans catechisme, or path-way to felicitie Wherin is contained great variety of sound directions and most sweete co[n]solations collected and contriued into questions and answers, out of the best diuines of our time, by Thomas Draxe minister of Gods Word. Wherevnto is annexed two most comfortable and powrefull prayers. Draxe, Thomas, d. 1618. [126] p. Imprinted [by G. Eld] for Henry Holland, and are to be sold by I. W[right] at Christ Church dore, London : 1609. Printer's and bookseller's names from STC. Running title reads: The sick-mans path-way. Signatures: A-H (A8, blank?). Some print show-through. Reproduction of the original in the British Library. Created by converting TCP files to TEI P5 using tcp2tei.xsl, TEI @ Oxford. Re-processed by University of Nebraska-Lincoln and Northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. Gap elements of known extent have been transformed into placeholder characters or elements to simplify the filling in of gaps by user contributors. EEBO-TCP is a partnership between the Universities of Michigan and Oxford and the publisher ProQuest to create accurately transcribed and encoded texts based on the image sets published by ProQuest via their Early English Books Online (EEBO) database (http://eebo.chadwyck.com). The general aim of EEBO-TCP is to encode one copy (usually the first edition) of every monographic English-language title published between 1473 and 1700 available in EEBO. EEBO-TCP aimed to produce large quantities of textual data within the usual project restraints of time and funding, and therefore chose to create diplomatic transcriptions (as opposed to critical editions) with light-touch, mainly structural encoding based on the Text Encoding Initiative (http://www.tei-c.org). The EEBO-TCP project was divided into two phases. The 25,363 texts created during Phase 1 of the project have been released into the public domain as of 1 January 2015. Anyone can now take and use these texts for their own purposes, but we respectfully request that due credit and attribution is given to their original source. Users should be aware of the process of creating the TCP texts, and therefore of any assumptions that can be made about the data. Text selection was based on the New Cambridge Bibliography of English Literature (NCBEL). If an author (or for an anonymous work, the title) appears in NCBEL, then their works are eligible for inclusion. Selection was intended to range over a wide variety of subject areas, to reflect the true nature of the print record of the period. In general, first editions of a works in English were prioritized, although there are a number of works in other languages, notably Latin and Welsh, included and sometimes a second or later edition of a work was chosen if there was a compelling reason to do so. Image sets were sent to external keying companies for transcription and basic encoding. Quality assurance was then carried out by editorial teams in Oxford and Michigan. 5% (or 5 pages, whichever is the greater) of each text was proofread for accuracy and those which did not meet QA standards were returned to the keyers to be redone. After proofreading, the encoding was enhanced and/or corrected and characters marked as illegible were corrected where possible up to a limit of 100 instances per text. Any remaining illegibles were encoded as <gap>s. Understanding these processes should make clear that, while the overall quality of TCP data is very good, some errors will remain and some readable characters will be marked as illegible. Users should bear in mind that in all likelihood such instances will never have been looked at by a TCP editor. The texts were encoded and linked to page images in accordance with level 4 of the TEI in Libraries guidelines. Copies of the texts have been issued variously as SGML (TCP schema; ASCII text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable XML (TCP schema; characters represented either as UTF-8 Unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless XML (TEI P5, characters represented either as UTF-8 Unicode or TEI g elements). Keying and markup guidelines are available at the Text Creation Partnership web site . eng Catechisms, English. Consolation -- Early works to 1800. Sick -- Prayer-books and devotions -- Early works to 1800. 2003-01 TCP Assigned for keying and markup 2003-02 Apex CoVantage Keyed and coded from ProQuest page images 2003-05 John Latta Sampled and proofread 2003-05 John Latta Text and markup reviewed and edited 2003-06 pfs Batch review (QC) and XML conversion THE SICKE-MANS Catechisme , OR Path-way to felicitie . Wherin is contained great variety of sound directions and most s●●●●●e cosolations Collected and con●ri●ed into Questions and Answers , out of the best Diuines of our time , BY THOMAS DRAXE Minister of Gods Word , Wherevnto is annexed two most comfortable and powrefull prayers . LONDON . Imprinted for Henry Holland , and are to be sold by I. W. at Christ Church dore TO THE RIGHT WORSHIPFVLL LEARned , religious and Martiall Gentleman , Sir Richard Warbarton Knight , grace , peace , and plentifull increase of all holynesse and happinesse . AMongst all the temporary and ordinary penalties and punishmēts of mās transgression : surely , sicknesses , diseases , malladies , aches , yea most of all , death it selfe , together with all their seuerall accidents , and temptations , are most grieuous , yrkesome , and vnwelcome . For they are simply in themselues , and in their owne nature cōsidered , plagues and curses , & they produce fearefull effects , in the vnregenerate , namely impatiency , vnquiet nesse , horrour , blasphemy , desperation , and the practise of vnlawfull cures and remedies . Wherefore it is ( right worshipful ) a worke of no meane art , skil & experience , soundly to catechize the sick , to rectifie their iudgements , to bring thē to a true sense & confidence of sin , to begette faith in them , to cause them in hope and patiency to wait vpon God , & to prepare them to dye well and blessedly ; but it is opus & labor . It requyreth the tonge of the learned , and a messenger ( or interpreter ) one of a thousand , such as haue bin of late times M r Spineus , and M r Perkins , two bright and glo rious stars in the French and English Firmament , but now Saintes in heauen , who haue learnedly and largely trauaild in this point . Wherefore it may s●…eme a needles matter for any man to write further of this subiect , & my self may bee thought morebolde then wise , in presuming to put forth any newe matter , or to change or ad ought : yet because no mans worke is absolutely perfect , and for that variety of treatises is both delightsome and desireable , and because the fraile memory , and the simple capacity of very many cannot comprehend large and profound discourses , but best profiteth by short and easy instructions . I haue vppon these groundes , drawne and contracted the large treatises of the aboue-named Authors into plaine and compendious questions & answers , with diuers additions and illustrations of mine owne , hoping that in the dilligent reading hereof , the ignorant shall get knowledge , the wauering finde resolution , the distressed receiue comfort , the presumptious bee humbled , the tempted armed against Satans assaultes , and all that are well affected , bee prepared for God , and directly guided to eternall glory . Wherefore vppon this expectation , & also induced by the earnest request of a much respected friend , I haue thought good to publish it , and vpon due consideration , to consecrate and commend it to your fauourable protection & patronage . For first , you are very learned , and wil iudge well , you are most kind and curteous , and wil take all in good part , and you are vnfainedly relligious , and wil giue intertainment to any matter of godlynesse . Secondly you in an heroicall zeale and r●…solution , haue both in the time of Queen Elizabeth a Princesse of most renowned memory & of incomparable excellency , & sithence , fought for Christ & his blessed Gospell , and therefore what thing more pleasing vnto you then matters of religion & consciēce ? Lastly hauing receiued so manifold kindnesses from you , I can by none other meanes better testifie my thankful heart . Thus intreating your worshippe to read , accept off , and make vse of my Catechisme , and yeelding you many thankes for all your fauours , I heare most humbly take my leaue . God almighty who hath giuen you recouery of health , and increase of spirituall comfort in a religious Cittie , perfit both the one and the other in you ; blesse and protect you and your most godly and vertuous Lady , grant you both a long and blessed life in this world , and consumation of holynesse and happinesse in the world to come . February . 12. 1609. Your Worships in the Lord at commaund THOMAS DRAXE . A Table of the principall points contained in this Catechisme . The 1. Chapter . Sicknes described . The causes of it . Obiections answered . The way to find out secret sinnes . The ends why God ●…mposeth sicknesses . The diuers effects of them according to their subiects . Certen rules of comforting the sicke . The first rule what ? The benefite of it . The 2. Chapter . Sinne the cause of sicknes . Sinne to be confessed . Sinne of omission . The knowledge of the lawe a meane to find out sinne . Gods iudgements to be made knowne to the sicke To bee sencelesse of Gods iudgements how dangerous ? The 3. Chapter , Perswasion of Gods loue and presence in sicknesse , necessary . The greatest sinnes pardonable , and pardoned in them that repent . Obiections of other mens vnworthines . Obiections against want of feeling . Faith neuer wholy lost . Generall calamities no preiudice to the saluation of the Godly . Obiection of a mans owne vnworthynesse answered . The 4. Chapter . The sicke to be prepared against death . What death is . How brought into the world . Why were Adam and Eue spared . Why Enoch and Elias were translated aliue into heauen ? The 6. Chapter . Bodily death what ? Why the time is vnknowne ? Why the Godly die ? Q. What spirituall death is . The seuerall degrees of it . Sundry obiections and exceptions against death confuted . Q. Whether sudden death bee simply euill ? Q. Whether all that kill themselues , be certenly damned ? The 7. Chapter . The priuatiue benefits of death , or the euill it freeth vs from . The positiue benefit of it . The temporary death of the body no curse to the Godly . The body shall rise and why . Whether it be lawful to mourne for the dead and how ? The 8. Chapter . The way to happinesse conteined and declared in the scriptures . Preparation against death what ? The necessity of it . When to be performed ? The example of some that repented at their death is no rule for vs to delay our repentance . The 9. Chapter . The meditation of death necessary . It is very profitable . The obiectes of it . The 10. Chapter . Wherein the sting of death lyeth ? Quest. How knowne and taken away ? The 11. Chapter . The first degree of entring into eternall life . The diuers kindes of it . The 12. Chapter . Why and how a man must enure himselfe to die well . The 13. Chapter . Preparation must be speedy and hearty and why ? The 14. Chapter . Offalse preparation . Auricular confession superstitious , needeles , impossible . For ●…he sicke man to receiue the Sacrament it is not ( simply ) necessary . Obiections answered , Extreame vnction not now necessary , The 15. Chapter . Reconciliation and the renewing of faith and repentance towards GOD , necessary . Thankes-giuing necessary . The 16. Chapter . The sicke must haue a care of his soule . Feare of death how good ? How we are to be armed against it ? Practises and Meditations against it . The 17. Chapter . Phisike lawfull and necessary . It is meanes of preseruation of life . What Physitions are to be chosen . Preparation of soule and body in the vse of the meanes , The end of Phisike . The 18. Chapter . The sicke must sorgiue and desire forgiuenesse of others . The Magistrats , the Ministers , and the masters of the familes duty . The making of a will necessary . According to what rules it must be made . The 19. Chapter . To die in faith necessary and what it is . To die in obedience necessary and what it is . The end of them that die well is blessed . Consolations against the imagined calamities of our posterity , viz. wife & chilldren Consolations against losse of honour , profit , and pleasure in this life . Death how farre forth to be feared . Q. How farre forth not to be feared ? Whether that a man may lawfully , desire death . In what respects ? The summe of the whole treatise . The Sick-mans Path-way . The first Chapter , concerning sicknesse . Question . WHat is sicknesse ? Ans. It is , according to Philosophie and Phisicke , a priuation of health , or an ill disposition and passion in the body contrary to nature . Qu. But how define you it according to diuinitie ? Ans. It is Gods rod and instrument to chastice vs for our sinnes , and to put vs in minde of our mortalitie , it is the herbinger and messenger of death , and by vertue of Christs death , it is a narrow and spéedy passage to euerlasting life . Q. From whence , or from what causes doe sicknesses and diseases procéede ? A. They procéede from God as the inflicter and imposer of them , for he is the author of the euill of punishment ; but they arise from sinne , as the de●…eruing and procuring cause . Psalm . 39. Leuit. 26. 16 , Deut. 28. vers . 22. 23. 24. Q. How can God , that is simplye good , yea goodnesse it selfe , be the cause of euill , namely , sicknesse , diseases , paine , &c. A. Gods goodnesse and iustice doth , and may , very well consort together in the beléeuers , for as God in his iustice doth correct his children for their disobedience , so doth he temper and qualifie it with his mercy and goodnesse , that these afflictions are finite , tolerable , and tend both to the temporall and eternall good and profit of his children . Psal. 25. v. 10 Rom. 8. v. 28. Q. What vse are we to make of this point ? A. Wée must first descend into our selues , acknowledge our sinne and wickednesse , yea and condemne our selues for it . 1. Cor. 11. 31. Secondly , we must be so farre of from fretting , murmuring & repining against God , that we must iustifie God in all his chasticements , & not to require the reasō of them , for they are alwayes good and holy , albeit we doe not alwayes sée the particular reason of them . Thirdly , we committing our selues to Gods will , must earnestly entreate the Lord to restore vs to our former health ; or else to receiue vs to his euerlasting kingdome . Obi. But God hath in his beloued Sonne Christ Iesus , forgiuen , yea and taken away the guilt , dominion & curse of sinne , which is the cause of their sicknesses , and why then doth he not withall remooue the effect , viz. sicknesse , diseases , & c ? A. Albeit the guilt , curse , and dominion of sinne be remooued from the beléeuers , yet the reliques and stumpes of sinne remaine , and inherent corruption is but in part abolished , and therefore so long as we liue in this world ; the Lord must néeds , ( more or lesse ) one way or other , fatherly chastice & exercise vs. 1. Cor. 11. 31. Heb. 12. v. 6. & 8. Obi. 2. But Gods children cannot alwayes finde out the peculiar sinnes that are the proper and immediate causes of their sicknesses and diseases ? A. Yet not withstanding , we must suspect , accuse and condemne our selues , and withall iustifie and cléere the Lord ; for there is some secret and hidden sinne of pride , worldlinesse , lust , enuie , vanitie , oppression , &c. for which wee are corrected , albeit it bee not presently made knowne vnto vs. Q. What course must we take to finde out this Achan or secret corruption ? A. We must ( as I will in the next Chapter more fully shew , examine our selues by the strict rule of Gods law . Secondly , we must entreate the Lord by prayer to reueale the sinne vnto vs. Thirdly and lastly , we must take notice of the checkes of our conscience , yea and the taunts & reproches of our enimies . Q. What are the principall ends why God laieth sicknesses , diseases , aches , &c. vpon his children ? A. They are principally these foure , to witt , mortification and preuention of sinne ; triall and exercise of Gods graces in vs ; manifestation of Gods glorr ; and lastly our saluation and eternall happinesse . Q. But to speake of each of these ends particularly ( yet briefely ) how doth God mortifie and preuent sinne by sicknesse ? A. First God doth hereby declare his iustice and anger against sinne past , and present , that his children might be more effectually stirred vp to search them out , consider of them , and be sory for them . Secondly , God hereby doth correct the pride of prosperitie , and remooue all vaine confidence in carnall wisedome , riches , beautie , friends ; that we may waite patiently and onely vpon his power , truth , & promises , and learne to séeke for heauenly things , so that by this his correction , he taketh away the myst of errour from our eyes , purgeth our hearts from the drosse of corruption , and fanneth vs from the chaffe of sinne , and hereby prepareth vs either for health or heauen . Q. Doth God by sicknesse , and the like afflictions preuent sinne to come ? A. Yes certainly : thus pride was preuented in blessed Paul. 2 Cor. 12. ver . 7. & 8 Security in Dauid Psal. 30. 6. 7. and neglect of preparation in the Corinthians , 1. Cor. 11. v. 31. Q. What is the second end of Gods chasticements ? A. To trie and make knowne to themselues and to others their faith , hope , patience , repentance , constancie , yea to exercise , quicken , and encrease in them these and other graces , that they may , be thankfull to God for them , and may be as mirrours and lamps vnto others . Q. Are not also by this triall and exercise , decayed graces recouered ? A. It is most certaine ; for hereby , deadnesse and drowsinesse of heart is cured ; and men are mooued more feruently to séeke and pray vnto God then they did before , Psal. 30. 6. Q. What is the third end ? A. The declaration and manifestation of Gods power , glory and goodnesse in their deliuerance , either by life or death . Iohn 9. vers . 3. Q. What is the last end ? A. After that God hath reformed , humbled and exercised them , and made them to relie wholy vpon him , and to waite & wish for their saluation , to bring them by death into the heauenly Canaan , where they shall haue immediate fellowship , and raigne with Christ for euer-more . Q Séeing that sicknesses , diseases , and the like chasticements haue such comfortable and blessed effects and euents in Gods children , what is the reason , why they should not be the same in the wicked and vngodly ? A. The difference lieth first in their persons , the elect are accepted of God , and therefore like the good golde , they are made more pure and bright by visitations and afflictions ; but the persons of the wicked and vnbeléeuers are not accepted with God , and therefore like drosse they are not purified but consumed by the fire of affliction . Secōdly , in his secret counsaile he neuer intended the amendment & saluation of the reprobate , neither do they reprobate euer by pure meanes and in pure sort , euer intend the same , but the case is far otherwise with Gods children , whom alone God hath pre-ordained to saluatiō and to the meanes thereof , and whom he maketh ( outward ) instruments of their owne saluation . 1. Ioh. 5. v. 18. Q. Is there any certaine forme , rule , or way , to comfort and instruct the sick ? A. Yes , for God in wisedome and mercy , hath ordeined a meane and medicine for euery distresse and temptation . Q Where is this forme and direction conteined ? A. Generally and aboundantly in the bookes of the old and new testament , for these containe sufficient rules , examples and directions of comforts and instructions , 2. Tim. 3. 16. & 17. Q. What is our duty herein ? A. To collect and compare them together , or receiue them so gathered and compared by the godly learned , & then to apply them to our owne vses and occasions . Q. What is the first generall rule seruing for consolation ? A. Wee in our sicknesse and the like visitations , must be perswaded , that all sicknesses , diseases , and infirmities , yea , and all their particular circumstances , whether we respect , time , place , person , or the qualitie , maner , continuance , and remoouall of them : procéed and are sent of God , and depend vpon & are ordered by his onely prouidence . Amos 3. 6. Lament . 3. 41. Psalm . 39. v. 10. & 11. Q. What benefit shall we reape and receiue by this perswasion ? A. We shall hereby be the better enabled to vndergoe our visitations with patience and comfort , and shall learne the more obediently in all things to submit our wills , to Gods diuine will and pleasure . The second Chapter . Sinne the cause and originall of all diseases and sicknesses , must be found out confessed and bewailed . Question . VVHat is the second thing whereof the sick must bee resolued of before he can be capable , and so partaker of comfort . A. Hee must bee resolued that sinne from whence all sicknesses and diseases , both of soule and body haue their beginning , and which is the malignant matter of it , must bée remoued and taken away , before sicknesse the effect of it can cease . Q. By what meanes is sinne abolished ? A. Onely by Gods mercy in Christ Iesus . Rom. 3. v. 24. 25. 26. Qu. To whom are sinnes forgiuen ? A. To all the elect and them onely , for Christ with all his merites and sauing graces is proper to them , and they alone in time beléeue and repent . Act. 13. 48. Q. When are the sinnes of Gods elect forgiuen ? A. They are in the decree of God forgiuen from euerlasting ; but then onely actually and in our sense and apprehension , when wée truely beleeue and repent . Act. 3. Q. That we may be partakers of remission of sinne , what conditions are there required on our part ? Answ. Two conditions principally . First fréely and truely to confesse our sinnes vnto God , with contrition of heart , and to acknowledge that wée are worthy of all , both temporall and eternall plagues and punishments . Secondly wee must firmely beléeue that Christ is our only and all sufficient redéemer and mediator , and we must by the eye of faith behold , and by the hand of faith apply the promises of the Gospell , particularly to our selues & soules . Que. Is confession of sinne necessary for the obtaining of the pardon of sinne ? A. It is simply necessary , for it is the very foundation and first degrée of repentance . Secondly it is the way and meane of our iustification before God , for hee will neuer pardon vs vntill we accuse our selues , nor pronounce and accept vs for iust vntill we condemne our selues . Pro. 28. Lastly , without confession of sinne no pardon can be procured . Q Is the sicke man to make confession of all his sinnes vnto God in particular ? Answe . Yes , if hée be conuinced in conscience , and know them to be sins , and especially hauing not repented of them before ; whether they be sinnes of commission , or of omission●… : but for his vnknowne sinnes , which are the most in number , he must onely confesse them generally , and it sufficeth , Psal. 19 , 11. Q. But are sinnes of leauing good things , and duties vnperformed to bee confessed , such as are neglect of prayer , want of zeale in Gods cause , defect of charity and compassion : omitting of thankes-giuing . A. Yes verily , as we haue examples in Daniel , Paul , and others , Dani. 9. v. 13. Rom. 7. v. 15. Secondly , we offend as much in omitting of these , séeing Gods lawe doth require them , as in committing euill . Thirdly , the elect are notably herein distinguished from the reprobate , for the reprobate doe not discerne , much lesse doe they confesse their particular wants . Q. But how shall we in our sicknesse make a true confession of our st●…nes to God , séeing that there are in vs so many remainders of blindnesse , ignorance , and selfe-loue ? A. We must set before our eyes the law of God , and by it and euery precept and circumstance of it , trie and examine all our thoughts , words , life , actions . Q. Why so ? A. Because God hath ordained it for that end . For it is a true and perfect glasse wherein wee may sée and behold all our wayes . It is a light to discouer all our blindnesse and workes of darkenesse . Lastly , it is an exact and exquistte rule , according to which all our opinions , purposes , and practises , are to bée tried , examined and directed . Q. But how come we to be so blind , erronious , rebellious , sinfull and miserable , that we haue néede of , and are referred to the lawe and word of God , to sound and trie our selues by it ? A. Through the sinne and fall of our first parents , Adam and Eue , who fréely assenting vnto the perswasion of the diuell , did eate the forbidden fruite , and so corrupted and stained themselues and their posteritie . In so much that their posteritie sinning in them , and also adding continuall and innumerable transgressions , lost and defaced Gods image , and so b●…came mortall , miserable and subiect to et●…rnall damnation . Q. What shal we finde by examining our selues according to Gods law ? Ans. That we haue all sinned , that we are vtterly by nature depriued of all goodnesse , and prone vnto all euill continually , and by consequence , Children of wrath , and heires of condemnation . Ques . Is it sufficient to examine our selues , life and actions , according to the letter of the law ? An. No , except withall the spirituall nature , intent and meaning of the law be considered and obserued , for it requireth purity of heart and thoughts , & perfect obedience both in omitting euil , & in doing good . Rom. 7. 15 , and 16. Q. But is the bare inspection and considering of our selues in the law , a sufficient means to bring vs to the true knowledge of our selues and a due confession of sinn●… ? Ans. It is sufficient in it selfe , but not in respect of our corrupt disposition : for wee are to fauourable and partiall in ●…udging our selues , but especially in prosperity : and therefore God doth , & must , some-times , by his rod of correction , remooue the mist of errour from our eyes : round vs in the eare : & bring our sinnes to our rem●…mbrance . Ho●…ea 5 , ver 15. Q But why is man more punished with sicknesse and other afflictions , then all other creatures besides ? A. Because , all other creatures reteine ( for the most part ) the order wherin they were first created , but only man is become degenerate , rebellious , and an heteroclite : ●…o that man may iustly say of himselfe that which Dauid did when he had numbred the people , it is I that haue sinned and committed euil , but these creatures what haue they done ? Secondly , the brute and dumbe creatures are ( in their kind ) more sensitius of the bondage and corruption that our sinnes haue brought vpon them , and more ( in expectation and desire of deliuerance ) grone vnder them , then we our selues are , or doe . For where are our grones teares , sack-cloth , ashes , shame , compunction of heart and repentance ? Q. What further helpes haue we to direct vs in this duty ? A. Not onely to pray vnto God , to reueale our sinnes vnto vs , and to marke the checkes of our consciences , and the reuilings of our enemies ( as we haue before shewed : ) but also to frequent those that be sicke , and to behold Gods chasticements vpon others , and especially lazars and vleerous persons , that hereby we may take notice of the vglinesse of sinne , and our owne deformitie in Gods sight , that wee may the more pittie the distressed , and be stirred vp to be more thankfull to God for his benefits receiued . The second Section . Q. When all these meanes and helps of confession haue béene vsed , what further course is to be taken with the sick man ? A. He must by doctrine , admonition , and by laying open vnto him Gods iudgements , be made to sée the guilt and desart of sinne , the curse of the law , the torment of an ill conscience , the vnspeakable wrath of God , and the fearefull and most accursed state of the damned . Q. But is it not a most blessed state for a man to bee alwayes merry and frolike , to follow his pleasures , and to féele no sinne , or paine of sinne at all ? A. No certainly : for of all plagues it is the greatest to be pricked and not to féele it , and to be smitten and not to bée humbled . And therefore as he that goeth blind-folded to execution is not happy , but most miserable : so neither the senselesse and regenerate sinner is at Hell mouth , and discerneth it not . Secondly , as those maladies and diseases , ( especially which are certaine fore-runners of death at hand ) are most dangerous that are least felt : so those sinnes , whereof wée haue no touch , remorse , nor repentance , are most to bée feared , for they send men vnawares , posting and packing to hell . The third Chapter . 1. The doctrine of faith . 2. The infinite and vnmeasurable mercies of God. Ques . When the sicke person hath thus applied Gods law to himselfe , arraigned himselfe before the barre of Gods iudgement , and made a true confession of his sinnes , and hath béene brought to true contrition , what is in the second place required of him ? An. Hée must by a firme faith be persivaded of Gods gratious presence and euerlasting loue towards him , that his sinnes are pardonable , and that Christ hath by his sufferings , fréed and deliuered vs from the power of satan , slauery of sinne , feare of death and condemnation , and that he also hath by his actuall obedience , imputed vnto vs and apprehended by faith purchased vnto vs and prepared for vs euerlasting glory and happinesse . Obiect . But how can the sicke-man be perswaded of Gods fauor and mercy , séeing that his sinnes are so great and so innumerable ? Ans. Albeit his and our sinnes quoad nos , in regard of our selues be heynous yea and vncountable : yet compared with GODS endlesse and vnmeasurable mercies in Christ they are but few and finite . For his mercies are infinite his compassions faile not , and with him is ple●…teous redemption , in so much ( as we may sée in Manasses , the lost sonne , Paul , Mary Magda●…ene and diuers others ) ●…here sin hath abounded , grace hath a ●…ounded more . Questi . What further reasons haue you to euince and demonstrate the ●…nitenesse of Gods mercy ? Answ. First , Gods purpose in giuing and sending his Sonne to cure and redéeme the world ; and in giuing his Apostles commission and commandement to preach repentance and forgiuenesse of sinnes to all nations , can neuer his voide and fru●…rate . Secondly , the natiuitie : life , doctrine , miracles , obedience , death , resurrection and ascension and intercession of Christ , yea and the sacraments , of baptisme and the Lords supper , which are onely in●…nded and effectuall for the calling , conuersion and saluation of GODS elect , can neuer want their scope and proper end . Q. What conclude you hence ? A. Though one man had committed all the sinnes that be in the world ( the sinne onely committed against the holy Ghost , whereof no man can possibly repent , and which no elect can possibly commit , being excepted ) hée must not despaire of Gods mercy , but repent him of his sinnes from the bottome of his heart , and turne to the Lord , and then though they were as Crimson , they shall be made as whit●… as Snowe : and though they were redde like Scarlet , they shall be as wooll . Q. But not-with-standing all that hath béene said , many doubts , difficulties , imperfections and transgressions so trouble my minde , that I cannot bée perswaded of the infinite extent of Gods mercies . A. Propound your doubts and scruples , and I will doe my best endeuour to remooue them . The Sick-man . I feare , that the world being so wicked , and men ( generally ) so vngodly , prophane , and irreligious , that I shall fare the worse for their sake . Minister . Thou hast no cause to feare , for the impenitencie of the whole world , could not preiudice the saluation of Noah and his family , nor the horrible sinnes of the Sodomites depriue Lot of Gods fauour and protection . Secondly , the godly are to answer for their owne sinnes onely , which are all pardoned in Christ , and they liue by their owne faith . Gal. 2. 20. Rom. 1. 17. Thirdly , as h●…e that wilfully closeth his eyes , that hée may not behold the sunne-light , cannot depriue him of the light of the sunne who openeth his eyes : so another mans vnworthinesse and wilfulnesse , cannot hinder thée ( if thou be prepared by the spirit of God ) from beholding and enioying Gods bottomlesse mercies . 2. Obiection . But I finde and féele in my selfe many wants , errours , imperfections , ye●… and grose offenses . Minister : A. Déere brother , be not discouraged , thou hast more cause of triumph then of terrour . For first thou committest not that shine ( namely of desperate malice against God ) and the knowne principles of Christian faith ) vnto death . Secondly , thou féelest , yea and art grieued for thy sinne , which is no worke of nature , but of grace & regeneration . Thirdly , the séed and roote of grace in Gods elect , is neuer wholy taken away , for Gods gifts are without repentance , and Christs int●…rcession , for their encrease and preseruation in grace , is alwayes effectuall Ioh. 11. v. 42. The Sick-man . But my faith is often-times dead , and without all life and motion , how 〈◊〉 can I be assured of Gods mercy ? The Minister . Thy faith is not extinct , but only for the time ouer-clowded with the mist of sinne , and couered vnder the ashes of infirmitie : it is like to a trée , which in 〈◊〉 winter season , albeit it bring foorth neither 〈◊〉 , flowre , nor fruite , yet it hath life and s●…ppe at the roote , which 〈◊〉 the spring time will ascend vp and appeare . Secondly , God respecteth rather the qualitie of faith then the quantitie ; if it be a true faith though as little as a graine of Mustard séede , God accepteth of it : for one drop and dramme of faith , is of m●…e force to saue then an Ocean sea of sinne and corruption to condemne . Thirdly and lastly , faith without present ioy and feeling , is more forcible and preuailing then faith with it , for it onely relyeth vpon Gods power , truth and promises , yea , when God sheweth himselfe an enemie to vs , and séemeth to kill vs , we by it beléeue in God , and by faith waite on him , whereas it is an easie matter for a man in the apprehension of sensible comfort and ioy , to beléeue . The fourth obiection , The sick-man . But the fearfull iudgments of God , such as of late years haue bin that most inf●…tious and destroying pestilence , the horrible and vn-matchable Gunne-powder treason : the vnheard of breach of the sea , and inundation of waters , the late extreame and killing frost , this present pinching and vnexpected dearth ; vnseasonable wether , and many other publike and priuate iudgements vpon Church and common-wealth , which I sée and heare of , doe much dismay mée , and cause me to doubt of Gods mercy . Minister . A. True it is , that these and diuerse other punishments haue béene executed vpon vs , for the neglect , yea contempt of the blessed word of God , and the powerfull ministerie of it , for our want of zeale against the enimies of the truth , for prophanation of the Sabboth , for oppression of the poore , for blasphemie , for hypocrisie , and for licentious liuing , &c. But notwithstanding , if there be but one good man in a generation , hée shall not for the multitude of transgressors be depriued of Gods mercies , but finde comfort in the greatest plagues and punishments whatsoeuer . Secondly , though being once by faith ingrafted and incorporated into Christ , yea and maried vnto Christ the author and fountaine of life and happinesse , thou canst neuer miscarry nor perish . For euen as the Disciples in the ship , when a mighty storme for their triall and demonstration of Christs power , was raised vp , could not possibly perish , the Lord of glory being there present in the ship : so hauing Christ the Lord of glory dwelling in thine heart by his spirit , how canst thou do amisse ? or why should thou doubt of Gods mercifull prouidence , who ordereth all things for thy good ? The fift Obiection The sick man. But my great vnworthinesse and vnthankfulnesse , maketh me to suspect and feare that God will not performe that hée hath promised , nor finish the good worke that he hath begun in me . Minister . A. This is indéed a gréeuous temptation , yea the sorest of all others , but this cannot hinder God from performing his promises . For as the making of his couenant of grace with vs , and the offer of his sauing promises vnto vs , procéeded onely from his frée goodnesse and méere mercie , without any respect to our workes , or worthinesse : so the accomplishing of his promises is to be onely ascribed to the same grace and goodnesse . Thirdly ( as hath before bin particularized ) not the greatest ●…rmers and offenders in the old and new Testament , haue euer , by reason of their owne vnworthinesse , bin denyed or depriued of Gods mercies : but vpon confession of their sinnes , desire of pardon , and the purpose and beginning of amendment of life , were pardoned and receiued into Gods euerlasting fauour . Q. Is it necessarily then required of vs , that we confesse and acknowledge our owne vnworthinesse ? A. Yes without question , for hereby we are made capable of Gods mercies and blessings . God doth depresse the proud , and exalt the humble , & he filleth the hungry soule with goodnesse , but the rich ( in their owne conceit onely ) hée sendeth away emptie , Luke . 1. 52. & 15. and Christ was sent not to call the righteous , ( in their owne opinion ) but sinners ( in their owne sense and confession ) to repentance . Q. Séeing that God doth not simply forsake or cast off any for his vnworthinesse , what vse make you of this point ? A. We must learne hence neuer to call Gods mercy , truth , and goodnesse into question : but we must make it the foundation of our confidence and hope , for it is vnchangeable , infinite , and euerlasting : and thus dooing we shall haue no cause to feare euill , but to looke to finde all good things in Christ our treasure , husband , and head . The fourth Chapter . Of Death , and the cause of it . Question . VVHen the sick person is once perswaded of the pardon of his sinnes , for the time past and present , what further duty remaineth to be performed ? A. He is to be prepared and armed , against the feare of death , the assaults of Satan , and the ●…errour of the last iudgement , 〈◊〉 . Q. Now that hée may bée prepared and armed against death , what points are to be considered ? A. Seauen points specially . I. what death is : II. The certainty of it . III. The causes and kindes of it . IV. The exceptions that are taken against it . V. The benefits of it . VI. The preparation and furniture against it . And VII . what disposition and behauiour is required in death it selfe . Of these in order . Chapter the fift , Of death , his causes and kindes . Question . VVHat is death ? A. It is the taking away of life , or the dissolution and separation of the soule from the body , ordeined of God , and for the punishment of sinne imposed vpon Adam and all his posteritie . Rom. 6. 23. 1. Cor. 15. 21. & Col. 2. 13. Q Doth God yet impose death as a punishment ? A. Yes , for euery man sinneth and the very infante is not without originall corruption , and therefore all must of necessity , ( no persons , order , or degrée excepted , ) at length die the temporall death . Eccle. 3. ve . 3. Psal. 49. v. 10. Heb 9. 27. Q. What is the procuring and deseruing cause of death ? Ans. Sinne , whereby man brake Gods commandement . Q. How was sinne first brought into the world ? A. Satan in the forme of a serpent perswaded Eue to eate of the forbidden aple , Eue assenting to satan , did eate of it and gaue it to Adam who harkned to her , : and thus they both of them sinned and brought death vpon themselues and all their posterity . Q Why then were not Adam and Eue , immediately after their fall , put to death ? An. First , because the threatning of death was not absolute , but included a condition of faith in Christ , that was to be borne , and that should breake the serpents head . Secondly , Adam and Eue incontinently vpon their fall became mortall in their bodies , and accursed in their soules . Thirdly , God by his clemency and indulgence towards them , would make a way to make knowne his mercie . Quest. If all men by reason of sinne must néedes die , why did not Enoch and Elias in the time of the old Testament die the death of all , but were rapt aliue into heauen ? Ans. First , their translation was extraordinary , and proper to themselues onely . Secondly they were figures and tipes of the generall resurrection . Thirdly , their translation was nothing els but an extraordinary death , for they were changed in a moment from mortality to immortality . Obiect . But at the day of iudgement many shal be found aliue , howe then can all men bee said to die ? Answ. All the elect at the sound of the trumpet , shall in a moment , bée changed from corruption to incorruption , and from mortality to immortality which is a kinde of death . Qu. Now seeing that sinne is the cause of death , what vse are we to make of it ? Ans. Wee must bée mooued hereby , to take notice of , and acknowledge Gods seuere wr●…th against sinne , and ( by consequence ) we must learne to hate and shun all kind of sinne . The sixt Chapter . Of the diuers sortes of death , and of the degrees of spirituall death . Question . OF how many sorts is death ? A. Of two sorts , ●…mely ●…ily , or spirituall . Q. What is bodily death ? An. It is the first death , or the separation of the soule from the body . Q. Is the particular time of bodily death made knowne to any directly before hand ? Ans. No , for that time in respect of vs , is most vncertaine , and God hath reserued it in his owne power and disposition only . Q. Why so ? Ans. That wée should not defer and put off our repentance from day to day , but labour to be in a readinesse and waking , yea and waiting for our Lords comming euery day . Mark. 13. v. 37. Q. What then may this present life in consideration of his short continuance and vncertaintie , bée compared vnto ? Ans. To a vapor , to smoake , to a shaddow , to a weauers shutle , to grasse and to the flowre of the field , which are of short and vncertaine continuance . Qu. But why doe the children of God die this temporall death , séeing that their sinnes which are the cause thereof , are forgiuen ? A. First , because their sinnes ( howsoeuer forgiuen ) are not wholy in regarde of the corruption and remainders of them , taken away and abolished before death . Secondly , this corruptible flesh and bloud , cannot inherite the kingdome of God , 1. Cor. 15. 50. Thirdly , that they may be ( in some sort ) made conformable to Christ his death . Lastly , that the godly may learne and finde by experience , the difference betwéene this mortall life , and that immortall glory , in the world to come , and that they may haue experience of Gods power in raysing vp the dead . Q. What is spirituall death ? A. It is a separation of the whole man both in body and soule , from the fauour and gratious fellowship of God , and a subiecting of him to eternall condemnation and hell fire , begun in this world , and accomplished in the world to come , Q. What is the cause of the spirituall death ? Ans. Sinne , so farre foorth as it is ioyned with vnbeliefe and impenitencie , for not sinne simply , but sinne not repented of , damneth . Que. Are there degrées of spirituall death ? Ans. Yes , there are thrée in number . Q. What is the first degrée of spirituall death ? A. It is , when a man by reason that his soule is depriued of spirituall life , faith and repentance , and for that his body is a fitte instrument to put any sinne in execution , is subiect to Gods wrath , and appointed to punishment . Quest. What is the second degrée of it ? An. Condemnation , or euerlasting forment , whereby ▪ the soule immediatly after the departure of it out of the body , is carried by the diuells into hell ? Quest. What is the third and last degrée of it ? An. When in the nay of iudgement the soule and body being reunited and ioyned together , shall for euer-more féele Gods intollerable indignation , and endure the vengeance of eternall death . Quest. How can this last kinde of death , be so called properly ▪ séeing that both the bodies and soules of the reprobate shall alwayes suruiue and remaine a●…ue ? Answ. That life is no true life , for such an vnhappy condition deserueth rather to be called death then life , for the damned are vniuersall ▪ excommunicated from the fauour and glory of GOD , and are vtterly and for euer bereaued of all holynesse and happynesse . Qu. Are Gods children fréed and exempted from these kindes of spirituall death ? An. Yea , for they are deliuered from the first degrée of spirituall death by regeneration , whereby they are renewed in all the part of their soules & affections . They are deliuered from the second kinde , when their soules ( forthwith after their departure out of the bodie ) are carryed vp into heauen . Apoc. 14. 13. The third degrée they are fréed from , at the day of iudgement , when both body and soule shall be glorified together , and liue together for euer in heauen . Q. Is it not good , yea and the entrance into eternall blisse , for the godly to dye ? A. Yes certainly , for it is better to dwell with God then with men . Secondly , they hereby forth-with enter into the possession of euerlasting happinesse . The sick-man . Q But there are many fearefull accidents and occurrences , to which the godly themselues are subiect in their sicknesses and deaths , & therefore how can it be good for Gods children to dye ? A. Propound and impart them vnto me , and I will giue thée the best satisfaction that I can . The sick-man . 1. Obi. Death is the wages of sinne , the curse of the lawe , and the enimy of Christ and his children : how then can it be good ? A. It is not such by it owne nature , and in it selfe , but it is changed , and the property thereof is altered by Christ his death ; in so much that of a curse and punishment it is turned into a gentle and fatherly correction , and is made a narrow entrance and a short cut into euerlasting life . And in this last respect it may bée aptly compared to the redde sea , which drowning the AEgiptians , gaue a miraculous passage to Gods people into the blessed land of promise : and euen so death which sendeth the reprobate spéedily to hell , doth in a moment let in the godly into the kingdome of heauen . Q. In what respects and considerations may death be said to be an enemy ? A. First , in respect of the originall of it ( for the enuie of the deuill brought it into the world ) namely as an outward and remote cause . Secondly , because it is opposite to Gods promise touching mans immortality in Paradice . Thirdly , because by meanes hereof Satan séeketh to remooue good men out of the world , that they may not crosse and hinder his purposed designes . Lastly , because hée through feare of ( violent ) death , laboureth to kéepe men from the practise of holy duties , Math. 13. vers 21. Que. Haue you any more obiections against death , that I may doe mine vtmost endeuour to resolue you herein ? Ans. Yes truly , and they are fiue in number . Q. What is the first of them ? Obiecti n. Ob. Ch●…st Iesus , Dauid , Ezechias , pray●… against death , therefore it is euill . A. 〈◊〉 ar●…ment foll●…weth not : For first , Christ praye●… not against death simply , for ●…o died willingly , and otherwise he could not haue merited ought , but hée prayed for the remoouall of the curse of it , and destred his heauenly father to take away the cup of his wrath , which was the beginning and part of the second death ; & of this iudgement are maister Caluin , Beza , Whitaker , Perkins Fulke , Maister Doctor Willet ; and in a word , all sincere diuines , &c. And as for Dauid , when Dauid prayed against death , it was onely in time of some grieuous temptation , in distresse of minde , and as it was ioyned with the sence of Gods wrathfull indignation . Thirdly , touching Ezechias that good King , hée prayed against death , that he might bée more reconciled vnto GOD before his death , and that hée might establish and farther the true worship of God in his kingdome , which by his death was like to be defaced . And lastly , that according to Gods promise made to godly Kings , he might haue an heire and successour out of his owne loynes , which prayer God heard , otherwise he was willing enou●…h to dye . Quest. What is your second doubt or obiection ? Ob. Gods children often séeme to dye in desperation , how then can death be good and desirable ? A. This is not to be imputed to want of loue toward God , but to weaknesse of nature , and tendernesse of conscience for sinne , and therefore they may , notwithstanding all this , bée saued . For God in the matter of saluation , worketh by contraries , and by the gates of hell bringeth his seruants to heauen , 1. Sam. 2. vers 6. 7. Que. What is the third exception or obiection against death ? Gods children doe some-times in their sicknesse , raue , blaspheme , and behaue themselues like frantick men . A. These , and the like effects , are not to be assigned to any deliberate purpose of the godly , but onely to be imputed , to melancholy , burning feuers , the cholick and other violent diseases , and ( in a word ) to their infirmity onely . Q. What conclude you hence ? A. We are not vpon these occurrences , rashly to iudge them , much lesse to condemne them . For first , if they euer recouer the vse of reason , they repent of those infirmities , and if it fall out otherwise , these with all other vnknowne sinnes , are pardoned , yea and buried in Christ his death . Secondly , we must not like arrogant Critikes condemne them of impiety and hypocrisie , but wee must iudge charitably of them , as wée would bée delt with-all in the like case . Lastly , wée must not so much giue iudgement of a man by his death , as by the former course and conuersation of his life . Obiect . 4. What is your fourth exception ? Ans. The Saints and seruants of God , when death approacheth , are most of all and more then other people , tempted assaulted , and molested by satan how then can death be good ? An. First , it is no good argument , hence to conclude that they are none of Gods seruants but rather the contrary : they are Gods deere children , ergo satan must now or neuer séeke to sift them , whereas the wicked are his own and refist him not . Secondly , I answere that it is not generally true that the Godly are thus in death assaulted for many with Simeon die as a torch or fire-brand without sense of paine . Isay. 57. Lastly in the very agony of death , God doth so assist and strengthen them by his spirit in so much that when satan looketh for the greatest victory , hée receiueth the greatest foile . Q. How must we behaue our selues in this temptation ? A. We must flie vnto Iesus Christ , commit the managing of our cause to him , for he absol●…ing vs what néede we wee feare satans assaults . Lastly we must hold our selues to Gods promises , and not depart an haires bredth from them . Obiect . But satan is mighty , subtill , diligent , bold , cruell , malicious , and I am weake simple , remisse , fearefull , and how then can I resist and ouercome him ? Ans. Thou must not yéeld to him , but by praier , faith and Gods word resist him , and hée like a Crocodile pursued will flée from thée . Iames 4. verse 7. 1. Pet. 5. 9. Secondly , thou must make God thy strong hold , and firmely beléeue and trust in him , and then the gates of hell shall not preuaile against thée . Qu. What is the fift and last exception against death ? Answ. Sudden death is an euill , but many men die suddainely , ergo death is euill . Ques . How answere you this argument ? Answ. I answere to the first proposition , that death is not euill , because it is suddaine ( for the last iudgement shall come suddainely , and yet it is not euill ) but good to GODS children ; but because it findeth onely the wicked vnrepentant and vnprepared . Luk. 12. v. 20. and 21. Secondly , CHRIST by his death and suffering hath taken away the course of the lawe and the feare of condemnation which is the very sting of death , therefore death though neuer so suddaine , is not accursed to the true beléeuers , but a speedie conueyance of them into the hauen of eternall rest and happinesse . Lastly séeing that with Ezechias wee haue no lease of our life , if any of GODS seruants , with good Mephibosheth , and Iobs Godly children and the young infantes that Herode caused to bée massacred , die suddainely and violently , wée must iudge charitably and the best of them ; for the manner and time of the ending our life is onely in Gods power and not in our owne will. Questi . But what if a professour of true religion and formerly of an vnblameable behauiour , bee brought through the extreamity of temptation , kill himselfe , is not he certainely damned and so death euill to him ? A. Although this be a ticklish point , and albeit Saul , Achitophell and Iudas that killed themselues bée noted in scripture for reprobates , and albeit they that late violent hands on themselues neuer for the instant may bée iudged to thinke on hell torments , yet séeing that God neuer finally forsaketh his chosen , seeing that his mercy is bottomlesse , and that he may giue them repentance ( for ought we know to the contrary ) at the last point of time , let vs if they haue béene formerly good professors , iudge the best of them , and pray vnto God that he would giue vs grace neuer to yéeld to the like temptations . Q. But why must not a man kill himselfe ? Ans. First because he shall not hereby escape misery but runne into it . Secondly , it is not lawfull to kill another to ease him of his paine , muchlesse to kill a mans selfe . Thirdly it is commonly a note of a reprobate . And thus much touching the obiections . The seauenth Chapter . The benefites and priuiledges of death . Question . HAue the Godly any profit and aduantage by death ? A. Much , and many waies . Q. What benefits and priueledges haue they by death ? A. Two sorts of benefits , priuatiue , that remoue euill , and positiue , that ad good . Q. What are the priuatiue benefits of death ? An. Foure : first it perfectly fréeth Gods children from all temptations , and from all sinnes both originall and actuall , and herein consisteth a maine part of our blessednesse for if he be blessed whose sinnes are not imputed , much more hee whose sinnes are wholy taken away . Secondly it easeth vs of all the miseries afflictions , paines and aduersities of this present life . Thirdly , it deliuereth from the euill world , and from all sinnefull company , and from all the tiran●…e of Gods and our enemies , in so much that our eyes shall neuer sée , nor our eares euer heare the abhominable practises of the wicked much lesse can they hurt or infect vs ; and what an vnspeakeable blessing is this ? Lastly , it preuenteth sinne and misery to come , for the Godly are taken away that their soules should not bee infected with sinne ; and that they should ●…ot with their e●…es behold euill , nor the inordinate confusions in church or common-wealth . Q. What vse is to be made of th●…se priuatiue blessings ? An. We must first learne patience and suffer temporary afflictions without fainting , because shortly our euill shall determine . Secondly , let vs pray and s●…ke for , and wish and waite that blessed time , ●…hether of ●…eath , or the last iudgement , that shall f●…ée vs from all the euills whereof in this world we labour . Section 1. Question What are the positiue benefites that wee receiue and enioy in death ? An. First death bringeth our soules into the immediate , the glorious , and euerlasting fellowshippe , with GOD the Father , God the Sonne , and God the holy Ghost , where wee shall haue perfection of knowledge , absolute purity of will and affections , and fulnesse of ioye for euermore . Psalme 16. vers . 11. Secondly , wee shall with all the Saints and Angells , behold and haue communion with Christ in glory , world without end . Lastly , death putteth vs into actuall and perfect possession of all the good things that Christ hath purchased for vs , which should we●… and withdrawe vs from the loue and liking of this vaine world , and inflame vs with an earnest desire of enioying the heauenly Canaan so long agoe purchased and prouided for vs. Section . 2. Q How can death make the faithfull and the Godly perfectly blessed , séeing that their dead corps lie and rot in their loathsome graue ? An. It may very well be , for first he that hath redéemed both body & soule , and giuen vs two excellent sacraments namely baptisme and the Lords supper to signifie and seale the same , hath by his death embaulmed , yea buried our death . Secondly it being mistically spiritually and vnseparably vnited vnto Christ the fountaine of life , and so remayning in the couenant of grace and fauour of God , frée from all sinne and paine cannot be but in part blessed and in a sort partaker of life . Lastly , it resteth swéetly in the earth as in a bedde of downe vntill the last iudgement , in a blessed expectation of the generall and glorious resurrection . Que. Shall the body then certainely arise againe ? An. It shall vndoubtedly be raised vp againe at the last day . For first the sacred scriptures , the almighty power and promise of God , and the effects of Christs death doe sufficiently proue it . 1. Cor. 15. ve . 13. & 14. Secondly the bodies of the saints raised vp in the time of the old and newe Testament , explane the same . Thirdly , Gods mercy cannot perfectly appeare in the glorious resurrection of the Godly , nor his iustice in the perfect punishment of the wicked vnlesse there be a resurrection both to glory , and confusion . Lastly the death of the righteous , is but a swéete sleepe , wherein they rest from the labours of this life , and out of which they shall in a moment , be raised at the sound of the last trumpet . Quest. The bodies of the reprobate , shall as well bée raised vp againe as the bodies of the elect , and how then can it bee any such singular benefite ? An. Yet notwithstanding it is a rare benefise , for the resurrection of the iust and vniust is distinguished the one from the other by the causes and endes . For the Godly arise by vertue of CHRIST their head and by vertue of his resurrection , but the bodies of the wicked by the power of Christ as their iudge onely , who shal arraigne and condemne them . Secondly , they differ in their endes ; the bodies of the Saintes arise in glorie to eternall glorie : but the bodies of the wicked shall rise in shame to eternall shame and confusion . Qu. If the Godly bee thus blessed as soone as they are dead , is it then lawfull to mourne for the dead ? Ans. It is lawfull , so that our mourning bee moderate and ioyned with hope , for wee haue many holy practises in the scriptures of this mourning . 1. Thes. 4. 14. I●…h . 11. Phi. 2. 27. Questi . What shall wee thinke of them that bewade the dead immoderately ? Ans. It is contrary to the hope of a blessed life and resurrection , and calle●… Gods wisdome and iust decrée into question . Qu. For what ends and in what considerations are wee to mourne for those that are dead in the Lord ? Ans. First , because our sinnes and vnthankefulnesse haue bereaued vs of their confortable fellowship . Secondly , we must here by bee more effectually stirred vppe to entreate the Lord to bée good vnto vs and to turne away from vs those euills that their vntimely deathes many times prognosticate . The eight Chapter . Touching the way whereby wee may attaine to blessednesse . Question . VVHere is the way to attaine true blessednesse to be found ? Answer Onely in the worde of GOD , that is the meane , seede , and instrument of eternall happinesse . Isay. 30. 21. Q. How many things are by Gods word required , that a man may die well ? Answ. Two things . First a preparation before death . Secondly a right behauior and disposition in death . Q What is the preparation against death ? Answer . It is the ac●…on of a repentant sinner , whereby hee prepareth himselfe for the Lord. Q. Is this duetie necessary ? Answ. Yes , for f●…t GOD so commandeth in many places of scripture . Mark. 13. 37. Luk. 12. v. 40. Secondly this present life is the onely time of getting the wedding garment , and of reconciling and preparing our selues for GOD and his kingdome . Titus 2. verse 11. 12. Luk. 13. ver . 25. Thirdly , we shall neuer ( lightly ) die the death of the righteous , vnlesse wée liue their life , and as death hath left vs so shall the last iudgement finde 〈◊〉 . Quest. May we not defer this duetie vnto death ? An. No in any wise , for the longer that wee delay our preparation the more vnfit and vnwilling shall we bee to performe it , for it is an hard thing for an olde man to enter into his mothers wombe , & consuetudo fit altera natura . Secondly , the time and manner o●… death is many times so suddaine and vncertaine , that we may bee so ouertaken , that wée shall haue neither time nor grace to repent and to prepare our selues . Lastly , late preparation is seldome true preparation , being rather enforced then voluntary , and rather in forme of words then sincerity of heart . Math. 7. verse 22. et 29. Qu. Of how many sortes is this preparation ? An. Two fold , generall and particullar . Qu. What is generall preparation ? A. It is that whereby a man , through the whole course of his life , prepareth himselfe to die . Ques . Is it not sufficent to prepare our selues when wee beginne to bee sicke ? Answ. No , for first ( as hath béene before shewed ) late repentance is seldome true repentance . Secondly , the time of sicknesse , both in regard of the sharpenesse of the disease , decay of memory , senses , vnderstanding , consultation of worldly goodes , and sathans subtill and malicious practises , is the most vnfit and vnseasonable time to beginne a preparation . Obiect . But the theife vpon the crosse repented at the eleuenth houre , and why may not wee doe so likewise ? Answ. There is a great difference betwéene him and those that purposely delay their repentance , for first hee was neuer so much as outwardly called by the ministery of the word . Secondly , the théeues conuersion was extraordinary , yea and miracu●…us , that Christ thereby might shew forth some effect of his God-head , but mirackles are altogether , and extraordinary courses ( for the most part ) ceased . Lastly that theife condemned himselfe , and his fellow , iustified Christ in the open sight of the world , and praied for saluation &c. but where shall wée finde such singular effects in them which post and put of their repentance ? Obiect But it is in our power and will to repent when we will ? Answ. No , repentance is the onely guift of God , and from himd alone proceedeth bath the will and the deed . Phil. 2. 12. Secondly , many late repenters and ●…ack-graces shall séeke to enter into heauen , and shall not bée able because their heartes are become insensible , and the time of grace is past . And thus much of the matter of preparation . The ninth Chapter . Of the manner of preparation . Question . IN the manner of preparation how many duties are required ? An. Fiue speciall duties . Q. Which are they ? An. I. the meditation of death . II. the les●…ing and abating of the sting and power of death . III. The beginning of eternal life here in this world ▪ IIII. The enuiring of our selues to die dayly . Lastly the manner how these seuerall duties are to bee performed . Quest. Is the meditation of death necessary ? Answer . Yes truely , for a Christian mans life is , and should bée nothing but a meditation of death , therefore wée must looke for it alwaies and in euery place , and herewith accordeth that excellent saying of Seneca incertum est , quo loco te mors expectat : ●…u vero eam in omni loco expecta . That is , it is a matter vnreuealed in what place death waiteth for thée , but waite thou for it in euery place . Q. What benefit , profit and comfort dooth the meditation of death yéeld vnto vs ? Ans. Manifold . For first it causeth vs to humble our selues vnder the mighty hand of God. Secondly , the feare and meditation of it , dooth remooue all securitie , and further our repentance , as wée may sée verified in the example of the Niniuites , it cutteth of delayes , and bringeth our promises and purposes into performances and practises . Thirdly , it maketh vs content with any condition of life , be it neuer so miserable , for if wée liue in affliction and aduersity we shall after death neuer be more subiect to it , and if wée liue in prosperity , wée rest not in it , because wée shall carry away nothing with vs. 1. Tim. 6. 7. Fourthly , it encourageth vs in Gods seruice , and in all well dooing , for as much as wee knowne , that our labour is not in vaine , in the Lord , and that in seruing of God , there is great reward . Lastly , it ●…oth sequester and withdrawe our delights and desires from earthly and perishable things , and canseth vs earnestly to desire and séeke for euerlasting life . Q Of what things must we meditate ? Ans. Of thrée things . First we must ●…hinke and consider of the cause of death , namely our sinnes . Secondly , we must meditate of the remedie of it , viz. the cursed and bitter death of Christ. Thirdly we must thinke of euery day and night , as if it were the very day and night of our death . Q. What must we do that we may be the better enabled to perform this duty ? A. We must not vainly dreame of long life , and so 〈◊〉 our selues , but mourne against this corruption of our nature . Secondly , we must pray vnto God that he would giue vs grace and knowledge , whereby we may be ●…nabled to resolue our selues of death at hand . The tenth Chapter . Question . VVHerein dooth the sting and power of death lye and consist ? Answ. In sinne , for that is the sting thereof . 1 Cor. 15. 56. Q. How shall we know this ? Ans. By the lawe which is a glasse wherein we may sée our sinnes and the effects and punishment of them , for hereby commeth the knowledge of sinne . Q. How shall we depriue sinne of his strength and sting ? A. By beléeuing and relying vpon Christ , who hath by death destroyed him that had the power of death , that is the Deuill , 1. Cor. 15. 25 , & 26. Q. What distinct and particular duties and fruites of faith are we to performe and shew forth , that we may remooue our sinnes , and take out the sting of the serpent death , that it may ●…euer hurt vs ? A. We must first , ( for the time past and present ) confesse our sinnes , humble our selues for them , and crie earnestly vnto heauen for pardon . Secondly , we must for the time to come , with a resolute minde , beware of euery knowne sinne , and in all things to reforme and conforme our selues according to Gods word . For euery sinne vnrepented of , is a sting to wound our soules vnto destruction . Luk. 13. verse 3. and 4. Lastly if we would liue for euer , wée must dye here , and that da●…ly , for he seldome or neuer dyeth well , who liueth euill , Et qualis vita , finis ita , like life , like end . The xi , Chapter . Of entring into the first degree of eternall life . Question . HOw shall a man in this world enter into the first degrée of life euerlasting ? A. When a man by the testimonie of a sanctifyed conscience , and by experience can say that Christ liueth in him . Quest. When doth Christ liue in a man. A. When hée doth by his holy spirit , direct , guide , and gouerne his thoughts , will and affections . Q. How shall a man discerne this ? A. When hée dooth frame and confirme all the powers and abilities of his soule and body , according to the rule of Gods word . For the spirit and the word neuer ●…arre , but the holy spirit breatheth in it , and worketh by it . Acts. 10. vers . 44. and 45. Qu●… . In how many things dooth this first degrée of eternall life consist ? A. It consisteth in thrée 〈◊〉 or graces of God. First , in the 〈◊〉 and sauing knowledge of God the Father , God the Sonne , and God the holy Ghost . Secondly , in the swéete peace of conscience , which flowing from the death of Christ , is life and peace , for this is the way to , and the beginning of euerlasting happinesse . Thir●…ly , in the gouernment of the spirit , when we assent vnto the directions of it , and in acte approoue and obey them . Q. But what néede all this paine and trouble : Is it not enough when a man is dying , to say , Lord haue mercy vpon mee ? Ans. No , for first , Not euery one that saith , Lord , Lord , shall enter into heauen but hee that doth the will of God. Secondly he that prorogeth and putteth of his repentance vnto death , is ( for the most part ) so be-sotted with the custome of sinne , and with-all so forsaken of God , that he ( as experience teacheth ) can vtter no good word . The xii . Chapter . Of accustoming and enuring a mans selfe to dye well . Question . HOw shall a man bring him-selfe in fashion , and accustome himselfe to dye well ? Answ. By the performance of thrée things . First seeing that Gods corrections and chastisements are the instruments and fore-runners of death , hee must humble himselfe vnder them . Secondly , he must begin to mortifie little sinnes , that so he may mortifie the greater afterwards . Thirdly , hee must not let goe the fruite of the least crosse , but learne to beare and endure smaller crosses and afflictions , that he may be the better enabled to vnder-goe the torments of death it selfe . The xiii . Chapter . Of the speedinesse and carefulnesse of Preparation . Question . VVHen and how must a man prepare him-selfe ? A. With all expedition and vtmost diligence . Qu. Wherein must this expedition and diligence chiefely appeare ? An. In dooing all possible seruice to Church and common-wealth . Psal. 122. vers . 8. and 9. Q. Why must he take this course ? A. Otherwise , d●…th , ( for it giueth no man warning ) will ouer-take him , and hée will wish that hée had done it , when it is too late . And thus much of generall preparation . The xiiii . Chapter . Of Particular preparation . Question . OF how many sorts is particular preparation ? A. It is two-fold , either false and vnperfect , as is that which the Synagoge of Rome prescribeth , or true and perfect , as is that which all Protestant Churches teach and practise . Q. Wherein doth the false and vnperfect preparation of the Church of Rome consist , A. In thrée things . Q. What are those thrée things or members ? A. First auricular or eare-confession made to a Priest. Secondly , the receiuing of the Eucharist or hoast . Thirdly , extreame vnction , or anointing with oyle . Q Is not auricular confession , or the secret enumeration of all a mans particular sinnes , necessary ? Ans. No ; certainly . Q. Why is it not necessary ? A. First , because the word of God requireth no such matter . Secondly no man can possibly sound euery corner of his heart , and finde out all his sinnes . Ierem. 10. 23. Thirdly , there was no such practise neither in the Apostles times , nor in the primitiue Church for the space of fiue hundred yeares . Forthly , Dauid , and the prodigall or lost Child had their sinnes forgiuen them vpon a generall confession . 1. Sam. 12. ver . 12. Luk. 15. ver . 18. 19. Lastly , God hath not made men absolute iudges of reconciliation , but hath onely giuen them the ministerie of reconciliation . Ques . Wherein doth this ministerie of reconciliation consist ? Ans. When the ministers of Gods word doe in the name of the Lord according to his word , preach , declare and pronounce a mans sinnes to be forgiuen or not forgiuen . The second Section . Que. Is it necessary for the sicke to receiue the Eucharist or the Lords Supper ? Answ. There is no such ( extreame ) necessity , for first not the want but the continuall contempt of the Sacrament formerly in faith receiued , doth extend it selfe to the whole course of a mans life . Lastly , the Lorde supper is an Ecclesiasticall or publike action and therefore according to Christ his institution , is to be administred and receiued in the greatest concourse and assembly of the Church . Obiect . As the paschall Lambe was eaten , so may the Lords Supper be eaten , but the paschall Lambe was eaten priuatly in particular houses , therefore may the Lords Supper ●…ee likewise eaten in the same forme . Ans. I answer to the first proposition that the argument is not good and the consequence followeth not . For first they Iewes then could not obtaine leaue nor be permitted to assemble them-selues togeither , as wee doe and may Gods name be blessed for it . Secondly I answer to the seco●… proposition , that the Pascall Lambe though it was eaten in particular houses , yet it was by Gods commandement , and eaten at one and the same time in all places : which is all one as if the action had beene publike . The 3 Section . Q. Is extreame vnction and especially the anointing of the instruments of the senses in spirituall respects now necessary for the sicke ? Ans. No truely , for it concerneth not vs at all ; the miracle is ceased long since , and then what vse of the ceremony . Obie . But in Saint Iames daies they anointed the sick with oile , and why may they not doe so now ? Ans. First , because ( as I formerly noted ) all miracles are ceased , but that anointing was miraculous . Secondly , the sicke the●… anointed with oile by vertue of Gods promises , recouered out of their sicknes , but those whome the Papistes anoint , commonly die and so neuer recouer . Lasty , the ancient anointing was appointed and vsed for the recouery of bodily health , but the Papists abuse and preuent it to false endes , namely to obtaine forgiuenesse of sinnes , and to procure strength and comfort against all the temptations of death ; and to obtaine saluation it selfe . And of the false preparation hetherto . The fifteenth Chapter . Of the seuerall duties and branches of particular preparation . Question . IN what and in how many things doth particular preparation consist ? Ans. According to their thréefold obiect they are thus distinguished , they concerne either God him-selfe , or our owne person , or our neighbour . Q. When we are sicke what duty are we to performe towards God ? Ans. We must dayly seeke to be reconciled to God in Christ , other-wise all other duties are of small or nons effect . Quest. How must this reconciliation be sought and obtained ? Ans. By renewing our former faith and repentance , and by repayring the de●…s of it . Quest. What mouing cause haue we to 〈◊〉 vs vp to performe this duty ? An. Because ordinarily , and for the most part , sickenesses and diseases are sent of God in his iustice for the punishment and chasti●…ment of sinne . Lam , 3. 39. Math. 9. 2. Ioh. 5. 74. Quest. In renewing our faith and repentance what particular duties must we performe ? An. Three especially , first wee must make a new examination of our hearts and liues . Lam. 3. 40. Psa. 119. 11 , Secondly when God sendeth new corrections wee must make new confessions of our particular sinnes . Psa. 32. 10. Thirdly we must make new and earnest prayers to God for pardon of sinne , and for reconciliation with GOD in Christ. Psa. 6. 4. 5 , 2. Chr. 34 , 12 , 13. Que. What vse is to bee made hereof ? Ans. First , hereby are iusily taxed and checked those that spend the whole space of their life in the Church , and that many yeares , and at lenght when their best and most daies are spent , begin to enquire what faith and repentance should be , and how their soules should be sau●… , as though it were so easie a matter to know and obtaine it . Secondly we must in sicknesse especially practise and put in vre these duties of examination , confession , prayer and of renewing our faith and repentance ; other-wise , qui minus est hodi●… eras minus aptus erit . Que. But what if the sicke person , is not able of him-selfe to renue his faith and repentance ? Ans. He must séeke for helpe and direction of his fellow members , who must like them that bare the man sicke of the palsie to Christ helpe and assist him by their counsaile , aduice and prayers . Que. What are the particul●…●…uties that are herein to be performed ? Ans. They bee of two sorts according to their obiects , for they concerne either the sicke them-selues , or their help●…rs . Q. What is the duty that concerneth ●…e si●…ke man ? Ans. To send for helpers , namely the elders and ancients of the Church , who in Saint Iames time and after-wards were endewed with the gifts of healing and of miracles . Q. Doth not this duty of comforting the sicke be long to the minister onely ? Obi. If a man sicke of the plague or p●…stilence send for his pastor , is he bound in conscience to go to him in his owne person . Ans. No except it may so be ordered that the Minister bee in no danger of infection . Secondly , the Pastor or Minister may and must not for the comfort of one particular person ●…ndanger his owne life , and so bercaue the whole congregation of their guide and teacher ; more regard is to be had of the good of the whole then of one par●… of it . Thirdly , as the leprous person by reason of the contagion of the disease might not be resorted vnto , so it fareth with him that is visited with the plague . Fourthly if the pastor and preache●… should in person visite euery man thus visited , he must separate himselfe from his owne family and neglect them , and his people and congregation would shun his company . Lastly , the visited persons friendes and kinsfolke , are to supply this dutie . Obiect . But Isaias visited Ezechias who was thought verily to haue the pestilence . ergo ministers must now do the like ? Answ. The argument followeth no●… For first Isaias had an expresse commandement from God so to do , and therefore could not be infected . Secondly , hee might for ought any man can obiect to the contrary , stand aloofe off in some conuenient place . Obiect . But the plague commeth now by Gods immediate hand , as it did in Dauids time , and therefore a man may bee as secure with infected persons and infected places , as any where else . An. The plague in these dayes ( as experience verifieth ) commeth not immediatly by the immediate striking of Gods elect Angell , as in Dauids daies . For then no man might auoid the infected , and the reason is , they that are hundred of myles off from any place of infection might be as soone tainted as any other , which to affirme is most absurd and crosseth all experience . Secondly , none is now infected but he that is in company with the infected , or receiueth their clothes , or some thing about them . Lastly , albéeit the pestilence infecteth not euery man that is outwardly in dangers , yet this proueth not that it is not in it owne nature contagious , but that all persons were not capable of it , and that God in his mercy preserueth some from infect●… , whom it pleaseth him , as is to bee séene in all other infectious places whatsoeuer . Ques . But why are the elders who are no Pastors and Ministers of the Word , to visite the sicke ? An. First , because they are fitted herevnto , beeing indued with the gift of knowledge and prayer . Secondly , it is a dutie of charity , and therefore not proper to any one man. Thirdly , and principally , that they may hereby ease the Pastors or Ministers heauy and difficult burden and charge . Q What vse is to bée made héereof ? An. It condemneth the silence and ignorance of most friendes and neighbours , who either speake neuer a word , or to small or no purpose , beeing not able to instruct and comfort him , and yet they promise to pray for him , when GOD knoweth they cannot pray for themselues . Ques . When must the sicke send for the Elders to instruct and pray for him ? Ans. In the first place , before any physicke , medicine , or restoratiue For where the diuine leaueth , there must the physitian begin . Qu. What vse is to be made of this point ? Answ. It reprooueth their madnesse and folly , who neuer send for the Minister vntill he be halfe dead , or lieth gasping as though the presence of the minister before that time were not necessarie , or as though Ministers could worke mirackles . The second section . Qu. What is the second duetie of the sicke ? Ans. To confesse his sinnes , those especially which disquiet and trouble the conscience , either to the Minister , or to any other Christian brother that is both able and willing to informe and comfort the sicke . Iames 5. ver . 16. Qu. Is this duety simply necessary to saluation ? Answ. No , but only conueniently profitable . Que. What is the duty of the helpers ? Answ. To pray ouer him , that is with him and for him , and in their prayers , to commend his whole person and state to God. 2. Kings , Act. 32. Act. 20. 4. Q. Why must the visiters thus pray for the sicke ? A. The better hereby to stirre vp their affection in prayer , and to declare their charity and compassion to the sicke person . Q. What if those that visite the sicke person find him impatient and full of griefe and wrath , what must they then doe ? A. They must beare with humaine infirmities , for being them-selues quiet with God , they must learne to bee quiet with men . Secondly they must shew vnto them how all things fall out by Gods prouidence , and exhort him to wait vpon God by faith , vntill he either take away or diminish the paine , or at least a●…e to his strength and patience . Qu. What other duty besides the seeking of reconciliation , oweth the sicke to God ? An. He must praise God for his former mercies , and declare this thankefulnesse ▪ euen for crosses and corrections , for the Lord according to the proportion of our thankefulnesse will shew mercy vpon vs , more or lesse . And thus much of the duties which the sick person oweth vnto God. The xvi . Chapter . Question . VVHat are those duties that a man is to performe to him selfe or his owne person ? An. They are two-fold , for they belong , either to the soule or to the body . Qu. What is the duty which he oweth to his owne soule ? An. Hee must arme and strengthen him-selfe agninst the feare of Satans assaults , against the immoderate feare of death , and against the Terrour of the last iudgement . Qu. How is a man to be armed and strengthned against Satans assaults ? Ans. By considering and beléeuing that Christ hath ouercome and bound for vs the strong man Satan , that had the power ouer death . Qu. What is the second duty that he oweth to his soule ? Ans. To arme himselfe against the immoderate feare of death . Qu. Is it not good then that men should in some moderat sort feare death ? Ans. Yes , for it putteth vs in mind of the greeuousnesse of our sinnes , and what wee deserue if God should deale strictly with vs. Secondly , it holdeth men backe in their extremities from laying violent hands on themselues ; for they that are thus desperately minded do not so much as once thinke of Hell and the torments of it . Ques . Séeing the feare of death is thus profitable , why must the sicke bée armed against the feare of it ? An. Because death approaching , naturall feare doth most of all shew forth it selfe , astonish the sicke mans senses , and causeth despaire . Qu. What are the meanes to comfort him against the feare of death . An. They are of two sorts namely practises and meditations . Q. What are the practises ? A. They are two . First the sicke parties must not so much feare death , as cast their eyes vpon euerlasting life . Secondly , they must consider death not in the bright coullor of the lawe , for then our weake eyes cannot endure to behold it , for then it is a cruell sergeant armed with the anger and curse of God ; nor in it selfe , for then it is ( to men vnregenerate ) the very entrance into hell , yea hell mouth it selfe . But we must take from it the fearefull maske and visard of the law , and behold it as it is set forth in the mixt and tempered coullor of the Gospell , and as it is changed by Christ his death , who hath not onely deaded it by his owne death , but also quickned it , so that it is to the beléeuers bodie a temporary , and a swéete sléepe , and to their soules , the gate of saluatiō , wherby they enter into y e possession of life euerlasting . Q. Why must not a Christian man vnmeasurably feare death ? A. First , because it is to the godly the end of all euils , all sinne , errour and misery . Secondly , because after death he passeth presently to a better state . Thirdly , because he hath immediate fellowship and communion with the holy Trinity , with the elect Angels and the glorified Saints . And thus much of practises . The 2 Section . Qu. What are the Meditations which serue for this purpose . An. They are principally foure , which are the foundation of all the rest . Qu. What is the first meditation ? A. That euery mans death ( as hath bi●… before prooued ) procured by his own sins , is fore-séene and appointed in Gods eternall decrée together with all the circumstances thereof . Psal. 139. 15. 16. Q. What benefit will hereby redound vnto vs ? Ans. It will arme vs against all feare , distrust and impatiency in the howre of death . Psa. 39. 10. Gen. 42. Q What is the second meditation ? A. The consideration and contemplation of the in●…stimable glory laid vp for vs , and of the eternall and vnspeakable blessednesse prouided for vs. Q. What profit shall we receiue hereby ? Answ. It doth withdraw vs from the resting in this temporall & miserable life and lifteth vp our mindes and affections vnto God , yea and maketh vs with Iob , Moyses and others , cherefully and willingly to endure afflictions . Q. What is the third meditation ? Answ. The spirituall and vnseparable coniunction and fellowship , which the beléeuers both in their soules and bodies in life and death haue with Christ. For , for their bodies and soules are in the fauour and couenant of God , and they both shall be re-united together in the last day , & be both eternally glorified . Que. What is the fourth meditation ? Ans. The speciall promise of Gods presence and assistance in death and in all other distresses , for we haue Christ our companion in affliction . 1. Pete . 4. 13. Qu. What vse are we to make hereof . Ans. Wee must liue by faith and not by sense , beléeuing the things ( promised ) which we sée not , and hoping for things that séeme desperate . Que. How , or how many waies doth God manifest his presence in sickenesse ? Ans. Thrée manner of waies ; first by , lessning and moderating the paines of sickenes and death , and by giuing them strength and patience . Secondly by refreshing and comforting the spirit after a wonderfull manner . Thirdly , by the gard and ministery of the good Angells which defend the Godly against the Diuell and his Angells . Psa. 34. for they are present with and attend vpon Gods seruants in their sickenes , and are ready to carry the●r soules into heauen . The 3 Section . Quest. How are the sicke to be armed and strengthned against the strictnesse and terrour of the last iudgement , where in the diuell , the law and our owne conscience shall accuse vs of infinite faults ? Ans. First wee must acknowledge our sinnes , for that is the way of iustification Ioh. 1. 9. Psa. 32. 5. In matters of felony as we say , confesse and be hanged , but in matter of diuinity , confesse and be saued . Secondly wee must flie and appeale to Iesus Christ and content our selues with his righteousnesse onely , and then hee absoluing vs who shall condemne vs and he making intercession for vs , who can preuaile against vs. Rom. 8. verse . 34. And thus much of the duty that the sicke man is to performe in respe●… of his soule . The xvii . Chapter . Of Physicke , and preseruation of bodily health . Question . WHat is the duty that the sicke are to performe to their bodies ? Ans. They ought to be carefull to preserue health and life vntill God take it wholy away . Que. Then it is lawfull for any man to kill himselfe ? Ans. No , for wee must in no wise depart out of our standing vntill God out heauenly generall command vs. Secondly euery man is bound to cherish and nourish his owne body and therefore he must not destroy it . Thirdly all murder is forbiden and interdicted , and therfore much more the killing of a mans selfe . Fourthly if a man kill him-selfe hee doth not escape misery but runne into it . Fiftly if it be a wickednesse to kill another man for to ease him of present paiae , then it is a more horrible wickednes to kill himselfe . Lastly the killing of a mans selfe is commonly and generally noted for a marke of a reprobate and faithlesse man. Que. Why must we preserue life and health ? A. For two reasons , first that we may haue time and place to prepare out selues for eternall life . Quest. Then long life is good ? Answ. It is a great blessing , for herein men haue time to repent , whereas after death there is no time and place for repentance and reconciliation . Quest. What is the second reason ? Answ. That wee may referre and reserue the whole disposition of our liues to GOD , for whose glorie we ought as well to line as to die . Q. In preseruation of life what things are to be considered ? Ans. The meanes , and the right vse of them . Que. What are the meanes ? Ans. Good and holesome Physicke , for it to an ordinance of God , and whereof we haue sufficient warrant and practise in holy Scripture , and therfore we must estéeme and vse it , as a blessing of God. Isai. 1. 6 , 7. Obie . But Phisicke cannot change Gods eternal decrée , or saue vs from his anger , why then should it be vsed ? An. Because the ●…nd and the meanes are not to be diuided , for God hath ordained the one as well as the other . Wherefore as in war , f●…ine , pestilence , which are Gods roddes and chasticements , we may lawfully vse the meanes to lessen or auert them , so wée may and must in Physicke , but wée must commit the issue and euent to GOD alone . Quest. Whome must wée entertaine for Physitions A. Not Sorcerers , Wisards , Enchanters , or any that vse and practise any superstitious meanes , for this is the ready and néerest way both to temporall & eternall misery , but onely men appointed for their sincerity of religiō , learning conscience and experience . Ob. But by charmes , inchantments , and the s●…ell of Wisards ; many recouer out of their sickenesse , therefore we may lawfully vse them . Answ. The consequent is not good , namely the effect is good , Ergo the meanes are good , for Satan is very expert in Physicke , and God many times , partly for the triall of his seruants and partly the more to harden and blind the wicked , permitteth c●…res to be done by the ministerie of Satan . 2. The. 〈◊〉 . 10. And thus much of the meanes of health . The second section . Of the manner of vsing the meanes . Que. In what things doth the right vse of meanes consist ? Ans , In thrée . Quest. What are those thrée meanes ? Ans. First , the body is not onely to bee prepared by Physicke , but the soule also by true humiliation , prayer , and repentance . Q. Why must the soule be thus prepared ? Ans. Because sickenesse ) otherwise curable ) is by reason of the impenitency of the sick , many times , made vncurable . Q. What is the second meanes ? Ans. Wee must be assured by Gods word , that the Phisicke prescribed is lawfull , and we must not depend vpon the Phisition ( as some doe ) but by praier craue Gods blessing . Q. What is the third meanes ? An. The right and perculiar end of Physicke , which is to continue mans life vnto his naturall period , namely vntill the radicall heat and moisture be wholy consumed . Qu. What is the Phisitians duty ? An. First he must in the absence of Ministers exhort the sicke to prayer and repentance . Secondly , when he perceiueth maninifest signes of death in the sicke , admonish the sicke of death , that casting of all confidence in outward helpes hee may wholy rely vpon Gods mercy . And thus much of the duties which the sicke man oweth to him-selfe . The xviii . Chapter . Of the duty that the sicke person is to performe to his neighbour . Question . VVHat duty doth the sick man owe to his neighbour ? An. Hee must fréely forgiue all that haue offended him , and desire forgiuenesse of all , for if hee doe not so , hee cannot dye in peace of conscience . Q. What if the person offended cannot be met withall , or wil not be reconciled ? A. In this case the very desire of reconciliation , is accepted with God , as if it were reconciliation it selfe . 2. Cor. 8. vers . 12. Q. Is there no other duty that the sick is to performe to his neighbour ? An. Yes , and that he is to performe , is he is a Magistrate , a Minister , or the Maister of a family . Qu. What is the duty of these three sorts in general ? Ans. They must do their vtmost endeauor , that ( what in them lieth ) the people committed to their charge , may be left in a good condition , and state after death . Q. What must the Magistrate be carefull of before he dies ? A. he must by the procuring , defence , & execution of true religiō , virtue , ●…l iustice & outward concord , prouide for the godly and happy estate of town , citty & common wealth . Deu. 31. 23. 1 king . 2. 23. Qu. What is the Ministers duty ? A. he must after the Apostles example , be careful , & labor ( what in him lyeth ) to prouide & take order for the good estate of y e church , wherof he is made ouerséer . Qu. What good will come here of ? An. By this meanes , Sh●…ismes errors , heresies , and other inconueniences will be preuented . Qu. What is the maister of the family his duty ? Ans. Hee must set his family in order before his death . Qu. What must hee doe that good order may bee preserued and obserued in his family after his death ? A. Two things . First he must dispose of lands , liuings & goods . Secondly , he must commaund those that be vnder his charge to beléeue & obey sound doctrine . Qu. What must he doe that hee may rightly dispose of all his goods . An He must ( following the examples of holy men in scripture ) make his wil & Testament , if it be not already made . Qu. Is not the making of a will a thing indifferent ? An. No , but a matter of great waight , for hereby much hatred , contention and suites in law are cut off . Qu. What rules are to be obserued in making of a will ? An. First , it must be made according to the order of nature , the written word of God , and the politique lawes and statutes of his country , Secondly his vniust gotten goods are to be restored to the iust owners if they be knowne . Qu. UUhat if they be vnknowne ? An. Thē they must be restored to their Executors , Assignes , kinsfolks , friends , and if none of these can be knowne , then in way of ciuill satisfaction , they are to be restored to the church or poore people . Que. What is the second rule to be obserued in making of a will ? Ans. A man must bequeath the chiefest and greatest part of his goodnesse to his sonnes , daughters and kinsfolk . 1. Tim 5. 8. An. Who must haue the greatest portion ? An. His eldest sonne or his heyre . Qu. Why so ? An. First , that he may preserue the stocke and family . Secondly , that hee may performe some speciall seruice to the church or common wealth . Qu. Must the younger brother bee neglected ? An. No , but they must bee in some equall proportion prouided for ; otherwise many times for want of maintenance they fall to be théeues , or take very ill wayes . Qu. What is the last rule ? Ans. The Testament is of no force vntill the Testator be dead . Qu. What is the second duty of the maister of a family ? An. Hee must ( as I before noted ) commaund his people that they learne , beléeue and practise the doctrine of saluation conteyned in the writings of the Prophets and Apostles . 1. King. v. 2. 3. and 4. Quest. What fruit and comfort shall the sicke receiue , who rightly performe these duties ? An. God will honour them as well in life as death , and make the memory of them pretious after death . Psalm . 112. ver . 6. And of the twofold preparation before death hetherto . The xix Chapter . Of the second maine proposition , to witt the right disposition of a man in death . Qu. What is the right disposition of a man in death ? An. A religious and an holy behauiour of a mans selfe , specially towards God. Qu. What are the parts of it ? An. Thrée especially : First , to dye in faith . Secondly , to dye in obedience . Thirdly , ●…o resigne our soules into the hands of God. Qu. What is it to dye in faith ? An. When a man being ready to die , doth wholly depend vpon Gods fauour and mercy in Christ , as it is reuealed in how Scripture . Qu. UUhy must this duty bee now performed ? An. Because all other helps and comforts fayling , it is the very time to practise faith . Qu. How is faith to be expressed ? An. By pra●…er and thankes giuing . Iob. 2. 9. Hebr. 11. 22. Iames. 5. v. 15. Qu. What if sense , vnderstanding and vtterance be wanting ? An. Praier consisteth rather & more in the affection of the hart , then in the voice which is onely the outward instrument and messenger of the heart , and God most of all looketh vnto the heart . Secondly , the very sighs and gron●…s of a repentant sinner , are prayers , as much accepted with God , as if they had béene vttered by the voyce . Exod. 14. verse , 15. Qu. How is faith else to be expressed ? Ans. By the last wordes , which commonly in the true seruants of God , are excellent and full of comfort , as many examples out of Scripture , and the experience of all ages prooueth . Qu. To what principal and ordinary heads may all that the godly speake in death be referred ? An. To omit extraordinary gifts and reuelations many hundred yeares ago ceased : They either wonderfully recount Gods benef●…s in their life past , or do greatly reioyce in that they are shortly to be translated into a better condition , or do discourse of the vanities of the world , the comforts of death , and the beginning of euerlasting life , and the presence and assistance of the holy Ghost , or in a word , they all desire , wait , and pray for eternall li●… . Ques . What if GODS children in their sicknes vtter no such Apothegmes or heauenly spéeches , but rather speake foolish and vnsauory spéeches ? An. It may be that the nature of the disease is violent , and therefore accompanyed with fren●…es , and vnséemely gestures , and then no diuine matter is to bee expected from them , but al are to be constru●…d charitably & in good part . Qu. Why so ? An. Because wée also are subiect to the like extremities . Qu. How must wee then iudge of them ? . An. Rather by the godly course of their life past then by their death . And thus much of the first du●…y which is to dye in faith . The 2. Section . Qu. What i●…●…he second duty in the right disposition to dye well ? An. To dye in obedience ? Que. Why must wee dye in obedience ? An. Because otherwise our death cannot be pleasing & acceptable vnto God. Ques . What reason moueth you to say so ? An. Because they that doe not die in obedience , séeme like slaues to come vnto God , rather of feare and compulsion , as though the Lord were come to torment vs before the time , then of loue and duty like sons and childen , Hence it is that by reason of their impatiency , they wish that they neuer had béene borne , resting more in these outward deceitfull and ●…ransitory thinges then in the life to come . Ques . What is it to die in obedience ? Ans. When a ●…an ●…s willing at Gods command to leaue ●…he world without murmuring or discontentment . Ph. 1. 23 And therefore we are to make a conscience of this duty as well as of any other . Qu What ought to make vs willing to die ? An. Because the Godly are respected of GOD in their death , and their death is pretious in his sight . The third Section . Ques . What is the third duty ? Answ. To commend our soules into GODS handes as vnto a faithfull creator . Que. Is it not an easie matter to performe these thrée duties ? Ans. No verily , for ordinarily these duties cannot be performed in death , vnlesse much preparation hath gon before in our life , for otherwise we shall come vnto Christ our indge no otherwise then a malefactor to the executioner . Secondly , for a man to be resolued that both God can and will saue his soule , procéedeth onely from the holy Ghost and is no easie matter to be perswaded of . Quest. What is the end of those men that die in faith , obedience , and that commend their soules into GODS hands . Ans. Their end is most blessed , for death is to them a swéet sléepe onely , and it is no enemy but a friend to soule and body , it accomplisheth our mortification , it fully endeth the battaile betwéene the flesh and the spirit , & it is the ladder of heauen & the gate of Paradice . The 4 Section . Obie . But I shall leaue my wife a poore widdow and succorlesse , how then can I die in faith , and obedience ? Ans. God will prouide for the widdowes that feare him . Secondly Christ will neuer forsake them . Thirdly they shall shortly méete together in heauen . Lastly as a man for his wiues sake willingly left and departed from his parents , so they must without griefe , or discontentment goe vnto God , that is more to be beloued then all creatures whatsoeuer . Quest. But my poore children shal be left to the wide world , destitute and vnprouided for . A. First God , according to his couenant is the God as well of the children , as he was of the parents and therefore he will alike prouide for them . Secondly , if they séeke the kingdome of God first and make the Lord their sheapheard they shall want no good things and they shal be fed in the time of famine . Psa. 34. Qu. What vse is to be made of this last point . Ans. First let the parents commend their children vnto the prouidence and protection of Almighty God. Secondly , the children , if onely they feare and serue GOD , must not doubt hereof . Obi. Oh , but I must forgoe all the honors , pleasures and profites of this life : how then can I with comfort performe the thrée aboue named duties ? Ans. First these things are but vaine deceitfull , temporary and they cannot make vs blessed . Secondly we are strangers and pilgrimes in this world , and therefore we must not set our hearts and affections vpon these things , but mind and meditate vpon heauenly and eternall thinge . Thirdly Christ his kingdome is not of this world , but is heauenly , and the goods ▪ wherewith he enricheth his are spirituall , Ergo we must not looke to haue our rest and heauen here . Fourthly they that dote and surfet vpon these earthly and out-ward things , are void of faith , hope and repentance , and so perish , and therefore it is better willingly to forgoe these things then to bee vndone by them . Lastly , we must looke for true and euerlasting honour the pretious and proper riches : sincere and neuer discontenting pleasure in the paradice of heauen onely , and bid auant to these earthly matters , when they hinder vs in the course of Godlinesse , and most destrously forsake them , when the Lord by death calleth vs to the kingdome of glory and the felicity thereof . Que. Ought a man to feare death ? Ans. He ought partly to feare it , and partly not to feare it . Questi . Why must a man feare death ? An. First because it is the destruction of nature , and a paineful correction . Ques . What vse is to be made hereof . Ans. We must feare sinne that is the cause thereof , and acknowledge Christ an enemy to it and offended with sinne . Que. What is the second reason why we must feare death . An. Because by the death of the Godly , the Church or common wealth suffereth losse and we are beréeued of the saffe and stay of our comfort . 2. Reg. 2. Qu. What if a man in death sée no way how to escape Satans temptation ? Ans , He must close his eyes , commit his cause to God , and put on the spirituall armour of faith , hope and the word of God. Que. What if a Godly man doubt , and his flesh tremble to enter into another life ? Ans. We must not yeeld to these temtations but resist them , and our spirit is to be commended into Gods hand and then Christ with all his Angells will come and bee our guide to eternall life . Secondly we must stoutly vndergo it and meditate vpon Christs sufferings , and the issue and end wil be happy deliuerance . Que. What if Satan contrarywise laboureth to expell all feare , to make a man careles , and laboureth to perswade him as he did maister Knoxe , to rest in an opinion of his owne merits , and so would puffe him vp with pride & arrogancy ? Ans. He must consider and confesse that his owne righteousnes is foule and deformed , he must resist and withstand that temptation , and attribute all the glory of his saluation to God alone . Que. In what and for what causes must we not feare death ? Ans. For fiue causes , first because we haue hence a cause and an occasion to shew our subiection & obedience to God. Secondly , because we are fréed from sin which is a principal part of our glorification . Thirdly , because the very body lying in the graue is refreshed against labours , and is deliuered from death and misery , and shall rise againe in glory . Fourthly , it conueieth & translateth the soule vnto eternall life , wher God is perfectly serued , & it hath blessed fellowship with Christ and all the Angells and Saints of heauen . Lastly , because by death GOD purgeth and disburdneth his Church of euil men . Qu. Séeing that death is the cause of so great good to the godly , may a man lawfully desire it ? An. Yes , so that it be not of impatiency or desperation . Secondly , Iob & many others haue desired death again & again , and are not therfore reproued . Qu. May a man simply desire death ? An. No truly , but a man must walke in his calling and standing , so long as it shall please God : For the godly had rather liue to sette forth Gods glory , thē for their owne temporall commodity . Qu. In what respects is death to bée desired ? An. So farre forth as it is a meane to frée and deliuer vs from the burden and contagion of sinne , and from the miseryes and troubles of this life . Secondly , as it is a meane and instrument to the manifest vision of God , and to the immediate fellowshippe of God and Christ. Lastly , our desire must bee moderate , and agréeable to Gods will and good pleasure . Quest. May a man contrariwise desire long life ? An. Yes , so the end and scope of his life be to doe acceptable seruice to God , and to further and maintaine Gods religion and glory , and labour to help and forward other mens faith , &c. Phil , 1. 24. 25. Quest. If the death of the godly bée so blessed , what shall wee thinke of the death of the wicked ? An. It is altogether accursed and fearefull . Que. Why so ? Ans. First because it is the dissolution of nature , and the wages of sinne . Secondly , for that by reason of Gods iustice pursuing the wicked in euery place , and because they haue no peace of conscience , death is to them the beginning of euerlasting damnation . For they féele no mitttigation of theyr gréefe in death , nor haue so much as the least hope and expectation of ease and deliuerance . Qu. What is the conclusion and sum of all that hath bin said An. Wee must striue and continually indeauour to liue and dye well and godly , that wée may bee blessed both in life and death : and that we when this earthly life and pilgrimage is ended , may liue and triumph for euer with our Lord Iesus in heaue●… : which the Lord in mercy graunt and effect Amen . A prayer to be vsed of a sick man. O Lord GOD great and fearefull , iust in thy iudgements , intollerable in thy displeasure , and yet bottomlesse in thy mercies , & kéeping couenant , and mercy to them that loue thée , and obey thy commandements . I poore wretched sinner that am but dust , earth , and ashes , vnworthy of the least of mercies , and most iustly deseruing all temporall and eternal iudgements , doe here present and prostrate my selfe before thy throane of grace . And I fréely confesse vnto thée that I am conceiued & borne in originall corruption , prone vnto al wickednes , vntoward & backward to any goodnes , ful of alimperfections , & that I haue by mine actuall transgressions ( which are many & mighty ) broken all thy holy lawes and Cōmandements , and that therefore amongst many other euils , this present sicknesse , ache , pain , and weakenesse is deseruedly come thée my purposes and vowes of obedience and thansgiuing : doe better and further seruice vnto thy Maiestie , and be the more prepared for thy Kingdome . But if it be thy will , decrée and pleasure , by this sicknesse , to finish my daies ; I then intreat thy good Maiestie to renue me in the inner man , as the outward man decayeth , and grant that as the bodie dyeth , so thy grace may liue and grow in me ; & open the eyes of my vnderstanding , that I may know what the hope is of my heauenly calling , and the riches of the glorious inheritance that thou haste laid vp in store for me , that by this meanes , I may dye in the true faith of Christ , in willing obedience to thy Maiesty , and in thy fauour and loue of my neighbour , and so when this life endeth , I may beginne a better , and dwell with thée : and with all the triumphant company of Saintes and Angels praise and magnifie thy name for euer . Blesse and inlarge thy Sion and thy Ierusalem ( euen ) after my death , build vp the wals of it , repaire the decaies of thy Church and confound Antichrist and the vpon me , yet notwithstanding , I herein acknowledge thy infinite goodnesse and compassion in Christ , that thou haste in slicted them vpon me not as plagues and curses ( as they are in their owne nature to the vnbeléeuing and vnrepentant ) but as fatherly corrections and chastisments & messengers of death and immortallitie , and meanes to prepare me for , and conuay mee to thy kingdome . For hereby thou ( my most deare Father ) intendest and workest mine amendment , makest triall of my faith , hope , patience , and thankefulnesse : preuentest sinne to come , and stirrest vp in me a desire and longing expectation of euerlasting rest & happines . UUherfore I most humbly beseech thée to pardon and remoue my sin the cause thereof , perfit my repentance for the same , increase my faith and hope , graunt me strength and patience , with comfort to indure this thy visitation , sanctifie it vnto me , and conuert it to my saluation in the end . Restore me ( if it be thy good pleasure ) in thy good time to my former and perfect health , that I may performe vnto Turke , and the rest of the obstinate enemies of it . Uouchsafe to bee a father vnto my wife , children and family , supply their wāts whether spiritual or boddily : plant thy feare in their hearts , and make them constant in all duties of holynes & righteousnes , that they may liue and die in thy fauor , and at length be made partakers of eternall ioy and glory . Giue ( O my heauenly father ) a blessed assent to these my petitions , and graunt me all other thinge which thy wisdome séeeth good for me , for thy sonne Iesus Christ his sake , mine onely Redéemer & Mediator : to whome with thy Maiesty , & God the holy Ghost , bée giuen al honour , praise , and glory now and for euermore Amen . A thansgiuing to be vsed of a sicke man if he recouer . I Yéeld render and ascribe vnto thée ( O Lord my God ) al honor praise , thanks , and glory , for all thine infinite , vnmeasurable , vndeserued mercies in Christ , whether they concern my body or soule , this life , or a better , and in particular for his present benefit of redéeming my soule from death , and my body from the graue , that I should yet liue the longer in the land of the liuing , to set forth thy glory , to do more good in my calling and standing , and the more perfectly to prepare my selfe for my latter end and for thy kingdome . O Lord my God , this is thy work , & it procéedeth only from thy grace and mercy , and not from any goodnes or merit of mine . But séeing thy might and mercy so meruailously appeareth in my recouery , and I of my self am more ready to forget thē remember , and to grow remisse & carelesse for the time to come , then to serue thée in godly feare and grow vp in grace & sanctification : I beséech thée to write the memory of this thy mercy in my heart w t the Diamond of thy spirit , graunt me grace y t denying mine own wit , wil & sence , I may follow y e direction of thine holy word , and : submit my selfe to the blessed gouernment of thy spirit . Make mee a willing and happy instrument of further good in my vocation and trade of life , and grant ( déere father ) that , as I growe in yeares , so I may grow and increase in grace and obedience , that I may liue in thy feare and fauour ; and die in peace , and then see thy glorious face , and inioy the immediate and most blessed fellowship of Christ my sweet Sauiour , and of all thy Saints and Angels , for euermore . Uouchsafe me ( louing and gratious father ) these mercies and al other things néedfull for me , for the merits , obedience and mediation of thy beloued Sonne , Iesus Christ , to whom with thée and the holy Ghost , thrée persons & one al sufficient God , bee praise in the Church , throughout all generations for euer . Amen . Notes, typically marginal, from the original text Notes for div A20806-e1650 Amos. 3. 6. Ioh. 5. 14. 2. Sam. 12. Psal. 16. 7. Iob. 13. 26 Lam 3 41. Psal. 30. v. 6. Deut. 8. 2. & 13. 3. Cant. 5. 5. 6 Hos. 5. 15. Rom. 8. ●…say . 8. 20. 〈◊〉 . 33. 15 Act. 4. 12 Isay 43. ve . 25. Ier. 31. 34 〈◊〉 . Sam. 12 , 12. 13. Psal. 51 , ve . 3 , and 4. Dan. 9 , 6 Luk. 18 , 13 Iob. 19. 25 1 Ioh. 1. 〈◊〉 . Psal. 119. 59 Iam. 1. 23. Isay. 8. 20 Rom. 3 , ver . 23. Gen. 6 , 〈◊〉 . 5 Eph. 2 , 3 Iob. 33. ve . 16. 17 , 18. 2 Chr. 21 , 17. Rom. 8. ve●… . 20 , & 22. Iere. 5. v. 3. Lam. 3. ver . 22. Psal. 130. 6. Rom. 5. ve . 20. 〈◊〉 . 〈◊〉 . v. 18 Gen. 7. 〈◊〉 . &c. Gen. 8. v. 1 Simile . ●…sal . 30. v. 7. 8. & 9 , 1. Ioh. 〈◊〉 . Iob. 13 , 1●… Mat. 15 , v. 23. ad 29. Gen. 7. 1 , Mat. 〈◊〉 . 〈◊〉 & 28. Rom. 3. v. 3 Luk. 5 , 31. Vse . Phil. 1 , 23 Gen 2 , 17 Heb. 9 , 27 Rom. 5 , 12 Rom. 5 , 1●… Psa. 96 , v. 〈◊〉 et 10 〈◊〉 1. Ioh. 3. 〈◊〉 Gen. 3. v. 6 Rom. 8. 1●… 1 Tim. 2. 14. 1 Thes. 4 , 14. 1 Cor. 15. 51. Phil. 1. 23 Luk. 12. v. 40. Rom. 8. v. 29 Luk. 13. v. 3. & 15. Rom. 6. 2 Luk. 12. 20. & 21. Luk. 16. 23 2. Thess. 1. vers . 9. Rom. 6. v. 23 Gal. 3. 10. A similitude . Math. 26 , v. ●…9 . Luk. 2. ve . 29. ●…om . 8. v. ●…3 . & 34. Math. 4. ve . ●…4 et 7. Psal. 31. 15 Rom. 7. ●…4 . Isay 57 ve . 1. & 2. 2 Kings 22. 20. Isa. 57 , 1. Math. 22. 32. Lu●… . 23. ve . 1●… , 32 a●… 44. Luk. 23. 〈◊〉 40. 2. Tim. 2●… 25. Luk. 13. 〈◊〉 24. Senec. lib. 3 Epist. 26. Iob. 42. 6. Ionah 4. 〈◊〉 . 4. & 5. 1. Cor. 15. v. vl●… . Hebr. 11. v. 9. & 10. Iam. 1. 〈◊〉 Rom. 3. v. 〈◊〉 & Rom. 7●… v. 7. Hebr. 2. 1●… Gal. 2. 20. Rom. 8. 13. Math. 7. 2●… Luk. 13. vers . 25. 〈◊〉 . C●… . 5. 〈◊〉 . Luk. 5 ▪ 19. Leu. 13. 45 46. Psa. 39. 1●… 〈◊〉 . 2. 2. Cor. ●… Apoc. 12 Psa 6. 1. Luk. 16. 〈◊〉 . 5. 29. Ioh. 9. ●…in . 20. 7 Act. 7. ve●… . 60. Math. 5. v. 25. Math. 10. Iosua . 24. v. 14. 13. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . 1. 15. Act. 20. 28. Rom. 8. 17. Heb. 9. v. 16. Gen. 18. 19. 1 Sam 2. 30. Pro●… . 15. 16. Io●… . 4. 24. Rom. 8. ver . 26. Psa. 31. 5. Gen. 12. 1●… 1. 23. 1. 〈◊〉 . 18. 1. Cor. 4. 7. ●…hil 1. 23. ●…om . 7. 〈◊〉 . Cor. 5. ●…oc . 14. 〈◊〉 . Isay 38. 18. 
A25390	----	A manuall of directions for the visitation of the sicke, with sweete meditations and prayers to be used in time of sicknesse whereunto is added a short confession of the faith, with a forme of thankesgiving, and prayers for morning and evening / by Lancelot Andrevves ... Andrewes, Lancelot, 1555-1626. This text is an enriched version of the TCP digital transcription A25390 of text R222276 in the English Short Title Catalog (Wing A3134B). Textual changes and metadata enrichments aim at making the text more computationally tractable, easier to read, and suitable for network-based collaborative curation by amateur and professional end users from many walks of life. The text has been tokenized and linguistically annotated with MorphAdorner. The annotation includes standard spellings that support the display of a text in a standardized format that preserves archaic forms ('loveth', 'seekest'). Textual changes aim at restoring the text the author or stationer meant to publish. This text has not been fully proofread Approx. 128 KB of XML-encoded text transcribed from 130 1-bit group-IV TIFF page images. EarlyPrint Project Evanston,IL, Notre Dame, IN, St. Louis, MO 2017 A25390 Wing A3134B ESTC R222276 36273121 ocm 36273121 150548 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. A25390) Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 150548) Images scanned from microfilm: (Early English books, 1641-1700 ; 2224:12) A manuall of directions for the visitation of the sicke, with sweete meditations and prayers to be used in time of sicknesse whereunto is added a short confession of the faith, with a forme of thankesgiving, and prayers for morning and evening / by Lancelot Andrevves ... Andrewes, Lancelot, 1555-1626. [256] p. Printed by R. Cotes for Samuel Cartwright ..., London, 1642. Includes added engraved t.p. Imperfect: tightly bound, with loss of text. Identified on film as Wing A3134A (number cancelled). Reproduction of original in William Andrews Clark Memorial Library, University of California, Los Angeles. eng Sick -- Prayer-books and devotions. A25390 R222276 (Wing A3134B). civilwar no A manuall of directions for the visitation of the sicke, with sweete meditations and prayers to be used in time of sicknesse. Whereunto is a Andrewes, Lancelot 1642 23773 14 80 0 0 0 0 40 D The rate of 40 defects per 10,000 words puts this text in the D category of texts with between 35 and 100 defects per 10,000 words. 2000-00 TCP Assigned for keying and markup 2001-06 SPi Global Keyed and coded from ProQuest page images 2001-07 TCP Staff (Michigan) Sampled and proofread 2002-12 John Latta Text and markup reviewed and edited 2003-02 pfs Batch review (QC) and XML conversion A MANVAL of directions for the Visitation of the sicke wth sweete Meditations & Prayers to be vsed in time of sicknesse . by Lancelot Andrewes late Bishop of Winchester . LONDON , Printed for Samuel Cartwright at the hand & Bible , in Duck-lane . 1642 A MANVALL OF Directions for the visitation of the sicke , with sweete Meditations and Prayers to be used in time of sicknesse . Whereunto is added a Short confession of the Faith , with a forme of Thankesgiving ; and Prayers for Morning , and Evening . BY , LANCELOT ANDREVVES late Bishop of Winchester . LONDON , Printed by R. Cotes , for Samuel Cartwright , and are to be sold at the signe of the hand and Bible in Ducke-Lane . 1642. TO THE RIGHT HONORABLE , Sir EDWARD LITTLETON , KNIGHT , Baron Littleton of Mounslowe , Lord Keeper of the Great Seale of ENGLAND , AND One of his Majesties most Honorable Privy COVNCELL ; Grace & Peace be multiplyed . Right Honorable , MAY it please you in these troublesome daies of ours , to behold the man , who though ( with open mouth ) he telleth not all things that every one hath done , Yet ( by lively example ) teacheth what every one ought to be ready to doe ; Even for Kings , and for all that are in Authority ; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life , in all godlinesse , and honesty . His Person , whilest hee lived , wanted not the love and favour of a King , to advance him to dignity ; & let not this Posthume worke of his lacke your Honors protection and patronage , to keepe it from indignity . A Midwives care reacheth no further than the safe bringing the Infant into the world , the maintenance and protection thereof , she commendeth to the Father and other Friends . This Orphan by my meanes hath happily seene the Light , but wanting a Father , as being deceased before his birth , I presume to commend its defence and tuition to your Honour as a friend , & your Lordshippes selfe to the gracious protection of the Lord , who grant you ever the continuance of your honour , to you and your posterity for ever : So prayeth Your Honours humbly devoted I.G. TO THE CHRISTIAN READER . COurteous Reader , I shall not neede , I conceive , to use many words by way of Preface . The Authour of this Manuall , and his former Workes , have beene of such note and esteeme amongst us , as that I doubt not , but it may justly be said , concerning them , even to most men , which Jehu , of the Prophet that annointed him to be King over Israel , 2 King. 9.11 . Ye know the man and his communication . For this , how like it is the rest of its Brethren , I leave you to judge , and yet I doubt not but some way may be made to your more willing entertainment of it , by telling you it was conceived about that time the Reverend Authour was Parson of Saint Giles Creplegate , and used by him in his ordinary Visitation of the sicke . To this let me adde , the love of publique good , not respect of private profit , hath moved him to fit this to the Presse , who otherwise would never have seene his name in Print , and now desireth the praise of the worke may be given to the right Author , resting Yours in the Lord I.G. Inquiries to be made by the Minister . The Parties . THe Sex , 2 The Age , The condition of life . 1 Whether learned , structed , 2 Sound in minde , memory . 3 The sense of heari●● perfect . 1 whether patient , unquiet , 2 Cheerefull of deje●● 3 If being well , found comfort , 1 Reading , 2 Hearing , 3 Repeating any particulars . Whether any mate●● all point , whereof to admonished . To take occasion out of ●is owne words . VVHat man is hee that liveth , and shall not see death ? Psal. 89.48 . It is appointed for all men once to dye . Heb. 9 , 27. I am a stranger and sojourner with thee , as all my Fathers were , Psal. 39 . 12. Wee have here no abiding City , Heb. 13.14 . The night commeth when no man can doe any worke , Ioh. 9.4 . Where the tree falleth whether to the North , to the South , there it ●●eth , Eccles. 1.1.3 . A MANVALL for the SICKE . 1. Comfortable Scriptures to be used to the sicke party . Esay 54.10 THe Mountaine may remove , and the Hills may faldown , but my mercies shall not depart from thee , nor the covenant of my peace come to nothing , saith the Lord , that hath compassion on thee . Heaven and earth shal passe , but my Word shall not passe . All the promises of God are in him , Yea and Amen . In whom wee have most great and precious promises , that we should be partakers of the Divine Nature . Ieremy 31.18 . I have heard Ephraim lamenting thus , Thou trast corrected me , and I was chastised , as an untamed Heifer ; convert thou me , and I shall be converted , for thou art the Lord my God . Surely after that I had converted , I repented , I smote upon my thigh , I was ashamed , yea confounded , because I did beare the reproach of my youth . Since I spake to him , I still remember him , therefore my bowels are troubled for him ; I will surely have compassion on him , saith the Lord . I will visite their iniquity with a rod , and their sinne with secourges , nevertheles my mercy will I not take from him , nor suffer my truth to faile . Prov. 3. 11,12 . My sonne , refuse not the chastisement of the Lord , neither be grieved with his correction ; for the Lord correcteth him whom he loveth , even as the father doth the child in whom , for all that , he delighteth . Ioh. 5. 17,18,19 . Behold , blessed is the man whom God correcteth ; therefore refuse not thou the correction of the Almighty . For he maketh the wound and bindeth it up ; he smiteth , and his hands make whole againe . He shall deliver thee in sixe troubles , and in the seaventh , the evill shall not come nigh thee . Heb. 12. 5. Forget not the consolation that speaketh unto you as unto children . If you indure chastening , God offereth himselfe unto you , as unto a sonne , for what sonne is it whom the Father chasteneth not ? If therefore yee bee without correction , whereof all are partakers , then are ye bastards and not sonnes . Moreover , wee have had the fathers of our bodies which corrected us , and yet wee gave them reverence , should we not much rather bee in subjection to the father of Spirits , that wee may live ? For they verily for a few dayes chastened us after their owne pleasure , but he chasteneth us for our profit , that we might bee partakers of his holinesse . Now , no chastening for the present seemeth joyous , but grievous ; yet afterward , it bringeth the quiet fruite of righteousnesse unto them which are thereby execised . Wherefore lift up your hands which hang downe , and your weake knees . Ioh. 16.22 . And you now are in sorrow , but I will see you againe , and your heart shall rejoyce , and your Joy shall none bee able to take from you . Esa. 54. 7 , 8. For a little while have I sorsaken thee , but in great compassion will I gather thee . For a moment in mine anger I hid my face from thee , but with everlasting mercy will I have compassion on thee , saith the Lord thy Redeemer . Modicum & videbitis me . A little time and yee shall see me . Psal. 94. 12.13 . Blessed is the man whom thou chastisest ( O Lord ) and teachest him thy Law , that thou mayst give him rest in the dayes of evill . 1 Cor. 11. 31. But when wee are judged , we are chastened of the Lord , because we should not bee condemned with the world . They that sow in teares , shall reape in joy , Psal. 129.5 . The Lord hath chastened and corrected me , but hee hath not given me over unto death , Psal. 118.18 . Iam. 1. 2 , 4. My brethren count it exceeding joy when you fall into divers afflictions : knowing that the trying of the faith bringeth patience ; and let patience have her perfect worke , that you may bee compleate , intire , taking nothing . Blessed are they that mourne , for they shall be comforted , Mat. 5.4 . When I am weak , then am I strong , 2 Cor. 12. 10. 2. Ejaculations for the sicke . CAst me not away in the time of my weakenesse , forsake me not when my strength faileth me . Though I be afflicted on every side , yet let me not be distressed ; though in want of some of thy comforts , yet not of all . Though chastened , yet not forsaken ; though cast downe , yet not perished . As mine outward man doth weare and decay , so let mine inward man renew dayly . O let this light affliction , which will quickly be over , cause unto me a farre more excellent and eternall weight of glory . In the middest of the sorrowes that are in mine heart , let thy comforts ( O Lord ) refresh my soule . My flesh and my heart fayleth , but bee thou the strength of my head , and my portion forever , Psa. 73. 26. Thou ( O Lord ) up-holdest all such as are falling , and liftest up those that be downe . Thou healest the broken in heart , and givest Medicine to heale their sickenesse . As thou art faithful ( O Lord ) so suffer me not to be tempted above that I am able . But ( good Lord ) give me an issue with the Temptation , that I may be able to beare it . 3. Heads of comfort to be administred from the consideration of God . Christ . God . A creator {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} and so faithfull , 1 Pet. 4. ult. A possessor or owner , {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} I am thine , part of thy possession , Gen. 14. 19. A Redeemer at large , {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} Psal. 130. 7. A Redeemer {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} as of the same flesh and blood , Iob. 19.25 . 26. I. Christ a Mediator , 1. Betweene God and us , his Priesthood and Sacrifice . A Lyon . 2. Betweene us and Satan , his Kingdome and conquest . II. A Lambe . 1. Betweene us and sinne , his Innocence . 2. Betweene us and our Concupisence , his Charity . III. 1. Betweene us and the punishments due to our sinne , his passion , and blood-shedding satisfaction . 2. Betweene us and our conscience , and the Judgement of God , his Advocate-ship . IIII. 1. Betweene us and our want of Righteousnesse , his absolute and compleate obedience . 2. Betweene us and our want of desert of the eternall Reward , his Merit . V. Betweene us and our want of sorrow in repenting , his Agony & bloody sweate . These Recount . Shew . Offer . Set betweene . 4. Things to be recommended to the sicke : such as are Prayer , Almes , Repentance , Faith , Love , Hope , Wel-doing . Prayer . PRay unto the Lord if happily this may be forgiven thee , Act. 31. 6. Almes . Blessed is the man that considereth the poore and needy , Psal. 41.1 . By mercy and truth are sinnes cleansed or forgiven , Prov. 12. Breake off thine unrighteousnesse by mercy to the poore , Dan. 4. 14. They shewed the Garments which shee had wrought with her own hands , Act. 9. 39. {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} . 1. Except ye repent ye shall all likewise perish , Luk. 13. 5. 2. Without faith it is impossible to please God , Heb. 11.6 . 3. If I have all faith and no love , it profiteth me nothing , 1 Cor. 13.2 . 4. We are saved by hope . Rom. 8. 24. 5. Hope thou in the Lord and bee doing good , Psal. 37.3 . And they shall come forth that have done good , to the resurrection of life . Iob. 5.29 . Make you friends of the unrighteous Mammon , that when you must hence , they may receive you into everlasting Tabernacles , Luk. 16.9 . 5. Propositions and inferences to be made to the sicke . 1. YOu are perswaded that no sicknesse or Crosse commeth by chance unto any . 2. But you beleeve that it is God that fendeth them , without whose providence they fall not on us . 3. You acknowledge God to be most wise , and to suffer nothing to befall us , but what is expedient it so should . 4. Therefore God having sent this his visitation now to you at this time , that it is expedient for you thus to be sicke . Say , I know ( O Lord ) that thy judgements are just , and that thou of very faithfulnesse hast caused me to bee troubled , Psal. 119.75 . 1. You know and confesse that God to al , but Christian men especially , carryeth the asfection of a father towards his children . 2. You know also that a father , whether he maketh much of his childe , or whether hee chasten him , continueth a father in both , and loveth him in the one no lesse than in the other . 3. Thinke the same of God touching your selfe , that while he gave you good dayes , he loved you ; and that now he sendeth you some evill , he loveth you also , and would not have sent these evills , but to be a cause unto you of greater good , that being cal'd home by them , you might be at perfect peace with him . Say , Before I was troubled I went wrong , but now shall I learne thy word , Psal. 119. 67. 1. You are not onely to take it patiently , ( I held my peace and opened not my mouth because it was thy doing , Psal. 39.9 . It is the Lord , let him doe what seemeth him good in his own eyes ) but ( 2 ) even to give him thankes for it , as for an wholesome medicine ; the Lord hath given , and the Lord hath taken away , as it pleaseth the Lord , so is it come to passe , blessed be the Name of the Lord . I will take the cup of Salvation , and give thankes to the Name of the Lord . 3. Especially for that we in the time of our health forgetting him , yet he is so mercifull , that he giveth us not over with the world ; but for all wee have grieved his holy Spirit , and fallen from grace , he visiteth us againe , and offereth it afresh unto us . 4. That if his will had not beene to have shewed mercy by his chastisement , hee could and would suddenly have taken you away with a quicke destruction , and not given you this time to bethinke your selfe , and to seeke and sue to him for grace . Say , When I am judged , I am chastened of the Lord , that I might not be condemned with the world , 1 Cor. 11.32 . Gods very punishment is a part of his mercy , Psal. 89.31 . It is the great mercy of the Lord that we are not suddenly consumed Lam. 3. 22. For giving you a time and space . O tarry thou the Lords leasure , be strong , and he shall comfort thine heart , and put thou thy trust in the Lord , Psal. 17. 14. O cast thou thy burthen on the Lord , and he shall refresh thee , and shall not suffer the righteous to faile for ever , Psal. 55.22 . O put your trust alway in him yee people , powre out your hearts before him , for God is our helpe , Psal. 62. 8. He will not alwayes be chiding , nor keepeth he his anger for ever , Psal. 103. 9. In his wrath will he remember mercy , Hab. 3. 2. Heavinesse may indure for a night , but joy commeth in the morning . Psal. 30. 5. For a little while have I forsaken thee , but with great compassion will I gather thee : For a moment in mine anger I hid my face from thee , but with everlasting mercy have I had pity on thee , saith the Lord thy Redeemer . Esay , 54. 58. 6. Questions to be urged to the sick , and Scriptures to bee propounded in answer of them . 1. DO you acknowledge your selfe , not to have lived so well as you ought , but to have sinned , done amisse and dealt wickedly ? 2. Doe you call to mind the yeares of your life spent amisse in the bitternes of your soule ? 3. Doe you desire to have your minde illuminated by God , touching those sinnes you never knew , or which you once knew , but have now forgotten , that you may repent you of them ? 4. Doe you desire to feele greater sorrow in your Soule , for the sins committed , than you doe ? Would you be glad if you did feele it , and are you grieved that you feele it not , that you are no more grieved ? 5. Be there , or is there any speciall or peculiar sinne that doth lye heavy on your conscience , for the which you need , or doe require the benefit of private absolution ? Say , Thou with rebukes dost chasten man for sin , and makest his beauty to consume , as a moth fretteth a garment , Psal. 39. 11. There is no health in my flesh , by reason of thy wrath , neither is there any rest in my bones , by reason of my sinne , Psal. ●,8 . 3 . Lord be mercifull to me , heale my soule , for I have sinned against thee Psal. 41.4 . Lord , I confesse my wickednesse , and am sorry for my sinne , Psal. 38. 18. I call to minde the mispent yeares of my life past , in the bitternesse of my Soule , Esay 38.15 . My misdeedes have prevailed against me , O be thou mercifull unto my sinne , Psal. 65.3 . For thy Names sake ( O Lord ) be mercifull unto my sinne , for it is great , Psal. 25.11 . O remember not the offences and fraileties of my youth , but according to thy mercy , think thou upon me ( O Lord ) for thy goodnes . Psa. 25. 67. Namely ( O Lord ) and especially , be mercifull unto me ; Herein the Lord be mercifull unto his Servant , 2 Kin. 5.18 . O Lord , lay not my sin to my charge , Acts 7. 60. If thou ( Lord ) be extreame to marke what is done amisse , Lord who may abide it ? Psal. 130. 30. O enter not into judgment with thy servant , for no flesh is righteous in thy sight , Psalme 143. 2. My confusion is dayly before mee , and the feare of death is falne upon me , fearefulnesse , and trembling are come upon me , and an horrible dread hath over-whelmed me , Psal. 55.4 . 5. The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a contrite heart , and will save such as are of an humble spirit , Psalme 34. 18. A broken and a contrite heart ( O Lord ) thou shalt not despise . Psal. 51.17 . 7. Questions to be added further , upon answer of the former . REpent you of these your sinnes ? That is , 1. Have you a purpose to judge your selfe for them , if you live ? 1 Cor. 12. 31. And to inflict upon your selfe , punishment for committing them , according as you shall be directed ? 1 Cor. 7.11 . Lev. 5.18 . 2. Are you resolved , if God send you life hereafter to amend and live more carefully , and to avoyd both those meanes and occasions that may provoke you to sin againe , and those signes and marks which testifie you delight in it ? 3. Doe you holily promise thus much in the presence of God , his grace ayding you ? 4. Doe you desire , if God send you health againe , to be specially put in minde thereof ? Turne us ( O God our Saviour ) and let thine anger cease from us . Psal. 85.4 . 1. Beleeve you the Christian Creed , or confession of our most holy Faith , once delivered to the Saints ? 2. Beleeve you , that you cannot be saved , except you beleeve it ? 3. Are you glad in your soule , and doe give God hearty thanks , that in this Faith you were borne , have lived in it , and now shall die in the same ? 4. Do you your selfe desire , and doe you wish as to desire at the hands of God , that this Faith may not faile you untill the houre , and in the houre of death ? 5. If your sence faile you , or if the paines of your disease , or weakenesse other-wayes , so worke with you , as it shall happen you with your tongue to speake ought , otherwise than this your Faith and Religion would , doe you now renounce all such words as none of yours , and is it your will , wee account of them , as not spoken by you ? Is there in your mind any scruple touching any matter of Faith or religion ? Say , Lord I beleeve , helpe thou mineunbelief , Mar. 9. 24. 1. Doe you forgive them , that any manner of way have offended you , as freely as you your selfe would be forgiven at Gods hands ? 2. Doe you likewise desire of God that hee would forgive them ? 3. That amends which they are bound to make you , in that they have offended you , are you content to remit them also ? 4. Are you willing that so much be shewed them from you , that you have forgiven them freelie , lie , and fullie , and desire God to doe the like ? Say , Father forgive them , they knew not what they did , Luk. 23.34 . O Lord , lay not these sinnes to their charge , Act. 7. 60. You your selfe living in the world , it cannot bee but some you have offended . 1. Doe you desire that all such as you have offended , would pardon and forgive you ? 2. Doe you remember or call to mind any person or persons in speciall , whom you have so offended ? 3. Will you , that so much bee signified to them in your name , that you desire them to forgive you ? In as much as the offences against the seaventh Commandement , of getting any children , ( by the act of Adulterie ) committed with the Wife of another Man , and against the eighth Commandement touching mens goods , are not forgiven , unlesse restitution bee made to the parties wronged : and against the ninth Commandement , touching mens credits and good names : Are you willing and ready to restore and make satisfactiō to such as you have wronged , in thrusting in a childe , begotten by you , and likelie to deprive the true children of the party , and begotten by him , of a childs part , or portion : And to such as you have wronged in their goods : And to satisfie those whom you have any way touched in their name , and that without all fraud or delay : can you call to minde any persons in particular , whō you have so offended ? 8. Severall parts of prayer to be used by the sicke party , taken out of Scripture . ANd now ( O Lord ) what is my hope ? truely my hope is in thee , Psal. 39. 7. Thou that art the hope of all the ends of the earth , and of them that remaine in the broad sea . Though hee kill mee , yet will I trust in him . Ioh. 13. 15. Though I walk through the vale of the shadow of death , yet will I feare none evill , Psal. 23. 2. 4. Lord , thou knowest whereof wee bee made , thou remembrest we are but dust , Psal. 103. 14. Call to minde , we are but flesh , a winde that passeth away , and commeth not againe , Psa. 78. 39. Remember ( Lord ) of what time I am , what our substance is , wherefore hast thou made all men for nought ? Psal. 89. 47. Lord , considermy complaint , for I am brought very low . Let my present misery more prevaile to moove compassion , than my sinnefull life past , to provoke thine indignation . Lord , how long wilt thou be angrie with thy servant that prayeth ? Behold Lord , I shew the lowlinesse of a suppliant , shew not thou to me the rigour of a Judg. Ne ( quaeso ) premat Sententia Iudicis , Quem sic submittit Petitio supplicis . O deliver not thine owne inheritance over into the will of thine enemy , Psal , 119. 94. I am thine , O save me ! I am thine , carest thou not that I perish ? Mar. 4. 38. Behold ( O Lord ) how that I am thy servant . I am thy servant , and the sonne of thine hand-maid . Psal. 116. 16. Thine unprofitable evill servant , yet thy servant . Thy lost unkind child , yet thy child . Luk. 15. Though I have not shewed to thee the duty and affection of a child , yet doe not thou cast from thee the naturall kindnesse and compassion of a Father . I commend my selfe into thy hands as unto a faithfull Creator . 1 Pet. 4. 19. Receive ( O Lord ) thine owne creature , not made by any strange god , but by thy selfe , the onely true , and living God , despise not ( O Lord ) the worke of thine owne hand . Psal. 138. ult. Lord , I am created to thine owne Image , and likenesse , Gen. 1. 26. Suffer not ( O Lord ) suffer not thine Image to bee utterly defaced , but renue it againe in righteousnesse and true holinesse , Ephes. 4. 24. I commend my selfe into thine hands , for thou hast redeemed me , O Lord God of truth , Psal : 31. 5. Behold ( Lord ) I am the price of thy blood , of thy most pretious blood , 1 Cor. 6. ult. Suffer not so great a price to perish ; Suffer not that to be cast away , that thou hast so deerely bought . O Lord , thou camest downe from heaven to redeeme that which was lost , suffer not that to be lost , which thou hast redeemed . Behold ( O Lord ) thou art in the middest of us , thy name is called upon us , we are called by thy name , Christians , Dan. 9. 19. For thy names sake be mercifull unto us , Psa. 25. 11. Spare thine own name in us , Psal. 19. 9. And doe not ( good Lord ) so remember our sinnes , that by remembring them , thou forgettest thine owne name . Lord we call upon thy name , there is no name under heaven , wherein we can be saved , but onely it , Act. 4. 12. Though we be unfaithfull , yet thou art true , and canst not deny thine owne name , 2 Tim. 2.13 . I commend my selfe into thine hands , as to my true and onely sanctifier . Lord , I have beene the Temple of thy holy spirit , 1 Cor. 3.16 . Though it hath beene polluted by my frailty , yet Lord destroy it not ; But dedicate it , hallow it anew , and sanctifie it to thee yet once againe : make an Encaenia of it . Spare us good Lord , spare thine owne handiwork , thine own Image , thine owne name , the price of thine owne blood in us . The good Lord bee mercifull unto every one that prepareth his heart to seeke the Lord God , the God of our Fathers : though he be not according to the cleannesse of the Sanctuary , 1 Chron. 30.19 . Behold ( O Lord ) ae bruised Reed , O breake it not ; smoaking flax , yet ( O Lord ) quench it not , Esa. 42.3 . Mat. 12. 20. Lord , I have never denied thy name , but confessed it ever , and in the confession and invocation of it , I desire to spend my last breath , and to depart this life . Lord , I have desired to feare thy Name , Neh. 1. 11. My soule hath beene desirous to long after thy Commandements , Psal. 119.20 . Lord , I doe acknowledge my wickednesse and I am sorrie for my sinne , Psal. 38.18 . Lord , I beleeve , help thou mine unbeleife . Lord , I hope verily to see the goodnesse of the Lord , in the land of the Living , Psal. 27.13 . Let not this hope confound me , nor make me ashamed , Psa. 119.16 . Lord , I freely forgive whomsoe'r I have ought against , those poore pence or mites they owe me . Mat. 18.28 . Lord , I held my peace and opened not my mouth at thy chastisements , because it was thy doing , O Lord , Psal. 39.9 . Lord , I seeke thee , and thou never failest them that seeke thee , Psal. 9. 10. I come unto thee , and of them that come unto thee , thou castest none out . Ioh. 6.37 . Neverthelesse , though I be sometime afraid , yet put I my trust in thee , Psal. 56.3 . O Lord , in thee have I trusted , let me never be put to confusion , Psal. 71 1.31.1 . O Lord my God , in thee have I put my trust , save me from them that seeke after my soule and deliver me , lest hee devoure my soule like a Lion , and teare it in peeces whiles there is none to helpe , Psal. 7.1,2 . The snares of death compassed me round about , the overflowings of ungodlinesse made me afraid , Psal. 18.4 . The sorrow of death overtooke me , and the paines of hell gat hold upon me , Psal. 18.5 . I have found trouble and heavinesse , and I wil call upon the name of the Lord , Psal. 116.3 . O Lord , I beseech thee deliver my soule . Psa. 116 4. Heare my voyce ( O Lord ) out of thy holie Temple , let my complaint come before thee , let it enter even into thine cares , Psal. 18.6 . Send downe from on high , and deliver me , take me out of many waters , Psal. 18.16 . Gracious is the Lord and righteous , yea our Lord is mercifull , Psal. 116.5 . The Lord preserveth the simple , I am in misery , but hee will thinke upon me , Psal. 116.6 . Turne againe then to thy rest , ( O my Soule ) for the Lord hath regarded thee , Psal. 116.7 . Psalme 22. verse 1. My God , my God , looke upon mee , why hast thou forsaken me , and art so farre from my health , and from the words of my complaint ? ver. 2 , 3. O my God , I cry in the day time , and thou hearestnot , and in the night season also , I have audience , yet thou continuest holy , O thou Worship of Israell . ver. 4. Our Fathers hoped in thee , they trusted in thee , and thou diddest deliver them . 5. They called upon thee , and were holpen , they put their trust in thee , and were not confounded . 9. But thou wert he that tookest mee out of my Mothers wombe . 10. Thou wert my hope when I hanged upon my Mothers breasts . 11. I have beene left unto thee ever since I was borne , thou art my God even from my Mothers wombe . 16. O goe not farre from me , for trouble is hard at hand , and there is none to deliver me . 20. Deliver my soule from the sword , my darling from the power of the dogge . 21. Save me from the Lions mouth , deliver me from among the hornes of the Unicornes . Psalme 25. ver. 11. For thy names sake ( O Lord ) be mercifull unto my sinne for it is great . 16. O turne thee unto me , and have mercie upon me , for I am desolate and in miserie . 17. The sorrowes of my heart are enlarged ; O bring thou me out of my troubles . 18. Looke upon my adversity and misery , and forgive mee all my sinne . 20. O keep my soule and deliver me , let mee not be confounded , for I have put my trust in thee . Psalme 28. verse 1. Unto thee do I cry ( O Lord ) my strength , think no scorn of me , lest if thou make as though thou hearest not , I become like those that goe downe into the pit . 2. Heare the voyce of my humble petitions when I cry unto thee , when I lift up my hands towards the Mercy seat of thy holy Temple . O hide not thy face from me , neither cast thy servant away in displeasure , Psal. 27.9 . Thou hast beene my succour , leave mee not , neither forsake mee , O Lord God of my salvation . Psalme 40. verse 11. Withdraw not thou thy mercy from me , ( O Lord ) let thy loving kindnesse & truth alwaies preserve me . 12. For innumerable troubles are come about me , my sinnes have taken hold upon mee , that I am not able to looke up , yea , they are more in number than the haires of my head , and my heart hath failed me . 13. O Lord , let it be thy pleasure to deliver me , make hast ( O Lord ) to helpe me . 17. As for me , though I be poore , and in misery , yet the Lord careth for me . Thou art my helper , and my redeemer , make no long tarrying , O my God . Psalme 31. 14. Lord , my hope hath been in thee , I have said , thou art my God . 15. My life is in thine hand , O deliver me , and be mercifull unto me . 16. Shew thy servant the light of thy countenance , and save mee for thy mercies sake . Psalme 38. 21. Forsake mee not ( O Lord my God ) bee not thou farre from me . 22. Haste thee to help me ( O Lord God of my Salvation . ) Psalme 54. 1. Save Me ( O God ) for thy names sake , O deliver mee in thy strength . 2. Heare my prayer ( O Lord ) and hide not thy selfe from my petitions , and hearken unto the words of my mouth Psalme 55. 1. Heare my prayer ( O God ) and hide not thy selfe from my petitions ; take heed unto me , and heare me , how I mourne in my prayer , and am vexed . Psalme 61. 1. Heare my crying ( O God ) give eare unto my prayer . 2. From the ends of the earth will I cry unto thee , when my heart is in heavinesse ( O Lord ) let me make my prayer unto thee in an acceptable time . Psalme 39. 13. Heare me , O God in the multitude of thy mercies , even in the truth of thy Salvation . 14. Take me out of the mire that I sinke not : O let mee be delivered from them that seek my soule , and from the deep waters . 15. Let not the water-floods drowne mee , neither let the deepswallow me up , and let not the pit shut her mouth upon me . 16. Heare mee ( O Lord ) for thy loving kindnesse is comfortable ; turne thee unto mee , according to the multitude of thy mercie . 17. And hide not thy face from thy servant , for I am in trouble , O haste thee , and heare me . 18. Draw nigh unto my Soule and save it , O deliver me . 19. As for me , when I am poore and in heavinesse , thy help ( O Lord ) shall lift me up . Psalme 109. 21. But deale thou with me ( O Lord ) according to thy name , for sweet is thy mercy . 22. O deliver me , for I am helplesse and poore and my heart is wounded within me . 23. I goe like the shadow that departeth , I am driven away as the Grashopper . 24. My knees are weake through fasting , my flesh is dryed up for want of fatnesse . 26. Helpe me ( O Lord my God ) O save me according to thy mercies . 27. And men shall know that it is thy hand , and that thou ( Lord ) hast done it . Psalme 74. 1. Oh God , why art thou absent from us so long ? why is thy wrath so hot against the sheepe of thy pasture ? 2. O thinke upon the Congregation , which thou haste purchased , and redeemed of old . 17. O deliver not the Soule of thy Turtle unto the multitude of thine enemies , and forget not the distressed of thy servants for ever . O let not the simple goe away ashamed , but let the poore and needy give praise unto thy name . Turne us againe , ( O Lord God of Hosts ) shew the light of thy countenance , and wee shall be whole . Psal. 80.3 . Psalme 85. 2. O forgive the offences of thy servants , and cover all their sinnes . 3. Take away all thy displeasure , and turne away thy selfe from thy wrathfull indignation . 4. Turne us then , O God our Saviour , and let thine anger cease from us . 5. Wilt thou be displeased at us for ever , and wilt thou stretch out thy wrath from one generation to another ? 6. Wilt thou not turn againe and quicken us , that thy people may rejoyce in thee . Shew us thy mercy ( O Lord ) and grant us thy Salvation , haste thee to helpe me , O God of my Salvation . Psalme 70.1 . Haste thee ( O Lord ) to deliver me , make haste to helpe mee , O Lord . Psalme 44. 23. Up Lord , why sleepest thou ? awake , and be not absent from us for ever . 24. Wherefore hidest thou thy face , and forgettest our misery and trouble ? For our Soule is brought low , unto the dust , our belly cleaveth to the ground . Arise and helpe us , and deliver us for thy mercy sake . Psalme 86. 1. Bow downe thine eare ( O Lord ) and heare me , for I am poore , and in misery . 2. Preserve thou my Soule , for thou gavest it me , my God , save thy servant , which putteth his trust in thee . 3. Bee mercifull unto me , ( O Lord ) for I will call daily upon thee . 4. Comfort the Soule of thy servant , for unto thee doe I lift up my Soule . 5. For thou ( Lord ) art good and gracious , and of great mercy to all them that call upon thee . 6. Give eare ( Lord ) unto my prayer , and ponder the voyce of my humble desires . 7. In the time of my trouble , I will call upon thee , for thou hearest me . 15. For thou ( Lord ) art full of compassion , and mercie , long suffering , plenteous in goodnesse and truth . 16. O turne thee then unto me , and have mercie upon mee , give thy strength unto thy servant , and helpe the son of thine handmaid . 17. Shew some token upon me for good , that they which love thee , may see it and be glad , because thou ( Lord ) hast holpen and comforted me . Psalme 142. 1. I cryed unto the Lord with my voyce , yea , even unto the Lord did I make my supplication . 2. I powred out my complaint before him , and shewed him of my trouble . 3. When my spirit was in heavinesse , thou knewest my path . 4. I looked also on my right hand , and loe there was none to helpe me . 5. I had no place to flie unto , and none was able to deliver my Soule . 6. I cryed unto thee , and said , thou art my hope , and my portion in the Land of the Living . O consider my complaint , for I am brought very low . 9. Bring my soule out of prison , that I may give thankes unto thee ; which thing , if thou wilt grant me , then shall the righteous resort unto my company . Psal. 141.8 Mine eyes looke unto thee ( O Lord ; ) In thee is my trust , O cast not out my soule . Psal. 88. 1. O Lord God of my salvation , I have cryed day and night before thee . 2. O let my prayer come into thy presence ; Incline thine eare unto my calling . 3. For my soule is full of trouble , my life draweth nigh unto the Grave . 9. Lord , I have called daily upon thee , I have stretched out mine hands unto thee . 10. Dost thou sher wonders among the dead ? or shall the dead rise up againe and praise thee . 11. Shall thy loving kindnesse bee shewed in the grave , or thy faithfulnesse in destruction ? 12. Shall thy wonderfull workes be knowne in the darke , or thy righteousnesse in the Land where all things are forgotten ? 13. Unto thee doe I crie ( Lord ) and early shall my prayer come before thee . 14. Lord , why abhorrest thou my soule ? and why hidest thou thy face from me ? 15. I am in misery , and like unto him that is at the poynt to dye : from my youth up , thy terrors have I suffered with a troubled minde . 16. Thy wrathfull displeasure goeth over me , and the feare of thee hath undone me . Psal. 141. 1. Lord , I will call upon thee , haste thee unto me , and consider my voyce , when I cry unto thee . 2. Let my prayer be set forth in thy presence as the incense , let the lifting up of my hands bee as an evening sacrifice . Psal. 79. 5. Lord how long will thou be angry ? for ever and shall thy Jealousy burne like fire ? 8. Oh , remember not mine old sinnes , but have mercy upon me , for I am come to great misery . 9. Help me O god of my salvation , for the Glory of thy Name ; Oh deliver me , and be mercifull unto my sinnes , for thy names sake . Psal. 143. 6. Lord I stretch forth my hands unto thee ; my soul gapeth unto thee like a thirsty Land . 7. Heare me ( O Lord ) and that soone , for my spirit waxeth faint , hide not thy face from me , lest I become like unto them that goe downe into the silence . Psal. 13. 1. How long wilt thou forget me ? ( O Lord ) for ever ? how long wilt thou hide thy face from me ? 2. How long shall I seek Counsel in my soule , and be so vexed in my spirit ? how long shall mine enemies triumph over mee ? 3. Consider and heare me ( O God ) lighten mine Eyes that I sleepe not in death . Psal. 30. 6. In my prosperity I said , I shall never be removed , thou ( Lord ) of thy goodnes had'st made my state so strong . 7. Thou did'st turne away thy face from me , and I was sore troubled ; 8. Then cryed I unto the Lord , and gat me to my God right early . 9. What profit is there in my blood , if I goe downe into the pit ? Shal the dust give thanks unto thee ? or shal it declare thy truth ? 10. Heare me ( O Lord ) and have mercy upon me , and be thou my helper , Psal. 77. 1. I will cry unto the Lord with my voyce , yea even unto God will I cry with my voyce , and hee shall hearken unto me . 2. In the time of my trouble I sought the Lord ; my sore ran , and ceased not : In the night season my soule refused Comfort . 3. When I am in heavinesse I will thinke upon God , when my heart is vexed I will complaine . 4. Thou holdest mine eyes waking , and I am so feeble that I can scarce speake . 5. I have considered the dayes of old , and the years that are past . 6. I call to remembrance my songs , and in the night I commune with mine owne heart , and search out my spirits . 7. Will the Lord absent hinselfe for ever ? and will he be no more intreated ? 8. Is his mercy cleane gone for ever ? is his promise come utterly to an end for evermore ? 9. Hath God forgotten to be Gracious ? and will he shut up his loving kindnesse in displeasure ? 10. And I said , it is mine owne infirmity , but I will remember the yeares of the right hand of the most High . O God , there is no strength in us , neither doe we know what to do , but onely we lift up our eyes unto thee . 2. Chron. 20.12 . O Lord , how long wilt thou looke upon this ? This thou hast seene , ( Lord ) hold not thy tongue then , go not farre from me ( O God ) Psal. 35.17.22 . Save me ( O God ) for the waters are come even unto my soule . Psal. 69.1 Let God arise , and let his enemies be scattered , let them also that hate him , flee before him . Psal. 68. 1. Lord it oppresseth me , answer thou for me Esay . 38. 14. Thou shalt answer for me ( O Lord ) my God . Psa. 38.15 . 9. A Prayer to be used by the Minister . O Lord , it is a great presumption that one sinner should dare to cōmend another to thy divine Majesty , especially , the greater , the lesse ; and who would not feare to undertake it ; but only that thy Commandement it is by thy holy Apostle , when any is sick , that the Minister should be called for , that they should pray for the sick party , and that their prayers thou wilt receive , and save , and forgive the sinnes of the party so prayed for ? And now behold ( O Lord ) we that are no way meete , but unworthy , utterly unworthy to sue for ought for ourselves ( charitie and compassion so binding us ) are enforced to become suitors to thee for others . Even ( O Lord ) for this thy servant ready to depart this world . To thee we hope , to thee we desire , to thee we intreat and pray in all meek manner , and even from the bottom of our hearts . O Lord , that which justly thou mightest deny to our unworthinesse , deny not , we beseech thee , to thine owne gracious goodnesse . O Lord forgive us our sinnes , our great and grievous sinnes , oft and many times committed , long and many yeares most wretchedly continued ; that so we may be meete to pray for others , that so we may make our prayers unto thee in an acceptable time . Graciously looke upon our afflictions , pitifully behold the sorrowes of our hearts . Mercifully forgive the sinnes of thy people . Favourably with mercy heare our prayers . Both now and ever , vouchsafe to heare us , O Christ . Graciously heare us , O Christ . Graciously heare us , O Lord Christ . 10. A Letany to be used for the sicke . OH God the Father of Heaven , have mercy upon him ( or her ) keepe and defend him . Oh God the Sonne , Redeemer of the World , have mercy upon him : Save and deliver him . Oh GOD the Holy Ghost , proceeding from the Father and the Son , haver mercy upon him ; strengthen and comfort him . Oh Holy , blessed , and glorious Trinity , have mercy upon him . Remember not Lord , our offences , call not to minde the offences of his forefathers , but spare him good Lord , spare thy servant whom thou hast redeemed with thy most precious blood , and bee not angry with him for ever . From thy wrath and heavy indignation , from the guilt and burden of his sins , from the dreadfull sentence of the last Judgement , Good Lord deliver him . From the sting and terrour of Conscience , from the danger of impatience , distrust , or despaire , from the extremity of sicknesse , anguish or agony , that may any way withdraw his minde from thee , Good Lord deliver him . From the bitter pangs of eternall death , from the gates of hell , the power of darkenesse , the illusions and assaults of our Ghostly enemy , Good Lord deliver him . By thy manifold and great mercies , by the manifold and great mercies of Jesus Christ thy Son ; his Agony and bloody sweate , strong crying and teares , bitter Crosse and Passion , mighty Resurrection , glorious Ascension , effectuall and most acceptable intercession , & mediation ; By the graces and comforts of the Holy Ghost , Good Lord deliver him . For thy names sake , the glory of thy name , thy loving mercy , thy truths sake , thine owne selfe : In this time of his most extremity , in this his last and greatest need , in the houre of death , and at the day of Jndgement , Good Lord deliver him . Deliver him ( O Lord ) from all danger and distresse , from all paines & punishments both bodily and ghostly , Amen . As thou diddest deliver Noah from the flood , so save and deliver him . Lot from the fire of Sodome , so save , &c. Isaac from present death , so save , &c. Iob fnom his tentations , so save , &c. Moses from the hand of Pharoah , so save , &c. Daniel from the Lyons den , so save , &c. Ionas from the belly of the Whale , so save , &c. And as thou hast delivered all thy blessed Saints , and servants from all their terrors and torments , so deliver his soul , and receive it to thy mercy . We sinners do beseech thee to heare us good Lord . That it may please thee to remember him with the favour thou bearest unto thy people , and to visit him with thy salvation . We beseech thee , &c. That it may please thee to save and deliver his Soule from the power of the enemy , lest as a Lyon he devoure it , and teare it in peeces , if there be none to helpe . We beseech thee , &c. That it may please thee to be mercifull , and to forgive all his sinnes , which by the malice of the devill , or by his owne frailty hee hath at any time of his life committed against thee . We beseech thee , &c. That it may please thee not to lay to his charge , what in concupiscence of his eyes , in pride of life , vanity , or superfluity he hath committed against thee . We beseech thee , &c. That it may please thee not to lay to his charge what in carnall desires of the flesh , in lust , or in the uncleane passions therof , hee hath committed against thee . We beseech thee , &c. That it may please thee not to lay to his charge , what in the fiercenesse of his wrath , in the eagernesse of an angry spirit , hee hath committed against thee . We beseech thee , &c. That it may please thee not to lay to his charge , what in vaine and idle words , in the loosenesse and slipperynesse of the tongue , he hath committed against thee . We beseech thee , &c. That it may please thee to make him partaker of all thy mercies , and promises in Christ Jesus . We beseech thee , &c. That it may please thee to vouchsafe his soule the state of joy , blisse , and happines , with all thy blessed Saints , in thy heavenly Kingdome . We beseech thee , &c. That it may pleasethee to grant his body rest and peace , and a part in the blessed resurrection of life and Glory . We beseech thee to heare us good Lord . Sonne of God we beseech thee to heare us . O Lord God , Lamb of God , Sonne of the father , that takest away the sinnes of the world , have mercy upon him ; thou that takest away the sins of the world , grant him thy peace . Thou that sittest at the right hand of God the father , have mercy upon him . Lord have mercy upon him ; Christ have mercy upon him ; Lord have mercy upon him . Our father which art in heaven , &c. Oh Lord deale not with him after his sinnes . Neither reward him according to his iniquities . O God mercifull father that despisest not the sighings of a contrite heart , nor the desire of such as be sorrowfull , mercifully assist our prayers which wee make before thee , at such times specially when our greatest and grievous extremities are ready to oppresse us : And ( O Lord ) graciously heare us , that those evills , those illusions , terrours and assaults which thine and our enemy worketh against us may bee brought to naught , and by the providence of thy goodnesse bee dispersed , that we thy servants , beeing swallowed up with no tentations , may evermore give thanks unto thee in thy holy Church , through Iesus Christ our Lord . 11. Severall choyce expressions of prayer to be used for the sicke party . In the midst of life we are in death , of whom then may we seeke for succour , but of thee ( O Lord ) who for our sinnes art most justly displeased with us ? Yet ( O Lord ) most holy , O Lord most mighty , O holy and most mercifull father , deliver us not over to the paines of Eternall death . Thou knowest ( Lord ) the secrets of our hearts ; shut not up against us the cares of thy mercy , but spare us , O Lord most holy , O Lord most mighty , O immortall and most mercifull father . Thou most worthy Judge eternall , suffer us not in our last houre , for any terrour of death to fall away from thee . We commend unto ( O Lord ) the soule of this thy servant . He ( or she ) is the worke of thine hands . Despise not ( O Lord ) the worke of thine owne hands . The likenesse of thine Image . Suffer not ( O Lord ) thine Image to be utterly defaced . The price of thy blood . Let not so great a price be cast away . A Christian man ( or woman ) the name of thy Son is called upon him . For thy names sake , be good unto thy name . Thine ( ) O save him . Give not over that which thine is , to the will of the enemy . Though he have sinned , yet thy name hath hee not denyed , but called upon it , and confessed it , unto his lives end , and there is no name under heaven , but thine wherein he expecteth salvation . Though he have sinned , yet he hath not hid his sinne , nor excused it , Psal. 141.4 . but acknowledged it , and beene sorry for it , and wisheth even teares of blood wherewith to lament it . Though he have sinned yet others also have sinned against him , which from the heart he forgiveeth , and desireth forgivenesse of them at thy gracious hands . O establish thy word with thy servant , and let him not be disappointed of his hopes . Though he have sinned , yet in thee he trusteth ; O suffer him not for ever utterly to be confounded . Though he have sinned , yet he seeketh thee . And thou Lord never failest them that seek thee Psal. 9. 10. Yet he commeth to thee And of them that come to thee , thou castest none out . Ioh. 6.37 . O Lord , Let not the guiltinesse of a sinner more prevaile to condemne , then the gracious goodnesse of a most mercifull Saviour to acquit , to pardon . O Let not the unrighteousnesse of man , make the goodnesse of God of none effect . O Lord , doe not so remember the unkindness of this thy Child , that thereby thou forget the Compassion , and kindenesse of a father . Doe not thinke upon our sinne , that thou therby forget thine owne nature and property , which is alway to have mercy . Doe not so remember our sinne , that thou therby remembrest not thine owne name , which is Jesus , a loving and most kind Saviour . Lord if thy life in our life , have not sufficiently appeared , yet let not thy death lose the full power and effect thereof in our death also . Suffer not ( O Lord ) in both , so great a price to perish . Lose not ( O Lord ) that which thou hast redeemed , since thou camest to redeeme that which was lost . That which was so deere to thee to redeeme ; suffer it not to be lost , as a thing of no value . Have mercy upon him , ( O Lord ) consider the pains which he suffereth , thou , who onely dost deliver from the gates of death . Psal. 9.13 . Shew thy marvellous loving kindenesse , thou which art the Saviour of them which put their trust in thee . Psal. 17.7 . O keepe him , as the apple of thine eye : hide him under the shadow of thy wings , Psal. 17.8 . O Iet thy mercifull Ioving kindnesse bee his comfort , according to thy word unto thy servant . Psal. 119.76 . He ( or shee ) is troubled above measure , O be mercifull unto him , according to thy goodnesse . O consider his adversity , and deliver him , for he is brought very low . His eyes long sore for thy word , saying , When wilt thou comfort me ? His eyes are wasted away with looking for thy health , and for the word of thy Righteousnesse . O thinke upon him ( O Lord ) as concerning thy word , wherein thou hast caused him to put his trust O look thou upon him and bee mercifull unto him : as thou usest to do to those that love thy name . Cast him not away now in the time of his weakenesse , forsake him not now , when his strength faileth him , Psal. 71.9 . In the multitude of the sorrowes that are in his heart , let thy comforts ( O Lord ) refresh his soule . O Lord , when it oppresseth , comfort thou him , Esay 38.14 . O Lord , let thy strength bee made perfect in his weakenesse , 2 Cor. 12.9 . Let no tentation oppresse him , but such as is incident to thy children ; But as thou art faithfull ( O Lord ) so suffer him not to be tempted above that he is able to beare . But ( good Lord ) with the temptation , give an happy issue , that he may be able to overcome it , 1 Cor. 10. 13. O Lord , though he be afflicted on every side , yet let him not be distressed ; though in want of some of thy comforts , yet not of all ; though chastened , yet not forsaken ; though cast downe , yet not perish 2 Cor. 4 , 8,9 . Remember him ( O Lord ) with the favour thou bearest unto thy children : O visit him with thy salvation . That he may see the felicity of thy chosen , and rejoyce with the gladnes of thy Saints , and give thankes with thine inheritance , Psal. 106. 5. O Remember not his former sinnes , but have mercy upon him ( O Lord ) and that soone , for hee is come to great extremity , Psal. 79.8,9 . Helpe him ( O LORD God of his Salvation ) for the glory of thy name : O deliver him , and bee mercifull unto his sinnes , for thy names sake . Call to remembrance ( O Lord ) thy tender mercies and thy loving kindnesse , which have beene ever of old . O Remember not the sinnes and offences of his youth ; but according to thy mercy thinke thou on him ( O Lord ) for thy goodnesse . Clense him ( O LORD ) from his secret sins : from whatsoever hee hath offended : By thought , word , or deed ; by ignorance , or error ; by frailty , or negligence ; in excesse , or in defect ; by leaving good undone , or by doing evill ; in publicke or private ; by day or by night ; against thee , his neighbour , his owne body . Before , or since his effectuall calling ; by himselfe or by other ; Remembred or forgotten . From them all clense him ( O Lord ) even from them all ; lay none of them to his charge , cast them behinde thee , bury them , drowne them , scatter them as the mist , and as the morning cloud , make them to vanish away and come to nothing . And wherein soever his conscience most accuseth him , therein ( O Lord ) be thou most mercifull . O enter not into judgement with thy servant ; if thou shouldest , no flesh should bee righteous in thy sight . If thou ( O Lord ) shouldest be extreame to mark what is done amisse , ( O Lord ) who may abide it ? Psal. 130.3 . But ( good Lord ) one deepe calleth another ; the deepe of our misery , the deepe of thy mercie , Psal. 42. Where sinne hath abounded , there let grace over abound , Rom. 5. And in and through all sinnes and offences , ( O Lord ) let thy mercie triumph over thy Justice , Iam. 2. O Lord heare . O Lord forgive . Consider ( O Lord ) and doe it . Dan. 9. Delay not ( O Lord ) for his spirit waxeth faint ; Turne not thy face from him , lest he become like those that goe down into the silence . Be favourable ( O Lord ) be favourable . For thy names sake . Forthy truthes sake . For thy mercies sake . Thy many great wonderfull mercies sake . For thine owne selfe , O Lord , Our Creator and Redeemer . Our Lord and our Father . Our King and our God . Commendatio Animae . 12. The Commendation of the Soule to God , immediately before the departure . Lord , now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace . Luke . 2. Into thy hands ( O Lord ) we commend his spirit , for thou hast redeemed it O Lord thou God of truth . Psal. 31. Bring his soule out of prison , that it may prayse thee Psal. 142. Oh deliver him from this body of death . Rom. 7. Say unto his soule , I am thy salvation . Psal. 33. Say unto him , This day shalt thou be with me in paradise . Luke . 23. Let him now feele the salvation of Jesus . Let him now feele the anoynting of Christ , even the oyle of Gladnesse , wherewith thou art anoynted . Guide thou him through the vale of the shadow of death . Psal. 23. Let him see the goodnesse of the Lord in the Land of the living . Psal. 27. O Lord command his spirit to be received up to thee in peace . O Lord , wil him come unto thee . Mat. 14. Lord Iesu receive his spirit . Act. 7. And open to him the gates of everlasting glory . Let thy good spirit conduct him into the Land of righteousnesse . Psal. 143. 10. Into thy holy hill and Heavenly Kingdome . Psal. 15. Send thine Angell to meete him , and to bring him into Abrahams bosom . Luke . 16. Place him in the habitation of Light and peace , of joy and gladnesse . Receive him into the armes of thy mercy and give him an inheritance with thy Saints in light , there to raigne with thine elect Angels , thy blessed Saints , thy holy prophets and glorious Apostles , in all joy and glory , felicity and happinesse for ever and ever . 13. Scriptures to be applyed to those who survive , when the party is departed . Pretious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his Saints . Psal. 116. I heard a voyce from Heaven , saying , Write ; Blessed are the dead , that dye in the Lord , for they rest from their labours , and their workes follow them . Moses . Wee have sinned ( O Lord ) thou hast set our faults before thee , and our secret sinnes in the sight of thy countenance . Psal. 90.8 . Returne ( O Lord ) how long ? and bee pacifyed towards thy servants , Psa. 90. 13. Iob. I have sinned , what shall I doe unto thee , O thou preserver of mankind ? why hast thou set mee as a marke against thee , that I am become a burden to my selfe ? Iob 7. 20. Have mercy upon mee ( O Lord ) and restore unto me my righteousnesse againe . Say , concerning me , ( Lord ) deliver him , for I have received a Reconciliation , Iob 33. v. 24 That I have offended thee , woe is me , Iob 10.15 Yet if thou kill mee , I will put my trust in thee , Iob 13.15 . David . My misdeeds have prevailed against me , Psal. 65. 3. O bee thou mercifull unto my sinne , ibid. I have gone astray like a sheepe that is lost : O seeke thy servant , for I do not forget thy Commandements , Psalm . 119. ult. Wee have sinned with our Fathers , wee have done amisse , and dealt wickedly , Psal. 105. For thy names sake ( O Lord ) bee mercifull unto our sinne , for it is great , Psal. 25. My foote hath slipped , let thy mercy ( O Lord ) lift me up , Psal. 94. Esay . Behold , thou art angry ; for we have sinned : we all have beene as an uncleane thing , and all our Righteousnesse as a defiled cloath . Wee all fade as a leafe : and our iniquities ( like a winde ) have taken us away . But now ( O Lord ) thou art our Father : wee are but as clay , and thou art our Potter : wee all are the worke of thy hands . Be not angry ( O Lord ) above measure , neither remember our iniquities forever . Lord , we beseech thee , remember , wee are thy people . Jeremy . Lord , our iniquities are against us ; our rebellions be many : we have sinned against thee . Yet deale thou with us according to thy name for thou ( Lord ) art in the middest of us , and thy name is called upon us ; ( O Lord ) forsake us not . O Lord , thou hope of Israell , the Saviour of it in the time of trouble , forsake us not . Daniel . Wee have sinned , ( O Lord ) we have transgressed , and done wickedly ; yea , we have rebelled , and have departed from thy precepts , and from thy Commandements . O Lord , righteousnes belongeth unto thee , but unto us confusion and shame of face , because of all the offences wee have committed against thee . Yet compassion , and forgivenesse is with thee ( O Lord , ) though wee have rebelled against thee ( O Lord ) according to thy goodnesse , I beseech thee , let thine anger and thy wrath bee turned away from us , and cause thy face to shine upon thy servant ( O my Lord ) incline thine eare , and heare , open thine eyes , and behold my affliction , for wee doe not present our supplications before thee in our owne righteousnesse , but for thy manifold and great mercies . O Lord , heare , O Lord , forgive , consider , and doe it ( O Lord ) deferre not for thine owne sake , O my God . Ionas , O Lord , in following lying vanities , I have forsaken mine owne mercy , for the which I am cast out of the sight of thine eyes . Ion. 2.4 . Yet I remember thee , ( O Lord ) yet will I look againe towards thy holy Temple ; O Lord , heare , and have mercy . The Prodigall Child , Father , I have sinned against heaven , and against thee , I am no more worthy to be called thy sonne . But forgive mee , and make me one of the meanest of thy hired servants , Luke 15. 28. Lord bee mercifull unto me a sinner ; Jesu , Master , have mercy upon us . Have mercy upon mee , ( Lord ) thou Son of David , Mat. 15. O Lord helpe me . O Lord , even the little whelps eate of the crums of thy Table . Paul , O Lord , I am carnall , and sold under sinne , and in me , that is , in my flesh , dwelleth no good . The good things I doe not which I would : the evill that I would not , that doe I. Though I consent to the Law , according to the inner man , yet I feele another Law in my nature , rebelling against the Law of my minde , and leading me captive to the Law of sinne . O wretched man that I am , who shall deliver me from this bodie of death ? Rom. 7.14 . But this is a true saying , and by all meanes worthy to bee received ; That Jesus Christ came into the world , to save sinners , whereof I am chiefe . Peter , We have spent the time past of our life , after the lust of the heathen , walking in wantonnesse , lust , surfetting , uncleannesse , and other excesses . 1 Pet. 4. But thou hast redeemed us ( O Lord ) by the precious blood of Christ , the undefiled Lambe , 1 Pet. 1. Have mercy upon us in that name , besides which thou hast given none under heaven , whereby wee must be saved . Act. 4. Iohn . If we say wee have no sin , we deceive our selves , and the truth is not in us . If our heart condemne us not , God is greater then our heart , & knoweth all things . But wee confesse our sinnes , and confessing them , we have an Advocate with the Father , Jesus Christ the righteous , and he is the propitiation for our sinnes . Iames , In many things we offend all . But Lord let thy mercy triumph over thy Justice . 14. A forme of Confession according to the tenne Commandements . 1. 1. I have not studyed to know and seeke thee as I ought . 2. Knowing thee , I have not glorified thee , nor beene thankefull to thee ; especially not for thy chastisements . 3. I have doubted of thy promises , and not trusted to thy helpe . 4. I have made flesh mine arme , and have hoped for prosperity from man , rather then from thee . 2. 1. I have , touching thee , been full of roving imaginations and evill thoughts . 2. I have not worshipped thee in spirit and truth . 3. I have not performed the duty of invocation , with that reverence which I should . 4. I have drawne neere unto thee with my lippes , but my heart hath beene farie from thee . 3. 1. I have not with due regard taken thy name into my mouth . 2. I have with rash oathes and eager execrations oft abused it . 3. I have not given occasion to others , to sanctifie thy name , but have caused it to bee evill spoken of through mine evil dealing . 4. I have not duely regarded and reverenced those things wheron thy name is imprinted . 4. 1. I have not spared to absent my selfe from thy holy assemblies without sufficient cause . 2. I have not to thy sabbath or sanctuary broght that care which I should . 3. I have not spent the dayes assigned to holy exercises , upon them onely , but have in them intended mine owne private businesse . 4. I have been content in them with the use of the meanes onely , without any practice at all . 5. 1. I have not so reverently spoken of , nor so dutifully carried my selfe toward some whom thou hast placed over me , as was meete I should . 2. I have not so carefully prayed for them as was requisite . 3. Chiefly those who had mee in government touching my soule . 4. I have not opposed to them , who unreverently in termes have used them . 6. 1. I have not wished or provided for the good of my Neighbor as I should , but rather maligned , been angry and quarelled with him , and sought revenge , upon every light occasion . 2. I have not rejoyced in the good successe of my Neighbour , but envied his welfare . 3. I have not had due compassion on the poore , nor ministred to their necessities . 4. I have not defended them against the wrongs of others as I might . 7. 1. I have suffered my fancy to wander licenciously . 2. I have not eschewed the occasion of lust , nor made a Covenant with mine eyes , not kept mine eares and tongue as I should . 3. I have not brought under my body , nor kept it in subjection with abstinence , but have wore studiously , and with more cost intended my flesh then my spirit . 4. I have not possessed my vessell in holinesse and honour , nor preserved it from pollution , as became the temple of God . 8. 1. I have not reckoned godlinesse great gaine , nor been content with mine estate , but wished an higher . 2. I have not been so exact in paying , and dealing with those I had to deale with all , as in justice I was bound . 3. I have by undue meanes interverted to mine owne use that which was not mine . 4. I have not , of that I had more then enough , been willing to part with to the reliefe of the needy . 9. 1. I have not been so studious of speaking the truth as I should . 2. I have beene defirous to seeme , and to bee reputed more then I was . 3. I have not had that care of the good name of my brother , which I was bound to have . 4. I have not hated flattery as I should . 5. I have not stood for , and defended the Truth , as was meete . 10. I have beene full of wandring desires , wicked affections , unlawfull concupiscences , evill suspitions and surmises , and inordinate lusts , touching my Neighbour , and that which is his . 15. Severall Remembrances of Gods Mercy . God In his Mercy is {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} 2 Cor. 10. 1 Gen. 18.32 . takes all in the better part ; If it will admit any good sense , so he construes it . {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} , Meeke , 2 Cor. 10. 1. not irritable , not easily stirred up or provoked . {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} , Sees , and sees not , makes as if he did not see . {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} , overlookes , beyond our sinnes ; not at them . {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} , passeth by , or over them , dissimulat peccata propter poenitentiam . {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} , When hee cannot but see , yet he forbeares , is patient . M {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} . Forbeares long , suffers long , many times , many yeares . {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} , When he can suffer no longer , yet stands as over Ephraim , asking , how shal I stay yet ? Expect at ut misereatur . When hee can stay no longer , but punish hee must , he doth it not from the heart , Lam. 3.33 . but against his will . When he punisheth , he doth it , not suffering his whole displeasure to arise , containing himselfe and his anger . Not according to our deserts ; nothing so much . Not long , it indures but a moment in comparison , Psal. 30.5 . He thinkes every stripe two , is quickly weary , Esa. 54.7,8 . In his wrath remembers mercy , Hab. 3.2 . Repents him of the evill , is mooved with the fight of our misery , Ioel 2 13. Psal. 106. Hath Mercy , {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} Great mercy , multitudes of mercy . Hath Compassions , {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} , the bowells of compassion , the bowels of a parent , of a mother , Psal. 103.15 . Esa. 49. Many Bowells , {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} . Is soone appeared , and easily , Esa. 30. 15. Forgives , pardons , is reconciled , Mat. 18.32 . 27. Takes into favour againe , Receives to grace , 2 Cor. 5.19 . Luk. 15.22 . Rom 3.25 . All have sinned , and are defective in giving glory unto God , Rom. 3.23 . In his Angels he found folly ; the starres are not cleane in his sight , Ioh 25 5. & 4.18 . & 15.15 . But God hath not made all men for nought , Ps. 89 Yet if God should bee extreme to marke what is done amisse , who were able to abide it . Psal. 130. 3. If he should enter into Judgement with his servants , no flesh should bee found righteous in his sight , Psal. 147.2 . None were able to answer one for a thousand , no not Iob himselfe , Iob 9.3 . Therefore God hath shut up all under sinne , that he might have mercy upon all , Rom. 11.32 . Hee would have none to perish , but to come to him by Repentance , 2 Pet. 3,9 . He would not the death of a sinner , but that hee should turne and live . Eze. 33.11 . Hee would have all to be saved , 1 Tim. 2.4 . All that know their sinne , Psal. 51.3 . Know , and acknowledge it , Psal. 31.5 . Luk. 15.18 . Acknowledge it , and be sorry for it , Psal. 38. Be sorry for it , and bee ready to leave it , Prov. 28. 13. Not onely to leave it , but to judge themselves for it , 1 Cor. 11.31 . Eze. 36. And to punish themselves for it . By the fruites of mortification , Ioel 2.13 . Ion. 7.5 . Accompanyed with prayer , Psal. 32.6 . Aliens , Esa. 58.7 . Prov. 6.6 Dan. 4.24 . At the estimation of the Priest , who may forgive us in the person of Christ Ioh. 8.9.2 Cor. 2.10 . Ioh. 20.22 . Which his mercy is not onely for common and ordinary sinners , but for the chiefe : Such as Manasses , Paul ; such as David , Peter ; such as Ionas , the thiefe on the Crosse : such as Rahab , Mary Magdalen ; such as the Corinthians , 1 Cor. 5.1 . Et eratis , the Jewes his betrayers and murtherers , Act. 3.15.19 . David was a man according to Gods owne heart . Christ is the sonne of David , and David forgave Shimei , and wept for his rebellious sonne Absolon , 2. Sam. 19.29 . The preface or Stile of the Law , Exod. 3.46 . The Lord , the Lord , gentle and mercifull , patient and of much mercy , which keepeth mercy for thousands , and forgiveth . The discourse of Elihu , Ioh. 3. 23. Tast and see how gratious the Lord is . Psal. 34. 8. 1 Pet. 2.3 . His mercy is sweet . Psal. 109. 10.69.17 . His mercies are many , there is a multitude of them . Psal. 5.7 . 51.1 . There is plenteous redemption . Psa. 130. ult. The mercies are great , they have a magnitude , Psa. 86.5 . 119. 56. In height . Psa. 103. 11. Psal. 36.5 . 108.4 . In depth . Psa. 42.9 . In length . Psal. 26.6 . 13.6 . There is no end of his salvation , Psal. 71.13 . Mercy shall be set up for ever . Psal. 89. 4. His mercy is over all his workes . Psal. 145.9 . As is his Majesty , so is his mercy . Psal. 102.40 . His propertie is to have mercy . Esay . 28.21 . Hee is the father of mercyes . 2 Cor 1. 3. Hee is mercy it selfe . Psa. 59. He was so mercifull , that he forgave their misdeedes , and destroyed them not . Yea many a time turned hee his face away , and wold not suffer his whole displeasure to arise , for he considered they were but dust . Psal. 78. 1.38 . The Lord waiteth , that he may have mercy on you , Esay . 30.18 . In the father of the lost child his image . Luke . 5. 22. God hath shut up all under sinne , that he might have mercy upon all , Rom. 11. 32. Where sin aboundeth , there grace doth over-a-bound . Rom. 5. 20. Mercy ttiumpheth over Iustice . Iam. 2. 1. This is a true saying , and by all meanes worthy to be received , that Iesus Christ came into the world to save sinners . In this God set forth his love to us , that when wee were his enemies Christ dyed for us . Rom. 5. 10. Christ dyed once for our sinnes , the just for the unjust , that he might offer us unto God . 1. Pet. 3. 18. Wee have an Advocate with the father , Jesus Christ the righteous , and he is the propitiation for our sinnes , and not for ours onely , but for the sins of the whole world , 1. Ioh. 2.2 . I came not to call the righteous , but sinners to repentance . Mat. 9. 13. Come unto mee , you that travaile and be heavy laden , I will refresh you . Mat. 11. 20. Of them that come to mee , I cast none out . Ioh. 6.37 . Thou never failest them that seeke thee . Psal. 9.10 . Why art thou so heavy O my soule , and why art thou so disquieted within mee ? O put thy trust in God , for I shall yet give him thanks , for he is the helpe of my Countenance , and my God . Returne thou unto my rest , O my soule , for the Lord hath beene gracious unto thee . If the Lord had not helped mee , it had not failed but my soule had been put to silence . In the middest of the troubles that were in mine heart , thy Comforts have refreshed my soule . Neverthelesse , my soule , waite thou still upon God , for of him cometh my salvation . He verily is my hope and my strength , he is my defence , so that I shall not greatly fall . Let us goe with boldnesse unto the Throne of grace , that wee may finde mercy in the time of need , Act. 4. ult. 16. Expressions of Gods Mercy , fit to be used to him in Prayer . Lord Of life and death , of sickenesse and health , and al things thereto belonging . By whose appointment wee were borne , and againe , by whose appointment wee m●● dye ; our time is in thine hand ; and unt 〈…〉 belong the issues 〈…〉 . Th 〈…〉 est nothing th 〈…〉 made , nor doe 〈…〉 terly forsake the workes of thine owne hands . Thou that art a defence for the oppressed , a refuge in the needfull time of trouble . Thou that never failest them that seeke thee , and to whom none ever prayeth without hope to be heard . Thou that promised , the poore shall not alway be forgotten ; that the patient abiding of the meeke shall not perish for ever . For the comfortlesse troubles sake of the needy , and for the deepe sighing of the poore , arise ( O Lord ) and men shall know that it is thy hand ; and that it is thou Lord that hast done it . O Lord , Whose mercy reacheth to the Heavens , and whose faithfulnesse to the clouds Of whose mercies there is neither number nor end The greatenesse of whose goodnesse is not shut up under any time . Who callest unto thy vineyard , even at the eleventh houre . Which rulest not with rigour , but with meekenesse doest governe the things thou hast made . Thou that killest , and revivest , that bringest to the gates of death , and bringest backe againe . That hatest nothing of that thou hast made , that hast shut up all under sin , that thou mightest have mercy upon all . Lord , The Saviour and saving health of all the faithfull . The fountaine of all grace and goodnesse . The father of mercies and Consolation . Thou that upholdest all such as are faling . And liftest up those that be downe . Thou that healest the broaken in heart . And givest medicine to cure their sicknesse . The Comfort of them that be in heavinesse . The strength of them that be in weakenesse . The health of them that be in sickenesse . Heare ( O Lord ) and have mercy . Looke downe from heaven , behold and visit , visit with thy salvation . A Confession . The Foundation and ground-worke of Prayer is Faith , Theoph. The ground of Faith is the promise of God . Lift up your hearts . He which giveth us life , teacheth us to pray . The prayer of the humble pierceth the clouds , Eccles. 35.17 Prayer , is a conference with God . I will set my sinnes before mee , that they may not appeare before thee . Lord my heart is ready Lord , I feare it is not ready . Would God it were so . Woe is mee that it is not so . Lord , I fit and prepare my selfe . Assist my preparation , and make me more fit . A Confession of the Faith . Lord I beleeve , helpe my unbeleefe . First , In God , 1. The Father , 2. Almighty , 3. Creator of Heaven and Earth . In the Father , naturall affection . Almighty , power of deliverance . Creator , providence ; To Preserve , To Governe , To Perfect , & consummate all things . Secondly , In Jesus Christ , His only Sonne , Our Lord . The great Mystery of godlinesse . God manifest in the flesh , for us men , and for our Salvation . God and Man , The Son of the Father Anointed of the spirit Our Lord , As Creator . As Redeemer . 1. That he was conceived . To purge forth the sin wherin we are conceived . 2. Was Borne . To clense us of the sin wherein we are borne by nature . 3. Suffered . What we should have done , that we might not suffer . 4. Was Crucified . To take away the curse of the Law . 5. Dyed . To take away the sting of death . 6. Was Buried . To take away the corruption of our bodies in the grave . 1. That he descended into bell . Whither we should have gone , that wee may never come there . 2. Rose againe from the dead . That being made the first fruites of them that sleepe , he might raise our nature together with himselfe . 3. Ascended up into heaven . That he might prepare a place for us . 4. Now sitteth at the right hand of God . that he might make intercession for us . 5. Whence he shall come . That he may receive us . 6. To be a Iudge . For the consummation of all things . Thirdly , In the Holy Ghost . And in him power from on high , to sanctifie and quicken unto eternall life . Outwardly , and visibly , but powerfully and manifestly working in us , by the illumination of knowledge , infusion of grace . In Reproofe , In Instruction , In Long sufferance , In Assistance , In Witnesse-bearing , In Consolation . Grace is the fruite of the Spirit . Fourthly , The holy Catholique Church . The mysticall body of Christ the head , and them which the Spirit hath called out of the whole world . To the beleife of the divine truth . To a holy conversation . To the mutuall participation of all the members of the body . To the Communion of Saints , and remission of sins in this world , and hope of Resurrection , and translation to life eternall , in that to come . I beleeve , ( Lord supply the defects of my Faith . ) That I may love thee the Father . Reverence thee the Almighty . That I may commit the keeping of my Soule to thee , as to a faithfull Creator . 1 Pet. 4. That I may ever give thankes to thy word , and onely begotten Sonne , as the purger of our nature , in our conception and Birth . As the Redeemer of our persons , By his Passion , By his Crosse , By his Death . As the triumpher over hell in his Descension , over death his Resurrection . As our forerunner in his Ascension . As our Advocate in his Intercession . As the Repairer of our Faith , in his second comming . That Christ may bee formed in us . That wee may be conformed to his Image , in good workes . Conception , in Faith . Birth , in humility . For his Passion-sake , to have sympathie with him as suffering for us . To suffer for him , when it shall please him to have an antipathie with sin , as the cause of his Passions . To Revenge sin in us . To Crucifie sin in us . To Mortifie sin in us . To Burie sin in us . To make us conformable to his Descension into hel , by our often comming there by meditation . To his Resurrection , rising againe to newnesse of life . To his Ascension , seeking and labouring after those things that are above . To his Judgment , judging our owne selves , that we may not be condemned with the world . To make us remember , when wee are cold in prayer , and want any grace or heavenly comfort , Thy Seate , Thy Appearing , Thy Intercession . To make us never forget , when wee burne through concupiscence , and sinfull lust , His dreadful and fearefull tribunall , and often to thinke on the last trumpe . That for thy Christ his sake , the onely begotten of thee the Father , wee may receive thine anointing , the grace of Sanctification , the unspeakeable gift of the Holy Ghost . In a happy conjunction , flowing knowledge , fervent prayer , diffusion of charity . That I may not quench the Spirit , or resist him , or make him sad , or at any time dishonour him . That we may be called in thy catholick Church , living members both by now and holy affection . That we may be common partakers of holy persons , actions , prayers , Liturgies , or publique service , to the full assurance of remission of sinnes . Hope of Resurrection , and translation to life eternall . Lord increase my Faith , as a grain of Mustard seed . Not a dead , Faith . Not a temporary , Faith . Not a hypocritical Faith . Destroying the Law , But working by charity co-operating with good works , subservient to vertue . A living Faith . A pure Faith . A holy Faith . Amen . A Confession of sins . Lord , I confesse , I was borne in iniquity , and in sinne did my Mother conceive me , Psal. 51.7 . A roote of bitternesse , A vine of Sodome , A spawne of Vipers , A wild Olive branch , A son of wrath . A vessel of wrath , 1. A rebellious heart , like a deceitfull bow . 2. A mouth , like an open sepulchre , full of folly . 3. Polluted lips . 4. A tongue , a world of wickednesse . 5. Eyes , full of adultery . 6. Vncircumcised eares , like a deafe Adder . 7. A whorish forehead , like brasse . 8. A hard necke , like an iron sinew . 9. Hands , slow to good . 10. Feete , swift to evill . Whatsoever I have done , either was a Spiders web , or Basiliskes egge . I have sinned before the Lord ; Thee the Lord , and done this evill in thy sight . I am by nature , corruption , a worme , very dust . By sin , a slave of Satan , and most vilde firebrand of hell . I have sinned sins many in number , more than there are drops of water in the Sea , starres in Heaven , haires on my head . Of many kindes . In many places , on every greene field , under every greene tree : Often reiterated , at severall turnes , as a Fountaine casteth out her waters , Ier. 6.7 . Till they became habituall as skarlet , Esa. 1.18 . I sold my selfe to doe wickednesse , 1 King. 21.25 . Till they became naturall , like a Leopards spots or Ethiopians skinne . I have sinned large sins , Esa. 57.8 . hard sins , Ier. 30. 14. Great , in quantity v. 15 Long , from my Mothers wombe , Psal. 24.11 . Thicke , cords of vanity , Esa : 5. 18. Deepe ; heavy , as a burden , Lead , Psa. 38. 4. Having their cry reach to heaven . I have sinned , heinous sinnes , because fruitelesly , vainely ; for a handfull of corne , for a peece of bread because with greedinesse , Ephes. 4.19 . One sin after another , because with a whores forehead , Ier. 3. 3. Because deceitfully , Gal. 2.18 . Iam. 4. 10. Because even to offence , because I have been unthankfull , Rom. 1.21 . As a dog to the vomit , as a sow to the wallowing in the mire , 2 Pet. 2.22 But deliver mee from them , O Lord , because thou art righteous , and upright are thy judgements , Psal. 119.137 . I eate the fruit of a lye . For what fruite have I now of those things , whereof I am ashamed , Rom. 6.21 . Broken cisternes , which can hold no water , Ier. 2. 13. My dayes are passed away in thy wrath , my yeares are as a tale that is told , Psal. 90.9 . Thou hast given me up to a reprobate minde , to doe the things that are not convenient , Rom. 1.28 There is no soundnesse in my flesh , because of thine anger : neither is there any rest in my bones because of my sinne , Psal. 38.3 . Adde hither the confusion that is continually before me , and the shame of my face that hath covered me , Psal. 44.15 . Moreover my troubled minde and feare , because of thy judgements . Lastly , bitternesse worse than of death , both because I have forsaken God and am forsaken by him . Woe be to me revolter , that I have done these things . See , O Lord , how vilde I am become , even abhorring my owne selfe . I waste for very griefe . What shall I say ? or how shall I open my mouth ? what shall I answer , seeing I have done these things ? Esa. 38.15 . To which of the Saints may I flee ? Wretched man that I am , who shall deliver me from the body of this death ? Rom. 7.24 . Since I can neither say or doe more , I will lift up mine eyes toward thee . Though I bee unworthy to looke towards thee , yet I will looke towards thee . Out of the deepe have I called to thee , O Lord , Lord heare my prayer , Psal. 130.2 . If thou beest strict to observe what is done amisse , Lord , who shall be able to abide ? Enter not into judgement with thy servant , O Lord , for in thy sight shal no man living be justifyed , Psal. 143.2 . I appeale therefore , O Lord , from thee , to thee . From thee being Just , to thee being Mercifull . From the throne of justice , to the throne of grace , From thee ; being a Judge , to thee being a Father in Christ . Accept , O Lord , this humble appeale . Suffer me not to perish Lord carest thou not that I perish ? Mar. 4.33 . Which wilt that all men be saved . 1 Tim. 2.4 . That no man perish , 2 Pet. 3.9 . Lord I am thine , therefore save me , Psal. 119.94 . Despise not the worke of thine owne hands , Wis. 10.4 . Thy servant , and sonne of thy hand-maid , Psal. 116.15 . Thy servant , a prodigall , Mat. 18.27 . yet a Servant . First , Thy Sonne : the price of thy Sons blood , that I might be adopted . Though I have forgotten the duty of a Son , yet remember thou the love of a Father . Though I am a wicked prodigall Son , yet I am a Son , Luk. 15.17 . I am called by thy name , Dan. 9.19 . Thou art not ashamed to be called my God , Heb. 11.16 . We are Christians , thy Christs ransomed ones , we are called by his name . Spare thy worke , spare thy name the price of thy blood , though thou spare not us . Secondly , But I am a sinner , and God heareth not sinners , Iob. 9.20 . Yet consider I beseech thee , of what I am made . Remember that I am but flesh , a wind that passeth away , and commeth not againe , Psal. 78.39 . Consider our frame , remember wee are but dust , Psal. 103.14 . Fraile dust , Light wind , Corruptible flesh . Lord wilt thou breake a leafe driven to and fro ? wilt thou pursue the dry stubble ? Iob 13.24 . Wilt thou hunt after a flea ? 1 Sam. 24.15 . Thirdly , thy Creature . But miserable , humble . Spare me being humble . David spared railing Shimei , 2 Sam. 19.19 . And David was a man after thine owne heart , Act. 13. 22. Spare me therefore , O Lord . Behold , we have heard the Kings of Israel are mercifull ; let us therfore put sackcloath on our loynes , and ropes upon our heads , and goe to the King of Israel , and say , Let my soule live , 1 King. 20.31,32 . It may be he will save us . Is any King of Israell mercifuller then thou ? Thou Lord sparedst Ahab , which sould himselfe to doe wickednesse , because he humbled himselfe . 1 King. 21. 27. Spare mee also . How long wilt thou be angry against the prayer of thy people ? Psal. 80. 4. Lord , I cover not my sinne as Adam . Iob 31.33 . I doe not extenuate and lessen my sinnes . I freely confesse I have sinned . Wrought wickednesse . Transgressed . Beene rebellious . But I condemne my selfe . 1. Cor. 11. 31. Call it often to mind . Confesse it . Punish my selfe for it . Spare me O Lord . Accept the sacrifice Of a broaken spirit . Contrite heart . Troubled mind . Afflicted reines . Wounded Conscience . I have sinned against thee . Fourthly , but Lord thou wilt have pitty on some ; hast thou made man for nought ? Shall thine enemy say , thou hast made us to kill us ? because thou hatedst us thou hast made us for to be destroyed ; or that thou couldest not save us ? Num. 14. 15. Remember this that the enemy hath reproached , O Lord , & that the foolish people have blasphemed thy name . Psal. 74. 18. As also that all have sinned and come short of the glory of God . Rom. 3. 23. If thou wilt contend , the most holy cannot answer for one of a thousand . Iob. 9. 3. Neither the infant of a day old , nor the starres are pure in his sight , yea he hath found folly in his Angels . Iob. 25. 3. If thou , O Lord , shouldest marke iniquities who should stand ? Psal. 130. 3. If thou enter into judgment , no man shall bee justified . And what shall become of thy great name , of the riches of thy mercy , of the blood of thy Sonne ? Gal. 2. 21. Shall he dye to no purpose ? Let the world rather perish ; then thou shouldest not multiplie thy mercies upon us . Be it farre from us . Thou hast included all under sinne , that thou mightest have mercy on all . All which desire to acknowledge your sins , and the misery due for them , returne to the Lord with your whole heart . All those thou hast loved , in thy beloved . Not small sinners . But Manasses , and Paul . That in them thou mightest manifest the excellency of thy mercy , and open a gate of hope . The chiefe of sinners . Fifthly , wherefore spare me desiring to returne into thy favour . For what profit is there in my blood , when I goe downe into the pit ? Psal. 30.9 . In death there is no remembrance of thee , in the grave who shall give thee thankes ? Psal. 6.5 . Shall thy wonders be knowne in the darke , and thy righteousnesse in the Land of forgetfulnesse ? Ps. 88. 12. Verily the grave cannot praise thee , death cannot celebrate thee , they that goe downe into the pit , cannot hope for thy truth . Esay . 38. 18. 19. The living , the living shall praise thee , as I doe this day . I shall not dye , but live , and tell the workes of the Lord . Psal. 118. 17. Sixtly , But if I have knowne thee , O Lord , and thy dealings , thou art good to them that are good and deserve wel . gracious to strangers and mourners : merciful to the bad , and them that deserve ill . Here I Insist . When thou canst not for any one , for anything , yet for thine owne sake thou pardonest sinnes . Esay 43. 44. I may come so easily . Seaventhly . David the prophet adventureth thus to pray . Be mercifull unto mee , according to thy Law , Psal. 119.24 . As if the Law set forth thy mercy , and indeed so it doth ; The very Law from thy mouth soundeth , The Lord raigneth , the Lord God , mercifull and gracious , long-suffering , and abundant in goodnesse and truth , keeping mercy for thousands , forgiving iniquity , and transgression , and sinne , Exod. 34.6 . And by this very word thy servant Moses besought thee to spare thy people , Num. 14.15 . Eightly , the Prophet Isaiah , & Habakkuk , presume to call mercy thy work , as if to punish were strange to thee , and belonged to another , Esa. 28 20. Hab. 3.2 . Neither doe the Law , and the Prophets onely , but nature it selfe , but the direction of the Holy Ghost teach Iob this . If there bee a messenger with him , an interpreter , one among a thousand , to shew unto man his uprightnesse , then he is gracious unto him , and faith , Deliver him from going downe into the pit , I have found a ransome , Iob 33. 23. He shall pray unto God , and he will be favourable . O taste and see that the Lord is gracious . Blessed is the man that trusteth in him , Psal. 34.8 . His mercy is good , Psa. 109.21 . tender , Psa. 69.16 . better than life , Psal. 63. 3 The mercy of God , is Great , Psal. 5.7 . Manifold , Psal. 51.1 . Abundant , 1 Pet. 4. 10. Large , Psal. 130.6 . Broad to the East , Psa. 86.5 . To the West , Psal. 119. 156. Deepe as a pit , Psal. 103 12. High , to the heavens , & above the heavens , Psal. ●2 . 9 . & 36.5 . Eternall every way , Psa : 25.6 . & 103.17 , & 13.6 . His mercy is above all his workes , Psal. 145.9 . Above our sins , Ro. 5.20 . Above his Justice , Iam. ● . 13 . According to his greatnesse , so is his mercy , his salvation infinite . Psal. 71. I know no end thereof . He is the father of mercy . It is naturall to him . God is called mercy it selfe , Psal. 59.10 . Oh happy name , under which , no man may despaire ! Aug. Great is the pit of my sins , but more , the deepe of Gods mercies , Chrysost. First , kind , patient , long-suffering , slow to wrath , long containing it selfe . Winking at the sins of men , because they should amend , Wisd. 11.23 . Hee being full of compassion for bare them 40. yeares , and forgave their iniquity , and destroyed them not . Yea many a time turned he away his anger , and stirred not up all his wrath , Psal. 78.38 . O that thou hadst knowne this ! It is the mercy of God that wee are not all consumed . Secondly , milde in correction , so that his judgments want not mercy ; his punishments are parts of mercy . I will visite their transgression with a rod , and their iniquity with stripes neverthelesse , my loving kindnesse will I not utterly take from him , Psal. 89. 32. He hath not dealt with us after our sins , nor rewarded us according to our iniquities , Psa. 103. 10 Little correction sufficeth a Father , for great offences . How shall I give thee up Ephraim ? Hos. 11.8 . Thirdly , Placability , because his wrath is easily appeased . Hee will not alwayes chide , neither will hee keepe his anger for ever , Psal. 103.9 . His anger endureth but a moment , Psal. 30.5 . In a little wrath hid I my face from thee , for a moment : but with everlasting kindnesse , will I have mercy on thee , &c. Esa. 54.8 . In wrath hee remembreth mercy , Hab. 3.2 . When I said my foote slippeth ; thy mercy , O Lord , helped me , Psal. 104. 13. I said , I will confesse my transgression unto the Lord , and thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin , Ps. 32.5 . David said , I have sinned against the Lord : and Nathan said unto David , The Lord , hath put away thy sinne , thou shalt not dye , 2 Sam. 1. 8. Though for no other cause , yet for mine owne sake , saith the Lord , Esa. 43.25 . The Lord is mercifull , and will not keepe anger for ever , Ier. 3.12 . The Lord waiteth that he may be gracious unto you , Esa. 30.18 . Fourthly , Compassion , for though we suffer deservedly , yet hee pityeth us in our misery . He is said to have bowels of mercy , or tender mercy , Luk. 1.78 . The Lord is very pityfull , and of tender mercy , Iam. 5.11 . Neverthelesse , he regarded their affliction , when he heard their cry , Psal. 106. 44. Hence hee heareth sinners , being in trouble , who in their prosperity knew him not . If wee seeke him in the time of trouble , he will heare us , and be mercifull to us . Fifthly , Readinesse to pardon , Psal. 130.4 . As David at first would not looke on Absalon , yet afterwards kissed him . A Father will not only pardon a prodigall Son , returning , but put on him a robe , and a ring and kill a fatted calfe , Lu. 15.22 . There is joy and triumph in heaven , over one sinner that repenteth , Luk. 7. Neither doth God onely pardon small faults , but great sinnes . They say , if a man put away his wife , and shee goe from him , and become another mans , shall hee returne unto her againe ? shall not that woman be greatly polluted ? but thou hast played the harlot with many lovers , yet returne againe unto me , saith the Lord , Ier. 3. 1. And thus he did to his Disciples leaving him . Peter denying him with an oath , the theefe blaspheming him , and the Jews crucifying him , Act. 3.15.19 . He is kind unto the unthankfull , and to the evill , Luk. 6.35 . Sixthly , Neither doth he onely grant pardon , but grace also ; preventing , following , compassing about on every side , Psal. 79.8 . & 23.6 . & 32.10 Seventhly , What ever good worke we doe , being assisted by his grace , he will reward it . Hee crowneth us with loving kindnesse , and tender mercies , Psal. 103.4 . He is mercifull , and rewardeth us farre above what we deserve . He suffereth not a cup of cold water to be given without a reward . Eightly , Neither is he mercifull by nature onely , but also by practice . Hee hath learned to be gracious , and shewed it for ever of old , Psal. 25.6 . We say rightly therefore , Our Fathers trusted in thee , they trusted , and thou didst deliver them , Psal. 22.4 . Hath God forgotten to be gracious ? hath he in anger shnt up his tender mercies ? Psal. 77.9 . The Fountaine is not dryed up , his hands are not shortened , his eares are not heavy . Where are thy former . loving kindnesses ? Psal. 89.49 . I will sing of the mercies of the Lord , for I have said , mercy shall be built up for ever . Ninthly , As God sheweth mercy , so he promiseth it : so saith David , Remember the word unto thy Servant , upon which thou hast caused mee to hope , Psal. 119.49 . For what if some did not beleeve ? shall their unbeleefe make the faith of God without effect ? Rom. 3.3 . If Isaac could not . change his word , Gen. 27. 33. The Persians theirs , Dan. 6.8 . Nor Pilate his , Iob. 19. 22. Surely Gods promises shall never be altered . I will not let thee goe , except thou blesse me , Gen. 32.26 . Yea Lord , even dogges eate of the crummes that fall from their Masters table , Mat. 15.27 . But all these are as one in Christ , whereby are given unto us many great and pretious promises , 2 Pet. 1.4 . And in whom all promises are yea , and Amen , 2 Cor. 1. 19. Whom to have named is sufficient . Jesus thou Sonne of David have mercy on us , Mat. 15.22 . Jesus , this is his name , because he saveth us from all our sinnes , Mat. 1.21 . Lord , do not so remember my sins , as to forget thy mercy , Aug. Sonne of David , who forgave railing Shimei , thy sworne enemy . And thou Lord forgive . Christ heare us . Christ , intercede with us , and for us . Expiate our sinnes . Procure thy Fathers favour , give us what thou art thy selfe . Say to my Soule , I am thy salvation . Thy apostle hath not said in vaine , This is a faithfull saying and worthy of all acceptation , that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners , of whom I am chiefe , 1 Tim. 1.15 . Where sinne abounded , grace did much more abound , Rom. 5.20 . He hath concluded them all in unbeleife , that hee might have mercy upon all , Rom. 11.32 . He commandeth his love towards us , in that , while we were yet sinners , Christ dyed for us , Rom. 5.8 . And another Apostle speaketh to the same purpose ; Christ also hath once suffered for sinnes , the Just for the unjust , that he might bring us to God , 1 Pet. 3.18 . So a third , Mercy rejoyceth against Judgement , Iam. 2.13 . And a fourth , if any man sin , we have an Advocate with the Father , Jesus Christ the righteous and he is the propitiation for our sinnes , and not for our sins onely , but also for the sinnes of the whole world , 1 Io. 2.1,2 . Yea , he himselfe saith , Come unto me all ye that are weary and heavy laden and I will give you rest Mat. 11.28 . I came not to call the righteous , but sinners to repentance , Luk. 5.32 . These words have not beene uttered in vaine , they cannot be so uttered Wherefore in the multitude of my thoughts within me , thy comforts delight my soule , Psal. 94. 19. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace , that wee may obtaine mercy , and finde grace to helpe in the time of need , Heb. 4. ult. Now therefore , O our God , heare the prayer of thy servant , and his supplications , and cause thy face to shine , Dan. 9.17 . Lord be mercifull to me a sinner . Lord heare me , and that soone , for my spirit faileth me . A forme of Thankesgiving . Prayse is comely . I was formerly unworthy let me not now bee unthankefull . The Soule that blesseth shall be made fat . When ye shall have eaten and are satisfyed , ye shall praise the Lord your God , for that good land which hee hath given you . Blessed bee the Lord God of Iethro . Let us sing unto the Lord God of Israel . Thou art my god . I will magnifie thee , and praise thee . Another . Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ , which according to his abundant mercy , hath begotten us againe unto a lively hope , by the Resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead , 1 Pet. 1.3 . Blessed bee the Lord God of Israel , who hath visited and redeemed his people , Luk. 1.78 . Blessed he God , even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ , the Father of mercies , and God of all comfort , which comforteth us in all our tribulations , 2 Cor. 1.3 . I will praise the Lord with my whole heart , in the assembly of the upright , and in the Congregation , Psal. 111.1 . I will praise the Lord , for I am fearefully , and wonderfully made ; marvellous are thy workes , and that my soule knoweth right well , Psal. 139. 14 , 15. My substance was not hid from thee , when I was made in secret , and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth . Thine eyes did see my substance , yet being unperfect , and in thy booke all my members were written , which in continuance were fashioned , when as yet there was none of them , Psal. 16. Thine hands have made and fashioned mee together around about . Thou hast powred mee out like milke , and cruddled me like cheese , Iob 10.8,9,10 , Thou hast cloathed me with skinne and flesh , and hast fenced mee with bones and sinewes . Thou hast granted mee life and favour , and thy visitation hath preserved my spirit , Iob 10.11,12 . I will blesse the Lord , who hath given me counsell Psal. 16.7 . I am not worthy of the least of thy mercies , and of all the truth , which thou hast shewed unto thy servant : For with my staffe I passed over this Iordan , and now I am become two Bands , Gen. 32.10 . O blesse our God yee people , and make the voyce of his praise to be heard , which holdeth our soule in life , and suffereth not our feete to be moved , Psal. 68.8,9 . For thou Lord hast made mee glad through thy work , I will triumph in the workes of thy hands , Psal. 92.4 . Blesse the Lord , O my Soule , and all that is within me , blesse his holy name , Psal. 103.1 . Blesse the Lord , O my Soule : and forget not all his benefits , v. 2. Who forgiveth thee all thine iniquities , who healeth all they diseases , v. 3. Who redeemeth thy life from destruction ; who crowneth thee with loving kindnes and mercy , v. 4. Who satisfyeth thy mouth with good things : so that thy youth is renued like the Eagle , v. 5. Thou hast turned my mourning into dancing , thou hast put off my sackecloath , and girded me with gladnesse , Psal. 30.11 . To the end that my glory may sing praise unto thee , and not be silent ; O Lord , I will give thanks unto thee for ever , v. 12. Thou which hast shewed mee great troubles , quicken me again , & bring me up againe from the depths of the earth . Psal. 71.20 . My lips shall greatly rejoyce when I sing unto thee , and my soule which thou hast redeemed , Psal. 71.23 . My tongue also shall talke of thy righteousnes all the day long , v. 24. Lord God , who is like unto thee ? Blessed bee the Lord God of Israel , who onely doth wondrous things , and blessed be his glorious name for ever ; and let the whole earth be filled with his glory , Amen , Amen , Psal. 72.18 . Blessed be the name of the Lord , from this time forth and for evermore , Psal. 113.2 . Blessed be the glory of the Lord , from his place , Ezek. 3.12 . Honour and glory , Rev. 4.9 . And Power , v. 11. And Wisdome , Re. 5.12 And Strength , And Blessing , v. 13. And Salvation , Re. 7.10 And Thankesgiving , And Praise , To the blessed and individuall Trinity , now and ever , Amen . Another . That I , Have any being , Live , Have reason , That I , Am civill , Am a Christian , Am of honest parentage , Am of a right minde , Sense , Members , Am borne freely , Am brought up with learning . For deliverance from Danger , Disgrace , Trouble . For Health , For A competent estate , For Redemption , For Regeneration , For Instruction , For Vocation , For Thy patience , For My repentance , For Hope of pardon , For Prevention , For Healing , For Benefits which wee have received , For That wee have done any good , For Present comfort , For Future hope , For Good and honest Parents , For Masters , For Benefactors , For Good friends , For Children , For Faithfull Servants . For all that have beene presidents to me , By Writing , By Preaching , By Discoursing , By Prayers , By Examples , By Reproofes , By Injuries . For these , and all other things , Knowne , or unknown , Manifest , or hidden , Remembred , or forgotten , I doe , and will praise thee ; I doe , and will blesse thee ; I doe , and will thanke thee , all the dayes of my life . Morning Prayer . Lord the day is thine ; and the night also is thine , thou hast prepared the light and the Sunne . Psal. 74.16 . They continue this day according to thine ordinances , for all are thy servants . Psal. 119. 91. Evening , and morning , and at noone will I pray , and cry aloude ; and thou Lord , wilt heare my voyce . Psal. 55. 17. My voyce shalt thou heare in the morning , O Lord , in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee and looke up . Psal. 5. 3. Blessed art thou O Lord , Who turnest darkenesse into light , and renuest the face of the earth . Psal. 104. 30. Who deliverest us from the terrour by night , and from the pestilence that walketh in darkenesse . Ps. 91. 5. Who makest sleepe depart from mine eyes , and slumber from my eye lids . Psal. 132. 4. Blot out O Lord , as a thicke cloud , my transgression , and as a cloud my sinnes . Esay . 44.22 . Make us children of light , and children of the day . 1. Thes. 5. 5. Grant that we may walke soberly , and wisely as in the day . Vouchsafe O Lord to keepe us this day without sinne . Preserve us from the arrow that flyeth by day , and from the devill , which walketh at noone day . Deliver us from the snare of the Hunter , and bitter words , preserve us from the malice of this day . This day let salvation and peace be unto this house . Cause me to heare thy loving kindenesse in the morning , for in thee do I trust : cause me to know the way wherein I should walke , for I lift up my soule unto thee . Psal. 143 8. Deliver me O Lord , from mine enemies , I flie unto thee to hide me . Teach me to doe thy wil , for thou art my God : thy spirit is good , lead me into the Land of uprightnesse . Psal. 143.10 . Let thy worke appeare unto thy servants , and thy Glory unto their children . Psal. 90.16 . Establish thou the worke of our hands upon us , yea the workes of our hands establish thou . Set a watch ( O Lord ) before my mouth , keepe the doore of my lips . Ps. 141. 3. Let my speech be alway with grace , seasoned with salt , that I may know how to answer every man . Col. 4. 6. Let the words of my mouth , and the meditation of my heart , be acceptable in thy sight , O Lord my strength & my redeemer . Psal. 19. 14. Lord prosper our going out and coming in , now and ever . Amen . Evening Prayer . By night lift up your hands in the sanctuary , and blesse the Lord . Psal. 134.3 . Evening , and morning , and at noone will I pray , and cry aloud , and thou Lord wilt heare my voyce Psal. 55. 17. The Lord will command his loving kindnesse in the day time , and in the night his song shall bee with me , and my prayer unto the God of my life . Psal. 42. 8. Let my prayer be set forth before thee as Incense , & the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice . Psal. 141. 2. Blessed art thou O Lord , Who makest the day and night , and givest rest unto the weary . Who givest songs in the night , and makest the out-goings of the morning , and evening to rejoyce . Psal. 65. 8. Who deliverest us from the arrow that flyeth by day , and from the devill that walketh at noone day . Psal. 91. 4. Who hast not cut off like a weaver my life , and from day unto night wilt not make an end of us . Es. 38. 12. Lord as one day succeedeth another , so have we added one sinne to another . A just man falleth seven times & riseth up againe , but the wicked shall fall into mischiefe . Prov. 24. 16. This day hath both Massah and Meritah . But we returne unto thee , and all our bones cry out we repent . Luk. 17. 4. Let not the sonne set in thine anger . Lord thou hast done all our good workes for us , whatsoever hath beene well done , accept favourably . Lord , sinne and destruction proceede from us . Pardon us wherein we have offended . Accept of the good we doe . Forgive what we doe amisse . Blessed art thou O Lord , Who givest thy beloved sleepe , and makest them that feare thee to rest quietly Psal. 127 . 2. Deliver us from the terrour by night , and from the pestilence that walketh in darkenesse . Behold , hee that keepeth Israel , shall neither slumber nor sleepe . Ps. 121. 4. Lord deliver us from evill , Lord preserve my soule . Lord I sleepe , but my heart waketh . Visit me with thy salvation , and shew me thy visions by night . Let my sleepe be a cessation from sinne , as well as labour , that so by dreames I may neither offend thee , nor pollute my selfe . Make me to remember the darkenesse hideth not from thee , but the night shineth as the day . Psal. 139. 12. Make me when sleepe departeth from mine eyes to remember thee , that I may keepe thy statutes . Make me to commune with mine owne heart upon my bed in the night to search mine owne waies , & not to neglect the chastning of my reines . What is right , what more right , how I may be more pleasing to thee , better usefull to men . Thou that compassest my paths , bed and reiues With a cleare lanthorne to see thee , with a darke Lanthorne to see thee . Make me thinke long sleepe , to be the sleepe of death , and my bed to be a grave , whose stuffing is wormes , and covering dust . I will lay me downe and take my rest , for thou Lord makest me dwell in safety . Psal. 4. 9. Into thy hands O Lord I commend my spirit , because thou hast redeemed mee , O Lord God of truth . 1. Pet. 4. 1. FINIS . The Contents contained in this Booke . 1 Comfortable Scriptures to be used to the sicke party . 2 Ejaculations for the sicke . 3 Heads of comfort to be administred from the consideration of God , Christ . 4 Things to be recommended to the sicke , such as are , Prayer , Almes , Repentace , Faith , Love , Hope , Well-doing . 5 Propositions and inferences to be made to the sicke . 6 Questions to be urged to the sicke , and Scriptures to be propounded in answer of them . 7 Questions to be added farther upon answer of the former . 8 Several parts of prayer to bee used by the sicke party , taken out of Scripture . 9 A Prayer to be used by the Minister . 10 A Letany to be used for the sicke . 11 Severall choyce expression of prayer to be used for the sicke party . 12 The commendation of the Soule to God , immediately before the departure . 13 Scriptures to be applyed to those who survive when the party is departed . 14 A forme of confession according to the ten Commandements . 15 Severall remembrances of Gods mercy . 16. Expressions of Gods Mercy , fit to be used to him in Prayer . A confession of the faith A confession of sinnes . A forme of Thankesgiving Another . Morning Prayer . Evening Prayer . FINIS . 
A25388	----	A manual of directions for the sick with many sweet meditations and devotions of the R. Reverend Father in God, Lancelot Andrews, late L. Bishop of Winchester : to which are added praiers for the morning, evening and H. communion / translated out of Greeke ms. of his private devotions by R. D. ... Andrewes, Lancelot, 1555-1626. 1648 Approx. 138 KB of XML-encoded text transcribed from 132 1-bit group-IV TIFF page images. Text Creation Partnership, Ann Arbor, MI ; Oxford (UK) : 2003-01 (EEBO-TCP Phase 1). A25388 Wing A3132 ESTC R10193 13289879 ocm 13289879 98826 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. A25388) Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 98826) Images scanned from microfilm: (Early English books, 1641-1700 ; 444:14) A manual of directions for the sick with many sweet meditations and devotions of the R. Reverend Father in God, Lancelot Andrews, late L. Bishop of Winchester : to which are added praiers for the morning, evening and H. communion / translated out of Greeke ms. of his private devotions by R. D. ... Andrewes, Lancelot, 1555-1626. R. D. (Richard Drake), d. 1681. [24], 234 p. Printed for Humphrey Moseley ..., London : 1648. To the reader signed: R. D. Added engr. t.p. Reproduction of original in Bodleian Library. Created by converting TCP files to TEI P5 using tcp2tei.xsl, TEI @ Oxford. Re-processed by University of Nebraska-Lincoln and Northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. 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Keying and markup guidelines are available at the Text Creation Partnership web site . eng Sick -- Prayer-books and devotions -- Early works to 1800. 2000-00 TCP Assigned for keying and markup 2001-00 Apex CoVantage Keyed and coded from ProQuest page images 2001-00 TCP Staff (Michigan) Sampled and proofread 2001-00 TCP Staff (Michigan) Text and markup reviewed and edited 2001-11 pfs Batch review (QC) and XML conversion A MANUAL OF DIRECTIONS FOR THE SICK . With many sweet Meditations and Devotions of the R. Reverend Father in God , Lancelot Andrews , late L. Bishop of Winchester . To which are added Praiers for the Morning , Evening , and H. Communion . Translated out of a Greeke MS. of His Private Devotions . By R. D. B. D. London , Printed for Humphrey Moseley at the Princes Armes in St. Pauls Church-yard . 1648. To the Christian READER . THe great errand of our coming into this World , is but to prepare ourselvs for a better . Which being the chief scope and aim of this Manual , I cannot but commend his pious intention , who formerly presented it to publik view . But , observing a great want of that Impression , besides many literal imperfections , omissions and misquotations of Holy Scriptures therin , and generally so great a want of that care and exactness , which was due to any piece of him , to whom it claim'd relation , and which made the child so unlike the Father , I counselled this Second Edition of it , assuring myself that it would be an acceptable service to the Church of God , and not a little ingage the world in a reverend estimation of this holie Prelate , who not only taught them the way to heaven by his incomparable Sermons , but also assisted them in it by his Example and Devotions . It hath been too great a fault in all ages , to wrap up their drugs in gold , and to vent false wares under glorious titles , imposing an the world , and on famous Authors many broken and imperfect Reliques . That this Reverend Father hath suffered somwhat by this false play , is too notorious in the world : and in the former Impression of this Manual there were som crude additions , which , though not justifiable by any authentik evidence or Remain of his , were yet impos'd on him and us , and dar'd to call him Master . These being hence remanded to their proper place of silence and obscuritie , I give you this as his genuin issue . Which I am the rather induced to beleive so , not only by the internal arguments , the spirit and genius , the method and peitie thereof , but also , by the external testimonie and conveighance of it to us , as His , under the fair hand of his Amanuensis ; from which collated with another Manuscript , and that in print , I give you this corrected . That it was conceived and used by him in his ordinarie Visitation of the Sick , when he was Vicar of St. Giles Creeplegate , though I take for no good Topick to gain your entertainment of it by ; yet this persuasion it may happily beget , that all the business of a Parish-Priest is not consined to the Pulpit ; but that there is other business , if the people could think on it , wherein to imploy men of that Profession : which if so wel attended as it ought , we should not hear of so many scandalous complaints against a lazie Clergie , nor be so much infested by sacrilegious intruders into our Sacred Office. Your pardon , if I tell you what I mean , not in mine own , but his expressions , who knew better what belonged to the Court of Conscience : I take it to be an Error , to think the fruits of Repentance , and the worth of them , to be a matter any common man can skil of wel enough : needs never ask S. John , or S. Paul , what he should do ; knows what he should do as wel as S. Paul or S. John either : And that it is not rather a matter , wherin we need the counsel and direction of such as are professed that way . Truly it is neither the least , nor the last part of our learning to be able to give answer and direction in this point . But therfore laid aside and neglected by us , because not sought after by you . Therfore not studied , but by very few , quia nemo nos interrogat , because it is grown out of request quite . We have learn'd , I know not where , a new , a shorter course , which flesh and blood better likes of : To pass the whole course of our life , and , in the whole course of our life , not to be able to set down , where , or when , or what we did , when we did that which we call Repenting : What fruits there came of it ; what those fruits might be worth . But even a little before our death , ( and as little as may be ) not til the world have given us over , then , lo , to come to our Quid faciemus ? to ask , What we shal do ? when we are able to do nothing : And then must one come , and ( as we call it ) speak comfortably to us , that is , minister to us a little Divinitie Ladanum , rather stupefactive for the present , then doing any sound good , and so take our leaves to go meet with ira ventura . This way , this fashion of Repenting Saint John knew it not ; it is far from his fructus dignos ; S. Paul knew it not ; it is far from his opera digna . And I can say little to it , but I pray God , it deceive us not . It is not good trying conclusions about our souls . This I take for so fair an item to a tender and pious Christian , as I doubt not of diverting him therby from deferring the making of his accompts eaven with heaven , til the Cross or Bed of sickness call upon him . Sure , that 's no time , or place , to contest with two such Enemies , as are Infirmities and Sins : and an Age is too short a time to provide ourselvs in for Eternitie . With this Protest and Caveat against this Unchristian course and fashion of the World , I commend This to you as your Vade mecum ; and as your faithful friend and Counseller . Which , though it speak in special to the Sick , will be found upon serious thoughts to be servieeable to all estates and conditions whatsoever , whether in Sickness or Health , Prosperitie or Adversitie ; making in us such deep impresses of the Divine Excellencie , and our Human Frailtie , as must needs force us from the cobweb comforts of This , to the desire of enjoying those more solid and immutable in a better World , in the Expressions and with the Longings of the Roial Prophet , My foul is athirst for God , yea even for the living God : when shal I come to appear before the presence of God! Psal. 42. 2. I need not mind you of the reading of the Psalms after the Old Translation of the Liturgie . For , besides that there was no other then in being , the constant use of those Expressions , to which the Church was so habituated in her dailie Offices , had made them so familiar and known to all , that any other reddition of them might have been taken for the greatest injurie and invasion that could possibly have been made upon Devotion . One presumption I shal promise myself your pardon of , My affixing Titles and Inscriptions , They being wholy designed out of charitie , for the better use and service of the Many ; who , not being able to digest and apply what is given in gross , may under these special and distinct Heads find matter proper for their Meditations and Devotions , according to their several exigencies . The Forms of Morning and Evening Praier , being very lame and broken in the former Edition , I give you here complete and perfect . To which I have added , as the Crown and complement of all our Services , His Devotions for the Holie Communion ; all translated out of the Greek Copie of His Amanuensis . You will need no other reason of the addition of this last , when I shal tell you , that ( besides that I find it in Latin annexed with the Manual for the Sick ) the Participation of that Sacred Mysterie is the most proper companion for persons in that condition , as being the Viaticum of the Soul , and a Pledg of the Resurrection . I shal add no more , but the promise of my Praiers for a blessed improvement of this intended for your good ; and a desire of Your for him , who accompts himself happie in nothing more then the Praiers of Christian people , as the highest obligation that can possibly be laid upon April 21. 1648. Your most humble servant in our Lord JESUS . R. D. The Contents of this Manual . INquiries to be made concerning the Partie . pag. 2. General Considerations of the Mortalitie of man. p. 3. Comfottable Scriptures to be used to the sick Partie . p. 5. Several Duties recommended to the Sick. p. 15. Propositions and Inferences to be made to the Sick. p. 19. Concerning the Wisdom and Providence of God in the ordering of all afflictions in general , and this in special . p. 19. Concerning the fatherlie Affection and Love of God. p. 21. Concerning the Patience and Thankfulness required in the sick . p. 23. Concerning the Contrition and Repentance of the sick . p. 28. Concerning the Belief of the sick . p. 35. Concerning the sick parties Forgiving offenders against him . p. 38. Concerning the sick parties Desire of Forgiveness from them whom he hath offended . p. 39. Praiers and Expressions of the souls affiance in God. p. 42. The Commendation of the sick partie to the blessed Trinitie . p. 46. A Profession of the Christianitie of the sick partie , demonstrated in many special graces . p. 52. Heads of comfort to be administred from the consideration of God. p. 55. Christ. p. 55. A Collection of Praiers out of the Psalter , suitable to the exigencies of the sick . p. 58. A Praier to be used by the Priest , begging pardon of his own unworthiness , and aceeptance of his devotions for the sick . p. 91. A Letanie for the sick person in danger of death . p. 94. An humble recognition of human frailtie , and a deprecation of falling from God. p 108. An affectionate recommendation of the sick person to Gods mercie , grounded upon his special relations to God , and the sinceritie of his soul. p. 110. A Praier for Mercie and Divine assistance to uphold the sick person in his present affliction . p. 117. A Praier for the Grace of God , and the Pardon of the sins of the sick partie . p. 121. Commendatio Animae : Or , The Recommending of the soul to God. p. 128. Comfortable Scriptures to be applied to the friends of the deceased partie . p. 132. A General Confession of sins , collected out of the Holie Prophets and Apostles . p. 133. A Confession of sins , according to the branches of the Decalogue . p. 147. The Triumph of Mercie , in many Gradual Expressions , and Remembrances , propounded to us in the Holie Scriptures . p. 156. Spiritual Comforts and Confidence issuing from the contemplation of Gods Goodness . p. 172 Devout Ejaculations grounded on the consideration of our Human Frailtie , and the Divine Providence and Mercie . p. 175. Praiers For the Morning . p. 181. Evening . p. 201. H. Cōmunion . p. 220. A MANUAL FOR THE SICK . SEt thine house in order , for thou shalt die , 2 Kings 20. 1. P. Isa. 38. 1. Is any sick among you ? let him call the Priests of the Church , and let them pray over him . And the praier of faith shal save the sick , and the Lord shal raise him up . And if he have committed sins , they shal be forgiven him , S. James 5. 14 , 15. Inquiries to be made concerning the Parties 1. Sex. 2. Age. 3. Condition of life . Whether 1. Learned , instructed ? 2. Sound in Mind ? Memorie ? 3. The sense of hearing : perfect ? Whether 1. Patient , or Unquiet ? 2. Cheerful , or Deject ? If being well , he found comfort in Hearing , Reading , Repeating particulars . Whether any material point , whereof to be admonished ? To take occasion out of his own words . General Considerations of the Mortalitie of Man. WHat man is he that liveth , and shal not see death ? Psal. 89.48 . It is appointed to men once to die . Hebr. 9.27 . I am a stranger with Thee , and a sojourner , as all my fathers were . Psal. 39.14 . Here we have no continuing Citie . Hebr. 13.14 . The night cometh , when no man can work . S. John 9.4 . If the tree fall toward the South , or toward the North , in the place where the tree falleth , there it shall be . Eccles. 11.3 . Comfortable Scriptures to be used to the sick partie . THe mountains may remove , and the hils may fall down , but my mercie shal not depart from thee , nor the covenant of my peace come to nothing , saith the Lord , that hath compassion on thee . P. Isa. 54.10 . Heaven and Earth shal pass , but my word shal not pass . S. Mat. 24.35 . All the promises of God are in Him Yea and Amen . 2 Cor. 1.20 . In whom we have most great and precious promises , that we should be partakers of the Divine nature . 2 S. Pet. 1. 4. I have heard Ephraim lamenting thus , Thou hast corrected me , and I was chastised , as an untamed heifer . Convert thou me , and I shal be converted : For thou art the Lord my God. Surely , after that I had converted , I repented : I smote upon my thigh : I was ashamed , yea even confounded , because I did bear the reproach of my youth . Since I spake to him , I still remembred him : therefore my bowels are troubled for him : I will surely have compassion on him ( saith the Lord. ) P. Jerem. 31. 18 , 19 , 20. I will visit their offenses with the rod , and their sin with scourges : Nevertheless my mercie will I not utterly take from him ; nor suffer my truth to fail . Psal. 89. 32. My son , refuse not the chastening of the Lord , neither be grieved with his correction . For the Lord correcteth him , whom He loveth ; even as the Father doth the child , in whom , for all that , he delighteth . Pro. 3. 11 , 12. Behold , blessed is the man , whom God correcteth : therefore refuse not thou the chastening of the Almightie . For He maketh the wound , and bindeth it up ; He smiteth , and His hands make whole again . He shal deliver thee in six troubles , and in the seventh the evil shal not touch thee . Job 5. 17 , 18 , 19. Forget not the consolation that speaketh to you , as unto children , My son , despise not the chastening of the Lord ; neither faint when thou art corrected of Him : For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth ; and scourgeth everie son whom he receiveth . If you indure chastening , God offereth himself unto you , as to a son : for what son is he whom the Father chasteneth not ? If therefore ye be without correction , whereof all are partakers , then are ye baftards , and not sons . Moreover , we have had the Fathers of our bodies , who corrected us , and yet we gave them reverence ; should we not much rather be in subjection to the Father of spirits , that we might live . For they , verily , for a few days , chastened us after their own pleasure ; but he chasteneth us for our profit , that we might be partakers of His holiness . Now no chastening , for the present , seemeth joyous , but grievous : yet afterwards it bringeth the quiet fruit of righteousness to them who are thereby exercised . Wherefore lift up the hands that hang down , and the weak knees . Heb. 12.5 , 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 , 12. And ye now are in sorrow , but I will see you again , and your hearts shal rejoice ; and your joy shal none be able to take from you . S. John 16. 22. For a little while have I forsaken thee , but with great compassion will I gather thee . For a moment , in mine anger , I hid my face from thee , but with everlasting mercie will I have compassion on thee , saith the Lord thy Redeemer . P. Isa. 54.7 , 8. Modicam & videbitis me . S. John 16. 16. Blessed is the man whom Thou chastisest , O Lord , and teachest him in Thy Law ; That Thou maist give him rest in the days of evil . Psal. 94. 12 , 13. But , when we are judged , we are chastened of Thee , that we should not be condemned with the world . I Cor. 11. 32. They that sow in tears , shal reap in joy . Psal. 126. 6. The Lord hath chastened and corrected me , but he hath not given me over unto death . Psal. 118. 18. My brethren , count it exceeding joy , when ye fall into divers afflictions : Knowing that the trial of your faith bringeth forth patience : And let patience have her perfect work , that ye may be complete , intire , lacking nothing . S. Jam. 1. 2 , 3 , 4. Blessed are they that mourn , for they shal be comforted . S. Mat. 5. 4. When I am weak , then am I strong . 2 Corinth . 12. 10. Thou , Lord , upholdest all such as are falling ; and liftest up those that be down . Psal. 145. 14. Thou healest the broken in heart , and givest medicine to heal their sicknes . Psal. 147. 3. My flesh and my heart faileth ; but be Thou the strength of my heart , and my portion for ever . Psal. 73. 25. As mine outward man doth wear , and decay , so let mine inward man renew daily . O let this light affliction , which will quickly be over , cause unto me a far more excellent and eternal weight of glorie . 2 Cor. 4. 16 , 17. Several duties recommended to the sick . Praier . PRay unto the Lord , if haply this may be forgiven thee . Acts. 8. 22. For this cause shal everie one that is godlie make his praier unto Thee . Psal. 32. 6. Almes . Blessed is the man that considereth the poor and needie . Psalm . 41. 1. By mercie and truth are sins cleansed , and forgiven . Prov. 16. 6. Break off thine unrighteousness by mercie to the poor . P. Dan. 4. 24. They shewed the garments which she had wrought with her own hands . Acts 9. 39. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 I. Except ye Repent , ye shal all likewise perish . S. Luke 13. 5. II. Without Faith it is impossible to please God. Heb. 11. 6. III. If I have all Faith , and no Love , it profiteth me nothing . I Cor. 13. 2. IV. We are saved by Hope . Rom. 8. 24. V. Hope thou in the Lord , and be doing good . Psal. 37. 3. And they shal come forth , that have done good , to the resurrection of life . S. John 5. 29. Make you friends of the unrighteous Mammon ; that , when you must hence , they may receive you into everlasting Tabernacles . S. Luke . 16. 9. Zacheus stood forth and said unto the Lord , Behold Lord , the half of my goods I give to the poor , and if I have taken any thing from any man , by false accusation I restore him four-fold S. Luke . 19. 8. Propositions and Inferences to be made to the sick . Concerning the Wisdome and Providence of God in the ordering of all afflictions in general , and this in special . 1 YOu are persuaded that no sickness , or cross , cometh , by chance , to any . 2. But you beleeve , that it is God who sendeth them , without whose providence they fall not on us . 3. You acknowledge God to be most wise , and to suffer nothing to befall us , but when it is expedient it so should . 4. Therefore , God having sent this His visitation to you at this time , than it is expedieent for you thus to be sick . Say , I know , O Lord , that Thy judgments are just , and that Thou of very faithfulness hast caused me to be troubled , Psal. 119. 75. Concerning the fatherlie Affection and Love of God. 1 YOu know and confess , that God to all , but to Christian men especially , carrieth the affection of a Father toward His children . 2. You know also , that a Father , whether he make much of his child , or whether he chasten him , continueth & Father in both ; and loveth him in the one , no less then in the other . 3. Think the same of God , as touching your self : that , while He gave you good days , He loved you ; and that now He sendeth you some evil , He loveth you also ; and would not have sent this evil , but to be a cause unto you of a greater good ; that , being called home thereby , you might be at peace with Him. Say , Before I was troubled , I went wrong : but now sbal . I learn Thy Word . Psalm 119.67 . Concerning the Patience and Thankfulness required in the sick . YOu are not only to take it patiently , ( I beld my peace , and opened not my mouth , because it was Thy doing , ) Psal. 39.9 . It is the Lord , let Him doe what seemeth good in His eyes . I Sam. 3.18 . 2. But even to give Him thanks for it , as for a wholesom medicin : The Lord hath given , and the Lord hath taken away : as it pleased the Lord , so is it come to pass : Blessed be the Name of the Lord. Job 1.21 . I will take this cup of salvation , and give thanks to the Name of the Lord. Psal. 116.12 . 3. Especially , for that we , in the time of our health , forgetting Him , yet He is so merciful , that He giveth us not over with the world : but , for all we have of grieved His Holie Spirit , and fallen from grace , He visteth us again , and offereth it afresh unto us . 4. That , if His will had not been to shew mercie by this chaftisement , He could & would have suddenly taken you away with a quick destruction ; and not given you this time to bethink yourself , and to seek and sue to Him for grace . Say , When I am judged , I am chastened of the Lord , that I might not be condemned with the world . I Corinth . 11.32 . Gods very punishment is a part of His mercie . Psal. 89.32 . It is a great mercie of the Lord , that we are not suddenly consumed . Lament . 3.22 . For giving you a time and space . Revel . 2.21 . O tarrie thou the Lords leasure , be strong , and He shal comfort thine heart , and put thou thy trust in the Lord. Psal. 27.16 . O cast thy burthen upon the Lord , and He shal refresh thee , and shal not suffer the righteous to fail for ever . Psal. 55.23 . O put your trust in Him alway , yea people : Pour out your hearts before Him ; for God is our hope . Psal. 62.8 . He will not alway be chiding , neither keepeth He His anger for ever . Psal. 103.9 . In His wrath He will remember mercie . P. Hab. 3.2 . Heaviness may indure for a night , but joy will come in the morning . Psal. 30.5 . For a little while have I forsaken thee , but with great compassion will I gather thee : For a moment in mine anger I bid my face from thee , but with everlasting mercie have I had pitie on thee , saith the Lord thy Redeemer . P. Isa. 54.7 , 8. Concerning the Contrition and Repentance of the Sick. DO you acknowledg yourself not to have lived so well as you ought ? but to have sinned , don amiss , and dealt wickedly ? Do you call to mind the years of your life spent amiss , in the bitterness of your soul ? Do you desire to have your mind illuminated by God , touching those sins you never knew ; or which you once knew , but have now forgotten ; that you may repent of them ? 1 Do you desire to feel greater sorrow in your soul , for your sins committed then you do ? 2 Would you be glad if you did feel it ? 3 And are you grieved that you feel it not ? that you are no more grieved ? Be there , or is there any special sin , that doth lie heavie on your conscience , for the which you need or would require the benefit of private Absolution ? Say , Thou with rebukes dost chasten man for sin , and makest his beautie consume as a moth fretting a garment . Psal. 39.12 . There is no health in my flesh by reason of Thy wrath : neither is there any rest in my bones , by reason of my sen. Psal. 38.3 . Lord be merciful unto me : Heal my soul , for I have sinned against Thee . Psal. 41.4 . Lord , I confess my wickedness ; and am sorrie for my sin . Psal. 38.18 . I call to mind the mispent years of my life in the bitterness of my soul. P. Isa. 38.15 . My misdeeds have prevailed against me : O be Thou merciful unto my sin . Psal. 65.3 . For Thy Names sake , O Lord , be merciful unto my sin , for it is great . Psal. 25.10 . O remember not the offenses and frailties of my youth ; but , according to Thy mercie , think Thou upon me , O Lord , for Thy Goodness . Psal. 25.6 . Namely , O Lord , and specially in — be merciful unto me . Herein the Lord be mertiful unto His servant . 2 Kings 5.18 . O Lord , lay not — to my charge . Acts 7.60 . If Thou , Lord , be extreme to mark what is don amiss , O Lord , who may abide it ? Psal. 130.3 . O enter not into judgment with Thy servant : for no flesh is righteous in Thy sight . Psal. 1 43.2 . My confusion is daily before me , and the shame of my face bath covered me . Psal. 44.16 . My heart is disquieted within me , and the fear of death is fallen upon me . Fearfulness and trembling are come upon me , and an horrible dread hath overwhelmed me . Psalm . 55.4 , 5. The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a contrite heart ; and will save such as are of an humble spirit . Psal. 34.17 . A broken and contrite heart , O Lord , wilt Thou not despise . Psal. 51.17 . Repent you of these your sins ? That is , 1. Have you a purpose to judg yourself for them if you live ? 1 Cor. 11.31 . 2. And to inflict upon yourself punishment , for committing them , according as you shal be directed ? 2 Cor. 7.11 . Levit . 5.18 . 3. Are you resolved , if God send you life hereafter , to amend and live more carefully ? and to avoid both those means & occasions that may provoke you to sin again ? and those signs and marks which testifie you delight in it ? 4. Do you holily promise thus much in the presence of God , His grace aiding you ? 5. Do you desire , if God send you health again , to be specially put in mind therof ? Turn us then , O God our Saviour , and let Thine anger cease from us . Psal. 85.4 . Concerning the Belief of the Sick. BEleive you the Christian Creed , or Confession of our most Holie Faith , once delivered to the Saints ? Beleive you that you cannot be saved , except you did beleive it ? Are you glad in your soul , and do you give God heartie thanks , that in this Faith you were born , have lived in it , and now shal die in the same ? Do you yourself desire , and do you wish us to desire at the hands of God , that this Faith may not fail you , until the hour , and in the hour of death ? If your sense fail you , or if the pain of your disease , or weakness otherwise , so work with you , as it shal happen you with your tongue to speak ought otherwise then this your Faith or Religion would , do you renounce all such words , as none of yours ? and is it your will , we account of them as not spoken by you ? Is there in your mind any scruple , touching any matter of Faith or Religion ? Say , Lord , I beleive , help Thou mine unbelief . S. Mark 9.24 . Concerning the sick parties Forgiving offenders against him . DO you forgive them , that any manner of way have offended you , as freely as you would be forgiven at Gods hand ? Do you likewise desire of God , that He would forgive them ? That amends which they are bound to make you , in that they have offended you , are you content to remit them also ? Are you willing that so much be shewed them from you , that you have forgiven them freely , and fully , and desire God to do the like ? Say , Father forgive them : they knew not what they did . S. Luke 23. 34 O Lord , lay not these fins to their charge . Acts 7. 60. Concerning the sick parties Desire of Forgiveness from them whom be hath offended . YOu yourself living in the world , it cannot be but some you have offended , Do you desire that all such , as you have offended , would pardon and forgive you ? Do you remember or call to mind any person or persons in special , whom you have so offended ? Will you that so much be signified to them , in your name , that you desire them to forgive you ? Inasmuch as the offenses against the Seventh Commandment of getting any children by the act of adulterie committed with the wife of another man ; and against the Eighth Commandment , touching mens goods ; and against the Ninth , touching mens credits or good names ; are not by God forgiven , unless restitution be made to the parties wronged ; Are you readie and willing to restore , and make satisfaction to such as you have wronged , in thrusting in a child begotten by you , likelie to deprive the true children of the partie , and begotten by him , of a childs part and portion ? and to such as you have wronged in their goods ? and to satisfie those whom you have any way touched in their good name ? and that without all fraud or delay ? Can you call to mind any persons in particular , whom you have so offended ? Praiers and Expressions of the souls affiance in God. ANd now , Lord , what is my hope ? Truly , my hope is in Thee . Psal. 39.8 . Thou that art the hope of all the ends of the earth , and of them that remain in the broad sea . Psal. 65.5 . Though He kill me , yet will I trust in Him. Job 13.15 . Though I walk through the vale of the shadow of death , yet will I fear no evil . Psal. 13.4 . Lord , Thou knowest whereof we be made ; Thou remembrest that we are but dust . Psalm . 103.14 . Call to mind we are but flesh : but a wind that passeth away and cometh not again . Psal. 78.40 . Remember , Lord , of what time I am : what our substance is : wherfore hast Thou made all men for nought ? Psalm . 89.46 . Lord consider my complaint , for I am brought very low . Psal. 142.7 . Let my present miserie more prevail to move compassion , then my sinful life past to provoke Thine indignation . Lord , how long wilt Thou be angrie with Thy servant that praieth ? Psal. 80.4 . Behold , I shew the lowliness of a suppliant : shew not thou to me the rigor of a Judg. Ne quaeso premat sententia Judicis , Quem sic submittit petitio supplicis . O deliver not Thine own inheritance over into the will of Thine enemie . Psal. 74.20 . I am Thine ; O save me . Psal. 119.94 . I am Thine ; carest Thou not that I perish ? S. Mark 4.38 . Behold , O Lord , how that I am Thy servant : I am Thy servant , and the son of Thine handmaid . Psal. 116.14 . Thy unprofitable evil servant . S. Matth. 18.32 . yet thy servant . Thy lost unkind child . S. Luke 15.24 . yet Thy child . Though I have not shewed to Thee the dutie and affection of a Son , yet do not Thou cast from Thee the natural kindness and compassion of a Father . The Commendation of the sick partie to the blessed Trinitie . INto Thine hands I commend myself , as unto a faithful Creator . 1 S. Pet. 4.19 . Receive , O Lord , Thine own Image , not made by any strange god , but by Thyself , the only true and living God. Despise not , O Lord , the work of Thine own hands . Psal. 138.8 . Lord , I am created to Thine own Image . Gen. 1.27 . Suffer not , O Lord , suffer not Thine own Image to be utterly defaced : But renew it again in righteousness and true holiness . Ephes. 4.24 . Into Thy hands I commend myself , for Thou hast redeemed me , O Lord , Thou God of Truth . Psal. 31.6 . Behold , O Lord , I am the price of Thy blood , of Thy most pretious blood . 1 Cor. 6.20 . Suffer not so great a price to perish . Suffer not that to be cast away , that Thou hast so dearly bought . O Lord , Thou cam'st down from heaven , to redeem that which was lost . S. Luke 19.10 . Suffer not that to be lost , which Thou hast redeemed . Behold , O Lord , Thou art in the midst of us : Thy Name is called upon us . ( P. Jerem. 14.9 . ) we are called by Thy Name , P. Dan. 9.19 . Christians . For Thy Names sake be merciful unto us . Psal. 25.10 . and 79.9 . Spare Thine own Name in us . And do not , good Lord , so remember our fins , that , by remembring them , Thou forget Thine own Name . Lord , we call upon Thy Name . There is no Name under heaven whereby we can be saved , but only It. Acts 4.12 . Though we be unfaithful , yet , Thou art true , and canst not denie Thine own Name 2 Tim. 2.13 . Into Thy hands I commend my self , as to my true and only Sanctifier . Lord , I have been the Temple of Thy Holie Spirit . 1 Cor. 3.16 . Though it hath been polluted through my frailtie , yet , O Lord , destroy it not : But dedicate it , hallow it anew , and sanctifie it to Thee . Yet once again make an Encoenia of it . Spare us good Lord. Spare Thine own Handie-work . Image . Name . The price of Thine own blood in us . The good Lord be merciful to every one , that prepareth his heart , to seek the Lord God , the God of our Fathers , although he be not according to the cleaness of the Sanctuarie . 1 Chre. 30.18 , 19. Behold , O Lord , a bruised reed ; Break it not . Behold smoking flax ; and yet , O Lord , quench it not . P. Isa. 42.3 S. Matth. 12.20 . A Profession of the Christianitie of the sick partie , demonstrated in many special graces . LOrd , I have never denied Thy Name ; but confessed it ever : And in the confession and invocation of it , I desire to spend my last breath , and to depart this life . Lord , I have desired to fear Thy Name . Nehem. 1.11 . My soul hath been desirous to long after Thy commandments . Psalm . 119.20 . Lord , I do acknowledg my wickedness , and am sorrie [ cogitabo , anxius ero , take thought ] for my sin . Psal. 38.18 . Lord , I beleive , Help Thou mine unbelief . S. Mark 9.24 . Lord , I hope verily to see the goodness of the Lord in the Land of the living . Psal. 27.15 . Let not this hope confound me , nor make me ashamed . Psal. 119.116 . Lord , I freely forgive , whomsoever I have ought against , those poor pence , or mites they ow me . S. Mat. 18. 28. Lord , I held my peace , and opened not my mouth at Thy chastisement ; because it was Thy doing , O Lord. Psalm . 39. 10. Lord , I seek Thee ; and thou never failest them that seek Thee . Psal. 9. 10. I come unto Thee ; and of them that come to Thee , Thou castest none out . S. John 6. 37. Nevertheless though I am sometime afraid , yet put I my trust in Thee . Psal. 56. 3. O Lord , in Thee have I trusted , let me never be put to confusion . Psal. 31. 1. and 71. 1. Heads of comfort to be administred from the consideration of God. Christ. GOD is A Creator . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and so faithful . I S. Pet. 4. 19. A Possessor or Owner . Gen. 14. 19. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 I am Thine . Psal. 119. 94. Part of Thy possession . A Redeemer at large , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Psal. 130. 7. A Redeemer 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 as of the same flesh and blood . Job 19. 25. Christ is a Mediator Between God and us , His Priesthood and Sacrifice . A Lamb. Between us and Sathan , His Kingdom & Conquest . A Lion. Between us and sin , His Innocencie . Between us & our Concupiscence , His Charitie . Between us and the Punishment due to our sins , His Passion & blood-shedding Satisfaction . Between us & our Conscience , and the Judgment of God , His Advocateship . Between us and our want of Righteousness , His absolute and complete Obedience . Between us & our want of desert of the eternal Reward , His Merit . Between us & our want of Fervor in Praying , His Intercession . Between us & our want of sorrow in Repenting , His Agonie & bloodie Sweat. These recount , shew , offer , set between . A Collection of Praiers out of the Psalter , suitable to the exigencies of the sick . Psal. 7. O Lord my God , in Thee have I put my trust ; save me from them that seek after my soul , and deliver me . Ver. 1. Lest he devour my soul , like a Lion , and tear it in pieces , while there is none to help . Ver. 2. Psal. 18. The sorrows of death compassed me round about ; the overflowings of ungodliness made me afraid . V. 3. The snares of death overtook me ; the pains of hell gat hold upon me . Ver. 4. Psal. 116. I have found trouble and heaviness ; and I will call upon the Name of the Lord. O Lord , I beseech Thee , deliver my soul. Ver. 4. Psal. 18. Hear my voice , O Lord , out of Thy Holie Temple : Let my complaint come before Thee ; let it enter even into Thy ears . Ver. 6. Send down from on high , and deliver me ; take me out of many waters . Ver. 16. Psal. 116. Gracious is the Lord , and righteous ; yea , our God is merciful . V. 5. The Lord preserveth the simple : I am in miserie , but He will think upon me . Ver. 6. Turn again then to thy rest ( O my soul ) for the Lord hath regarded thee . Ver. 7. Psal. 22. My God , my God , look upon me , why hast Thou forsaken me ; and art so far from my health , and from the words of my complaint ? Ver. 1. O my God , I crie in the day time , and Thou hearest not : and in the night season also I have no audience . Ver. 2. Yet Thou continucst Holie , O Thou Worship of Israel . Ver. 3. Our Fathers hoped in Thee ; they trusted in Thee , and Thou didst deliver them . Ver. 4. They called upon Thee , and were holpen ; they put their trust in Thee , and were not confounded . Ver. 5. But Thou art He that took me out of my mothers womb : Thou wast my hope , when I hanged yet upon my mothers brests . Ver. 9. I have been left unto Thee , ever since I was born : Thou art my God , even from my mothers womb . V. 10. O go not far from me ; for trouble is hard at hand ; and there is none to help me . Ver. 11. Deliver my soul from the sword ; my darling from the power of the dog . Ver. 20. Save me from the Lions mouth ; deliver me from among the horns of the Unicorns . V. 21. Psal. 25. For Thy Names sake , O Lord , be merciful unto my sin , for it is great . Ver. 10. O turn Thee unto me , and have mercie upon me ; for I am desolate and in miserie . Ver. 15. The sorrows of my heart are inlarged : O bring Thou me out of my troubles . V. 16. Look upon my adversitie and miserie , and forgive me all my sin . Ver. 17. O keep my soul , and deliver me : let me not be confounded ; for I have put my trust in Thee . V. 19. Psal. 28. Unto Thee do I crie , O Lord my strength ; think no scorn of me ; lest , if Thou make as though Thou heardest not , I become like them that go down into the pit . Ver. 1. Hear the voice of my humble petitions , when I crie unto Thee : when I hold up my hands toward the Mercie-seat of Thy Holie Temple . V. 2. Psal. 27. O hide not Thou Thy face from me ; nor cast Thy servant away in displeasure . Ver. 10. Thou hast been my succour : leave me not , neither forsake me , O God of my salvation . Ver. 11. Psal. 40. Withdraw not Thou Thy mercie from me , O Lord ; let Thy loving kindness and Thy truth alway preserve me . V. 14. For innumerable troubles are come about me ; my sins have taken such hold upon me , that I am not able to look up ; yea , they are more in number then the hairs of my head , and my heart hath failed me . V. 15. O Lord , let it be Thy pleasure to deliver me ; make haste , O Lord , to help me . Ver. 16. As for me , though I be poor , and in miserie , yet the Lord careth for me . Ver. 20. Thou art my Helper and Redeemer : make no long tarrying , O my God. Ver. 21. Psal. 31. O Lord , my hope hath ever been in Thee . I have said , Thou art my God. Ver. 16. My time is in Thy hand , O deliver me , and be merciful unto me . V. 17. Shew Thy servant the light of Thy countenance ; and save me for Thy mercies sake . V. 18. Psal. 38. Forsake me not , O Lord my God ; be not Thou far from me . V. 21. Haste Thee to help me ; O Lord God of my saluation . Ver. 22. Psal. 54. Save me , O God , for Thy Names sake ; and deliver me in Thy strength . V. 1. Hear my praier , O God ; and hearken unto the words of my mouth . Ver. 2. Psal. 55. Hear my praier , O God ; and hide not Thy self from my petition . Ver. 1. Take heed unto me , and hear me , how I mourn in my praier , and am vexed . Ver. 2. Psal. 61. Hear my crying , O God ; give ear unto my praier . Ver. 1. From the ends of the earth will I call unto Thee , when my heart is in heaviness . Ver. 2. Psal. 69. O Lord , let me make my praier unto Thee , in an acceptable time . V. 13. Hear me , O God , in the multitude of Thy mercies ; even in the truth of Thy salvation . Ver. 14. Take me out of the mire , that I sink not : O let me be delivered from them that seek my soul , and out of the deep waters . Ver. 15. Let not the water flood drown me , neither let the deep swallow me up : and let not the pit shut her mouth upon me . Ver. 16. Hear me , O Lord , for Thy loving kindness is comfortable ; turn Thee unto me , according to the multitude of Thy mercies . Ver. 17. Hide not Thy face from Thy servant , for I am in trouble : O haste Thee and hear me . V. 18. Draw nigh unto my soul , and save it : O deliver me . Ver. 19. As for me , when I am poor , and in heaviness , Thy help , O God , shal lift me up . Ver. 30. Psal. 109. But deal Thou with me , O Lord God , according to Thy Name ; for sweet is Thy mercie . Ver. 20. O deliver me , for I am helpless and poor ; and my heart is wounded within me . Ver. 21. I go like the shadow that departeth ; and am driven away as the Grashopper . V. 22. My knees are weak through fasting ; my flesh is dried up for want of fatness . Ver. 23. Help me , O Lord my God ; O save me according to Thy mercie . V. 25. And men shal know how that this is Thy hand ; and that Thou Lord hast don it . V. 26. Psal. 74. O God , wherefore art Thou absent from us so long ? why is Thy wrath so hot against the sheep of thy pasture ? Ver. 1. O think upon Thy Congregation , which Thou hast purchased and redeemed of old . Ver. 2. O deliver not the soul of Thy Turtle dove unto the multitude of Thine enemies ; and forget not the distressed of Thy servants for ever . Ver. 20. O let not the simple go away ashamed ; but let the poor and needie give praise unto Thy Name . Ver. 22. Psal. 80. Turn us again , O Lord God of Hosts ; shew the light of Thy countenance , and we shal be whole . V. 3 , 7 , 19. Psal. 85. O forgive the offenses of Thy servants , and cover all their sins . V. 2. Take away all Thy displeasure , and turn Thyself from Thy wrathful indignation . Ver. 3. Turn us then , O God our Saviour , and let Thine anger cease from us . V. 4. Wilt Thou be displeased at us for ever ? and wilt Thou stretch out Thy wrath from one generation to another ? Ver. 5. Wilt Thou not turn again , and quicken us : that Thy people may rejoice in thee ? Ver. 6. Shew us Thy mercie , O Lord : and grant us Thy salvation . V. 7 , Psal. 70. Haste Thee , O Lord , to deliver me ; make haste to help me , O Lord. V. 1. Psal. 44. Up Lord , why sleepest Thou ? awake , and be not absent from us for ever . Ver. 23. Wherfore hidest Thou Thy face , and forgettest our miserie and trouble ? Ver. 24. For our soul is brought low , even unto the dust : our bellie cleaveth unto the ground . Ver. 25. Arise , and help us ; and deliver us for Thy mercies sake . V. 26. Psal. 86. Bow down Thine ear , O Lord , and hear me : for I am poor and in miserie . Ver. 1. Preserve Thou my soul , for Thou gavest it me : my God , save Thy servant who putteth his trust in Thee . V. 2. Be merciful unto me , O Lord : for I will call daily upon Thee . V. 3. Comfort the soul of Thy servant : for unto Thee , O Lord , do I lift up my soul. V. 4. For Thou , Lord , art good and gracious , and of great mercie to all them that call upon Thee . Ver. 5. Give ear , Lord , unto my praier : and ponder the voice of my humble desires . Ver. 6. In the time of my trouble I will call upon Thee , for Thou hearest me . Ver. 7. For , Thou , O Lord God , art full of compassion and mercie : long-suffering , plenteous in goodness and truth . Ver. 15. O turn Thee then unto me , and have mercie upon me : Give Thy strength unto Thy servant , and help the son of Thine hand-maid . V. 16. Shew some good token upon me for good , that they , who love Thee , may see it , and be glad , because Thou , Lord , hast holpen me and comforted me . Ver. 17. Psal. 142. I cried unto the Lord with my voice : yea even to the Lord did I make my supplication . V. 1. I poured out my complaint before Him , and shewed Him of my trouble . Ver. 2. When my spirit was in heaviness , Thou knewest my path . V. 3. I looked also upon my right hand , and lo , there was none that could help me . Ver. 4. I had no place to flie unto : and none was able to relieve my soul. V. 5. I cried unto Thee , O Lord , and said , Thou art my hope and my portion in the land of the living . Ver. 6. O consider my complaint , for I am brought very low . Ver. 7. Bring my soul out of prison , that I may give thanks unto Thee : which thing if Thou wilt grant me , then shal the righteous resort unto my companie . V. 9. Psal. 141. Mine eies look unto Thee , O Lord God ; in Thee is my trust ; O cast not out my soul. V. 9. Psal. 88. O Lord God of my salvation , I have cried day and night before Thee : O let my praier enter into Thy presence ; incline Thine ear unto my calling . V. 1. For my soul is full of trouble , and my life draweth nigh unto hell . Ver. 2. Lord , I have called daily upon Thee , I have stretched out mine hands unto Thee . V. 9. Dost Thou shew wonders among the dead ? or shal the dead rise up again , and praise Thee ? Ver. 10. Shal Thy loving kindness be shewed in the grave ? or Thy faithfulness in destruction ? Ver. 11. Shal Thy wonderful works be known in the dark ? or Thy righteousness in the land where all things are forgotten ? Ver. 12. Unto Thee do I crie , O Lord ; and early shall my praier come before Thee . Ver. 13. Lord , why abhorrest Thou my soul ? why hidest Thou Thy face from me ? Ver. 14. I am in miserie , and like unto him that is at the point to die : even from my youth up Thy terrors have I suffered with a troubled mind . Ver. 15. Thy wrathful displeasure goeth over me ; and the fear of Thee hath undon me . V. 16. Psal. 141. Lord , I will call upon Thee , haste Thee unto me ; and consider my voice when I crie unto Thee . Ver. 1. Let my praier be set forth in Thy sight as the Incense : Let the lifting up of my hands be as an evening Sacrifice . Ver. 2. Psal. 79. Lord , how long wilt Thou be angrie ? and shal Thy jealousie burn like fire for ever ? V. 5. O remember not mine old sins , but have mercie upon me , for I am come to great miserie . V. 8. Help me O God of my salvation , for the glorie of Thy Name : O deliver me , and be merciful to my fins , for Thy Names sake . Ver. 9. Psal. 143. Lord , I stretch forth mine hands unto Thee : my soul gaspeth unto Thee , like a thirstie land . Ver. 6. Hear me , O Lord , and that soon , for my spirit waxeth faint : Hide not Thy face from me , lest I be like unto them that go down into the silence . Ver. 7. Psal. 13. How long wilt Thou forget me , O Lord , for ever ? how long wilt Thou hide Thy face from me ? V. 1. How long shal I seek counsel in my soul , and be so vexed in my heart ? how long shal mine enemies triumph over me ? Ver. 2. Consider and hear me , O Lord my God ; lighten mine eies , that I sleep not in death . V. 3. Psal. 30. In my prosperitie , I said , I shal never be removed : Thou , Lord , of Thy goodness hadst made my state so strong . Ver. 6. Thou didst turn away Thy face from me , and I was sore troubled . V. 7. Then cried I unto Thee , O Lord ; and gat me unto my Lord right humbly . V. 8. What profit is there in my bloud , if I go down into the pit ? V. 9. Shal the dust give thanks unto Thee ? or shal it declare Thy truth ? V. 10. Hear , O Lord , and have mercie upon me : Lord be Thou my helper . V. 11. Psal. 77. I will crie unto God with my voice , even unto God will I crie with my voice , and He shal hearken unto me . V. 1. In the time of my trouble I sought the Lord ; my sore ran and ceased not : in the night season my soul refused comfort . Ver. 2. When I am in heaviness I will think upon God : when my heart is vexed , I will complain . Ver. 3. Thou holdest mine eies waking ; I am so feeble that I can scarce speak . V. 4. I have considered the daies of old , and the years that are past . V. 5. I call to remembrance my song ; and in the night I commune with my heart , and search out my spirits . V. 6. Will the Lord absent Himself for ever ? and will He be no more intreated ? V. 7. Is His mercie clean gon for ever ? is His promise come utterly to an end for evermore ? V. 8. Hath God forgotten to be gracious ? and will He shut up His loving kindness in displeasure ? ver . 9. And I said , It is mine own infirmitie ; but I will remember the years of the right hand of the most High. ver . 10. 2 Chron. 20. O God , there is no strength in us : neither do we know what to do ; but only we lift up our eies unto Thee . Ver. 12. Psal. 35. Lord , how long wilt Thou look upon this ? ver . 17. This Thou hast seen , O Lord ; hold not Thy tongue then ; go not far from me , O Lord. V. 22. Psal. 69. Save me , O God ; for the waters are come in , even unto my soul. ver . 1. Psal. 68. Let God arise , and let His enemies be scattered : let them also , that hate Him , flee before Him. ver . 1. P. Isa. 38. Lord , it oppresseth me , answer for me . v. 14. Psal. 38. Thou shalt answer for me , O Lord my God. ver . 15. Psal. 130. Out of the deep have I called unto Thee , O Lord : Lord hear my voice . ver . 1. O let Thine ears consider well the voice of my complaint . ver . 2. Psal. 79. O let the sorrowful sighing of the prisoners come before Thee : according to the greatness of Thy power preserve Thou those that are appointed to die . ver . 12. A Praier to be used by the Priest , begging Pardon of his own unworthiness and acceptance of his devotions for the sick . O Lord , it is a great presumption , that one sinner should dare to commend another to Thy Divine Majestie ; especially , the greater , the less : and who would not fear to undertake it ? But Thy commandment it is , by Thy Holie Apostle , When any is sick , that the Priests should be called for : that they should pray for the sick partie , and that their praiers Thou wilt receive ; and save and forgive the fins of the partie so praied for . And now behold , O Lord , we that are no way meet , but unworthie , utterly unworthie , to sue for ought for our selvs , charitie and compassion so binding us , are enforced to become suitors to Thee for others . Even , O Lord , for this Thy servant , readie to depart this world . To Thee we hope , to Thee we desire , to Thee we intreat and pray in all meek manner , and even from the bottom of our hearts . O Lord , that , which justly Thou mightst denie to our unworthiness , denie not , we beseech Thee , to Thine own gracious goodness . O Lord , forgive us our sins , our great and grievous sins , oft and many times committed ; long and many years most wretchedly continued ; that so we may be meet to pray for others ; that so we may make our praier unto Thee , in an acceptable time . Graciously look upon our afflictions . Pitifully behold the sorrows of our hearts . Mercifully forgive the sins of Thy people . Favorably with mercie receive our praiers . Both now and ever vouchsafe to hear us , O Christ. Graciously hear us , O Christ. Graciously hear us , O Lord Christ. A Letanie for the sick person in danger of death . O God the Father of Heaven , have mercie upon h. keep and defend h. O God the Son , Redeemer of the world , have mercie upon h. save and deliver h. O God the Holie Ghost , proceeding from the Father and the Son , have mercie upon h. strengthen and comfort h. O Holie , Blessed and Glorious Trinitie , have mercie upon h. Remember not Lord h. offenses . Call not to mind the offenses of h. forefathers : But spare h. good Lord , spare Thy servant , whom Thou hast redeemed with Thy pretious bloud , and be not angrie with h. for ever . From Thy wrath & heavie indignation ; The guilt and burthen of h. fins ; The dreadful sentence of the last Judgment . Good Lord deliver h. From The sting and terror of Conscience ; The danger of impatience , distrust or despair ; The extremitie of fickness , anguish , or agonie , that may any way withdraw h. mind from Thee . Good Lord deliver h. From the Bitter pangs of eternal death ; Gates of Hell ; Power of darkness ; Illusions & assaults of our ghostlie enemie . Good Lord deliver h. By Thy manifold and great mercies ; By the manifold and great Merits of JESUS Christ Thy Son ; By His Agonie and bloodie Sweat ; Strong Crying and Tears ; Bitter Cross and Passion ; Mightie Resurrection ; Glorious Ascension ; Effectual and most acceptable Intercession and Mediation ; By the Graces and Comforts of the Holie Ghost ; Good Lord deliver h. For Thy Names sake ; The glorie of Thy Name ; Thy loving Mercie ; Thy Truths sake ; Thine own self . In this Time of h. most extremitie ; H. last and greatest need . In the Hour of death , and Day of Judgment . Good Lord deliver h. Deliver h. O Lord , from all danger and distress ; from all pains and punishments , both bodilie and ghostlie . Amen . As Thou didst deliver Noah from the Flood ; so save and deliver h. Lot from the fire of Sodom ; so save and deliver h. Isaac from present death ; so save and deliver h. Job from all his tentations ; so save and deliver h. Moses from the hand of Pharaoh ; so save and deliver h. Daniel from the Lions den ; so save and deliver h. Jonas from the belly of the Whale ; so save and deliver h. And , as Thou hast delivered Thy blessed Saints & Servants from all their terrors and torments ; so deliver h. soul , and receive it to Thy mercie . We sinners do beseech Thee to hear us , good Lord. That it may please Thee to remember h. with the favor Thou bearest unto Thy people , and so vifit h. with Thy salvation . We beseech Thee to hear us , good Lord. That it may please Thee to save and deliver h. soul from the power of the enemie , lest , as a Lion , he devour it , and tear it in pieces , if there be none to help . We beseech Thee to hear us , good Lord. That it may please Thee to be merciful , and to forgive all h. sins and misdeeds , which by the malice of the Devil , or by h. own frailtie h. hath at any time of h. life committed against Thee . We beseech Thee to hear us , good Lord. That it may please Thee not to lay to h. charge , what in concupiscence of the eie , pride of life , vanitie or superfluitie h. hath committed against Thee . We beseech Thee to hear us , good Lord. That it may please Thee not to lay to h. charge what in the fierceness of h. wrath , or in the eagerness of an angrie spirit he hath committed against Thee . We beseech Thee to hear us , good Lord. That it may please Thee not to lay to h. charge , what in vain and idle words , in the loosness and slipperiness of the tongue h. hath committed against Thee . We beseech Thee to hear us , good Lord. That it may please Thee to make h. partaker of all Thy mercies and promises in Christ JESUS . We beseech Thee to hear us , good Lord. That it may please Thee to vouchsafe h. soul the estate of joy , bliss , & happiness , with all Thy blessed Saints , in Thy heavenly Kingdom . We beseech Thee to hear us , good Lord. That it may please Thee to grant h. bodie rest and peace , and a part in the blessed Resurrection of Life and Glorie . We beseech Thee to hear us , good Lord. Son of God , we beseech Thee to hear us . O Lord God , Lamb of God , that takest away the sins of the world , have mercie upon us . Thou that takest away the sins of the world , have mercie upon us . Thou that takest away the sins of the world , grant h. Thy peace . Thou that sittest at the right hand of God the Father , have mercie upon us . Lord have mercie upon us . Christ have mercie upon us . Lord have mercie upon us . Our Father , who art in heaven , &c. O Lord deal not with h. after h. sins . Neither reward h. according to h. iniquities . O God merciful Father , that despisest not the sighing of a contrite heart , nor the desires of such as be sorrowful , mercifully assist our praiers , which we make before Thee ; At such times specially , when our greatest and most grievous extremities are readie to oppress us . And , O Lord , graciously hear us , that those evils , those illusions , terrors and assaults , which Thine or our enemie worketh against us , may be brought to nought , and by the providence of Thy goodness may be dispersed , that we Thy servants , being swallowed up with no tentations , may evermore give thanks unto Thee in Thy Holie Church , through JESUS Christ our Lord. Amen . An humble recognition of humane frailtie , and a deprecation of falling from God. IN the midst of life , we are in death : of whom then may we seek for succor , but of Thee , O Lord , who , for our sins , art most justly displeased with us ? Yet , O Lord most Holie , O Lord most mightie , O Holie and most merciful Father , deliver us not over to the bitter pains of eternal death . Thou knowest , Lord , the secrets of our hearts ; shut not up against us the ears of Thy mercie ; but spare us , O Lord most Holie , O Lord most mightie , O immortal and most merciful Father . Thou most worthie Judg eternal , suffer us not in our last hour for any pains of death to fall from Thee . Ch. Engl. Office for Burial . An affectionate recommendation of the sick person to Gods mercie , grounded upon his special relations to God , and the sinceritie of his soul. I. WE commend unto Thee , O Lord , the soul of This Thy servant . He is the Work of Thy hands ; Despise not , O Lord , the work of Thine own hands ; the Likeness of Thy Image ; Suffer not , O Lord , Thy Image to be utterly defaced . the Price of Thy Blood ; Let not so great a Price be cast away . a Christian ; the Name of Thy Son is called upon him ; For Thy Names sake be good unto Thy Name . He is Thine , O save him . Psal. 119. 94. Give not over that Thine is into the will of the enemie . Though he hath finned , yet Thy Name hath he not denied ; but called upon it , and confessed it unto his lifes end : And there is no other Name under heaven , but Thine , wherby he hopeth to be saved . Acts 4. 12. Though he hath finned , yet he hath not hid his sin . Job 31. 33. nor excused it . Psal. 141. 4. but hath confessed it , and been sorrie for it , and wisheth even tears of blood , wherwith to lament it . Though he hath sinned , yet others also have sinned against him , whom he from the heart forgiveth , and desireth forgiveness of them at Thy gracious hands . O stablish Thy word with Thy servant . Psal. 119. 38. and let him not be disappointed of his hope . Psal. 119. 116. Though he hath sinned , yet in Thee he trusteth ; O suffer him not for ever utterly to be confounded . Though he hath sinned , yet he seeketh Thee : And Thou , Lord , never failest them that seek Thee . Psal. 9. 10. Though he hath sinned , yet he cometh to Thee : And of them that come to Thee , Thou castest none out . S. John 6.37 . II. O Lord , Let not the guiltiness of a sinner more prevail to condemn , then the gracious goodness of a most merciful Father to acquit and to pardon . O let not the unrighteousness of man make the goodness of God of none effect . Rom. 3.3 . O Lord , do not so remember the unkindness of this Thy Child , that therby Thou forget the compassion and kindness of a Father . Do not so think upon our sins , that Thou therby forget Thine own nature and propertie , which is alway to have mercie . Ch. Engl. Liturgie . Do not so remember our sins , that Thou therby remember not Thine own Name , which is JESUS , a most loving and kind Savior . III. Lord , If Thy Life in our Life hath not sufficiently appeared , yet let not Thy Death lose the full power and effect therof in our death also . Suffer not , O Lord , in both , so great a price to perish . Lose not , O Lord , that which Thou hast redeemed ; since Thou camest to redeem that which was lost . S. Matth. 18.11 . S. Luke 19.10 . That , which was so dear to Thee to redeem , suffer not to be lost as a thing of no value . A Praier for Mercie and Divine assistance to uphold the sick person in his present affliction . HAve mercie upon him , O Lord ; consider the pains which he suffereth , Thou who only dost deliver from the gates of death . Psal. 9.13 . Shew Thy marvellous loving kindness , Thou that art the Savior of them that put their trust in Thee . Psal. 17.7 . O keep him as the apple of Thine eie : hide him under the shadow of Thy wings . Psal. 17. 8. O let Thy merciful loving kindness be his comfort , according to Thy word unto Thy servant . Psal. 119. 76. He is troubled above measure . Psal. 119. 107. O be merciful to him according to Thy goodness . O consider his adversitie , and deliver him : for he is brought very low . Psal. 142. 7. His eies long sore for Thy Word , saying , O when wilt Thou comfort me ? Psal. 119. 82. His eies are wasted away with looking for Thy health , and for the word of Thy righteousness . Psal. 119. 123. O think Thou upon him , O Lord , as concerning Thy word , wherin Thou hast caused him to put his trust . Psal. 119. 49. O look Thou upon him , and be merciful unto him , as Thou usest to do to those that love Thy Name . Psal. 119. 132. Cast him not away , in the time of his weakness ; forsake him not now , when his strength faileth him . Psal. 71. 9. In the multitude of the sorrows that are in his heart , let Thy comforts , O Lord , refresh his soul. Psal. 94. 19. O Lord , when it oppresseth , comfort Thou him . P. Isa. 38. 14. O Lord , let thy strength be made perfect in his weakness . 2 Cor. 12. 9. Let no tentation oppress him , but such as is incident to Thy children : But as Thou art faithful , O Lord , so suffer him not to be tempted above that he is able : But , good Lord , with the tentation give an happy issue , that he may be able to overcome it . 1 Cor. 10. 13. O Lord , though he be afflicted on every side , yet let him not be distressed : though in want of some of Thy comforts , yet not of all : though chastened , yet not forsaken : though cast down , yet not perish . 2 Cor. 4. 8 , 9. A Praier for the Grace of God , and the Pardon of the sins of the sick partie . REmember him , O Lord , with the favor Thou bearest unto Thy children : O visit him with Thy salvation : That he may see the felicitie of Thy chosen , and rejoice with the gladness of Thy Saints , and give thanks with Thine inheritance . Psal. 106.4 , 5. O remember not his former sins , but have mercie upon him , O Lord , and that soon ; for he is come to great extremitie . Help him , O Lord God of his salvation , for the glorie of Thy Name : O deliver him , and be merciful to his sins for Thy Names sake . Psal. 79.8 , 9. Call to remembrance , O Lord , Thy tender mercies , and Thy loving kindness which hath been ever of old . O remember not the sins and offenses of his youth ; but according to Thy mercie think Thou upon him , O Lord , for Thy goodness . Psal. 25.5 , 6. Cleanse him , O Lord , from his secret sins . Psal. 19.12 . From whatsoever he hath offended By Thought , Word , or Deed. Ignorance or Error . Frailtie or Negligence . In Excess or in Defect . By Leaving Good undon , or Doing Evil ; In Publik or Private ; By Day or Night ; Against Thee , His Neighbour , Own Bodie ; Before , or since , his effectual Calling ; By Himself , or by Others ; Remembred or Forgotten ; From them all cleanse him , O Lord , even from them all ; Lay none of them to his charge ; Cast them behind Thee ; Burie them ; Drown them ; Scatter them as the mist , and as the morning cloud ; Make them to vanish away and come to nothing . And , wherinsoever his conscience most accuseth him , therin , O Lord , be Thou most merciful . O enter not into judgment with Thy servant . If Thou shouldst , no flesh should be righteous in Thy fight . Psal. 143.2 . If Thou , Lord , shouldst be extreme to mark what is don amiss ; O Lord , who may abide it ? Psal. 130.3 . But , good Lord , one deep calleth another . Psal. 42.9 . the deep of our miserie , the deep of Thy mercie . Where fin hath abounded , there let grace over-abound . Rom. 5.20 . And in and through all fins and offenses , O Lord , let Thy mercie triumph over Thy Justice . S. James 2.13 . O Lord hear , O Lord forgive , consider O Lord , and do it . P. Dan. 9.19 . Delay not , O Lord , for his spirit waxeth faint : Turn not Thy face away from him , lest he be like unto them that go down into the pit . Psal. 143.7 . Be favorable , O Lord , be favorable . For Thy Names sake ; Truths sake ; Mercies sake ; For Thy Many mercies sake ; Great mercies sake ; Wonderful mercies sake ; For Thine own self ; O Lord , Our Creator and Redeemer ; Lord & our Father ; & our God. King & our Father ; & our God. Commendatio Animae ; Or , The Recommending of the soul to God. LOrd , now lettest Thou Thy servant depart in peace . S. Luke 2.29 . Into Thy hands , O Lord , we commend his spirit ; for Thou hast redeemed it , O Lord , Thou God of truth . Psal. 1.6 . Bring his soul out of prison , that it may praise Thee . Psal. 142.9 . O deliver him from this bodie of death . Rom. 7.24 Say unto his soul , I am Thy salvation . Psal. 35.3 . Say unto him , This day shalt Thou be with me in Paradise . S. Luke 23.43 . Let him now feel the salvation of JESUS . Let him now feel the Anointing of Christ ; even the oil of gladness , wherwith Thou art anointed . Guide Thou him through the vale of the shadow of death . Psal. 23.4 . Let him see the goodness of the Lord in the Land of the living . Psal. 27.15 . O Lord , command his spirit to be received up to Thee in peace . O Lord , will him to come to Thee . S. Matth. 14.28 . Lord JESU receive his spirit . Acts 7.59 . Andopen to him the gates of everlasting glorie . Let Thy good Spirit conduct him into the land of righteousness . Psal. 143.10 . Into Thy holie Hill , Psal. 15.1 . and heavenlie Kingdom . Send Thine Angel to meet him , and to bring him into Abrahams bosom . S. Luke 16.22 . Place him in the habitation of light and peace , of joy and gladness . Receive him in the armes of Thy mercie ; and give him an inheritance with Thy Saints in light . Colos. 1.12 . There to reign with Thy elect Angels , Thy blessed Saints departed , Thy holie Prophets , and glorious Apostles , in all joy , glorie , felicitie , and happiness for ever and ever . Amen . Comfortable Scriptures to be applied to the friends of the deceased partie . PRetious in the fight of the Lord is the death of his Saints . Psal. 116.13 . I heard a voice from heaven , saying , Write , Blessed are the dead , who die in the Lord : For they rest from their labors , and their works follow them . Revel . 14.13 . A General Confession of sins , collected out of the Holie Prophets and Apostles . P. Moses . WE have sinned , O Lord. Thou hast set our faults before Thee , and our secret sins in the fight of Thy countenance . Psal. 90.8 . Return , O Lord ; how long ? and be merciful toward Thy servants . Psal. 90.13 . H. Job . I have sinned : what shal I do unto Thee , O Thou Preserver of men ? Why hast Thou set me as a mark against Thee , that I am become a burthen to myself . Job 7.20 . That I have offended Thee , wo is me . Job 10.14 . Have mercie upon me , O Lord , and restore unto me my righteousness again . Say concerning me , O Lord , Deliver him , for I have received a reconciliation . Job 33.24 , 26. Yet , if Thou kill me , will I put my trust in Thee . Job 13.15 . P. David . My misdeeds have prevailed against me . O be Thou mercifull unto my sin . Psal. 65.3 . I have gon astray like a sheep that is lost . O seek Thy servant , for I do not forget Thy cōmandments . Psal. 119.176 . We have sinned with our fathers : we have don amiss , and dealt wickedly . Psal. 106.6 . For Thy Names sake , O Lord , be merciful unto our sin ; for it is great . Psal. 25.10 . My foot hath slipped . Let Thy mercie , O Lord , lift me up . Psal. 94.18 . P Isai. Behold Thou art angrie ; for we have sinned : We have been as an unclean thing ; and all our righteousness as a defiled cloth . We all fade away as a leaf ; and our iniquities , like a wind , have taken us away . But now , O Lord , Thou art our Father : we are the clay , and Thou art the Potter : We all are the work of Thy hands . Be not angrie , O Lord , above measure ; neither remember our iniquitie for ever . Lord , we beseech Thee , remember we are all Thy people . Ch. 64. V. 5 , 6 , 8 , 9. P. Jeremie . Lord , our iniquities are against us : Our rebellions are many ; we have sinned against Thee . Yet deal with us according to Thy Name : For Thou Lord art in the midst of us , and Thy Name is called upon us . O Lord , forsake us not . O Lord , the Hope of Israel , the Savior of it in the time of trouble , forsake us not . Ch. 14. Ver. 7 , 8 , 9. P. Daniel . We have sinned , O Lord , we have transgressed , and don wickedly : Yea we have rebelled , and have departed from Thy precepts , and from Thy judgments . O Lord , righteousness belongeth unto Thee , but unto us confusion and shame of face , because of all the offenses we have committed against Thee . Yet compassion and forgiveness is with Thee , O Lord our God : though we have rebelled against Thee : O Lord , according to all Thy goodness , I beseech Thee , let Thine anger and Thy wrath be turned away from me , and cause Thy face to shine upon Thy servant . O my God , incline Thine ear and hear ; open Thine eies , and behold my afflictions . For we do not present our supplications before Thee for our own righteousness , but for Thy manifold and great mercies . O Lord hear : O Lord forgive . Consider and do it , O Lord. Defer not for Thine own sake , O my God. Ch. 9. V. 5 , 7 , 9 , 16 , 17 , 18 , 19. P. Jonas . O Lord , in following vanities , I have forsaken mine own mercie : For which I am cast out of the fight of Thine eies . Yet I remember Thee , O Lord ; yet will I look yet again toward Thy Holie Temple . O Lord hear , and have mercie . Ch. 2. v. 8. 4. Prodigal child . Father , I have sinned against heaven and against Thee . I am no more worthie to be called Thy son . But forgive me ; and make me one of the meanest of Thy hired servants . S. Luke 15.18 , 19. God be merciful to me a sinner . S. Luke 18.13 . JESU , Master , have mercie upon us . S. Luke 17.13 . Have mercie on me , O Lord , Thou son of David . S. Mat. 15.22 . O Lord help me . v. 25 O Lord , even the little whelps eat of the crumbs of Thy table Ver. 27. S. Paul. O Lord , I am carnal , and sold under fin : And in me ( that is , in my flesh ) dwelleth no good . Rom. 7.14 , 18. The good thing I do not , which I would : The evil that I would not , that do I. V. 15. Though I consent to the Law , according to the inner man. V. 22. Yet I feel another law in my nature , rebelling against the Law of my mind , and leading me captive to the Law of sin . V. 23. O wretched man that I am ! who shal deliver me from this bodie of death ? Ver. 24. But this is a true saying , and by all means worthie to be received , That JESUS Christ came into the world to save sinners , wherof I am chief . 1 Tim. 1.15 . S. Peter . We have spent the time past of our life , aster the lusts of the heathen ; walking in wantoness , lust , surfeting , uncleaness , and other excesses . 1 S. Pet. 4.3 . But Thou hast redeemed us , O Lord , by the pretious blood of Christ , the undefiled Lamb. 1 S. Pet. 1.1 , 18 , 19. Have mercie upon us in that Name , besides which Thou hast given none under heaven , wherby we must be saved . Acts 4.12 . S. John. If we say , we have no fin , we deceive ourselves , and the truth is not in us . 1 S. John 1.8 . If our heart condemn us not , God is greater then our heart , and knoweth all things . 1 S. John 3.20 . But we confess our sins , and confessing them we have an Advocate with the Father , JESUS Christ the Righteous , and He is the propitiation for our sins . 2 S. John 1.2 . S. James . In many things we sin all . Ch. 3. V. 2. But , Lord , let Thy mercie triumph over Thy Justice . Ch. 2. V. 13. A Confession of sins according to the branches of the Decalogue . I. I Have touching Thee , O Lord , been full of roving imaginations and evil thoughts . I have not studied to seek and know Thee , as I ought . Knowing Thee , I have not glorified Thee , nor given thanks to Thee accordingly . I have doubted of Thy promises , and not trusted to Thy help . I have made flesh mine arm , and hoped for prosperitie from man , rather then from Thee . I have not performed the dutie of Invocation , with that reverence I ought . I have not been thankful : specially not for Thy chastisements . II. I have not worshiped Thee in spirit and truth . I have drawn neer to Thee with my lips , but my heart hath been far from Thee . I have been more careful of the outward ceremonial part of Thy worship , then of the inward and spiritual . III. I have not with due regard taken Thy Name into my mouth . I have with rash oaths and eager execrations oft abused it . I have not given occasion to others to sanctifie Thy Name : but have caused it to be evil spoken of , through mine evil dealing . I have not duely regarded and reverenced those things wheron Thy Name is imprinted . IV. I have not to Thy Sabbath or Sanctuarie brought that care which I should . I have not spared to absent my self from Thy Holie Assemblies , without sufficient cause . I have not spent the days assign'd to Holie exercises , upon them chiefly ; but have in them too much intended mine own private business . I have been content in them with the use of the Means alone , without any practise at all . V. I have not so reverently spoken , nor so dutifully carried myself toward some whom Thou hast placed over me , as was meet I should . I have not so carefully prayed for them , as was requisite . I have not opposed to them , who unreverently in terms used them . Chiefly those who have had me in government touching my soul. VI. I have not wished or provided for the good of my neighbor as I should : but rather maligned , been angrie , and quareled with them ; and sought revenge upon everie light injurie . I have not had that compassion on the poor that I should ; nor ministred to their necessities . I have not defended them against the wrongs of others , as I might . I have not rejoiced in the good success of my neighbor ; but envied his welfare . VII . I have not possessed my vessell in holiness and honor ; nor preserved it from pollution , as the Temple of God should be . I have suffered my phancie to wander licentiously . Mine ears and tongue I have not kept , as I should . I have not eschued the occasions of lust , nor made the covenant with mine eies that I should . I have not brought under my bodie , nor kept it in subjection with such abstinence as I should . I have more studiously , and with more cost intended my flesh then my spirit . VIII . I have not reckoned godliness gain : nor been content with my estate , but wished an higher . I have not been so exact in paying and dealing with those I have dealt withall , as in justice I was bound . I have by undue means interverted , to my use , that which was not mine . I have not of that , whereof I had more then enough , been willing to part with , to the relief of the needie . IX . I have not been so studious of speaking the truth , as I should . I have been desirous to seem , and to be reputed more then I was . I have not had that care of the good name of my brother , I was bound . I have not so hated flatterie , as I should . I have not so stood for and defended the truth , as was meet I should . X. I have been full of wandering desires , wicked affections , unlawful concupiscences , evil suspitions and surmises , and inordinate lusts , touching my neighbor , and that which is his . The Triumph of Mercie , in many Gradual Expressions , and Remembrances , propounded to us in the Holie Scriptures . GOD , In his Mercie , is , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 2 Corin. 10.1 . Gen. 18.32 . Takes all in the better part . If it will admit any good sense , so he construes it . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 2 Cor. 10.1 . Meek : not irritable : not easily stirred up or provoked . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Wisd. 11.24 . Sees and sees not : makes , as if He did not see . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Acts 17.30 . Overlooks , looks beyond our sins , looks not at them . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 P. Micha 7.18 . Passeth by ( or over ) them . Dissimulat peccata propter poenitentiam . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Rom. 2.4 . When He cannot but see , yet He forbears , is patient . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Rom. 2.4 . Neh. 9.28 , 30. Forbears long , suffers long , many times , many years . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 P. Hos. 6.4 . and 11.9 . When He can suffer no longer , yet stands ( as over Ephraim ) asking , How shal I ? staies yet . Expectat ut misereatur . P. Isa. 30.18 . When He can forbear no longer , but punish He must , He doth it not from the heart , Lament . 3. V. 33. but against His will. When He punisheth , He doth it , Not suffering His whole displeasure to arise . Psal. 78.39 . containing Himself and His anger . Not according to our deserts , Psal. 103. 10. nothing so much . Not long : it indures but a moment in comparison . Psal. 30.5 . & 103.9 . and P. Isa. 54.7.8 . He thinks everie stripe two . P. Isa. 40.2 . is quickly wearie . In His wrath He remembers mercie . P. Hab. 3.2 . Repents Him of the evil . P. Joel 2.13 . Is moved with the sight of our miserie . Psal. 106. 43 , 44. Is soon appeased . easily appeased . P. Isa. 30. 18. and 55.7 . S. Mat. 18.32 . Hath mercie . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Multitudes of it . Hath compassion . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the bowels of compassion , S. Luke 15.20 . a parent , Psalm . 103.13 . a mother . P. Isa. 49.15 . many bowels . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . S. James 5. 11. secundìon Edit . Complut . Forgives , Pardons . S. Mat. 18.27 . Is reconciled . 2 Cor. 5 19. Takes into favor again . S. Luke 15.22 , 23. Receives to grace . Rom. 3.25 . All have sinned , and are defective in giving glorie to God. Rom. 3.23 . In His Angels He found follie ; and the stars are not clean in His fight . Job 4.18 . & 15.15 . & 25.5 . But God hath not made all men for nought . Psal. 89.46 . Yet , if God should be extreme to mark what were don amiss , who were able to abide it ? Psal. 130.3 . If He should enter into Judgment with His servants , no flesh should be found righteous in His sight . Psal. 143.2 . None were able to answer one for a thousand . No not Job himself . Job 9.3 . Therefore God hath shut up all under fin , that He might have mercie upon all . Rom. 11.32 . He would have all to be saved . 1 Tim. 2.4 . He would have none to perish : but to turn to him by Repentance . 2 S. Pet. 3.9 . He would not the death of a sinner , but that he might turn to Him and live . P. Ezech. 33.11 . All that 1 know their sin . Psal. 51.3 . Know it and 2 acknowledg it . Psal. 32.5 . S. Luke 15.18 . Acknowledg it , and 3 be sorrie for it . Psal. 38.18 . Be sorrie for it , and 4 be readic to leave it . Pro. 28.13 . Not only to leave it , but 5 to judg themselvs for it . 1 Cor. 11.31 . P. Ezech. 36.32 . 1 Cor. 9.27 . And to 6 punish themselvs for it . 2 Cor. 7.11 . By the 1 fruits of Mortification . P. Joel 2. 12 , 13. P. Jonab 3.5 . accompanied with 2 Prayer . Psalm . 32.7 . Acts 8.22 . 3 Alms. P. Isa. 58.7 . Pro. 16.6 . P. Dan. 4.27 . At the 4 estimation of the Priest. Levit. 6.6 . 5 Who may forgive us in the person of Christ. S. John 8.11 . and 20.23 . 2 Cor. 2.10 . Which His Mercie is not only for common and ordinarie sinners ; but for the chief : such as Manasses . Paul. such as David . Peter . such as Rahab . Marie Magdalen . such as Jonas . The Thief on the Crosse. such as The Corinthian . 1 Cor. 5.1 . The Corinthians . 1 Cor. 6.11 . Et haec eratis . such as the Jews , His Betrayers , Murtherers . Acts 3.13 , 14 , 15. David was a man according to Gods own heart . Christ is the Son of David : and David for gave Semei . 2 Sam. 19.23 . and wept for his rebellious son Absolom . 2 Sam. 18.33 . The Preface or stile of the Law. The Lord , the Lord , Gentle and Merciful , Patient and of much mercie , who keepeth mercie for thousands and forgiveth . Exod. 34.6 , 7. The Discourse of Elihu . Job 33.23 , 24. If there be a Messenger with Him , an interpreter , one among a thousand , to shew unto man his uprightness . Then He is gracious unto him , and saith , Deliver him from going down to the pit ; I have found a ransom . Taste and see how gracious the Lord is . Psal. 34.8 . 1 S. Pet. 2.3 . His Mercie is sweet . Psal. 109.20 . His Mercies are many . There is a multitude of them . Psal. 69.17 . & 5.7 . and 51.1 . There is plenteous Redemption . Psal. 130.7 . His Mercies are great . Psal. 86.5 . & 119.156 . Have a magnitude . Great in height . Psal. 103.11 . 108.4 . 36.5 . depth . Psal. 42.9 . length . Psal. 26.3 . & Psal. 136. There is no end of His salvation . Psal. 71.13 . Mercie shal be set up for ever . Psal. 89.2 . His Mercie is over all His works . Psal. 145.9 . As is His Majestie , so is His Mercie . Ecclus. 2.18 . His propertie is to have mercie . P. Isai. 28.21 . He is the Father of mercies , 2 Cor. 1.3 . He is Mercie itself Psal. 59.17 . He was so merciful that He forgave their misdeeds , and destroied them not . Yea many a time turned He His wrath away ; and would not suffer His whole displeasure to arise . For He considered they were but dust . Psal. 78.38 , 39 , 40. The Lord waiteth that He may have mercie on you . P. Isa. 30.18 . In the Father of the lost child , His Image , S. Luke 15.22 . Without shedding of blood there is no remission of sins . Heb. 9.22 . God hath shut up all under sin , that He might have mercie upon all . Rom. 11.32 . Where sin aboundeth , there Grace doth over-abound . Mercie triumpheth over Justice . S. James 2.13 . In this GOD set forth His love to us ward , that , when we were His enemies , Christ died for us . Rom. 5.8 . This is a true saying , and of all men worthie to be received , that JESUS Christ came into the world to save sinners . 1 Tim. 1.15 . Christ died once for our sins , the just for the unjust , that He might offer us unto God. 1 S. Pet. 3.18 . We have an Advocate with the Father , JESUS Christ the righteous ; And He is the Propitiation for our sins ; and not for our only , but for the sins of the whole world . 1 S. John 2.1 , 2. I came not to call the righteous , but sinners to repentance . S. Mat. 9.13 . Come unto me , you that travail , and be heavie laden , and I will refresh you . S. Mat. 11.28 . Of them that come to me , I will cast none out . S. John 6.37 . Thou never failest them that seek Thee . Psal. 9.10 . Spiritual Comforts and Confidence issuing from the contemplation of Gods Goodness . WHy art thou so heavie , O my soul ? and why art thou so disquieted within me ? O put thy trust in God ; for I shal yet give Him thanks : For He is the light of my countenance , and my God. Psal. 42.6 , 7 , 14 , 15. and 43.5 , 6. Return then to Thy rest , O my soul ; for the Lord hath been gracious to thee . Psal. 116.7 . If the Lord had not helped me , it had not failed , but my soul had been put to silence . In the midst of the troubles that were in my heart , Thy comforts have refreshed my soul. Psal. 94.17 , 19. Nevertheless , though I be sometimes afraid , yet , put I my trust in the Lord. Psal. 56.3 . Nevertheless , my soul wait thou stil upon God ; for of Him cometh my salvation . He verily is my hope , and my strength ; He is my defence , so that I shal not greatly fall . Psal. 62.5 , 6. Let us go with boldness to the Throne of Grace , that we may find mercie in the time of need . Heb. 4.16 . Devout Ejaculations grounded on the consideration of our Humane Frailtie , and the Divine Providence and Mercie . I. LORD of life and death , of sickness and health , & all things therto belonging ; By whose appointment we are born ; and again , by whose appointment we die : Our time is in Thy hand , Psal. 31. 17. and unto Thee belong the issues of death . Psal. 68. 20. Thou that hatest nothing that Thou hast made , nor dost ever utterly forsake the work of Thine own hands : Thou that art a defense for the oppressed : a Refuge in the needful time of trouble : Thou that never failest them that seek Thee , Psal. 9.9 , 10. And to whom none ever praieth without hope to be heard : Thou that hast promised , The poor shal not alway be forgotten ; that the patient abiding of the meek shal not perish for ever . Psal. 9.18 . For the comfortless troubles sake of the needie : and for the deep sighing of the poor , Psal. 12.5 . Arise O Lord : And men shal know that it is Thy hand , and that it is Thou , Lord , that hast done it . Psal. 109.25 . II. O Lord whose mercie reacheth to the heavens , and whose faithfulness to the clouds . Psal. 36.5 . and 57.11 . Of whose mercies there is neither number nor end ; The greatness of whose goodness is not shut up under any time ; Who callest into Thy Vineyard even at the eleventh hour . S. Matth. 20.6 , 7. Who rulest not with rigor , but with meekness dost govern the things Thou hast made ; Thou that killest and revivest ; that bringest to the gates of death , and bringest back again ; Thou that hatest nothing that Thou hast made ; That hast shut up all under sin , that Thou mightst have mercie upon all . Rom. 11.32 . Lord , The Savior and the saving health of all Thy faithful ; The Fountain of Grace and Goodness ; The Father of mercies , and God of consolation . 2 Cor. 1.3 Thou That up holdest all such as are falling , and liftest up those that be down . Psal. 14.5.14 . Thou That healest the broken in heart ; and givest medicine to heal their sickness . Psal 147.3 . The comfort of them that be in heaviness , The strength of then that be in weakness , The health of them that be in sickness , Hear , O LORD , and have mercie ; Look down from Heaven ; Behold and visit ; Visit with Thy salvation . FINIS . PRAIERS For the Morning , Evening , H. Communion . TRANSLATED Out of the Greek Manual , of the Private Devotions of the R. Reverend Father in God , Lancelot Andrews , late L. Bishop of Winchester . Never before printed . LONDON , Printed for Humphrey Moseley at the Princes Armes in St. Pauls Church-yard . 1648. Morning Praier . GLorie be to Thee , O Lord ; Glorie be to Thee ; Glorie be to Thee , who hast given me sleep , for the refreshing of my weakness , and for the eas of my labors of this flesh subject to weariness . * That this day and every day may come on perfect , holie , peaceable , healthful , and without sin , Grant Lord , we beseech Thee . * That an Angel of peace , a faithful guide , a Guardian of our souls and bodies , may pitch a tent about us , and ever suggest what is needful for my salvation , Grant Lord , we beseech Thee . * The pardon and remission of all sins , and of all transgressions , Grant Lord , we beseech Thee . * What things are good and profitable to our souls , together with peace in this world , Grant Lord , we beseech Thee . * That we accomplish the rest of our life , in Repentance and godlie Fear , in Health and Peace , Grant Lord , we beseech Thee . † What things are true , what are honest , what are just , what are pure , what are lovelie , what are of good report , wherin there is virtue , wherin there is praise , that we may reckon of these things to do them , Grant Lord , we beseech Thee . * A Christian end of our life , without sin , without shame , and if Thou think good , without pain , and a good Apologie at the dreadful and terrible Tribunal of our Lord JESUS Christ , Grant Lord , we beseech Thee . O Being above all Being , O uncreated Nature ; Thou Framer of the whole world , I set Thee , Lord , before me ; Psal. 16.9 . I lift up my soul unto Thee ; Psal. 25. 1. I fall down on my knees and worship Thee ; Psal. 95.6 . I humble myself under Thy mightie hand ; 1 S. Pet. 5.6 . I stretch forth my hands unto Thee , My soul [ is ] for Thee as ground without water . Psal. 143.6 . I smite upon my brest , and say with the Publican , God be merciful to me a sinner ; S. Luke 18. 13. To me altogether a sinner ; To me the chief of sinners ; 1 Tim. 1.15 . To me a greater sinner then the Publican , be merciful , as to the Publican . O Father of Mercies , I beseech Thee , by Thy Fatherlie bowels of compassion , Despise me not ; An unclean worm , Psal. 22.6 . A dead dogg , 2 P. Sam. 9.8 . A stinking carcass . Despise me not , The Work of Thy hands ; Psal. 138.8 . Thine own Image ; Gen. 1.27 . Despise me not , Though I bear the brands of mine iniquitie . Lord , if Thou wilt Thou canst make me clean : Lord , speak the word only , and I shal be cleansed . S. Mat. 8.2 , 8. And Thou , O Savior Christ , O Christ my Savior , Savior of sinners , of whom I am chief , 1 Tim. 1.15 . Despise me not . Despise me not O Lord , The price of Thine own blood ; Upon whom Thy Name is called ; O Lord despise me not . But look upon me with those Thine eies , with which Thou lookedst , upon Marie Magdalen at the Feast , Peter in the High Priests Hall , The Thief on the Cross. That with The Thief , I may humbly call upon Thee , saying , Lord , remember me in Thy Kingdom ; S. Luke 23.42 . Peter , I may weep biterly ; S. Matth. 26.75 And O that mine eies were a fountain of tears , that I might weep day and night ! P. Jer. 9.1 . Marie Magdalen , I may hear Thee , saying , Thy sins are forgiven Thee . And that with her I may love much , because my many and manifold sins are forgiven me . S. Luke 7.47 , 48. And Thou all-holie , and gracious , and quickning Spirit , Despise me not : Despise me not Thine own Inspiration , Holie thing ; But turn Thee again , O Lord , at the last , and be intreated to look upon thy servant . Psal. 90.13 . BLessed art Thou , O Lord our God , the God of our Fathers , Who turnest the shadow of death into the Morning ; P. Amos 5.8 . And renewest the face of the earth ; Psal. 104. 30. Who hast dispell'd the darkness , by the presence of the light ; Who separatest the Night , and bringest in the Day ; Who hast light'ned mine eies , that I sleep not in death ; Psal. 13. 3. Who hast delivered me from the terrors of the Night ; and from the Pestilence that walketh in darkness ; Psalm . 91.5 , 6. Who hast driven sleep from mine eies , and slumber from mine eie-lids . Psal. 132.4 . Who makest joyful outgoings of the Morning and Evening . Psal. 65.8 . For I laid me down , and slept , and rose up again : Psal. 3.5 . And Thou , Lord , madest me to dwel in fafetie , Psal. 4.9 . For I awaked and beheld , and my sleep was sweet unto me . P. Jer. 31.26 . O Lord , blot out as a Night-mist mine iniquities ; P. Isa. 44.22 . Scatter my sins as a Morning cloud . Grant that I may become a child of the light and of the Day . I Thes. 5.5 . That I may walk soberly , chastly and honestly , as in the Day . Rom. 13.13 . Vouchsafe to keep me this day without sin . Te Deum . Uphold me , when I am falling , and lift me up when I am down . Psal. 145.14 . That I may never harden my heart , as in the provocation , Psalm . 95.8 . with the tentation , or deceiptfulness of any sin . Heb. 3.13 . Moreover , deliver me this day , From The snare of the Hunter , The noisome pestilence , The arrow that flieth by day , Mischance , The Noon-day destruction . Psal. 91.3 , 5 , 6. Preserve this day from any evil of mine ; and me from the evils of the day . Let not my days consume in vanitie , nor my years in trouble . Psal. 78.33 . Let one day certifie another . Psal. 19.2 . Let this day add some knowledg , or practise to yesterday . Psal. 143. O Let me hear Thy loving kindness , betimes in the Morning : for in Thee is my trust : shew Thou me the way that I should walk in , for I lift up my soul unto Thee . Ver. 8. Deliver me , O Lord , from mine enemies ; for I flee unto Thee to hide me . Ver. 9. Teach me to do the thing that pleaseth Thee , for Thou art my God : Let Thy loving Spirit lead me forth in the way of righteousness . Ver. 10. Quicken me , O Lord , for Thy Names sake , and for Thy righteousness sake bring my soul out of trouble . Ver. 11. REmove from my mind thoughts that are without understanding . Wisd. 1.5 . Inspire good thoughts into me , even such as shall be wel pleasing unto Thee . Turn away mine eies , lest they behold vanitie . Psal. 119.37 . Let mine eies look after that which is right ; and mine eie-lids after just things . Prov. 4.25 . Hedg in mine ears with thorns , that they listen not to foolish discourses . In the Morning give me an ear to hear with ; and open mine ears to the doctrine of Thy Oracles . P. Isa. 50.4 , 5. Set a watch , O Lord , before my mouth , and a dore , with a guard , about my lips . Psal. 141.3 . Let my speech be season'd with salt , Col. 4.6 . that it may minister grace unto the hearers . Ephes. 4.29 . Let me do nothing that shal make my heart ake , or be a scandal to me . 1 Sam. 25.31 . But let my doings be such , for which Thou maist remember me for good : And spare me according to the greatness of Thy mercie . Nehem . 13.22 , 31. INto Thy hands I commend my spirit , soul and bodie ; for Thou hast Created , Redeemed , Regenerated them , O Lord , Thou God of truth . Psal. 31.6 . And with myself , I commend unto Thee all mine , all that belong unto me : Thou , O Lord , hast graciously given them unto Thy servant . Genes . 33.5 . Preserve us , O Lord , from all evil : O Lord , I beseech Thee , keep our souls . Psal. 121.7 . Keep us from falling , and present us faultless , before the presence of Thy glorie , S. Jude , Ver. 24. at that day . 2 Tim. 1.18 . O Lord , preserve my going out , and my coming in , from this time forth for evermore . Psal. 121.8 . Prosper , I beseech Thee , Thy servant this day ; and grant him mercie in the sight of all he shal meet with . Neh 1.11 . Haste Thee , O God , to deliver me ; Make haste to help me , O Lord. Psal. 70.1 . O Turn Thee unto me , and have mercie upon me ; give Thy strength unto Thy servant , and help the son of Thine handmaid . Shew some good token upon me for good ; that I be not put to shame in the sight of them , that hate me ; because Thou , Lord , hast holpen me , and comforted me . Psal. 86.16 , 17. Evening Praier . HAving passed over this day , Lord , I give thanks unto Thee . The Evening draweth nigh , make it comfortable . An Evening there is , as of the Day so , of this Life . The Evening of this Life is Old-age . Old-age hath seiz'd upon me ; make that comfortable : Cast me not away in the time of age ; Forsake me not , when my strength faileth me . Psal. 71.9 . Be Thou with me until Old-age , and even to hoar hairs do Thou carrie me . P. Isa. 46.4 . Do Thou do it , do Thou forgive , Do Thou receive and save me , O Lord. Tarrie Thou with me , O Lord , for it is toward Evening with me , and the Day is far spent , S. Luke 24.29 . of this my toilsome life . Let Thy strength be made perfect in my weakness . 2 Corinthians 12.9 . THe Day is vanished , and gon ; so doth my Life vanish ; my Life no Life . The Night is coming on , and so doth Death ; Death without Death . The end , as of the Day so , of our Life is at hand : We therfore , remembring this , beseech Thee , O Lord , that the end of our Life being Christian , and acceptable to Thee , without Sin , without Shame , and , if it please Thee , without Pain , Thou wouldst guide us in peace , O Lord our Lord ; gathering us together under the feet of Thine Elect , when Thou wilt , and as Thou wilt , only without Shame and Sin. GRant that we may remember the days of darkness , that they are many . Eccles. 11.8 . that we be not cast out into outer darkness . S. Matth. 22.13 . and 25.30 . and that we may remember to prevent the Night , by doing some good . Judgment is at hand , Grant us , O Lord , that we may make a good and acceptable account at the dreadful and terrible Tribunal of JESUS Christ. IN the Night I lift up my hands toward Thy sanctuarie , and bless the Lord Psal. 124.2 , 3. The Lord hath granted His loving kindness on the Day time , and in the Night season will I sing of Him , and make my praier unto the God of my life . Psal. 42.10 . As long as I live will I magnifie Thee on this manner , and lift up my hands in Thy Name . Psal. 63.5 . Let my praier be set forth in Thy sight as the Incense , and let the lifting up of my hands be an Evening sacrifice . Psal. 141.2 . BLessed art Thou , O Lord our God , the God of our Fathers , Who didst create the interchanges of the Day and Night ; Who givest us occasions of songs in the Night . Job 35.10 . Who hast delivered us from the evil of this Day ; Who hast not cut off , like a Weaver , my Life , nor in this Day before Night didst make an end of me . P. Isa. 38.12 . LOrd , as we add days to our days , so we add sins to our sins . Ecclus . 5.5 . A just man falleth seven times a day ; Prov-24 . 16 . but I , a wretched sinner , seventie times seven times . S. Mat. 18.22 . wonderfully and horribly , O Lord. P. Jerem. 5.30 . But I turn from my wicked ways , and bewailing them , P. Isa. 30.15 . I return to my heart ; P. Isa. 46.8 . and turn to Thee with all my heart , Deut. 30.2 . O Thou that art the God of them that repent , O Savior of sinners . And Evening after Evening 1 return , with the utmost strength of my soul ; and , out of the deep , my soul crieth unto Thee , Psal. 130.1 . Lord , I have sinned against Thee , I have finned grievously against Thee : Forgiue , forgive ; alas , alas ! wo worth my miserable condition : I repent , wo is me , I repent ; spare me , O Lord ; I repent , wo is me , I repent ; Help my want of Repentance . Have pitie , spare me , O Lord ; Have pitie , Be merciful unto me : I said , Lord be merciful unto me , heal my soul , for I have sinned against Thee . Psal. 41.4 . Have mercie upon me , O Lord , after Thy great goodness ; according to the multitude of Thy mercies do away mine offenses . Psal. 51.1 . Forgive my guilt , Heal my sores , Take out the stains , Deliver me from shame , Rescue me from the tyrannie of sin , And make me not an example . DEliver me , O Lord from my necessities ; Psal. 25.16 . Cleanse me from my secret faults ; Psal. 19.12 . Keep Thy servant also from presumptuous sins . Psal. 19.13 . Impute not to me the wanderings of my mind ; Wisd. 4.12 . nor my idle words ; S. Mat. 12.36 . Stop the black and filthie inundation of unclean & wicked thoughts . O Lord , my destruction is from myself . P. Hos. 13.9 . Whatsoever I have don amiss , graciously pardon ; Deal not with us after our sins ; Neither reward us after our iniquities . Ch. Eng. Letanie . Mercifully look upon our infirmities , and for the glorie of Thy most Holie Name turn from us all those evils and afflictions , which to our sins , and to us for them , are most justly and worthily due . ANd , O Lord , give rest to me that am wearie ; renew my strength to me that am tired with labor ; Lighten mine eies that I sleep not in death . Psal. 13.3 . Deliver me from the terrors of the Night , and from the Pestilence that walketh in darkness . Psa. 91.5 , 6. Grant me wholesom sleep , and to pass this Night without fear . Thou Keeper of Israel , who dost neither slumber nor sleep , Psal. 121.4 . Preserve me this Night from all evil , O Lord keep my soul. Ver. 7. Visiting me with the salvation of Thy children : Open my understanding in the Visions of the Night . H. Job 33.15 , 16. But , if not this , for I am not worthie , I am not worthie , Yet , O Lord , Thou Lover of men , let my sleep be a rest as from labors , so from sin ; Even so , O Lord. And sleeping let me not dream of any thing , that may Offend Thee , defile myself . Let not my loins be filled with illusions . Psal. 38.7 . but rather let my reins chasten me . Ps. 16.8 . Preserve me , without grievous fear , from the dismal sleep of sin ; and lay asleep in me all earthlie and wicked imaginations . Give me sweet sleep , free from all carnal and diabolical phancies . Lord , restrein the malice of my never sleeping invisible enemies ; and the inclinations of my sinful flesh , O Thou who madest me . Let the wings of Thy mercie shadow me . Psal. 17.8 . and 61.4 . Raise me up in due time , in the hour of Praier , and grant that I may be earlie up , Psal. 63.1 . at my Praises and Worship of Thee . BLess O Lord , Thy Creatures ; Mankind . All in Affliction or Prosperitie ; Error or Truth ; Sin or Grace . The Universal Church : The Eastern , Western , This among Us. Prelats , Clergie , Laitie . The Governments of the Earth ; Christian ; About us ; Our : The King , Queen , Prince . Counsellers , Judges , Magistrates , Officers , People . Husbandmen , Merchants , Artificers , even to the Laborers , Poor . All , whom Kindred , Good turns , Ministring in carnal things , Charge formerly , now , Moral friendship , Charitie , Neighbourhood , My Promise , Their Desire , Want of their own leisure , Compassion on them being in extremitie , Worthie Acts , Good Works , Scandal given to , Want of any else to pray for them , commends to my praiers . LOrd , into thy hands I commend myself ; My Spirit , Soul , Bodie : Thou hast created them , redeemed them , O Lord Thou God of truth . And together with myself all mine , and all that belongs unto me : Thou , O Lord , hast graciously given them unto Thy servant . Gen. 33. 5. Preserve my lying down , and my rising up , Psal. 139. 1. from this time forth for evermore . Psal. 121. 8. Grant that I may remember Thee upon my bed ; Psal. 63. 7. and search out my spirit . Psal. 77. 6. that I may rise again , and still be with Thee . Psal. 139. 18. I will lay me down in peace , and take my rest ; for it is Thou , Lord , only , that makest me dwell in safetie . Psal. 4. 9. Praiers for the Holy Communion . Before the Receiving of the Blessed Sacrament . O Lord , I am not fit , nor worthie that Thou shouldst come under the filthie roof of the house of my soul. S. Matth. 8.8 . because it is wholy desolate and ruinous ; neither hast Thou , with me , a fit place where to lay Thy head . S. Mat. 8.20 . But as Thou didst vouchsafe to be laid in a Stable and Manger of unreasonable Beasts ; S. Luke 2.7 . As Thou didst not disdeign to be entertain'd , even in the house of Simon the Leper ; S. Matth. 26.6 . As Thou didst not reject the Harlot , a sinner like unto me , coming unto Thee , and touching Thee ; As Thou didst not abhorr her foul and prophane mouth ; S. Luke 7. 37 , 38. Nor yet the Thief , on the Cross , confessing Thee ; S. Luke 23.43 . Even so vouchsafe to admitt me also , an over-worn , miserable , and out of measure sinful creature , to the receiving and communicating of the most pure , most auspitious , quickning and saving Mysteries of Thy most Holie Bodie , and Pretious Blood. S. Chrysost. Liturgie . ATtend , O Lord , our God , from Thy holie habitation , and from the glorious Throne of Thy Kingdom , and come and sanctifie us . O Thou who sittest on high with the Father , and art here invisibly present with us , come and sanctifie these gifts here presented , and those also by and for whom , and the end wherto they are brought hither . S. Chrysost. and S. Basil's Liturgie . And grant us to partake of them In Faith , that need not be ashamed , Love , without dissimulation , Rom. 12.9 . For the Keeping of the Commandments , Stirring up of all spiritual fruits , Healing of Soul and Bodie . For a Symbol of our Communion , Act. 2.42 . Memorial of Thy Dispensation , S. Luke 22.19 . For the Shewing forth of Thy Death , 1 Corinth . 11.26 . Cōmunion of Thy Bodie and Bloud , 1 Cor. 10.16 . Participation of Thy Spirit , 1 Corinth . 12.13 . Remission of our sins , S. Mat. 26.28 . For an Amulet against all evil , 1 Cor. 5.7 . For the Quieting of our Conscience , S. Mat. 11.28 . For the Blotting out of our Debts , Col. 2.14 . Acts 3.19 . Purging of our Spots , Heb. 9.14 . Healing of the Infirmities of our Souls , 1 S. Pet. 2. 24. Renewing of our Covenant , Psal. 50.5 . Viands of our Spiritual Life , S. Job . 6.27 . Increas of strengthning Grace , Heb. 13. 9. soul-ravishing Comfort , Psal. 104.15 Enforcing of our Repentance , I Corin . 11.29 . Inlight'ning of our Understanding , S. Luke 24.31 . Exercise of our Humilitie , S. John 13.11 . For A Seal of our Faith , 2 Cor. 1.22 . The Fulness of Wisdom , S. John 6.35 . A Sufficient Accompt of our Oblations , 1 Cor. 16.1 . For the Armour of Patience , 1 S. Pet. 4.1 . For the stirring up of our Thankfulness , Psal. 116.11 . For Confidence in Praier , Psal. 116.12 . Mutual Inhabitation , S. John 6.56 . A Pledg of our Resurrection , S. Joh. 6.54 . An acceptable Apologie at the Bar of Judgment , 1 Cor. 11.29 . A Testament of our Inheritance , S. Luke 22.20 . A Type of Perfection , S. Joh. 17.23 . That we , with all Thy Saints , who , from the begining , have pleased Thee , may be partakers of Thy most pure and eternal good things , which Thou hast prepared , O Lord , for them that love Thee , in whom Thou art glorified for ever . O Lamb of God , who takest away the sin of the world , S. John 1.29 . Take away mine also , who am a notorious sinner . WEe therfore , O Lord , in the presence of Thy Holie Mysteries , Being mindful of The saving Passions of Thy Christ , His life-giving Cross , pretious Death , three daies Burial , Resurrection from the dead , Ascension into Heaven , Session at the Right hand of Thee the Father , glorious and dreadful Return , humbly beseech Thee , that we , receiving a part of Thy Holie Mysteries with a pure testimonie of our Conscience , may be united to the Holie Bodie and Blood of Thy Christ. " Let me so receive these Mysteries , that I may be worthie to be ingraffed into Thy Bodie , which is the Church ; That I may become one of Thy Members , and Thou my Head ; That I may remain with Thee , and Thou with me ; That now , not I in myself , but Thou in me , and I in Thee , May for ever continue in an indissoluble bond of Love. Wash out the stains of my old & fresh sins ; Never let any sinful spot abide , where so pure Sacraments have ent'red . Through this Sacred Mysterie which I here call to mind , Burie me , already dead to this world , with Thee in Thy Grave . " And receiving this Sacrament , not unworthily , let us procure Christs dwelling in our hearts , Epbes. 3. 17. and be made a Temple of Thy Holie Spirit , 1 Cor. 6. 19. Even so , O Lord. And make not any one of us guiltie of these Thy dreadful and beavenlie Mysteries ; nor weak in Soul or Bodie , by our unworthie partaking of the same 1 Corin. 11.27 , 29 , 30. But grant that , to our utmost and last gasp , we may worthily receive the hope of these Thy Mysteries , To our Sanctification , Illumination , Strength'ning ; To the eas of the burthen of our many sins ; As a Preservative against all the assaults of the Devil ; As a Deleterie & Impediment of our evil Customs ; For the Mortification of our lusts ; Keeping of Thy Commandments ; Increas of Thy Divine Grace , and Possession of Thy Kingdom . After the Receiving of the Blessed Sacrament . " IT is good for me to hold me fast by God , and to put my trust in the God of my salvation . " We have now , O Christ our God , finished & perfected , according to our abilitie , the Mysterie of Thy Dispensation : For we have had the Memorial of Thy Death ; seen the Type of Thy Resurrection ; been filled with Thy endless Life ; enjoied Thy never failing Dainties ; Wherof vouchsafe to make us all partakers in the world to come . THe good Lord pardon everie one , that prepareth his heart , to seek the Lord God of his Fathers , though he be not cleansed according to the purification of the Sanctuarie . 2 Chron. 30. 18 , 19. FINIS . Notes, typically marginal, from the original text Notes for div A25388-e280 See Bishop Andrews's Eighth Sermon of Repentance and Fasting . Notes for div A25388-e21170 * S. Chrysost. Liturgie . * S. Chrysost. Liturgie . * S. Chrysost. Liturgie . * S. Chrysost. Liturgie . * S. Chrysost. Liturgie . † Philip. 4 . 8. * S. Chrysost. Liturgie . Notes for div A25388-e25390 [ These Praiers [ thus " marked ] are not in the Greek , but in the Latin MS. ] [ In the Latin , not in the Greek MS. ] 
A16535	----	The balme of Gilead prepared for the sicke The whole is diuided into three partes: 1. The sicke mans sore. 2. The sicke mans salue. 3. The sicke mans song. Published by Mr. Zacharie Boyd, preacher of Gods Word, at Glasogw [sic].August. Boyd, Zacharie, 1585?-1653. 1629 Approx. 282 KB of XML-encoded text transcribed from 141 1-bit group-IV TIFF page images. Text Creation Partnership, Ann Arbor, MI ; Oxford (UK) : 2003-11 (EEBO-TCP Phase 1). A16535 STC 3445A ESTC S117235 99852450 99852450 17774 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. A16535) Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 17774) Images scanned from microfilm: (Early English books, 1475-1640 ; 1598:11) The balme of Gilead prepared for the sicke The whole is diuided into three partes: 1. The sicke mans sore. 2. The sicke mans salue. 3. The sicke mans song. Published by Mr. Zacharie Boyd, preacher of Gods Word, at Glasogw [sic].August. Boyd, Zacharie, 1585?-1653. [8], 57-125, 127-128, 128-130 [i.e. 132], [1], 131-147, 147-157, 178-265 p. Printed by Iohn Wreittoun, Edinburgh : 1629. Has dedication to James [Law] Archbishop of Glasgow--STC. Variant: has an extra quire, [par.], printed by "the heirs of A. Hart" and containing "A Christian Watch-Word". Imperfect: lacking leaf D4, blank?. Reproduction of the original in the British Library. Created by converting TCP files to TEI P5 using tcp2tei.xsl, TEI @ Oxford. Re-processed by University of Nebraska-Lincoln and Northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. 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Keying and markup guidelines are available at the Text Creation Partnership web site . eng Sick -- Prayer-books and devotions -- Early works to 1800. 2003-07 TCP Assigned for keying and markup 2003-08 SPi Global Keyed and coded from ProQuest page images 2003-09 Rina Kor Sampled and proofread 2003-09 Rina Kor Text and markup reviewed and edited 2003-10 pfs Batch review (QC) and XML conversion THE BALME OF GILEAD PREPARED FOR THE SICKE . THE WHOLE IS DIVIDED INTO THREE PARTES : 1. THE SICKE MANS SORE . 2. THE SICKE MANS SALVE . 3. THE SICKE MANS SONG . Published by Mr. ZACHARIE BOYD , PREACHER of GODS WORD , at GLASOGW ▪ AVGVST ▪ Latet vltimus dies vt observentur omnes dies : Sero parantur remedia , quum mortis imminent perscula . EDINBVRGH Printed by IOHN WREITTOVN . 1629 Psal. 102.6 . I am like a Pelican of the Wildernesse . TO THE RIGHT REVEREND FATHER IN GOD IAMES BY THE PROVIDENCE OF GOD , ARCHBISHOP OF GLASGOVV . RIGHT REVEREND , THE Preacher speaking of himselfe , said , that for his preachings hee sought to find out acceptable words , words of delight , which in the same verse he calleth words of trueth : where I obserue that words of trueth , may bee words of delight , delight not being contrarie to trueth , neither pleasure vnto profit : Such words are compared to goades & nailes , which CHRIST the great Pastour giveth vnto his Ministers , the Masters of Assemblees , who are appointed by him for to fasten ; yea , and to naile mens soules vnto him selfe : Such words are full of substance : they are faire without faird . As it is not good in preaching to make vse of swelled hydropick words of man his invention , neither must man take that for simplicity of the Gospell , which diverse call simplicity , viz. words wanting a due & painefull meditation , which is the very digestion of the spirit : Ill studied words can not be these acceptable words of Solomon : Of them can bee made no nailes for the fastening of loose and v●stable soules . I ever thought this part of the Ministrie a painefull part , not to be done without great paines : Some speake of a Booke day , but all our dayes should be Booke dayes . If a Pagan could be moved for any thing to say , Ab perdiat diem , alace I haue left a day , what shall he say , who is a labourer in the Lords Vineyeard ? They who would doe this worke as they should , must with earnest prayers , painefull reading , and serious meditations emptie their veines of their blood , till palenesse the STVDDIE MARKE bee printed vpon their face : They must watch while others sleepe , and labour at the candle : They must forsake the feathers and the downes at the chirping of the birds . In some measure I striue to this , though not as I would : Happie is the servant that is vigilant , hauing ever his loines girded and his candle in his hand , waiting for the coming of his LORD . Let it please your Lo. to take in good part this part of my labours , wherein is a boxe of balme , a little testimony of my thankfulnesse for the great kindnesse , whereof in my great affliction it pleased you to make mee partake : The bloody persecution in France did scatter many Churches , and mine amongst others : At my coming heere you refreshed mee with your comforts , and placed mee besides your selfe , where I find the LORD'S blessing vpon my labours : To Him alone belongs the glory . And seeing it is the LORDS will that man bee thankfull vnto man , let me heere name three speciall friends to whom neither name not blood haue bund mee , but great loue and kindnesse in time of mine adversitie , the bond whereof as I hope shall never bee broken . At my first coming to Edinburgh , good Doctour SIBBALD , the glory and honour of all the Physicians of our Land , would haue mee to abide with him : But afterward , a preaching at a fast hauing made mine acquaintance with Sr. William Scot of Eli , that great Scots MECENAS , Patron to great ROLLOCVS , hee after that did keepe me with him , as one of his owne Children : the LORD grant vnto him that hee may finde mercie in that day : From Sr. William you brought mee to Glasgow ; of that your favour let mee not forget a speciall instrument , even that wise and godly man , Mr. Iames R●bertoun , Comisser of Hamiltoun , with whom I wish that I might both liue and die . I heere in the dedication of this treatise acknowledge your bounty with a thankfull profession . And seeing our Bookes are our Children , the bi●sb of our braines , it is most convenient , that you who haue the Patronage of the FATHER , should also vouchsafe a blessing to the Children . Which looking after . I intreat the Most High to preserue you vnblameable both in Soule and Body , vntill the day of his appearing . At Glasgow the 23 of December , 1628. Your Lo. in all duetie Mr. ZACHARIE BOYD Preacher of GODS WORD , at GLASGOW . TO THE READER . THERE was never an age more fertile in reproofes and reproches than this : We are come to the dregges of dayes , where it is counted vertue to point out the imperfections of our brethren : Many are like the Flee , that can not rest but vpon a scabbe . Charitable Reader , take in good part these my paines taken for thy profit : As for thee , whose countenance is cast downe , because of GODS graces in others , If thou doe well shall it not bee accepted ? but if not , sinne lyeth as the doore : Doe better thy selfe and that shall be my reproofe . It was well said by St. Ierome : Aut profer meliores epula● & me conviva v●ere , aut qualicu●que nostra coe●ula contentus esto : that is , if thou can prepare better cheare let ●nce partake : if not , bee content with such as I haue . THE SICKE MANS SORE PSal . 107. v. 17. Fooles because of their transgressions and because of their iniquities are afflicted . V. 18. Their soule abhorreth all maner of meate and they draw neare vnto the gates of death . V. 19. Then they crye vnto the Lord in their trouble : hee saveth them out of their distresses . V. 20. He sent his word and healed them ; and delivered them from their destructions . V. 21. Oh that men wold praise the Lord for his goodnesse , and for his wonderfull works to the Children of men . THis text may be called the sicke mans text . The division of the words . The text divideth it selfe in three speciall parts . In the first is : the sicke mans sore . In the second is : the sick mans salve . In the third is : the sicke Mans song . The sicke mans sore is in these wordes , Fooles because of their transgressions , and because of their iniquities are afflicted : their soule abhorreth all manner of meate &c. The sicke mans salve is in these wordes , Then they cry to the Lord in their trouble : he saveth them out of their distresses : hee sent his word and healed them , and delivered them from their destructions . The sicke Mans song is a Song of praise in these wordes : Oh that men wold praise the Lord for his goodnesse , and for his wonderfull workes to the Children of men . 1. PART . THE SECKE MANS SORE . IN the words of the Psalmist here : first the ordour is to bee considered : Judgements heere goe before mercy , ( or for to speak so ) take the fore-gate of Mercy : when God was desired by Moses to shewe him his face , God said vnto him that no man could see his face and live . But behold , said hee , there is a place by me , and thou shalt stand on a rock : and it shall come to passe , while my glory passeth by that I will put thee into the clift of a Rocke , and will cover thee with my hand : I will make all my goodnesse passe before thee , and I will cover thee with my hand whiles I passe by : After I will tak away mine hand : and thou shalt see my backe parts but not my face : Now as the Lord said , so hee did : he passed by , and while he passed he made a Proclamation . The Lord , the Lord God mercifull and gratious , long suffering and abundant in goodnesse and trueth : keeping mercy for thousands forgiving iniquitie , transgression and sinne : Behold how in the Lords comming to Moses , mercy came before , and after iudgement in the words following that will by no meanes cleare the guilty visiting the iniquitie of the Fathers vpon the Children . The Lords sluggorne in his comming to Moses was mercifull and righteous : first was Mercy and then Iustice : this was the order of Davids Song : I will , said hee , sing of Mercy and of Iudgment : First of mercy & then of Iudgement , like Gods passing by Moses . But here in my Text Gods order is inverted , for there is first a song of Judgement and after of mercy : what should be the cause of this ? This is as the Apostle calleth it 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Multiformis ●lla sapientia Dei , that is , the manifold wisdome of God , or the wisdome of God that is of many forms : as there be diverse faces and formes of men , so there be diverse hearts & diverse dispositions : some be thrown faced , and some be thrown hearted : with with the pure thou wilt shew thy selfe pure , froward with the froward : * To one that is of a meeke disposition and of a gentle nature like Moses , let the Pastour preach first of mercy , as God came to Moses : making all his goodnesse to goe before him : But having to doe with fooles ; such as are into my Text , it shall bee wisedome first to sing to them of Iudgement and thereafter of mercy : * Gods comming to Elias declared with what method he had to preach to that rebellious people with whom hee had to doe : while hee was into the caue of Horeb the mount of God ; the Lord bade him come out , and stand vpon the mount before the Lord , and behold while God was comming to him , there came from before him three mighty Messengers for to make awaye to the King of Glory . The first Messenger was called the WIND : A mighty strong winde rent the mountains and brake the rockes before the Lord : but the Lord was not in the winde : After the winde , came another Poste called an EARTHQUAKE ; but the Lord was not in the earthquake : After the Earthquak came yet one more furious called FIRE ; but the Lord was not in the fire : After the fire , came a still and foft voyce wherein was the Lord : By this God teached Elias how he shuld teach that stiffnecked people & how he should bring the Lord to them : viz. that first he should preach Judgments ; whereby as by a wind the proud heartes like hie Mountaines might bee shaken : and the harde hearts like rockes might be rent : If that did not the turne , let him yet threaten Iudgments like earthquaks which might mak all hearts to quak : If that did not the turne , that hee should preach Hell fire , death and damnation against the Sonnes of men : Now if men did tremble at the fire , Gods will was that hee should preach with a soft and still voyce the mercyes of God , the promises of the Gospell : This order and Methode is plainely sette downe by Saint Iude , Of some have compassion , making a difference ; that is , to some first preach mercy : But others save with feare , pulling them out of the fire ; there is a preaching of Iudgment : * To some , preachers should bee as Barnabas , sonnes of consolation : to others they should bee as Iames and Iohn : Boanerges ; duo fulmi na belli ; two sonnes of thunder . Ill men like nettles must bee first gripped left they burne thee . Gods naturall dealing with men is first to offer mercy vnto them if they will repent . * This was a Law of warre prescribed by God himselfe vnto his people , when thou comest night vnto a City , saith God , to fight against it , then proclaime peace vnto it . But if it will not make peace with thee , but will make warre against thee , then thou shall be beseidge it . As it was ordained by God in that warre , so shuld it be practised in the Christian warrefare : while Pastours come from God to a people , they must first proclame peace vnto them : But if they will not make peace : then they must beseige them with the Cannons of Gods Judgements . * If Barnabas cannot winne the Citadell of mens hearts by consolations ; let James and Iohn Boanerges Sonnes of thunder besiege their hearts : with the thunders of Gods Iudgements they must shoot downe the strong holdes of sin , that every thought and imagination may bee taken and brought captive to the obedience of the Lord Jesus Christ. I know that preaching of Judgement is vnpleasant preaching to flesh and blood : * But heere is the command , Thou shalt in any wise rebuke thy neighbour , and not suffer sin vpon him : Most men will heare onely the piping of mercy , Songes of Loves ; but ditte their eares from the dinne of Judgements . * They like well of Barnabas with his consolations : but cannot abide the thunders of Boanerges : * None so fain as fools would haue their head clapped : fooles fedde on folly would bee fed in their follie . Infelix Felix , more vnhappy in deede than hee was happy in name , could not heare Faul preach : Pauls Text was of righteousnes , of temperance and of Iudgement : As he reasoned vpon the point of Iudgement , Felix interrupted him crying vnto him in a feare ; God thy way for this time , when I have a convenient season I will call for thee . * There bee many vnhappy like Felix sold vnder sinne , like Ahab , who could not heare Mecaiah Gods Prophet : I hate him said Ahab , for hee doeth not prophesie good concerning me , but evill : * But who can speak good to him that doth euill and bee a Trumpeter of Trueth ? The word of God bee it of Iudgement or of Mercy , should not bee concealed from them to whom it is ordained : while a man is become a fool in his sinnes , a Sermon of Iudgment is for him : the faithfull Pastour must denounce against him what ever is in his Roll , not keeping vp a word , were it to call him a foole in his face . * This was Iobs great comfort in his distresse that he had not concealed the words of the holy one : the office of teachers , the Lords servants is to blowe the Trumpet and warne the people with alarmes : * They are compared to the hewers of wood I have hewed them by my Prophets saith the Lord : * As a man that is for to cut a hard oke will first sharpen his axe : so he that is ordained for to hewe downe the old oken hard iniquities of a people , must sharpen his reproofes and therewith strike at them , till the spailes flee off : yea till at last the highest Cedars of of sinnes , were they Caesars sinnes , may fall down vpon their sides . * Jf a King be afoole against God , feare not to call him a foole that he may become wise : Gard vp thy loynes said the Lord to his Prophet , arise and speake all that I command thee , be not dismayed at their faces , left I confound thee before them : woe to dumme dogges , yee that make mention of the Lord keepe not silence . Sometimes Pastoures are so branded with the reproaches of fooles , because they hurt their galled backes , that they will resolve to preach no more of Iudgement , but to remaine silent : This is their weaknesse , but when the spirit of their calling begins to stirre within them ; it shall not lye in their hearts to hold their peace . * This was Ieremiahs resolution once : because hee saw the word of the Lord made a reproach to him , and dayly derision , hee said , I will not make mention of God nor speake any more in his Name : But did hee so ? O no : not : The spirit of his calling kindled such a fire within him , that hee could no more forebeare : His word , said hee , was in mine heart as a burning fire , shut vp in my bones , and I was weary w●th forbearing , and I could not stay : A Man of God will call a foole a foole . * jt is his calling to sing as well of Iudgement as of mercy : If by want of discretion he spill the tune of GODS musicke , preaching Iudgement , when hee should preach mercy , or preaching mercy , where hee should preach Iudgement , he himself shall be found the greatest foole in the daye of comptes . This consideration made Paul to pray for wisedome to his disciple , who was become a teacher : The Lord said he , giue thee wisdome in all things : * By this wisdome while we preach to hauty or humbled sinners : we are teached to practise that precept of S. Iude : which is , to make a difference . The Lord give vs the spirit of discretion . This much concerning the methode of the Wordes which wee have read in your audience : wherein first mention is made of Iudgements , and after of mercy . Now let vs come to our sicke Text , or Text of Sicknesse . In the sicke man his sore , which is the first part of this Treatise vpon the fiue Verses heere set downe , wee haue these three things particularly to consider . First , who are those who are said heere to bee afflicted ; Secondly , what is the cause of all their afflictions : Thirdly , what is the particular affliction set downe in this Text. 1. Who is said to be afflicted heere . * IN this part of Scripture wee haue a visitation of the sicke : looke to your bookes , and the first word of my Text shall tell you who is sick : vvho ? fooles , fooles saith the Psalmist , because of their transgressions , and because of their iniquities are afflicted . * I read in Scripture of foure sorts of fooles : of these two bee wise , and two be fooles indeede . First these are called fooles in Scripture , that acknowledge their ownefoolishnesse : If any man among you , saith the Apostle , seemeth to be wise in this world , let him become a foole th●● bee may be wise : * This was wise Agurs confession which hee made to Ithiel and V●●l , surely , said hee , I am more brutish then any man , and haue not the vnderstanding of a man : I neither learned wisedome nor haue the knowledge of the holy . * Secondly , these are called fools in Scripture , who are so in the wickeds estimation : According to this the Apostle saith , wee are fooles for Christs sake : but yee are wise , wee are fooles , that is , we are so esteemed to bee by the worldly wise : After that a Prophet of God had anointed Iehu to bee King , one said to Iehu , wherfore came this madde fellow to thee ? Godlinesse to wicked men is not only foolishnesse but madnesse . The great knowledge of letters hath made thee madde : ( said Festus to Paul ) what wonder seeing the wisedome of God himlsefe is esteemed folly . * In Scripture yee reade of the folly of God , yee reade in Scripture of the folly of preaching , in a worde all spirituall wisedome is folly : But to whome ? S. Paul saith that it is to them that perish . Thirdly , these are said to be fools who are Gods Elect and chosen ones , but , as we all doe , faile in many things , when they either turne in any point frō the trueth which once they did embrace , or when they are slow of heart to believe , or when they run away from God by any sin , then are they said to be fools : their failing is their folly : For the first S. Paul called the Galathians foolish Galathians : for the second ; Christ called his two disciples going to Emans fooles , and slow of heart to belee●e : for the third , it is said that the forlorne sonne was madde or by himselfe : because when hee repented , it is said that he came to himselfe againe . Fourthly , the wicked to whome the wisedome of God is folly are called fooles : According to this the rich man in the Gospell that made greater provision for his bellie in his Barns , than for his Soule in the Heavens , is called a foole . O foule , this night thy Soule shall bee taken from thee ! This was his folly , hee never thought of Heaven till hee was in hell . It is of these two , viz. of the Godly sinning by weaknesse , & of the wicked sinning by wickednesse that mention is made heere : while they sinne they are both fooles and as they are both but fooles , and as they are , so heere are they called , viz. fooles . The Hebrewe word heere is Guilim , a word that commeth from a root that is not in vse , haveing no signification which is the lyfe of a worde : a roote worthy of such branches : the roote is not in vse , neither are the branches : wherefore serveth the roote of follie ? what are the fruites of follie ? They are like the apples of Sodome . They maye have some shewe outwardlie ; but have nothing but rottennesse for the in-meate . Hee that tasteth them will doe best to spitt them out again . As the wicked wil taste the good gift of God , and after spit it out , so that it doth them no good : so should the godly hauing tasted the fruites of follie incontinent spitt them out , and after spitt at them with despight , so should they not bee able to doe them evill . Though fooles bee called from a roote that hath no vse in God his word , they seeme to themselves to bee most fast rooted : in their prosperitie they both think , and say that they shall neuer bee moved . They will also seeme vnto others of all men to have the strongest rootes . To David who was on of Gods Seers they appeared for a space like greene Bay-trees . All such greenesse , and greatnesse , is but in thinges earthly : as health , wealth , houour and preferment . But because they are not rooted in the heavens , the earth is not able to furnish substance for the vpholding of such things : and therefor● like grasse vpon the house tops they wither before they grow vp . I have seene , said Eliphaz , the foolish taking roote : but tooke hee root for to continue ? No , not : Suddainlie , said hee , I cursed his habitation : incontinent his children for whose standing and preferment hee solde himselfe to wickednesse were crushed in the gate ; neither was there any to deliver them . As for their harvest and expected crop , others did devoure it , not leaving them the miserable stalkes which grew among the thornes . * Thus God doth with the wicked as he did with the Amorite . Thogh in appearance hee high like a Cedar , and strong like an Oke , yet hee destroyeth his fruit from aboue , and his rootes from beneath . The folie of sin is like a foolish tale , which as men commonly say , hath neither toppe nor root . The Iesson is this : all sinners are but fooles : a wicked man were he never so wise in the world ●is but a foole before God : the wisedome of this world is foolishnesse with God : wisedome in evill is nothing but guile and craftinesse , guile guilded with wisedome like a tombe covered with the foile of gold , having nothing within but a contagious corruption . The vse let all men that would be wise indeede studie to an innocent life . This is our wisedome that denying vngodlinesse and worldlie lusts w●e liue soberly , righteously and godly in this pr●sent world , soberlie for our selves , righteouslie for our neighbours , and godly for our good God. What is beyond that is no thing but foolishnesse : hee that exceeds the square of that rule in Scripture language , is a foole . Obiection . Heere some may obiect and say , how is this that Scripture speaketh thus ? doth not Scripture forbid vs to speake so ? Christ speaketh plainly , whosoeuer is angrie with his brother without a cause shall bee in danger of iudgment . And whosoeuer shall say to his brother Racha shall bee in danger of the Counsell ; but whoseouer shall say , thou foole , shall bee in danger of hell fire . Behold their three iniuries which the Iewes thought to bee veniall sinnes of the Papists : the least is a motion of anger keept close within the breast , which I may call a warded wrath : for such a fault Christ sayeth , that a man is in danger of iudgment , that is , as though wee should saye , in danger to bee brought before the Commissionar an inferiour Judge : for the least sinne is the least punishment . The second iniurie is , Racha , that is , wrath broken out of warde into wordes : the word is a worde of iniurie , which signifieth , vacuus , a man as wee say that hath not harnes , or braine , a toome headed man. Beza out of Chrysostome maketh it as the French word Tutoyer , which we call to Thou a man. This greater iniurie came before the Sanhedrin , which were the Counsell of seventie and two . The third and last iniurie is greatest , viz. when a man not onelie Thou's his brother , but saith Thou foole . Some distinguish these three iniuries after this manner : The first , say they , is ira restricti animi , that is , a warded wrath within the heart . The second is , ira effervescens , an anger breaking foorth . The third they call ira erumpens in apertum convitium , that is , scoffing or rayling : for this word , saith Christ , a man shall bee in danger of hell fire : how is it then that in the first part of my Text sinners are called fooles ? The answere . I answere , that to call a man foole is not simply forbidden ; for Christ called two of his Disciples fooles : S. Paul called the Galatians foolish . That threatning then is against them that out of wrath and malice bring this worde of rayling against their brother . It is in this sense said that the Archangell while hee disputed against Satan about the body of Moses durst not bring against him arayling accusation : that is , hee durst not in anger call him a foole , knave or lowne , as one by way of rayling will call his brother . Their is no rayling in my Text : my Text is rather a teaching wherby fooles may learne to bee wise . The doctrine I gather heere is this : If hee that calleth his brother a foole deserves Hell : what shall hee deserve that is a foole indeeede ? A man may call his brother a foole , and yet not bee a foole : the one is but a simple act , the other is an habite purchased by custome : the greater the sinne bee , the greater must bee the punishment . If God scourged his people , for eating swines flesh , the abomination , and the Mouse , what shall hee doe to these that eate vp the poore and the widowes house ? great sinnes and great iudgments . The vse . Let vs beware to be that indeed whereof the simple naming of another to bee , putteth the Soule in danger of hell fire . The Apostle his precept is that fornication , and all vncleannesse , or covetousnesse bee not once named among vs as becommeth Saints : seeing to name such thinges with a filthie tongue is forbidden , howe much more should wee bee carefull for to avoide to bee that , which is not to bee named ? 2. What is the cause of the affliction of fooles . VVE haue alreadie heard who is afflicted viz. fooles : Now followeth into the order of my Text the cause of their afflictions : the cause is sinne , and iniquitie : Fooles because of their transgressions & because of their iniquities are afflicted . It is an ordinarie question made by the most part while they see any in affliction , what coulde bee the cause of such a iudgment ? wherefore hath GOD thus wise done ? God told this to Ierusalem when hee threatned to destroy . Many nations , said hee , shall passe by this citie , and they shall say every one to his neighbour , wherefore hath the Lord done this vnto this great Citie . See howe of nations of passers by , there is not one but hee saith , wherefore ? Every man saith vnto his neighbour , where fore ? Now what is the answere that God makes to their wherefore ? It is into the verse following ; Then they shall answere because they haue forsaken the covenant of the Lord God : that is , as my text saith , because of their transgressions , and because of their iniquities . The lesson is this . Our sinnes are the cause of all our plagues : so long as rebellious Ionah was in the Shippe the tempest increased : It is saide , that the Sea wrought , and was tempestuous ; what could be the cause of such tempestuous working ? The rebellion of Ionah flying from the presence of the Lord : Take mee vp said hee , and cast mee into the Sea , for I know that for my sake this great tempest is vpon you . VVhen Ioshua saw Israel beaten before the men of Ai , hee put dust vpon his head , crying , Oh Lord what shall I say , seeing Israel hath turned their backe before their enemies : now what could bee the cause of that flight ? Israel hath sinned and haue also transgressed saide the Lord : therefore they could not stand before their enemies : There must ever bee a wherefore of sinne before the therefore of affliction : Can the rush grow vp without myre ? can the flagge grow without water ? no more can affliction grow without sinne . Sin to affliction is like myre to the rush and like water to the flagge : it maketh a division betweene our God & our Soule : God cannot shine vpon the Counsell of the wicked : So soone as men beginne to sinne ; the clowds of his glowmes beginne to gather . then thou markest mee , and thou wilt not acquite mee from mine iniquitie : if I be wicked woe vnto mee . As a man soweth , so shall hee reape : Even as I haue seene , said Eliphaz , they that plow iniquitie , and sowe wickednesse reape the same . Who ever hee bee that takes pleasure in sinne , shall possesse moneths of Vanitie : wearisome nights are appointed for him . The vse of all this is , that wee studie to sinceritie of life if wee would bee free of afflictions . The wicked while they are afflicted are bound with afflictions , like a murtherer cast in the stockes ; but godly Ioseph in the stockes is a free man. The sakelesse Soule is ever in libettie : their is no such buckler for holding off afflictions as innocencie of life . If because of their transgressions , and because of their iniquities bee away , the words following are afflicted , should bee as scraped out . Let a man keepe himselfe from sinne vnspotted of this World , and hardlie shall affliction come neere him . Doe what Balaam could doe hee could not curse Israel , though hee was waged for the same . The reason thereof is declared by himselfe , God hath not beheld iniquitie in Iacob , neither hath hee seene perversnesse in Israel : the Lord God is with him , and the shout of a King is among them . So long as God beholdeth not iniquitie into a man , a house , or a nation , the Lord God is there , and they shout as Kings : that is , they triumph over all their enemies . If afflictions come for to trye their forces , they likewise shout as Kings triumphing over Death it selfe , and the grave , whome they boast with doubled interrogations ; O Death ! where is thy sting ? O Grave ! where is thy victorie ? What wonder that fooles bee afflicted for their follie ; seeing other innocent creatures smart for the same ? Doth not Scripture record that senselesse creatures sicken for our sinnes ? Thus wee see the walls of an house became leper of a freting leprosie : a wonderfull thing to think how hard stones of the house wall where the sinner dwelt could become sick . Because of the transgressions and iniquities of fooles in an house , the dead stones in the wall were afflicted . Yea , which is more for the sins of man , the whole creation groneth , travelleth in paine together ; as if it were a Woman in her shewers ; their sicknesse is vanitie caused by our iniquitie . * Seeing then other creatures that cannot sinne are afflicted because of mans sins , what wonder if fooles because of their transgressions , yea , and also because of their iniquitie hee affl●cted ? Observe heere howe the worde because is doubled : First , because of their transgressions , and againe because of their iniquities . Is not this all one ? what neede was it then that hee should have thus doubled the worde Because and againe because ? I answere that this forme of speach is , as were the dreames of Pharaoh of the kine and of the corne : of one thing hee had two dreames : The dreame of Pharaoh is one , said Ioseph ; But wherefore was it doubled ? Joseph ●aith that it was to shew Pharaoh what hee was about to doe : that is for to assure him that the matter should surely come to passe ; God of one thing doubled Pharaohs dreames ; for that the dreame was doubled vnto Pharaoh twise , it is because the thing is established by GOD : and God will shortly bring it to passe . So for to assure vs heere that sinne is the cause of all our afflictions it is saide that men are afflicted , because of their transgressions , and againe because of their iniquities . The word doubled is lyke two witnesses for to confirme the trueth . The first lesson I observe heere is , of the great stupiditie of man , that very hardlie can rightly take vp the cause of his troubles : It must bee told him againe and againe : line after line , commandement after commandement , because after because . The first bell ringes to the preaching and yet wee slumber : The second ringes yet we are not ready : The third must ring also with a doubled sound and yet we come behind : Either preface or prayer is past before wee come to our place . Wee come to the Lords house as to a place of girth or as to a city of refuge for to saue the the lyfe of our soules : & yet beholde how sluggish wee are like Lot , who would not leaue his house till hee was pressed out by the Angel : So heere behold thy senslese nature that can not take vp the cause of thy troubles till it be told againe and againe Because of transgressions will not waken the sleeping sinner till it be doubled into an other word , because of iniquities lyke the doubled crowe of the Cock to Peter : Let all men learne heere the cause of all their woes . Now O man would thou knowe the cause of thy afflictions , it is because of thy transgressions ; Hast thou not hard that ? Was thou sleeping while I said it ? Heare me againe , it is b●cause of thy iniquities : If the because of thy transgressions hath not weakned thee , let the because of thy iniquities rouse thee vp , GOD cryed once Samuel , but hee made no answere to GOD ; hee cryed againe Samuel , but yet hee answered not to God ; The third tyme hee cryed Samuel neither as yet could hee answere vnto God : Last of all , the Lord doubled his cry Samuel Samuel : Then Samuel said , Speake Lord forthy servant heareth : Many preachings haue many heard , and yet haue not learned the cause of their afflictons . Many strokes haue many gotten , and as yet never could take vp the cause of their stroakes , and so they continue into their sinnes like the drunkard in his drinking , who though in his drunknesse he hath gotten many a sore fall & many a sore stroake , yet can not refraine . They haue stricken me , will he say , and I was not sicke , they haue beaten me , and I felt it not : when I shall awake yet will I till it againe . Woe to him that is not sensible to his afflictions for to seeke out the cause thereof that it may bee removed . If a sinner hath beene stricken and hath not beene sicke , if also he hath beene beaten with the drunkard and hath not felt it , it is a sure token that he will yet to it againe : Let all men learne heere in their afflictions to seeke out the cause of their trouble . When the Philistims sawe them selues miserably plagued with a filthie and shamefull disease , they tooke counsell how it might bee tryed , wherefrom their affliction came : They had the Arke of God a prisoner among them : This was the summe of all the counsell . Now therefore make a new cart , and take two milk kine on which there hath come no yoke , and tie the kine to the Cart , and bring the calves home from them : And take the Arke of the Lord and lay it vpon the cart , and send it away that it may gee : And see if it goeth vp by the way of his owne coast to Beth-Shemesh , if that bee , then he hath done vs this great evill : but if not , then wee shall know that it is not his hand that smote vs , but a chance that happened vnto vs. There be many Christians in their afflictions worse then these Philistims , though they see things more than two kine drawing a cart by his owne coast , yet can not say that it is God that hath done it , lesse can they tell that their sinnes haue beene the cause of it , but such a thing fell foorth , such a thing hath chanced to be : it happened so vnto me : such was my fortune . This is Philistimes language worthy to be banished with buffets ; as Nehemiah buffeted the little children of the Israelites , and pluckt off their haire when he heard them speaking the language of Ashdod : It so happened : Such was my chance ; It was my fortune , is not Christian but Ashdodian language . This is Gods question , Wherefore is the living man sorrowfull ? This is also Gods answere , Man suffereth for his sins ; They are worthy to be scourged and buffeted who while they are afflicted speake of fortun or chance : Sathan in his words may teach many Christians to speake : when he desired God to scourge Iob , he said not God send him an hard weird an evill fortoun , or God send him a sudden chance , or ill must hee happen : But , Streach out thy hand & touch all that hee hath : And againe the second tyme : Put furth thyne hand now and touch his bone and his fl●sh : The Magicians of Egypt called the plague the finger of God , or Gods send . What a shame then should this be for Christians to speake of fortune or chance or hap , seeing the divell and his magicians can call afflictions the hand of God , or the finger of God. Let the lyars of Ephraim , say they are not Ephramits , but Shibboleth shal proue then to bee Ephramits . Let the vngodly deny that they are wicked , and giue thanks with the Pharisee that they are not lyke other men , but by their very language incontinent yee shall know : Some filthie words or bloody oathes , for toun , hap , chance , or such words will bewray them : By their accent yee shall know , that they are of Galile , that is of this world . Surely said one to Peter , thou also art a Galilean , and thy speach agreeth thereto . The tongue betweene man and man , is lyke an interpreter betweene two strangers : The heart of every man is a stranger to every other man : But out of the abundance of the heart the tongue speaketh bee it good , bee it evill : The words are the interpretation of the heart . If Words beguile works , dummy can not lie . Againe in the doubling of the name of finne before affliction , I obserue that God is loath to afflict till he bee provoked by transgressions & by iniquities in the plural number that is againe and againe . Till sinnes be multiplyed God scourgeth not the foole : Gods wrath commeth not out vpon man till hee bee pressed with mens sinnes , as a cart is pressed that is full of sheaues . The doctrine then is this , God is slowe and loath to come to stroakes till he be provoked againe and againe , yea , and againe also . This is well set downe by the Prophet Amos , who declaring Gods iudgments against divers peoples , setteth downe first men sinning againe and againe , once , twise , thrise , yea , foure tymes before that God began to afflict . The first is Gaza , Thus saith the Lord for three transgressions of Gaza and for four , I will not turne away the punishment thereof . The second is Tyrus : Thus saith the Lord , for three tarnsgressions of Tyrus , and for four I will not turne away the punishment thereof : The third is Edom : Thus saith the Lord for three transgressions of Edom , and for foure I will not turne away the punishment thereof . The fourth is Ammon : Thus saith the Lord , for three transgressions of Ammon and for foure I will not turne away the punishment thereof . The fifth is Moab : Thus saith the Lord , for three transgressions of Moab and for foure I will not turne away the punishment thereof . The sixt is Judah : Thus saith the Lord , for three transgressions of Iudah and for foure I will not turne away the punishment thereof . The seventh is Israel : Thus saith the Lord , for three transgressions of Israel and for foure I will not turne away the punishment thereof . The eight is Britans : Thus saith the Lord , for thirtie transgressions of Britane and for fourtie I will not turne away the punishment thereof : Our transgressions are thirtie for three , fourtie for foure . See how God delighteth to afflict : One man sinneth and God forgiveth , againe man sinneth and God forgiveth , againe yet man sinneth and God forgiveth : But at last when men multiplie their transgressions God punisheth , saying , I will not turne away the punishment thereof . The vse is , let men beware of doubling and tripling of sinnes : If iniquities come after transgressions , it is to be feared that God say for three transgressions and for foure , I will not turne away the punishment thereof : They are but fooles that say , Let vs sinne that grace may abound : Though while men sinne , God seemes to them to bee inclosed vp into the heavens , yet hee sees men into their sinnes . Though he come to iudgement softly with foote of wooll , when he is come he striketh with armes of yron . The longer the stroake be in comming it commeth downe the sadder . A sudden or hasty blowe is not of such force as a stroake fetcht from necke to heele : Let no man therefore sooth him selfe vp in his sinnes , thinking that there is nothing in God but mercie , no , not : As hee is mercifull and gratious , long suffering , abundant in goodnesse and trueth : Hee is also a righteous Lord , a God of iustice , who will in no wayes cleare the guiltie : Bee what men will bee , if they be fooles , because of their transgressions , and because of their iniquities they shall bee afflicted : Otherwise where should bee the GOD of iustice . Objection . Heere some man may object that this seemeth not ever to bee true , viz. that man is afflicted for his transgressions , and that for two reasons : first , because there be some afflicted without cause , Secondlie , because there bee many transgressions , who among all men are most free of affliction : Many are the troubles of the righteous : while the wicked are at their ease in Zion : That some are afflicted without cause , it seemeth to bee cleare in Scripture : God seemeth to say it him selfe , after that he had permitted Sathan to scourge Job with many plagues , while hee perceived that in all these troubles Job had still keept fast his integritie , Hee said to Sathan , Thou hast mooved mee against him to destroy him without cause : This seems to bee against the doubled wordes of my texte , viz. Because of their transgressions and because of their iniquities they are afflicted . The answere . J answere that while God saith to Sathan that hee had afflicted Iob without cause , it is cleare , Job of these sinnes that Sathan layed most falsly to his charge , viz. that hee was but an hypocrite and an hireling that served God but for rewards : Thus in these words without cause : Job is iustified by God onely in these sinnes whereof Sathan did accuse him . Jt is said of the borne blind that he was afflicted , neither for his fathers sinnes nor for his owne sinnes , but for the glory of God : Jt is certain that if hee had had no sinne hee could not haue beene made miserable by blindenesse , but the cheefe cause of that blindnesse , was , that the workes of God might bee made manifest in him : The question is moved by Jeremie , wherefore is the living man sorrowfull ? The answere is subjoyned , Man suffereth for his sins . There bee many for 's in mans afflictions , 1. For the manifesting of Gods glory . 2. For to stirre vs vp to prayer . 3. for to make men beware of sinne the cause of woe . 4. for to distaste vs of this earth and to waine vs from these transitorie pleasures , least we should say with Peter on Tabor , it is good for vs to bee heere : These all be the ends of afflictions , But the cause wherefore men are afflicted , are their transgressions and their iniquities . There is no ludgeing for affliction but where their is transgression . Though thy father should eate the soure grape of sinne , it shall not bee able to set thy teeth on edge : The soule that s●nneth it shall die : God shall grind the faces of these that are fatted into their pleasures : but as for the righteous , Say yee to him that it shall hee well with him . The vse of all this is , that we studie to sinceritie of lyfe , that when this lyfe shall bee spended and ended , wee may heare that joyfull voice of our master , Faithfull servant enter into thy masters ioy : To God be glory for ever . The other difficultie is in this , viz that fooles are not ever afflicted because of their transgressions : Are fooles ever afflicted ? But will yee say : What then are the wicked , who are often of greatest health , so that their eyes stand out for fatnesse ? The prosperitie of the world seemeth so bee theirs . Jndeede often this is true : while the King and Esther sit downe to drinke , the citie Sushan is perplexed : How then is it said heere that fooles are afflicted ? I answere the godly haue all their troubles and teares heere , but it is not so of the wicked ; In that God spareth so many of them in this world , it is a cleare argument that there is a judgement to come . Though incontinent God scourgeth not wicked men for their sins , yet he thinkes vpon them , as Nehemiah in his prayer desired him to thinke vpon wicked Tobjah and Sanballat : My God , said he , thinke thou vpon Tobiah and Sanballat according to these their works : Let sinners thinke vpon this , that God though hee spare for a space , yet hee thinketh vpon them : If these who are fooles by transgressions and iniquities are not in this world afflicted because of them , they shall be afflicted into the world to come . If thou be a hid sinner & yet is in no wise afflicted , thy day is comming . So long as this world lasts . Isa. 13. v. 21. Z●im and Ochim doolefull creatures will rejoyce : one divell will daunce to another : But when the daunce is ended , then shall be miserie for evermore . Againe , let vs remember heere that all these that are afflicted heere for their sinnes , are not therby exeemed : Jt may be , thou bee pyned and pinched with povertie , with gouts , and with gravels , and at the end of all goe to hell : Many are deceived , thinking that if they suffer much in this world , God will challenge them no more heerafter : this is a common follie worthy of affliction . Take heed to thy selfe , O man how thy afflictions work vpon thee : If they make thee to grone and to cry vnto the Lord , if thou find them spurres vnto prayer , and to all exercises of godlinesse : If in a word they make thee become a new man for to detest that which once thou loved best , well is thee : God hath sanctified thy affliction : But if thy disease be so that it refuse the remedie , if thy afflictions worke not vpon thee for to purge out the pride of life or for to chase out the spirit of vncleannesse , thy fornications & adulteries . It is a token that GOD is keeping thee for a more fearefull judgement . It is written of King Ahaz , that in the tyme of his distresse hee did more yet trespasse against the Lord : that said , hee is poynted out with a Nota , This is that King Ahaz . For to draw to an end , Let vs observe two generall thinges in the words of the first verse : First I obserue that the sinnes of these fooles are not particularized heere , but in generall it is said , because of their transgressions and iniquities . This is for to be an aw-band aboue the heads of all men , least they should sinne in any particular maner against God , wee faile all in many things : If it had beene said heere , Fooles because of their extortions or of adulteries are afflicted , the proud Pharisee would thinke to goe free : Lord I thanke thee , said hee , that I am not lyke other men , who are adulterers , extortioners , &c. But was hee free of pryde or of hypocrisie ? That was his transgression , for being free of one sinne or other hee was not without the compasse of trangressours : David was not an idolater , but hee was an adulterer , that was his transgression . I reade not of Ashan that hee was an adulterer , but because hee was a theefe , hee was stoned , and burnt for that transgression : Cain was not a theefe , but because hee was a murtherer , the Lord made him a vagabond . C ham was not a murtherer , but because hee was a scorner God cursed him . Noah he was not a scorner , but because he was a drunkard God scourged him with scorning . Ananias & Saphirah were not drunkards , but becaus they were lyars , they fell both downe dead at the Apostles feere . Iudas and Iulian were not guiltie of all these fore-said transgressions , yet because they were traitours and Apostate they died shamefully . Many of our weemen if they can say , J am neither whoore nor theese think that all is well . The second generall observation J make here , is , that in generall sinners are said to bee afflicted in this verse : indeede thereafter the affliction is specified : viz , sicknesse . But in this generall word afflicted , I find as it were a meeting of Gods judgements with mens transgressious : as all sorts of sinnes may be included into these words transgressions and iniquities : so all sorts of iudgments may bee contained into that word afflicted : If one affliction be not fearefull to the sinner another will bee terrible This is Gods aw-band aboue the heads of men . The doctrine J gather heere : is , that as there bee diverse sortes of transgressions and of iniquities , so there bee diverse sortes of iudgements that are all in readinesse at the first call to helpe the Lord , to helpe the Lord against the iniquities of men . If God but cry vpon his plagues : ●aying , whome shall I send and who will goe for vs ? There is not one but it will come our before the Lord , saying , with that evill Spirit , send me when God is angry against man for sinne , the famine will say send me , and I shall eate him vp : Send mee faith the pestilence and I shall destroy him : send mee saith the sword and I shall hewe him in peeces . These bee Gods three great Captaines , which are appoynted by him to runne through the world for to scourge men , because of their transgressions and because of their iniquities . Not only those three , but all the creatures of God are in readinesse in coats of armes for to execute his will against transgressours . There is no creature of God either aboue or belowe , but when they see God angry for sinne they will desire to be sent for to revenge the Lords quarrell against sinners : The fire saith , send me and I shall burne Sodom : send me saith the water , and I shall drowne Pharoah & his host : Send mee saith the earth , and J shall swallow vp Dathan and Abiram : The winds crye send vs , and wee shall chase and chastise Ionas for his rebellion : The lyons cry send vs and wee shall roare & devore the enemies of Daniel : The Deares cry send vs , and wee shall destroy the mockers of Elisha : The dagges crye send vs and we shall eate the flesh of Iozahel : the lyce crye send vs , and wee shall bring downe the pryde of Herode . Againe , there bee legions of disenses waiting vpon his nod , for to afflict sinners : Send mee saith one , and I shall strike him blind : Send mee saith another , and I shall make him dease : Send mee saith another and I shall make him dumbe : Send me saith another , and I shall lame him : Send mee saith another to his head : Send mee to his heart will another say : Send mee to his lights and to his lever will others say : Thus migrims and phrenesies , fevers , and fluxes , gouts , gravels , catarres , quartaines , and cataractes , armies of diseases will at Gods command runne vpon miserable man , till from the sole of his feete to the crowne of his head there be nothing without or within but boils , botches and putrifieing sores . See what diseases , feesters , fevers , fluxes , &c. See what beasts , and vnbeasts , Beares , dogges , lyons , lyce , &c. These with all the elements are ready to afflict man , because of his transgressions and because of his iniquities . Moreover , not only will other creatures bee in readinesse for God for to afflict and execute his vengance against sinners , But even sinners them selues will runne as Posts this earand for to be against them selves for the Lord. Send me , said Iudas and I shall hang that traitour Judas , that betrayed his maister : Send mee said Zimri and I shall cast Zimri into a fire : Send me saith Achitophel and I shall hang Achitophel for abuseing of his wisedome : Send me saith King Saul and I shall put a sword through King Saul , to teach all the Kings of the earth obedience to the King of Heaven : See what armies God hath for to afflict all men in all sorts of afflictions , because of his transgressions , and because of his iniquities . The vse of all this is , that we stand in awe and feare to offend so great and so high a Majestie : Jf any man be guiltie of many transgressions , & of many iniquities , God as yee see he are hath many judgements ready at his nod , for the afflicting of such fooles : A whip for the horse , a bridle for the asse , and many strips for the fooles back . The Lord giue vs wisedome in all things , to God be glory for ever . THE SICKE MANS SORE . THE SECOND SERMON . PSAL. 107. verse 18. Their Soule abhorreth all maner of meate , and they drawe neere the gates of death . Verse 19. Then they cry vnto the Lord in their troubles , and hee delivereth them out of their distresses . IN my former sermon : ( Beloved in the Lord ) the cause of the sicke mans sore hath beene declared in these words , that because of their transgressions and because of their iniquities they are afflicted . I wish from my heart that all sinners could thinke well vpon this , that sinne is the very seede of affliction for the godly , and of fearefull iudgement for the wicked . Every man while he sinneth thinketh to escape , even as God could bee false : As God is a righteous Lord hee will not suffer sinners to escape vnpunished . As the shaddow followeth the body , so there is a thing that followeth sinne , which Job calleth a rod , which the wicked man never thinketh of before he hath done : when the lowne hath faulted then is hee beaten : When Belshazzar is drinking , then God is writing his dittay vpon the wall , After the wicked hath sinnsed the hand of Gods justice shall catch him by the hairie scalpe , which shall make all his joynts to tremble . The particular affliction wherewith the sinners of this Text are said to bee afflicted . NOW according to my division made in the former sermon : It followeth that wee knowe with what particular affliction fools in this text are said to bee scourged for their sinnes : The rodde is sickenesse , sore sickenesse , deadly diseases : This is plainely set downe into these words : Their soule abhorreth all maner of meate , and they drawe neere the gates of death . The sickenesse as yee see , is not some light trouble , a tooth ache , or an head-worke ; as wee say , but a deadly disease declared in these words , Their soule abhorreth all maner of meate , &c. Beholde heere J say the description of a deadly disease : First it begins with want of appetite : after that the sicke man draweth neere the gates of death . The first doctrine J obserue heere is , towards man , in that hee maketh sickenesse to come before death , that man being forewarned may stryue to bee fore-armed : Behold how God stealeth not a dint vpon these fooles that are heere sicke . God in justice might strike the sinner dead in an instant , as if hee were an oxe felled with the housle of an axe : If God should slay vs all vpon the sudden , and as we say make vs even shoot to dead , hee should be righteous and we should get shame and confusion of face : But such is the mercy of God that often he forewarnes sinners , making them to sicken by degrees : first by taking away their appetite , and thereafter by making them to abhorre all maner of meate : then their hands become feeble and their knees waxe weake as water , thus all their joye by litle and litle doth wither away : After that they are thus warned , God draweth them neere the doores of death : This is Gods custome to send some forerunners to tell that the decree is coming foorth against sinners , except that they gather them selues , and search them selues for to prevent his judgements : Hee sent vnto Ninive his Prophet to giue them a charge of fourtie dayes either to repent or to be destroyed : Kings hornings get but commonly fixe dayes , God gaue them fourtie dayes leasure to consider whether it was good or no to returne home againe to God : After that God had sent vnto Jerusalem his Prophets both great and small for to receiue the fruits of his vineyard whom they abused : Hee sent at last his owne Sonne , saying , They will reverence my Sonne , but they killed him , and cast him out of his owne vineyard as being the heire : yet for all that God would not destroy them : Thereafter hee sent the Apostles to preach , & to doe miracles amongst them , yet for all that they would not repent . After as Joseph their owne writer records they gote warning from God of their woe to come : First a Comete before the destruction of Jerusalem was seene into the aire , hauing the forme of a sword ; for all this they would not yet repent : After that a voice was heard into the temple , saying , Let vs gee out of this place : for all this they would not yet repent : Last of all there was a certaine man that night and day ranne about the temple , crying Voice from the cast , and voice from the west , voice from the four winds : woe to the Citie and to the Temple : As at last he was crying woe vnto me , he was slaine by the cast of some stone , and incontinent thereafter the temple was burnt and the Citie taken and destroyed . What need J bring testimonies from forraine nations : haue we not eyes to see what God hath done to Britan ? What cryed the famine vnto vs into this land , when in the most glorious streets of this Kingdome it made the poore to fall flatlings to the ground ? What cryed the Pestilence that walketh in darkenesse ? while the best cities of this land were almost laid waste ? And now what cryeth the sword drawen our of the scabert ? Can we say but that we are well forewarned ? Though God should come this yeere , and sweepe vs quite away , none of vs can say that our God hath beene too hasty to take vengeance . Such forewarnings by sickenesse , by famine , by pestilence , by sword , are given to sinners to let the world see that God is true in his oath , viz. that as hee liueth hee taketh no delight into the death of sinners . But because , if GOD should giue to all such forewairnings the wicked world , yea , the best of vs would become secure : Therefore the Lord often will take away both godly and vngodly into a moment , that every man may be continuallie vpon his watch , least hee should be taken away vpon the sudden , and so dye without preparation : while the Philistims were seeking to see Samson sport , the house fell downe vpon them , and they died into an instant : While Nadab and Abihu brought in strange fire before the Lord the fire of God consumed them into a moment : Fiftie men with their Captaine , and againe other fiftie men with their Captaine that came to lay hands vpon Elias were consumed into an instant with fire from heaven : All Iobs children were smothered at a feast : The Aegyptians in their greatest rage against God his people were all drowned into a moment . Ananias and Saphirah shot to dead , while they were lyeing against GOD : Lots wife in an instant was turned into a pillar of salt . All these are set out in scripture to giue warning vnto sinners , not to lippen to the last , as if one Gods mercy at the last gaspe were enough for al their sinnes . Not one of all these fore said persons gote once leasure for to say Lord haue mercy vpon mee . What can thou tell O man but thou mayst die vnder the fall of an house with Samson & the Philistims ? Jt may bee thou be burnt with a blast of powder as Nadab was with fire ? What if Satan get licence from God to raise a wind , which shall smite the corners of the house , whereby in an instant thou shall be overwhelmed ? The LORD may drown thee with the Aegyptians into the sea . J knew a man in France fall downe dead as hee was washing his hands into the basen , for to goe to dinner after the Communion . I knew a man in Scotland , who died at the dinner hauing the cuppe in his hand not feeling any sicknesse of before . What doe all these cry vnto vs but that we ever be prepared . Is not our lyfe a vapour , a breath into our nostrils , which departeth so soone as the Lord but saith , Returne yee children of men ? The vse of this for great comfort to these that are afflicted with long diseases . Yee that haue such sicke persons at home , whose names are prayed for heere , take home to them this comfort , that they are much beholden to Gods mercies that proceedeth in such a maner with them , whereby they may haue tyme to repent and recken with their God , What if God had slaine them vpon an evill thought , word , or worke ? * It is a fearfull thing to goe directly from sin to judgement . Well is the man that hath tyme to craue mercy from his Iudge . Comfort your sicke with this : let them see how they are beholden vnto God for his delays . After that , tell them what hath made them sicke . The Physitians can discourse and tell diverse naturall causes : But alas , this is too sparingly told to the sicke that they suffer for their sinnes . The Physitian will say the humour must first be purged : but the Minister must say , sinne must first bee purged . Many never send for the minister till the physitian can doe no more . This they will verifie , vbi medicus desinit , ibi Deus incipit : where man leaveth off , there God beginneth . O foole , God should be begun at in thy sicknesse . Seeke first the minister the interpreter one of a thousand , that he may cry to God for remission of thy sinnes the cause of thy sicknesse . If this cause bee not removed , the physitian shall by his drogges waste both thy health and thy wealth . My counsell is , that thou proceede orderly into thy cure : Bee first friends with thy God , and he shall direct the Physitian : Otherwise the tyme shall come that thou shall say to all wordly meanes , as Iob said to his fectlesse friends : we are all Physitians of no value . Let vs now visite this sicke man into his bed , let vs see what aileth him : my text saith that his soule abhorreth all maner of meate : the Hebrew word Taban signifieth properly abomino● , that is to abhorre , avoide or scunner at a thing that standeth against our heart . His sicknesse is so sore , that all sortes of meate stand against his stomack : ●ewe men in health can eate of all 〈◊〉 of meate : Some like not flesh some ca●e not fish , some abhorre one thing , and some abhorre another . But for a man to abhorre all maner of meate , so that he can taste nothing , as the sicke man of my text , it declareth the greatnesse of the disease : This is then the affliction heere sent against man , because of his transgressions his soule abhorreth all manner of meate , that is GOD taketh the appetite from him . The doctrine I obserue heere , is this , God hath many whips wherewith he can chastise his owne children and scourge the wicked : Let all other plagues be removed , let vs see what GOD can doe to man in matter of meate . First God can giue thee meate enough , and yet scourge thee with such a niggard heart , which like an hungry steward will not vouchafe vpon the stomacke it s owne due : Such a man wee call a wretch , or worlds worme , that is feared to eare of the earth least the whole earth bee not sufficient for it . J compare such a man to a currish dogge , lyeing vpon a heape of hay , that neither can eate himselfe , neither suffer the beast to eate that would eate . * Heere is the plague of povertie , or rather plague of plentie , magnas inter opes inops , to bee poore in the middest of wealth . Secondly God can scourge a man in his meate , when he both giveth him meate and a heart , and a hand to take it , and a stomacke to digest it , but hee beseigeth the heart with hunger , by taking the passage of his throate ; there he will set downe a squinacie , crowels , or boils for to hinder all sorte of victuall for to be caried to his enemies that are lying into the heart , rebellious imaginations that haue lifted vp a banner against the Lord : God will take this passage of the throate , as Iephre tooke the passages of Jordan for the overthrowe of the Ephracaits , Thirdly God will giue meate vnto men , but will take away the strength and foison of it , which is called , to breake the staffe of bread : According to this he said to his people threatning them for sinne , yee shall eate much and shall not bee satisfied , When Gods plague after this maner is on meate , men are like these leane & evill favored kine that Pharaoh sawe in his dreame eate vp the fatre fleshed kine that were fed in a meadow , who after they had fed so fatly , it could not be knowne that they had eaten them , they remained as leane and evill favored as ever they were before . See how God can plague his creatures with leanuesse , even while they feede in fattest medowes . But againe let the Lord bee pleased : let him blesse a little portion were it of pulse , it shall haue greater force to feede thy body then all the Kinges dainties with Gods displeasure . Thus Daniel and his fellowes , whose portion was but pulse , were fatrer and fatter in flesh then all the children , which didcate the portion of the Kings meate . Fourthly , God can plague man in meate , when hee suffereth a man to become foolish , either for to tarrowe of his meate , because he geteth not such meate as he would haue hee w●ll take no meate at all , and so depriveth him selfe of Gods comforts : this wee see often into little children . Others more foolishly will make vowes not to eate till they haue done an evill turne , like these Jewes , who banded together , and bound them selves vnder a curse , that they would neither eate nor drinke till they had killed Paul : This was Sauls follie , he discharged the people all sorte of meate ti●l the battell was ended , he band them vnder a curse : but what came of it ? The people vexed with hunger , did eate flesh with blood : Thus Gods command was broken by occasion of such a foolish injunction . Fifthly God can scourge man in meate while he cursed the meate , which man desire against his will : It is said of Israel , that they tempted God in their heart , by asking meate for their lust : yea , they spake against God : they said , can God furnish a table in the wildernesse : Thereafter it is said that the Lord heard this and was wroth : What did hee into his wrath ? By his power hee brought in the south wind . Hee rained flesh vpon them as dust : and feathered fowles lyke as the sand of the sea : So that they did eate & were filled : But how soone came judgement , the Psalmist sayeth , that while their meates was in their mouths , the wrath of God came vpon them and slewe the fattest of them , and smote downe the chosen men of Israel . Behold the end of all their good cheere : Behold how shortly their greening was cooled , Sixtly God can scourge man in meate , when hee maketh meate to discord with man : From this is the proverb , That which is one mans meat , is an others mans poyson : It is a righteous thing with God to putte discord betweene man and his creatures , when man hath sinned against his God : The least discord between man and food , declareth that man is at feade with his God. Seventhly , God can afflict man in meat , by withdrawing all meat from man : This is famine , a fearefull plague : Jeremie calleth it a punishment greater then the punishment of the sinne of Sodome : In that famine of Jerusalem the tender hearted weemen for lack of bread did eate their children of a spanne long : The little children came to their mothers , crying , where is bread ? And after that they swooned and fell downe dead , and their mothers did eate them : These who in tyme of abundance were Nazarits , purer then the snowe , and whiter then milk , in tyme of famine their visage became blacker than a cole , their skinne withered , and became lyke a sticke . Jn Samariah two weemen made paction for to eate their two children , first the one and then the other . Eightly God can scourge man in meat , while hee letteth him eate till hee surfet : Thus when Israel lusted after flesh , the Lord gaue them flesh and they did eate vntill it came out at their nostrils : But while the flesh was betweene their teeth , ere it was chewed , the wrath of the Lord wat kindled and smot the people with a very great plague : from thence the place was called Kibroth-Hattavah , that is , the graues of lust . These that surfet either in meat or drink till they sicken are plagued in their meat and drinke : woe vnto them that are mighty to drink wine , & men of strength to mingle strong drinke . Last of all God scourgeth man in meat , when by sore sicknesse hee maketh a man to losse his appetite , or when he maketh his soule ( as my text saith ) abhorre all maner of meate . The Lord in his justice can put a man at variance and discord with that meate , which once hee loved best : yea , hee will sowe such seed of discord betweene man and his meat , that man will bee at deadly feade with his food : yea , & abhorre it , of whatsoever sorte it can bee : were thy fare never so daintie or delicate , the Lord can make the soule of the sicke man to abhorre it , The doctrine I obserue heere is , that there is no such loue and friendship amongst the creatures , but if the creature offend God , God can set them at variance . * God that put an evill spirit of dissention betwixt Abim●lech and the men of Shechem , can put stryfe and contention betweene a man and the meate hee loveth best . Hee can make the best meate to be vnto man after he hath abused it , as hee made Tamar to bee to Amnon after his lust was satisffied : his last hatred was greater then his former loue : Hee abhorred her at last after whom he sickned for lust : Heere is such hatred against meat : Their soule abhorreth all maner of meate : yea , of meat , which once they lusted most after . God will not suffer his enemies to haue the vse of his creatures . Jf man cast out with GOD , God can make man cast out with his meat : yea , and cast it : yea , and make his drinke to cast him vpon his backe . God may for a space delay , and suffer sinnes to haue a stomacke : But what saith hee into the Psalme ? when I see a convenient tyme then will I execute judgement . GOD is not slacke while he delayeth , but hee stayeth till sinne bee ripe . The vse of this is , let vs never offend God in our meat . Let vs beware to make of our bellyes Kibroth Hatavab , graues of lust . What is a gluttons belly but a graue of lust , wherein hee burieth the good creatures of God ? Let all men learne heere not to set their affection too much vpon that which shall goe to the draught . He that loveth his meat or drinke better then his God , God shall make him hate his loue : yea , and abhorre it . What is a man given to his belly , but a belly-god ? Stinke must hee , whose God is his belly . Fye on the follie of that foole that for meat forsaketh God , and cleaveth vnto his belly , which God one day shall destroy : yea , and shall make of it a nest of wormes . Often in this lyfe hath it beene seene that God hath marked the abused belly with some judgement , for to bee a prophecy of torment vnto others , least they should bee like vnto them . Gods judgements vpon others should bee vnto vs , as if a messinger had beene sent from the dead for to giue warning to the gluttons , Brethren , least they also should fall into the like torment . The second doctrine I gather heere is this : It is a great benefite of GOD to man to haue his appetite , so that hee may eate of all maner of meat . The vse : Thou hast a stomacke , thanke God for it : abuse it not in gluttonie or drunkennesse : St Paul hath a notable speach : viz , that the grace of God hath appeared vnto all men , teaching vs. what is the lesson ? That denying vngodlinesse , and worldly lusts , we should liue soberly , righteouslie , and godly in this present world . Soberly , in regard of our selues : Righteously , in regard of our neighbours : and Godly in regard of our God. See how in these three severall dueties , fobrietie is sent before , for to prepare a place in the heart for the Lord , who can not dwell into an heart full of surfet . The third lesson J obserue heere is , that sinne is the cause which maketh a man to losse his appetite . The vse . Let every man that sindeth a decay in this benefite , considder how this euill is come vpon him : I remember of a comfortable laying , which that worthy and learned man my Lord of Plessis Morney , whom I knew in Sanmur , was wont to say concerning the sight of his eyes almost lost , Is say a quel ieu ie les ay pardus ; J know ( said he ) at what play I haue lost them . Hee had worne-them away with great reading : Hee was not bleare eyed as many amongst vs by much drinking Well is the man that hath such bosome and secret comfortes while hee is afflicted . Health is a great benefite and would bee meekill made of : Let vs so spend it that while it is spent wee may haue some comfort to remember how wee haue spent it . Seeing my text is of health & of sicknesse , let mee say something against these that are enemies both of their owne health , and of other mens . To you first J addresse my speach , who are drinkers of strong drinke , or rather strong in drinking . Men of strength to mingle strong drinke , to scoll as wee say : How call yee such scols ? Scols of health . What folie is this , that a man should losse his health by drinking the scolls of health ? what sicknesse is this when a man is sick of healths : the very names of this sin declareth the madnesse of men . What meaneth thou ô man , to say before a drinke , that will make the sicke : This is to such a mans health ? A scoller , whose schoole is the tavorne , is not a scholer of Christ that sayes learne of mee . J never heard tell that Christ scolled to any mans health : and yet hee is the man that onely can in all things say learne of me : J will not follow St Paul him selfe in all things : hee desired not to be followed in all things : But bee yee follow●rs of mee , ( said hee , ) as I am of Christ : Take my counsell O man , follow not the fashions of this world : If thou would bee a man of health be not a drinker of healths . Bee a scholler of Christ , but bee not a scoller of strong drinke : Drinke soberly , but scoll not . A scoll is a thing sacrificed to idols : viz. to bellyes that are drunken mens gods , belly gods . The counsell of St Paul is wise : If any of them that beleeveth not , ( saith hee , ) bid you to a feast , and yee bee disposed to goe ; whatsoever is set before you , ea●e , asking no question for conscience sake : But if any man say vnto you , this is offered in sacrifies vnto idols , eate not for his sake that showed it , and for conscience sake ? That which hee said of eating that may J say of drinking : Drinke of any drinke that is set downe before you , but if a scoll come to the table , drinke it not , because it is a sacrifice offered vnto the stinking idoll of the belly . Let vs not onely flee all evill , but all appearance of evill . What hurt to health such scolls haue bene , the conscience of many will beare mee record : I wish that the force of Gods word could sweepe that out , which mans corruption hath brought in . When the brasen serpent made by Gods command was abused ; good Hezekiah brake it in peeces and called it Nehushtan , that is a lumpe of brasse . Seeing scols haue beene so vilely abused , let vs breake them in peeces : away with all appearance of evill : This much concerning these enemies of health , who by excessiue drinking , drowne their spirits and the gifts of GOD within them . There be now another sort of drunkards who spoile their health with reeke and smoke : Tobacca-men , who goe about to smoke the soule out of the body , as if it were a foxe chased out of his hole : this fire may be called as the fire of Nadab was called : viz. strange fire . I speake not of the vse but of the abuse of Gods creatures : my reproofe is against these that spend the tyme with plussing of reeke , which should be better imployed . What count should such firie pipers make to God if death in an instant should feaze vpon them with that fire pipe at their mouth ? If God should say to that man , what was thou doeing while I sent my servant death for thee ? Will that bee a gratious answere : Lord I was spending the tyme that thou gavest mee for repentance , at such and such an exercise . I will not insist against this sinne that was once a great streanger in this land . Onely this will J say for the present : this taking of reeke seemeth to be a gracelesse thing . Jf a man come in into a house and take but a drinke : he wil first pray to God for a blessing But there is no grace for Tobacca , as if it were not a creature of God : Every creature of God is good , and nothing to bee refused , if it bee received with thanksgiving : Away with such new inventions , whereof the event is this , the soule abhorreth all manner of meate . Away with these creaturs which are nor received with thanksgiving . Let vs now proceede in our text . And they drewe neere the gates of death . VVEE haue heard how all the sicke mans appetite , is lost : That which followeth is , that they drawe neere the gates of death . See how the living man sickneth and decayeth : See how his sinne goeth downe by degrees : first he can not eate , after that , all natural strength failing him , hee draweth neere the gates of death : yea , so neere that with Job he is not able to swallow downe his spittle . The doctrine J obserue heere , is , that sicknesse commeth formest , & death followeth after . There is no disease that commeth to a man , but it is like a warning peece of preparation for death . The vse when ever wee find our appetite decay : let vs remember the doores of death . Againe let vs obserue heere that the Psalmist speaketh not heere of any light disease : as of a tooth-ache , or of some little throwing of the belly , but of a deadly disease , wherein all the cunning of the physician is gone . See what doloures the sinne of man is able to bring vpon him . Sinne while it is in doeing goeth merrily on , like a ship falling into calme waters with flaunting failes ; but tary till the revenging tempest of Gods wrath come & rush vpon the sinner , and tumble him vp & downe , then is hee forced to know that there bee some great power provoked : but let vs see what is vnderstood heere by the gates or doores of death . By the gates or doores of death , some vnderstand the graue : when your graues are opened for to receiue your bodies then are the gates or ports of death opened , that yee may enter in . The graue maker is deaths porter . A man is said to bee neere the gates of death , when he is so sicke that there be more appearance of death then of lyfe . Some are so sicke that they must make their Testament : Some are yet neerer : yea , so neere that no hope of lyfe being left , the living will cut off their winding-sheete . The last yeere , when J came out of that fever in all mens opinions deadly , I found my winding sheete cut off , lying in my studie amongst my bookes : In such a case man may well bee said to be neere the gates of death , when at every moment wee thinke that his breath should goe out . In this drawing neere the graue , J obserue also the weaknesse of man. Were hee never so strong , death at last will drawe him with sicknesse to her portes . Samson for all his force yelded vnto this draught . Let mee dye , ( said hee , ) with the Philistims : there is neither force nor bewtie , nor wisdome able to resist this draught . Man in his name may learne his weaknesse : The Hebrewes call him Enosh , quasi●●ger di●●us ●● mortifera agritudine in quam 〈◊〉 peccatum incidit , that is , from ●iseases wherevnto hee hath beene made subject by sinne . Eliphaz speaking of mans weaknesse , faith that wee dwell in houses of clay , whose foundation is in the dust , which are crushed before the moth . See what an house thy soule , ô man dwelleth into : It is but a little lodge so ruinous , that if a moth but creepe vp vpon it with the weight thereof it will be crushed . The vse , let no man lippen to his strength or youth . While thou art into thy greatest force , remember that God can cause thee to be crushed before a moth , which shall drawe thee perforce in at the doores of death , for to dwell amongst the crawling wormes . Others by the gates of death heere vnderstand the power that death hath over all the living . They call the power of death , gates of death , quia judicia olim in portis exercebantur , because the magistrats in whose hand was the civill power , sat into the portes of the City , while they did exercise judgement . In this sease Christ said that the gates of hell should not prevaile against his Church : By the gates or portes of Hell is to be vnderstood the power of hell : So heere by the gates of death , learned interpreters vnderstand the power of death . The doctrine J obserue heere , is , that great was the power of death before the coming of Christ. It is heere set foorth , as a King or a magistrate , sitting with great power , rule , and dominion . This impire it keept ever till Christ came , who tooke part of our flesh and blood , that through death hee might destroye him that had the power of death , that is the devil ; and deliver these , who through feare of death were all their lifetyme subject vnto bondage : Let vs remember , then that death before Christs death had portes of power : But so soone as the Captane of our salvation came , hee cast downe the portes and dang death from the portes : yea , hee beseiged death : yea , hee overcame death even into the graue , deaths dungeon and strongest hold : yea , not onely that , but also hee put the devill , that had the power of death to such a straite , that hee was forced to quite his castell , for to goe lodge into swine . The vse of this is our great comfort against the feare of death : What neede wee now to feare death , seeing Christ our fastest friend hath conquessed the portes of death . When a Christian seeth Christ hee groweth bold : yea so , that hee will boast death and the graue , saying , O death ! where is thy sting ? O graue ! where is thy victorie ? Heere againe I obserue , that hee saith , that the sicke fooles drawe neere the gates of death : they drawe neere and yet enter not in . The lesson is this , so long as there is lyfe in a man there is hope : all is not lost that is in perrill : Epaphroditus was sicke nigh vnto death , yet GOD had mercy on him . The vse of this is , so long as there is lyfe in man in sickenesse , let both spirituall and bodily dueties be done : let prayers be made and other lawfull meanes sought , whereby the precious lyfe of man may be preserved : Say not there is no remeed , all hope of lyfe is past , and therefore wee neede not care what bee done to him . Mans extremitie is Gods opportunitie : when man lest looketh for it , GOD at his will can bring backe the sicke man from the doores of death . The best vse wee can make of that , that sinners sicken , and at last drawe neere the doores of death , is , that we remember that we all haue this voyage to make . We are all dayly drawing neerer and neerer vnto death , vnto our long home , as Salomon saith : and therefore the neerer our bodies drawe to the doores of death , let our soules drawe neerer the portes of Heaven . All things giue vs warning that wee must flit and remoue : thy beard , thy face , thy skinne , thy acquaintance , the season of the yeere : are all crying we are subject to changes . The houres , the dayes , the nights , are all as it were vpon horsebacke posting to their end . The Heavens crye vnto vs our powers are shaken and wee waxe old as doeth a garment : See yee not that sand running out of my houre glasse : Jt cryeth vnto you that tyme is running away with your lyfe : As yee see that sand running out , so is also the tyme of your lyfe running away : and now yee haue neere by an houre of lyfe lesse since J reade my texte : and shortly shall yee goe out with lesse naturall lyfe than yee came in : The Lord increase our spirituall lyfe . J wish J could let you see the vanitie of this lyfe , that yee may learne to looke for a better . There is a swift motion into man from lyfe to death : My dayes , said Job , are swifter then a weevers shittle : yea , swifter then a post : yea , they are swift as ships , as the Eagle that hasteth to the preye . What is man but a broken leafe driven to and fro with dayes of trouble , as with mightie tempests ? And yet for all thi● , while hee is driving swiftly vnto death he dreameth that he is drawing neere to the doores of life . Put thy house to an order , yee must make your testament , are fearefull wordes to a naturall man. Most men even while they are a-dyeing desire to dreame of lyfe , neither without some wrath will they suffer them selues to bee wakned out of this dreame : and yet doe what they can they are ever drawing nearer and nearer the doores of death . I wish that these doores were ofter into our memorie then they are . If yee will take heede and considder , I shall let you knowe two pages that God hath commanded ever to be watches in man , so long as hee hath lyfe for to advertise him that hee must die : The one is called the pulse , which God hath set into the arme of man , knocking night and day , for to tell him , that at the last knocke hee must enter in at the doores of death . The other page is called the breath which God hath set into the breast of man : this reciprocation of the breath is like reciprocatio serrae , the drawing to and froo of a sawe . This breath O man is night and day going to and froo like a savve : man is the tree : when the tree is cutted then must it fall : and where it falleth there shall it lye , whether in a myre or vpon the cleane : As a man dieth so shall he be for ever : If being well prepared hee enter in at the doores of death , happie shall his lyfe bee for evermore . Yee who of before did never obserue these two watching pages : the pulse and the breath ; take warning by them that dayly yee drawe neerer to the gates of death . THE SECOND PART . THE SICKE MANS SALVE . WEE haue hard in the first part of the verses , which wee haue reade concerning the sicke mans sore : Now it followeth that we heare of the second part , wherein is the sicke mans salve : it is contained in these words : Then they cry vnto the Lord in their trouble : Hee saveth them out of their distresses : He sent his word and healed them : and delivered them from their destructions . In the words J see tvvo speciall things , first the sicke man crying to God for helpe , secondly GOD delivering the sicke man. The first is in these words : Then they cry vnto the Lord in their trouble : the second is in these words , Hee saveth them out of their trouble . &c. Heere then is both mans part and Gods part : Mans part is in these words , then they cry vnto the LORD : Gods part is in these words , He saveth them . &c. Heere first in mans part let vs obserue , that while hee is neere the doores of death , hee cryeth vnto God for lyfe : where we may learne that it is lawfull for a man , beeing in danger of death to begge his lyfe from his GOD : This Hezekiah did while hee was sicke of his boile : He weept before God in his bed , and besought him that hee would spaire him for a space . Moses had a great desire to liue and to enter into Canaan : This was the prayer of him that compiled the hundreth and two psalme , that GOD would yet let him liue : I said O my GOD take mee not away in the middest of my dayes : In the Kings Psalme the Prophet saith vnto GOD , He asked lyfe of thee , thou gavest it him . I confesse that men had great need to bee wise in this sute : For if a man desire lyfe for to eate & drinke and make good cheere of his provisions laide vp for many yeeres , it were better for him to die before such riots . Lord keepe me from the gift of lyfe , except it bee that J may amend my lyfe : lyfe should bee desired that it may bee better spended . The vse of this doctrine is , that every man in his sicknesse try , wherefore hee desireth his lyfe . Jf it be for to glorifie God , and to redeeme evill spent tyme , to doe some more good in the world ; such a desire is godly : such a request is holy , whether it be graunted or not . Well is the man that hath gotten lyfe , and thereafter so liveth and learneth to die that hee may dye to liue . Let him whom God hath afflicted with sore sicknesse , and thereafter hath brought even from the doores of death : let him I say learne to be circumspect in his wayes . When Christ met afterwarde with the sicke man , whom hee had cured at the poole of Bethesda , hee gaue him a godly counsell : Behold , ( said hee ) thou art made whole : sinne no more lest a worse thing come vnto thee . It is a token of a deadly disease , when the phisicke can not worke . Againe heere I obserue the sluggishnesse of mans heart in prayer . He will not pray till hee bee at the extremitie , even at the doores of death : then , and not till then , saith my text , they cry vnto the Lord. Why would they not cry , while they perceived their appetite decaying ? why would they not cry , while their soule began to abhorre all maner of meate ? Doeth the wild asse bray when hee hath grasse ? Or loveth the oxe over his fodder ? No not . So long as a man hath the grasse of prosperitie , and the fodder of wealth , hee can neither loue , nor bray , nor pray . The young man will not quite the harlot , till a dart strake through his liver . If the vntamed colt be not sore ridden and beat●● hee can not bee broken : Hard hearts like hard knots must haue hard wedges . A small wind is notable to fanne away meakell chaffe : A hautie heart will not stoupe for a little distresse . Jt is not the little touch of affliction that will waken a snorting sinner . Except it bee an imperious crosse , which cause him smart , hardly will hee yeeld ; so head strong a thinge is sinne . So long as the Mariners can worke among●t their cordes , they runne , ra●●le , reele , and sweate in the tempe●t : But after that they haue reeled to &c fro , and staggered like drunken men , when all their running is gone , then as it is said in the psalme , they cry vnto the Lord in their trouble : yea , though the ship reele and crack , as thought it should bee crusht : yet Jonas will not waken , till a Pagan pull him vp and buffet him with rebukes . what meanest thou O sleeper ? Arise call vpon thy God. The vse . While God giveth vs warning by any disease , let vs take it as a precept of warning from GOD , and prepare our selues for death . * Jt is to bee too venturous not to cry till thou be at the doores of death : that is , to put craig in perrill : wise Salomon forbiddeth a man to delay a day . This was his watch-word : Boast not thy selfe of to morrowe , for tho● knowest not what a day may bringe foorth : Age hodie quod moriturus agas , Doe that to day that thou would desire to bee doing in the day of thy death . But alas ! what order for all this haue wee taken with our soules , though wee know not how neere wee are to the doores of death ? Who amongst vs can say with the Psalmist , My heart is prepared , my heart is prepared ? Alas for our heart , it is like the field of the sloathfull , and like the vineyard of the man voide of vnderstanding : I went by it ( saith Salomon , ) and loe it was all growen over with thornes , and nettles had covered the face thereof . Our hearts for the most part are either pricked with the thornie cares of the world , or burnt so with the burning nettles of lust , that we remember not our latter end . So soone as wee come out of the burning nettles of youth , wee fall into the pricking thornes of worldly cares , the sicknesse of colde and olde age . Except that wee take heede to our selues in tyme , our damnation shall come , as one that travaileth , & our destruction like an armed man. For this cause , let every man rouse vp him selfe at the first touch of affliction , and no more put the Lord , as it were to paines , for to stretch out his arme still . Why should yee bee striken any more ? said God to his people : Though God spare man in his sinnes for a space , yet at last shall hee not disdaine to bee crossed of dust & asses . I will tell thee ô man , that if thou sit the Lords first summonds , Hee vvill send to thee a new charge , which shall make thy griefe to grow . If yee walk stubbornly against mee , ( said the LORD ) I will bring seven tymes more plagues vpon you according to your sinnes : If seven will not worke , God hath seventie seven at his command , every one readier than another , to say with that spirit , send me . Jf for the gentle corrections of his rodde thou will not turne , Hee shall scourge thee with scorpions , till hee cause thee c●y : If a sinner overcome a little affliction , and come out of it , not being bettered thereby , Gods armie shall bee stretched out still by some greater judgement . After that Hananiah had broken the yoke of wood , which was about Ieremiah his ●ecke , for to bee a token of a great judgement , God commanded to tell Hananiah , Thou hast broken the yokes of wood , but thou shalt make for t●●m yokes of yron . If yokes of wood can not da●ton stif-necked sinners , the Lord shall change wood into yron : malo nodo malus cuneus , for a hard knot he can make a hard wedge : nill wee will we , God will haue his blowes felt . Againe heere in that a sicke man at the doores of death , is said to cry to God , I obserue a powerfull working of the spirit of God in his owne children . While they are at the doores of death and can not speake vnto man for weaknesse , yet are they said to cry vnto the Lord. At such a tyme all the force of nature is spent , and words are said to be swallowed vp : yet such are said heere to cry vnto the Lord. Wherefrae commeth this force to cry ? Not from nature : It is from the spirit within . While the godly man is at his last gaspes , and hath layd speach before men , even then is a voice of power within him , crying through the heavens vnto God. The vse . In confidence of Gods assisting power , let vs comfort our selues against the houre of death , the houre of our greatest weaknesse : Heere is the ground , while all naturall strength will faile his owne children , yet Gods strength will not faile them : My flesh and my heart faileth ( said David , ) but God is the strength of my heart and my portion for ever . What can make a man cry at his last gaspes , but this strength of GOD in the heart ? This is a great mercy , that while there is no force in nature to make a man but speake vnto man , there shall be into his heart a spirituall force , which shall make him cry vnto his God. The wicked also , when they drawe neere the doores of death , will cry vnto the Lord : that is , they will gaspe , gaze , grinne , glowre , and grone : yea , powre out their roarings as waters : And such is the great mercie of God that for plaine pittie he will grant vnto the wicked man his lyfe . So hee pittied Ahab clothed with sackeclothe , hauing nothing but the outward skinne of repentance : Because the Lord sawe him rent his cloaths and put sackcloth vpon his flesh , & fast , and lye in sackcloth , hee said to Elijah , Seest thou how Ahab humbleth him selfe before mee ? Therefore I will not bring the evill in his dayes : See what God did to a wicked man but outwardly humbled . Such is the mercie of our God , that hardly can hee punish sinners in his justice . As he did to Ahab , so will hee doe to a wicked sicke foole : when he heareth him groaning , and seeth him gaping for lyfe , lyke a hungry dogge gaping for a smush bone , he will cast vnto him that bone of life , and let him gnawe vpon it for a number of yeeres . The wicked man loveth not God , but looketh for health as a dogge will looke for a bone that hee seeth into a strangers hand : as the dogges eye is ever vpon the bone , and not vpon the stranger , so is the wicked mans eye ever vpon his lyfe and not vpon God. When the dogge hath gotten the bone , he runneth to some corner and gnaweth vpon it , and never regards any more the stranger that cast it to him : even so the wicked man , as it were , gnaweth vpon a number of yeeres , which God hath cast to him , but after he hath once gotten that which hee glowred so meekill for , he looketh no more vpon God. The gift of naturall lyfe as J see is a gift both given to the godly and the wicked : they will both come to the doores of death , and God will bring them backe againe to lyfe . But wouldst thou knowe whether or not thou hast gotten that gift in mercy or but for a greater judgement ? Trye whether or not thou amendeth thy bygone lyfe . If thy loue be greater to God then of before : If thou depends more vpon his providence then of before : Jf thou walke more circumspectly , and more carefully into thy calling then of before : Jf thou make greater conscience of thy thoughts then of before thou did of thy words and workes : If that bee , well is thee ; The Lord in mercy hath added as vnto Hezekiah that tyme to thy dayes . But if after thou hast made so many faire promises to God in thy sicknesse : so many vowes to redeeme that evill spent tyme : yet if after thou hast gotten health , thou forget thy miserie and remember it , as waters that passe away , and so returne to thy old bayas againe to bee friends with thy old sinnes , neglecting thy former vowes ; assure thy selfe that thy lyfe is prolonged but for a curse , that thou may see the evill to come : Though God spare the wicked for a space , yet the day of vengeance is in his heart . God is fully mynded to breake him vvith his tempest , & to make him perish , like his owne dung for ever . A vvicked man in his greatest glory is like Amal●cke of vvhom Balaam prophecied , saying Amaleke was the first of nations , but his latter end shall bee that hee perish for ever . Many never vveepe for sinne till their soule is in hell . Againe heere obserue to vvhom the sicke fooles are said to crye : i● is to the Lord : Then they cry vnto the Lord. Heere vv●e haue to learne to vvhom wee should cry in our trouble : Jt is vnto the Lord. St. Augustine saith very well : N●n est quod fugias à Deo irato , nisi ad Deum placatum : there is no refuge from an angry God , but vnto God being pacified : whom haue I in Heaven but thee ? said David . Cursed be the man , ( saith Jeremie , ) that trusteth in man , and whose heart departeth from the Lord : for hee shall bee like the heath in the wildernesse , and shall not see when GOD commeth : But blessed is the man that can say to God with Jeremie , thou art my hope in the day of evill . The vse , let vs learne wisdome at these sicke fooles come to their witts againe : In all our distresses let vs runne to the LORD . Who is so powerfull to helpe as hee ? who is so mercifull to helpe as he ? It shall therefore be our best in the tyme of out prosperitie to make our acquaintance with him , that in affliction wee may the more boldly goe and cry for his helpe . * If God bee a stranger vnto vs , wee will thinke shame to imploye him : but if he be our friend , wee shall finde that of Salomon to be true , There is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother . Againe in that the afflicted are said heere to cry vnto the Lord , but not vntill they bee so straited with sicknesse that there is no more appearance of lyfe : J obserue the profite of affliction : yea , of sorest sicknesse : It is a powerfull meanes for to chaise a man home to his God. While the Mariners of the ship , wherein Jonah was , perceived the tempest arise , they were busy in doing what men could doe : they cast out the wares that were in the ship to lighten it of them , but seeing that the sea wrought still and was more and more tempestuous , they tooke them to their prayers : Every man cryed vnto his God. When their Gods could not answere they wakened sleeping Ionas , who should haue beene the cock of the ship for to craw day vnto others : him they exhorted to cry & to try what his God could doe : Arise , said the poore pagan , Call vpon thy God , if so bee that hee will thinke vpon vs that wee perish not . There was no crying vnto God into that ship , vntill the ship was like to bee broken : Jn the great distresse the pagans that knewe not God before , seeing the perill , boasted the Prophet to his prayers , saying , what meanest thou O sleeper ! Arise and call vpon thy God ? When there is no appearance of helpe from any creature , then men are forced to runne to God. So long as man can see a creature , that can helpe him , hee will runne to it as to his best refuge . Jf hee be mynded to conquesse houses or lands , hee will cry vnto his coffers : Come out thousands of silver & gold and buy this : But if he be drowned into deb●e , and cast into prison , then and there he will cry vnto the Lord. So long as the forlorne sonne had a pennie into his purse , he thought never of home ; but when he was forced to feede with the swine , he said , I will returne to my father againe . So long as wee haue peace in our land , and Barnes full of corne and purses full of money , we ly in securitie lyke these of L●ish : But if the foraine enemy come and depriue vs of such comforts , then we shall crye vnto the Lord. So long as Iehoshaphat in the battell sawe his partie to be equall , he fought as he could : But so soone as hee sawe him selfe neere straited by the enemie , then hee cryed vnto the Lord. So long as Hagar had water into the bottles , she and Ismael dranke together , enjoying the creature : But so soone as all was spent , then she weept and cryed vnto the Lord. So ●long as the Raven can find a fleshy carion , hee will quietly feede vpon it : But while hee is straited with hunger , hee beggeth his meate from God : The young Lions , ( saith the Psalmist ) roare a●ter their prey : and seeke their meate from God. All things , men , beasts , fowles : yea , Papists in their greatest pinch are forced to quite all other vaine hopes for to cry vnto the Lord. I remember that in the tyme of the French persecution , J came by sea to Flanders , and as I was sailing from Flanders to Scotland , a fearfull tempest arose , which made our Mariners reele to and fro , and stagger like drunken men : In the meane tyme , th●re was in our ship a Scots papist , who lay neere me , while the ship gaue a great shake , his ordinarie cry was O Lord : J observed the man , and after the Lord had sent a calme , I said to him , Sir , now yee see the weaknesse of your religion : so long as yee are in prosperitie , yee cry vnto this Sainct and that Sainct ; Jn our greatest danger J heard you cry often , Lord , Lord , but not a word yee spake of our Lady . J compare a Papist in his pilgrimages to creatures , to a sheepe that is hunted of a flie : it runneth from bush to bush : every bush catcheth a l●ck , till the silly sheepe bee threed-bare and tirred of all his fleece , sinne lyke a cleg-flee maketh the soule to startle like a beast : there is no sure refuge but in God. Away then with Papistrie and with all that draweth a man from the Lord vnto any other : The highest point of tribulation , or some great danger of death , wakning a man , will tell a man that there is none that can helpe but the Lord , and that hee onely is to bee called vpon : Call vpon mee in the day of trouble , ( said the Lord : ) Whom haue I in heaven but thee ? said the Psalmist : All things are for the Lord , and from the Lord , and all things in their troubles must come to the Lord , as the hunger-bitten Aegiptians came all to Joseph for meate . Thus yee see the great good of greevous afflictions : They chase the creature till it cry to the Creator : I will goe , ( saith the Lord , ) and returne to my place , till they acknowledge their offence , and seeke my face : In their affliction they will seeke mee early . This is hee●e declared in these words of my text , Then they cry vnto the Lord in their trouble . The vse , let vs rejoyce in tribulation , seeing God hath made it a spnrre vnto prayer . Man is like waters : Putrescunt ni movcantur aquae , waters spill and stinke if they stand without any motion ; so will the soule stinke without affliction . Before I was afflicted , ( said David , ) I went astray , but now I learne thy statutes : Indeede it is true , that no affliction for the present seem●th to bee joyous but grievous : Neverthelesse afterward it yeeldeth the p●●c●able f●uit of righteousnesse to these that are exercised thereby . This is a quiet fruit of righteousnesse when the soule is moved to cry vnto God. Cryes in prayer vnto God are the quietnesse of righteousnesse . I confesse that both the wicked and the godly will crye in their distresse : but the wicked cry like dogs beaten with a staffe : the godly crye into their hearts , like children with Moses , to whom God said , why cryest thou vnto mee ? Let vs praye the Lord that hee would rouze vp these sleepie soules of ours that sleepe so oftin sinne , like Jonah in the hatches : Well is the man to whom God shall send some affliction crying to the sinner as the Ship-master cryed to Jonah : what meanest thou , O sleeper ? arise , crye and call vpon thy God. It is goode that man while hee is forewarned by any affliction strive to bee friends with his God. Men may rebell for a space , and may turne the grace of God into wantonnesse , yea and harden their hearts with Pharaoh against his plagues : But at last when all their excellencie is swept away like a spiders web , as Eliphaz sayeth , they die without wisdome : As a man liveth ordinarly , so dieth hee : He that liveth a foole shall readily die without wisedome : a fore-warning affliction doeth goode to the godly man : it maketh him to be fore-armed : But as for the wicked man though God send sicknesse after sicknesse , and delaye his death , yet hee is not a whit the better . But while hee liveth hee letteth the debt run on , like a spender or waster , who carelesly puts more and more vpon the score . Jt were good for the wicked that hee had never beene borne , as Christ said of Iudas : or that hee had died in the birth : yet seeing life in itselfe is a benefite , while it is abused by those that have gotten it by crying vnto the Lord , it is righteous with God to punish them in rigour for the abuse of his benefite , which should have beene to them a large time well imployed in repentance , where-with as with a brush they should have clensed their hearts from the scailles of wickednesse . Againe heere some may obiect , how is it that the godly man beeing sicke , and neere the doores of death shuld cry so earnestly for life ? Should not a godly man bee glad to goe to GOD his Father , to his long home , where are pleasures for evermore ? What see wee heere , but the back-parts of Iehovah ? Are wee not in this world as David was in Kedar , and in Meshech , or as Israel were captives in Babilon ? Is not this earth a strange land , wherein wee can not sing the praises of our God ? Are not our Harpes heere hung vpon the willowes ? Our Musick is dumbe . I answere that indeede if the godly well prepared as they should bee when sicknesse commeth vnto them , they would not crye for health of body : but their chiefe crye should bee , Come Lord Iesus , come , and fetch away my soule that panteth after thee like a cha●ed Hart , desiring the rivers of waters : The chiefe desire of a godly heart is all in this wish , when shall I come and appeare before God ? Item , I desire to bee dissolved , and to bee with Christ. But for some reasons the most godly whiles will seek life from God : some desire to live , because they desire yet to doe some better service for God , than hitherto they have done : they are sorie that in their calling they have not beene so busie as it became them to bee : the desire of their life is onelie that they may redeeme the time by dooing some one good turne or other for their God. Jn my iudgment this chieflie made Hezekiah to weepe , to croude , and to chatter while hee heard the message of death . This chiefly made the Psalmist crye , Take mee not away in the midst of my dayes . * Others even of the number of the godly will crye for life , because they finde not themselves so well prepared for to come before the face of their Iudge : they see that as yet they have not put the affaires of their Soule to an order . It is likelie that this also made Hezekiah to weepe so fore , that he chattered at the words of the messinger of death : God by Isaiah bade him put his house in order : if that had beene already done it had not needed Gods command : seeing then his house was not set in order , which is but an easie matter , it would seeme that his soule was not so set in order as that hee found it ready to compeare before the iudgment seat of God : O how fearefull is that tribunall for an vnprepared soule ! What terrours are these , sinne , and sicknesse , death , the grave , & an vnprepared soule . The vse of all this is seeing there is nothing more certaine than death , and nothing more vncertaine than the time and place thereof , let vs ever be vpon our guarde ready to flitte and remove out of our tabernacles of clay : My time is in thine hand said David : Wee cannot tell how soone our glasse shall end . Let vs therefore resolve with Hezekiah in all the way of our pilgrimage , to goe softly in the bitternesse of our soule . Againe , in that it is said that the sicke men cry vnto the Lord in their trouble let vs observe the perversnesse of our nature . Troubles make vs to crye , bodily afflictions rouze vs vp to crye : but alas while wee sinne we keepe silence : while the Thiefe is cutting a purse hee is quiet : but while hee is scourged for his fault , hee will shoute for every stripe : While Satan is forcing vs with his tentations to offend our God , wee often yeelde therevnto without any crye to our God : Jt is then especially that wee shoulde crye vnto him when wee finde sinne comming against vs to force vs to offend our God. God in his word hath set downe a notable Lawe for a Damsell betrothed to a husband : I will let you heare the Law. If a Damsell , saith the Lord , that is a virgin● bee betrothed to an husband , and a man find her in the Citie , and lye with her : Then yee shall bring them both out to the gate of that Citie , and yee shall stone them with stones that they die : the Damsell because shee cryed not : and the man because hee humbled his neigboures wife . But if a man finde a betrothed Damsell in the field , and the man force her , and lye with her : then the man only that lay with her , shall die . But in the Damsell there is no sinne worthie of death : for hee found her in the field , and the betrothed Damsell cryed , and there was none to save her . Now what is to bee inferred vpon this ? This is the matter . The soule of a Christian is as a Damsell , a virgin betrothed vnto Christ the blessed Bridegrome of our soules : Sathan the tempter is like a Russian comming to force and defile this Damsell : Jf the soule crye not while Sathan is vsing violence , the Soule and Sathan shall die : the soule because it cryed not , and Sathan because hee forced the Soule : But if while Sathan is vsing violence rhe soule cry vnto God for help , then Sathan shall only die : yea though in that case the soule in something should bee defiled , yet shall shee not die , because she cryed vnto the Lord. The vse of this is , that whensoever wee shall perceive Sathan comming with force for to deflore , or defile our soule Christs Damsell , we incontinent crye with all our force vnto GOD. Lord help mee : Lord leade mee not into tentation : O God of my m●●●● prevent mee and keepe m● from these snares : bee thou a shelter for mee , and a strong tower from the enemie . This was Pauls doing when hee feared to bee forced with that bodie of death , hee cryed , Miserable man that I am who shall deliver mee from this body of death ? This was the practise of Joseph while his Mistresse saide to him ; lye with mee ; hee cryed vnto God. How should I doe this wickednesse ; and sinne against God ? * Hee that will not crye to God before hee sinne , Gods plagues at last shall cause him crye for his sins . * Well is that man and that woman , that can crye to God for to save them from the houre of tentation , If a Damsell was forced in the fielde , her sinne was not thought worthye of death : because it was supponed that shee cryed , but that there was none to help her . But it is not so with our soule , whether it crye in the Citie , or in the field : if shee cry shee shall find that there is a God for to help her , and therefore if shee be forced , shee can have no excuse : Well is that soule that is continually crying to God in prayer . Jf a palliard knowe that a woman will crye hee will feare to make an onset : but if hee see her smyle , hee knoweth that hee hath found his match : It is so with Sathan that great palliard , and the soule of man. If Sathan knowe thy soule to bee a crying soule , a soule that will tell all his te●tations to Christ her husband , hee will feare to tempt that soule : Satan is feared for Christ , hee beleeveth and hee trembleth . But if hee see a soule that is quiet , a soule that heares his filthie language and smileth vpon him with a wanton eye , there the vncleane Spirit knoweth that hee hath founde his match . Well is that soule that Sathan finds weeping for offending Christ her husband . O what a difference is betweene a soule whose eyes are drumly with teares of repentance and a soule whose eyes are wanton ' light and smyling , eyes filled with spirituall adulterie ? Remember this vse O man , when ever Sathan shall come to tempt thee vnto sinne , then crye thou vnto the Lord vnto Christ thy husband , and Sathan that filthy Russian shall flie awaye in haste : so long as wee breath let vs pray that the Lord would lead vs into the land of righteousnesse . Last of all , in that these that are troubled crye to God , J observe a comfort for these that crye in trouble : when a man can once crye to God in his trouble , it is a token that God shortly will deliver . One that is pined with the stone gravell , so long as hee but whineth for the difficultie hee hath in making water , the Surgeon will not cut him , but will say let him bee till hee crye : from the time once hee beginneth to cry then is it time to cutt : that once done he is delivered from his paine . There is in man a stone harder than the Stone of the bladder , viz. the stone of the heart : The heart stone is of sinne : the bladder Stone is but of sand . Sinne gravell is a stone gravell : for hardnesse there is no flint so hard as a hard heart . As the Stone gravell is from sand , one pickle ioyning to another , till at last manie pickles beeing knit together in a lumpe become a confirmed stone ; even so the heart gravell is from one sinne joyned to another , till they be in an huge number together like a cluster . At last in length of time by custome they harden together : from thence is the confirmed stone of the heart . So long as this stone is not very painefull in affliction , but onely maketh the sinner to whine , the Lord will let that sinner suffer still : for a space hee will delay his cure : but if once the paine bee so ▪ that it cause the sinner to cry , God that most cunning Surgeon will cut out the cause of his cry . Behold the trueth of this into my text , Then they cry vnto the Lord : there is the cry : and he delivereth them : there is the cure . The vse : Let vs try our soules in trouble whither they cry or but whine : if the soule but whine in afflictions , it is a token that deliverance is yet far off but if the soule once begin to crye , God is ready to deliver . By our prayer to God we shall know the mind of our God in our troubles , & the working of our afflictions : . In this crying to God there is a great difference , the wicked cryeth more for his sore than his sinne : the godly man cryeth more for his sin than his sore . So to doe is not the practise of a prentise . The Lord teach vs both how wee should cry to our God , and wherfore chiefly we should cry . To God bee glorye for ever , Amen . A SHORT MEDITATION against mans securitie in life . AS intensive colde in time of frost maketh water to congeale and bindeth all vp ; so that the earth is neither fit for plowing , or sowing : so into the hearts of manie there is a frost , yea a lying frost , so that the fallow ground of their heartes cannot bee riven vp . An excessive cold at Gods service stayeth the pleugh of Gods ●grace . Yee all woulde thinke it an vncouth thing to see pleughsly in frost in the moneth of May , and yet more into August . The yeere is but of the age of twelve monethes , Maye is but the youth thereof : and yet if in that moneth there should bee no appearance of fruites , what would you thinke of such a yeere ? And yet alas many of vs who have past the June , yea the August of our age are as yet frozen in the dregges of our sinnes , as though the beames of Christ the Sunne of righteousnesse had never shined vpon our soules . What is this that wee cannot remember our mortalitie ? * One sythe cutteth down both Prince and people . How manie Kings of this land are dead , and but one alive ? The rest are gone for to give account how they have swayed the scepter , when they sustained the person of God. All the glorie of the greatest , except they bee godly shall perish like the snuffe of a candle that is trodde vnder-foote . Let vs therefore so live to die , that wee maye die to live . If wee digge not the Myne we shall never find the treasure . If wee could lay this to our heart , wee should bee swifter than Hazael in running to our God. THE SICKE MANS SALVE . THE THIRD SERMON . Psal. 107. v. 19. Then they cry vnto the Lorde in their trouble : hee saved them out of their distresses . V. 20. Hee sent his word , and healed them , and delivered them from their destructions . IN my former Sermon it hath beene declared , what the sicke fooles did while they were neere the doores of death : it is saide : Then they cryed vnto the Lord : Jn this Sermon wee shall heare Gods part : It is in these words ●ee saved them out of their distresses : hee sent his word and healed them : and delivered them from their destructions . The division of these words . Jn these wordes I see two things : first , God after hee hath heard afflicted sinners saveth them , and delivereth them out of their distresse : secondly , it is set downe by what meanes hee delivered these sicke persons , in these wordes , hee sent his word and healed them , and delivered them from their graves , or destructions . As for that it is saide in the first part of my d●yes Text , that God saved these sicke out of their distresses J observe the great mercie of God : there is no sinne , or sicknesse I see so great , but if the sicke sinner can crye to him , God hath mercie for him : as it is of sicknesse , so of all other affliction . If man can crye vnto God , God is readie to send succour . This Moses declared well vnto Jsrael : The Lord , said hee , shall scatter you among the nations , and yee shall bee left few in number : and there yee shall serve gods , the workes of mens handes , wood and stone , which neither heare nor see , nor eate nor smell : there is Gods iudgment against mans sin : But shall the LORDS arme bee stretched out still ? Will not God bee any more mercifull ? heare what is subioyned : But if from thence thou shalt seeke the Lord thy God thou shalt find him , if thou seeke him with all thy heart , and with all thy soule . Manie a time had the sicke fooles of my text offended his Majestie , yet here is mercie ; they cryed : and hee saved . God sometimes indeed while hee hath beene often provoked by the sinnes of men after diverse deliverances , will seeme to bee more hard to bee intreated , that men maye beware to be relapses from such he will hide his face for a space : Verily , said Jsaiah , thou art a God that hideth thy self , O God of Israel the Saviour : hee may hide himself for a litle , but not long . While hee heareth the heart-cryes of his creature , hee is forced to draw the curtaine , and shew himselfe vnto it . He that forbade man to hide himself from his owne flesh , can not long deny himselfe to a sicke sinner crying in his distresse . Of this we have a notable speach in the Psalme , I sought the Lord and hee heard mee , & delivered mee from all my feares : They looked vnto him , and were lightened , and their faces were not ashamed . Now let vs see the kirnell of that comfort in the verse following ; This poore man cryed , and the Lord heard him ; and saved him out of all his troubles . Behold a progresse of seeking , and of deliverance : first hee sought God : secondly he looked vnto God : thirdly the poore man cryed : So first God mett mans seeking with deliverance from the feare of trouble , secondly , while man looked vnto him hee made him to bee inlightened , so that hee knew both who did afflict , and wherefore hee did afflict him . But last of all , while God saw this sinner humbled like a poore man and heard him crye , then hee saved him from his troubles . This poore man cryed , saith the Psalmist , and the Lord heard him , and saved him out of all his troubles . See how the Lord at the first saved him not from all his troubles , but by degrees till hee cryed vnto him like a poore man crying for an almes . The harder health is more come by , the more it is set by : a disease easily cured , is easily incurred . The sooner a sinner bee helped , if hee returne againe to his sinnes , hee shall find God the slower to come to his helpe againe : God will let him seeke and looke and cry , yea , and crye againe to teach him better manners . This wee see in the booke of Iudges to have beene Gods doing with Israel . The Israelites beeing oppressed by the Philistimes , and Ammonites in their miserie they sought vnto God : they looked vnto him : yea , and they cryed : but what answere got they at the first ? God sent them vnto their false gods at the first and yet vpon their repentance hee hee pittied them : The wordes are so weightie that they are worthie to be heard : these be they euen as they were writen by Gods pen-man : when the Israelites sawe that they were so sore afflicted by their enemies , it is said : They cryed vnto the Lord , saying , wee haue sinned against thee , both because we haue forsaken our God ; and also serued Balaam : let vs now heare what answere God made vnto them : Hee said vnto them , Did I not deliuer you from the Egyptians , and from the Ammorits and from the Children of Ammon , and from the Philistimes ? The Zidonians also , and the Amalelikites , and the Maonites did oppresse you , and yee cryed vnto mee , and I deliuered you out of their hands : yet ye ha●e forsaken mee and serued other Gods : Behold their relaps : what saith the Lord to that ? I will deliuer you no more : Goe and crye vnto the Gods which ye haue chosen , let them deliuer you in the time of your tribulation heare what a hard answere : Now what did the Jsraelites ? They said to God , We haue sinned , doe thou vnto vs whatsoeuer seemeth good vnto thee , deliuer vs onely we praye thee this day : as if they should haue said Lord but for this one time : Thus after they had cryed they amended their life by putting away the strange Gods from among them and serued the Lord : what did God then ? It is said that his soule was grieued for the miserie of Israel : So at last they got help , but after many prayers and after the amendement of their life . O the great mercy of our God! O the preseruer of man ! Let vs make vse of this by applying it to our present purpose which is concerning these that are so sicke that they seeme to bee neere the doores of death While God delayeth to bring them from their sicknesse notwithstanding of all their prayers , and of all our prayers private or publicke , let vs not grudge , neither let the sicke murmure . God while hee delayeth their health , hee as it were sayeth to them , as hee said to Israel , I will deliver you no more : yet if the poore patient persist to murne before him God will not faile to give him full contentment at last . God afflicteth not willingly the children of men : no not : his soule often is grieved for the miserie of Israel . How can hee but deliver repenting sinners , seeing their miserie grieveth his verie soule ? It is not wonder that God repented himselfe to have made man , because that hee is the chiefe matter of his griefe . As for the Devils they grieve GOD by their sinnes ; but he is not grieved for their torments : God gladly shall cause scourge them with scorpions : But as for his owne children heere hee is grieved , and grieved againe , first for their sinnes but most for their sufferings : hee is grieved for their sinnes , as a father for his childrens faults : and againe he is grieved to strike them . Last of all hee is most grieved after that hee hath striken them . These bee wonderfull wordes , his soule was grieued for the miserie of Israel : God that forgave David his sinne could as gladly have spared him in his iudgments : but the wicked were looking on wondred how God did spare : and therefore ●or his honour , and for his names sake he could not let David go vnpunished : So soone as David had said , I have sinned against the Lord : Nathan answered that the Lord had put away his sinne : but as for afflictions and troubles hee could not put them awaye , because by that deede hee had giuen great occasion to the enemies of the Lord to blaspheme . Jf all the wicked were blind God would often spare to afflict his Children . An obiection . Heere some may obiect and saye that this our Text is not ever true : Js it not cleare that God delivereth not all men from the gates of death , though they cry vnto him ? The answere . It is certaine that it is not aye done : For if men by crying to God were ever brought backe from the doores of death ; death should bee a rare thing among men . If life could bee had for crying to GOD , the World should be deafned with din : for all that a man hath he will giue it for his life Jt is but one of a thousand that can say with S. Paul I desire to be dissolued : what then shall we say to our Texte wherein is said that when the sicke man cryeth then God deliuereth ? Surely this is not euer done , but if it be once done to a man in his life , they be fewe here of anye age but once in their lifetime God hath brought them from the doores of death : If God once hath done this to thee by thy owne experience subscribe to the trueth of my Texte . Neither doth my Text say that this is done to all , left that anye should beguile himselfe , saying , I may sinne , seeing as yet I haue neuer bene so sicke as to be at the ports of death : before J die I must first be neere these portes and be broght backe againe to health and so shall liue a space and afterward die : No not , God hath not astricted himselfe by promise to anye that he shall get but an houres sicknesse before he die . If a Nadab and an Abihu come in with strange fire before the Lorde , God in an instant will slay them with fire from heaven . Ananias and Saphira dyed having a lye against God in their mouth : Dathan & Abiram were swallowed vp into an instant : These are set downe in scripture as Pillars of Salt to tell to the Passengers of this world that they looke not back to Sodome but haue euer their eyes vpon their God. As for the godly in their sickenesse if at last when their glasse is at the running out they crye to God for life , God shall giue them an answere that shall content them : he shall let them see that death is better then life : Moses desired to liue and to goe to Canaan , Gods desire was that he should die for to goe to the heauens : Behold how God desired better for Moses , then Moses for him selfe : The death of the righteous was the wish of Balaam : let mee die , said hee , the death of the righteous : The death of the saints is a Precious thing : It is promised to them as a releese of all their distresses , as a rest from their labours , a refreshment to their wearied bones : there the weary be at rest saith Iob , speaking of the graue : they rest in their beds saith Isaiah : This was Gods promise to good Iosiah made by Huldah the Prophetesse : I will gather thee to thy father , said the Lord , and thou shalt be gathred to thy graue in peace : Thus the godly man ( except it be that God will haue him neere to him selfe as Enoch , or that he should not see the ill to come ) getteth his full of dayes : such a man shall come to his graue with his gray haires in a full age like as a shocke or ricke of corne commeth in his season : What is a gray headed goodly man but as a field that is ripee for the Lord The countrie saith Christ is all white speaking of the cornes in their rypnesse : A gray headed godly man is like ripe corne ready for the Lords Barne-yeard , that is vp into the heauens . According to this , Salomon speaking of the hoarie head , saith that it is A crowne of glory if it be found in the way of righteousnesse . The last thing I shall touch heere concerning Gods deliuerance from sicknesse or from any other troubles is , a counsell I would giue to these that haue bene deliuered : The counsel is this , hath God once brought thee from the doores of death to life ? or hath hee deliuered thee from any imminent danger ? Be wise in times to come : Be thankefull and sinne no more : sinne no more for feare of worse . This was Christs counsell to the man whom he had healed at the poole ; while afterward he found him into the Temple he said vnto him , Behold now thou art made whole : sinne no more , lest a worse thing come vnto thee . There was neuer a man deliuered from so filthie or from so fearefull a disease , but if he returne to his sinne like a dogge to his vomite , God can make a worse thing come vnto him : This like a wakener cryeth to all ; stand in awe and sinne not . Sinne at the first is like a little chet or young plant of the first yeeres planting , yee may easily nip it in two with your naile : sinne doubled is like a plant of two yeeares growth which requireth the strength of the hand : But sinne tripled is like a tree of three yeeres growth , of faster roots then of before : Last of all it commeth to passe that that which with thy singer most easily thou might haue pluckt vp once , can not now be shaken with all the force of thy body . It is goode to correct and rebuke sinne while it is young and will blush for shame . A little correction of the rod will chase away folly out of the heart of the yong child : But old follie , hardened folie , brasen browed folie returned after many deliuerance , after many mercyes must haue a tit in a towe : such a one will proue a wagstring : Prov. 27.22 . Bray a foole in a morter among wheat with a pestell , yet will hee not quite his foolishnesse . After that the Theefe is burnt on the cheek or behind the shoulder for his pickerie , because hee escapeth with his life , so soone as hee is free hee saith as the drunkard saith after that his winesicknesse is past , yet will I till it againe . But how is hee answered ? Gods iudgment , yea a worse than of before maketh an answere like an Eccho , yet will I till him againe : thus as Christ saide of the man that was repossest with ma●s ye Devils , so may be said of him , The last state of that man is worse than the first . By what meanes God is said heere to heale deadly diseases . NOW it followeth that wee see particularly with what salve God healeth the sicke mans sore . It is set downe into these words : Hee sent his word and healed them , and delivered them from their destructions . The Word here as you see is Gods malagma , or healing plaster . Gods worde sent to the sicke man is the messinger of health , a medicine sent from God for curing of all diseases . Upon this part of my Text , J shall gather eight , or nine severall doctrines . First , in that God is said to send his word for healing of sicke men , J observe the great Majestie of God : hee healeth men by a Messinger , so that hee needeth not to come himselfe , but onlie to send a Messinger , called his worde : A noble man in the bed of sicknesse neere vnto the doores of death hauing sent for the Physitian would not be content that he should send a messenger , and not come himself ; the most wnderstanding haue no more knowledge then is needfull : Elisha Gods Prophet was beguiled in this : he sent Gehazi his seruant with a staffé for to quicken the dead child of the Shunamite , but all in vaine : Jt behoved him to come him selfe : and when he was come what paines had hee before life could bee gotten ? First , hee went into the chamber where the dead chyld was , and shut the doore vpon them twaine , and prayed vnto the Lord : he beganne with prayer Then he went vp vpon the bed and lay vpon the Child , and put his mouth vpon his mouth , and his eyes vpon his eyes , and his hands vpon his hands , and he stretched him selfe vpon the child : what wrought that , will ye say ? after that done , it is onely said that the flesh of the child waxed warme : there was no appearance of life yet , but onely that the cold dead flesh grewe a little warme . After Elisha returned and walked in the house to and fro : See what difficultie he had : after that the went vp againe vpon the bed and stretched himselfe vpon him . At that last action it is said that the child neesed seuen times , and the child opened his eyes : See what toes-and froes the man of God had before life could be gotten : Though he should haue walked to and fro and streatched himselfe vntill now , except that God had sent his word , Elisha should haue said as Gehazi said that was sent with his staffe The child is not awaked : There is no force in man against death to make either voice or hearing . Heere then let vs obserue the great power of God who by the message of his word cureth such deadly diseases : A Physitian may helpe a sicke man by application : but what can he doe by explication . Mens wordes are but wind : wordes can not worke : Mens wordes are but of dead letters : But the word of god is quick and quickening : it is mighty in operation , the Power of God to salvation both of soule and of body : That which is able to saue both soule and body from Hell fire may easily be a power for to heale the sicke body : The Centurion after that hee had sent a man for Christ to come and cure his sick seruant , hee bethought himself what power was in Gods word , and therfore he sent back word againe to Christ that hee should not come him selfe but only send his word . Tell him said the Centurion to his friends whom he sent to him , tell him ; Lord trouble not thy selfe : for I am not worthie that thou shouldest enter vnder my roofe : wherefore neither thought I my selfe worthie to come vnto thee : but saye in a word , and thy servant shall bee healed : Saye in a word that is , send a word , and it shall heale him . I read of Ioseph that he was cast into the stockes in a prison : But by what meanes was he deliuered . It was by Gods word : The psalmist saith that they hurt his feete with stockes , and that he was laide in yron : But how was he deliuered ? there he laye vntill the time that his word came : God had giuen to Ioseph the word of his promise in a dreame that he should be a sheafe before whom all others sheaues should bowe : yea that before him the Sunne and Moone and elleuen starres should doe reuerence . So soone as the time of that word came the stockes could keepe Ioseph no more : As Ioseph lay in the stockes so must the sicke man ly in his bed , vntill the the time that his word came ; then shall he goe free : Heere behold the great power of the word of the Lord. Turne thee yet againe and behold the power of this word in a greater cure In Ezekiel J see a strange worke wrought by this word : In a valley there was a huge great number of bones both bare and drye : loe , saith the Prophet , they were very drye : God hauing showne them to his Prophet said vnto him , Sonne of man can these bones liue ? The Prophet said Lord thou knowest , as if he had said there is very little appearance : J will make them liue said the Lord : But how ? By my word : I will send my word vnto them : Prophecie vpon these bones , and say vnto them , O ye dry bones heare the word of the Lord : Behold I shall cause breath enter into you , and ye shall liue : And I will lay sinewes vpon you , and will bring vp fl●sh vpon you and couer you with skin , and put breath in you , and ye shall liue : As soone as the Prophet had giuen the bones this first charge of Gods word , at that first prophecie there was a noise , and behold a shaking and the bones came together euery bone to its owne bone : But there was no breath in them : Behold how the first charge of the word made onely the bones to be conueened , and to be couered with flesh and skinne : But how shall life be gotten ? God must send his word againe : God sent his word to the wind for to fetch breath for the quickning of these dead men : Prophecie vnto the wind said the Lord , Prophecie Son of man , & say to the wind : Thus saith the Lord God , Come from the four winds , O breath ; & breath vpon these slaine that they may liue . At that second charge of the word the wind fetcht breath which entred into them and all those bones lived and stood vp an exceeding great armie . He who by his word prophecied made dry bones to creepe together , and by this word made the winde to breath life into them , may easily send vnto sick men a word that will heale them thought they were even at the doores of death . Secondly in that the word of God is said heere to be the meanes whereby God healeth the sicke , J obserue the diuersitie of the operation of his word : what ever God hath to doe , let him but send his word and it shall be done . When he made the world he vsed no other hand but his word : let there be light : let there be a firmanent . Gods word LET wrought all the creatures : He said , and it was ; and as he said , so it was . The word of God is like a Mine of diuers veines either for to help Gods friendes or for to hurt his foes , as the cloudy pillar was darkenesse by day vnto the Egyptians , and light in darkenesse vnto the Jsraelites . As that Pillar was a darke cloud by day behind Israel for to hide them from the Egyptians ; and a burning Pillar of fire by night going before Israel for to let them see the waye . So the word that God sends is euer for the good of Israel . It is a quickning spirit and sauour of life to life vnto these that are saued , but it is a killing letter and a sauon of death to these that perish . When Christ had a will to ding his enemies vpon their backe he sent his word to doe it : I , with I am he , he made them goe backward to the ground . With his word he dang his enemies vpon their backe and with his word he raised vp Lazarus his dead freind out of the graue . Gods greatest wonders were done by his word . When Israel at Massah and Meribah tempted God in their thirst for to get water : God directed Moses to find water : But how ? was it by sending him for to delue downe in the ground for to find some water spring ? No not : He sent him to a Place where naturally was rather fire then water euen to a hard flint Rocke . But how was that water gotten ? God sent his word vnto the Rocke : speake vnto the Rocke said the Lord to Moses , and it shall giue forth his water . Thirdly seeing Gods word is of such power that for all things it is a soveraine remeedie : let vs beware to doubt of its power These gluttons that cryed for flesh are branded with this blot : They spake against God , saying Can God furnish a table in the wilderenesse ? Beware to say Can God ? were the difficultie neuer so great in appearance . Moses his doubt made him double his stroke against the Rocke , while he should haue spoken to the stones , who for a word would haue wept and shed teares to be drinke vnto Jsrael , he in steade of speaking to the Rocke scourged the Rocke once and againe . That Rocke was CHRIST , and who would haue thought that euer Moses would haue scourged Christ ? for that deed particularly he neuer bowe the Lord by his prayer for once to let him set his foot in Canaan , the type of Heauen ? Because he dishonored the word of faith with doubting he neuer entered into the land of promise . The wordes of his doubt were these , Here now , yee rebels ; must wee fetch you water out of this Rock . Hezekiel his answere to God was better , when the Lord inquired of him if the dead bones could liue ? O Lord said he thou knowest . O but God thinketh much of his word . God hath said a great word , Heauen and earth shall passe away but my word shall not passe away . Christ speaking of the power of this word said that a word spoken with as great of faith as a graine of mustard seede should remoue a mountaine hence to yonder place S. Luke saith that such a word should be able to pluck vp by the roots a sycamine tree and plant it into the Sea , a most vnfit place for planting . * See how Gods word can cause a tree take roote in an element which naturaly is more bent to pluck vp trees by the roots : shall we doubt of the power of this word were our distresse neuer so great ? No not : There is such a power in this word that in time of miracles it made the shadowe of the Messinger to heale these that were sicke : while Peter passed by : The people brought foorth the sicke into the streets , and laid them on beds and couches , that at the least the shaddow of Peter passing by , might ouer-shddowe some of them . Such was their faith that they stroue for the shadowe of Peter , and all that but for to be cured of a bodily disease , O if men now a dayes were as bent for to come to this word of God , as they were for the shadow of a man ! The power of this word within S. Paul put such vertue into his napkins that wypt the sweate from his body , or the teares from his eyes that these to whome they were brought , were cured of all their diseases , yea , and thereby euill spirits were cast out of some : Such vertue came from the shadowes and clothes of such men that men might belieue that they were sent with this word that healeth the soule . These miracles were done by the word and are writen for our learning that we may belieue Gods word to be true . Fourthly , seeing this word sent by God should be receiued by faith , it must also be preached with faith , let him that speaketh it , speake it with boldnes not fearing the face of man : hee must not be like the Trumpeter who trembleth while hee foundeth alarmes for to stirre vp the courage of others . Fifthly , seeing it is Gods word , that is the word of power : let him that heares a word preached consider well vvhose worde it is : The touch stone of spoken wordes is the writen word : This was the nobilitie of the men of Berea , they tried the word after it was preached : they searched the scriptures daily , whether these things that were preached were so , or not . Sixtly , in that it is said in my Text , that the word is a messenger of health , a messenger sent from God for to cure diseases , we should make it welcome . When Eglon a Pagan King heard Ehud saye , Iudg. 3 v. 20. I haue a message from God vnto thee , it is said , that he arose out of his seat , that is , hee stood vpon his feete for to beare reverence to the worde of the Lord. When Hezekiah heard many sore wordes of threatning sent to him from God , All that he said , was , Good is the worde of the Lorde : what then should we say of the word of health , the healing word , which is sent for to cure both soule and body viz. the worde of the Gospell ? Goode is the Gospell , goode is the Gospell , the word of health , may all sicke sinners now say : This is that word sent for to cure the diseases that would not yeeld vnto the dead letters of the law ; Blessed are the feete of these that fetch Gospell , the word of good tidings . Seuently seeing the word sent from God ; is God his appointed meanes for the recouering of health , when euer we are sicke : if wee pray for health let vs intreat God to send his word vnto vs , but seeing the word now commeth not downe from heauen in a voice thorow the aire , but is committed to a messenger , we must not looke for revelations , but seeke that word from the messenger , Gods interpreter to whom it is betrusted : we must looke for a blessing from the word spoken by him who is called of God. If God had not bidden Ezekiel prophecie vnto the bones , the bones had neuer stirred for all his preachinges . If profite had called him to be a Prophet , his prophecie had neuer bene able to quicken these slaine : But because he prophecied not till God bade him prophecie , so soone as hee prophecied , the sent word vnto the scattered dead bones , they all got life and stood vp an exceeding great armie . Men that run and speake vnsent , find that their speach take no effect : Certaine of the vagabond Jewes , exorcists , and among others , seuen sonnes of Sceua who was chiefe of the Priests tooke vpon them to adiure a deuill that was in a man and that by Jesus whom Paul preached : But what said the divell ? Iesus I know , and Paul I know , but who are yee ? Thus God as yee see hath appointed certaine men for to carie the word that he sendeth , such a man the sickenesse of a man will knowe : But if men runne vnsent , though they should preach Jesus whome Paul preached , the diseases like diuels shall say to them But who are yee ? yea the disease shall leape on them and ouercome them and preuaile against them as the diuell did to the exorcists . When Gods word is sent for to heale : most ordinarly it is sent by a rare man , a pastour whom Elihu calles one of a thousand : I know that by the word that God in my Texte is laide to send may bee vnderstood the power of God : God indeede can heale men without a pastour either to speake to them or to pray for them : but ordinarly he sendeth this word of healing by the mouth of some rare interpreter : The words of Elihu are plaine for the clearing of my Text : Behold first how he bringeth in the sicke man in his sickenesse . Hee is chastened with p●ine vpon his bed , & the multitude of his bones with strong paine : So that his life abhorreth bread , and his soule dainty meat : His flesh is consumed away that it can not be seene , and his bones that were not seene sticke out : His soule draweth neere vnto the graue , and his life to the buriers . Behold his sickenesse . But how shall he be cured ? Let him send for a faithfull minister : If there be a messenger with him , an interpreter , one among a thousand , to shew vnto man his vprightnesse ; Then he is gracious vnto him , and saith , deliuer him from going downe to the pit . I haue found a ransome . His flesh shall be fresher then a childs : he shall returne to the dayes of his youth . Consider well these words and they shall giue light to these words of my Text , He sent his word and healed them , from this may be gathred that he must be a rare man that caryeth the word sent for health : Hee must be a man sent of God that caryeth the word which God sendeth for the healing of the sicke . Little good may be looked from the preaching of many , because they preach vnsent : they preach not the word that is sent , which is the word of power : they may preach Gods word but they preach not a sent word : they take Gods statuts in their mouth , but God shall reproue them saying what hast thou to doe to declare my statutes , or that thou shouldest take my couenant in thy mouth ? When God was angry at Ahab he desired to send out some against him : while he was vpon this thought he looked to all his creatures saying , whome shall I send ? and who will goe for vs ? that said ; An ill spirit came out and said send me . There be many like the ill-spirit who will not waite till God send them , but will preueen him saying , send me . The world now runnes to be sent . There be none so ready to preach as these whom God neuer sent . Jn this they are worse then the diuell who before he went out ; heard God first say Goe forth and doe so See how the diuell would not goe to the Lords vvorke vvithout a commission and a warrand . These vvho run and speake vnsent shall find their speach take no effect : It is the sent vvord that is the vvord of conversion , and of health . A people had great neede to bequeath themselues to God , that he would keepe them from a Pastour that commeth vnsent . I will giue you two tokens of a Pastour that carieth the sent word of God : the one is inward into the mans selfe , the other is outwarde and appeareth amongst the people . First the Pastour himselfe must haue in his owne bosome a warrant from God that he is called to beare the word that God sendeth : this warrant he shall knowe in two things : First he shall find within him a drawing desire to serue God in such a calling : this is for the generall . Secondly he shall haue a privie particular draught within him moving him to desire to be with such a flocke . Not so much for to cloth him selfe with their wooll and feede him with their rents , whereby he may haue a life by them , as that he may winne some poore soule to the loue of Jesus , or drawe some clogged heart out of the snares of the diuell : that when he hath ended his ministrie he may say , Behold heere I am , and the children that God hath giuen mee : This is the inward calling without which if a man goe to speake the word , he shall be like Vzza who putting his hand to helpe Gods ●●●Arke was stricken dead with a breach into an instant . Because hee wanted a calling , God slewe him for doing that which otherwise was good in it selfe . The second token of a Pastour sent with Gods word to any particular people , is an vncorrupt desire of him by the flocke , not because he is their carnall friend or of their blood or because he is such a mans sonne , or because some guider of the parochin favoureth him : but because they see him furnished with giftes and graces whereby their soules may be helped vnto God : When S. Paul was at Troas A vision appeared vnto him in the night : There stoode a man of Macedonia , and prayed him saying , Come ouer into Macedonia and help vs : We must not now J confesse looke for visions : But certanely if God hath called a man effectually to bring his word for the well of a people , he will make these of the flocke that are most godly to pray him to come and helpe them as the man of Macedonia did vnto Paul. Jf these things be away it shall proue at last that such a man was neuer a Pastour but a hireling : what euer words he preached , shall in end appeare not to haue bene wordes sent from God. Eightly let vs obserue here whose word it is , that being sent healeth the sicke folkes of my Texte . It is the word of God : Jt is in my Texte called his word He sent his word and healed them : his word then and not mans word . Long shall a man continue jogging before that he waken a sinner by words of mans braine . The words of men being but wind can no more waken these that are soule-sicke of the lethargie , then the tempest could waken Ionas . But the word of God like that ship master will rouse vp a sinner with reproofes and chase him with glowmes to his God : The flowers of eloquence neuer so sweet smelling are not able to reviue the dying soule : what are mens wordes , though writen in letters of golde , but words of no vertue : Such words may be like Agrippa clothed with great phantasie , but they shall neuer almost perswade a man to bee a Christian : they may skippe about a dead soule as the Priestes of Baal skipped and cryed about their dead sacrifice , but all in vaine , their god was on his iourneye , or asleepe , there was none to make answere : there is no comfort to the soule from the words of man ? Papists traditions are but mens words , and wordes that God neuer sent vnto men , and therefore are not able to comfort a man vpon his sicke bed : they are liveles without any power or force : but the word of God is lively and mighty in operation : My words , said Christ , are spirit and life . The vse of this doctrine is , let all these that are sent by God to carie his word to a people to sicke or to whole , let them take heed that they deliuer Gods word as Gods word with the mind of the sender : Such must neuer faine nor flatter vnder the paine of damnation . When it was told to Micaiah that he should prophecie good things to wicked King Ahab because all the rest of the prophets had done so , what said Micaiah ? As the Lord li●eth , said he , what the Lord saith vnto me that will I speake . All the rest of the prophets made preachings of their owne head for to please the King : But Micaiah only preached the word that was sent : In this Baalam shall condemne manye that preach as their humour carie them in feede or in favour as the matter toucheth their particular : said I not vnto thy messenger said Baalam to King Balak : if Balak would giue me his house full of gold and silver , I can not goe beyond the commandement of the Lord to doe either good or bad of mine owne mind ? But what the Lord saith , that will I speake Because he had a couetous heart & loued the wages of iniquitie , though hee transgressed not in his wordes , he was but a villaine : Hee caried the sent word and spake the word that was sent , but because he spake it not as it was sent in sinceritie of heart , Baalam is branded with infamie for euer . Jn this last age many are become worse then Baalam : his greatest fault was that hee loued the wages of iniquitie , but as for his doctrine amongst the Moabits , it was sincere , he f●attered not the King : he would not curse where the King commanded , but blessed where he was commanded to curse ; till the King in wrath did smite his hands together , commanding him to flee to his owne place : 1 called thee to curse mine enemies said the King , and behold thou hast altogether blessed them these three times : Who amongst vs in open viewe before a King dare thrise transgresse a Kings command for the honour of his God ? Mens preachings to great men are become like the Echo's of their affections , the last syllabe at least must be theirs . Others great flatterers are like these greater Echos of longer breath that vvill go out the vvhole verse in repetitions . What is an Echo ? vox , sonus , aura , nihil : Mercifull God what shall become of this age wherin the sent vvord of God the vvord of reproofe is concealed , smothred and chocked , as though God durst not be angry at the sinnes of grands ? Mercifull God vvhat shall become of this age , vvherein the sent word of God is thus despised , except it be decked with words of mans wisdome ? J take this to be a fearefull plague vpon this land : Jt is righteous vvith God that so he repaye home againe the loathing of his sent vvord : It is iustice on his part that these that delight not in the word of God vvhich is the only sent word , should bee giuen ouer to eares itching after humane eloquence , and delicate phrases made of wordes that are but winde . Such vvordes like sweetest meats may vvell make men sicke , but shall neuer make the sicke to become whole . Ninthly , in these vvords of the Text , hee sent his worde , I obserue that the vvord that a faithfull minister speaketh either in preaching to sicke or to vvhole or in praying for the sicke are vvords sent from God : Such vvordes are not in vs by nature , but by grace : they are sent vnto vs and by vs vnto you : how shall they preach except they bee sent ? saith the Apostle : yea how shall they speake except that the word be sent vnto them ? O Lord said Moses , vvhile God vvas sending him to speake to Pharaoh , I am not eloquent , or as in the Hebr●w , I am not a man of vvordes : but I am slow of speach and of a slowe tongue : because he vvanted vvords of his ovvne hee doubted : But GOD that sendeth vvordes to his ovvne in neede told him , that it vvas he that had made mans mouth When God sendeth a man hee will send words into that mouth that hee hath appointed for his seruice . The vse seeing it is so whensoeuer in our preachinges or in our prayers any good word come not of our mouth that be sent for to doe good t● your soules , remember that the word is not ours , but a present that GOD hath sent to you by vs , who are nothing but the Lords stewardes , to whom the dispensation of his mysteries is committed . Now for so many good words that hee hath sent vnto vs in sicknesse and in health , in povertie and in riches , in ioye and in sorrow , let vs give vnto this God all glory , praise and honour for now and evermore . Amen . THE SICKE MANS SALVE , THE FOVRTH SERMON . PSAL. 107. v. 20. Hee sent his word and healed them , and delivered them from their destructions . V. 21. O that men would praise the Lord for his goodnesse : and for his wonderfull workes to the children of men . IN the last part of my former Sermon , we have heard what salve the Lord sends for to heale the sicke mans sore : it is set downe in these words , hee sent his worde and healed them . Out of these words wee did gather diverse doctrines . 1. That great is the Majestie of God , that maketh his word a worthy messenger for all his affaires . 2. That great is the power of Gods word that cureth all sorts of sicknesse . 3. Seeing God is so powerfull by his worde , that wee doubt never of his power , or of his promise . 4. That seeing this word should be received by faith it should also bee preached by faith . 5. Seing it is only Gods word , that is this worde , let him that heareth the word consider well whose word it is . 6. Seeing Gods word , is a messenger of health , wee should make it welcome , and blesse the feete of these that carrie it . 7. Seeing Gods word is his appointed ordinarie meanes , when vvee sicken let vs pray God to send vnto vs this messenger of health . 8. It hath been observed that there is no word , but GODS vvord , that can make the sicke man vvhole : there is no health in the vvordes that are forged in mans braine . 9. It is God that preacheth orpraveth , in and by his faithfull servants . Hee that hath made the mouth , is hee that putteth his vvord into the mouth . This farre haue vvee proceeded in the doctrines vpon these vvords , hee sent his word , and healed them . And healed them Let vs now consider what is it that God healed by his word : It is said heere that hee healed them , viz. these that vvere sicke , without anye exception of disease , hee healed them saith the Text. Let vs first heere observe the great power of GODs word , No man by a word can heale any disease , but there is no sort of disease but God can heale it by his word . If it had beene saide , fooles because of their follie had the fever , and God by his word healed them . Some would have doubted if this word could haue healed also of the fluxes : No , not : while it is saide that God healed them in generall ; it is to bee vnderstood of all sortes of diseases . Our God is not only a God of the mountaines , but also of the valleyes . The Papists that run to Saints for health , not finding any that can cure of all diseases , have appointed them slaves to runne to diverse Saints for diverse diseases , to one they must go for S. Iohns ●ll , to another they must goe for frenesie , to another for leprosie , to another for barrennesse , to another for sicke horse , to another for sicke kine , to another for their swine : I neede not goe farre : Beholde into the same house where J preach , that place of S. 〈◊〉 mooles : in my time J sawe a deepe hole at the side of that stone , where the miserable ignorāts of this land had digged for to get the dust of that pretended Saint : as if it had had power for to give health . Mercifull God what blindnesse of ignorance was that ? What could be the cause of this ? This was the cause ; The poore people could not find the worde , Gods messenger for health : The Bible was a clasped booke then : the Antichristian seales were as yet not loosed : they heard nothing but mumbling of Masses , wordes that they vnderstood not : wordes that could not heale their hearts sicke of sinne , and what wonder that like hennes they came seraping and scarting among the graves , seeking if they could find any pickle of comfort to their comfortlesse soules ? Blessed bee our God that hath sent his word to this place for healing of sicke sinners , whereas of before they were wont to bee sent to seeke comfort from the dead , that had no comfort for themselves . Gods word is a salve for all sorts of sores . To come to my doctrine there is no disease vncurable to the word , when it shall please God to send it . I confesse that there bee diseases like devills , some of a kinde that are more hardly driven away than others . This sort of devils said Christ , cannot bee cast out , but by fasting and prayer , to the worde of prayer fasting behoved to be ioyned , Not that the word wanted force for to chase out these Devills , but because of vs whose prayers are sluggish while the bellie is full . A full bellie maketh the spirit lumpish : fulnesse of food sends vp such thicke vapours , which become clowdes betweene the face of God and our prayers , so that they can not passe thorow . Againe seeing Gods word is his appointed meane whereby hee not onlie giveth health to the body , but also to the soules of his children , let vs not wonder that Sathan the enemie of mans salvation bee a great enemie to this word , to the teachers , and to the hearers . There is not a Sermon made to a people , but Sathan is affraide to losse a soule , for this cause especiallie hee beares a great ill will at Pastours , because they carie the word of health . Such men are the Lords Ensigne-bearers , against whom Sathan shooteth his greatest peeces . If they fall , the men of health fall : the sicke can no more get salve for his sore : for this cause let no man wonder that Sathan raiseth slanders vpon Preachers . This maketh that Dragon often to stretch out his taile that hereby hee may sweepe downe the lights of the World , which shew vnto vs the way of salvation . Jf once hee can make this word of God to bee ill spoken of , and by the reeke of calumnie darken the light , or make it to bee loathed , hee thinkes that hee hath wonne a field . As for you who take vpon you any profession of godlinesse by frequenting Sermons and often hearing of this word . Beware that by a scandalous life yee make others to loath that which is Gods also appointed meanes for the healing of soules : Woe to them that make the worde of God to bee ill spoken of . Againe seeing the word is so powe●full a meane for to recover the health that is lost , it must also bee a most powerfull preservative of health . The vse : seeing it is so , let vs make meekle of Gods word in our health : for it is the word of health , the messenger of health , the word of good tidings : What better tidings would a sicke man have than that hee should bee healed . * There was such a desire of health in Christs dayes , that the people thro●ged so about him , that some not being able to enter in at the doore of the house where he was , clambe vp vpon the house , & vncouered the roofe above his head , and let downe the sicke into beds by the hole they had broken vp . Jf wee knew the vertue of Gods word : before that wee were debarred therefrom by a multitude , wee should vncover the roofe of the house where it is preached , that we might bee let downe by cords : as wee loue our health , wee should loue this word of health . All men wish for health , heere is the best preservative , feare God : and heare his word diligentlie . If thou losse a preaching needlesly , it is a wonder if thou contract not some disease : If thou also be sluggish to come to Gods house , or if thou come , but yet heares carelesly and receiues not the word with greedinesse , that is a spirituall lumpishnesse of heart , a forerunner of some painefull disease : Men ordinarly before some sicknes find a certain heauinesse with want of appetit : There is no surer token of a fearfull disease to come , then a lumpish loathing of Gods word . It is of the word as of the Sacrament , Jf the Sacrament of the supper be eaten vnworthily by the children of God , though God after their repentance forgiue them the sinne yet he will chastise them with diuers diseases : for this cause , said the Apostle , many are weake and sickly amongst you and many sleepe , Euen so when the word is heard negligently without due preparation for this cause many are plagued with diuers diseases : There is no such token that God will keepe the health of a people as when a people hath appetit of the word and heares it with greedinesse : These delicate soules that are not content with the sincere word of God , except that it be saused into the entising words of mans wisdome can not be but sickly soules : Such men must be filled with some filthinesse within , which bursteth out into scabs which scripture calleth the itching of the eare : Thus as Solomon faith The full soule lotheth the honi● combe , euen Gods word that is sweeter then the honie combe : But to the hungrie soule euery bitter thing is sweet . A morsell of drye bread is more pleasant to a hungry man then wild foule is to him that is Blewe burstex as we say : This land , ( let me be familiar ) is as it were Blewe bursten vvith abundance of Gods word : We are well fed but it is not seene on vs : Because we are filled we loth the honie combe : J see no greater token of great diseases to come vpon this land then this , Scotlands appetite of Gods word is lost . Let vs heere also obserue the craft of Sathan who in all things goeth about to counterfeit God in his doings : Heere in my Text it is said that God healeth the sicke with wordes : he sent his Worde and healed them : Sathan goeth about to make men beleiue that he can heale diseases also with words which wee call Charmes . In my iudgement it it is from this place that by an Apish imitation he hath learned the first inuention of charmes or of healing by words . This of before did I neuer obserue : Often did I wonder where frae he had taken the vse of healing by words : All that Sathan doeth in draweing ●oules vnto him , he hath learned it out of GODS wisdome by counterfeiting the Lords workes as the Magitians that turned their rods into Serpents as Moses turned his rod into a Serpent : But as Moses his Serpent swallowed vp the serpents of the Magicians , ●o Gods word shall at last swallowe vp and destroye the devils charmes : Sathan is an Apish creature striuing euer to counterfeit God in all his actions : So from God hee learned to teach men to make sacrifices to himselfe , as if hee had bene the God of the world : As God is euer turning euill vnto good so Sathan is euer turning good vnto euill . Out of this place in my iudgement are all witches charmes by imitation . Jf yee would have the definition of a Charme take it in these words , It is a word sent from the deuill for healing of these that put not their trust into God. O , but will ye say , they doe good and helpe vs , O follie , if God in such a case remoue his heavie hand , it is for to lay it on againe with a greater burden : such a deliuerance is by breaking the prison to be clogged with more fearfull fetters : Heere is Gods precept Psal. 50.15 . Call vpon me in the day of trouble : Heere is a promise ; and I will deliuer thee O but will yee say , in all that they say , J heare no thing but good wordes : O foole , if the baite were not sweete the fish would not plucke : the poisond gloves must bee most sweetly perfumed , The most deadly drinke must bee most sugred : There is no such liquour for the mouth as the deuils posset , sweet in the mouth , but death into the belly . Obserue also that it is a righteous thing with God to suffer Sathans wordes haue power , to giue such a bodily benefite to these that loue their health better then God : He that seeketh his health by vnlawfull meanes loueth his health better then God : And therefore iust and righteous is hee , when hee giueth ouer to a reprobate mind these that like not to retaine God in their knowledge . A mind voide of all iudgement , is a plague ordained for all these that desire not to retaine God in their knowledge : Because they receiued not the loue of the trueth that they might be saued , for this cause God sent them strong delusion , that they should belieue● a lye : If men and women will not desist from seeking such vnlawfull meanes , but leauing the word that God hath sent for health , will beetake themselues to the word that the deuill hath sent , let them knowe that God hath plagued them with strong delusion , because they haue not the loue of the trueth : What rage is this for a man to goe and seeke health from the devill in his sickenesse ? Is it not as Elijah said concerning Ahazia who in his sicknesse sent vnto Baalzebub , because there is not a God in Israel : These that thinke that there is a God in Israel will neuer seeke to be healed by the deuiles wordes . So long as God would speake to Saul , Saul sought not to Sathan : After that God was departed from him and would answere him no more , then hee ranne to the deuill of Endor : But what comfort gote hee there ? euen that which the deuill himselfe abhorreth , viz. torment before the time . Which made him fall straight way all along on the earth . These were the cheefe wordes of the deuils comfortes Tomorrow thou shall be with mee . So must they bee heal●● that desire the deuill to send wordes for their health . An obiection . Heere some curious spirit may object that where as it is said heere that God sendeth his worde and healeth the sicke , and that therefore in sicknesse this word should be sought vnto , that seemeth not to be needfull : My dayes are they not numbered ? a man can not dye before his dayes , what needs a man then in sicknesse seeke his life from God ? The Answere . Jt is certaine that mans time is determined : mans dayes are bounded like the sea ▪ To mans age God saith as hee saith to the waves of the Sea. Hitherto shall thou come but no further : and heere shall thy proud ●a●es be stayed . The proudest dayes of mans age are s●ayed at a certaine hitherto : when they are come to that , they can w●nn● no further . But yet till they come there , man must vse the meanes where by his life may be preserued : God promised to adde to Hezekiahs yeeres other fifeteene : Hezekiah knew well that God would keepe his promise and yet for all that he left not off to eate and to drinke whereby his life might be preserued . This is most forcible against these that obiecting against predestination , say most profanely , that if they know they were predestinate to life eternall they should not care what ill they doe : why ? because they would be assured not to goe to Hell : First that were great ingratitude to giue the goodnesse of God such a meeting : What ignorance is this , that a man should not know that the goodnesse of God leadeth him to repentance and not to sinne more and more ? Againe though God hath promised to him life eternall and that God can not lye , yet man should no more neglect the meanes of his spirituall life then Hezekiah neglected the meanes for keeping of his naturall life : As for vs though wee knowe that our life can not ouerreach our spanne , yet seeing the day of our death is concealed from vs we may lawfully c●y to God for help in our troubles : Jf we be sicke let vs intreat God to send his word the messenger of health , that with the liuing as Hezekiah said , wee may praise his name ? But if so be that our day be come , that God say to vs concerning life , as he said to Moses concerning Canaan , let it suffice thee , speak no more vnto me of this matter , then let vs resolue to pray with Simeon that the Lord would let his servant depart in peace . And delivered them from their destructions . IN the former wordes wee haue heard what good the sicke persons haue gotten from God by their prayers , viz health . Hee sent his word and healed them . Jn these words the spirit of God letteth vs see from what ill by his word he hath delivered them , viz. from destruction , and deliuered them from their destructions . Behold in the coherence of the words two things , first a positiue good viz. health Secondlie a deliuerance from a great , ill viz. from their destructions . Heere obserue the great wisdome of GOD , who for to stirre vp men to thankfulnes letteth men first see what great good he hath done to them ; Secondly from how great a miserie he hath delivered them : The miserie wherefrom a man is deliuered , being set in viewe besides the benefite received is a commendation of the guift . As a candle seemeth clearest in the darkest house : and as the starres are brightest in the darkest night , so good received appeareth most , when wee see from what ill we haue beene delivered . The greater the danger hath beene , wee esteeme the more of GODS deliverance . If any man hath saved our lyfe by drawing vs out of the water , wee being almost at the last gaspes , wee would thinke of it so long as we liue : but to bee helped out of some shallow place , where was no danger of the death , for such a benefite a light grand-mercy is thought to bee enough . Let vs behold heere in the word destructions the greatnesse of Gods deliverance . The word destructions like death or darknesse commending lyfe or light , setteth out the greatnesse of the positiue benefite in those words : Hee sent his word and healed them . Let vs consider the word in the original : the word which is heere turned destructions signifieth ditches or graues , which are deathes lodgings . The graue in the first language hath diverse names . 1. the most proper is Keber . 2. Bor , that is a pit or ditch : ●arcer subterraneus , a prison vnder the earth . The estate of all the dead by nature is miserable : they are all in prison , and there must they lye , till the trumpet of the resurrection blow the blast of libertie . At that sound the earth shall open , and in its owne language shall say to the dead , goe out my prisoners I am not able to keepe you any longer . 3. the graue is called Sheol , a petendo from ●eeking , quod ore hiant , & dilatato repleri expetat . Of all begga●s , death and the graue are the greatest : they ever see●e and are never satisfied . They are the two daughters of the Horse-●●ach , which evermore crye , bring , bring : The graue is one of these that never saith , ●t is enough . 4. Jn the text which J haue redde , it is called Shechithah , from a word that signifieth to kill , or corrupt , or destroye : According to this the word heere is turned destructions : Hee delivered them from their destructions , that is , from their graues . The lesson J obserue , of all the names of the graue , and particularly of this in my text , is , great is the horrour of the graue : naturally all flesh abhorreth it . When the wicked man that is in God his debt booke is buried , hee is like one catcht and clapt vp in prison : The barres of death are about him as about a Theefe in a pit . This is a part of wicked mens penaltie , the graue is vnto them the very porch of the prison of Hell. This is the prison appointed for all desperate banquerupts laden with debt and danger , vnable to satisfie the l●ast farthing . Many may goe to the graue free of all worldly debts , whom God shall challenge and arrest of an infinite summe , which they shall not bee able to paye , though they had all this world at their dispose . Such shall be the end of all prodigall ding-thrifts , who while they lived , turned the grace of God in wantonnesse : while they are caried to the graue , they are caried to their destructions . Seeing the graue is naturally to all men a destruction ; let the consideration thereof stirre vs vp to a godly lyfe : Jt is a place most fearefull to flesh and blood . Job speaking to God concerning the graue , for which hee was preparing him selfe , declareth in most powerfull wordes what a dwelling place it is , Cease then , ( said hee , ) and let mee alone , that I may take comfort a litle , before I goe , whence I shall not returne , even to the land of darknesse and the shaddow of death ; a land of darkenesse , as darkenesse it selfe , and of the shaddow of death without any order , and where the light bee as darkenesse . Those bee the most pleasant fields of the graue , viz. a land of darkenesse , where the light , ( as Job saith ) is as darkenesse it selfe : There shall all flesh be clothed with wormes , and with clods o● dust . There is the place of silence : Many there be lying together heapes vpon heapes , as Samson said , but there is not a word of conference . So long as men liue together on earth , they haue both companie & conference , whereby they may sweeten the da●es of the lyfe of their vanitie . O but so soone as they are gone to their destructions , such perishing shad●owes of pleasures flee away : There is no worke , nor device , nor knowledge , nor wisedome in the gra●e whether they goe . Job is very plaine concerning this : As the cloud , ( saith hee , ) is consumed and vanisheth away , so hee that goeth downe to the graue , shall come vp no more : hee shall returne no more to his house , neither shall his place know him any more . Bildad considering mans mortalitie & his necessitie of going downe ●o the graue , said , wee are but of yesterday , and know nothing , because our dayes on earth are a shaddow , that past man must goe to his destruction , viz. to the graue : Thus as yee see , the graue of its owne nature is properly a destruction : Such is it also to all those who in their lyfe were not partakers of grace . To goe to the graue without grace , is to goe to destruction . Men may striue by artifice to make the graue pleasant by painted and carved stones , but when men haue done their best it is nothing indeed but a painted destruction . While it glistereth like the Heavens with●●t . ●t is but the belly of Hell within . As for the man of grace , though he should be deprived of the graue , hee hath one thing to cover him , which the whole world can not take from him , Coelo tegitur qui non habet vrnam : he is covered with the Heavens , who wanteth a graue : the godly in their graues rest in their beds . Behold what a mercifull God we haue , whose cursings by grace become blessings . The graue at the first was appointed by God as a ward house for malefactours , and now behold how it is turned by grace into a bed of downe , a resting place for the wearied bodies of the Saints . See how God in his most fearfull judgements hath ever some comfort infolded for the comfort of his Saints , as a kirnell within a h●ske . For them hee can keepe light in darkenesse , and also bring light out of darkenesse . For them he can in that which is not , find out that which is , by calling things which are not as though they were : yea , which is most for his owne , even in destruction , hee will keepe salvation . In the graues of the godly , which by nature are destructions , there is a sort of salvation , which shall bee seene at the great and last day of the resurrection . The vse of this doctrine is t●●o sold , first for ●●se godly , secondlie for the wicked : As for the godly let them bee thankfull vnto God , who hath changed their destructions into beds of rest , where they shall sleepe most softly vntill the great blast of the last trumpet . This is one of the speciall comforts which God hath prepared for the godly man in his bed of languishing , that God will make all his bed in his sicknesse : Beh●ld heere a greater comfort : In death God will make all the godly mans bed : The graue to him is but a bed made for him by the Lord. O man of GOD for thy graue bee thankfull vnto God. When death is drawing neere , comfort thy selfe with this , that God is preparing a well made bed for thee in the graue . Blesse him who hath turned thy destruction into rest . As for the wicked , let the fearfull word of my text , viz. destructions ; let it bee as it were a Remembrancer vnto them , that there is a thing after this lyfe prepared for them which God his word calleth destruction . While they heare of it let them come out of their chaire of ease for to be friends with God in time . O mercifull God , what terrour must this bee , while a man on his death bed perceiveth nothing but GODS wrath , a gape●ng graue , and an v●prepared soule ? Let this memorandum rouse vp all slippry soules so to liue in this lyfe , that they losse not that lyfe which is to come . No man can tell how soone his glasse shall runne out . What a follie is this for a moment of pleasures to losse eternitie , and to goe to destruction . Happy then ( I see ) is the man that liveth well he●re : Blessed is he whose GOD is the Lord : Thrise happy is hee that hath faith in Christ , for in the very graue he shall find salvation . Hee hath a cordiall antido● against the poison of destruction , who hath Christ to bee his salvation : Christ our salvation hath destroyed this destruction . He hath gotten such a victorie not only for him selfe , but also for all his Saints , that the least and weakest of them may defye both death and destruction with those words of boast : O death where is thy sting ? O graue where is thy victorie ? Death like that viper of Malta may hang vpon a godly mans hand : but in the day the Lord shall purge the world with fire : the godly man shall shake death from him , as St. Paul cast the v●per from him into the fire without any hurt : But as for the wicked that are not in Christ their graues are their destructions : death in the graue feedeth on them as on sheepe : To euery one of them death may say as Christ said to death I shall be thy death . While Christs friends with Lazarus are said to sleepe into the graue , the wicked man there is but a destroyed creature : While he is there he is in destruction , hee is in abstracto mall into evill it selfe , hee is nothing there but the Carion of a creature . VVoe be to him to whom the graue is a destruction : Let therefore all men st●●e so to liue , that while they goe to their graues , their graues may bee a bed of rest vnto them . Jf the graue bee a destruction to thy body , the place of damnation is prepared for thy soule . Let Epicures , while they liue , sport , and say , Hell is not so ●●te , nor sinne so heavy , nor the divell so blacke , nor GOD so severe as Preachers prattle : The day shall come , when they shall find it farre other wayes . Shall GOD suffer the whole creation to groane vnder the burden of our sinnes ? Shall GOD him selfe be pressed vnder the weight thereof , as a cart laden with sheaues ? and shall he not be avenged of vs in death except we repent ? Let vs therefore , least our graues after death bee our destructions amend our lyfe in tyme : Let vs abhorre the filthie shape of our sinnes : Let vs lay hold on GOD his mercy and CHRIST his merits , which are two shoulders that shall carie away all the weights of wickednesse . Well is that soule , whose Bill & Bond before death is cancelled and crost : With great joy may he goe to the graue , to whom the LORD hath said , I haue put away thy transgression like a cloud , and thy sinnes as a mist : Lord make our eyes nimble to rip our hearts to the bottome that wee may bring out our sinnes from thence , that they may get a dead stroake before wee dye . Heere let vs obserue who is hee that is said heere to haue delivered the sicke from their destructions , it is the Lord : The greatnesse of the worke declareth plainly that it could bee no other then the Lord : when Iohn and Peter went a fishing after Christs resurrection , Christ appeared vnto them ; after they had toiled the whole night in vaine , at last at Christs command they cast the nets : Christ at the first they knew not , but by the great draught of fishes they began to know him : the disciple , whom Jesus loved considering the draught , said vnto Peter , it is the Lord : So may a man who hath beene delivered from his destructions easily know that none could deliver him but the LORD : the text is plaine heere , and hee delivered them from their destructions . Heere is a lesson of the great power of God , the angell of the covenant said well , when he sawe Sarah laughing at the promise , is any thing too hard for the Lord. Christ speaking of the hard entrie of rich men into God his kingdome , compared it to the passing of a Camell thorow the eye of a needle : this thereafter hee made more cleare , saying , with men it is impossible but not with God , for with GOD all things are possible : This great power heere appeareth in that , when the sicke man is hard at the doores of death vpon the very brime of destruction , yet the Lord by his infinit power delivereth him from his destructions . The vse is this , when ever we find our selues perplexed , let vs haue recourse to him that is only able to helpe vs : Who can deliver from destruction the abstract of ill , but God who is salvation , essentially that which is good , yea goodnesse it selfe ? No man can deliver his friend from feare in the dayes of evill , when the iniquities of his heeles shall compasse him about . Though men were never so wealthy boasting them selues in the multitude of their riches ; none of them can by any meanes redeeme his brother , nor gius to God a ransome for him : All the gold of ●ndia is not able to deliver a man from his destructions , no not to prolong his lyfe but an houre . Hee only who ga●e the lyfe is able to preserue the lyfe : He only who gaue the lyfe is able for to take away the lyfe : vnto God the Lord alone belong the issues from death , and also the issues vnto death . In his mouth alone are the quickning or killing words , returne yee children of men , either from lyfe to destructions , or from destruction vnto lyfe : and therefore in all our distresses and greatest sickenesse , let vs haue our recourse vnto him , saving with the Psalmist , whom haue I in Heaven but thee ? and there is none on earth whom I desyre besyds thee : my fi●sh and my heart faileth , but God is the strength of my heart and my portion for ever . We haue heard how those that were sicke drewe neere to the doores of death , and how GOD , while none could help them delivered them from their destructions in bringing them from death to lyfe , from sicknesse to health . Before I passe foreward to the last part of the text , I desyre you all to consider well , that albeit God in great sicknesse by his word recall vs from the graue , once or twise , yet for all that we must carefully remember our mortalitie : for though at diverse tymes God either in sicknesse or in dangers , by sea or by land hath by his power delivered vs from the graue , wherein long since wee had beene rotten ; yet for all that at last these bodies of ours must come to the hands of the buriers , who shall lay vs downe into our destructions . Consider and weigh well the matter O man , though God should prolong thy dayes , so that every one of them should bee lyke that day o● losual● , when the sunne stood still vpon Gibeon and the moone in the valley of At●lon , yet should all those dayes come to an end . The standing sunne at last must goe downe : yea though God should bring backe the shaddow of thy lyfe many thousand degrees , at last it shall goe downe in the diall of thy mortalitie . Though the house were never so strong , at last it must decay and drop thorow . There is no ludging for eternitie in things below . Methuselah with his nine hundred three score and nine yeeres is followed with , hee died , as well as hee who lived but an houre . I wish that this my sermon could bee to you like the house of mourning , which Salomon calleth better then the house of feasting : his reason is , for that is the end of all men , and the living will lay it to his hear● : A feast is made for laughter , which will not admit the companie of so graue mediations . Laughter will not suffer the living to lay his end to his heart . Oh that yee all could lay well this my sermon to your heart , before that death by sicknesse come and make a breach , & by that breach runne away with your soules ! Alas it is hard for men in prosperitie to be moved to thinke that they shall be moved : I said in my prosperitie , ( said David , ) I shall never be moved . O how hard it is for men and weemen that haue hearts desire , and wealth at will , to desire to bee dissolved . They are so taken vp with their pleasures in this lyfe that they haue no leasure to think vpon death . Men take no heede to the graue that is before them : though they be even vpon the brinke or brimme thereof , they can not thinke that they shall fall therein , though thousands haue fallen before them . J compare the most part of this world to men walking over a field so covered wich f●o● , that they can not perceiue the way : when they thinke to run they fall into a pit with a jumpe . It is even so of men in prosperitie , while their eyes are dazeled with the brightnesse of their pleasures & profits , which as s●ow cover all the way , before that ever they be aware , they rush downe into the ditch of death . Many like Mariners in a mist make ship wracke in the calme sea . The Lord bee our Pilot and so direct our soules into this perillous navigation ; that at last by death wee may arriue into the haven of the Heavens , where wee may liue with GOD for ever . Well is the man that is ever wating for his GOD. Well is him that can say with David , when I awake I am still with thee . THE THIRD PART : THE SICKE MAN HIS SONG . VVEE haue heard of mans miserie in the sicke man his sore , wee also haue heard of God his mercy in the sicke mans salve : Man being sore sicke cryed vnto God by prayer , and God heard him and hee sent his word and healed him : Now it followeth that wee see what man his duetie should bee toward his GOD , for delivering him from such miserie : The duetie is set downe into those words , Oh that men would praise the Lord for his goodnesse , and for his wonderfull workes to the children of men : this is the sicke man his song . Heere let vs obserue what is the duetie of him who hath received health and lyfe from God in a most dangerous sicknesse , it is heere set downe , viz. that hee should praise God for his goodnesse , &c. God seeketh nothing from man for his benefits but thankes and praise : The doctrine is this , GOD his yoke is easy ; if by our owne wickednesse wee make it not vneasy : there is no yoke so easy as God his yoke . See how for all his blessings hee requireth but thankes . After that the Physitian of the body hath vsed his cure , whether it cure thee or not , thou must giue him gold : after that thy God hath cured both thy soule and body ; He seeketh but thankes , He craveth but a grandmercy from the heart : And yet alas , hee who doeth most , and seeketh least , is least considered , and worse payed of his due . First heere obsetue that the duetie of him who hath received his health from God is to praise God for his goodnesse , and for his wonderfull workes : our GOD for all requireth nothing but thankes : Hee hath no neede of our guifts : As hee hath no neede , so neither doeth hee seeke any thing from vs : I will not , ( saith hee , ) reproue thee for thy sacrifices , or thy burnt offerings to haue beene continuallie before me● : I will take no bullocke out of thy house , nor hee goates out of thy foldes : for every beast of the forrest is myne , and the cattell vpon a thousand hils . I know all the fowles of the mountaines : and the wild beasts of the field are myne : If I were hungrie I would not tell thee , for the world is myne and the fulnesse thereof . Behold how God will not seeke any worldly thing from man , for all the world is his , and the fulnesse thereof . What is it then that hee would haue for all his benefits ? The Lord declareth him felfe what hee would haue : Offer vnto God thankesgiving , and pay thy vowes vnto the most high Thankefulnesse as yee see , is the onely impost that God requireth of vs. So soone as man hath received a benefite from God , hee is bund to repare to his GOD with thankes : Every new benefite should bee vnto his soule like Sela in musicke , a note of intention , or a lifting vp the voice . The vse , seeing the Lord for all his blessings given vnto men requireth nothing but praise , let vs praise him from our hearts Seeing God thinketh more of thanks then of the world and of the fulnesse thereof , let vs bee carefull in this poynt of duetie . As the bird vpon the bush welcometh the day with a song , so soone as it beginneth to spring , so should wee welcome our God with thankes , so soone as wee see the least of his benefits begin to spring . For to inforce this duetie vpon vs , wee must consider that GOD aboue all things respecteth his praise , hee will reveale great secrets to a man. This made him reveale all his heart vnto Abraham : for the loue of his praise hee will saue a people that is worthy to bee destroyed : for my names sake , ( said hee , ) will I deferre my wrath , and for my praise will I refraine it from thee that I cut thee not off . Moses his strongest argument , while he interceeded for the people , was grounded vpon God his praise , while hee had a purpose to destroy his people : Lord , ( said hee , ) what will the Aegyptians say ? By this we may see how deare God his praise is vnto him . Behold how before hee should want praise hee will deferre his wrath , and refraine it from sinners that deserue to bee cut off . Seeing then wee know that our God aboue all things it most desirous of praise , wee should be most desirous to doe that which hee desireth : My father , ( said the servant of Naaman , ) If the Prophet had bid thee doe some great thing , wouldest thou not haue done it ? How much more may I say to you , if GOD had bid you doe some great thing would yee not haue done it ? And now seeing hee requireth nothing but praise , who should refuse it . Js it not more easy for vs to praise GOD then it was for Naaman to wash him selfe seven tymes in the Jordan ? Man may praise God , in his hote bed , at his table , in the fields , in his garden . If the heart were sanctified it should bee no paine but pleasure to praise the LORD JAH . In this is the chiefe happinesse of Saints and Angels aboue , they praise God continuallie . Praise as yee see is that which GOD chiefly requireth of man for all his guifts , whether of wealth or of health . But how J pray you is this duety payed ? The wordes of my text giue notice : Oh that men would praise the Lord for his goodnesse ; &c. The word Oh declareth plainely the vnthankfulnesse of man. When fooles because of their transgressions were afflicted , it is said : Then they cryed vnto the LORD in their trouble . But after that God hath delivered them , is it said that they thanked GOD for their health ? Not : what than ? Oh that men would praise the Lord for his goodnesse , &c. Learne the lesson : Jt is a common thing to cry to God in any adversitie : the reprobate will cry to God in his distresse : but only those who are truely godly giue thanks for benefites received . Ten lepers in their miserie , lifted vp their voyces , crying , Iesus master haue mercy on vs : But at the thankesgiving nyne were absent . Were there not ten cleansed , said CHRIST ; but where are the other nyne ? The Buttler in the prison was comforted by Joseph , but while hee was restored , was hee thankfull ? N●t : While hee enjoyed his prosperitie according to Joseph his prophecie , it is said , Yet did not the chiefe Butler remember Ioseph , but forgate him Fooles in my text were healed : In their afflictions they prayed earnestly ; they all cryed for salue to their ●ore : But what was their song ? J heare it not : but the Psalmist regrating their vnthankfulnesse cryeth out , Oh that men would praise the Lord , &c. The vse , seeing vnthankfulnesse is a disease wherevnto nyne or ten are subject ; let vs so much the more take heede vnto it . Let vs inure our selues to be thankfull to God for the least of his blessings : Let vs pray before we get them ; & let vs praise God after we haue gotten them , before wee take meate let vs pray , after meate let vs praise : before we preach let vs pray , after preaching let vs praise while we put on our clothes in the morning let vs pray , while we put them off at night let vs praise : while wee enter into a water to passe thorow let vs pray , while wee are come to the yonder side let vs praise : while wee begin a journey let vs pray : while wee are come home againe let vs praise : while merchands goe to a market let them pray : while they are returned let them praise : while children are borne into the world , let parents pray : if GOD take them to him selfe , let them praise . Let vs all striue to bee as chearefull to praise GOD for a benefite received , as wee were earnest in prayer to receiue the same . Let vs not follow the ill example of the sicke of my text : they all cryed vnto the Lord in their trouble , but J heare not a word of their thanks : only the Psalmist saith : Oh that men would praise the Lord , &c. this is the burden of the song four severall tymes in the Psalme . I lyke not men that pay their dueties with an OH . This is a sure token of ill payment , when the godly man heere is forced to cry : Oh that men would praise the Lord Away with rents that are payed with an Oh Man his praises are the LORD his rents , God will not be praised with those that praise him with an Oh. God loveth a cheerfull giver . As Hee giveth cheerfully , so will hee bee praised cheerfully : God must not be praised with regrate . Jt is good that the godly lament , that men will not praise the LORD for his goodnesse , but God will not bee praised of those that praise him vnwillingly . Such a praise will proue like that doeing of Ananias and Saphirah a part of the price will bee kept back , such men can not faile but they shall lie to the holy Ghost . The second vse wee haue to make heere is , that wee learne humilitie in the consideration of our ill nature . What a miserie is this that man by the mercie of GOD should be healed of a deadly disease , and yet not doe so much as to giue thankes to him from whom hee hath receiued the benefite . Jn the wicked we may see the corruption of our nature , lyke swine they gather greedily the acorns of God his benefits , but beeing animalia prona ; creatures that haue the face headlong downe , they snatch vp the gifts , but can not looke vp to the giver with a thankfull heart . The wicked while they are in distresse will haue some forme of praying , but while they haue gotten their desire they haue not so much as a shewe in praising . Praise is a sorte of godlinesse , whereof the wicked haue not so much as a shew . Pharaoh could cry for helpe in tyme of plagues ; but after nyne severall deliverances I never read that he said once God bee thanked . Many while they are sicke will giue GOD many faire wordes , which scripture calleth to flatter with their lips , but all that forme of devotion is nothing but a wyle for to winne out of GOD his hands . This is cleare , for so soone as once they are free of their trouble , at once they grieue the spirit of grace : yea , often they become worse , lyke that man that was but for a space delivered from that divell , which was but gone out for to bring in other seven worse then him selfe , for to make his partie the stronger . Let those that after so many mercies giue libertie to their lusts consider well how the deceit of spirit over-reacheth them : let such weigh well in the ballance of the sanctuary , whether or not they haue praised the LORD for his goodnesse , and for his wonderfull workes toward them . Heere some men will say , what is this that is required in praising the Lord ? Is it not enough for to say with our mouth , the Lord bee thanked ? What would the LORD haue more ? J answere to that , GOD must haue more : My sonne . ( saith he , ) giue mee thy heart . God indeed must bee praised with the tongue , for which cause it is called our glory : Awake my glory , said the Psalmist vnto his tongue . God also must be praised with the heart , without which all the praise of the mouth is but a pranke , the sacrifice of fooles : This people draw neere mee with their mouth , but their hearts are farre from mee , said the Lord. A neere mouth , with a heart a farre off is an abomination to the LORD . Those who in singing Psalmes are ledde away more by sound , than by sense , respect the musicke more than matter : Such sing to man , but not to GOD : GOD his praises must be sung both with heart and tongue . Heere is a reproach for those , who in the congregation joyne not their voyces with others for to praise the Lord for his goodnesse , but sit as if they were dumb . The booke is too deare for singing of GOD his praise . O what secreet atheisme ●urketh into the hearts of men ! Jf men thought that the LORD should bee praised for his goodnesse , and that God were present in the congregation of his Saints , they durst not come in before him without the booke of the Psalmes . Wee often forget our booke , because wee forget that God is in his Church ; but who forgetteth to put his hat on his head while hee cometh to the Church ? Who forgetteth his clothes ? No man ; because before hee goeth forth , hee remembereth that man will see him by the way . The wine & aile will command many to speak who are dumb at the service of their God. Many never want words but when they should praise the Lord for his goodnesse . Filthy ballads and loue songs are vaine mens delight , but OH that men would praise the LORD for his goodnesse , &c. It is not enough that men praise the LORD with their heart and tongue , but also they must praise him with their lyfe , the true tryall of the other two . After that the Psalmist had said that he would praise God that had chastned him sore , but had kept him from death , hee cryed , Open to mee the gates of righteousnesse , I will goe into them and praise the Lord. To goe into the gates of righteousnesse , is to lead a good lyfe ; such only are fit for to praise the Lord. As for those that praise not God in lyfe , while they are holy in words , they are but monstrous persons , all mouthes , and tongues , and voices without hearts to thinke well , without hands to doe well . When the for●orne foole come to his wits againe , hee said not only , I will returne to my father , but hee did as hee said . The sluggard is ever in feare of lyons : The imagination of a beast in the way hind●eth him from doeing . The Pharisees could say well but because their workes belyed their words , Christ called them painted tombes or whited sepulchres . Many would content the Lord with a part of his service : Some lyke the Pharisee will paint the outward profession , but hold backe their heart from GOD : Others lyke N●aman will bowe into the house of ●immon , but keepe their heart as they imagine vnto God : But O fooles , God will not lyke the pretended mother haue his service divided : God that made all must haue all . Seeing hee hath made the heart as well as the hand , he must haue both our thoughts , and our actions for to praise him . The whole man that is a continuall receiver is litle enough for to set forth the glory of the giver : Doe not the favors of GOD follow the whole lyfe of man ? Why then should not his whole lyfe bee framed for to expresse his thankfulnesse . Well is the man whose tongue , heart , and hand can sing to GOD with Jeremie , thou art my praise . Againe in those words , Oh that men would praise the Lord , I obserue the fervent zeale of the godly , for not only praise they God , but they are grieved when men whom God hath blessed with wealth , or health are slow to praise the Lord for his goodnesse . This word OH heere vox dolentis a word of mourning is an evident demonstration of sorrow . In my judgement true zeale is not better known then in sorrowe for the offence of God. The vse : let every man try himselfe , whether hee bee a godly man or not : If true godlinesse be in thy heart thou shalt bee grieved to see GOD offended , thou shalt striue to keepe thy brother from sinne . This was the cursed man his language , am I my brothers keeper ? When ever wee see God dishonoured or deprived of his praise , wee must mourne for that sinne . Well is that soule that can cry , Oh for GOD his dishonour : Woe to him that rejoyceth while God is offended . Many thinke the vices of others commendations of their vertues . If they stand while others fall either into whoredome , or drunkennesse , they haue a ce●taine joy of such filthy fals , which they take to be praisers of their sobrietie , and chastitie : But Oh is not the Lord offended by such sinnes ? Js not the profession ill spoken of : Js not every sinne a scandale . Is not every scandale a woe ? woe to the world for scandals . Woe to him that is not sory for sinne , whether it bee in him selfe or in others , seeing that God thereby is dishonoured . J will tell thee O man , if thou cry not Oh for GOD his dishonour , God shall cause thee cry Oh in thy distresse . Againe in those words : Oh that men would praise the Lord for his goodnesse . I obserue how sensible the godly are , when the least point of GOD his service is neglected . If a godly man cryeth , Oh that men would praise the Lord , because hee seeth them flow vnto it , how grieved will his heart bee , when hee shall see men not only not praising God , but dishonouring GOD for his goodnesse . Many haue gotten health from God , God in great mercy hath brought them from the gates of death , and hath restored vnto them their former strength , but what thankes ? They haue lyke the dogge returned to their ●●nite againe : The drunkard resto●ed , runneth backe to the taverne , and the harlot to his old acquaintance , lyke that divell returning from dry places vnto his house whence hee came out . The last of such persons is worse then their first . Good had it beene for many that they had never beene brought backe from the doores of death , because that after a newe t●●ke of their lyfe they dishonour God more then ever they did before . As Iacob said of Simeon , and Levi , so say I of such : O my soule come not thou into their secret : vnto their assembly mine honour bee thou not vnited . The vse , let vs striue to be sensible of sinne , so that wee make conscience of the least sinne . Many thinke vnthankfulnesse to GOD no sinne . The leav●n of the Pharisees hath sowred the whole lumpe of many mens hearts : Jf they bee not Adulterers ; but can fast and giue almes , at once they will thanke GOD that they are not lyke other men . GOD desyreth no such thankes , when man praiseth GOD for his owne goodnesse : But OH that m●● would praise the LORD for his goodnesse , and for his wonderfull workes to the children of men . Let man praise GOD for his goodnesse , but in his owne goodnesse there is no matter of praise . What can bee said to the praise of a m●●st●u●us cloath ? Such is all our righteousnesse . Let vs also obserue heere another lesson : The deliverance from death is said to bee from the goodnesse of God , and it is also called a wonderfull worke : for while it is said , Oh that men would praise the Lord for his goodnesse , it is cleare that the deliverance from death in sicknesse is from the goodnesse of our GOD. The vse : let all those who are sicke haue recourse vnto the goodnesse of God , by which only wee haue health . When wee seeke health from God , let vs say , for thy goodnesse sake O Lord. The second vse I make of those words is for them that are recouered of their sickenesse . Let such learne to bee good seing their health is from the goodnesse of God. A lyfe given in goodnesse should not bee spent in wickednesse : The goodnesse of God inviteth all men to repentance . Againe obserue heere that great must bee that goodnesse of God , whereby hee bringeth man backe from the doores of death : The preservation of mans lyfe in his sicknesse , is also called a wonderfull worke . Js it not a great goodnesse of God , and a wonder , that hee should spare the lyfe of a rebellious foole ? What a wonder is this in God his goodnesse , that the lyfe of man should be so precious in his sight ? Is not man naturally the enemie of God ? It must bee a great goodnesse that will make a man spare his enemie his lyfe : And who , ( said Saul to David , ) ) finding his enemie will let him goe well away ? O but in God then must be a wonderfull goodnesse , in that not onely he spareth his enemie , but ▪ which is more euen preserueth the life of his enemie . Did not God dye for his enemies ? did he not suffer for them by whom hee suffered ? By this meanes ( such was his goodnesse ) hee heaped vpon their heads coales of fire , that is , as St. Augustine saith , vrentes poenitentiae gemitus , the burning sighs of repentance . Who can not bee but burnt with sighs , while hee considereth the goodnesse of GOD that hath rendered him so mekle good for so mekle ill ? What a great mercie is this , that GOD should prolong the lyfe of a sinner but an houre . The vse : seeing the deliverance from death and destruction is called a wonderfull work , and seeing it is so indeede , let vs wonder at it : when J arose out of that deadly fever ; Anno 1626 in the moneth of September , and J fand my winding sheete wrapped together into my studie amongst my bookes , J began to wonder at GOD his great worke , I thought it wonderfull . But alace we wonder at God his works of mercie , as at other common worldly thinges but for a litle space . From thence is the proverb , A wonder lasteth but nyne nights into a city : Fy vpon vs that can not wonder still at the wonderfull works of our GOD. The Hebrew word Pala in Niphal signifieth both admirabile & occuitum , that is both secret & wonderfull , a fit word for to declare the worke to be wonderfull : indeede David speaking of his making in the belly , vseth this word : I will praise thee , ( said hee , ) for I am fearfully and wonderfully mad● : Likewise in another Psalme , speaking how Christ the stone , which the builders refused , was become the head stone of the corner , he said , This is the Lords doing it is marveilous or wonderfull in our eyes : So heere the bringing from the doores of death is called a wonderfull worke of GOD tovvard the children of men . Obserue the lesson : only the workes of God are wonderfull . Men may wonder at some workes of men , but no works of men are wonderfull : No created wisdome can fill a worke with wonder . There is nothing that man can doe , but man may come after and doe better : plus vident oculi quam oculus : many eyes see better than one : This is true amongst men . But all the eyes of men can not perceiue that God in any worke hath either beene defectuous or superfluous : Looke vp to the Heavens , and consider the sunne in his goings : Behold how in the spring he commeth slowly by degrees till our day be at the longest : Behold and wonder at such slownesse in such a swiftnesse : If hee were not slow in such swiftnesse , what fearfull changes should ensue ? If from the elleventh of December in the space of a day the sunne should be into that part of Heaven , whereinto he is seene into the elleventh of Iune , what discorder should be in the creatures below ? All men know how dangerous are sudden changes from heate to cold , and from cold to heate . Behold then and wonder how the Creator hath so ruled that Bridgroome of light , that no man can imagine how his course could be changed for a better . What shall I speake of the sea tide , which made that most subtile searcher of secrets , as some thinke to haue drowned him selfe in the creature , whose motion hee could not vnderstand ? As for the earth it is a worke so wonderfull that no man tell wherevpon it hath beene founded . Tell me O thou most learned Philosopher , what can vphold such a heavy masse ? Thou wilt say that is founded vpon its Centre . But what is that centre but a point ? What beareth vp that point that beareth vp all the rest ? But how can a point bee a fundation of so hudge a masse ? But imagine a man standing in the centre , tell me what should be his situation ? According to the rules of Philosophie , both his head should be vpward , and his feete should be vpward ? Now what braine is able to conceiue this ? Some may think all this to be very easy : but God did propound it vnto Job , as a great argument : Wherevpon , ( said Hee , ) are the fundations of the earth fastened ? We must therefore confesse , that this worke of GOD , which is but earthly , is so wonderfull , that it overfloweth all humane capacitie . When a vessell is filled to the brimme , it must at last overflow . When our heart is filled with that which is wonderfull , the wonders which we can not containe must runne over . What shall J say more ? Behold O man all the par●es of the mekle world , bend thy wits , and see where thou can correct God his wisedome . Come fo●ward I pray thee , and teach him a lesson if thou can : If not , confesse that his workes are wonderfull , and that thou is filled with wondering , so that GODS wonders in thy heart doe overflow . From the mekle world , let vs come to man , the litle world . Behold the fabricke of his body , his browes , his eares , his eyes , his nose , his mouth : Behold the wonderfull worke of God : Teach GOD a lesson if thou can . Wilt thou say , that his mouth had beene best in his brow , and that his nose had beene best behind his eare , and that his eyes had beene more fitly into his chinne ? No not . There is no part , which can be devised to b●● better then it is : the worke is vvonderfull , and therfore say that thou art filled with wondring : Oh that men would praise the Lord for his goodnesse , and for his wonderfull workes to the children of men . To come from the body to consider God his workings in the soule , they are so wonderfull , that no man can declare them . Who shall not wonder to consider the workings of the soule ? J admire the mind and vnderstanding , the will and the affections agreeing , discording , considering , judging , loving , or hating , making the body to laugh , or to weepe , according as the spirit is disposed Consider the spirit of man furnishing the body with fiue watches , as with a guard for its preservation : viz , hearing , seeing , smelling , feeling , tasting , and touching , all set about the body for its preservation , for as many watches , to tell who is a foe , and who is a friend . The worke is so wonderfull , that while I consider it , my spirit doth overflow with wondering : Oh that men would praise the Lord for his goodnesse , and for his wonderfull workes to the children of men . Last of all , seeing the curing of the sicknesse of the body is called a wonderfull worke , how wonderfull must the curing of the sicke soule be ? For this cause , and for others also CHRIST the Saviour of soules , was called Wonderfull : Vnto vs a child is borne , ( said the Prophet , ) and his name shall bee called WONDERFVLL : This is he , who hath not only filled the earth , but the Heavens with wondering . The Heavens at the first could not well perceiue , how by God his stripes man should haue health . The Cherubins , which represented the Angels had their heads ever bowed toward the Mercy-seat , for to see the calling and healing of the Gentiles : The fellowship of that mysterie had beene hid in God from them , and that from the beginning of the world : But so soone as it was revealed vnto them by the Church , that is , so soone as they sawe God his promise accomplished in the Church , as in a glasse , they all with one voyce praised God for his goodnesse , and for his wonderfull workes to the children of men : All the spirits of Heaven did praise Him that day with that divine song : Glory bee to GOD in the highest Heavens , peace on earth , and toward men good will. But what shall J say of men , who are so much beholden vnto God ? Hath not God created vs ? Hath he not redeemed vs with the blood of his sonne ? Hath hee not delivered vs from many dangers at home and a field ? Hath bee not made all our bed in our sickenesse ? Hath he not brought vs backe from the doores of death ? But where is our thankfulnesse ? I say againe , OH where is our thankfulnesse ? Oh that men would praise the Lord for his goodnesse , and for his wonderfull workes to the children of men . To the Father , Sonne , and Holy Ghost bee glory and Majestie , Dominion , and power ; for ever and ever , AMEN . Notes, typically marginal, from the original text Notes for div A16535-e210 Eccles. 12. v. 10. Eccles. 12. v. 11. Bernar. super Cant. Qu●rit a●●●a● ver●u● , cui consentiat a● corre●i●●em , 〈◊〉 illumi●n●●ur ad cognitionē , cui innitatur ad virtutem , quo res . ●nctur ad sipienti●m cui 〈◊〉 tur ad de●●rem , cui ●●●●tetur ad s●●u●●illa●●● , 〈◊〉 s●uatur 〈…〉 . Eccles. 12. v. 4. Luke 12. v. 35. Note . 2. Tim. 1. v. 18. Libri Liberi . Notes for div A16535-e960 Gen. 4. v. 7. Hieron . ad Pam●nach . Epist. 5. cap. 8. Notes for div A16535-e1100 Exod. 33. ●1 . v. 22. v. 19. v. 23. Exod. 34 v. 6. v 7. Note . Psal. 101 v. 1. Ephes 3 v. 10 Psal. 18 v. 26. * Note . * Note . 1. King. 1● v 11 , Jude . v. 22. v. 23. * Note . Act. 4. v. 36. Mark. 3. ●7 . * Note . * Note . Deut. 20 v. 10. v. 1● . * Note . 2. Cor. 10 , v. 4. * Note . Leut. 19. v. 17. Ezek. 33. v. 3● * Note . * Note . Note . Act. 24 v. 25. * Note 1. King 22 , v. 8. * Note . * Note . Job . 6. v. 10. Ezek. 33 v. 3. * Note . * Hose . 6. v , 5. Note . * Note . Jere. 1. v 17. Note . Isa. 62 ▪ v. 16. * Note . Ierem. 20. v. 9. * Note . * Note . * Note . * Note 1. Cor. 3 v 18. * Note . Prou. 30 v. 2. v. 3. * Note , 1. Cor. 4 v. 10. 2. Kings 9. vi . 1. Act. 26 v. 24. * 1. Cor. 1. v. 25. Note . 1. Cor. 1. v , 21. 1. Cor. 1 v. 18. Luk. 24. v. 2 , . Luk. 15. v. 17. 1. Cor. 1. v. 18. Note Luk. 12 v. 20. Note . Heb. 6. v. 4. Note . Psal. 37 v. 35. Ps. 129. v. 6. Iob. 5. v. 3 , Iob. 5. v. 4. v. 5. Amos. 2. v. 9. The doctrine . 1. Cor. 3. v. 19. The vse . Note . Tit. 2 v. 12. Note . Note . Note . Note . Note . Luke . 34 v. 25. Note . Iude. v. 9. Note . The doctrine . Note . Note . Isay. 66. v. 17. The vse . Note : Note . Ephes. 5. v. 3. Note . Ier. 22. v. 8. Note . v. 9. The doctrine . Note . Ionah . 1. v. 11. v. 12. Iosh. 7. v. 8. v. 12 , Note . Iob. 8. v. 11. Note . Note . Iob. 10. v. 14. v. 15. Iob. 4 v 8. Iob. 7 v. 3. The use . Note . Note . Note . Note . Numb . 23. v. 21 Note . 1. Cor. 15. v. 55 Note . Note . Levit. 14. v. 44 Note . Rom. 8. v. 23. Note . Gen , 41. v 25. v 23. Note . The 1. doctrine . Note . Note . Note . The vse Note . Note . 1. Sam. 3.14 . v. 6. v. 8. v. 10. Note . Proverb . 23. v. 35. Note . Note . 1. Sam 6. v. 7. v. 8. Note . Note . Nehem. 13. v. 25. Lam. 3 v. 39. Note . Iob. 1. v. 11. Iob. 2. v. 5. Exod. 8. v. 19. Note . Note . Mark. 14. v. 70. Note . Note . The second doctrine . Note . Amos. 2 v. 13. The doctrine . Note . Amos. 1. v. 6. Amos. 1. v. 9. Amos. 1. v. 16. v. 13. Amos. 2. v. 1. v. 4. v. 6. The vse . Note . Note . Exod. 33 v. 19. Psalm . 34. , v. 19 Iob. 2. v. 3. Note . Note . Iohn . 9. v. 3. Lam. 3. v. 39. Note . Note . Note . Ezek. 18 v. 4. Isa. 3. v. 10. The vse . Math. 25. v. 21. Esth. 3. v. 15. Note . Note . Neh. 6. v. 14. Note . Note . Note . Note . Note . 2. Chron. 28. v. 22. Luke . 18. v. 11. Note . Ioshu . 7. v. 21. Genes . 4. v. 8. Gen. 9 v. 2● . Gen. 9. v. 21. Act. 5. v. 3. Note . The doctrine . Note . 1. King 22. v. 21 Note . Note . Note . Gen. 19. v. 24. Exon. 14 v. 27. Num. 16 v. 31. Iona. 1. v. 4. Dan. 6. v. 24. 2. King. ● . v. 24. 2. King. 2. v. 3● . Act. 1● . v. 23. Note . Isa. 1. v. 6. Note . Math. 27. v. 5. 1. King. 16. v. 18 2 Sam. 17. v. 23. The vse . Proverb . 26. v. 13. Note . Note . Note . Iob. 9 , v. 34. Dan. 5. v. 4 , Note . Psal. 68. v. 21. Note . The doctrine . Note . Zeph. 2. v. 2. Iona. 3. v. 4. Note . Note . Note . Psal. 91. v. 6. Note . Note . Iudg. 16 v. 27. Levit. 10. v. 2 2. King. 1. v. 10. v. 11. Iob. 1. v. 19. Ezod . 14 v. 27. Act. 5. v. 5. Gen. 19. v. 26. Note . Note . Iudg. 16. v. 29. Levit. 10. v. ● . Exod. 14. v. 21. Note . Note . Iam. 4. v. 14. Isan . 22 Psal. 90. v. 3. The vse . Note . Note . Note . Note . Note . Iob. 13. v. 4. Note . The doctrine . Note . Note . Note . Note . Iudge . 12. v. 5. Note . Levit. 26. v. 26. Note . Gen. 41 v. 21. Note . Note . Note . Din. 1. v. 15. Note . Note . A●t . 23. v. 12. 1. Sam. ●● . v. 37. Note . Psal. 78. v. 18. v. 19. v. 21. v. 26. v. 25. v. 30 v. 31. Note . Note . Lam. 4. v. 6. Note . Lam. 2. v. 20. Lam. 2. v. 12. Lam. 4. v. 7. v. 8. Note . Numb 11. v. 20 v. 23. v. 34. Note . Isa. 5. v. 22. Note . Note . The doctrine . Iudg. 9. v. 23. Note . 2. Sam. 13. v. 15 Note . Note . Psal 37. v. 2. The vse . Note . ●umb . 11. v. 34 ▪ Note . Note . Note . The doctrine . The vse . Tit. 2. v. 11. v. 12 , Note . Note . The doctrine . The vse . Note . Note . Note . Note . Isa. 1. V. 22. Note . Math. 1● v. 29. Note . Note . Note . Note . 1 ●or . 10 v. 27. v. 28. Note . Note . Note . 2. King. 18. v. 4. Note . Levit●● v. 1. Note . Note . Note . Note . Note . Note . 1. Tim. 4. v. 14. Note . Iob. 7. v. 19. The doctrine . Note . The vse . Note . The doctrine . Note . Note . Note . Note . 1● September Anno 1626. The doctrine . Note . Note . Iudg. 16 v. 30. Note . Note . Ioh. 4. v. 19. Note . The vse . Note . Note . Math. 16. v. 18 Note . The doctrine . Note . Heb. 2. v. 14. v. 15. Heb. ● . v. 10. The vse . Note . 1 Cor. 15 v. 55. The doctrine . Note . Philip. 2 v. 27. The vse . Note . Note . The vse . Note . Note . Eccles. 12. v. 2. Note . Note . Note . Psal. 102 v. 26. Note . Note . Iob. 7. v. 6. Iob. 9. v. 2● . v. 26. Note . Note . Note . Note . Note . Note . Eccl. 11. v. 3. Note . v. 19. v. 20. The doctrine . Note . Isa. 38. v. 10. Deut. 3 v. 25. Psal. ●0● v. 24. Note . Note . The vse Note . Note . Note . Iohn . 5. v. 14. Note . The second doctrine . Note . Note . Iob. 6. v : 5. Note . Proverb . 7. v. ●3 . Note . Note . Note . Psal. 107 v. 28. Note . Ion. 1. v. 6. The vse . Note . Note . Proverb●7 ●7 . v. 1 Psal. 108 v. 1. Note . Proverb 24. v. 31 Note . Note . Isa. 1. v. 5 , Note . Note . Levit. 26. v 81. Ier. 28 v. 13. Note . Note . Th● 3 doctrine . Note . Note . Iob. 6. v. 3. Note . The vse . Note . Psal. 73. v. 26. Note . Note . Iob. 3. v. 24. 1 King. 21. v. 29 Note . Note . Note . Note . Note . Note . Isa. 57. v. 1 Isa 63. v. 4. Note . Note . Numb . ●4 . v. 20 Note . The 4 doctrine . August . in ●sal . 74. Psal. 37. v. 25. Ier. 17. v. 5. v. 6. Ier. 17. v. 7. The vse . Note . Note . Proverb . 18. v. 24 The 5 doctrine . Note . Note . Ionah . 1. v. 5 , Note . v. 6. Note . Note . Note . Note . Luk. 15 v. 7. Note . Iud. 18. v. 7. Note . 1 King. ●2 . v. 32 Note . Gen. 21. v. 16. Note . Psal 104 v. 21. Note . Note . Psal. 107 v. 27. Hosea 5. v. 15. The vse . Note . Heb. 12 v. 11. Note . Note . Ion. 1. v. 6 , Note . Iob. 4. v. 21. No●e . Note . Mat. 2● . v. 2● . Obiectiō Eccl. 12. v. 5 Psal. 16. v. 11. Ps. 120. v 5. Ps. 137. v. 4. v. 2. Rev. 22 , v. 20. Ps. 4● . v , 1. v. 2. Note . Note . Isa. 38. v. 14. Ps. 102. v. 24 : 2. King. 20. v. 1. Note . The vse . Iob. 4. v. 19. Ps. 31 v. 16. Note . Isa. 38. v. 15. The doctrine . Note . Note . Note . Deut. 22 v. 23. v. 24. v , 25. v , 27. Note . Iob. 3. v. 27. The vse . Note . Rom. 7. v. 24. Note . Gen. 39. v. 9 Note . Note . Iam. 2 v , 19 Note . Note . Note . Note . Ps. 143. v. 10 The doctrine . Note . Note Note . Note . Note . The vse . Note . Note . Note . Note . Note . Note . Note . Note . Note . Note . Note . Note . Note . The doctrine . Note . Deut. 4. v. 27. v. 23. v. 9 Note Note . Exod. 33 v. 6. Note . Note . Psal. 34. v. 4. v. 5. v. 6. Note . Note . Note . Iudg 10. v. 10 v. 11. v. 12 v. 13. v. 14. v. 15. Note . v. 16. Iob 7. v. 20. The vse . Note . Iudg. 10. v. 13. Note , Note . Note . Note . Note . Note . 2. Sam. 12. v. 13 v. 14. Note . Note . Note . Note . Note . Levit. 20.1 . Act. 5 9.3 . Numb . 16. v. 32 Note . Gen. 19. v. 26. Note . Note . Note . Numb . 23. v. 10 Iob. v. 17. Isa. 3. v. 2. 2. Chron. 34. v. 28. Note . Isa. 57. v. 1. Iob. 5 v. 26. Note . Iohn . 4. v. 35. Note . Note . Prou. 16. v. 3. Note . Note . 〈◊〉 5. v. 14. Note . 2. Pet. 2. v. 22. Note . Note . Note . Note , Note . Note . Note . Note . The 1. doctrine . Note . King. 4. v. 33. v. 34. v. 34. v. 35. Note . v. 31. Note . Note . Note . Note . Heb. 4. v. 12. Rom. 1. v. 16. Note . Note . Luke . 7. v. 6. v. 7. Note . Note . Psal. 105. v. 18. v. 19. Note . Gen. 37. v. 7. Note . Note . Note . Ezek. 34. v. 2. Note v. 4. v. 5. v. 6. Note . v. 4. Note . Note . v. 9. Note . The● doctrine . Note . Gen. 1. v. 3. v. 6. Note . Note . Exod. 13. v. 21 Note . Note . 2 Cor. ● . v. 16. Iohn . 18. v. 6. Note . Iohn . 11. v. 44. Note . Note . Note . Numb . 20. v. 8. The doctrine . Note . Psal. 48. v. 19 Note . Numb . 2● . v. 11. Cor. 10. v. 4. Numb . 20.10 . Hezek . 37.3 . Note . Mark. 13. v. 3● Mat. 13. v. 20. Luk. 17 v. 6. Note . Act. 5. v. 15 Note . Act. 16. v. 12. Note . The 4 doctrine . Note . The 5 doctrine . Note . Act. 17. v. 11. The 6 doctrine . Note . The 7 doctrine . Note . Note Note . Note . Note . Act. 19. v. 15. Note . Note . Note . Note . Note Iob. 33 v. 16. v. 20. v. 21. v. 22. Note . v. 23. v. 24. v. 25 Note . Psal. 50. v. 16. Note . 2. Chro. 18. v. 19. Note . Note . Note . Note . 1. King. 22. v. ●2 . Note . Note . Note . Note . Note . Note . Note . Note . Sam. 6. v. 7. Note . Act. 16. v. 6 Note . Note . The 8 doctrine . Note . Note . Note . Note . Note . Note . Iohn . 6. v. 63. The vse . Note . Note . Note . King 22. v. 14. Note Note . Numb . 24. v. 12. v. 13. Note , Note . Note . Numb . 24.10 Note . Note . Note . Note . Note . Note . The 9 doctrine . Note . Note . Rom. 10. v. 15. Exod. 4. v. 10. Note . The vse . Note . Note . The doctrine . Note . Note . 1. King. 20. v. 23 Note . Note . Note . Note . Note . Notes . Note . Mat. 17. v. 21. Note . The doctrine . Note . Note . Note . Note . Note . Note . Note . Note . The doctrine . The vse . Mar. 2. v. 4. Note . Note . Note . Note . Note . Cor. 11. v. 30. Note . Note . Note . 2. Tim. 4. v. 3. Prou. 27. v. 7. Note . Note . Note . Note The doctrine . Note . Note . Note . Exod. 7. ● . 12. Note . Exod. 7. v. 12. Note . Note . Note . Note . Rom. 1. v. 28. Note . 1. Thess. ● . v. 10. v. 1● . Note . Note . 2 King. 1. v. 3. Note . Note . Note . 1 Sam. 28. v. 7. v. 20. Note . Note . 〈…〉 . v. ●● . Note . Note . Note . Isa. 38. v. 15. Note . Note . Note . Rom. 2. v : 5. Note . Isa. 38. v. 19 Deut. 3. v. 26. Luke . ● . v. 29. The doctrine . Note . Note . Note . Note . Note . Note . Note . Note . Note . Proverb 3● v. 15. ● . 16. The doctrine . Note . Note . Note . Note . Note . The vse . Note . Iob 10. v. 20. v. 21. v. 22. Note . Iob. 7. v. 5. Note . Iudg. 15 v. 16. Note Eccles 9 v. 9. Eccles. 9 v. 10. Note . Io● . 7. v 9. v. 10. Note . Iob. 8. v. 9. Note . Note . Note . Ion. 2. v. 2. Note . Isa. 57. v 2. Note . Note . Note . Note . Note . Note . The vse : Note . Psal. 42. v. 3. Note . Note . Note . Note . Note . Note . Note . Note . Note . 1. Cor. ● 5 v. 55 Note . 〈◊〉 . ●8 . v. 3 Psal. 49 v. 14. Note . H●s . 1● . v. 14. Iohn . 11. v. ●1 . Note . Note . Isa. 57 . ● v. 2. Note . Note . Note . R●● . 8. v. 20. Amos. 2 v. 13. Note . Col. 2. v 14. Note . Isa. 44. v. 21. The doctrine . Iohn . 21 v. 7. Not● . The doctrine . ●en . 18 v 14. N●● . Mark. 10. v , 27 The . vse Note . The vse . Note . Psal. 49. v. 7. N te . Psal. 68. v. 20. Note . Psal. 90 v. 3. Psal. 37 v. 2● . v. 25. Note . Note Note . 〈◊〉 10 v. 12. Note . Note . Note . Note . Note . Gen. 5. v. 27. Eccl●s . 7 v. 2. Eccl. 10 v. 19. N●●e . Note . Note . Psal. 3 v. ● . Note . Note . Note . Note . Note . Note . Note . Psal. 13● v. 18. Note . The doctrine . Math. 11. v. 30. Note . Note . Note . Psal. 50 v. 8 v. 9. v. 10. v. 11. v. 12. Note . v. 14. Note . Note . Sela frō Salal to lift vp . Vatable The vse . Note . Note . Note . Note . Gen. 18. v. 17. Isa. 48. v. 9. Note . Numb . 4. v. 13. Note . The vse . Note . 2 King. 5. v : 13 Note . Note . Note . Note . Note . Note . Note . The doctrine . Note . Note . Luke . 17 v. 13. v. 17. Note . Gen. 40 v. 23. Note . The vse . Note . Note . Note . Note . Note . Note . Note . Note . Note . Act. 5. v. 2. Th● 2 vse . Note . Note . Note . Note . Note . Psal. 78. v. 36. Note . Math. 12 v. 45. Note . Prov. 23 v. 26. Note . Psal. 57 v. 8. Note . Isa. 29. v. 13. Note . Note . Note . Note . Note . Note . N●te . Note . Note . Note . Note . Psal. 118. v. 19. Note . Note . Note . Luk. 15. v. 18 Note . Note . Mat 2● . v. 27. Note Note . 2 King. 5 v. ●8 . Note . 1 King. ● v. ●● Note . Note . Note . Ier. 17. v. 14. The doctrine . Note . Note . The vse . Note . Note . Gen. 4. v. 9. Note . Note . Note . Note . Note . Note . Mat. 18. v. 7. Note . Note . The doctrine . Note . Note . 1. Pet. 2 v. 22. Note . Luck . 11 : v 24. Note . Note . Note . Gen 4● v. ● . The vse . Note . Note . Note . Note . Isa. 64. v. 6. The doctrine . The 1 vse . Note . Note . The 2 vse . Note . Note . Rom. 2. v. 4. Note . 1 Sam 24. v 19. Note . Note . Rom. 12. v. 20. Note . The vse . Note . Note . Psal. 139 v. 14 Psal. 118 v. 23. The doctrine . Note . Note . Note . Note . Psal. 19. v. 5. Note . Note . Note . Iob. 38. v. 6. Note . Note . Note . Note . Note . Note . Note . Note . Isa. 9. v. 6. Note . Isa 53. v. 5. Note . Ephes. 3. v , 10. Luke● . v. 14. Note . Psal. 41. v. 3. 
A64099	----	The rule and exercises of holy dying in which are described the means and instruments of preparing our selves and others respectively, for a blessed death, and the remedies against the evils and temptations proper to the state of sicknesse : together with prayers and acts of vertue to be used by sick and dying persons, or by others standing in their attendance : to which are added rules for the visitation of the sick and offices proper for that ministery. Rule and exercises of holy dying. 1651 Taylor, Jeremy, 1613-1667. 1651 Approx. 603 KB of XML-encoded text transcribed from 208 1-bit group-IV TIFF page images. Text Creation Partnership, Ann Arbor, MI ; Oxford (UK) : 2003-11 (EEBO-TCP Phase 1). A64099 Wing T361A ESTC R28870 10772155 ocm 10772155 45783 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. 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Sick -- Prayer-books and devotions. 2000-00 TCP Assigned for keying and markup 2001-07 SPi Global Keyed and coded from ProQuest page images 2002-07 Kirk Davis Sampled and proofread 2003-06 SPi Global Rekeyed and resubmitted 2003-08 Olivia Bottum Sampled and proofread 2003-08 Olivia Bottum Text and markup reviewed and edited 2003-10 pfs Batch review (QC) and XML conversion The Rule and Exercises of holy Dying by Ier Taylor D. D. THE RVLE AND EXERCISES OF HOLY DYING . In which are described The MEANS and INSTRUMENTS of preparing our selves , and others respectively , for a blessed Death : and the remedies against the evils and temptations proper to the state of Sicknesse . Together with Prayers and Acts of Vertue to be used by sick and dying persons , or by others standing in their Attendance . To which are added . Rules for the visitation of the Sick , and offices proper for that Ministery . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . Isoc . ad Demonic . LONDON , Printed for R. R. and are to be sold by Edward Martin Bookseller in Norwich . 1651. To the Right Honourable and most truly Noble RICHARD Lord VAVGHAN , Earl of CARBERY , Baron of EMLIN , and MOLINGAR ; Knight of the Honourable Order of the BATH . My Lord , I Am treating your Lordship as a Roman Gentleman did Saint Augustine and his Mother ; I shall entertain you in a Charnel house , and carry your meditations awhile into the chambers of death , where you shall finde the rooms dressed up with melancholy arts , and fit to converse with your most retired thoughts , which begin with a sigh and proceed in deep consideration , and end in a holy resolution . The sight that S. Augustine most noted in that house of sorrow was the body of Caesar clothed with all the dishonours of corruption , that you can suppose in a six moneths burial . But I know that without pointing , your first thoughts will remember the change of a greater beauty , which is now dressing for the brightest immortality ; and from her bed of darknesse calls to you to dress your soul for that change which shall mingle your bones with that beloved dust , and carry your soul to the same Quire , where you may both sit and sing for ever . My Lord it is your dear Ladies Anniversary , and she deserved the biggest honour , and the longest memory , and the fairest monument , and the most solemne mourning ; and in order to it give me leave ( My Lord ) to cover her Hearse with these following sheets ; this book was intended first to minister to her piety ; and she desired all good people should partake of the advantages which are here recorded : she knew how to live rarely well , and she desired to know how to dye ; and God taught her by an experiment . But since her work is done and God supplyed her with provisions of his own , before I could minister to her , and perfect what she desired , it is necessary to present to your Lordship those bundles of Cypresse which were intended to dresse her Closet , but come now to dresse her Hearse . ( My Lord ) both your Lordship and my self have lately seen and felt such sorrows of death , and such sad departure of Dearest friends , that it is more then high time we should think our selves neerly concerned in the accidents ; Death hath come so neer to you as to fetch a portion from your very heart ; and now you cannot choose but digge your own grave and place your coffin in your eye when the Angel hath dressed your scene of sorrow and meditation with so particular and so neer an object ; and therefore as it is my duty , I am come to minister to your pious thoughts , and to direct your sorrows that they may turn into vertues and advantages . And since I know your Lordship to be so constant and regular in your devotions , and so tender in the matter of justice , so ready in the expressions of charity and so apprehensive of religion , and that you are a person whose work of grace is apt , and must every day grow towards those degrees , where when you arrive you shall triumph over imperfection , and choose nothing but what may please God , I could not by any compendium conduct and assist your pious purposes so well as by that which is the great argument and the great instrument of holy living , the consideration and exercises of death . My Lord , it is a great art to dye well , and to be learnt by men in health , by them that can discourse and consider ; by those whose understanding , and acts of reason are not abated with fear or pains , and as the greatest part of death is passed by the preceding years of our life , so also in those years are the greatest preparation to it : and he that prepares not for death , before his last sicknesse , is like him that begins to study Philosophy when he is going to dispute publikely in the faculty . All that a sick and dying man can do is but to exercise those vertues , which he before acquired , and to perfect that repentance which was begun more early . And of this ( My Lord ) my Book I think is a good testimony , not onely because it represents the vanity of a late and sick-bed repentance , but because it contains in it so many precepts and meditations , so many propositions and various duties , such forms of exercise , and the degrees and difficulties of so many graces which are necessary preparatives to a holy death , that the very learning the duties require study and skill , time and understanding in the wayes of godlinesse ; and it were very vain , to say so much is necessary , and not to suppose more time to learn them , more skill to practise them , more opportunities to desire them , more abilities both of body and mind then can be supposed in a sick , amazed , timerous , and weak person ; whose naturall acts are disabled , whose senses are weak , whose discerning faculties are lessened , whose principles are made intricate and intangled , upon whose eye sits a cloud , and the heart is broken with sicknesse , and the liver pierced thorow with sorrows and the strokes of death . And therefore ( my Lord ) it is intended by the necessity of affairs , that the precepts of dying well be part of the studies of them that live in health , and the dayes of discourse and understanding : which in this case hath another degree of necessity superadded ; because in other notices , an imperfect study may be supplied by a frequent exercise , and a renewed experience : Here , if we practise imperfectly once , we shall never recover the errour : for we die but once ; and therefore it will be necessary that our skill be more exact , since it is not to be mended by triall , but the actions must be for ever left imperfect , unlesse the habit be contracted with study and contemplation before hand . And indeed I were vain , if I should intend this book to be read and studied by dying persons : and they were vainer that should need to be instructed in those graces which they are then to exercise and to finish . For a sick bed is only a school of severe exercise , in which the spirit of a man is tried , and his graces are rehearsed : and the assistances which I have in the following pages given to those vertues which are proper to the state of sicknesse , are such as suppose a man in the state of grace ; or they confirm a good man , or they support the weak , or adde degrees , or minister comfort , or prevent an evil , or cure the little mischiefs which are incident to tempted persons in their weaknesse ; this is the summe of the present designe , as it relates to dying persons . And therefore I have not inserted any advices proper to old age , but such as are common to it and the state of sicknesse ; for I suppose very old age to be a longer sicknesse , it is labour and sorrow when it goes beyond the common period of nature ; but if it be on this side that period , and be healthfull , in the same degree it is so , I reckon it in the accounts of life ; and therefore it can have no distinct consideration . But I do not think it is a station of advantage to begin the change of an evil life in : It is a middle state between life and death-bed , and therefore although it hath more of hopes , then this , and lesse then that , yet as it partakes of either state : so it is to be regulated by the advices of that state , and judged by its sentences . Onely this : I desire , that all old persons would sadly consider that their advantages in that state are very few , but their inconveniences are not few : Their bodies are without strength , their prejudices long and mighty , their vices ( if they have lived wickedly ) are habituall , the occasions of their vertues not many , the possibilities of some ( in the matter of which they stand very guilty ) are past , and shall never return again ( such are , chastity , and many parts of self-deniall ; ) that they have some temptations proper to their age , as peevishnesse , and pride , covetousnesse , and talking , wilfulnesse and unwillingnesse to * learn , and they think they are protected by age from learning anew , or repenting the old ; and do not * leave , but change their vices : And after all this , either the day of their repentance is past , as we see it true in very many , or it is expiring and towards the Sun-set , as it is in all ; and therefore although in these , to recover is very possible , yet we may also remember that in the matter of vertue and repentance , possibility is a great way off from performance ; and how few do repent , of whom it is onely possible that they may ; and that many things more are required to reduce their possibility to act : a great grace , an assiduous ministery , an effective calling , mighty assistances , excellent counsell , great industry , a watchfull diligence , a well disposed mind , passionate desires , deep apprehensions of danger , quick perceptions of duty , and time , and Gods good blessing , and effectuall impression and seconding all this , that to will , and to do , may by him be wrought to great purposes , and with great speed . And therefore it will not be amisse , but it is hugely necessary , that these persons who have lost their time and their blessed opportunities should have the diligence of youth , and the zeal of new converts , and take account of every hour that is left them , and pray perpetually , and be advised prudently , and study the interest of their souls carefully , with diligence , and with fear ; and their old age which in effect is nothing , but a continuall death-bed , dressed with some more order and advantages , may be a state of hope , and labour , and acceptance , through the infinite mercies of God in Jesus Christ. But concerning sinners , really under the arrest of death , God hath made no death-bed covenant , the Scripture hath recorded no promises , given no instructions ; and therefore I had none to give , but onely the same which are to be given to all men that are alive , because they are so , and because it is uncertain when they shall be otherwise ; But then this advice I also am to insert . That they are the smallest number of Christian men , who can be divided by the characters of a certain holinesse , or an open villany : and between these , there are many degrees of latitude , and most are of a middle sort , concerning which we are tied to make the judgements of charity , and possibly God may do so too ; But however , all they are such to whom the rules of holy dying are usefull and applicable , and therefore no separation is to be made in this world ; but where the case is not evident , men are to be permitted to the unerring judgement of God , where it is evident , we can rejoyce or mourn for them that die . In the Church of Rome they reckon otherwise concerning sick and dying Christians then I have done . For they make profession , that from death to life , from sin to grace , a man may very certainly be changed , though the operation begin not before his last hour , and half this , they do upon his death bed ▪ and the other half when he is in his grave : and they take away the eternal punishment in an instant , by a school distinction or the hand of the Priest ; and the temporal punishment shall stick longer , even then when the man is no more measured with time , having nothing to do with any thing of , or under the sun ; but that they pretend to take away too , when the man is dead ; and , God knowes , the poor man for all this , payes them both in hell . The distinction of temporal and eternal is a just measure of pains , when it referres to this life and another ; but to dream of a punishment temporal when all his time is done , and to think of repentance when the time of grace is past , are great errours ; the one in Philosophy , and both in Divinity , and are a huge folly in their pretence , and infinite danger if they are believed ; being a certain destruction of the necessity of holy living , when men dare trust them , and live at the rate of such doctrines . The secret of these is soon discovered : for by such means though a holy life be not necessary , yet a priest is ; as if God did not appoint the Priest to minister to holy living , but to excuse it ; so making the holy calling not onely to live upon the sins of the people , but upon their ruine ; and the advantages of their function to spring from their eternal dangers . It is an evil craft to serve a temporal end upon the death of souls ; that , is an interest not to handled but with noblenesse and ingenuity , fear and caution , diligence and prudence , with great skill , and great honesty , with reverence and trembling , and severity : a soul is worth all that , and the need we have requires all that ; and therefore those doctrines that go lesse then all this , are not friendly , because they are not safe . I know no other great difference in the visitation and treating of sick persons , then what depends upon the article of late repentance ; for all Churches agree in the same essential propositions , and assist the sick by the same internal ministeries ; as for external , I mean unction , used in the Church of Rome , since it is used when the man is above half dead , when he can exercise no act of understanding , it must needs be nothing ; for no rational man can think that any ceremonie can make a spiritual change without a spiritual act of him that is to be changed ; nor work by way of nature , or by charme ; but morally and after the manner of reasonable creatures ; and therefore I do not think that ministery at all fit to be reckoned among the advantages of sick persons . The Fathers of the Councel of Trent first disputed and after their manner at last agreed , that extream unction was instituted by Christ. But afterwards , being admonished by one of their Theologues , that the Apostles ministred unction to infirm people before they were Priests ( the Priestly order according to their doctrine being collated in the institution of the last Supper ) for fear that it should be thought that this unction might be administred by him that was no Priest , they blotted out the word [ instituted ] and put in its stead [ insinuated ] this Sacrament ; and that it was published by Saint Iames. So it is in their Doctrine : and yet in their anathematismes , they curse all them that shall deny it to have been [ instituted ] by Christ. I shall lay no more prejudice against it , or the weak arts of them that maintain it , but adde this onely , that there being but two places of Scripture pretended for this ceremonie , some chief men of their own side have proclaimed those two invalid as to the institution of it ; for Suarez sayes that the unction used by the Apostles in S. Mark 6.13 . is not the same with what is used in the Church of Rome ; and that it cannot be plainly gathered from the Epistle of Saint Iames , Cajetan affirms , and that it did belong to the miraculous gift of healing , not to a Sacrament . The sick mans exercise of grace formerly acquired , his perfecting repentance begun in the dayes of health , the prayers and counsels of the Holy man that ministers , the giving the Holy Sacrament , the Ministery and assistance of Angels , and the mercies of God , the peace of conscience and the peace of the Church are all the assistances and preparatives that can help to dresse his lamp . But if a man shall go to buy oil , when the Bridegroom comes , if his lamp be not first furnish'd , and then trimmed , that in his life , this upon his death-bed , his station shall be without doors , his portion with unbelievers , and the unction of the dying man shall no more strengthen his soul , then it cures his body , and the prayers for him after his death shall be of the same force as if they should pray that he should return to life again the next day , and live as long as Lazarus in his return . But I consider , that it is not well , that men should pretend any thing will do a man good when he dies , and yet the same ministeries and ten times more assistances are found for fourty or fifty years together to be ineffectual ; can extreme unction at last cure what the Holy Sacrament of the Eucharist all his life time could not do ? Can prayers for a dead man do him more good then when he was alive ? If all his dayes the man belonged to death and the dominion of sin , and from thence could not be recovered by Sermons , and counsels , and perpetual precepts , and frequent Sacraments , by confessions and absolutions , by prayers and advocations , by external ministeries and internal acts , it is but too certain that his lamp cannot then be furnished ; his extreme unction is onely then of use when it is made by the oil that burned in his lamp in all the dayes of his expectation and waiting for the coming of the Bridegroom . Neither can any supply be made in this case by their practise of praying for the dead : though they pretend for this the fairest precedents of the Church and of the whole world . The Heathens they say did it ; and the Jews did it , and the Christians did it ; some were baptized for the dead in the dayes of the Apostles ; and very many were communicated for the dead * for many ages after : T is true they were so , and did so : the Heathens prayed for an easie * grave and a perpetual spring , that Saffron would rise from their beds of grasse . The Jews prayed that the souls of their dead might be in the garden of Eden , that they might have their part in Paradise , and in the world to come , and that they might hear the peace of the fathers of their generations sleeping in Hebron : and the Christians prayed for a joyful resurrection , for mercy at the day of judgement , for the hastning of the coming of Christ , & the kingdom of God ; and they named all sorts of persons in their prayers , all I mean but wicked persons , all but them that liv'd evil lives ; they named Apostles , Saints , and Martyrs ; and all this is so nothing to their purpose , or so much against it , that the prayers for the dead used in the Church of Rome are moct plainly condemned , because they are against the doctrine and practises of all the world ; in other forms to other purposes , relying upon distinct doctrines , until new opinions began to arise about S. Augustines time , and changed the face of the proposition . Concerning prayer for the dead the Church hath received no commandment from the Lord ; and therefore concerning it we can have no rules , nor proportions , but from those imperfect revelations of the state of departed souls , and the measures of charity , which can relate onely to the imperfection of their present condition , and the terrors of the day of judgement : but to think that any suppletory to an evil life can be taken from such devotions after the sinners are dead may incourage a bold man to sin , but cannot relieve him when he hath . But of all things in the world me thinks men should be most careful not to abuse dying people ; not onely because their condition is pitiable , but because they shall soon be discovered , and in the secret regions of souls , there shall be an evil report concerning those men who have deceived them ; and if we believe we shall go to that place where such reports are made , we may fear the shame and the amazement of being accounted impostors in the presence of Angels , and all the wise holy men of the world . To be erring and innocent is hugely pitiable , and incident to mortality , that , we cannot help ; but to deceive or to destroy so great an interest as is that of a soul , or to lessen its advantages by giving it trifling and false confidences , is injurious and intolerable . And therefore , it were very well , if all the Churches of the world would be extremely curious concerning their offices and ministeries of the visitation of the sick ; that their Ministers they send be holy , and prudent ; that their instructions be severe and safe ; that their sentences be merciful and reasonable ; that their offices be sufficient and devout ; that their attendances be frequent and long ; that their deputations be special , and peculiar ; that the doctrines upon which they ground their offices be true , material and holy ; that their ceremonies be few ; and their advices wary ; that their separation be full of caution ; their judgements not remisse ; their remissions not loose and dissolute ; and that all the whole ministration be made by persons of experience and charity ; for it is a sad thing to see our dead go forth of our hands ; they live incuriously and dye without regard , and the last scene of their life , which should be dressed with all spiritual advantages , is abused by flattery and easie propositions , and let go with carelesnesse and folly . My Lord , I have endeavoured to cure some part of the evil as well as I could ; being willing to relieve the needs of indigent people in such wayes as I can , and therefore have described the duties which every sick man may do alone , and such in which he can be assisted by the Minister ; and am the more confident that these my endeavours will be the better entertained , because they are the first intire body of directions for sick and dying people that I remember to have been published in the Church of England : In the Church of Rome there have been many , but they are dressed with such Doctrines which are sometimes uselesse , sometimes hurtfull , and their whole designe of assistance which they commonly yeeld , is at the best imperfect , and the representment is too carelesse and loose for so severe an imployment : So that in this affair I was almost forced to walk alone , onely that I drew the rules and advices from the fountains of Scripture , and the purest channels of the Primitive Church , and was helped by some experience in the cure of souls . I shall measure the successe of my labours , not by popular noises or the sentences of curious persons , but by the advantage which good people may receive ; my work here is not to please the speculative part of men , but to minister to practise , to preach to the weary , to comfort the sick , to assist the penitent , to reprove the confident , to strengthen weak hands and feeble knees , having scarce any other possibilities left me of doing alms , or exercising that charity by which we shall be judged at Doomsday . It is enough for me to be an underbuilder in the House of God , and I glory in the imployment ; I labour in the foundations , and therefore the work needs no Apology for being plain , so it be strong and well laid . But ( My Lord ) as mean as it is , I must give God thanks for the desires and the strength , and next to him , to you for that opportunity and little portion of leisure which I had to do it in ; for I must acknowledge it publikely ( and besides my prayers , it is all the recompence I can make you ) my being quiet I owe to your Interest , much of my support to your bounty , and many other collaterall comforts I derive from your favour and noblenesse . ( My Lord ) because I much honour you , and because I would do honour to my self , I have written your Name in the entrance of my Book , I am sure you will entertain it because the designe related to your Dear Lady , and because it may minister to your spirit in the day of visitation when God shall call for you to receive your reward for your charity and your noble piety , by which you have not onely endeared very many persons , but in great degrees have obliged me to be My Noblest Lord Your Lordships most thankfull and most humble servant TAYLOR . THE TABLE . CHAP. I. A General preparation towards a holy and blessed death by way of consideration , 1. § I. Consideration of the vanity and shortnesse of mans life , ibid. § II. The consideration reduced to practise , 10. § III. Rules and spiritual arts of lengthening our dayes , and to take off the objection of a short life , 21. § IV. Consideration of the miseries of mans life , 35. § V. The consideration reduced to practise . 43. CHAP. II. A general preparation towards a holy and blessed death , by way of exercise , 48. § I. Three precepts preparatory to a holy death to be practised in our whole life . ibid. § II. Of daily examination of our actions in the whole course of our health , preparatory to our death bed , 55. Reasons for a daily examination , ibid. The benefits of this exercise , 59 § III. Of exercising charity during our whole life , 67. § IV. General considerations to inforce the former practises , 71. The circumstances of a dying mans sorrow and danger , 72. CHAP. III. Of the temptations incident to the state of sicknesse with their proper remedies , 77. § I. Of the state of sicknesse , ibid. § II. Of Impatience , 81. § III. Constituent or integral parts of patience , 84. § IV. Remedies against impatience by way of consideration . 87. § V. Remedies against impatience by way of exercise . 98. § VI. Advantages of sicknesse , 104. Three appendant considerations , 1●0 , 121 , 122. § VII . Remedies against fear of death , by way of consideration . 127 § VIII . Remedies against fear of death , by way of exercise . 134. § IX . General Rules and Exercises whereby our sicknesse may become safe and sanctified , 143. CHAP. IV. Of the practise of the graces , proper to the state of sicknesse which a sick man may practise alone , 156. § I. Of the practise of patience by way of Rule , 156 , 157. § II. Acts of patience by way of prayer and ejaculation . 167. A prayer to be said in the beginning of a sicknesse . 173. An act of resignation to be said in all the evil accidents of his sickness 174. A prayer for the grace of patience 175. A prayer to be said at the taking Physic , 177. § III. Of the practise of the grace of faith in time of sicknesse , 178. § IV. Acts of faith by way of prayer , and ejaculation to be said by sick men in the dayes of their temptation 184. The prayer [ for the grace & strengths of faith , 186. § V. Of repentance in the time of sicknesse , 188. § VI. Rules for the practise of repentance in sicknesse , 195. Means of exciting contrition , &c. 200 § VII . Acts of repentance by way of prayer and ejaculation 208. The prayer ] for the grace and perfection of repentance 210. A prayer for pardon of sins to be said frequently in time of sicknesse 212. An act of holy resolution of amendment of life in case of recovery 214. § VIII . An analysis or resolution of the Decalogue , enumerating the duties commanded , and the sins forbidden in every Commandment , for the helping the sick man in making his confession 216. The special precepts of the Gospel enumerated 69 , 227. § IX . Of the sick mans practise of charity and justice by way of Rule 231. § X. Acts of charity by way of prayer and ejaculation which may also be used for thanksgiving in case of recovery . 238. CHAP. V , Of visitation of the sick , or § I. The assistance that is to be done to dying persons by the ministery of their Clergy-Guides . 242. § II. Rules for the manner of visitations of the sick 245. § III. Of ministring in the sick mans confession of sins and Repentance 250 Arguments and exhortations to move the sick man to confession of sins ibid. Instruments by way of consideration to awaken a careless person and a stupid conscience 255. § IV. Of ministring to the restitution and pardon . or reconciliation of the sick person by administring the holy Sacrament 268. § V. Of ministring to the sick person by the Spiritual man as he is the Physitian of souls 282. Considerations against unreasonable fears concerning forgivenesse of sins , and its uncertainty and danger 283. An exercise against despair in the day of our death 293. § VI. Considerations against Presumption 301. § VII . Offices to be said by the Minister in his visitation of the sick 306. The prayer of S. Eustratius the Martyr 310. A prayer taken out of the Greek Euchologion , &c. 311. The order of recommendation of the soul in its agony 313. Prayers to be said by the surviving friends in behalf of them selves 318. A prayer to be said in the case of a sudden death , or pressing fatall danger 321. § VIII . A peroration concerning the contingencies , and treatings of our departed friends after death , in order to their will and buriall . 322. Vigilate et Orate quia nescitis horam CHAP. I. A general preparation towards a holy and blessed Death : by way of consideration . SECT . I. Consideration of the vanity , and shortnesse of Mans life . A Man is a Bubble ( said the Greek Proverb ) ; which Lucian represents with advantages and its proper circumstances , to this purpose ; saying , that all the world is a storm , and Men rise up in their several generations like bubbles descending à Iove pluvio , from God , and the dew of Heaven , from a tear and drop of Man , from Nature and Providence : and some of these instantly sink into the deluge of their first parent , and are hidden in a sheet of Water , having had no other businesse in the world , but to be born that they might be able to die : others float up and down two or three turns , and suddenly disappear and give their place to others : and they that live longest upon the face of the waters are in perpetual motion , restlesse and uneasy , and being crushed with the great drop of a cloud sink into flatness and a froth ; the change not being great , it being hardly possible it should be more a nothing then it was before . So is every man : He is born in vanity and sin ; he comes into the world like morning Mushromes , soon thrusting up their heads into the air and conversing with their kinred of the same production , and as soon they turn into dust and forgetfulnesse ; some of them without any other interest in the affairs of the world , but that they made their parents a little glad , and very sorrowful : others ride longer in the storm ; it may be until seven yeers of Vanity be expired , and then peradventure the Sun shines hot upon their heads and they fall into the shades below , into the cover of death , and darknesse of the grave to hide them . But if the bubble stands the shock of a bigger drop , and outlives the chances of a childe , of a carelesse Nurse , of drowning in a pail of water , of being overlaid by a sleepy servant , or such little accidents , then the young man dances like a bubble , empty and gay , and shines like a Doves neck or the image of a rainbow , which hath no substance , and whose very imagery and colours are phantastical ; and so he dances out the gayety of his youth , and is all the while in a storm , and endures , onely because he is not knocked on the head by a drop of bigger rain , or crushed by the pressure of a load of indigested meat , or quenched by the disorder of an ill placed humor : and to preserve a man alive in the midst of so many chances , and hostilities , is as great a miracle as to create him ; to preserve him from rushing into nothing and at first to draw him up from nothing were equally the issues of an Almighty power . And therefore the wise men of the world have contended who shall best fit mans condition with words signifying his vanity and short abode . Homer cals a man a leaf , the smallest , the weakest piece of a short liv'd , unsteady plant . Pindar calls him the dream of a shadow : Another , the dream of the shadow of smoak . But S. Iames spake by a more excellent Spirit , saying , Our life is but a vapor ] viz. drawn from the earth by a coelestial influence ; made of smoak , or the lighter parts of water , tossed with every winde , moved by the motion of a superiour body , without vertue in it self , lifted up on high , or left below , according as it pleases the Sun its Foster-father . But it is lighter yet . It is but appearing . A phantastic vapor , an apparition , nothing real ; it is not so much as a mist , not the matter of a shower , nor substantial enough to make a cloud ; but it is like Cassiopeia's chair , or Pelops shoulder , or the circles of Heaven , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , for which you cannot have a word that can signify a veryer nothing . And yet the expression is one degree more made diminutive : A vapor , and phantastical , or a meer appearance , and this but for a little while neither : the very dream , the phantasm disappears in a small time , like the shadow that departeth , or like a tale that is told , or as a dream when one awaketh : A man is so vain , so unfixed , so perishing a creature , that he cannot long last in the scene of fancy : a man goes off and is forgotten like the dream of a distracted person . The summe of all is this : That thou art a man , then whom there is not in the world any greater instance of heights and declensions , of lights and shadows , of misery and folly , of laughter and tears , of groans and death . And because this consideration is of great usefulnesse and great necessity to many purposes of wisdom and the Spirit ; all the succession of time , all the changes in nature , all the varieties of light and darknesse , the thousand thousands of accidents in the world , and every contingency to every man , and to every creature does preach our funeral sermon , and calls us to look , and see , how the old Sexton Time throws up the earth , and digs a Grave where we must lay our sins , or our sorrows , and sowe our bodies till they rise again in a fair , or in an intolerable eternity . Every revolution which the sun makes about the world , divides between life and death ; and death possesses both those portions by the next morrow ; and we are dead to all those moneths which we have already lived , and we shall never live them over again : and still God makes little periods of our age . First we change our world , when we come from the womb to feel the warmth of the sun : Then we sleep and enter into the image of death , in which state we are unconcerned in all the changes of the world ; and if our Mothers , or our Nurses die , or a wilde boar destroy our vineyards , or our King be sick , we regard it not , but , during that state , are as disinterest , as if our eyes were closed with the clay that weeps in the bowels of the earth . At the end of seven years , our teeth fall and dye before us , representing a formal prologue to the Tragedie ; and still every seven year it is oddes but we shall finish the last scene : and when Nature , or Chance , or Vice takes our body in pieces , weakening some parts , and loosing others , we taste the grave and the solennities of our own Funerals , first in those parts that ministred to Vice , and next in them that served for Ornament ; and in a short time even they that served for necessity become uselesse , and intangled like the wheels of a broken clock . Baldnesse is but a dressing to our funerals , the proper ornament of mourning , and of a person entred very far into the regions and possession of Death : And we have many more of the same signification : Gray hairs , rotten teeth , dim eyes , trembling joynts , short breath , stiffe limbs , wrinkled skin , short memory , decayed appetite . Every dayes necessity calls for a reparation of that portion which death fed on all night when we lay in his lap , and slept in his outer chambers : The very spirits of a man prey upon the daily portion of bread and flesh , and every meal is a rescue from one death , and layes up for another ; and while we think a thought , we die ; and the clock strikes , and reckons on our portion of Eternity ; we form our words with the breath of our nostrils , we have the lesse to live upon , for every word we speak . Thus Nature calls us to meditate of death by those things which are the instruments of acting it ; and God by all the variety of his Providence , makes us see death every where , in all variety of circumstances , and dressed up for all the fancies , and the expectation of every single person . Nature hath given us one harvest every year , but death hath two : and the Spring and the Autumn send throngs of Men and Women to charnel houses ; and all the Summer long men are recovering from their evils of the Spring , till the dog dayes come , and then the Syrian star makes the summer deadly ; And the fruits of Autumn are laid up for all the years provision , and the man that gathers them eats and sursets , and dies and needs them not , and himself is laid up for Eternity ; and he that escapes till winter , only stayes for another opportunity , which the distempers of that quarter minister to him with great variety . Thus death reigns in all the portions of our time . The Autumn with its fruits provides disorders for us : and the Winters cold turns them into sharp diseases , and the Spring brings flowers to strew our herse , and the Summer gives green turfe and brambles to binde upon our graves . Calentures , and Sur●et , Cold , and Agues , are the four quarters of the year , and all minister to Death ; and you can go no whither , but you tread upon a dead mans bones . The wilde fellow in Petronius that escaped upon a broken table from the furies of a shipwrack , as he was sunning himself upon the rocky shore espied a man rolled upon his floating bed of waves , ballasted w th sand in the folds of his garment , and carried by his civil enemy the sea towards the shore to finde a grave ; and it cast him into some sad thoughts : that peradventure this mans wife in some part of the Continent , safe and warme looks next moneth for the good mans return ; or it may be his son knows nothing of the tempest ; or his father thinks of that affectionate kiss which still is warm upon the good old mans cheek ever since he took a kinde farewel ; and he weeps with joy to think how blessed he shall be when his beloved boy returns into the circle of his Fathers arms . These are the thoughts of mortals , this is the end and sum of all their designes : a dark night , and an ill Guide , a boysterous sea , and a broken Cable , a hard rock , and a rough winde dash'd in pieces the fortune of a whole family , and they that shall weep loudest for the accident , are not yet entred into the storm , and yet have suffered shipwrack . Then looking upon the carkasse , he knew it , and found it to be the Master of the ship , who the day before cast up the accounts of his patrimony and his trade , and named the day , when he thought to be at home : see how the man swims who was so angry two dayes since ; his passions are becalm'd with the storm , his accounts cast up , his cares at an end , his voyage done , and his gains are the strange events of death , which whither they be good or evil , the men that are alive , seldom trouble themselves concerning the interest of the dead . But seas alone do not break our vessel in pieces : Every where we may be shipwracked . A valiant General when he is to reap the harvest of his crowns and triumphs , fights unprosperously , or falls into a Feaver with joy and wine , and changes his Lawrel into Cypresse , his triumphal chariot to an Hearse ; dying the night before he was appointed to perish in the drunkennesse of his festival joyes . It was a sad arrest of the loosenesses and wilder feasts of the French Court , when their King [ Henry 2. ] was killed really by the sportive image of a fight . And many brides have died under the hands of Paranymphs and Maidens dressing them for uneasy joy , the new and undiscerned chains of Marriage : according to the saying of Bensirah the wise Jew , The Bride went into her chamber , and knew not what should befall her there . Some have been paying their vows , and giving thanks for a prosperous return to their own house , and the roof hath descended upon their heads , and turned their loud religion into the deeper silence of a grave : And how many teeming Mothers have rejoyced over their swelling wombs , and pleased themselves in becoming the chanels of blessing to a familie ; and the Midwife hath quickly bound their heads and feet , and carried them forth to burial ? Or else the birth day of an Heir hath seen the Coffin of the Father brought into the house , and the divided Mother hath been forced to travel twice , with a painful birth , and a sadder death . There is no state , no accident no circumstance of our life , but it hath been sowred by some sad instance of a dying friend : a friendly meeting often ends in some sad mischance , and makes an eternal parting : and when the Poet Eschylus was sitting under the walls of his house , an eagle hovering over his bald head , mistook it for a stone , and let fall his oyster , hoping there to break the shell , but pierced the poor mans skull . Death meets us every where , and is procured by every instrument , and in all chances , and enters in at many doors : by violence , and secret influence , by the aspect of a star , and the stink of a mist , by the emissions of a cloud , and the meeting of a vapor , by the fall of a chariot , and the stumbling at a stone , by a full meal , or an empty stomach , by watching at the wine , or by watching at prayers , by the Sun or the Moon , by a heat or a cold , by sleeplesse nights , or sleeping dayes , by water frozen into the hardnesse , and sharpnesse of a dagger , or water thawd into the floods of a river ; by a hair , or a raisin , by violent motion , or sitting still , by severity , or dissolution , by Gods mercy , or Gods anger , by every thing in providence , and every thing in manners , by every thing in nature and every thing in chance . Eripitur persona , manet res , we take pains to heap up things useful to our life , and get our death in the purchase ; and the person is snatch●ed away , and the goods remain : and all this is the law and constitution of nature , it is a punishment to our sins , the unalterable event of providence , and the decree of heaven . The chains that confine us to this condition are strong as destiny and immutable as the eternal laws of God. I have conversed with some men who rejoyced in the death or calamity upon others , and accounted it as a judgement upon them , for being on the other side , and against them in the contention ; but within the revolution of a few moneths the same man met with a more uneasy and unhandsom death : which when I saw , I wept , and was afraid : for I knew that it must be so with all men , * for we also shall die and end our quarrels and contentions by passing to a final sentence . SECT . II. The Consideration reduced to practice . IT will be very material to our best and noblest purposes , if we represent this scene of change and sorrow a little more dressed up in Circumstances , for so we shall be more apt to practice those Rules , the doctrine of which is consequent to this consideration . * It is a mighty change that is made by the death of every person , and it is visible to us who are alive . Reckon but from the spritefulnesse of youth , and the fair cheeks and full eyes of childehood , from the vigorousnesse , and strong flexure of the joynts of five and twenty , to the hollownesse and dead palenesse , to the loathsomnesse and horrour of a three dayes burial , and we shall perceive the distance to be very great , and very strange . But so have I seen a Rose newly springing from the clefts of its hood , and at first it was fair as the Morning , and full with the dew of Heaven , as a Lambs fleece ; but when a ruder breath had forced open its virgin modesty , and dismantled its too youthful and unripe retirements , it began to put on darknesse , and to decline to softnesse , and the symptomes of a sickly age ; it bowed the head , and broke its stalk , and at night having lost some of its leaves , and all its beauty , it fell into the portion of weeds and out-worn faces : The same is the portion of every man , and every woman ; the heritage of worms and serpents , rottennesse and cold dishonour , and our beauty so changed that our acquaintance quickly knew us not , and that change mingled with so much horrour , or else meets so with our fears and weak discoursings , that they who six hours ago tended upon us , either with charitable or ambitious services cannot without some regret stay in the room alone where the body lies stripped of its life and Honour . I have read of a fair young German Gentleman , who living , often refused to be pictured , but put of● the importunity of his friends desire , by giving way that after a few dayes burial they might send a painter to his vault , and if they saw cause for it , draw the image of his death unto the life . They did so , and found his face half eaten , and his midriffe and back bone full of serpents , and so he stands pictured among his armed Ancestours . So does the fairest beauty change , and it will be as bad with you and me ; and then , what servants shall we have to wait upon us in the grave , what friends to visit us , what officious people to cleanse away the moist and unwholsom cloud reflected upon our faces from the sides of the weeping vaults , which are the longest weepers for our funeral . This discourse will be useful , if we consider and practise by the following Rules and Considerations respectivly . 1. All the Rich , and all the Covetous men in the world will perceive , and all the world will perceive for them , that it is but an ill recompence for all their cares , that by this time all that shall be left will be this , that the Neighbours shall say he died a rich man : and yet his wealth will not profit him in the grave , but hugely swell the sad accounts of Doomsday ; And he that kills the Lords people with unjust or ambitious wars for an unrewarding interest , shall have this character , that he threw away all the dayes of his life , that one year might be reckoned with his Name , and computed by his reign , or consulship ; and many men by great labors and affronts , many indignities and crimes labour onely for a pompous Epitaph , and a loud title upon their Marble ; whilest those into whose possessions their heirs , or kinred are entred , are forgotten , and lye unregarded as their ashes , and without concernment or relation , as the turf upon the face of their grave . * A man may read a sermon , the best and most passionate that ever men preached , if he shall but enter into the sepulchres of Kings . In the same Escurial where the Spanish Princes live in greatnesse and power , and decree war or peace , they have wisely placed a coemeterie where their ashes and their glories shall sleep till time shall be no more : and where our Kings have been crowned , their Ancestours lay interred , and they must walk over their Grandsires head to take his crown . There is an acre sown with royal seed , the copy of the greatest change , from rich to naked , from ci●led roofs to arched coffins , from living like Gods to dye like Men. There is enough to cool the flames of lust , to abate the heights of pride , to appease the itch of covetous desires , to ●ully and dash out the dissembling colours of a lustful , artificial , and imaginary beauty . There the warlike and the peaceful , the fortunate and the miserable , the beloved and the despised Princes mingle their dust , and pay down their symbol of Mortality , and tell all the world , that when we die , our ashes shall be equal to Kings , and our accounts easier , and our pains or our crowns shall be lesse . * To my apprehension it is a sad record which is left by Athenaeus concerning Ninus the great Assyrian Monarch , whose life and death is summed up in these words : Ninus the Assyrian had an Ocean of gold , and other riches more then the sand in the Caspian sea : he never saw the stars , and perhaps he never desired it ; he never stirred up the holy fire among the Magi , nor touched his God with the sacred rod according to the Laws ; he never offered sacrifice , nor worshipped the Deity , nor administred justice , nor spake to his people , nor numbred them ; but he was most valiant to eat and drink , and having mingled his wines he threw the rest upon the stones : This man is dead ; Behold his Sepulchre , and now hear where Ninus is . Some times I was Ninus , and drew the breath of a living man , but now am nothing but clay . I have nothing , but what I did eat , and what I served to my self in lust [ that was and is all my portion ; ] the wealth with which I was [ esteemed ] blessed , my enemies meeting together shall bear away , as the mad Thyades carry a raw Goat . I am gone to Hell , and when I went thither , I neither carried Gold , nor Horse , nor silver Chariot . I that wore a Miter , am now a little heap of dust . * I know not any thing that can better represent the evil condition of a wicked man , or a changing greatnesse . From the greatest secular dignity to dust , and ashes , his nature bears him ; and from thence to Hell his sins carry him , and there he shall be for ever under the dominion of chains and devils , wrath , and an intollerable calamity . This is the reward of an unsanctified condition , and a greatnesse ill gotten , or ill administred . 2. Let no man extend his thoughts , or let his hopes wander towards future and far distant events and accidental contingencies . This day is mine and yours , but ye know not what shall be on the morrow : and every morning creeps out of a dark cloud , leaving behinde it an ignorance and silence deep as midnight and undiscerned as are the phantasms that make a Chrysome childe to smile : so that we cannot discern what comes hereafter , unlesse we had a light from Heaven , brighter then the vision of an Angel , even the Spirit of Prophesie . Without revelation we cannnot tell whether we shal eat to morrow , or whether a Squinzy shall choak us : and it is written in the unrevealed folds of Divine Predestination , that many who are this day alive , shall to morrow be laid upon the cold earth , and the women shall weep over their shrowd , and dresse them for their funeral . S. Iames in his Epistle notes the solly of some men his contemporaries , who were so impatient of the event of to morrow , or the accidents of next year , or the good or evils of old age , that they would consult Astrologers and witches , Oracles and Devils what should befall them the next Calends ? what should be the event of such a voyage , what God had written in his book concerning the successe of battels , the Election of Emperors , the Heir of families , the price of Merchandise , the return of the Tyrian fleer , the rate of Sidonian Carpets , and as they were taught by the crafty and lying Daemons , so they would expect the issue ; and oftentimes by disposing their affairs in order toward such events , really did produce some litle accidents according to their expectation ; and that made them trust the Oracles in greater things , and in all . Against this , he opposes his Counsel , that we should not search after forbidden records , much lesse by uncertain significations : for whatsoever is disposed to happen by the order of natural causes , or civil counsels may be rescinded by a peculiar decree of providence or be prevented by the death of the interested persons ; who while their hopes are full , and their causes conjoyned , and the work brought forward , and the sickle put into the harvest , and the first fruits offered , and ready to be eaten , even then if they put forth their hand to an event that stands but at the door , at that door their body may be carried forth to burial , before the expectation shall enter into fruition . When Richilda the Widow of Albert Earl of Ebersberg had feasted the Emperour Henry III. and petitioned in behalf of her Nephew Welpho for some lands formerly possessed by the Earl her Husband ; just as the Emperour held out his hand to signifie his consent , the chamber-floor suddenly fell under them , and Richilda falling upon the edge of a bathing vessel , was bruised to death , and stayed not to see her Nephew sleep in those lands which the Emperour was reaching forth to her , and placed at the door of restitution . 3. As our hopes must be confined , so must our designes ; let us not project long designes ; crafty plots , and diggings so deep that the intrigues of a designe shall never be unfolded till our Grand children have forgotten our vertues or our vices . The work of our soul is cut short , facile , sweet and plain , and fitted to the small portions of our shorter life : and as we must not trouble our inquiry , so neither must we intricate our labour and purposes with what we shall never enjoy . This rule does not forbid us to plant Orchards which shall feed our Nephews with their fruit ; for by such provisions they do something towards an imaginary immortality , and do charity to their Relatives : But such projects are reproved which discompose our present duty by long and future designes ; such which by casting our labours to events at distance , make us lesse to remember our death standing at the door . It is fit for a Man to work for his dayes wages , or to contrive for the hire of a week , or to lay a train to make provisions for such a time as is within our eye , and in our duty , and within the usual periods of Mans life , for whatsoever is made necessary , is also made prudent ; but while we plot , and buisy our selves in the toils of an ambitious war , or the levies of a great estate , Night enters in upon us , and tells all the world , how like fools we lived , and how deceived and miserably we dyed . Seneca tells of Senecio Cornelius , a man crafty in getting , and tenacious in holding a great estate , and one who was as diligent in the care of his body , as of his money , curious of his health , as of his possessions ; that he all day long attended upon his sick and dying friend ; but when he went away was quickly comforted , supped merrily , went to bed cheerfully , and on a sudden being surprized by a Squinzy , scarce drew his breath until the Morning , but by that time dyed , being snatched from the torrent of his fortune , and the swelling tide of wealth , and a likely hope bigger then the necessities of ten men . This accident was much noted then in Rome , because it happened in so great a fortune , and in the midst of wealthy designes ; and presently it made wise men to consider , how imprudent a person he is , who disposes of ten years to come , when he is not Lord of to morrow . 4. Though we must not look so far of● , and prey abroad , yet we must be buisie neer at hand ; we must with all arts of the Spirit seize upon the present , because it passes from us while we speak , and because in it all our certainty does consist . We must take our waters as out of a torrent and sudden shower , which will quickly cease dropping from above , and quickly cease running in our chanels here below ; This instant will never return again , and yet it may be this instant will declare , or secure the fortune of a whole eternity . The old Greeks and Romans taught us the prudence of this rule : but Christianity teaches us the Religion of it . They so seized upon the present that they would lose nothing of the dayes pleasure . Let us eat and drink for to morrow we shall die ; that was their philosophy ; and at their solemn feasts they would talk of death to heighten the present drinking , and that they might warm their veins with a fuller chalice , as knowing the drink that was poured upon their graves would be cold and without relish . Break the beds , drink your wine , crown your heads with roses , and besinear your curled locks with Nard ; for God bids you to remember death ; so the Epigrammatist speaks the sence of their drunken principles . Something towards this signification is that of Solomon , There is nothing better for a man then that he should eat and drink , and that he should make his soul enjoy good in his labour , for that is his portion , for who shall bring him to see that which shall be after him ? But although he concludes all this to be vanity , yet because it was the best thing that was then commonly known * that they should seize upon the present with a temperate use of permited pleasures , had reason to say that Christianity taught us to turn this into religion . For he that by a present and a constant holiness secures the present , and makes it useful to his noblest purposes , he turns his condition into his best advantage , by making his unavoidable fate become his necessary religion . To the purpose of this rule is that collect of Tuscan hieroglyphics which we have from Gabriel Simeon . Our life is very short , beauty is a cosenage , money is false and fugitive , Empire is odious , and hated by them that have it not , and uneasy to them that have , victory is alwayes uncertain , and peace most commonly is but a fraudulent bargain ; old age is miserable , death is the period , and is a happy one if it be not sowred by the sins of our life : but nothing continues but the effects of that wisdom which imployes the present time in the acts of a holy religion , and a peaceable conscience : for they make us to live even beyond our funerals , embalmed in the spices and odours of a good name , and entombed in the grave of the Holy Jesus where we shall be dressed for a blessed resurrection to the state of Angels and beatified Spirits . 5. Since we stay not here , being people but of a dayes abode , and our age is like that of a flie , and contemporary with a gourd , we must look some where else for an abiding city , a place in another countrey to fix our house in , whose walls and foundation is God , where we must finde rest , or else be restlesse for ever . For whatsoever ease we can have or fancy here is shortly to be changed into sadnesse , or tediousnesse : it goes away too soon like the periods of our life ; or stayes too long , like the sorrows of a sinner : it s own wearinesse or a contrary disturbance is its load ; or it is eased by its revolution into vanity & forgetfulness ; and where either there is sorrow or an end of joy , there can be no true felicity : which because it must be had by some instrument , and in some period of our duration , we must carry up our affections to the mansions prepared for us above , where eternity is the measure , felicity is their state , Angels are the Company , the Lamb is the light , and God is the portion , and inheritance . SECT . III. Rules and Spiritual arts of lengthening our dayes , and to take off the objection of a short life . IN the accounts of a mans life we do not reckon that portion of dayes in which we are shut up in the prison of the womb : we tell our years from the day of our birth : and the same reason that makes our reckning to stay so long , sayes also that then it begins too soon . For then we are beholding to others to make the account for us : for we know not of a long time , whether we be alive or no , having but some little approaches and symptoms of a life . To feed , and sleep , and move a little , and imperfectly , is the state of an unborn childe ; and when it is born , he does no more for a good while ; and what is it that shall make him to be esteemed to live the life of a man ? and when shall that account begin ? For we should be loath to have the accounts of our age taken by the measures of a beast : and fools and distracted persons are reckoned as civilly dead ; they are no parts of the Common-wealth , not subject to laws , but secured by them in Charity , and kept from violence as a man keeps his Ox ; and a third part of our life is spent , before we enter into a higher order , into the state of a man. 2. Neither must we think , that the life of a Man begins when he can feed himself or walk alone , when he can fight , or beget his like ; for so he is contemporary with a camel , or a cow ; but he is first a man when he comes to a certain , steddy use of reason , according to his proportion , and when that is , all the world of men cannot tell precisely . Some are called at age , at fourteen , some at one and twenty , some never ; but all men , late enough ; for the life of a man comes upon him slowly and insensibly . But as when the Sun approaches towards the gates of the morning , he first opens a little eye of Heaven , and sends away the spirits of darknesse , and gives light to a cock , and calls up the lark to Mattins , and by and by gilds the fringes of a cloud and peeps over the Eastern hills , thrusting out his golden horns , like those which decked the browes of Moses when he was forced to wear a vail , because himself had seen the face of God ; and still while a man tells the story , the sun gets up higher , till he showes a fair face and a full light , and then he shines one whole day , under a cloud often , and sometimes weeping great and little showers , and sets quickly : so is a mans reason and his life . He first begins to perceive himself to see or taste , making little reflections upon his actions of sense , and can discourse of flies and dogs , shells and play , horses and liberty ; but when he is strong enough to enter into arts and little institutions , he is at first entertained with trifles and impertinent things , not because he needs them , but because his understanding is no bigger ; and little images of things are laid before him , like a cock-boat to a whale onely to play withall : but before a man comes to be wise he is half dead with gouts and consumptions , with Catarrhes and aches , with sore eyes , and a worn out body : so that if we must not reckon the life of a man but by the accounts of his reason , he is long before his soul be dressed ; and he is not to be called a man without a wise and an adorned soul , a soul at least furnished with what is necessary towards his well being ; but by that time his soul is thus furnished , his body is decayed ; and then you can hardly reckon him to be alive , when his body is possessed by so many degrees of death . 3. But there is yet another arrest . At first he wants strength of body , and then he wants the use of reason ; and when that is come , it is ten to one , but he stops by the impediments of vice , and wants the strengths of the spirit ; and we know that Body and Soul and Spirit are the constituent parts of every Christian man. And now let us consider , what that thing is , which we call years of discretion ? The young man is passed his Tutors , and arrived at the bondage of a caytive spirit ; he is run from discipline , and is let loose to passion ; the man by this time hath wit enough to chuse his vice , to act his lust , to court his Mistresse , to talk confidently , and ignorantly , and perpetually , to despise his betters , to deny nothing to his appetite , to do things , that when he is indeed a man he must for ever be ashamed of ; for this is all the discretion that most men show in the first stage of their Manhood ; they can discern good from evil ; and they prove their skill by leaving all that is good , and wallowing in the evils of folly , and an unbridled appetite . And by this time , the young man hath contracted vitious habits , and is a beast in manners , and therefore it will not be fitting to reckon the beginning of his life ; he is a fool in his understanding , and that is a sad death ; and he is dead in trespasses and sins , and that is a sadder : so that he hath no life but a natural , the life of a beast or a tree ; in all other capacities he is dead ; he neither hath the intellectual , nor the spiritual life , neither the life of a man , nor of a Christian ; and this sad truth lasts too long . For old age seizes upon most men while they still retain the minds of boyes and vitious youth , doing actions from principles of great folly , and a mighty ignorance , admiring things uselesse and hurtfull , and filling up all the dimensions of their abode with businesses of empty affairs , being at leasure to attend no vertue : they cannot pray , because they are busie , and because they are passionate : they cannot communicate because they have quarrels and intrigues of perplexed causes , complicated hostilities , and things of the world ; and therefore they cannot attend to the things of God , little considering , that they must find a time to die in ; when death comes , they must be at leisure for that . Such men are like Sailers loosing from a port , and tost immediatly with a perpetual tempest lasting till their cordage crack , and either they sink , or return back again to the same place : they did not make a voyage , though they were long at sea . The businesse and impertinent affairs of most men , steal all their time , and they are restlesse in a foolish motion ; but this is not the progress of a man ; he is no further advanc'd in the course of a life though he reckon many years : for still his soul is childish , and trifling like an untaught boy . If the parts of this sad complaint finde their remedy , we have by the same instruments also cured the evils and the vanity of a short life . Therefore , 1. Be infinitely curious you doe not set back your life in the accounts of God by the intermingling of criminal actions , or the contracting vitious habits . There are some vices which carry a sword in their hand and cut a man off before his time . There is a sword of the Lord , and there is a sword of a Man ; and there is a sword of the Devil . Every vice of our own managing in the matter of carnality , of lust , or rage , ambition or revenge is a sword of Sathan put into the hands of a man : These are the destroying Angels , sin is the Apollyon , the destroyer that is gone out , not from the Lord , but from the Tempter ; and we hug the poison , and twist willingly with the vipers , till they bring us into the Regions of an irrecoverable sorrow . We use to reckon persons as good as dead if they have lost their limbs and their teeth , and are confined to an Hospital , and converse with none but Surgeons and Physicians , Mourners and Divines , those pollinctores , the Dressers of bodies and souls to Funeral : But it is worse when the soul , the principle of life is imployed wholly in the offices of death : and that man was worse then dead of whom Seneca tells , that being a rich fool , when he was lifted up from the baths and set into a soft couch , asked his slaves An ego jam sedeo ? Do I now sit . The beast was so drownd in sensuality and the death of his soul , that whether he did sit or no , he was to believe another . Idlenesse and every vice is as much of death as a long disease is , or the expence of ten years : and she that lives in pleasures is dead while she liveth ( saith the Apostle ) , and it is the stile of the Spirit concerning wicked persons , They are dead in trespasses and sins . For as every sensual pleasure and every day of idlenes and useless living lops off a little branch from our short life ; so every deadly sin and every habitual vice does quite destroy us : but innocence leaves us in our natural portions , and perfect period ; we lose nothing of our life , if we lose nothing of our souls health ; and therefore he that would live a full age must avoid a sin , as he would decline the Regions of death , & the dishonors of the grave . 2. If we would have our life lengthened , let us begin b●times to live in the accounts of reason and sober counsels , of religion and the Spirit , and then we shall have no reason to complain that our abode on earth is so short : Many men finde it long enough , and indeed it is so to all senses . But when we spend in waste , what God hath given us in plenty , when we sacrifice our youth to folly , our manhood to lust and rage , our old age to covetousnesse and irreligion , not beginning to live till we are to die , designing that time to Vertue which indeed is infirm to every thing and profit●ble to nothing , then we make our lives short , and lust runs away with all the vigorous and healthful part of it ; and pride and animosity steal the manly portion , and craftinesse and interest possesse old age ; velut ex pleno & abundanti perdimus ; we spend as if we had too much time , and knew not what to do with it : We fear every thing like weak and silly mortals ; and desire strangely and greedily as if we were immortal : we complain our life is short , and yet we throw away much of it , and are weary of many of its parts : We complain the day is long , and the night is long , and we want company , and seek out arts to drive the time away , and then weep because it is gone too soon . But so the treasure of the Capitol is but a small ●state when Caesar comes to finger it , and to pay with it all his Legions ; and the Revenue of all Egypt and the Eastern provinces was but a little summe when they were to support the luxury of Marc. Antony , and feed the riot of Cleopatra : But a thousand crowns is a vast proportion to be spent in the cottage of a frugal person , or to feed a Hermit . Just so is our life ; it is too short to serve the ambition of a haughty Prince , or an usurping Rebel : too little time to purchase great wealth , to satisfie the pride of a vain-glorious fool , to trample upon all the enemies of our just , or unjust interest ; but for the obtaining vertue ; for the purchase of sobriety and modesty , for the actions of Religion God gave us time sufficient , if we make the outgoings of the Morning and Evening , that is , our infancy and old age to be t●ken into the computations of a man. Which we may see in the following particulars . 1. If our childhood being first consecrated by a forward baptisme , it be seconded by a holy education , and a complying obedience ; If our youth be chast and temperate , modest and industrious , proceeding through a prudent and sober Manhood to a Religious old age , then we have lived our whole duration , and shall never die , but be changed in a just time to the preparations of a better , and an immortal life . 2. If besides the ordinary returns of our prayers and periodical and festival solemnities , and our seldom communions we would allow to religion & the studies of wisdom , those great shares that are trifled away upon vain sorrow , foolish mirth , troublesome ambition , buisy covetousnesse , watchful lust , and impertinent amours , and balls and revellings and banquets , all that which was spent vitiously & all that time that lay fallow & without imployment , our life would quickly amount to a great sum . Tostatus Abulensis was a very painful person and a great Cleark , and in the dayes of his manhood he wrote so many books , and they not ill ones , that the world computed a sheet for every day of his life ; I suppose they meant , after he came to the use of reason , and the state of a man : and Iohn Scotus died about the two and thirtieth year of his age ; and yet besides his publike disputations , his dayly Lectures of Divinity in publike and private , the Books that he wrote being lately collected and printed at Lyons do equal the number of volumes of any two the most voluminous Fathers of the Latine Church . Every man is not inabled to such imployments , but every man is called and inabled to the works of a sober and a religious life ; and there are many Saints of God that can reckon as many volumes of religion and mountains of piety , as those others did of good books . S. Ambrose ( and I think from his example , S. Augustine ) divided every day into three tertia's of imployment : eight hours he spent in the necessities of nature and recreation , eight hours in charity and doing assistance to others , dispatching their bu●sinesses , reconciling their enmities , reproving their vices , correcting their errors , instructing their ignorances , transacting the affairs of his Diocesse , and the other eight hours he spent in study and prayer . If we were thus minute and curious in the spending our time , it is impossible but our life would seem very long . For so have I seen an amorous person tell the minutes of his absence from his fancied joy , and while he told the sands of his hour-glasse , or the throbs and little beatings of his watch , by dividing an hour into so many members , he spun out its length by number , and so translated a day into the tediousnesse of a moneth . And if we tell our dayes by Canonical hours of prayer , our weeks by a constant revolution of fasting dayes , or dayes of special devotion , and over all these draw a black Cypresse a veil of penitential sorrow , and severe mortification , we shall soon answer the calumny and objection of a short life . He that governs the day and divides the hours hastens from the eyes and observation of a merry sinner ; but loves so stand still , and behold , and tell the sighs , and number the groans , and sadly delicious accents of a grieved penitent . It is a vast work that any man may do if he never be idle ; and it is a huge way that a man may go in vertue if he never goes out of his way by a vitious habit , or a great crime , and he that perpetually reads good books , if his parts be answerable , will have a huge stock of knowledge . It is so in all things else . Strive not to forget your time , and suffer none of it to passe undiscerned , and then measure your life , and tell me how you finde the measure of its abode . However , the time we live , is worth the money we pay for it : and therefore it is not to be thrown away . 3. When vitious men are dying , and scar'd with the affrighting truths of an evil conscience , they would give all the world for a year , for a moneth ; nay we read of some that called out with amazement inducias usque ad mane , truce but till the morning : and if that year , or some few moneths were given , those men think they could do miracles in it . And let us a while suppose what Dives would have done if he had been loosed from the pains of hell and permitted to live on earth one year . Would all the pleasures of the world have kept him one hour from the Temple ? would he not perpetually have been under the hands of Priests , or at the feet of the Doctors , or by Moses chair , or attending as neer the Altar as he could get , or relieving poor Lazars , or praying to God , and crucifying all his sin ? I have read of a Melancholy person who saw hell but in a dream or vision , and the amazement was such that he would have chosen ten times to die , rather then feel again so much of that horror : and such a person cannot be fancied but that he would spend a year in such holinesse , that the religion of a few moneths would equal the devotion of many years , even of a good man. Let us but compute the proportions . If we should spend all our years of reason so as such a person would spend that one , can it be thought that life would be short and trifling in which he had performed such a religion , served God with so much holinesse , mortified sin with so great a labour , purchased vertue at such a rate , and so rare an industry ? It must needs be that such a man must dye when he ought to die , and be like ripe and pleasant fruit falling from a fair tree and gathered into baske●s for the planters use : He that hath done ●ll his businesse , and is begotten to a glorious hope by the seed of an immortal Spirit , can never die too soon , nor live too long . Xerxes wept sadly when he saw his army of 2300000 men , because he considered that within a hundred years all the youth of that army should be dust and ashes : and yet as Seneca well observes of him , he was the man that should bring them to their graves ; and he consumed all that army in two years , for whom he feared , and wept the death after an hundred . Just so we do all . We complain that within thirty or fourty years , a little more , or a great deal lesse we shall descend again into the bowels of our Mother , and that our life is too short for any great imployment ; and yet we throw away five and ●hirty yeers of our fourty , and the remaining five we divide between art and nature , civility and customs , necessity and convenience , prudent counsels and religion ; but the portion of the last , is little and contemptible , and yet that little is all that we can prudently account of our lives : We bring that fate and that death neer us , of whose approach we are so sadly apprehensive . 4. In taking the accounts of your life do not reckon by great distances , and by the periods of pleasure , or the satisfaction of your hopes , or the stating your desires : but let every intermedial day and hour passe with observation . He that reckons he hath lived but so many harvests , thinks , they come not often enough , and that they go away too soon . Some lose the day with longing for the night , and the night in waiting for the day . Hope and phantastic expectations spend much of our lives ; and while with passion we look for a coronation , or the death of an enemy , or a day of joy , passing from fancy to possession without any intermedial notices , we throw away a precious year , and use it but as the burden of our time , fit to be pared off , and thrown away , that we may come at those little pleasures which first steal our hearts , and then steal our life . 5. A strict course of piety is the way to prolong our lives in the natural sense , and to adde good portions to the number of our years ; and sin is sometimes by natural causality , very often by the anger of God , and the Divine judgement , a cause of sudden and untimely death . Concerning which I shall adde nothing ( to what I have some where else * said of this article ) but onely the observation of Epiphanius : that for 3332 years , even to the twentieth age , there was not one example of a son that died before his Father , but the course of Nature was kept , that he who was first born in the descending line did first die ( I speak of natural death , and therefore Abel cannot be opposed to this observation ) till that Terah the Father of Abraham taught the people a new religion , to make images of clay and worship them ; and concerning him it was first remarked , that Haran died before his Father Terah in the land of his Nativity : God by an unheard of judgement , and a rare accident punishing his newly invented crime : by the untimely death of his son . 6. But if I shall describe a living man ; a man that hath that life that distinguishes him from a fool or a bird , that which gives him a capacity next to Angels ; we shall finde that even a good man lives not long , because it is long before he is born to this life , and longer yet before he hath a mans growth . He that can look upon death , and see its face with the same countenance with which he hears its story ; that can endure all the labours of his life with his soul supporting his body ; that can equally despise riches when he hath them , and when he hath them not ; that is not sadder if they lye in his Neighbours trunks , nor more brag if they shine round about his own walls ; he that is neither moved with good fortune coming to him , nor going from him ; that can look upon another mans lands evenly and pleasedly as if they were his own ; and yet look upon his own , and use them too , just as if they were another mans ; that neither spends his goods prodigally , and like a fool , nor yet keeps them avaritiously and like a wretch ; that weighs not benefits by weight and number , but by the mind & circumstances of him that gives them ; that never thinks his charity expensive if a worthy person be the receiver ; he that does nothing for opinion sake , but every thing for conscience , being as curious of his thoughts , as of his actings in markets and Theaters , and is as much in awe of himself , as of a whole assembly ; he that knowes God looks on , and contrives his secret affairs as in the presence of God and his holy Angels ; that eats and drinks because he needs it , not that he may serve a lust or load his belly ; he that is bountifull and cheerfull to his friends , and charitable and apt to forgive his enemies ; that loves his countrey and obeyes his Prince , and desires and endeavours nothing more then that he may do honour to God , this person may reckon his life , to be the life of a man , and compute his moneths , not by the course of the sun , but the Zodiac and circle of his vertues : because these are such things which fools and children , and birds and beasts cannot have : These are therefore the actions of life , because they are the feeds of immortality . That day in which we have done some excellent thing , we may as truly reckon to be added to our life , as were the fifteen years to the dayes of Hezekiah . SECT . IV. Consideration of the miseries of Mans life . AS our life is very short so it is very miserable , and therefore it is well it is short : God in pity to mankinde , lest his burden should be insupportable and his nature an intolerable load , hath reduced our state of misery to an abbreviature ; and the greate● our misery is , the lesse while it is like to last ; the sorrows of a mans spirit being like ponderous weights which by the greatnesse of their burden make a swifter motion and descend into the grave to rest and ease our wearied limbs ; for then onely we shall sleep quietly when those fetters are knocked off which not onely bound our souls in prison , but also eat the flesh till the very bones open'd the secret garments of their cartilages , discovering their nakednesse and sorrow . 1. Here is no place to sit down in , but you must rise as soon as you are set : for we have gnats in our chambers , and worms in our gardens , and spiders and flies in the palaces of the greatest Kings . How few men in the world are prosperous ? what an infinite number of slaves and beggers , of persecuted and oppressed people fill all corners of the earth with groans , and Heaven it self with weeping prayers , and sad remembrances ? how many Provinces and Kingdoms are afflicted by a violent war , or made desolate by popular diseases ? some whole countreyes are remarked with fatal evils , or periodical sicknesses . Gran Cairo in Egypt feels the plague every three years , returning like a Quartan ague , and destroying many thousands of persons . All the inhabitants of Arabia the desert are in continuall fear of being buried in huge heaps of sand , and therefore dwell in tents and ambu●atory houses or retire to unfruitful mountains to prolong an uneasy and wilder life : and all the Countreyes round about the Adriatic sea feel such violent convulsions by Tempests and intolerable Earthquakes , that sometimes whole cities finde a Tombe , and every man ●inks with his own house made ready to become his Monument , and his bed is crushed into the disorders of a grave . Was not all the world drowned at one deluge , and breach of the Divine anger ? and shall not all the world * again be destroyed by fire ? Are there not many thousands that die every night , and that groan and weep sadly every day ? But what shall we think of that great evil , which for the sins of men , God hath suffered to possess the greatest part of Mankinde ? Most of the men that are now alive , or that have been living for many ages , are Jews , Heathens , or Turcs : and God was pleased to suffer a base Epileptic person , a villain and a vitious to set up a religion which hath filled almost all Asia , and Africa , and some parts of Europe ; so that the greatest number of men and women born in so many kingdoms and provinces are infallibly made Mahumetans , strangers and enemies to Christ , by whom alone we can be saved . This consideration is extremely sad , when we remember how universal , and how great an evil it is , that so many millions of sons and daughters are born to enter into the possession of Devils to eternal ages . These evils are the miseries of great parts of mankinde , and we cannot easily consider more particularly , the evils which happen to us , being the inseparable affections , or incidents to the whole nature of man. 2. We finde that all the women in the world are either born for barrennesse or the pains of Child-birth , and yet this is one of our greatest blessings ; but such indeed are the blessings of this world : we cannot be well with , nor without many things . Perfumes make our heads ake , roses prick our fingers , and in our very blood where our life dwells is the Scene under which nature acts many sharp Feavers and heavy sicknesses . It were too sad if I should tell how many persons are afflicted with evil spirits , with spectres and illusions of the night ; and that huge multitudes of men and women live upon mans flesh : Nay worse yet , upon the sins of men , upon the sins of their sons and of their daughters , and they pay their souls down for the bread they eat , buying this dayes meal with the price of the last nights sin . 3. Or if you please in charity to visit an Hospital , which is indeed a map of the whole world , there you shall see the effects of Adams sin and the ruines of humane nature , bodies laid up in heaps like the bones of a destroyed town , homines precarii spiritus , & malè haerentis , men whose souls seem to be borrowed , and are kept there by art and the force of Medicine ; whose miseries are so great , that few people have charity or humanity enough to visit them , fewer have the heart to dresse them , and we pity them in civility or with a transient prayer , but we do not feel their sorrows by the mercies of a religious pity , and therefore as we leave their sorrows in many degrees unrelieved and uneased , so we contract by our unmercifulnesse a guilt by which our selves become liable to the same calamities . Those many that need pity , and those infinites of people that refuse to pity are miserable upon a several charge , but yet they almost make up all mankinde . 4. All wicked men are in love with that which intangles them in huge variety of troubles , they are slaves to the worst of Masters , to sin and to the Devil , to a passion , and to an imperious woman . Good men are for ever persecuted , and God chastises every son whom he receives , and whatsoever is easy is trifling and worth nothing , and whatsoever is excellent is not to be obtained without labour and sorrow ; and the conditions and states of men that are free from great cares , are such as have in them nothing rich and orderly , and those that have are stuck full of thorns and trouble . Kings are full of care ; and learned men * in all ages have been observed to be very poor , & honestas miserias accusant ; they complain of their honest miseries . 5. But these evils are notorious and confessed ; even they also whose felicity men stare at and admire , besides their splendour and the sharpnesse of their light , will with their appendant sorrows wring a tear from the most resolved eye . For not only the winter quarter is full of storms and cold and darknesse , but the beauteous spring hath blasts and sharp frosts , the fruitful teeming summer is melted with heat , and burnt with the kisses of the sun her friend , and choaked with dust , and the rich Autumn is full of sicknesse , and we are weary of that which we enjoy , because sorrow is its biggest portion : and when we remember that upon the fairest face is placed one of the worst sinks of the body , the nose , we may use it , not only as a mortification to the pride of beauty , but as an allay to the fairest outside of condition which any of the sons and daughters of Adam do possesse . For look upon Kings and conquerours : I will not tell that many of them fall into the condition of servants , and their subjects rule over them , and stand upon the ruines of their families , and that to such persons , the sorrow is bigger then usually happens in smaller fortunes : but let us suppose them still conquerers , and see what a goodly purchase they get by all their pains and amazing fears , and continual dangers . They carry their arms beyond Ister , and passe the Euphrates , and binde the Germans with the bounds of the river Rhyne : I speak in the stile of the Roman greatnesse : for now adayes , the biggest fortune swells not beyond the limits of a petty province or two , and a hill confines the progresse of their prosperity , or a river checks it : But whatsoever tempts the pride and vanity of ambitious persons is not so big as the smallest star which we see scattered in disorder , and unregarded upon the pavement and floor of Heaven . And if we would suppose the pismires had but our understandings , they also would have the method of a Mans greatnesse , and divide their little Mole-hils into Provinces and Exarchats : and if they also grew as vitious and as miserable , one of their princes would lead an army out , and kill his neighbour Ants that he might reign over the next handfull of a Turse . But then if we consider at what price , and with what felicity all this is purchased , the s●ing of the painted snake will quickly appear , and the fairest of their fortunes will properly enter into this account of humane infelicities . We may guesse at it by the constitution of Augustus fortune ; who strugled for his power , first with the Roman Citizens , then with Brutus and Cassius and all the fortune of the Republike ; then with his Collegue Marc. Anthony ; then with his kinred and neerest Relatives ; and after he was wearied with slaughter of the Romans , before he could sit down and rest in his imperial chair he was forced to carry armies into Macedonia , Galatia , beyond Euphrates , Rhyne , and Danubius : And when he dwelt at home in greatnesse and within the circles of a mighty power , he hardly escaped the sword of the Egnatii , of Lepidus , Caepio , and Muraena : and after he had entirely reduced the felicity and Grandeur into his own family , his Daughter , his onely childe conspired with many of the young Nobility , and being joyned with adulterous complications as with an impious sacrament they affrighted and destroyed the fortune of the old man , and wrought him more sorrow then all the troubles that were hatched in the baths and beds of Egypt , between Anthony and Cleopatra . This was the greatest fortune that the world had then , or ever since , and therefore we cannot expect it to be better in a lesse prosperity . 6. The prosperity of this world is so infinitely sowred with the overflowing of evils , that he is counted the most happy who hath the fewest ; all conditions being evil and miserable , they are onely distinguished by the Number of calamities . The Collector of the Roman and forreign examples , when he had reckoned two and twenty instances of great fortunes every one of which had been allayed with great variety of evils ; in all his reading or experience he could tell but of two who had been famed for an intire prosperity ; Quintus Metellus , and Gyges the King of Lydia ; and yet concerning the one of them he tells that his felicity was so inconsiderable ( and yet it was the bigger of the two ) that the Oracle said that Aglaus Sophidius the poor Arcadian Shepherd was more happy then he , that is , he had fewer troubles ; for so indeed we are to reckon the pleasures of this life ; the limit of our joy is the absence of some degrees of sorrow , and he that hath the least of this , is the most prosperous person . But then we must look for prosperity , not in Palaces or Courts of Princes , not in the tents of Conquerers , or in the gaieties of fortunate and prevailing sinners ; but something rather in the Cottages of honest innocent and contented persons , whose minde is no bigger then their fortune , nor their vertue lesse then their security . As for others whose fortune looks bigger , and allures fools to follow it like the wand●ing fires of the night , till they run into rivers or are broken upon rocks with staring and running after them , they are all in the condition of Marius , then whose condition nothing was more constant , and nothing more mutable ; if we reckon them amongst the happy , they are the most happy men , if we reckon them amongst the miserable , they are the most miserable . For just as is a mans condition , great or little , so is the state of his misery ; All have their share ; but Kings and Princes , great Generals and Consuls , Rich men and Mighty , as they have the biggest businesse and the biggest charge , and are answerable to God for the greatest accounts , so they have the biggest trouble ; that the uneasinesse of their appendage may divide the good and evil of the world , making the poor mans fortune as eligible as the Greatest ; and also restraining the vanity of mans spirit which a great Fortune is apt to swell from a vapour to a bubble ; but God in mercy hath mingled wormwood with their wine , and so restrained the drunkennesse and follies of prosperity . 7. Man never hath one day to himself of entire peace from the things of this world , but either somthing troubles him , or nothing satisfies him , or his very fulnesse swells him and makes him breath short upon his bed . Mens joyes are troublesome , and besides that the fear of losing them takes away the present pleasure ( and a man had need of another felicity to preserve this ) they are also wavering and full of trepidation , not onely from their inconstant nature , but from their weak foundation : They arise from vanity , and they dwell upon ice , and they converse with the winde , and they have the wings of a bird , and are serious but as the resolutions of a childe , commenced by chance , and managed by folly and proceed by inadvertency , and end in vanity and forgetfulnesse . So that as Livius Drusus said of himself , he never had any play dayes , or dayes of quiet when he was a boy , for he was troublesome and busie , a restlesse and unquiet man , the same may every man observe to be true of himself : he is alwayes restlesse and uneasy , he dwells upon the waters and leans upon thorns , and layes his head upon a sharp stone . SECT . V. This Consideration reduced to practice . 1. THe effect of this consideration is this ▪ That the sadnesses of this life help to sweeten the bitter cup of Death . For let our life be never so long , if our strength were great as that of oxen and camels ; if our sinews were strong as the cordage at the foot of an Oke , if we were as fighting and prosperous people as Siccius Dentatus , who was on the prevailing side in 120 battels , who had 312 publike rewards assigned him by his Generals and Princes for his valour , and conduct in sieges and short encounters , and besides all this had his share in nine triumphs , yet still the period shall be , that all this shall end in death , and the people shall talk of us a while , good or bad , according as we deserve , or as they please ; and once it shall come to passe , that concerning every one of us it shall be told in the Neighbourhood that we are dead . This we are apt to think a sad story ; but therefore let us help it with a sadder ; For we therefore need not be much troubled that we shall die , because we are not here in ease , nor do we dwell in a fair condition . But our dayes are full of sorrow and anguish , dishonoured and made unhappy with many sins , with a frail and a foolish spirit , intangled with difficult cases of conscience , ins●ared with passions , amazed with fears , full of cares , divided with curiosities and contradictory interests , made aëry and impertinent with vanities , abused with ignorance and prodigious errours , made ridiculous with a thousand weaknesses , worne away with labours , loaden with diseases , daily vexed with dangers and temptations , and in love with misery ; we are weakned with delights , afflicted with want , with the evils of my self , and of all my family , and with the sadnesses of all my friends , and of all good men , even of the whole Church ; and therefore me thinks we need not be troubled that God is pleased to put an end to all these troubles , and to let them sit down in a natural period , which if we please , may be to us the beginning of a better life . When the Prince of Persia wept because his army should all die in the revolution of an age , Artabanus told him , that they should all meet with evils so many and so great , that every man of them should wish himself dead long before that . Indeed it were a sad thing to be cut of the stone ; and we that are in health tremble to think of it ; but the man that is wearied with the disease , looks upon that sharpnesse as upon his cure and remedie : and as none need to have a tooth drawn , so none could well endure it , but he that hath felt the pain of it in his head : so is our life so full of evils , that therefore death is no evil to them that have felt the smart of this , or hope for the joyes of a better . 2. But as it helps to ease a certain sorrow , as a fire drawes out fire , and a nail drives forth a nail ; so it instructs us in a present duty ; that is ; that we should not be so fond of a perpetual storm , nor doat upon the transient gaudes and gilded thorns of this world . They are not worth a passion , not worth a sigh or a groan , not of the price of one nights watching ; and therefore they are mistaken and miserable persons who since Adam planted thorns round about Paradise , are more in love with that hedge , then all the fruits of the garden , sottish admirers of things that hurt them , of sweet poisons , gilded daggers and silken halters . Tell them they have lost a bounteous friend , a rich purchase , a fair farm , a wealthy donative , and you dissolve their patience ; it is an evil bigger then their spirit can bear , it brings sicknesse and death , they can neither eate nor sleep with such a sorrow . But if you represent to them the evils of a vitious habit , and the dangers of a state of sin ; if you tell them they have displeased God , and interrupted their hopes of heaven , it may be they will be so civil as to hear it patiently , and to treat you kindly , and first commend , and then to forget your story , because they prefer this world with all its sorrowes , before the pure unmingled felicities of heaven . But it is strange that any man should be so passionately in love with the thorns that grow on his own ground , that he should wear them for armelets , and knit them in his shirt , and prefer them before a kingdom and immortality . No man loves this world the better for his being poor ; but men that love it , because they have great possessions , love it because it is troublesome and chargeable , full of noise and temptation ; because it is unsafe and ungoverned , flattered and abused : and he that considers the troubles of an overlong garment , and of a crammed stomach , a trailing gown and a loaden Table , may justly understand that all that for which men are so passionate , is their hurt and their objection , that which a temperate man would avoid , and a wise man cannot love . He that is no fool , but can consider wisely ; if he be in love with this world ; we need not despair but that a witty man might reconcile him with tortures , and make him think charitably of the Rack , and be brought to dwell with Vipers and Dragons , and entertain his Guests with the shrikes of Mandrakes , Cats and Scrich Owls , with the filing of iron , and the harshnesse of rending silk ; or to admire the harmony that is made by a herd of Evening wolves when they misse their draught of blood in their midnight Revels . The groans of a man in a fit of the stone are worse then all these ; and the distractions of a troubled conscience are worse then those groans ; and yet a carelesse merry sinner is worse then all that . But if we could from one of the battlements of Heaven espie how many men and women at this time lye fainting and dying for want of bread , how many young men are hewen down by the sword of war ; how many poor Orphans are now weeping over the graves of their Father , by whose life they were enabled to eat . If we could but hear how many Mariners , and Passengers are at this present in a storm , and shrike out because their keel dashes against a Rock , or bulges under them ; how many people there are that weep with want , and are mad with oppression , or are desperate by too quick a sense of a constant infelicity , in all reason we should be glad to be out of the noise and participation of so many evils . This is a place of sorrows and tears , of great evils and a constant calamity ; let us remove from hence , at least in affections and preparation of minde . CHAP. II. A general preparation towards a holy and blessed Death : by way of exercise . SECT . I. Three precepts preparatory to a holy death , to be practised in our whole life . 1. HE that would die well must alwayes loook for death , every day knocking at the gates of the grave , and then the gates of the grave shall never prevail upon him to do him mischief . This was the advice of all the wise and good men of the world ; who especially in the dayes and periods of their joy and festival egressions chose to throw some ashes into their chalices , some sober remembrances of their fatal period . Such was the black shirt of Saladine , the tomb-stone presented to the Emperour of Constantinople on his Coronation day ; the Bishop of Romes two reeds with flax and wax taper , the Egyptian skeleton served up at feasts , and Trimalcions banquet in Petronius , in which was brought in the image of a dead mans bones of silver with spondiles exactly turning to every of the Guests , and saying to every one , that you , and you must die , and look not one upon another , for every one is equally concerned in this sad representment . These in phantastic semblances declare a severe counsel and useful meditation ; and it is not easy for a man to be gay in his imagination , or to be drunk with joy or wine , pride or revenge , who considers sadly that he must ere long dwell in a house of darknesse and dishonour , and his bodie must be the inheritance of worms , and his soul must be what he pleases , even as a man makes it here by his living good or bad . I have read of a young Hermit who being passionately in love with a young Lady could not by all the arts of religion and mortification suppresse the trouble of that fancy , till at last being told that she was dead and had been buried about fourteen dayes , he went secretly to her Vault , and with the skirt of his mantle wiped the moisture from the Carkasse , and still at the return of his temptation laid it before him , saying , Behold this is the beauty of the woman thou didst so much desire ; and so the man found his cure . And if we make death as present to us , our own death , dwelling and dressed in all its pomp of fancy and proper circumstances , if any thing will quench the heats of lust , or the desires of money , or the greedy passionate affections of this world , this must do it . But withall , the frequent use of this meditation , by curing our present inordinations will make death safe and friendly , and by its very custom will make that the King of terrours shall come to us without his affrighting dresses ; and that we shall sit down in the grave as we compose our selves to sleep , and do the duties of nature and choice . The old people that lived neer the Riphaean mountains , were taught to converse with death , and to handle it on all sides and to discourse of it , as of a thing that will certainly come , and ought so to do . Thence their minds and resolutions became capable of death , and they thought it a dishonourable thing , with greedinesse to keep a life that must go from us , to lay aside its thorns , and to return again circled with a glory and a Diadem . 2. He that would die well must all the dayes of his life lay up against the day of death , not only by the general provisions of holinesse and a pious life indefinitely , but , provisions proper to the necessities of that great day of expence , in which a man is to throw his last cast for an eternity of joyes or sorrows ; ever remembring , that this alone well performed is not enough to passe us into Paradise , but that alone done foolishly is enough to send us to hell ; and the want of either a holy life , or death , makes a man to fall short of the mighty price of our high calling . In order to this rule we are to consider what special graces we shall then need to exercise , and by the proper arts of the Spirit , by a heap of proportioned arguments , by prayers , and a great treasure of devotion laid up in Heaven , provide before hand a reserve of strength and mercy . Men in the course of their lives walk lazily and incuriously as if they had both their feet in one shoe , and when they are passively revolved to the time of their dissolution they have no mercies in store , no patience , no faith , no charity to God , or despite of the world , being without gust or appetite for the land of their inheritance , which Christ with so much pain and blood had purchased for them . When we come to die indeed , we shall be very much put to it to stand firm upon the two feet of a Christian , faith and patience . When we our selves are to use the articles , to turn our former discourses into present practise , and to feel what we never felt before , we shall finde it to be quite another thing to be willing presently to quit this life , and all our present possessions for the hopes of a thing which we were never suffered to see , and such a thing of which we may sail so many wayes , and of which if we fail any way we are miserable for ever . Then we shall finde how much we have need to have secured the Spirit of God , and the grace of saith by an habitual , perfect unmovable resolution . * The same also is the case of patience , which will be assaulted with sharp pains , disturbed fancies , great fears , want of a present minde , natural weaknesses , frauds of the Devil , and a thousand accidents and imperfections . It concerns us therfore highly in the whole course of our lives , not onely to accustome our selves to a patient suffering of injuries and affronts , of persecutions and losses , of crosse accidents and unnecessary circumstances ; but also by representing death as present to us , to consider with what arguments then to fortifie our patience ; and by assiduous and fervent prayer to God , all our life long call upon God to give us patience , and great assistances , a strong faith and a confirmed hope , the Spirit of God , and his Holy Angels assistants at that time , to resist and to subdue the devils temptations and assaults ; and so to fortifie our hearts that it break not into intolerable sorrows and impatience , and end in wretchlessenesse and infidelity . * But this is to be the work of our life , and not to be done at once ; but as God gives us time by succession , by parts and little periods . For it is very remarkable that God who giveth plenteously to all creatures , he hath scattered the firmament with stars as a man sowes corn in his fields , in a multitude bigger then the capacities of humane order ; he hath made so much varietie of creatures , and gives us great choice of meats and drinks , although any one of both kindes would have served our needs ; and so in all instances of nature ; yet in the distribution of our time , God seems to be strait-handed , and gives it to us , not as Nature gives us Rivers , enough to drown us , but drop by drop , minute after minute , so that we never can have two minutes together , but he takes away one when he gives us another . This should teach us to value our time , since God so values it , and by his so small distribution of it , tells us , it is the most precious thing we have . Since therefore in the day of our death , we can have but still the same little portion of this precious time , let us in every minute of our life , I mean , in every discernable portion lay up such a stock of reason and good works , that they may convey a value to the imperfect and shorter actions of our death-bed ; while God rewards the piety of our lives by his gracious acceptation and benediction , upon the actions preparatory to our death-bed . 3. He that desires to die well and happily , above all things must be carefull , that he do not live a soft , a delicate and voluptuous life ; but a life severe , holy , and under the discipline of the crosse ; under the conduct of prudence and observation , a life of warfare and sober counsels , labour and watchfulnesse . No man wants cause of tears and a daily sorrow . Let every man consider what he feels and acknowledge his misery ; let him confesse his sin and chastise it ; let him bear his crosse patiently , and his persecutions nobly , and his repentances willingly and constantly ; let him pity the evils of all the world , and bear his share of the calamities of his Brother ; let him long and sigh for the joyes of Heaven ; let him tremble and fear because he hath deserved the pains of hell ; let him commute his eternall fear with a temporall suffering , preventing Gods judgement by passing one of his own ; let him groan for the labours of his pilgrimage , and the dangers of his warfare ; and by that time he hath summed up all these labours ; and duties , and contingencies , all the proper causes , instruments and acts of sorrow , he will finde , that for a secular joy and wantonnesse of spirit , there are not left many void spaces of his life . It was Saint Iames's advice ; Be afflicted , and mourn , and weep ; let your laughter be turned into mourning , and your joy into weeping : And Bonaventure in the life of Christ , reports that the H. Virgin Mother said to S. Elizabeth , That Grace does not descend into the soul of a man but by prayer and by affliction . Certain it is , that a mourning spirit , and an afflicted body are great instruments of reconciling God to a sinner , and they alwayes dwell at the gates of atonement and restitution . But besides this ; a delicate and prosperous life is hugely contrary to the hopes of a blessed eternity . Wo be to them that are at ease in Sion ; so it was said of old ; and our B. Lord said , Wo be to you that laugh , for you shall weep : but Blessed are they that mourn , for they shall be comforted . Here or hereafter we must have our portion of sorrows . He that now goeth on his way weeping and beareth forth good seed with him , shall doubtlesse come again with joy , and bring his sheaves with him . And certainly , he that sadly considers the portion of Dives , and remembers that the account which Abraham gave him for the unavoidablenesse of his torment , was because he had his good things in this life , must in all reason , with trembling run from a course of banquets , and faring deliciously every day , as being a dangerous estate , and a consignation to an evil greater then all danger , the pains and torment of unhappy souls . If either by patience or repentance , by compassion or persecution , by choise or by conformity , by severity or discipline , we allay the festival follies of a soft life , and professe under the Crosse of Christ , we shall more willingly and more safely enter into our grave : But the death-bed of a voluptuous man upbraids his little and cosening prosperities , and exacts pains made * sharper by the passing from soft beds , and a softer mind . He that would die holily and happily , must in this world love tears , humility , solitude and repentance . SECT . II. Of daily examination of our actions , in the whole course of our health , preparatory to our death-bed . HE that will die well and happily , must dresse his soul by a diligent and frequent scrutiny : He must perfectly understand , and watch the state of his soul ; he must set his house in order before he be fit to die . And for this there is great reason , and great necessity . Reasons for a daily examination . 1. For if we consider the disorders of every day , the multitude of impertinent words , the great portions of time spent in vanity , the daily omissions of duty , the coldnesse of our prayers , the indifference of our spirit in holy things , the uncertainty of our secret purposes , our infinite deceptions and hypocrisie , sometimes not known , very often not observed by our selves ; our want of charity , our not knowing in how many degrees of action and purpose every vertue is to be exercised , the secret adherencies of pride , and too forward complacencie in our best actions , our failings in all our relations , the niceties of difference between some vertues and some vices , the secret undiscernable passages from lawfull to unlawfull in the first instances of change , the perpetuall mistakings of permissions for duty , and licentious practises for permissions , our daily abusing the liberty that God gives us , our unsuspected sins in the managing a course of life certainly lawfull , our little greedinesses in eating , our surprises in the proportions of our drinkings , our too great freedoms and fondnesses in lawfull loves , our aptnesse for things sensual , and our deadnesse and tediousnesse of spirit in spiritual employments , besides infinite variety of cases of conscience that do occur in the life of every man , and in all entercourses of every life , and that the productions of sin are numerous and increasing , like the families of the Northern people , or the genealogies of the first Patriarks of the world ; from all this we shall find that the computations of a mans life are buisie as the Tables of Signes and Tangents , and intricate as the accounts of Eastern Merchants : and therefore it were but reason we should summe up our accounts at the foot of every page , I mean , that we call our selves to scrutiny every night when we compose our selves to the little images of Death . 2. For if we make but one Generall account , and never reckon till we die , either we shall onely reckon by great summes , and remember nothing but clamorous and crying sins , and never consider concerning particulars , or forget very many ; or if we could consider all that we ought , we must needs be confounded with the multitude and variety . But if we observe all the little passages of our life , and reduce them into the order of accounts and accusations , we shall finde them multiply so fast , that it will not onely appear to be an ease to the accounts of our death-bed , but by the instrument of shame will restrain the inundation of evils ; it being a thing intolerable to humane modesty to see sins increase so fast , and vertues grow up so slow ; to see every day stained with the spots of leprosie , or sprinkled with the marks of a lesser evil . 3. It is not intended , we should take accounts of our lives onely to be thought religious , but that we may see our evil and amend it , that we dash our sins against the stones , that we may go to God , and to a spirituall Guide , and search for remedies and apply them . And indeed no man can well observe his own groweth in Grace , but by accounting seldomer returns of sin , and a more frequent victory over temptations ; concerning which every man makes his observations according as he makes his inquiries and search after himself : In order to this it was , that Saint Paul wrote ; Before receiving the Holy Sacrament Let a man examine himself , and so let him eat . This precept was given in those dayes when they communicated every day , and therefore a daily examination also was intended . 4. And it will appear highly fitting , if we remember that at the day of judgement , no onely the greatest lines of life , but every branch and circumstance of every action , every word , and thought shall be called to scrutiny and severe judgement ; insomuch that it was a great truth which one said ; Wo be to the most Innocent life if God should search into it , without mixtures of mercy . And therefore we are here to follow S. Pauls advice ; Iudge your selves and you shall not be judged of the Lord. The way to prevent Gods anger is to be angry with our selves , and by examining our actions and condemning the Criminal , by being Assessors in Gods Tribunal , at least we shall obtain the favour of the Court. As therefore , every night we must make our bed the memoriall of our grave , so let our Evening thoughts be an image of the day of judgement . 5. This advice was so reasonable and proper instrument of vertue , that it was taught even to the Scholers of Pythagoras by their Master : Let not sleep seiz upon the Regions of your senses , before you have three times recalled the conversation and accidents of the day : Examine what you have committed against the Divine Law , what you have omitted of your duty , and in what you have made use of the Divine Grace to the purposes of vertue and religion , joyning the Iudge reason to the legislative mind or conscience , that God may reigne there as a Law-giver and a Judge . Then Christs kingdom is set up in our hearts ; then we alwayes live in the Eye of our Judge , and live by the measures of reason , religion , and sober counsels . The benefits we shall receive by practising this advice , in order to a blessed death , will also adde to the account of reason and fair inducements . The Benefits of this exercise . 1. By a daily examination of our actions we shall the easier cure a great sin and prevent its arrival to become habitual . For [ to examine ] we suppose to be a relative duty and instrumentall to something else . We examine our selves that we may finde out our failings , and cure them : and therefore if we use our remedy when the wound is fresh and bleeding , we shall finde the cure more certain , and lesse painfull . For so a Taper when its crown of flames is newly blown off , retains a nature so symbolical to light , that it will with greedinesse reenkindle and snatch a ray from the neighbour fire : So is the soul of Man , when it is newly fallen into sin ; although God be angry with it , and the state of Gods favour , and its own graciousnesse is interrupted , yet the habit is not naturally changed ; and still God leaves some roots of vertue standing , and the Man is modest , or apt to be made ashamed , and he is not grown a bold sinner ; but if he sleeps on it , and returns again to the same sin , and by degrees growes in love with it , and gets the custome , and the strangenesse of it is taken away , then it is his Master , and is sweld into a heap , and is abetted by use , and corroborated by newly entertained principles , and is insinuated into his Nature , and hath possessed his affections , and tainted the will and the understanding ; and by this time a man is in the state of a decaying Merchant , his accounts are so great , and so intricate , and so much in arrear , that to examine it will be but to represent the particulars of his calamity : therefore they think it better to pull the napkin before their eyes , then to stare upon the circumstances of their death . 2. A daily , or frequent examination of the parts of our life will interrupt the proceeding , and hinder the journey of little sins into a heap . For many dayes do not passe the best persons in which they have not many idle words , or vainer thoughts to sully the fair whitenesse of their souls : Some indiscreet passions , or trifling purposes , some impertinent discontents , or unhandsome usages of their own persons or their dearest Relatives . And though God is not extreme to mark what is done amisse , and therefore puts these upon the accounts of his Mercy , and the title of the Crosse , yet in two cases , these little sins combine and cluster ; and we know that grapes were once in so great a bunch , that one cluster was the load of two men : that is , 1. When either we are in love with small sins ; or 2. When they proceed from a carelesse and incurious spirit into frequency and continuance . For so the smallest atomes that dance in all the little cels of the world , are so trifling and immaterial that they cannot trouble an eye , nor vex the tenderest part of a wound where a barbed arrow dwelt ; yet when by their infinite numbers ( as Melissa and Parmenides affirm ) they danced first into order , then into little bodies , at last they made the matter of the world : So are the little indiscretions of our life ; they are alwayes inconsiderable if they be considered , and contemptible if they be not despised , and God does not regard them if we do . We may easily keep them asunder by our daily or nightly thoughts , and prayers , and severe sentences : But even the least sand can check the tumultuous pride , and become a limit to the Sea , when it is in a heap and in united multitudes ; but if the wind scatter and divide them , the little drops and the vainer froth of the water begins to invade the Strand . Our sighes can scatter such little offences ; but then , be sure to breath such accents frequently , least they knot , and combine , and grow big as the shoar , and we perish in sand , in trifling instances . He that despiseth little things , shall perish by little and little . So said the son of Sirach . 3. A frequent examination of our actions will intenerate and soften our consciences , so that they shall be impatient of any rudenesse or heavier load : And he that is used to shrink when he is pressed with a branch of twining Osier , will not willingly stand in the ruines of a house , when the beam dashes upon the pavement . And , provided that our nice and tender spirit be not vexed into scruple , nor the scruple turn into unreasonable fears , nor the fears into superstition ; he that by any arts can make his spirit tender , and apt for religious impressions , hath made the fairest seat for religion , and the unaptest and uneasiest entertainment for sin , and eternal death , in the whole world . 4. A frequent examination of the smallest parts of our lives is the best instrument to make our repentance particular , and a fit remedy to all the members of the whole body of sin . For our examination put off to our death-bed of necessity brings us into this condition , that very many thousands of our sins must be ( or not be at al ) washed off with a general repentance ; which the more general and indefinite it is , it is ever so much the worse : And if he that repents the longest and the oftnest , and upon the most instances , is still during his whole life , but an imperfect penitent , and there are very many reserves left to be wiped off by Gods mercies , and to be eased by collateral assistances , or to be groaned for at the terrible day of judgement ; it will be but a sad story to consider , that the sins of a whole life , or of very great portions of it , shall be put upon the remedy of one examination , and the advices of one discourse , and the activities of a decayed body , and a weak and an amazed Spirit . Let us do the best we can , we shall finde that the meer sins of ignorance , and unavoidable forgetfulnesse will be enough to be intrusted to such a bank , and that if a general repentance will serve towards their expiation , it will be an infinite mercy : but we have nothing to warrant our confidence , if we shall think it to be enough on our death-bed to confesse the notorious actions of our lives , ( and to say [ The Lord be merciful to me for the infinite transgressions of my life , which I have wilfully or carelesly forgot ] for very many of which , the repentance , the distinct , particular , circumstantiate repentance of a whole life would have been too little , if we could have done more . 5. After the enumeration of these advantanges I shall not need to adde that if we decline or refuse to call our selves frequently to account , and to use daily advices concerning the state of our souls , it is a very ill signe , that our souls are not right with God , or that they do not dwell in religion . But this I shall say , that they who do use this exercise frequently will make their conscience much at ease by casting out a daily load of humor and surfet , the matter of diseases and the instruments of death . He that does not frequently search his conscience , is a house without a window , and like a wilde untutored son of a fond and undiscerning widow . But if this exercise seem too great a trouble , and that by such advices , religion will seem a burden , I have two things to oppose against it . 1. One is ; that we had better ●ear the burden of the Lord , then the burden of a base and polluted conscience . Religion cannot be so great a trouble as a guilty soul ; and whatsoever trouble can be fancied in this or any other action of religion , it is onely to unexperienced persons . It may be a trouble at first , just as is every change , and every new accident : but if you do it frequently and accustom your spirit to it , as the custom will make it easy , so the advantages wil make it delectable ; that will make it facile as nature , these will make it as pleasant and eligible as reward . 2. The other thing I have to say is this : That to examine our lives will be no trouble if we do not intricate it with businesses of the world , and the Labyrinths of care and impertinent affairs . A man had need have a quiet and disintangled life , who comes to search into all his actions , and to make judgement concerning his errors and his needs , his remedies and his hopes . They that have great intrigues of the world , have a yoak upon their necks , & cannot look back ; and he that covets many things greedily , and snatches at high things ambitiously , that despises his Neighbour proudly , and bears his crosses peevishly , or his prosperity impotently and passionately ; he that is prodigal of his precious time , and is tenacious and retentive of evil purposes , is not a man disposed to this exercise , he hath reason to be afraid of his own memory , and to dash his glasse in pieces , because it must needs represent to his own eyes an intolerable deformity . He therefore that resolves to live well whatsoever it costs him ; he that will go to Heaven at any rate , shall best tend this duty by neglecting the affairs of the world , in all things where prudently he may . But if we do otherwise , we shall finde that the accounts of our death-bed and the examination made by a disturbed understanding will be very empty of comfort and full of inconveniencies . 6. For hence it comes that men dye so timorously , and uncomfortably , as if they were forced out of their lives by the violencies of an executioner . Then , without much examination they remember how wickedly they have lived , without religion , against the laws of the covenant of grace , without God in the world ; then they see sin goes off like an amazed , wounded , affrighted person from a lost battel , without honour , without a veil , with nothing but shame & sad remembrances . Then they can consider that if they had lived vertuously , all the trouble and objection of that would now be past , and all that had remained should be peace and joy , and all that good which dwells within the house of God , and eternal life . But now they finde they have done amisse and dealt wickedly , they have no bank of good works , but a huge treasure of wrath , and they are going to a strange place , and what shall be their lot is uncertain ; ( so they say , when they would comfort and flatter themselves ) but in truth of religion their portion is sad and intollerable , without hope , and without refreshment ▪ and they must use little silly arts , to make them go off from their stage of sins with some handsom circumstances of opinion : They will in civility be abused that they may die quietly , and go decently to their execution , and leave their friends indifferently contented , and apt to be comforted , and by that time they are gone awhile , they see that they deceived themselves all their dayes , and were by others deceived at last . Let us make it our own case ; we shall come to that state and period of condition , in which we shall be infinitely comforted , if we have lived well , er else be amazed and go off trembling , because we are guilty of heaps of unrepented and unforsaken sins . It may happen we shall not then understand it so , because most men of late ages have been abused with false principles , and they are taught ( or they are willing to believe ) that a little thing is enough to save them , and that heaven is so cheap a purchase , that it will fall upon them whether they will or no. The misery of it is , they will not suffer themselves to be confuted , till it be too late to recant their errour . In the interim , they are impatient to be examined , as a leper is of a comb , and are greedy of the world , as children of raw fruit ; and they hate a severe reproof , as they do thorns in their beds ; and they love to lay aside religion , as a drunken person does to forget his sorrow ; and all the way they dream of fine things , and their dreams prove contrary , and become the hieroglyphics of an eternal sorrow . The daughter of Polycrates dreamed that her Father was lifted up , and that Iupiter washed him and the Sun anointed him ; but it proved to him but a sad prosperity : for after a long life of constant prosperous successes he was surprized by his enemies , and hanged up till the dew of heaven wet his cheeks , and the Sun melted his grease . Such is the condition of those persons who living either in the despight , or in the neglect of religion , lye wallowing in the drunkennesse of prosperity , or worldly cares ; they think themselves to be exalted , till the evil day overtakes them ; and then they can expound their dream of life to end in a sad and hopelesse death . I remember that Cleomenes that was called a God by the Egyptians , because when he was hang'd , a serpent grew out of his body , and wrapt it self about his head , till the Philosophers of Egypt said , it was natural that from the marrow of some bodies such productions should arise : and indeed it represents the condition of some men , who being dead are esteemed saints and beatified persons when their head is encircled with dragons , and is entered into the possession of Devils , that old serpent and deceiver ; For indeed their life was secretly so corrupted , that such serpents fed upon the ruines of the spirit , and the decayes of grace and reason . To be cosened in making judgements concerning our finall condition is extremely easie , but if we be cosened , we are infinitely miserable . SECT . III. Of exercising Charity , during our whole life . HE that would die well and happily must in his life time according to all his capacities exercise charity ; and because Religion is the life of the soul , and charity is the life of religion , the same which gives life to the better part of man which never dies , may obtain of God a mercy to the inferiour part of man in the day of its dissolution . 1. Charity is the great chanel through which God passes all his mercy upon mankinde . For we receive absolution of our sins in proportion to our forgiving our brother : this is the rule of our hopes , and the measure of our desire in this world ; and in the day of death and judgement the great sentence upon mankinde shall be transacted according to our almes , which is the other part of Charity . Certain it is that God cannot , will not , never did reject a charitable man in his greatest needs , and in his most passionate prayers ; for God himself is love , and every degree of charity that dwells in us , is the participation of the divine nature ; and therefore when upon our death-bed , a cloud covers our heads , and we are enwrapped with sorrow ; when we feel the weight of a sicknesse , and do not feel the refreshing visitations of Gods loving kindnesse ; when we have many things to trouble us , and looking round about us , we see no comforter ; then call to minde what injuries you have forgiven , how apt you were to pardon all affronts and real persecutions ? how you embraced peace when it was offered you ? how you followed after peace , when it run from you ? and when you are weary of one side , turn upon the other ; and remember the alms , that by the grace of God , and his assistances you have done , and look up to God , and with the eye of faith behold him coming in the cloud , and pronouncing the sentence of dooms day according to his mercies and thy charity . 2. Charity with its Twin-daughters , almes and forgivenesse is especially effectual for the procuring Gods mercies in the day and the manner of our death : almes deliver from death , said old Tobias , and almes make an atonement for sins , said the son of Sirach : and so said Daniel , and so say all the wise men of the world . And in this sence also is that of S. Peter , Love covers a multitude of sins ; and * S. Clement in his Constitutions gives this counsell ; If you have any thing in your hands , give it that it may work to the remission of thy sins ; for by faith and alms sins are purged . The same also is the counsel of Salvi●n , who wonders that men who are guilty of great and many sins , will not work out their pardon by alms and mercy . But this also must be added out of the words of Lactantius , who makes this rule compleat and useful ; But think not , that because sins are taken away by alms , that by thy money thou mayest purchase a license to sin . For sins are abolished , if because thou hast sinned thou givest to God , that is , to Gods poor servants and his indigent , necessitous creature : But if thou sinnest upon confidence of giving , thy sins are not abolished . For God desires infinitely that men should be purged from their sins , and therefore commands us to repent , But to repent is nothing else , but to professe and affirm ( that is , to purpose and to make good that purpose ) that they will sin no more . Now almes are therefore effective to the abolition and pardon of our sins , because they are preparatory to , and impetratory of the grace of repentance , and are fruits of repentance ; and therefore S. Chrysostom affirmes , that repentance without almes is dead , and without wings , and can never soar upwards to the element of love . But because they are a part of repentance , and hugely pleasing to Almighty God , therefore they deliver us from the evils of an unhappy and accursed death ; for so Christ delivered his Disciples from the sea , when he appeased the storm , though they still sailed in the chanel : and this S. Hierome verifies with all his reading and experience , saying , I do not remember to have read , that ever any charitable person died an evil death : and although a long experience hath observed Gods mercies to descend upon charitable people like the dew upon Gideons fleece when all the world was dry , yet for this also , we have a promise , which is , not onely an argument of a certain number of years ( as experience is ) but a security for eternall ages . Make ye friends of the mammon of unrighteousnesse , that when ye fail they may receive you into everlasting habitations : When faith fails , and chastity is uselesse , and temperance shall be no more , then charity shall bear you upon wings of cherubins , to the eternall mountain of the Lord. I have been a lover of mankinde , and a friend , and mercifull , and now I expect to communicate in that great kindnesse which he shews , that is , the great God and Father of men and mercies : said Cyrus the Persian , on his death-bed . I do not mean this should onely be a death-bed charity , any more then a death-bed repentance ; but it ought to be the charity of our life , & healthfull years ; a parting with portions of our goods then , when we can keep them : we must not first kindle our lights , when we are to descend into our houses of darknesse , or bring a glaring torch suddenly to a dark room , that will amaze the eye and not delight it , or instruct the body ; but if our Tapers have in their constant course descended into their grave crowned all the way with light , then let the death-bed charity be doubled , and the light burn brightest when it is to deck our hearse . But concerning this I shall afterwards give account . SECT . IV. General considerations to enforce the former practises . THese are the generall instruments of preparation , in order to a holy death . It will concern us all to use them diligently and speedily ; for we must be long in doing that which must be done but once ; and therefore we must begin betimes , and lose no time ; especially since it is so great a venture , and upon it depends so great a state . Seneca said well , There is no Science or Art in the world so hard as to live and die well : The professors of other arts are vulgar and many , but he that knows how to do this businesse is certainly instructed to eternity . But then let me remember this , that a wise person will also put most upon the greatest interest . Common prudence will teach us this . No man will hire a Generall to cut wood , or shake hay with a Scepter , or spend his soul and all his faculties upon the purchase of a cockleshell ; but he will fit instruments to the dignity and exigence of the designe ; and therefore since heaven is so glorious a state , and so certainly designed for us , if we please , let us spend all that we have , all our passions and affections , all our study and industry , all our desires and stratagems , all our witty and ingenuous faculties toward the arriving thither , whither if we do come , every minute will infinitely pay for all the troubles of our whole life : If we do not , we shall have the reward of fools , an unpitied and an upbraided misery . To this purpose I shall represent the state of dying and dead men in the devout words of some of the Fathers of the Church , whose sense I shall exactly keep ; but change their order , that by placing some of their dispersed meditations into a chain , or sequell of discourse , I may with their precious stones make an Vnion , and compose them into a jewel ; for though the meditation is plain and easie , yet it is affectionate , and materiall , and true , and necessary . The circumstances of a dying mans sorrow and danger . When the sentence of death is decreed , and begins to be put in execution , it is sorrow enough to see or feel respectively the sad accidents of the agony , and last contentions of the soul , and the reluctancies and unwillingnesses of the body . The forehead wash'd with a new and stranger baptisme , besmeared with a cold sweat , tenacious and clammy , apt to make it cleave to the roof of his coffin ; the nose cold and undiscerning , not pleased with perfumes , nor suffering violence with a cloud of unwholsome smoak ; the eyes dim as a sullied mirror , or the face of heaven , when God shews his anger in a prodigious storm ; the feet cold , the hands stiffe , the Physitians despairing , our friends weeping , the rooms dressed with darknesse and sorrow , and the exteriour parts betraying what are the violences which the soul and spirit suffer ; the nobler part like the lord of the house , being assaulted by exteriour rudenesses , and driven from all the out-works ; at last , faint and weary , with short and frequent breathings , interrupted with the longer accents of sighes , without moisture , but the excrescencies of a spilt humour , when the pitcher is broken at the cisterne ; it retires to its last sort , the heart , whither it is pursued and stormed , and beaten out , as when the barbarous Thracian sacked the glory of the Grecian Empire . Then calamity is great , and sorrow rules in all the capacities of man : then the mourners weep , because it is civil , or because they need thee , or because they fear , but who suffers for thee with a compassion sharp as is thy pain ? Then the noise is like the faint eccho of a distant valley , & few heare , and they will not regard thee , who seemest like a person void of understanding , and of a departing interest . Verè tremendum est mortis sacramentum . But these accidents are common to all that die , and when a speciall providence shall distinguish them , they shall die with easie circumstances ; but as no piety can secure it , so must no confidence expect it , but wait for the time , and accept the manner of the dissolution . But that which distinguishes them is this . He that hath lived a wicked life , if his conscience be alarmed , and that he does not die like a Wolf , or a Tigre without sense or remorse of all his wildnesse , and his injury , his beastly nature , and desert , and untilled manners , if he have but sense of what he is going to suffer , or what he may expect to be his portion , then we may imagine the terrour of their abused fancies , how they see affrighting shapes , and because they fear them , they feel the gripes of Devils , urging the unwilling souls from the kinder and fast embraces of the body , calling to the grave , and hasting to judgement , exhibiting great bills of uncancelled crimes , awaking and amazing the conscience , breaking all their hope in pieces , and making faith uselesse and terrible , because the malice was great and the charity was none at all . Then they look for some to have pity on them , but there is no man. No man dares be their pledge , No man can redeem their soul , which now feels what it never feared . Then the tremblings and the sorrow , the memory of the past sin , and the fear of future pains , and the sense of an angry God , and the presence of some Devils consigne him to the eternall company of all the damned and accursed spirits : then they want an Angel for their guide , and the Holy Spirit for their comforter , and a good conscience for their testimony , and Christ for their Advocate , and they die and are left in prisons of earth or air , in secret and undiscerned regions to weep and tremble , and infinitely to fear the coming of the day of Christ ; at which time they shall be brought forth to change their condition into a worse , where they shall for ever feel more then we can beleeve or understand . But when a good man dies ; one that hath lived innocently or made joy in Heaven at his timely and effective repentance , and in whose behalf the Holy Jesus hath interceded prosperously , and for whose interest the Spirit makes interpellations with groans and sighs unutterable , and in whose defence the Angels drive away the Devils on his death-bed , because his sins are pardoned , and because he resisted the Devil in his life time , and fought successefully , and persevered unto the end , then the joyes break forth through the clouds of sicknesse , and the conscience stands upright , and confesses the glories of God , and owns so much integrity that it can hope for pardon , and obtain it too : Then the sorrowes of the sicknesse , and the flames of the Feaver , or the faintnesse of the consumption do but untye the soul from its chain , and let it go forth , first into liberty , and then to glory ; for it is but for a little while that the face of the skie was black , like the preparations of the night , but quickly the cloud torn and rent , the violence of thunder parted it into little portions , that the Sun might look forth with a watry eye , and then shine without a tear ; but it is an infinite refreshment to remember all the comforts of his prayers , the frequent victory over his temptations , the mortification of his lust , the noblest sacrifice to God in which he most delights , that we have given him our wills , and killed our appeti●es for the interest of his services ; then all the trouble of that is gone , and what remains is a portion in the inheritance of Jesus , of which he now talks no more as a thing at distance , but is entring into the possession . When the veil is rent , and the prison doors are open at the presence of Gods Angel , the soul goes forth full of hope , sometimes with evidence , but alwayes with certainty in the thing , and instantly it passes into the throngs of Spirits , where Angles meet it singing , and the Devils flock with malitious and vile purposes , desiring to lead it away with them into their houses of sorrow ; there they see things which they never saw , and hear voices which they never heard : There the Devils charge them with many sins ; And the Angels remember that themselves rejoyced when they were repented of . Then the Devils aggravate and describe all the circumstances of the sin , and adde calumnies , and the Angels bear the soul forward still , because their Lord doth answer for them : Then the Devils rage and gnash their teeth : they see the soul chast and pure , and they are ashamed ; they see it penitent , and they despair ; they perceive that the tongue was restrained and sanctified , and then hold their peace : Then the soul passes forth and rejoyces , passing by the Devils in scorn and triumph , being securely carried into the bosome of the Lord , where they shall rest till their crowns are finished , and their mansions are prepared , and then they shall feast and sing , rejoyce and worship for * ever and ever . Fearful and formidable to unholy persons is the first meeting with spirits in their separation . But the victory which holy souls receive by the mercies of Jesus Christ , and the conduct of Angels is a joy that we must not understand till we feel it : and yet such which by an early and a persevering piety we may secure : but let us enquire after it no further , because it is secret . CHAP. III. Of the state of sicknesse , and the temptations incident to it with their proper remedies . SECT . I. Of the state of sicknesse . ADams sin brought death into the world , and man did die the same day in which he sinned , according as God had threatned : He did not die , as death is taken for a separation of soul and body ; that is not death properly ; but the ending of the last act of death : just as a man is said to be born , when he ceases any longer to be born in his mothers womb . But whereas to man was intended a life long and happy , without sicknesse , sorrow or infelicity , and this life should be lived here or in a better place , and the passage from one to the other should have been easy , safe and pleasant , now that man sinned , he fell from that state to a contrary . If Adam had stood he should not alwayes have lived in this world ; for this world was not a place capable of giving a dwelling to all those myriads of men and women which should have been born in all the generations of infinite and eternal ages ; for so it must have been , if man had not dyed at all , nor yet have removed hence at all : Neither is it likely that mans innocence should have lost to him all possibility of going thither , where the duration is better , measured by a better time , subject to fewer changes , and which is now the reward of a returning vertue , which in all natural senses is lesse then innocence , save that it is heightned by Christ to an equality of acceptation with the state of innocence : But so it must have been , that his innocence should have been punished with an eternal confinement to this state , which in all reason is the lesse perfect , the state of a traveller , not of one possessed of his inheritance . It is therefore certain Man should have changed his abode : for so did Enoch , and so did Elias , and so shall all the world that shall be alive at the day of judgement : They shall not die , but they shall change their place , and their abode , their duration and their state , and all this without death . That death therefore which God threatned to Adam and which passed upon his posterity , is not the going out of this world , but the manner of going . If he had staid in innocence , he should have gone from hence placidly , and fairly , without vexatious and afflictive circumstances ; he should not have dyed by sickness , misfortune , defect , or unwillingnesse ; but when he fell , then he began to die ; the same day , ( so said God : ) and that must needs be true : and therefore it must mean , that upon that very day he fell into an evil and dangerous condition ; a state of change and affliction ; then death began , that is , the man began to die by a natural diminution , and aptnesse to disease and misery . His first state was and should have been ( so long as it lasted ) a happy duration ; His second was a daily and miserable change ; and this was the dying properly . This appears in the great instance of damnation , which in the stile of Scripture is called eternal death ; not because it kills or ends the duration ; it hath not so much good in it ; but because it is a perpetual infelicity , Change or separation of soul and body is but accidental to death . Death may be with , or without either : but the formality , the curse and the sting of death , that is , misery , sorrow , fear , diminution , defect , anguish , dishonour , and whatsoever is miserable , and afflictive in nature , that is death : death is not an action , but a whole state and condition ; and this was first brought in upon us by the offence of one man. But this went no further then thus to subject us to temporal infelicity . If it had proceeded so as was supposed , Man had been much more miserable ; for man had more then one original sin in this sence : and though this death entred first upon us by Adams fault , yet it came neerer unto us , and increased upon us by the sins of more of our forefathers . For Adams sin left us in strength enough to contend with humane calamities for almost a thousand years together . But the sins of his children , our forefathers , took off from us half the strength about the time of the flood ; and then from 500. to 250. and from thence to 120. and from thence to threescore and ten , so halfing it , till it is almost come to nothing . But by the sins of men in the several generations of the world , death , that is , misery and disease , is hastned so upon us , that we are of a contemptible age ; and because we are to die by suffering evils , and by the daily lessening of our strength and health ; this death is so long a doing , that it makes so great a part of our short life uselesse and unserviceable , that we have not time enough to get the perfection of a single manufacture ; but ten or twelve generations of the world must go to the making up of one wise man , or one excellent Art : and in the succession of those ages , there happens so many changes and interruptions , so many warres and violencies , that seven years fighting sets a whole Kingdom back in learning and vertue , to which they were creeping , it may be , a whole age . And thus also we do evil to our posterity , as Adam did to his , and Cham did to his , and Eli to his , and all they to theirs , who by sins caused God to shorten the life , and multiply the evils of mankinde : and for this reason it is , the world grows worse and worse , because so many original sins are multiplied , and so many evils from Parents descend upon the succeeding generations of men , that they derive nothing from us but original misery . But he who restored the law of Nature , did also restore us to the condition of Nature ; which being violated by the introduction of death , Christ then repaired when he suffered and overcame death for us : that is , he hath taken away the unhappinesse of sicknesse , and the sting of death , and the dishonours of the grave , of dissolution and weaknesse , of decay and change ; and hath turned them into acts of favour , into instances of comfort , into opportunities of vertue ; Christ hath now knit them into rosaries , and coronets , he hath put them into promises and rewards , he hath made them part of the portion of his elect ; they are instruments , and earnests , and securities , and passages to the greatest perfection of humane nature , and the Divine promises . So that it is possible for us now to be reconciled to sicknesse ; It came in by sin , and therefore is cured when it is turned into vertue ; and although it may have in it the uneasinesse of labour , yet it will not be uneasie as sin , or the restlessenesse of a discomposed conscience : If therefore we can well manage our state of sicknesse , that we may not fall by pain , as we usually do by pleasure , we need not fear ; for no evil shall happen to us . SECT . II. Of the first temptation proper to the state of sicknesse ; Impatience . MEn that are in health are severe exactors of patience at the hands of them that are sick , and they usually judge it not by terms of relation , between God and the suffering man ; but between him and the friends that stand by the bed-side . It will be therefore necessary that we truly understand to what duties and actions the patience of a sick man ought to extend . 1. Sighes and groans , sorrow and prayers , humble complaints , and dolorous expressions are the sad accents of a sick mans language ; for it is not to be expected that a sick man should act a part of patience with a countenance like an Orator , or grave like a Dramatick person . It were well if all men could bear an exteriour decencie in their sicknesse , and regulate their voice , their face , their discourse , and all their circumstances by the measures , and proportions of comlinesse and satisfaction to all the standers by . But this would better please them then assist him ; the sick man would do more good to others , then he would receive to himself . 2. Therefore , silence and still composures , and not complaining , are no parts of a sick mans duty ; they are not necessary parts of patience : We find that David roared for the very disquietnesse of his sicknesse ; and he lay chattering like a swallow , and his throat was dry with calling for help upon his God. That 's the proper voice of sicknesse ; and certain it is , that the proper voyces of sicknesse are expressely vocal , and petitory in the eares of God , and call for pity in the same accent , as the cryes and oppressions of Widows and Orphans do for vengeance upon their persecutors , though they say no Collect against them . For there is the voyce of man , and there is the voyce of the disease , and God hears both ; And the louder the disease speaks , there is the greater need of mercy and pity , and therefore God will the sooner hear it . Abels blood had a voice and cried to God , and humility hath a voice and cries so loud to God , that it pierces the clouds ; and so hath every sorrow , and every sicknesse : and when a man cries out , and complains but according to the sorrowes of his pain , it cannot be any part of a culpable impatience , but an argument for pity . 3. Some senses are so subtile , and their perceptions so quick and full of relish , and their spirits so active , that the same load is double upon them , to what it is to another person ; and therefore comparing the expressions of the one to the silence of the other , a different judgement cannot be made concerning their patience : Some natures are querulous , and melancholy , and soft , and nice , and tender , and weeping , and expressive ; others are sullen , dull , without apprehension , apt to tolerate and carry burdens ; and the crucifixion of our Blessed Saviour falling upon a delicate and virgin body , of curious temper , and strict , equall composition , was naturally more full of torment then that of the ruder theeves , whose proportions were course● and uneven . 4. In this case it was no imprudent advice which Cicero gave : Nothing in the world is more amiable then an even temper in our whole life , and in every action : but this evennesse cannot be kept unlesse every man follows his own nature , without striving to i●itate the circumstances of another : and what is so in the thing it self , ought to be so in our judgements concerning the things . We must not call any one impatient if he be not silent in a feaver as if he were asleep , or as if he were dull , as Herods son of Athens . 5. Nature in some cases hath made cryings out , and exclamations to be an entertainment of the spirit , and an abatement or diversion of the pain . For so did the old champions when they threw their fatall nets that they might load their enemy with the snares and weights of death , they groaned aloud , and sent forth the anguish of their spirit into the eyes and heart of the man that stood against them : so it is in the endurance of some sharp pains , the complaints and shrikings , the sharp groans , and the tender accents send forth the afflicted spirits and force a way that they may ease their oppression and their load , that when they have spent some of their sorrows , by a sally sorth , they may returne better able to fortifie the heart . Nothing of this is a certain signe , much lesse an action or part of impatience ; and when our blessed Saviour suffered his last , and sharpest pang of sorrow , he cryed out with a loud voice , and resolved to die , and did so . SECT . III. Constituent or integrall parts of patience . 1. THat we may secure our patience , we must take care that our complaints be without despair . Despair sins against the reputation of Gods goodnesse , and the efficacy of all our old experience : By despair we destroy the greatest comfort of our sorrowes , and turn our sicknesse into the state of Devils , and perishing souls . No affliction is greater then despair , for that is it which makes hell fire , and turns a natural evil into an intolerable ; it hinders prayers , and fills up the intervalls of sicknesse with a worse torture ; it makes all spiritual arts uselesse , and the office of spiritual comforters and guides to be impertinent . Against this , hope is to be opposed ; and its proper acts as it relates to the vertue and exercise of patience are ; 1 Praying to God for help and remedy ; 2 sending for the guides of souls ; 3. using all holy exercises and acts of grace , proper to that state ; which who so does hath not the impatience of despair ; every man that is patient hath hope in God in the day of his sorrows . 2. Our complaints in sicknesse must be without murmure . Murmur sins against Gods providence and government : by it we grow rude , and like the falling Angels , displeased at Gods supremacy : and nothing is more unreasonable : it talks against God , for whose glory all speech was made ; it is proud and phantastic , hath better opinions of a sinner then of the Divine justice , and would rather accuse God then himself . Against this is opposed that part of patience which resignes the man into the hands of God ; saying with old Eli , It is the Lord , let him do what he will ; and [ Thy will be done in earth as it is in heaven ] and so by admiring Gods justice and wisdom , does also dispose the sick person for receiving Gods mercy ; and secures him the rather in the grace of God. The proper acts of this part of patience are , 1. To confesse our sins and our own demerits . 2. It increases and exercises humility . 3. It loves to sing praises to God , even from the lowest abysse of humane misery . 3. Our complaints in sicknesse must be without peevishnesse . This sins against civility , and that necessary decency , which must be used toward the ministers and assistants . By peevishnesse we increase our own sorrowes , and are troublesome to them that stand there to ease ours . It hath in it harshnesse of nature , and ungentlenesse , wilfulnesse , and Phantastic opinions , morosity and incivility . Against it are opposed obedience , tractability , easinesse of persuasion , aptnesse to take counsel . The acts of this part of patience are , 1. To obey our Physitians . 2. To treat our persons with respect to our present necessities . 3. Not to be ungentle , and uneasy to the ministers , and nurses that attend us ; But to take their diligent and kinde offices as sweetly as we can , and to bear their indiscretions , or unhandsome accidents contentedly , and without disquietnesse within , or evil language , or angry words without . 4. Not to use unlawful means for our recovery . If we secure these particulars , we are not lightly to be judged of , by noises and postures , by colours and images of things , by palenesse , or tossings from side to side . For it were a hard thing that those persons who are loa●en with the greatnesse of humane calamities , should be strictly tyed to ceremonies and forms of things . He is patient that calls upon God , that hopes for health or heaven , that believes God is wise and just in sending him afflictions ; that confesses his sins and accuses himself , and justifies God ; that expects God will turne this into good ; that is civil to his Physitians and his servants ; that converses with the guides of souls , the ministers of religion ; and in all things submits to Gods will ; and would use no indirect means for his recovery ; but had rather be sick and die , then enter at all into Gods displeasure . SECT . IV. Remedies against impatience , by way of consideration . AS it happens concerning death , so it is in sicknesse which is death● handmaid . It hath the fate to suffer calumny and reproach , and hath a name worse th●n its nature . 1. For there is no sicknesse so great but children endure it , and have natural strengths to bear them out quite through the calamity , what period soever nature hath allotted it . Indeed they make no reflexions upon their sufferings and complain of sicknesse with an uneasy sigh , or a natural groan , but consider not what the sorrows of sicknesse mean ; and so bear it by a direct sufferance , and as a pillar bears the weight of a roof : But then why cannot we bear it so to ? For this which we call a reflexion upon , or a considering of our sicknesse , is nothing but a perfect instrument of trouble , and consequently a temptation to impatience . It serves no end of nature , it may be avoided , and we may consider it onely as an expression of Gods Anger , and an emissary , or procurator of repentance . But all other considering it , except where it serves the purposes of medicine and art , is nothing , but under the colour of reason , an unreasonable device to heighten the sicknesse , and increase the torment . But then , children want this act of reflex perception , or reasonable sense whereby their sicknesse becomes lesse pungent and dolorous ; so also do they want the helps of reason , whereby they should be able to support it . For certain it is , reason was as well given us to harden our spirits and stiffen them in passions and sad accidents , as to make us bending and apt for action : and if in men God hath heightned the faculties of apprehension , he hath increased the auxiliaries of reasonable strengths ; that Gods rod , and Gods staffe might go together , and the beam of Gods countenance may as well refresh us with its light , as scorch us with its heat . But poor children that endure so much , have not inward supports and refreshments to bear them through it ; they never heard the sayings of old men , nor have been taught the principles of severe philosophy , nor are assisted with the results of a long experience , nor know they how to turn a sicknesse into vertue , and a Feaver into a reward ; nor have they any sense of favors , the remembrance of which may alleviate their burden ; and yet nature hath in them teeth and nails enough to scratch , and fight against the sickness , and by such aids as God is pleased to give them , they wade thorough the storm , and murmur not : and besides this yet , although infants have not such brisk perceptions upon the stock of reason , they have a more tender feeling upon the accounts of sense , and their flesh is as uneasy by their natural softnesse and weak shoulders , as ours by our too forward apprehensions . Therefore bear up : either you or I , or some man wiser , and many a woman weaker then us both , or the very children have endured worse evil then this that is upon thee now . That sorrow is hugely tolerable which gives its smart but by instants and smallest proportions of time . No man at once feels the sicknesse of a week , or of a whole day ; but the smart of an instant : and still every portion of a minute , feels but its proper share ; and the last groan ended all the sorrow of its peculiar burden : and what minute can that be , which can pretend to be intolerable ? and the next minute is but the same as the last : and the pain flowes like the drops of a river , or the little shreds of time : and if we do but take care of the present minute , it cannot seem a great charge , or a great burden ; but that care will secure our duty , if we still will but secure the present minute . 3. If we consider how much men can suffer if they list , and how much they do suffer for great and little causes , and that no causes are greater then the proper causes of patience in sicknesse ( that is necessity and religion ) we cannot without huge shame to our nature , to our persons , and to our manners complain of this tax and impost of nature . This experience added something to the old Philosophy . When the Gladiators were exposed naked to each others short swords , and were to cut each others souls away in portions of flesh , as if their forms had been as divisible as the life of worms : they did not sigh or groan , it was a shame to decline the blow , but according to the just measures art . The women that saw the wounds shrike out ; and he that receives it holds his peace . They did not only stand bravely , but would also fall so ; and when he was down , scorn'd to shrink his head , when the insolent conquerer came to lift it from his shoulders : and yet this man in his first designe , onely aimed at liberty , and the reputation of a good fencer ; and when he sunk down , he saw he could onely receive the honour of a bold man ; the noise of which he shall never hear , when his ashes were crammed in his narrow Urne . And what can we complain of the weaknesse of our strengths , or the pressures of diseases , when we see a poor souldier stand in a breach almost starved with cold and hunger ; and his cold apt to be relieved onely by the heats of Anger , a Feaver of a fired musket ? and his hunger slacked by a greater pain , and a huge fear ? this man shall stand in his arms and wounds , patiens liminis atque solis , pale and faint , weary and watchful ; and at night shall have a bullet pulled out of his flesh , and shivers from his bones , and endure his mouth to be sewed up from a violent rent to its own dimension , and all this for a man whom he never saw , or if he did , was not noted by him ; but one that shall condemn him to the gallows if he runs from all this misery . It is seldome that God sends such calamities upon men , as men bring upon themselves , and suffer willingly . But that which is most considerable , is , that any passion and violence upon the spirit of man makes him able to suffer huge calamities , with a certain constancy and an unwearied patience . Scipio Africanus was wont to commend that saying in Xenophon , that the same labours of warfare were easier far to a General then to a common souldier , because he was supported by the huge appetites of honour , which made his hard marches nothing but steppings forward , and reaching at a triumph . Did not the Lady of Sabinus for others interest bear twins privately and without groaning ? Are not the labours and cares , the spare diet , and the waking nights of covetous and adulterous , of ambitious and revengful persons , greater sorrowes and of more smart then a Feaver , or the short pains of childebirth ? what will not render women suffer to hide their shame ? And if vice , and passion , lust , and inferiour appetites can supply to the tenderest persons strengths more then enough , for the sufferance of the greatest natural violences , can we suppose that honesty and religion , and the grace of God are more nice , tender , and effeminate ? 4. Sicknesse is the more tolerable because it cures very many evils , and takes away the sense of all the crosse fortunes which amaze the spirits of some men , and transport them certainly beyond all the limits of patience . Here all losses and disgraces , domestick cares and publick evils , the apprehensions of pity , and a sociable calamity , the fears of want and the troubles of ambition , lie down and rest upon the sick mans pillow . One fit of the stone takes away from the fancies of men , all relations to the world and secular interests ; at least they are made dull and flat , without sharpnesse and an edge . And he that shall observe the infinite variety of troubles which afflicts some busie persons , & almost all men in very busie times , will think it not much amisse that those huge numbers were reduced to certainty , to method , and an order ; and there is no better compendium for this , then that they be reduced to one . And a sick man seems so unconcerned in the things of the world , that although this separation be done with violence ; yet it is no otherwise then all noble contentions are , and all honours are purchased , and all vertues are acquired , and all vices mortified , and all appetites chastised , and all rewards obtained : there is infallibly to all these a difficulty and a sharpnesse annexed , without which there could be no proportion between a work and a reward . To this adde , that sicknesse does not take off the sense of secular troubles , and worldly cares from us , by imploying all the perceptions , and apprehensions of men , by filling all faculties with sorrow , and leaving no room for the lesser instances of troubles ; as little rivers are swallowed up in the Sea : But sicknesse is a messenger of God , sent with purposes of abstraction and separation , with a secret power and a proper efficacie to draw us off from unprofitable and uselesse sorrows : and this is effected partly by reason that it represents the uselessnesse of the things of this world , and that there is a portion of this life in which honours and things of the world cannot serve us to many purposes , partly by preparing us to death , and telling us that a man shall descend thither whence this world cannot redeem us , & where the goods of this world cannot serve us . 5. And yet after all this , sicknesse leaves in us appetites so strong , and apprehensions so sensible , and delights so many , and good things in so great a degree , that a healthlesse body , and a sad disease do seldome make men weary of this world ; but still they would fain find an excuse to live . The gout , the stone , and the toothach , the sciatica , sore eyes , and an aking head , are evils indeed ; But such , which rather then die , most men are willing to suffer , and Mecenas added also a wish , rather to be crucified then to die ; and though his wish was low , timerous , and base , yet we find the same desires in most men , dressed up with better circumstances . It was a cruell mercy in Tamerlan who commanded all the leprous persons to be put to death , as we knock some beasts quickly on their head , to put them out of pain , and lest they should live miserably . The poor men would rather have endured another leprosie , and have more willingly taken two diseases then one death ; therefore Caesar wondred that the old crazed souldier that begged leave he might kill himself , and asked him , Doest thou think then to be more alive then now thou art ? We do not die suddenly , but we descend to death by steps , and slow passages ; and therefore men ( so long as they are sick ) are unwilling to proceed and go forward in the finishing that sad imployment . Between a disease and death , there are many degrees , and all those are like the reserves of evil things , the declining of every one of which is justly reckoned amongst those good things , which alleviate the sicknesse and make it tolerable . Never account that sicknesse intolerable , in which thou hadst rather remaine , then die : And yet if thou hadst rather die then suffer it , the worst of it that can be said is this , that this sicknesse is worse then death ; that is , it is worse then that which is the best of all evils , and the end of all troubles ; and then you have said no great harme against it . 6. Remember that thou art under a supervening necessity . Nothing is intolerable that is necessary ; and therefore when men are to suffer a sharp incision , or what they are pleased to call intolerable , tie the man down to it , and he endures it . Now God hath bound this sicknesse upon thee by the condition of Nature ( for every flower must wither and droop ) it is also bound upon thee by speciall providence , and with a designe to try thee , and with purposes to reward and to crown thee . These cords thou canst not break ; and therefore lie thee down gently , and suffer the hand of God to do what he please , that at least thou mayest swallow an advantage , which the care and severe mercies of God forces down thy throat . 7. Remember that all men have passed this way , the bravest , the wisest , & the best men , have bin subject to sicknes & sad diseases ; and it is esteemed a prodigy , that a man should live to a long age and not be sick : and it is recorded for a wonder concerning Xenophilus the Musitian , that he lived to 106 years of age in a perfect and continual health : No story tells the like of a Prince , or a great or a wise person ; unlesse we have a minde to believe the tales concerning Nestor and the Euboean Sibyl . Old age and healthfull bodies are seldome made the appendages to great fortunes : and under so great , and so universal precedents , so common fate of men , he that will not suffer his portion , deserves to be something else then a man , but nothing that is better . 8. We finde in story that many Gentiles who walked by no light but that of reason , opinion , and humane examples , did bear their sicknesse nobly , and with great contempt of pain , and with huge interests of vertue . When Pompey came from Syria and called at Rhodes , to see Posidonius the Philosopher , he found him hugely afflicted with the gout , and expressed his sorrow , that he could not hear his Lectures from which by this pain he must needs be hindred . Posidonius told him , but you may hear me for all this ; and he discours'd excellently in the midst of his tortures , even then , when the torches were put to his feet , that nothing was good but what was honest ; and therefore nothing could be an evil , if it were not criminal , and summed up his Lectures with this saying ; O pain , in vain doest thou attempt me ; for I will never confesse thee to be an evil as long as I can honestly bear thee . And when Pompey himself was desperately sick at Naples , the Neopolitans wore crowns and triumphed ; and the men of Puteoli came to congratulate his sicknesse , not because they loved him not , but because it was the custome of their countrey to have better opinions of sicknesse then we have . The boyes of Sparta would at their Altars endure whipping till their very entrails saw the light thorow their torn flesh ; and some of them to death , without crying or complaint . Caesar would drink his potions of Rhubarb rudely mixt , and unfitly allayed with little sippings , and tasted the horror of the medicine spreading the loathsomnesse of his physick so , that all the parts of his tongue and palate might have an intire share : and when C. Marius suffered the veins of his leg to be cut out for the curing his gout , and yet shrunk not , he declared not onely the rudenesse of their physick , but the strength of a mans spirit , if it be contracted and united by the aids of reason or Religion , by resolution or any accidentall harshnesse , against a violent disease . 9. All impatience howsoever expressed , is perfectly uselesse to all purposes of ease , but hugely effective to the multiplying the trouble ; and the impatience and vexation is another , but the sharper disease of the two ; it does mischief by it self , and mischief by the disease . For men grieve themselves as much as they please , and when by impatience they put themselves into the retinue of sorrows , they become solemne mourners . For so have I seen the rayes of the Sun or Moon dash upon a brazen vessel whose lips kissed the face of those waters that lodged within its bosome , but being turned back and sent off with its smooth pretences , or rougher waftings , it wandred about the room and beat upon the roof , and still doubled its heat and motion : So is a sicknesse and a sorrow entertained by an unquiet and a discontented man , turned back either with anger , or with excuses ; but then the pain passes from the stomack to the liver , and from the liver to the heart , and from the heart to the head , and from feeling to consideration , from thence to sorrow , and at last ends in impatience , and uselesse murmur , and all the way the man was impotent , and weak ; but the sicknesse was doubled and grew imperious and tyrannicall over the soul and body . Massurius Sabinus tels , that the image of the goddesse Angerona was with a mufler upon her mouth placed upon the Altar of Volupia , to represent , that those persons who bear their sicknesses and sorrows without murmur , shall certainly passe from sorrow to pleasure , and the ease and honours of felicity ; but they that with spite and indignation bite the burning coal , or shake the yoak upon their necks , gall their spirits , and fret the skin , and hurt nothing but themselves . 10. Remember that this sicknesse is but for a short time ; If it be sharp it will not last long ; If it be long , it will be easie and very tolerable . And although S. Eadsine Archbishop of Canterbury had twelve years of sicknesse , yet all that while he ruled his Church prudently , gave example of many vertues , and after his death was enrolled in the Calender of Saints , who had finished their course prosperously . Nothing is more unreasonable then to intangle our spirits in wildnesse , and amazement , like a Partrich fluttering in a net , which she breaks not , though she breaks her wings . SECT . V. Remedies against Impatience by way of exercise . THe fittest instrument of esteeming sicknesse easily tolerable , is to remember that which indeed makes it so ; and that is , that God doth minister proper aids and supports to every of his servants whom he visits with his rod. He knows our needs , he pities our sorrows , he relieves our miseries , he supports our weaknesse , he bids us ask for help , and he promises to give us all that , and he usually gives us more , and indeed it is observable , that no story tells of any godly man , who living in the fear of God fell into a violent and unpardoned impatience in his naturall sicknesse , if he used those means which God and his holy Church have appointed . We see almost all men bear their last sicknesse with sorrowes indeed , but without violent passions ; and unlesse they fear death violently , they suffer the sicknesse with some indifferency ; and it is a rare thing to see a man who enjoyes his reason in his sicknesse , to expresse the proper signes of a direct and solemne impatience . For when God layes a sicknesse upon us , he seizes commonly on a mans spirits , which are the instruments of action and businesse ; and when they are secured from being tumultuous , the sufferance is much the easier ; and therefore sicknesse secures all that , which can do the man mischief . It makes him tame and passive , apt for suffering , and confines him to an unactive condition . To which if we adde , that God then commonly produces fear , and all those passions which naturally tend to humility and poverty of spirit , we shall soon perceive by what instruments God verifies his promise to us , ( which is the great security for our patience , and the easinesse of our condition ) that God will lay no more upon us then he will make us able to ●ear , but together with the affliction he will finde a way to escape : Nay , if any thing can be more then this ; we have two or three promises , in which we may safely lodge our selves , and roul from off our thorns and finde ease and rest : God hath promised to be with us in our trouble , and to be with us in our prayers , and to be with us in our hope and con●idence . 2. Prevent the violence and trouble of thy spirit by an act of thanksgiving ; for which in the worst of sicknesses thou canst not want cause , especially if thou remembrest that this pain is not an eternall pain . Blesse God for that ; But take heed also lest you so order your affairs that you passe from hence to an eternall so●r●w . If that be hard , this will be intolerable , But as for the present evil , a few dayes will end it 3. Remember that thou art a man and a Christian : as the Covenant of nature hath made it necessary , so the covenant of grace hath made it to be chosen by thee , to be a suffering person : either you must renounce your religion , or submit to the impositions of God , and thy portion of sufferings . So that here we see our advantages , and let us use them accordingly . The barbarous and warlike nations of old , could fight well and willingly , but could not bear sicknesse manfully . The Greeks were cowardly in their fights , as most wise men are , but because they were learned and well taught , they bore their sicknesse with patience and severity . The Cimbrians and Celtiberians rejoyce in battail like Gyants , but in their diseases they weep like Women . These according to their institution and designes had unequal courages , and accidental fortitude ; but since our Religion hath made a covenant of sufferings ; and the great businesse of our lives is sufferings , and most of the vertues of a Christian are passive graces , and all the promises of the Gospel are passed upon us through Christs crosse , we have a necessity upon us to have an equal courage in all the variety of our sufferings : for without an universal fortitude we can do nothing of our dutie . 4. Resolve to do as much as you can : for certain it is , we can suffer very much , if we list ; and many men have afflicted themselves unreasonably by not being skilful to consider how much their strength and state could permit ; and our flesh is nice and imperious , crafty to perswade reason that she hath more necessities th●n indeed belong to her , and that she demands nothing superfluous : suffer as much in obedience to God as you can suffer for necessity , or passion , fear , or desire . And if you can for one thing , you can for another , and there is nothing wanting but the minde . Never say ; I can do no more , I cannot endure this . For God would not have sent it , if he had not known thee strong enough to abide it ; onely he that knows thee well already , would also take this occasion to make thee know thy self . But it will be fit that you pray to God to give you a discerning spirit , that you may rightly distinguish just necessity from the flattery and fondnesses of flesh and blood . 5. Propound to your eyes and heart the example of the holy Jesus upon the crosse ; he endured more for thee then thou canst either for thy self or him : and remember that if we be put to suffer , and do suffer in a good cause , or in a good manner , so that in any sense your sufferings be conformable to his sufferings , or can be capable of being united to his , we shall reign together with him . The high way of the Crosse which the King of sufferings hath troden before us , is the way to ease , to a kingdom , and to felicity . 6. The very suffering is a title to an excellent inheritance : for , God chastens every son whom he receives , and if we be not chastised , we are bastards and not sons : and be confident , that although God often sends pardon without correction , yet he never sends correction without pardon , unless it be thy fault : and therefore take every or any affliction as an earnest peny of thy pardon ; and upon condition there may be peace with God , let any thing be welcome that he can send as its instrument or condition . Suffer therefore God to choose his own circumstances of adopting thee , and be content to be under discipline when the reward of that is , to become the son of God : and by such inflictions he hewes and breaks thy body , first dressing it to funeral , and then preparing it for immortality : and if this be the effect or the designe of Gods love to thee ; let it be occasion of thy love to him : and remember that the truth of love is hardly known , but by somewhat that puts us to pain . 7. Use this as a punishment for thy sins ; and so God intends it most commonly ; that is certain , if therefore thou submittest to it , thou approvest of the divine judgement : and no man can have cause to complain of any thing , but of himself ; if either he believes God to be just , or himself to be a sinner : if he either thinks he hath deserved Hell , or that this little may be a means to prevent the greater , and bring him to Heaven . 8. It may be that this may be the last instance , and the last opportunity that ever God will give thee to exercise any vertue , to do him any service , or thy self any advantage ; be careful that thou losest not this ; for to eternal ages , this never shall return again . 9. Or if thou peradventure shalt be restored to health , be carefull that in the day of thy thanksgiving , thou mayest not be ashamed of thy self , for having behaved thy self poorly and weakly upon thy bed : it will be a sensible and excellent comfort to thee , and double upon thy spirit , if when thou shalt worship God for restoring thee , thou shalt also remember that thou didst do him service in thy suffering , and tell that God was hugely gracious to thee in giving thee the opportunity of a vertue , at so easie a rate as a sicknesse , from which thou didst recover . 10. Few men are so sick , but they believe that they may recover ; and we shal seldom see a man lie down with a perfect persuasion that it is his last hour ; for many men have been sicker , and yet have recovered ; but whether thou doest or no , thou hast a vertue to exer●ise , which may be a handmaid to thy patience . Epaphroditus was sick , sick unto death , and yet God had mercy upon him ; and he hath done so to thousands , to whom he found it useful in the great order of things , and the events of universal providence . If therefore thou desirest to recover , here is cause enough of hope ; and hope is designed in the arts of God and of the Spirit , to support patience . But if thou recoverest not , yet there is something that is matter of joy naturally , and very much Spiritually if thou belongest to God , and joy is as certain a support to patience , as hope ; and it is no small cause of being pleased , when we remember that if we recover not , our sicknesse shall the sooner sit down in rest and joy . For recovery by death , as it is easier and better then the recovery by a sickly health , so it is not so long in doing : it suffers not the tediousnesse of a creeping restitution , nor the inconvenience of Surgeons and Physitians , watchfulnesse and care , keepings in , and suffering trouble , fears of relapse and the little reliques of a storm . 11. While we hear , or use , or think of these remedies , part of the sicknesse is gone away , and all of it is passing . And if by such instruments we stand armed and ready dressed before hand , we shall avoid the mischiefs of amazements and surprize ; while the accidents of sicknesse are such as were expected , and against which we stood in readinesse with our spirits , contracted , instructed and put upon the defensive . 12 But our patience will be the better secured , if we consider that it is not violently tempted by the usual arrests of sicknesse ; for patience is with reason demanded while the sicknesse is tolerable ; that is , so long as the evil is not too great ; but if it be also eligible , and have in it some degrees of good , our patience will have in it the lesse difficulty , and the greater necessity . This therefore will be a new stock of consideration . Sicknesse is in many degrees eligible to many men , and to many purposes . SECT . VI. Advantages of Sicknesse . 1. I Consider : one of the great felicities of heaven consists in an immunity from sin : then we shall love God without mixtures of malice ; then we shall enjoy without envy ; then we shall see fuller vessels running over with glory , and crowned with bigger circles , and this we shall behold without spilling from our eyes ( those vessels of joy and grief ) any signe of anger , trouble or a repining spirit : our passions shall be pure , our charity without fear , our desire without lust , our possessions all our own , and all in the inheritance of Jesus , in the richest soil of Gods eternall kingdom . Now half of this reason which makes heaven so happy by being innocent , is also in the state of sicknesse , making the furrows of old age smooth , and the groans of a sick heart apt to be joyned to the musick of Angels ; and though they sound harsh to our untuned ears and discomposed Organs , yet those accents must needs be in themselves excellent which God loves to hear , and esteems them as prayers and arguments of pity , instruments of mercie and grace , and preparatives to glory . In sicknesse , the soul begins to dresse her self for immortality : and first she unties the strings of vanity that made her upper garment cleave to the world and sit uneasily . First she puts off the light and phantastic summer robe of lust , and wanton appetite , and as soon as that Cestus that lascivious girdle is thrown away , then the reins chasten us and give us warning in the night : then that which called us formerly to serve the manlinesse of the body , and the childishnesse of the soul , keeps us waking , to divide the hours with the intervals of prayer , and to number the minutes with our penitential groans : Then the flesh sits uneasily and dwells in sorrow , and then the spirit feels it self at ease , freed from the petulant sollicitations of those passions which in health were as buisie and as restlesse as atomes in the sun , alwayes dancing and alwayes busie and never sitting down till a sad night of grief and uneasinesse draws the vail , and lets them dye alone in se●ret dishonour . 2. Next to this ; the soul by the help of sicknesse knocks off the fetters of pride and vainer complacencies . Then she drawes the curtains , and stops the lights from coming in , and takes the pictures down , those phantastic images of self-love , and gay remembrances of vain opinion , and popular noises . Then the Spirit stoops into the sobrieties of humble thoughts and feels corruption chiding the forwardnesse of fancy , and allaying the vapours of conceit and factious opinions . For humility is the souls grave into which he enters , not to die , but to meditate and i● terre some of its troublesome appendages . There she sees the dust , and feels the dishonours of the body , and reads the Register of all its sad adherencies ; and then she layes by all her vain reflexions , beating upon her Chrystall and pure mirrour from the fancies of strength and beauty , & little decayed prettinesses of the body . And when in sicknesse we forget all our knotty discourses of Philosophy , and a Syllogisme makes our head ake , and we feel our many and loud talkings served no lasting end of the soul , no purpose that now we must abide by ; and that the body is like to descend to the land , where all things are forgotten , then she layes aside all her remembrances of applauses , all her ignorant confidences , and cares onely to know Christ Iesus and him crucified , to know him plainly , and with much heartinesse , and simplicity . And I cannot think this to be a contemptible advantage ▪ for ever since man tempted himself by his impatient desires of knowing , and being as God , Man thinks it the finest thing in the world to know much , and therefore is hugely apt to esteem himself better then his brethren , if he knowes some little impertinencies , and them imperfectly , and that with infinite uncertainty ; But God hath been pleased with a rare art to prevent the inconveniencies apt to arise by this passionate longing after knowledge ; even by giving to every man a sufficient opinion of his own understanding ; and who is there in the world that thinks himself to be a fool , or indeed not fit to govern his brother ? There are but few men but they think they are wise enough , and every man believes his own opinion the soundest , and if it were otherwise , men would burst themselves with envy , or else become irrecoverable slaves to the talking and disputing man. But when God intended this permission to be an antidote of envy , and a satisfaction and allay to the troublesome appetites of knowing , and made that this universal opinion by making men in some proportions equal should be a keeper out , or a great restraint to slavery , and tyranny respectively , Man ( for so he uses to do ) hath turned this into bitternesse : for when nature had made so just a distribution of understanding , that every man might think he had enough , he is not content with that , but will think he hath more then his brother : and whereas it might well be imployed in restraining slavery , he hath used it to break off the bands of all obedience , and it ends in pride and schismes , in heresies and tyrannies : and it being a spiritual evil , it growes upon the soul with old age and flattery , with health and the supports of a prosperous fortune . Now besides the direct operations of the Spirit , and a powerfull grace , there is in nature left to us no remedy for this evil , but a sharp sicknesse , or an equall sorrow , and allay of fortune ; and then we are humble enough to ask counsell of a despised Priest , and to think that even a common sentence from the mouth of an appointed comforter streams forth more refreshment then all our own wiser and more reputed discourses . Then our understandings and our bodies peeping thorow their own breaches see their shame and their dishonour , their dangerous follies , and their huge deceptions , and they go into the clefts of the rock , and every little hand may cover them . 3. Next to these ; As the soul is still undressing , she takes off the roughnesse of her great and little angers , and animosities , and receives the oil of mercies , and smooth forgivenesse , fair interpretations , and gentle answers , designes of reconcilement , and Christian atonement in their places . For so did the wrastlers in Olympus , they stripped themselves of all their garments , and then anointed their naked bodies with oil , smooth and vigorous , with contracted nerves and enlarged voice , they contended vehemently , till they obtained their victory , or their ease , and a crown of Olive ▪ or a huge pity was the reward of their fierce contentions . Some wise men have said , that anger sticks to a mans nature as inseparably as other vices do to the manners of fools , and that anger is never quite cured ; but God that hath found out remedies for all diseases , hath so ordered the circumstances of man , that in worser sort of men , anger and great indignation consume and shrivell into little peevishnesses and uneasie accents of sicknesse , and spend themselves in trifling instances : and in the better and more sanctified , it goes off in prayers , and alms , and solemn reconcilement : And however , the temptations of this state , such I mean which are proper to it , are little and inconsiderable : The man is apt to chide a servant too bitterly , and to be discontented with his nurse , or not satisfied with his Physitian , and he rests uneasily and ( poor man ) nothing can please him ; and indeed these little undecencies must be cured and stopped , lest they run into an inconvenience . But sicknesse is in this particular a little image of the state of blessed Souls , or of Adams early morning in Paradise , free from the troubles of lust , and violencies of anger , and the intricacies of ambition , or the restlesnesse of covetousnesse . For though a man may carry all these along with him into his sicknesse , yet there he will not finde them , and in despite of all his own malice , his soul shall finde some rest from labouring in the galleys , and baser captivity of sin : and if we value those moments of being in the love of God , and in the kingdom of grace , which certainly are the beginnings of felicity , we may also remember that the not sinning actually , is one step of innocence ; and therefore that state is not intolerable , which by a sensible trouble , makes it in most instances impossible to commit those great sins , which make death , and hell , and horrid damnations . And then let us but adde this to it ; that God sends sicknesses , but he never causes sin ; that God is angry with a ●inning person , but never with a man for being sick ; that sin causes God to hate us , and sicknesse causes him to pity us ; that all wise men in the world choose trouble rather then dishonour ; affliction rather then basenesse ; and that sicknesse stops the torrent of sin , and interrupts its violence ; and even to the worst men , makes it to retreat many degrees ; we may reckon sicknesse amongst good things , as we reckon Rhubarb , and Aloës , and child-birth , and labour , and obedience , and discipline : These are unpleasant , and yet safe ; they are troubles in order to blessings , or they are securities from danger , or the hard choices of a lesse and a more tolerable evil . 4. Sicknesse is in some sense eligible , because it is the opportunity and the proper scence of exercising * some vertues . It is that agony in which men are tried for a crown ; and if we remember what glorious things are spoken of the grace of faith , that it is the life of just men , the restitution of the dead in trespasses and sins , the justification of a sinner , the support of the weak , the confidence of the strong , the magazine of promises , and the title to very glorious rewards ; we may easily imagine that it must have in it a work and a difficulty , in some proportion answerable to so great effects . But when we are bidden to beleeve strange propositions , we are put upon it when we cannot judge , and those propositions have possessed our discerning faculties , and have made a party there , and are become domestick before they come to be disputed , and then the articles of faith are so few , and are made so credible , and in their event and in their object are so usefull and gaining upon the affections , that he were a prodigie of man , and would be so esteemed , th●t should in all our present circumstances disbeleeve any point of faith : and all is well as long as the Sun shines , and the fair breath of heaven gently wa●ts us to our own purposes . But if you will try the excellency , and feel the work of faith , place the man in a persecution , let him ride in a storm , let his bones be broken with sorrow , and his eyelids loosened with sicknesse , let his bread be dipped in tears , and all the daughters of Musick be brought low ; Let God commence a quarrell against him , and be bitter in the accents of his anger or his discipline , then God tries your faith . Can you then trust his goodnesse , & beleeve him to be a Father when you groan under his rod ? Can you rely upon all the strange propositions of Scripture , and be content to perish if they be not true ? C●n you receive comfort in the discourses of death and heaven , of immortality , and the resurrection , of the death of Christ , and conforming to his sufferings ? Truth is ; There are but two great periods , in which faith demonstrates it self to be a powerfull , and mighty grace ; and they ●re , persecution and the approaches of death , for the passive part : and a temptation , for the active . In the dayes of pleasure and the night of pain , faith is to fight her agonisticon , to contend for mastery : and faith overcomes all alluring and fond temptations to sin , and faith overcomes all our weaknesses and faintings in our troubles . By the faith of the promises we learn to despise the world , choosing those objects which faith discovers ; and by expectation of the same promises , we are comforted in all our sorrowes , and enabled to look thorow and see beyond the cloud : but the vigor of it is pressed , and called forth , when all our fine discourses come to be reduced to practice . For in our health and clearer dayes , it is easy to talk of putting trust in God : we readily trust him for life when we are in health ; for provisions when we have fair revenues ; and for deliverance when we are newly escaped , but let us come to fit upon the margent of our grave , and let a Tyrant lean hard upon our fortunes , and dwell upon our wrong , let the storm arise , and the keels tosse till the cordage crack , or that all our hopes bulge under us , and descend into the hollownesse of sad misfortunes ; then can you believe , when you neither hear , nor see , nor feel any thing but objections ? This is the proper work of sicknesse : faith is then brought into the theatre , and so exercised , that if it abides but to the end of the contention , we may see that work of faith which God will hugely crown . The same I say of hope , and of charity , or the love of God , and of patience , which is a grace produced from the mixtures of all these : they are vertues which are greedy of danger . And no man was ever honoured by any wise or discerning person for dining upon Persian Carpets , nor rewarded with a crown for being at ease . It was the fire that did honour to Mutius Scevola , poverty made Fabritius famous , Rutilius was made excellent by banishment , Regulus by torments , Socrates by prison , Cato by his death : and God hath crowned the memory of Iob with a wreath of glory because he sate upon his dunghil wisely and temperatly : and his potsheard and his groans mingled with praises and justifications of God , pleased him like an Anthem sung by Angels in the morning of the resurrection . God could not choose but be pleased with the delicious accents of Martyrs , when in their tortures they cryed out nothing but [ Holy Iesus ] and [ blessed be God ] and they also themselves who with a hearty resignation to the Divine pleasure can delight in Gods severe dispensation , will have the transportations of Cherubins , when they enter into the joyes of God. If God be delicious to his servants when he smites them , he will be nothing but ravishments and extasies to their spirits when he refreshes them with overflowings of joy , in the day of recompences . No man is more miserable then he that hath no adversity ; that man is not tryed whether he be good or bad ; and God never crowns those vertues which are onely faculties , and dispositions : but every act of vertue is an ingredient into reward . And we see many children f●irly planted , whose parts of nature were never dressed by art , nor called from the furrowes of their first possibilities by discipline , and institution , and they dwell for ever in ignorance , and converse with beasts : and yet if they had been dressed and exercised , might have stood at the chairs of Princes , or spoken parables amongst the rulers of cities ? Our vertues are but in the seed , when the grace of God comes upon us first : but this grace must be thrown into broken furrowes , and must twice feel the cold , and twice feel the heat , and be softned with storms and showers , and then it will arise into fruitfulnesse and harvests : And what is there in the world to distinguish vertues from dishonours , or the valour of Caesar from the softnesse of the Egyptian Eunuchs , or that can make any thing rewardable , but the labour and the danger , the pain and the difficulty ? Vertue could not be any thing but sensuality , if it were the entertainment of our senses and fond desires ; and Apicius had been the noblest of all the Romans , if seeding a great appetite and despising the severities of temperance had been the work and proper imployment of a wise man. But otherwise do fathers , and otherwise do mothers handle their children : These soften them with kisses and imperfect noises , with the pap and breast milk of soft endearments , they rescue them from Tutors , and snatch them from discipline , they desire to keep them fat and warm , and their feet dry and their bellies full ; and then the children govern , and cry , and prove fools , and troublesome , so long as the feminine republike does endure . But fathers , because they designe to have their children wise and valiant , apt for counsel , or for arms , send them to severe governments , and tye them to study , to hard labour , and a●●lictive contingencies . They rejoyce when the bold boy strikes a lyon with his hunting spear , and shrinks not when the beast comes to affright his early courage . Softnesse is for slaves and beasts , for minstrels and uselesse persons , for such who cannot ascend higher then the state of a fair ox , or a servant entertained for vainer offices : But the man that designes his son for noble imployments , to honours , and to triumphs , to consular dignities and presidences of counsels , loves to see him pale with study or panting with labour , hardned with sufferance or eminent by dangers : and so God dresses us for heaven . He loves to see us strugling with a disease , and resisting the Devil , and contesting against the weaknesses of nature , and against hope to believe in hope , resigning our selves to Gods will , praying him to choose for us , and dying in all things but faith and its blessed consequents , ut ad officium cum periculo simus prompti ; and the danger and the resistance shall endeare the office . For so have I known the boysterous north-winde passe thorough the yielding aire which opened its bosome , and appeased its violence by entertaining it with easie compliance in all the regions of its reception . But when the same breath of Heaven hath been checked with the stiffnesse of a tower , or the united strength of a wood ; it grew mighty , and dwelt there , and made the highest branches stoop , and make a smooth path for it on the top of all its glories : So is sicknesse , and so is the grace of God. When sicknesse hath made the difficulty , then Gods grace hath made a triumph , and by doubling its power hath created new proportions of a reward ; and then shews its biggest glory , when it hath the greatest difficulty to Master , the greatest weaknesses to support , the most busie temptations to contest with : For so God loves that his strength should be seen in our weaknesse , and our danger . Happy is that state of life in which our services to God are the dearest , and the most expensive . 5. Sicknesse hath some degrees of eligibility , at least by an after-choice ; because to all persons which are within the possibilities and state of pardon , it becomes a great instrument of pardon of sins . For as God seldom rewards here and hereafter too : So it is not very often that he punishes in both states ; In great and finall sins he doth so ; but we finde it expressed onely in the case of the sin against the Holy Ghost , which shall never be forgiven in this world , nor in the world to come ; that is , it shall be punished in both worlds , and the infelicities of this world shall but usher in the intollerable calamities of the next . But this is in a case of extremity , and in sins of an unpardonable malice : In those lesser stages of death which are deviations from the rule , and not a destruction and perfect antinomy to the whole institution ; God very often smites with his rod of sicknesse , that he may not for ever be slaying the soul with eternall death . I will visit their offences with the rod , and their sin with scourges : Neverthelesse my loving kindenesse will I not utterly take from him : nor suffer my truth to fail . And there is in the New Testament a delivering over to Satan , and a consequent buffeting for the mortification of the flesh indeed ; but that the soul may be saved in the day of the Lord. And to some persons the utmost processe of Gods anger reaches but to a sharp sicknesse , or at most , but to a temporall death , and then the little momentany anger is spent , and expires in rest , and a quiet grave . Origen , S. Austin , and Cassian say concerning Ananias and Sapphira , that they were slain with a sudden death , that by such a judgement their sin might be punished , and their guilt expiated , and their persons reserved for mercy in the day of judgement . And God cuts off many of his children from the land of the living ; and yet when they are numbred amongst our dead , he findes them in the book of life , written amongst those that shall live to him for ever : and thus it happened to many new Christians in the Church of Corinth for their little undecencies , and disorders in the circumstances of receiving the holy Sacrament . S. Paul sayes ; [ that many amongst them were sick , may were weak , and some were fallen asleep ] He expresses the divine anger against those persons in no louder accents ; which according to the stile of the New Testament , where all the great transactions of duty and reproof are generally made upon the stock of Heaven , and Hell is plainly a reserve , and a period set to the declaration of Gods wrath . For God knowes that the torments of hell are so horrid , so insupportable a calamity , that he is not easy and apt to cast those souls , which he hath taken so much care , and hath been at so much expence to save , into the eternal never dying flames of Hell , lightly , for smaller sins , or after a fairly begun repentance , and in the midst of holy desires to finish it : But God takes such penalties , and exacts such fines of us , which we may pay , salvo contenemento saving the main stake of all , even our precious souls . And therefore S. Augustine prayed to God in his penitential sorrowes . Here O Lord burn and cut my flesh that thou mayest spare me for ever . For so said our blessed Saviour , Every sacrifice must be seasoned with salt , and every sacrifice must be burnt with fire , that is , we must abide in the state of grace , and if we have committed sins we must expect to be put into the state of affliction , and yet the sacrifice will send up a right and un●roubled cloud , and a sweet smell to joyn with the incense of the Altar , where the eternal Priest offers a never ceasing sacrifice . And now I have said a thing against which there can be no exceptions , and of which no just reason can make abatement . For when sicknesse which is the condition of our nature is called for , with purposes of redemption ; when we are sent to death to secure eternal life , when God strikes us that he may spare us , it shewes that we have done things which he essentially hates , and therefore we must be smitten with the rod of God : but in the midst of judgement God remembers mercy and makes the rod to be medicinal , and like the rod of God in the hand of Aaron to shoot forth buds , and leaves , and Almonds , hopes , and mercies and eternal recompences in the day of restitution . This is so great a good to us , if it be well conducted in all the chanels of its intention and designe , that if we had put off the objections of the flesh with abstractions , contempts and separations , so as we ought to do , were as earnestly to be prayed for , as any gay blessing that crowns our cups with joy and our heads with garlands and forgetfulnesse . But this was it which I said , that this may , nay that it ought to be chosen , at least by an after-election : for so said S. Paul , If we judge our selves we shall not be condemned of the Lord , that is , if we judge our selves worthy of the sicknesse ; if we acknowledge and confesse Gods justice in smiting us , if we take the rod of God in our own hands , and are willing to imprint it in the flesh , we are workers together with God , in the infliction , and then the sickness beginning , and being managed in the vertue of repentance , and patience and resignation and charity , will end in peace and pardon and justification , and consignation to glory . That I have spoken truth I have brought Gods Spirit speaking in Scripture for a witnesse . But if this be true , there are not many states of life that have advantages which can out-weigh this great instrument of security to our final condition . Moses dyed at the mouth of the Lord ; said the story ; he died with the kisses of the Lords mouth , ( so the Chaldee Paraphrase ) it was the greatest act of kindesse that God did to his servant Moses ; he kissed him and he died ; But I have some things to observe for the better finishing this consideration . 1. All these advantages and lessenings of evil in the state of sicknesse are onely upon the stock of vertue , and religion . There is nothing can make sicknesse in any sense eligible , or in many senses tolerable but onely the grace of God ; that onely turns sicknesse into easinesse and felicity , which also turnes it into vertue . For whosoever goes about to comfort a vitious person when he lies sick upon his bed , can onely discourse of the necessities of nature , of the unavoidableness of the suffering , of the accidental vexations and increase of torments by impatience , of the fellowship of all the sons of Adam , and such other little considerations , which indeed if sadly reflected upon and found to stand alone , teach him nothing , but the degree of his calamity , and the evil of his condition ; and teach him such a patience and minister to him such a comfort which can only make him to observ decent gestures in his sicknesse , and to converse with his friends and standers by so as may do them comfort , and ease their funeral and civil complaints ; but do him no true advantage . For all that may be spoken to a beast when he is crowned with hairlaces and bound with fillets to the Altar , to bleed to death to appease the anger of the Deity , and to ease the burden of his Relatives . And indeed what comfort can he receive , whose sicknesse as it looks back is an effect of Gods indignation , and fierce vengeance , and if it goes forward and enters into the gates of the grave is a beginning of a sorrow that shall shall never have an ending . But when the sicknesse is a messenger sent from a chastising Father ; when it first turns into degrees of innocence , and then into vertues , and thence into pardon , this is no misery , but such a method of the Divine oeconomy , and dispensation , as resolves to bring us to heaven without any new impositions , but meerly upon the stock and charges of nature . 2. Let it be observed that these advantages which spring from sicknesse , are not in all instances of vertue , nor to all persons . Sicknesse is the proper scene for patience , and resignation , for all the passive graces of a Christian , for faith and hope , and for some single acts of the love of God. But sicknesse is not a fit station for a penitent ; and it can serve the ends of the grace of repentance but accidentally : Sicknesse may * begin a repentance , if God continues life , and if we cooperate with the Divine grace : or sicknesse may help to alleviate the wrath of God and to facilitate the pardon , if all the other parts of this duty be performed in our healthfull state ; so that it may serve at the entrance in , or at the going out . But sicknesse at no hand is a good stage to represent all the substantiall parts of this duty : 1. It invites to it , 2. It makes it appear necessary , 3. It takes off the fancies of vanity , 4. It attempers the spirit , 5. It cures hypocrisie , 6. It tames the fumes of pride , 7. It is the school of patience , 8. And by taking us from off the brisker relishes of the world , it makes us with more gust to taste the things of the Spirit : and all this , onely when God fits the circumstances of the sicknesse , so as to consist with acts of reason , consideration , choice , and a present and reflecting minde : which then God sends when he means that the sickness of the body should be the cure of the soul. But let no man so rely upon it , as by designe , to trust the beginning , the progresse , and the consummation of our piety to such an estate which for ever leaves it unperfect : and though to some persons it addes degrees , and ministers opportunities , and exercises single acts with great advantage , in passive graces , yet it is never an intire or sufficient instrument for the change of our condition , from the state of death to the liberty and life of the sons of God. 3. It were good if we would transact the affairs of our souls with noblenesse and ingenuity , and that we would by an early and forward religion prevent the necessary arts of the Divine providence . It is true , that God cures some by incision , by fire and torments , but these are ever the more obstinate and more unrelenting natures . Gods providence is not so afflictive and full of trouble as that it hath placed sicknesse and infirmity amongst things simply necessary ; and in most persons it is but a sickly and an effeminate vertue which is imprinted upon our spirits with fears and the sorrowes of a feaver , or a peev●sh consumption . It is but a miserable remedy to be beholding to a sicknesse for our health , and though it be better to suffer the losse of a finger , then that the arm and the whole body should putrifie , yet even then also it is a trouble , and an evil to lose a finger . He that mends with sicknesse pares the nails of the beast , when they have already torn off part of the flesh : But he that would have a sicknesse become a clear and an entire blessing , a thing indeed to be reckoned among the good things of God , and the evil things of the world , must lead an holy life , and judge himself with an early sentence , and so order the affairs of his soul , that in the usuall method of Gods saving us , there may be nothing left to be done , but that such vertues should be exercised which God intends to crown : and then , as when the Athenians upon a day of battell with longing and uncertain souls sate in their Common-hall expecting what would be the sentence of the day , at last received a messenger , who onely had breath enough left him to say , [ We are conquerours ] and so died : So shall the sick person , who hath fought a good fight , and kept the faith , and onely wait● for his dissolution , and his sentence , breaths forth his spirit , with the accents of a conquerour , and his sicknesse and his death shall onely make the mercy and the vertue more illustrious . But for the sicknesse it self ; if all the calumnies were true concerning it , with which it is aspersed , yet it is far to be preferred before the most pleasant sin , and before a great secular businesse , and a temporall care ; and some men wake as much in the foldings of the softest beds , as others on the crosse : and sometimes the very weight of sorrow , and the wearinesse of a sicknesse presses the spirit into slumbers and the images of rest , when the intemperate or the lustfull person rolls upon his uneasie thorns , and sleep is departed from his eyes . Certainly it is , some sicknesse is a blessing . Indeed , blindnesse were a most accursed thing , if no man were ever blind , but he whose eyes are pulled out with tortures , or burning basins ; and if sickness were always a testimony of Gods anger , and a violence to a mans whole condition , then it were a huge calamity : but because God sends it to his servants , to his children , to little infants , to Apostles and Saints , with designes of mercy , to preserve their innocence , to overcome temptation , to try their vertue , to fit them for rewards ; it is certain , that sicknesse never is an evil , but by our own faults ; and if we will do our duty , we shall be sure to turn it into a blessing . If the sicknesse be great it may end in death ; and the greater it is , the sooner ; and if it be very little , it hath great intervalls of rest ; if it be between both we may be Masters of it , and by serving the ends of Providence serve also the perfective end of humane nature , and enter into the possession of everlasting mercies . The summe is this ; He that is afraid of pain , is afraid of his own nature , and if his fear be violent , it is a signe his patience is none at all ; and an impatient person is not ready dressed for heaven . None but suffering , humble , and patient persons can go to heaven : and when God hath given us the whole stage of our life to exercise all the active vertues of religion , it is necessary in the state of vertues that some portion and period of our lives be assigned to passive graces ; for patience , for Christian fortitude , for resignation , or conformity to the Divine will. But as the violent fear of sicknesse makes us impatient , so it will make our death without comfort and without religion , and we shall go off from our stage of actions and sufferings , with an unhandsome exit , because we were willing to receive the Kindnesse of God when he expressed it as we listed : But we would not suffer him to be kinde and gracious to us in his own method , nor were willing to exercise and improve our vertues at the charge of a sharp Feaver or a lingring consumption . Woe be to the man that hath lost patience , for what will he do when the Lord shall visit him . SECT . VII . The second temptation proper to the state of sicknesse ; Fear of death , with its remedies . THere is nothing which can make sicknesse unsanctified , but the same also will give us cause to fear death . If therefore we so order our affairs and spirits , that we do no● fear death , our sickness may easily become our advantage , and we can then receive counsel , and consider , and do those acts of vertue , which are in that state the proper services of God : and such which men in bondage and fear are not capable of doing , or of advices how they should , when they come to the appointed dayes of mourning . And indeed if men would but place their designe of being happy in the noblenesse , courage and perfect resolutions of doing handsome things , and passing thorough our unavoidable necessities ; in the contempt and despite of the things of this world , and in holy living , and the perfective desires of our natures , the longings and pursuances after Heaven , it is certain they could not be made miserable by chance and change , by sicknesse and death . But we are so softned and made effeminate with delicate thoughts and meditations of ease , and brutish satisfactions , that if our death comes before we have seized upon a great-fortune , or enjoy the promises of the fortune tellers , we esteem our selves to be robbed of our goods , to be mocked , and miserable . Hence it comes that men are impatient of the thoughts of death ; hence comes those arts of protraction and delaying the significations of old age * ; thinking to deceive the world men cosen themselves , and by representing themselves youthfull , they certainly continue their vanity , till Proserpina pull the perruke from their heads . We cannot deceive God and nature ; for a coffin is a coffin , though it be covered with a pompous veil ; and the minutes of our time strike on , and are counted by Angels , till the period comes which must cause the passing bell to give warning to all the neighbours that thou art dead , and they must be so : and nothing can excuse or retard this : and if our death could be put off a little longer , what advantage can it be in thy accounts of nature or felicity ? They that 3000 years agone dyed unwillingly , and stopped death two dayes , or staid it a week , what is their gain ? where is that week ? and poor spirited men use arts of protraction , and make their persons pitiable , but their condition contemptible ; beeing like the poor sinners at Noahs flood ; the waters drove them out of their lower rooms , then they crept up to the roof , having lasted half a day longer : and then they knew not how to get down : some crept upon the top branch of a tree , and some climbed up to a mountain , and staid it may be three dayes longer ; but all that while they endured a worse torment then death ; they lived with amazement , and were distracted with the ruines of mankinde , and the horrour of an universal deluge . Remedies against the fear of death by way of consideration . 1. God having in this world placed us in a sea , and troubled the sea with a continual storm , hath appointed the Church for a ship , and religion to be the sterne : but there is no haven or port , but death . Death is that harbour whither God hath designed every one , that there he may finde rest from the troubles of the world . How many of the noblest Romans have taken death for sanctuary , and have esteemed it less then shame or a mean dishonour ? And Caesar was cruel to Domitius Captain of Corfinium , when he had taken the town from him , that he refused to signe his petition of death . Death would have hid his head with honour , but that cruel mercy reserved him to the shame of surviving his disgrace . The Holy Scripture giving an account of the reasons of the divine providence taking Godly men from this world ; and shutting them up in a hasty grave , sayes , that they are taken from the evils to come : and concerning our selves it is certain , if we had ten years agone taken seizure of our portion of dust , death had not taken us from good things , but from infinite evils , such which the sun hath seldom seen . Did not Priamus weep oftner then Troilus ? and happy had he been if he had died when his sons were living , and his kingdom safe , and houses full , and his citie unburnt . It was a long life that made him miserable , and an early death onely could have secured his fortune . and it hath happened many times that persons of a fa●r life and a clear reputation , of a good fortune , and an honourable name , have been tempted in their age to folly and vanity , have fallen under the disgrace of dotage , or into an infortunate marriage , or have besottted themselves with drinking , or outlived their fortunes , or become tedious to their friends , or are afflicted with lingring and vexatious diseases , or lived to see their excellent parts buried , and cannot understand the wise discourses and productions of their younger years ; In all these cases and infinite more , do not all the world say but it had been better this man had died sooner ? But so have I known passionate women to shrike aloud when their neerest relatives were dying , and that horrid shrike hath stayed the spirit of the man , a while to wonder at the folly , and represent the inconvenience , and the dying person hath lived one day longer , full of pain , amazed with an undeterminate spirit , distorted with convulsions , and onely come again to act one scene more of a new calamity , and to die with less decency : so also do very many men , with passion and a troubled interest , they strive to continue their life longer , and it may be they escape this sickness , and live to fall into a disgrace ; they escape the storm and fall into the hands of pyrats , and instead of dying with liberty , they live like slaves , miserable and despised , servants to a litle time , and sottish admirers of the breath of their own lungs . Paulus Aemilius did handsomly reprove the cowardice of the King of Macedon , who begged of him for pities sake and humanity , that having conquered him and taken his kingdom from him he would be content with that , and not lead him in triumph a prisoner to Rome . Aemilius told him he need not be beholding to him for that : himself might prevent that in despite of him . But the timorous King durst not die : But certainly every wise man will easily believe that it had been better the Macedonian Kings should have dyed in battel , then protract their life so long , till some of them came to be Scriveners and Joyners at Rome : or that the Tyrant of Sicily better had perished in the Adriatic , then to be wafted to Corinth safely and there turn Schoolmaster . It is a sad calamity that the fear of death shall so imbecill mans courage and understanding , that he dares not suffer the remedie of all his calamities ; but that he lives to say as Liberius did , I have lived this one day longer then I should : either therefore let us be willing to die when God calls , or let us never more complain of the calamities of our life which we feel so sharp and numerous . And when God sends his Angel to us with a scroll of death , let us look on it as an act of mercy , to prevent many sins and many calamities of a longer life ; and lay our heads down softly , and go to sleep without wrangling like babies and froward children . For a man ( at least ) gets this by death , that his calamities are not immortal . But I do not onely consider death by the advantages of comparison , but if we look on it in it self it is no such formidable thing , if we view it on both sides and handle it , and consider all its appendages . 2. It is necessary and therefore not intolerable : and nothing is to be esteemed evil which God and nature have fixed with eternal sanc●ions . It is a law of God , it is a punishment of our sins , and it is the constitution of our nature . Two differing substances were joyned together with the breath of God , and when that breath is taken away they part asunder , and return to their several principles : the soul to God our Father , the body to the earth our Mother : and what in all this is evil ? Surely nothing , but that we are men ; nothing but that we were not born immortall : but by declining this change with great passion , or receiving it with a huge naturall fear , we accuse the Divine Providence of Tyranny , and exclaim against our naturall constitution and are discontent that we are men . 3. It is a thing that is no great matter in it self : if we consider that we die daily , that it meets us in every accident , that every creature carries a dart along with it and can kill us . And therefore when Lysimachus threatned Theodorus to kill him , he told him , that was no great matter to do , and he could do no more then the Cantharides could ; a little flie could do as much . 4. It is a thing that every one suffers , even persons of the lowest resolution , of the meanest vertue , of no breeding , of no discourse . Take away but the pomps of death , the disguises and solemn bug-bears , the tinsell , and the actings by candle-light , and proper and phantastic ceremonies , the minstrels and the noise-makers , the women and the weepers , the swoonings and the shrikings , the Nurses and the Physicians , the dark room and the Ministers , the Kinred and the Watchers , and then to die is easie , ready and quitted from its troublesome circumstances . It is the same harmelesse thing , that a poor shepherd suffered yesterday , or a maid-servant to day ; and at the same time in which you die , in that very night , a thousand creatures die with you , some wise men , and many fools ; and the wisdom of the first will not quit him , and the folly of the latter does not make him unable to die . 5. Of all the evils of the world which are reproached with an evil character , death is the most innocent of its accusation . For when it is present , it hurts no body ; and when it is absent , 't is indeed troublesome , but the trouble is owing to our fears , not to the affrighting and mistaken object : and besides this , if it were an evil , it is so transient , that it passes like the instant , or undiscerned portion of the present time ; and either it is past , or it is not yet ; for just when it is , no man hath reason to complain of so insensible , so sudden , so undiscerned a change . 6. It is so harmelesse a thing , that no good man was ever thought the more miserable for dying , but much the happier . When men saw the graves of Calatinus , of the Servicij , the Scipio's , the Metelli , did ever any man among the wisest Romans think them unhappy ? And when S. Paul fell under the sword of Nero , and S. Peter died upon the crosse , and S. Stephen from an heap of stones was carried into an easier grave , they that made great lamentation over them , wept for their own interest , and after the manner of men ; but the Martyrs were accounted happy , and their dayes kept solemnly , and their memories preserved in never dying honours . When S. Hilary Bishop of Poictiers in France went into the East to reproove the Arian heresie , he heard that a young noble Gentleman , treated with his daughter Abra for marriage : The Bishop wrote to his daughter , that she should not ingage her promise , nor do countenance to that request , because he had provided for her a husband fair , rich , wise and noble , farre beyond her present offer . The event of which was this : She obeyed , and when her father returned from his Eastern triumph to his Western charge , he prayed to God that his daughter might die quickly , and God heard his prayers , and Christ took her into his bosome , entertaining her with antepasts and caresses of holy love , till the day of the marriage Supper of the Lamb shall come . But when the Bishops wife observed this event , and understood of the good man her husband what was done , and why , she never left him alone till he obtained the same favour for her ; and she also at the prayers of S. Hilary went into a more early grave and a bed of joyes . 7. It is a sottish and an unlearned thing to reckon the time of our life as it is short or long , to be good or evil fortune ; life in it self being neither good nor bad , but just as we make it , and therefore so is death . 8. But when we consider , death is not onely better then a miserable life , not onely an easie and innocent thing in it self , but also that it is a state of advantage , we shall have reason not to double the sharpnesses of our sicknesse by our fear of death : Certain it is , death hath some good upon its proper stock : praise and a fair memory , a reverence and religion toward them so great , that it is counted dishonest to speak evil of the dead ; then they rest in peace and are quiet from their labours and are designed to immortality . Cleobis and Biton , Throphonius and Agamedes had an early death sent them as a reward , to the former for their piety to their Mother , to the latter for building of a Temple . To this , all those arguments will minister , which relate the advantages of the state of separation and resurrection . SECT . VIII . Remedies against fear of death , by way of exercise . 1. HE that would willingly be fearlesse of death , must learn to despise the world ; he must neither love any thing passionately , nor be proud of any circumstance of his life . O death how bitter is the remembrance of thee to a man that liveth at rest in his possessions , to a man that hath nothing to vex him , and that hath prosperity in all things , yea unto him that is yet able to receive meat ? said the son of Sirach . But the parts of this exercise help each other . If a man be not incorporated in all his passions to the things of this world , he will lesse fear to be divorced from them by a supervening death ; and yet because he must part with them all in death , it is but reasonable he should not be passionate for so fugitive and transient interest . But if any man thinks well of himself for being a handsome person , or if he be stronger and wiser then his neighbours , he must remember that what he boasts of will decline into weaknesse and dishonour ; but that very boasting and complacency , will make death keener , and more unwelcome , because it comes to take him from his confidences and pleasures , making his beauty equal to those Ladies that have slept some years in Charnel houses , and their strength not so stubborn as the breath of an infant , and their wisdom such which can be looked for in the land where all things are forgotten . 2. He that would not fear death , must strengthen his spirit with the proper instruments of Christian fortitude . All men are resolved upon this , that to bear grief honestly and temperately and to dye willingly and nobly is the duty of a good and of a valiant man : and they that are not so , are vitious , and fools , and cowards . All men praise the valiant , and honest , and that which the very Heathen admired in their noblest examples , is especially patience and contempt of death . Zeno Eleates endured torments rather then discover his friends or betray them to the danger of the Tyrant : and Calanus the barbarous and unlearned Indian willingly suffered himself to be burnt alive : and all the women did so , to do honour to their Husbands Funeral , and to represent and prove their affections great to their Lords . The religion of a Christian does more command fortitude , then ever did any institution ; for we are commanded to be willing to die for Christ , to dye for the brethren , to dye rather then give offence or scandal ; the effect of which is this ; that he that is instructed to do the necessary parts of his duty ; is by the same instrument fortified against death : As he that does his duty need not fear death : so neither shall he ; the parts of his duty , are parts of his security . It is certainly a great basenesse and pusillanimitie of spirit that makes death terrible and extremely to be avoided . 3. Christian prudence is a great security against the fear of death . For if we be afraid of death it is but reasonable to use all spiritual arts to take off the apprehension of the evil : but therefore we ought to remove our fear , because fear gives to death wings and spurres , and darts . Death hastens to a fearful man : if therefore you would make death harmlesse and slow ; to throw off fear is the way to do it ; and prayer is the way to do that . If therefore you be afraid of death , consider you will have lesse need to fear it , by how much the less you do fear it : and so cure your direct fear by a reflex act of prudence , and consideration . Fannius had not dyed so soon , if he had not feared death : and when Cneius Carbo begged the respite of a little time for a base imployment of the souldiers of Pompey , he got nothing , but that the basenesse of his fear dishonoured the dignity of his third Consulship ; and he chose to dye in a place , where none but his meanest servants should have seen him . I remember a story of the wrastler Polydamas that running into a cave to avoid the storm , the water at last swelled so high , that it began to presse that hollownesse to a ruine : which when his fellowes espied they chose to enter into the common fate of all men , and went abroad : but Polydamas thought by his strength to support the earth till its intolerable weight crushed him into flatnesse and a grave . Many men run for shelter to a place , and they onely finde a remedie for their fears by feeling the worst of evils : fear it self findes no sanctuary but the worst of sufferance ; and they that flye from a battel are exposed to the mercy and fury of the pursuers , who if they faced about , were as well disposed to give laws of life and death , as to take them ; and at worst can but die nobly ; but now even at the very best , they live shamefully or die timorously . Courage is the greatest security ; for it does most commonly safeguard the man , but alwayes rescues the condition from an intolerable evil . 4. If thou wilt be fearlesse of death , endeavour to be in love with the felicities of Saints and Angels : and be once perswaded to believe that there is a condition of living better then this ; that there are creatures more noble then we ; that above there is a countrey better then ours ; that the inhabitants know more and know better ; and are in places of rest and desire : and first learn to value it , and then learn to purchase it ; and death cannot be a formidable thing , which lets us into so much joy & so much felicity . And indeed who would not think his condition mended if he passed from conversing with dull mortals , with ignorant and foolish persons , with Tyrants and enemies of learning , to converse with Homer and Plato , with Socrates and Cicero , with Plutarch and Fabricius ? So the Heathens speculated : but we consider higher . The dead that die in the Lord shall converse with S. Paul , and all the Colledge of the Apostles , and all the Saints and Martyrs ; with all the good men whose memory we preserve in honour : with excellent Kings and holy Bishops , and with the great Shepherd and Bishop of our souls Iesus Christ , and with God himself . For Christ dyed for us , that whether we wake or sleep we might live together with him . Then we shall be free from lust and envy , from fear and rage , from covetousnesse and sorrow , from tears and cowardice ; and these indeed properly are the onely evils that are contrary to felicity and wisdom . Then we shall see strange things and know new propositions , and all things in another manner , and to higher purposes . Cleombrotus was so taken with this speculation , that having learned from Plato's Phaedon the souls abode , he had not patience to stay natures dull leisure , but leapt from a wall to his portion of immortality . And when Pomponius Atticus resolved to die by famine , to ease the great pains of his gout , in the abstinence of two dayes found his foot at ease : But when he began to feel the pleasures of an approaching death , and the delicacies of that ease he was to inherit below , he would not withdraw his foot , but went on and finished his death ; and so did Cleanthes ; and every wise man will despise the little evils of that state , which indeed is the daughter of fear , but the mother of rest , and peace , and felicity . 5. If God should say to us , Cast thy self into the Sea ( as Christ did to S. Peter , or as God concerning Ionas ) I have provided for thee a Dolphin , or a Whale , or a Port , a safety or a deliverance , security or a reward , were we not incredulous and pusillanimous persons if we should tremble to put such a felicity into act , and our selves into possession ? The very duty of resignation , and the love of our own interest are good antidores against fear . In fourty or fifty years we finde evils enough , and arguments enough to make us weary of this life : And to a good man there are very many more reasons to be afraid of life then death , this having in it lesse of evil and more of advantage . And it was a rare wish of that Roman , that death might come onely to wise and excellent persons , and not to fools and cowards , that it might not be a sanctuary for the timerous , but the reward of the vertuous ; and indeed they onely can make advantage of it . 6. Make no excuses to make thy desires of life seem reasonable ; neither cover thy fear and pretences , but suppresse it rather , with arts of severity and ingenuity . Some are not willing to submit to Gods sentence and arrest of death , till they have finished such a designe , or made an end of the last paragraph of their book , or raised such portions for their children , or preached so many sermons , or built their house , or planted their orchard , or ordered their estate with such advantages ; It is well for the modesty of these men that the excuse is ready ; but if it were not , it is certain they would search one out : for an idle man is never ready to die , and is glad of any excuse ; and a busied man hath alwayes something unfinished , and he is ready for every thing but death : and I remember that Petronius brings in Eumolpus composing verses in a desperate storm , and being called upon to shift for himself when the ship dashed upon the rock , cried out to let him alone till he had finished and trimmed his verse , which was lame in the hinder leg ; the man either had too strong a desire to end his verse , or too great a desire not to end his life . But we must know Gods times are not to be measured by our circumstances ; and what I value , God regards not , or if it be valuable in the accounts of men , yet God will supply it with other contingencies of his providence : and if Epaphroditus had died when he had his great sicknesse S. Paul speaks of , God would have secured the work of the Gospel without him , and he could have spared Epaphroditus as well as S. Stephen , and S. Peter , as well as S. Iames : Say no more , but when God calls , lay aside thy papers and first dresse thy soul , and then dresse thy hearse . Blindnesse is odious , and widow-hood is sad , and destitution is without comfort , and persecution is full of trouble , and famine is intolerable , and tears are the sad ease of a sadder heart ; but these are evils of our life , not of our death . For the dead that die in the Lord are so farre from wanting the commodities of this life , that they do not want life it self . After all this , I do not say it is a sin to be afraid of death : we find the boldest spirit that discourses of it with confidence , and dares undertake a danger as big as death , yet doth shrink at the horror of it when it comes dressed in its proper circumstances ; And Brutus who was as bold a Roman to undertake a noble action , as any was since they first reckoned by Consuls , yet when Furius came to cut his throat after his defeat by Anthony , he ran from it like a girl , and being admonished to die constantly , he swore by his life , that he would shortly endure death . But what do I speak of such imperfect persons ? Our B. Lord was pleased to legitimate fear to us , by his agony and prayers in the garden . It is not a sin to be afraid , but it is a great felicity to be without fear , which felicity our dearest Saviour refused to have , because it was agreeable to his purposes to suffer any thing that was contrary to felicity , every thing but sin . But when men will by all means avoid death , they are like those who at any hand resolve to be rich : The case may happen in which they wil blaspheme , and dishonor providence , or do a base action , or curse God , and die : But in all cases they die miserable and insnared , and in no case do they die the lesse for it . Nature hath left us the key of the Churchyard , and custome hath brought Caemeteries and charnell houses into Cities and Churches , places most frequented , that we might not carry our selves strangely in so certain , so expected , so ordinary , so unavoydable an accident . All reluctancy or unwillingnesse to obey the Divine decree , is but a snare to our selves , and a load to our spirits , and is either an intire cause , or a great aggravation of the calamity . Who did not scorn to look upon Xerxes when he caused 300. stripes to be given to the Sea , and sent a chartell of defiance against the Mountain Atho ? Who did not scorn the proud vanity of Cyrus when he took so goodly a revenge upon the river Cyndus for his hard passage over it ? or did not deride or pity the Thracians for shooting arrowes against heaven , when it thunders ? To be angry with God , to quarrell with the Divine providence , by repining against an unalterable , a naturall , an easie sentence , is an argument of a huge folly , and the parent of a great trouble ; as man is base and foolish to no purpose , he throwes away a vice to his own misery and to no advantages of ease and pleasure . Fear keeps men in bondage all their life , saith Saint Paul , and patience makes him his own man , and lord of his own interest and person . Therefore possesse your selves in patience , with reason , and religion , and you shall die with ease . If all the parts of this discourse be true ; if they be better then dreams , and unlesse vertue be nothing but words , as a grove is a heap of trees ; if they be not the Phantasmes of hypochondriacall persons , and designes upon the interest of men , and their perswasions to evil purposes ; then there is no reason , but that we should really desire death , and account it among the good things of God , and the sowre and laborious felicities of man. S. Paul understood it well , when he desired to be dissolved : he well enough knew his own advantages , and pursued them accordingly ; But it is certain that he that is afraid of death , I mean , with a violent and transporting fear , with a fear apt to discompose his duty , or his patience , that man either loves this world too much , or dares not trust God for the next . SECT . IX . General rules and exercises whereby our sicknesse may become safe and sanctified . 1. TAke care that the cause of thy sicknesse be such as may not sowre it in the principle and original causes of it . It a sad calamity to passe into the house of mourning through the gates of intemperance , by a drunken meeting , or the surfets of a loathed and luxurious Table ; for then a man suffers the pain of his own ●olly , and he is like a fool smarting under the whip which his own vitiousnesse twisted for his back ; then a man payes the price of his sin , and hath a pure and an unmingled sorrow in his suffering ; and it cannot be alleviated by any circumstances ; for the whole affair is a meere processe of death and sorrow . Sin is in the head , sicknesse is in the body , and death and an eternity of pains in the tail , and nothing can make this condition intolerable unlesse the miracles of the Divine mercy will be pleased to exchange the eternal anger for the temporal . True it is , that in all sufferings the cause of it makes it noble or ignoble , honour or shame , tolerable or intolerable . For when patience is assaulted by a ruder violence , and by a blow from heaven or earth , from a gracious God , or an unjust man , patience looks forth to the doors which way she may escape , and if innocence or a cause of religion keep the first entrance , then whether she escapes at the gates of life or death there is a good to be received , greater then the evils of a sicknesse ; but if sin thrust in that sicknesse , and that hell stands at the door , then patience turns into fury , and seeing it impossible to go forth with safety , rouls up and down with a circular and infinite revolution , making its motion not from , but upon its own centre ; it doubles the pain and increases the sorrow , till by its weight it breaks the spirit and bursts into the agonies of infinite and eternal ages . If we had seen S. Policarp burning to death , or S. Laurence rosted upon his gridiron , or S. Ignatius exposed to lions , or S. Sebastion pierced with arrowes , or S. Attalus carried about the theatre with scorn unto his death for the cause of Jesus , for religion , for God and a holy conscience , we should have been in love with flames , and have thought the gridiron fairer then the spondae , the ribs of a maritall bed : and we should have chosen to converse with those beasts rather then those men that brought those beasts forth ; and estimated the arrows to be the rayes of light brighter then the moon ; and that disgrace and mistaken pageantry were a solemnity richer and more magficent then Mordecai's procession upon the Kings horse , and in the robes of majesty ; for so did these holy men account them : they kissed their stakes , and hugged their deaths , and ran violently to torments , and counted whippings and secular disgraces to be the enamel of their persons , and the ointment of their heads , and the embalming their names , and securing them for immortality . But to see Sejanus torne in pieces by the people , or Nero crying or creeping timorously to his death when he was condemned to dye more majorum , to see Iudas pale and trembling , full of anguish , sorrow and despair , to observe the groanings and intolerable agonies of Herod and Antiochus , will tell and demonstrate the causes of patience and impatience to proceed from the causes of the suffering ; and it is sin onely that makes the cup bitter and deadly ; when men by vomiting measure up the drink they took in , and sick and sad do again taste their meat turned into choler by intemperance , the sin and its punishment are mingled so , that shame covers the face , and sorrow puts a veil of darknesse upon the heart , and we scarce pity a vile person that is haled to execution for murder or for treason , but we say he deserves it , and that every man is concerned in it that he should dye . If lust brought the sicknesse or the shame ; if we truly suffer the reward of our evil deeds , we must thank our selves ; that is , we are fallen into an evil condition , and are the sacrifice of the Divine justice . But if we live holy lives , and if we enter well in , we are sure to passe on safe , and to goe forth with advantage , if we list our selves . 2. To this relates , that we should not counterfeit sicknesse ; For he that is to be carefull of his passage into a sicknesse will think himself concerned that he fall not into it through a trap door : for so it hath sometimes happened , that such counterfeiting , to light and evil purposes hath ended in a real sufferance : Appian tells of a Roman Gentleman , who to escape the proscription of the Triumvirate , fled , and to secure his privacy counterfeited himself blinde on one eye , and wore a plaister upon it , till beginning to be free from the malice of the three prevailing princes , he opened his hood , but could not open his eye , but for ever lost the use of it , and with his eye paid for his libertie and hypocrisie . And Celius counterfeited the gout , and all its circumstances and pains , its dressings and arts of remedy , and complaint , till at last the gout really entred and spoiled the pageantry . His arts of dissimulation were so witty that they put life and motion into the very image of the disease ; he made the very picture to sigh and groan . It is easie to tell upon the interest of what vertue , such counterfeiting is to be reproved . But it will be harder to snatch the politicks of the world from following that which they call a canonized and authentick precedent● : and Davids counterfeiting himself mad before the King of Gath , to save his life and liberty , wil be sufficient to entice men to serve an end upon the stock & charges of so small an irregularity ; not in the matter of manners , but in the rules and decencies of natural or civil deportment . I cannot certainly tell what degrees of excuse Davids action might put on . This onely : besides his present necessity ; the Laws whose coercitive or directive power David lived under , had lesse of severity and more of liberty ; and towards enemies had so little of restraint , and so great a power , that what amongst them was a direct sin , if used to their brethren the sons of Iacob , was lawfull and permitted to be acted against enemies . To which also I adde this general caution , that the actions of holy persons in Scripture are not alwayes good precedents to us Christians , who are to walk by a rule and a greater strictnesse , with more simplicity and heartinesse of pursuit . And amongst them , sanctity and holy living did in very many of its instances increase in new particulars of duty ; and the prophets reproved many things which the law forbad not , and taught many duties which Moses prescribed not ; and as the time of Christs approach came , so the sermons and revelations too were more evangelical , and like the patterns which were ●ully to be exhibited by the Son of God. Amongst which it is certain , that Christian simplicity and godly sincerity is to be accounted , * and counterfeiting of sicknesse is a huge enemy to this : * it is an upbraiding the Divine providence , * a jesting with fire , * a playing with a thunderbolt , * a making the decrees of God to serve the vitious or secular ends of men ; * it is a tempting of a judgement , * a fal●e accusation of God , * a forestalling and antidating his anger , * it is a cousening of men by making a God party in the fraud ; and therefore if the cousenage returns upon the mans own head , he enters like a fox into his sicknesse , and perceives himself catched in a trap , or earthed in the intolerable dangers of the grave . 3. Although we must be infinitely careful to prevent it , that sin does not thrust us into a sicknesse , yet when we are in the house of sorrow , we should do well to take Physick against sin , and suppose that it is the cause of the evil ; if not by way of natural causality and proper effect , yet by a moral influence , and by a just demerit . We can easily see when a man hath got a surfet ; intemperance is as plain as the hand writing upon the wall , and easier to be read : but covetousness may cause a Feaver as well as drunkennesse , and pride can produce a falling sickness as well as long washings , and dilutions of the brain , and intemperate lust : and we finde it recorded in Scripture that the contemptuous and unprepared manner of reception of the Holy Sacraments caused sicknesse and death ; and Sacriledge and Vow-breach in Ananias and Saphira made them to descend quick into their graves . Therefore when sicknesse is upon us , let us cast about , and if we can , let us finde out the cause of Gods displeasure , that it being removed , we may return into the health and securities of Gods loving kindnesse . Thus in the three years famine David enquired of the Lord what was the matter ? and God answered , it is for Saul , and his bloody house : and then David expiated the guilt , and the people were full again of food and blessing : and when Israel was smitten by the Amorites , Ioshuah cast about , and found out the accursed thing , and cast it out , and the people after that fought prosperously . And what God in that case said to Ioshua , he will also verifie to us ; I will not be with you any more unlesse you destroy the accursed thing from among you . But in pursuance of this we are to observe that although in case of loud and clamorous sins the discovery is easy and the remedie not di●ficult ; yet because Christianity is a nice thing , and religion is as pure as the sun , and the soul of man is apt to be troubled from more principles then the in●ricate and curiosluy composed bodie in its innum●rable parts , it will often happen that if we go to enquire into the particular , we shall never finde it out : and we may suspect drunkennesse when it may be also a morose delectation in unclean thoughts , or covetousnesse , or oppression , or a crafty invasion of my neighbours rights , or my want of charity or my judging unjustly in my own cause , or my censuring my neighbours , or a secret pride , or a base hypocrisie , or the pursuance of little ends with violence and passion , that may have procured the present messenger of death . Therefore ask no more after any one , but heartily endeavour to reform all : sin no more lest a worse thing happen , for a single search or accusation may be the designe of an imperfect repentance ; but no man does heartily return to God , but he that decrees against every irregularity ; and then onely we can be restored to health or life , when we have taken away the causes of sicknesse and a cursed death . 4. He that means to have his sicknesse turn into safety and life , into health and vertue , must make religion the imployment of his sicknesse , and prayer the imployment of his religion . For there are certain compendiums or abbreviatures and shortnings of religion , fitted to several states . They that first gave up their names to Christ , and that turned from Paganism to Christianity had an abbreviature fitted for them ; they were to renounce their false worshippings , and give up their belief , and vow their obedience unto Christ , and in the very profession of this they were forgiven in Baptism . For God hastens to snatch them from the power of the Devil , and therefore shortens the passage , and secures the estate . In the case of poverty God hath reduced this dutie of man , to an abbreviature of those few graces which they can exercise ; such as are patience , contentednesse , truth , and diligence ; and the rest he accepts in good will , and the charities of the soul , in prayers and the actions of a cheap religion . And to most men charity is also an abbreviature . And as the love of God shortens the way to the purchase of all vertues , so the expression of this to the poor , goes a huge way in the requisites , and towards the consummation of an excellent religion : and Martyrdom is another abbreviature : and so is every act of an excellent and heroical vertue . But when we are fallen into the state of sicknesse , and that our understanding is weak and troubled , our bodies sick and uselesse , our passions turned into fear , and the whole state into suffering , God in complyance and mans infirmity hath also turned our religion into such a duty , which a sick man can do most passionately , and a sad man and a timorous can perform effectually , and a dying man can do to many purposes of pardon and mercy , and that is , prayer . For although a sick man is bound to do many acts of vertue of several kindes , yet the most of them are to be done in the way of prayer . Prayer is not onely the religion that is proper to a sick mans condition , but it is the manner of doing other graces which is then left , and in his power . For thus the sick man is to do his repentance , and his mortifications , his temperance and his chastity , by a fiction of imagination bringing the offers of the vertue to the spirit , & making an action of election , and so our prayers are a direct act of chastity when they are made in the matter of that grace ; just as repentance for our cruelty , is an act of the grace of mercie : and repentance for uncleannesse is an act of chastity , is a means of its purchase , an act in order to the habit : and though such acts of vertue which are onely in the way of prayer are ineffective to the intire purchase , and of themselves cannot change the vice into vertue , yet they are good renewings of the grace , and proper exercise of a habit already gotten . The purpose of this discourse is to represent the excellency of prayer , and its proper advantages which it hath in the time of sicknesse . For besides that it moves God to pity , piercing the clouds & making the Heavens like a pricked eye to weep over us , and refresh us with showers of pity ; it also doth the work of the soul , and expresses the vertue of his whole life in effigie , in pictures and lively representments , so preparing it for a never ceasing crown , by renewing the actions in the continuation of a never ceasing , a never hindred affection . Prayer speaks to God , when the tongue is stiffned with the approachings of death : prayer can dwell in the heart and be signified by the hand or eye , by a thought or a groan ; prayer of all the actions of religion is the last alive , and it serves God without circumstances , and exercises material graces by abstraction from matter , and separation , and makes them to be spiritual : and therefore best dresses our bodies for funeral , or recovery , for the mercies of restitution , or the mercies of the grave . 5. In every sicknesse whether it will or will not be so in nature and in the event , yet in thy spirit and preparations resolve upon it , and treat thy self accordingly as if it were a sicknesse unto death . For many men support their unequall courages by flattery and false hopes , and because sicker men have recovered , beleeve that they shall do so ; but therefore , they neglect to adorn their souls , or set their house in order ; besides the temporall inconveniences that often happen by such perswasions and putting off the evil day , such as are , dying Intestate , leaving estates intangled , and some Relatives unprovided for , they suffer infinitely in the interest and affairs of their soul , they die carelesly and surprized , their burdens on , and their scruples unremoved , and their cases of conscience not determined , and like a sheep , without any care taken concerning their precious souls . Some men will never beleeve that a villain will betray them , though they receive often advices from suspicious persons and likely accidents , till they are entered into the snare , and then they beleeve it when they feel it , and when they cannot return ; but so the treason entred , and the man was betrayed by his own folly , placing the snare in the regions and advantages of opportunity . This evil looks like boldnesse and a confident spirit , but it is the greatest timerousnesse and cowardize in the world . They are so fearfull to die , that they dare not look upon it as possible ; and think that the making of a Will is a mortall signe , and sending for a spirituall man an irrecoverable disease , and they are so afraid lest they should think and beleeve now they must die , that they will not take care that it may not be evil in case they should . So did the Eastern slaves drink wine , and wrapt their heads in a vail , that they might die without sense or sorrow , and wink hard that they might sleep the easier . In pursuance of this rule let a man consider , that whatsoever must be done in sicknesse ought to be done in health ; onely let him observe that his sicknesse as a good monitor chastises his neglect of duty , and forces him to live as he alwayes should ; and then all these solemnities and dressings for death , are nothing else but the part of a religious life , which he ought to have exercised all his dayes ; and if those circumstances can affright him , let him please his fancy by this truth , that then he does but begin to live . But it will be a huge folly if he shall think that confession of his sins will kill him , or receiving the holy Sacrament will hasten his agony , or the Priest shall undo all the hopefull language and promises of his Physitian . Assure thy self thou canst not die the sooner ; But by such addresses thou mayest die much the better . 6. Let the sick person be infinitely carefull that he do not fall into a state of death upon a new account ; that is , at no hand commit a deliberate sin , or retain any affection to the old ; for in both cases he falls into the evils of a surprize , and the horrors of a sudden death . For a sudden death is but a sudden joy , if it takes a man in the state and exercises of vertue : and it is onely then an evil when it finds a man unready . They were sad departures when Tegillinus , Cornelius Gallus the Praetor , Lewis the son of Gonzaga Duke of Mantua , Ladislaus king of Naples , Speusippus , Giachettus of Geneva , and one of the Popes died in the forbidden embraces of abused women ; or if Iob had cursed God and so died ; or when a man sits down in despair , and in the accusation and calumny of the Divine mercy ; they make their night sad , and stormy and eternall . When Herod began to sink with the shamefull torment of his bowels , and felt the grave open under him , he imprisoned the Nobles of his Kingdom , and commanded his Sister that they should be a sacrifice to his departing ghost . This was an egresse fit onely for such persons who meant to dwell with Devils to eternall ages , and that man is hugely in love with sin who cannot forbear , in the week of the Assizes , and when himself stood at the barre of scrutiny and prepared for his finall , never to be reversed sentence . He dies suddenly to the worst sense and event of sudden death , who so manages his sicknesse that even that state shall not be innocent , but that he is surprized in the guilt of a new account . It is a signe of a reprobate spirit , and an habituall prevailing , ruling sin , which exacts obedience when the judgement looks him in the face . At least go to God with the innocence and fair deportment of thy person in the last scene of thy life , that when thy soul breaks into the state of separation , it may carry the relishes of religion and sobriety to the places of its abode and sentence . * 7. When these things are taken care for , let the sick man so order his affairs that he have but very little conversation with the world , but wholly ( as he can ) attend to religion , and antedate his conversation in heaven , alwayes having entercourse with God , and still conversing with the Holy Jesus , kissing his wounds , admiring his goodnesse , beging his mercy , feeding on him with faith , and drinking his blood , to which purpose it were very fit ( if all circumstances be answerable ) that the narrative of the passion of Christ be read or discoursed to him at length , or in brief according to the stile of the four Gospels . But in all things , let his care and society be as little secular as is possible . CHAP. IV. Of the practise of the graces , proper to the state of sicknesse , which a sick man may practise alone . SECT . I. Of the practise of Patience . NOw we suppose the man entring upon his Scene of sorrows , and passive graces : It may be he went yesterday to a wedding , merry and brisk , and there he felt his sentence , that he must return home and die . For men very commonly enter into the snare singing , and consider not whither their fate leads them ; nor feared that then the Angel was to strike his stroak ; till his knees kissed the earth , and his head trembles with the weight of the rod , which God put into the hand of an exterminating Angel. But whatsoever the ingresse was , when the man feels his blood boil , or his bones weary , or his flesh diseased with a load of a dispersed and disordered humour , or his head to ake , or his faculties discomposed , then he must consider that all those discourses he hath heard concerning patience and resignation , and conformity to Christs sufferings , and the melancholy lectures of the Crosse , must all of them now be reduced to practise , and passe from an ineffective contemplation to such an exercise as will really try whether we were true disciples of the Crosse , or onely beleeved the doctrines of religion when we were at ease , and that they never passed thorow the ear to the heart , and dwelt not in our spirits . But every man should consider God does nothing in vain , that he would not to no purpose send us Preachers , and give us rules , and furnish us with discourse , and lend us books , and provide Sermons , and make examples , and promise his Spirit , and describe the blessednesse of holy sufferings , and prepare us with daily alarums ; if he did not really purpose to order our affairs so that we should need all this , and use it all , there were no such thing as the grace of patience if we were not to feel a sicknesse , or enter into a state of sufferings ; whether when we are entred , we are to practise by the following rules . The practise and acts of patience by way of rule . 1. At the first addresse and presence of sicknesse , stand still and arrest thy spirit , that it may without amazement , or affright consider that this was that thou lookedst for , and were alwayes certain should happen , and that now thou art to enter into the actions of a new religion , the agony of a strange constitution ; but at no hand suffer thy spirits to be dispersed with fear , or wildnesse of thought , but stay their loosenesse and dispersion by a serious consideration of the present and future imployment . For so doth the Lybian Lion spying the fierce huntsman , first beats himself with the stroaks of his tail , and curles up his spirits , making them strong with union and recollection , till being strook with a Mauritanian spear , he rushes forth into his defence and noblest contention ; and either scapes into the secrets of his own dwelling , or else dies , the bravest of the forrest : Every man when shot with an arrow from Gods quiver , must then draw in all the auxiliaries of reason , and know , that then is the time to try his strength , and to reduce the words of his religion into action , and consider that if he behaves himself weakly and timerously , he suffers never the lesse of sicknesse ; but if he turns to health he carries along with him the mark of a coward and a fool ; and if he descends into his grave , he enters into the state of the faithlesse and unbeleevers . Let him set his heart firm upon this resolution , I must bear it inevitably ; and I will by Gods grace do it nobly . 2. Bear in thy sicknesse all along the same thoughts , propositions , and discourses concerning thy person , thy life , and death , thy soul and religion , which thou hadst in the best dayes of thy health , and when thou didst discourse wisely concerning things spirituall . For it is to be supposed ( and if it be not yet done , let this rule remind thee of it , and direct thee ) that thou hast cast about in thy health and considered concerning thy change , and the evil day , that thou must be sick and die , that you must need a comforter , and that it was certain thou shouldst fall into a state in which all the cords of thy anchor should be stretched , and the very rock and foundation of faith should be attempted ; and whatsoever fancies may disturb you , or whatever weaknesses may invade you , yet consider , when you were better able to judge and governe the accidents of your life , you concluded it necessary to trust in God , and possesse your souls with patience . Think of things as they think that stand by you , and as you did when you stood by others , that it is a blessed thing to be patient , , that a quietnesse of spirit hath a certain reward , that still there is infinite truth and reality in the promises of the Gospel , that still thou art in the care of God , in the condition of a son , and working out thy salvation with labour and pain , with fear and trembling , that now the Sun is under a cloud , but it still sends forth the same influence ; and be sure to make no new principles upon the stock of a quick and an impatient sense , or too busie an apprehension : keep your old principles , and upon their stock discourse and practise on towards your conclusion . 3. Resolve to bear your sicknesse like a child , that is , without considering the evils and the pains , the sorrows and the danger ; but go straight forward , and let thy thoughts cast about for nothing , but how to make advantages of it by the instrument of religion . He that from a high tower looks down upon the precipice and measures the space through which he must descend , and considers what a huge fall he shall have , shall feel more by the horror of it , then by the last dash on the pavement : and he that tells his groans and numbers his sighs , and reckons one for every gripe of his belly , or throb of his distempered pulse , will make an artificiall sicknesse greater then the naturall ; and if thou beest ashamed that a childe should bear an evil better then thou , then take his instrument and allay thy spirit with it . ; reflect not upon thy evil , but contrive as much as you can for duty , and in all the rest , inconsideration will ease your pain . 4. If thou fearest thou shalt need ; observe and draw together all such things as are apt to charm thy spirit , and ease thy fancy in the sufferance . It is the counsell of Socrates : It is ( said he ) a great danger , and you must by discourse and arts of reasoning inchant it into slumber and some rest . It may be thou wert moved much to see a person of honour to die untimely ; or thou didst love the religion of that death bed , and it was dressed up in circumstances fitted to thy needs , and hit thee on that part , where thou wert most sensible ; or some little saying in a Sermon , or passage of a book was chosen and singled out by a peculiar apprehension , and made consent lodge a while in thy spirit , even then when thou didst place death in thy meditation , and didst view it in all its dresse of fancy : whatsoever that was which at any time did please thee in thy most passionate and fantastic part , let not that go , but bring it home at that time especially ; because then thou art in thy weaknesse , such little things will easier move thee then a more severe discourse and a better reason . For a sick man is like a scrupulous : his case is gone beyond the cure of arguments , and it is a trouble that can onely be helped by chance , or a lucky saying ; and Ludovico Corbinelli was moved at the death of Henry the second more then if he had read the saddest Elegy of all the unfortunate Princes in Christendom , or all the sad sayings of Scripture , or the threnes of the funerall prophets . I deny not , but this course is most proper to weak persons ; but it is a state of weaknesse for which we are now providing remedies and instruction ; a strong man will not need it : But when our sicknesse hath rendred us weak in all senses , it is not good to refuse a remedy , because it supposes us to be sick . But then if to the Catalogue of weak persons we adde all those who are ruled by fancy , we shall find that many persons in their health , and more in their sicknesse , are under the dominion of fancy , and apt to be helped by those little things , which themselves have found fitted to their apprehension ; and which no other man can minister to their needs , unlesse by chance , or in a heap of other things . But therefore every man should remember by what instruments he was at any time much moved , and try them upon his spirit in the day of his calamity . 5. Do not choose the kind of thy sicknesse , or the manner of thy death ; but let it be what God please , so it be no greater then thy spirit , or thy patience : and for that , you are to rely upon the promise of God ; and to secure thy self by prayer and industry ; but in all things else , let God be thy chooser , and let it be thy work to submit indifferently , and attend thy duty . It is lawfull to beg of God that thy sicknesse may not be sharp , or noysome , infectious or unusuall , because these are circumstances of evil which are also proper instruments of temptation ; and though it may well concern the prudence of thy religion to fear thy self , and keep thee from violent temptations , who hast so often fallen in little ones ; yet even in these things be sure to keep some degrees of indifferency ; that is , if God will not be intreated to ease thee , or to change thy triall , then be importunate that thy spirit and its interest be secured , and let him do what seemeth good in his eyes ; but as in the degrees of sicknesse thou art to submit to God ; so in the kind of it , ( supposing equall degrees ) thou art to be altogether incurious ; whether God call thee by a consumption or an asthma , by a dropsey or a palsey , by a feaver in thy humours , or a feaver in thy spirits , because all such nicety of choice is nothing but a colour to legitimate impatience , and to make an excuse to murmure privately , and for circumstances , when in the summe of affairs we durst not owne impatience . I have known some persons vehemently wish that they might die of a consumption , and some of these had a plot upon heaven , and hoped by that means to secure it after a carelesse life ; as thinking a lingring sicknesse would certainly infer a lingring and a protracted repentance ; and by that means they thought they should be safest ; others of them dreamed it would be an easier death , and have found themselves deceived , and their patience hath been tired with a weary spirit and a uselesse body , by often conversing with healthfull persons and vigorous neighbours , by uneasinesse of the flesh , and the sharpnesse of his bones , by want of spirits and a dying life ; and in conclusion have been directly debauched by peevishnesse and a fretfull sicknesse , and these men had better have left it to the wisdom and goodnesse of God , for they both are infinite . 6. Be patient in the desires of religion , and take care that the forwardnesse of exteriour actions do not discompose thy spirit : while thou fearest that by lesse serving God in thy disability , thou runnest backward in the accounts of pardon and the favour of God. Be content that the time which was formerly spent in prayer be now spent in vomiting , and carefulnesse and attendances : since God hath pleased it should be so , it does not become us to think hard thoughts concerning it : Do not think that God is onely to be found in a great prayer , or a solemn office ; he is moved by a sigh , by a groan , by an act of love ; and therefore when your pain is great and pungent , lay all your strength upon it , to bear it patiently ; when the evil is something more tolerable , let your mind think some pious , though short meditation ; let it not be very busie , and full of attention ; for that will be but a new temptation to your patience , and render your religion tedious and hatefull ; But record your desires , and present your self to God by generall acts of will and understanding , and by habituall remembrances of your former vigorousnesse , and by verification of the same grace , rather then proper exercises : if you can do more , do it ; but if you cannot , let it not become a scruple to thee ; we must not think man is tyed to the forms of health , or that he who swoons and faints , is obliged to his usual forms and hours of prayer ; if we cannot labour , yet let us love . Nothing can hinder us from that , but our own uncharitablenesse . 7. Be obedient unto thy Physitian in those things that concern him , if he be a person fit to minister unto thee ; God is he onely that needs no help ; and God hath created the Physitian for thine : therefore use him temperately , without violent confidences ; and sweetly without uncivil distrustings , or refusing his prescriptions upon humors or impotent fear . A man may refuse to have his arme or leg cut off , or to suffer the pains of Marius his incision : and if he believes that to dye is the lesse evil , he may compose himself to it without hazarding his patience , or introducing that which he thinks a worse evil ; but that which in this article is to be reproved and avoided , is , that some men will choose to die out of fear of death , and send for Physitians , and do what themselves list , and call for counsel and follow none . When there is reason they should decline him it is not to be accounted to the stock of a sin ; but where there is no just cause , there is a direct impatience . Hither is to be reduced that we be not too confident of the Physitian or drain our hopes of recovery from the ●ountain , through so imperfect chanels ; laying the wells of God dry , and digging to our selves broken cisterns . Physitians are the Ministers of Gods mercies , and providence , in the matter of health and ease , of restitution or death ; and when God shall enable their judgements and direct their counsels , and prosper their medicines , they shall do thee good , for which you must give God thanks , and to the Physitian the honour of a blessed instrument . But this cannot alwayes be done ; and Lucius Cornelius the Lieutenant in Portugal under Fabius the Consul , boasted in the inscription of his monument , that he had lived a healthful and vegete age till his last sicknesse , but then complained he was forsaken by his Physitian , and railed upon Esculapius , for not accepting his vow and passionate desire of preserving his life longer : and all the effect of that impatience and the folly was , that it is recorded to following ages , that he died without reason and without religion . But it was a sad sight to see the favour of all France confined to a Physitian and a Barber , and the King ( Lewis the XI . ) to be so much their servant that he should acknowledge and own his life from them , and all his ease to their gentle dressing of his gout , and friendly ministeries ; for the King thought himself undone and robbed if he should die ; his portion here was fair : and he was loth to exchange his possession for the interest of a bigger hope . 8. Treat thy nurses and servants sweetly and as it becomes an obliged and a necessitous person ; remember that thou art very troublesome to them ; that they trouble not thee willingly ; that they strive to do thee ease and benefit , that they wish it and sigh , and pray for it , and are glad if thou likest their attendance : that whatsoever is amisse is thy disease , and the uneasinesse of thy head or thy side , thy distemper or thy disaffections ; and it will be an unhandsome injustice to be troublesome to them because thou art so to thy self ; to make them feel a part of thy sorrowes that thou mayest not bear them alone ; evilly to requite their care by thy too curious and impatient wrangling , and fretful spirit . That tendernesse is vitious and unnatural that shrikes out under the weight of a gentle cataplasm ; and he will ill comply with Gods rod , that cannot endure his friends greatest kindnesse : And he will be very angry ( if he durst ) with Gods smiting him , that is peevish with his servants that go about to ease him . 9. Let not the smart of your sicknesse make you to call violently for death ; you are not patient , unlesse you be content to live . God hath wisely ordered that we may be the better reconciled with death , because it is the period of many calamities . But where ever the General hath placed thee , stirre not from thy station until thou beest called off , but abide so , that death may come to thee by the designe of him who intends it to be thy advantage ; God hath made sufferance to be thy work , and do not impatiently long for evening , lest at night thou findest the reward of him that was weary of his work ; for he that is weary before his time is an unprofitable servant , and is either idle or diseased . 10 That which remains in the practise of this grace is that the sick man should do acts of patience by way of prayer and ejaculations . In which he may serve himself of the following collection . SECT . II. Acts of patience by way of prayer and ejaculation . I Will seek unto God , unto God will I commit my cause which doth great things and unsearchable : marvellous things without number . To set upon high those that be low , that those which mourn may be exalted to safety . So the poor have hope and iniquity stoppeth her mouth . Behold , happy is the man whom God correcteth : therefore despise not thou the chastening of the Almighty . For he maketh sore and bindeth up , he woundeth and his hands make whole . He shall deliver thee in six troubles , yea in seven there shall no evil touch thee . Thou shalt come to thy grave in a just age like as a shock of corn cometh in his season I remember thee upon my bed , and meditate upon thee in the night watches . Because thou hast been my help , therefore under the shadow of thy wings will I rejoyce . My soul followeth hard after thee , for thy right hand hath upholden me . God restoreth my soul : he leadeth me in the path of righteousnesse for his names sake . Yea though I walk thorough the valley of the shadow of death , I will fear no evil : for thou art with me , thy rod and thy staff , they comfort me . In the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion : in the secret of his tabernacle shal he hide me , he shal set me up upon a rock . The Lord hath looked down from the height of his sanctuary , from the heaven did the Lord behold the earth . To hear the groaning of his prisoners , to loose those that are appointed to death . I cryed unto God with my voice : even unto God with my voice , and he gave ear unto me ; In the day of my trouble I sought the Lord ; my sore ran in the night and ceased not ; my soul refused to be comforted . * I remember God and was troubled : I complained and my spirit was overwhelmed ; thou holdest mine eyes waking : I am so troubled that I cannot speak ; will the Lord cast me off for ever , and will he be favourable no more ? Is his promise clean gone for ever ? doth his promise fail for evermore ? Hath God forgotten to be gracious ? hath he in anger shut up his tender mercies ? And I said , this my infirmity : but I will remember the years of the right hand of the most High. No temptation hath taken me , but such as is common to man : but God is faithful who will not suffer me to be tempted above what I am able ; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape that I may be able to bear it . Whatsoever things were written afore time , were written for our learning , that we through patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope . Now the God of peace and consolation grant me to be so minded . It is the Lord , let him do what seemeth good in his eyes . Surely the word that the Lord hath spoken is very good : But thy servant is weak ; O remember mine infirmities ; and lift thy servant up that leaneth upon thy right hand . There is given unto me a thorn in the flesh to buffet me . For this thing I besought the Lord thrice , that it might depart from me ; and he said unto me , My grace is sufficient for thee . For my strength is made perfect in weaknesse . Most gladly therefore will I glory in my infirmities , that the power of Christ may rest upon me . For when I am weak then am I strong . O Lord thou hast pleaded the causes of my soul ; thou hast redeemed my life . And I said , My strength and my hope is in the Lord , remembring my affliction and my misery ; the wormwood and the gall . My soul hath them still in remembrance , and is humbled within me . This I recall to my minde , therefore I have hope . It is the Lords mercies that we are not consumed , because his compassions fail not . They are new every morning , great is thy faithfulnesse . The Lord is my portion said my soul , therefore will I hope in him . The Lord is good unto them that wait for him , to the soul that seeketh him It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the Lord. For the Lord will not cast off for ever . But though he cause grief , yet will he have compassion according to the multitude of his mercies . For he doth not afflict willingly nor grieve the children of men . Wherefore doth a living man complain ? a man for the punishment of his sins ? O that thou wouldest hide me in the grave [ of Jesus ] that thou wouldest keep me secret until thy wrath be past , that thou wouldest appoint me a set time and remember me ! Shall we receive good at the hand of God , and shall we not receive evil ? The sick man may recite or hear recited the following Psalms in the intervals of his agony . I. O Lord rebuke me not in thine anger , neither chasten me in thy hot displeasure . Have mercy upon me , O Lord , for I am weak , O Lord heal me , for my bones are vexed . My soul is also sore vexed , but thou , O Lord how long ? Return O Lord , deliver my soul : O save me for thy mercies sake ▪ For in death no man remembreth thee : in the grave who shall give thee thanks . I am weary with my groaning : all the night make I my bed to swim : I water my couch with my tears . Mine eye is consumed because of grief ; it waxeth old because of all my [ sorrowes . Depart from me all ye workers of iniquity , for the Lord hath heard the voice of my weeping . The Lord hath heard my supplication : the Lord will receive my prayer . Blessed be the Lord who hath heard my prayer : and hath not turned his mercy from me . II. IN the Lord put I my trust ; how say ye to my soul , flee as a bird to your mountain ? The Lord is in his holy temple , the Lords throne is in heaven , his eyes behold , his eye-lids try the children of men . Preserve me O God ; for in thee do I put my trust . O my soul thou hast said unto the Lord : thou art my Lord , my goodnesse extendeth not to thee . The Lord is the portion of mine inheritance and of my cup : thou maintainest my lot . I will blesse the Lord who hath given me counsel , my reins also instruct me in the night seasons . I have set the Lord alwayes before me : because he is at my right hand I shall not be moved . Therefore my heart is glad and my glory rejoyceth , my flesh also shall rest in hope . Thou wilt shew me the path of life : in thy presence is the fulnesse of joy , at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore . As for me I will behold thy face in righteousnesse : I shall be satisfied when I awake with thy likenesse . III. HAve mercy upon me , O Lord , for I am in trouble : mine eye is consumed with grief ; yea my soul and my belly . For my life is spent with grief , and my years with sighing : my strength faileth because of mine iniquity and my bones are consumed . * I am like a broken vessel . But I trusted in thee O Lord , I said thou art my God. My times are in thy hand : make thy face to shine upon thy servant : save me for thy mercies sake . When thou saidst , seek ye my face , my heart said unto thee , thy face Lord will I seek . Hide not thy face from me ; put not thy servant away in thy anger : thou hadst been my help , leave me not , neither forsake me , O God of my salvation . I had fainted unlesse I had beleeved the goodnesse of the Lord in the land of the living . O how great is thy goodnesse , which thou hast laid up for them that fear thee : which thou hast wrought for them that trust in thee , before the sons of men . Thou shalt hide them in the secret of thy presence from the pride of man , thou shalt keep them secretly in a pavilion from the strife of tongues [ from the calumnies and aggravation of sins by Devils . ] I said in my haste , I am cut off from before thine eyes : neverthelesse thou heardest the voice of my supplication , when I cried unto thee . O love the Lord all ye his Saints : for the Lord preserveth the faithfull , and plenteously rewardeth the proud doer . Be of good courage , and he shall strengthen your heart : all ye that hope in the Lord. The Prayer : to be said in the beginning of a sicknesse . O Almighty God mercifull and gracious , who in thy justice didst send sorrow and tears , sicknesse and death into the world as a punishment for mans sins , and hast comprehended all under sin and this sad covenant of sufferings , not to destroy us , but that thou mightest have mercy upon all ; making thy justice to minister to mercy , short afflictions to an eternall weight of glory ; as thou hast turned my sins into sicknesse , so turn my sicknesse to the advantages of holinesse and religion , of mercy and pardon , of faith and hope , of grace and glory : thou hast now called me to the fellowship of sufferings ; Lord by the instrument of religion , let my present condition be so sanctified that my sufferings may be united to the sufferings of my Lord , that so thou mayest pity me , and assist me ; relieve my sorrow and support my spirit ; direct my thoughts , and sanctifie the accidents of my sicknesse ; and that the punishment of my sin may be the school of vertue ; In which since thou hast now entred me , Lord make me a holy proficient ; that I may behave my self as a son under discipline , humbly , and obediently , evenly , and penitently ; that I may come by this means neerer unto thee ; that if I shall go forth of this sicknesse by the gate of life and health , I may return to the world with great strengths of spirit , to run a new race of a stricter holinesse , and a more severe religion : Or if I passe from hence with the out-let of death , I may enter into the bosome of my Lord , and may feel the present joyes of a certain hope of that Sea of pleasures in which all thy Saints and servants shall be comprehended to eternall ages . Grant this for Jesus Christ his sake , our Dearest Lord and Saviour . Amen . An act of resignation to be said by a sick person in all the evil accidents of his sicknesse . O Eternall God , thou hast made me and sustained me , thou hast blessed me in all the dayes of my life , and hast taken care of me in all variety of accidents ; and nothing happens to me in vain ; nothing without thy providence ; and I know thou smitest thy servants in mercy and with designes of the greatest pity in the world : Lord I humbly lie down under thy rod ; do with me as thou pleasest ; do thou choose for me , not onely the whole state and condition of being , but every little and great accident of it . Keep me safe by thy grace , and then use what instrument thou pleasest of bringing me to thee : Lord I am not sollicitous of the passage , so I may get thee . Onely , O Lord , remember my infirmities , and let thy servant rejoyce in thee alwayes , and feel and confesse , and glory in thy goodnesse . O be thou as delightfull to me in this my medicinal sicknesse , as ever thou wert in any of the dangers of my prosperity , let me not peevishly refuse thy pardon at the rate of a severe discipline . I am thy servant and thy creature , thy purchased possession , and thy son , I am all thine , and because thou hast mercy in store for all that trust in thee , I cover my eyes , and in silence wait for the time of my redemption . Amen . A Prayer for the grace of Patience . MOst Mercifull and Gracious Father , who in the redemption of lost Mankind by the passion of thy most holy Son hast established a Covenant of sufferings , I blesse and magnifie thy Name that thou hast adopted me into the inheritance of sons , and hast given me a portion of my elder Brother : Lord , the crosse falls heavy and sits uneasie upon my shoulders ; my spirit is willing , but my flesh is weak , I humbly beg of thee that I may now rejoyce in this thy dispensation and effect of providence ; I know and am perswaded that thou art then as gracious when thou smitest us for amendment or triall , as when thou releevest our wearied bodies , in compliance with our infirmity : I rejoyce O Lord in thy rare and mysterious mercy , who by sufferings hast turned our misery into advantages unspeakable ; for so thou makest us like to thy Son , and givest us a gift that the Angels never did receive ; for they cannot die in conformity to , and imitation of their Lord and ours ; but blessed be thy Name ; we can , and dearest Lord , Let it be so . Amen . II. THou who art the God of patience and consolation strengthen me in the inner man , that I may bear the yoak and burden of the Lord without any uneasie and uselesse murmurs , and ineffective unwillingnesse . Lord , I am unable to stand under the crosse , unable of my self , but thou , O Holy Jesus , who didst feel the burden of it , who didst sink under it , and wert pleased to admit a man to bear part of the load when thou underwentest all for him ; be thou pleased to ease this load by fortifying my spirit ; that I may be strongest when I am weakest , and may be able to do and suffer every thing thou pleasest through Christ which strengthens me . Lord , if thou wilt support me , I will for ever praise thee ; If thou wilt suffer the load to presse me yet more heavily ; I will cry unto thee and complain unto my God , and at last I will lie down and die , and by the mercies and intercession of the Holy Jesus , and the conduct of thy blessed Spirit , and the ministery of Angels , passe into those mansions where Holy souls rest and weep no more . Lord pity me ; Lord sanctifie this my sicknesse ; Lord strengthen me ; Holy Jesus save me and deliver me ; thou knowest how shamefully I have fallen with pleasure ; in thy mercy and very pity , let me not fall with pain too . O let me never charge God foolishly , nor offend thee by my impatience and uneasie spirit , nor weaken the hands and hearts of those that charitably minister to my needs : but let me passe through the valley of tears , and the valley of the shadow of death with safety and peace , with a meek spirit , and a sense of the divine mercies ; and though thou breakest me in pieces , my hope is , thou wilt gather me up in the gatherings of eternity . Grant this eternall God , Gracious Father , for the merits and intercession of our mercifull high Priest , who once suffered for me , and for ever intercedes for me , our most gracious and ever Blessed Saviour Jesus . A Prayer to be said when the sick man takes Physick . O Most blessed and eternall Jesus , thou who art the great Physician of our souls , and the Sun of righteousnesse arising with healing in thy wings ; to thee is given by thy heavenly Father the Government of all the world , and thou disposest every great and little accident to thy Fathers honour , and to the good and comfort of them that love and serve thee : Be pleased to blesse the ministery of thy servant in order to my ease and health , direct his judgement , prosper the medicines , and dispose the chances of my sicknesse fortunately , that I may feel the blessing and loving kindnesse of the Lord , in the ease of my pain , and the restitution of my health ; that I being restored to the society of the living , and to thy solemn Assemblies , may praise thee and thy goodnesse secretly among the faithfull , and in the Congregation of thy redeemed ones , here in the outer-courts of the Lord , and hereafter in thy eternall temple for ever and ever . Amen . SECT . III. Of the practise of the grace of Faith in the time of sicknesse . NOw is the time in which faith appears most necessary and most difficult . It is the foundation of a good life ; and the foundation of all our hopes ; it is that without which we cannot live well , and without which we cannot die well ; it is a grace that then we shall need , to support our spirits to sustain our hopes , to alleviate our sickesse , to resist temptations , to prevent despair : upon the belief of the articles of our religion we can do the works of a holy life ; but upon belief of the promises , we can bear our sicknesse patiently and die cheerfully . The sick man may practise it in the following instances . 1. Let the sick man be careful that he do not admit of any doubt concerning that which he beleeved , and received from common consent in his best health and dayes of election and religion . For if the Devil can but prevail so far as to unfix and unrivet the resolution and confidence or fulnesse of assent , it is easie for him so to unwinde the spirit , that from why to whether or no , from whether or no , to scarcely not , from scarcely not , to absolutely not at all are steps of a descending and falling spirit : and whatsoever a man is made to doubt of by the weaknesse of his understanding in a sicknesse , it will be hard to get an instrument strong or subtle enough to reenforce and ensure ; For when the strengths are gone by which faith held , and it does not stand firme by the weight of its own bulk and great constitution , nor yet by the cordage of a tenacious root , then it is prepared for a ruine , which it cannot escape in the tempests of a sicknesse and the assaults of a Devil . * Discourse and argument , * the line of tradition , and a never * failing experience , * the Spirit of God and the * truth of miracles , * the word of prophecie , * and the blood of Martyrs , * the excellencie of the doctrine and * the necessity of men , * the riches of the promises , * and the wisdom of the revelations , * the reasonablenesse and * sublimity , the * concordance and the * usefulnesse of the articles , and * their complyance with all the needs of man , * and the goverment of common wealths , are like the strings and branches of the roots , by which faith stands firm and unmoveable in the spirit , and understanding of a man. But in sicknesse the understanding is shaken and the ground is removed in which the root did grapple , and support its trunk , and therefore there is no way now , but that it be left to stand upon the old confidences , and by the firmament of its own weight ; it must be left to stand because it alwayes stood there before : and as it stood all his life time in the ground of understanding , so it must now be supported with will and a fixed resolution . But disputation tempts it , and shakes it with trying , and overthrowes it with shaking . Above all things in the world , let the sick man fear a proposition which his sickness hath put into him , contrary to the discourses of health , and a sober untroubled reason . 2. Let the sick man mingle the recital of his Creed together with his devotions , and in that let him account his faith ; not in curiosity and factions , in the confessions of parties and interests ; for some over froward zeals are so earnest to professe their little and uncertain articles , and glory so to die in a particular and divided communion , that in the profession of their faith they lose or discompose their charity ; let it be enough that we secure our interest of heaven , though we do not go about to appropriate the mansions to our sect ; for every good man hopes to be saved as he is a Christian , and not as he is a Lutheran or of another division . However those articles upon which he can build the exercise of any vertue in his sicknesse , or upon the stock of which he can improve his present condition , are such as consist in the greatnesse and goodnesse , the veracity and mercy of God thorough Jesus Christ ; nothing of which can be concerned in the fond disputations which faction and interest hath too long maintained in Christendom . 3. Let the sick mans faith especially be active about the promises of grace , and the excellent things of the gospel ; those which can comfort his sorrowes , and enable his patience ; those upon the hopes of which , he did the duties of his life , and for which he is not unwilling to dye ; such as the intercession and advocation of Christ , remission of sins , the resurrection , the mysterious arts and mercies of mans redemption , Christs triumph over death , and all the powers of hell , the covenant of grace , or the blessed issues of repentance , and above all , the article of eternal life , upon the strength of which 11000 virgins went cheerfully together to their martyrdome , and 20000 Christians were burned by Dioclesian on a Christmas day , and whole armies of Asian Christians offered themselves to the Tribunals of Arius Anthonius , and whole colledges of severe persons were instituted , who lived upon religion , whose dinner was the Eucharist , whose supper was praise , and their nights were watches , and their dayes were labour ; for the hope of which then men counted it gain to lose their estates and gloried in their sufferings , and rejoyced in their persecutions , and were glad at their disgraces ; this is the article that hath made all the Martyrs of Christ confident and glorious , and if it does not more then sufficiently strengthen our spirits to the present suffering it is because we understand it not , but have the appetites of beasts and fools . But if the sick man fixes his thoughts and lets his habitation to dwell here , he swells his hope and masters his fears , and eases his sorrows , and overcomes his temptations . 4. Let the sick man endeavour to turn his faith of the Articles into love of them ; and that will be an excellent instrument , not onely to refresh his sorrows , but to confirm his faith in defiance of all temptations . For a sick man and a disturbed understanding are not competent and fit instruments , to judge concerning the reasonablenesse of a proposition ; But therefore let him consider and love it , because it is usefull and necessary , profitable and gracious ; and when he is once in love with it , and then also renews his love to it , when he feels the need of it ; he is an interested person , and for his own sake will never let it go , and passe into the shadows of doubting , or the utter-darknesse of infidelity . An act of love will make him have a mind to it , and we easily beleeve what we love , but very uneasily part with our belief which we for so great an interest have chosen , and entertained with a great affection . 5. Let the sick person be infinitely carefull that his faith be not tempted by any man , or any thing , and when it is in any degree weakned , let him lay fast hold upon the conclusion , upon the Article it self , and by earnest prayer beg of God to guide him in certainty and safety . For let him consider that the Article is better then all its contrary or contradictory , and he is concerned that it be true , and concerned also that he do beleeve it : but he can receive no good at all , if Christ did not die , if there be no resurrection , if his Creed hath deceived him : therefore all that he is to do is to secure his hold , which he can do no way but by prayer and by his interest . And by this Argument or instrument it was that Socrates refreshed the evil of his condition , when he was to drink his aconite . If the soul be immortall , and perpetuall rewards be laid up for wise souls , then I lose nothing by my death ; but if there be not , then I lose nothing by my opinion , for it supports my spirit in my passage , and the evil of being deceived cannot overtake me when I have no being . So it is with all that are tempted in their faith . If those Articles be not true , then the men are nothing ; if they be true , then they are happy ; and if the Article fails there can be no punishment for beleeving ; but if they be true , my not beleeving destroyes all my portion in them and possibility to receive the excellent things which they contain . By faith we quench the fiery darts of the Devil ; but if our faith be quenched , wherewithall shall we be able to endure the assault ? therefore seiz upon the Article , and secure the great object , and the great instrument , that is , the hopes of pardon , and eternall life through Iesus Christ , and do this by all means and by any instrument artificiall , or inartificiall , by argument , or by stratagem , by perfect resolution , or by discourse , by the hand and ears of premisses , or the foot of the conclusion , by right or by wrong , because we understand it , or because we love it , super totam materiam , because I will , and because I ought , because it is safe to do so , and because it is not safe to do otherwise , because if I do I may receive a good , and because if I do not I am miserable ; either for that I shall have a portion of sorrows , or that I can have no portion of good things . SECT . IV. Acts of faith by way of prayer and ejaculation to be said by sick men in the dayes of their temptation . LOrd whither shall I go ? thou hast the words of eternall life ? I beleeve in God the Father Almighty , and in Jesus Christ his onely Son our Lord , &c. And I beleeve in the Holy Ghost , &c. Lord I beleeve ; help thou mine unbelief . I know and am perswaded by the Lord Jesus ] that none of us liveth to himself , and no man dieth to himself . For whether we live , we live unto the Lord , and whether we die , we die unto the Lord : whether we live therefore or die , we are the Lords . If God be for us , who can be against us ? He that spared not his own Son but delivered him up for us all : how shall he not with him give us all things ? Who shall lay any thing to the charge of Gods elect ? It is God that justifieth ; who is he that condemneth ? It is Christ that died , yea rather that is risen again , who is even at the right hand of God , who also maketh intercession for us . If any man sin we have an Advocate with the Father , Jesus Christ the righteous , and he is the propitiation for our sins . This is a faithfull saying , and worthy of all acceptation , that Jesus Christ came into the world to save sinners . O grant , that I may obtain mercy , that in me Jesus Christ may shew forth all long-suffering , that I may beleeve in him to life everlasting . I am bound to give thanks unto God alway , because God hath from the beginning chosen me to salvation , through sanctification of the Spirit , and belief of the truth whereunto he called me by the Gospel , to the obtaining of the glory of the Lord Jesus Christ. Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself , and God even our Father which hath loved us , and hath given us everlasting consolation , and good hope through grace , Comfort my heart and stablish me in every good word and work . The Lord direct my heart into the love of God , and into the patient waiting for Christ. O that our God would count me worthy of this calling , and fulfill all the good pleasure of his goodnesse , and the work of faith with power . That the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in me , and I in him , according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ. Let us who are of the day be sober , putting on the brest-plate of faith and love , and for an helmet , the hope of salvation . For God hath not appointed us to wrath , but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ , who died for us , that whether we wake or sleep , we should live together with him . Wherefore comfort your selves together and edifie one another . There is no name under heaven whereby we can be saved , but onely the Name of the Lord Jesus . And every soul which will not hear that Prophet shall be destroyed from among the people . God forbid that I should glory , save in the Crosse of Jesus Christ. I desire to know nothing but Jesus Christ and him crucified . For to me to live is Christ , and to die is gain . Cease ye from man , whose breath is in his nostrils : for wherein is he to be accounted of ? But the just shall live by faith . Lord , I beleeve that thou art the Christ , the Son of God , the Saviour of the world , the resurrection and the life ; and he that beleeveth in thee , though he were dead , yet shall he live . Jesus said unto her , Said I not to thee , that if thou wouldest beleeve thou shouldst see the glory of God ? O death where is thy sting ? O grave where is thy victory ? the sting of death is sin , and the strength of sin is the Law. But thanks be to God which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Lord make me stedfast and unmoveable alwayes abounding in the work of the Lord ; For I know that my labour is not in vain in the Lord. The Prayer [ for the grace and strengths of faith . O Holy and eternall Jesus , who didst die for me and for all mankind , abolishing our sin , reconciling us to God , adopting us into the portion of thine heritage , and establishing with us a covenant of faith and obedience , making our souls to rely upon spirituall strengths , by the supports of a holy belief , and the expectation of rare promises , and the infallible truths of God : O let me for ever dwell upon the rock , leaning upon thy arm , beleeving thy word , trusting in thy promises , waiting for thy mercies , and doing thy commandements , that the Devil may not prevail upon me , and my own weaknesses may not abuse or unsettle my perswasions , nor my sins discompose my just confidence in thee and thy eternall mercies . Let me alwayes be thy servant and thy disciple , and die in the communion of thy Church , of all faithfull people ; Lord I renounce whatsoever is against thy truth , and if secretly I have or do beleeve any false proposition , I do it in the simplicity of my heart and great weaknesse ; and if I could discover it , would dash it in pieces by a solemn disclaiming it ; for thou art the Way , the Truth , and the Life ; and I know that whatsoever thou hast declared that is the truth of God , and I do firmly adhere to the religion thou hast taught , and glory in nothing so much as that I am a Christian , that thy name is called upon me : O my God , though I die yet will I put my trust in thee . In thee O Lord have I trusted , let me never be confounded . Amen . SECT . V. Of the practise of the Grace of Repentance in time of the Sicknesse . MEn generally do very much dread sudden death , and pray against it passionately ; and certainly it hath in it great inconveniences accidentally to mens estates , to the settlement of families , to the culture and trimming of souls , and it robs a man of the blessings which may be consequent to sickness , and to the passive graces , and holy contentions of a Christian , while he descends to his grave without an adversary or a tryal : and a good man may be taken at such a disadvantage , that a sudden death would be a great evil , even to the most excellent person , if it strikes him in an unlucky circumstance : But these considerations are not the onely ingredients into those mens discourse , who pray violently against sudden deaths ; for possibly if this were all , there may be in the condition of sudden death something to make recompence for the evils of the over-hasty accident . For certainly , it is a lesse temporal evil to fall by the rudenesse of a sword , then the violences of a Feaver , and the axe is much a lesse affliction then a strangury ; and though a sicknesse tries our vertues , yet a sudden death is free from temptation : a sicknesse may be more glorious and a sudden death more safe ; the deadest deaths are best , the shortest and least premeditate ; so Caesar said ; and Pliny called a short death the greatest fortune of a mans life . For even good men have been forced to an undecencie of deportment by the violences of pain : and Cicero observes concerning Hercules , that he was broken in pieces with pain , even then when he sought for immortality by his death , being tortured with a plague knit up in the lappet of his shirt . And therefore as a sudden death certainly loses the rewards of a holy sicknesse , so it makes that a man shall not so much hazard and lose the rewards of a holy life . But the secret of this affair is a worse matter ; men live at that rate ; either of an habitual wickednesse , or else a frequent repetition of single acts of killing and deadly sins , that a sudden death is the ruine of all their hopes , and a perfect consignation to an eternal sorrow . But in this case also , so is a lingring sicknesse ; for our last sicknesse may change us from life to health , from health to strength , from strength to the firmnesse and confirmation of habitual graces ; but it cannot change a man from death to life , and begin and finish that processe which sits not down but in the bosom of blessednesse . He that washes in the morning when his bath is seasonable and healthful is not onely made clean , but sprightly , and the blood is brisk and coloured like the first springing of the morning ; but they that wash their dead , cleanse the skin , and leave palenesse upon the cheek , and stiffnesse in all the joynts . A repentance upon our death-bed bed is like washing the coarse , it is cleanly and civil ; but makes no change deeper then the skin ; But God knowes , it is a custom so to wash them that are going to dwell with dust , and to be buried in the lap of their kinred , earth ; but all their lives time wallow in pollutions without any washing at all ; or if they do it is like that of the Dardani who washed but thrice in all their life time ; when they are born , and when they marry , and when they die ; when they are baptized , or against a solemnity , or for the day of their funeral : but these are but ceremonious washings , and never purifie the soul , if it be stained and hath sullied the whitenesse of its baptismal robes . * God intended we should live a holy life , * he contracted with us in Jesus Christ for a holy life , * he made no abatements of the strictest sense of it , but such as did necessarily comply with humane infirmities or possibilities , that is he understood it in the sense of repentance , which stil is so to renew our duty , that it may be a holy life in the second sense ; that is , some great portion of our life to be spent in living as Christians should , * a resolving to repent upon our death-bed is the greatest mockery of God in the world , and the most perfect contradictory to all his excellent designes of mercy and holinesse ; for therefore he threatned us with hell if we did not , and he promised heaven , if we did live a holy life : and a late repentance promises heaven to us upon other conditions , even when we have lived wickedly . * It renders a man uselesse and intolerable to the world ; taking off the great curb of religion , of fear , and hope , and permitting all impiety with the greatest impunity and incouragement in the world ; * by this means we see so many 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 as Philo calls them , or as the prophets pueros centum annorum , children of almost an hundred years old , upon whose grave we may write the inscriptions which was upon the tomb of Similis in Xiphilin . Here he lies who was so many years , but lived but seven ; * and the course of nature runs counter to the perfect designes of piety , and * God who gave us a life to live to him is only served at our death , when we die to all the world ; * and we undervalue the great promises made by the Holy Jesus , for which the piety , the strictest unerring piety of ten thousand ages is not a proportionable exchange ; yet we think it a hard bargain to get heaven , if we be forced to part with one lust , or live soberly twenty years : But like a Demetrius Afer who having lived a slave all his life time , yet desired to descend to his grave in freedom , begged manumission of his Lord ) we lived in the bondage of our sin all our dayes and hope to dye the Lords freed man : * but above all , this course of a delayed repentance must of necessity therefore be ineffective , and certainly mortal , because it is an intire destruction of the very formality and essential constituent reason of religion ; which I thus demonstrate . When God made man and propounded to him an immortal and a blessed state , as the end of his hopes and the perfection of his condition , he did not give it him for nothing , but upon certain conditions , which although they could add nothing to God , yet they were such things which man could value , and they were his best : and God had made appetites of pleasure in man , that in them the scene of his obedience should lye . For when God made instances of mans obedience , he 1. either commanded such things to be done , which man did naturally desire , or 2. such things which did contradict his natural desires , or 3. such which were indifferent . Not the first and the last . For it could be no effect of love or duty towards God for a man to eat when he was impatiently hungry , and could not stay from eating ; neither was it any contention of obedience or labour of love for a man to look Eastward once a day , or turn his back when the North winde blew fierce and loud . Therefore for the trial and instance of obedience , God made his laws so , that they should lay restraint upon mans appetites ; so that man might part with something of his own , that he may give to God his will , and deny it to himself for the interest of his service ; and chastity is the denyall of a violent desire , and justice is parting with money that might help to inrich me , and meekness is a huge contradiction to pride and revenge ; and the wandring of our eyes , and the greatnesse of our fancy , and our imaginative opinions are to be lessened , that we may serve God ; there is no other way of serving God , we have nothing else to present unto him ; we do not else give him any thing or part of our selves , but when we for his sake part with what we naturally desire ; and difficulty is essential to vertue , and without choice there can be no reward , & in the satisfaction of our natural desires there is no election , we run to them as beasts to the river or the crib . If therefore any man shall teach or practise such a religion that satisfies all our natural desires in the dayes of desire and passion , of lust and appetites , and only turns to God when his appetites are gone , & his desires cease , this man hath overthrown the very being of vertues , and the essential constitution of religion ; Religion is no religion , and vertue is no act of choice , and reward comes by chance and without condition , if we onely are religious when we cannot choose , if we part with our money when we cannot keep it , with our lust when we cannot act it , with our desires when they have left us ; death is a certain mortifier ; but that mortification is deadly , not useful to the purposes of a spiritual life . When we are compeld to depart from our evil customs and leave to live , that we may begin to live , then we dye to dye ; that life is the prologue to death and thenceforth we die eternally . S. Cyril speaks of certain people that chose to worship the sun because he was a day God ; for believing that he was quenched every ●●ght in the sea , or that he had no influence upon them that light up candles and lived by the light of fire , they were confident they might be Atheists all night and live as they list . Men who divide their little portion of time between religion and pleasures , between God and Gods enemy , think that God is to rule , but in his certain period of time , and that our life is the stage for passion and folly , and the day of death for the work of our life ; but as to God , both the day and night are alike , so are the first and the last of our dayes ; all are his due , and he will account severely with us for the follies of the first , and the evil of the last ; The evils and the pains are great which are reserved for those who defer their restitution to Gods favour till their death . And therefore Antisthenes said well ; It is not the happy death , but the happy life that makes man happy . It is in piety as in fame and reputation : he secures a good name but loosely that trusts his fame and celebritie onely to his ashes : and it is more a civilitie 〈◊〉 then the base of a firm reputation , that men speak honour of their departed relatives : but if their life be vertuous it forces honour from contempt , and snatches it from the hand of envy , and it shines thorough the crevises of detraction , and as it anointed the head of the living , so it embalms the body of the dead . From these premises if followes that when we discourse of a sick mans repentance , it is intended to be , not a beginning but the prosecution and consummation of the covenant of repentance , which Christ stipulated with us in Baptisme , and which we needed all our life , and which we began long before this last arrest , and in which we are now to make further progresse , that we may arrive to that integrity and fulnesse of of dutie , that our sins may be blotted out , when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord. SECT . VI. Rules for the practise of Repentance in sicknesse . 1. LEt the sick man consider at what gate this sicknesse entred ; and if he can discover the particular , let him instantly , passionately , and with great contrition dash the crime in pieces , lest he descend into his grave in the midst of a sin and thence remove into an ocean of eternal sorrowes ; but if he onely suffers the common fate of man , and knowes not the particular inlet , he is to be governed by the following measures . 2. Inquire into the repentance of thy former life , particularly ; whether it were of a great and perfect grief , and productive of fixed resolutions of holy living , and reductive of these to act ? How many dayes and nights have we spent in sorrow or care , in habitual and actual pursuances of vertue ? what instrument we have chosen and used for the eradication of sin ? how we have judged our selves , and how punished ? and in summe whether we have by the grace of repentance changed our life from criminal to vertuous , from one habit to another ? and whether we have paid for the pleasure of our sin by smart , or sorrow , by the effusion of alms , or pernoctations or abodes in prayers , so as the spirit hath been served in our repentance , as earnestly , and as greatly as our appetites have been provided for in the dayes of our shame and folly ? 3. Supply the imperfections of thy repentance by a general or universal sorrow , for the sins not onely since the last communion or absolution , but of thy whole life ; for all sins known and unknown , repented and unrepented , of ignorance or infirmity , which thou knowest , or which others have accused thee of ; thy clamorous and thy whispering sins , the sinnes of scandall , and the sinnes of a secret conscience , of the flesh and of the spirit : for it would be but a sad arrest to thy soul wandring in strange and unusuall regions to see a scroll of uncancelled sins represented and charged upon thee for want of care and notices , and that thy repentance shall become invalid , because of its imperfections . 4. To this purpose it is usually advised by spirituall persons , that the sick man make an universal confession , or a renovation and repetition of all the particular confessions and accusations of his whole life ; that now at the foot of his account he may represent the summe totall to God , and his conscience , and make provisions for their remedie and pardon according to his present possibilities . 5. Now is the time to make reflex acts of repentance ; that as by a general repentance we supply the want of the just extension of parts : so by this we may supply the proper measures of the intension of degrees . In our health we can consider concerning our own acts whether they be real or hypocritical , essential or imaginary , sincere or upon interest , integrall or imperfect , commensurate or defective , and although it is a good caution of securities after all our care and diligence still to suspect our selves , and our own deceptions , and for ever to beg of God pardon and acceptance in the union of Christs passion , and intercession ; yet in proper speaking , reflex acts of repentance , being a suppletory after the imperfection of the direct , are then most fit to be used when we cannot proceed in , and prosecute the direct actions . To repent because we cannot repent , and to grieve because we cannot grieve , was a device invented to serve the turn of the mother of Peter Gratian ; but it was used by her , and so advised to be in her sicknesse , and last actions of repentance : for in our perfect health and understanding if we doe not understand our first act , we cannot discern our second ; and if we be not sorry for our sins , we cannot be sorry for want of sorrows ; it is a contradiction to say we can ; because want of sorrow to which we are obliged is certainly a great sin ; and if we can grieve for that , then also for the rest ; if not for all , then not for this : but in the dayes of weaknesse the case is otherwise ; for then our actions are imperfect , our discourse weak , our internall actions not discernable , our fears great , our work to be abbreviated , and our defects , to be supplied by spirituall arts ; and therefore it is proper and proportionate to our state , and to our necessity , to beg of God pardon for the imperfections of our repentance , acceptance of our weaker sorrows , supplies out of the treasures of grace , and mercy ; and thus repenting of the evil and unhandsome adherencies of our repentance , in the whole integrity of the duty , it will become a repentance not to be repented of . 6. Now is the time beyond which the sick man must at no hand defer to make restitution of all his unjust possessions , or other mens rights , and satisfactions for all injuries , and violencies according to his obligation , and possibilities ; for although many circumstances might impede the acting it in our lives-time , and it was permitted to be deferred in many cases , because by it , justice was not hindred , and oftentimes piety and equity were provided for ; yet because this is the last scene of our life , he that does not act it so far as he can , or put it into certain conditions and order of effecting , can never do it again , and therefore then to defer it , is to omit it , and leaves the repentance defective in an integrall and constituent part . 7. Let the sick man be diligent and watchfull , that the principle of his repentance be contrition , or sorrow for sins , commenced upon the love of God. For although sorrow for sins upon any motive may lead us to God by many intermediall passages , and is the threshold of returning sinners , yet it is not good , nor effective upon our death-bed ; because repentance is not then to begin , but must then be finished , and completed , and it is to be a supply and reparation of all the imperfections of that duty : and therefore it must by that time be arrived to contrition , that is , it must have grown from fear to love , from the passions of a servant , to the affections of a son ; The reason of which ( besides the precedent ) is this , because when our repentance is in this state , it supposes the man also in a state of grace , a well grown Christian ; for to hate sin out of the love of God is not the felicity of a new convert , or an infant grace ( or if it be , that love also is in its infancy ) but it supposes a good progresse , and the man habitually vertuous , and tending to perfection : and therefore contrition , or repentance so qualified , is usefull to great degrees of pardon , because the man is a gracious person , and that vertue is of good degree , and consequently fit imployment for him that shall work no more , but is to appear before his Judge to receive the hire of his day . And if his repentance be contrition , even before this state of sicknesse , let it be increased by spirituall arts ; and the proper exercises of charity . Means of exciting contrition , or repentance of sins , proceeding from the love of God. TO which purpose the sick man may consider , and is to be reminded ( if he does not ) that there are in God , all the motives and causes of amability in the world ; that God is so infinitely good , that there are some of the greatest and most excellent spirits of heaven , whose work , and whose felicity , and whose perfections , and whose nature it is , to flame and burn in the brightest and most excellent love * that to love God is the greatest glory of Heaven , that in him there are such excellencies , that the smallest rayes of them communicated to our weaker understandings are yet sufficient to cause ravishments and transportations , and satisfactions , and joyes unspeakeable , and full of glory * that all the wise Christians of the world know and feel such causes to love God that they all professe themselves ready to die for the love of God * and the Apostles and millions of the Martyrs did die for him * And although it be harder to live in his love then to die for it , yet all the good people that ever gave their names to Christ did for his love endure the crucifying their lusts , the mortification of their appetites , the contradictions and death of their most passionate , naturall desires * that Kings and Queens have quitted their Diadems , and many married Saints have turned their mutuall vowes into the love of Jesus , and married him onely , keeping a virgin chastity in a married life , that they may more tenderly expresse their love to God * that all the good we have , derives from Gods love to us , and all the good we can hope for is the effect of his love , and can descend onely upon them that love him * that by his love it is that we receive the holy Jesus * and by his love we receive the Holy Spirit , * and by his love we feel peace and joy within our spirits * and by his love we receive the mysterious Sacrament * And what can be greater , then that from the goodnesse and love of God , we receive Jesus Christ , and the Holy Ghost , and Adoption , and the inheritance of sons , and to be coheirs with Jesus , and to have pardon of our sins , and a divine nature , and restraining grace , and the grace of sanctification , and a rest and peace within us , and a certain expectation of glory , * who can choose but love him , who when we had provoked him exceedingly sent his Son to die for us , that we might live with him ; who does so desire to pardon us and save us , that he hath appointed his Holy Son continually to intercede for us ? * That his love is so great that he offers us great kindnesse , and intreats us to be happy , and makes many decrees in heaven concerning the interest of our soul , and the very provision and support of our persons * That he sends an Angel to attend upon every of his servants , and to be their guard , and their guide , in all their dangers and hostilities * That for our sakes he restrains the Devil , and puts his mightinesse in fetters and restraints , and chastises his malice with decrees of grace and safety * That he it is who makes all the creatures serve us , and takes care of our sleeps , and preserves all plants and elements , all mineralls and vegetables , all beasts and birds , all fishes and insects for food to us , and for ornament , for physick and instruction , for variety and wonder , for delight and for religion * That as God is all good in himself , and all good to us , so sin is directly contrary to God , to reason , to religion , to safety and pleasure , and felicity * That it is a great dishonour to a mans spirit to have been made a fool , by a weak temptation , and an empty lust ; and to have rejected God , who is so rich , so wise , so good , and so excellent , so delicious , and so profitable to us * That all the repentance in the world of excellent men does end in contrition , or a sorrow for sins proceeding from the love of God ; because they that are in the state of grace do not fear hell violently , and so long as they remain in Gods favour , although they suffer the infirmities of men , yet they are Gods portion , and therefore all the repentance of just and holy men which is certainly the best , is a repentance not for lower ends but because they are the friends of God , and they are full of indignation that they have done an act against the honour of their Patron , and their dearest Lord and Father * That it is a huge imperfection and a state of weaknesse , to need to be moved with fear or temporall respects , and they that are so , as yet are either immerged in the affections of the world , or of themselves ; and those men that bear such a character , are not yet esteemed laudable persons , or men of good natures , or the sons of vertue . * That no repentance can be lasting , that relies upon any thing but the love of God ; for temporal motives may cease , and contrary contingencies may arise , and fear of hell , may be expelled by natural or acquired hardnesses , and is alwayes the least when we have most need of it , and most cause for it ; for the more habitual our sins are , the more cauterized ▪ our conscience is , the lesse is the fear of hell , and yet our danger is much the greater , * that although fear of hell or other temporal motives may be the first inlet to a repentance , yet repentance in that constitution and under those circumstances cannot obtain pardon ; because there is in that no union with God , no adhesion to Christ , no endeerment of passion , or of spirit , no similitude , or conformity to the great instrument of our peace , our glorious Mediatour : for as yet a man is turned from his sin , but not converted to God ; the first and last of our returns to God being love , and nothing but love : for obedience is the first part of love , and fruition is the last , and because he that does not love God cannot obey him , therefore he that does not love him cannot enjoy him . Now that this may he reduced to practise , the sick man may be advertised that in the actions of repentance * he separate low , temporal , sensual , and self ends from his thoughts , and so do his repentance * that he may still reflect honour upon God ; * that he confesse his justice in punishing , that he acknowledge himself to have deserved the worst of evils , * that he heartily believe and professe , that if he perish finally , yet that God ought to be glorified by that sad event , and that he hath truly merited so intolerable a calamity , * that he also be put to make acts of election and preference ; professing that he would willingly endure all temporal evils rather then be in the disfavour of God or in the state of sin ; for by this last instance he will be quitted from the suspicion of leaving sin , for temporal respects , because he by an act of imagination or fained presence of the object to him , entertains the temporal evil that he may leave the sin ; and therefore unlesse he be a hypocrite does not leave the sin to be quit of the temporal evil . And as for the other motive of leaving sin our of the fear of hell , because that is an evangelical motive conveyed to us by the spirit of God , and is immediate to the love of God ; if the Schoolmen had pleased , they might have reckoned it as the hand-maid , and of the retinue of contrition ; but the more the considerations are sublimed above this , of the greater effect and the more immediate to pardon will be the repentance . 8. Let the sick persons do frequent actions of repentance by way of prayer , for all those sins which are spiritual , and in which no restitution or satisfaction material can be made , and whose contrary acts cannot in kinde be exercised . For penitential prayers in some cases are the only instances of repentance that can be . An envious man , if he gives God hearty thanks for the advancement of his brother , hath done an act of mortification of his envy , as directly as corporal austerities are an act of chastity , and an enemy to uncleanness : and if I have seduced a person that is dead or absent , if I cannot restore him to sober counsels by my discourse and undeceiving him , I can onely repent of that by way of prayer : and intemperance is no way to be rescinded or punished by a dying man but by hearty prayers . Prayers are a great help in all cases ; in some they are proper acts of vertue and direct enemies to sin ; but although alone and in long continuance , they alone can cure some one or some few little habits , yet they can never alone change the state of the man ; and therefore are intended to be a suppletory to the imperfections of other acts ; and by that reason are the proper and most pertinent imployment of a Clinick or death-bed penitent . 9. In those sins whose proper cure is mortification corporal , the sick man is to supply that part of his repentance by a patient submission to the rod of sicknesse : For sicknesse does the work of penances or sharp afflictions , and dry diet , perfectly well : to which if we also put our wills , and make it our act by an after election , by confessing the justice of God , by bearing if sweetly , by begging it may be medicinal , there is nothing wanting to the perfection of this part , but that God confirme our patience and hear our prayers . When the guilty man runs to punishment , the injured person is prevented and hath no whither to go but to forgivenesse . 10. I have learned but of one suppletory more , for the perfection and proper exercise of a sick mans repentance ; but it is such a one as will go a great way in the abolition of our past sinnes , and making our peace with God , even after a lesse severe life : and that is , that the sick man do some heroical actions in the matter of charity , or religion , of justice or severity . There is a story of an infamous thief who having begged his pardon of the Emperor Mauritius was yet put into the Hospital of S. Sampson where he so plentifully bewailed his sins in the last agonies of his death , that the Physitian who attended found him unexpectedly dead , and over his face a handkerchief bathed in tears , and soon after some body or other pretended to a revelation of this mans beatitude . It was a rare grief that was noted in this man , which begat in that age a confidence of his being saved , and that confidence ( as things then went ) was quickly called a revelation . But it was a stranger severity which is related by Thomas Cantipratanus concerning a young Gentleman condemned for robbery and violence , who had so deep a sense of his sin , that he was not content with a single death , but begged to be tormented and cut in pieces joynt by joynt , with intermedial senses , that he might by such a smart signifie a greater sorrow ; Some have given great estates to the poor and to religion ; some have built colledges for holy persons , many have suffered martyrdom , and though those that died under the conduct of the Maccabees in defence of their countrey and religion , had pendants on their breasts consecrated to the idols of the Iamnenses , yet that they gave their lives in such a cause with so great a duty , ( the biggest things they could do or give ) it was esteemed to prevail hugely towards the pardon and acceptation of their persons . An heroic action of uertue is a huge compendium of religion ; for if it be attained to by the usual measures and progresse of a Christian , from inclination to act , from act to habit , from habit to abode , from abode to reigning , from reigning to perfect possession , from possession to extraordinary emanations , that is , to heroick actions , then it must needs do the work of man , by being so great towards the work of God ; but if a man comes thither per saltum , or on a sudden ( which is seldome seen ) then it supposes the man alwayes well inclined , but abused by accident or hope , by confidence or ignorance ; taen it supposes the man for the present in a great fear of evil , and a passionate desire of pardon ; it supposes his apprehensions great , and his time little ; and what the event of that will be , no man can tell ; but it is certain that to some purposes God will account for our religion on our death bed , not by the measures of our time , but the eminency of affection ( as said Celestin the first ) that is , supposing the man in the state of grace , or in the revealed possibility of salvation , then an heroical act hath the reward of a longer series of good actions , in an even and ordinary course of vertue . 11. In what can remain for the perfecting a sick mans repentance , he is to be helped by the ministeries of a spiritual Guide . SECT . VII . Acts of repentance by way of prayer and ejaculation ; to be used especially by old men in their age ; and by all men in their sicknesse . LEt us search and try our wayes , and turne again to the Lord : let us lift up our hearts with our hands unto God in the heavens . We have transgressed and rebelled and thou hast not pardoned : Thou hast covered with anger and persecured us ; thou hast slain , thou hast not pitied , O cover not thy self with a cloud ; but let our prayer passe thorough . I have sinned what shall I do unto thee , O thou preserver of men ? why hast thou set me as a mark against thee , so that I am a burden to my self ? and why doest not thou pardon my transgression , and take away mine iniquity ? for now shall I sleep in the dust , and thou shalt seek me in the morning , but I shall not be . The Lord is righteous for I have rebelled against his commandments . Hear I pray , all ye people , behold my sorrow , behold O Lord I am in distresse , my bowels are troubled , my heart is turned within me , for I have grievously rebelled . Thou O Lord remainest for ever , thy throne from generation to generation : wherefore doest thou forget us for ever , and forsake us so long time ? turn thou us unto thee , O Lord , and so shall we be turned : renew our dayes as of old : O reject me not utterly , and be not exceeding wroth against thy servant . O remember not the sins of my youth , nor my transgressions , but according to thy mercies remember thou me for thy goodnesse sake O Lord : Do thou for me O God the Lord , for thy Names sake , because thy mercy is good , deliver thou me , for I am poor and needy , and my heart is wounded within me ; I am gone like the shadow that declineth , I am tossed up and down as the locust . Then Zacheus stood forth and said , Behold Lord , half of my goods I give to the poor , and if I have wronged any man I restore him fourfold . Hear my prayer O Lord , and consider my desire , let my prayer be set forth in thy sight as the incense , and let the lifting up of my hands be an evening sacrifice . And enter not into judgement with thy servant , for in thy sight shall no man living be justified . Teach me to do the thing that pleaseth thee , for thou art my God , let thy loving spirit lead me forth into the land of righteousnesse . I will [ speak ] of mercy and judgement , unto thee O Lord will I make my prayer : I will behave my self wisely in a perfect way . O when wilt thou come unto me , I will walk in my house with a perfect heart . I will set no wicked thing before my eyes ; I hate the work of them that turn aside , it shall not cleave to me . Hide thy face from my sins , and blot out all mine iniquities ; create in me a clean heart O God , and renew a right spirit within me . Deliver me from blood guiltinesse O God , [ from malice , envy , the follies of lust and violences of passion , &c. ] thou God of my salvation and my tongue shall sing aloud of thy righteousnesse . The sacrifice of God is a broken heart , a broken and a contrite heart , O God thou wilt not despise . Lord I have done amisse ; I have been deceived , let so great a wrong as this be removed . The prayer ] for the grace and perfection of Repentance . I. O Almighty God , thou art the great Judge of all the world , the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ , the Father of mercies , the Father of men and Angels , thou lovest not that a sinner should perish , but delightest in our conversion and salvation , and hast in our Lord Jesus Christ established the Covenant of repentance , and promised pardon to all them that confesse their sins and forsake them ; O my God be thou pleased to work in me what thou hast commanded should be in me . Lord I am a dry tree who neither have brought forth fruit unto thee and unto holinesse , nor have wept out salutary tears , the instrument of life and restitution , but have behaved my self like an unconcerned person in the ruins and breaches of my soul : But O God , thou art my God , earnestly will I seek thee ; my soul thirsteth for thee in a barren and thirsty land where no water is ; Lord give me the grace of tears and pungent sorrow , let my heart be as a land of rivers of waters , and my head a fountain of tears : turn my sin into repentance , and let my repentance proceed to pardon & refreshment . II. SUpport me with thy graces , strengthen me with thy Spirit , soften my heart with the fire of thy love , and the dew of heaven , with penitentiall showers : make my care prudent , and the remaining portion of my dayes like the perpetuall watches of the night , full of caution and observance , strong and resolute , patient and severe , I remember O Lord , that I did sin with greedinesse and passion , with great desires and an unabated choice ; O let me be as great in my repentance as ever I have been in my calamity and shame ; let my hatred of sin be great as my love to thee , and both as neer to infinite , as my proportion can receive . III. O Lord , I renounce all affection to sin , and would not buy my health nor redeem my life with doing any thing against the Lawes of my God ; but would rather die then offend thee . O dearest Saviour have pity upon thy servant , let me by thy sentence be doomed to perpetuall penance during the abode of this life ; let every sigh be the expression of a repentance , , and every groan an acccent of spiritual life , and every stroke of my disease a punishment of my sin , and an instrument of pardon , that at my return to the land of innocence I may eat of the votive sacrifice of the supper of the Lamb , that was from the beginning of the world sl●in for the sins of every sorrowful and returning sinner . O grant me sorrow here , and joy hereafter through Jesus Christ , who is our hope , the resurrection of the dead , the justifier of a sinner , and the glory of all faithful souls . Amen . A prayer for pardon of sins to be said frequently in time of sicknesse ; and in all the portions of old age . I. O Eternal and most gracious Father , I humbly throw my self down at the foot of thy mercy seat , upon the confidence of thy essential mercy , and thy commandment , that we should come boldly to the throne of grace , that we may finde mercy in time of need ; O my God , hear the prayers and cries of a sinner , who calls earnestly for mercy ; Lord my needs are greater then all the degrees of my desire can be ; unlesse thou hast pity upon me I perish infinitely and intolerably ; and then there will be one voice fewer in the quire of singers , who shall recite thy praises to eternal ages . But O Lord in mercy deliver my soul. O save me for thy mercy sake . For in the second death there is no remembrance of thee , in that grave who shall give thee thanks ? II. O Just and dear God , my sins are innumerable , they are upon my soul in multitudes , they are a burden too heavy for me to bear ; they already bring sorrow and sicknesse , shame and displeasure , guilt , and a decaying spirit , a sense of thy present displeasure , and fear of worse , of infinitely worse ; But it is to thee so essential , so delightful , so usual , so desired by thee to shew mercy , that although my sin be very great and my fear proportionable , yet thy mercy is infinitely greater then all the world , and my hope and my comfort rise up in proportions towards it , that I trust the Devils shall never be able to reprove it , nor my own weaknesse discompose it . Lord thou hast sent thy Son to die for the pardon of my sins ; thou hast given me thy holy Spirit , as a seal of adoption to consigne the article of remission of sins ; thou hast for all my sins still continued to invite me to conditions of life , by thy ministers the prophets ; and thou hast with variety of holy acts softned my spirit , and possessed my fancie , and instructed my understanding , and bended and inclined my will , and directed or overruled my passions in order to repentance and pardon , and why should not thy servant beg passionately , and humbly hope for the effect of all these thy strange and miraculous acts of loving kindnesse ? Lord I deserve it not , but I hope thou wilt pardon all my sins , and I beg it of thee for Jesus Christ his sake , whom thou hast made the great endearment of thy promises , and the foundation of our hopes , and the mighty instrument , whereby we can obtain of thee , whatsoever we need and can receive . III. O My God , how shall thy servant be disposed to receive such a favour , which is so great that the ever blessed Jesus did die to purchase for us ; so great that the falling angels never could hope , and never shall obtain ? Lord I do from my soul forgive all that have sinned against me . O forgive me my sins , as I forgive them that have sinned against me ; Lord I confesse my sins unto thee daily , by the accusations and secret acts of conscience ; and if we confesse our sins thou hast called it a part of justice to forgive us our sins , and to cleanse us from all unrighteousnesse . Lord , I put my trust in thee , and thou art ever gracious to them that put their trust in thee . I call upon my God for mercy , and thou art alwayes more ready to hear then we to pray . But all that I can do , and all that I am , and all that I know of my self is nothing but sin , and infirmity , and misery ; therefore I go forth of my self , and throw my self wholly into the arms of thy mercy , through Jesus Christ ; and beg of thee for his death and passions sake , by his resurrection and ascension , by all the parts of our redemption , and thy infinite mercy in which thou pleasest thy self above all the works of the creation , to be pitifull , and compassionate to thy servant in the abolition of all my sins ; so shall I praise thy glories with a tongue not defiled with evil language , and a heart purged by thy grace , quitted by thy mercy , and absolved by thy sentence , from generation to generation . Amen . An act of holy resolution of amendment of life in case of recovery . O Most just and most mercifull Lord God , who hast sent evil diseases , sorrow , & fear , trouble and uneasinesse , briars and thorns into the world , and planted them in our houses , and round about our dwellings to keep sin from our souls or to drive it thence , I humbly beg of thee that this my sicknesse may serve the ends of the Spirit , and be a messenger of spirituall life , an instrument of reducing me to more religious and sober courses ; I know O Lord , that I am unready and unprepared in my accounts , having thrown away great portions of my time in vanity , and set my self hugely back in the accounts of eternity ; and I had need live my life over again , and live it better ; but thy counsels are in the great deep , and thy footsteps in the water ; and I know not what thou wilt determine of me . If I die , I throw my self into the arms of the Holy Jesus , whom I love above all things : and if I perish , I know I have deserved it ; but thou wilt not reject him that loves thee : But if I recover , I will live by thy grace and help to do the work of God , and passionately pursue my interest of Heaven , and serve thee in the labour of love , with the charities of a holy zeal , and the diligence of a firm and humble obedience ; Lord I will dwell in thy temple , and in thy service , religion shall be my imployment , and alms shall be my recreation , and patience shall be my rest , and to do thy will shall be my meat and drink , and to live shall be Christ , and then to die shall be gain . O spare me a little that I may recover my strength before I go hence and be no more seen . Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven . Amen . SECT . VIII . An Analysis or resolution of the Decalogue , and the speciall precepts of the Gospel , describing the duties injoyned and the sins forbidden respectiuely ; for the assistance of sick men in making their confessions to God and his Ministers , and the rendring their repentance more particular and perfect . I THou shalt have none other Gods but me . ] Duties commanded are . 1. To love God above all things . 2. To obey him , and fear him . 3. To worship him with prayers , vows , thanksgivings , presenting to him our souls and bodies , and all such actions and expressions which the consent of Nations , or the Lawes and Customs of the place where we live have appropriated to God. 4. To designe all to Gods glory . 5. To enquire after his will. 6. To beleeve all his word . 7. To submit to his providence . 8. To proceed toward all our lawfull ends by such means as himself hath appointed . 9. To speak and think honourably of God , and recite his praises , and confesse his Attributes and perfections . They sin against this Commandement . 1. Who love themselves or any of the creatures inordinately , and intemperately . 2. They that despise or neglect any of the Divine precepts . 3. They that pray to unknown , or false gods . 4. They that disbeleeve or deny there is a God. 5. They that make vows to creatures . 6. Or say prayers to the honour of men or women , or Angels , as Pater nosters , to the honour of the Virgin Mary , or S. Peter , which is a taking a part of that honour which is due to God , and giving it to the creature , it is , a religion paid to men and women out of Gods proper portion , out of prayers directed to God immediately ; and it is an act contrary to that religion which makes God the last end of all things : for this th●ough our addresses to God , passes something to the creatures , as if they stood beyond him ; for by the intermediall worship paid to God , they ultimately do honour to the man , or Angel. 7. They that make consumptive oblations to the creatures , as the Collyridians who offered cakes , and those that burn incense or candles to the Virgin Mary . 8. They that give themselves to the Devil , or make contracts with him , and use phantastic conversation with him . 9 They that consult Witches and Fortune-tellers . 10. They that rely upon dreams and superstitious observances . 11 That use charmes , spels , superstitious words and characters , verses of Psalms ; the consecrated elements to cure diseases , to be shot free , to recover stolne goods , or inquire into secrets . 12. That are wilfully ignorant of the lawes of God , or love to be deceived in their perswasions ; that they may sin with confidence . 13. They that neglect to pray to God. 14. They that arrogate to themselves the glory of any action or power and do not give the glory to God , as Herod . 15. They that doubt of or disbeleeve any article of the Creed , or any proposition of Scripture , or put false glosses to serve saecular or vitious ends , against their conscience , or with violence any way done to their reason . 16. They that violently or passionately pursue any temporall end with an eagernesse greater then the thing is , in prudent account . 17 They that make religion to serve ill ends , or do good to exil purposes , or evil to good purposes . 18. They that accuse God of injustice , or unmercifulnesse , remissenesse or cruelty ; such as are the presumptuous , and the desperate . 19. All hypocrites and pretenders to religion , walking in forms and shadows , but denying the power of godlinesse . 20. All impatient persons , all that repine or murmur against the prosperities of the wicked , or the calamities of the godly , or their own afflictions . 21. All that blaspheme God , or speak dishonourable things of so Sacred a Majesty . 22. They that tempt God , or rely upon his protection against his rules and without his promise , and besides reason , entring into danger , from which without a miracle they cannot be rescued . 23. They that are bold in the midst of judgement , and fearlesse in the midst of the Divine vengeance , and the accents of his anger . II. Comm. Thou shalt not make to thy self any graven image , nor worship it . The morall duties of this commandement are . 1. To worship God with all bodily worship and externall forms of addresse , according to the custom of the Church we live in . 2. To beleeve God to be a spirituall and pure substance without any visible form , of shape . 3. To worship God in wayes of his own appointing , or by his proportions or measures of nature , and right reason , or publike and holy customes . They sin against this Commandement . 1. That make any image or pictures of the Godhead , or fancy any likenesse to him . 2. They that use images in their religion , designing or addressing any religious worship to them ; For if this thing could be naturally tolerable , yet it is too neer an intolerable for a jealous God to suffer . 3. They that deny to worship God with lowly reverence of their bodies , according as the Church expresses her reverence to God externally . 4. They that invent or practise superstitious worshippings , invented by man against Gods word , or without reason , or besides the publike customes or formes of worshipping , either foolishly or ridiculously , without the purpose of order , decency , proportion to a wise or a religious end , in prosecution of some vertue or duty . III. Comm. Thou shalt not take Gods Name in vain . The duties of this Comm. are ; 1. To honour and revere the most holy Name of God. 2. To invocate his Name directly , or by consequence in all solemn and permitted adjurations , or publike oaths . 3. To use all things and persons upon whom his Name is called , or any wayes imprinted with a regardfull and separate manner of usage , different from common , and far from contempt and scorn . 4. To swear in truth and judgement . They sin against this Commandment ; 1. Who swear vainly and customarily , without just cause , without competent authority . 2. They that blasphem or curse God. 3. They that speak of God without grave cause or solemn occasion . 4. They that forswear themselves ; that is , they that do not perform their vows to God ; or that swear , or call God to witnesse to a lie . 5. They that swear rashly , or maliciously , to commit a sin , or an act of revenge . 6. They that swear by any creature falsely , or any way but as it relates to God , and consequently invokes his testimony . 7. All curious inquiries into the secrets ; and intruders into the mysteries and hidden things of God. 8. They that curse God , or curse a creature by God. 9. They that prophane Churches , holy Utensils , holy persons , holy customes , holy Sacraments . 10 They that provoke others to swear voluntarily , and by designe , or incuriously , or negligently , when they might avoid it . 11 They that swear to things uncertain , and unknown . IV. Comm. Remember that thou keep holy the S. day ] The duties of this Comm. are ; 1. To set apart some portions of our time for the immediate offices of religion , and glorification of God. 2. This to be done according as God or his holy Church hath appointed . 3. One day in seven is to be set apart . 4. The Christian day is to be subrogated into the place of the Jewes day : the resurrection of Christ and redemption of man was a greater blessing then then to create him . 5. God on that day to be worshipped and acknowledged as our Creator , and as our Saviour . 6. The day to be spent in holy offices ; in hearing Divine service , publike prayers , frequenting the Congregations , hearing the word of God read or expounded ; reading good books , meditations , alms , reconciling enmities ; remission of burdens , and of offences , of debts , and of work ; friendly offices , neighbourhood , and provoking one another to good-works ; and to this end , all servile works must be omitted , excepting necessary and charitable offices to men or beasts , to our selves , or others . They sin against this Comm. 1. That do , or compell , or intice others to do servile works without the cases of necessity or charity , to be estimated according to common and prudent accounts . 2. They that refuse or neglect to come to the publike assemblies of the Church , to hear and assist at the divine offices intirely . 3. They that spend the day in idlenesse , forbidden or vain recreations , or the actions of sin and folly . 4. They that buy and sell without the cases of permission . 5. They that travell unnecessary journeys . 6 They that act or assist in conten●ions , or law-suites , markets , fairs , &c. 7. They that on that day omit their private devotion unlesse the whole day be spent in publike . 8. They that by any crosse or contradictory actions against the customes of the Church do purposely desecrate or unhallow and make the day common : as they that in despite and contempt , fast upon the Lords day , lest they may celebrate the festivall after the manner of the Christians . V. Com. Honour thy father and thy mother ] The duties are ; 1. To do honour and reverence and to love our natural parents . 2. To obey all their domestic commands ; for in them the scene of their authority lies . 3. To give them maintenance and support in their needs . 4. To obey Kings and all that are in authority . 5. To pay tribute and honours , custome and reverence . 6. To do reverence to the aged and all our betters . 7. To obey our Masters , spiritual governours and Guides in those things which concern their several respective interest and authority . They sin against this commandment . 1. That despise their parents age , or infirmity . 2. That are ashamed of their poverty and extraction . 3. That publish their vices , errours and infirmities to shame them . 4. That refuse and reject all or any of their lawful commands . 5. Children that marry without or against their consent when it may be reasonably obtained . 6. That curse them , from whom they receive so many blessings . 7 That grieve the souls of their parents by not complying in their desires , and observing their circumstances . 8. That hate their persons , that mock them or use uncomely jestings . 9. That discover their nakednesse voluntarily . 10. That murmure against their injunctions , and obey them involuntarily . 11. All Rebels against their Kings or the supream power in which it is legally and justly invested . 12. That refuse to pay tributes and impositions imposed legally . 13. They that disobey their Masters , murmure or repine against their commands , abuse or deride their persons , talk rudely , &c. 14. They that curse the king in their heart , or speak evil of the ruler of their people . 15. All that are uncivil and rude towards aged persons , mockers and scorners of them . VI. Com. Thou shalt do no murder . The duties are . 1. To preserve our own lives , the lives of our relatives and all with whom we converse ( or who can need us , and we assist ) by prudent reasonable and wary defences , advocations , discoveries of snares , &c. 2. To preserve our health , and the integrity of our bodies and mindes , and of others . 3. To preserve , and follow peace with all men . They sin against this Commandment . 1. That destroy the life of a man or woman , himself or any other . 2. That do violence or dismember , or hurt any part of the body with evil intent . 3. That fight duels or commence unjust wars . 4. They that willingly hasten their own or others death . 5. That by oppression or violence imbitter the spirits of any , so as to make their life sad , and their death hasty . 6. They that conceal the dangers of their neighbor , which they can safely discover . 7. They that sow strife and contention among neighbours . 8. They that refuse to rescue or preserve those whom they can and are obliged to preserve . 9. They that procure abortion . 10 They that threaten , or keep men in fears ; or hate them . VII . Com. Thou shalt not commit adultery . The duties are . 1. To preserve our bodies in the chastity of a single life , or of marriage . 2. To keep all the parts of our bodies in the care and severities of chastity ; so that we be restrained in our eyes as well as in our feet . They sin against this Commandment , 1. Who are adulterous , incestuous , Sodomitical , or commit fornication . 2. They that commit folly alone ; dishonouring their own bodies with softnesse and wantonnesse . 3. They that immoderately let loose the reins of their bolder appetite , though within the protection of marriage . 4 They that by wanton gestures , wandring eyes lascivious dressings , discovery of the nakednesse of themselves or others , filthy discourse , high diet , amorous songs , balls and revellings , tempt and betray themselves , or others to folly . 5. They that marry a woman divorced for adultery . 6. They that divorce their wives , except for adultery , and marry another . VIII . Com. Thou shalt not steal . The duties are . 1. To give every man his due . 2. To permit every man to enjoy his own goods and estate quietly . They sin against this Commandment . 1. That injure any mans estate by open violence , or by secret robbery , by stealth or cousenage , by arts of bargaining or vexatious law-suits . 2. That refuse or neglect to pay their debts , when they are able . 3 That are forward to run into debt knowingly beyond their power , without hopes or purposes of repaiment . 4. Oppressors of the poor . 5. That exact usury of necessitous persons , or of any beyond the permissions of equity as determined by the laws . 6. All sacrilegious persons ; people that rob God of his dues , or of his possessions . 7. All that game , viz. at Cards and Dice , &c. to the prejudice and detriment of other mens estates . 8. They that imbase coyn and mettals and obtrude them for perfect and natural . 9. That break their promises to the detriment of a third person . 10 They that refuse to stand to their bargains . 11. They that by negligence imbecil other mens estates , spoiling or letting any thing perish which is intrusted to them . 12. That refuse to restore the pledge IX . Com. Thou shalt not bear false witnesse . The duties are . 1. To give testimony to truth , when we are called to it by competent authority . 2. To preserve the good name of our neighbours . 3. To speak well of them that deserve it . They sin against this commandment . 1. That speak false things in judgement accusing their neighbors unjustly ; or denying his crime publickly when we are asked , and can be commanded lawfully to tell it . 2. Flatterers , and 3. slanderers , 4. backbiters , 5. and detracters . 6. They that secretly raise jealousies , and suspition of their neighbours causelesly . X. Thou shalt not covet . The duties are . 1. To be content with the portion God hath given us . 2. Not to be covetous of other mens goods . They sin against this commandment . 1. That envy the prosperities of other men . 2. They that desire passionately to be possessed of what is their neighbours . 3. They that with greedinesse pursue riches , honours , pleasures and curiosities . 4. They that are too careful , troubled , distracted or amazed , affrighted and afflicted with being sollicitous in the conduct of temporal blessings . These are the general lines of duty by which we may discover our failings , and be humbled , and confesse accordingly ; onely the penitent person is to remember , that although these are the kindes of sins described after the sense of the Jewish Church , which consisted principally in the external action , or the deed done , and had no restraints upon the thoughts of men , save onely in the tenth commandment , which was mixt and did relate as much to action as to thought ( as appears in the instances ) yet upon us Christians there are many circumstances and degrees of obligation , which endear our duty with greater severity and observation ; and the penitent is to account of himself and enumerate his sins , not onely by external actions or the deed done , but by words & by thoughts ; and so to reckon if he have done it directly or indirectly , if he have caused others to do it , by tempting or incouraging , by assisting or counselling , by not disswading when he could and ought , by fortifying their hands or hearts , or not weakning their evil purposes ; if he have designed or contrived its action , desired it or loved it , delighted in the thought , remembred the past sin with pleasure or without sorrow , these are the by-wayes of sins , and the crooked lanes in which a man may wander and be lost as certainly as in the broad high wayes of iniquity . But besides this , our blessed Lord and his Apostles have added divers other precepts ; some of which have been with some violence reduc'd to the Decalogue , and others have not bin noted at all in the catalogues of confession , I shall therefore describe them entirely , that the sick man discover his failings , that by the mercies of God in Jesus Christ , and by the instrument of repentance he may be presented pure and spotlesse before the throne of God. The special precepts of the Gospel . 1. PRayer , frequent , servent , holy , and persevering . 2. Faith. 3. Repentance , 4. Poverty of spirit , as opposed to ambition , high designes , 5. and in it is humility , or sitting down in the lowest place , and in giving honour to go before another , 6. meeknesse , as it is opposed to waywardnesse , fretfulnesse , immoderate grieving , disdain and scorn , 7. contempt of the world , 8. prudence , or the advantagious conduct of religion , 9. simplicity or sincerity in words and actions , pretences and substances , 10. hope , 11. hearing the word , 12. Reading , 13. Assembling together , 14. obeying them that have the rule over us in spiritual affairs , 15. Refusing to communicate with persons excommunicate : whither also may be reduced , To reject Hereticks . 16 Charity , viz. love to God above all things , brotherly kindnesse , or profitable love to our neighbours as our selves , to be expressed in almes , forgivenesse , and to dye for our brethren , 17 To pluck out the right eye , or violently to rescind all occasions of sin , though dear to us as an eye , 18 To reprove our erring brother , 19 To be patient in afflictions , and longanimity is referred hither , or long sufferance ; which is the perfection and perseverance of patience ; and is opposed to hastinesse and wearinesse of spirit , 20 To be thankful to our benefactors , but above all , in all things to give thanks to God , 21. To rejoyce in the Lord alwayes , 22. Not to quench , not to grieve , not to resist the Spirit , 23 To love our wives as Christ loved his Church , and to reverence our husbands , 24. To provide for our families , 25 Not to be bitter to our children , 26. To bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord , 27. Not to despise prophesying , 28. To be gentle and easie to be intreated , 29. To give no scandal , or offence , 30. To follow after peace with all men and to make peace , 31. Not to go to law before the unbelievers , 32. To do all things that are of good report , or the actions of publick honesty ; abstaining from all apearances of evil , 33 To convert souls or turn sinners from the errour of their wayes . 34. To confesse Christ before all the world , 35. To resist unto blood if God calls us to it , 36. To rejoyce in tribulation for Christs sake , 37. To remember and shew forth the Lords death till his second coming , by celebrating the Lords supper , 38. To believe all the New Testament , 39. To adde nothing to S. Iohns last Book , that is , to pretend to no new revelations , 40. To keep the customs of the Church , her festivals and solemnities , lest we be reproved as the Corinthians were by S. Paul , we have no such customs nor the Churches of God , 41. To contend earnestly for the faith . * Nor to be contentious in matters not concerning the eternal interest of our souls ; but in matters indifferent to have faith to our selves , 42. Not to make schisms or divisions in the body of the Church , 43. To call no man Master upon earth , but to acknowledge Christ our Master , and law giver . 44. not to domineer over the Lords heritage , 45 To try all things , and keep that which is best , 46 To be temperate in all things , 47. To deny our selves , 48. To mortifie our lusts and their instruments , 49. To lend looking for nothing again , nothing by way of increase , nothing by way of recompence . 50 To watch & stand in readines against the coming of the Lord , 51 ▪ Not to be angry without cause , 52. not at al to revile , 53. not to swear , 54 not to respect persons , 55. to lay hands suddenly on no man [ This especially pertains to * Bishops . * To whom also , and to all the Ecclesiastical order it is enjoyned , that they preach the word , that they be instant in season , and out of season , that they rebuke , reprove , exhort with all long suffering and doctrine . 56. To keep the Lords day ( derived into an obligation from a practise Apostolical ) 57. to do all things to the glory of God , 58. to hunger and thirst after righteousnesse and its rewards , 59. to avoid foolish questions , 60 to pray for persecuters , and to do good to them that persecute us , and despitefully use us , 61 to pray for all men , 62. to maintain good works for necessary uses . 63. to work with our own hands that we be not burdensome to others , avoiding idlenesse , 64 to be perfect as our heavenly Father is perfect , 65. to be liberal and frugal ; for he that will call us to account for our time , will also for the spending our money , 66 not to use uncomely jestings , 67. modesty ; as opposed to boldnesse , to curiosity , to undecency , 68. to be swift to hear , slow to speak , 69. to worship the holy [ Jesus ] at the mention of his holy name ; as of old God was at the mention of [ Jehovah . These are the streight lines of scripture , by which we may also measure our obliquities , and discover our crooked walking ; if the sick man hath not done these things , or if he have done contrary to any of them in any particular , he hath cause enough for his sorrow , and matter for his confession : of which he need no other forms , but that he heartily deplore and plainly enumerate his follies , as a man tells the sad stories of his own calamity . SECT . IX . Of the sick mans practise of charity and justice , by way of rule . 1. LEt the sick man set his house in order before he die ; state his cases of conscience , reconcile the fractures of his family , reunite brethren , cause right understandings , and remove jealousies ; give good counsels for the future conduct of their persons , and estates , charm them into religion by the authority and advantages of a dying person : because the last words of a dying man are like the tooth of a wounded Lion , making a deeper impression in the agony , then in the most vigorous strength . 2. Let the sick man discover every secret of art , or profit , physick , or advantage to mankinde , if he may do it without the prejudice of a third person . Some persons are so uncharitably envious that they are willing that a secret receipt should die with them , and be buried in their grave ; like treasure in the sepulchre of David . But this which is a designe of charity must therefore not be done to any mans prejudice ; and the Mason of Herodotus the King of Aegypt who kept secret his notice of the Kings treasure , and when he was a dying told his son , betrayed his trust then when he should have kept it most sacredly for his own interest . In all other cases let thy charity out-live thee , that thou mayest rejoyce in the mansion of rest , because by thy means many living persons are eased or advantaged . 3. Let him make his will with great justice and piety , that is , that the right heirs be not defrauded for collaterall respects , fancies or indirect fondnesses ; but the inheritances descend in their legall and due channell ; and in those things where we have a liberty , that we take the opportunity of doing vertuously , that is , of considering how God may be best served by our donatives , or how the interest of any vertue may be promoted ; in which we are principally to regard the necessities of our neerest kinred , and relatives , servants and friends . 4. Let the Will or Testament be made with ingenuity , opennesse , and plain expression , that he may not entail a law-suit upon his posterity and relatives , and make them lose their charity , or intangle their estates , or make them poorer by the gift . He hath done me no charity , but dies in my debt that makes me sue for a legacy . 5. It is proper for the estate of sicknesse , and an excellent anealing us to buriall , that we give alms in this state , so burying treasure in our graves , that will not perish but rise again in the resurrection of the just . Let the dispensation of our alms be as little intrusted to our Executors as may be , excepting to lasting and successive portions ; * but with our own present care let us exercise the charity , and secure the stewardship . It was a custome among the old Greeks , to bury horses , clothes , armes , and whatsoever was dear to the dece●sed person , supposing they might need them , and that without clothes they should be found naked by their Judges ; and al the friends did use to bring gifts ; by such liberality thinking to promote the interest of their dead . But we may offer our 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 our selves best of all ; our doles and funerall meals if they be our own early provisions , will then spend the better ; & it is good so to carry our passing penny in our hand , and by reaching that hand to the poor make a friend in the everlasting habitations . He that gives with his own hand shall be sure to find it , and the poor shall find it : but he that trusts Executors with his charity , & the Oeconomy and issues of his vertue , by which he must enter into his hopes of heaven & pardon , shall find but an ill account , when his Man thee behoueth oft to have this in mind : That thou giveth with thine hand , that shalt thou find ; For widows be slofull , and children be●h unkind , Executors beth covetous , & keep all that they find , If any body ask where the de●ds goods became ●hey answer So God me help & Halidam , he died a poor man. Think on this executors complain he died poor . Think on this . To this purpose wise and pious was the counsell of Salvian ; Let a dying man who hath nothing else of which he may make an effective oblation , offer up to God of his substance ; Let him offer it with compunction and tears , with grief and mourning , as knowing that all our oblations have their value , not by the price , but by the affection : and it is our faith that commends the money , since God receives the money by the hands of the poor , but at the same time gives , and does not take the blessing ; because he receives nothing but his own , and man gives that which is none of his own , that , of which onely he is a steward , and shall be accountable for every shilling . Let it therefore be offered humbly as a Creditor payes his debts , not magnifically as a Prince gives a donative ; and let him remember that such doles do not pay for the sin , but they ease the punishment ; they are not proper instruments of redemption , but instances of supplication , and advantages of prayer ; and when we have done well remember that we have not payed our debt , but showen our willingnesse to give a little of the vast sum we owe : and he that gives plentifully according to the measure of his estate , is still behind hand according to the measure of his sins ; let him pray to God that this late oblation may be accepted , and so it will , if it sails to him in a sea of poenitentiall tears or sorrows , that it is so little , and that it is so late . 6. Let the sick mans charity be so ordered that it may not come onely to deck the funerall and make up the pomp ; charity waiting like one of the solemn mourners ; but let it be continued , that beside the alms of health and sicknesse , there may be a rejoycing in God for his charity , long after his funeralls , so as to become more beneficial and lesse publike ; that the poor may pray in private and give God thanks many dayes together . This is matter of prudence : and yet in this , we are to observe the same regards which we had in the charity and alms of our lives ; with this onely difference , that in the funerall alms also of rich and able persons , the publike customes of the Church are to be observed , and decencie and solemnity , and the expectations of the poor , and matter of publike opinion , and the reputation of religion ; In all other cases , let thy charity consult with humility and prudence , that it never ministers at all to vanity ; but be as full of advantage and usefulnesse as it may . 7. Every man will forgive a dying person , and therefore let the sick man be ready and sure if he can , to send to such persons whom he hath injured , and beg their pardon and do them right ; For in his case , he cannot stay for an opportunity of convenient and advantageous reconcilement ; he cannot then spin out a treaty , nor beat down the price of composition , nor lay a snare to be quit from the obligation and coërcion of lawes ; but he must ask forgivenesse down-right , and make him amends as he can , being greedy of making use of this opportunity of doing a duty , that must be done , but cannot any more , if not now , untill times return again , and tels the minuts backward , so that yesterday shall be reckoned in the portions of the future . 8. In the intervalls of sharper pains , when the sick man am●sses together all the arguments of comfort and testimonies of Gods love to him , and care of him , he must needs find infinite matter of thanksgiving , and glorification of God : and it is a proper act of charity and love to God , and justice too , that he do honour to God on his death-bed for all the blessings of his life , not onely in generall communications , but those by which he hath been separate and discerned from others , or supported and blessed in his own person : Such as are ; [ In all my life time I never broke a bone , I never fell into the hands of robbers ; never into publike shame , or into noysome diseases : I have not begd my bread , nor been tempted by great and unequall fortunes : God gave me a good understanding , good friends , or delivered me in such a danger , and heard my prayers in such particular pressures of my spirit . ] This or the like enumeration and consequent acts of thanksgiving are apt to produce love to God , and confidence in the day of triall ; for he that * gave me blessings in proportion to the state and capacities of my life , I hope also will do so in proportion to the needs of my sicknesse , and my death-bed . This we find practised as a most reasonable piece of piety by the wisest of the Heathens . So Antipater Tarsensis gave God thanks for his prosperous voyage into Greece ; and Cyrus made a handsom prayer upon the tops of the mountains , when by a phantasme he was warned of his approaching death . Receive [ O God ] my Father these holy rites by which I put an end to many and great affairs : and I give thee thanks for thy celestiall signes and prophetic notices , whereby thou hast signified to me what I ought to do and what I ought not : I present also very great thanks that I have perceived and acknowledged your care of me , and have never exalted my self above my condition for any prosperous accident . And I pray that you will grant felicity to my wife , my children , and friends , and to me a death , such as my life hath been . But that of Philagrius in Gregory Nazianzen is eucharisticall , but it relates more especially to the blessings and advantages which are accidentally consequent to sicknesse . I thank thee O Father and maker of all thy children , that thou art pleased to blesse and to sanctifie us even against our wils , and by the outward man purgest the inward , and leadest us through crosse wayes to a blessed ending , for reasons best known unto thee . ] However when we go from our hospitall and place of little intermediall rest in our journey to heaven , it is fit that we give thanks to the major domo for our entertainment . When these parts of religion are finished , according to each mans necessity , there is nothing remaining of personall duty to be done alone , but that the sick man act over these vertues , by the renewings of devotion , and in the way of prayer ; and that is to be continued as long as life , and voice , and reason dwell with us . SECT . X. Acts of charity by way of prayer and ejaculation , which may also be used for thanksgiving , in case of recovery . O My soul thou hast said unto the Lord , thou art my Lord : my goodnesse extendeth not to thee : But to the saints that are in the earth , and to the excellent in whom is all my delight . The Lord is the portion of my inheritance and of my cup , thou maintainest my lot . As for God , his way is perfect : the word of the Lord is tried , he is a buckler to all those that trust in him . For who is God save the Lord ? or who is a rock save our God ? It is God that girdeth me with strength , and maketh my way perfect . Be not thou far from me O Lord : O my strength , haste thee to help me . Deliver my soul from the sword , my darling from the power of the dog , save me from the lions mouth : and thou hast heard me also from among the horns of the Unicorns . I will declare thy Name unto my brethren , in the midst of the Congregation will I praise thee . Ye that fear the Lord , praise the Lord ye sons [ of God J Glorifie him and fear before him all ye sons [ of men . For he hath not despised nor abhorred the affliction of the afflicted , neither hath he hid his face from him , but when he cryed unto him he heard . As the hart panteth after the water brooks , so longeth my soul after thee O God. My soul thirsteth for God , for the living God , when shall I come and appear before the Lord. O my God , my soul is cast down within me ; all thy waves and billows are gone over me : as with a sword in my bones I am reproached : yet the Lord will command his loving kindnesse in the day time , and in the night his song shall be with me , and my prayer unto the God of my life . Blesse ye the Lord in the congregations , even the Lord from the fountains of Israel : My mouth shall shew forth thy righteousnesse and thy salvation all the day , for I know not the numbers thereof . I will go in the strength of the Lord God , I will make mention of thy righteousnesse , even of thine onely . O God thou hast taught me from my youth . And hitherto have I declared thy wondrous works . But I will hope continually , and will yet praise thee more and more . Thy righteousnesse , O God is very high , who hast done great things . O God who is like unto thee ? thou which hast shewed me great and sore troubles shalt quicken me again , and shalt bring me up again from the depth of the earth . Thou shalt encrease thy goodnesse towards me , and comfort me on every side . My lips shall greatly rejoyce when I sing unto thee . And my soul which thou hast redeemed . Blessed be the Lord God , the God of Israel , who only doth wondrous things . And blessed be his glorious name for ever ; and let the whole earth be filled with his glory . Amen . Amen . I love the Lord , because he hath heard my voice , and my supplication . The sorrows of death compassed me , I found trouble and sorrow . Then called I upon the name of the Lord , O Lord I beseech thee deliver my soul. Gracious is the Lord and righteous , yea our God is merciful . The Lord preserveth the simple , I was brought low , and he helped me . Return to thy rest O my soul , the Lord hath dealt bountifully with thee . For thou hast delivered my soul from death , mine eyes from tears , and my feet from falling . Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints ; O Lord , truly I am thy servant , I am thy servant and the son of thine handmaid , thou shalt loose my bonds . He that loveth not the Lord Jesus , let him be accursed . O that I might love thee , as well as ever any creature loved thee . He that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God. There is no fear in love . The prayer . O Most Gracious and eternal God and loving Father , who hast powred out thy bowels upon us , and sent the son of thy love unto us to die for love , and to make us dwell in love , and the eternal comprehensions of thy divine mercies , O be pleased to inflame my heart with a holy charity ; towards thee and all the world . Lord I forgive all that ever have offended me and beg that both they and I may enter into the possession of thy mercies , and feel a gracious pardon from the same fountain of grace : and do thou forgive me all the acts of scandall , whereby I have provoked or tempted , or lessened , or disturbed any person ; Lord , let me never have my portion amongst those that divide the union , and disturb the peace , and break the charities of the Church , and Christian communion ; And though I am fallen into evil times , in which Christendom is divided by the names of an evil division , yet I am in charity with all Christians , with all that love the Lord Jesus , and long for his coming : and I would give my life to save the soul of any of my brethren ; and I humbly beg of thee that the publike calamity of the severall societies of the Church , may not be imputed to my soul , to any evil purposes . II. LOrd preserve me in the unity of the holy Church , in the love of God , and of my neighbours ; let thy grace inlarge my heart to remember , deeply to resent , faithfully to use , wisely to improve , and humbly to give thanks to thee for all thy favours , with which thou hast enriched my soul , and supported my estate , and preserved my person , and rescued me from danger , and invited me to goodnesse in all the dayes and periods of my life . Thou hast led me thorow it with an excellent conduct : and I have gone astray after the manner of men : but my heart is towards thee . O do unto thy servant as thou usest to do unto those that love thy Name : let thy truth comfort me , thy mercy deliver me , thy staffe support me , thy grace sanctifie my sorrow , and thy goodnesse pardon all my sins : thy Angels guide me with safety in this shadow of death , and thy most holy Spirit lead me into the land of righteousnesse , for thy Names sake which is so comfortable , and for Jesus Christ his sake , our Dearest Lord and most Gracious Saviour . Amen . CHAP. V. Of visitation of the sick : or the assistance that is to be done to dying persons , by the ministery of their Clergy Guides . SECT . I. GOd who hath made no new Covenant with dying persons distinct from the Covenant of the living , hath also appointed no distinct Sacraments for them , no other manner of usages , but such as are common to all the spirituall necessities of living and healthfull persons . In all the dayes of our religion , from our baptisme to the resignation and delivery of our soul , God hath appointed his servants to minister to the necessities , and eternally to blesse , and prudently to guide , and wisely to judge concerning souls ; and the Holy Ghost that anointing from above , descends upon us in severall effluxes , but ever by the ministeries of the Church . Our heads are anointed with that sacred unction Baptisme ( not in ceremony , but in reall and proper effect ) our foreheads in confirmation , our hands in ordinations ; all our senses in the visitation of the sick , and all by the ministery of especially deputed and instructed persons ; and we who all our life time derive blessings from the fountains of grace , by the channels of Ecclesiastical ministeries , must do it then especially , when our needs are most pungent and actuall . 1. We cannot give up our names to Christ , but the Holy man that ministers in religion must enroll them and present the persons , and consigne the grace : when we beg for Gods Spirit , the Minister can best present our prayers , and by his advocation hallow our private desires , and turn them into publike and potent offices . 2. If we desire to be established and confirmed in the grace and religion of our Baptisme , the Holy man , whose hands were anointed by a speciall ordination to that and its symbolical purposes , layes his hands upon the Catechumen and the anointing from above descends by that ministery . 3. If we would eat the body and drink the blood of our Lord , we must addresse our selves to the Lords Table , and he that stands there to blesse and to minister , can reach it forth , and feed thy soul ; and without his ministery thou canst not be nourished with that heavenly feast , nor thy body consigned to immortality , nor thy soul refreshed with the Sacramentall bread from heaven , except by spirituall suppletories , in cases of necessity and an impossible communion . 4. If we have committed sins , the spirituall man is appointed to restore us , and to pray for us , and to receive our confessions , and to enquire into our wounds , and to infuse oil and remedy , and to pronounce pardon . 5. If we be cut off from the communion of the faithfull by our own demerits , their holy hands must reconcile us , and give us peace ; they are our appointed comforters , our instructers , our ordinary Judges ; and in the whole : what the children of Israel beg'd of Moses , that God would no more speak to them alone , but by his servant Moses , lest they should be consumed , God in compliance with our infirmities hath of his own goodnesse established as a perpetuall law in all ages of Christianity ; that God will speak to us by his Ministers , and our solemn prayers shall be made to him by their advocation , and his blessings descend from heaven by their hands , and our offices return thither by their presidencies , and our repentance shall be managed by them , and our pardon in many degrees ministred by them ; God comforts us by their Sermons , and reproves us by their Discipline , and cuts off some by their severity , and reconciles others by their gentlenesse , and relieves us by their prayers , and instructs us by their discourses , and heals our sicknesses by their intercession , presented to God and united to Christs advocation ; and in all this , they are no causes , but servants of the will of God , instruments of the Divine Grace and order , stewards and dispensers of the mysteries , and appointed to our souls to serve and lead , and to help in all accidents , dangers , and necessities . And they who received us in our baptisme , are also to cary us to our grave , and to take care that our end be as our life was , or should have been ; and therefore , it is established as an Apostolical rule ; Is any man sick among you , let him send for the Elders of the Church , and let them pray over him , &c. The sum of the duties and offices respectively implied in these words is in the following rules . SECT . II. Rules for the manner of visitations of sick persons . 1. LEt the Minister of religion be sent to , not onely against the agony of death , but be advised with in the whole conduct of the sicknesse ; for in sicknesse indefinitely , and therefore in every sicknesse , and therefore in such which are not mortall , which end in health , which have no agony , or finall temptations , S. Iames gives the advise : and the sick man being bound to require them , is also tied to do it , when he can know them , and his own necessity . It is a very great evil both in the matter of prudence and piety , that they fear the Priest as they fear the Embalmer ; or the Sextons spade ; and love not to converse with him , unlesse he can converse with no man else ; and think his office so much to relate to the other world , that he is not to be treated with , while we hope to live in this ; and indeed that our religion be taken care of , onely when we die ; and the event is this , ( of which I have seen some sad experience ) that the man is deadly sick , and his reason is uselesse , and he is laid to sleep , and his life is in the confines of the grave , so that he can do nothing towards the trimming of his lamp ; and the Curate shall say a few prayers by him , and talk to a dead man , and the man is not in a condition to be helped ; but in a condition to need it hugely . He cannot be called upon to confesse his sins ; and he is not able to remember them , and he cannot understand an advice , nor hear a free discourse , nor be altered from a passion , nor cured of his fear , nor comforted upon any grounds of reason or religion , and no man can tell what is likely to be his fate ; or if he does , he cannot prophecie good things concerning him , but evil ; Let the spiritual man come when the sick man can be conversed withall , and instructed ; when he can take medicine and amend ; when he understands , or can be taught to understand the case of his soul , and the rules of his conscience ; and then his advice may turn into advantage ; It cannot otherwise be useful . 2. The entercourses of the Minister with the sick man have so much variety in them , that they are not to be transacted at once : and therefore they do not well that send once to see the good man with sorrow , and hear him pray , and thank him and dismisse him civilly , and desire to see his face no more ; To dresse a soul for funeral is not a work to be dispatched at one meeting : At once he needs a comfort , and anon something to make him willing to die ; and by and by he is tempted to impatience , and that needs a special cure , and it is a great work to make his confessions well , and with advantages ; and it may be the man is carelesse and indifferent , and then he needs to understand the evil of his sin , and the danger of his person : and his cases of conscience may be so many and so intricate , that he is not quickly to be reduced to peace ; and one time the holy man must pray , and another time he must exhort ; a third time administer the holy Sacrament ; and he that ought to watch all the periods and little portions of his life , lest he should be suprized and overcome , had need be watched when he is sick , and assisted , and called upon , and reminded of the several parts of his duty , in every instant of his temptation . This article was well provided for among the Easterlings ; for the Priests in their visitations of a sick person did abide in their attendance and ministery for seven dayes together . The want of this makes the visitations fruitlesse and the calling of the Clergy contemptible , while it is not suffered to imprint its proper effects upon them that need it in a lasting ministery . 3. S. Iames advises that when a man is sick he should send for the elders : one sick man for many Presbyters ; and so did the Eastern Churches , they sent for seven : and like a college of Physitians they ministred spiritual remedies , and sent up prayers like a quire of singing Clerks . In cities they might do so , while the Christians were few and the Priests many . But when they that dwelt in the Pagi or villages ceased to be Pagans , and were baptized , it grew to be an impossible felicity , unlesse in few cases , and to some more eminent persons : but because they need it most , God hath taken care that they may best have it ; and they that can , are not very prudent , if they neglect it . 4. Whether they be many or few that are sent to the sick person , let the Curate of his Parish or his own Confessor be amongst them that is , let him not be wholly advised by strangers who know not his particular necessities ; but he that is the ordinary Judge , cannot safely be passed by in his extraordinary necessity , which in so great portions depends upon his whole life past ; and it is a matter of suspicion when we decline his judgement that knowes us best , and with whom we formerly did converse , either by choice or by law , by private election or publike constitution . It concerns us then to make severe and profitable judgements , and not to conspire against our selves , or procure such assistances which may handle us softly , or comply with our weaknesses more then relieve our necessities . 5. When the Ministers of religion are come ; first let them do their ordinary offices , that is , pray for grace to the sick man , for patience , for resignation , for health ( if it seems good to God in order to his great ends . ) For that is one of the ends of the advice of the Apostle ; and therefore the minister is to be sent for , not while the case is desperate , but before the sicknesse is come to its crisis or period . ) Let him discourse concerning the causes of sicknesse , and by a general instrument move him to consider concerning his condition . Let him call upon him to set his soul in order , to trim his lamp , to dresse his soul , to renew acts of grace by way of prayer , to make amends in all the evils he hath done , and to supply all the defects of duty , as much as his past condition requires , and his present can admit . 6. According as the condition of the sickness , or the weaknesse of the man is observed , so the exhortation is to be less and the prayers more , because the life of the man was his main preparatory , and therefore if his condition be full of pain and infirmity , the shortnesse and small number of his own acts is to be supplied by the act of the Ministers and standers by ; who are in such cases to speak more to God for him , then to talk to him . For the prayer of the righteous when it is servent hath a promise to prevail much in behalf of the sick person . But exhortations must prevail with their own proper weight , not by the passion of the Speaker . But yet this assistance by way of prayers is not to be done by long offices , but by frequent . and fervent , and holy : in which offices , if the sick man joyns , let them be short and apt to comply with his little strength , and great infirmities ; if they be said in his behalf without his conjunction , they that pray may prudently use their own liberty , and take no measures , but their own devotions and opportunities and the sick mans necessities . When he hath made this general addresse and preparatory entrance to the work of many dayes and periods , he may descend to particulars by the following instruments and discourses . SECT . III. Of ministring in the sick mans confession of sins and repentance . THe first necessity that is to be served is that of repentance , in which the Ministers can in no way serve him but by first exhorting him to confession of his sins , and declaration of the state of his soul. For unlesse they know the manner of his life , and the degrees of his restitution , either they can do nothing at all , or nothing of advantage , and certainty : His discourses like Ionathans arrows , may shoot short , or shoot over , but not wound where they should , nor open those humours that need a lancet or a cautery . To this purpose the sick man may be reminded . Arguments and exhortations to move the sick man to confession of sins . 1. That God hath made a special promise to confession of sins . He that confesseth his sins and forsaketh them shall have mercy : and if we confesse our sins , God is righteous to forgive us our sins , and to cleanse us from all unrighteousnesse . That confession of sins is a proper act and introduction to repentance . * That when the Jews being warned by the sermons of the Baptist repented of their sins , they confessed their sins to Iohn in the susception of Baptism . * That the converts in the dayes of the Apostles returning to Christianity instantly declared their faith , and their repentance , by confession and declaration of their deeds which they then renounced , abjured , and confessed to the Apostles . * That confession is an act of many vertues together . * It is the gate of repentance , * an instrument of shame and condemnation of our sins , * a glorification of God , so called by Ioshuah particularly in the case of Achan , * an acknowledgement that God is just in punishing ; for by confessing of our sins , we also confesse his justice , and are assessors with God in this condemnation of our selves . * That by such an act of judging our selves we escape the more angry judgement of God. S. Paul expresly exhorting us to it upon that very inducement . * That confession of sins is so necessary a duty , that in all Scriptures it is the immediate preface to pardon , and the certain consequent of godly sorrow , and an integral or constituent part of that grace , which together with faith m●kes up the whole duty of the Gospel . * That in all ages of the Gospel , it hath been taught and practised respectively , that all the penitent made confessions proportionable to their repentance , that is , publike or private , general or particular . * That God by testimonies from heaven , that is , by his word , and by a consequent rare peace of conscience hath given approbation to this holy duty . * That by this instrument those whose office it is to apply remedies to every spiritual sicknesse , can best perform their offices , * that it is by all Churches esteemed a duty necessary to be done in cases of a troubled conscience . * That what is necessary to be done in one case , and convenient in all cases is fit to be done by all persons . * That without confession it cannot easily be judged concerning the sick person whether his conscience ought to be troubled or no , and therefore it cannot be certain that it is not necessary . * That there can be no reason against it but such as consults with flesh and blood , with infirmity and sin , to all which confession of sins is a direct enemy . * That now is that time when all the imperfections of his repentance and all the breaches of his duty are to be made up , and that if he omits this opportunity , he can never be admitted to a salutary and medicinal confession . * That S. Iames gives an expresse precept , that we Christians should confesse our sins to each other , that is , Christian to Christian , brother to brother , the people to their Minister , and then he makes a specification of that duty which a sick man is to do when he hath sent for the elders of the Church . * That in all this there is no force lies upon him , but if he hides his sins he shall not be directed , ( so said the Wise man ) but ere long he must appear before the great Judge of men and Angels ; and his Spirit will be more amazed and confounded to be seen among the Angels of light with the shadowes of the works of darknesse upon him , then he can suffer by confessing to God in the presence of him whom God hath sent to heal him . However , it is better to be ashamed here , then to be confounded hereafter : a pol pudere praestat quam pigere , totidem literis . * That confession being in order to pardon of sins , it is very proper and analogical to the nature of the thing , that it be made there where the pardon of sins is to be administred ; and that , of pardon of sins God hath made the Minister the publisher and dispenser ; and all this is besides the accidental advantages wich accrue to the conscience ; which is made ashamed , and timorous , and restrained by the mortifications and blushings of discovering to a man the faults committed in secret . * That the Ministers of the Gospel are the Ministers of reconciliation , are commanded to restore such persons as are overtaken in a fault , and to that purpose , they come to offer their Ministery , if they may have cognizance of the fault and person . * That in the matter of prudence it is not safe to trust a mans self in the final condition and last security of a mans soul , a man being no good Judge in his own case . And when a duty is so useful in all cases , so necessary in some , and encouraged by promises Evangelical , by Scripture precedents , by the example of both Testaments ; and prescribed by injunctions Apostolical and by the Canon of all Churches , and the example of all ages , and taught us even by the proportions of dutie , and the Analogie to the power Ministerial , and the very necessities of every man ; he that for stubbornnesse or sinful shamefac'dnesse , or prejudice , or any other criminal weaknesse shall decline to do it in the dayes of his danger , when the vanities of the world are worn off , and all affection to sin are wearied , and the sin it self is pungent and grievous , and that we are certain we shal not escape shame for them hereafter , unlesse we be ashamed of them here , and use all the proper instruments of their pardon ; this man I say is very neer death , but very far off from the kingdom of heaven . 2. The spirituall man will find in the conduct of this duty , many cases and variety of accidents , which will alter his course and forms of proceedings . 1. Most men are of a rude indifferency , apt to excuse themselves , ignorant of their condition , abused by evil principles , content with a generall and indefinite confession , and if you provoke them to it by the foregoing considerations , lest their spirits should be a little uneasie , or not secured in their own opinions , will be apt to say , They are sinners , as every man hath his infirm●ty , and he as well as any man ; But God be thanked , they bear no ill will to any man , or are no adulterers , or no rebels , or they have fought on the right side ; and God be mercifull to them for they are sinners . But you shall hardly open their brest further ; and to enquire beyond this , would be to do the office of an accuser . 3 But which is vet worse ; there are very many persons , who have been so used to an habituall course of a constant intem●er●nce , or dissolution in any other instance , that ●he crime is made naturall and necessary , and the conscience hath digested all the trouble , and the man thinks himself in a good estate , and never reckons any sins , but those which are the egressions and passings beyond his ordinary and daily drunkennesse . This happens in the cases of drunkennesse , and intemperate eating , and idlenesse , and uncharitablenesse , and in lying and vain jestings , and particularly in such evils which the lawes do not punish , and publike customs do not shame , but which are contenanced by potent sinners , or evil customs , or good nature , and mistaken civilities . Instruments by way of consideration , to awaken a carelesse person , and a stupid conscience . IN these and the like cases , the spirituall man must awaken the L●thargy , and prick the conscience by representing to him . 1. * That Christianity is a holy and a strict religion . 2. * That many are called but few are chosen . * That the number of them that are to be saved are but very few in respect of those that are to descend into sorrow and everlasting darknesse . * That we have covenanted with God in baptisme , to live a holy life . * That the measures of holinesse in Christian religion are not to be taken by the evil proportions of the multitude , and common ●ame of looser and lesse severe persons , because the multitude is that which does not enter into heaven , but the few , the elect , the holy servants of Jesus . * That every habituall sin does amount to a very great guilt in the whole , though it be but in a small instance . * That if the righteous scarcely be saved , then there will be no place for the righteous and the sinner to appear in , but places of horror and amazement . * That confidence hath destroyed many souls , and many have had a sad portion who have reckoned themselves in the Calendar of Saints . * That the promises of heaven are so great , that it is not reasonable to think that every man , and every life , and an easie religion shall possesse such infinite glories . * That although heaven is a gift , yet there is a great severity and strict exacting of the conditions on our part to receive that gift . * That some persons who have lived strictly for 40. years together , yet have miscarried by some one crime at last , or some secret hypocrisie , or a latent pride , or a creeping ambition , or a phantastic spirit ; and therefore much lesse can they hope to receive so great portions of felicities , when their life hath been a continuall declination from those severities which might have created confidence of pardon and acceptation , through the mercies of God and the merits of Jesus . * That every good man ought to be suspicious of himself , and in his judgement concerning his own condition to fear the worst , that he may provide for the better . * That we are commanded to work out our salvation with fear & trembling . * That this precept was given with very great reason , considering the thousand thousand wayes of miscarrying . * That S. Paul himself , and S. Arsenius , and S. Elzearius , and divers other remarkable Saints had at some times great apprehensions of the dangers of failing of the mighty price of their high calling . * That the stake that is to be secured is of so great an interest , that all our industry , and all the violences we can suffer in the prosecution of it are not considerable . * That this affair is to be done but once , and then never any more unto eternal ages . * That they who professe themselves servants of the institution and servants of the law and discipline of Jesus will find , that they must judge themselves by the proportions of that law by which they were to rule themselves . * That the laws of society and civility , and the voices of my company are as ill judges as they are guides ; but we are to stand or fall by his sentence , who will not consider or value the talk of idle men , or the persuasion of wilfully abused consciences ; but of him , who hath felt our infirmity in all things , but sin , and knowes where our failings are unavoidable , and where and in what degree they are excusable ; but never will endure a sin should seize upon any part of our love , and deliberate choice , or carelesse cohabitation . * That if our conscience accuse us not , yet are we not hereby justified , for God is greater then our consciences . * That they who are most innocent have their consciences most tender and sensible . * That scrupulous persons are alwayes most religious , and that to feel nothing , is not a signe of life but of death . * That nothing can be hid from the eyes of the Lord , to whom the day and the night , publike and private , words and thoughts , actions and designes are equally discernable . * That a lukewarme person is onely secured in his own thoughts , but very unsafe in the event , and despised by God. * That we live in an Age in which that which is called and esteemed a holy life , in the dayes of the Apostles and holy primitives would have been esteemed indifferent , sometimes scandalous , and alwayes cold . That what was a truth of God then , is so now ; and to what severities they were tyed , for the same also we are to be accountable ; and heaven is not now an easier purchase then it was then . * That if he will cast up his accounts , even with a superficial eye , Let him consider how few good works he hath done , how inconsiderable is the relief which he gave to the poor , how little are the extraordinaries of his religion , and how unactive and lame , how polluted and disordered , how unchosen and unpleasant were the ordinary parts and periods of it ? and how many and great sins have stained his course of life , and until he enters into a particular scrutinie , let him only revolve in his minde what his general course hth been ; and in the way of prudence , let him say , whether it was laudable and holy , or onely indifferent and excusable ; and if he can think it onely excusable , and so as to hope for pardon by such suppletories of faith , and arts of persuasion , which he and others use to take in , for auxiliaries to their unreasonable confidence , then he cannot but think it very fit that he search into his own state , and take a Guide , and erect a tribunal , or appear before that which Christ hath erected for him on earth , that he may make his accesse fairer when he shall be called before the dreadfull Tribunal of Christ in the clouds . For if he can be confident upon the stock of an unpraised , or a looser life , and should dare to venture upon wilde accounts , without order , without abatements , without consideration , without conduct , without fear , without scrutinies and confessions , and instruments of amends or pardon , he either knows not his danger , or cares not for it ; and little understands how great a horrour that is , that a man should rest his head for ever upon a cradle of flames , and lye in a bed of sorrows , and never sleep , and never end his groans , or the gnashing of his teeth . This is that which some spiritual persons call a wakening the sinner by the terrours of the law , which is a good analogie or Tropical expression to represent the threatnings of the Gospel , and the dangers of an incurious and a sinning person : but we have nothing else to do with the terrours of the law ; for , Blessed be God , they concern us not ; the terrours of the law were the intermination of curses upon all those that ever broke any of the least Commandements ; once , or in any instance : And to it the righteousnesse of faith is opposed : The terrors of the law admitted no repentance , no pardon , no abatement ; and were so severe , that God never inflicted them at all according to the letter , because he admitted all to repentance , that desired it with a timely prayer , unlesse in very few cases , as of Achan , or Corah , the gatherer of sticks upon the Sabbath-day , or the like : but the state of threatnings in the Gospel is very fearful , because the conditions of avoiding them are easie and ready , and they happen to evil persons after many warnings , second thoughts , frequent invitations to pardon and repentance , and after one entire pardon consigned in Baptism : and in this sense it is necessary that such persons as we now deal withall should be instructed concerning their danger . 4. When the sick man is either of himself , or by these considerations set forward with purposes of repentance , and confession of his sins in order to all its holy purposes , and effects , then the Minister is to assist him in the understanding the number of his sins , that is , the several kinds of them , and the various manners of prevaricating the divine commandments ; for as for the number of the particulars in every kinde , he will need lesse help ; and if he did , he can have it no where but in his own conscience , and from the witnesses of his conversation : Let this be done by prudent insinuation , by arts of remembrance , and secret notices , and propounding occasions and instruments of recalling such things to his minde , which either by publike fame he is accused of , or by the temptations of his condition it is likely he might have contracted . 5. If the person be truly penitent and forward to confesse all that are set before him or offered to his sight at a half face , then he may be complyed withall in all his innocent circumstances , and his conscience made placid and willing , and he be drawn forward by good nature and civilitie , that his repentance in all the parts of it , and in every step of its progresse and emanation , may be as voluntary and chosen as it can . For by that means if the sick person can be invited to do the work of religion , it enters by the door of his will and choice , and will passe on toward consummation , by the instrument of delight . 6. If the sick man be backward and without apprehension of the good natur'd and civil way ; let the Minister take care that by some way or other the work of God be secured ; and if he will not understand , when he is secretly prompted , he must be hollowed to , and asked in plain interrogatives concerning the crime of his life . He must be told of the evil things that are spoken of him in markets and exchanges , the proper temptations and accustomed evils of his calling and condition , of the actions of scandal , and in all those actions which were publike , or of which any notice is come abroad , let care be taken that the right side of the case of conscience be turned toward him ; and the errour truly represented to him , by which he was abused ; as the injustice of his contracts , his oppressive bargains , his rapine & violence ; and if he hath perswaded himself to think well of a scandalous action , let him be instructed and advertised of his folly and his danger . 7. And this advice concerns the Minister of religion to follow without partialitie or fear , or interest : in much simplicity and prudence , and hearty sincerity ; having no other consideration , but that the interest of the mans soul be preserved , and no caution used , but that the matter be represented with just circumstances , and civilities fitted to the person with prefaces of honour and regard ; but so that nothing of the duty be diminished by it , that the introduction do not spoil the sermon , and both together ruine two souls [ of the speaker and the hearer . ] For it may soon be considered ; if the sick man be a poor or an indifferent person in secular account , yet his soul is equally dear to God , and was redeemed with the same highest price , and therfore to be highly regarded : and there is no temptation , but that the spirituall man may speak freely without the allayes of interest , or fear , or mistaken civilities ; but if the sick man be a Prince , or a person of eminence or wealth , let it be remembred it is an ill expression of reverence to his authority ; or of regard to his person , to let him perish for the want of an honest , and just , and a free homily . Let the sick man in the scrutiny of his conscience and confession of his sins , be carefully reminded to consider those sins which are onely condemned in the court of conscience , and no where else . For there are certain secrecies and retirments , places of darknesse , and artificiall veils , with which the Devil uses to hide our sins from us , and to incorporate them into our affections by a constant uninterrupted practise , before they be prejudiced or discovered . 1. There are many sins which have reputation and are accounted honour , as fighting a duel , answering a blow with a blow , carrying armies into a neighbour countrey , robbing with a navy , violently seizing upon a kingdom . 2. Others are permitted by law ; as Vsury in all countreys ; and because every excesse of it is a certain sin , the permission of so suspected a matter makes it ready for us , and instructs the temptation . 3. Some things are not forbidden by lawes , as lying in ordinary discourse , jeering , scoffing , intemperate eating , ingratitude , selling too dear , circumventing another in contracts , importunate intreaties , and temptation of persons to many instances of sin , pride , and ambition . 4. Some others do not reckon the sin against God , if the lawes have seized upon the person ; and many that are imprisoned for debt , think themselves disobliged from payment ; and when they pay the penalty , think they owe nothing for the scandal and disobedience . 5. Some sins are thought not considerable , but go under the title of sins of infirmity , or inseparable accidents of mortality ; such as idle thoughts , foolish talking , looser revellings , impatience , anger , and all the events of evil company . 6. Lastly , many things are thought to be no sins ; such as mispending of their time , whole dayes or moneths of uselesse and impertinent imployment , long gaming , winning mens money in greater portions , censuring mens actions , curiosity , aecquivocating in the prices and secrets of buying and selling , rudenesse , speaking truths enviously , doing good to evil purposes , and the like : Under the dark shadow of these unhappy , and fruitlesse Yew-trees , the enemy of mankind makes very many to lie hid from themselves , sewing before their nakednesse the fig-leaves of popular and idol reputation , and impunity , publike permission , a temporall penalty , infirmity , prejudice , and direct errour in judgement , and ignorance . Now in all these cases the Ministers are to be inquisitive and observant , lest the fallacy prevail upon the penitent to evil purposes of death or diminution of his good ; and that those things which in his life passed without observation , may now be brought forth and passe under sawes and barrows , that is , the severity and censure of sorrow and condemnation . 9. To which I adde for the likenesse of the thing , that the matter of omission be considered ; for in them lies the bigger half of our failings ; and yet in many instances they are undiscerned , because they very often sit down by the conscience , but never upon it ; and they are usually looked upon as poor men do upon their not having coach and horses , or as that knowledge is missed by boyes , and hindes which they never had ; it will be hard to make them understand their ignorance ; it requires knowledge to perceive it ; and therefore he that can perceive it , hath it not . But by this pressing the conscience with omissions , I do not mean , recessions or distances , from states of eminency or perfection ; for although they may be used by the Ministers as an instrument of humility , and a chastiser of too big a confidence , yet that which is to be confessed and repented of , is omission of duty in direct instances and matters of commandement , or collaterall , and personall obligations , and is especially to be considered by Kings and Prelates , by Governours and rich persons , by Guides of souls , and Presidents of learning in publike charge ; and by all others in their proportions . 10. The ministers of religion must take care that the sick mans confession be as minute and particular as it can : and that as few sins as may be , be entrusted to the generall prayer of pardon for all sins : for by being particular and enumerative of the variety of evils which have disordered his life , his repentance is disposed to be more pungent and afflictive , and therefore more salutary and medicinall ; it hath in it more sincerity , and makes a better judgement of the finall condition of the man ; and from thence it is certain , the hopes of the sick man can be more confident and reasonable . 11. The spirituall man that assists at the repentance of the sick must not be inquisitive into all the circumstances of the particular sins , but be content with those that are direct parts of the crime , and aggravation of the sorrow ; Such as frequency , long abode , and earnest choice in acting them , violent desires , great expense , scandall of others , dishonour to the religion , dayes of devotion and religious solemnities , holy places , and the degrees of boldnesse and impudence , perfect resolution , and the habit . If the sick person be reminded or inquired into concerning these , it may prove a good instrument to increase his contrition , and perfect his penitentiall sorrows , and facilitate his ablution , and the means of his amendment . But the other circumstances , as of the relative person in the participation of the crime , the measures or circumstances of the impure action , the name of the injured man or woman , the quality or accidentall condition ; these and all the like are but questions springing from curiosity , and producing scruple , and apt to turn into many inconveniencies . 11. The Minister in this duty of repentance must be diligent to observe concerning the person that repents , that he be not imposed upon by some one excellent thing that was remarkable in the sick mans former life . For there are some people of one good thing . Some are charitable to the poor out of kind-heartednesse , and the same good-nature makes them easie and compliant with drinking persons , and they die with drink , but cannot live with charity : and their alms it may be shall deck their monument , or give them the reward of loving persons , and the poor mans thanks for alms , and procure many temporall blessings , but it is very sad that the reward should be all spent in this world : some are rarely just persons , and punctuall observers of their word with men , but break their promises with God , and make no scruple of that . In these and all the like cases , the spirituall man must be carefull to remark , that good proceeds from an intire and integrall cause , and evil from every part : That one sicknesse can make a man die ; but he cannot live and be called a sound man , without an intire health ; and therefore if any confidence arises upon that stock , so as that it hinder the strictness of the repentance , it must be allayed with the representment of this sad truth ; That he who reserves one evil in his choice , hath chosen an evil portion , and colliquintida and death is in the pot : and he that worships the God of Israel with a frequent sacrifice , and yet upon the anniversary will bow in the house of Venus , and loves to see the follies and the nakednesse of Rimmon , may eat part of the flesh of the sacrifice , and fill his belly , but shall not be refreshed by the holy cloud arising from the altar , or the dew of heaven descending upon the mysteries . 12. And yet the Minister is to estimate , that one ( or more good things ) is to be an ingredient into his judgement , concerning the state of his soul , and the capacities of his restitution , and admission to the peace of the Church ; and according as the excellency and usefulnesse of the grace hath been , and according to the degrees and the reasons of its prosecution , so abatements are to be made in the injunctions and impositions upon the penitent . For every vertue is one degree of approach to God ; and though in respect of the acceptation , it is equally none at all , that is , it is as certain a death if a man dies with one mortall wound , as if he had twenty , yet in such persons who have some one or more excellencies , though not an intire piety , there is naturally a neerer approach to the estate of grace , then in persons who have done evils and are eminent for nothing that is good . But in making judgement of such persons , it is to be inquired into and noted accordingly , why the sick person was so eminent in that one good thing ; whether by choice and apprehension of his duty , or whether it was a vertue from which his state of life ministred nothing to dehort or discourage him , or whether it was onely a consequent of his naturall temper and constitution . If the first , then it supposes him in the neighbourhood of the state of grace , and that in other things he was strongly tempted . The second is a felicity of his education , and an effect of providence . The third is a felicity of his nature and a gift of God in order to spirituall purposes . But yet of every one of these , advantage is to be made . If he conscience of his duty was the principle , then he is ready formed to entertain all other graces upon the same reason , and his repentance must be made more sharp and penall ; because he is convinced to have done against his conscience in all the other parts of his life ; but the judgement concerning his finall state ought to be more gentle , because it was a huge temptation that hindred the man and abused his infirmity : but if either his calling or his nature were the parents of the grace , he is in the state of a morall man , ( in the just and proper meaning of the word ) and to be handled accordingly : that vertue disposed him rarely well to many other good things , but was no part of the grace of sanctification ; and therefore the mans repentance is to begin anew , for all that ; and is to be finished in the returns of health , if God grants it , but if he denies it , it is much , very much the worse for all that sweet natur'd vertue . 13. When the confession is made , the spirituall man is to execute the office of a Restorer and a Iudge in the following particulars and manner . SECT . IIII. Of the ministring to the restitution and pardon , or reconciliation of the sick person , by administring the Holy Sacrament . IF any man be overtaken in a fault , ye which are spiritual restore such a one in the spirit of meeknesse . That 's the Commission : and Let the Elders of the Church pray over the sick man , and if he have committed sins , they shall be forgiven him , that 's the effect of his power and his ministery . But concerning this , some few things are to be considered . 1. It is the office of the Presbyters and Ministers of religion to declare publike criminals and scandalous persons to be such , that when the leprosie is declared , the flock may avoid the infection and then the man is excommunicate ; when the people are warned to avoid the danger of the man , or the reproach of the crime , to withdraw from his society , and not to bid him God speed , not to eat and celebrate synaxes and Church-meetings with such who are declared criminal and dangerous : and therefore excommunication is in a very great part , the act of the Congregation and communities of the faithfull , and S. Paul said to the Church of the Corinthians , that they had inflicted the evil upon the incestuous person ; that is , by excommunicating him : all the acts of which , are , as they are subjected in the people ; acts of caution and liberty , but no more acts of direct , proper power or jurisdiction , then it was when the scholers of Simon Magus lef● his chair and went to hear S. Peter . But as they are actions of the Rulers of the Church , so they are declarative , ministerial , and effective too by morall causality , that is , by perswasion , and discourse , by argument , and prayer , by homily , and materiall representment , by reasonablenesse of order , and the superinduced necessities of men ; though not by any reall change of state as to the person , nor by diminution of his right , or violence to his condition . 2. He that baptises , and he that ministers the Holy Sacrament , and he that prayes , does holy offices of great advantage , but in these also , just as in the former he exercises no jurisdiction or preheminence after the manner of saecular authority ; and the same is also true if he should deny them . He that refuseth to baptize an indisposed person , hath by the consent of all men no power or jurisdiction over the unbaptized man ; and he that for the like reason refuseth to give him the Communion , preserves the sacrednesse of the mysteries , and does charitie to the undisposed man , to deny that to him which will do him mischief ; and this is an act of separation just as it is for a friend or Physitian to deny water to an Hydropic person , or Italian wines to a hectic feaver , or as if Cato should deny to salute Bibulus , or the Censor of maners to do countenance to a wanton and vitious person : and though this thing was expressed by words of power , such as separation , abstention , excommunication , deposition , yet these words we understand by the thing it self , which was notorious and evident , to be matter of prudence , security and a free , unconstrained discipline ; and they passed into power by consent and voluntary submission ; having the same effect of constraint , fear and authority , which we see in secular jurisdiction , not because ecclesiastical discipline hath a natural proper coercion as lay-Tribunals have , but because men have submitted to it , and are bound to do so upon the interest of two or three Christian graces . 3. In pursuance of this caution and provision the Church superinduced times and manners of abstention , and expressions of sorrow , and canonical punishments which they tyed the delinquent people to suffer before they would admit them to the holy Table of the Lord. For the criminal having obliged himself by his sin , and the Church having declared it when she could take notice of it , he is bound to repent , to make him capable of pardon with God , and to prove that he is penitent , he is to do such actions , which the Church in the vertue and pursuance of repentance shall accept as a testimony of it , sufficient to inform her ; for as she could not binde at all ( in this sence ) till the crime was publike , though the man had bound himself in secret : so neither can she set him free till the repentance be as publike as the sin ; or so as she can note it and approve it : Though the man be free as to God by his internal act , yet as the publication of the sin was accidental to it , and the Church censure consequent to it , so is the publication of repentance and consequent absolution extrinsecal to the pardon , but accidentally and in the present circumstances necessary . This was the same that the Jews did , ( though in other instances and expressions ) and do to this day to their prevarica●ing people ; and the Essenes in their assemblies ; and private Colleges of scholars , and publike Universities . For all these being assemblies of voluntary persons , and such as seek for advantage , are bound to make an artificial authority in their superiours , and so to secure order , and government by their own obedience and voluntary subordination , which is not essential and of proper jurisdiction in the superiour ; and the band of it is not any coe●citive power , but the denying to communicate such benefits which they seek in that communion and fellowship . 4. These I say were introduced in the speciall manners and instances by positive authority , and have not a divine authority commanding them ; but there is a divine power that verefies them , and makes these separations effectual and formidable : for because they are declarative and ministerial in the spirituall man , and suppose a delinquencie and demerit in the other , and a sin against God , our blessed Saviour our hath declared , that what they binde in earth shall be bound in heaven , that is in plain signification ; The same sins and sinners which the Clergie condemns in the face of their assemblies , the same is condemned in heaven before the face of God ; and for the same reason too . Gods law hath sentenced it , and these are the preachers and publishers of his law , by which they stand condemned ; and these laws are they that condemn the sin , or acquit the penitent there and here ; whatsoever they binde here shall be bound there , that is , the sentence of God at the day of judgement shall sentence the same men whom the Church does rightly sentence here ; it is spoken in the future [ it shall be bound in heaven ] not but that the sinner is first bound there , or first absolved there ; but because all binding and loosing in the interval is imperfect and relative to the day of judgement ; the day of the great sentence : therefore it is set down in the time to come , and sayes this only ; The Clergie are tyed by the word and laws of God to condemn such sins and sinners ; and that you may not think it ineffective , because after such sentence the man lives and growes rich , or remains in health and power , therefore be sure it shall be verified in the day of judgement . This is hugely agreeable with the words of our Lord , and certain in reason ; for that the minister does nothing to the final alteration of the state of the mans soul by way of sentence is demonstratively certain , because he cannot binde a man , but such as hath bound himself , and who is bound in heaven by his sin before his sentence in the Church : as also be-because the binding of the Church is meerly accidental , and upon publication only ; and when the man repents he is absolved before God , before the sentence of the Church , upon his contrition and dereliction only ; and if he were not , the Church could not absolve him : The consequent of which evident truth is this , that whatsoever impositions the Church officers impose upon the criminal , they are to avoid scandal , to testifie repentance , and to exercise it , to instruct the people , to make them fear , to represent the act of God , and the secret and the true state of the sinner ; and although they are not essentially necessary to our pardon , yet they are become necessary when the Church hath seized upon the sinner by publike notice of the crime ; necessary ( I say ) for the removing the scandal , and giving testimony of our contrition , and for the receiving all that comfort which he needs , and can derive from the promises of pardon , as they are published by him that is commanded to preach them to all them that repent : and therefore although it cannot be necessary as to the obtaining pardon , that the Priest should in private absolve a sick man from his private sins , and there is no loosing where there was no precedent binding , and he that was only bound before God , can before him onely be loosed , yet as to confess sins to any Christian in private may have many good ends , and to confess them to a Clergy-man may have many more ; so to hear Gods sentence at the mouth of the Ministers , pardon pronounced by Gods embassador , is of huge comfort to them , that cannot otherwise be comforted , and whose infirmity needs it ; and therefore it were very fit it were not neglected in the dayes of our fear and danger , of our infirmities and sorrow . 5. The execution of this ministery , being an act of prudence and charity , and therefore relative to changing circumstances it hath been and in many cases may , and in some must be rescinded and altered ; the time of separation may be lengthned and shortned , the condition made lighter or heavier , and for the same offence the Clergy man is deposed , but yet admitted to the communion , for which one of the people who hath no office to lose , is denyed the benefit of communicating ; and this sometimes when he might lawfully receive it ; and a private man is separate when a multitude or a prince is nor , cannot , ought not ; and at last , when the case of sicknesse and danger of death did occur , they admitted all men that desired it ; sometimes without scruple or difficulty , sometimes with some little restraint in great or insolent cases ( as in the case of Apostacie , in which the Councel of Arls denyed absolution , unlesse they received and gave publike satisfaction by acts of repentance ; and some other Councels denyed at any time to do it to such persons ) according as seemed sitting to the present necessities of the Church : all which particulars declare it to be no part of a divine commandment , that any man should be denyed to receive the Communion if he desires it , and if he be in any probable capacitie of receiving it . 6. Since the separation was an act of libertie and a direct negative , it followes that the restitution was a meer doing that which they refused formerly , and to give the holy Communion was the formality of absolution , and all the instrument and the whole matter of reconcilement , the taking off the punishment , is the pardoning of the sin ; for this without the other is but a word ; and if this be done I care not whether any thing be said or no. Vinum Dominicum ministratoris gratia est : is also true in this sence : to give the chalice and cup is the grace and indulgence of the Minister ; and when that is done the man hath obtained the peace of the Church ; and to do that is all the absolution the Church can give ; and they were vain disputes which were commenced some few ages since , concerning the forms of absolution , whether they were indicative or optative , by way of declaration , or by way of sentence ; for at first they had no forms at all ; but they said a prayer , and after the manner of the Jews laid hands upon the penitent , when they prayed over him , and so admitted him to the holy Communion ; for since the Church had no power over her children , but of excommunicating and denying them to attend upon holy offices and ministeries respectively , neither could they have any absolution , but to admit them thither from whence formerly they were forbidden ; whatsoever ceremonie or forms did signifie , this was superinduced and arbitrary , alterable and accidental , it had variety , but no necessity . 7. The practise consequent to this is , that if the penitent be bound by the positive censures of the Church , he is to be reconciled upon those conditions which the laws of the Church tye him to , in case he can perform them ; if he cannot , he can no longer be prejudiced by the censure of the Church , which had no relation but to the people , with whom the dying man is no longer to converse ; for whatsoever relates to God , is to be transacted in spirituall wayes , by contrition , and internall graces ; and the mercy of the Church is such , as to give him her peace and her blessing upon his undertaking to obey her injunction , if he shall be able ; which injunctions if they be declared by publike sentence , the Minister hath nothing to do in the affairs but to remind him of his obligation , and reconcile him , that is , give him the Holy Sacrament . 8. If the penitent be not bound by publike sentence , the Minister is to make his repentance as great , and his heart as contrite as he can ; to dispose him by the repetition of acts of grace in the way of prayer , and in reall and exteriour instances where he can , and then to give him the Holy Communion in all the same cases , in which he ought not to have denied it to him in his health , that is , even in the beginnings of such a repentance , which by humane signes he beleeves to be reall and holy ; and after this , the event must be left to God. The reason of the rule depends upon this ; Because there is no Divine commandement directly forbidding the Rulers of the Church to give the Communion to any Christian that desires it , and professes repentance of his sins . And all Church discipline in every instance , and to every single person was imposed upon him by men , who did it according to the necessities of this state and constitution of our affairs below ; but we who are but Ministers and delegates of pardon and condemnation , must resigne and give up our judgement when the man is no more to be judged by the sentences of man , and by the proportions of this world , but of the other ; to which if our reconciliation does advantage , we ought in charity to send him forth with all the advantages he can receive ; for he will need them all : and therefore the Nicene Councel commands , that no man be deprived of this necessary pasport in the article of his death , and calls th●s the ancient and canonicall law of the Church : and to minister it , onely supposes the man in the communion of the Church , not alwayes in the state , but ever in the possibilities of sanctification . They who in the article and danger of death were admitted to the communion , and tied to penance if they recovered ( which was ever the custome of the ancient Church , unlesse in very few cases ) were but in the threshold of repentance , in the commencement and first introductions to a devout life : and indeed then it is a fit ministery , that it be given in all the periods of time in which the pardon of sins is working , since it is the Sacrament of that great mystery , & the exhibition of that blood which is shed for the remission of sins . 9. The Minister of religion ought not to give the Communion to a sick person , if he retains the affection to any sin , and refuses to disavow it , or professe repentance of all sins whatsoever , if he be required to do it . The reason is , because it is a certain death to him , and an increase of his misery if he shall so prophane the body and blood of Christ , as to take it into so unholy a breast , where Sathan reignes , and sin is principall , and the Spirit is extinguished ; and Christ loves not to enter , because he is not suffered to inhabite . But when he professes repentance and does such acts of it as his present condition permits , he is to be presumed to intend heartily what he professes solemnly ; and the Minister is onely the Judge of outward act , and by that onely he is to take information concerning the inward . But whether he be so or no , or if he be , whether that be timely , and effectuall and sufficient toward the pardon of sins before God , is another consideration , of which we may conjecture here , but we shall know it at doomsday . The spirituall man is to do his ministery by the rules of Christ , and as the customs of the Church appoint him ; and after the manner of men ; the event is in the hands of God , and is to be expected not directly and wholly according to his ministery ; but to the former life , or the timely * internall repentance and amendment ; of which I have already given accounts . These ministeries are acts of order and great assistances , but the sum of affairs does not relie upon them . And if any man puts his whole repentance upon this time , or all his hopes upon these ministeries , he will find them and himself to fail . 10. It is the Ministers office to invite sick and dying persons to the Holy Sacrament ; such whose lives were fair , and laudable , and yet their sicknesse sad and violent , making them list-lesse and of slow desires , and flower apprehensions ; that such persons who are in the state of grace , may lose no accidentall advantages of spirituall improvement , but may receive into their dying bodies the symboles and great consignations of the resurrection , and into their soules the pledges of immortality ; and may appear before God their Father in the union , and with the impresses and likenesse of their elder Brother . But if the persons be of ill report , and have lived wickedly , they are not to be invited , because their case is hugely suspicious , though they then repent and call for mercy ; but if they demand it , they are not to be denied ; onely let the Minister in generall represent the evil consequents of an unworthy participation ; and if the penitent will judge himself unworthy let him stand candidate for pardon at the hands of God , and stand or fall by that unerring and mercifull sentence ; to which his severity of condemning himself before men , will make the easier and more hopefull addresse . And the strictest among the Christians , who denied to reconcile lapsed persons after baptisme , yet acknowledged that there were hopes reserved in the court of heaven for them , though not here ; since we who are easily deceived by the pretences of a reall return , are tied to dispense Gods graces as he hath given us commission , with fear and trembling , and without too forward confidences , and God hath mercies which we know not of , and therefore because we know them not , such persons were referred to Gods Tribunal , where he would finde them , if they were to be had at all . 11. When the holy Sacrament is to be administred , let the exhortation be made proper to the mystery ; but fitted to the man ; that is , that it be used for the advantages of faith or love , or contrition ; let all the circumstances and parts of the Divine love be represented ; all the mysterious advantages of the blessed Sacrament be declared , * That it is the bread which came from heaven , * That it is the representation of Christs death to all the purposes and capacities of faith , * and the real exhibition of Christs body and blood to all the puposes of the Spirit , * That it is the earnest of the resurrection , * and the seed of a glorious immortality , * That as by our cognation to the body of the first Adam we took in death , so by our union with the body of the second Adam , we shall have the inheritance of life ; for as by Adam came death , so by Christ cometh the resurrection of the dead , * That if we being worthy Communicants of these sacred pledges be presented to God with Christ within us , our being accepted of God is certain even for the sake of his well beloved that dwells within us , * That this is the Sacrament of the body which was broken for our sinnes , of that blood which purifies our souls , by which we are presented to God pure and holy , in the beloved , * That now we may ascertain our hopes and make our faith confident , for he that hath given us his Son , how should not he with him give us all things else ? Upon these or the like considerations , the sick man may be assisted in his addresse , and his faith strengthened , and his hope confirmed , and his charity be enlarged . 12. The manner of the sick mans reception of the holy Sacrament hath in it nothing differing from the ordinary solemnities of the Sacrament , save onely that abatement is to be made of such accidentall circumstances , as by the lawes or customes of the Church healthfull persons are obliged to ; such as fasting , kneeling , &c. though I remember that it was noted for great devotion in the Legate that died at Trent , that he caused himself to be sustained upon his knees , when he received the viaticum or the holy Sacrament before his death , and it was greater in Hunniades that he caused himself to be carried to the Church , that there he might receive his Lord , in his Lords house ; and it was recorded for honour , that William the pious Arch-Bishop of Bourges , a small time before his last agony , sprang out of his bed at the presence of the holy Sacrament , and upon his knees and his face recommended his soul to his Saviour . But in these things no man is to be prejudiced or censured . 13. Let not the holy Sacrament be administred to dying persons , when they have no use of reason to make that duty acceptable , and the mysteries effective to the purposes of the soul. For the Sacraments and ceremonies of the gospel operate not without the concurrent actions and moral influences of the suscipient . To infuse the chalice in to the cold lips of the Clinick may disturb his agony , but cannot relieve the soul , which onely receives improvement by acts of grace and choice , to which the external rites are apt and appointed to minister , in a capable person . All other persons , as fools , children , distracted persons , lethargical , apoplectical , or any wayes senselesse and uncapable of humane and reasonable acts , are to be assisted onely by prayers ; for they may prevail even for the absent , and for enemies , and for all those who joyn not in the office . SECT . V. Of Ministring to the sick person by the Spiritual man , as he is the Physitian of souls . 1. IN all cases of receiving confessions of sick men , and the assisting to the advancement of repentance , the Minister is to apportion to every kinde of sin such spiritual remedies which are apt to mortifie and cure the sin , such as abstinence from their occasions , and opportunities , to avoid temptations , to resist their beginnings , to punish the crime by acts of indignation against the person , fastings and prayer , alms and all the instances of charity , asking forgiveness , restitution of wrongs , satisfaction of injuries , acts of vertue contrary to the crimes : and although in great and dangerous sicknesses they are not directly to be imposed , unlesse they are direct matters of duty , yet where they are medicinall they are to be insinuated , and in general signification remarked to him , and undertaken accordingly : concerning which when he returnes to health he is to receive particular advices ; and this advice was inserted into the penitential of England in the time of Theodore Arch-Bishop of Canterbury , and afterward adopted into the Canon of all the Western Churches . 2. The proper temptations of sick men for which a remedie is not yet provided : are unreasonable fears , and unreasonable confidences , which the Minister is to cure by the following considerations . Considerations against unreasonable fears of not having our sins pardoned . Many good men , especially such who have tender consciences , impatient of the least sin , to which they are arrived by a long grace and a continual observation of their actions , and the parts of a lasting repentance , many times overact their tendernesse , and turn their caution into scruple , and care of their duty into inquiries after the event , and askings after the counsels of God , and the sentences of dooms-day . He that asks of the standers by , or of the Minister , whether they think he shall be saved or damned , are to be answered with the words of pity and reproof . Seek not after new light for the searching into the privatest records of God ; look as much as you list into the pages of revelation ; for they concern your duty ; but the event is registred in heaven , and we can expect no other certain notices of it , but that it shall be given to them for whom it is prepared by the Father of mercies ; we have light enough to tell our duty ; and if we do that we need not fear what the issue will be ; and if we do not , let us never look for more light , or inquire after Gods pleasure concerning our souls , since we so little serve his ends in those things where he hath given us light . But yet this I adde , that as pardon of sins in the old Testament was nothing but removing the punishment which then was temporal , and therefore many times they could tell if their sins were pardoned , and concerning pardon of sins they then had no fears of conscience , but while the punishment was on them , for so long indeed it was unpardoned , and how long it would so remain it was matter of fear , and of present sorrow : Besides this , in the Gospel , pardon of sins is another thing . Pardon of sins is a sanctification : Christ came to take away our sin by turning every one of us from our iniquities . And there is not in the nature of the thing any expectation of pardon , or signe or signification of it , but so far as the thing it self discovers it self ; As we hate sin and grow in grace , and arrive at the state of holinesse , which is also a state of repentance and imperfection ; but yet of sincerity of heart and diligent endeavour , in the same degree we are to judge concerning the forgiveness of sins ; for indeed that is the Evangelical forgivenesse , and it signifies our pardon , because it effects it , or rather it is in the nature of the thing ; so that we are to enquire into no hidden records : forgivenesse of sins is not a secret sentence , a word or a record : but it is a state of change and effected upon us ; and upon our selves we are to look for it , to read it , and understand it . We are onely to be curious of our duty , and confident of the Article of remission of sins , and the conclusion of these premises will be , that we shall be full of hopes of a prosperous resurrection : and our fear and trembling are no instances of our calamity , but parts of duty ; we shall sure enough be wafted to the shore , although we be tossed with the winds of our sighs , and the unevenness of our fears , and the ebbings and flowings of our passions , if we sail in a right chanel , and steere by a perfect compasse , and look up to God , and call for his help , and do our own endeavour . There are very many reasons why men ought not to despair : and there are not very many men that ever go beyond a hope , till they passe into possession ; if our fears have any mixture of hope , that is enough to enable and to excite our duty , and if we have a strong hope , when we cast about , we shall finde reason enough to have many fears : let not this fear weaken our * hands , and if it allay our gayeties and our confidences , it is no harm . In this uncertainty we must abide , if we have committed sins after baptisme : and those confidences which some men glorie in , are not reall supports or good foundations . The fearing man is the safest , and if he fears on his death-bed , it is but what happens to most considering men , and what was to be looked for all his life time , he talked of the terrours of death , and death is the king of terrours : and therefore it is no strange thing if then he be hugely afraid : if he be not it is either a great felicity or a great presumption : but if he wants some degree of comfort or a greater degree of hope , let him be refreshed by considering . 1. That Christ came into the world to save sinners . 2 That God delights not in the confusion and death of sinners . 3. That in heaven there is great joy at the conversion of a sinner . 4. That Christ is a perpetual advocate daily interceding with his Father for our pardon . 5. That God uses infinite arts , instruments and devices to reconcile us to himself . 6. That he prayes us to be in charity with him , and to be forgiven . 7. That he sends Angels to keep us from violence , and evil company , from temptations and surprizes ; and his holy Spirit to guide us in holy wayes , and his servants to warn us and reminde us perpetually ; and therefore since certainly he is so desirous to save us , as appears by his word , by his oaths , by his very nature , and his daily artifices of mercy , it is not likely that he will condemn us without great provocations of his Majesty , and perseverance in them . 8. That the covenant of the Gospel is a covenant of grace , and of repentance , and being established with so many great solemnities and miracles from heaven , must signifie a huge favour , and a mighty change of things , and therefore that repentance which is the great condition of it is a grace that does not expire in little accents and minutes , but hath a great latitude of signification , and a large extension of parts , under the protection of all which persons are safe , even when they fear exceedingly . 9. That there are great degrees and differences of glory in heaven ; and therefore if we estimate our piety by proportions to the more eminent persons and devouter people , we are not to conclude we shall not enter into the same state of glory , but that we shall not go into the same degrees . ( 9 ) That although forgivenesse of sins is consigned to us in Baptism , and that this Baptism is but once , and cannot be repeated , yet forgivenesse of sins is the grace of the gospel , which is perpetually remanent upon us , and secured unto us so long as we have not renounced our Baptisme ; For then we enter into the condition of repentance ; and repentance is not an indivisible grace , or a thing performed at once ; but is working all our lives , and therefore so is our pardon , which ebbes and flowes according as we discompose or renew the decency of our Baptismall promises ; and therefore it ought to be certain , that no man despair of pardon , but he that hath voluntarily renounced his Baptism , or willingly estranged himself from that covenant : He that sticks to it , and still professes the religion , and approves the faith , and endeavours to obey and to do his duty , this man hath all the veracity of God to assure him , and give him confidence that he is not in an impossible state of salvation , unlesse God cuts him off before he can work , or that he begins to work when he can no longer choose . 10. And then let him consider : the more he fears , the more he hates his sin , that is the cause of it , and the lesse he can be tempted to it , and the more desirous he is of heaven , and therefore such fears are good instruments of grace , and good signes of a future pardon . 11. That God in the old law , although he made a Covenant of perfect obedience , and did not promise pardon at all after great sins , yet he did give pardon , and declared it so to them for their own , and for our sakes too : So he did to David , to Manasses , to the whole Nation of the Israelies ten times in the wildernesse , even after their Apostacies , and Idolatries ; and in the Prophets , the mercies of God and his remissions of sins were largely preached ; though in the Law God put on the robes of an angry Judge , and a severe Lord : but therefore in the Gospel , where he hath established the whole summe of affairs upon faith and repentance ; if God should not pardon great sinners that repent after baptisme , with a free dispensation , the Gospel were far harder then the intolerable Covenant of the Law. 12. That if a Proselyte went into the Jewish communion and were circumcised and baptized , he entred into all the hopes of good things which God had promised , or would give to his people , and yet that was but the Covenant of works . If then the Gentile Proselytes by their circumcision and legall baptisme , were admitted to a state of pardon to last so long as they were in the Covenant , even after their admission ; for sins committed against Moses law which they then undertook to observe exactly . In the Gospel which is the Covenant of Faith , it must needs be certain , that there is a great grace given , and an easier conditon entred into , then was that of the Jewish law ; and that is nothing else , but that abatement is made for our infirmities , and our single evils , and our timely repented and forsaken habits of sin , and our violent passions , when they are contested withall , and fought with , and under discipline , and in the beginnings and progresses of mortification . 13. That God hath erected in his Church a whole order of men , the main part and dignity of whose work it is to remit and retain sins by a perpetuall and daily ministery ; and this they do , not onely in baptisme , but in all their offices to be administered afterwards : in the Holy Sacrament of the Eucharist which exhibits the Symbols of that blood which was shed for pardon of our sins , and therefore by its continued ministery and repetition declares that all that while we are within the ordinary powers and usuall dispensations of pardon , even so long as we are in any probable dispositions to receive that Holy Sacrament . And the same effect is also signified and exhibited in the whole power of the Keyes , which if it extends to private sins , sins done in secret , it is certain it does also to publike ; but this is a greater testimony of the certainty of the remissibility of our greatest sins ; for publike sins as they alwayes have a sting and a superadded formality of scandall and ill example , so they are most commonly the greatest ; such as murder , sacriledge , and others of unconcealed nature , and unprivate action ; and if God for these worst of evils hath appointed an office of ease and pardon , which is and may daily be administred , that will be an uneasie pusillanimity , and fond suspicion of Gods goodnesse to fear , that our repentance shall be rejected , even although we have not committed the greatest , or the most of evils . 14. And it was concerning baptized Christians that Saint Iohn said , If any man sin we have an Advocate with the Father , and he is the propitiation for our sins ; and concerning lapsed Christians S. Paul gave instruction , that if any man be overtaken in a fault , ye which are spiritual restore such a man , in the spirit of meeknesse , considering lest ye also be temted : the Corinthian Christian committed incest , and was pardoned ; and ‑ Simon Magus after he was baptized offered to commit his own sin of Simony , and yet Saint Peter bid him pray for pardon ; and S. Iames tells , that if the sick man sends for the Church , and they pray over him , and he confesse his sins they shall be forgiven him . 15. That onely one sin is declared to be irremissible , the sin against the Holy Ghost , the sin unto death , as S. Iohn calls it , for which we are not bound to pray , for all others we are : and certain it is , no man commits a sin against the Holy Ghost , if he be afraid he hath , and desires that he had not ; for such penitentiall passions are against the definition of that sin . 16. That all the Sermons in the Scripture written to Christians & Disciples of Jesus , exhorting men to repentance , to be afflicted , to mourn and to weep , to confession of sins , are sure testimonies of Gods purpose and desire to forgive us , even when we fall after baptisme ; and if our fall after baptisme were irrecoverable , then all preaching were in vain , and our faith were also vain , and we could not with comfort rehearse the Creed , in which as soon as ever we professe Jesus to have died for our sins , we also are condemned by our own conscience of a sin that shall not be forgiven ; and then all exhortations , and comforts , and fasts , and disciplines were uselesse , and too late ; if they were not given us before we can understand them ; for most commonly as soon as we can we enter into the regions of sin ; For we commit evil actions before we understand , and together with our understanding they begin to be imputed . 17. That if it could be otherwise , infants were very ill provided for in the Church who were baptized , when they have no stain upon their brows , but the misery they contracted from Adam ; and they are left to be Angels for ever after , and live innocently in the midst of their ignorances and weaknesse , and temptations , and the heat and follies of youth ; or else to perish in an eternall ruine : we cannot think or speak good things of God , if we entertain such evil suspicions of the mercies of the Father of our Lord Jesus . 18. That the long-sufferance and patience of God is indeed wonderfull ; but therefore it leaves us in certainties of pardon , so long as there is possibilitie to return , if we reduce ●he power to act . 19. That God calls upon us to forgive our brother seventy times seven times , and yet all that is but like the forgiving a hundred pence for his sake who forgives us ten thousand talents ; for so the Lord professed that he had done to him that was his servant and his domestic . 20. That if we can forgive a hundred thousand times , it is certain God will do so to us ; Our Blessed Lord having commanded us to pray for pardon as we pardon our offending and penitent brother . 21. That even in the case of very great sins , and great judgements inflicted upon the sinners , wise and good men and Presidents of Religion have declared their sense to be , that God spent all his anger , and made it expire in that temporall misery ; and so it was supposed to have been done in the case of Ananias ; but that the hopes of any penitent man may not rely upon any uncertainty , we find in holy Scripture , that those Christians who had for their scandalous crimes deserved to be given over to Sathan to be buffetted , yet had hopes to be saved in the day of the Lord. 22. That God glories in the titles of mercy and forgivenesse , and will not have his appellatives so finite and limited as to expire in one act , or in a seldome pardon . 23. That mans condition were desperate and like that of the falling Angels , equally desperat , but unequally oppressed , considering our infinite weaknesses , and ignorances , ( in respect of their excellent understanding and perfect choice ) if he could be admitted to no repentance after his infant Baptisme : and if he may be admitted to one , there is nothing in the Covenant of the Gospel but he may also to a second , and so for ever as long as he can repent , and return and live to God in a timely religion . 24. That every man is a sinner : In many things we offend all , and if we say we have no sin we deceive our selves ; and therefore either all must perish , or else there is mercy for all ; and so there is , upon this very stock , because Christ died for sinners , and God hath comprehended all under sin that he might have mercy upon all . 25. That if ever God sends temporall punishments into the world with purposes of amendment , and if they be not all of them certain consignations to hel ; and unlesse every man that breaks his leg , or in punishment loses a child , or wife be certainly damned , it is certain that God in these cases is angry and loving , chastises the sin , to amend the person , and smites that he may cure , and judges that he may absolve . 26. That he that will not quench the smoaking flax , nor break the bruised reed , will not tie us to perfection , and the lawes and measures of heaven upon earth ; and if in every period of our repentance he is pleased with our duty , and the voyce of our heart , and the hand of our desires , he hath told us plainly that he will not onely pardon all the sins of the dayes of our folly , but the returns and surprises of sins in the dayes of repentance , if we give no way , and allow no affection , and give no peace to any thing that is Gods enemy ; all the past sins , and al the seldom returning and ever repented evils being put upon the accounts of the Crosse. An exercise against despair in the day of our death . TO which may be added this short exercise , to be used for the curing the temptation to direct despair , in case that the hope and faith of good men be assaulted in the day of their calamity . I consider that the ground of my trouble is my sin ; and if it were not for that I should not need to be troubled ; but the help that all the world looks for , is such as supposes a man to be a sinner . * Indeed if from my self I were to derive my title to heaven , then my sins were a just argument of despair ; but now that they bring me to Christ , that they drive me to an appeal to Gods mercies , and to take sanctuary in the Crosse , they ought not , they cannot infer a just cause of despair . * I am sure it is a stranger thing that God should take upon him hands and feet , and those hands and feet should be nailed upon a crosse , then that a man should be partaker of the felicities of pardon , and life eternall ; and it were stranger yet , that God should do so much for man , and that a man that desires it , that labours for it , that is in life and possibilities of working his salvation , should inevitably misse that end , for which that God suffered so much . For what is the meaning , and what is the extent , and what are the significations of the Divine mercy , in pardoning sinners ? If it be thought a great matter that I am charged with originall sin : I confesse I feel the weight of it in loads of temporall infelicities , and proclivities to sin . But I fear not the guilt of it , since I am baptized ; and it cannot do honour to the reputation of Gods mercy , that it should be all spent in remissions of what I never chose , never acted , never knew of , could not help , concerning which I received no commandement , no prohibition : But ( blessed be God ) it is ordered in just measures that , that originall evil which I contracted without my will , should be taken away without my knowledge ; and what I suffered before I had a being , was cleansed before I had an usefull understanding . But I am taught to beleeve Gods mercies to be infinite , not onely in himself , but to us ; for mercy is a relative terme , and we are its correspondent ; of all the creatures which God made , we onely in a proper sense are the subjects of mercy and remission ; Angels have more of Gods bounty then we have , but not so much of his mercy ; and beasts have little rayes of his kindnesse , and effects of his wisdom and graciousnesse in petty donatives ; but nothing of mercy ; for they have no lawes , and therefore no sins , and need no mercy , nor are capable of any : Since therefore man alone is the correlative or proper object and vessell of reception of an infinite mercy , and that mercy is in giving and forgiving , I have reason to hope that he will so forgive me that my sins shall not hinder me of heaven ; or because it is a gift , I may also upon the stock of the same infinite mercy hope he will give heaven to me ; and if I have it either upon the title of giving , or forgiving , it is alike to me , and will alike magnifie the glories of the Divine mercy . And because eternall life is the gift of God , I have lesse reason to despair ; for if my sins were fewer , and my disproportions towards such a glory were lesse , and my evennesse more , yet it is still a gift , and I could not receive it , but as a free , and a gracious donative ; and so I may still ; God can still give it me ; and it is not an impossible expectation to wait and look for such a gift at the hands of the God of mercy ; the best men deserve it not , and I who am the worst , may have it given me . * And I consider , that God hath set no measures of his mercy , but that we be within the Covenant , that is , repenting persons , endeavouring to serve him with an honest single heart ; and that within this Covenant there is a very great latitude , and variety of persons , and degrees and capacities ; and therefore that it cannot stand with the proportions of so infinite a mercy that obedience be exacted to such a point ( which he never expressed ) unlesse it should be the least , and that to which all capacities though otherwise unequall are fitted , and sufficiently enabled . * But however I finde that the Spirit of God taught the writers of the New Testament to apply to us all in general , and to every single person in particular some gracious words which God in the Old Testament spake to one man upon a special occasion in a single and temporal instance : such are the words which God spake to Ioshuah , I will never fail thee nor forsake thee , and upon the stock of that promise S. Paul forbids covetousnesse , and perswades contentednesse because those words were spoken by God to Ioshuah in another case . If the gracious words of God have so great extension of parts , and intension of kinde purposes , then how many comforts have we upon the stock of all the excellent words which are spoken in the Prophets , and in the Psalms ? and I will never more question whether they be spoken concerning me , having such an authentic precedent so to expound the excellent words of God ; all the treasures of God which are in the Psalms are my own riches , and the wealth of my hope ; there will I look , and whatsoever I can need , that I will depend upon : for certainly if we could understand it ; that which is infinite ( as God is ) must needs be some such kinde of thing ; it must go whither it was never sent , and signifie what was not first intended , and it must warm with its light , and shine with its heat , and refresh when it strikes , and heal when it wounds , and ascertain where it makes afraid , and intend all when it warms one , and mean a great deal in a small word ; and as the Sun passing to its Southern Tropic looks with an open eye upon his sun-burnt Aethiopians , but at the same time sends light from its posterns and collateral influences from the backside of his beams , and sees the corners of the East , when his face tends towards the West , because he is a round body of fire , and hath some little images and resemblances of the infinite ; so is Gods mercy ; when it looked upon Moses it relieved S. Paul , and it pardoned David , and gave hope to Manasses , and might have restored Iudas , if he would have had hope and used himself accordingly . * But as to my own case , I have sinned grievously and frequently . But I have repented it , but I have begged pardon , I have confessed it and forsaken it , I cannot undo what was done , and I perish if God hath appointed no remedie ; if there be no remission : but then my religion falls together with my hope ; and Gods word fails as well as I : but I believe the article of forgivenesse of sins ; and if there be any such thing I may do well ; for , I have , and do , and will do that which all good men call repentance , that is , I will be humbled before God , and mourn for my sin , and for ever ask forgivenesse , and judge my self , and leave it with haste , and mortifie it with diligence , and watch against it carefully ; and this I can do but in the manner of a man , I can but mourn for my sins , as I apprehend grief in other instances ; but I will rather choose to suffer all evils then to do one deliberate act of sin ; I know my sins are greater then my sorrow , and too many for my memory , & too insinuating to be prevented by all my care ; but I know also that God knowes and pities my infirmities ; and how far that will extend , I know not , but that it will reach so far as to satisfie my needs , is the matter of my hope . * But this I am sure of , that I have in my great necessity prayed humbly and with great desire , and sometimes I have been heard in kinde , and sometimes have had a bigger mercy instead of it , and I have the hope of prayers , and the hope of my confession , and the hope of my endeavour , and the hope of many promises and of Gods essential goodnesse ; and I am sure that God hath heard my prayers and verified his promises in temporall instances : for he ever gave me sufficient for my life , and although he promised such supplies and grounded the confidences of them upon our first seeking the kingdom of heaven and its righteousnesse , yet he hath verified it to me , who have not sought it as I ought : But therefore I hope he accepted my endeavour , or will give his great gifts and our great expectation even to the weakest endeavour , to the least , so it be a hearty piety . * And sometimes I have had some chearful visitations of Gods Spirit , and my cup hath been crowned with comfort , and the wine that made my heart glad danced in the chalice , and I was glad that God would have me so ; and therefore I hope this cloud may passe ; for that which was then a real cause of comfort is so still , if I could dis●ern it ; and I shall discern it when the veil is taken from my eyes , * ( and blessed be God ) I can still remember that there are temptations to despair ; and they could not be temptations if they were not apt to perswade ; and had seeming probability on their side ; and they that despair think they do it with greatest reason ; for if they were not confident of the reason , but that it were such an argument as might be opposed or suspected , then they could not despair ; despair assents as firmly and strongly as faith it self ; but because it is a temptation , and despair is a horrid sin , therefore it is certain those persons are unreasonably abused , and they have no reason to despair , for all their confidence ; and therefore although I have strong reasons to condemn my self , yet I have more reason to condemn my despair , which therefore is unreasonable , because it is a sin , and a dishonour to God , and a ruine to my condition ; and verifies it self , if I do not look to it ; for as the hypochondriac person that thought himself dead , made his dream true when he starved himself , because dead people eat not : so do despairing sinners lose Gods mercies by refusing to use , and to believe them . * And I hope it is a disease of judgement , not an intolerable condition that I am falling to , because I have been told so concerning others , who therefore have been afflicted , because they see not their pardon sealed after the manner of this world ; and the affairs of the Spirit are transacted by immaterial notices , by propositions and spiritual discourses , by promises which are to be verified hereafter ; and here we must live in a cloud , in darknesse under a veil , in fear and uncertainties , and our very living by faith and hope , is a life of mystery and secresie , the onely part of the manner of that life in which we shall live in the state of separation ; and when a distemper of body or an infirmity of minde happens in the instances of such secret and reserved affairs , we may easily mistake the manner of our notices for the uncertainty of the thing ; and therefore it is but reason I should stay , till the state and manner of my abode be changed before I despair ; there it can be no sin , nor error , here it may be both ; and if it be that , it is also this ; and then a man may perish for being miserable , and be undone for being a fool . In conclusion , my hope is in God , and I will trust him with the event , which I am sure will be just , and I hope full of mercy . * However , now I will use all the spiritual arts of reason and religion to make me more and more to love God , that if I miscarry , Charity also shall fail , and something that loves God shall perish , and be damned ; which if it be impossible then I may do well . These considerations may be useful to men of little hearts and of great piety ; or if they be persons who have lived without infamy , or begun their repentance so late , that it is very imperfect , and yet so early that it was before the arrest of death . But if the man be a vitious person and hath persevered in a vitious life till his death-bed , these considerations are not proper . Let him inquire in the words of the first Disciples after Pentecost : Men and brethren what shall we do to be saved ? and if they can but entertain so much hope as to enable them to do so much of their dutie as they can for the present , it is all that can be provided for them ; an inquirie in their case can have no other purposes of religion or prudence : and the Minister must be infinitely careful that he do no not go about to comfort vitious persons with the comforts belonging to Gods elect , lest he prostitute holy things , and make them common , and his sermons deceitful , and vices be incouraged in others , and the man himself finde that he was deceived , when he descends into his house of sorrow . But because very few men are tempted with too great fears of failing , but very many are tempted by confidence and presumption ; the Ministers of religion had need be instructed with spiritual armour , to resist this fiery dart of the Devil , when it operates to evil purposes . SECT . VI. Considerations against Presumption . I Have already enumerated many particulars to provoke a drowzy conscience to a scrutinie , and to a suspicion of himself , that by seeing cause to suspect his condition he might more freely accuse himself and attend to the necessities and duties of repentance ; but if either before or in his repentance he grow too big in in his spirit , so as either he does some little violence to the modesties of humilitie , or abate his care and zeal of his repentance , the spiritual man must allay his frowardnesse by representing to him . 1. That the growths in grace are long , difficult , uncertain , hindred , of many parts and great variety . 2. That an infant grace is soon dash'd and discountenanced , often running into an inconvenience and the evils of an imprudent conduct , being zealous , and forward , and therefore confident , but alwayes with the least reason , and the greatest danger ; like children and young fellows whose confidence hath no other reason , but that they understand not their danger and their follies . 3. That he that puts on his armour ought not to boast , as he that puts it off ; and the Apostle chides the Galatians , for ending in the flesh after they had begun in the spirit : 4. that a man cannot think too meanly of himself , but very easily he may think too high . 5 That a wise man will alwayes in a matter of great concernment think the worst , and a good man will condemn himself with hearty sentence . 6. That humility and modesty of judgement and of hope , are very good instruments to procure a mercie and a fair reception at the day of our death ; but presumption or bold opinions serve no end of God or man ; and is alwayes imprudent , ever fatal , and of all things in the world is its own greatest enemy ; for the more any man presumes , the greater reason he hath to fear . 7. That a mans heart is infinitely deceitful , unknown to it self , not certain in his own acts , praying one way , and desiring another , wandring and imperfect , loose and various , worshipping God and entertaining sin , following what it hates , and running from what it flatters , loving to be tempted and betrayed , petulant like a wanton girle , running from , that it might invite the fondnesse and enrage the appetite of the foolish young man or the evil temptation that followes it ; cold and indifferent one while , and presently zealous and passionate , furious and indiscreet ; not understood of it self or any one else , and deceitful beyond all the arts and numbers of observation . 8. That it is certain we have highly sinned against God , but we are not so certain that our repentance is reall and effective , integral and sufficient . 9. That it is not revealed to us whether or no the time of our repentance be not past , or if it be not , yet how far God will give us pardon ; and upon what condition , or after what sufferings or duties , is still under a cloud . 10. That vertue and vice are oftentimes so neer neighbours , that we passe into each others borders without observation , and think we do justice when we are cruel , or call our selves liberal when we are loose and foolish in expences ; and are amorous when we commend our own civilities , and good nature . 11. That we allow to our selves so many little irregularities , that insensibly they swell to so great a heap , that from thence we have reason to fear an evil ; for an army of frogs and flies may destroy all the hopes of our harvest . 12. That when we do that which is lawful , and do all that we can in those bounds we commonly and easily run out of our proportions . 13. That it is not easie to distinguish the vertues of our nature from the vertues of our choice ; and we may expect the reward of temperance , when it is against our nature to be drunk ; or we hope to have the coronet of virgins for our morose disposition , or our abstinence from marriage upon secular ends . 14. That it may be we call every little sigh or the keeping a fish-day the dutie of repentance , or have entertained false principles in the estimate , and measures of vertues ; and contrarie to the Steward in that Gospel , we write down fourscore when we should set downe but fifty . 15. That it is better to trust the goodnesse , and justice of God with our accounts then to offer him large bits . 16. That we are commanded by Christ to sit down in the lowest place , till the Master of the house bids us sit up higher . 17. That when we have done all that we can we are unprofitable servants ; and yet no man does all that he can do ; and therefore is more to be despised and undervalued . 18. That the self-accusing Publican was justified rather then the thanksgiving and confident Pharisee . 19. That if Adam in Paradise , and David in his house , and Solomon in the Temple , and Peter in Christs family , and Iudas in the College of Apostles , and Nicholas among the Deacons , and the Angels in heaven it self did fall so foully and dishonestly , then it is prudent advice that we be not high minded , but fear , and when we stand most confidently take heed lest we fall , and yet there is nothing so likely to make us fall as pride and great opinions ; which ruined the Angels , which God resists , which all men despise , and which betrayes us into carelesnesse and a wretchlesse , undiscerning and an unwary spirit . 4. Now the main parts of the Ecclesiastical ministery are done ; and that which remains is , that the Minister pray over him , and reminde him to do good actions , as he is capable , * to call upon God for pardon , * to put his whole trust in him , * to resigne himself to Gods disposing , * to be patient and even , * to renounce every ill word or thought , or undecent action which the violence of his sicknesse may cause in him , * to beg of God to give him his holy Spirit , to guide him in his agony , and * his holy Angels to guard him in his passage . 5. Whatsoever is besides this , concerns the standers by ; that they do all their ministeries diligently , and temperately , * that they joyn with much charity and devotion in the prayer of the Minister , * that they make no outcries or exclamations in the departure of the soul , * and that they make no judgement concerning the dying person , by his dying quietly or violently , with comfort or without , with great fears or a cheerful confidence , with sense or without , like a lamb or like a lyon , with convulsions or semblances of great pain , or like an expiring and a spent candle ; for these happen to all men , without rule , without any known reason , but according as God pleases to dispense the grace , or the punishment for reasons onely known to himself ; Let us lay our hands upon our mouth , and adore the mysteries of the divine wisdome and providence , and pray to God to give the dying man rest and pardon , and to our selves grace to live well , and the blessing of a holy and a happy death . SECT . VII . Offices to be said by the Minister in his visitation of the sick . IN the Name of the Father , of the Son and of the Holy Ghost . Our Father which art in Heaven , &c. Let the Priest say this prayer secretly . O Eternal Jesus , thou great lover of souls : who hast constituted a ministery in the Church to glorifie thy Name , and to serve in the assistance of those that come to thee , professing thy discipline and service ; give grace to me the unworthiest of thy servants , that I in this my ministery may purely and zealously intend thy glory , and effectually may minister comfort and advantages to this sick person , ( whom God assoil from all his offences ) and grant that nothing of thy grace may perish to him by the unworthinesse of the Minister ; but let thy Spirit speak by me , and give me prudence and charity , wisdom and diligence , good observation and apt discourses , a certain judgement , and merciful dispensation , that the soul of thy servant may passe from this state of imperfection , to the perfections of the state of glory , thorough thy mercies , O Eternal Jesus . Amen . The Psalm . OUt of the depths have I cryed unto thee O Lord : Lord hear my voice : let thine ears be attentive to the voice of my supplications . If thou Lord should mark iniquities : O Lord , who shall stand ? but there is forgivenesse with thee , that thou mayest be feared . I wait for the Lord , my soul doth wait , and in his word do I hope : my soul waiteth for the Lord more then they that watch for the morning . Let Israel hope in the Lord , for with the Lord there is mercy , and with him is plenteous redemption : and he shall redeem his servants from all their iniquities . Wherefore should I fear in the dayes of evil , when the wickednesse of my heels shall compasse me about ? * No man can by any means redeem his brother , nor give to God a ransome for him ( for the redemption of their soul is precious , and it ceaseth for ever ) that he should still live for ever , and not see corruption . But wise men die , likewise the fool and the brutish person perish , and leave their wealth to others : but God will redeem my soul from the power of the grave , for he shall receive me . As for me , I will behold thy face in righteousnesse : I shall be satisfied when I awake in thy likenesse . Thou shalt shew me the path of life , in thy presence is the fulnesse of joy , at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore . Glory be to the Father , &c. As it was in the beginning , &c. Let us Pray . ALmighty God , Father of mercies , the God of peace and comfort , of rest and pardon , we thy servants though unworthy to pray to thee , yet in duty to thee and charity to our brother , humbly beg mercy of thee for him , to descend upon his body and his soul ; One sinner , O Lord , for another , the miserable for the afflicted , the poor for him that is in need ; but thou givest thy graces and thy favours by the measures of thy own mercies , and in proportion to our necessities ; we humbly come to thee in the Name of Jesus , for the merit of our Saviour , and the mercies of our God , praying thee to pardon the sins of this thy servant , and to put them all upon the accounts of the Crosse , and to bury them in the grave of Jesus , that they may never rise up in judgement against thy servant , nor bring him to shame and confusion of face in the day of finall inquiry and sentence . Amen . II. GIve thy servant patience in his sorrows , comfort in this his sicknesse , and restore him to health if it seem good to thee , in order to thy great ends , and his greatest interest . And however thou shalt determine concerning him in this affair , yet make his repentance perfect , and his passage , and his faith strong , and his hope modest and confident , that when thou shalt call his soul from the prison of the body , it may enter into the securities and rest of the sons of God , in the bosome of blessednesse , and the custodies of Jesus . Amen . III. THou , O Lord , knowest all the necessities , and all the infirmities of thy servant , fortifie his spirit with spirituall joyes and perfect resignation , and take from him all degrees of inordinate or insecure affections to this world , and enlarge his heart with desires of being with thee , and of freedome from sins , and fruition of God. IV. LOrd , let not any pain or passion discompose the order and decencie of his thoughts and duty ; and lay no more upon thy servant then thou wilt make him able to bear , and together with the temptation do thou provide a way to escape ; even by the mercies of a longer and a more holy life , or by the mercies of a blessed death , even as it pleaseth thee , O Lord , so let it be . V. LEt the tendernesse of his conscience , and the Spirit of God call to mind his sins , that they may be confessed and repented of : because thou hast promised , that if we confesse our sins , we shall have mercy : Let thy mighty grace draw out from his soul every root of bitternesse , lest the remains of the old man be accursed with the reserves of thy wrath ; but in the union of the Holy Jesus , and in the charities of God and of the world , and the communion of all the saints let this soul be presented to thee blamelesse and intirely pardoned , and thorowly washed through Jesus Christ our Lord. Here also may be inserted the prayers set down after the Holy Communion is administred . The Prayer of S. Eustratius the Martyr to be used by the sick or dying man , or by the Priests , or assistants in his behalf , which he said when he was going to martyrdom . I Will praise thee O Lord , that thou hast considered my low estate , and hast not shut me up in the hands of my enemies , nor made my foes to rejoyce over me : and now let thy right hand protect me , and let thy mercy come upon me , for my soul is in trouble and anguish because of its departure from the body . O let not the assemblies of its wicked and cruell enemies meet it in the passing forth , nor hinder me , by reason of the sins of my passed life . O Lord be favourable unto me , that my so I may not behold the hellish countenance of the spirits of darknesse , but let thy bright and joyfull Angels entertain it . Give glory to thy Holy Name and to thy Majesty ; place me by thy mercifull arm before thy seat of Judgement , and let not the hand of the prince of this world snatch me from thy presence , or bear me into hell . Mercy sweet Jesu . Amen . A Prayer taken out of the Euchologion of the Greek Church , to be said by or in behalf of people in their danger , or neer their death . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , &c. I. BEmired with sins and naked of good deeds , I that am the meat of worms cry vehemently in spirit ; Cast not me wretch away from thy face ; place me not on the left hand who with thy hands didst fashion me ; but give rest unto my soul , for thy great mercy sake , O Lord. II. SUpplicate with tears unto Christ , who is to judge my poor soul , that he would deliver me from the fire that is unquenchable . I pray you all my friends and acquaintance make mention of me in your prayers , that in the day of Judgement I may find mercy at that dreadfull Tribunall . III. Then may the by-standers pray . WHen in unspeakable glory thou dost come dreadfully to judge the whole world , vouchsafe O gracious Redeemer that this thy faithfull servant may in the clouds meet thee cheerfully . They who have been dead from the beginning , with terrible and fearfull trembling stand at thy Tribunall waiting thy just , O Blessed Saviour Jesus . None shall there avoid thy formidable and most righteous judgement . All Kings and Princes with servants stand together and hear the dreadfull voyce of the Judge condemning the people , which have sinned , into hell , from which sad sentence , O Christ deliver thy servant . Amen . Then let the sick man be called upon to rehearse the Articles of his Faith ; or if he be so weak he cannot , let him ( if he have not before done it ) be called to say Amen , when they are recited , or to give some testimony of his faith and confident assent to them . After which it is proper ( if the person be in capacity ) that the Minister examine him , and invite him to confession ; and all the parts of repentance , according to the foregoing rules ; after which , he may pray this prayer of absolution . OUr Lord Jesus Christ who hath given Commission to his Church in his Name , to pronounce pardon to all that are truly penitent , he of his mercy pardon and forgive thee all thy sins , deliver thee from all evils past , present , and future , preserve thee in the faith and fear of his holy Name to thy lives end , and bring thee to his everlasting Kingdom , to live with him for ever and ever . Amen . Then let the sick man renounce all heresies , and whatsoever is against the truth of God , or the peace of the Church , and pray for pardon for all his ignorances and errors , known and unknown . After which let him ( if all other circumstances be fitted ) be disposed to receive the Blessed Sacrament , in which the Curate is to minister according to the form prescribed by the Church . When the rites are finished , let the sick man in the dayes of his sicknesse be imployed with the former offices and exercises before described ; and when the time drawes neer of his dissolution , the Minister may assist by the following order of recommendation of the soul. I. O Holy and most Gracious Saviour Jesus , we humbly recommend the soul of thy servant into thy hands , thy most mercifull hands ; let thy Blessed Angels stand in ministery about thy servant , and defend him from the violence and malice of all his ghos●ly enemies , and drive far from hence all the spirits of darknesse . Amen . II. LOrd receive the soul of this thy servant ; Enter not into judgement with thy servaant ; spare him whom thou hast redeemed with thy most precious blood , deliver him from all evil , and mischief ; from the crafts and assaults of the Devil , from the fear of death , and from everlasting death , Good Lord deliver him . Amen . III. IMpute not unto him the follies of his youth , nor any of the errors and miscarriages of his life , but strengthen him in his agony , let not his faith waver , nor his hope fail , nor his charity be disordered : Let none of his enemies imprint upon him any afflictive or evil phantasme ; let him die in peace , and rest in hope , and rise in glory . Amen . IIII. LOrd , we know and beleeve assuredly , that whatsoever is under thy custody , cannot be taken out of thy hands , nor by all the violences of hell robbed of thy protection : preserve the work of thy hands , rescue him from all evil , for whose sake thou didst suffer all evil : Take into the participation of thy glories him to whom thou hast given the seal of Adoption , the earnest of the inheritance of the Saints . Amen . V. LEt his portion be with Abraham , Isaac , and Iacob , with Iob and David , with the Prophets and Apostles , with Martyrs and all thy holy Saints , in the arms of Christ , in the bosome of felicity , in the Kingdom of God to eternall ages . Amen . These following prayers are fit also to be added to the foregoing offices in case there be no communion or entercourse ; but prayer . Let us Pray . O Almighty and eternall God , there is no number of thy dayes or of thy mercies , thou hast sent us into this world to serve thee and to live according to thy lawes ; but we by our sins have provoked thee to wrath , and we have planted thorns and sorrows round about our dwellings , and our life is but a span long , and yet very tedious because of the calamities that inclose us in on every side : the dayes of our pilgrimage are few and evil : we have frail and sickly bodies , violent and distempered passions , long designes and but a short stay , weak understandings , and strong enemies , abused fancies , perverse wils : O Dear God , look upon us in mercy and pity ; let not our weaknesses make us to sin against thee , nor our fear cause us to betray our duty , nor our former follies provoke thy eternall anger , nor the calamities of this world vex us into tediousnesse of spirit and impatience ; but let thy Holy Spirit lead us thorow this vally of misery with safety and peace , with holiness and religion , with spirituall comforts and joy in the Holy Ghost , that when we have served thee in our generations , we may be gathered unto our Fathers , having the testimony of a holy conscience , in the communion of the Catholike Church , in the confidence of a certain faith , and the comforts of a reasonable , religious and holy hope , and perfect charity with thee our God , and all the world ; that neither death nor life , nor Angels , nor principalities , nor powers , nor things present , nor things to come , nor height nor depth , nor any other creature may be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen . II. O Holy and most gracious Saviour Jesus , in whose hands the souls of all faithfull people are laid up till the day of recompence , have mercy upon the body and soul of this thy servant , and upon all thy elect people who love the Lord Jesus , and long for his coming . Lord refresh the imperfection of their condition with the aids of the Spirit of grace , and comfort , and with the visitation and guard of Angels , and supply to them all their necessities known onely unto thee ; let them dwell in peace and feel thy mercies , pitying their infirmities , and the follies of their flesh , and speedily satisfying the desires of their spirits ; and when thou shalt bring us all forth in the day of Judgement , O then shew thy self to be our Saviour Jesus , our Advocate , and our Judge . Lord then remember that thou hast for so many ages prayed for the pardon of those sins which thou art then to sentence . Let not the accusations of our consciences , nor the calumnies and aggravation of Devils , nor the effects of thy wrath presse those souls wh●ch thou lovest , which thou didst redeem , which thou doest pray for , but enable us all by the supporting hand of thy mercy to stand upright in judgement . O Lord have mercy upon us , have mercy upon us , O Lord let thy mercy lighten upon us as our trust is in thee . O Lord in thee have we trusted , let us never be confounded . Let us meet with joy , and for ever dwell with thee , feeling thy pardon , supported with thy graciousnesse , absolved by thy sentence , saved by thy mercy , that we may sing to the glory of thy Name eternall Allelujahs . Amen . Amen . Amen . Then may be added in the behalf of all that are present these ejaculations . O spare us a little that we may recover our strength , before we go hence and be no more seen . Amen . Cast us not away in the time of age , O forsake us not when strength faileth . Amen . Grant that we may never sleep in sin , or death eternall , but that we may have our part of the first resurrection , and that the second death may not prevail over us . Amen . Grant that our souls may be bound up in the bundle of life , and in the day when thou bindest up thy Jewels , remember thy servants for good and not for evil , that our souls may be numbred amongst the righteous Amen . Grant unto all sick and dying Christians , mercy and aids from heaven ; and receive the souls returning unto thee , whom thou hast redeemed with thy most precious blood . Amen . Grant unto thy servants to have faith in the Lord Jesus , a daily meditation of death , a contempt of the world , a longing desire after heaven , patience in our sorrows , comfort in our sicknesses , joy in God , a holy life and a blessed death , that our souls may rest in hope and my body may rise in glory , and both may be beatified in the communion of Saints , in the kingdom of God and the glories of the Lord Jesus . Amen . The blessing . Now the God of peace that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus that great shepherd of the sheep thorough the blood of the everlasting covenant make you perfect in every good work , to do his will , working in you that which is pleasing in his sight , to whom be glory for ever and ever . Amen . The doxology . To the blessed and onely Potentate , the King of kings , and the Lord of Lords , who only hath immortality , dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto , whom no man hath seen nor can see , be honour and power everlasting . Amen . After the sick man is departed , the Minister if he be present , or the Major dome , or any other fit person may use the following prayers in behalf of themselves . I. ALmighty God , with whom do live the spirits of them that depart hence in the Lord , we adore thy Majesty , and submit to thy providence , and revere thy justice , and magnifie thy mercies thy infinite mercies , that it hath pleased thee to deliver this our brother out of the miseries of this sinful world . Thy counsels are secret , and thy wisdom is infinite ; with the same hand thou hast crowned him and smitten us : thou hast taken him into regions of felicity , and placed him among Saints and Angels , and left us to mourn for our sins and thy displeasure , which thou hast signified to us , by removing him from us to a better , a far better place : Lord turn thy anger into mercie , thy chastisements into vertues , thy rod into comforts , and do thou give to all his neerest relatives comforts from heaven , and a restitution of blessings equall to those which thou hast taken from them . And we humbly beseech thee of thy gracious goodnesse shortly to satisfie the longing desires of those Holy souls who pray , and wait and long for thy second coming . Accomplish thou the number of thine elect , and fill up the Mansions in heaven which are prepared for all them that love the coming of the Lord Jesus ; that we with this our Brother , and all other departed this life in the obedience and faith of the Lord Jesus , may have our perfect consummation and blisse in thy eternall glory , which never shall have ending . Grant this for Jesus Christ his sake our Lord and onely Saviour . Amen . II. O Mercifull God , Father of our Lord Jesus , who is the first fruits of the resurrection and by entring into glory hath opened the kingdom of heaven to all the beleevers , we humbly beseech thee to raise us from the death of sin to the life of righteousnesse , that being partakers of the death of Christ , and followers of his Holy life , we may be partakers of his Spirit and of his promises ; that when we shall depart this life , we may rest in his arms , and lie in his bosom , as our hope is this our brother doth . O suffer us not for any temptation of the world , or any snares of the Devil , or any pains of death to fall from thee . Lord let thy H. Spirit enable us with his grace to fight a good fight with perseverance , to finish our course with holiness , and to keep the faith with constancie unto the end ; that at the day of judgement we may stand at the right hand of the throne of God , and hear the blessed sentence of [ Come ye blessed children of my Father , receive the kingdom prepared for you from the beginning of the world ] O blessed Jesus thou art our Judge , and thou art our Advocate ; even because thou art good and gracious never suffer us to fall into the intolerable pains of hell , never to lye down in sin ; and never to have our portion in the everlasting burning . Mercy sweet Jesu : Mercy . Amen . A prayer to be said in the case of a sudden surprise by death , as by a mortal wound , or evil accidents in childebirth , when the forms and solemnities of preparation cannot be used . O Most gracious Father , Lord of heaven and earth , Judge of the living and the dead , behold thy servants running to thee for pity and mercy in behalf of our selves and this thy servant whom thou hast smitten with thy hasty rod , and a swift Angel ; if it be thy will preserve his life , that there may be place for his repentance and restitution ; O spare him a little that he may recover his strength , before he go hence and be no more seen : but if thou hast otherwise decreed , let the miracles of thy compassion , and thy wonderfull mercy supply to him the want of the usual measures of time , and the periods of repentance and the trimming of his lamp : and let the greatnesse of the calamity be accepted by thee as an instrument to procure pardon for those defects and degrees of unreadiness which may have caused this accident upon thy servant . Lord stirre up in him a great and effectual contrition that the greatnesse of the sorrow , and hatred against sin , and the zeal of his love to thee may in a short time do the work of many dayes ; and thou who regardest the heart and the measures of the minde more then the delay and the measures of time , let it be thy pleasure to rescue the soul of thy servant from all the evils he hath deserved , and all the evils that he fears , that in the glorifications of eternity and the songs which to eternal ages thy Saints and holy Angels shall sing to the honour of thy mighty Name , and invaluable mercies , it may be reckoned among thy glories , that thou hast redeemed this soul from the dangers of an eternall death , and made him partaker of the gift of God , eternall life , through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen . If there be time , the prayers in the foregoing offices may be added according as they can be fitted to the present circumstances . SECT . VIII . A peroration concerning the contingencies , and treatings of our departed friends after death , in order to their buriall , &c. WHen we have received the last breath of our friend and closed his eyes , and composed his body for the grave , then seasonable is the counsell of the son of Syrach : Weep bitterly and make great moan , and use lamentation as he is worthy , and that a day or two , lest thou be evil spoken of ; and then comfort thy self for thy heavinesse . But take no grief to heart ; for there is no turning again , thou shal● not do him good , but hurt t●y self . Solemn and appointed mournings are good expressions of our dearnesse to the departed soul , and of his worth , and our value of him ; and it hath its praise in nature , and in manners * and publike customs ; but the praise of it is not in the Gospel , that is , it hath no direct and proper uses in religion . For if the dead did die in the Lord , then there is joy to him , and it is an ill expression of our affection and our charity to weep uncomfortably at a change that hath carried my friend to the state of a huge felicity . But if the man did perish in his folly and his sins , there is indeed cause to mourn , but no hopes of being comforted ; for he shall never return to light , or to hopes of restitution ; therefore beware lest thou also come into the same place of torment ; and let thy grief sit down and rest upon thy own turf , and weep till a flower springs from thy eyes to heal the wounds of thy spirit ; turn thy sorrow into caution , thy grief for him that is dead , to thy care for thy self who art alive , lest thou die and fall like one of the fools whose life is worse then death , and their death is the consummation of all infelicities . * The Church in her funeralls of the dead used to sing Psalms , and to give thanks for the redemption and delivery of the soul from the evils and dangers of mortality . And S. Chrysostome asks to what purpose is it that thou singest , Return unto thy rest , O my soul , &c. if thou doest not believe thy friend to be in rest ? and if thou doest , why doest thou weep impertinently and unreasonably ? Nothing but our own losse can justly be deplored ; and him that is passionate for the losse of his money or his advantages , we esteem foolish and imperfect ; and therefore have no reason to love the immoderate sorrows of those , who too earnestly mourn for their dead , when in the last resolution of the inquiry , it is their own evil and present or feared inconveniences they deplore ; the best that can be said of such a grief is , that those mourners love themselves too well . Something is to be given to custom , something to fame , to nature , and to civilities , and to the honour of the deceased friends ; for that man is esteemed to dye miserable , for whom no friend or relative sheds a tear or payes a solemn sigh . I desire to dye a dry death , but am not very desirous to have a dry funeral : some flowers sprinkled upon my grave would do well and comely ; and a soft shower to turn those flowers into a springing memory or a fair rehearsal , that I may not go forth of my doors as my servants carry the entrails of beasts . But that which is to be faulted in this particular is , when the grief is immoderate , and unreasonable ; and Paula Romana deserved to have felt the weight of S. Hieroms severe reproof , when at the death of every of her children , she almost wept her self into her grave : But it is worse yet when people by an ambitious and a pompous sorrow , and by ceremonies invented for the a ostentation of their grief fill heaven and earth with b exclamations and grow troublesome because their friend is happy , or themselves want his company . It is certainly a sad thing in nature to see a friend trembling with a palsie , or scorched with feavers , or dried up like a potsheard with immoderate heats , and rowling upon his uneasie bed without sleep which cannot be invited with c musick , or pleasant murmurs , or a decent stillnesse ; nothing but the servants of cold death , poppy and wearinesse can tempt the eyes to let their curtains down ; and then they sleep onely to tast of death , and make an essay of the shades below ; and yet we weep not here : the period and opportunity for tears we choose when our friend is fallen asleep , when he hath laid his neck upon the lap of his mother , and let his d head down to be raised up to heaven : this grief is ill placed and undecent . But many times it is worse ; and it hath been observ'd that those greater and stormy passions do so spend the whole stock of grief , that they presently admit a comfort and contrary affection , while a sorrow that is even and temperate goes on to its period with expectation and the distances of a just time . The Ephesian Woman that the souldier told of in Petronius , was the talk of all the town , and the rarest example of a dear affection to her husband ; she descended with the corps into the vault , and there being attended with her maiden resolved to weep to death , or dye with famine , or a distempered sorrow : from which resolution nor his , nor her friends , nor the reverence of the principal citizens , who used the intreaties of their charity and their power , could perswade her . But a souldier that watched seven dead bodies hanging upon trees just over against this monument , crept in , and a while stared upon the silent and comely disorders of the sorrow : and having let the wonder a while breath out at each others eyes , at last he fetched his supper and a bottle of wine with purpose to eat and drink , and still to feed himself with that sad prettinesse ; His pity and first draught of wine made him bold and curious to try if the maid would drink , who having many hours since felt her resolution faint as her wearied body , took his kindnesse , and the light returned into her eyes and danced like boyes in a festival ; and fearing lest the pertinaciousnesse of her Mistresse sorrows should cause her evil to revert , or her shame to approach , assayed whether she would endure to hear an argument to perswade her to drink and live . The violent passion had layed all her spirits in wildness and dissolution and the maid found them willing to be gathered into order , at the arrest of any new object ; being weary of the first , of which like leeches they had sucked their fill , till they fell down and burst . The weeping woman took her cordial and was not angry with her maid , and heard the souldier talk , and he was so pleased with the change , that he who first lov'd the silence of the sorrow was more in love with the musick of her returning voice , especially which himself had strung and put in tune ; and the man began to talk amorously , and the womans weak heart and head was soon possessed with a little wine , and grew gay , and talked , and fell in love , and that very night in the morning of her passion , in the grave of her husband , in the pompes of mourning , and in her funeral garments , married her new and stranger Guest . For so the wilde forragers of Lybia being spent with heat , and dissolved by the too fond kisses of the sun , do melt with their common fires , and die with faintnesse , and descend with motions slow and unable to the little brooks that descend from heaven in the wildernesse ; and when they drink they return into the vigor of a new life , & contract strange marriages ; & the Lioness is courted by a Panther , and she listens to his love , and conceives a monster that all men call unnatural , and the daughter of an equivocal passion and of a sudden refreshment : and so also i● was in the Cave at Ephesus : for by this time the souldier began to think it was fit he should return to his watch , and observe the dead bodies he had in charge ; but when he ascended from his mourning bridal chamber , he found that one of the bodies was stolne by the friends of the dead , and that he was fallen into an evil condition , because by the laws of Ephesus his body was to be fixed in the place of it . The poor man returns to his woman , cryes out bitterly , and in her presence resolves to dye to prevent his death , and in secret to prevent his shame ; but now the womans love was raging like her former sadnesse , and grew witty , and she comforted her souldier , and perswaded him to live , lest by losing him who had brought her from death and a more grievous sorrow , she should return to her old solemnities of dying and lose her honour for a dream , or the reputation of her constancy without the change and satisfaction of an enjoyed love . The man would fain have lived if it had been possible , and she found out this way for him , that he should take the body of her first husband whose funeral she had so strangely mourned , and put it upon the gallows in the place of the stolne thief ; he did so and escaped the present danger to possesse a love which might change as violently as her grief had done : But so have I seen a croud of disordered people rush violently and in heaps till their utmost border was restrained by a wall , or had spent the fury of the first fluctuation and watry progress , and by & by it returned to the contrary with the same earnestness , only because it was violent & ungoverned ; a raging passion is this croud , which when it is not under discipline and the conduct of reason , and the proportions of temperate humanity , runs passionatly the way it happens , and by and by as greedily to another side , being swayed by its own weight , and driven any whither by chance , in all its pursuits having no rule , but to do all it can , and spend it self in haste and expire with some shame and much undecency When thou hast wept a while compose the body to burial ; which that it be done gravely , decently and charitably , we have the example of all nations to engage us , and of all ages of the world to warrant : so that it is against common honesty , and publike fame and reputation not to do this office . It is good that the body be kept vailed and secret , and not exposed to curious eyes , or the dishonours wrought by the changes of death discerned and stared upon by impertinent persons . When Cyrus was dying he called his sons and friends to take their leave , to touch his hand , to see him the last time , and gave in charge , that when he had put his veil over his face , no man should uncover it ; and Epiphanius his body was rescued from inquisitive eyes by a miracle ; Let it be interred after the manner of the countrey and the laws of the place , and the dignity of the person . a For so Iacob was buried with great solemnitie , and Iosephs bones were carried into Canaan after they had been embalmed and kept four hundred years : and devout men carried S. Stephen to his burial making great lamentation over him . And Aelian tells that those who were the most excellent persons were buried in purple : b and men of an ordinary courage , and fortune , had their Graves onely trimmed with branches of Olive , and mourning flowers . But when Marc. Anthony gave the body of Brutus to his freed man to be buried honestly , he gave also his own mantle to be thrown into his funeral pile : and the magnificence of the old funeral we may see largely described by Virgil in the obsequies of Misenus , and by Homer in the funeral of Patroclus . It was noted for piety in the men of Iabesh-Gilead that they shewed kindness to their Lord Saul and buried him ; and they did it honourably . And our blessed Saviour who was temperate in his expence , and grave in all the parts of his life and death , as age and sobriety itself ; yet was pleased to admit the cost of Maries ointment upon his head and feet , because she did it against his burial ; and though she little thought it had bin so nigh , yet because he accepted it for that end , he knew he had made her apologie sufficient : by which he remarked it to be a great act of piety , and honorable to inter our friends and relatives according to the proportions of their condition , and so to give a testimony of our hopes of their resurrection . So far is piety : beyond it may be the ostentation and braging of a grief , or a designe to serve worse ends ; such was that of Herod when he made too studied and elaborate a funeral for Aristobulus whom he had murdered ; and of Regulus for his boy , at whose pile he killed dogs , nightingales , parrots , and little horses ; and such also was the expence of some of the Romans , who hating their left wealth gave order by their Testament to have huge portions of it thrown into their fires , bathing their locks which were presently to passe thorough the fire with Arabian and Egyptian liquors , and balsam of Judea . In this as in every thing else , as our piety must not passe into superstition or vain expence , so neither must the excesse be turned into parcimony and chastised by negligence and impiety to the memory of their dead . But nothing of this concerns the dead in real and effective purposes ; nor is it with care to be provided for by themselves . But it is the duty of the living . For to them it is all one whether they be carried forth upon a chariot , or a woodden bier , whether they rot in the air , or in the earth , whether they be devoured by fishes or by worms , by birds or by sepulchral dogs , by water or by fire , or by delay : when Chriton ask'd Socrates how he would be buried , he told him ; I think I shall escape from you , and that you cannot catch me ; But so much of me as you can apprehend , use it as you see cause for , and bury it ; but however do it according to the laws . There is nothing in this but opinion and the decency of fame to be served . Where it is esteemed an honour and the manner of blessed people to descend into the graves of their Fathers , there also it is reckoned as a curse to be buried in a strange land , or that the birds of the air devour them . Some Nations used to eat the bodies of their friends , and esteemed that the most honoured sepulture , but they were barbarous : the Magi never buried any but such as were torn of beasts : the Persians besmeared their dead with wax , and the Aegyptians with gummes , and with great art did condite the bodies , and laid them in charnell houses : But Cyrus the elder would none of all this , but gave command that his body should be interred , not laid in a coffin of gold or silver , but just into the earth , from whence all living creatures receive bir●h and nourishment , and whether they must return . Among Christians the honour which is valued in the behalf of the dead is that they be buried in holy ground , that is in appointed coemitaries , in places of religion , there where the field of God is sowen with the seeds of the resurrection , * that their bodies also may be among the Christians , with whom their hope and their portion is and shall be for ever . Quicquid feceris , omnia haec eodem ventura sunt . That we are sure of ; our bodies shall all be restored to our souls hereafter , and in the intervall they shall all be turned into dust , by what way soever you or your chance shall dresse them . Licinus the freed man slept in a Marble Tombe , but Cato in a little one , Pompey in none , and yet they had the best fate among the Romans , and a memory of the biggest honour . And it may happen that to want a Monument may best preserve their memories , while the succeeding ages shall by their instances remember the changes of the world , and the dishonours of death , and the equality of the dead ; and * Iames the fourth K ▪ of the Scot● obtained an Epitaph for wanting of a Tombe ; and K. Stephen is remembred with a sad story , because 400. years after his death , his bones were thrown into a river , that evil men might sell the leaden coffin . It is all one in the finall event of things . Ninus the Assyrian had a Monument erected whose height was nine furlongs , and the bredth ten ( saith Diodorus ) but Iohn the Baptist had more honor when he was humbly laid in the earth between the bodies of Abdias and Elizeus . And S. Ignatius who was buried in the bodies of Lions , and S. Polycarpe who was burned to ashes , shall have their bones , and their flesh again , with greater comfort then those violent persons who slept amongst kings having usurped their throns when they were alive , and their sepulchres when they were dead . Concerning doing honor to the dead : the consideration is not long . Anciently the friends of the dead used to make their funeral Orations and what they spake of greater commendation was pardoned upon the accounts of friendship ; but when Christianity seized upon the possession of the world , this charge was devolved upon Priests and Bishops , and they first kept the customs of the world , and adorned it with the piety of truth and of religion ; but they also so ordered it that it should not be cheap : for they made funerall Sermons onely at the death of Princes , or of such holy persons , who shall judge the Angels ; the custome descended , and in the channels mingled with the veins of earth thorow which is passed ; and now adayes men that die are commended at a price ; and the measure of their Legacy is the degree of their vertue ; but these things ought not so to be : The reward of the greatest vertue ought not to be prostitute to the doles of common persons , but preserved like Laurell and Coronets , to remark and encourage the noblest things . Persons of an ordinary life should neither be praised publikely nor reproached in private : for it is an office and charge of humanity to speak no evil of the dead , ( which I suppose is meant concerning things not publike and evident ) but then neither should our charity to them teach us to tell a lie , or to make a great flame from a heap of rushes and mushrooms , and make Orations crammed with the narrative of little observances and acts of civil , and necessary , and externall religion . But that which is most considerable , is that we should do something for the dead , something that is reall and of proper advantage . That we performe their will the lawes oblige us , and will see to it ; but that we do all those parts of personall duty which our dead left unperformed , and to which the lawes do not oblige us , is an act of great charity , and perfect kindnesse : and it may redound to the advantage of our friends also , that their debts be payed even beyond the Inventary of their moveables . Besides this , let us right their causes , and assert their honour : When Marcus Regulus had injured the memory of Herennius Senecio , Metius Carus asked him , What he had to do with his dead ? and became his advocate after death , of whose cause he was Patron when he was alive : And David added this also , that he did kindnesse to Mephibosheth for Ionathans sake , and Solomon pleaded his Fathers cause by the sword against Ioab and Shimei . And certainly it is the noblest thing in the world to do an act of kindnesse to him whom we shall never see ; but yet hath deserved it of us , and to whom we would do it if he were present ; and unlesse we do so , our charity is mercenary , and our friendships are direct merchandize , and our gifts are brokage ; but what we do to the dead , or to the living for their sakes , is gratitude and vertue for vertues sake , and the noblest portion of humanitie . And yet I remember that the most excellent Prince Cyrus in his last exhortation to his sons upon his death bed , charms them into peace and union of hearts and designes , by telling them that his soul would be still alive , and therefore fit to be revered : and accounted as awful and venerable as when he was alive ; and what we do to our dead friends is not done to persons undiscerning as a fallen tree , but to such who better attend to their relatives , and to greater purposes though in other manner , then they did here below . And therefore those wise persons who in their funeral orations made their doubt , with an [ 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , If the dead have any perception of what is done below ] which are the words of Isocrates , in the funeral encomium of Evagoras , did it upon the uncertain opinion of the souls immortality ; but made no question if they were living they did also understand what could concern them . The same words Nazianzen uses at the exequies of his sister Gorgonia , and in the former invective against Iulian ; but this was upon another reason ; even because it was uncertain what the state of separation was , and whether our dead perceive any thing of us till we shall meet in the day of judgement : If it was uncertain then , it is certain , since that time we have had no new revelation concerning it ; but it is ten to one , but when we dye we shall find the state of affairs wholly differing from all our opinions here , and that no man of sect hath guessed any thing at all of it as it is . Here I intend not to dispute , but to perswade , and therefore in the general , if it be probable that they know or feel the benefits done to them , though but by a reflex revelation from God , or some under communication from an Angel , or the s●ock of acquired notices here below , it may the rather endear us to our charities or duties to them respectively ; since our vertues use not to live upon abstractions , and Metaphysical perfections , or inducements ; but then thrive when they have materiall arguments ; such which are not too far from sense . However it be it is certain they are not dead , and though we no more see the souls of our dead friends then we did when they were alive , yet we have reason to beleeve them to know more things and better : And if our sleep be an image of death , we may also observe concerning it , that it is a state of life so separate from communications with the body , that it is one of the wayes of Oracle and prophecy , by which the soul best declares her immortality , and the noblenesse of her actions , and powers , if she could get free from the body , ( as in the state of separation ) or a clear dominion over it , ( as in the resurrection ) : To which also this consideration may be added , that men long time lived the life of sence , before they use their reason ; and till they have sumished their head with experiments and notices of many things , they cannot at all discourse of any thing ; but when they come to use their reason , all their knowledge is nothing but remembrance ; and we know by proportions , by similitudes and dissimilitudes , by relations and oppositions , by causes and effects , by comparing things with things ; all which are nothing , but operations of understanding upon the stock of former notices , of something we knew before ; nothing but remembrances ; all the heads of Topicks which are the stock of all arguments and sciences in the world are a certain demonstration of this : And he is the wisest man that remembers most , and joyns those remembrances together to the best purposes of discourse . From whence it may not be improbably gathered , that in the state of separation if there be any act of understanding , that is , if the understanding be alive , it must be relative to the notices it had in this world , and therefore the acts of it must he discourses upon all the parts and persons of their conversation and relation , excepting onely such new revelations which may be communicated to it ; concerning which we know nothing . But if by seeing Sacrates I think upon Plato , and by seeing a picture I remember a Man , and by beholding two friends I remember my own , and my friends need , ( and he is wisest that drawes most lines from the same Centre , and most discourses from the same Notices ) it cannot but be very probable to beleeve , since the separate souls understand better , if they understand at all , that from the Notices they carried from hence , and what they find there equall or unequall to those Notices , they can better discover the things of their friends then we can here by our conjectures , and craftiest imaginations : and yet many men here can guesse shrewdly at the thoughts and designes of such men with whom they discourse , or of whom they have heard , or whose characters they prudently have perceived . I have no other end in this discourse , but that we may be ingaged to do our duty to our Dead ; lest peradventure they should perceive our neglect , and be witnesses of our transient affections , and forgetfulnesse . Dead persons have religion passed upon them , and a solemn reverence ; and if we think a Ghost beholds us , it may be we may have upon us the impressions likely to be made by love , and fear , and religion . However , we are sure that God sees us , and the world sees us ; and if it be matter of duty towards our Dead , God will exact it : if it be matter of kindnesse , the world will : and as Religion is the band of that , so fame and reputation is the endearment of this . It remains , that we who are alive should so live , and by the actions of Religion attend the coming of the day of the Lord , that we neither be surprized , nor leave our duties imperfect , nor our sins uncanceld , nor our persons unreconciled , nor God unappeased : but that when we descend to our graves we may rest in the bosome of the Lord , till the mansions be prepared , where we shall sing and feast eternally . Amen . Te Deum laudamus . THE END . BEsides this Rule of Holy Dying , the Author hath in Print , 1. The Rule of Holy Living . 2. The Liberty of Prophesying . 3. Episcopacie asserted . 4 o 4. The History of the Life and Death of the ever blessed Iesus Christ. 4 o 5. An Apologie for Authorized and ●et forms of Lyturgie . 4 o 6. A Sermon Preached at Oxon. on the Anniversary of the fifth of November . 4 o 7. Together with 28. Sermons Preached at Golden grove . fol. Lately published , viz. SErmon 1.2 . Of the Spirit of Grace . Rom. 8. ver . 9.10 . Sermon 3.4 . The descending and entailed curse cut off . Exodus 20. part of the 5. verse . Sermon 5.6 . The invalidity of a late , or death-bed repentance . Ier. 13.6 . Sermon 7.8 . The deceitfulnesse of the heart . Ierem. 17.9 . Sermon 9.10.11 . The faith and patience of the Saints : Or the righteous cause oppressed . 1 Pet. 4.17 . Sermon 12.13 . The mercy of the Divine judgements ; or Gods method in curing sinners . Rom. 2.4 . Sermon 14.15 . Of groweth in grace , with its proper instruments and signes . 2 Pet. 3.18 . Sermon 16.17 . Of groweth in sin , or the severall states and degrees of sinners , with the manner how they are to be treated . Iude Epist. ver . 22 , 23. Sermon 18.19 . The foolish exchange . Matth. 16. ver . 26. Sermon 20.21.22 . The Serpent and the Dove , or a Discourse of Christian Prudence . Matth. 10. latter part of ver . 16. Sermon 23.24 . Of Christian simplicitie . Matt. 10. latter part of ver . 16. Sermon 25.26.27 . The Miracles of the Divine Mercy . Psal. 86.5 . A Funerall Sermon , Preached at the Obsequies of the right Honourable the Countesse of Carbery . 2 Sam. 14.14 . A Discourse of the Divine Institution , necessity , sacrednesse , and separation of the Office Ministeriall . Printed for Richard Royston at the Angel in Ivie-Lane . Notes, typically marginal, from the original text Notes for div A64099-e200 * Vel quia nil rectum nisi quod placuit ●ibi ducunt , Vel quia turpe putant parere mino●ibus , & quae Imberbes didicere , senes perdenda fateri . * Tenellis adhuc infantiae suae persuasionibus in senectute puerascunt Mamertus . Concil . Trid. hist lib 4. * Tertul de Monog . S. Cyprian l. 1. ep . 9 Sa. Athan q. 33. S. Cyril . myst . cat . 5. Epiphan . Haeres . 75. Aug. de haeres . c. 33. Concil . Carth. 3. c. 29 * Dii majorum umbris tenuem & sine pondere terram Spirantesque crocos & in urna perpetuum yer . Pers. Sat. 7. Otia das nobis sed qualia forat ulio● Meccenas Placco Virgilio . que m● . Notes for div A64099-e3660 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . 4 James 14. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . Nihil sibi quisquam de futuro debet promittere . Id quoque quod te●etur per 〈◊〉 anus exit , & ipsam quam premirous horam , casus inci●it . Volvitur tempus rata quidem lege , sed per obscurum Senec. Ut mortem citius venire credas , Scito jam capitis perisse partem . Navigatione longas & pererratis littoribus alienis , seros in patriam redicus proponimus militiam , & castrensium laborumtarda manu pretia , procurationes , officiorumque per officia processus , cum interim ad latus a ors est : quae q●oniam nun● quam cogitatur nisi aliena , subinde nobis ingerantur ● o●talitatis exempla , non diutius quam mi●annur haesura Senec. Quia lex eadem manet omnes Gemitum dare sorte sub una , Cognataque funera nobit Aliena in mortedolere . Prud. hymn . exequiis defunctor . Aut ubi mors non est si jugulatis aquae ? Martial . — Cur●it mortalibus aevum Nec nasci bis posse datur , fugit hora , ra●itque Tartareus terrens , ac secum ferre sub umbras Si qua animo placuere negat — Sil. Ital. l. 15. * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . Anceps forma bonum mortalibus . ●xigui donum breve temporis Utsulgor teneris qui radiat genis Momento rapitur , nula laque non dies For● osi spolium corporis abs●ulit , Senec. Rape , congere , auser , posside , relinquendum est . Martial Annos omnes prodeg●t ut ex eo annus unus numeretur , & per mille indignitates laboravit in ●itulum sepulchri Senec. Jam eorum praebendas alii possident , & nes●io utrum de iis cogi●ant . Gerson . * — Me veterum frequens Memphis Pyramidum docet Me pressae tumulo lachryma gloriae Me projecta jacentium , passum Per populos Busta quiritium Et vilis Zephyro jocus , jactati cineres & procerum rogi Lyric . Cas l 2. od . 27. * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Menand . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ; Quid sit futurum cras fuge quaerer● Et quem fo rs dicrum Cunque da● it , lucro appone . Horat. Nec Babylonios tentaris numeros Vt melius quicquid erit , pati Seu plures hyemes , seu tribuit Jupiter ultimam . Horat. Incertam frustia Mortales funeris horam Quaeritis & qua sit mors aditutura via . Po●na minor certam subito perferre ruinam , Quod timeas gravius sustinuisse diu . Catul. eleg . 1.29 Certa amictimus dum incerta potimꝰ atque hoc eve nit in labore atque indolor ut mors obrepat interim . Plaut . Pseud. Quid brevi fortes iaculemur 〈◊〉 Multa ? Jam te premet nox , Fabulae● Manes Et domus exilis Plutonia . Horat. Epist. 1● I●le enim ex futuro suspenditur , cui i●●itum est prae●●ns Senec. E●tate fruere , mobili c●●su sug●t . Senec Martial . l 2. epig. 59. Eccles 3.12 . & chap. 2.4 . * A 〈◊〉 du●n vivimus , vivamus . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . Hoc etiam faciunt ubi discubuere , te entque Pocula saep homines , & inumbrant ora coronis Ex animo ut dicant brevis est hic ●ructus homillis , Jam fuerit neq post unquam revocare licebit Lucret lib. 3. Quis sapiens bono Confidat fragili : dum licet , utere : Tempus sed tacitum subruit : hora Se●per prae●erita deterior subit . Hippol. Bis jam consul trigesimus instat Et numerat paucos vi● tua vita dies . Aedepol proinde ut bene vivitur , diu vivitur . Plaut Trinum . Non accepimus brevem vitam , fed fecimus , nec inopes ejus , sed prodigi sumus . Senec. Sed potes , Publi , geminare magna Secula fama . Quem sui raptum gemuere ●ives Hic diu vixit . Sibi quisque famam Scribat haeredem : rapiunt avarae Caetera Lunae . Huic neque defungi visum est , nec vivere pulchrum ; Cura f●it recte vivere , sicque mori . In spe viventibus , proximum quodque tempus elabitur , subatque aviditas temporis , & miserrimus , atque miserrim● omnia efficiens , me●us mortis ..... Ex hac autem indigentia timer nascitur , & cupiditas futuri ex●dens animum . Senec. * Life of Christ , Part. 3. Disc. 14. Lib. 1. To● . 1. Panar . Sect. 6. Seneca de vita beata . c. 20. Nulla 〈◊〉 in 〈◊〉 surg●te post quam seder●t●s ; hic es ●ocus pulicu● & culicu●● . * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Sibyll . Ora● : * Vilis adulator picto iacete , brius ostro Et qui solicitat nuptas , ad pr●mia peccat . Sola prumo●is horret facundia pannis Atque inopi lingua desertas invocat artes . Petron. Hinc & jocus apud Aristophanem in avibus ; 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . Vilis servus habet regni bona , cellaque capti Deridet sestam Romuleamque casa ● . Petron. Omnia crede ●●hi etia ●f licibu dubia sunt . Senec. Et adulterio velut sacramento adacti . facit . Plusque & iterum●ia ●enda cum Antonio mulier . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Quem si inter mi sero ●o ●ueri mi serrimus , inter felices , ●elicissimus reperte ba●ur . ●ni sibi necpuer● unquam ferias contigisse . S●di●iosu & fo●o gravis . Notes for div A64099-e7120 Propera vivere , & singulo , die , singulas vitas puta Nihil interest inter diem & secu●lum . Si sap●s , utatis totis Coline diebu , Extremumque tibi semper adesse putes . Martial . Heu , Heu ! nos miseros , quam totus homuncio nil est Sic erimus cuncti postquam nos auseret Orcus : Ergo vivamus dum licet osse , bene . — Certe populi quos despicit Arctos Felices errore suo , quos ille timorum Maximus haud urget Lethi metus — — Inde ruendi In ferrum mens prona viris , animaeque capaces Mortis , & i navum rediturae parcerevitae Qui quotidie vitae tu●e ma num i●posuit n●n indigettempore . Senec. Insere nunc Melibaee pyros , ponc ordine vites . Ch 4. v 9 Neque e●nim Deus u●la ●e perinde atque corporis aeru ●na conciliatur . Na● . Orat. 18. Amo 6.1 Luk. ● . ●5 Mat. 5.4 Psa 1 : 6.6 . * — Sed longi poenas fortuna favoris Exigit a misero , qu●e ●anto pondere famae Res prea it adversas , fatisque prioribus urget . Lucan . l. 8 Hierocl . Ecclus. 1● . 1 . Qui levi comminatione pellitur , non opus est ut fortitudine & armis invadatur . Senec. El●ge vitam optimam , consuetudo faciet jucundissimam . Senec. Securae & quierae mentiae est in omnes vitae parte● discurrere ; occupatorum animi velut sub ●●go sunt , respicere non possunt . Seneca . Respice quid prodest praesenti● temporis aevum , Omne quod est , nihil est , praeter amare Deum . Quod expendi habui , Quod donavi habeo , Quod negavi punior , Quod servavi perdidi . Tob. 4.10 & 12.9 . Ecclus. 2.30 . Dan. 4. 1 Pet. 4.8 Isai 1.17 . * Lib. 7. cap. 13. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . Agere autem poenitentiam nihil aliud est quam pronteri & affirmare se non ulterius peccaturum . Orat 2. de poenitentia . Nunquam memmi melegisse mala morte mortuum qui libenter opera charitatis exercuit . ad Nepo . Luk. 16.9 . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . Da dum tempus habes , tibi propria sit manus haeres ; Auferet hoc nemo quod ●abis ipse Deo. Goner in voce adamant . Quod ●aepe fieri non potest fiat diu . Senec. Nullius rei quam vivere difficilior est scientia . Professores aliarum artium vulgo multique sunt . Senec. Nunc ratio nulla est restan di nulla facultas Aeternas quoniam po●na in ●orte ti●endum . Luc●et . Virtutem videant , intabe●cantque relicta . Nilus . S. Basil. S. Chrysostomus . Ephraem Syrus . S. Martyrius . S. Eustratius Martyr . Chrysostomus . * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . Philo. Notes for div A64099-e9190 Prima quae vitam dedit , hora carpsit . Hercul . Tur. Nascentes me● rimur sinisque ab origine pendet . Manil. Biulatu , questu , gemitu , fremitibus reso nando multum flebiles voces ●efert . Cic. sus● Conesd●ndu● es● gementi . — Flagrantior aequo Non debet dolor esse viri nec vulnere major . ●u . Sat. 13. Omnino si qu equ●m est do 〈◊〉 nihil est pro●ero 〈◊〉 , qua 〈…〉 singularium 〈◊〉 : quam 〈◊〉 con e●vare non nossis si●a io●um naturam imitans 〈…〉 . Quiaprofundenda voce omne corpus intenditur venitque plaga vehementior . Cic. Tusc Vide chap. 4. Sect. 1. Praetulerim delyrus inersque videri , Dum mea delectant mala me , vel denique fallant , Quam sapere & ●ingi . Hor. lib. 2. ep . 2. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . Vlysses apud Hom. Spectatores vociferantur , ictus tacet . Qui mediocris gladiator ingemuit ? Quis vultum mutavit unquam ? Quis non modo sterit , verum etiam decubuit turpiter ? Tusc. Qu. lib. 2. Debilona facitomanu debilem pede , coxa , lubricos quato dentes , vita dun● superest , bene est . Hanc mihi , vol acuta● , si das , sustineo crucem . Sen. ep . 101. Improbaeque Tigres indulgent patientiam flagello . Impiger & fortis virtute coacta . Cerno equidem gemina camstratos morte Philippos Thessaliaeque rogos & funera gentis Iberae . Rara est in nobilitate senectu●●●erre quam sortem patiuntur omnes nemo recusat . Tusc. l. 2. Cum faces doloris ad● moverentur . Tantum doluerunt , quantum doloribuse inseruerunt . S. Aug. Virgil. ● . 8 v. 2. Ceu rore seges viret , sic croscunt rigui tristia fletibus Urget lachryma lachrymam Fecundusquo sui se numerat dolor Quem fortuna se●el virum udo degenerem lumine viu derit . Illum saepe ferit . — Levius sic patientia quicquid corrigere est nefas . 1 Cor. 10.13 . Psal. 9.9 Mat. 7.7 Iam. ● . 13 P●al . 31.19 , 24. ●sal . 34.21 , 22. Nulla mihi nova nunc facies inopinaque surgit Omnia praecepi atque animo me●um ante revolvi . Virgil. lib. 6. Nunc festinatos nimium tibi sent●t honores Actaque lauriferae damnat Syllana juventae . Lucan . lib. 8. Ubi jam validi● quassatum est viribus aevi Corpus & obtusis ceciderunt viribus artus Claudicat ingenium , delirat lin ●aque n●ensque . Lucr. l. 3. Quatenus excidi penitus vitiu●●irae , Caetera item nequ●unt stultis haeren●ia Hor. l. 1 sat . 3. * Nolo quod cupio ●tatin tenere N●c victor a mi place ▪ pa●ata . Petron. Mors ipsa beatior inde est Quod per cruciamina lethi via panditur ardua justis & ad astra doloribus itur . Prud. hymn . in exeq . defunct . Virtutes avidae periculi . Monstrant quam non poeniteat tanto pretio aesti masse virturem . Senec. Non enim h●laritate nec lascivia , nec risu , aut joco comit● levitatis , sed saepe etia● tristes firmitate & constantia sunt beati . Cicer. de fin . l. ●● Nihil infelicius eo , cui nihil unquam contigit adversi . Non licuit illi se experiti . Senec. — Illa seges votis respondet avari Agricolae , bis quae solem , bis frigora sensit . Virgil. Georg. 1. I anguent per in●rtiam saginata , nec labore tan●um sed mole & ipso sui onere de●eiunt . Senec. Callum per injurias ducunt . Ut sit luminisatque aqu● c●elestis pa●iens latus . Modestia filiorum delectantur , vernularum licentia & canum non puerorum . Ventus ut amittit vires nisi robo●re densae O●currunt silvae spatio diffusu● inani . Lucan . Marcet sine adversario virtus . Laetius est quoti e●magno tibi constat ho●nestum . Ps. 89.33 1 Cor. 5.5 1 ●im . 1.20 . Digni erant in hoc saeculo recipere peccatum suum , ut mundiores exeant ab hac vita , mundati castigatione sibi illata per mortem com nunem , quoniam credentes erant in Christum . Origen S. Aug. l. 3. c. 1. contr . Parmen . & Cassian . colla● . 6. c. 11. 1 Cor. 11.30 . Deut. 4.5 . Haec clemencia non paratur arte Sed norunt cui serviunt leones . Silatus aut renes morbo tentantur acuto . Quaere fugam morbi . vis recte vivere ? quis non ? Si virtus hocuna potest dare , fortis omissis Hoca●e deliciis . Hor. l. 1. ep . 6. * Nec t●● men putaverant ad rem pertinere ubi in cia perent quod pl●cuerat ut sieret . Neque tam aversa unquam videbitur ab ope●e suo providentia ut debiltas inter optima inventa ●it . Detesta . bilis ●rit caecitas si nemo oculos per diderit nisi cui eruondisunt . Memineris ergo maximos dolores morte finiri , parvos habere multa intervalla requietis , mediocrium nos esse dominos . Cicero . Ecclus. 2.14 . * Montiris , juvenem tinctis Lentine , capillis Tam subito corvus qui modo cygnus eras . Non omnes fallis , scit te Proserpina canum , Personam capiti detrahet illa tuo . Mar. l. 3. ep . 43. Audet iter numeratque dies spatioq , viarum Metitur vitam , torquetur morte futur● . Hor. lib. 3. Od. 1. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . Soph. Nihil est miserius dubitatione volutantium quar●um evadan● , quantum sit illud quod resta● aut quale ? Seneca l. 17. ep . 102. — Heu quanto melius vel cede peracta Parcere Romano potuit fortuna pudori . Lucan . Haec omnia vidit in flammari , Jovis aram sanguine ●urpari . — Sic longius aevum Destruit ingentes animos & vitasuperstes ; Imperio nisi summa dies cum fine bonorum A●fluit & celeri praevertit tristia leto Dedecori est fortuna prior . Lucan . lib. 8. Mors il● melius quam tu consuluit quidem . — quisquamne secundis Tradere se fatis audet nisi morte parata . Luc. l. 8. Nimirum hac die una plus vixi mihi quam vivendum fuit . Hoc homo morte lucratur ne malum esset immortale . Naz. Nihil in malis ducamus quod fit a Diis immortalibus vel a natura parente omnium● cnstitutum . Concre tum fuit , disere tum est , rediitque unde venerat ; terra deorsum , spirtu ; sursum . Quid ex his omnibus iniquum est ? nihi . Epichar . Natura dedit u●uram vitae ta●quam pecuniae , quid est ergo quod querare si repetat cum vult ? eadem enim lege acceperas . Senec. Vitae est avidus Quisquis non vult mundo secum pe●eunte mori . Sen. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Par est moriri : neque est melius morte in malis rebus miserie . Plaut . Rud. Aut fuit , aut veniet nihil est praesentis in illa . Morsque minus poenae quam mora mortis habet . Virtutem incolu nem odimus Sublatam ex oculis quaerimus invidi Horat. Et laudas nullos nisi mortuos poetas . Mart. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Pindar . Ecclus. 41.1 . Amittenda fortitudo est aut sepeliendus dolor . Cic. Forrem polce animum mortis terrore carente ● Qui spatium vitae extremu● inter munera ponat . Hostem cum fugeret se Fan●nius ipse peremit . Mar. Beati er●mus cum corporibꝰ ●e lictis & cupiditatu● & aemu●ationum erimus expertes quodque nunc facimus , cum laxatique curis sumus , ut spectare aliquid yelimus & vi●ere . Tuscul. Qu. Mor utinam pavidos vita subducer● nolle● Sed virtus te sola ● daret — Lucan . Maneant opera interrupta , minaeque Murorum ingentes . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . Quam pellunt lachrymae fovent sor●em : dura negant cedere mollibus . Siccas si videat genas Durae cedet hebes sors patientiae . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Il. o. Et cum nihil imminuat doloris , cur f●ustra turpes esse volumus ? Senec. Non le vat misero , dolor virtutem verba pucas ut l●cumligna Solatium est pro honesto dura tolerare & ad causam a patientia respicit . 1 Pet. 2.19 . Heb. 11.36 . Mat. 5.11 Magis his quae patitur vexat causa patiendi . Hi quicquid biberint vomitum remetientur tristes , & bilem suam regustantes . Senec. Tantum cura potest & ars doloris desiit Caelius fingere podagram . Mart. l. 7 ep . 38. Josh. 7.12 . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Soph. * Who so him bethost Inwardly and oft How hard it were to flit From bed unto the pit From pit unto pain That nere shall cease again He would not do one sin All the world to win . Inscript . marmori in Ecclosparoch de Feversham in agro Cantiano . Notes for div A64099-e16540 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Ipsi ceu vi Deo nullo est opus ; apud Senecam . Scaliger recte emendat ; Ipsi ceu Deo &c Ex Graeco scilicet 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . L. Cornel. legatus sub Fabio Consule vividam naturam & virilem animam servavi , quoad animam e●flavi ; & tandem disertus ope medicorum & Esculapii dei ingrati cui me voveram sodalem perpetuo futurum si fila aliquantulum optata protulisset . Vetus inscriptio in Lusitania . Nunc omnibus anxius aris Illachrimat signatque fores & pectore terget Limina ; nunc frustra vo●at exorabile nomen . Papin . l. 5. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Graeci vocant cum ●ors propter impatientiam pe●itur . Job 5.8.10 . vers . 11.16 . 17. 18. 26. Psalm 63.6 . 7 , 8. Psalm 23.3 , 4 , Psalm 27.5 . Psal. 102 v. 19 , 20 Psalm 77.1 , &c 1 Cor. 10.13 . Rom. 15.4 , 5. 1 Sam. 3.18 . 2 Cor. 12.7 , 8 , 9 Lam. 3.18 , 19 , &c. ibid. ibid. Job 14.13 . Job 2.10 . Psal. 6. Psal. 11 Psal. 16 Psal. 17 Psalm 31.9 . 27. 31. Non jam validi , radicibus haerens Pondere fixa suo . Sanctiusque ac reverentius visum de actis ●●orum credere quam scire . facit Fides tua te salvum faciet ; non exercitati● scriptururam . Fides in regula posita est ; ( scil . in symbolo quod jam recitaverat ) habet legem , & salutem de observatione legi●●t exercitatio autem in curiositate consistit , habens gloriam solam de peritiae studio : Cedat curiositas fidei ; cedat gloria saluri . Tert. de praescript . S. Augustinus vocat symbolum comprehensionem fidei vestrae atque perfectionem Cordis signaculum , & nostrae militiae● acramentum . Amb lib. 3. de veland virgin . Aug. serm . 115. Non per difficiles nos Deus ad beatam vita●n quaestiones vocat . In absoluto nobis & facili est aeternitas : ●esum suscitatum a mortuis per Deum credere & ipsum esse Dominum confiteri . S. Hilar. lib. 10. de Trinit . Haec est fides Catholica ( de symbolo suo dixit Athanasiu , velqu cuncque author est . S. Athanas . de fide Nicena , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . Ep ad Epict. Tertul. ad Sapul . In Phoedo . Rom. 14.6 . Rom. 8.31 . &c. 1 Joh. 2.1 . 1 Tim. 1.15 . 2 Thes. 2.13 . Ibid. v. 16 , 17. 2 Thes. 3.5 . 2 Thes. 1.11 . 1 Thes. 5.9 , 10. Act. 3.23 . Isa. 2.22 Joh. 11.25 . Ibid. ver . 40. 1 Cor. 15.55 . Ibid. Desce●●li sti ad Olympia sed ne●o praeter te : coronam habes , victoriam non habes . Mitius ille perit subita qui mergitur unda ; Quam sua qui liquidis brachia lassat aquis . Ovid. Etiam innocentes mentiri cogit dolor . Ipse illigatus peste interimor textili . Lavor honesta hora & salubri quae mihi & calorem & sanguine● servet . Rigere & pallere post lavacrum mortuus possum Tertul. Apol. c. 42. Cognata faece sepulti . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Aelian . lib. 4. var. hist. cap. 1. Vide August . lib. 50. Hom. Hom. 4. & serm . 57. de te●pore . Faustum ad Paulinum . Ep. 1. in Biblioth . pp. tom . ● . vet . ed t. Concil . Arelat . 1. c. 3. Carthag . 4. c 7.8 . — Quis luce suprema Dimisiste mea●sero non ingemit horas Sil. Ital. l. 15. Sic contra r●rum natnraemunera nota Corvus maturis frugitus ova refert . In Adrian . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Vide life of Christ , Dise of repentance Rule of holy living chap. 4. Sect. of repentance ; and volume of Serm. serm . 5 , 6. a Ne tamen ad stygia famulus descenderet umbras Ureret implicitum cum scelerata lues Cavimus — Cogimur a suetis animum suspendere rebus , Atque ut vivamus vivere desinimus Corn. Gallus . Gnossius haec Rhadamanthus habet durissima regna Castigatque auditque dolos subigit ; fateri Quae quis apud superos furto laetatus inani Disttulit in seram commissa piacula mortem . Aened . 6. — Cineri gloria sera venit . Tu mihi quod rarum est , vivo sublime dedisti , Nomen ab exequiis quod dare fama solet . Ou pondre , ou rendre , ou les peines denfers attendre . Quid debent ●aesi a●ere u ●● rei ad paenam confugiunt ? Vera ad Deum conversio in ultim● positorum mente potius est aesti●anda quam tempore . ●el p. ep . 2. c. . vera conversio ) scil . ab insi delitate ad fidem ●hristi per Baptismum . Lamen . 3.41 . Job 7.20 . Lamen . 1.18 , 20. Lamen . 5.19 . Psalm 25.7 . Psalm . 109.21 . Psalm 143. Psalm 101.1 . Psalm 5.1 . Credebant hoc grande nefa , & morte piandum , Si juvenis vetulo non assurrexerat & si Barbato cu●cu●q puer — Iuven. Sat. 13. 1 Thes. 5.17 . Luke 18.1 . 1 Thes. 5.17 . Mark 16.16 . Luke 13.3 Acts 3.19 . Matth. 5.3 . Luke 14.10 . John 13.14 . Math. 5.5 . Colos. 3.1 , 2. Matth. 10.16 . 1 Thes. 5.8 . Rom. 8.24 . Luke 16.29 . Mark 4.44 . 1 Tim. 4.13 . Heb. 10.25 . Heb. 13.17 . Matth. 18.17 . 2 Thes. 3.6 . 2 ep . John 10. Titus 3.10 . Colos. 3.14 . 1 Tim. 1.5 . 1 Tim. 2.22 . Mark 12.30 . Matth. 6.14 . 1 John 3.16 . Matth. 18.9 . Matth. 18.15 . James 1.4 . Luke 21.19 . Heb. 12.3 . Gal. 6.9 . Ephes. 5 20. 2 Thess. 1.3 . Luke 6.32 . 2 Tim. 3.2 . 1 Thes. 5.16 . Philip. 3.1.4.4 . 1 Thes 5.19 . Ephes. 4.30 . Acts. 7.51 . Ephes. 5.33 . 1 Tim. 5.8 . Colos. 3.21 . Ephes. 6.4 . 1 Thes. 5.20 . 2 Tim. 2.24 . Matth. 18.7 . 1 Cor. 10.32 . Heb. 12.14 . 1 Cor. 6.1 . Philip. 4.8 . 2 Cor. 8.21 . 1 Thes. 5.22 . James 5.19 , 20. Matth. 10.32 . Heb. 12.4 . Matth. 5.12 . James 1.2 . Luke 22.19 . Joh. 20.30.31 . Acts 3.23 . Mark 1.1 . Luke 10.16 . Revel . 22.18 . 1 Cor. 11.16 . Jude 3. * Rom. 14.13.22 Rom. 16.17 . Mat. 23.8 , 9 , 10. 1 Pet. 5.3 . 1 John 4.1 . 1 Thes. 5.21 . 1 Cor. 9.25 . Titus 2.2 . Matth. 16.24 . Colos. 3.5 . Rom. 8.13 . Luke 6.34 . Mark 13.35 . Matth. 24.42 & 25.13 . Matth. 5.22 . Ephes. 4.26 . 1 Cor. 6.10 . Matth. 5.22 , Matth. 5.34 . James 2.1 . 1 Tim. 5.22 . 2 Tim. 4.12 . 1 Cor. 10.31 . Matth. 5.6 . Titus 3.9 . Matth. 5.44 . Rom. 12.14 . 1 Tim. 2.1 . Titus 3.14 . Ephes. 4.28 . Matth. 5.48 . 1 Pet. 3.8 . 2 Pet. 1.6 , 7. 2 Cor. 8.7 . 2 Cor. 9.5 . Ephes. 5.4 . 1 Tim. 2.9 . James 1.9 . Philip. 2.10 . Magnifica verba mors prope admota excutit Nam verae voces tum demum pectore ab imo e iciu●tur — Lucret. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Cyrus apud Xenoph. l. 8. institut . Vide Chap. 1. Sect. 4. * Lucian de luctu . Vid. reg . 6. paulo infr Herod●t . Musa . 5. Plin l. 4. c. ●1 . Xiphilin . in Severo . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . Nicarchus . Fallax saepe fides , testataqne vota peri●un● ; Constitues tumulum si ●apis ipse tuum . Written upon a wall in S. Edmunds Church in Lumbard-street . Contra avaritiam 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . Psal. 16.2 , &c. Psal. 18.30 , 31. Ps. 22.19 . Psal. 42. Psal. 68 26. & Psal. 71. Psal. 71. ibid. Psal. 72 Psal. 116 ibid. ibid. Notes for div A64099-e23870 Exod. 20.19 . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Xenoph . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . lib. 8. Jam. 5.14 . James ● . 14 . Gabriel in 4 ●on● . dist . ●● . James 5.16 . Prov. 28 ●3 . 1 John ● . 9 . Matth. 3. ● . Acts 1● 18 1 Cor. 11.31 . Si ta●uerit quis percussus est & non egerit poenitentiam , nec vulnus suum fratri & magist●o voluerit confiteri , magister qui linguam habet ad curandum ●acile ei prodesse non poterit . Si enim ●rubescat aegrotus vulnus medico confiteri , quod ignorat medicina non curat S. Hiezon . ad caput 10. Eccles. Si enim hoe fecerimus & revelavorimus peccam nostra , non solum Deo , sed & his qui pof●une mederi vulneribus nostris atque peccatis , delebuntur peccata nostra . Origen hom . 17. in Lucam . a Plaut . ●●inum . mus . Tam facile & pronum est superos contemnere testes Si morta . lis idem nemo sciat . Juv. Sat. 13. Qui homo culpam admisit in se nullus est tam parvi pre●●● quin pude at , qu●n ▪ urget sese Qui homo culpam admisit in so ●ullus est tam parvi pretij quin pude at , qu'n ●urget sese Plaut . Aulul . Verum hoc se amplecti ●ur uno Hoc amat , h●claudat , matro , ●a●n nullam ego rango . Hor. Ser. l. 1. sat . 2. Apud Surium . die 27. Sept. 1 John 3.20 . 1 Cor. 4.4 . Illi mors gravis incubat q●i notus n●mis omnibus ignotus moritur sibi . Nun● si depositum non insiciatur amicus si reddat veteremou● tota aerugine sollem , Prodigiosa si les & ●huscis ●ign● libelli . Iuven. sat . 13. Gal. 6.1 . Jam. 5.15 . 1 Cor. 5.5 , 12 , 13 2 Cor. 2.6 . Homines in remissione peccatorum ministerium suum exhibe●t , non jus alic . 〈◊〉 potestatis exercent : Neque enim in suo sed in nomine Pat●i , Fihj . & Spiritu , Sancti peccata dimittuntur : ●sti rogant , divinitas donat . S. Ambr. de spir . S. l. 3. c. 19 Summum futuri judicii prae●us dicium est , si quis ita deliquerit ut a communicatione orationis & conventus & on ●is ●ancti commercii rele●etur . Tertul. pol. c. 39. Atque hoc idem innuitur per summam Apostoli censurano , in reos ma imi crimmis , sit 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , id est , excommunicatus majori excommunicatione : Don inus veniet : ●cil ad judicandum eum adquod iudiciu haec corsura colesiae est relativa , & inordine . Tum demum pena ▪ dabit ; ad qua nisi resipiscat , hic consignatur . Arelat . ●● 3. Vide 2 Cor. 2 10 & ●● Cyprian ep . 73. Caus. 6. Q. 6 & q. 7. Ca● 13. vide etiam Conc. Ancyr . c. 6 ●ure● . 2. c. 12. O sacrum convivium in quo Christus sumicur , recolitur memoria passi ni● e●us , mens impletur gratia & futurae glorie nobis pignus datur . Ita vide ut prosit illis ignosci quos ad poenam ipse Deus deduxit : quod ad me attinet non sum crudelis , sed vereor no quod remisero patiar . Tryphaena dixit apud Petro●ium . Saeviquoque & implacabiles Domini crude litatem suam impediuntsi quando penitentia fugitivos re duxit . dedititiis hostibus par●imus . * Quaecunque ergo de poenitentia jubendo dicta sunt , non ad exteriorem sed ad interiorem referenda sunt , sine qua nullus unquam Deo reconciliari poterit . Gratian. de penit , d. 1. Quis aliquando . 1. Cor. 2.3 . 1 Cor. 15.22 . Rom. 8.32 . i●e rule of holy living Chap. 4. Sect. 10. & 〈◊〉 of the life of ●esus , Par● 3. Disc. 18. Caus. 26. q. 7. ab infirmis . Matth. 9.6 . Acts 3.26 . Est modus gloriandi in consei●ntia ut noveris fidem tuam esse sinceram , spem tuam esse certam . August . Psal. 149. * Una est nobilitas , argumentumq coloris Ingenui , timidas non habuisse manus . 1 Tim. 1.15 . Ezek. 33.11 . Luke 15.7 . 1 John 2.1 . 1 Cor. 5.20 . Ezek. 18. Joel 2. James 3.2 . 1 Joh. 1.8 . Rom. 11.32 . Rom. 6.23 . Hebr. 13.5 . Vixi , p●●cavi , poenital , naturae cessi . Psalm 130. * Psalm 49. Psal. 16.15 . Heb. 13.20 . 1 Tim. 6.15 , 16. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Iliad . † . Ecolus . 38.17 . * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ; dixit Socrates de Ergastulario lugente . N●mo me lachrymis decoret nec funera fletu Faxit ; cur ? volito vivus per ora virum . Ennius . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . Cyrus apud Xenop . * S. Chrysost . hom . 4. Hebr. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . Il. † . Mors op●i● a est periredum lachrimant sui●●ippol . Sen. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . a Expectavimus ●achrymas ad ostentati nem doloris paratas ut ergo ambitiosu● detonuit te it surerbum pallio caput & m●n●bus inter se usque ad articulorum str●pi um contritis , &c. Petron. b 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . c Non Siculae da● pes dulcem elaborabunt sapo●e●o non avium Citharaeque cantus so ●num reducent d — Tremulumque caput descendere jus●it In Coelum & longam manantia labra salivam . a 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . Iliad . † . b Lib. 6. variae histor . cap. 6. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . Nam quid sibi saxa cavata Quod pulchra volunt monumenta Res quid nisi creditur illis Non mortua sed data somno . Prud. hym . in exeq . defunct . — Cupit omnia ferre Prodigus & totos melior succendere census , Desertas e●osus opes ; Statius lib. 2. Silvar . Totus hic locus contemnendus est●m nobis , non negligendus in nostris . Cicero . Id cine●rem aut manes credis curare sepultos ? 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Fugientibus Trojanis minatus est Hector 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Il. ● . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . Xenop . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . Sit tibi terra levis mollique tegaris arena Ne tua non possinteruere ossa cane● . Mart * Nam quod requiescere corpus vacuum sine mente videmus Spacium breve restat ut alti repetat collegia sensus : Hinc maxima cura sepulchris impenditur — Prudent . hymn . in exeq . defunc . ●armoreo Licinu tuu●ulo sacet , at Cato parvo , Pompeius nullo , credi nus esse Deos. Varro Aracinus . * Fama orbem replet , mortem for occulit , at tu Desine scrutari quod tegit ossa solum . Si mihi dent animo non impar fata sepulchrum Angusta est tumulo terra Britanna meo . Ce●nit ibi maestos & mortis honore carentes . I eucaspim & Lyciae ductorem classi Orontem . Aeneid . 6. I ustravitque ●iros di , itque novissima verba . Aeneid . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . Il. † . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . Isoc . Plataica . — miserum in lattore Tenxi flebant & cineri ingrato suprema ferebant . Eneid . 6. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 — 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Il. † . H 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Cyrus apud Xenop . lib. 8. instit . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Illiad . † . 
A16539	----	The last battell of the soule in death diuided into eight cof̃erences ... : whereby are shown the diuerse skirmishes that are between the soule of man on his death-bedde, and the enemies of our saluation : carefullie digested for the comfort of the sicke / by Mr. Zachary Boyd, preacher of Gods word at Glasgow. Boyd, Zacharie, 1585?-1653. 1629 Approx. 1423 KB of XML-encoded text transcribed from 668 1-bit group-IV TIFF page images. Text Creation Partnership, Ann Arbor, MI ; Oxford (UK) : 2003-11 (EEBO-TCP Phase 1). A16539 STC 3447 ESTC S881 33143204 ocm 33143204 28292 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. A16539) Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 28292) Images scanned from microfilm: (Early English books, 1475-1640 ; 1872:9) The last battell of the soule in death diuided into eight cof̃erences ... : whereby are shown the diuerse skirmishes that are between the soule of man on his death-bedde, and the enemies of our saluation : carefullie digested for the comfort of the sicke / by Mr. Zachary Boyd, preacher of Gods word at Glasgow. Boyd, Zacharie, 1585?-1653. [24], 3-1270, [25] p. By the heires of Andro Hart, Printed at Edinburgh : 1629. Paged continuously; preliminaries for v. 2 bound at end. Errata: 1 p. bound at end. Imperfect: torn, stained and tightly bound; pages possibly lacking at end. Best copy available for photographing. Signatures: [par.]⁸, 2[par.]², A-Z⁸, 2A-2Z⁸, 3A-3K⁸, 3L⁴, *⁶, **⁴, ***². Reproduction of original in: Harvard University. Library. 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Death -- Devotional literature. 2003-07 TCP Assigned for keying and markup 2003-07 Apex CoVantage Keyed and coded from ProQuest page images 2003-08 Mona Logarbo Sampled and proofread 2003-08 Mona Logarbo Text and markup reviewed and edited 2003-10 pfs Batch review (QC) and XML conversion THE LAST BATTELL OF THE SOVLE IN DEATH , Diuided into eight cōferences . 1. Volume . Whereby are showne the diuerse Skirmishes that are betweene the Soule of Man on his Death-bedde , and the Enemies of our Saluation . Carefullie digested for the comfort of the Sicke : By Mr. ZACHARIE BOYD ▪ Preacher of Gods Word at Glasgow ▪ IOB . 14. Vers. 14. All the dayes of mine appointed tyme will I 〈…〉 my changing come . I liue to die ▪ that I may die to liue . Printed at Edinburgh , by the Heires of ANDRO HART ▪ 1629 ▪ C. R. HONI SOIT QVI MAL Y PENSE royal blazon or coat of arms DONEC·PAX·REDDITA·TERRIS· blazon or coat of arms TO THE MOST SACRED AND Mightie Monarch CHARLES , King of Great BRITAINE , FRANCE & IRELAND , Defender of the FAITH . MOST DREAD SOVERAIGNE , It was wisely said by the Royall Preacher , The memorie of the Iust is blessed : But the name of the wicked shall rot : To haue a good name both in this life and after Death is a blessing promised vnto the Righteous : But as for the vngod lie their names become mouldie and rotten : Qui injuste 〈◊〉 om●…tur just damnantur . This consideration should rouse v●… all men to the doing of that which is good but chieflie KINGS and PRINCES ▪ whose liues are to bee seene in Chronicles by all ages , which come after : While other mens names within a little space are buried in obliuion , the Chronicles the Registers of times cry vnto the World , Read and consider vvhat sort of men such and such haue beene . Of Saul it is writter , that his sinne of rebellion in sparing Agag was a as the sinne of Witch-craft , & that his stubbornnesse was as idolatrie : His enuie against Dauid , & his consulting b with the Witch at Endor shall bee manifest to all Ages to come : Dauids c Vertues and his Vices d are penned : Solomons e vvisedome & his f folies , g Rehobo●…ms contemning of the olde counsellers h A habs and i A haz his wickednesse k Iosiah and l Iehoshaphats goodnesse shall bee to bee seene and reade so long as this world shall last . * Oh , that Kings would consider how in a short life they may soone plot the euill which sh●… staine ●…heir good name to the worlds end . * Manie may Flatter a Prince while hee liueth : But so soone as hee is gone , Trueth which while hee liued was warded , then commeth out and plainelie declareth to the world whether hee was a wise man or a foole . * There is no sinne so secret , but God in his owne time shall bring it to light : If King CHARLES rule well , and bee truelie godlie like Nathanael without guile , An hundreth yeares after this Great BRITAINE shall blesse the Name of King CHARLES , yea , and that till God end Time in Eternitie . * The seuen Stars of the Charles ▪ Waine are not so glorious as shall bee the seuen Letters of CHARLES in GODS Booke which is the Booke of Life . Though your Maiesties Bodie after Death lye rotten in the Graue , yet shall your Royall Name as if it were perfumed & enbalmed , haue a most sweete sauour like these Garments wherein Iacob got his Fathers blessing the smell whereof was as the smel of a field which the Lord had blessed . Seeing there is nothing more powerfull to moue a man to liue well , than to remember that hee must die , and after come for to reckon with his God : For this cause haue I penned this Treatise of Sicknesse bringing vnto death where your Maiestie may see the most fearfull Skirmishes , which are betweene the faithfull Soule & the enemies of our Saluation : For this cause haue I called it , THE LAST BATTELL OF THE SOVLE . Loe , this wee haue searched , so it is , heare it , and know it for your good . Let it please your Maiestie to looke vpon these my Workes with a fauourable eye and to take them into your Royall Protection : They were brought foorth in the Land of Your Birth , euen in your olde SCOTLAND , Whereof your Maiestie is now the hundreth and ninth King. The particular place where this Booke was penned is your owne GLASGOWE , a Citie once greatlie beloued of great King IAMES your Maiesties Father of blessed memorie : * A Citie that looketh for the like fauour from your Royall MAIESTIE . My chiefest spirituall desire is , that this may bee comfortable to sicke Soules : My first temporall wish is that your Maiestie would daine it with a blink of your Fauour : Let it obtaine your Royall Approbation , which shall bee to it as a Passe-port , which neither Pride nor Enuie shall bee able with Reason to reiect : If anie man be contentious , I heere appell vnto Caesar. Let mee bee so bolde as heere to aske a Petition from your Maiestie , which granted , I will atcount a sufficient recompence to all my Labours . This is it , That it would please your Religious Maiestie to take a specall care that the prophanation of the Lords blessed and hallowed day bee remoued from this Land : It is come to such a custome and that chieflie betweene Edinburgh and Glasgow , that by no meanes the Church is able to refine it , except that by your Royall authoritie their Market dayes bee changed : * The abuse is so great that if your godlie Maiestie knew it , yee could not indure it : The keeping of this Precept is the onelie one which hath a memento before it , and yet it is most forgotten : It is the verie Key of Religion . Let it please your Maiestie to consider what good Nehemiah did for the reformation of such an abuse . I contended , said hee , with the Nobles of Iudah , and saide vnto them , What euill thing is this that yee doe , and prophane the Sabbath day ? Did not your Fathers thus , and did not our God bring all this euill vpon vs , & vpō this Citie ? Yet yee bring more wrath vpō Israel by prophaning the Sabbath . See what Nehemiah did . It came to passe that when the gates of Ierusalem beganne to be dark before the Sabbath , I commanded that the gates should bee shut , and charged that they should not bee opened till after the Sabbath , And some of my Seruants set I at the gates , that there should no burden bee brought in on the Sabbath day : So the Merchands and sellers of all kinde of ware , lodged without Ierusalem once or twise : Then I testified against them , and said vnto them , Why lodge yee about the wall : If yee doe so againe I will lay hands on you . What wrought that ? From that time foorth came they no more on the Sabbath : Af●…er he had done this good worke , hee looked vp to God by prayer saying , Remember mee , O my God concerning this also , and spare mee , according to the greatnesse of thy mercie . I pray God that your Maiestie may reforme this great abuse with that good Nehemiah : * If this yee doe , I am assured that Your God shall remember You concerning it , and that hee shall spare You according to the greatnesse of his mercie . One thing I desire earnestlie that your Maiestie once at least in the day would carefullie consider these weightie wordes of DAVID spoken vnto SOLOMON : Thinke that King IAMES hath said them to King CHARLES : These bee the words , * And Thou CHARLES my Son know Thou the GOD of thy Father , and serue him with a perfect heart , and with a willing minde , for the Lord searcheth all hearts , and vnderstandeth all the imaginations of the thoughts : If Thou seeke Him he will bee found of Thee , but if Thou forsake Him hee will cast Thee off for euer . Now I intreat the Lord so to ingraffe these words into your Royall Heart , that the practise thereof may appeare in the outward swaying of your Scepter . * Let this little Manuell of the Last Battell of the Soule bee like a Page at your Maiesties Chamber-doore with his morning memento mori : Yee Kings are Gods because God hath so called you : I haue called you goddes , said God , but yee shall die like men : Crownes haue their compasse and Thrones haue their Tombes : Prince , People , great and small , all must goe to Golgotha for to make their beddes in that place which Iob calleth the Slimie valley The French prouerbe is true . La mort mord les Rois aussi . bien que les conducteurs des charrois . So most humblie intreating the most high to grant to your Maiestie to reigne both well and long ouer vs , I remiane Your Majesties most humble most obedient Seruant and Subject both borne & sworne M. Zacharie Boyd . Preacher of Gods word at Glasgow Ad Carolum Regem . Maxime magnorum longo sate sanguine Regum . Accipe nunc tenues quos fert tua Scotia fructus : Et si arbusta juvant fragiles ne temne myricas . Another . This Life O Prince is like an raging Sea , Where froathy mounts are heaued vp on hie : Our painted Ioys in blinks that are ful warme Are like Raine-bowes forerunners of a storme : All flesh with griefe is prickt within without . Crownes carie cares and compasse them about . Your State is great , your place is high : What then ? God calls you gods , but ye shall die like men . Your Majesties most humble and most obedient Subject & Seruant , M. Z. B. TEMPVS emblem A LA RYÖNE , MADAME , DIEV par lagrace duquel les Rois reignent , vous a esté favorable : Il vous a fait naistre de plus Grand pere qui ait onques reigné en la FRANCE voire de ce Grand HENRY vn vray fouldre de guerre : Il vous aussi a fait estre la belle fille de plus sage Prince qui ait onques reigné en la Grand BRETAGNE , lequel ponuoit bien estre nommé IA QVES LE SAGE . Le Roy nostre Sire estant fils de plus SAGE , & vous estant la fille d'vn PRINCE si courageux , nous faites esperer que quand il plaira a dieu de vous donner des enfans , ils seront & sages & valeureux : Ce que la nature ne peut pas , dieu le face par sa grace . Receuez d'vn bon oeil MADAME ce petit oeuure : Vous y av●…z LADERNIERE BATAILLE de l'ame contre tous les enemis de nostre salut : vous y verrez comment il se faut porter en telles rencontres : pensez a ces choses es iours de vostre ieunesse : C'est le Conseil d'vn ROY Aye Souuenance , dit il , de ton Createur es iours de ta ieunesse , auant que les iours mauuais vienent , & que les ans arriuent des quels tu dies , i●… n'y pren point plaisir : L●…s ROYS & ROYNES Sont mortels comme les autres : La voix dit Crie & on a respondu que crieray ie ? Toute chair est comme l'herbe & toute sagrace est comme la fleur d'vn champ : L'herbe est sechee , & la fleur est cheute d'autant que le vent de l'Eternel a soufflé dessus : Solomon qui cognoissoit les femn es mieux qú aucun autre , nous monstre que ce n'est pas la plus belle qui Soit digne de louange : La grace trompe dit il , & la beauté S'esuanouit : mais la femme qui craint l'Eternel ce sera celle qui Sera louee : Cest'est la fille du ROY toute pleine de gloire en dedans : Dieu de sa grace vous face telle . Ie supplie treshumblement vostre Maiesté vouloir prendre en bon ne part ce petit oeuure ; lequel ie vous dedie comme vn tesmoignage d'vn coeur affectioné enuers vostre Maiesté : Cependant ie prie le Tout puissant qu il vous augmente de iour en iour ses graces spirituelles , & vous face la mere des enfans ▪ qui soyent Roys apres vous tant que le soleil durera . C'est celuy qui de meurera toute sa vie MADAME . Vostre tres-humble , & tres-obeissant Seruiteur & Subiect . M. Zacharie Boyd . A Glasgove le 6. de May. 1629. A LA ROYNE . Fille de France de Royale race , Perle de prix dieu vous face grace : DIEV le vuelle que ceste nation Sans fin vous loue en benediction : Portezl ' absence & de pere & mere , Car pour eux mariage prospere Voux produira bonne succession * Si vous reuerez La RELIGION . M. Z. B. To the READER . AFter sixteene yeares absēce into France where it pleased God to mak me a preacher of his word the space of foure yeares : It pleased the same LORD to visite his Church there with bloodie warres , whereby manie Churches and mine also were discipated by this occasion it was the Lords will to bring me backe to my natiue Countrie . In that troublous time I remained a space a priuate man at Edinburgh with Doctor Sibbald the glory & honour of al the Physicians of our Land : But againe within a short space I was sought out by that most worthie Man our Scots Onesiphorus euen Sir William Scot of Eli : Hee sought mee out diligentlie and found mee : The Lord giue mercie vnto his House , for hee most louing lie refreshed mee , and was not ashamed of mine affliction : The Lord grant vnto him that hee may finde mercie of the Lord in that day . After my remouing from him vnto this Citie , it pleased the Lord to visite mee with sore sicknesse , yea , so that in September Anno. 1626. I was like Epaphroditus sicke nigh vnto death : For when I arose out of that I euer I found in my studie my winding sheete among my Bookes : This gaue mee occasion painefullie to search & describe vnto the world this Last Battell of the Soule : I pray God to make it profitable for thine vse , if thou reape a●…e comfort thereby , I intreate thee to pray for mee , that the lord would grant vnto mee that I may finde mercie of the Lord in that day . As for escapes in printing they are marked at the end of the Booke : Excuse them in thy fauour because I remaine farre from the ●…resse . Vox morientis ad animam suam . O anima mea egredere ; quid dubitas ? Egredere ; quid times ? His multis annis Christo Domino servisti , & ad huc mortem timebis ? O anima insignita Dei imagine , decorata similitudine , desponsata in fide , dotata in spiritu , redempta sanguine , deputata cum Angelis , capax beatitudinis , haeres bonitatis , rationis particeps , quid tibi cum carne , qua haud aliud vilius sterquilinium invenisti ? Augustin . Vita haec misera est , mors incerta ; si subito obrepat quo hinc exibimus ? Et ubi nobis discenda sunt quae hic negleximus ? Annon potius hujus negligentiae supplicia luenda sunt ? TEMPVS emblem IN OPVS CVM VIventibus tum Morientibus vtilissimum A. D. ZACHARIA BODIO Glasguensis Ecclesiae Pastore adornatum . AD LECTOREM . Epigramma . FOElix qui sancte potuit traducere vitam , Et tandem extremum Sanctè obijsse diem ▪ Haec duo qui didicisse cupis , tibi pandit vtrumque Hic Liber , hunc animo volue revolue tuo . Ad Authorem Libri . distichon ejusdem . Qui calamo qui voce doces , vitaque perennè ▪ Vivore , in aeternum vivito ZACHARIA . IOHANNES BELVS Glasguensis Ecclesiae Pastor & Academiae RECTOR . AD VIRVM PIETATE Et eruditione praestantem D. ZACHARIAM BODIVM GLASGVENSIS Ecclesiae Pastorem de praeparatione ad mortem , postquam ex deplorato morbo convaluisset Scribentem . ERGO te nuper mortis de faucibus atrae Ereptum nobis reddidit Omnipotens : Vt Doctus moriendi artem expertusque doceres , Qua datur aetheream transitus adpatriam : Qui bene vivendi toties praecepta dedisti Doctrinae reserans horrea plena sacrae . Foelix Zacharia Doctor ; Sanctisima cuius Vox pariter , Scripta , & consona vita docent IOHANNES STRANGIVS S. S. Theologiae . D. & Accademiae Glasguensis Praefectus . IN DIVINA INTEGERrimi viri D. ZACHARIAE BODII Ecclesiastae non è multis meditamenta . cum è desperatâ valetudine ad pristinam salutem revalu●…rat . FRustra veternum sollicitas meum Bodi Thaliae ad munta ; barbitos Obmutet , exurdante nostras Voce Scholae str●…perâ Camoenas . Iam colligendas sarcinulas monet Quae vulsit aurem Mors modo pallida : Laureta Cyrrhae , Musicasque Thespiadum fugito choreas . Tu perge Homeri carminis alite Laudande quò te mens ammi vocat , Qui baccare , & lauro revinctos Castalio lavis amne crines . Fatalis ex quo crudâ Hecates manu Attonsa pene est caesaries tibi Fato superstes reditusque Incolumis , renovas duellum . De morte partam appendis adoream , Vtque Hydra secto corpore fortior Crevit , revîxti ter triumpho Clarior , & spolijs opimis . Qualis Caystri fluminis accola Morti propinquus dulciter incinit . Melos supremum , talis ista Naenia , quâ superos remulces . Macte indole istâ , macte faventiâ , Excude fructus uberis ingenî . O aureum vere libellum Melle sacro , & sale temperatum . Hoc amoris ergò scribebat Io. Rayus ludi publici litterarii Móderator Edinburgi THE LAST BATTELL of the Soule in death , diuided into eight seuerall Conferences . The first dayes conference . Of carnall and worldlie temptations ▪ The sicke man. MY Bodie is sicke , my Soule is wounded : Gods wrath is fearefull ; it burneth to the bottome of Hell ▪ The heate thereof already maketh my Soule to sweate : I can find no Skrine or Sconce to set betweene mee and this fire : Oh , in all appearance I shall shortlie●…ee dissolued , for to be brought before that great Tribunall : * Alas , what terrours are these , Sinne , Sicknesse , Death , the Graue , and an vnprepared Soule ? I tremble all like Belshazzar : Mine heart is entangled with feares : my knees shiuer , and smite one against another : Mine heart is pricked , while I remember mine euill spent life : * While I had time to doe good , I was of the frozen Generation : Nowe Gods glowmes like Boanarges , Sonnes of Thunder , armed with fierie furie , make heart and Soule to melt , and to fall downe in droppes within my bowles : Oh , for a drop of water for to coole the boyling heate o●… mine heart : Is there no man heere that can affoord me a word of comfort , for to vphold mine heart into this heauie houre ? A spirituall Friend . Sir , I thinke it expedient that ye send for your Pastour , the man of God , that beareth the keyes of ●…he Kingdome of heauen : It may bee that the good God shall put some words of comfort into his mouth whereby your wearied Soule shall bee refreshed* while the chosen Servants of God speake his words to the fainte heart , the Lord putteth foorth a power to enable them to doe all that wherfore they are spoken : So soone as S. Peter had spoken to the lamed man , his feete and ancle bones receiued strength : Though miracles cease now , yet this shall bee true , so long as the world standeth ▪ The effectuall feruent prayer of a rightcous man auaileth much : Will it please you Sir that I goe for to fetch him ? The sicke Man. Hee shall bee welcome vnto mee : But alas , while I might I frequented him too little : * I haunted rather the cōpanie of these that delighted mee with sportes and jests , whereof now I haue no comfort : * Because I thought I could repent heereafter , I did that whereof I may now repent , and whereof indeed , as I feare , I shall repent but too late ●… This now puts my Soule into the dumps : now al my foolish laughters are turned into mourning , for I feare exceedinglie to die , I tremble and tosse within this bed , GOD alone knoweth what shall bee the end of this lingring tryall : Goe Sir , I pray you , and desire the man of God to come and visite a bruised reede , and a smoaking flaxe . A spirituall Friend . I goe for him presentlie : I hope before hee leaue you , yee shall find this tempest of temptations to growcalme : * In the meane-time till hee come , I pray you to remember that all your paines are but a crosse sent before to crucifie the loue of the world : In your greatest distresse , striue to bee a Disciple of Iesus , the Author and finisher of our Faith , who for the joye that was set before him , endured the crosse : Bee not discouraged in your greatest smarts ▪ * For reproofes of instruction are the way of life : In your greatest feare remember the joy that is set before you . The Pastour . Sir , hauing knowne of your disease by your godlie friend I am come to see you , and to impart vnto you some spirituall comforts ▪ * While the Soule is sore troubled , thereis danger in delay : A bruised Spiritis like a bone out of joynt , the longer it be let alone , the hardlier it is set . If I had knowne of your sickenesse sooner , I would haue visited you ere now . The Sicke Man. I rejoyce Sir to see you , my Soule euer loued you : But alas , not as I should haue done : If God should but at this time spare my life , with the helpe of my God yee should see mee at once a farre changed man. The Pastour . Come Death ▪ come Life , God maketh all thinges to worke to the best of these that loue him . Gods corrections are good directions : * With one crosse hee can worke two cures , first a correction for by-past corruption , and after a direction for times to come : If God should not scourge vs betimes the reigning of the flesh should proue the ruine of the Spirit : * This was the vtter ouerthrow of the Sonnes of Eli , God would not correct them , because the Lord would stay thē . As for that which ye speake concerning the changing & amending of your life , your resolution is good : But seeing the houre of death is vncertaine , it is good that yee bee presentlie prepared : Death commeth vpon mā with stealing steps : Let no man put far off the day of his death There is great danger , that any man sooth himselfe with the vaine hope of this mortall life : No man can tell how soone hee shall be arraigned to compeare before Gods Barre : None said a Pagane is assured to liue vntill the morrow . * Nemo tam diuos habuit faventes , Crastinum ut possit sibi polliceri . * It is good therefore daylie and hourelie to bee vpon our Watch-Tower , preparing our selues for death , which shall either be the end of all our miserie , or the beginning of our euerlasting woe , delay to prepare for death , is a strong threed in the Deuils net . A man will not die the sooner that he prepare himselfe to die : If a man bee prepared to die , and yet die not , hoc sibi ponat in lucro , that preparation is great aduantage vnto him : But if hee die , hee hath done that which hee should haue done : * What a dangerous venture is this to a man to delay to prepare himselfe to die , because it may bee that yet hee may liue ? But may it not also bee that hee die ? It is a dangerous thing to perrell our Saluation vpon a may be , which may as well no bee : It is fearefull to bee hanged ouer Hell with the euill twined threed of a life that must end , none can tell , how , where , nor when . No man is exeemed from this necessitie . * The post Pale Horse wherevpon Death is mounted , caries his Rider thorow all Nations , Cities , and Houses ; pulling out of their beds Princes , Prelats , and priuate men without any respect of persons : thus are their hopes cropped in their fairest flower : It is good therefore that wee euer bee vpon our gard : God offereth grace to day : To day if yee heare his voyce : But who promiseth to morrow ? well is him that feareth alwayes . The sicke Man. O the terrours of Death and of the Graue ! mine heart quaketh while I remember of these last strugglings that are in death : It was not without reason that the Pagans called it terribilium terribilissimū , of all fearefull things , the most fearefull . The Pastour . * If men knew what Christ hath made of Death , the liuing would not be so afraid with the feare therof , Isaiah saith , that hee hath put it into his Stomacke , hee hath swallowed it vp in victorie : A wife man will not swallow ouer that which hee is not able to digest : Christ hath swallowed Death and hath digested it perfectlie : * Nowe Death after Christs digestion , hath lost all its poyson , and is turned into a sleepe : The name thereof is changed , for to tell vs of the change of its nature : Dead Lazarus in Christs language is called sleeping Lazarus , Lazarus Our Friend sleepeth , said Christ , speaking of his death : Hee that liueth and beleeueth in mee , said Christ , shall neuer die : Death is not death to the Friends of Christ , but a sleepe to their bodie , & a translation of their Soule from a prison to a Palace : * As by the grace of God , it is made an Exodus of miserie , so is it a Genesis of a better life , the corruption of one thing beeing the generation of another : * What is this , that men should so feare Death , which is the end of the foule & cōbersome way of our Pilgrimage ? * Hath not God made death like a Chariote to a wearied man , for to carie him to his euerlasting rest ? This was seene in a visible figure , when Elijah in a firie Chariot went vp by a whirle wind vnto heauen . The sicke Man. All that is true Sir : But yee know that death is fearefull to all flesh : So soone as it commeth , it maketh a Soule lyable to yeeld an acoūt for all the actions of the by-past life : * The bodie and the Soule are of olde acquaintance , and haue not wil to part one frō the other : I cannot expresse what a worsling I finde within mee ; there is such a working feare about mine heart , that I tremble to thinke vpon it : This maketh my words to wade in teares , mine heart is cut with sobs of sorrow : O death , the enemie of Life , is there no comfort against thee ? Is there no Balme in Gilead ? Of force then must I die ? The Pastour . The woman of Tekoah said verie well , Wee must all needes die , and are as water spilt on the ground , which can not bee gathered : Death is an vnauoidable passage , there is none entrie vnto Heauen , but by it . I will striue to let you see before that yee enter in at the doores of Death , that your Soule hath no such cause to be afraide : Indeed I confesse , that death to these that know not Christ , is indeede a most fearefull thing ▪ according to this Sathan said , Skinne for skinne , and all that a man hath he will giue it for his life : * See how a Naturall man would bee content that his skinne were pulled off him , if it could bee a ransone for to saue his life : Such is the feare of death , that for to bee free of it , a man would giue his skinne : * Agag called it a bitter thing : Surelie , said he , The bitternesse of death is past : * The wilde Gourdes shred into the Prophetes pottage , for bitternesse , were called Death : So soone as they had tasted them , all cryed , Death is into the pot : The bitter torments of Hell are called , so great a Death : Dauid speaking of the pangs of death , calleth them waues : The waues of death cōpassed me : See how death is compared to a raging Sea , with rolling waues : To this Dauid subjoynes , The snares of death preuented mee : Death indeed is fearfull , armed with waues & snares : * We in our weaknesse make it also fearfull , painting it with bare bones , with a skul , girning with its teeth , and with its sting , like a flooked Dart , for to pierce thorow the heart of man. * It is true that death is bitter in it selfe , but hee that made sweetnesse to come out of the strong , and meate to come out of the eater , can bring both meate and sweetnesse out of death for the Christian Soule , though no thing bee stronger than death , the greatest eater of the world . One saith well , that there is in death but one bitter morsell to swallow . The cheefe course that wee haue to tak for to win to an happie death , is that aboue all thinges , wee striue to make our acquaintance with Christ , the Lord of life : * Till a man know Christ , who hath disarmed Death by taking away its sting and its dart , hee will tremble at its buzze : * A Bee that wāteth the sting , will afray a Childe with its buzze , but the man of vnderstanding is not afraide for a sound . * I am assured that the excessiue feare of Death in a wicked man , is a most powerfull meanes for to make him die before his day , that is sooner than by course of Nature hee should haue died : Though a mans day bee set , yet God vseth meanes , Death is a distresse vnto the wicked . Let him thē that would die in peace make his peace with his God : * No man cā be willing to die , before his Conscience bee at quiet , till God and his Soule haue shaken hands , & beene friended : * A man that is at feed with his God , will say to death Gods messenger , as Ahab saide to Gods Prophet , Hast thou found mee mine enemie . But as for the godlie mā whose Soule is prepared to meete with his God , he will say to Death , welcome Friend , take my Soule by the hand , and draw it out of this prison , Oh , but it is wearied . O , but it longeth to be free from these bonds of mortalitie , combersome clogges of claye . * Hee that is assured to goe to Christ , cannot die vnwillinglie , what careth hee to die an houre , for to liue for euer ? * I will neuer feare Death , saide a Father , which can doe no more than restore me to him that made mee * To change a life that is mortall , for an that is eternall , is an vnspeakable profite . The sicke Man. But alas : By what way may I come vnto that Life ? The Pastour . I am the way , said Christ , None commeth to the Father but by mee : * This way is thorow the valey of death : In this valey yee neede not to feare , if Christ bee with you . In the valey of the shadow of death , said Dauid , I will feare none euill : his reason was this , that God was with him : For thou art with mee . The sicke Man. I finde my selfe Sir exceeding weake , and that I drawe neere the doores of Death : I take great delight to heare you : I requeast you to continue your comforts : I intreate you to call to remembrance these speciall comforts yee haue had , either by your owne experience , or by reading , or by Meditation : I am assured that yee haue some laide vp in store for your selfe , against the houre of temptation : Let me heare I pray you , what yee thinke best to be said to a man in his greatest feares . The Pastour . First of all , that yee may bee capable of comforts , striue to bee patient in your trouble : Acknowledge in this sicknesse the great mercie of your God : In this affliction hee hath giuen to you , the wish and choise of Dauids chastisement : You are not fallen into the hands of men , whose compassions are cruell , but in the hands of God , your Father , whose bowels are full of mercifull remembrance : * Though a Mother should forget her Childe , wee are printed vpon his Palmes : It is true , that no afflictiō for the present seemes joyous : * Yet afterward the bitter seed of sorrow , bringeth foorth the sweet & quiet fruit of righteousnes . If yee would bee armed against the feare of Death , my counsell is , that aboue all things in the tempest of your temptations , yee haue recourse vnto the bloodie wounds of Christ , wherein as in the holes of the Rocke , your Soule like a Doue may find a place of refuge : * His wounds well may I call , The secret of the most High : He who lodgeth there , is vnder the shadow of the Almightie : * An afflicted Soule is like a Bee in a tempest , tossed to and fro : Frae once the Bee hath winne to its Hyue-hole , it entereth into rest : The poore Soule of a man for a space will be wonderfullie tossed with tempests , and long will it wrestle : But so soone as it can once win in at the holes of Christs wounds , then it enters into Rest : * Out of these wounds , as out of its Castle and fortresse , it will boast the Deuill , Death , the Flesh , and the World : In these woundes is the Soules strongest Tower , the secret place of the most High , where none enemie of mans Saluation shall bee able to reach vnto it for to hurt it : Let your chiefest care bee to creepe in into these wounds . * Againe , after that yee haue shaken hands with Christ , and made him your friend , consider well what hee hath made of Death : Christ hath made it a friend of a foe : Is not Death now a sleepe ? Christs friends sleepe : Sleepe as yee know is our great friend : Hee must bee a great friend without whose friendship we can not liue : As wee can not liue without Sleepe , neither can we liue without Death : Except that wee die on Earth we can not liue in Heauen : Thou foole ▪ said S. Paul , That which thou sowest is not quickened , except it die : * The whole course of a Christian is contained within the compasse of these wordes , I liue to die , that I may die to liue : If man will not resolue to liue for to die , hee shall not die to liue : * The course of a Christian is from a good life to an happie death , and from thence to life yea , to life eternall : Well is the man that runneth not without this compasse . The sicke Man. But alas , O my God , take mee not away in the midst of my dayes : Alas , Sir , must I die so soone ? The Pastour . * The Apostle saith , That we die daylie . Tunc quoque cum crescimus vita decrescit . It is certaine , that so soone as wee beginne to liue , wee also beginne to die : What are all the dayes of our life , but a progresse vnto Death , which is the putting off of our Tabernacle ? * What is this body , but a mire of mortalitie ? Hominiquid vita ? cylindrus : What is mans life , but a rolling thing . The sicke Man. But will the Lord take mee away in the midst of my dayes ? Hath not God promised to the godlie man that his dayes shall bee long in the land ? Long life is a thing whereof God hath made promise vnto these whō hee loueth . The Pastour . I answere , that such a promise is vnder two conditions : First of Gods glorie , secondlie of mans well : * If God loue a man dearlie , hee will whiles take him away in his youth , that hee may haue him neere to him selfe : Moreouer God seeth that which no man can fore-see , viz. the euill to come . The righteous saith Isaiah is taken away from the euill to come : God hath indeede promised many dayes to the righteous man : But if God shorten them , and take him away sooner , what wrong hath he done vnto him ? * If a Lord should giue to one of his seruants some cottage house of clay , with some little piece of ground for Colewort or Cabbage for to liue vpon , saying , This will I giue thee for thy life-time : But if afterward this Lord should say , Fetch mee my good feruant out of his clattie Cottage , and bring him to my Palace , that he may eate at mine owne Table for euer : Tell me , if by the change that seruāt hath lost : Would that seruant think yee , say , No Lord , I will not come to thy Table , for thou hast promised mee this Cottage-house for my life-time ? * What Lord in the Land was euer troubled with such an answere ? And yet indeede it is so , that God doeth with his faithfull seruantes , when they die into the midst of their dayes : * When men are departed from this life , it is the Lord that hath sent his messenger Death for to fetch their Soules from their bodies , which Scripture calleth Tabernacles of clay , vnto his heauenlie Mansions , there for to banquet eternallie at his Table with Abraham , Isaac , and Iacob . Now tell mee , O man , what haue yee lost , for to goe from the Earth to the Heauens ? Is there any thing in this world of such worth , that should make you desire to liue , for to stay from your God but an houre ? The sicke Man. That which yee say Sir , is verie true : But how few are these who in this world can gladlie condescend to depart out of this life ? The life is sweete . The Pastour . I confesse indeede that euery one hath not attained vnto this high degree of grace , as to say with S. Paul , I desire to bee dissolued , &c. Yet all the godlie will subscribe to this that all the faithfull are happie who are dissolued : * Though euerie man can not wish to die yet euerie man of God will say , That Death is better than life , Death is a salue which healeth vs of all our sores : Is not Death Gods messenger , sent for to pull the troubled Soule out of this sinfull world , as Gods Angel pulled Lot out of S●…dom ? Is not our life heere a warfare ? * Are we not here as Daniel was in the Dungeon among Lions ? Are not vvee here with Ieremie sticking fast into the myrie clay ? Are not wee heere with Israel , into the House of bondage ouerburdened vvith sinne as they vvere vvith bricke ? Are we not heere with S. Paul , vnder the bodie of Death ? And with Ioseph in the stockes , not of tree , but of sinne ? If it were well tolde a man what is heere , and what hee may looke for in the life to come , if hee had but a graine of grace , as great as of Mustard seede , hee should easilie discerne vvhereof to make choise : Is not our life heere a wind , and a vapour of vanitie ? But which is most of all to be considered : Is there not heere a necessitie of sinning laide vpon all the liuing ? Who should not bee glad to bee fredde and ridde of these sinfull bondes ? * Is not this life continuallie sicke of the filthie flooxe of sinne , a most lothsome disease ? When wee seeke our daylie bread , wee must immediatelie subjoyne , forgiue vs our sinnes : First , as wee see heere , wee must begge our bread , and then pardon . * What then are wee heere , but daylie beggers for the bellie ? The King must begge his bread from God : In the Heauens there shall bee no begging , but thanking of God for his benefites : Who should for all that he can beg on Earth , desire for to liue out of Heauen but one houre ? * Are we not all heere vnder a corruptible burden , a burden of corruption , vnder which the Soule is pressed as a Cart full of sheaues ? So long as wee are heere , our Soules are laden with sinnes : * A Soule burdened with such baggage runs on wheeles , as it were downe an hill all post haste , except that God stay it , it shall neuer cease , till it arriue in Hell , where God shall breake it in sunder by the tempest of his wrath . The sicke Man. But Death is the wages of sinne , who shall not feare ? The Pastour . * Indeed Death is such of the owne nature : But God in great mercie hath made death to the godlie like the Raine-bow , which being naturallie a signe of present raine , by Gods Couenant becommeth a perpetuall signe of faire weather to come after that raine : * As throgh Death Christ wrought our Life , so must wee bee killed for to bee made aliue : The glorious Resurrection must bee through dust and corruption : Our paines must goe before our pleasures , and lashes before our laughters : After that , in come pleasures for euermore . If wee had the faith of God , wee should not much feare the smart of death which by Christ is made transitus ad vitam , a passage vnto Life : * Let vs once passe thorow this Iordan , and behold , wee are in an instant in Canaan . The sicke Man. All that is true Sir : No man can controle you : yet naturallie all loue Life : The Life is sweete . The Pastour . How sweete is it ? I pray you : Is not our whole Life trouble and wearinesse ? * What is our sleeping , our resting , our eating , our drinking , but a seruitude to the flesh ? Who should not desire to bee rid from such seruile necessities ? who for to bee free of such bondage , should not renounce his deare selfe , and all the loue of this irk some life ? To bee with Christ , is it not our best ? Yea , is it not our rest ? what shame is it for Christians to dote so after this present life , who should haue learned to long after the life to come ? * Christ came downe , that wee might goe vp : If wee desire not to goe vp , wee know not wherefore hee came downe : Hee came downe to bee a Seruant , wee goe vp to bee Lords : Hee came downe to bee hungrie , wee goe vp to a perpetuall Feast : Hee came downe to bee banished , where hee had not wherevpon to lay his head , we goe vp to dwell in Palaces of pleasures , into euerlasting Tabernacles : * In a word , hee came downe to distresse , to sorrow , to paine , to miserie , to fight against our enemies , Deuils , Death , and temptations , yea , hee discended vnto Hell we goe vp to Ioy , to Honour , to Light , to Life , to Libertie , to our Father , to our Friends , to our Sauiour and Comforter . What shall I say more ? Euen to vnspeakable Glorie in Paradise with God & his Angels : * What a folie is this , that a man should desire to bee depriued of such Comforts for a puffe of breath ? Bee glad Sir , to quite the ranke Onions of Egypt , for that heauenlie Manna Sweete like Wafers made with honey . The sicke Man. If a man could bee fullie perswaded of that which ye say , I think that hardlie could hee with-hold himselfe from putting hands into himselfe , that so hee might change for the better : If all that be , why should any desire to stay from God but an houre ? If I may desire to bee dissolued , why may I not dissolue my self . The working out of a lawfull desire cannot bee vnlawfull . The Pastour . No man liuing Sir , may absolutelie desire to be dissolued , but vnder condition , that it bee for the glorie of God , and the Saluation of his owne Soule : * For two respects a man may desire to be dissolued : First , for to bee deliuered from the bondage of sinne , which the Apostle calleth , A bodie of death : Secondlie , for an earnest desire to bee with his God , a man may desire to bee dissolued . But for no reason must a man dissolue himselfe , that were selfe murther : * If we may not kill our Neighbour whō we should loue as our selues , neither must wee kill our selues , who are the rule and square of neighbourlie loue : * Man in this world is as a set Watch , hee must not remoue , till it please him by whom hee was set , to command him to come : * Though lawfullie wee may desire death , that we may bee deliuered from the bodie of death , which is sinne ; for to bee with Christ , which is meekle better for vs , yet wee must not cry for death for some triflles of worldlie troubles , as Ionah did for the lossing of his leafes : Our desire of Death should bee chieflie grounded vpon a desire to bee with Christ , and to bee fredde from the spirituall bondage of our sins : well is him that can sincerly say from his heart , Miserable man that I am , who shall deliuer mee from this bodie of death ? * That Soule is happie , whose desire is vpon that which is meakle better for it : To bee with Christ , in Scripture stile is called meakle better : What say ye now Sir , doeth not your heart grone vnder this burden of sinfull death ? Doeth not your Soule long to bee out of this bodie , for to bee with him , where it shall bee meakle better for you ? The sicke Man. I take vp the matter better than I did : I see by your reasons , that there is no reason wherefore a man should desire to die , but for to bee with his Christ , and to be deliuered from the bodie of bondage , which is a death : But alas . The Pastour . I see you yet Sir , into a plunge , I heard that word , Alas : Wherefore say yee Alas ? Yee looke yet as one who desireth to liue : My wordes are not gifted with perswasion ; yee seeme to be afraide at that word , dissolued : What aileth you ? There bee doubtlesse some thing within that troubleth you . The sicke Man. I am sorie to goe out of this world , wherevnto I am chained by diuerse respects : In the cutting off of my dayes , I will mourne with sicke Hezekiah in the words of his doole : I am depriued of the residue of my yeares , &c. The Pastour . I see Sir , that yee are taking vp the Lamentations of Hezekiah : I will striue to make answere to euerie sentence apart : Yee are depriued , saye yee , of the residue of your yeeres : * Hee is not depriued that hath changed for the better : * The residue of your few yeeres shall bee turned into eternitie : * Hee who seeth many yeeres , seeth many miseries , and which is worse , contracteth many sinnes , the cause of all our woe : Moreouer , what is a residue of life ? Death is not farre , when it is farthest . The sicke Man. But if I die , I shall not see the Lord euen the Lord in the land of the liuing . The Pastour . This is your ignorance : What can man see of the Lord , in the land of the liuing ? * What can a sinner see of that great IEHOVAH here ? What is to bee seene on Earth , but the Backe-parts of IEHOVAH ? Into the Heauens wherevnto yee now approach yee shall see that great and glorious IEHOVAH , face to face . What are all men on Earth , but a number of wormes crawling and creeping vpon a clat or clod of clay ? But againe what is this that ye call the land of the liuing ? What is all the Land yee see , but a dead lump of earth , where the most part of men are dead in their sins ? Doe not the best part die daylie , vnto Sin , which death is our best life , and yet laden with a bodie of death ? * Can ye now call this earth the Land of the liuing ? Call me not Nahomi pleasant , said Nahomi , but call me Marah that is bitter , for the Almightie hath dealt verie bitterlie with mee : So may the Earth say , Call mee not the Land of the liuing : No , rather call mee a dungeon of death , a place for the burying of the dead a place where all must needs die , and bee as water spilt vpon the ground , which cannot bee gathered vp againe . The sicke Man. But alas , if I die , I shall behold men no more with the inhabitants of the world . The Pastour . This heere is your griefe , that death will strik you with a blindnes , so that yee shall not bee able to see any more the faces of these whom yee loue best into this world , as of Wife , Children , and of Friends of your old acquaintance : This is your d●…lour thē , that ye shall see them no more : * Let such thoughts Sir , moue these to mourne , who know not Death better than that Pagan , who speaking of a slaine man said , In eternam clauduntur Lumina noctem . That is , Death closeth mans eyes for euermore : This is most false ▪ * A true Christian knoweth , that though both his eyes should sinke ●…owne into his head , or droppe out like blobbes or droppes of water , yet that with these same eyes runne into water , hee and none othér for him shall see his Redeemer : Though after my skin , said Iob wormes destroy this bodie , yet in my flesh shall I see God , whom I shall see for my selfe , and mine eyes shall behold ; and not another . * Lay this comfort to your heart : Though your eyes were eaten out with the wormes , if you die in the faith of Iesus , yee shall see God and none other for you , and that with these same eyes yee now looke vnto mee●… * If yee bee perswaded that yee shall see your God , in the Heauens , in whose face is fulnesse of Ioye , yee haue little cause of doole that yee shall no more behold man with the inhabitants of the world : What are all the creatures of thi●… World , but things that dwell in d●…st ? The Sainctes and Angels that dwell into these vpper Chambers whose feete are aboue ou●… head are so fa●… in glorie , aboue all the glorie of the world , as the Heauens are aboue the Earth : * As Zebah and Zalmunah said of Gideons brethren , so may we say of all these that dwell there , euerie one of them is like the Sonne of a King : What are all the Creatures below , but beggerlie things ? The sicke Man. But alas , if I die , mine age is departed and remoued from me as a Shepheards tent . The Pastour . What is your doole ? It is all then , that yee must quite your shepheards tent . * Now poore man , What haue yee lost ? Yee shall change a poore shepheards tent for the most pleasant Palace of your God , a life mortall , for a life that is eternall : * A man brought from age of yeeres vnto eternitie , is like Dauid , a shepheard brought from the Ewes , for to bee made a King : What regret should a man haue , for to change a little Lodge for a London ? * What is this life . but a daylie dyeing ? The sicke Man. But alas , I haue cut off like a weauer my life : Hee will cut mee off with pinning sicknesse , from day euen to night hee will make an end of mee . The Pastour . Take heede Sir what yee say : Your meaning is , that by your sins yee haue abridged and cutte short your dayes , or that yee haue prouocked God by your sinnes , to take away your Life from you : * If it be so , that like a weauer yee haue cut your dayes by your sinnes ; breake off now these sinnes by repentance : If by your sinnes yee haue cut like a weauer the threeds of this mortall life , beginne now by repentance to spinne the webbe of a new life , some threeds of life eternall : Let now the rotten thrummes of the vices of your life fall downe to the ground : * While yee haue time , weaue into your life graces thorow graces , as warpe and woft : Weaue on still , till from grace yee worke in into the eternitie of glorie . The sicke Man. But alas , Hee will cut mee off with pynning sicknesse : I feare greatlie that the paines of Death put mee out of all patience . The Pastour . Take courage Sir : The paine shall not bee so great as yee feare : God will lay no more on you , than yee shall bee able to beare : He shall weigh all your paines in his mercifull Ballance , before that hee laye them vpon you : Hee knoweth that your strength is not like the strength of a Whale , hee breaketh not the bruised ●…eede * God is so bent vnto mercie , that while he scourgeth sinners for their faults , hee is said to bring to passe , his strange worke and his strange act . The sicke Man. But I feare his cutting : Gods cuts are verie sensible : I feare to bee●… cut off with pyning sicknesse . The Pastour . Feare not ▪ God is cunning in his cutting * Hee will not cut into the quicke like an ignorant Surgeon ▪ The mercifull God taketh no pleasure to cut you off with pyning sicknesse but hee will cut off your corruptions with such paines : In such paines should bee pleasure ; * The bluenesse of the wound purgeth away euill Pleasant should be that paine which is Gods Raser for cutting off mans ●…ptions ▪ Away with the pleas●…es of this ●…otten flesh * Such in the beginning though lawfull , ●…re burning and bloodie pleasures : vnlawfull end into hellish torments , feare not pyning sicknesse . The sicke Man. But alas , from day euen to night he will make an end of mee . The Pastour . I know Sir , that the night is wearisome , and that sicknesse some what light in the day , waxeth heauy in the night : From day to night , the sicknesse increaseth : The remeede is this , bee strong in God , whose strength is made perfect in weaknesse : * If dolours increase in the night , heere is a comfort , The night time is a most fitte time for prayer : The time of silence is most conuenient for speaking vnto God : * The night time is a speciall time whereof God hath made choise , for in it to speake secretlie vnto men : It was in the night that Eliphaz saw the vision and heard the voyce of instruction : In thoughts , said hee , From the visions of the night , wh●… deepe sleepe falleth on men , feare came vpon mee and trembling , which made all my bones to shake : Then a Spirit passed before my face , the haire of my flesh stood vp it stood still , but I could not discerne the forme thereof : An Image was before mine eyes , there was silence , and I heard a voyce , &c. See how in ●…e visions of the night , while there was silence , Eliphaz heard the voyce of God : * Let no sicke man be afraid for the night , it is the time of silence , the chiefe time of cōference with God : * Whē Creatures are most silent , then is a time for man to speake to God , and for God to speake to man : The din of the day marreth our meditatiōs . The sicke Man. But alas , from day to night he will make an end of mee . The Pastour . It is better that hee make an end of you , than that any other should doe it : If hee make an end of you , pray earnestlie for a good end : If the end be well , all is well : Your complaint is that , from day to night hee will make an end of you : * Bee thankefull to God for his mercie toward you , in that he hath giuen you so long a time to repent as from day to night : * Hee might haue made you sinke downe thorow the Earth vnto hell in a moment with Dathan and Abiram : Hee might haue burnt you with fire from Heauen in a thunder clappe with Corah : Hee might haue drowned you into the Sea with Pharaoh : Hee might haue slaine you vnder a Tower , with these eighteene at Siloe : Hee might haue sent a winde for to smite the foure corners of your house , while yee had beene at a banket with Iobs Children : What if the goodnesse of God had deserted you , and taken his free Spirit frō you ? What if hee should doe so to the best of vs ? Certainelie we●… should either make away our selu●… with Saule by the sword , or with Iudas and Ahitophel by the cord , o●… with Zi●…rie by the fire . Many others haue in an instant beene snatched away in the verie swea●…e of their sinnes . First then , I say , That is a grea●… mercie of God vnto man , that God himselfe maketh an end of him , and not suffereth him to fall into the hands of his mercielesse creatures . Secondlie , in that , from day to night hee delayeth , it is a mercyfull patience : Take heede Sir , what I say : Count this a great mercie of your God , though yee should die this night , thanke God for his patience , that it was from day to night , before that hee would make an end of you : * It is a great benefite of God , to get but so much time wherein wee may once cry , Lord , haue mercie vpon mee ▪ * No man can sufficientlie esteeme the high price of a dayes laiser vnto night : Heere is the patience and the long suffering of God. Now Sir consider , and weigh well what hath beene said : Is it not now your desire , that yee bee dissolued ? Are yee not as yet resolued ? It would seeme , that there bee some thing that yet troubleth you : As for the wordes of Hezekiahs chattering , which hath beene the wordes of your mourning , I hope that in some measure ye haue beene cleared with some contentment . The sicke Man. I confesse Sir , that yee haue pertinentlie made answere to all these difficulties : But , alas , what shall I say ? The Pastour . What aileth you ? Bee plaine with mee , I pray you Sir , thinke no shame to tell mee what is into your minde : * If the Patient couer his sore from the Surgeon , the greater will his danger bee : It is an hard matter when the Patient playeth false with the Physition : Lay open your wounds , if yee would haue salue fitte for your sores . The sicke Man. I think shame Sir to tell you what aileth mee , yet seeing I haue neede both of instruction & of comfort , I will be no stranger vnto you , * whom I know to bee a man of God , that is not curious for to ripe vp secret sores for your owne curiositie , but rather for to cure them : I vvill not conceale the matter from you : It is this : I haue filled my Barnes , and I desire to enjoye the fruites thereof : There is no man , but hee would desire after great paines , ●…o r●…ape some fruites of his labours : I vvish that Death would excuse mee for some yeares : This is my griefe , for I must bee plaine with you , mine heart cannot well accord to forsake such comforts . The Pastour . That Sir is but a worldlie temptation : What are Barnes of corne on Earth in comparison of Gods most pleasant Palace in Heauen , vvherein are pleasures for euermore ? * Fye vpon Barnes , a nest for Myce and Rattons : Would yee desire to liue for to enjoye the leauinges of vnbeastes ? They beginne , and as it vvere sit at the first messe : Thus after that the Fowles of the Aire haue gotten their share , and the Rattons haue gotten their fill , poore man as it vvere commeth after all , and sitteth downe at the latter meate . * But vvhat are all these thinges , though man should enjoye them all his alone ? What can hee get of them all but a bellie full of meate ? * What is the Bellie to that spirituall Birth-right and blessing that is laide vp into the Heauens ? What is the Bellie , but a thing ordained for destruction with all that is in it ? Meats for the Bellie , and the Bellie for the meates , But God shall destroy both it and them . Cast out of your heart the care of your Bellie : * The Bellie in the Heart maketh a man a monster : Let this bee your chiefe , care , that shortlie your Soule may sitte downe at Gods Table with Abraham , Isaac , and Iacob in Gods Kingdome : What grieueth you now S●… The sicke Man. God hath blessed mee , my Moneyes are increased ; and now my life is but comming to the best . The Pastour . * The richest life is not euer the best life ; aboundance of Moneyes is no sure token of Gods mercies : If it had beene otherwise , Christ had neuer cast the Bagge vnto Iudas . That churlish Carle in the Gospel , that would not let Lazarus dyne with his dogges , how soone was his Purple pulled from him , and hee made a begger into Hell , seeking a droppe of water from him , whose scabs his dogges had licked on Earth ? Nabel like a foole is feasting to day , and tomorrow he shall become sicke , and die with an heart like a stone within him : What fatter then shall hee be of his Feast ? * Beware Sir , to marrie your mind with your Money , lest yee bee thereby diuorced from Christ : S. Augustin said wiselie , Matrimonium inter aurum & arcam est inter Deum & animam Divortium . A marriage betweene our Minde and our Money , is a diuorcement betweene the Soule and Christ its Spouse . * It is good for vs , lest that wee should loue this world too well , that like a curst Step-mother it misuse vs , and rather strike vs , than stroake vs , as it doeth with these worldlie brats , who neither liue , nor loue a Life but this . What thinke yee now Sir of this world ? The sicke Man. I desire yet that God would grant mee some space to liue , that I might make some better prouision for my little Children : I wish that I might liue till they were better prouided , within a few dayes if God would spare mee , I hope that I should make a conquest . * Fye vpon that conquest that maketh a man to desire to tarie from God but one houre : Solomon after all his conquests said , that hee hated all his labour : I said hee , hated all my labour , which I had taken vnder the Sunne : The reason is subjoyned by himselfe , Because I should leaue it vnto the man that should bee after mee : And who knoweth whether hee shall bee a wise man or a foole ? Yea , hee proued a foole indeed , by forsaking the counsell of the old wise , for to follow the folie of his young fooles : * What folie is this I play you , for a man to desire to liue , for to conquise sparinglie for one that will spend it all lauishlie , crying among the drunkards , Fill the pynt againe ? * Many children will at one cast of the dyce , cast more from them into a night , than their fathers were able to win into a yeare : * What is great riches to the most part of Heires , but fuell to their follie ? * Is it not commonlie seene , that after the Father hath pined himselfe with scraiping together this thick clay and pelfie dung , in cōmeth a forelorne deboched Heire with his drunkē musick , singing Veri vades , Wee haue spent more than our fathers haue winne . A little with GODS blessing is much worth : * Hardlie can men conquise much with a good Conscience : From thence is the prophan prouerbe , Well is the Heire whose fathers soule is in Hell : The glose is this , hardlie can the father inrich his children , but by lossing his own Soule : What a woefull bargaine is this ? Neither doeth it euer come to passe , that the euill conquist come to the hands of them for whom it was appointed : * After that the Worldling by hook & by crooke hath taken with the angle , and hath catcht with the net , & gathered in his dragge , all that is about him : At last it commeth to passe , that after he hath well ladned his Boate , and is come neere the hauen , there commeth a blast of judgement which ouer-turneth all into a moment : * Thus in the highest of his hopes in sight of the Shore , ladned and fraughted with the fruite of all his labours of his lyes , his guile , and deceite , he goeth downe to the bottome of the depths , so that none is able to rescue him : Thus after that , first he hath made shipwrack of his conscience , he also maketh shipwarcke of all his goods , and so is he depriued of his imagined profite : * What though his shippe should come in ? What though all should prosper for a while ? * Let Micah steale his mothers siluer and turne it into gods , and get a Priest , & blesse himselfe , when hee hath done , thinking that all shall prosper now : But ere it belong ▪ some of the race of the Adder by the way , shall come and tak away his gods : And if hee run out to follow for his owne , they shall either scorne him with what aileth thee ? or shall boast him to keepe silence , saying , Let not thy voyce bee heard among vs , lest angrie fellowes runne vpon thee , and thou losse thy life with the liues of thine house-hold . * Let no man blesse himselfe with Micah because hee hath gods at home : * Though men by manie meanes may become rich , and think that they shall leaue great wealth vnto their children , God can by as many meanes disapoint them , as by blood , by shipwracke , by fire , by water , by warre , by banqueroupts , by plea , and by piracie , &c. He who to day was swaggering in his Silkes and swimming in his wealth speaking of nothing but of thousands , within a little space behold him againe , and loe , all is changed : The poore man he goeth and no man regardeth him , he is hungrie , nacked and colde , but not so colde as the charitie of these that may helpe him : These who were wont to eate at his table , desire no more to see him : The thoughts of olde obligations are to them lik letters of Caption for to enforce thē to giue some what to their olde distressed friend : But cold are such comforts : Heere , beholde Sir , as in a glasse , what vanitie into these transitorie things , which men think to make permanent to their posteritie : * But let a man be rich till he die ; After that he hath spoiled others to make himselfe wealthie , shall his children bee his Heires ? No , not : The wealth of the sinner is laide vp for the Iust : See how God maketh a Worlding to be as it were a drudge or a packe horse for to gather with the sweate of his browes , that wherwith the righteous man may bee sustained : * As hee made the Rauens to flee and fetch flesh for the nourishing of his Seruant Elijah : * Some tims also it wil befal otherwise , that thewe alth of the sinner shall be laid vp for one worse than himselfe , that all the world may see , and beholde , what vanitie there is in such carking care : * O , wil some say , if hee that is dead saw such a man in his house , Master of all his labours , What would hee now thinke ? * Thus God in a manner making deboched bare men like leane Kine prey vpon the wicked , who while they liued , wold not with the Oliue leaue their fatnes for to be Kings in Heauē , letteth the world see what folie it is to put their trust in such transitorie trashes . What say yee now Sir ? Are yee now free of such earthlie temptations ? The sicke Man. I am miserablie vexed with this world : Worldlie things , doe what I can , runne euer into my minde , and trouble mee with carking cares . The Pastour . * So long as a mans heart is clogged with this clay , hee hath no power to stirre hand or foote to heauen-ward : There is both gall and guile in earthlie mindednesse : Well is him , whose Soule can sore farre aboue this Region of corruption , for to minde aboue all things the things that are aboue . The sicke Man. My minde alas , is like Martha , busied about manie things , or rather buried in manie things . The Pastour . But Christ said , One thing is necessarie : * Hee that said it , is that which hee said ; euen that , One necessarie thing . * Wee may passe to life eternall without any other thing : But there is such a necessitie in Christ , that without him wee can doe nothing : Without mee , said hee , yee can doe nothing : Christ is that Best part , Maries choise : Well is that Soule , that maketh him its part : He is onely that which shall neuer bee taken from vs ▪ But what worldlie thing is that , that as yet troubleth you ? The sicke Man. Mine heart Sir , is ouer-burdened with the weight of manie cares concerning this Life . The Pastour . * Our Sauiour hath set downe a particular Precept concerning that , Take heede , said hee , to your selues , least at any time your heartes bee ouercharged with surfetting and drunkennesse , and cares of this life : * Such cares may snow downe white haires vpon our hairie scalpe : But it is onelie the godlie care , the care of the Life to come , that worketh Repentance neuer to bee repented of : But come to the pārticulars . The sicke Man. I haue latelie bought some heritage , my seruants are plowing it , before I die I would wish once to reape the fruites thereof . The Pastour . To bee worldlie minded is death : * The command is gone foorth ' , none can plead ignorance : Loue not the world , nor the things of the world : Well is him that so liueth heere , that he may be counted worthie to enjoy that world : * It is no time now Sir to thinke of ploughes , yee must now leaue all , for to follow Christ , like Elisha , who left his plowing for to follow his new vocation : Take now a kisse of your dearest friendes , and follow this great Elijah , the Lord Iesus , the Chariot of all his chosen , and the Horse-men of his Israel . The sicke Man. My Lands are laboured , the Haruest draweth neere , there is a plentifull croppe vpon the ground , Cornes and wheat , and all abound . The Pastour . There is no solide comfort in Wheat or in Corne , but onelie in Gods countenance : * I compare all worldlie things to the Tallow of a Candle , and spirituall thinges to the flamme thereof : If the Candle bee right set , that the flamme bee vpmost , the Candle will shin clearelie , and giue light : But if yee turne the Candle , and holde the flamme downe , it shall at once drowne in its owne tallow : Euen so if the Soule of man bee well set , that spirituall thoughts bee vpmost , and worldlie cōsiderations sanctified , which haue beene melted & strained from their drosse be vnder , that Soule will shine in holie life before men : But if the flamme of the Spirit bee turned downe , it will drowne vnder the droppes of such earthlie tallowe : By this at last , all our light dyeth out like a Candle , so that our hearts that were once enlightned , become lik a dampish dungeon . * I confesse , so long as wee are here the fire of the Spirit within the best of vs , is like ignis in materia , fire in an earthlie matter , from whence commeth euer some filthie reeke : But when once wee shall bee aboue all places , wherevnto no reeke can reach , this spirituall flamme abstracted from all earthlie matter , shall shine most clearlie into the presence of God for euer . Are yee not yet Sir resolued ? Is not your desire now to bee dissolued ? The sicke Man. The world is yet still in my mind : I haue takē much paines into it , & am now but beginning for to get some ease : I haue builded an house , gladlie would I dwell some space into it : Mine heart is sore , yea , it bleeds for to leaue this Lodging , and neuer to come to it againe : I had trimmed it for my pleasure , and now behold , shall I bee disappointed ? The Pastour . There is no great matter of griefe Sir , when a man changeth for the better : * What are all the sieled Palaces of Princes on earth , but like the house of a Spider ? How soone are they all sweept away with the besome of vengeance , when God is angrie ? What are all our dwellinges on earth , but Dungeons in a dunghill ? Let not your heart Sir bee on your house : It is now time to mind the things that are aboue : Eye vpon clay and stones : * What are all the royall Palaces of the world to these statelie houses aboue , whereof the floore or pauement glisters with thousands of Starres , as with as manie golden nailes , o●… twinkling Dya●…onds : There the Sun & the Moone the two great Iewels of Heauen , shall bee vnder your feete , which are now aboue our heade . What is within , no mortall tongue can tell : S. Paul saw there some-thing , but hee neuer reuealed it , neither was it lawfull for him to declare what he had seene : * This one thing wee may know , seeing the out-side of Heauen is so beautifull , how pleasant must it bee within ? Heauen is like the Kinges Daughter , whose whole beautie is within : There is profite , pleasure , health , wealth , honour , happinesse , beautie & blesse : In a word , there bee thinges that eye neuer saw , neither eare heard , yea , which neuer could enter into the heart of man. The sicke Man. But alas , must I then forsake all my wealth , and so leaue all my treasures behind mee ▪ The Pastour . * Such treasures are but traitours , though they bee counted gods : God said to Magistrats , I haue called you gods : But hee neuer called gold god : To call gold god , is Ashdodien language : Gods of gold must be forsaken , for to goe to the God of Glorie : * What are all these worldlie thinges whereon naturall men so doe gaze ? What are they , but idoles lying vanities ? To ouercome the loue of such lyers , is the triumph of Trueth : * If Gods Arke be within our heart , such Dagons will fall downe : Turne therefore your eyes from such clay , and minde the things that are aboue : Manie gather riches as hee that earneth wages to put it into a bottomlesse bagge : * The first lesson of Christianitie is selfe denyall . The Sicke Man. How is it then Sir , that a man must goe through this world for to come to Heauen ? The Pastour . * Euen as the Israelites desired to goe through the Land , of Sihon the King of the Amorites , for to come to Canaan the figure of Heauen ▪ Let mee goe through thy Land , said Israel , Wee will not turne aside into the fieldes , nor into the vineyards , neither drinke of the waters of the wells wee will goe by the Kings high way , vntill wee be past thy Countrey . * It is so ▪ that wee must passe through this world , for to come to that heauenlie Canaan , we must not turne asid into the faire fields of pleasure , nor drink our selues drunke in its vineyards : But wee must follow directlie the rule of Gods Law the King of Heauens high way , that so we may enter into Canaan . What say ye Sir ? Is it not time to bee resolued ? The sicke Man. Mine heart is pined within mee : It is like to breake for sorrow , when I looke to my little Children , Who shortlie shal be fatherlesse : Alas hard shall their estate be , when I shall bee away , who will take care of them ? The Pastour . That which Christ said to Peter , may bee said to you , O man of little Faith , why hast thou doubted ? Hath not God promised to shew mercie vnto thousands of these that loue him ? * If the King of this Land should now come himselfe to your bed-stocke and say Iames , or Iohn , heere I giue to you mine hand befor God and good witnesse , that I shall bee a Father to your Children after you , and shall so prouide for them , that they shall want nothing that may doe them good : If yee heard such a man make such promises , I thinke that yee should not bee in paine for the estat of your childrē : And yet what is a King but a man ? But so it is , that all men are lyares , or may lie : But God who can not lie , hath giuen his Hand and his trueth to the faithfull man , yea , hath oblished himselfe by an oath , and hath taken Heauen and Earth to bee witnesse , that hee shall neuer forsake the godlie man nor his seede , his promise is to thousands : If yee beleeue God to bee true , relye vpon his promise : Let not the care of Children trouble you any more , prepare your selfe for God , and let Death bee welcome : Put your house to an order in time : Discharge your selfe of all worldlie burdens : denude your hands and your heart of all temporall affaires , that your Soule haue nothing to doe , but to waite vpon your God : * It is not time to bee combered with the world , while the whole heart should bee taken vp with heauenlie meditations : It is now high time to thinke earnestlie vpon that life , wherevnto yee are going by Death : It would seeme Sir that yee are not contentas yet for to remoue : What can this be that troubleth you ▪ shuld not your heart rejoyce to goe vnto your God ? The sicke Man. I finde contrarie draughts within mee : Your wordes indeede Sir beginne to worke vpon mine heart , and to draw vp my Soule toward the pleasures that are aboue : * But againe I finde the desires of this life like weightie paisses drawing mee downe to the ground againe : This is my regret : Alas , must I then leaue this world , and the light thereof , and neuer see it againe any more ? Shall I beholde man no more with the inhabitants of the worlde ? Shall I neuer see after this into the Land of the liuing any of all these whom I haue loued so well ? The Pastour . * Sir , it shall bee your farre best to suffer the loue of Christ swallow vp the loue and all other considerations of worldlie thinges , as Moses his serpent swallowed vp the serpents of the Magicians : * What euer seemeth pleasant into this world vnto the naturall eye , it is but by juggling of the senses : If we haue the grace of God , this grace shall be indeede like as a foure nooked Clauer , is in the opinion of some , viz a most powerfull meanes against the juggling of the sight : If wee could seeke this grace , it would let vs see the vanitie of such thinges which beguile the naturall senses : * The eye of a mans Soule is betimes like the eye of a man come out of a bilious feuer , all things seeme to him to bee yellow , because of the bile which haue peruerted his sight : * Sathan can forge temptations like glasse , of whatsoeuer colour hee pleaseth , wherethorow all things seeme to bee of the colour of his temptations : Thorow one glasse a mans owne spouse will seeme to be filthie : Thorow another a bordel-whore will seeme to bee pleasant : Thorow one the world will seeme to bee glorious , thorow another the brightest heauens will seeme to bee but cloudes : Thorow one , fables will seeme to be Scripture , thorow another , Scriptures will seeme to bee but fables ▪ Thorow one if a man feast as Christ did , hee will seeme to bee a glutt●…n , thorow another if hee feast with the Baptist , hee will seeme to bee a deuill : The chiefe gripe of your temptation is in this , that if ye were once dead , yee shall beholde man no more with the inhabitants of the world : Yee are far beguiled into the sight of the wo●…ld , wherewith yee are so rauished : * Change your Spectacles , and all that is below shall seeme to bee of another colour : * If your Soule could once sore vp towardes Heauen , the loue of the Earth and earthlie things would fall from you , as did the Mantle of Elias , when he was rapt and rauished vp vnto glorie . The sicke Man. * But ye know Sir , that it is verie hard not to bee sore grieued to goe out of this world , Non amplius visur us neque videndus , neither for to see anie more , nor yet to bee seene : * Who without teares can say his adewes to all his joys , pleasures , and contentments that are here ? Whē I once shal be caried out of my house , yee shall see mee no more : Hencefoorth yee and I will speake no more together : I departing from you , must goe to the place of silence , among stinke & wormes : Who can-without displeasure say to all worldlie joyes , farewell ? The Pastour . It is best that ye turne your backe vnto such naughtie things , as Hezekiah turned his backe to the stocke , and his face to the wall , that hee might conferre with his God : It is great folie to bee so fond vpon such transitorie trashes : What is so pleasant in this world that should allure vs to it ? Are not all thinges inconstant heere below ? * There is nothing that standeth at a stay , but either it is comming in or going out like the Tyde : * There is no creature but while it beginneth to waxe it also beginneth to waine : A child of the age of a day hath lesse time to liue at Eauen , than hee had in the morning : Since hee came out of the bellie , from the morning vnto eauen hee hath made a dayes journey in the way to his graue : In ipso ortu vergimus ad occasum : Our arising vp is but a course to our fall : * The degrees of a mans life , are as as manie stepp vnto his death : All that wee see below is in a continuall whirling from a beginning to an end : The course of all the Creatures below is in a trance of transitorie trashes : * I can but teach you with vvords ▪ as Iohn baptized with water : It is onelie the Lord vvho can perswade . The sicke Man. I take delight to heare you , I pray God to perswade mee : Continue I pray you into that discourse concerning the vanitie and inconstancie of vvo●…ldly things , ripe them vp , and open them wider , that I may see them within the bowels . The Pastour . The vvisest among men preached , Vanitie of vanities , and all is vanitie : All things are vaine , and all things cry vnto vs that wee are vaine , So vaine a thing is man : * The Trees , the Herbes , the Flowrishes , the Fruites , the Fishes , the Beastes , the Spring , the Summer , the Haruest , the Winter , the Aire , the Water , the Earth , the Heauens , are all appointed teachers by God , to tell man of his changing : * Their line is gone out through all the earth , and their words to the end of the world : All that haue eyes & eares may heare , & read their doctrine , that heere is nothing permanent : * One creature calleth to another , Let vs leaue this World : See wee not how vvee melt away by droppes , for to bee dryed into dust : Moses saith , that wee spend our yeares as a tale that is tolde ; a strange speach for to declare the vanitie of lōg life so much desired : while a tale is in telling , it seemeth to bee something , but when a tale is once told , these that haue heard it will in end say , That it is but a tale : So long as mans life is lasting , it is like a tale that is in telling : But so soone as Death the end of all commeth , it is but like a tale that is tolde : Thus as yee see all mans life in Scripture language , is called but a tale : * All the times of our life past , present , and to come , are turned at last into a fuimus , wee haue beene : Wee that liue now , let vs remember our case , Ecce tempus nunc futurum quo dicen●… nos fuisse , The time shall bee shortlie that man shall say of vs that wee haue beene : And thereafter a time shall come that none shall know that euer wee had a beeing : * Our life is like a sparkle fleeing out of the fire , which dyeth out into the flight , it failleth before it falleth . The sicke Man. These bee wordes of great power , I finde now some working thereof within mine heart : I pray you continue . The Pastour . Wee haue none abiding heere , * We all both yong & old post swiftlie away to the graue , the last bed wherein euerie man must sleepe , we are long of comming to : But how soone are wee pulled downe ? Our strength saith Moses , is soone cut off , and wee flee away : * Wee are like the Yee which thaweth sooner than it froze : * This is the Law of all flesh , Prince , People , Poore and Rich , all must goe to Golgotha : The Preacher saith plainlie , There is no discharge in that warre . * Though a man in the morning bee proude like a Peacocke , with lifted vp feathers , if Death come before the night come , hee must lay downe his head among dead mens Skuls : What a thing is this , that within an hundreth yeares not one of vs all that are heere shall bee left aliue , no not in this great Citie , wherein wee liue ? * Are wee not all as water spilt vpon the ground , which can not bee gathered vp againe ▪ What memorie is now of these tha●… are past ? And what shall bee said o●… vs , when wee are gone ? It is o●… farre best then to follow our God ▪ and to turne our backe vpon all suc●… lying vanities . The sicke Man. I requeast you Sir , not to be wearied : Proceede I pray you into tha●… purpose , that I may learne what vanitie is into this life , which is so ▪ much desired . The Pastour . * Mans life into this world is but a Pilgrimage and a race not of great length ; for man that is borne of a w●…man , hath but a short time to liue : * Iacobs answere to King Pharaohs question concerning his age , was few and euill haue my dayes beene ? * What is man saith one but Vermis crasti●… moriturus ? a worme that will die to ▪ morrow : * Dauid putteth the length of his dayes betweene his little finger & his thumbe : My life said he , is like a span long : some get but an inch , consider well I pray you Sir , seeing it is so , what is it then of your life , which is but of the length of a span what thogh it were an ell of length ? * Is not Methusalah with his many hundreth yeeres as well in dust , as as hee that liued but a day : * Other haue giuen place to vs , and we must also giue place to others : To mee to day , to thee tomorrow : There is no lodging for immortalitie vpon the Earth ▪ The sicke Man. My Soule rejoyceth to heare you Sir , proceede I pray you . The Pastour . Wee haue no great cause to desire to sojourne on earth : * What are we heere on earth but like poore beggers shute downe to the lowest chambers of the world ? This low contrie may well be called Cabul , as Hiram , by disdaine called the dirtie cities of Solomon : Be glad no●… Sir for to leaue this earth , a dirti●… dwelling : * Step vp the Staire eue●… the Ladder of Iaacob , that yee may mount vp to your God , for to see what hee is doing aboue : Well is you who shall heare shortlie the musicke of Angels into that Palace whose pauement is the roofe of al●… mortall dwellings : O if yee kne●… what is there ! Fye on our ignorance * The Childrē of God in this worl●… are like Lords children , sent out to bee fostered into little Cottages o●… clay , when they are sent for by sicknesse and death ; their Fathers messengers they weepe to come home to their Fathers Palace , because they know not these many pleasant Mansions that bee in their Fathers house ▪ But after that they haue once trye●… what it is to bee in Heauen with their God , they shall wonder 〈◊〉 their childishnesse : * Be not Sir l●… these fort of men that cannot abid●… to heare speake of Death , but euen sicken at the name thereof , or waxe wroth at the speaker , as Ahab , fumed at the Prophet , because hee spake not good thinges vnto him . The sicke Man. Hezekiah spake more wiselie , while hee was threatned by the Prophet , Good , said hee , is the word of the Lord : I pray you to continue your purpose concerning death : * It is good that wee remember our latter end . The Pastour . * Indeed Sir the thoghts of Death are helpefull and healthfull to the Soules of men , to bee corrections for their corruptions : Such thoughts keepe euer God in our sight : They are like a strainer , wherthrough the thoughts , wordes and workes of men are purified : Hardlie can a man thinke of a sho●…t life , and thinke euill , as hardlie can hee d●…eame of a long life , & thinke well : * All the sinnes of Gods Church in Icrem●…es dayes vvere imputed vnto this , that shee remembred not her end : * Wee for the most part deceiue our selues vvith the opinion of long life , and so did they vvho are dead alreadie : O how gracious vvould one day bee to these novv , who vvhile they liued , did scorne at these vvordes , Redeeme the Time ! But their ma●…ket time is now past : Gods Faire vvas ended before they could vnderstand vvhat it vvas to buy without money : Well is the man vvho , vvhile he hath time , so liueth to dye , that hee may dye to liue : If our life be good , our death cannot be euill : * To the godlie man death is a comfort , as beeing a medecine for all his diseases ; a cure for all his cares , a rest●… from his labours : But in this is his greatest joye that by it the filthie flooxe of sinne is dryed vp into an instant : * By it also the prison doore is opened that the Soule like a Doue may flie vp to its God : The consideration of such things made Solomon to preach , The day of death is better , than the day that one is borne : Hee spake the trueth , for the one is the beginning , the other is the ending of all our woe and miserie . Now Sir , before that I proceede any further , I pray you to tell mee what yee thinke now of this world . In this as I remember was your last temptation grounded , that going out of this world , yee should no more see nor bee seene : * I haue let you see as in a glasse , what vanitie is in it , yea , that all is but vanitie of vanities , the verie abstract of an abstract , or for to speak so , vanitie fined and quintessenced out of vanitie , which I may call the spirit or quintessence of vanitie . Now Sir tell me what ye thinke of this world , wherin gods must die like men ? No worldlie thing below in the day of neede will bee able to keepe touch vnto vs. The sicke Man. Fye , fye on my faultes , and my folie : * I foolishlie once thought that I should feather a nest into this world , that should neuer bee pulled downe : Mine heart hath beene so bent toward this vanitie that I haue neither moued foote nor finger toward eternall Life . * It is true that I haue beene nourished and brought vp into this world like a Child into a rurall cottage * I like a Child thought that there was no better : Ionah was angrie for to quite his Gourd : * The greatest pleasures that are heere beeing well weighed , are but like the shadow of that Gourd , euanishing and worme-eaten pleasures : All such comforts are but slender , they faile man in his greatest neede . The Pastour . * Though worldlie pleasures be sweete for a space to these whose portion is into this Life , yet as Abner said of the deuouring Sword to Ioab , It will bee bitternesse in the latter end : In all the gourdes of worldlie pleasures are wormes of paine , which shall make them to wither . The sicke Man. That is most certaine : * well is him that hath turned his backe to all such lying vanities : So long as a man is in nature , not reformed by grace , hee is but a stranger from heauen : The loue of the world in his heart like a moth , cats out all liking of Heauen . * I haue beene too long alas , sucking the breastes of this Nourse , whereout of I haue drawen nothing but the swill of wickednesse : Blessed bee my God , who hath sent this affliction for to waine my Soule from the loue of all things below : I beginne now to incline for to returne to my Fathers house in Heauen , where , as I heare , it shall bee much better for mee . Oh , forlorne Sonne that I am ▪ who haue wandered so farre from my Father ! The Pastour . I thanke God , Sir , for these good motions , flesh and blood cannot teach such lessons : But one word I haue obserued into your speach , yee haue said , that ye beginne to incline to goe home to your Father : Are ye not as yet fullie resolued ? Desire yee not indeede presently to be dissolued ? * Is it not your greatest desire to flitte f●…om this bodie which is but a Booth , a Shoppe , or Tabernacle of clay ? * Is not your Soule wearied to sojourne into such a reekie Lodge ? Is not your heart panting after God , l●…ke an Hart , panting after the water brookes ? He are yee not your Soule crying within you , O when shall I come and appeare before God ? * A small feeble inclination to goe to God is not sufficient , ye must now come to a stedfast resolution : He who is not resolued , is not readie for to be dissolued : Ta●… courage , bee not dashed into this danger , declare your mind freely , be not nice , there bee none heere but friendes . The sicke Man. I am so pyned with sicknesse , that hardlie can I make answere : * Oh ▪ but I am pressed with an heaui●… hand : I feare much my last houre : My Soule is sore troubled . The Pastour . Learne of Christ in his trouble : Now , said hee , is my Soule troubled , and what shall I say ? Father , deliue●… mee from this houre : But for this cause came I into this houre : Father glorifie thy Name : As hee did , so doe yee : * Hee fearing the houre was earnest with God in prayer for to bee deliuered from it ; and yet most humblie submitted himselfe vnto his Fathers will : So doe yee : If ye feare greatlie that houre , pray feruentlie , that God deliuer you from it and yet notwithstanding , let God haue all his will of you : His will shall eu●…r bee your well . The Sicke Man. But alas , my paines are grea●… : * my breach is like the sea : Gods rod vpon mee is torne with stripes , and worne to the stomps : In my torments I both feare and feele his wrath : If hee loued mee , would he scourge mee with such scorpions ? The Pastour . Whom God loueth hee chasteneth , and scourgeth euerie Sonne whom hee receiueth : By this yee see plainelie ▪ that hee will receiue none to himselfe , but those whom hee is minded to scourge : * This scourging whereof yee complaine , is Gods loue-token , telling you that hee is minded for to receiue you : Woe ●…o the Childe whom the Father will not correct : God commandeth louing Fathers to chastise their children till they cry : His command is also , that they bee not hindered for their cryes : Chasten thy Sonne , said God , while there is hope , and let not thy Soule spare for his crying : So long as there is life , there is hope : While God chasteneth you , it is a token that there is hope : * Woe to that man , whom GOD disdaineth to strike : It is a sore word when a Father or a Master saith to a Childe I despaire of him , there is none hope , I giue him ouer , & will strik him no more : It was a fearefull vvord that God said to the rebellious Israelites , I will not visite your Daughters when they are harlotes , nor your Spouses when they are whoores : That is , I will correct them no more , but let them runne head-long to their owne destruction : Woe to him vvhom God vvill not correct : * Certe tunc magis irascitur Deus cum non irascitur , God is most angrie , when hee seemeth least to bee angrie : The wicked are most fearefullie plagued , when God spareth them most : Let not therefore your sore paines discourage you , but rather comfort you , as beeing a speciall token that God will receiue your Soule * What reckes what this Carion suffer , if so be that God receiue the Soule ? Shall I not drinke of my Fathers Cup ? said Christ : * To drinke of a Kings cup it vvould bee thought an honour . See then vvhat honour is in the affliction of the godlie , thereby they drinke of the King of Heauens cup : This is also a token of our friendship vvith Christ , vvhen wee drinke vvith him of one cuppe : Men will not drinke of one cuppe with their enemies . Rejoyce then Sir , to drink vvith Christ in your Fathers cuppe * Though this cuppe bee bitter at the brimme , the bottome will haue a pleasant farewell . Thinke vvell vpon this Sir , and possesse your soule in patience despare neuer of Gods mercie , though hee seeme to bee angrie , depend vpon him , trust into him , though hee should slay you : * In confidence of h●…s Loue rest and sleepe in his bosome , hang on him , saue his honour by trusting in him : If this yee doe , I assure you , that yee shall dye sweetlie , resting into his armes . The sicke Man. I finde Sir my paines greatlie to increase . The Pastour . Bee of good comfort : * If your paines increase , God will increase your patience with your paines , he is mercyfull , and will surelie strengthen you in the weakest houre : Gods strength is made perfect in weaknesse : In the meane time , bee fighting out the good fight manfullie : * Hold vp your hands with Moses against Amaleke : Pray feruentlie to your God , that hee would cast into your memorie all the good thinges that euer yee heard or reade , wherewith your Soule as with a rempart may bee guarded against the houre of temptations : Pray oft-ten with Christ , Father deliuer mee from this houre : What say yee Sir ? It appeareth that there bee some thing into your mind yet that vexeth you . The sicke Man. This Soule of mine is verie loath to depart from this bodie : * They be of olde acquaintance , haplie long shall it be before they meete againe , Friendes cannot bee but sorie while they shedde . The Pastour . That is naturall to all : But grace in the Godlie must rule Nature : * Wee must gladlie leaue all for to goe liue with Christ , we must deny our selues for to confesse him : we must desire to be dissolued , for to bee with him ; hee who loueth any thing better than him , shall not bee found worthie of him : Your Soule , say ye , is sorie to goe from the body : * What are our bodies for the present , but prisons of clay ? Let them goe to clay , till the day of the Resurrection come , when those painefull prisons shall bee turned into pleasant Palaces : * What reckes of an inch of time heere on Earth ▪ in respect of eternitie in Heauen ? Should a mans heart so itch after an inch of Earth , that hee would desire to tarrie from Heauen but an houre ? The Soule must turne its backe vpon the bodie , for to turne its face vnto the God of Glorie : This is but a childish temptation : * It is for women & children to weepe , at the taking of adewes , chiefelie while these that depart are going to a better condition of life . Because the day draweth towards Euening , it is now time for mee to remoue : I hope God willing to come againe the Morrow , and to visite you , that I may minister vnto you some Spirituall comforts : In the meane time , seeing your minde hath bene so perplexed with carnall temptations , concerning Life , Lāds , Children , and Riches : Cause read vnto you this night in mine absence the Book of Ecclesiastes , from the beginning vnto the end , where ye shall see as in a glasse , the vanitie of all these things , wherewith your Soule now is most enamoured . If ye haue time , cause also reade vnto you Iob 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Before I goe Sir it shall bee best that I recommend you vnto God by prayer . The first Prayer for the sicke Man. O LORD , in whose hands is the gift of the Spirit of groanes , inspire our heartes at this time , that with an heauenlie disposition wee may fall downe before thee vpon the knees of our Soules , quicken our dead and drowsie heartes to the performance of this duetie of calling vpon thy Name : Thou is not close handed to these that seeke thee in sinceritie , wee are ashamed , O LORD , euen wee all who are heere before thee on the Earth thy Foote-stoole , wee are ashamed for to face the Heauens , the Throne of thy Majestie : Our heartes are so fullie fraughted with all sortes of sins , which like most filthie streames flow from the first fountaine , or rather puddle of our originall sinne , which wee haue from the Loynes of Adam : Wee are all infected with this spirituall Leprosie ; there is nothing that can wash vs and make vs cleane , saue onelie the Iordan of the blood of Iesus ; Besprinkle our consciences , O LORD , with the vertue of that Blood , which cryeth for better things , than the blood of Abel : Seale vp thy Loue in our heartes by the blood of the Sealed man , whom Thou the Father did seale and appoint to bring Life eternall to the world : In him thou art well pleased : In his Name , and for his Loue wee begge thy fauour : He himselfe hath tolde vs , that what wee shall aske thee in his Name , we shall receiue it : O Father of mercies , remember the promise of thy Sonne . In confidence of his Command wee take the boldnesse at this time particularlie to put vp our prayers vnto thee , for this thy diseased Seruant toss●…d to and f●…o with diuerse temptations : Sathan the enemie of his Saluation , the feare of Death , the loue of the world and of worldlie things haue set themselues in Battell-array , like armies betweene his Soule and the entrie of Heauen . They haue maliciouslie ensnared his heart , and taken his affections captiues with the immoderate loue of perishing thinges : Oh , how hath hee beene bewitched with the seeming sweetenesse of such vanities ! O Thou LORD IESVS , the LORD of Life , encourage him so with thy liuelie Spirit , that he may be bold , couragiously to face Death and the Graue : Put these interrogations in his mouth , O Death , where is thy Sting ? O Graue , where is thy victorie ? Cause thy Spirit whisper in his eare , that thou hast put out the life of Death : Cast into his rememberance the words wherewith Thou boasted Death , and the Graue , O Death , I will be thy plagues , O Graue , I will bee thy destruction . Let his Soule knowe that the Graue is a Bed of rest , for all these that die in the LORD , wherein they rest from their labours , beeing at ease in peace , without any toile or turmoile : Worke in his heart a desire to be dissolued , for to bee fred from the sinfull bonds of mortality , for to goe dwell where hee shall neuer anger the Lord againe : Let the Loue of Christ waine his heart from the desire of anie abiding heere . O deare IESVS , who was both buffeted , slaine , and buried for to saue man , set the print and stampe of thy mercie vpon this Soule . Seuer all his thoughts from all that is earthlie , whether it bee Life , Lands , Children , Houses , or whatsoeuer other thing may allure him for to sojourne heere in a strange Land , wherein wee are all strangers from God , whom wee cannot see heere but behind : Vntye his heart from the loue of this his natiue soile : Purge him of this out-bearing humour . O LORD , flesh and blood will neuer teach a man to renounce his deare selte , and such other carnall things , wherewith hee is in phantasie : The earthlie minde is so lumpish , that it wearieth to thinke of thee , and of the pleasures of thy Palace : A carnall hearte is euer rouing and wandering heere about this worlds businesse : Martha is a mother of many Children , who trouble themselues about many thinges : But few are these that with Marie can fold their heart for to sit downe at the feete of IESVS for to make choise of that best part , which should neuer bee taken from them : Thou to whō nothing is impossible , draw this Soule vnto thee , make the bent of his affection to bee vpon thee . O great IEHOVAH , thou hast heard and seene how carnall temptations haue teared the Soule of thy Seruant this day in the bedde of his languishing : Immoderat cares for thinges below haue depriued him of all rest and joyes which he should haue in thee : Wee must confesse to thee , and from his heart hee acknowledgeth to bee true , that his minde hath beene too bent vpon such perishing shadowes , which can not bee gripped : Such trashes of no worth haue taken too much roome into his heart . Hee who is not content to quite all for to come to thee , is not worthie of thee . But , LORD ; if mans Saluation were grounded vpon the sand of his owne worthinesse , such a building could not stand against the winds & floodes of temptations : But his Saluation shall neuer bee branled ▪ because it is builded vpon the euerlasting and most sure Rocke the foundation of thy Church . O LORD , wee faile all in many things : If hitherto this thy Seruant hath not as hee should , minded th●… thinges which are aboue , but lodged in their place , the desire of thinges below , now in thy grea●… mercie inlighten his mistie mind●… , and bee mercifull to him in th●… thing : Make the flesh now to cede and giue place vnto the Spirit : Let the heauens come in with the pledges of thy Loue , which no mortall armes can fadome : Come with thy Spirituall and diuine motions and fill therewith the chambers of his heart where earthlie thoughts had their abode : Make his Soule to inuite thy Spirit , to come in , Saying with Laban , Come in thou blessed of the Lord , wherefore standest thou without ? O deare IESVS , direct so all his thoughts , that hee wearie himselfe no more with the desire of that which sooner or later heee must ●…orgoe : Why should thornie cares for dust and clay choake the good motions of thy Spirit ? Let no such care cumber him any more for foolish fáding commoditie : Dissolue this glew by which his heart is tyed to the ground : In thy Light let him see Light , whereby hee may perceiue how fraile & fickle are all such transitorie trashes , which beeing too much loued , both coole our zeale and clogge our affections , so that they can in no wise soare vp toward thee . O blessed Sauiour , in whom is the very pith & sweetest marrow of Gods mercies , make thy seruants heere to loue thee aboue all things , in heauen or earth : Make his heart to say , Whom haue I in Heauen but thee ? Make him to loue thee for thy selfe , and not for thine onelie , which is but an hyred Loue : Put in thine owne hand at the hole of the doore of his heart , and let some droppes of the Mirrhe of thy mercie this night fall vpon the handle of the Barre ▪ that his Soule beeing affected therewith ▪ may runne out of the Chamber of sleepe for to seeke him , who loueth his Soule , euen his blessed Sauiour , the LORD IESVS . Bee mercifull to all thine afflicted members in the Church militant , fighting vnder the bloodie Banner of the LORD IESVS CHRIST : The Church is thy Spouse keep her as the Apple of thine eye , make all her members with one minde and one mouth , to glorifie thy Name . Blesse our gracious Soueraigne , the Kings Majestie with thy best blessings : Adorne him with spirituall Graces and giftes , wherewith hee may please thee in his whole carriage , both Ecclesiastice and Ciuill : Make Iustice and Iudgement the habitation of his Throne ; make Mercie and Trueth goe before his Face : Blesse His Royall Match , make thy mercie to bee shed abroad in Her Heart : Cloth Her with the Royall apparell of Christs Righteousnesse : Let readinesse to heare the Preaching of the Word bee Her Eare-ring , and good Workes in Her Hand like golden Rings vpon Her Fingers : Write vpon the Tables of Her Heart the Loue of true Godlinesse . The LORD bee mercifull to the Common-wealth of this Land protect It from the rage of forraine Enemies : Let neuer thy protection depart from this Land : Let it bee like that Bed of Solomon , Threescore stronge men are round about it , of the valiant men of Israel : They all handle the Sword , and are expert in warre ▪ euerie one hath his sword vpon his thigh for the feare by night . The LORD be gracious vnto vs all , whō are heere vpon our kneees before Thee : What wee haue said to Thee on earth , LORD heare Thou in Heauen , : Let this afflicted Soule haue a proofe of thine own Trueth , that the effectuall prayer of the Righteous auaileth much , LORD hea●… vs for the sake of him who is righteousnes it selfe , in whose most perfect Prayer we close vp allour sutes , saying , Our Father which art , &c. The Peace , Grace , and Mercie of our GOD , bee with you Sir for euer : I hope that by Gods Grace I shall see you earlie in the Morning . The sicke Man. The LORD render to you according to his gracious promise made to all these that serue him in sinceritie : A great blessing requireth great thankes : I neuer deserued such kindnesse at your hands : The lesse deseruing bee in mee , the more deeplie doe I hold my selfe bound vnto your loue : I pray you Sir be as good as your word , come againe earelie in the Morning : The Spirit of IESVS goe with you . THE SECOND DAYES Conference . Of spirituall temptations . The Pastour . GOD saue you Sir : How haue yee rested this Night ? Haue yee found any working of Gods Spirit within you , since our last conference ? Is your minde so at quiet now , that yee may boldlie say , with Simeon , Now let thy seruant depart in peace ? The sicke Man. * Alas , Sir , Satans temptations are like that Serpent of Lerne called Hydra , which had fiftie heades , whereof one beeing cut off , two sprang vp in the place thereof : I take that serpent to haue beene but a fable : But that which I say may bee written for an Historie : Many heads of temptations haue yee cut off with the sword of Gods word : But now I think that for euerie head cut off , two are sprung vp in the place thereof : * All my temptatons hitherto haue beene but vpon the skin like the scratch of a pinne , wrinkles but not woundes : All my troubles hitherto hath beene but matters of trifles , viz. Feare for my Life , feare for my Children , feare for the Graue of this our muddie mortalitie , and for other such trifles and trashes , vnworthie for to trouble a couragious Spirit : The Spirit of a couragious man , said Solomon , will beare his infirmitie : But the wounded spirit who can beare it ? * well is the child of God in his ●…orest sicknes for while his bodie is sicke , his Soule is sound : His God in great loue will make all his bed in his sicknesse , and strengthen him into the bed of languishing : * Hee whom God loueth is armed with Faith and patience , all his troubles are but outward scrappings vpon the skinne : The temptations wherewith I am lashed are spirituall woundings for my sinnes , which neuer troubled mee before : I heard oft-ten of such troubles , but I neuer knew before this time what such things did meane : Thinke ye Sir that the Spirit of a godlie man can bee thus wise troubled ? I heare Dauid crying in his mourning , There is no soundnesse in my flesh , neither is there anie rest in my bones : But what reckes of flesh and bones , if the Spirit were free ? The Pastour . The most godlie that euer liued , haue suffered spirituall woundes : Christ the Captaine of our Saluation , said , That his Soule was sadde euen vnto the death : * Iob cryed , that h●…s Spirit was drunken vp with the poyson of Gods arrowes , The arrowes of the Almightie , said hee , are within me , the poyson whereof drinketh vp my Spirit : See how that holie man of God complaineth that his Spirit was like a drinke drunken vp by the poyson of Gods arrowes . * By this yee see that spirituall wounds are alloted to the dearest of Gods Elect , so that they are not exeemed from inward blowes : * Trouble of Conscience is the disease of the innocentest Soule . The sicke Man. That satisfieth mee not : * As for Christ , the blowes which hee suffered in his Soule , were blowes of satisfaction for the sinnes of others : As for Iob these blowes were blowes of probation & of tryall , for to let the world see that he was not an hypocrite that serued GOD for rewardes , as Sathan did alledge : But it is not so with me , who am a bond slaue of corruption : I suffer for my sinnes , which are euer before mee : The fainer I would forget them , they flow the faster into my rememberance : * The voyce of my Conscience followeth mee with hue & with cry . Though God hath spared thee long , thou hast not beene bettered , looke now for vengeance after so long delayes : I can make no answere , I can not denie , but God hath spared mee long : In this is my greatest feare : * The higher a stroake bee fetcht , the longer it is in comming : But the higher it bee lifted , the heauier it will fall . The Pastour . I answere to that which yee said first , viz. that Christs sufferings are no comfort to you , because they are blowes of satisfaction : * The afflictions of Christ were of diuerse vses first of all , for to make payment to Gods Iustice for our sinnes : Secondlie , he suffered , that by his own experience of sense hee beeing expert what it is to suffer , might assure vs that hee is both a mercifull and a faithfull high Priest , For in that hee himselfe hath suffered beeing tempted , he is able to succour thē that are tempted : Thus the Apostle declareth plainelie afterward , Wee haue not , said hee , an high Priest which cannot bee touched with the feeling of our infirmities : But was in all pointes tempted like as wee are , yet without sin : * This experience which he had of our miserie , is called his learning , Though hee were a Sonne , yet learned hee obedience , by the things which he suffered : Hee also suffered , for to bee an example vnto vs. The sicke Man. I vnderstand not well these words that Christ learned obedience by his sufferings . The Pastour . * The words indeed seeme obscure : The most Learned think that Christ is said to haue learned obedience by his sufferings , because while he suffered hee felt indeed how difficile a thing it is talem obedientiam Deo praestare , to yeeld such obedience vnto God : others say , that by his suffrings hee joyned to his diuine knowledge the practise of his passions : that which he had before only in contemplatiō is now also knowne vnto him by suffering that which he knew : * Others say . That hee learned obedience by his sufferings , that is , Re ipsa expertus est quid sit patrem habere cut p●…rendum sit , Hee knew by Experience what it was , to haue a Father to whom obedience was due : Thus Christ while hee learned obedience by his sufferinges , hath teached all the faithfull to suffer patientlie . As for that which yee said concerning Iob , that his afflictions were only blowes of probation & of tryall ; yee deceiue your selfe , they were also for his sins : Whenfore is the liuing man sorrowfull ? said Ieremie , The answere is peremptorie , man suffereth for his sinnes . The sicke Man. * That seemeth not euer to bee true : While Christs Disciples saw a man that was blind from his birth , they asked Christ saying , Master , who did sin , this man or his parents , that hee was borne blind ? Iesus answered , Neither hath this man sinned , nor his Parents , but that the workes of God should bee made manifest in him : Oh , that I were that borne blind , that I were not afflicted for my sinnes , but that the works of Gods mercy might bee manifested in mee ! The Pastour . * These words of Christ are not to bee taken so strictlie as though God would lay any affliction vpon a man in whom is no sinne : This could not stand with the Iustice of God : If Adam & his Children had neuer sinned , not one of them could haue beene stricken either with blindnesse , or deafenesse : * This blind man then was not afflicted for his sins only , or especially , or as if he had bene a greater sinner thā others , but chieflie this disease came vnto him , that the workes of Gods power and mercie might bee made manifest by his cure : * So Dauid was sore afflicted for his adulterie and murther , but chieflie for to stoppe the mouthes of these enemies of God , whom hee by his scandle made to blaspheme : * God as yee see may afflict you for your sinnes , and yet not chieflie for them ; but for to take a tryall of your patience , or for to make others feare to sin when they shall perceiue by you , how great paines a godlie Soule will suffer before that it can bee well reconciled vnto God againe . The sicke Man. I confesse Sir that ye speake with the tongue of the Learned : * But for all that I finde such temptations tumbling within mee , that I may compare them to the swelling of Iordan : My sinnes , alas , hudge in greatnesse , stand vp like mountaines betweene mee and my God : They are so high that they hide Heauen from my Soule : What shall I doe Sir ? If euer yee helped mee , helpe mee now with your comforts . The Pastour . * Though these mountaines be high , yet yee must clime the mount with Moses , if ye would see Canaan : So long as Moses was in the valey , he could not see the typ of Heauen : We must all clime vp the Hill : Wee cannot see Christ before wee bee lifted from the Earth : Wee are all but men of little stature like Zacheus : Wee must therefore vp the tree with him , and vp the mount with Moses , before wee can see either Christ o●… Canaan that place of promise : Ye are sorie for your sinnes : But sanat confessio morbi : A sinne well confessed is healed : But what sinnes be these Sir whose toppes reach so high that they hide the Sunne from you ? The sicke Man. Alas , for the sinnes of my Youth ; my Riot and my Drunkennesse , my Chambering & my wantonnes , my strif and enuy : Fye on my Fornications , and Adulteries , my lying and deceiuing Hypocrisie : * So I had a lampe of profession , I cared not for oyle in it , my chiefe care hath euer beene for the outward shell of my duetie , but neuer for the Kernell : Gods graces in mee haue beene like a pure liquor in a fustie vessell . The Pastour . I am glad to heare of these buffets of your Conscience , such griefe is from grace : I know what shall bee the euent , euen Repentance neuer to bee repented of : But say on The sicke Man. * This is my greatest griefe ▪ that I sinned into the light with Absolom ▪ euen in the cleare Sunne shine of the Gospel : Now may I well be ranked with these who counted it pleasure to riot in the day time : It were more easie for mee to number the sand than my sinnes . The Pastour . * There is no sinne either of omission or commission , in the light or in darknesse , that can hinder God to bee mercifull to a sinner , if the sinner can repent : God who is infinit in mercie can forgiue the riots of the day , sinnes of knowledge as well as night sinnes ; which are sins of ignorance : * There is one sinne of ignorance which shall neuer bee forgiuen , euen to despaire of Gods mercie : What ignorance is this , that any Creature should thinke it selfe more sinfull , than God can bee mercifull ? * To make our sinnes to ouerreach his compassions , were to make the Center to containe the Circumference : If your sinnes bee in number like the sand , Gods mercies are without number : * The greatest number that mans braine can inuent either by telling , or by ciphering in comparison of that which is infinite , is not so much as a droppe of a Bucket compared to the great Ocean . The sicke Man. * I haue alas , beene an impudent sinner , who with my sinnes haue buffeted my God on euerie side : It were now righteous with God that hee should buffet me with his judgements : I slept in sinne , and could not bee wakened : While Christs Cocke crowed , my Soule lay fast asl●…epe : Yea , while hee crowed againe , I had past the third deny all : And though I was forewarned , I had none hoe in euill doing : While God was in my mouth , he was farre from mine heart : O that bloodie scarlet scrole of so manie iniquities . The Pastour . * As yee reason with your selfe , and with mee , so let it please you to reason but a little with your God : Come now , said the Lord ▪ & let vs reason together : Though your sinnes bee as scarlet , they shall bee as white as snow ; though they bee red like crimsin , they shall bee as woll : * There is no sin so red though it were double dyed , but the vertue of Christs Blood can cause it cast its colour . The sicke Man. * I haue no Faith to applie anie salue to my sore : I heare your explication of Gods mercies : But there is none application within mee : What better will a man bee that yee set much meate downe before him on the Table , if hee cannot eate it ? The Pastour . * Manie haue sit downe at Table hauing their appetit so bound vp at the first , that they abhorred to see meate , & yet litle & litle haue beene broght on first to taste , & thereafter to eate a little , last of all , one piece bringeth on another , till they recouer their appetit : This is but a disease in your Soule , which maketh it abhorre all comforts , as it is said of these that are bodilie sicke in the Psalme , Their soule abhorreth all manner of meate , and they draw neare the doores of death : What was their remeedie ? Earnest prayer to God : Then they cryed vnto the Lord in their trouble , and hee deliuered them from their distresses : Mans extremitie is Gods opportunitie . Bee of good comfort Sir , haue the Faith of God within you : Bee earnest in prayer , and God shall deliuer you from all your feares . The sicke Man. Oh , that I had Faith : Oh , that I could pray ! I finde my griefes to growe : I spake neuer in earnest till now : All other temptations before were but for carnall thinges : They were all but sport , in comparison of this of my sins where with my Soule is pressed and borne downe : * I take this to bee the forebrunt of endlesse plagues and paines prepared for the damned : I abhorre my selfe , fye on mee : What am I , but a dead Sardian , or which is worse , a lukewarme Laodicean neither colde nor hote , a fitte prouocation of vomite to my God : It is a vvonder if by this death he vomite mee not out of his Church , for to cast mee into Hell : Now what pleasure can I haue of all my sinnes , where of I am ashamed ? * All the joyes of my bygone life beeing joyned together , counteruaile not the least part of my present paine . Alas , Sir , how can I gladly draw neare the doores of death , while there bee such impedimentes betweene mee and the doores of Heauen . The Pastour . I loue these lamentations : * It is good that a Soule be sensible of sin : Woe to that Soule that is past all feeling : Blessed bee God , that hath wakened you out of the slumber of your sinnes : * Gods wrath euer followeth drowsie consciences , for to giue them vp to the spirit of slumber , or to sporting spirites , that make men to sport themselues with their own deceiuings : * It is good that in our afflictions , we consider well the cause ; for Affliction commeth not out of the dust , neither doth trouble spring out of the ground : leremie in this is plaine , Man suffereth for his sins : * It is your part to make a carefull search for the capitall sinne , which as yee thinke may chieflie be the cause of so great a wrath : Till Achan was found Israel could not stād before their enemies : But say on Sir , let mee heare you to Amen . The sicke Man. God hath set all my sinnes in order before mee : I see nothing but a burning wrath , which Scripture calleth , a consuming fire : * Mine euill thoughts which I euer thought to bee free , stand now vp in battell array against mee●… O Lord , why hast thou made vs to erre from thy wayes , and hardened our heart from thy feare ? I haue no comfort within my Soule : * I heare a clamour within my conscience crying vnto mee , What part or interest can thou looke for in the Kingdome of him whom thou hast so highlie dishonoured ? How can thou be of that number that belongeth to the election of grace ? I find my conscience raging within me lik a swelling sea , except some calme of mercie come , my Soule shal be swallowed vp with some fearefull surge : Alas , Sir , what is your counsell : All that is within mee is into an vproare , despare is working within the bowels of my bellie . The Pastour . * These secret throwings in the bellie are but Gods secret reproues , tokens of his Loue : * Such secret checkes are like the rebukes of a Father , taking his Child apart to some quiet chamber for to admonish him : This is Gods customable doing with his owne Children , if by their open and scandalous sinnes , they haue not moued the enemies of God to blaspheme , hee will take them to the secret chamber of their heart , & there apart as it were , after that hee hath barred the doore , and put all out , hee will tell them what they haue done : * Ioseph would not tell before the Egyptians how his Brethren had solde him : But while hee reuealed himselfe to his Brethren , hee commanded all others to goe foorth : Cause euerie man , said hee , to goe out from mee , and there stood no man with him , while hee made himselfe knowne to his Brethren : * God would not reproue Iob before Elihu & El●…phaz his vncharitable friends , but a part out of the while winde : After that hee had rebuked and scooled his Seruant Iob in the secret whirle of the winde , and hade made him to acknowledge his faultes , hee came to his friendes and told them that his wrath was kindled against them : * After that Peter had thri●…e most shamefullie denyed his Master Christ , who heard him so perjuredlie lye , would not reproue him openlie before the wicked , but onelie turned his eye with a looke towards him : With that secret looke which no man perceiued but Peter himselfe , hee gaue him such a secret checke and nippe of reproofe , that incontinent hee went out , and weeped bitterlie : * Yee shall find at last Sir , all these temptations that trouble you within , are but God , taking you apart , and telling you with Ioseph , what yee haue done : God is now in the whirle winde working secretlie with you as with Iob , till ye bee humble in dust and ashes : * All this bitternesse which ye finde within , is but from a Loue-looke of Christ , that yee may bee saued by weeping bitterlie for your sinnes : * Bee of good comfort Sir , all these troubles within are but God out of loue whispering some reproofs into your eare for some bygone faultes . The sicke man. I wish that it were so : * But O , what a stir is this within my Soule ? I thinke those wordes of God in Ierimie to bee directlie said vnto mee , Thine owne wickednesse shall correct thee , and thy backslidinges shall reproue thee , know therefore , and see that it is an euill thing and bitter , that thou hast forsaken the Lord thy God , and that my feare is not in thee . The Pastour . * While the dregge and mudde of a melancholious minde is stirred vp from the bottome with grieuous temptations , the sinner must spare to judge , till the Soule bee settled : Let that muddie minde of yours first bee settled , and yee shall shortly see that matters are not as they seeme to bee : When Christ said to Peter , Get thee behinde mee Sathan , it was a speach of glouminesse : But O the sweete gloumes of Iesus more sweete than the worlds smiles : Let that righteous reproue mee , and it shall bee as oyle which shall not breake mine head : * God may seeme to be angrie at his Darlings , but yet in great loue hee hath locked vp their Saluation , and made it sure in his vnchangable decree . The sicke Man. Mine heart is pricked with paines and grieued with griefe : This is the mischiefe , I see none out-gate , my Soule is enuironed with temptations . The Pastour . The wordes of S. Peter are comfortable , The Lord knoweth how to deliuer the godlie out of temptations : * If your temptations bee great , heere is matter of joye , yee haue a God who knoweth how to deliuer you . There is no temptatiō so deadly but God knoweth how to cure it : * A touch of the garment of Christs righteousnesse will anone dry vp that flooxe of blood . The sicke Man. I am so tossed , that I am not able to touch it : * I am like a shippe in a tempest , seeking its Hauen , but cannot come by it ; whiles I am bl●…wen to this side and whiles to that side : Thus beeing driuen hither & thither as with contrarie Tydes , mine heart quaketh , and my conscience is in a qualme . The Pastour . Christ , who in the dayes of his flesh rebuked the windes , will calme such qualmes , that your conscience may bee at rest : * Though the rolling sea rage , so that it make the Mariners to reele to and froe , & stagger like drunken men , yet when they cry vnto the Lord , Hee maketh the stormes a calme so that the waues therof are still : Hee who can still the waues of waters , can calme the most stirring surgesse of temptations : * It is written of the Mariners , that while in the temptest all their cunning is gone , their last refuge is to their prayers , Then they cryed vnto the Lord in their trouble , and hee deliuereth them from their distresses : If your distresse Sir , bee like the tempest which cannot bee with stood by care or cunning , runne to your God by prayer , confesse fullie and freelie your sinnes : Suffer no starting holes or hollownesse in your heart : But worke it to sinceritie , vse all meanes for to bee friendes with your God : Seeke earnestlie from God , for the sake of his Chirst , the peace of Conscience . The sicke Man. So I doe : * But alas , while I seeke peace , I heare from God as it were that voyce of Iehu to Iohoram ▪ horse-man saying to my Soule , What hast thou to doe with peace ? get thee behinde m●…e : What wonder that God bee angrie with mee , who was neuer carefull to please him ? * My Soule like a Night-Owle hath hated Light , and loued darknesse : Such is the weight of my transgression that I am like to finke thorow the sward of Gods wrath : * This checketh mee sore , that while I sinned , I stroue to ouermaster my conscience arraigning mee for my wickednesse : When I thinke of this , ●… thinke shame to face the Sunne and the Moone . The Pastour . * The more yee bee ashamed of your sinnes , the lesse yee neede to feare euerlasting shame : The Pharisee thought no shame of him selfe , but bragged of his worth , the Publican could not face the Heauens for shame : Your part shall be with the Publican , who returned justified vnto his house : Hee who condemneth himselfe , shall goe home to Heauen with the justice of his God. Cry vnto the Lord in your trouble . The sicke Man. I am not able to speake , the force of temptations is like to shiuer me in pieces : All that is within mee is in a fearefull vproare : * O how fear●…full is the racke and gibbet of an euill conscience : The blacke scrole of my sinnes which of before seemed to bee enroled , is now vnfolded & laid open , wherein euerie letter seemeth huge , great like a mountaine : Euery day is a death vnto me , all my counts are out of order , there is not a string in mine heart in a right tune : What are sinners , but stubble ? Gods sentence is , Burne them : * Alas , that while I sinned , I weighed not the following woe : I haue brewed my griefe , and now I must drinke in sorrow . The Pastour . * One thing I perceiue Sir , that your griefe must haue vent , till yee haue disburdened your selfe with teares and complaints , yee can not admit anie comfort . The sicke Man. There is no doloure lik to my doloure : The arrowes of the Lords wrath are within mee , whereof my Spirit drinketh the poyson . The Pastour . * These arrowes are not arrowes of wrath , but of vvarning , like the arrowes of Ionathan , shot for to driue Dauid frō the furie of Saul : * Heare the Spirit crying with Ionathan , Are they not beyond thee ? Gods arrowes are flowen ouer you , are they not beyond you ? There is no danger . The sicke Man. * My sinnes which once seemed little like mots , begin now to swell , and to become thicker than mountaines : I haue no peace within : In my Soule is kindled an vnquenchable fire , in it is the fewell of euerlasting burnings : * Often haue I posted off my sinnes in the lumpe vvith a slubbert generall confession : Now resteth nothing within mee but feare distrust & qualm●…s of Conscience . The Pastour . Bee strong in God Sir : Hope in his mercie , belieue in him , though he should stay you : * If yee will not belieue , saith Isaiah , surelie yee shall not bee established : While the woman of Canaan vvas making request to Christ for her Daughter , shee found Christ at the first to bee verie harsh and sowre , in calling her a Dogge : But that little blast beeing once blowne out for the humbling of her Soule , she heard incontinent these words of comfort , O woman , great is thy Faith : Bee it vnto thee euen as thou wilt : * Gods face may seeme grimne for a space , but there is but a moment in his wrath : though he should slay you , yet must yee trust in him : In your hurt yee must hope for his helpe . The sicke Man. * My strongest hope is but a stinging feare : My greatest confidence is but trembling of conscience : * It seemeth to mee , that there is one knocking at the doore of mine heart and crying in a voyce , Is Faith heere ? Is loue within ? Is one called the feare of God into this place ? Is the Spouse of Christ in this heart ? Alas , what can I say , hauing such an ouglie Soule within mee ? Can Christ the Spouse of the Church loue such a Soule as mine , which is like a bleare or squint eyed Leah ? can the dark night beguile him , that hee should take such a loathsome Leah for a beautifull Rachel ? * If Death now ouertake mee , I looke for fire and faggot , the fuell of euerlasting burninges : Oh , my Faith fainteth , and mine hope houereth : What say yee Sir ? Doeth not your heart pittie to see mee in such a plunge ? * Yet for all this I must justifie God : All this is righteouslie come vpon mee , though his wrath should so settle vpon mee , that thereby my bones should bee crushed like these eighteene who were slaine vnder the tower of Siloe , to God should belong righteousnesse , but to mee open shame and confusion of face . The Pastour . * Shame of face for sinne is the beginning of grace in a sinner ; waite vpon the Lord a little , and hee shall make his mercie to appeare like a morning light , at the breake of day all the night shadowes of temptations shall flee away , and Christ the Sunne of Righteousnesse , shall arise and shine vpon your Soule with his blessed beames : This shall make your Soule like a Bird on a bush well-comming the morning with a song for joye that the night is past . The Sicke Man. * Sathan alas , hath so hood-winked my Soule with my sinnes , that I cannot get a sight of mercie , the sense of my sinnes giueth mine heart many a cold pull : I feare to die in despaire : What say yee Sir ? Doeth not your heart pittie mee ? The Pastour . The Lord pittie you , & giue me an heart to pray for you : The Lord put the wordes into my mouth , that may comfort your comfortlesse Soule in this Iingring tryall : Haue patience in your paine , sinne is like a rotten tooth , the deeper roote it hath in the jawes , the more painefull it is in the drawing . Continue Sir to discouer your sore ; if the boile of such corruption bee ripe , I shall launce it , that such filthie matter may bee cleansed away : I pray God so to direct mee , that I may proue a Surgeon cunning in this cure ; if there bee any thing as yet that troubleth you , conceale it not , if ye think that my comforts may be helpfull vnto you : * Many are more ashamed to confesse a faulte , than to commit a sinne . What is this that grieueth you now Sir ? The sicke Man. The wrath of God affrayeth me ; * His anger is like a Lyon , which can not bee tamed : My sinne is past , but punishmēt is to come : * Terrors cry out of the fire , Thy pleasures now are ended , now thou must suffer paines : From the toppe of the pinacle of all thy preferments , come down to the dungeon of darknes , because thou hast fallen downe before the god of this world , goe downe , goe downe to him , whom thou on earth hast worshipped : These bee the terrours of God , standing in battell array against mee , which make mee to fling all comfortes from mee : My Soule is possessed with a slauish feare . * Indeed I must confesse , that I am much beholden vnto God , for so large a time of repentance : But alas . I haue neglected it , yea , and obstinatlie haue kicked against my Maker : * So now I finde by doolefull sense , that I remaine into the guilt ; my Soule is so sicke with this that I cannot tell : * All comfortes are vnto it like a dead potion into the stomacke which hath no vertue to worke : God thinketh mee not worthie of comfort : For while I was in prosperitie , I was so couered ouer with the spirit of slumber , that I would not be warned nor wakened by the voyce of Gods Trumpeters , sounding judgements , as sonnes of thunder , * Because I misregarded Boanarges the Sons of Thunder , God will not daine mee with a Barnabas , a Sonne of consolation . Now behold Sir , what grieueth mee , what say yee for my comfort ? The Pastour . * I rejoyce from mine heart not in your griefe , but in that yee are so grieued for your sinnes : God in mercie by such sorrow doeth whet vp your desires after him : * The Child by a knocke & a fall knoweth his owne weaknesse , and perceiueth the need of his Nourse : I rejoyce to see you humbled with the sense of your sins vnder the hand of God , I am comforted to see you humbled , let this humilitie bee a comfort to your selfe : It is good to be of a humble and contrit Spirit : To whom will I looke ? said the Lord , euen to him that is of a contrit Spirit , and trembleth at my word : * The more a man be humbled he is neerer to be justified : The Publicā a litle before he was justified , was knocking vpon his breast , and crying to God for mercie to him a miserable man : * The more humble a man bee , hee is the farther from the dint and danger of Gods judgements . The sicke Man. By your discourse Sir , it would seeme that a cast downe Soule with its owne vnworthinesse , is in lesse danger of judgement , than these who are high lifted vp in their owne conceit . The Pastour . It is most certaine : * The humble & the proud are like these seeds that were sowne in Egypt , when the plague of haile came , the Flaxe and the Barley were smitten , saith the Scripture , for the Barley was in the eare , and the Flaxe was bolled : But the Wheat and the Rye were not smitten , for they were not grown vp : The wicked in time of wrath are lik Flaxe & Barley , because they are lifted vp , they are smitten , they are in the eare , yea , and bolled in their pride , and therefore cannot escape : But as for the humbled heart of the godlie man , it is lik the Wheat and Rye , the best corne : It is not smitten because it is not growne vp , but lyeth humble before the Lord : Corpora magnanimo satis est prostrasse Leoni : Humiliation maketh the Lyon to spare his aduersarie : God is pleased and pacified so soone as hee seeth a man humbled in heart : Ahah had killed & after also had taken possession * Yet so soone as hee humbled himselfe in Sacke , though all his humilitie was but outward , the Lord looked vpon him , and would haue Elijah to see it also , Seest thou , said the Lord to his Prophet , how Ahah hath humbled himselfe before mee : Because hee humbleth himselfe before mee , I will not bring this euill in his dayes . Blesse God Sir , for your humbled heart , yet relye neuer vpon any grace that is within your selfe , let Gods meere mercie alone bee your strength and your stay : * The least opinion of our owne worth is a frost which nippeth Repentance in the blossome . The sicke Man. Thinke ye Sir , that before a man win to Heauen , that hee must bee racked and riuen as I am with fearefull temptations ? The Pastour . * Before the most part of the Elect can enjoy these joyes that are aboue , they are not onelie racked with paine , but also as it were racked thorow hell : There must first bee an hell in the conscience with the sense of our sinnes , wee must haue a sight of wrath , before wee enter into Gods Rest : * Heauen is not winne with a wish : Christ saith , that it suffereth violence , and that the violent take it by force : Thorow manie tribulations and afflictions wee must enter into it : The Crowne is after a course of crosses . The sicke Man. I am haled away with the strong streame of temptations : I cannot thinke , that if God loued mee , hee would suffer mee to bee thus way tread vnder foote like dust , with such fearefull temptations : O how fearefull is the crosse vpon the Conscience ! The Pastour . These whom GOD loueth best , hee chasteneth : * The louing Mother will runne vpon her dearest Daughter with her feete , if shee perceiue her to bee giuen to folie : God treadeth not vpon his owne , but for profite : * The Godlie are like Saffron or Camomile , which grow the better the more they bee troden downe : Grace must gripe Nature till it gaspe . The sicke Man. Mine heart is strained and squised with griefe : O the heauie weight of my sinnes , which hang so fast on ! * I am like a tyred horse that faine would bee rid of his burden . The Pastour . To bee tyred of sinne , is a token that yee shall bee shortlie deliuered : * Hee who is tyred with sin , is tyred , not to bee a drudge of sin : * Sinne is not heauie to the Wicked , because it is in them as water in its owne element , though it bee of weight , yet it weigheth not : Well is the wearied Soule , it hath Christs promise of ease : But woe to them who with Laodicea , haue neede of no thing : For the most part , men are drowned in drowsinesse : Securitie is farre more dangerous than despaire : As was sung of Saul and of Dauid , so may bee heere , Despaire hath slaine her thousand , but Securitie her ten thousand : Manie are not wakened till they bee so wakened , that their judgement and senses are lost . It is a fearefull curse for a man to blesse himselfe , while hee should mourne for his sinnes : Such as blesse themselues , while the Lord pronounceth the wordes of the curse , The Lord will not bee mercifull to that man : * Securitie hath shaken hands with Hell and Death : But well is him who feareth alwayes : * Hee is greatest in Gods sight , who is least in his owne eyes . The sicke Man. But alas , Sir , my conscience speaketh home , that I haue beene a stranger from my God : O but I am wearied , how shall I bee deliuered from this burden of bondage ? The Pastour . These who are ladened and wearied , may heare Christ in his Gospel crying vnto them , Come vnto me Goe to him who cryeth so louingly , Come : Striue aboue all things , to get a sight of your Sauiour , by the eye of Faith : Vrge vpon your heart a deepe meditation of his mercie , his merits are able to cure our maladies . The sicke Man. * There is such a mist betweene me and the Messias , that it is not possible for me to see him . Oh , that my eyes were cleared with Gods Eye-salue , that I might clearelie be hold him ! The Pastour . * The great desire ye haue to see him is a sort of sight : * All men see not Christ alike : All goe not vp to the mount with Peter , Iames , and Iohn : All see not God face to face with Moses : All men lay not their head in Christs bosome , with his best beloued Disciple ; Be not discouraged : thogh ye cannot winne so neare to Christ , as ye would : * If ye cannot winne to him for to embrace him , as Simeon did striue to touch the border of his garmēt behind with the finger of faith and it shall stay the bloody fluxe of your Sinnes : * Ye sigh for a sight of Christ * A sigh for a sight of him , is a sight of him indeed : * He who wold be found of these that sought him not will bee much more found of these that seeke him , and sigh for him : Bee of good heart : * Though for a space your spirituall day be mistie , yet at last your drumly sky shal be cleared : * Christ is not euer absent , while hee is not seene : The Sunne as we see will be couered with a cloud , & the Moone will bee vnder wake , but incontinent thereafter , the cloudes beeing ouer-blowen , wee enjoye their brightnesse and their beames : What shall bee able to separate a Christian from the Loue of his Christ ? * What then shall be able to mak a Christian soule despaire ? Shall Damnation ? No , For Christ Gods ▪ a Saluatiō is ours : Shall Hell ? No , For our Christ hath b the keyes both of Heauen & of Hell : Shall the World ? No , For Christ hath c ouercome the World : Shall the Law ? No , For our Christ hath d fulfilled the Law. Shall Death ? No , For our Christ e is the Way and the Life : Shall the Fathers wrath ? No , For f Hee hath troden the wine-presse of his wrath for you , and for all repenting sinners : * All Scripture pointeth at him , saying , g This is the way , walk ye in it : Run Sir to him , & he shall deliuer you from all your sinnes , and from all your feares : Striue to curbe your owne corruptions which are so broodie within you . The sicke Man. I cannot alas , bee quite of my sinnes : I striue to runne away from them , but the faster they follow mee , like curre Dogges that are so accustomed to follow their Master they will not bee boasted home againe : Where euer I goe with my thoughts aboue or below , my sinnes follow hard after mee : * Though I threaten them , thogh I boast them , yea , betimes intreate them to depart , their answere is , Wee are thy vvorkes , wee will goe with thee . This putteth my Soule out of peace and order , and thrusteth mee away from the Lord ; my God : I haue beene long seeking and sighing for comforts : But as yet I can espye none appearance . The Pastour . Comforts sought sought , and sighed for , are not aye seene at the first : * Elijahs seruant went vp the hill Carmell eight seuerall times to espye some appearance of raine : The first seuen times hee could see nothing , & at the eight hee saw but a little cloud of comfort : Behold said hee , there ariseth a little cloud out of the sea , like a mans hand : A little after that , the heauens were blake with cloudes and winde , and there was a great raine . * Hold your face Sir a little space with Elijah betweene your knees , and cast your selfe downe vpon the Earth , as hee did , that is , fall downe in all humilitie of Soule before your God in prayer : That done , send vp your prayer the spirituall spye vnto the top of the hill : * Send it againe and againe , euer till it espye some little cloud of comfort : If your Soule take paines in prayer till ye perceiue but an hand breadth of mercie , at last Gods comfortes shall raine downe in great aboundance vpon your wearied Spirit : What shall I say , if yee will not bee informed yee cannot bee reformed . The sicke Man. Indeede that is a pleasant and fit comparison , worthie to bee printed with a Note on the margent : It hath beene well adapted by you ▪ Oh , that it could bee as well applyed by mee : Oh , that the Lord , whose loue expelleth feare , would strengthen my weake Faith with an hand-breath , of his mercie : O for such a little cloud of comfort , it would lif●… vp mine hands which hang downe , and strengthen my weake knees : But in steede of such a comfortable cloude , I see nothing but cloudes of w●…ath , readie to fall and become a deludge of vengeance : from my birth , I must not dissemble , I haue dallied with my God , and haue dispised the gratious day of his visitations : * And now all my comforts resemble to the Eagle , that taketh her to her wings , and flyeth aloft high into the Skye , from my sinfull reach : O feare ! O horrour ! O the multitude of my transgressions ! how shall I be quiet ? The Pastour . The best way to be quite of sin , that it reigne not in vs , is to bend vp our hearts to Christ , who is Emmanuel , God with vs : Thogh all be worthie to bee damned , yet there is no condamnation to these that are in Christ : * Hee is that heaue-offering , which wee must euer hold and heaue vp like a buckler betweene Gods wrath and our sinfull Soules : In what case finde yee your Conscience to bee for the present ? The sicke Man. One deepe calleth to another deepe at the noyse of Gods water Spouts ▪ My sorrow is like the Sea , it ebbeth and it floweth : As I haue swimmed thorow one deepe temptation , I fall into another that is deeper : My braine is turned with a whirling giddinesse . The Pastour . * There is no such deepnesse either in our sinnes or in our troubles , but the mercie of God in Christ shall bee able to ouer-reach it by innumerable fathomes : S. Paul said , that hee was assured , that neither high nor depth shall bee able to separate vs from the loue of God. * Though affliction raine downe vpon vs like water falling from spouts , they may well wash vs , but shall not bee able to drowne vs : * A godlie man should not be afraide for a spo●… full of bitter waters : * Though th●… waters of the sea roare & be troubled ▪ Though the Mountaines shake with the swelling thereof , yea , though the surges thereof should boast the cloudes , heere is the faithfull mans comfort , There is a riuer the streames whereof shall make glad the Citie of God : * Thogh the Mediterranean Sea , yea , the great Ocean with its surges , should boast Gods Ierusalem , a little riuer or brooke , a Kidron of Gods grace sending out streames of comfortes like the waters of Siloe shall make glad the Citie of God. The sicke Man. * But how shall I passe thórow to Canaan , behold , before mee what floodes of iniquities ouerflowing their bankes as in the swelling of Iordan : Such fearefull floodes ru●… betweene me and Heauen 〈◊〉 place ▪ appointed for my 〈◊〉 The ●…our ▪ * 〈◊〉 ●…oake with the garment 〈◊〉 Christes righteousnesse will diuide the floodes of Belial , as Elisha diuided the Iordan by striking it with the mantle of Elijah , that hee might safelie passe thorow : * Christes merits are like the Arke , which made the Iordan to goe backe , for to make a way for Israel vnto Canaan : * Our heartes like the Priestes , must stand hard by the side of this Arke , till all our affections the Lords Armies be come thorow the swelling Iordan of grieuous afflictions . The sicke Man. While I beholde my selfe , I abhorre my selfe : * The eye of my God seeth mee , and what am I , but like a bemired Dogge trodde by Sathan into the puddle of perdition ? Alas , when good motions came into ●…e heart , I crosed them with my lustes ▪ Now cursed be my lusts . I am so filth●… ▪ ●…hat I abhorre my selfe , my sinnes are so 〈◊〉 , that nothing is able to make them 〈◊〉 The Pastour . Know yee Sir what God said of olde in Isaiah ? Come now , and let vs reason together , though your sins be as scarlet , they shall bee as white as snow , though they be red l●…k crimsin , they shall bee as vvoole : If yee could but reason a little with God , ye should find this to be true : There is no sinne , which Christes blood is not able to purge : * What euer your sinne be , if yee can repent , he can forgiue : * Christ can doe anie thing butthis ▪ hee cannot saue him that will not repent : Seeing yee know him to bee infinite in mercie ▪ haue all your recourse to him ; * Take once a proofe of his mercie : Humble your selfe at his feete , and see whether or not there bee mercie with him that hee may bee feared . * The seruants of Benhadad knowing that the Kings of Israel were mercifull Kings : Put sack-clot●… vpon their loynes , & ropes vpon their heads , for to seeke mans mercie , which also they found : * Shall man finde mer●… into the narrow bowels of a man , and 〈◊〉 hee bound the holie One of Israel ? * Christ who is not onelie true , but Trueth it selfe hath said , Whatsoeuer yee shall aske in my Name , that vvill I doe : * Hee who is true may lye , but Trueth can not lye . The sicke Man. That is trueth : While I consider your comfortes for the distressed Soule , * I thinke that all your purpose pointeth chieflie at Christ , as though hee alone were the ground of Grace : Let mee heare I pray you more at large , what Christ is vnto vs. The Pastour . Hee is Emmanuell , God with vs , God with man , God in Man , God-Man : In Him God and Man , are but one Person : Our life is hid with Christ in God : * Because wee did eate of the forbidden Fruite , Hee was hanged vpon a cursed tree : Hee hath borne vs such a loue as is vnspeakeable : * What tongue 〈◊〉 forme wordes sufficie●…●…or to expresse the least part of the same ? By the conduite pype of his Humanitie Grace for Grace hath beene conueighed to our graceles Soules , who can expresse his Loue , hee loueth vs to the end , and of his Loue there is none end . * This I will say , That hee hath borne to man such a loue , that hath made all mankind like a Banquerupt , so farre vnable to pay the principle , that though man should loue his Sauiour withall his might and his minde , yet should hee not pay so much as the interest of so great a loue : No , though hee should giue his bodie to bee brunt for the honour of his Name : No , though he should for his sak haue his name if it were possible , scraiped out of the Booke of Life : * Though all our Soules should suffer for his honour the euerlasting paines of the damned , all these paines were not to bee counted the interest of his paines for vs : * It is more that a Prince get a deadlie hurt in a Battell , thā that a thousand common Souldiers were slaine : * It is more that the Prince of Heauen suffered vpon the crosse but an houre , than that a thousand worlds had beene cast into a thousand hells , for to bee tormented for euer * There is no proportion in suffering betweene the creature & him who was both God and Man into one person . * O then , what can be the interest of that principall loue , that moued God to die for man ? * Let this bee like a Bell ringing for to waken your drowsie Soule : Let your Soule like Iohn leane vpon the blessed bosome of Iesus : Haue euer your eye vpon this Mercie-seat . The sicke Man. Is it onelie then in Christ , Sir , that Saluation is to bee found ? All Scripture would yee say , doeth leauell at him . The Pastour . The Scripture is plaine : There is none other Name giuen vnder heauen among men , whereby wee must bee saued ▪ Hee is full of the bowels of loue ; Hee is that onelie Sauiour , pointed out by both the Testaments : * Like as the two Cherubims , though seuered one from another , yet looked one towards another , and both vpon the Mercie seate : Euen so the Olde and New Testament looke one towards another , & yet point at one & the same Christ , the marrow and kernell of mans Saluation ▪ * All Religion is in this , that wee know Christ : This is mans Saluation , to know Christ and him crucified : * By his Blood the Bill and Bond of the Law , is crost and cancelled : * Hee is that Carkasse wherevnto all faithfull Soules like Eagles must resort : Hee is our refuge against the dint of Gods wrath : The Spouse could not come vp from the wildernesse , but by leaning vpon her beloued , Christ. * As the Propitiatorie couered the Tables of the Law , that were in the Arke , so Christ couered our sinnes against these Tables : * As the cloud couered the Israelites from the fight of Pharaoh hotelie following after them , so Christs righteousnesse like a cloud couered vs from the judgements of God his fierie wrath pursuing vs. * Let men couer themselues neuer so carefullie , still some part of them shall peepe bare , vntill Christ come with the couering of his righteousnesse . * If by the temptations of Sathan your Soule hath beene ruffled or galled vpon the sore : The best balme that euer dropped from the pen of Gods Spirit vpon the leaues of his Sacred Booke , is the Historie of Christs Bloodie passion : There wee may see the dearest mercies that euer moued the relenting bowels of Gods tenderest compassions . * Behold the Sacred Blood of that vnspotted Lambe , which saued the Soules of those that spilt it . * If yee bee pined with Corrasius of terrour , in him are Cordials of compassions , the onelie salue for the sores of the Soule * Though ye were couered with scarlet abominations , heere is vertue whereby yee shall be made whiter than the snow : * Did hee not pray for them , yea , did hee not saue them , who by bitter railing , discharged vpon him the vtmost of their gall ? The sicke man. Such men at last were pricked in their heartes they truelie repented : * Their sighes and sobs were supported & sinewed with the strength of Grace : Such men became godly indeede : But I did neuer passe the pitch of formall pietie : I euer desired more to seeme godlie , than so to be : I haue beene betimes sore shaken with awfull terrours : * But I neuer yet could say , that the softening blood of Iesus did melt my marble heart . * What euer had I , but some light of reason & glimmerings of generall grace , which cannot soare so high , as to conuoy the soule to the doores of Heauen ? * The word of sauing grace implanteth it selfe into the heart of the godlie man : Hee onelie is furnished with a resolute & vnswayed vprightnesse . * Alas , alas , alas , mine heart is throwen with a sore wringing : There is a large haruest for Hell , many called but few chosen . The Pastour . What shall I say ? * Mans thoughts are framed into a sinfull mould * The sillie sonnes of Adam are wonderfullie tossed with the contrarie Tyd●… of Satans temptations : Some he benumeth with the sweetnes of Sec●…ritie , others hee troubleth with the tartennesse of terrours : * O but Sathans Balow is sweete to the Soule in the craddle of Securitie ! But O how dreadfull shall hee bee when hee appearing grieslie and fierce vnto the Soule , shall waken it with a cry and a glowre saying , Damned soule come out to fire , & faggot , come out to vnqueancheable brimstone beames , come out to weeping and gnashing of teeth . * A man after this manner wakened in conscience , is like a man wakened out of his sleepe on a sudden : At the first hee is in such a maze , that till hee bee better wakened he cannot well vnderstand what is said to him : All his thoughts are into an hurlie burlie : Then his outward rebellions , and his inward repynings , with all his abominations seeme to fall downe vpon him like cloudes of blood : * There bee no comforts that can settle his feares , till the Spirite of grace appeare vnto him in the calme . Looke vp with your eye Sir , and seeke a blinke of the face of Iesus : Hee onelie is the Prince and Pryce of our Peace , our joye , and our libertie : If the Sonne make vs free , wee shall bee free indeede : Wrestle with him , vse violence in an holie boldnesse : vis Deo grata . In him are the lasting treasures of mercie and immortalitie : * Hee it is onelie who can make this biting Conscience to bee toothlesse , he onelie can command this raging sea : I know Sir , that your sorrowes are sore , and my Soule pittieth you , for I see you in the verie pangs and terrours of the new birth : I perceiue your Soule gasping for grace , as the drie and thirstie ground for droppes of raine . The sicke Man. O the boisterous blastes of temptations , able to make the tallest and deepest rooted Cedars to stagger , yea , the Sirion to skippe like an Vnicorne : What shall I doe ? The Pastour . Seeing Christ alone is our protection and perfection , let all your courage bee in him : * In him yee must bee valiant , for none but the valiant can by violence enter into the Kingdome of God : If a man know Christ well , hee shall not be discouraged though hee were cast into a raging sea of temptations : * Though a mā were cast into a gulfe of twenty fathome deepe , if hee can keepe his head aloft , he cannot be drowned : * So as long as Christ our Head is aboue , wee his members may well bee dowked , but wee cannot bee drowned : All Christian comforts runne vpon him like the title of a Booke , wherein is contained the substance of the whole . If Christ Sir bee yours , yee cannot perish : Hee who is rooted in him , can neuer bee rooted out . The sicke Man. But how can Christ bee mine , seeing I am but a bagge of corruption & a bodie of Death ? What hath mine heart beene , but like a vipers bellie , filled with a deadly brood ? Miserable man that I am , will Christ euer daine to looke vpon such a vile wretch as I am , who hath turned my Christian libertie in a fleshlie licence . The Pastour . These who are least into their own eyes , are in greatest account with him : * When yee heare of the wandring sheepe brought home , and of the lost groat found , and of the forlorne Sonne returned to his Father : Ye should cast your figure & say , Of whom is this written but of mee ? for whom is it written but for mee ? * If yee sticke fast by him , no perrell shall make an haire of your head to perish : Bee of good comfort , for your life is hid with Christ in God. The sicke Man. I am so vile , that hardlie darre I presume to think that Christ would die for such a filthie rotten creature as I am , who from the sole of tbe foote to the crowne of the head , is filled with botches , boiles , and putrifying sores : * When I behold my selfe into the glasse of Gods Law , I abhor the monstrous face of my Soule : * I am one of those in whom Satan hath parbreaked , and spewed the spawne of all sorts of sinne : Of all sinners , I am the first : * For I haue not sinned of ignorance , but of knowledge , against the light of my mind , against the voyce of my God , against the workings of his Spirit , & against the cryes of mine owne Conscience : This is my greatest feare , that I haue done despite vnto the Spirit of Grace . This striketh widest wounds into my Soule , and maketh all the bowels of my bellie to wamble . O fye , fye , what a filthinesse is within this heart of ▪ mine : * The small moats moue not thicker in the Sunne , than sinnes of all sortes haue reeled to and froe in this wicked heart of mine , which is nothing , but a nest of Spiders , and a cage of corruptions . * O what a shamefull discouerie should this bee , if mine heart were as well seene as my face ! If all the monsters of my meditations were set in open view , if the eyes of men could spie out what thoughts haue beene within my breast since I was borne : If all the men of Africke a place most fertile of Monsters , were taken to bee witnesse , they would plainlie declare that the Earth cannot bring foorth such Monsters as are bredde into the heart of man. * O the great mercie of God , who to the ende that man may liue with man , hath hidde the heart of man from men ! O my God , though thou hast sieled the eyes of man , that hee cannot see within my breast , thine eyes , which see our thoughts a far off , perceiue most clearlie all my bygone abominations . To Thee alone belongeth the discouerie of a closed heart : Would I bee dashed if the eye of a sinner tooke mee at an euill turne , and shall I not bee ashamed when I remember how the eye of my God hath followed me in all mine euill wayes ? Alas , my deare Pastour , yee speake much to mee of Christ and of his death , but what portion can such a vile stinking creature as I , haue with Christ ? I haue delayed all to the after-noone , and now my Sun is readie for to set : The blacke night of darknes is posting vpon my soule . My Soule refuseth all sortes of comforts : I thinke that it shall die in the verie grippes of such bloodie temptations : Behold , and consider if there bee anie sorrow like vnto my sorrow . The Pastour . * I know Sir , that no sort of men are sooner or sorer touched for their sinnes , than are the best children of God : Sathan is most busie to blow at the coale of their corruptions . * And againe , there bee no sort of men more readie to appropriate to themselues the comforts of God , than they to whom they least belong . But yet Sir , seeing yee are sicke in Soule , yee must not refuse spirituall Physicke : Christ is the onelie comfort against the guilt of sinne : * His blood is the onelie trayacle against the poyson of this pest : * But can any comfort auaile to him that will not receiue it ? As meate set vpon the Table cannot nourish , except that it bee put into the mouth , and from thence bee sent downe to the stomacke : So , neither can the wordes of comfort feede the heart , Nitraijciantur in viscera nostrae animae & transeant in affectiones nostras , except that they enter into the bowels of our Soule , and passe thorow vnto our affections : Your Spirit is so knappish and way-ward , that it will not admit the most solide comforts : The marke of Christs Lambes is an eare-marke : My sheepe heare my voyce . The sicke Man. But thinke yee Sir , that I can bee one of Gods , who haue beene so great a sinner ? My Soule is sicke to the death with surfets of sinne : Can Gods Spirit abide where there is so great corruption ? * Can two Guestes of so contrarie nature , dwell together in one man ? The Pastour . They may indeede , though they cannot agree : * Grace and corruptions may be into the heart of a mā , as Israel was with the Iebusites , Hiuites , and Perezites , into Canaan : But as Israel wasted these Nations by litle & litle , so the Spirit of God with grace by little and litle rooteth out , wasteth , and foileth these nations of sinne that are within vs : But not all at once . * Lest wee should grow idle , and roust for want of such spirituall exercise . * The heart of a godlie man is like the house of Abraham , where Isaac and Ismael lodge together : Though for a space they tarie together , at death the olde scorning Ismael shall bee cast out : Hee shall not inherite the promise with Isaac the laughing man. * If Sir yee finde a wresling within your heart , some newe working , which once yee did not perceiue , it is a token that grace is conceiued in your soule : * After that a womā hath conceiued , she wil find some times a working about the heart , prouoking to vomite : It is so with the heart of a regenerat mā , so soone as grace is conceiued into it , it wil ouercast til it cast and vomite out many filthy corruptions : * Though Iacob be little and weake & at the first seeme not to be a peregall vnto the rugh man , who is full of strength , yet at last hee shall catch him by the heele , and ouerturne him in a moment : Waite but a litle , and yee shall bee vtterlie out of the reach of all the powers of Hell. The sicke Man. I tremble all with feare , that the Lord cast mee off and banish out of the Land of the liuing this filthie festered Soule . The Pastour . God is more mercifull , than man can conceiue him to bee : Can a mother forget her Childe ? that shee haue no compassion ? saith the Lord : * A louing Father will bee loth to cast his Childe out of doores in a deadly disease : If these who are euill can giue good things vnto their Children , how much more will that Father who is goodnesse it selfe , giue the holie Spirit with all other good thinges to these who will seeke then ? cry to God in prayer . The sicke Man. * Alas , the sorrow of mine heart lameth the liberty of my tongue , my wordes cannot expresse the groanes of my griefe . The Pastour . Though yee bee not able to vtter words , sigh with your hearte vnto God : * God heard Moses his sighs , like cryes : Why cryest thou to mee ? said God to the sighing man : * A sigh out of a soft melting heart , is a powerfull prayer before God. The sicke Man. I am both sinfull and senslesse : Though I haue sinned most hainouslie , yet I finde no melting in mine heart : * All the teares of my repentance within mee are become like a frozen moisture : I cannot so much as wring out one drop thereof : * Oh , that they were so melted , that they might rush out at the flood-gates of mine eyes , that thereof I might with the sinfull woman make a bath for the feete of my Lord ! Oh that mine heart were formed into another mould ! * Oh that I could in his presence drench my Soule in a showre of teares ! O how precious is the sense of a reuealed and a reconcealed God! * I find my selfe so ycie and colde , yea , so benummed and blockish , as though I were voide of all sense of grace : What can this bee ? The Pastour . * He who findeth himselfe benummed is not altogether senslesse : * In such a man there must bee some stirring of the pulse of a spirituall life : A dead man knoweth not that hee is dead , no more doeth a dead soule : A seared conscience feeleth not defertions : * That man hath the beginning of grace , who can say from his heart , I haue no grace in my selfe , but onelie to finde that I haue no grace . * This wee must all know , that the best of Gods Sainctes will bee troubled with temporall desertions , as Ionah was , while hee was wrapt with waues and with weedes in the bottome of the sea : Out of this bellie of hell they will cry to God , Why hast thou made vs to erre from thy wayes ? and hardned our heart from thy feare ? * Most godlie Soules may swarfe in sinne , but they cannot die in their sins : * A spirituall man may be do●…ked in a sea of sin or sorrow , but can neuer be drowned : At last God shall make him sing with Ionah , Yet hast thou brought vp my life from corruptions , O Lord , my God : * The spirituall life and light which God hath once put into the Soule of man , can neuer be totallie extinguished : Gods graces and his giftes are without repentance : Iudas from horrour may rin to the halter , but Peter cannot perish . The Sicke Man. Thinke yee then Sir , that a man cannot fall from the grace of God , if once hee hath beene receiued in Grace ? * may not Grace like some plants for a space take roote , and thereafter wither ? May not God begin a good worke into a man , and after leaue it imperfect ? The Pastour . * Gods working in the godlie is not like the doing of him that beginneth to build an house before hee count his cost , but is not able to finish it : I am confident of this verie thing , said S. Paul , that hee which hath begunne a good worke in you , will performe it vntill the day of Iesus Christ : * Gods spirituall gifts and graces which are without repentance , come neuer within the compasse of Gods Reuocation . * a God will make Saul a King , and againe b repent that euer hee was crowned , and thereafter will put him frō his kingdome : Hee will lend out a c Talent and after take it backe againe : * Hee will giue to man a tongue , and thereafter make him dumbe : Hee will giue Health , Wealth , Riches , and after take all backe againe : The Lord hath giuen and the * Lord hath taken , may be said of al things except of his spirituall and speciall graces : These hee giueth once , but neuer taketh them backe againe : * Sinne indeed will waken and diminish the sense and feeling of their operation , but can neuer take them quite away . * Grace in a godlie Soule will bee betimes like flaxe smoking without a flamme , or like embers vnder an heape of ashes : Though all seeme to bee dead out , yet there is some little secret spunke within which shall neuer bee quenched : * New sinnes I confesse are verie dangerous , they will wonderfullie impaire the sense of mercie into faithfull Soules , yea , so that to their judgement the Spirit of God will seeme altogether to haue forsaken them , * But yet into their most desperate-like-cry there is a My of Faith in their prayer , My God , my God , why hast thou forsaken mee ? * Grace in a godlie Soule will be like sappe into an Oake or Elme in the frostie dayes of December , hidde close within the barke : * While Christ the Sunne of righteousnesse remoueth his hote beames from the faithfull Soule , the Soule drouppeth like an Herbe into a winter day . * Grace like sappe runneth in to the heart and there lurketh for a spake : * But againe , so soone as this Sunne beginneth to returne with the heat & health of his countenance in a new Spring-time , then will appeare againe first bude , then blossomes , then flourishes , and after fruites : That which was hid of before , is incontinent perceiued : * As seede now cast into the ground seemeth to bee a dead thing , and yet hath life in it , so is Gods grace aliue and quickening when it seemeth farre otherwise : * In a sowne a man liueth , though hee seeme to bee dead . * The life of God in a man can neuer altogether bee choaked with sinne : Our miserie is not able to ouer-reach his mercie . * A sparkle of fire should be more able to burne vp the sea , than mans sinnes for to dry vp the blood of his mercie : * Where grace is begunne a man may fall , but hee can neuer fall away . * If Sir , ye haue found once the life of God within your Soule , yee haue receiued a sure pledge & pawne of immortalitie , say to your Soule , And now my Soule returne vnto thy rest . The sicke Man. There is no rest within mee : I am alas , as a man vpon a raging Sea , tumbled and tossed with such fearefull temptations , which make all the bowels of my bellie to wamble . The Pastour . Sea sicknesse Sir , is sore while it lasteth : * But many seeke this sicknesse for to cure them of a worse : Take courage ; God hath imbarked you into this temptation , for to cause you caste out some corruptions which lye & lurke about your heart . * Bee content to tarie a little space vpon the Firth , till the filth of you stomacke bee cleane purged away : Assure your selfe that all this sore sicknesse shall worke your health in the latter end , which shall cause your to sing , For his mercie endureth for euer . In the shadow of Gods wings mak your refuge , vntill these calamities passe ouer . The sicke Man. I am euer in great doubt of my selfe . The Pastour . * Though ye doubt of your selfe , yee must not doubt of Gods kindnesse and compassions : * If ●…e doubt that God can bee mercifull to your sinnes , yee deny your Creede wherein yee see forgiuennesse of sinne to bee an expresse Article of Faith. * Though for some space yee be troubled with doubts , at last ye shall knowe by his Spirite within that Christ was no more willing to suffer for sinners , than hee shall proue both willing and able to saue you : Gods custome is to choose the hardest way for the best end , partlie for to proue his power , partlie for to try our trust . The sicke Man. I wish it be so : But for the present I finde a feare within mee which maketh my Soule to tremble : * I euer thinke that hardlie can it bee that the Spirit of God would dwell into mine heart , which is a very cage of corruption : * If the men of God , when they see bordels , abhor them , and goe by them , shall not the Spirit of God much more passe by mee , yea , & abhor me , who of mine heart haue made a most filthy stew : * Moreouer , Satan is busie with his Bellowes blowing at the juniper coales of Gods wrath , that against mee may be kindled a consuming fire . * The frowne of a Prince may bee the fauour of God : But when God frowneth , who shall shew fauour ? * O what a cry is in the dumbe choppe of the conscience ! The Pastour . As I perceiue ye are in the storme of temptations : * As the shippe in a tempest goeth with a low saile , So is it good and most sure in the tempest of temptations to take downe the top sailes of our owne worth . * But yet Sir , in your humilitie beware to disprise and set at nought the graces of God that are within you : Vertue standeth in the midst : * As the Publican would not brage vainlie with the Pharisee , that he was not like other men , so neither would hee desperatlie say with Cain , Mine iniquitie is greater , than that it may be forgiuen . The sicke Man. * Alas , Sir yee know not what weight hangeth vpon mine heart : ye are not priuie vnto my secret sinnes which I thinke shame to vtter : O these gnawings of my wormish Conscience : hardlie can yee imagine what filthie thoughts haue beene into my heart , since I came into this world : Hitherto they haue all beene hidde from mine eyes : * But now I thinke that I see all my sinnes set in order before mee : My Soule is poisoned with the stinke of such corruptions ▪ I abhorre my selfe , and what wonder that God abhorre mee ? The Pastour . * The more a man abhorreth himselfe , God who is milde & mercifull , loueth him the better : It is good for a man to stinke in his owne nose : * A wicked man may bee well compared to the Latin Cimex French Punaise Tree , Lice that stinke most vilelie , and yet feele not the stinke of their own breath : Laodicea thought her selfe happie , and yet God said , that he wold spew her out of his mouth . Gods thoughtes are not mans thoughts : Yee complaine Sir , of the filthines of your bygone thoughts , it is well done : But heere is your comfort , Now is that fountaine of God in Zachrie opened to the house of Dauid for sin and for vncleannesse : * Though through sin yee were lepper in soule as Na●…man was in bodie , the Iordan of Christs Blood is able to mak you cleane : * The precept is not of hard practise , Wash and bee cleane , belieue and bee saued . * If yee would haue the Spirit of God to take a Chamber into your heart , keepe your hearte cleane : Gods house must be a cleane house , it must often bee sweept : * If the dust or dirt of sinne defile the pauement thereof , it must first bee watered with the teares of repentance : * The stoure & dust must be laid with holie water , & then wee must sweepe out all filthinesse with the besome of godlie reuenge . This doing Sir , God shall delight to dwell in you . * If Sathan blow at the juniper coales of your sinnes kindled with sparkles of fierie wrath , runne with the Bucket of Faith to the Blood of Iesus which is onelie able for to quenche that flamme . The sicke Man. My cheekes are watered with teares trickling downe both day and night : * my moist eyes are soked in this salt brimie water : O but they are comfortlesse teares . The Pastour . * God at last shall make them comfortable like the bowle full of dewe , which Gideon wrāg out of his Fleece , Gods signe of Israels Saluation : Haue patience a little Sir , and your waterie eyes shall receiue the other dryē signe of the fleece , all your teares shall bee dryed and wyped away , so that yee shall neuer weepe any more : The houre is fast comming , that God shall wipe away your teares , the waters of your weeping after that there shall bee no more death , neither sorrow , nor crying , nor paine . Seeke the Lord while hee may be found , and call vpon him while hee is nigh : To him alone in Iesus must yee haue all your recourse , on him alone must yee relye . The sicke Man. I wote not where to goe : I can neither sitte , stand , nor lye : Mine heart alas , is hardened , yea , hard like the heart of the Leuiathan , which is hard like a piece of the nether milstone : I thinke that such hardnesse is from the deceitfulnesse of sinne . The Pastour . * It is a sort of softnesse when we feele our owne hardnesse : He who hath begun such softning will bring his own work to perfectiō in his appointed houre : * The seedes of grace are like Corne , they are not ripe the first day they are sowen , but ripen by degrees : From this is that saying , Grace requyreth space , or in space commeth Grace . A reprobate sense is not so neare at anie time , as when it is least suspected and most neglected : Say in all patience with the Prophet Micah , I will beare the indignation of the Lord , because I haue sinned against him : He will turne againe , he will haue compassion vpon you : Hee will subdue your iniquities , & cast them in the depths of the sea . Holde vp your heart toward the Father of Lights , the giuer of euerie good gift : Let your foule flee vp to the Throne of his Grace . The sicke Man. My Soule is not fit for fleeing to the Heauens : * It is lik a pulled foule that wanteth the feathers : It may well nod with its head , and make a mint with the stumpts of its wings , but can by no meanes hoise it selfe from the Earth . All my comforts are clipped from me : Sinnes heauy like milstones , are hung about my necke : Oh , that I were cast into the sea with my sinnes , there to be buried for euer farre , if it were possible , from the presence of my God : Since yee came to mee mine heart was not in such a plounge of miserie as it is now : There is nothing within me but wrath and woe , warring against my Saluation : Gods heauie hand hath distressed mine heart wonderfullie . * My Soule is so besieged with temptations that it may well be called , Magor missabib , feare round about : This I feare that my name bee crossed out of the Booke of Life . The Pastour . I remember of a wise counsel which a learned Diuine gaue to a man sore assaulted vpon his death-bed with the temptations of the deuil : * When thou art tempted of Satā , said he , & seest no way to escape , euē thē plainly close vp thine eyes , and answere nothing to his temptations : But commend thy cause to God : This said hee , is a principall point of wisedome , that we must follow in the houre of death : That is , That we daine not to giue Sathan an answere but say with Michael , The Lord rebuke thee Sathan . If thy flesh tremble and feare to enter into another life , and if it doubt of saluation , if thou yeeld to these things , thou hurtest thy selfe , therfore close thine eyes as before and say with S. Stephen , Lord Iesus receiue my Spirit , and then certainelie Christ will come vnto thee with all his Angels and bee the guider of thy way . * At the entrie of the red Sea , when Israel enuironed on both sides with mountaines , hauing the sea before and the Egyptians behind , could see no meanes of escape : Then Moses said to Israel , The Lord shall fight for you and yee shall hold your peace : That is , ye shall seale vp your thoughtes in silence , and let God bee doing So doe yee , bee silent for a space , daine not Sathans temptations with an answere , feare not , stand still , and see the Saluation of the LORD : * As Moses said of the Egyptians , so will I say of all your temptations within a short space , The Egyptians whom yee haue seene to day , yee shall see them againe no more for euer . The sicke Man. Oh , that with Iob I could lay mine hand vpon my mouth , and with Iacob waite for Gods saluation : But alas , I am laden with iniquitie : Sathan besiegeth mee so that I cannot keepe silence : Sathan hath laide downe a bloodie libell before mee wherevnto hee vrgeth mee to make answere . The Pastour . If yee must needes make answere , learne that notable speach of Bernard on his death bed : * About an houre before his death , hee beeing as hee thought , presented before the great Tribunall of his Iudge , where hee found himselfe seuirelie charged with the accusation of Sathan , forsooke himselfe for to relye vpon Christ alone : I freely confesse said he that as thou affirmest , I am most vnworthie , and that by no worthinesse of mine can I merite eternall life ; * yet I am assured that my Lord Christ hath a double right to heauens glorie , one by heritage , and another by conquest : The first is sufficient for himselfe , the other is for mee , ex cujus donojure illud mihi vendicans , non confundor , which by right of gift I claime and chalenge and shall not bee confounded : Vpon this Rocke yee must cast the anchor of your soule : The Lord is able to doe vnto vs aboue all that wee can aske or thinke . Take courage Sir : * Let Sathan make out his processe ; your deare and louing Brother is both your Iudge and your Aduocat . The sicke Man. Oh that I could take that counsell and keepe silence , waiting till the Captaine of Saluation bring mee thorow this red sea of bloodie temptations : Oh that I could lay hold vpon that right of heauen , which Christ hath conquered : But alas , I can find no ground or warrant in mine heart that such a conquest can belong to mee , for I know that in mee dwelleth no good things . The Pastour . * The greatest foe the faith of the godlie hath and the chiefest cause of their trembling & troubled heart , is that often they seeke in themselues grounds & warrāts of Gods fauour , as though the Lord could not loue them vnlesse there bee in them such vertues as in euerie point should be : * Because they want perfectiō , they thinke they haue nothing : By this meanes Sathan shaketh sillie Soules to and fro like Reedes with the winds of distrust : Make the right vse of such temptations , let them drawe you from your selfe , for to rely onelie vpon the mercie of your Lord : * Bee earnest to finde Gods marke in your Soule , euen Sanctification the Saluation mark whereof the marrow is Christs satisfaction : From this marke , presse toward the marke , for the price of the high calling of God in Christ Iesus . The sicke Man. Faine would I haue grace so to doe : But out vpon mee , I haue taken such surfet of sinnes , that I find my selfe voide of all grace : * O death , death , death , doolefull is that separation of a Soule dead in sin from the bodie dead for sinne . I am so defiled and deformed that while I remember judgement , it maketh mee all to shake and to shiuer : Fye on mee a gracelesse creature wallowing in a myre of miserie : Oh , but for a dramme of Gods grace ! Oh , for the greatnesse of the pickle of mustarde seede thereof ! The Pastour . He that desireth grace is not altother gracelesse : It is Gods goodnesse that hath giuen you this small and weake desire of grace , in this Gods good hand is vpon you : Hee who giueth grace to desire grace , shall giue also grace for grace : God often giueth to a man aboue his hopes , I sought but life , saide Dauid , yet the Lord gaue him to bee a King : God who in sicknesse giueth you the desire of grace , shall before yee die giue you grace for grace , a grace which at last shall make you to sing : I sought but grace , yet God hath giuen mee glorie : * If yee feele and feare his wrath , seek the more earnestlie for his mercie : * This was that good counsell which Zephaniah gaue to Israel before the decree of wrath come out Seeke righteousnesse , seeke meeknesse , it may be ye shall be hid in the day of the Lords anger : Christes cry is , Seeke , Aske , Knocke. * Seeing God desireth to be asked hee longeth to giue ; seeing hee desireth vs to seeke him , hee desireth to bee found ; seeing hee desireth vs to knocke , his desire is to open : * God is more rich and liberall , than wee are poore , His hand is wider for to giue giftes , than our heart can bee for to receiue : * Hee who will not belieue that God can bee mercifull to him , is twise in the wrong to God After that hee hath broken the law of his Iustice by offending , hee is not content except that hee wrong his mercie by distrust : * Gods delight is to bee with the Children of men on earth , as also to haue them with himselfe in heauen . Now Sir , beeing assured of th●… loue , embrace this Lord with all 〈◊〉 armes of your affections : * Seeke earnestlie the Spirit of Grace , for hee is powred on thirstie grounds : I will powre water , said the Lord , vpon him that is thirstie , and floods vpon the dry ground . The sicke Man. Oh , but for one droppe of that water : Oh , that my Soule were watered with the dropping bowels of his mercie : * In the meane time my bones with sorrow are dryed vp like an hearth : The terrours of the Almightie sticke within mine heart , and my Spirit sucketh out the vennome thereof : I thinke that I am in the verie gorge pipe of hell : If this wrath continue ▪ doubtlesse it shall bee my bane . The Pastour ▪ * Gods wrath is fearefull I confesse , but God will not bee long wroth with his Children ▪ I will not , said the Lord , contend for euer , neither will I bee alwayes wroth : For the Spirit should faile before mee , and the Soules which I haue made : * So soone as man beginneth to be wearied of his sins , God beginneth to be wearied of his wrath , yea which is strange , In all our afflictions he is afflicted . There is but a moment in his wrath , but his mercie endureth for euer . * There is such a mercie in God , that in comparison thereof all the mercies of men are but scrofe and scumme , a myte of his mercie , shall remoue the mountaines of your miserie , in Christ is a mine of mercie . The sicke Man. I know that it is so : But I as yet haue no sense of such a mercie * While I seeke and cry for helpe , God either answereth not at all , or when hee maketh answere , it is like that which Elisha said to Ioram , seeking comfort vpon extremitie , What haue I to doe with thee , get thee to t●… Prophets of thy father and mother , a●… desire them to helpe thee , get thee 〈◊〉 thy pleasures and profits , and preferments , which in forsaking mee , thou didst so eagerlie pursue : This maketh all the wounds of my remorse to blead afresh . The Pastour . * As Samuel tooke the voyce of God to bee the voyce of Eli , so manie take the voyce of a temptation to bee the voyce of God : Wee must try the Spirits : Sathan is craftie : * He can winde himselfe wonderfullie into the heart of men , some times by sleepie securitie , some time by fearfull despaire : * While hee entiseth vnto sinne , he maketh God to speak nothing but mercie to a sinner . Thou may sinne , will hee say , and repent againe : * But while hee accuseth for sin , hee maketh all Gods words to bee words of wrath , that the sinner may be swallowed vp with dispaire . * Tak heed Sir , who it is that answereth to your cry : Though God should draw you thorow Hell , bee yee still assured of Heauen : His wrath is but for a moment , but his mercie endureth for euer . * Settle your heart in the secret of God , lest it bee carried away with euerie light wind and gale of temptation : Seeke out of your selfe in Christ the grounds and warrands of your Saluation . The sicke man. I feare greatlie to be ouer-blowen , and that I make shipwracke of the faith vpon most fearfull bankes and dangers , such a boisterous gale did ●… neuer feele . The Pastour . While temptations are most terrible to our feeling , they are often least dangerous : * Shallow feas are full of broken waters , while deeper though more terrible are of a softer swelling , carrying the burden more safelie aboue . Tak courage the most godlie heart must encounter with manie thorters : The Lord humbleth the hearts of his Sainctes , lest that in a vaine conceit of their owne worth they should ouer-weene themselues : * Thinke well vpon that which I say , a red-warre in the Soule is better than a sleepie laish Securitie : Away with Labans mirth , his songs and his Tabrets . Flat opposition is not so dangerous as a couered agreement : Take to heart this my counsell , Though the Lord should s●…ay you , yet put your trust into him : God is not euer gotten at the first : verilie , said Isaiah , thou art a God that hiddest thy selfe , O God , of Israel , the Sauiour . The sicke Man. I vnderstand not what such hidding meaneth : O the fearefull Tribunall of God , whose eyes of fire see all the wayes of man : In his Ballance hee pondereth all his goinges : Gods mercie I know is a good staffe to stay vpon , but it is farre from mine heart and hand . I am not like these sinners which but trip and stumble , and rise againe after a snapper , my fall i●… with my full weight ; the milstons o●… his wrath are hung about my necke ▪ which beare my Soule downe to the bottome of Hell , I finde now the trueth of that saying of the wise ▪ His owne iniquities shall take the wicked himselfe , and hee shall bee holden with the cords of his sinnes . The Pastour . What shall I say ? as truelie said the wise , By sorrow of the heart th●… spirit is broken : Seeing yee are acquaint with the speaches of the wise remember that counsell of the wise ▪ Trust in the Lord with all thine heart ▪ and leane not to thine own vnderstanding . I pray you to be plaine with me , What is this that maketh you li●… a reede shaken with the wind , wherein lyeth the strength of your temptations ? The sicke Man. I will not conceale the matter from you : This is it , mine own heart absolueth me not : * while I put mine hand into mine owne bosome , Oh , how liprous pull I it out againe ? My Conscience giueth mee a terrible twetch : * Incessantlie it cryeth out guiltie against mee : What shall I say then , to that of the Apostle , If our heart condemne vs , God is greater than our heart ? Is not this the true sense of these wordes , If our owne heart condemne vs , much more will God condemne vs , who is more mightie than our heart ? * In this I finde my selfe amidst the thickest throng of fearefull temptations , wrapped in the wrath of God : * This temptation is like a fresh post-horse ▪ for to carrie mee to damnation , it is of Sathans saddling . The Pastour . * Indeede Sir , the judgement of a mans conscience is a liuelie image of the judgement of God : It is certaine , that whom the conscience condemneth into this world , him shall God condemne in the world to come : And againe , whom the conscience shall absolue into this world , him shal God absolue into the world to come . * The Conscience is Gods Iudge within : But this ye must know that it is not time for a Iudge to giue out sentence while his wits are troubled , or while he is in a moode or passion ▪ * A wise Iudge will not bee sudden , but will take time to consider well the cause before hee pronounce . * A Conscience that is troubled should not sit downe in judgement * As one appealed from drunke●… King Philip to sober King Philip , so must a sinner appeale from his Conscience in a qualme , to his Conscience in a calme . * Moreouer , euerie voyce that is within a man , is not the voyce of his Conscience , but of some temptation shrouded vnder the coat of the Conscience , like Iacob cloathed with Es●…us garment : While Ionah was but in the bellie of a fish , his heart cryed , that hee was in the bellie of hell : Sathan hath a deceiuing Prospect or dioptre for sinne : At the one end sin and judgement appeare to bee farre off , little like Midges : But while the instrument is turned , these midges appeare like mountaines : Sinne in the doing is like Zoar a little one , but in repenting it is like Nineueh hudge and great : It seemeth before the doore of mercie like a Camell at a needels eye . The sicke Man. But thinke yee Sir , that the Conscience of a man which God hath sette within him as an Iudge , as a Watch , and a Witnesse , yea , as a thousand witnesses , can faile at any time . The Pastour . It is certaine , that while the Consciences of men are well wakened , and not troubled with terrours of temptations , they are into the breastes of men , verilie Gods voyce declaring to the Soule what God hath concerning it , ratified into the Heauen : But yee know that manie a mans Conscience will bee mightilie troubled : * Sometimes it will bee darkened with Ignorance , so that as Samuel tooke Eliab for Dauid , it will also take him to bee appointed to bee a King whom the Lord hath rejected : * Some times it will not know what ailleth the Soule , no more than Elisha knew what ailed the Shunamite , while shee fell downe at his feete : * Some times it will be fast asleepe like Ionah , while hee snorted in the hatches . * I compare the Consciences of the godlie and of the wicked to men in a dreame : One man that is lyen downe in his bed , hungrie without his supper , will dreame that hee is at a feast making good cheare : But while hee awaketh , his Soule is emptie , his dishes flee away with his dreame : * It is so that it fareth with a wicked man , whose Conscience is in a dreame : Hee will imagine that assuredlie there is nothing but Heauen for him : * Hee will thinke with the hungrie dreamer that hee is readie presentlie to sit downe at table , euen at that Table with Abraham , Isaac , and Iacob in the Kingdome of God : Now while hee is euen at the sitting downe , which is at the houre of his death , his Conscience wakeneth , and hee is found emptie : Thus all his dishes fl●…eth away with his dreame . * Againe , another man shall dreame of fearefull thinges , viz. that hee is in the midst of his enemies readie to bee slaine : If any be waking in the bedde with him , hee will heare him into his sleepe sighing and sobbing with a sore mone : But so soone as hee is wakened , he findeth himselfe in suretie lying vpon a bed of downe : * It is euen so that it will often fare with a godlie man , whose Conscience is in a dreame : * His heart will bee burdened with griefe as with a night mare : Hee will imagine that God is become his enemie , and that assuredlie he will cast him into hell : * Now while hee thinketh that hee is euen at the fall , and while for feare thereof in his sleepe hee is making his mone : God in mercie wakeneth him softlie , and loe , hee is lying into the armes of his God : * At last it fareth with the godlie & the wicked as it fareth with Pharaohs Butler and his Baker after their dreames , the one was restored to his office , but the other was hanged . The Sicke Man. * I wish at God that my Conscience were in such a Dreame , and that all my troubles were but some spirituall night Mare , a disease that is cured by wakening the Soule that sleepeth : * I know that the spirituall senses of the Soule may bee some times couered with a vaile of grosse dulnesse : But I cannot suspect or surmise that this can be a dreame : Behold , I speake , I heare , I see , I sauour : Howe then can this bee a dreame . The Pastour . * He who dreameth , will thinke all that : He will think that he speaketh , that hee heareth , seeth , and walketh , and runneth & leapeth ouer brinkes or ditches , vvhile indeede he is snorting vpon his bed : * Yea , in his dreame he will think that his dreame cannot bee a dreame , but that surely hee is broad awake : This cannot bee a dreame , hee will thinke euen while as hee dreameth . I know Sir , that your bodie is surelie awake , and not dreaming : But in all appearance your Soule is in a slumber : The Lord waken you softlie in his mercie . The sicke Man. * If I dreame , the Lord vvaken mee soone out of this dreadfull dreame : I am filled with a world of woes , euerie thought is as it were a thorne thrust into mine heart : * My feares are like the feuers , they goe by fits : * A litle since I thought that my blood was calmed , and that I had some respit : Of my sinnes I had but a shallow sense , but now behold , a new fit of greater force , vvhich maketh all the powers of my Soule to shiuer : * All my sinnes are in Gods quarrell , vp in armes against me : Gods vvrath followeth mee with a full faile , and chargeth mee a fresh with bloodie blowes . * While I was but breeding this feuer , I was but chained with vvorldlie enchantments : All my trouble vvas but for Bairnes , Lands , Children , Houses , and other perishing pleasures , triffling troubles , vvhich I could not for a long space resolue to forsake . * But now is paine in stead of pleasure , a sowre and bitter sauce , prepared for Adams sweete Apple , feare , shame , and remorse : * What recks to vvant pleasure , if so be there were no paine : I vvould not giue a flee for the vvorld , and all the pleasures or profite that therein is , if I could once bee reconciled to my God : * Mine heart is like an Anuile wherevpon the Lord striketh most fiercelie with the hammer of his wrath : * There is not a power of my Soule , which is not loaden with blowes : * All my distresses hitherto haue beene but light skirmishes , now I am come to the maine Battell : My Soule is hunted to and fro like a Partridge on the mountaines : Who is on my side ? Who ? The Pastour . The Lord is vvith you , though ye perceiue him not : * This is incident to the faithfull , not euer to knovv vvhen God is with them : * Gideon was a man renouned for his Faith ▪ he vvas one of the Catologue of the faithfull , & yet while the Angel said vnto him , The Lord is with thee thou mightie mā of valour , hee answered , Oh , my Lord if the Lord be with vs , why then is all this befallen vs ? * See hovv the man of God knew not that God vvas vvith him . * Take courage Sir , seeing the skirmishes are past , and that yee are come to the maine Battell , God shall bee your maine helpe : Come out against all your enemies , as Dauid came out against Goliah , in the Name of the God of Battels , and Lord of Armies : * There is no Corslet of proofe against a stone cast out of a sling in the Name of the great IEHOVAH : Resist the Deuill and hee shall flee from you . The sicke Man. Gods vvrath hath heate the fierie Fornace on seuen times more thā it was of before : I am so dashed with the sense of my sins , & so pierced with stinging feares , that thereby all the powers of my Soule are shaken : * Hithereto I haue beene crossed with care , for my life , and for my Children : What care I now for my dearest Children ? Would to God that I might giue my first borne for my transgression , and the fruite of my wombe for the sinnes of my Soule . * Behold , heere a poore distressed and distracted sinner , who knoweth not to what hād to turne him : All the enemies of my Saluation pursue mee with hue and with cry : The great God of Iustice hath set vp a Gibbet into my Soule . All the terrours of the Lord muster against me : * I am galled and goared with sinfull feares , as Egypt was plagued with Flies & Frogges : Mine heart is filled with dismaiednesse , my bellie trembleth , & rottennesse is entered into my bones : * While I had time to repent I willinglie wallowed into the myre of sinne , wherin now I necessarilie stick : * Feare driueth , Hope draweth , I am tossed like a Tenice ball : O the straitnesse of that account , which I am shortlie to bee called vnto ! O that terrible Tribunall ! O these chaines of darknesse , in which sinners shall be reserued vnto Gods last Sessions : * Who can stand in such a tempest , where the creature hath a combat with God and with his wrath , hand to hand ? I am stricken with such amazednesse , that I know not where to finde any true refreshment ▪ * This maketh death to mee as a King of feare : * All the sinnes that euer I did commit , seeme to mee malicious blowes which I haue set vpon the face of my GOD ▪ Hardlie can I thinke that such a Cain or cursed Cham as I , cā euer enter into Canaan ▪ Thinke ye not this to be true ? I find this to bee trueth : There is no peace saith my God to the wicked . The Pastour . * These bee but temptations of Sathan , who is seeking for to fift you as wheate : Pray Christ that hee would pray for you , that your faith faile not * There is full power in Christ for to locke vp the jawes of that roaring Lyon : Hee at last shall discouer vnto you those Gun-powder plots . The sicke Man. I know that there is sufficient power in Christ for to saue mee , but I doubt of his will : * If Christ were minded to saue mee , would hee not giue mee an assurance to bee saued ? This temptation passeth through the barke to the bone . The Pastour . Our assurance is not perfect into this life : * Wee are all heere like a Shippe tossed with contrarie Tydes into a raging Sea. * As the weather beaten Barke is driuen with many contrarie courses before shee can winne her Hauen ▪ so hath the Soule , manie toes and froes , before it pierce to the Skes for to enter into Heauen : * God giueth to no man heere all good things at once , but some wee receiue in hand , and some in hope : * This hope is the Christian Soules plight anchor in the swelling Seas of temptations : While all that is present is full of trouble , Hope fetcheth comfortes from the times to come : * While it is foule , wee hope it shall bee faire : While wee are sicke , wee hope for health : While we prouid for our Children , wee hope they shall doe well : While men write Bookes , they hope they shall doe good : * While the Mariner saileth thorow the raging waues , hee hopeth to come home againe , hee hopeth for vantage : * While the Sower , casteth his seede from him , hee weepeth , but Hope comforteth him , that hee shall receiue againe a plentifull increase . * The hope of the pleasant Spring is a comfort in the colde Winter * The hope of the Day is the long Nights comfort : * Deaths speciall comfort , is in hope that we shall all meete againe : Well then , Sir , seeing it is so , the comfortes which wee haue not receiued as yet in hand , receiue them in Hope , waite vpon God , and vvaite vpon him still : * While all your senses are silent , Hope shall come with Helpe , assuring you that at last yee shall preuaile : * Let the deuill doe his worst to dismay you , sticke yee fast by this Hope which shall neuer faile you : yea , though God himselfe should seeme to bee your enemie , yet say to him with Iob , Though thou should slay mee , yet will I trust in thee . The sicke Man. That Sir , is of verie hard practise : For if the Lord of Life put out the life , who shall put it in againe ? mine Hope is small , if it be not lost : I feare to feele shortly that which shal be without either end or ease : * All sorts of temptations come haile shot vpon mee : * I am laide open to all the blowes of Gods wrath : I am lik a wind-waued tree loose at the roots : * Mine heart quaketh , my Soule panteth ; my conscience is in a qualme : What can such torments bee but verie Postes and fore-runners of euerlasting paines ? * What can they bee but the verie smoke of Gods wrath comming before a fire that shall burne to the bottome of Hell ? * The feare of this clogeth so my Conscience that I cannot thinke but such terrours bee the verie earnest of eternall woe : This maketh my liuer to rolle in my bodie : O that mercie might bee Bartered for Money . The Pastour . Indeede Sir , such terrours are such of their owne nature , euen the smoke of a kindled wrath , neuer to bee quenched . * But vnto the godlie , their nature is changed by grace : Such tremblings , and shakings , such thunders , and earth quakes , feares and fires , are but the preparations of the Soule for to meete with its God into the still and calme voyce . * After this maner as ye know ▪ the Lord came vnto his Seruant Elijah : Before he came to him , he prepared his way by three fearefull Messengers , First , by a winde which rent the mountaines and brake in pieces the Rockes ; Secondlie , by an Earthquake , which made all to shake vnder him ; Thirdlie by a fire : * All these came before for to terrifie the man of God , that by that meanes hee might be the better prepared to meete with his God in the calme . * Before Christ would shew himselfe to the world , hee sent two austere Messengers before him , First , Moses with a fierie Law , and last the Baptist like a Carpenter with a sharpened Axe in his hand ▪ for to hewe downe euerie fruitlesse tree that marred the ground : * After them came the meekenesse of the Lambe of God , crying , Come vnto mee all yee that are wearied and laden , and I will ease you . God will not be mercifull to proud selfe-sufficient men . * Take Sir these blastes of temptations to be but the Lords wind of preparation : * These heart-quackes are but earth quakes : * All your other fierie temptations are but fire from Heauen , Posts from GOD in haste for to giue you warning of his comming : * By such warnings the Lord will waken you , lest with the wicked in the slumber of securitie , ye should sleepe still in your sins , or with scorners should smooth them ouer , and jest them away , as thogh the sins of men shuld neuer be sentenced , nor their life examined : * Bee of good comfort Sir , your sharpest temptations which Sathan hath whet vpon the whet-stone of his malice , by Gods grace shall bee to you like the Baptistes Axe for to hewe downe all superfluities of wickednesse within you : * It is good that God snedde the vnfruitfull and rotten branches of our life , that in our hearts a way may bee prepared for the King of glorie . * Yee must also know Sir , that such troubles and tempests , are but a preface of Gods presence , as , Hearken and take head Israel , was sette before the Law : Suffer therefore patientlie the Lords rebukes : Let the righteous smite mee , said Dauid , and it shall bee a kindnesse , and let him reproue mee , and it shall bee an excellent oyle , which shall not breake mine head : * These feares Sir , that trouble you , are nothing but Gods reproofes : * Take them as a kindnesse , yea , & as an excellent oyle , which shall neither breake head nor heart for your hurt : * The nature of oyle is not to break ▪ but rather to heale that which is alreadie broken : God by such trubles intēdeth to refine you : Haue patience but a little in your griefes : Yet a little while , and they shall bee no more : * The night is darkest while the dawning is nearest : * while the feuer it at the hight , the cooling sweate is at the doore of the poares : * While the Mountaines are on both hands , and Pharaoh behind , and the Sea before , then let Israel stand still , and see the Saluation of the Lord : * These Egyptiā temptations , are but for to chasse you to Canaan with hard bondage , from a Land where it is counted an abomination to offer Sacrifice vnto God : * So soone as the rod of God shall strike vpon that Sea , it shall make way , and yee shall safelie passe thorow : The Lord shall fight for you , and yee shall holde your peace : And what then ? The Egyptians whom yee haue seene to day , yee shall see them againe no more for euer : God will afflict his owne , but not destroy them : Bread Corne is bruised , but God will not breake it , with the wheeles of his cart . The sicke Man. I haue looked for such comforts , but alas , they are long in comming : In the meane while , my Soule is all agast , I taste nothing but gall and worme-wood , mine heart is filled with sorrow : * My breach is lik the sea , all my worldlie sweetnesse is turned into wormes of Conscience : My teares trickle downe both day and night , and yet God delayeth to send mee comfort : My God shake off the sinnes which hang so fast on . The Pastour . Haue patience Sir , but a little , and comfort shall come : * Before yee reape your fruites yee must first till and sow the ground : * The seede time is a sorrowfull time : Man soweth his seede in teares : * But againe while hee remembereth that except he sow , he shall not reape , & that as hee soweth , so shall hee reape , hee casteth from him his seede liberallie downe vpon the ground , smilling with his watered cheekes of sorrow in hope of a plentifull increase . * Thinke it not strange Sir , that in this seede-time of grace yee sow in teares : Comfort your selfe in this ▪ that joye shall arise out of your sorrow : * While yee sow in teares , think not your labour lost : * Out of your greatest sorrow shall spring your truest joy : As at the rising of Christ our Lord was a Earth quake , so at our regeneration which is the first resurrection , there is an heart-quake : Be not discouraged , though the hand of God bee heauie vpon you , his stripes will worke to your well : * As an Horse or a Mule beeing once well lashed with a whippe doth euer after feare , if hee heare but the Bell which is tyed to the whip : So men , if he hath bene once well scoured & scourged with Gods rod , he will so tremble at the sound thereof , that he will feare to anger the Lord againe : It is good that God mingle the tartnesse and terrours of the Law with the sweetenesse of the Gospel . The sicke Man. I am so confounded with shame that I cannot face the Heauens : Fye vpon my filthinesse , my course is backward from my God. The Pastour . It is an euill token when for sinne there is no shame in the sinner : This Scripture calleth a Whoores forehead : * In this Lot his elder Daughter bewrayed her selfe , and shew that she was not touched for her sinne of Incest : For after shee had committed vilanie with her father , she as it were shameleslie bragged of it , by calling her sonne Moab , that is , Of my father , that his name might cry to the world , The father of this child begat him vpon his owne daughter : * Shame euer followeth sinne , if men be not ashamed of sinne , which is Repentance , God shall shame them for sin , which is Vengeance : As for your backward course , a few steps backeward , will mak you aduance further in your leaping . The sicke Man. I feare exceedinglie : I feare to losse both Soule and Saluation . The Pastour . Let Faith moderate your feare : * When Iacob thought that hee had lossed Ioseph , and was in great feare , for Benjamin , euen then found hee both Ioseph & Benjamin : Look often vnto God and yee shall finde him with Dauid to bee the light of your countenance . The sicke Man. God hath opened the floud-gates of his wrath against my Soule : O the deepenesse of my troubles ! The Pastour . * The Soule in deepest troubles is like Noahs Arke on the waters , the higher it was tossed , the nearer it approached to the heauens : * Little Boats of little burden are but for shallow waters : But great shippes of greater lod are sent vnto the depths : * The deepnes of your temptations , Sir , declare that God hath loden you with many graces : * Brauest Captaines are put to the Front and forebrunt of the choake : * Best Christians are battered with most bitter temptations : God who suffereth them to be tempted , knoweth what they can doe , and therefore to encourage others by their example , he putteth them to a proofe , for to let the world see , what his grace can worke in weakenesse , at last yee shall say , Wee went thorow fire and water , but thou hast brought vs to a wealthie place : What say yee Sir ? Beginneth not your heart to rejoyce ? Be glad , Sir. & say to God with the Psalmist , All my springs shall bee of thee . The sicke Man. I haue little minde of springs , the Apostle said wiselie , Is any man mirrie ? let him sing : Mine Harpe and Heart both are out of tune : The Harpe of my joye is hung vpon the villowes : * My fingers can guide no more this wirbling instrument : * All the joye of my light , and the light of my joye is quenched with vnspeakable griefe , as with a dampe . * Mine heart is like a moth eaten cloth , all rent with temptations and eaten out with the worme of Conscience , like that worme which did eate away the pleasures of Ionah : By its byte all my joye is fallen downe like that Gourd : All the good that euer was within mee is boulted out , Sathan hath sifted mee : I thinke presentlie that I am at the verie mouth of Hell , readie to fall downe to the bottome thereof . The Pastour . * The way to Heauen is neare by the gates of hell : The way to pleasures for euermore , is paued with paines : Dauid first cryed to God , de profundis , out of the depthes , said he , haue I called to thee : But afterward hee praised him in excelsis , with the highest Organs of laude , euen with loud Cymbals , yea , high sounding Cymbals . * It was vvell said by one , Quo acerbior miseria eo acceptior misericordia , the sowrer the miserie , the sweeter the mercie : Let the hope of that sweete mercie which is to come , sweeten the tartenesse of your present terrours : * Hee who can bring light out of darknes , and who brought water out of the fierie flint , can mak the sweetnesse of his grace spring out of the gall of bitternesse : Woe to him whom God vvill not correct : This was a sore word Ephraim is joyned to idoles , let him alone : Pray God that hee neuer let you so alone : Blesse God for this chastisement : Though for a space yee bee in the fearefull depths of temptations ▪ Let nothing mak you to despaire , Christ the most solide Rocke of your Saluation shall turne all such surges into froth . * While Ionah was in the bellie of hell , and all the billowes of Gods wrath passing ouer him , yet vvould he not despaire into that hell , but beeing tumbled vp & downe there , hee trembled in his belieuing , and belieued in his trembling : * Then I said , I am cast out of thy sight : There was his trembling : Yet I will looke againe toward thine holie Temple : There was his belieuing : And the Lord spake to the Fish , and it vomited out Ionah vpon the dry land ; these were the fruites of his Faith. * Learne Sir of Ionah , not to despaire , were it in the bellie of hell : Though for a space ye as it were goe downe with that Prophet to the bottomes of the mountaines , the time shall come that yee shall sing to God , yet hast ▪ thou brought vp my life from corruption , O Lord my God : * God for a space for the sinnes of his chosen , for his glorie , for his praise , for proofe ▪ for example , and manie other reasons may bee ecclipsed from shining to the sillie sinfull Soules of his Turtles : * But there is none obscuritie that shall be able for euer to restraine from them the Celestiall influence of his blessed beams of comfort : In a litle wrath I hid my face from thee for a moment , but with euerlasting kindnes will I haue mercie on thee , saith the Lord thy Redeemer . The sicke Man. But alas , mine heart is al●…eadie wounded with vncurable wounds . The Pastour . In Christ is your remeede * If yee bee wounded , there is health in his winges for the healing of your wounds : Though for a space such wounds bee sore in your feeling , yet fret not : * Yee would gladlie suffer all that and more , if yee knew how many stripes Heauen were worth : Though Christ tarie , yet he will not tarie . He is more sensible to our sores than we can imagine : * Belieue him while hee speaketh : These bee his words of sense , Hee that toucheth you , toucheth the Apple of mine eye . * Be of good heart Sir , Christ shall bee the Iudge of our sinnes , who was judged for our sinnes : He to whom all judgement is deliuered , was deliuered for vs vnto death : Yee say , that your heart is wounded , let this bee a salue for your sore , a broken heart is the verie heart of repentance neuer to bee repented of : * The heart which was neuer wounded for sinne , is deadlie wounded with sinne : * The heart which was neuer wounded for sin , hath neuer known the vertue of Christes woundes , the onelie remeede of sinne : Be of good courage in this good fight , like the Church ▪ who for her valour in spirituall warfare , is compared to the troopes of horses in the Chariots of Pharaoh . Now seeing the day groweth to an end , after that in my prayer I haue recommended you to Gods protection and direction , I will leaue you vntill morrow . Let vs pray . A Prayer for the sicke Man , tossed with spirituall temptations . O LORD , how terrible art thou , when thou art angrie at thy creatures ? Who can stand before thee , a cōsuming fire . When thou is prouocked , the Earth shaketh and trembleth , the foundations of the hilles are moued : When thy wrath is kindled , smoke commeth out of thy nostrils , and out of thy mouth commeth a deuouring fire , whereby coales are kindled . O the terrour of these euerlasting burnings ! Who darre approach vnto thee ? Who shall bee so bolde as to stand before thee , seeing there is none so fierce that darre stirre vp the Leuiathan , one of thy Vassals , whose scales are his pride , whose eyes are lik the eye lids of the morning , & who by his neesinges maketh a light to shine , & kindleth coals by his breath ▪ O GOD , most gracious , make thy North winde to awake , and blow vpon him for the cooling of his conscience parched with fierie temptations : Change thine angrie countenance toward this sillie cast-downe Soule , sore tossed and troubled with spirituall tempest : O heare our earnest sute and bee not deafe towards vs : O let the bright beames of thy mercie disperse and breake thorow the cloudie glominesse of thy wrath ▪ Let the cleare skie of thy fauour appeare vnto this darkened spirit , that in a holie boldnesse , hee may come vnto the Throne of thy grace . Thou hast said , Lord , Anger is not with mee : Thy word plainelie affirmeth that there is but a moment in thy wrath : In wrath thy custome is to remember mercie : Forget not so good a custome . O remember here a sinner , vexed with thy wrath : Breake not this bruised reede , neither quench this smoking flaxe , but kindle vp the lurking sparkle : Make thy strength perfect in his weakenesse , make thy Mandrakes to giue a smell , that his Soule may bee refreshed with the sauour of life vnto life . Take from him all hardnesse of heart : Suffer not his Conscience to bee seared with sinne , neither too sensible of sinne , lest that hee losse his patience : Giue him a soft and a yeelding heart for to admitte the comforts of thy Spirit : O take out of his breast the hard marble and flintie heart of Nature , and put in the place thereof a fleshie and melting heart , with a tender & feeling Spirit Open his eyes with thine eye-salue , that hee may see thy mercie thorow the crosse-barred gates of so fearefull temptations : As the weight of thy wrath hath made his Conscience to bleede , so let the might of thy mercie like Balme , cu●…e & couer the wounds of thy wrath : O GOD of pittie ▪ pittie this poore Soule weeping in secrete at thy feete : Pittie this Spirite which is filled with heauinesse : Sore sorrow , O LORD , is entered through all the powers of his Soule , euen to the diuiding of the joynts , and the marrow of his bones : Put these wordes of comfort in his minde and mouth , that thou retainest not thine anger for euer , because thou delightest in mercie . O sanctifie the force of all his paineful temptations , that they may worke to his well , let him know that thou hast an hand in all his troubles : Let him say , Let the righteous smite mee and it shall bee a benefite : Yea , though thou should slay mee , yet will I trust in thee . Good GOD , giue him not ouer to the raging euill of his owne corruptions : Suffer not his Spirit to bee ouerwhelmed with the burden of temptations , but with the temptation giue him an out-gate : Make the Spiknard of thy mercie send out a sweete smell , whereby his fainting heart may bee comforted . Giue him victorie ouer all the enemies of his saluation : As Ioshuah made his men of warre to set their feete vpon the neckes of their enemies , and tread them vnder foote ; euen so , LORD , make this thy weake seruant to sette his feete vpon the neckes of these sinnes , which like Kings haue swe●…ed their sinfull Scepter in his heart : Thou vvho made a Cake of Barley bread to tumble vpon the tents of Midian , & ouer turne them , thou can easilie worke great vvorkes by weak meanes : It is thy custome to make thy strength perfect in weakenesse : Let this poore sicke Patient heere haue the proofe of the practise of thy custome : Let his Soule like a Doue enter in at the cliftes of the Rock , let it creepe in by the wounds of Christ vnto his blessed bowels , there to bee warmed with Gods most feruent loue . Whether shall hee goe ? LORD , to whom shall hee make his mone , but to thee ? Whom hath he in heauen but thee ? O LORD , now the day is farre spent and the wearisome night approacheth : Before wee goe let vs obtaine our sute , that thou would make thy vvrath to relent a little : Let not our prayers bee powred out in vaine , wee will not admit a refusall , & therefore set vs not off till another time , abandon not this troubled Soule . Thou who hast said vnto man ▪ Say not vnto thy neighbour , Goe and come againe , and to morrow I will giue thee , if thou now haue it : O LORD , practise thine owne precept , wee are heere come not for to buy but to begge thy mercie for thy distressed Seruant : Thou cannot denye but thou hast mercie , for this is euer true , Mercie is with thee : Seeing then , LORD , now thou hast it , wee vrge thee with thine owne directions , say not , Goe and come againe to morrow , I will giue thee . By such a delay thou should but enhance his griefe : Alas , LORD , what rest shall his wearied Soule get all this night , if thou delay and drift him vntill morrow ? O come , come , and powre into his heart the comfortable bowels of thy compassions : Powre into his Soule the powers of thy Spirit , wherby hee may bee reuiued , and goe softlie , the rest of his time in the bitternesse of his Soule . Refresh his parched Conscience with the dew of thy grace : Deare Father , for Christs sake , let not hardnesse of heart creepe any more vpon him : Receiue him softlie into thine Armes this night , and cause his spirit to rest into thy bosome : Whether hee sleepe or hee wake , make all his thoughts to run vpon thee : In the darknesse of the night make thy loue like light to breake in vpon his Conscience , as the shining light that shineth more and more vnto the perfect day : Seeing Satan the lord of the night , the prince of darknesse , is most combersome in the night , we intreat thee , that thou would shield and preserue him by thy mercifull and powerfull protection : Make his Soule to stand vpon a continuall watch , that it may bee readie with a well furnished Lampe for the comming of his Lord : Make the day of thy mercie to breake , and all the shadowes of temptations to flee away : O Father , heare & helpe , for the sake of the dearest blood of thy Sonne , the alone purger of the Soule and the chiefe softner of hardened heartes bee thou a Sanctuarie vnto this troubled Soule : Create vpon him a cloud and smoke by day , and the shining of a flaming fire by night , joyne the direction of thy fire with the protection of thy cloud : O giue now thy blessing vnto this halting man : Souple and loosen his stiffe and stupefied joyntes , that beeing drawne by thee , hee may runne after thee : Fence and garde his soule by thy grace , till thou bring him vnto glorie : O Iesus , pray thou for him , whom Sathan hath sought to winnow , let him bee found as good corne vpon thy barne floore , vnto the praise of thy heauenly glory of thy diuine grace Blesse thy beloued Church vniuersall , purge her from all Shifmes & diuisions which breed great thoughts of heart : Decke and decore her with puritie & vnitie . the two most precious spirituall jewels of thy Spouse , make her fertile like a broodie Vine . Direct our gracious Soueraigne in all his ways , Guide him by thy Counsell , and afterward bring him vnto glorie : Blesse his Royal Match , the Queenes Majestie , make her a Nu●…se mother in Israel , a blessed Mother of blessed Children : Blesse all the Estates of thi●… Land ; blesse thy Ministerie , adorn●… their breastes with thy Vrin and thy Thummim thy light of doctrine and perfection of life . Blesse vs all who are heere humbled before thy face this night , while our bodies shall goe to bed for to rest , grant that our Soules may goe rest in the armes of thee our most louing GOD and Father : To thee with thy Sonne and the Spirit of Grace wee giue all praise and glorie for euer . Amen . Cause read vnto you this night wh●… ye awak Psal. 6 Ps. 49. Ps. 102 ps . 130 The grace of God and the peace o●… his Spirit bee with you . The sicke Man. The Lord direct you Sir in all your wayes : I looke ye shall returne the morrow earelie : Thinke vpon that where we left at last : I look that yee shall cleare that matter more a●… large at our next meeting : My God bee with you . THE THIRD DAYES Conference . Of spirituall temptations . The Pastour . THE Lord blesse you Sir , according to your●…d sire I am come againe to visite you in your bedde of languishing . The sicke Man. I was looking for you , for since yee left mee yesternight I may say with Iacob Sleepe departed from mine eyes : My conscience all this night hath beene like a boiling pot : * O but weake man is borne to manie sorrowes ! his dayes are few and euill : The best of them is builabour and sorrow : But let vs now begin where wee left . The Pastour . Our last conference , as yee may remember , was concerning Christ , in whose wings , I said , was health for healing of your woundes : * I declared vnto you , that he is so tenderlie touched with the feeling of our sores , that hee hath declared that these that touch vs , touch the apple of his eye : Hath this beene the matter of your nights meditation ? The sicke man. That which ye haue said of Christ , Sir is true ; There is indeed health in his wings , and helpe in his hands : But alas , Christ will not bee helpefull but to these that are of a strong Faith : My Faith is both faint and fectlesse , nothing but a smoke of Faith. The Pastour . * Christ hath said plainlie , that hee will not quench the smoking flaxe ▪ S. Peter was not a man of strong Faith , when in his voyage to Christ vpon the sea , hee beganne to sinke : Said not Christ vnto him , Thou man of little Faith , why hast thou doubted ? * The Lord reproued him for the weakenesse of his Faith , but neuer coost him off for the littlenesse thereof . The sicke Man. That was another matter , Christ was with his Apostle * There was vertue into that hand , wherewith he gripped the sinking man , as was vertue in his garment , while the hemme thereof was but touched : Such a weake Faith as mine , cannot reach vp so farre as to touch him into the Heauens . The Pastour . Though your faith bee weake , & that Christ also be bodily absent , yet be not for that disquieted , his Godhead is present : * Hee himselfe hath said , concerning his bodily presence , that it was expedient for vs that hee should goe away : As for the weaknes of your Fa●…th , pray God to strengthen it : * Faith though it bee little yet it is of great force , a graine of it will cast a mountaine into the sea ▪ The Sicke Man. Let mee see I pray you Sir , anie particular example of a weake Faith sauing anie man. The Pastour . Of this in Scripture wee haue a cloud of witnesses : I shall let you see two , one in substance the other in type or figure : * That of Peter in the New-Testamēt is substantiall : Christ called him a man of little Faith , and yet by that Faith , though little , hee was saued : * The other is in the old Testament , in the type and figure : When the Israelites were bitten with the fierie Serpents , their onely refuge and remeede was to looke vp to the brasen Serpent : This was the verie type of a Soule stung with sinne , beholding Christ with the eye of Faith : * Of these who behelde that Serpent of brasse , some were bleared , and other some had weake eyes : But the weaknesse of their sight could not hinder the cure : * Nay , the old man with his dimmed eyes beholding as through a mist that type of Christ , was as soundlie cured , as hee whose eyes were in their greatest vigour : * The meate taken with a paralitique and trembling hand , will not refuse nourishment to the bodie , no more than if it were taken with a stable hand : Obserue Sir , what I say , * Faith is the eye of the soule wherof the Israelites eyes were but a figure , Christ is the trueth of the brasen Serpent : * Though this eye bee dimmer in some , yet if it see , the Soule shall bee saued : Faith is the hand of the Soule , Christ is the foode : * Though this Faith tremble , Christ trembleth not : * The palsie is not into the foode : Bee of good courage Sir , feare not this trembling feare , the worke of Saluation cannot bee wrought out , but with feare and trembling : * When the worke shall bee ended , all trembling shall cease , and Faith shall bee stable , then the Soule shall be made free from all palsie paine . The sicke Man. Oh , that I were but sicke of such a palsie paine ! Oh , that I were assured to haue anie graine of true Faith ! Alas , I am vndone : * This wretched heart of mine is so wrung with wrath , that there remaineth not within it so much as a droppe of grace : All my spirituall moisture is spent , all the faculties of my Soule are so racked , that my tongue cannot vtter my griefe and smart : * Is there no Balme in Gilead for a sorrow ▪ beaten sinner ? Oh , through excessiue paine my Liuer is rolled within mee : If I finde no remeede , my Soule shall shortlie bleade to death , my paines exceed , my sorrow is extreme , thorow the tortours thereof my Soule is compelled to roare : Oh , Lord , turne thy wrath in mercie , and thy Iustice seat in a Throne of grace , and pardon the sins which more and more ripen thy wrath against mee : Mine heart is rent and harrowed with griefe , what salue can I finde fit for such sinfull sores ? The more I thrust griefe out , the more it throngeth in . The Pastour . The soueraigne salue for such sores , is to get a sight of Christ , who bare all our sinnes vpon his battered backe , which was torne with mercilesse strippes : Christ in that plight is the most fit object for the eye of a troubled Soule : * There is no salue for the sore of sin , but the sight of him who is the trueth of that brasen Serpent , the object of the faithfull eye : * This remeede among all others is like the master Bee , the best of all the hyue : * Though yee bee like Zacheus a man of little stature , so that yee cannot see Christ ouer the multitude of your sins , yet run before , climbe the tree of the Crosse , and behold him : * No , rather behold him now vpon the Crosse fixed vpon a mount high aboue , that all may see him , euen vpon mount Caluarie : Behold him there treading death vnder his feete : * Though there be a mount of dead mens scules ; there is no dead scule so high , but Christ may bee seene aboue it : * Christ is euer nearest in the hotest skirmish : He is the sea & the seate of mercie : If yee can seeke , yee shall finde no scant of mercie into him , ye shall wonder at his loue when yee shall relish his kindnesse . * To Christ then , yea , to Christ alone must ye runne and forsake all , as the Mariner , while all his cunning is gone , runneth to God in the tempest : * In him is Balme for all wounded spirits , there is no gash so deepe , but his blood can cure it : As all riuers lead to the sea , so should all comfortes guide vs vnto Christ : * While hee was in the dayes of his flesh there was no miserie that could with-hold sinners from him , neither lamenesse , nor blindnesse , nor deafenesse , nor deuils , could stay any from him , nor stay him to doe them good , hee healed them all : * Neuer a man came backe from him , saying ▪ I haue sought to this God in vaine , I came to him , but he could not helpe me : Or as the father of the lunaticke , said , I brought him to thy Disciples , and they could not cure him : * To him may all heart broken sinners say with the Prophet , My flesh and mine heart faileth , but thou art the strength of mine heart and my portion : * Flesh and friends , health and wealth , and all will faile vs , but Iesus will neuer faile vs : * Mans extremitie is his opportunitie ▪ By him alone the Soule of man hath light , libertie , and life : All other helpes and hopes are but vaine : * As no water could wash & cleanse the leprosie but one lie Iordan , so nothing can wash away the leprosie of sinne but the Blood of Christ , the Lambe of God , which is a spirituall Iordan for washing of leper Soules : * In a word in all our stormy troubles Christ Iesus is a firme Rocke of refuge which repelleth and turneth into froth , all the waues of most tēpesttuous temptations : * By his Blood alone our Soules are both healed & hallowed , vpon the right of your redemption , sute the remission of your sinnes : Bee not abashed , hee who hath Christ , needeth not to feare . The sicke Man. If I were one of Christs , would he leaue mee thus wise comfortlesse ▪ * He is the Sunne of Righteousnesse , in whose beames as in a spring time I was wont to rejoyce : But now hee is gone downe : * My Soule is benighted , and I am affrighted with grudginges of despaire . Oh , that mine eyes of flint were melted into teares ! O smite my flintie heart with the rod of thy mercie , that it may make teares the water of repentance to gush out at the Conduite pypes of my mourning eyes : O what a palpable darknesse ! The Pastour . Comfort your selfe with hope , waiting till that Sunne arise againe vpon your Soule : * Suppose a man created vpon the earth as Adam was at the first , if hee should see the Sunne set , hee would bee afraide at that first darknesse , thinking that the Sunne were gone downe , neuer for to returne : But knowing by experience that hee is ordained by God , a Ruler for to rule the day by intercourse of the night , while hee seeth him set , hee is content , because hee looketh for his rising againe : If the yeare were euer Winter which maketh all things to die and wither , wee would all die for sorrow * But now in the deepest snowes and most hoarie frosts , wee haue some sparkle of joye kindled by the hope of the approaching Spring . As is in these naturall things , so it is in spirituall : * Christ the Sunne of Righteousnes will seeme to the Soule to set vnder the night cloude of some fearefull temptation : In such a case the sinner will thinke that hee shall neuer see God againe : * But for all that , after some houres of darknesse , appeareth Roseis aurora quadrigis , Christ that Day ▪ spring from on high , which the Soule like a Bird on a bush welcometh with a morning spring : After deepest discomforts come dearest comforts Haue patience Sir a little , till the night of your temptation bee past ▪ After a litle open the window , & ye shall s●…e the Skie of day , then againe ▪ beholde that Sunne , which seemed to bee lost ▪ arising with his blessed beames , with a louing and life giuing countenance : Bee not discouraged , though Christ absent himselfe , it shall bee but for a space , vntill the day breake , and the shadowes flee away , * All his absence from the godlie , is but like that which hee saide to his Disciples , Yet a little while , and yee shall not see mee , and againe , a little whi●…e and yee shall see mee : * It is of his helpe , as of Habbakkuks vision , Though it tarie waite for it , because it will surelie come , it will not tarie : Bee stout and couragious , the bitterest of your temptations are but the sweete gloumes of a Father . The sicke Man. I am pricked with the poisonous rarowes of Satans spyte : I doubt if God would bee so rough to one of his owne Children as hee is to mee : * Fathers strike with the rod , but I am scourged with Scorpions , wherwith the Lord is now auenging the quarrell of his couenant : Oh , that euer I came to this wretched passe . The Pastour . Yee are impatient : * There is nothing in all your affliction , but the smiting of the righteous , which yee should account a kindnesse : Such smiting is but smiling , in effect a loue token , Whom I loue I chasten , Gods corrections are balme which shall not breake your head . The sicke Man. I am both bruised & broken , my paines surpasse my power , Satan with his snares and fetters hath confined me to a wretched slauerie , my soule is out of temper : Trembling of heart and sorrow of minde : And terrours from the Chamber assault mee on all sides : O but the passage to glorie is rough and boisterous . Behold how I sweate for paine , as one rosted with a fearefull flamme . The Pastour . In that heate is a comfort : The style of the godlie is to bee called ▪ Brands pluckt out of the fire : Is 〈◊〉 this a brand taken out of the fire ? saide the LORD , in Zacharie : This manifesteth that a godlie man for a space may bee scorched vpon kindled coales , but God incontinent rescueth him , as a man will catch quicklie at that which he would not haue burnt : God will neuer leaue his own to the full rage of a stinging Conscience : Let all men haue patience while God worketh : * If for sinnes hee punisheth his deadliest enemies , why should hee not also for sinne correct his dearest Children ? If man vncontrolled may sing of mercie & of judgement for to keepe his house in order , shall not God haue his will to sing what song hee pleaseth vnto his owne creature * Let the cracking Law-musicke of Sinai bee ended and then God shall rejoyce your heart with the sweete melodie of the Gospel : * If while God in this your trouble in a maner is mourning vnto you , yee lament for your sinnes , hee shall in the end make you to dance at the piping of his Gospel : * From Sinai he shall bring you vnto Sion , where all your paines shall bee turned into pleasures . The sicke Man. All pleasures are farre from mee for the present : A world of pleasures are deare bought with one pang of Conscience : Gods wrath hath seazed vpon mee for to dragge my Soule downe to the bottome of hell : It runneth euer into my minde that I am guiltie of the sinne against the holie Ghost : This I take to bee the marke , that such as once a●…e guiltie of that sinne , cannot bee renued againe by repentance , this marke seemeth to bee in mee , for as yet for all the holie wordes I haue heard out of your mouth , I find no renouation , though Gods goodnesse by you hath ledde me to repentance , I haue not beene moued : But after mine hardnesse and impenitent heart I haue treasured 〈◊〉 vnto my selfe wrath against the day of wrath : This spoileth mee of outward peace and inward joye : What can this bee but the sin against the holie Ghost , which shall neither bee forgiuen in this world nor in the world to come ? I pray you Sir , to let me know what a fearefull sinne that is which Scripture saith , Shall neuer bee forgiuen : Let mee heare of its name and nature . The Pastour . This sinne Sir , of all sinnes is the most fearfull , as being a sin of highest natu●…e : In Scripture it is called Blasphemie against the holie Ghost : Because there is no pardon for it , it is called , A sinne vnto death : Christ himselfe declared this plainelie ▪ verilie said hee , I say vnto you , all sinnes shall bee forgiuen to the sonnes of men , and blasphemies , wherewith soeuer they shall blaspheme , but hee that shall blaspheme against the holie Ghost hath neuer forgiuenesse . The sicke Man. These words seeme strange that all sinnes shall be forgiuen to the sinnes of men and also blasphemies wherewith soeuer they shall blaspheme , whether against the Father or the Son , but that there is no forgiuenesse for blasphemie against the holie Ghost : By that speach it would seeme that there bee blasphemies against God , which are not against the holy Ghost : By that also it would seeme that the holie Ghost is greater than the Father or the Sonne , for what euer blasphemie is vttered against them it may bee forgiuen , but as for that where with the holie Ghost is wronged , it is an inexpiable staine of it , there can be had no remission : Before yee proceede , cleare mee of this difficultie . The Pastour . The like of these wordes are also in S. Matthewes Gospel , All manner of sinnes and of blasphemie said Christ , shall bee forgiuen vnto men , but the blasphemie against the holie Ghost shall not bee forgiuen vnto men : To this is subjoyned in the verse following , Whosoeuer speaketh a word againe the Sonne of man , it shall bee forgiuen him , but whosoeuer speaketh against the holie Ghost , it shall neuer bee forgiuen him . By this at the first blinke it would seeme indeede that it were not so dangerous to offend the Father , or the Sonne , as the holie Ghost . Wherefore , yee must consider that this sin which is called , the sin against the holie Ghost , is no lesse against the Father , and against the Son than it is against the holie Ghost . * But it is called the sinne against the holie Ghost , because it is a most high rebellion , and stiffe standing out against the peculiar worke of the Spirite , which is to inlighten the minde , and bow the will and affections , that man by repentance may bee brought home againe vnto his God. * As the Creation is ascribed to the Father , and Redemption vnto the Sonne , so is illumination and conuersion of Soules 〈◊〉 to the holie Ghost , though all these e●…ternall actions of Creation , Redemption , and Sanctification bee common to all the three Persons of the Trinitie . Vnderstand then , that the reason wherefore this sinne is called , the sin against the holie Ghost ; it is because it is against that energie & efficatio●…s working of conuersion , common to all the three Persons , but particularlie ascribed to the holie Ghost , as our Creation is to the Father , and our Redemption to the Sonne . * When man stiflie and stubburnlie sinneth against the remeede of sin , how can that sinne bee remeeded ? It must of necessitie bee a sinne reremeedilesse . A sinne past all remeede is a desperate disease . The sicke Man. Let mee I pray you heare more clearelie what this sinne is . The Pastour . It is an vniuersall apostasie from a knowne Trueth with an eager , ●…nest & malicious persecuting of the same , by both secret and open hostilitie . The sicke Man. I know that manie of the learned call that sinne an vniuersall apostasie from the Trueth , but I neuer could well vnderstand that . The Pharisees are esteemed to haue beene guiltie of that sin , yet I cannot read that they had made an vniuersall apostasie from the trueth of doctrine : Christ said , that they sat in Moses chaire , which did signifie that they had kept some thing of Moses his Doctrine , though miserablie mixed with the leauen of their traditions . Thus as ye see their apostasie was not vniuersall : * Saul did not altother renounce the religion of Israel though after hee had beene among the Prophets , hee killed the Priestes . The Pastour . Indeede Sir , that doubt is not without great difficultie : : * Mine opinion concerning that , is that who out of malice and despite renounceth and persecuteth any fundamentall point of religion , which he hath before knowne and approuen , is by consequence guiltie of that vniuersall Apostasie : * My reason is foūded vpon the Apostles rule , Whosoeuer shall keepe the whole Law , and yet offend in one point , hee is guiltie of all : * That is , who euer he bee that maketh no conscience of one sinne , maketh conscience of no sinne : If for the feare of God you darre not murther , how darre thou then , if thou feare God , committe adulterie ? or how darre thou steale or lye . * Euen so he out of malice & despite , renounceth any maine ground of the Trueth , which hee hath once knowne and professed , and after that contemptiouslie with a lifted vp hand persecuteth the same , hee in my judgement hath drawne vpon himselfe the guiltinesse of an vniuersall Apostasie . * If by this vniuersall Apostasie were onelie vnderstood an actuall , publick & totall renouncing of God & of all Religion , with railing and raging , such sinners should not bee ( as indeede they are ) most difficile to bee knowne . The sicke Man. I perceiue by the definition of that sinne , that it is not common to all the Reprobates . The Pastour . No not : But onelie to these who haue beene inlightened with some knowledge of the doctrine of truth , & after begin maliciouslie to persecute the same . The sicke Man. But thinke ye that any man would bee so beastlie as to persecute a knowne Trueth : I cannot thinke that the Pharisees who are said to haue beene guiltie of that sinne , did euer know Christ to be come from God , for had they knowne him , they had not crucified the Lord , the Lord of glorie . The Pastour . Indeede these words are true of many , but not of those doctours which made Christ to pronounce so manie woes against them : * They and their complices knew what hee was , and wherefrae hee came : Yee both know mee , said Christ to them , and yee know whence I am . The sicke Man. Mercifull God , how could they then pursue him with such spight & bitternesse ? I thinke that by that knowledge as by a bit their most head-strong corruption should haue beene snaffled and curbed . The Pastour . * Man doeth not despight to the Spirit of grace at the first , but by little and little like clay before the Sunne : his heart is ha●…dened by the deceitfulnesse of sinne . First , a man will know the Trueth , and will loue it with some sort of feruour for a space , after a little this loue beginneth to lessen and grow cold , while at last it is turned into hatred : man beeing fallen in loue with lyes , which fill his bowels with a boiling hatred of the Trueth : From thence commeth a persecution and a finall desertion , a just recompence of reward due to all these that will not receiue and keepe the loue of the Trueth , that they might bee saued * If the poore Pagan for abusing his naturall ●…ite , by changing the trueth of God into a lye by Gods just judgement , was giuen ouer to a reprobate mind ; what wonder if they who hauing once beene inlightned fall away , bee neuer possiblie reneued againe vnto repētance , seeing they crucifie to themselues the Son of God afresh , and put him to an open shame ? Such men goe about presumptuouslie to grind the face of all godlinesse . The sicke Man. I see then that in the sinne against the holie Ghost , there must first bee a knowledge of Gods Trueth , and then a wilfull rebellion against it with a lifted vp banner . The Pastour . The Apostle is plaine : If we , saith hee , sinne wilfullie after that we haue receiued the knowledge of the Trueth , there remaineth no more sacrifice for sinnes , but a certaine fearefull looking for of judgement , & fierie indignation . * The poison of that sinne is in the word , wilfullie after a preceeding knowledge : While Peter denyed his Master it was not wilfullie , but for feare of his lif : Soule persecuted most bitterlie , beyond measure , said hee , I persecuted the Church of God , and wasted it , but God had mercie on him , for it was in his ignorance . * These two great men rode so neare vnto that vnpardonable sinne , that betweene Peter and it was nothing but wilfullie , and betweene Paul and it was nothing but ignorantlie . The sicke Man. Knew yee euer in Scripture or out of Scripture any that fell into that sinne . The Pastour . * In the Old Testament Saul fell into it , and therefore the Lord discharged Samuel to mourne for him : * In the New Testament Iudas was guiltie thereof , and therefore Christ would not pray for him : While hee prayed his holie Father to keepe through his owne Name the other Apostles , he would not speak a word for the lost son of perdition : In that hee practised his precept , There is a sinne vnto death , I doe not say , that hee shall pray for it . The sicke Man. Is this sinne so great that Gods mercie cannot bee able to ouercome it . The Pastour . Some thinke that it is called , irremissible , because that it is forgiuen with exceeding great difficultie : But certainelie there is no remission for it : * The cause is this , God will not bee mocked with men , neither will he suffer his Iustice to perish for the saluation of anie , for seeing hee that despised Moses Law , died without mercie vnder two or three witnesses : Of how much sore punishment suppose yee , shall hee bee thought worthie , who hath troden vnder foote the Sonne of God , and hath counted the Blood of the Couenant wherewith he was sanctified , an vnholie thing , and hath done despite vnto the spirit of grace ? The sicke Man. I desire to know how men fall into such a desperati niquitie . The Pastour . * Such men hauing receiued some generall graces of God in a reasonable great measure , first vnconscionablie beginne to neglect them , suffering these sparkles of goodnesse to die out , after that they haue shaken out of their mouth , the Bridle of restraining grace while it is cast loose , lying vpon their maine , they plod on from one sinne to another , till shame bee past the shedde of their haire , so that they bee passed all feeling . * The Spirit being often grieued and the heart made hard with a custome of sinne , whereby as with a canker the noble buds of the Spirite are fretted and blasted at last the Lord in his justice rolleth vp the sinner , & wrappeth him into a reprobate sense . * Thus men by neglecting the inward secret checkes of the Spirit , and by harbouring priuie inward r●…pinings , boiling lustes , murmurings , grudgings , and vnthankfulnesse , the craftie empoysoners of grace , as at last come to this point , that all the good things they seemed to haue are most licentiouslie dissolued into a publ●…ck prophanitie , whereby they vpbraid the Spirit of grace to his face , and that with base and scarrell jests , yea , and often with most filthie belghes of blasphemie . That once done , all their grace clearelie melteth away like snailes , lik the fat of Lambes , or lik the winter yce which once beeing thawed floweth away , and is seene no more : All such thinges bee fore-runners posting before the prince of sinnes , euen the sinne against the holie Ghost , which is among all sinnes like Beclzebub among the deuils . * Obserue againe , I pray you , how the vnquencheable fire of this vnpardonable sin is kindled : While man suffereth diuers sins to lye dispersed in his heart at their naturall libertie , without controlement , Sathan most craftilie by some cunning slight as by an hollow burning glasse , so concentrats and vnites them together like fierie beames that they set on , fire the whole bodie of mans corruption , whereby as by a pouder plot the Soule is blowne vp in blaspheming , euen vp vnto the very bosome of the prince of the aire . Well is the man who from his youth is sensible of all appearance of euill . Let vs then take heede , and consider how this sinne againe the Spirit of grace creepeth in sensiblie vpon the heart of man , ordinarly this sinne followeth a long custome in sinning , as the head vncurable Scirrhus in the leuer , affected with the dropsie , cummeth after many surfites . Thus according to that olde saying , though a created testimonie . Sero medecina paratur , Cum mala per longas invaluere moras . * O happie they who curbe their corruption in time before they get edge and vigour . The sicke Man. While a man is in this life may it not bee knowne if hee bee guiltie of this sinne . The Pastour . Verie hardlie : for as Agrippa was almost perswaded to bee a Christian , and yet neuer came from almost vnto altogether , so will a man almost fall into this sinne , and yet bee rescued , as a man will bee for a space in the hight of a feuer , that ye will neither know whether he be dead or quick : Many haue bene reuiued at the putting on of their winding-sheete : * Euen so it will be in the sicknesse drawing vnto this sinne , which is a sin vnto death : Some will seeme to bee dead in it as a man into an Apoplexie , & yet it will be sene that they will arise and repent : Of this assertion I take Manasses for a warrand , for after that hee had knowne the trueth & had persecuted the known Trueth , making the streetes of Ierusalem to runne blood , yet saith the Scripture , while hee was taken among the thornes , and bound with fetters , and carried to Babylon , In his affliction he besought the Lord his God , and humbled himselfe greatlie before the God of his fathers . * A mans flesh whether on his cheeke or hand cutted to atacke being taken in time while the flesh and blood are yet warme , will againe sticke to and receiue the life almost lost : If such be the force of Nature , how much more powerfull are the workings of grace , except thē that a man after knowledge be as Paul was in his ignorance exceedinglie mad in the persecuting Trueth , I darre not define his sinne to bee past remeede . The sicke Man. Indeed Sir , these be verie cleare similitudes which illustrat our purpose wonderfullie . But seeing as yee thinke , no man can certainelie know the particular man , that is now guiltie of this sin , how is it that we are forbidden to pray for such a man : If any man , saith S. Iohn , see his brother sin a sin which is not vnto death , hee shall pray for him , but there is a sin vnto death : I doe not say , that he pray for it , so soone as such a mā dyeth , without remeed he must in all post haste gallop from the land of the liuing vnto the abhorred region of euerlasting death . To what end serueth this inhabitation , if no man can know assuredlie who is guiltie of this sinne ? The Pastour . * The opinion of the most learned , is that in the time of S. Iohn , the gift of discretion was giuen vnto the Church , whereby both sooner and surer they might discouer the damnable sin : * As for vs wee can hardlie well perceiue it , but by finall impenitencie and most fearefull dispaire , whereby such miserable Apostats who haue reuolted from the Trueth , declare at last with Iulian , that the God of Galilee hath fullie and fearefully ouercome them : Till that appeare , let vs beware to judge rashlie , seeing Peter speaking to Simon Magus , seemeth to set before him a certaine possibilitie to be saued ; a perhaps , that the thought of his heart might bee forgiuen him . The sicke Man. Now it appeareth by all your discourse , that the sinne against the holie Ghost is a reuolting from the Trueth , with a most wilfull persecuting : I thanke God , my Soule is free of that . But tell mee I pray you , may not a man bee free of that most hainous sinne , and yet be damned ? It would appeare that many Reprobates are free of that sinne . The Pastour . It is most certaine , for it is onely the sinne of these who haue knowne the Trueth of Gods word , and hath made a fearefull reuolt from it with a persecuting hatred against the same : Many who haue liued in a true profession , haue denyed God in their life : There bee but too manie whose hollow heartes are couered with outwardnesse like a potte-shard ouer laid with siluer drosse . The sicke Man. Alas , that putteth my Soule in terrible feare , for this is my conscience in a qualme , I haue professed with great shew , and that without substance : I haue beene one of Satans reuellers , hauing a smilling countenance but a bleeding Conscience : Gods judgementes haue stayed till my sinnes was rype : * When the fire is kindled , woe to the stubble : There is no place now for to escape : In Heauen , in Earth , and in the Sea , Gods hand will finde mee out : Fye now on all my greatest pleasures , the Darlings of account : Though I haue not sinned that sinne against the holie Ghost , which God cannot forgiue , I am guiltie of sinnes which God will neuer forgiue : O these eyes of fire , ten thousand times brighter than the Sunne , what sinne is able to escape them ? what glistring golden shewes of outwardnesse , shall mak you to dazle , & ye euerlasting eyes ? The Pastour Man had great neede to bee ware that his tongue walke not without a bit : There is no sinne , but God can forgiue it , if the sinner could repent , the Sea of his mercie is bottomles : As for that that God will or will not it is too great presumption for mā to define : * Yee continuallie flit from one temptation to another , whereon yee feede like a Flee happing from scab to scab : Yee often seeme desirous to shift the comforts of the Spirit for to goe seeke a knot in a rush , a difficultie where none is . Bee earnest in prayer , sigh to God , for the assistance of his Spirit , that yee may bee capable of comfortes which the Tempter most enuyeth vnto you : * When the sillie Soule would fainest heare the words of spirituall peace , then cryeth he red-warre , stirring vp temptations like the fowles that cumbered Abraham when hee should offer sacrifice : Take heede to your selfe Sir : * The Serpent now is more craftie than when hee pointed Adam to another tree , for to depriue him of the Tree of life : Resigne vp your selfe in all holie obedience to the wil of your God : I can neuer perswade you to tak heede to that which I say : * Betweene a good tongue , and a bored holy eare , is an happie harmonie , such musicke is melodious , but a deafe eare maketh a dumbe tongue : Beware of the Spirit of giddinesse , which maketh the Soule to runne round as it were in a Circle of needlesse doubts . The sicke Man. I intreat you Sir , for patience , for I am one of a sorrowfull spirit , as Hannah said to Eli , a fierie wrath lurketh in my breast , which maketh mine heart to grone : Pittie mee Sir , I pray you , for now I am come to the arraignment , and am called to the barre like a Crane or a Swallow , so doe I chatter : The voyce of the Preacher did often glide by my faults : But now Gods Spirit speaketh home , and setteth all my sinnes in order before mee : Now must I end my yeares in the bitternes of my Soule : * Well may I say with that godlie Matron , Call mee not Nahomi , that is pleasant : But call mee Marah , that is bitter , for the Almightie hath dealt verie bitter lie with mee . The Pastour . * That which is most bitter is often most holesome : Gods course with the godlie is from the bitter to the Sweete : * When Israel in their progresse had remoued from Mara , they came to Elim , from a place of bitternesse they came to refreshing fountaines of waters , and to pleasant palme trees : * All this worlde is but a Mara , a place of bitternesse : * Let vs haue patience but for a space , till wee ariue in Elim vp into the Heauens , where wee shall dwell among most pleasant palmes , and drinke of the holesome springes of the well of Life , euen pleasures for euermore : The Amen , the faithfull and true witnes hath promised . The sicke Man. My troubles are farre from such pleasures : I feare that such troubles bee but the fore-runners of a greater tempest : This maketh all the bowels of my bellie to wamble . The Pastour . * Nay , by the contrarie take them as I haue alreadie said to bee messengers posting before the calme : * It is good as yee knowe to see euerie season like it selfe : * The Christian life in this world must bee like the Winter season , subject to frosts and to snowes for killing of weedes and of wormes : * If the earth and mens bodies bee not nipped with cold , great are the euil which ensue : * The earth becommeth barren , and mans bodie become sickelie and subject to many diseases : * It is euen so with the Soule , if it remaine not heere in a wintrous estate , laide open to the tempests & nipping colds of temptations profitable for to mellowe and to rot the fellow ground of the heart , there is no great appearance of anie good spirituall haruest : * But if the winter tempests of afflictions come whereby the weeds and wormes of the conscience are killed , then may we looke for a pleantifull haruest of the quiet fruite of righteousnesse : God in mercie shall step with his mercifull feete thorow the fieldes of our heart , and his steps shall drop fainesse : * Let such hopes comfort you in this wearisome winter of your afflictions : * All Gods gloumes are but like winter cloudes , or like the louring of the Skye , faire weather will bee nixt , let such tempests fall but in there owne season : Happie is hee whose heart with such boistrous blastes is not swaide awry . The Sicke Man. O what a longsome winter is this , wherein I can not once see the Sun of righteousnesse , neither feele the heat of his beames , the comforter that should relieue my Soule is farre from mee . The Pastour . Let not that discourage you Sir , heare what Christ himselfe the bottomelesse fountaine of all comforts , saith , I goe away for a while , and yee shall bee sorrowfull , but I will come againe , and your joye shall none bee able to take away : If yee finde Christ to bee absent , comfort your selfe with the hope of his returne : * His absence is but for a little : * While the day is at the shortest , and the Sunne farthest from vs in the dead of winter , we are comforted with this that the day at once will grow longer , and that the Sunne will returne to vs by the degrees , by which hee went away : * Your day now , Sir , is at the shortest , tarrie but a little & ye shall shortlie perceiue a Spring Ianuar of joy , after this dead Decēber of distresses : * The more wintrous the Season of the life hath beene , looke for the fairer Summer of pleasures for euermore . Haue patience a little : The Euening of your sorrowes is almost past , the day is at the breaking , your reward is a bright morning starre of joy : * At the dawning of these joyes your night cloudie and darkest dolors shal decease : * God with some ray or beame of his reconcealed face , shall lighten you the way to heauens glorie . * This sinfull life of man is like a surgefull sea , tossed with many blasts and billowes . Whiles the floodes and waues of wrath , so catch a man till all the bowels of his bellie begin to wamble , all that is within him will be in a strange stir while he is as it were with Ionah , downe in the bellie of hell , at the rootes of the mountaines , hauing for his best garland the weeds wrapt about his head , in such a pittifull plight , hee will bee tempted to say to God with Ionah , I am cast out of thy sight , so darkened will the eye of his Conscience bee . But if so bee that in the jawes of his anguish with Ionah , hee can say to his God in his deepest plunge , yet I will look againe toward thine holie Temple ( which I may call the godlie mans Pole , the directer of the Christian course ) hee shall be saued : If while his Soule fainteth within him , hee can with the weake eye of Faith behold that Pole of peace , and with the Mariners in the Psalme , cry vnto the Lordin his trouble , the Lord shall deliuer him out of his distresses : He who by speaking vnto the Fish , made it to vomite out the prisoner , by a word of his mercy shall hale him out of such seas of sorrows , & shall softlie & swiftly bring him thorow the swelling surges to the hauen of peace , rest and quietnesse , euen of pleasures for euermore : Waite on a little , and your God shall store you with spirituall comforts . The sicke Man. But Oh , for the present , I am in the extremitie of anguish , which any created nature can possiblie endure . * My sillie Soule is lashed with a seuere whip of double cordes knottie at the end : Gods custome is to hādle his own nicelie and softlie like glasses for feare of crackes : But I am crushed vnder the milstones of his wrath , which are readie euerie houre to settle downe vpon my Soule , for to sinke it from the brimme to the bot tome of hell . O the length and breadth of that flying roll and volume of wrath , that is comming vpon mee for to curse mee with the Theefe and the swearer . There is such a freting canker into sinne , that in my judgement , if it could reach vnto the verie starres , it should mak them to roust by staining their brightnesse and polish colour : I thinke that if sinne could attaine therevnto it should rotte these faire celestiall bodies . In my judgement it should strike the Sunne and Moone the two eyes of the world with a catarict suffusion or with a sort of gutta serena , so that the world should goe blind . * All this woe is most justlie befallen mee , because while Gods long suffering inuited me to repentance , by delaying the day of my death , I turned his grace into wantonnesse , while I was threatned by his Iustice , I strained & racked his mercy beyond his truth and promise : I wonder not now that Gods judgements make me to reele to and fro , and stager like a drunken man : But heere is my griefe , and most piercing paine : I cannot think that GOD would suffer any of his owne Children to bee chaissed with such bloodie bickerings and not incontinent runne to his helpe : Can a mother forget her Childe ? though shee should , God cannot forget these that are his : Gods wrath continueth still against mee , my sinnes are mounted vp to his eares with a noyse , and hee hath taken notice : Behold , and consider , if there bee anie sorrow like vnto my sorrow . The Pastour . These bee the paines of new birth : * In such spirituall trauailing the Soule will bee in a wonderfull distresse , like Rachel of whom it is written that in trauailing , She was in hard labour : The hardest labour of the first birth is soft beeing compared to the labours of the second : No sorrow in the flesh is able fullie to expresse it : * I see a shadow of such sorrowes in that mourning of Hadadrimmom in the valley of Megiddon . This is a mourning joyned with fasting , making man and wife for a space to shed beds , that the man may mourne in one place and the wife in another . The familie of the house of Dauid apart , and their wiues apart : The familie of the house of Nathan apart , and their wiues apart : The familie of the house of Leui apart , and their wiues apart : The familie of Shimei apart , and their wiues apart : All the families that remainc , euerie familie apart , and their wiues apart . * All this mourning is wrought in mans heart by a Spirit which Zacharie calleth , the Spirit of grace : Behold , & see Sir , what it is of this your great griefe : It is a sure token that the Spirit of Grace hath beene powred vpon your Soule : Too too manie vndera smilling countenance haue a smarting Conscience , while the wieked laugh their heart is sorrowfull-Rejoyce in such a tribulation , after this short seede-time of sorrow , if yee can haue patience , ye shall reape the quiet fruite of righteonsnesse , after the darke cloudie night of sorrow , the day will dawne : * At the breaking of the Skye a starre of comfort shall arise which shall neuer sette vnder a night cloud of waterie teares . Man naturalliè is so impatient , that he cannot waite in a stayed temper , till the Lord hath ended his work . The sicke Man. I vnderstand not such working : * I euer heard preached that God was mercifull to his owne , and that hee did proportion euen at an haires breadth , their tryals and troubles to their spirituall temper , neuer surcharging any aboue their force , in their greatest darknes his custome is to lighten them the way to relieue with some ray or beame of a fatherlie fauour : But mine heart is altogether soacked and sacked with sorrow : Mine heart is nothing but a gulfe of griefe . The Pastour . The hand of our God is wonderfullie in his workes : as for vs , wee cannot worke vpon a Creature but by the helpe of another : * As for God , while hee worketh , it often befalleth that either there is nothing or that which would seeme to bee contrarie to his working . * In the Creation hee brought some thing out of nothing , from no-beeing hee brought a beeing : Hee would not make some-thing of some thing , but made all of nothing : God would not builde vpon another foundation : * Once hee destroyed the world with raine , now saith the Lord , I shall neuer doe it againe : But how shal a man know it ? euen by his Raine-bow , a certaine signe of raine ▪ * Behold , how in the Heauens hee setteth his raine armour for a signe of peace to the world declaring that he will no more shoote downe a deludge for to drowne the Children of men : * Before that God would send downe fire vpon the sacrifice of Elias for the tryall of the true God , hee appointed the ditch about it , first to bee filled with water : God is best known in the contrarie meanes : So Christ would open the blinde eyes by spittle and clay , which naturallie are more fitte ▪ to put out the sight than put it in : By the heauing vp of Moses weake hands , helped vp by others : God made choise to ouerthrow Hamalek rather then by the sword of Ioshuah : By the bluenes of the wound he purgeth away euill : Christ by death ouercame Death and purchased life : In wrath hee remembreth mercie , where mercie would seeme to bee forgotten : Hee first killeth that after hee may make aliue : His strength is made perfect in ▪ weaknesse : Out of the seede of teares ▪ hee bringeth an haruest of joye , applie all this to your selfe : * Before that God make a new Creation in you , hee will let you see first that there is nothing in your selfe whereof to make it : * Though God for a space hath opened the Windowes of his wrath and powred downe vpon you deluges of troubles and as yet seemeth to bend his Bow for a new shot : If hee were of minde to shoote hee would not shew his Bow : Behold , and see a signe of peace , a Bow without a string : * Though it were bended , as a token of warre by Gods merci●… , it betokeneth peace : While the ditch about the sacrifice of the he●…r is fullest of water viz when all is swimming with aboundance of teares , God then shall bee most readie to answere by fire . * Bee of good courage Sir , let Christs morter lye style vpon your eyes vntill his worke bee finished , that yee may recouer your sight ▪ * Though clay blind-foldeth , his spittle inlighteneth . The sicke Man. I am but a lumppe of clay shutte vp vnder vnbeliefe : I cannot practise your precepts : I haue a will to doe so : But I finde stronger powers within mee leading this Will into Captiuitie : What can this bee ? can both good and euill tarie together in one heart that is Gods ? The Pastour . That is most certaine , * There is both fish and drosse in Gods net , both corne & chaffe in his barne both Wheat & darnall in his field , both Sheepe & Goates in his folde : To will is present with mee , said Paul , But how to performe that which is good I finde not . The sicke Man. * While I behold such floods of temptations my braine is so troubled with dizinesse that all seeme to goe round : My Soule is like a Land lying frin the sea , which is beaten with billowes and with waues on all sides , mine head is giddie while I beholde the strict streame of such tumbling waues . The Pastour . * The temptations and troubles of this world may well be compared to a Riuer that runneth with a quick streame : * If while yee ride thorow ye euer look downe vpon the streame your head will waxe dizie indeede , so that yee shal be in danger of a fall : But those who know what it is , euer behold the yonder brinke fixing their eyes vpon that which moueth not * It is so that wee should doe while wee passe thorow the swift running streames of temptations , wee must not fixe our eyes vpon the streame which runneth but vpon yonder immouable shore of eternitie , where wee minde to land after that wee haue waden thorow the combersome foord of this life : In hope against hope relye vpon Gods mercie : Challenge your interest therein thorow Christs bloodie merites . The sicke Man. * While I desire to doe so the arrowes of fearful temptations come vpō me with poisoned points : I heare a voyce within me crying , What hast thou to doe with the shore of eternitie ? thou who hast wearied thy selfe in the way of wickednesse , and hast spended thy whole life into blacke dismall dayes , by making others to mourne in blacke , thou shalt neuer weare the white garments of Christs righteousnesse , neither in grace nor glorie : Oh , that mine heart were in a true spirituall temper ! Oh , that it were seasoned and softned with the dew of Grace ! Oh , where shall I hide mee , vntill these calamities bee ouerpast ? The Pastour . * Your Soule Sir , within you is like a man in a shippe tossed with a tempest as the Disciples on the Sea , fearing to drowne , cryed to Christ , Master , saue vs , for wee perish●… ▪ So doe ye ; though for a space he seeme to sleepe , carelesse of your saluation , hee shall shew himselfe broad awake at your cry : Behold , hee that keepeth Israel , shall neither slumber nor sleepe : * My counsell is that yee wrap and infold your sillie Soule in his bloody merites , as in a close warme garment that shall keepe you safe and sure against the wind and weather of all temptations : * I like your feares better than the securitie of these who thinking that they sleepe in a sound skin , care not whither judgements blast or mercie blesse : If the Hypocrite content man , hee careth not for God : All his best thinges are but forme and outwardnesse , hee hath a forme of knowledge , he also hath a forme of godlinesse : * In this forme hee sleepeth , not troubled with any checke or counter-blast of Conscience Waite ye vpon Christ. The sicke Man. * Christ hath forgotten mee ▪ If hee had minde of mee , would hee suffer my Soule thus to bee eaten away with the bloodie gangrene of an euill Conscience ? happie are the wicked , for they are not plagued like other men . The Pastour . Nay , vnhappie are the wicked vvhat euer their estate bee : while they studie to vvorldly joye encompassing themselues with carnall contentments it is for nothing but that as the deuils desired , they should not bee tormented before the time : In such false joyes they are ledde hood-winkt to destruction : While God suffereth his owne for a space to bee afflicted , it is no token of forgetfulnesse , nor yet of vncomfortable strictnesse : Did hee not suffer his owne Sonne to suffer , till hee cryed , My God , my God , why hast thou forsaken mee ? God in great mercie to vs hath set out his owne Sonne as a patrene of patience , for to let all the godlie see , that seeing he hath torne with bloody whipes the backe and shoulders of his onelie Son , that no man should tak exception to drinke in the same Cup , as also that no man should despaire or take in euill part to bee chastened of the Lord : But when wee are judged , saith the Apostle , wee are chastened of the Lord , that wee should not bee condemned with the world : * Many will suffer legs and armes to bee cut from them into a feaster , for to saue the rest : What reck what the body suffer if so be the Soule bee saued ? what euer affliction ye suffer in bodie or mind , it is for the saluatiō of your sillie Soule , by such pangues , your God will preuent the paines of hell : * In your greatest griefes , God is but practising his owne precept of sauing Soules by feare , vvhereby they are pulled out of the fire : The Sorrowes of the godlie end in joye : But as for the wicked they are like the Sea , whiles tossed , whiles tumbled , but euer inwardlie disquieted . The sicke Man. Is this then the estate of the godlie heere to be betimes crossed with most fearefull temptations , whereby as vvith an Ocean sea they will seeme to bee ouer-vvhelmed ? The Pastour . It is certaine , for many are the troubles of the righteous : * Christ deerest here are lik Lillies among the thornes : * This life are the Winter of their affliction : * They are a groning genaration , Turtles crouding with sighes and grones vvhich their tongues cannot expresse , vvhile Abraham began to sleepe , loe an horrour of great darknesse fell vpon him . The sicke Man. But in such anguish of heart will they not haue some bosome comforts ? salt Sea vvater strained thorow the earth becōmeth sweete : At the greatest sense of vvrath will they not aye haue some hope of mercy though for a space they haue swimmed downe the current of the times shifting their sailes to the turning of euerie wind . The Pastour . They will bee in great distresse : * Their Soule vvill be shaken like a sea full of surges , tossed with contrarie Tydes : * As for their comfort it vvill be lik the smoke of flaxe without a flamme : * In their deepest temptations they vvill haue some bosome secret graces into the heart as cmbers vnder an heape of ashes : Some times in all outward appearance they vvill bee so douked that they vvill seeme to be drowned : * While they are all vnder the vvater vvith Ionah , as it vvere at the rootes of the mountaines they vvill thinke , and so also vvill others thinke , that they are in the bellie of hell : * This is their estate , vvhile for a space they are borne downe vvith the vveight of vvrath and vvith the burden of their sinnes , they are as it vvere many fathome deepe vnder the vvater : But so soone as it pleaseth God ▪ for to remoue that weight , incontinent they come vp to the brimme of the vvater , because there is breath and life vvithin them . * So long as there is life in a man , hee may vvell at the first plunge goe downe to the bottome of a Poole , but incontinent hee mounteth vp againe , because there is a Spirit and breath vvithin him . But if hee bee once deade , hee sinketh downe like Leade vnto the ground : * It is euen so vvith the vvicked and the godlie , the wicked are dead in the vvaters of affliction and therefore vvith Pharaoh and his armie they sinke downe like Lead into the mightie waters : But as for the godlie , though heauie vveights of sin for a space hang fast on , yet because the Spirit of God , a Spirit of life and of breath is vvithin them , they may vvell at one plunge or other douke downe , because of the vveight of their corruptions , but incontinent they come vp againe : * By vertue of the Spirit as by Corke they are caried aboue , & so at last swimme thorow all the waues of their troubles and temptations , till they come to the shallow , where they may set their feete vpon a Rocke , euen the Rocke Christ. * When Ionah was cast into the Sea , who euer thought that hee should come out againe ? yet heare : how the drouked man sang at last , Yet hast thou brought vp my life from corruption , my Lord my God : So litle was his hope once , that hee said , beeing in the bellie of hell , The earth with her barres was about me for euer What hope of change can wee haue of that which we call , For euer ? * See what little hope that Prophet had for a certaine space , before that God would bring his life from corruption : * What out-gate could the poore man see into such a darke dungeon into the bellie of the Fish , downe at the rootes of the mountaines into the bottome of the deepe ? * That which the sillie man could not see , God saw : Hee whom the Shippe could not saue , was saued in the bellie of hell : He who could saue Ionah , in the water , could saue his seruant Sadrach and his fellowes in she fire : * While these three poore men were bound in their coats , their hosen and their hattes , and cast into that fearfull Furnace , there came in One that afraide them all , a fourth man. euen the Sonne of God , which by an absolute soueraignetie loosed the other three , so that they all foure in the Kings sight walked vp & down together without any hurt : * All the miracles of the olde Testament were but types and figures of Gods mercie and spirituall blessings vnder the New : * The passage of the Israelites from Egypt to Canaan , was a type of our walking in this world ▪ vnto that Canaan that is aboue : * The Egyptians behind , the Sea before , the Mauniaines on euerie side were but types of our spirituall enemies : Some like Egyptians behind , are chaissing vs , some like Mountaines on euerie side hedge vs in to keepe vs from escape : Some before like a Sea are before vs , betweene vs and Canaan : Christ is a cloudy Pillar which in the day time is darknesse , & commeth betweene vs and the rage of the Egyptians of this world , so that for mist they cannot see vs : * In the darke night of our tribulations hee goeth before vs in a pillar of fire , for to be a light vnto our steps : * At last , after we haue passed by many mountaines of miseries , and are come to the red sea of temptations , euen to the last temptations on our death ▪ bed , where all our sins red like scarlet stand like a red sea betweene vs and the place of promise , God by the rod of his mercifull power , giueth that sea , such a blow that all its billowes make roome to let his people passe thorow : * Then all mourning is turned into musicke : Moses singeth with the men & Mi●…ian with the women : Nothing is heard there but songs & sounding Timbrels : Manie a ●…ore sigh had they before they came to this Song : * Many a pittifull looke gaue they backe to Pharaoh , breathing out rage behind them , they q●…aked lik an Haire that heareth the barke of the Dog , breathing to bee at it : But while at last they saw thēselues bounded with an enemy that boasted them with drowning , then God in their greatest feares sent a powerfull deliuerance : * Behold , here as in a Cart the draughts of the Christian mans journey vnto Heauen : Read into it , That thorow manie tribulations wee must enter into the Kingdome of Heauen , euen thorow burning Riuers of Brimstone . The sicke Man. But alas , they come thorow all their troubles & were at last deliuered : But I see none appearance that God will doe the like to mee : I haue beene prodigall of the peace of my Conscience , my sinnes doubled doe daylie ripen Gods wrath against mee : In all liklie-hood Gods decree is gone out , that I should porish : * My Faith faileth mee , Hope is flowne away : Oh , for that peace in belieuing . The Pastour . As by bitter Succorie the burning blood is cooled and refreshed , so by such bitter bloodie blowes , the pride of life is subdued & hemmed within a compasse : * By such to●…turing and tormenting feares : The good Lord is working for your well that thereby hee may driue you from all selfeconceate●…nesse & partiall ouervaluing of your own worth : * It is Gods custome by such means to doublem as zeale , to blow at the smoaking flaxe ; till the weak reeking sparkle of grace bee kindled into a bright burning flam . By such troubles and temptations the good Lord keepeth your Soule in watchfulnesse : * Many in this world sleepe soundlie in their sinnes , beeing fullie stuft and swelled therewith , and for all that neuer waken , till they be wakened in ye●…re of Hell : * Others who are troubled with some inward checkes , runne●… to Tauerns for to drowne their sorrow for sinne , by powring in of strong drinke : Others thinke to smoke it out by the ●…eeke of Tabacca : Some runne to the di●…ne of the vvorld among loud laughters . * As the Israelite●… in Tophe●… sounded their Drummes , that they should not beare the squeeles of their Infants burning in the fire , so so go some about by the noise of sports & worldlie joyes to deafen so their Soules , that they should not heare the shrighes of their troubled Conscience : * But all such comforts and companiourie are like that red wine , giuing colour in the cuppe , and mouing it selfe aright : But what is the end of all ? * Such things may seeme to coole & refresh for a space , lik as when a burnt finger is dipped into cold water , vvhere one qualitie encirculoth another : But shortlie after that little an●…iperistasis is past , in come doubled dolours with all the anwels of the principall summe , at last all such drunke comforts bite like a Serpent , and sting like a Cockatrice , as doeth the drunkards best claret wine . * Well is that Soule which God in mercie exerciseth daylie either vvith one crosse or other , not suffering it to be rocked and lulled with Sathans balowes in the cradle of Securitie . Rejoyce then in tribulation , put all your trust in God , yea , though hee should slay you , inwarpe your selfe in the Mantle of his mercies : Relye vpon him with vvhō nothing is imposible : He vvho can make the great Camell passe thorow the needle eye , can open the narrow gate , and let your Soule enter into his Rest. * Learne of the Father of the faithfull to belieue in hope against hope : God thinketh himselfe most glorified vvhen men belieue in him , while there is least outward appearance : His delight is to allure in the wildernesse , vvhere is least appearance : Forget neuer that couragious words of Iob , Though he should slay mee , yet will I trust in him : * Not to haue Faith , except vvee feele and see , is to be faithlesse vvith Thomas vvhile hee said , that hee vvould not belieue till hee vvas assured by the tvvo vvitnesses of his senses , viz. Sight and Feeling : * Christ out of pittie granted to him contentment of ●…enle , but with a sore & a nipping checke , Because thou hast seene mee , thou hast belieued , blessed are they that haue not seene , and yet belieued : If yee would bee blessed , belieue before yee either feele or see : Hee who brought meate out of the de●…ourer and light out of darknesse , can inlighten your mistie minde . The sicke Man. What then would yee me to doe Sir , while within and without I can perceiue no token of comfort , none appearance of fauour ? seeing hee hath hid his countenance from my Soule , what thinke yee best that I should doe ? The Pastour . * Doe as Isaiah did , I will , said he , waite vpon the Lord , that hideth his face from the house of Iakob , and I will looke for him : God is like a Mother that cannot forget her Child : * She may hide her selfe a little , and let it get a knocke , that it may feare and learne to beware of greater dangers : * Though God gloume in outward countenance at the faultes of his Children , yet in his heart are euer thoughts of peace and of mercie . Of this Dauid produced two witnesses , Once I heard , saide hee , yea , twise , that mercie belongeth to God : * Once in all appearance hee heard this read or preached by the Prophets , and another time by the Spirit the inward teacher of the Soule : * Behold how the Spirit and the Word , once yea , twise , both outwardlie and inwardlie haue testified that mercie is with God , yea , as a thing which most properlie belongeth vnto him : In your more sober moode and cold blood , yee shall confesse this to bee true : * God for a space will seeme to bee vncouth : Hee , as Naomie bade Ruth returne home with her Sister ●…rpah , will bidde a sinner goe seeke his comforts in his bypa●…t pleasures : But if with Ruth hee see him stedfastlie minded he will incontinent leaue off such speaking . The sicke Man. I know that God is full of mercie ; Of this the Deuils did neuer doubt : * Within the compasse of his compassions is mercie for a thousand worlds , but what is that to mee ? How shall I come by it ? The Pastour . The Scripture is plaine , Aske , said Christ , and yee shall receiue , seeke and yee shall finde : Sticke to him with a truely Christiā & vnshakē resolutiō . What euer yee shall seeke from the Father in my Name , said Christ , hee will giue it vnto you : If yee beleeue Christ to bee true , practise his precept : * Take once but a proofe of his promise seeke in the Name of Iesus whatsoeuer thing may doe you good , and see whether or not God shall proue faithf●… in his promise : * Before that a man will distrust another , hee will first at least bee beguiled once : * Vpon Christs words then with freedome of Spirit , Aske , seeke , and knocke , and see whether or not your Soule shall bee answered with these three viz , receiuing finding , and opening : * There is a worthie historie in the Gospel which pointeth at this that we should doe what Christ Commandeth , though there be litle appearāce of any good successe : After that Christ had teached the people out of Peters ship , the Sermon beeing ended , the Lord said , vnto Simon , Launch out into the deepe , and let downe your nettes for a draught , Simon answered , said vnto him , Master we haue toiled all the night and haue token nothing , neuerthelesse at thy word I will let down the net : What ensued vpon his obedience ? they inclosed such a multitude of fishes that for the weight thereof their nette brake , the aboundance was so great that they beckned to their partners which were into another ship , that they shuld come to helpe them : And they came and filled both the shippes , so that they beganne to sinke : * Let your wearied Soule learne of Peter to obey Christ , though they had toiled all the night and had taken nothing , and had lost all hope of any taking , yet at Christs word they let downe the net . * Christ in his Miracle would not cause the fish to leape into their Shippe , but hee would haue them to launch and labour , yea , and seeke helpe of others : * Moreouer , before Christ did this , they had toiled all the night before , without anie profit : * Christ came not to abrogat the Law by feeding idle men , but hee came to fulfill the Law , and to giue a blessing to these that did eate their bread in the sweate of their face : * Trust first in God , Sir , and at his word launch in the deepe : * Labour in the sweat of your face , seeke , aske , knocke , and bee assured to finde and receiue , for yea , and Amen hath spoken it : * Though your sinnes bee great , if yee belieue his word , hee hath giuen both his word and his oath to forgiue , two immutable things wherein it is imposible that God should lie . O the vnlimited & boundlesse bowels of his mercie . The sicke Man. I haue alreadie rapped at the doore of grace , but I haue gotten none answere : * God will not cast vp his gates to let in such a rotten ra●…call as I am : The dinne of temptations within mee is like the rumbling of a Linne , wherein waters rush with a ●…oise : I by my sinnes haue growne so heauie vpon the Lord ▪ that I presse him as a Cart is pressed that is full of sheaues : While I pray , Christ letteth not on him that hee either heareth or seeth mee . The Pastour . Though at the first prayer ye receiue not , yet cry againe , & againe : * The poore receiue not almes at your doore at the first cry , and therefore they cry againe , and againe , till their almes come : * That Cananitish woman that came from the costes from Tire and Sidon for to seeke helpe of Christ for her Daughter troubled with a deuill , was not heard at her first prayer , shee receiued none answere at all , at the secōd she receiued a verie hard answere , viz , That hee was sent vnto others , than to the like of her , viz. Vnto the lost sheepe of the house of Israel . At the third prayer shee receiued the hardest answere of all , viz. That shee and her Daughter were but dogs , to whom the Childrens bread , did not belong : What did shee then ? * Shee tooke the buffet for the bit : Wee are but dogs , said shee , why then , let vs eate the crumbes : At that worde Christ could refuse her no more , but gaue her all her will , O Woman , said hee , great is thy Faith , bee it vnto thee euen as thou wilt : * Though while yee cry , Christ make none answere , yet cry againe : If hee call you a dogge , cry for a crumbe : * Often his comforts are folded in his Iudgements : S. Paul prayed th●…ise before God gaue to him an answere : While the angel of the Deuill did buffet him , hee cryed for helpe once & againe , after the third time God made answere that his grace should bee sufficient for him : Iacob got not his blessing at the first sute , no not , at last it came to worsling , and weeping , and wresting , he wept & made supplicatiō , and then the Lord blessed him : Did not Christ himselfe in his great agonie pray , and after one prayer , pray againe for the remouing of the painfull cuppe ? * If yee haue prayed pray yet againe , were it in the same prayer , as Christ did , of whom it is said ▪ That againe he went away & prayed & spak the same words : God may let his owne cry , and cry aga ne , but hee will not let them cry ●…ill they be confounded : At last when his time is come , hee will arise to their helpe : * Hee can not sit the importunate cryes of wearied spirites : * Because of the importunitie of the seeker that neighbour in the Gospel could not get his friend refused , the one friende came to the other friendes doore , but for the lend of three loaues tor to set downe before another friende , who was in his journey , came late vnto his house : A friend of mine , said he , in his journey is come to mee , and I haue nothing to set before him : From within the other answered , that hee should not trouble him , because the doore was shute , and his Children were with him into the bed : I say vnto you , said Christ , Though hee will not rise , and giue him ▪ because hee is his friend , yet because of his importunitie ▪ hee willrise and giue him as many as hee needeth . The spirituall vse of this is subjoyned vnto the verse following , Aske and it shall bee giuen you , seeke and yee shall finde , &c. * Because of the earnest sute of the poore Widow , the euill Iudge who neither feared God , nor respected man , was forced to doe her justice : * These thinges are writen for our learning , not to take a refusell from our God in any thing that may bee good for our Soule , mans importunitie in seeking , is Gods opportunitie in giuing . The Sicke Man. These things cannot bee written for mee : What doeth Christ care for mee ? haue not I treade vnder the filthie feete of mine affections that precious Blood ? Haue not I counted that Blood f the Couenant as an vnholie thing ? My Spirit is in a feare that it hath done dispight vnto the Spirit of grace : * This is the chiefe gash and wound of my Soule , this is a gangrene , which eateth out mine heart , the temptation is come from the barke to the bone . The Pastour . * If yee were guiltie of that sinne , yee would not bee so grieued for it : * These who doe despight vnto the Spirit of grace , mourne not for that siane as it is an hainous offence against God , but as it procureth the wages of euerlasting woe : * In such a man the feare of judgement is greater than the hatred of sinne : Iudas could say , Oh , I haue sinned in betraying the innocent Blood : The feare of judgement , & not the loue of Christ made him bewaile his treason : The sinne against the holie Ghost is not so great , but God could forgiue it , if the sinner could repent : * The bosome of Gods mercy is not so streightned that it cannot receiue a sinner because of the hudge greatnesse of his sinnes : There was no disease which Christ could not cure in the dayes of his flesh : But because of the vnbeliefe of men , in some partes hee could not doe manie miracles : * Obserue a strange word , spoken of God by God himselfe , Hee could not doe ? * Vnbeliefe in a manner putteth the Almightie in a sort of weakenesse , so that hee cannot doe : * As there was no sicknesse but Christ could care it , if men could belieue , so there is no sinne , but God can forgiue it , if man can repent : * If any sinne vnpar doned lye still , & beare vpon the Soule of man , it is because of his vnbeliefe : * Bee earnest with God , that hee would increase your Faith : * Be of good courage , Sir , thogh many be the troubles of the righteous ▪ yet heere is his comfort , the end of that man is peace : Your Soule is trauelling in the paines of the new birth : Let the Spirit of Christ be doing , till he end the worke of your Saluation within you : * There is sweete in his gloumes , and loue in his looke , euen while hee seemeth to bee angrie : * Hee who with a silent looke , first pricked , and then healed the heart of Peter , shall at last after your troubles wipe away your teares , and yee shall weepe no more : * The looke of our Lord ▪ is a working looke : * Our beholding is but by reception of spaces , but Christs looking is by emission of graces , which like streames of heate and light come from the Sunne , the worldes eye , with a most powerfull influence . Bee of good courage , Sir , be not dismayed in your afflictions : * Such is the courage of Christes Spouse that shee calleth all her troubles but a looke of the Sunne , a litle black bleink wherewith the outward skin is onelie made duskie : * Christs will is that wee suffer heere such flea ▪ bitings , that wee may know what hee hath suffered for vs in sauing vs from eternall woe . Fixe your Faith in his merites , which are the onelie Oyle that maketh all thinges easie , euen a most precious restoratiue for a languishing and sorrow beaten Soule . Be wise and ware , by your doubting to confine the boundlesse mercies of your God , belieue and bee saued , this is the trueth of the Gospel . The sicke Man. But the Law of God is of a great stricknesse ; it bindeth all the senses and all the thoughts and imaginations of the heart to a perfect obedience vnder the paine of Maranatha : This thought straineth hard mine heart , and wringeth it together into a narrow roome with a predominant power . The Pastour . * Indeede Sir , the Law of God , striketh vpon all that is in man , and oblisheth most strict to a perfect and sincere obedience , for not only dischargeth it actuall Murther , Adulterie , Theft , and such like , but also the counsels , and plots , and desires to practise such villanies : * Yea , not onelie such plots , which are forbidden in the Commandement , which forbiddeth the euill action , but also the least desire of ill , though detasted and abhorred with speede : * The tenth Command which is last , requireth such a puritie into the heart of man , that it will not onelie haue it to be cleane of grosse euill thoghts fedde and petted with yeelding and consent , but also it requireth that it bee free of the least impression of anie euill thought : * The Soule of man is like a Cristall looking Glasse : If a man but blow vpon it with his breath , at once it is darkned with a duskie skumme , wherewith it is dimmed that till it be sweept , the image of a mans face will not appeare into it : * So it is of sin and of our Soule , the least affection or inclination to sinne is like a dimme skumme vpon the face of the Soule , caused by the stinking breath of the deuill : What is a filthie temptation ? but afflatus illius impuri Spiritus , a breathing of that vncleane Spirit ? Thus as yee see God indeede requireth a great puritie to bee in his creature , for the hammering downe of the pride of flesh , puft vp with vaine and ouerweening conceits : * His Law requireth that his Children bee so cleane that there bee not so much as the breath of euill vpon them for to darken or mak dimme the polish of their cristall colour . * But heere is our comfort , there is an hand in the heauen ▪ that is able to sweepe away all our sinnes whatsoeuer , and make our Soule were it neuer so roustie , to become cleare like gold new come out of the fornace : Though yee haue lyen among the pottes yet shall ye be as the winges of a Doue couered with siluer , and her feathers with yellow gold . Let not the rigour of the Law affraight you : Christ is hee who hath fulfilled the Law : * Hee hath nailed that hand writing vpon his Crosse , and so hath made vs free of its rigour : Sinne reigneth not in a godlie heart , but so long as man is heere , sinne hath in him some poysonous and pestilent rootes : If wee doe not what wee can to imploy his graces faithfullie , for to render his Talents with some profit , hee shall say vnto vs , faithfull seruant come & enter into thy Masters joye : Bee of good heart , after that Gods anger like the Moone is come to its hight , it shall beginne to waine as it beganne to waxe : After a full flood shall come a low ebbe . The sicke Man. What then thinke yee best that I doe while I am enuironed with so many troubles and temptations ? The Pastour . * Your best is to runne euer vnto Christ in whom alone is vertue for to cure your filthie fluxe : Let nothing hinder ●…ou in the way till yee bee at him : * By his blood he shall present you harmelesse and guiltles before Gods Tribunall : Though swarmes of temptations wherein is Beelzebub the master flee buze about you , bee not astonished : * Hold on your course , till yee come to him : Thogh many troubles lye into your way , gird vp your loynes and run with courage through this snakie field , hauing your feet shod with the preparatiō of the Gospel of peace : Let griefe bee a whet stone vnto grace . The sicke Man. * If I should now run to Christ , thinke ye that I would be welcome to him , after that I haue sported so long , and solaced my selfe in securitie , in the soft and greene way of fading pleasures : * While his precious word was preached , I like the craftie Adder closed mine eares , as from the voyce of a charme : But thinke yee that hee can loue mee , who is one so vnworthie to be loued , a lazie drousie drooping drone , altogether carlesse in the worke of my saluation . The Pastour . There is a great misconceit of God in most mens hearts * Some there bee who with amplifying conceats , make the way to Heauen broader than the Scripture , like the Pharisees broad Philacteries or shaking ribbands : Others againe , as Balaams Asse thrusted his master to the wall in a roume way , with lesse reason than the Asse , they thrust aside vpon the walles of doubts or despaire , as though Gods mercies were so narrow that no possibilitie were for to passe thorow : By this meanes they fasten vpon God , an impossibilitie to forgiue : But to come to the point , your question is , if I think that God can loue you , who is so vnworthie to bee loued I thinke it verilie , and I am perswaded : * God , I confesse , cannot loue sinne in man , but hee may loue man in sinne : * God inuiteth not these whom hee loueth not : Come vnto mee , saith hee , all yee that are wearied : * Your wearinesse cryeth vnto you , that which was said to the blind man , Bee of good comfort , arise , the Master calleth thee , an humble confession in the mouth , is the speach of contrition in the heart : God hath sworne that hee liketh not a sinners death . Hee is more glad to finde vs for to helpe vs , than we can rejoyce to find him for to be helped by him : * Who can thinke but hee is glad to finde vs , that tooke such paines to seeke vs , that not caring for the vnwholesome and noysome night aire , came to our doore hauing his head full of dewe , and his lockes full of the droppes of the night ? which is more , such was his loue and liking of vs , that for to saue our life hee would die a cursed death : The last wordes of your complaint are that yee are one who is vnworthie to bee loued . * I had rather heare a sinner calling himselfe wretched and vnworthie with the Publican , than boasting of his worthinesse with the Pharisee : * The swelled hydropie words of thankesgiuing that we are not lik other mē , are a sure toking of a deadlie & incurable disease : Man naturallie goeth about to lessen & impaire his faultes , yea , oftē rather than he will cry guiltie hee will fasten his follie by consequent vpon his Maker : Adam said , The woman which thou gauest me , gaue me of the tree , & made me to eate : * Many are caried down the muddie streame of ouerweening their owne worth . Our greatest worthinesse is in the sense of our own vnworthinesse , and in the seeking of Christs worthinesse : * That man is worthie before God , who findeth himselfe vnable to doe that which is worthie , and vnwilling to doe that which is vnworthie : * The verie strife and battell betweene grace and nature in theregenerat , is a victorie in Gods eyes : A broken imperfectiō , if it be sincere without guile , is put vp in his merciful count book , for a perfectiō indeed , such is the mercie of God , while we mislike our selues : * These were the wisest words of Agur , in Gods account , when hee said , I am more fool●…sh than any man : S. Paul was neuer more dearelie beloued of God , as when hee hating himselfe called himselfe the first of sinners : * Cast your eyes off your selfe , and looke vnto God your strength & your stay : The Name of the Lord is a strong towre the righteous runneth into it , & is safe . The sicke Man. O that I could practise your precepts ! O that my God would inspire mee with such a blessed and liuelie vigour of his Spirite , that might quicken my Soule to euerlasting life ! O that it would please my God , stronglie to refresh mee with the comfort of his countenance ! But alas , out of this most filthy puddle of my heart arise such filthie vapours which so ouer-cloud the Sunne of righteousnesse , that I am not able to behold his face : while he did shine vpon mee , his most bright and vnspotted beames were fullie darkened : * The more the heate of his word did beate vpon mee , the more my conuersation became stinking and loathsome like a carion cast out before the Sunne , this I cannot denie , at the rememberance thereof I finde my selfe charged afresh vpon the Conscience with terrours and vexations : O the dead slubber of securitie , wherein I haue sleept vnto this houre ! my custome euer was to post ouer my sinnes , in the lump with a generall slumbert confession . There is nothing within me but matter of feare , I feele my faith fainting , I feare my sinnes , I feare the wrath of God , I feare the force of Sathan , the king of feare : * I may be well bee called that which Ieremie called Pashur , viz. Magor-missabib , that is , Feare round about , yea , I not onelie feare , but I feele a fearefull wrath : * My stubburnesse and stonie heart hath brought vpon my Soule Gods brasen hands : * Now is hee doing to mee that which of olde hee threatned against these that were like mee , If yee walke stubbornlie against mee , I will walke stubbornlie with you : In my youth I was guided by the guise of times , my delight was to goe with the droue , now I am lost , beeing cold dead frozen in the dregges of my vncleannesse . The Pastour . The force of temptation wringeth such words out of you , as thogh yee had none hope at all : * Your Soule Sir , is like the Moone into an ecclipse : * There bee darknesse and changing of collours for a time , because your sinnes like an earth come betweene you and the beames of Christ , the Sunne of righteousnesse : * I haue seene the Moone in her ecclipse for a space as though shee had not beene at all into the heauens , but as shee darkened by little and little , so after the greatest darknesse was past , the light returned by degrees . Despaire not Sir , of an infinite mercie , let not your heart be wasted with wearinesse : Though the earth of your sinnes which in comparison of Gods mercie is but a point , ouershadow the Soule for a space , while it is in this low region , the time shall come that God shall mount your Soule aboue the circle of the Starres wherevnto the shadow of such an earth is not able to attaine : * Thogh God for a space walke stubbornlie with you , hee is not stubborn : Whē yee shall beginne to walke humblie with your God , God shall walke no more stubbornlie with you , but shall deliuer you from all your feares : Build your selfe vpon your holie Faith. The sicke Man. I may well say with Iob , My stroke is heauier than my groning : Whereon can my Faith lay hold ? * God is armed with wrath , and Sathan is armed with despight : * I see nothing for the present but blowes and bloody battels , most dreadfull feares teare in pieces mine heart strings , & sucke out the inmost of mine heart blood . The Pastour . Though there be many aduersaries , yet Christ is with you : * Make all your boast of him who is the Captaine of your Saluation : Hee hath winne the field , he hath tread vnder foote principalities and powers , and hath ledde Captiuitie captiue : * Hee whose Faith is founded vpon him , shall neuer bee confounded : * His fresh bleeding wounds are cuer filled with compassions : * Though God by our sinnes bee moued to shew some wrath , heere is our great comfort , There is no condemnation to these that are in Christ : Belieue yee not the Scriptures ? I know yee belieue : If Christ bee with vs , who shall bee against vs ? * These who thinke that their sinnes ouer-reach Gods mercie , make the Centre to compasse about the Circumference : Though hee should receiue a world of sinners in the bosome of his mercie , it will not for that bee the more streightned : O the vnspeakeable compasse of Gods compassions . The sicke Man. I doubt not of the infinite compasse of his mercie , but whether or not he will shew that mercie to such sinners as I am , this often troubleth my darkned and droopping Soule . The Pastour . * To shew mercie to most mise rable persons , is most familiar to Gods Nature : * Hee neuer executeth judgement till we egge him and inforce him vnto : * For this cause , where he punisheth , hee is said , To doc his worke , his strange worke , and to bring to passe his act , his strange act : Hee hath sworne by his life , that he taketh no delight in our death : * Our God is not rigorous against these that would faine doe well : No not , but lik as a father that pittieth his children , so the Lord pittieth them that feare him , for hee knoweth our frame , hee remembreth that wee are but dust : * Our God will not exact strictlie a perfection in the life of his Children : * If wee haue an affection to doe well , though wee cannot affect it , hee will accept it : * A godlie Father hath said well concerning this , Deus magis delectatur affectu quam effectu , that is ▪ God is more pleased with the affection of a man than with the effect it selfe : * Christ thought more of the poore womans mites , than of rich mens millions , and that all because of her good affection : Well is the Soule in whose bosome it lodgeth . The sicke Man. * But the good affection must euer bee followed with some effect : * Mine heart hath beene nothing but a filthie puddle , a false Fox hole : The more I dig into this dung hill I am the more confounded : O what a jewell is a good Conscience co●…ered vp into the heart of a Christian ! It is like a precious pearle in a Ring : I am ashamed to come into Gods presence while I looke vpon my sinnes . The Pastour . Shall the sicke man bee ashamed to lay out his sores to a secret and wise Surgeon : * It is good to think shame of sinne before wee doe it , for to abstaine from it : It is also good to think shame of it after it is done , for to repent vs of it : But wee must neuer thinke shame to confesse it : * This is the craft of Sathan , hee ta keth away shame from man at the commission of sinne , and restoreth it againe to man at the confession of sinne . * That which hee hath once taken away from a man by forged cauillation like Zacheus , he ▪ though in a worse sense , refloreth him fourefold : * A wicked man after that he hath sinned , hath fourefold more shame to confesse his sinne before a Congregation , which indeed , should bee his honour ; tha●… hee had at the committing of sinne the onelie cause of shame : * If hee had beene as ashamed to commit sin priuilie , as hee is ashamed to confesse it publicklie , he had neuer taken pleasure into sinne . * Men of widest Consciences whose hearts are s●…uft and engrossed with wickednes , will often I confesse seeme shame ▪ f●…st before men : * In the presence of a carnall●… eye , they will straine the g●…ate like ●…e Maidens , which cannot eate at Table where they are seene , their throat is so narrow , that hardlie can any meate passe ouer , quasi vero : O but in secret greatest gluttons , deuouring blacke bread embrued with yesterdayes broth . * Shee that but pitissat sippes before the Sober can skip at the scols with her Commers , till shee bee sicke with healths . Euen so it is of such sinners , most modest they are & shamefast while they are seene : The gnate of a light vaine word they cannot digest if men haue heard it , but in the meane time in the polluted thoughts of their prophane hearts , they are filthy dreamers , & if secret occasion serue ; without shame of God they will swallow Camels , making no bones : * Though their sinne bee neuer so huge in greatnesse , euen Adulterie , the wracke of most famous Families , if they can straine and passe it with a close conueyance , their heart will say of it as Lot said of Bela , Is it not a little one ? * Well is that Soule which while it is tempted to sinne , hath euer an eye vpon its God , saying with Ioseph , Now behold , my God seeth mee , and hee is a witnesse of this my doing : How then can I doe this great wickednesse and sin against God ? As for that yee say now that yee are ashamed to come before God , while yee looke vpon your sinnes : It is good sir that ye think shame to come into Gods presence , because of your sinne , but thinke not shame in Gods presence to confesse your sin : * Sin whether secret or confessed is euill , but the confession of sin is euer good , Gods word is true , If wee confesse our sinnes , hee is faithfull and just to forgiue vs our sinnes , and to cleanse vs from all vnrighteousnesse : * Trust in God , Sir , relye vpon his mercifull bowels , who out of his great compassions hath said , I haue receiued a ransome : God loueth those that are feelinglie affected , & wakened out of the slumber of Conscience . The sicke Man. But thinke yee verilie that God will bee mercifull to mee ? whose Soule hath beene but a soile for weedes . The Pastour . * I thinke that yee your selfe should thinke none otherwise : A good man , saith Solomon , is mercifull to his beast : * It is a beastlie thing for a man , to thinke that God will not bee more mercifull to his Soule , than any man can bee to his beast : * God was more offended at Cain for despairing of his mercie , than for killing of his brother : * Iudas kindled more Gods wrath for the desperate hanging of himselfe ▪ than for the betraying of his Lord that was hanged by his treason : * Hee who offered his mouth to receiue a kisse from that Treatour , had neuer refused him mercie , if hee had sought it with a repenting heart : Because prophane Ahab had but a shew or outward scroofe of repentance , hauing Sackcloth neerest his skinne , the Lord spaired him all his dayes , to let men see what he will doe to true repentance , seeing hee is so gracious vnto that which is but an outward likenesse thereof . * There is no sinne that offendeth God more highlie as distrust : * Here is the great injurie of doubt or despaire , it maketh the sinne of a little Grashopper to ouer-reach the infinite mercie of the most High , as though man a little clat of clay , could bee more sinfull , than that infinite Majestie can bee mercifull : Happie is that Soule which God hath singled out in time for to make it loath its best loued pleasures : God delighteth to take vp a seat in a bruissed heart , sorrow beaten for displeasing of its God. Take a good heart , Sir , yee haue to doe with a God , whose Name and Nature is mercie , a God whose mercie is great aboue the Heauens , yea , and ouer all his workes : * That which ouer reacheth all Gods workes , may easilie ouertoppe all your sins & iniquities : * God will haue man with his narrow bowels of mercie to forgiue his brother seuen times in a day , if hee shall returne seuen times in a day , saying , It repenteth mee : * If God requireth such mercie of man whose bowels in the widest are not of a span breadth , what shall hee doe , whose compassions are rouled together into bowels broader than the Sea , yea , wider than the heauens ? If ye can repent Sir , God can forgiue : When man ceaseth to spurne , God beginneth to spare . The sicke Man. I take God to witnesse , that I am sorie for my sinnes , and so ashamed ▪ that with the Publicane I cannot lift vp mine eyes to the heauens : * I would be content to kisse the ground a thousand times for to get but one kisse of the feete of him , who is the on●… lie helpe of the conscience , and the health of the countenance : I finde myselfe deepe to the Chine in a gulfe of miserie : Tell mee truelie Sir , I pray you : Thinkeyee that if with a mourning heart I confesse my sinnes to God , that hee will haue pittie of me ? I am sore perplexed , the deepe thoughts of mine owne guiltinesse strike men with such a set silence that I am not able to vtter my griefe : My feare is that I bee of the familie of hell , an haire of horrour and vtter woe . Be free with mee , I pray you , Thinkeyee th●…t such an hord of miserie as mine can euer meete with his mercie . The Pastour . * It is great ignorance Sir , to thinke that anie miserie of man can ouer reach the infinite power of his pitie , and boundlesse compasse of his compassions : It were more easie to turne the Sunne from his course , than God from shewing mercie to repenting sinners , both his Name and Nature is mercie : See wee not out of what myres of miserie Gods mercie hath deliuered repenting sinners : * In Scripture wee may read long Catologes of pardoning sinnes : Consider well I pray you , thinke deepelie vpon the mercies of your God : * Look well what hee hath done to others : Could the adulterie of a Dauid , the incest of b Lot , the drunkennesse of c Noah , the murther of d Simeon & Leui , the persecutions of e Paul , the perjurie of f Peter , or any other like sinne hinder God to be mercifull to the●… so soone as they repented ? * Wherefore wereall these pardons printed into God ; Booke , but for to tell all ages that no man were hee neuer so sinfull ▪ should despaire of the mercie of his God : As I liue , saith the Lord , take no delight into the death of sinners ▪ but rather that they should repent and liue : These bee his owne words : If words beare no weight ▪ behold effects , God hath so loued the world , that hee hath giuen his onelie Sonne , that whosoeuer belieueth in him , should not perish , but haue euerlasting life : * This is not a verball loue when a man giueth his best beloued for to die for another : * God hath not spared his onelie Sonne , that by his satisfying sufferings , his Iustice beeing payed , hee might shew mercie to man his poore vnworthie creature , not onelie the Father hath loued the world , but also the Sonne out of vnspeakable loue was as desirous to die for man , as the Father was to send him : This out of his owne mouth hee declared that no loue could ouer-reach his loue , No man , said hee , hath greater loue than this , than when a man layeth downe his life for his friend : * The highest of mans loue is to die for his friend : * But Christs loue was greater , hee died for vs euen when wee were his enemies : * In another point , behold the loue , of Christ scarselie , saith the Apostle ▪ for a righteous mā wil one die , yet per aduenture for a good man some would euen dare to die : But God commendeth his loue towardes vs , in that , while wee were yet sinners , Christ died for vs : * Who shall doubt of this loue which the Lord hath registred on earth with the dearest blood of his onelie begotten Sonne ? * There is such a loue in the Father , and such a loue in the Sonne , and such a loue in the holie Ghost toward the Saluation of man , that all the heauens are filled with loue of our well , so that at the conuersion of one sinner on earth , there is more joy among the Saints and Angels , than for fourescore and ninteene righteous who neede not repentance . * If Sir , yee would haue the heauens to rejoyce , cast your selfe into the armes of your God , with these words , Lord , doe with mee what thou wilt , though thou shuld slay me , yet will I true in thee : If yee would see the picture of Gods mercy , ye must draw aside the curtaine of all carnall surmises . The sicke Man. Oh , that I might cast my Soule into his Armes ! But how can I doe this ? The Lord hath turned his backe on mee , shall I cast my selfe into a consuming fire ? At the first sight of his angry face my Soule will die for feare . The Pastour . Men often are deceiued : So soone as Manoah had seene the Angel , hee said , to his wife , Wee shall surelie die , because wee haue seene God : But his wife answered more wiselie , If the Lord were pleased to kill vs , hee would not haue receiued a sacrifice from vs : As shee said to him , so say I to you , If the Lord were pleased to kill you , hee would not haue giuen his Sonne in a Sacrifice for you : * I is a greater loue token , that God hath giuen his Sonne in a Sacrifice for you , than that hee should receiue any sacrifice from you It is the Apostles argument ▪ that since God hath giuen vnto vs his owne Sonne , hee will not refuse vs any other thing that may doe vs good , Christ alone is the sinners refuge , hee is a Rocke of comfort which cannot bee shaken , a Rocke which commandeth all seas of sorrows the pole of our peace . Be earnest in prayer with God , cry till he hea●…e . The sicke Man. I am wearied with crying to God , my prayers may be called , The voyce of my roaring : But what shall I say ? I cry , but there is none that maketh answere , God hath couered himselfe with a cloude , that my prayers should not passe thorow , hee hath stopped his eares that my prayer should not bee heard ▪ This is a most fearefull blast and blow in his bloo die battell . The Pastour . Deceiue not your selfe , often our prayer framed and followed by the Spirit of grace is heard , though the fense of grant bee not yet brought to vs : God for causes will let a time goe betweene , seeking and finding : After this the Angel spake vnto ▪ Daniel . At the beginning of thy prayer God heard thee , and now I am come to tell thee : * See how a space will interceede betweene Gods hearing of mans prayer , and mans knowledge that God hath heard him . Though yee as yet know not whither God hath heard you or not , yee must not infer that God hath not heard you at all : * Waite on a little with Daniel , till God thinke it time to send you a Messēger for to tell you that he hath heard you , yea , that hee heard you at the beginning of your prayer : till th●…s Messenger come , depend whollie vpon Christs good will : Let all your trust bee in him , who is your most faithfull Aduocate for to plead your cause : * Hee will bee a Guide to all these that seeke him : and a light to all these that see him , and life to all these that loue him : Though a Mother should forget her Childe , the Lord will not forget his owne , whom hee hath printed vpon the palmes of his hands : Many Mothers thinke it enough to beare and bring foorth their Children , that done , they send them out a fostering vnto others : * But Christ not onelie is as a Mother beareth and bringeth vs foorth by the second birth , but also feedeth and fostereth vs vpon his owne breasts as a louing Nurse , I haue , said he , caried Ephraim as a Nurse in mine armes : * Bee of good comfort Sir , let the joye of Christ rellish all your sorrowes , hee was the man of griefe , that he might bring joye to the world , he was beaten with stripes , that of his stripes hee might make physicke for sicke Soules , by his stripes wee haue health : * In a word his flesh was pierced and bored that in these holes there might bee a Citie of refuge for sinfull Soules , pursued with the tempest of Gods wrath , the auenger : * Woe to him that maketh an idole of his own sufficiencie , as the Thunder chieflie beateth the highest steeple heades so doeth the fire of Gods wrath strike at the hight and top of proudest spirites . The Sicke Man. By the most part of your speach Sir , I thinke that your chiefe comfortes against Death and all other troubles , are grounded vpon Christs Blood and his wounds ▪ The Pastour . That which I say Sir ▪ is true : * When as all things will forsake vs & fall frō vs , Christ will sticke & stand fast by vs , that I speak truelie , I darre be answereable for it in the presence of my God : * As yee must one day make a reckoning to God , of that which yee heare , so must I that selfe same day giue an account of that which I teach : My Sermons must be read before him that sent mee to preach , for he will know how I haue fedde his Lambes : * If I build vpon Christ the fundamentall Stone , the perles and precious Stones of Christes passions , I shall get a reward : But if I builde vpon him Stubble , Hay , or Wood : Because I holde fast the foundation , he will saue my Soule , when hee shall trye my Doctrine with the fire and light of his word : But because I builded vpon him the combustible light Stubble and Hay of humane words , of wordlie eloquence , I shall bee saued verie hardlie , as by the fire of great affliction : * For this cause knowing the great danger , I wish that all my comforts to you and all others bee onelie of Christ , who is both our suretie and our Sauiour : * Hee in loue swallowed the bitter pill of death , the cure of all our diseases : After that , for our cause his face had beene couered for our blasphemous , spittle & his backe battered with bruises , hee continued in his loue , and for our cause would bee hanged vpon that stinking l●…ll Mount Caluarie , suffering a death which God had blasted with a curse . * I will tell you plainlie , Sir , that there is no meditation so comfortable to a wearied Soule , as that which is concerning the bleeding wounds of Iesus , the vanquisher of hell : * His wounds are as many windowes wherethrow wee may see the vnspeakeable aboundance of our Lords loue . * Let men runne from East to West , from South to North , they shall finde no place of auoydance from the fie●…ie wrath , but onelie into these his woundes , which well may bee called , The refuge or Sanctuarie of a troubled Soule . Heere is libertie for a Soule that is enfolded into the snares of Gods judgements : * Heere is a hiding place against the euill day : Heere is the hole of the Rock the window of the Arke where poore Soules like Doues , that can finde no footing , may enter in : * Heere is a Citie of refuge for chaissed sinners : The people that dwell therein shall bee forgiuen their iniquitie : There bee wide boundes within the compasse of his compassions . Seeing Christ is such an One , runne and hie you as fast as yee can vnto this Rocke of refuge : * Hee who shall bee founded thereon , shall neuer be confounded : * Take vp all the matter in a word , the righteousnesse of Christ Iesus purchased vnto vs by his Blood , is the onelie cure and couer of our sinnes : * All other things are but like fig-leaues too short and thinne a couer , like these cutted coats of Dauids seruants , which couered not their buttockes . * How darreanie rotten stinking attainted flesh attempt to attribute anie worth vnto it selfe , in the atchieuement of that Pearle & peerelesse work of mans Saluatiō , wherof Christ Iesus is the only Author & actor . Manie who would seeme in this world to carie away the Garland of godlinesse , are hanged in this snare : Away with such a pang of pride and eleuation of Spirit . The sicke Man. I see now Sir , that Christ is onelie the Salue which is able to heale the sores of the Soule , the blisters and bitinges of our Conscience : I see that his Blood is the onelie liquour of that Fountaine of Dauid for sinne and vncleannesse : * But I am so defiled with wilfull wallowing in the puddle of sinne , that hardlie thinke I that euer hee will daine to looke vpon such a bemired Dogge as I am , who haue followed the swing and the sway of the most filthie : Of mee it is written , Let him that is filthie bee filthie still . The Pastour . Let not that discourage you : * Yee cannot bee ignorant in what estate he found his Church : At the first before hee maried her , he found her in her first birth , a cast away , a bloodie brood , a misshapen creature , with a long Nauell vncut , vnsalted ; and not swadled , lying in the open field to the lothing of her person in the day shee was borne : Yet all that made not him to loth her : * But after that by two cōmands of life , he had bidden her , Liue liue , whereby she got strength , hee decked her , and sware vnto her , and entered into couenant with her and shee became His : Behold and wonder at the loue of our Lord , the Spouse of our Soules : * All our filthie and bloodie deformities could not scarre him from the loue of our Soules : If any bee defiled with sinne and vncleannesse , let them come to him , who will not refuse to wash them : Hee is the onelie lauer of the Church : * There is nothing pure , but that which he hath purged : It is he alone who hath repaired all our ruines : Listen vnto his voyce , crying to all sorrow beatē sinners , Come vnto mee . Thinke often vpon this , Sir , if ye desire comfortes in your distresse : * The great worke of mans redemption finished by the Blood & death of God , is a worke worthie of continuall wondering : As for the work of the Creation , it cost the Lord but his Will and his Word : * But the worke of mans redemption was a costlie worke , it was chargeable to God , it cost him the best thing that hee could giue , euen the lif of his Loue , our Lord : * O what a mercie ! O what a liuelie Loue ! The meditation of this worke should worke in our heart a louing compulsion and a compelling loue : * The thought of this made S. Paul to say , The loue of Christ constraineth mee : * What shall a Christian man feare , hauing Christ his Brother to bee both his Aduocat and his Iudge , his Suretie and his Sauiour ? * Was not his blessed Bodie displayed abroad vpon the Crosse , with his armes spred , a crying jesture , a jesture crying with a voyce , Come vnto mee all ye that are leadened and wearied ? * Oh , that we were sicke for the loue of him , who died for the loue of vs ! * Oh that we were wounded with loue , vvhen vvee remember his precious wounds , from which gushed out the streames of our Saluation : * Flee Sir , to the holes of this Rocke , flee to the bores of his woundes , runne not with Adam vnto the shrubbes for to hide your selfe from God , heere is your hiding place in the Lords deepest wounds : * Hee is the fortresse of your Faith , our strength and our stay , the onelie helpe and ground of all our hopes , our warrantable justice : Hee onelie is the bodie of all spirituall comfort ▪ all other things were they neuer so specious , are but shew and resemblance : Shroud your selfe vnder his protection , and throw no more your selfe vpon temptations , whereby ye may bee disabled from manfullie fighting out the good fight , followed with a Crowne , filled with massines of glorie . The sicke Man. Now well is me that euer I heard tell of Christ : Blessed bee the day the Sonne of God was borne : But alas , where are the holes of that Rocke , where my wearied Soule may enter in ? The Pastour . Lift vp your lumpish thoughtes , seek first to the naile holes in his feet beginne humblie , creepe in into these lowest wounds , and there for a space settle your abode , kisse his sacred Feete , wash them with the true teares of repentance , wype them with the haires of your head , from thence looke vp , and come to the naile holes of his Hands : * Bee busie there like a Bee , sucke out of them the Honey of Heauen , from thence goe to the Speare hole in his side : * Let your Soule sit downe there , and croud like a Doue , euer till Christ let it in into the hole of the Rock , the place of its euerlasting rest : * If once the faithfull Soule Christs Turtle win in into the fortresse of his woundes , from thence it will boast all the enemies of its Saluation : Frō thence wil it cry to the flesh , crouch : There it careth not for the Serpents hissing , nor for the Cockatrices denne , nor for the Graues gaping , nor for Deathes dungeon , nor for the Popes Purgatorie , his pardons , his dirges , and his Trentals , which bring fatte morsels to Baals Priestes : Christ is mine , will hee say , Hee is to mee aduantage both in death and life : * As the Doue found no footing till shee came to the Arke , so the Soule can find no rest , till it come to Christ : I●… euer totters , til it leane vpō his Loue. Happie is the Soule that is secured with the seale & secret impression of Gods fauour . The sicke Man. If I had faith , to belieue , all wold be wel : I acknowledg that there is sufficient helpe in Iesus , but such a helpe is only for these that are strōg in faith , my faith is both faint & fecklesse . The Pastour . Christ hath said plainelie , that he wil not quēch the smoking flax : S. Peter was not a man of strong faith , whē he began to sink down into the Sea : Said not Christ vnto him , Thou man of little Faith ▪ why hast thou doubted ? * Hee reproued him for the weaknes therof , but cast him not off for the littlenes thereof . The sicke Man. That was another matter : Christ was with him , Christ took him by the hād : * Ther was vertue in the grip of Christs hand , as was in the hem of his garment while it was touched : Such a weake Faith as mine cannot mount vp so high as that it may reach vnto Christ into the heauens . The Pastour . Though your faith bee weake , and Christ also bee absent in bodie , yet bee not for that disquieted : he is present in his God-head : As for the weaknesse of your faith , pray God to strengthen and increase your faith : * Faith though little , is of great force , a graine of it is able to remoue Mountaines , and cast them into the Sea. I pray your Sir , to intreat God for a fixed heart , for as I perceiue , endlesse are the mazes of Sathans circular temptations , which vnavoidablie , if they bee not barred out by grace , wind themselues into mans heart with a slie and craftie insinuation . The sicke Man. O man of little faith that I am , if I had Faith , I would belieue that I had it , if I had Faith , I am perswaded that I should haue Peace : Being justified by Faith , wee haue Peace towardes God : That Peace I seeke , and cannot finde : These troubles wherewith I am tossed plainly argue that my Faith is failed . The Pastour . I answere , that who euer are justified by Faith , they also haue peace toward God , though such a Peace bee not euer felt : That which a man feeleth not , is not euer absent : * A man in a trance knoweth not that he liueth , and yet hee is not altogether depriued of life : The tree seemeth to be dead in time of Snow and frost , and yet it hath life , and sappe at the roote : These then that are justified by Faith , haue Peace , but their peace is not euer sensible , but often is disturbed with fearefull temptations . The sicke Man. I desire to know of you what is that yee properlie call the peace of Conscience . The Pastour . I take the qualmes of Conscience chieflie to proceede from a sense of Gods wrath kindled for some sins of commission or omission : * Sathan also with his billowes bloweth at this fire , yea , often while God is pacified , he assaulteth the sillie Soule with false feares and counterfeit alarums . * Nowe when by the vertue of Christs intercession the fire of Gods wrath is quenched , the Conscience of man beginneth to settle and growe calme , and in stead of accusing vs any further , it beginneth to excuse and acquite vs before the Tribunall of our God : * Vpon this doeth ensue a pleasant calmenes , quietnesse and rest , in the Soule of a sinner . Though this Peace bee sore enuied and often troubled by Sathans railing and ●…aging , yet the Soule hauing peace with God , is at last after a litle space made free of all its fear●… , & is made sensible of that truce & atonement , euen of that Peace which passeth all vnderstanding . The sicke Man. I would earnestlie learne of you how a man whose Conscience is troubled , may recouer that Peace which once hee had . The Pastour . The best methode I know , is that a man ripe first vp his Conscience , and spy what mot of sinne is fallen into his Conscience , which is the eye of the Soule : * The eye beeing hurt will water & powre out teares , so must the Conscience bee sore grieued for offending of God : Secondlie , out of this griefe it must sigh before the Lord in feruant prayer , first , for forgiuenesse chieflie of that sinne , which lyeth heauiest vpon the heart : Thirdlie and last of all , the Soule must sute earnestly for the restoring of that joye . After this manner Dauid did proceede in that penetentiall Psalme : First of all , he was exceedinglie grieued , which griefe did burst out in wordes watered with teares , Haue mercie , vpon mee , O God , according to thy louing kindnesse , &c. Thus after hee had cryed for to bee washen , & purged with Hysope , hee cryed that God would restore vnto him the joys of his Saluation : Aboue all thinges let such a person bee often groaning to God in prayer , for to catch some blinke of Gods reconcealed face in Iesus his bloodie woundes : * That blood of sprinkling is the onelie Salue for the sores of the Soule . To all this let not these helpes bee neglected , viz. that such troubled Soules make vse of good Bookes , by whose helpe their deuotion may bee roused vp , for to remember the dayes of olde : * My chiefe counsell is that such persons fixe stedfastlie the eye of their Faith vpon Iesus bleeding on the Crosse , wherevpon hee payed our ransome , and triumphed ouer all the enemies of our Saluation : This is the trueth whereof Israel had the typ in the brasen Serpent , which healed al the be holders : My counsell also is , that such troubled persons frequent the Sermons of powerfull Preachers , and seeke conference with them , whom God hath stamped with a powerfull gift of Teaching and integritie of life , men who haue had great experience in the wayes of God , and who haue smarted themselues at other times by such fearefull nipping checks , men who are not ignorant of the Deuils deuices . It is said of Christ himselfe , the Orient and Day-spring , That in all things it behoued him to bee made like vnto his Brethren , that hee might bee a mercifull and faithfull high Priest in things pertaining to God , to make reconciliation for the sinnes of the people : For in that he himselfe hath suffered , being tempted , hee is able to succour them that are tempted . See how it behoued Christ himselfe for to suffer temptation , that hee might bee able to succour vs in our temptations . While the troubled sinner is in doing all these dueties , he must carefullie watch ouer all his wayes , that by no sin either in thought , word , or deede hee grieue the Spirit of God againe : For a new sinne thrust vpon the hearte , will make all the closed woundes of the Conscience to gap and to bleed afresh : A Soule that is become relaps shall finde God harder , to bee intreated , than of before , not without much adoe shall it get peace , that after by any knowne sin it hath quarrelled againe the Spirit of comfort . But indeede , hee or shee whose Conscience hath beene once well lashed with Gods whip , and battered with his blowes , had rather run throw a fire , than anger the Lord againe : At the first appearance of a temptation they will start for feare , and with a sigh will cry to God with a trembling voyce , O my God , how should I thinke this wickednesse , let bee to doe it ? Who knoweth the power of thy wrath ? According to thy feare so is thine anger . * Too too many in this Nation affect this sicknesse of Conscience , as beeing onelie the disease of the holiest : This they will vtter as ye would thinke with bleeding groanes before men ; while indeede they are but scorning the world ▪ sporting wantons , laughing vnder a painted maske of miserie : Their teares are praeficarum lachrymae , teares without trouble , water sold for the wind of mans praise : They are spots in the Church , which make the wayes of God to bee euill spoken of , such open a wide doore vnto Atheisme . The sicke Man. Fye vpon hypocrisie , God will not bee scorned , there is nothing so secret but at last it shall bee made manifest : I am assured , that who for to ca●…ch mens applauses , faine a mourning for their sinnes , the Lord shall suffer them to fall either in some scandalous sinne , or other fearefull inconuenient , whereby they shal be forced in earnest to mourne to their shame : In my judgment there is no such bitter and comfortlesse mourning as is that of these for their manifested sinnes , who once did most faine deepe groanes for catching of applauses . The Pastour . To such may well bee applyed that of the Prophet , Thine owne wickednesse shall correct thee , & thy back-slydings shall reproue thee , know therefore and see , that it is an euill thing and bitter , that thou hast forsaken the Lord thy God , and that my feare is not in thee , saith the Lord God of Hostes. Let no man sport in secret sinnes , were it in a thought , for that which hath wings will declare the matter . The sicke Man. I haue often beene seeking out the reason wherefore the wicked in the world for the most part , know not what trouble of Conscience meaneth : What thinke yee ? The Pastour ▪ Their heauen is on earth : Dauid seeing their peace and prosperitie , did beare them at enuie , yea , so that his feete were almost gone : They are not in trouble , said hee ▪ in trouble like other men , neither are they plagued like other men , &c. Euen at their death he could perceiue no bands of any vehement paines , after that the whole space of their life , they had enjoyed morethan their heart could wish : * How euer it bee that they prosper in this world , yet certainlie if a man will goe and seeke God in his Sanctuarie , there hee shall tell him that hee hath sette them in slipperie places , and that when hee awaketh , hee shall despise their image : There is a hell for them after the heauen of this earth . The sicke Man. I would gladlie bee instructed of you , that I might discerne betweene the true solide Peace of conscience which the godlie enjoye , and that senslesse benummednes of the wicked , wherein they beeing deceiued , cry , Peace , peace , euen while God is putting the fierie lunt vnto the mosine of their sudden destruction . Let mee heare of the peace both of the one and other . I thinke all men should studie to marke the difference . The Pastour . The Reprobates who haue their portion in this life , will seeme indeede to haue that true Peace of Conscience , because nothing within troubleth them : * Their peace indeede is nothing but a dead benum nednesse of spirit , their Conscience beeing Seared , is not capable of feeling . I shall giue you two speciall marks whereby yee shall discerne a true Peace and quietnesse of Conscience from the dead benummednes which the wicked haue . First , a Conscience which hath Gods Peace is awfull of sinne , wittinglie and willinglie for a world it would not despite the Spirite of grace : * But the wicked who is in a false peace , flitteth from sinns to sinne , as a Flie from scab to scab , laying all his burden securelie vpon the broad shoulders of Gods mercie . Secondlie , the seared dead Conscience of the wicked hath but a part of that which is called Peace : Their heartes will bee senslesse of all euill , they will haue no warre within , no sorrow is there : * But as they haue no spirituall sorrow for their sinnes committed , neither haue they anie spirituall joye for the sense of their sinnes remitted . Heere then know the true Peace of God in the Conscience : * The vnspeakable griefe for sinne is asswaged , the fearefull qualmes are calmed , the raging and roaring tempests are allayed , the swelling seas are fallen and ebbed , God is come in the calme , not onelie for to wype away the teares of sorrow frō their eyes but also for to fill their mouthes with laughters of joye : * So not onely are they voyd at last of the sense of most terrible horrors , but they are sensible of a joye which will make them to daunce with Dauid before the Arke , yea , to laude the Lord at a Stake , amidst tarrie poudered flames of fire . This is that continuall feaste which cheareth the godlie Soule amidst the bloodie bickerings of Sathan , and burning persecutions of mercilesse missacrours . Let all men try their Peace at this Touchstone , if not onely they finde their former paines lessened , but also a joye in GOD , whereby their Soule is feasted with such contentmēt , that for all the gold of Ophir they wold not losse it , their estat is doubtlesse happie : * Who euer hee be that findeth this , hee may sing to GOD , Glorie be to God in the highest heauens , peace on earth , and toward my Soule good will. The sicke Man. Blessed be God who hath inlightened your eyes for the spying out of that remarkable difference betweene the true and false peace of mens Conscience : Ineuer heard it so clearelie discussed . * O but Sathan is euer busie to mar this Peace of the godly , who wil not war & wage battel vnder his colours . I haue seen these who are now godlie before their conuersion to be verie vaine , light , and wanton sinners , while they thus did runne ryote in sinne with the wicked world , I haue seene them most mirrie and solacious companie , I often wondered to see them dance and sing , roare & reuell : I could see no bands of sorrowes in their life : They neuer complained of Satans malice against them . * But so soone as once they beganne to loue the Preaching of the Worde , and to loath the carnall pleasures which once they loued , I haue seene them againe so courbed downe with griefe and mainelie crossed , as though it had no more beene they : Sathan letteth them nor rest , neither night nor day . The Pastour . In that is no wonder , Sathan will bee verie loath to trouble his owne : So soone as hee hath lulled them asleepe into the credle of securitie , he will bee verie carefull that none waken them : Out of a counterfeit loue hee will adjure the watch-men , by the Roes and by the Hindes , that they waken not his beloued , till he please : * Hee will say of him , as Christes Disciples said of Lazarus , but in another sense , If hee sleepe , hee shall doe well ▪ See how carefull Sathan is for the rest of his owne , lest that being wakned , they runne away from him : * This Christ himselfe in the dayes of his flesh made cleare by a similitude , When said hee , a strong man armed keepeth his Palace , his goods are in peace . * So long as Sathan like a strong armed man keepeth the palace of a wicked mans heart his alone , so that none bee welcome but hee , hee will let that man bee , lest that by troubling and disquieting his peace , hee grow sorie and mislike his seruice : But if once hee perceiue the Soule to shrinke , seeking an occation to bee quite of him , hee will put all the powers of hell in armes and vproare , and will driue furiouslie lik Iehu for to regaine it againe , into his kingdome : * While a Theefe or a murtherer is in the stockes fast in fetters , the Iaylor will bee merrie , and will sing besides him , as though hee were his friend , but if the most secret houre of the night hee heare him knocking off his bolts , and perceiue him to haue escaped , hee will waken all the citie , and pursew him with ▪ hue and with cryes : * Sathan is like the Iaylor , a peaceable spirit so long as the Soule is fast in his fetters and clogged with his bolts in a deepe dungeon : * But if once hee perceiue that the Spirit of Iesus hath , as the Angel did to Peter in the prison , smot him on the side and raised him vp , making all his chaines to fall from him , and that the man ariseth vp quicklie , and girdeth himselfe , and bindeth on his Sandales , and casteth his garment about him as Peter did , for to runne and follow his God , it is a wonder how that cruell Spirit will roare ▪ and rage like a Beare bereeued of her whelpes : If hee gette a grippe of the poore man , hee will cause him roare with gasping groans , till God come with an helping hand . The sicke Man. Indeede Sir , yee by your both plaine and learned discourse haue dispelled the mist of many difficulties . The last difficultie wherein my Soule did sticke as yee may remember , was concerning my Faith , which I concluded not to bee , because I had no peace of Conscience , This did marre and deface all my comforts : My ground was from the Apostle , whose wordes are , That beeing justified by Faith , we haue peace toward God : I haue heard you declare that a man may haue Faith & yet for some space not to bee sensible of that peace . O my God , let thy mercie be closelie applyed to my Soule , strengthen my Faith , that I may grippe and apprehend it with a sure and euerlasting hold : Oh that my soule might lye downe in that peace that passeth all vnderstanding : I am sore troubled with a weake and wauering heart , which is yet tossed , and swayed to and fro with doubts and difficulties lik a feather in the wind . Alas , Sir , I complaine of the weakenesse of my Faith : That Faith must be strōg , which is able to draw downe Saluation from the heauens , and batter downe strong holds and ouerthrow principalities and powers , and conqueare , and subdue , tame , represse , and repell our strongest corruptions . Let mee see I pray you any partiticulare example of a weake Faith , wherby any at any time haue beene saued ▪ by the Light of Gods word dispell this mist of ignorance : Make mee free of this shrewd temptation . The Pastour . That of Peter in the New-Testament is remarkable : Christ himselfe called him , A man of little Faith , and yet who doubteth of his Saluation ? The other example in the Old-Testament was in type and figure , when the Israelites were biten with the fierie Serpents , their onelie remeed was to looke vp to the brasen Serpent : All this was a type and figure of a Soule wounded with sinne , looking vp vnto Christ with the eye of Faith : * Now it is certaine , that some in Israel were bleared , and some of a weaker sight than others , but the weaknesse of their sight could not hinder the cure , nay , the olde man with his dimmed eyes beholding as thorow a mist that type of Christ was as soone and soundlie cured , as hee whose eyes were in their greatest vigour : * The meate taken with a paralitick & trembling hand will not refuse nourishment to the bodie , no more than if it were taken with a strong and stable arme : * Faith is the eye of the Soule whereof the Israelites eyes were but a figure : Christ is the trueth of the brasen Serpent : * Though this eye bee dimmer into some , yet if it see , that sight is Saluation : Faith is the hand of the Soule , Christ is the foode ▪ Though this Faith tremble , Christ trembleth not , the palsie is not in the foode . Bee of good courage , Sir , feare not this trembling feare , the work of Saluation cannot bee wrought , but with feare and trembling : Though ye feare , yet despaire not , there is me●…cie with God in a vnspeakable measure : * In one Psalme it is said , againe and againe , vnto sixe and twentie times , that his mercie endureth for euer . This mercie I confesse , is whiles concealed from the godlie , for ends best knowne vnto their heauenly Father : * Who is he that often shall not spie at diuerse times his minde to bee dulled or ouer-cast with some cloud of Milancholie : * While this humour domineeres , Sathan maketh choise of it , for therein to set a seate for grimme and grieuous temptations . * While he perceiueth the bodie to bee troubled and distempered ▪ hee quicklie afresh representeth vnto the veiw of our Soule the greatest & most greiuous sins of our vnregeneration , and that into their fullest and foulest shape : By this meanes deepe gashes and wide gappes are made in mens Conscience . Bee strong in God , Sir , saue his honour , by putting your trust in him : * Shall Gods word cry to man , sixe and twentie times , that hee is a mercifull God ; & shall man doubt of such a mercie ? If such mercies were but for some dayes , ●…nners might thinke that in some dismall dayes of the yeare mercy by no meanes could bee found ? But behold , the musicall twne of Gods mercie , is vpon an euerlasting Note for his mercie endureth for euer . Hee who doubteth of Gods fauour after so manie testimonies may prouoke the Lord against himselfe : * Moses by his doubting at Meribah , made the Lords wrath to waxe hote against him : While hee should haue spoken to the Rocke he scourged the Rocke more with these wordes of doubt , shal we cause water come foorth ▪ than he did with the Rod : That Rock was Christ : Moses while by doubting hee scourged the Rocke , hee scourged Christ , for that Rocke was Christ : Who would euer haue thought that Moses with his Law Rod would haue scourged Christ the substance both of Law and Gospel ? Who euer hee bee that doubteth thinking that God either cannot , nor will not bee mercifull vnto him , so farre as in him is hee scourgeth the Lord Iesus , as these who by their euill life are said to crucifie to themselues the Sonne of God afresh , and to put him to an open shame . Beleeue & be saued : God is both mild and mercifull : Is not his Command directeth vnto man that hee shew mercie with chearefulnesse ? Is he not called the Father of mercies ? Is it not written , that hee is a God rich in mercie ? O these bleeding bowels of compassions ▪ What said hee at last , while hee saw the great affliction of Ephraim ? How , said hee ▪ shall I giue thee vp , Ephraim ? How shall I deliuer the Israel ? How shall I make thee as Admah ? How shall I set thee as Zeboim ? After these foure , How , how , how , how , Mercie in a manner did turne about h●…s heart with such a force , that hee cryed out , Mine heart is turned within mee , my repentinges are kindled together : If mercie be not in his diuine breast , where shall it be found ? The sicke Man. All that yee haue said , Sir , concerning the mercy of God in Christ belongeth on lie to repenting sinners , who haue bewailed the errours of their life , but not to such a varnished hypocrit as I am , who haue remained fast rooted in the rottenesse of must filthie corruptions , which I had neuer care to curbe or controle . My secret sinnes like a consuming canker , haue freted out the verie heart of Grace : * From my Youth I haue wandered from the way of happinesse , and haue beene like an idle Begger in the way readie to goe which way so euer the staffe fell . My greatest feare now is , that I haue too long delayed the day of my repentance , what know I if God will forgiue a man so grieuous sinnes not repented of , till hee come to his death-bed ? * Hardlie can I think that in so short a time a man can bind vp friendshippe with his God , with whom hee hath beene at feede his whole life time . O mercifull God , melt my marble heart : Put into my breast the precious pearle of Faith : O that with vnspeakable groanes of griefe for my By past euill spent life , I might redeeme the time which I haue so lauishlie mispent : Oh , that the moisture of my body were all melted into teares , if therby I culd be perswaded that my sillie Soule were alreadie vtterly out of the reach of all the powers of Hell : I haue too long most vainelie sported my selfe in Mesech , and ruffled in the tents of Kedar : * If I had not so long delayed to returne to my God , my Soule alreadie in hope should be feasting vpon the joyes of eternitie . The Pastour . * Indeede Sir , it is a verie dangerous thing for to delay repentance to the last gaspe , or to one Gods mercie , as many doe , who neuer lay downe the weapons of rebellion , till they can sinne no more . Oh , that men would vnderstand their danger ! * Are not our enemies both strong and neare ? Hannibal ad portas , the Deuill is at the doore : * But such is the madnesse of many , were their Soules neuer so soiled with sinne , that if once they can get out but these few wordes , God bee mercifull to mee , they thinke that they shall be in heauen before their feete bee colde : Such men thinke that in death it is easie to consure the Deuill with a word . It is but folie to put Saluation vpon such hap-hazard as many doe : * But yet yee must know that hee that made the Time , will not bee subject vnto Time , the King of Time is Eternall : GOD is eternall , and hath all Times at his command : * There is no Time that can hinder him to bee mercifull to a sinner , at whatsoeuer time he sha●…l repent : * For this cause Christ for to let the world see that hee can forgiue when a sinner can repent , hee took from the Crosse the Soule of a condemned Theefe , and after that hee had absolued it , hee carried it to Paradise : God hath said , That at whatsoeuer time a sinner shall repent , that hee will put away his wickednesse out of his rememberance . Fra once hee hath said the word ▪ hee cannot take his word againe : He is constant in all his wayes , and therfore neuer saith and vnsaith one thing : Hath he said , & shall hee not doe it : * If yee can but waite a little ▪ ye shall finde all the fiercenesse of his fur●…e to bee turned into the fulnesse of his fauour : * Hee who shall seeke him earnestlie , shall not receiue an emptie answere : There is mercie in heauen , for an hell of conscience vpon earth : Cast all your cares aside , cast your selfe into the armes of your God : Cast thy burden vpon the Lord , and hee shall sustaine thee : Be strong in the Faith of God : In hope belieue against hope , though for a space your Spirit bee distempered , yet still relye vpon the mercie of your God : Goe not off this , that the Blood of Iesus was shed for you , & that Christ hath payed your ransome : What euer Sathan by his temptations suggest vnto you , belieue him not : Take my counsell I pray you , Sir , that I speak the trueth , heere I darre take it vpon my Soules Saluation . The sicke Man. I thank God from mine heart , that euer I heard you , your words are ful of comfort : O how indebted am I to the mercy of my God , who hath vnlocked the bowels of his loue towards me At our first meeting I found my selfe inuolued with much miserie and mischief but since I haue heard you , I finde , I blesse God , some stirring of God , Spirit within mine heart , mine heart before this time hath beene lik that Altar at Athens , wherin was ingrauen in great Letters , TO THE VNKNOVVNE GOD : I heard often of God , but I neuer knew him truelie vntill now : This is the infancie of my regeneration : I haue beene too long a stranger from so good a God : My Soule now rejoyceth after many toes and froes : * I finde mine heart loosed from the cartropes of my sinnes , and linked vnto my Sauiour with stronger chaines than of before : There bee better motions within , than euer I did feele before this houre . O thou who is Loue , let my Soule bee possest of a sound and constant loue to thy most mercifull Majestie : Bring my Soule from the shadow of death to the light of thy countenance , O Lord , my strength and my Redeemer . O Lord of Hostes , giue me strength and courage to fight out this Christian fight , whereof the victorie is glorious , and the reward a Crowne of immortalitie : Inspire mine heart with the life of Grace : * If thy care had not hitherto preserued my Spirit , my Soule had long since bene drowned in a sea of sin and sorrow : There haue bene such lecks , into mine heart that except the Lord in time had pumped it with repentance , my Soule long since had made ship-wracke of Faith. O how much am I beholden to my God , who hath taken longer day with mee , than within any others , from whom before they were prouided , hee hath demanded his due : Blessed bee my God , who hath made mee free from the frenzie of Spirite , by appearing vnto mee in a greater calme : The feeling of his wrath past , I hope shall be a sauce for to sharpen my blunted loue towardes him in all times to come , with vndaunted constancie . I perceiue nowe that the day is darkened , and that the night approcheth : Oh , that I might cōtinue conference with you , but least I should wearie you , from the best of my bowels my deare Pastour I bidde you farewell . I looke to morrow for a new conference , for with many difficulties mine heart is yet troubled and tossed : I requeast you before yee goe , to helpe mee with your prayers . The Pastour . I blesse God , who hath begunne to intermingle the sweete honey of some comfortes with the bitter gall of painefull temptations : * GOD who hath begunne to make you his his Prentice in Grace , shall an one mak you a free man in Glorie : * As Ministers must first sit at Gamaleels feete for to learne , before they sit in Moses chaire for to teach , so must Christians first bee humbled with temptations on earth , before they bee honoured with exaltations into the Heauens . * Well is the man that is truelie humbled by GOD , and made a foole in his owne eyes ; for hee which thinketh himselfe wise , is a foole , ipso facto : * All naturall wisedome without Spirituall humilitie is like ouernights Manna which did no good , but mould and fust : God by diuers temptations , first carnall and after spirituall , hath besieged the corruptions of your nature , and hath battered downe the strong holds and fortified Castles of your imaginations and reasoning the high thinges which exalt themselues against the knowledge of GOD : Before hee leaue you , hee shall bring into Captiuitie euerie thought of your heart to the obedience of Christ : According to your desire wee shall bend our knees to GOD in prayer , that yee may spell his loue out of such a Fatherlie correction , and learne in time to stay your selfe vpon his kindnesse and good will. A Prayer for the sicke Man. O LORD , of Mercie , whose bowels are turned within thee , when thou beholdest the griefe of the godlie ; Bee heere present for the reliefe of this thy poore distressed Seruant : His eyes are stedfastlie fixed vpon Thee , as the eyes of the hand maide are fixed vpon the hands of her Mistresse . Behold , LORD , and heare his amazed broken heart , braying after thee as an Hart panting after the Riuers of waters : Pitie this sillie Soule which is like the drye ground gaping for droppes of Raine . Oh , LORD , his strength is d●…yed vp like a Pot shard , his tongue cleaueth vnto his jawes , and thou hast brought him into the dust of death : Let the sweetest comfortes of thy bleeding bowels bee powred into his broken heart : Make the joyfull Light of thy countenance breake foorth vpon his drooping and cloudie Conscience : O strengthen his sillie Soule in this heauie houre : Pacifie the pangs of his remorse , that hee may laye holde vpon the merits and mercies of thy Sonne IESVS . Come gracious GOD , with thy strength for his succour : Sathan a most bitter enemie , hath besieged his Soule with most fearefull temptations . There is no mischiefe which could bee deuised , but hee hath m●…stered it and set it in battell arraye against him : While hee had health and youth , this enemie was the chiefe entiser of him vnto sinne , by bearing him in hand , that it was an easie thing after many sinfull pleasures , enjoyed to returne vnto God , whose fauour and kindnesse might bee procured by and by without anie labour . But now , Father , while he seeth his day declining & the Sun of his life neare its setting , of an Entiser hee is become an Accuser , striuing by all meanes to cause him make shipwrack vpon the bankes of despare : Night and day hee vexeth and teareth his Soule by whispering into his eare most impudent lyes against thy Trueth , viz. That hee is so miserable , that thou art not able to be mercifull vnto him : He suggesteth most craftily that it is in vaine for him to sue to thee for thy grace , that there is none hope of mercie left for such a sinner , that there is none accesse vnto the Throne of Grace , for the prayers of such a miserable wretch ; and that it is no purpose for him to pray . But what ? LORD , thou who art Trueth it selfe , wilt thou suffer this father of lyes to trouble still thy Seruant ? Wilt thou heareanie longer thine infinite mercie thus reproached and reuiled , as though thou were not able to pa●…don the faultes of thine owne poore creature ? What is that to say but that God shall cease to be that God whose mercie is aboue all his workes ? O LORD , most mercifull , can the sinfull scarlet rednesse , and the Crimsin colour of mans corruptions bee ●…o dyed that it cannot bee washen away with the Blood of thy Lambe ? O seale vp the sense of thy loue in his heart , make thy Spirit to whisper in his eare , that mercie is with thee , that thou may bee both feared and loued . Shall anie thing . LORD , withhold the heart broken sinner from the Throne of Grace ? Is not this the voyce of thy Spirit , Come vnto mee all ye that are wearied and ladened with sinned ? Is not thy promise written in thy Booke , that thou wilt ease them ? O most louing Father , euen in despite of Sathan , and his most despitfull suggestions , make his Soule bolde and confident , that it may aduenture it selfe to the mercifull Throne of thy Grace : Cleare and cleanse his eyes from the Spirituall goare of sin , that with Simeon he may see thy Saluation , which thou hast prepared before the face of all people . O deare IESVS , deliuer his Darling from the power of the Dogge : Incline thine eares and heare the grieuous groanes of this poore prisoner : Make him a prisoner of hope : Turne thee now about and refresh his wearied heart with a blinke of thy mercie : Shew him the light of thy Countenance , and hee shall bee saued : Enlarge his heart , that thy Graces finding a spacious roome ; may plentifully harbour in his soule . Alas , LORD , what shall we say ? if thou shalt say to him , I haue no delight in thee : Behold , heere hee is , doe to him as shall seeme good in thine owne eyes . Thou hast not forgotten , neither can thou forgette , but that thy delight is in mercie : Where sinne doeth abound , shall not there thy Grace abound much more ? Thou , LORD , hast often bathed this sillie Soule in most bitter brimie teares : Thou hast hid thy selfe from it , and it hath beene troubled : Now amid the vexations of so many temptations , blinke vpon him with a reconcealed face . O GOD of Battels , in this Bartell of the Soule send downe thy strength for to guarde him against the assaultes of Satan , who pursueth him so eagerly with most sharpe and fearefull af●…aultes , like a Dogge hunting after a sillie straggling sheepe . Though for a space thou suffer him to bee buffeted with a messenger of Sathan , yet let him know that thy Grace shall bee sufficient for him : Let thy right hand hold him vp , and let thy gentlenesse make him great : Renew his heart with the power of thy Spirit , & reinuest him with the image of thine holinesse , which once hee lost in Adam : Cast his Spirit againe in thine owne mou●…d . At last , LORD , put Sathan to silence , let thine owne Spirit speake vnto this Sicke in his inward partes : Say vnto his Soule , I am thy Saluation : Make thy good Spirit of comfort to whisper in his eare , that thou a●…t well pleased , and that thou hast receiued a ransome : Such wordes of mercie will bee a blessed Balme●… , wherby thou shalt heale this sorrow beaten Soule , stung with a checke and smart for his sinnes . Though . LORD , hee hath but some poore beginnings of Grace in a time wee confesse when thy graces in him should haue beene ripe ; for that glorie which is now shortly to bee reuealed vnto him ; yet notwithstanding , let it please thee of thy meere mercie to pittie and ●…don : Remember thy mercies of old which were neuer wont to break the bruised reede , nor to quench the smoaking flaxe : If thy great mercie be not his strength and stay , he must needs bee ouercome : For whom hath hee in Heauen but thee ? Or who is on earth whom hee can desire besides thee ? O Thou , whom his Soule loueth , tell him where thou makest thy flock to rest at Noone in the greatest heate of affliction : Seeing he seeketh after thee onelie , let him bee refreshed with thy comforts ; for why should he turne aside by the flockes of thy companions ? Consider well wee pray thee , LORD , how bene he hath vexed and d squieted with many fearfull temptations : now at last come with thine helping hand , come and abate the force and furie of all his enemies , whether within or without , subdue their raging and reigning power , that when the houre of his departing shall come , hee may with Simeon depart in peace : Stand , LORD , fast by him , forsake him not in this perelous time : Let thy Spirit guide and leade him in the Land of righteousnesse : Let thy grace be vnto him a Sunne by day & a Moone by night : Take all impedimentes out of the way , bridle & so curbe all his vnrulie affections , that they may fold vnder thine obedience : Suppresse all his carcing & heart deuiding cares , whyp out of his heart all treacherous temptations : Embalme his hearte with the sweetnesse of thy new fresh graces : Settle in his Soule , that godlie sorrow which cause Repentance neuer to bee repented of . This sillie Soule , LORD , hath beene fearefullie tossed to and froe with the waues of thy wrath : Let it please thee to command a calme : Settle thou his heart , and stablish it with thy free Spirit . Mercifull GOD , thou knoweth how Sathan hath sought to sift and to winnow him ; but of thy mercie thou shalt neuer suffer his Faith to faile : Build vpon the Rocke which cannot bee shaken : Through thy fauour giue him peace in belieuing , and joye in the holy Ghost , that by the grace and power of thy Spirit hee may finish his course with comfort . Let in now be made manifest that his life hath beene hid with Christ in God : Thou who hast numbered his haires , obserue his griefe & his groans , pittie the crouding of thy Turtle-Doue : Tak thou to heart the anguish of his Spirit . Behold , LORD , how hee renounceth himselfe , desparing of his owne worth : Giue him grace to flee to thy promises , that as in the fearefull and perelous path of this val●…y of death , he looketh for nothing but hell torments and paine for his owne sake , so he may assuredlie look for heauens glorie , euen pleasures for euermore , and that for thy promise sake , for thy Names sake for thy Christs sake in whom thy Soule is best pleased : Mak the bones which thou hast brused to rejoyce : Leaue him neuer to himselfe , LORD , till thou hast made thy graces now blooming in his heart , to become type for thy glorie . LORD , blesse thy beloued Church which is hated of the world , Shee is now pricked with persecutions as a Lillie among the thornes : Let this comfort Her in all Her distresses that thou shalt neuer forsake Her : But that thorow many tribulations thou shall bring Her vnto Glorie : Lord , pitie & pardon the vnthankful Church of this Land : Bind Her vnto Thee by the vnion of Faith , and fasten euerie one of our heartes to another by the bond of loue ; left at last by our misdemeanour , thou bee forced to roote vs out of thy good Land as a fruitlesse Nation . GOD bee gracious to our dread SOVERAIGNE the Kings Majestie , gard His Royall Person from the rage of His enemies . Infatuate their plots : Mak giddy their braines , discouer their enterprises : mak Him the Man of thy right Hand : Anoint His Head with the blessed drops of the Oyle of thy Grace & gladnesse : Make Him an humble Homager to IESVS , who hath written on His thigh the King of kings : LORD giue Him Grace according to His Place Say vnto His Queene , Hearken , O Daughter , & cōsider & incline thy eare : Mak her to forget her own people , & Fathers House : In stead of Her old acquaintance , giue her Children , whom thou mayest make Princes on the Earth : Aboue all thinges we intreate Thee to discharge vpon Her Soule the beames and brightnesse of sauing Knowledge . Blesse all the Nobilitie of this Land : Make them truelie Noble like the men of Berea , who were couragious for the Trueth . Make euerie one of vs faithfull in our place & calling : keep our Soules euer waking & waiting for thycomming : Preserue vs from slumber of Conscience , & deadnesse of heart , that liuing according to thy law , we may be in this wicked world godlie professours , like burning & shining Lampes for to shew light vnto others . We all heere , O gracious Father , relying vpon thy promised readines to helpe thy little Ones , and to listen to their cryes , haue powred out our Soules in thy presence , wee intreate The from the sinceritie of our inward partes , that of thy Fatherlie indulgence , it would please Thee to vouchsaf a fauourable audiēce both to these and to all other our most humble and godlie desires , and that for IESVS thy deare Sonnes sake . To whom with Thee and the Spirit of Grace bee all glorie and honour , world without end . AMEN . Cause read vnto you this Night , Psalme 38. Psal. 39. Psal 40 Psal. 41. Psal. 42. Psal. 130. Isa. 38. Isa. 53. Iohn 16. Let the end of euerie day remember you of the ende of your life : Thogh euerie day of ourage should be as long as that day of Ioshuah , whē at his word the Sunne stood still in Gibeon , yet it would be night at last . The Lord teach vs to number our dayes , that wee may apply our hearts to wisedome , and to well doing . The grace of Iesus and the peace of his Spirit rest with you , and comfort you in all the groanes of your griefe : The Lord turne your smoking flax into a burning fire of zeale : The God of all mercie and compassion refresh your weake and wounded heart with the softest o●…le of his sauing grace : Nothing Sir is vnpossible to your God , who of a brui . sed Reede can make a pillar of Brasse , which the prince of the powers of darknesse shall not be able to shake : I intreat the Lord to giue you such Grace that may leade you vnto the face and presence of your GOD : Bee more and more earnest with your GOD , that hee would inspire your heart with Life , Spirite , and motion , that thereby yee may bee made fitte for that blessed associatiō with Sainctes and Angels , far from the crossing checkes of Conscience . THE FOVRTH DAYES Conference . The Pastour . ACcording to your desire , Sir , I am come againe this morning for to visite you , and for also to reape the fruites of yesterdayes conference . This is the sweete fruits of a godlie life , It hath , saith Solomon , hope in the end : I pray God to blesse you with such an hope , whereby in hope against hope , yee may cleaue fast vnto your God , finde yee the storme of your temptations alayed ? hath the Spirit of God giuen edge and vigour to these comfortes which yee heard yesterday ? Haue yee put on a Christian courage with a resolute and contented patience to abid the blessed will of your God ? The sicke Man. Well is the man and blessed , yea , thrise blessed is hee whose transgressions is forgiuen , whose sinne is couered , for hee is free from that sting of Conscience that will for euer torment the Soule of the vngodlie . All this night I haue beene sore cumbered with manie spirituall temptations as yee haue heard : My Soule for a space hath beene wonderfully perplexed : The spirit of mā alas , is but too ingenious to debar it selfe from glorie : * It is a wonder how this shuld be in such a glorious Noonetyde of the Gospel hitherto , Glorie bee to God , yee haue comforted mee much ; ye haue handled my sores with the soft and smooth hand of a most wise and charitable discretion , wiselie haue yee singled out comfortes most expedient for the cure of my Soule : Now seeing by your former discourse I haue reaped comfort , let mee bee so bold as to intreate you to declare breaflie how a man may know by the workings of the Spirit within , whether he be a Reprobate or one of Gods chosen Ones : * It is no time for me now to bee beguiled : Men which looke to die , haue neede to looke well what they doe . I desire earnestlie to be instructed touching the diuerse workinges of the Spirit into the wicked and the godlie : My chiefe desire is to make my Saluation sure . The Pastour , I shall doe what I can to giue you contentment in that point . The matter indeede is not without difficultie : But yet the Lord God will doe nothing which hee will not reueale vnto his seruants the Prophets , so farre as is needfull for his glorie & the well of his People : Mine helpe is in the Name of the Lord , that made Heauen and Earth . The Spirit of God in man hath two sortes of operations : One generall another speciall : As for the generall common to all men , by the Spirit the wicked will say , Iesus is the Lord , I know Iesus . said the Deuill to the sonnes of Sceuah : * By this Spirite also the wicked will refraine from outward scandals yea , they may preach , yea , prophecie with Saul , Cajaphas , and Iudas , so that they will bee wondered at , like Soul among the Prophets , or lik Simō magus , to whom the world for a space gaue heede from the least to the greatest , saying , This man is the great power of God : Manie hauing but this superficiall glistering of grace applaud and content themselues thinking that they are wise , while they indeede are fooles . By this Spirit also they will taste the good gift of God but an one they spite it out againe : * Meate tasted in the mouth onelie , and not let downe to bee digested in the stomacke , is vnprofitable for nourishment . * By this same Spirit also they will bee inlightened , so that they will loue the deare Sainctes of God , and will reuerence them as King Herod did Iohn : * But heere is their stay , they haue euer an Herodias , which they will not forsake : Some one reigning sinne or other like pestilent canker cleaueth fast vnto them and beareth rule into their mortall bodies : Either one sinne or other , secret or publicke must be their Darling : * And this againe , like a mother , sinne must haue a dancing daughter , called , Hatered of reproue , whose chiefest sute is , that the preacher , were he an Iohn , either want the head , or else bee silenced . This is the verie border of the wicked mās progresse with all his might and maine in the way to glorie : Further I cannot see that hee can winne but onelie to a taste in the mouth of the goodnesse of Gods giftes and to a certaine or rather incertaine , liking of that which is good , which at last shall losse the head with the Baptiste , before hee losse his pleasures with Herod : Thus as ye see manie are deceiued with the false flashes of an euil grounded assurance , that they are in the readie and right way to Heauen , when as indeede they are but faggots prepared for euer lasting burnings . The sicke Man. There bee one passage in Scripture which hath often affrighted my Soule , in it I see a Reprobate to ma●… such a progresse in the way to Hearen , that hardlie can I thinke that euer I did match him : * The Apostle saith , 1. That hee will bee inlightened . 2. That hee will taste of the heauēlie gift . 3. That he will be made partaker of the holie Ghost . 4. That hee will taste the good word of GOD. 5. That he will taste the powers of the world to come : And yet for all that hee shall fall away , so that hee can not bee renewed by Repentance , and so shall die a Reprobate , and last after death , shall bee caried with the wicked into the same streame , till he fall downe into the gulfe and poole of perdition . I intreat you Sir , to giue mee some light for the clearing of these wordes , for often haue they troubled my Soule , and dryuine it deepe into the dumps , * At the first view of these wordes it would seeme that a man may get seisin of Heauen , and yet thereafter bee diss●…ised by some sinnes and iniquities and depriued of all hope of eternitie . The Pastour . The Lord inlighten my mislie minde that I may cleare these your doubts to your well and contentment . I confesse that at the first sight of these words I my selfe was amazed ; so that I did wonder how all that could bee : Indeede at the first view as ye say , it would seeme that a man may get seisin of Heauen and yet thereafter bee diss●…ised by one sinne or other , whereby all his former vert●…es shall losse their grace : * But let a man lift vp his heart to God in prayer , and thereafter consider well the words and weigh them in the Ballance of the Sanctuarie , hee shall easilie perceiue that a Reprobate may bee endewed with all these giftes , and after all bee debarred from entering into glorie . In the words ye haue obserued fiue difficulties , vnto which God willing I shall make answere seuerallie . First of all , it is said that the Reprobate who is but a Bellie blind , will bee inlightened : For to stād vnder this , yee must first cōsider that into that place of Scripture the Apostle speaketh of Apostats , that is , of men that haue forsaken the true Religion , which once they did professe , for to become professors of lyes , mē who haue reuolted from the Trueth after that the windowes of their Soule were shute close , for to barreout the Light and that willinglie and of set purpose . * First then it is said , That they were inlightned , that is , once they knew the Trueth : For knowledge is light : * But because that hauing light , they wanted loue , God sent them strong delusions to belieue lyes : * S. Paul speaking of these that had but the light of nature , the twilight of reason , said , That they were inlightened in such a sort that thereby they knew God. But because that when they knew God , they glorified him not as God , neither were thankefull , but became vaine in their imaginations , how grieuous was their punishment ? * A little after , both their sinne and their punishment is more plainely ser downe : Euen , saīth hee , as they did not like to retaine God in their knowledge , God gaue them ouer in a Reprobate minde : * That is , hee put out and quenshed that little light of Nature which once they had , as hee tooke the Talent from the idle man that rolled it vp into a napkin : * The greater that light bee within a mā if it be abused , the greater is the punishment which is for to ensue : But to come to that Light wherewith a Reprobate brought vp in the Church may be inlightened : * The Light of knowledge within a man who hath not the loue of the Trueth , is but like the light of a blazing Comet , which shortlie dyeth out , and filleth the world with a pestiferous stinke : * An Apostate on earth is lik a Comet in the heauens , a star but in appearance : Such men with all their apparent eminences of zeale and dazeling shewes bee but blazing starres , such as the Dragon is said to sweepe downe with his taile . * S. Iude calleth them wandering starres , they keepe not their Station , * They are Planets in their motion ▪ and Comets in their substance , not fixed in the heauens , but kindled meteores in the aire which seeme to bee in the heauens , and therefore they losse at last their light , so that as S. Iude saith , To them is reserued blacknesse of darknesse : Such may haue the spirit of illumination , for the good of others , without the Spirit of Sanctification for the good of their own Soules . * Though they haue some light of knowledge , yet in loue and life they walke by the darke side of the cloude with the Egyptians : * There is Loue and Light in the life of all true Israelites , ▪ whose course is by the light side of the fierie Pillar : * The wicked for the most parte are with the Sodomites , either stricken with blindnesse , or if they see , they see as these Syrians saw that came to apprehend Elishah at Dothan , they saw indeede , but their judgement was so troubled , that though they saw , yet they could not perceiue , till out of Dothan they were entered into Samariah , the citie of their enemies : * That was the figure whereof this is the substance , Heare yee indeede , but vnderstand not , and see yee indeede , but perceiue not : O how the eyes of the Soule of man are dimmed with the mistie vapours of vanitie ; thorow which it is hard euen for the godlie often to see anie glimmerings of grace . But to the purpose obserue well what I say : * The godlie and the wicked will both be inlightned : But the godlie is inlightned like a starre fixed into the heauens , whose light is firme and constant . But the wicked inlightned is but lik a blazing Comet , which for a space will haue a greater glaunce , than a true starre into the eyes of the ignorants : * But the learned Philosopher knoweth it to bee nothing but a bundle of filthie matter kindled into the Aire , which shall shortlie bee quenched : * Thus as ye see the wicked like a Comet will bee kindled with some strange fire , hee will bee so inlightened , that he will giue light ▪ vnto others for a space with his hoarie beames : * But this Siella crinita , hoarie starre , because hee is not fixed into the hea uens by faith , hee not beeing in the same Firmament with the Sunne of righteousnesse , within some fewe Moneths hee dyeth out , leauing nothing behind him but the pestiferous smoke and stinke of an euill name , and of filthie scandales , a cause pest , where ▪ with many are infected : * Thus as yee see many like a Comet or a Candle , will for a time blaze with beautiefull brightnesse , beeing full of godlie shewes , without any life of grace , but at last dye out with a filthie smell : The twilight of Nature is no light but darkenesse . * Let therefore euerie man trie his Light , by his loue : * Though a man should know Christ neuer so well , if hee cannot say to him , as Peter said , Lord , thou knowest that I loue Thee , the light of that man shall not continue , but soone or since with one sinne or other it shall be put out as with a dampe : * Then many shall wonder what can bee worde of such a blazing professour , when they shall see all his rootlesse graces withered and wasted . Now Sir , examine well your selfe : * If yee finde a loue in your hearte with your light , a loue of God , not so much for his benefites as for himselfe , who is most loue worthie , be not affrighted to heare that Reprobates may bee inlightened : * All their graces at the best are rootlesse , glorious glances , foolish flashes euanishing in a moment . Let mee yet a little illustrate the matter , that it may appeare how Reprobates are said to bee inlightened ? The Godlie & the Reprobates are both said to bee inlightened , but diuerslie : the Godlie are inlightened like the Sun , but the wicked are like the Moone : In the Sunne as all know the Light , is rooted and fixed , so that not onelie doeth it shew light vnto others , but also it hath light within it selfe : * As for the Wicked , they are inlightened like the Moone , which sheweth light vnto others beeing darke within , like a Glasse which in the sight of the Sunne will glance with some beames , vnto others hàuing no light within it selfe : * In this the wicked also are like the Moone , that while they are in plenilunio , in their fullest light , in the midst appeareth some blacke spottes : In the greatest light of the wicked , if men can looke vp , and behold , they shall perceiue often one grosse sinne or other , where the light haue no reflexe , which is like the blacke spot of the Moone . Thus as yee see all the light of the Wicked , is but in an outward reflexe , whileas they are darke within : But the Godlie are like Iohn the Baptist , whom Christ called a burning and a shinning light : Not onlie shine they outwardlie vnto others , but also they burne within themselues , like these Disciples , whose heartes while Christ spake , did burne within them in going to Emaus , these were their words , Did not our hearts burne within vs , while hee talked with vs by the way ? * The Wicked may well blaze without , but neuer burne within : God may so dispence , that like a burning Glasse they may make others to burne , while like the burning Glasse they remaine themselues cold , or at the best but lake warme : Now I thinke that all men may easilie perceiue how the wicked are said to bee inlightened . Such men I confesse are hard to bee knowne at the first : * A man at least for a month must be acquanted with the Moone before he can know that it is but a dark bodie , which hath no light in it selfe , but borrowed and outward : A life-time is not often sufficient for to trye Hypocrites transformed , like Sathan , into Angels of light : Such Moon-men beguile many with outward reflexes . Though these which are outwardlie adorned with such colours , blesse themselues with Laodicea , as hauing neede of nothing , yet their sins by the hand of Gods Iustice are written in the Register of their Conscience , yea , deepelie ingrauen as with the penne of a Dyamond . Thus Reprobates cannot now vnderstand because their Conscience●… are seared & sensles : they are in such a Slumber & benummednes of Cōscience , that they cannot consider nor make a sound search into the state of their Soules : * Nay , though they could , they would not for feare , that there by they should bee enchained to melancholie , a marr mirth of all their carnall delights . * Of such I will say some-thing , ( I pray God that it may chasse them to seeke sinceritie ) Except that such who care onelie for colours & shews of godlinesse , for to be well thought of among men , except , say I , they turne to God with true sound and timelie Repentance , in my judgement hardlie shall they escape some fearefull and remarkable judgement , euen in this life : Cannot God appoint them to bee his owne executioners for to bee Burriors to themselues ? After that , in his wrath hee hath kept an assise in their Conscience , and hath made them with Iudas to cry out guiltie against them selues , hee can make them hang vp themselues in the loupe of a corde , for to bee spectacles of his wrath before the world : Hee can mak them poyson themselues , or powre out their life with their blood by sword or by knife : * This judgement shall cry to the liuing , Thus shall it bee done with him who dallies with his God. If hee escape that : * Woe , woe , woe vnto him on his death-bed , where Sathan with hellish malice & bloody cruelty shall woūd him with his empoysoned darts , which hee shall fasten deeplie in his Soule : Then with many a sore sigh shall hee cry , that he is enthralled in the snaires & fetters of the deuill : Some I know will win out of this world without any seene blot or blow for secret blo●…s , they will die also with some formall & perfūctory appearance of repentance : Others will die in a quiet drousinesse and so poore like Nabal : Many a●…ye see may die without any seene sign●… of Gods wrath : But in the day of the Lord , God shall pull that painted vizard off their face , for the discouering of all their abominations , and that before the face of all Sainctes and Angels , who shall wonder to see all the filthinesse which they in their life could so cunninglie colour and couer , with most painefull painting : Then mens applause and the worlds praise , which they did once vnder the colour of vnhallowed zeale moste eagerlie pursue , shall by no meanes auaile them ; for the righteous Lord with a gloume of his justice shall banish them to the loathsome dungeon of the bottemlesse pit . Thus after they haue carried the matter smoothlie for a time by jugling dissimulation , at last all their abominations are set in open view . The sicke Man. I finde my selfe satisfied concerning that doubt of the inlightening of the Wicked , who as I see are starke blind , grossie and palpablie ignorant in the mysteries of Saluation . Now teach mee what this is , that he will taste of the heauenlie gift : How can vnsanctified mortalitie bee capable of celestiall benefites ? The Pastour . By the heauenlie gift I vnderstand the fauour of God and eternall life ▪ * The wicked man , whose portion is only in this life , will taste these things , that is betimes hee will finde a certaine sweetnesse in God : * The most wicked man that is will at one time or other lift vp his eyes to God , yea ; and thinke himselfe much beholden vnto God : But all this goodnesse is but lik the morning dew ; it hath none abiding , a sound of feare is euer into the wicked mans eares : * As a man may taste poyson and yet not bee the worse , because incontinent he spitteth it out againe ; so a wicked man may taste good things ; and yet not be the better because that after he hath tasted them , hee letteth them not ouer his throat , but spitteth them out againe : * That which hee hath tasted with the one eare , he spitteth out at the other care : * The good words may flow a litle into his braine and rinne into his memorie , so that there of hee may prattle like a Paroquet , but nothing goeth down to his heart , which I may call the stomacke of the Soule : * If a man should but taste food , were it neuer so fitte of it selfe for to feed he shuld not be able to liue thereby : It is euen so of the wicked spiritualy : They cannot liue by tasting of graces , where God hath not opened the heart as hee opened the heart of Lydea , there is nothing but a tasted grace : Let me yet cleare the matter . * The wicked will get a taste of heauen , as the godlie w●…ll get a taste of hell : * In this doing , I obserue a secret Iustice , and a secret mercie of God : It is a mercie for the godlie that they taste the bitternesse of wrath heere , that they may esteeme the more of heauens glorie heere after . * The baser our estate be before we he exalted , we shal thinke the more of honour whē it commeth : What am I , said Dauid , being but a shepheard , that I should marrie a Kings Daughter ? Who am I ? said hee , and what is my life , or my fathers familie in Israel , that I should bee Son in law to the King * If Dauid had beene a Kings Sonne , hee could haue well thought himselfe an equall match for a Kings Daughter : But while hee considered his owne base estate and the basenes of his fathers family , he thought himselfe so ouermatcht , that hee wondered at such honour , which made him say , Who am I ? What am I , said lamed Mephibosheth , that I a d●…ad dogge should sitte at the Table of a King ? * The greater aduersitie a man bee come out of , the more sweete is his prosperitie when it cōmeth : * The tempestuous by past blasts of Winter commend the beautie of the Spring : * Bring me a man who is daylie accustomed to good cheare , to a Banquet , and little shall hee thinke of it , because such is his ordinarie fare : But , O if bread was not sweete to that hunger bitten forlorne , when hee came home from his husks ! * I think that the godly in heauē shall remember of the bitter taste of wrath they felt on earth , which shall so rauish them with joy of their chāged estate , that no tongue shall bee able to expresse : * But againe , heere is Iustice and wrath for the wicked : God in this life giueth vnto them a taste of his sweete thing : Some common spirituall confections he putteth into their mouth , whereof they find some heauenlie relish ; * I am of this opinion , that while they shall be in hell , the remembrance of that sweete taste shall neuer goe out of their heart , which shall bee a most powerfull meanes for the increasing of their smart : * What a sting was this vnto the gl●…tton in hell , when Abraham , said to him , Sonne remember that thou in thy life-time receiuedst thy good thinges ? * Yee may see heere that the wicked haue remembrance in hell of what good thinges they haue receiued on earth , which is an hell in hell . Thus as ye see God in Iustice and and in wrath will let the Wicked heere on earth taste his good thinges , for the increase of their woe thereafter : * By the sweete taste they had of God on earth while they liued , they know now in Hell , which is a part of their torment , what joye the godlie haue in Heauen : * And againe the godly by that bitter taste of wrath which once they felt on earth , shall know , which shall wonderfullie increase their joye , what torments the wicked suffer in hell , from which the Lord in his vnspeakable mercie hath made them free . By this as yee perceiue both the godlie & the wicked taste here both of Hell & of Heauen : The godly taste of Hell , that Heauen , may be to them the sweeter : The wicked taste of Heauen that Hell may be to them the sower : God loueth not the wicked , but hateth them as hee hated Esau : * For this cause , while hee giueth them a taste of his good thinges , it is that while they shall bee in easlesse and endlesse torments , they may remember how sweete a God they haue despised , and how sowre a Sathan they haue serued . * All these good things which are jointly in the wicked man , are but lik faire attyre vpon a leperous bodie , or like jewels about the necke of an hanged man : Hee hath nothing but the dead portraiture of an Israelite indeede . * But in all this time while vnder the shewes of godlinesse , he is drinking in iniquitie like water , a dreadfull sound is in his eares , for he knoweth that the day of darknesse is ready at his hand : God at last in great wrath shall runne vpon him , euen on his necke , vpon the thicke bosses of his buckler , because he did couer his face with fatnesse , and made collops of fatte on his flankes , not caring for the leannesse of his poore Soule : * Woe to these who content with bare tasting of graces , in wrappe themselues i●… cloudes of hypocrisie . The sicke Man. My Soule Sir , rejoyceth to heare you speake : * I perceiue now by your speach that the wicked will get a taste of spirituall good thinges into their mouth , but that from thence nothing commeth downe to their heart , because the passage is stopped . The Pastour . It is euen so : * Quod non deglutiunt multo minus concoquunt , That which they cannot swallow downe , lesse can they disgest : * The hearts of all men are naturallie fast shute for to hold out God. Christ found the doore of his Spouse barred , whē hee came , neither would shee open it , till the fauour of his Mirre had wrought vpon her heart : At the best of mens hearts hee must often stand and knocke , againe , and againe : But as for the wicked mans hearte , it hath no entrie for grace , not in all his thoughts : The heart of a Reprobate is like a Pest-house , closed vp : Lidiahs heart was closed , till God opened it : * Thus as ye see the wicked may for to speake so , get a mouthfull of Gods good thinges , which they will taste as it were roll vp and downe with their tongue lik a sweete morfell with some sort of pleasure : * But at once they loth that which they loued , and spit out these heauenly confections : Thus doing they are said to doe despite vnto the Spirit of Grace . O but the hollow heart of man barboureth many close corruptions . The sicke Man. Now Sir , I pray you proceede : Let mee heare some thing concerning the third difficultie , which is that a Reprobate may be made partaker of the holie Ghost : How can this bee ? * This seemeth to bee verie hard and knottie , that a man can be a Reprobate , a limbe of Sathan , and one of the familie of hell , and yet ●… made partaker of the holie Ghost : Let mee vnderstand what is that to say . The Pastour . * By the holie Ghost in Scripture are often vnderstood the giftes and graces of the holie Ghost : According to this it is said , that these of Samariah receiued the holie Ghost , after that Peter and Iohn had prayed for them , and laide hands vpon them , they receiued the holy Ghost , that is spiritual gifts : it was for to haue a power to giue such gifts that Simon Magus offered money to the Apostles ▪ * Whereas then it is said that Reprobates are partakers of the holie Ghost , it is to bee vnderstood of such giftes that are common both to the Godlie and Wicked : The best temper of their religion , and the highest pitch of all their holinesse , is nothing but outwardnesse and formall Christianitie . The sicke Man. I Desire earnestlie to know what common giftes these bee that the holy Ghost will bestow vpon a Reprobate . The Pastour . A Reprobate may carrie the matter smoothlie for a time : * Hee may wonderfullie in wrappe himselfe in godlie glancing shewes , so that hee can not bee espyed for a space , by a juggling dissimulation he will euen bleare the eyes of the Prophetes which are Gods Seers : * When hee is cloathed with a coats of formes , men will think that vnder such formes be the true substance : While he hath that 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 forme of knowledge , and that 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 forme of godlinesse , mē who see not as God seeth , will tak him to be some great Diuine , while indeede all the graces hee hath are but formes and outwardnesse , without any life or roote of sound inward sanctifying grace : All such formes in end proue starke nought . * A Reprobate may bee a teacher of Gods worde , a builder of Gods House like Noahs Carpenters , who builded the Arke , and yet drowned into the floode : * Hee may blaze like a Comet with colourable pretences of pietie , and shew light vnto others for a space , yea , so that with most glorious glances hee shall make mens eyes to dazle , and yet shall at last die out , leauing nothing behind but the smoke and stinke of an euill life like the snuffe of a Candle , when there is lothsome reeke without a flamme : * An Hypocrite may be a mā of a milde & mercifull disposition , yea , zealous in appearance , without any sene blot or blemish : By his hypocrisie hee may doe good to others . Men seeing him , will stand in awe to offend , thinking him to bee a sincere man : * A Reprobate will bee like the man that beareth the Lanterne in the darke night , wherewith while hee giueth light vnto others , he is least inlightened himselfe : * While others by that light will see the best and cleanest way , hee himselfe and Lanterne together will fal into a mire . * Thus after that his light is quenched in some scandalous puddle , the followers know what a man he was : A Reprobate may haue immunitie from grosse and in famous sinnes , he may bee a man of great giftes , wondered at by many as was Simon Magus , to whom all gaue heede , from the least to the greatest ▪ saying , This man is the great power of God : * A whole peoples applause is no sure token of Gods fauour . * As Sirion which is Hermon , was called by Moses Sion , so may a godly man both think & call an Hypocrite a chosen vessell ▪ * Of such a mā often may a Godly man say , as Elisha said of the Shunamite lying at his feete , The Lord hath hid it from mee , and hath not tolde mee : * The godly and wicked are sibber vnto other in outward shewes , than Sirion and Sio●… are sibbe in syllabes : Nay , in outwardnesse and glorious glances , the vvicked beare the Bell , because their greatest care is cunninglie to manage & eagerlie to catch such vaine applause . * The high stature and faire face of Eliab deceiued the Seer : Surelie , said hee , the Lords anointed is before him , and yet for all that the voyce come out from God , declaring that God had refused him . That which is like vnto another is not that wherevnto it is lik : There is but an H betweene Sibboleth and Shibboleth , and yet the losse of that Letter cost the Ephramites their liues at the passage of Iordan . The vvant of that note of Aspiration made them to losse their breath with their life : Mā vnder a maske of mildnesse may deceiue men with faire vvords , as Ioa●… did Amasa ; but God well knoweth the Gal●…lean accent , though Peter should denye with an oath . The craft of Hypocrites is wonderfull : * While they walke in a ploding course of glorious shewes , beeing fast nailed vnto outward formalitie , they will wonderfullie bleare the eyes of men , so that they will out-steppe the best in low louring and counterfeit cruching , who would not haue thought Ahab a true repenting man , while sicke in sacke hee went sof●…lie with sacke cloth nearest his skinne ? Mans eyes are easilie , easilie jugguled with soddered shewes : But God who seeth not as man seeth , looketh on the heart : They that see such painted men , as they themselues also , may thinke that they are alreadie possessed of the Kingdome of grace , and also intituled to the Kingdome of glorie , while indeede they are but prophane men of seared Consciences , seeking for nothing but popular appla●…ses for the aduancement either of their profite or preferment or reputation and worth : By some worldlie respect they euer are caried on the by , whereby they euer come short of sinceritie . * Woe vnto them euen when all men shall speake good of them : * For a space they may well thinke in their owne fond conceit , that they are stored with all the riches of Gods graces , like Beggers in their sleepe dreaming that they are tumbling thēselues amid great heapes of gold : O but when such awake they are not onlie emptie of their imagined good , but filled with sorrow for being depriued of that which they had in their imagination , the greatest groūd of their contentment : Thus all comforts shal be sweepe from them with the besome of vtter desolation . O the deceitfulnesse of mans heart ! Who can know it ? said Ieremie : * What eye can pierce and passe thorow all the wyles & windings of this juggling sinne of Hypocrites , which hauing nothing but 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 a forme of godlinesse , which beare that world in hand that they are scalded & burnt with the zeale of Gods House : The best things that are in such are nothing but ciuill outwardnesse clothed with colourable pretences of pietie , without any justifying faith in the heart , or renewing power in the Soule , wherin is the practise of pietie . What shall I say more ? a Reprobate as yee see may bee both courtesse and kind , solatious in conuersation , a man beloued of his neighbours , yea , such a man may driue out his dayes without any seene blot , or outward scandale : Hypocrisie may bee so small spunne , that no carnall eye can perceiue it Such a man also may haue some troubles of Conscience , some secrete checkes of remorse for his by-goné folies , euen Iudas his 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , repenting or forethinking : But his Soule was neuer acquainted with traueling and hard labour in the newe births which is borne with that 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 euē an vniuersall change of minde , will , and affections which is onelie peculiar to the godlie . I will yet say more , a Reprobate while hee possesseth a true doctrine though but outwardlie , hee may ●…aue the gift of prophecie with Saul & Cajaphas yea , of miracles , & also of healings , of helpes in gouernaments and of diuersities of tongues : * Behold , how a wicked man may bee a Preacher , and a Prophet , or among the Prophets , and a worker of meracles : Haue wee not cast out deuils in thy Name ? shall many say to Christ at the day of judgement ; to whom Christ shall answere , Departe from mee for I know you not . All these good things may a man haue , and yet bee a stranger from the life of God : * Though such outward thinges haue a glorious appearance & bee great in the eye of the world ▪ yet they are no sure token of Gods loue : * Did not Christ call Iudas , Friend ? All the common giftes & graces of the wicked , are nothing but like the friendship that was betweene Christe and Iudas , whome Christ called friend , for to let him know that the greater was his sinne : Such for all their glistring shewes are strangers from the life of God , holden fast vnder the power of the first death , and yet none so much as they are puft vp with a conceit of imaginarie perfection , so powerfull is the deuilish influence of pride : The greater Gods gifts shall- be into the wicked , that greater shal be their woe . The sicke Man. I hau●… heard , and am satisfied concerning that the vvicked may be made partaker ▪ of the holy Ghost : I pray you to discusse the fourth difficultie , which is , That ●… man may taste the good word of God , and yet bee a Reprobate . The Pastour . Hee vvill indeed Sir , taste the good word God , as I haue exponded that he will taste the heauenlie gift : * Hee will taste the good word of God , That is , hee will vnderstand the word , he will take pleasure to read it , and to heare it preached , with some flashes of comfort , whereby hee will bee moued to harbour some good meanings and intentions , not onlie that , but also hee will doe many thinges as Herod who heard Iohn gladlie , and did also many things : * But such a mā hatheuer some herodias a darling sinne secret or knowne , vvhich hee vvould preferre to the head of Iohn the Baptiste : * While hee is in the Church it may bee hee heare the vvord with some gladnesse , yea , and vveete his cheekes vvith teares at the preaching of Christs passion , but let h●…m goe from thence to his Banketing , a dancing of a daughter of this Herodias , viz. Some little tickling joy of his Mistresse , & predomināt sin vvill make him to forget all that was preached : A small requeast of some dauncing deuil vvill mak such a man , if hee bee of power , to lay the Preachers head in a platier . * There bee many vvho vvhile they heare the Word preached in the Church , are like a Siffe or Riddle into the vvater , so long as they are in hea●…ing , they seeme to bee full of Gods word , euen to the brim : But so soone as they are once departed , all that they heard runneth out , and they to their olde by as againe . The best thing that are in the wicked are to God , as vvho for a sacrifice should cut off a Dogs necke , or offer Swynes blood . The sicke Man. This is a strange matter , this world as I see , is like Sardis . Thou hast a few names in Sardis ▪ which haue not defiled their garments : The Godlie are as the shaking of the Oliue , Two or three Berries in the toppe of the vpper-most bough . Christ called them vvell , The little Flocke . Great as I see is the deceitfulnesse of sinne : * I thought when I saw a man or a woman , hearing the word with great attention , and vvhiles vvith teares , that these could not bee but the Lords chosen and dearest Ones : And yet I see that a man may heare the word with greate appearance of godlinesse , yea and thinke the Word most sweete for the time , yea , loue and reuerence Gods Messengers , and yet for all that bee kept short of the state of Grace . The Pastour . All that is true , for Herod reuerenced Iohn for a space , and heard him gladlie : Simon magus belieued with a temporarie faith : And Esau though hee wept and sought the blessing with many teares , yet could finde no place in his heart vvhere he could lodge true Repentance . Many are endewed with painted Graces , which hauing but the face & not that heart of grace , are meere hypocrisie : Euen vices masked with the appearance of vertues : Such formal holie persons come farre short of being in Christ Iesus , in whom all true goodnesse is most liuelie incorporate . The sicke Man. I haue heard you Sir , discusse verie pertinentlie foure difficulties , the fift and last , and greatest is behind : Often haue I wondered what could bee the true sense & meaning thereof , the words are these , Hee will taste of the powers of the world to come ? What can a Reprobate haue to doe with the world to come ? I vnderstand not well these words . The Pastour . Indeed Sir , they want not difficulty : Some of the Learned thinke with S. Chrysostome , That by the powers of the world to come are to bee vnderstood , the powerfull working and miracles vnder the Gospel , which in respect of the Lawe vvas called , The world to come , as if the dayes of the Gospel were the dayes of a new world , since Christ that Day spring from on high , and most glorious Sunne of Righteousnesse did appeare for to inlighten euerie man that commeth into this world : But in my judgement that bee more subtile , than solide : * I had rather thinke that Reprobats are said to taste of the powers of the world to come ▪ when they finde some sort of sweetnesse in God with a kind of desire to bee out of this world , for to bee with God into the Heauens : * Such a desire betimes will make their heartes flutter vp toward these heauenlie Mansions * But such fluttering desires wanting the feathers of Faith , incontinent come short , and fall downe againe with a jumpe : Hee hath not a settled constancie nor well grounded resolution . God at some times will let the Wicked see some glimpse of his glorie , as it were a lightning that passeth most swiftlie avvay , vvhich for a little space in the darke night letteth a man see that vvhich is before him : But so soone as it is past , his eyes become more dazeled and darkened , thā they were of before : such powers are but painted powers : They are indeede like the liuing powers as an Image is like a man , but they want the heart of godlinesse . Thus according to my knowledge in a serious and impartiall search is all the vvicked mans progresse toward the kingdome of glorie . All the best graces that hee hath , are but glances of graces and dreames of glorie , euen extreme pouertie , glorious sinnes , beautifull abominations . These be Gods limets , who hath said to him , as hee said to the proud vvaues , Hitherto shall yee come and no further : * Such a man in his best estate and conceit is but an Hypocrite lurking vnder the Canopie of a counterfeit profession : His best estate is both broken and bankerupt in spirituall thinges : * For a space such a man may goe pleasantlie like a Shippe before the vvind ; but at last downe commeth a blast of judgment , and sinketh him downe irrecouerablie into the bottome of hell . The sicke Man. I am glad to haue heard the solutions of these fiue difficulties , which often did trouble my minde . By all your discourse I perceiue that the Reprobates at their best , feele but some generall good motions , and that all their perswasions , that they shall at last come to heauē , are nothing but imaginations , and vaine dreames of glorie : * Many in mine opinion are deceiued in this world , who like these that dreame , thinke they awake , while they indeede are fast asleepe : Many in this world as I see , thinke to bee saued , whose thoghts shal proue to be but dreames : Some obscure printes of vnsound joyes , though for a space they may be of good acceptance with the most godlie , and clappe their owne hands , as if they were in the passage to Paradise : They are in end disappointed , because they want true inward holinesse , without which no man shall see Gods face . The Pastour . It is most true Sir , for●…s men for the most part desire to bee flattered by others , so tak they delight to flatter themselues , feeding vpon fond fancies and phantasies , lik Hypochondriackes , or braine sicke , who cannot bee perswaded , but that they are Kings , while indeede they are but Beggers . The sicke Man. This is a terrible disease : * But to leaue the Reprobates , and come to the Elect , I desire now to know of you what bee that speciall spirituall working , which is onelie peculiar to the Elect and chosen Ones of God : I vvish to heare of the proceedings of Gods Spirite working into the hearts of the godlie vnto their Saluation : The godlie I am assured are of a more noble and heauenlie temper full of the Spirit of Grace . The Pastour . * In my judgement where the Spirit of God worketh to the Saluation of the Soule of a sinner , before it come to a full perswasion & hight of assurance , there is first a tempest of wrath against sinne going before the comming of God in his mercie , viz. A shaking wind , a trembling earthquake , a burning fire , vvhich lik three grimme posts come running before to tell that God is comming into the calme . * Before that God shew his presence into the still voyce , hee proceedeth by steps and degrees : First hee rebuketh the sinner of sinne , and wakeneth his Conscience with some sight of his iniquities , & vvith some sense of that vvrath which sin hath deserued : From this ariseth a great heauinesse into the heart , vvhich breaketh forth both in speach & countenance , so that the vvorlde which know him of before , will vvonder at his change , as if he vvere a creature cast into another mould ▪ * After that God hath thus prepared the Soule of men with thundering tempests and tremblings with blasts and vvith burnings , and thereby hath made them more afraid of sin , than they were of before of sinne it selfe : At last he commeth vnto them into the calme of his mercie , & first giueth vnto them grace to flee all occasions of sinne , and after that , to hate the verie garment spotted with the flesh ▪ * Hee vvho in despight can gnash his teeth against that vvherein once hee tooke pleasure to displease his God , is not a sholler of flesh and blood , not a naturall man that is content vvith ciuell outwardnesse . * After that the Spirit hath vvrought a detestation and hatered of sinne into the heart , he putteth a cry into the heart for mercie , with sighes and sobbes which cannot bee expressed : * Some times these sighes vvill breake out into such vvords that both speaker and hearer will vvonder vvherefrae they come . * After that , the Spirit in his motions by a sweete and silent inspiration , goeth forward in his progresse into the heart by little & little , with Life , Light , Libertie , and peace of Conscience , euen that peace vvhich passeth all vnderstanding , and so cannot be expressed in humane words : Now am I come Sir , as yee heare , ad metam non loquendi , that I can say no more : * It were but folie for mee to dyue so deepe in Gods vvorkings , as for to take vnto mee to declare vnto you that vvhich passeth all vnderstanding : * The new name into the white Stone , is knowne to none , but to these that haue receiued it : Though hee that hath this name know it himselfe , yet hee cannot vttter it : It is like these wordes of Paradise which S. Paul called vnspeakable . Now for to sum vp breaflie all that hath beene declared in a more large and ample discourse , I shall obserue three things which are onelie rooted in the godlie heart , & a●…e altogether strangers from the Reprobates . * First where true grace is , there is a remorse and painefull griefe with many sore sighes , for all by gone slips : By this as by a Bitte or Bridle the Soule of the godlie man is kept from backesladings and scandalous stumbling relapses . Secondlie , he hath a present quicke feeling of these sins , which of before hee counted but little and veniel : If it bee sinne ▪ hee will say no more , Is it not a little one ? * A ●…ye for luc●… , or for sport yea , a light idle worde will checke him at once in the Conscience , though hee were perswaded that it were neuer knowne to anie . Last of all , by a long practise in well doing hee acquireth in his Soule an habituall tendernesse , whereby the former good motions are so confermed and strengthened , that it is a pleasure to him to doe well : Off this ariseth the gracious and most sweete temper of the good Conscience ▪ which is to his Soule a perpetual feast : This is the Christians progresse in true godlinesse , which is neuer so calme in this world ▪ that it can be said to be without troubles , which maike the way vnto glorie : Thus much for the proofe of the point in hand . * Onelie this I desire you to obserue , that such spirituall workinges goe by degrees●… , like a Riuer that is waxing , like an Herbe that is growing , like a Day that is but dawning ▪ or like a Victorie but beginning : At last commeth nowe full Flood ▪ nowe is perfect grouth , nowe is Noone ▪ day , now haue I foughtē the good fight , & now I look for the crown of righteous nesse : This being all finished , therepenting sinner entereth into glorie , the place of ful contentment , where the restlesse eyes of mans desire shall rest from peeping or prying any further for any greater felicitie . Thus brieflie by waye of compend haue I declared vnto you : But all this is not so soone done as said : B●…tter bee the Battels of a Christian before hee can come to this rest : There be bloodie battels against the Deuill , bloodie battels against the World ▪ bitter and bloodie battels against the corruptions of his flesh : Many a stroke will hee giue vpon his breast with that Publican many astroke will hee giue vpon his thigh , crying with Ephraim , ●…ye , What haue I done ? * S. Paul was pricked with a thorne in the flesh , and buffeted by a deuill , before hee got the Crowne : * Christ himselfe speaking of himselfe ▪ said , Ought not Christ to haue suffred all these things , and so to enter into his glorie ? It is easie to heare this short discourse of words : * But what paines are into the second Birth : The paines of the first Birth are so piercing , that the verie paines of hel are compared vnto them : And yet I haue known women who by their owne confession , haue trauelled more into the second birth than euer they did in the first : * Manie would bee content to dye for to bee borne againe : This flesh of ours is ill to die , yet it muste die , and bee mortified , at the birth of Ichabod where is the glorie ? The first wordes that this new creature learneth to speake is , Where is the glorie ? * At the first it seeketh after Gods glorie , as the new borne Babe at the first seeketh after that dug with the tongue and the lips : * It is the best foode of a regenerate Soule to sette our Gods glorie , as it was our Sauiours meate to doe his Fathers will. After all that , the Soule maketh a procession in well doing , neuer standing at a stand , but euer going forward , though some times more slowlie : The way to glorie is from grace to grace : * Many foullie deceiue themselues , because that they forbeare one sinne or other , wherevnto at other times they haue beene most slauishlie addicted , they thinke themselues reformed men , and that if Death should come , incontinent the doores of Heauē shuld goe wide open to the walls , for to let in their●… soules with their formes of godlinesse●… Such are so high in their owne conceit , that they thinke to bee after death cannonized Sainctes . Of this sorte bee so many , that Scripture calleth them a generation : There is a generation that are pure in their owne conceit , and yet are not washed from their filthinesse . In him vvho is truelie a childe of God , the strongest corruptions of the flesh must bee snaffled and curbed by the Law of the Spirit : * It is not enough to beate downe one sinne , or two , or many , as many will doe , but reserue aye some , one or other ▪ for which they must pray with Naaman , In this thing the Lord pardon thy seruant . * Let no man deceiue himselfe , there is no place in Heauen , but for him or her whose studie is applyed to an vniuersall sinceritie of all their wayes . Let it be that Cain was not a Theefe : But did not God curse him for his murther ? Let it bee that Iudas was free of many sinnes , yet because hee way a Theefe , and a Traitour and died so , hee was damned . Let it bee that the Pharisee was not an adulterer as hee bragged , yet his pride was the bane of his Saluation . * Hee that maketh not conscience of the least sinne , is guiltie of the greatest : According to this God himselfe saith , That who faileth in one , faileth in all : If for God and for Conscience sake , a man abhorre the great sinnes of murther and adulterie , and such others of not orious rank ▪ for these same sakes he will abstaine from lesser sinnes , otherwayes it is but some worldlie respect , either for shame or losse , which like a restraining grace , with-holdeth him from matching the same : Many will neither kill , nor committe adulterie , and yet will make no conscience to slander , or lye either in sport or earnest , or by hooke or crooke catch that which is not their owne . Who euer hee bee , who without controlement looseth the reines to such petit sinnes , hath neuer as yet sette his foote forward in the way that leadeth to life : the Spirit of grace as yet hath made no residence into him : The Spirit he hath , is but a sporting Spirit deceiuing him vvith ●…ies : The surest note of the Spirit of the grace is a sanctified studie , & endeuour to an vniuersall sinceritie in all our wayes ; of thought , worde , and dead , which vvill bee I confesse often with great vveaknesse and failing , for in many things wee offend all . Now Sir , vvhat thinke yee of all that hath beene said ? according to the knowledge that God hath giuen mee , I haue cleared your doubts : If my discourse hath done you good giue God the praise , yet vvould I knowe vvhat all these vvordes hath vvrought in your heart . The sicke Man. I blesse God for that vvhich I haue heard : * By Gods Grace I haue catcht some hope of a better life : The desires of mine heart beginne to enter the confines of eternitie : I find the motions of the Spirit of Grace vvorking into my Soule the great vvorke of Saluation : I am now refreshed vvith the sweete streames of spirituall comforts : I finde now my Soule lifted vp toward God , and I finde the loue of this vvorld falling downe like the Mantle of Elijah : I think that I goe novv more sweetlie and swiftlie to my God , with a more holie and heauenlie desire , than euer I did heeretofore : Your comfortes Sir make mee to hyefaster : * I take this to bee a nevv worke-man-shipe of grace : * I hope shortlie to be at the vp shot of all my troubles : * I finde vvithin mine heart some kindled joye , vvhich I take to bee the pawne of pleasures for euermore : The Spirite of God like a Doue hath brought vnto my Soule a comfort like an Oliue leaue assuring mee in some vveake measure , that the floode of Gods vvrath is asswadged vpon my Soule : What shal I say ? The best of Gods blessings are behind : Oh that now my Sauiour vvere into the cloudes : I had rather die , than I should liue for to anger the Lord againe : Alas , that mine heart hath beene so gleued to the ground like a shell-Snaile fastened on the wall . Seeing Sir God hath wrought so well by you in this great worke of my conuersion ; I intreat you to continue in some good purpose , that my minde may still bee kept bended vpon that which is good : * If yee leaue off to teach mee , my minde will but wander in vanitie . O Lord , worke all my thoughts to holie and heauenlie meditations . The Pastour . Blessed bee God who hath giuen you such a resolute and contented minde : See what yee desire me to speake chieflie of at this time . The sicke Man. * Seeing I am shortlie for to leaue this world and to goe to the Heauens , for to take out of mine heart the least roote of regret to quite this world : I pray you Sir , to say something of the vanitie of this world , of the last Iudgement , and of the joyes of Heauen , where shortlie I hope to bee : Let mee heare how I shall losse nothing in the change : Striue Sir , I pray to kindle and blow vp the dying fire of my deuotion , helpe mee to goe from strength to strength ▪ till I bee in Zion . The Pastour . The Lord put such wordes into my mouth , which may bee able to winne your Soule vp to Heauen , and to weane it from all worldlie pleasures . First for to speak but a word in generall cōcerning this world . * What is it but a peece of earth , made barren with Gods curse , whose fruites without sweatie labours , are but thistles and thornes ? As for the vanitie of the world , seculum speculum , This world is a glasse wherin a drumlie eye may see its vanitie : Hee who was wisest in it , speaking of it , after that he was tyred with trying its pleasures , preached that it was but vanitie of vanities , a verie Idea , that is the abstract of vanities , which are the abstracts of things that are vaine : * So according to Solomons Text all that wee account most substantiall , is but an abstract of an abstract , as if a man shuld dreame that he dreamed , which should bee the dreame of a dreame : * This is like that vanitie which Habak ▪ kuke calleth verie vanitie , wherein are some few flashes of deceiueable comforts . Thus as yee see the life of man in this world is nothing but a fardle of vanities , shadowes and dreames , a bundle of displeasing pleasures , vaine in inside and outside too : * Our greatest pleasures here are but a mixture of miserie : They are soone marred like a mistuned song : * The flees in the plague of flees were not so thicke in Egypt as vanities are in this world , for which the most parte of the world exchange the happinesse of their Soules : These who are most glorious in worldly pompe , are constrained to say at last with that King in Homer : * The great God hath imprisoned mee with cares : O happie they who are free of such dangers , are secured in cottages of clay . After that man hath beene vpon the top of his pompe , and is come to the vertical point of his pleasures after which hee hath hunted with great eagernesse of heart : Hee must come downe and bee curbed with paines of diuerse diseases , distressed till hee bee turned in to dust . * All his pleasures , profites , and prefermentes shall slide away like a shadow : They shall passe like a Poast passing by , like water lift vp with a sife , or sand with open fingers . As the shippe passeth ouer the waues , its trace , not beeing able to bee seene on the brim , or as the fowle mounting to the Skye , piercing the Aire , so that no mortall eye can perceiue any token of her passage , though the eare heare the noise of her wings , so shall it bee of all earthlie things , when once the inch of this life being ended , our mortall Soule shall bee dislodged out of this clay , all earthlie contentments then shall bee like a Bird , of whose flight no token can bee found after for a space by the shaking of her wings , shee hath parted the aire in a greater heminencie of going : In all our greatest pleasures bee lurking sorrowes like serpentes among the grasse , which maketh way to a fairing man to steppe backe or start aside . Oh , that wee were wise ! What shall I say ? In this transitorie life we are miserablie blind folded , because wee loue not the heauens , God letteth vs dote vpon the earth : It is righteous with God so to doe : Of all this wee must say , This is the Lords doing , it is marueilous in our eyes : Oh , that wee could consider ! in these last dayes of this world , there is come vpon the world a plague of vanitie , like a plague of flees , whereof pride is Beelzebub the master flie , which buzzeth in most men & womens heads commanding other legions of vanities full of fretting sorrows , or of false flattering pleasures wherewith the sillie Soule is fettered : * The whole life of man is inclosed in Mesopotamia betweene two riuers of teares , First wee mourne at our Birth , and last others mourne at our Burial : Nascimur flentes morimur gementes : * The whole bounds of our life is inclosed betweene weeping and groaning : * At the first sight of the light we weepe , and last at the closing of our eyes , wee gaspe out our life with a groane : What shall I say ? So soone as wee are borne , wee are gone like a shadow when it declineth . Oh , that wee could consider that there is nothing heere which is not mixt with some spyce of vanitie . * If wee had eyes to see , wee would say , What is below in this Region of corruption without corruption or contempt ? * Within vs , without vs , aboue , vs , about . vs , all is out of order : The powers of the heauens are shaken , the Aire about our heads is full of tempests & flashing meteors ! the world is waxed old , and is come to its decrepite age : The last dayes are dayes of diseases , the companions of olde age , all is wrong . The Church is sicke of Sects : The Sea is full of Pyrates , & the Land of Robbers , yea , and of sins and sicknes vnknowne to former ages : The Godly are as sheepe among wolues . O that I had winges like a Doue , for then vould I flee away and bee at rest ▪ * Heere is nothing but Mesech & Kedar , where there is nothing but w●…e for the godlie which dwell therin : * Where shall a godlie man liue , or in what state shall hee liue ? or how shall hee liue ? but hee shall bee battered and besieged with much toyle and turmoyle ? * If hee bee wealthie , hee shall bee enuied : If hee bee poore , hee shall bee despised : If he bee wise , hee shall bee accounted craftie : If hee bee simple , hee shall bee called foolish : * All that is within vs , all that is without vs , yea , and in our selues are readie to betray vs , & to giue vs vp into the hāds of our enemies : * The eyes beholde , that vanitie may come in : The eares hearken like open floode gates to lette in streames of vanities for to drowne the Soule : The false heart within , that keepeth the keyes of all the senses , while the Soule is sleeping , bringeth in vpon it like a Delilah , a number of cruell Philistims : * Thus the strong men of Israel is made a jest and mocke vnto the vncircumcised that belong not to the couenant . This whole world is but a world of vanitie ? The wise man Solomon the mirrour of wisedome , and wonder of the world , was sent into this world as a spye : from God for the well of man : * By his wisedome his minde ran thorow the world like a Pilgrime from countrie to countrie , yea , like a Bee from herbe to herbe , for to taste them . Hee confidered all the trees from the Cedar to the Hyssope , for to prye into , and pierce the pith and vertues of all things abroad , for to take thorow notice thereof : After that hee had thus wandered , beeing come home againe from his pilgrimage , the world flocked about him , to search what hee had heard and seene abroad , and what hee thought of the world , and of all the glorie thereof : * What newes , Solomon ? did the Worldings say , whose hearte is like a Ferret in the earth : What hast thou seene or heard ? Solomon contracteth all his Newes into a Line , Vanitie of vanities , and all is vanitie . All these thinges which are soloued , I haue looked into , would Solomon say , but I haue found nothing but vanitie from the barke to the bone : * In Trees is vanitie , in Herbes is vanitie , as well in the Cedar as in the Hyssope : In Siluer is vanitie , in Golde is vanitie , in Iewels is vanitie , in Honour is vanitie , in Cloathing is vanitie , in Strength is vanitie , in Wisedome is vanitie , in Beautie is vanitie : In a word , all is full of vanitie , yea , all is vanitie , yea , vanitie of vanities : All the creatures saith the Apostle , the spye of the New Testament , are subject to vanitie : * For the sinne of man , all the Creatures haue lost that glorie and libertie , which once they had , and are become slaues vnder a base bondage , vnder which they grone as a woman in trauell : All earthlie comfortes which spring out of sinfull pleasures faile and fad like grasse . * Alas , what is heere , that should moue a Soule to desire to sojourne heere , but a moment . * This world is a Tenise of ▪ temptations , wherein the sillie Soule like a ball without any ceasing is tossed from wall to wall , as one waue of the Sea rusheth vpon another , beeing carried with a gale of winde , so do●… all sortes of sorrowes heere as in a moued sea swell , roll , and rage with most fearefull rushinges vpon man ▪ till hee bee turned into froth . * It is a wonder how the eyes of man should be so bleared , or rather juggled , that any thing below●… should make him to say as they 〈◊〉 on Tabor , who knew not what they said : It is good for vs to bee heere , and yet who is hee that is not dulled and darkened with the cloudes of folli●… Is not this world a wildernesse●… the way 's thereof are rough an●… crooked , * Mans best thinges hee●… are like the Hartechoke , whereof the most parte is vnprofitable leaues ▪ * Our joyes are joyned with sorrowe●… checker worke , white and blacke , lik●… Lillies among thornes . * Our hopes heere are vaine , the profite is false , the pleasures are passing , the labours are losse , the promises are but lyes : * The whole state of this Prince of Creatures is heere but a banishment , heere and there he stumbleth , where he thoght best to stand , where hee purposed to take his rest , there hee findeth his ruine : No worldlie comforts are to bee trusted into , they are like the staffe of a broken reede , whereon if a man leane , it will goe into his hand : Doe what hee can , some painefull splinter or other shall bee fastened in his flesh : * There is nothing on Earth which can bee managed with such cunning , that it may bee without cumber : The proudest and Ioftiest waues of mens designes , are easilie broken into foame : * Gods fauour is the surest Sanctuarie , nothing within the compasse of this created world , can yeelde to man solide comfort or contentment , nothing can possiblie fill the boundlesse desire of his Soule : * Such a diuine sparkle can neuer cease rising , til it bejoyned to that great SHADAI , GOD all sufficient , till the Soule bee at Him , it can neuer bee settled , but is euer tossed , whiles to the right hand and whiles to the left : Now it is rauished with joye , and in an instant againe it is surprised with amazement : * What euer it enjoyeth heere , it cannot bee content , but is euer foolishlie peeping and prying beyond all that which it hath affecting with a strong straine , greater riches , high honours , and preferments , which I may call , The guilted glorious ▪ miseries of mankind ▪ Woe , woe , woe dwell into that house where such things are not sanctified to their owners . O that I could cunninglie rype vp with a Razour this worldes vanitie , that wee might see it within the bowels ! O what depth of discomfort should bee there seene , if wee had eyes to see : All the pregnancie of mans Spirit , all the most rich indue mentes of his minde , without the sanctifying Spirit of Iesus , become but an idole of selfe conceite : * As for all other outward things , in the very turning of an hand , and closing of an eye , they often remoue insalutato hospite , not taking their good night : Inconstancie is the poison of our pleasures . Though a man euen now were neuer so happie in his owne conceit , how soone may the Lord send a change ? * He can make the fruite of all his labours to be like an vntimely birth , for whome the Mother hath suffered many woes , and yet could neuer enjoye a sight there of aliue . The greatest glorie of this world , is like Hills which seeme highest a farre off . * Men in their solie may sav as Dauid said in his prosperitie , I shall neuer be moued : But , O folie ! There is nothing permanent heere : Man is tossed vp and downe as the Locust , either with discountenance or disapointment , breaking into foame his projects vpon the rocks of disgrace . All is turned about with a continual change : There is no Time but it passeth , there is no Day but it darkneth , there is no Fruite but it rotteth , there is no Flower but it faddeth , there is no Force but it faileth , there is no Strength but it weakeneth , there is no Beautie but it withereth , there is no Garment but it weareth , yea , the Heauens themselues waxe olde , as doeth a garment ▪ * Behold , how all that is aboue vs , beneath vs , about vs , is full stuffed vvith vanitie : this at last shall worldlings know to bee true , when their laughter shall be madnesse in their owne eyes : It is a wonder how men are so blind in this glorious Noone tide of the Gospel . * All that is most esteemed in this world , the fooles Paradise , is chieflie of those , 1. Strength , 2. Honour , 3. Riches , 4. Beautie , 5. Pleasure , 6. Wisedome , 7. Children , 8. Long life , of these things may no man say with Niobe . Excessere metum mea jam bona . I neede not feare to losse them . The sicke Man. I desire to heare you discusse the vanitie of these eight thinges seuerallie , for which men straine the vtmost vaine of their wits , as if in this region of corruption such thinges were able to stretch themselues vnto eternitie . The Pastour . All such thinges are but broken staues of reede ; not to be relyed vpon : * To naturall eyes indeede such things are so glancing , that they like a starre new created in the Skye , will make them to gaze , yea , often it befalleth that the prosperitie of such things enjoyed by the wicked , will not onelie drawe the eyes of the Godly vpon them , but will bee eye-fore vnto them . I was enuious at the foolish , said Dauid , when I saw the prosperitie of the wicked . Let vs relish these eight thinges a little , and orderly try what is their worth . 1. STRENGTH . As for Strength , if Samson the strongest now could speak out of his Graue , hee would teach the liuing that it is but a vaine thing . * What a vaine thing is this , which in the highest degree that euer was in man , might bee shauen from him with the lockes of his haire ? Let a Feuer but seaze vpon the strongest that euer breathed , before it leaue him , it shall teach him to know that all the force of flesh is vas nitie : * Reuben who was called by his Father , The man of his might , and the beginning of his strength , and the excellencie of power , is in the verse following , called , vnstable as water : The Philistims great man , the strength of Philistia , the terrour of Israel , was felled downe with a stone out of a Shepheards scrippe and slung . There is no solide strength in flesh , but hee who is strong in God , of him shall bee said , as was saide of Ioseph , His bow abode in strength , and the armes of his hand were made strong by the hands of the Almightie GOD of Iacob . 2. HONOVR . What is Honour , which men in the hight of Spirit desire with the strongest straine ? * What is it , but like a King in a play ? when the play is done , the ornaments are takē from him : To day man is a King , and to morrow a Carrion . * The greatest pompe of King Agrippa , & his of Queene Bernice , is ca●…led in Scripture language , a meere phantasie , or euanishing shew : Hee came downe with his Queene , saith S. Luke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , that is , he came downe with great phantasie . As honours are changeable like a phantasie , so often change they men so that they become phantasticke : Honores mutant mores , Honours change manners , but oftest to the worse . If men knewe the vanitie of this point , they would not so eagerlie hunt after that wherein there is no contentment . * After that Alexander had fished the whole world with his herrie water-net , what found he ? but follie & euanishing shewes , wherof the most pleasant rellish was like the white of an Egge wherein is no sauour . * Kings which are the most honourable men of this world , are gods in name but not in Nature : I haue said , Yee are gods , but yee shall die like men-King Herods flatterers cryed that he was god , but Death belyed them , crying that hee was but a man , a god that could not resist the wormes , often that which is highlie esteemed among men , is an abomination in the sight of God. * God liketh not euer best these to whom hee filleth a full cup of temporall felicitie : He whom God hath elected to bee a King in Heauen , is often hidde , like Soul among the stuffe , or like Corne among Chaffe . * I haue obserued in reading the Booke of God , that few Kings either of Iuda or of Israel receiued any great praise from Gods penne , which can neither faine nor flatter : Trueth will yeelde no ground , thogh it should meete a Tyrant in the face . * O fainting flatterer ! who darre not preach but to pleasethy Prince , Who art thou , that thou should feare a mortall man , which shall bee made as grasse ? By a wise , graue , godly reproofe thou might haue saued his Soule , in whose blood thou hast embrewed thy selfe either by fearefull silence , or flattering eloquence . * O how dangerous is the high estate of Princes , vnto Princes themselues : They are followed with such applause , that often they are made to forget what they are : I haue called you gods , is the flatterers Text , he cannot passe this point , his Glasse is run , and Time is spent before he can winne to the other part of the verse , But yee shall dye like men . Let vs heare what God himselfe speaketh of the Monarchs of his owne people . Except a verie few , there is not one , but hee is either branded with this , And hee did euill in the sight of the Lord , or with this , And hee followed the sins of Ieroboam the sonne of Nebat , which made Israel to sinne . * Honour will not abide with Kings , except that they abide with God : While Nebuchadnezar was boasting of his Buildinges , euen while the word was in the Kings mouth , there fell a voyce from Heauen , saying , O King Nebuchadnezar ; the kingdome is departed from thee . No King standeth so strong in his prosperitie , but God can shake him and lay him on his backe : * King Dauid of this got an afterwit . In my prosperitie , said he , I said , I shall neuer bee moued . But so soone as God beganne to hide his face , and hee beganne also to bee troubled . * That is notable which Isaiah saith concerning the King of Babylon , who in his fond conceit did reach the hight of heauē , as being at league with al contrary powers . Thou hast said in thine heart , I will ascend into Heauen , I will exalt my Throne aboue the Starres of God : I will ascend aboue the hight of the Cloudes , I will be like the most High. What saith God to that ? It shall not bee so , O Lucifer . Sonne of the Morning , I shall take thee at the trip , though thou should soare aboue the Skyes of heauen , yet thou shalt bee brought downe to hell , to the sides of the pit : They that see thee shall narrow lie looke vpon thee , and consider thee , saying , Is this the man that made the earth to tremble , & that did shake king : doms ? * This is the end of all flesh , irreuocablie concluded by the KING of Kings decree . Dust thou art , and vnto dust shalt thou returne : * The way of greatest Monarches , is from the Palace to the Pit : Were a man neuer so high in Honour , hee must say at last with King Dauid , I goe the way of all the Earth . * If Princes in their pompe could practise Memento mori , Selfe-conceit should not bee able to poppe in it selfe with pufts of pride , which make many to quarrel with the reprouers : Hee is like a Phenix , who beeing in Honour , can digest a reproofe , and finde it good with Hezekiah , who while hee was sore threatned , said , Good is the word of the Lord : O how easilie doe faile flattering vvordes cogge in themselues , by slie and craftie juggling into the hearts of these that are in high places : Tell them that all goeth well , and that this vvorld shall last , and that in their prosperitie they shall neuer be moued , such Preachers will please : But if a Ieremiah come in with his woes , some Pashur shall not misse him vpon the cheeke : Ahab could not abide to heare good Micaiah : Wherefore ? I hate him , said hee , for hee doeth not prophecie good concerning mee : In this vvas all the distemper : But vviselie and godlie vvas it replyed by good Iohoshaphat , Let not the King say so . Well is that King who in his honour reputeth this his greatest Honour , to honour him , from vvhose Grace he hath his Crowne : his praises shall not bee silent , vvhile hee shall lye in the place of silence , sleeping into slyme . The Lord make the praise of our Gracious SOVERAIGNE to sound like that of Iosiah : And hee did that ▪ which is right in the sight of the Lord , and walked in all his wayes and turned not aside to the right hand or to the left ▪ AMEN AMEN . What shall I say more of the vanitie of Honour and Preferment among men ? I am assured of this , that it is no sure token of Gods loue , for euen they that worke wickednesse are set vp : Of these oftest is said , O they are made , euen while they are madde . * The most naughtie and most vnworthie , whose valorous acts and vertuous deads no man can record : haue often found a roome where they may drinke in a full cuppe of temporall happinesse , many will wonder to see them steppe with a graue and stayed ciuilitie : Haue not many seene such in Kings Courtes with great applouse runne vp without any rubbe , as it were to the toppe of Tabor ; where to many who knew them before in a base estate , they will seeme to bee transfigured . * The Lyers and the Flatterers will gather about the Gallant , and were it not the feare more of Lyce than of God , while hee speaketh , they would cry , The voyce of God and not of man : While hee is thus wise in his greatest pride , princelie mounted , gallopping vpon the highest hills , imperiouslie dominearing , & reuelling in the world ; down commeth a thunder-bolt with fierie flashes , of a diuine wrath ; ouer-turning and downe throwing horse & man from the steepest of all his Preferments . Thus to all , at last he becommeth a spectacle of amazement . * Take vp now our Minion with all his honours , which once hee did so eagerlie , hunt after . The fairest blossomes of his glorie , are blasted as with mildew . Beholde nowe , all his honours rolled in the dust , the higher he was mounted , the greater is his fall : who but Haman to day , thryuing in this world , and raising vp himselfe a Paramour of a Prince ? By his outward gliste●…ing hee maketh mens eyes to dazle : Now he hath the wind at will , and saileth as he pleaseth with flaunting sailes amid his greatest jollitie : But tarrie a little , looke vp to the weather-cocke : The winde is turned , the head is where the taile was : Haman is disgraced , his louers are Apostats , no man darre auouch him , his honours is taken from him : This is his Princes will , Caput obnubito arbori infoelici suspendito : Couer his face●… * And seeing hee was the chiefe of a knot of knaues , let him haue the highes●… pin of fiftie cubits high : By thus hee becommeth a man of high degree . * Thus hee to whom once many were glad to hold the basō as to a darling of account , proueth at last to bee one of this worlds fooles , which care not what bee their end so that their way bee pleasant . * At last , after all such pleasures , profites , and prefermentes , the vngodly man with great shame , with a rotten name , is grieued and gaul●…d with sorrow : Though hee both chaffe and fiet , yet of necessitie must hee packe him to the abhorred Regions of Death . This is no new thing vnder Heauen ; and yet alas , how few are these that in their carriage can considder that hee that thinketh hee standeth , should take good heede , lest hee fall . * Prosperitie striketh most men blind on this eye , vntill the current thereof bee cutte ▪ or crossed with some disaster . * While men are exalted , hardlie can they dreame of a change : Sathan is euer most busie to stickle and stricke the bargaine betweene them & Death , and Hell , and all sorte of disgrace . Let vs also say some thing of the Leuites which are the King of Heauens fauorites , and if it may be said , his best beloued Minions : Their Honour is great ; if with the shining Vrin of sound and solide Doctrine , they joyne the Tummim of a good life , the Lord alloweth on them double Honour : But if either by a foule decay of Grace , they bee Loiterers and will not Labour or labour in Doctrine , but not in life , their double Honour shall bee turned in double disgrace . * Of all Leuites the Lowne Leuite is the greatest . There is nothing but it may bee good for some-thing , but vnsauorie Salt is good for nothing : While other most haynous sinners shall swimme like Corke on the brimme and vpper swarde of Hell , these that haue poysoned these whom they should haue seasoned both with life and doctrine , shall lik Egyptian Lead sink downe to the lowest of the Gulfe . Thus as ye see Honour in whomsoeuer , if it bee without true Godlinesse ; is l●…k a faire woman , wanting Discretion , whom wise Solomō compareth to a jewel of go●…d in a Swynes snowte ▪ This all flesh will either subscriue or put their hand to the Pen in token of consent , except these that look vpon such outward things with the vnhallowed eye of prophannesse . But to leaue all particulars : What is all the glorie of Nations ? If all their glorie and excellencie whatsoeuer , were put in one Scale of the Ballence and Vanitie in the other , Vanitie should weigh them downe : * Dauid in his time put them in the weights together , after hee had well considered the matter , hee gaue out sentence , saying , Surelie men of low degree are vanitie & mē of high degree are a lye , if they bee laid in the Ballance they are altogether lighter than Vanitie . See howe Vanitie is too heauie a weight for men of low and high degree : If ye would mak euen weight , out of vanitie must bee sought that which Habakkuke calleth , verie vanitie , euen Solomons vanitie of vanities : Put in that lightest vanitie into the one Scale , and men of all degrees in the other , then shall the tongue of the Ballance stand euen . What then shall wee say of the glorie of all Nations ? * It is well compared by the Prophet vnto the droppe of a Bucket , and to the small dust of the Ballance : To tell vs that no worldlie thing can be balast in Gods Ballance , no more than the lightest dust can bee of weight into a Scale of mans Ballance , which is most easilie blowne away with the least blast of breath . Great is the vanitie of the greatest : * From the Throne the King himselfe must come downe by death for to goe sleepe in slyme . To Gods God hath said , Yee shall die like men . Thus as yee see all earthlie Honour , for which is so much strife & debate , all worldly pompe and glory which mē so hungerlie hunt after , is but like dust driuen away with a pu●…t of breath . * Let men in Honour bee in his best estate : Man in his best estate is altogether vanitie : The whole course of mans life is but a Myne of miserie , and a verie fardle of vanities : That thereof which is most stable , is but a flash and away . * Let Gods vine trees keepe their wine , and his figges their sweetenesse , and his Oliues their fatnesse , but let the Brambles catch crownes : This was the euent and issue of the Parliament of Trees at the crowning of their King. Well is the man that may line and lurke : Who knoweth the weight of Crownes , the lodging of greatest Honours would neuer daine to desire them . 3. RICHES . Now let vs come to Riches ▪ what are they ? a swift vanitie , which with winges flie away like an Eagle . I compare the most parte of rich men vnto Spiders , which spend their verie bowels in weeuing a web wherewith they may catch a flee . * What is all the glorie of Riches , but like a feast in print ? all sortes of meat are there , all sorts of wine are also there but onelie words & lines : There is nothing there indeede that can either flake the hunger o●… quench the thi●…st of the wearied man , no not after that hee hath laboured night and day , might and maine , to attaine contentment . * This world is rich in pr●…ffers , but of petit performance : Man for a space like a Shippe before the wind are rich laden , may glide gladlie ouer the sea of this world ▪ with a full saile : Hee may get Ladies sailing , as wee say , and that in a wonderfull quietnesse , but a little after such calme , Alcedonian dayes are past , euen while he is swimming in his wealth , blessing himselfe , as who but hee , vp getteth a tempest , and downe commeth a blast , beholde , a little from the Shore in sight of the Hauen , in the hight of his hopes , and hee is tumbled head-long downe to the bottome of the Gulfe . Let this bee a lesson vnto all , not to say with Dauid in his prosperitie I shall neuer bee moued : Shall this bee mans felicitie , which daylie is in reuerence of Winde , and Waue , Pyrats , and Perrels . Certainlie it is none happinesse for man heere to haue this wicked world at will : It is Gods custome to giue the fatnesse of the Earth to the men of this World ▪ * These onlie be the things whereof they haue an assigned liferent vvith that rich man in the Gospel , to whom Abraham after his death cryed downe , Remember that in thy life-time thou receiuedst thy good things : * At Abrahams requeast GOD refused not to make Ismael vvealthie in this world : Concerning Ismael , said the Lord , I haue heard thee : Loe , I haue blessed him ▪ and will make him fruitfull , and will multiplie him exceedinglie : Twelue Princes shall hee beget . The bitter teates of prophane Esau were comforted with the fatnesse of the Earth ; & with the dew of heauen from aboue . Christ cast first the bagge vnto Iudas ▪ and after gaue him a sop , for to lette the world know that neither money nor meate , are sure tokens of Gods fauour . The wicked men of this vvorld are content with such thinges , because their heauen is vpon earth , they haue their portion in this life . As for the Godlie though with Iacob they haue but a staffe in their hand for to goe out the vvay ▪ they will bee content if so bee that GOD will giue them bread to eate and clothes to put on . * Alas , that vvee cannot consider that by such heaped vp treasures men often heape vp to themselues treasures of wrath against the day of wrath : Happie they vvho lay vp in store for themselues a good foundation against the time to come , that they may obtaine eternall life . If vvee could with a fixed and sanctified eye behold all these things for which men doe vnder goe such paines by afflicting their Soules , wee should easilie perceiue our earthlinesse , vvhen vvee losse such things , which we loue ( and who can keepe them ? ) it breaketh the verie heart of all our contentments . What are all such thinges I pray you , euen while most pleasinglie and plausiblie they are enjoyed to the full in the most fertile plaines of plentie & pleasures of this vvorld ▪ These vvhose cuppe doeth ouerflow , in vvhose coffers are wadges of Gold , can best , if they vvould , declare the vanitie of such transitorie things , they know vvith vvhat cumber they are conquered , and vvith vvhat care they are kept : * Nay , man keepeth not them , but they keepe the minde of man in care . Cura facit canos . Care changeth haire . * A peeuish worldling is a warded Wretch , entangled with golden fetters , his Palace is but a prison of carking cares , in scraping together hee taketh pleasure into paine ▪ before his end hee cannot perceiue his follie ▪ * But still he gads by Sea , & by Land , seeking vpon the Sea and vpon the Earth an heauenlie felicitie , till at last frustrate of all his hopes , hee falleth downe into the Graue with a jumppe . * Thus as yee see such is the treason of our Treasures : They come like deceitfull dreames , and passe avvay like vanishing shadowes : One lie things Spirituall haue a sure and lasting roote . * Alas , in that our heart is least wherein it should be most , and most in that wherin it should bee least : Fooles that vvee are , vvee all earne vvages to put into a bottomelesse bag ▪ Such vvages are often giuen in keeping to most vvorthlesse men , as Iudas got the bagge to keepe . Oh , that mens hearts vvere fixed on the lasting Treasu●…es of immortalitie : Oh , that vvee could learne in time this sound Diuinitie , that all that is vnder the circle of the Moone is but flatte vanitie and vexation of the Spirit of man , vvhich continuallie vvanders vp and downe at randome , seeking its felicitie in that where it is not to bee found . * Well is the man vvhose hearts desires are bounded and confined vvithin the secret compasse of contentment . 4. BEAVTIE . What is Beautie , but as one faith vvell , a colour and a temptation ? The colour fadeth , & the temptation ●…nareth : * Behold , her who within these fourtie yeares seemed a perfection of Beautie , a rauisher of eyes ; behold 〈◊〉 now in her fourescore , vvith her vvrinkled cheekes , and her glasse●… eyes , and her rotten teeth , and her stinking breath : * Behold , and say with a sigh , Fauour is deceitfull , and Beautie is vanitie : But she that feareth the Lord shall bee praised . * There is nothing more fadding than flesh ; and yet man will not consider ; vvhile his eye is quicke , & his lips rudie , and his colour liuelie ▪ hee cannot think of changes , neither by age nor sicknesse , such a foolish conceite is bredde in the heart : Out of such a Beautifull sleepe hee cannot be vvakned , til God vvith a shout cause preach him to bee Grasse : The voyce said cry : The Prophet saide , What shall I cry ? All flesh is grasse , and the goodnesse thereof as the flower of the fielde : The grasse withereth , the flower faddeth , because the Spirit of the Lord blaweth vpon it : Surelie the people is grasse : By this the Lords publicke Oyas , all fleshlie beautie is cryed downe , as beeing but a beguiling colour , and a snairing temptation : Fye on men and vvomens follie ▪ care for colour is but vanitie : Heere is beautie vvithout fard : Let the beautie of the Lord our God bee vpon vs : * All other beauty is lik an Almanack whose vse is but for a yeare : It is but a baite for catching of vnstable Soules . 5. PLEASVRE . As for all the Pleasures , vve reape in earthly things , I compare them to fruites eaten before they bee ripe , vvhich fi●…st set the teeth on edge , and thereafter cause diuerse and deadlie diseases . * There is no pleasure heere without a Page of paine ▪ at its backe : Our vveedes and our flowers growe vp together , the best often is borne downe by the vvorst . * What I pray you are all the foolish pleasures of this world , but as wee ordinarlie call them passe times ? Hath man so long a time to liue ? Or is his journey from Earth to Heauen so easie or so short that hee may haue leasure for pleasures and passe times ? Is mans short life so wealthie of time that it must be passed into passe-times ? Must wee not in end come to count & reckoning for our euill and well spent houres ▪ Moreouer , what are the most parte of all earthlie delights ? The most excellent are but noble miseries , the fairest are but farded lik the face of Iezebel , onely an out-side or outward scroofe of pleasure ? What I pray you are all carnall delights , but the lymetwiges of the Deuill , wherewith the sillie Soules of sinners are ensnared and entangled ? What shall I say more ? * All the pleasures that are below may well be compared to a smokie fire in a f●…ostie day whereof the smoke is more hurtfull than the fire is helpefull : All the joys which are heere , are but reekie pleasures purchased with teares , wher with the eyes of men are made bleared : In laughing the heart will bee sorrowfull ; and the end of that mirth is heauinesse : Worldlie pleasures but darkeneth the Reason , & deceiue the Senses : Voluptates carnales sunt putida & putrida , both stinking and rotten : Onelie the pleasures of Heauen are pure , perfect , and perpetuall : All other thinges slide away like water . 6. WISEDOME . What is all the Wisedome of this World ? Scripture saith , that it is but follie before God : * It may well bee compared to the Letters which Vriah carried against himselfe : If it bee not sanctified , it is in the bosome ●… message against the messenger . * Knowledge and pregnancie of Wit stored with all morall vertues , without Gods feare are witnesse against the man himselfe , in whom they are : They will stand vp and testifie against him ▪ that hee vnderstood his Masters will , and yet would not doe it : * Woe to that backe in hell whose heart on earth was full engrossed of worldlie witte : Hee that knoweth his Masters will and doeth it not , shall bee beaten with manie strips : Away with that Soule whose vnderstanding is great swelled with knowledge , but lamed in its practicall powers , wherein is the working of the life of true Christianitie . Many in this world are much counted of their naturall ●…it , but wherin I pray you doe most men spend their wits and breake their braines ? Is it not to be great in this world ? In the meane time they are so spirituallie brutish , that they care not what they bee , o●… where they be in the world to come ▪ * Such fooles are like Fishers that leaue mayne seas for to fish in shallow puddle ▪ As I beganne this point so I end it , all naturall witte ▪ is branded with this , that it is but follie before God : Let your Soule disavow and disclaime it , that yee may bee wise in God : Gods wise man to worldlie wise , is but a sillie Gods Foole. 7. CHILDREN . * As for Children , their conception is with sicknesse & ouer ▪ casting of heart : Their birth is with paines like the paines of hell : Their bu●…iall is with teares , after many a wearisome night : Such pleasures are painefull pleasures : Apples of So dome are rotten vvithin . * But let vs suppone that , lik noble branches they liue and come to men , yea , to gray haires : They are our Heires , the end of all our painefull drudgery & carefull conquests ▪ * Though a man had conquered vnto them the whole vvorld , hee must looke vpon his conquest with a sigh , and say with the vvife Man ▪ As for him that commeth after mee who knoweth whether hee shall bee a wise man or a foole , and yet he must bee master of all my labours : Man may conquise Lands to his Children , but Thrift , and Wisedome cannot bee bought : The most thriftie is often the father of the most for lorne . What a vanitie is this ? * Certainlie who vvould weigh well all the pleasures of Children with the paines past , and the feares for time to come , should find all the pleasures light like wole , light like Belshazzar : But his paines should be foūd to be like Pharaoh & his Armie , that sank downe like Leads in to the might it waters : * Such light pleasures are soone ouerswayed with leadē paines : * Too great pleasure in Children , is but a childish pleasure : The best of it is of ten laden shortly after with a lumpish crosse , vvhich hath neede of a Simon for to beare vp the end of it for the helpe of the bearer . Alas , the hearts of most men are too too much taken vp vvith that which may bee termed the sicknesse of Eli , or fathers follie , vvhich hardlie can suffer controlement , or contradiction : They are so in loue with their Children , that though they by a leud life mak themselues vile , they vvil not restraine them ▪ Their minds are so giuen to them , that they are grieued to grieue them with fathers reproofes : But at last out-commeth the voyce of judgement , When I beginne I will also make amend . 8. LONG LIFE . Last of al , if there be any thing that wold seeme to be desired , it shuld be long lif all that a manhath he will giue it for his life : * Though these be the vvords of a Lyar , yet most men will put their hand to the pen and subscribe the trueth thereof : * All that most men haue , as Strength , Honours , Riches ▪ Beautie , Pleasure* , Wisedome , Children , and all will they giue for their Life : But vvhat is this life ? were it neuer so long , but a season wherein poore men is tyred with toyles ? What is it but a long martyr dome , and a stormie time of teares ? What is this life ? Let S. Iames answere , It is , said hee , but a vapour . Nubicula est cito evanescit : Nascimur flentes morimur gementes : It beginneth with teares and endeth vvith groans : What is life ? Let Iob answere , Mylife , saith hee , is wind . What is life ? Let Isaiah answere , It is but a breath in our nostrile . What is life ? Cry , said the Lord to Isaiah , What shall I cry ? said Isaiah , Cry , All flesh is grasse . * What is life ? A tale that is tolde , saith Moses : * What is it ? A flitting shaddow , a bubble in the vvater , a deceiueable dreame , the working of a weeuers Sh●…ttle which by winding heere and there vnwindeth it selfe to an end : * Our life like the shadow on the Dyall insensiblie stealeth away . See what it is of the vanitie of this life : * It is begunne with weeping ▪ and maintained by sweatting , and at last endeth with a gaspe : Mors vltima linea rerum : Thus mans life like the beautifull Apple of Sodome , so soone as it is toucht , is turned into dust . What should moue a man to desire many dayes ? * While a man desireth many dayes , hee desireth that vvhich hee desireth not , viz. olde Age : What is olde Age , but manie dayes ? Are not the old mans dayes called . The euill dayes , and the yeares of which he saith , I haue no pleasure in them ? What hath hee then ? vvill ye say , if hee hath no pleasure ? All sorts of paines olde Age sets on foote all the sortes of diseases . The Guts and the Grauels , and diuerse Defluxions , with many other maladies run vpon him and write a Kalender in his bones , vvherin his pain full itchings like Astronomers declare to him vvhat weather it will bee to morrow . * Thus as ye see , manslife is but an irksome occupation & an houre of tediousnesse , & to be short a verie compend of miserie , casie to bee vnderstood without any commentarie of long discourse , if wee were schollers willing to learne . * May not men see how all that is below is sicke of the fluxe ? for nothing is permanent : Hee onely fitteth sure , who can say with Dauid , Mine heart is fixed , O Lord. What shall I say more of this whole world ? * Let men thinke of it what they will , this is the constant trueth of an vncreated Testimonie , this present euill world : It is so euill that it is said to lye in wickednesse : The Lord neuer suffer out Soules to bee its Bed fellowes : such a Bed is a bloody bed , like that of Iezabel : * A nest wherein is no rest , but terrour , of Conscience . Before I end this point concerning long life , let vs roll a space this short meditation in our minds . What is in this world so worthie that it should bee so eagerlie desired ? Continuallie while wee liuewee are in feare of Death , for this cause seeke wee Physicke , Mirth , and Musicke , and all for to b●…rre Death to the doore : And yet fooles that wee are , cerius out citius , soone or since wee must all draw neere to the doores of Death : There is no discharge in this warre . Euerie man in this life hath his appointed time , wherein night and day he must waite till his a●…ange come . * Mens dayes are distributed vnto them like houres seuemilie diuided vpon the Horologe : Some must liue but till One , another vnto Two , another vnto Three : The Palme turneth about & with its finger pointeth at the houre : So soone as mans appointed houre is come , whether it bee the first , second , or third , there is no more biding for him : Nec prece ni●… precio , neither by pryce not prayer can Death bee moued to spare him but an houre , no not . * As the sound of the Clocke Bell ringing , his last houre passeth away with all speede , and turneth not againe , so must the poore man at Death with all haste packe him out of sight and no mo●…e be seene vpon the land of the liuing . His houre beeing sounded , hee must with all haste remoue , that another might take place : One of whom none can surelie say , Hee shall bee a wise man or a foole . Then all that the sillie man had painefullie prouided , must bee giuen to him whom the father often in his life beholding ▪ said with a sigh within himselfe , Beholde , him for whom is all this drudgerie ; behold him for whom is all my toyle , and turmoyle , Who knoweth whether hee shall bee a wise man or afoole ? yet shall hee bee master of all my labours . Now happie and thrise happie they whom GOD in mercie remoueth in time from seeing heart-break of follie , and deboched manner of their godles posteritie : Scripture accounteth this for a singulare benefite to the Righteous ▪ when he is remoued , that hee should not see the euill day to come The sicke Man. Alas , of our follies ! While wee should seeke GOD and our Soules Saluation with the strongest straine and power of our Soule , by the corruption of our Nature wee are caried on the by : We liue heere in a sinke of sinne : The older the world groweth , it groweth the worse : Euery Age in its foolish dotage , commeth in with the own guise , scorning former phancies with greater follies , yea , with foolish phrancies of which this predominant , that the wisedome of God , which in all times seemed follie to the wicked , did neuer seeme such a follie as it doeth now , from the vpper brimme of sinne the world is come to the dregges : The image of the worlds vanitie is like that of Nebuchadnezars all gold and siluer in the vp most parts , but in this last & most corrupt age wee are come to the clay : * If wee bee wise , we must seeke a new world in this olde world , for this will neuer grow a better . As the loue of Venisō wan Isaac to blesse one for another , so if we loue this world , with a blind loue , for a morsell of its Venison , wee will preferie it to Gods blessing : All the dayes of this wretched life , wee remaine in a fooles paradise . But I leaue this . I desire your earnestlie Sir , that yee would let mee heare something more concerning olde Age , which is a thing that euery man desireth to come vnto , as if it were the best time of life . The Pastour . In this point appeareth the vanitie of man & the weaknes of his wit : Euery man would liue to be old , and yet no man desireth to bee olde : Let men say what they will , I speake of naturall men , all men desire to liue long , which is to bee olde , and yet they desire to remaine young : * Their wrinkles & their gray haires the companions of olde Age , the end of their desires are vn welcome vnto them : * Then would they turne backe againe , that with the Eagle they might cast their Bill , whereby they might renew their youth : * Heare old Nestor , who as Poets record , had liued three ages , a surfet of yeares : Heare him with his wish . O miht praeteritos referat si Iupiter annos . Like a foolish Pyla●… while hee is at the mouth of his Harberie , hee would raise vp the Sailes for to turne to the tempestuous sea againe : * See howe the olde man if hee get but a faire Sunne blinke of a weekes health after cloudes returning after the raine , how hee will rejoyce , as though it shuld neuer be foule weather againe ▪ Men may pyne themselues with desire of dayes : But doe what they can their life is like one that saileth , whether hee standeth or hee sitteth , whether hee watch or sleepe , hee is euer vpon his course . The sicke Man. Let it please you Sir , to continue in that discourse . The Pastour . Solomon in the last lecture of the Booke of his preaching letteth the young man see the vanitie of many yeares . * In that place is most clearelie set downe how olde Age the end of our appointed time is enwrapped with a cloud of miseries , as beeing a time wherevnto like waues in a Sea , one trouble ariseth vpon the necke of another , the latter beeing euer worse than the former , till at last fluctus decumanus , the last and the greatest waues of Death come and sweepe the man away : The imaginarie sweetenesse of all earthly contentmentes , is closed and concluded with a bitter Farewell . * In that Lecture the Preacher bringeth in the old man like a Skellet whereat in the presence of all yong men hee pointeth out all his infirmities , saying vnto the young Ones , Beholde , if such a life bee so much to bee desired . First of all , hee pointeth at his dayes calling them , The euill dayes , 2. * Hee toucheth his yeares , calling them , Yeares without pleasure : 3. * He speaketh of the moyst , raw & rainie winter of his colde old Age , the dayes of sorrow , vvherein clouds returne after the raine : As one defluxtion hath rained downe , another is arising like a cloude : 4. Hee pointeth out all the imperfections of his bodie : When olde Age is come , then the keepers of the house tremble , that is , the handes which keepeth the bodie become sicke of the palsie , they tremble , so that they can not carry the cuppe to their heade : * Then the strong men bow themselues , their legges are not able to beare them : * Then the grinders cease , their teeth rotte and become mouldie , so that they can eate no bread : * Then they waxe darke that looke out at the windowes , their eyes become bleared and blind : * Then the doores shall bee shut in the streetes , when the sound of the grinding is low , when the teeth the mouthes grinders are rotten , the lippes which are the doores of the streete of the mouth are shut , so that the old man cannot speak so distinctlie as of before : * Then shall hee rise vp at the voyce of the Bird , olde men cannot sleepe , hee muste rise so soone as the Birds beginne to sing , or his sleepe is so vnfound , that the chirpe of a little Bird will w●…ken him : * Then shall all the daughters of singing bee abased neither can an olde man sing himselfe for lacke of voyce , neither can hee heare others sing for deafenesse , so both his wind pipes and his eares the daughters of singing are abased : * Thē shall he be afraide of the high thing , he dar climbe no more , hee is no more for Stares and vpper Chambers : * Then feare shall bee in the way , while they walke they tremble as one that is afraide to fall : * Then the Almond tree shall flourish , their gray haires growe white like the flourishes and blossomes of an Almond : * Then a Grasse Hopper shall bee a burden , they are so weake , that they can beare nothing , their knees are weak as water , so that they are a burden vnto themselues : See howe the weight of a grasse hopper which is little greater than a Bee , is a burden to the man of yeares : * Then shall the siluer cord bee loosed , and the golden bowle shall bee broken , his Sinewes shall become slacke , and his Gall shall breake : * Then shall the pitcher bee broken at the well , the vaines shall draw no more blood out of the well of the Leuer : * Then shall the wheele bee broken at the Cisterne , his Lightes become so ●…otten and riuen , that he can no more draw any breath with his broken Bellowes : * See howe Death stealeth vpon vs with insensible degrees . * Behold , O young man the anatomie of thy selfe , when thou shal●… haue gottē thine hearts wil of years : * Heere is thy portrature drawen before hand : Painters can portray but according as they see ; but tymes to come are present vnto God : Heere is thy portrature for the dayes of olde age that is to come : * Beholde thy selfe in it before hand , a receptacle of maladies : See there thy balde head , and thy bleared eyes , and thy deafe eare , and thy wrinkled face , and thy rotten teeth , and thy stinking breath , hauing thy body bowed and crouched with thy third foote into thine hand : * Of thee may bee put out a Riddle , What is it which hauing three feete , walketh with one foote into its hand , I shall assoile it , It is an olde man going with a staffe : To this let mee subjoyne another : What is it that hath his stomacke into a Booste , and his eyes into his pocket ? It is the same , viz. An olde man fedde with boost Confections , or cured with cōtinuall purgations , hauing his Spectacles his eyes of glasse , into a case : His dayes are dayes of drousinesse : All his pleasures are out of tune and temper . * Beholde how this proude and loftie creature is so curbed , withered , and wrinkled , that it hath nothing but the vgelie shape of a creature . * Thus after as in a dote hee hath tottered some space about at last hee falleth downe to dust , and dust ●…neth to the earth as it was : That is petere principium : * Then all his deuises and his discourses , all his arguments and his syllogismes for Riches , Honour , and preferment , inferre a conclusion which is but petitio principij , a sort of argument scorned by the Learned , as beeing an argument declaring the weaknes of the Disputer so after we haue spended our wits with our wordes , all our dispute at last is foūd to be but vpō trashes & triffles , or as wee say , de lana caprina : At last all commeth to this , that wee are in end found to haue beene neither in moode nor figure , but onely jangling and cangling , and at last returning to that where once wee beganne . Thus hee who in his youth stepped statelie vpon the ground , who hauing the world at wish , was wont to brag it out with the brauest , with big & darring words , after that in his life he hath beene tossed with losses , cares , and crosses , hee lyeth down●… . into his greene & growing bedde , that dust may returne to the earth as it was . * The Sunne at night seemeth to lye downe , in a bed of darknesse , but like a Gyant in the morning hee ariseth with force of light : But man once dead shall not awake till the heauens bee no more . * A man in his youth with a prophane & seared Conscience may swallow ouer Camels of pleasant & profitable sinnes without any paine , his heart beeing secured with a slumbe●…ing and superficiall quiet : But so soone as the tyme of the rotten Age commeth , all the sweetenesse of the sinnes of his youth is turned into gall and worme-wood , the Conscience of his by past euill spent life doggeth behind him . All the dregges and drosse of dolouis fall downe vpon this tyme : Then the mirth of youth is turned into mourning : This is the nature of sinne , the joye thereof euer endeth into sorrow : Who doeth not see how the mirth of youthfull lusts passeth away with the faire blossomes of youth ? after that commeth old age , life the time of the fall of the leafe , a time of deadlie diseases : After that man in his youth hath drunken at the brimme the clearest pleasures of sinne in his olde sicklie age , when hee hath greatest neede of comfort , then must hee drinke the doolefull and drumblie dregges of sorrow . This is the course of mans pilgrimage , in this valey of teares : Wee come weeping into this Worlde ▪ where vvee walke through troubles and temptations , vvhereof except that God bee more mercifull , the end shall bee bitternesse , brimstone fire . Alas , for our benummed heart : Oh , that vvee were sensible of our owne miserie , and could weigh what it is to toile into this world , a wildernesse of woe ! What is heere that should tye our heart from the loue of Heauen ? If vvee would speake with Scripture , wee would say , that a thousand yeares in Heauen are but like one day on earth , and againe , if vvee would speake with trueth , vve must say , that one day on Earth seemeth longer than a thousand yeeres in Heauen : * Dolour and griefe prolongeth that which is made short by joye and pleasure : * An houre in a painefull prison is longer than a vveeke in a pleasant Palace : * Let mee speake a Paradoxe : A Child of a day is of a thousand yeares of age , older than Methushelah : Why ? A day on Earth is like a thousand yeares in Heauen for length : Fye , fye , on our foolish vanitie , that wee cannot consider : * A Childe of a day may bee content with a day of life , and say , if hee could speake , I am full of dayes , yea , full of yeares and full of labour , I wish to be in heauen , wher a thousand yeeres seeme not so long as a day , yea , where Eternitie it selfe shal neuer seeme to be too lōg : * Eye vpon too great desire of dayes , while wee liue on earth , as vvormes vvee creepe on it : In death we creepe in it . * Mans heart on earth , is like a tooth in the jaw , the deeper roote it hath , the more paine it causeth , when it is in drawing out with the Turkesse * A heart fixed to the earth and nailed to the ground either with pleasure or profite or desire of yeeres cannot be rugged from thence without renting of its filme : * If mans heart bee sette vpon long life , hee shall neuer want the disease of the feaze of disease , the messenger of Death : A feeble fitte of a feuer will put him in a maze of amazement : * In a vvorde , doe the best hee can , all the dayes of his life are but labour and sorrow : * The best man that liueth , so soone as hee beginneth to liue , must say with a sigh , All the dayes of mine appointed time will I waite till my changing come : See I pray you , howe the life of man as with loose reines and a laide downe head is euer in a course like a swift Dromedairie , posting to a change . * Beholde , Sir , howe foolish this world is , that gappeth so for many yeares , that all that men haue euen to their skinne , they would giue it for their life : * See and consider how the olde man is besieged with dolours and diseases on all sids , some set on his eyes , some on his eares , some on his teeth , some on his tongue , some on his legges , some on his lights , and some on his liuer : * See how all sortes of diseases is like flesh f●…es prey vpon the old man , not leauing a free bit of him from the sole of his feete ▪ to the crowne of his head : See what a gostlie sight it is to beholde such ratling bones couered with a wrinkled skinne : * Now after that hee hath coughed and spitted on a space some few yeares , beeing a burden to himselfe , and a cumber vnto others , at last hee sickneth and taketh bed , and falleth into the hands of Death , which holdeth him with fearefull grippes : * Then Death commeth with a colde sweate ouer-running all his bodie , looketh him grimme in the face : * Then his jaw bones beginne to hang down , and his face to grow pale , and his cheekes wan : Then his eyes water , their stringes breake , his tongue faltereth , his breath shorteneth and smelleth of earth , his heart lifteth , his throate rattleth , his joynts stiffen : After that Death hath made a breach with the shot●…es of great artilerie whereby it hath beaten and broken downe all the noble partes of the bodie , Death commeth in like a strong man , and grippeth so the hearte of the poore man , that by diuerses gaspes hee maketh his heart-strings to leape asund●… : * That done , the ruinous house of man falleth , and his Soule leapeth out with his gaspes , which in an instant must compeare before its Iudge , either for to heare , Come , or Depart . Let your attention yet goe a little a long with mee . See what it is of olde age : * Consider how feeble it is , being a burden vnto it selfe , a time vnfitte for anie affaire : And yet most men in their youth swynishlie wallow in vncleannes , thinking , to keepe the old yeares for the amending of their life & for all other spirituall adoes , as repentance and returning vnto God , as if a man beeing for to goe a farre and foule journey , should lay the greatest burden vpon the weakest horse : A good man regardeth his beast , how much more should hee regard himselfe : * What regard is heere , when a man in his youth rolleth his originall sinne , like a snow-ball among actuall sins , to such a huge greatnesse , that in his strongest youth hee is not able to moue it , and yet delayeth , thinking that when hee is olde hee shall easilie remoue it and remeede it : The sinnes of youth draw vpon old age deadnesse of heart and dulnesse of zeale : It is good that man with a watchfull eye holde in perpetuall jealousie the cunning slightes and windings of the deceit of sinne in youth : And therefore , while it is youth time , while God calleth , while the wind serueth , while the Sea is calme , while the Shippe is sound , let vs sette foorth in time to saile toward the port of Saluation , & the harberie of Grace in Glorie : * O vaine man , who in thy youth turneth the grace of thy God into wantonnesse , and thinketh to come home to God againe when thou is olde , what shall God doe with thy blind lame olde age ? Is that a sacrifice for God ? Offer it vnto thy Gouernour , saith Malachie . If a blind or lame beast wil not please a man , what shall God doe with that which is more blind than a beast . * The King of Babilon commanded Ashpenaz the master of his Eneuches to mak choise of Childrē in whom was no blemish , & such as had ability in thē to stand in the Kings Palace : What ? shall the Deuill get the finest flower of our age , the strength of our dayes , and the abilitie of our Soule , and thereafter shall God , the King of Heauen , bee serued with the blind and the lame such as the verie Soule of Danid did hate ? * It is good afore hand to bee furnished with Graces , which may be as the staffe of our old age ? * If we spēd our strēgth in our youth at the seruice of God , he shall neuer cast vs off in our olde age : * But what shall I say ? nothing will waken foolish Virgines while they sleepe , till that shrill voyce bee heard , The Bridegrome is come : * When it is no more time , mē who cōtented themselues with counterfeit shewes & deceiuing shadowes , arise , run , & seeke for Oyle , which they shall not be able to get , either for buying or begging . * By all this my discourse Sir , ye may perceiue that the long date of dayes bringeth men vnto dotage , & after dotage vnto dust from thence hee came . * Man of few yeares is foolish vnto fourtie , a little after that folie hath left him , dotage succeedeth which vnderstandeth no Precepts . In this Mappe of the olde mans miserie , yee may see whether or not man haue cause to bee greedie of many yeares . * Though the world were not vaine , yet yee see that man is but vanitie in the world : Let all men heere lay aside such doting vanities , that bring too doolefull miseries . Let all flesh learne that : * Nothing out of God can affoord sound joye and contentment : * If a man want God , were hee an Emperour as high indeede , as the King of Babylon was in conceite , euen aboue the stars of God , his life shall bee crossed with these th●…ee shrude companions , viz. The griefe of thinges by past , the paines of things present , and the feare of after claps . The sicke Man. The thought of such thinges beginne to waine mine heart from the loue of all thinges worldlie : I pray you yet a little to continue in that purpose concerning the vanities of things below . * The meditations therof lik sharpe & keene spurs should prick and stirre vs forword from the loue of this vnto the loue of these lasting things which are aboue . The Pastour . The sight of this worlde is like that vision of Ezechiel , wherein is often said , Turne thee yet againe , and thou shalt see moe abominations , than all these : So say I Sir , Turne you yet againe heere , and yee shall see greater vanities than either these of Strength or of Honour , or of Riches , or of Beautie , Pleasure , Wisedome , or long Life : Beholde a vanitie , which is the cause of all these vanities , viz. Sinne and iniquitie where ▪ vnto we are all subject so long as we liue in this world the region of corruption , where if a man stand on Gods side , he shall become the drunkards song with Dauid , or a by-word with Iob among the chidren of Beliel . * Looke thorow this world , and consider sin in all sortes of men , & sorrow following euer sinne at the heeles : In this place behold Dauid making his bedde to swimme with his teares for his adulterie : In that place againe , behold Peter weeping b●…tterlie for his denyall : In this place againe , behold Lot , vexing his righteous Soule from day to day , for the vnlawfull deedes of the wicked : In that place behold S. Paul groaning vnder a dead bodie of sinne , euen a bodie of death : No man is able to hunt all the corners of mans corruption : From particular men let vs come to whole Churches , defiled with spots and blemishes : * Heere is the Church of Ephesus , which hath left her first Loue. * There is Smyrna where some of Gods best seruantes are cast into prison : Heere againe is Pergamus defiled with the doctrine of Balaame , and of the Nicolaitanes : In Thyatira the whoore Iezabel sat as a Prophetesse teaching and seducing Gods seruants to committe fornication , & to eate things sacrificed vnto idoles : Sardis had a name to liue , and yet was dead : Laodicea was neither cold nor hote , so that God threatned to spewe her out of his mouth : * Among all the seuen Churches onelie Philadelphia kept the word of his patience , and yet her life was not without feare to losse her Crowne : Behold , I come quicklie , said the Lord , hold that fast which thou hast , that no man take thy Crowne : * But long since hauing neglected this precept , shee is bereaued of that comfort & Crowne : * Where nowe are all these most flourishing Churches of Asia ? where now are all these Churches of Grecia most glorious in Constantius dayes ? Because they helde not fast that which they had , they haue all lost their Crowne : By deare Experience haue they learned what vanitie is . * Behold and see how this world is like a working sea , wherein sinne like a gall winde or strong Tyde carrieth many tribulations and destructions from Countrie to Contrie ▪ * All is made thereby subject vnto changes lik the Moone , Crownes haue their composse & triumphs haue their tombes : All our sweetest thinges in end proue but honied poyson . Thus all that yee see heere below is vnconstant : * The greatest kingdomes are turned about as with whirling wheeles : The Kinges vpon its spokes are marked vpon this ditt●… 〈◊〉 Regnabo , regno , regnam ; su●… 〈◊〉 sine regno . One Prince is lying vpon his backe , another hath a spok in his hand climing vp the Wheele : The third is vpon the top : The fourth is fallen , hauing his heeles vp & his head down : * All the things of this world are diuided into foure : Either they lye low , or they climbe , they stand , or they are fallen : The poore man is lying vpon his backe without any helpe or hope : Another is fall of climbing conceits : The third beeing there where all would bee euen vpon the toppe , the higher hee is mounted the greater is his fall : * He then falleth , that another may stand in his place : while hee againe is lifted vp hee must stand with feare and heare , Let him that standeth take heede , lest hee fall : * At last also to him the hādwritting commeth foorth , that in Gods , ballance he is found wanting , & that therfore his kingdome must bee taking from him : Then all the pleasures of his wine & of his whoores , then all his feasting , his mirth , and his Musicke is turned into a trembling feuer , which maketh all his joyntes to shiuer , and his knees to smyte one against another : Beholde , and consider , how the glorie of Kings , the gods of this world is brought to destruction . Though their heads bee golden , their feete are but of clay like Nebuchadnezars image : Gods litle stone cut out without hands , is able to bruise & grinde in powder , their Golde , Siluer , Brasse , Yron , and Clay , for the allaying of the pride of their peacocke feathers : Hee can let them see the blacknesse of their feete : None of them can stand before the winde of that voyce : Returne ye Childrē of men . Though their honours which they doe broach with so bold a face were reared aboue the highest cloudes , and exalted aboue the starrie Skie yet must they descend at the Euening of their life , and make their bed with the beggers in the dust . Thus after they haue drunke vp the pleasures of this world as Behemoth the Riuer of Iordan , they at last find all to be but vanitie and change : * When their houre is come , they must quite all , and make resignation of all into the hands of a new succession , for to goe dwell in the Land of darknesse and shadow of death : * Who knewe the weight of their Crownes , they would neuer be so sicke for them , as King Ahab was for Nabothes vine yarde . If of any man may bee said , this is most true of him who is in highest places , While his flesh is vpon him , hee shall haue paine , and his Soule within him shall mourne : After that for a space hee hath feasted with Belshazzar , and fatted himselfe against the day of slaughter with Wheat , Wine , and Oyle , at last shall hee know , but too late , that no Feast is continuall , but that of a good Conscience . * Oh , that great men while their minds with Dauid are beastlie , would with Dauid goe to the Sanctuarie of God , for to learne that if great men be not good men , though they were Kinges , they are sette in slipperie places . * Seeing Kings and Kingdomes are but vanitie , what is that on earth that is not vaine ? There is nothing that can stretch to eternitie below . * In this world all men are strangers in their birth Pilgrimes , in their life , & at last lik combersome guests by death they are thrust out at doores : The language of Tabor was that ▪ It is good for vs to bee heere : But the language of heauē proclaimed that Peter knew not what he said : Striue to keepe euer your heart loose from the earth : The glassie sea , of this vvorld is neuer without tempests . * Hee that would haue his Soule wained from the loue of this world , let him remember but these sixe things : 1. What hee is in himselfe : 2. What is within him . 3. What is aboue him : 4. VVhat is beneath him . 5. What is before him : 6. What is behind him . * Man in himselfe is but dust and ashes , a cage of corruptiō : Thrise with one breath is he called , Earth , earth , earth ! Earth by creation , sustentation and corruption , saith Bernard : Within him is a blind minde , a peruerse will , and most vile affections , yea , so that euerie imagination of the thoughts of his hearte are onelie euill continuallie : Aboue is a weightie vengeance , hanging by a small twined threed of Gods patience : Below him is a fierie fornace and the smoking brimstone gulfe of euerlasting burnings : Against him Sathan and sinne with their legions posting to and fro , so that when one departeth , it is but to fetch seuen others worse than himselfe : * Before him is nothing but miserie , volumnes of woes , and lamentations : Those bee his Day-booke : Behind him pale Death followeth with stealing steppes : * See vvhat a masse of miserie like an hudge armie besetteth and besiegeth the whole course of the life of man , till death at last come with the dead stroke , and separate the Soule from the lumpish heauinesse of clay : Then they that die in the Lord are blessed , yea , saith the Spirit , That they may rest from their labours . But because the day is alreadie spent , yee shall now carefullie thinke vpon that which hath beene said . It was a speciall propertie required in Sacrifices fitte for God , that they could chewe the cude : I leaue that which ye haue heard vnto your nights meditations . I pray God that by his Spirit he would conuoy into the substance of that which your eare hath receiued . Before I leaue you , let vs all bend our knees vnto God in prayer , that it would please his Highnesse to blinke downe vpon you with a reconcealed face : His boundlesse and bottomelesse mercies did neuer yet know how to breake a bruised reed , or quench a smoaking flaxe . Let vs pray . A Prayer for the sicke Man. O LORD the GOD of the Spirits of all flesh , the preseruer of men , in whō is both power for to saue and to destroy : Thou art the true Teacher of Israel : Thou hast the keyes of Heauen , of Hell , and of the Graue : Come and cast the armes of thy mercie about this sorrow-beaten sinner : Rejoyce him with the comforts of thy Spirit : Inspire him with holy motions , and with the life of Grace , till hee bee made partaker of the diuine Nature . Thou hast alreadie made his heart to melt within him at the sight of his transgressions : Thou hast sette all his sinnes in order before him : This is out of thy great mercie , wherby thou wold not suffer him to freeze in the dregs of his corruptions : Now at last , LORD , after thou hast refined him in the fierie fornace of temptations , send him reliefe , refresh his Soule , and coole it with thy comfortes : Let thy Spirit come vnto him with glad tydinges , that all his sinnes are forgiuen him . Oh , what sorrow of heart hath hee had since he hath felt the power of thy wrath ! His poore two eyes haue beene like two fountaines of teares trickling downe both day and night ▪ The apple of his eye hath euer beene droping downe , the salt brimie and bitter teares of sorrow : Oh , how bitter lie hath he wept since this battell beganne ? Hath hee not powred out his heart like water before thee , in bemoaning his transgrassions ? Now , LORD , for thy mercie sake make him free of all excessiue griefe : Beholde him with the tendrest eye of thy compassions : Ridde him of all gripping griefes of Conscience : Settle in his heart a godlie sorrowwhich may cause repentance neuer to bee repented of : Bee pleased toward him : Turne thine angerie face from the bloodie colour of all his transgressions , and looke vpon the perfect and vnspotted righteousnes of thy Lambe , whose blood hath blanched the red Crimsin sinnes of the world . No flesh , O LORD , is able to stand before thee , when thou art angrie , for what is man ▪ which is consumed before the moath ? He dwelleth into an house of clay , and his foundation is in the dust : When it shall please thee , hee must lye downe into his growing bedde , and there say to corruption , Thou art my father , and to the worme , Thou art my mother and my sister . O , who shall stand when thou shall say , Returne yee Children of men . O gracious GOD , pittie this creature that was once formed to thine owne image , which once lost , thou hast repaired with the Blood of thy Sonne : Stampe his heart vvith thy liuelie Image and coine it with thy countenance : Insinuate thy selfe into his Soule , and compasse him with thy comfortes : Let thy poore Seruant heere who hath beene most fearefullie tossed and scorched with fierie temptations , find a spiritual cooling & refreshing , in thy mercifull bowels : Temper so the Spirit of his minde , bowe his will , and incline his affections , that his chiefest delight may bee in thee : Couer his sillie Soule vnder the shadow of thy Winges , vntill all these calamities bee ouerpast . Refresh this paunting Soule braying after thy water brookes . Giue him a newe hearte , put within him a new Spirite , take this stonie heart out of his breast and in the place thereof put an heart of flesh . By thy word , O LORD , wee haue let him see what the vanitie of this world is , how vnconstant are all things below , and how they are turned vpon a whirling wheele : O mak his heart consider that there is nothing heere on earth that can bring solide contentment vnto the heart : What are the best of our dayes on earth , but labour and sorrow ? Is not our life a vapour , a breath ? are not our dayes consumed as a tale that is tolde ? Make the consideration of such naughtie thinges below moue him so much the more to minde the things that are aboue : Let him know that in the surging waues of this worldlie Sea there is no permanent peace , so no crosse shall come vpon him vnawares : Teach him by practise and experimentall feeling of thy Graces , that thy strength is made perfect in weakenesse : Let him feele that it is a fruite of thy lone , that thou suffereth him to be afflicted : Sanctifie his sorrowes , & make them to lead him vnto the face and presence of his GOD. By the loathing of things earthlie , worke in his heart a loue & a liking of things heauenlie , an ardent desire of thy celestiall dainties : Let him know that so soone as he shall come to thee , that with thy face thou shall fill the desires of his Soule , for in thy face is fulnesse of joyes O thou to whom nothing is impossible , lift vp his Soule to affect that happines so that earnestlie his Soule may desire to see that day when he shall be cloathed with the long white robe of Christes righteousnesse , euen the innocencie of thy deare Sonne Iesus : Couer him Lord , couer him with the golden fleece of thy righteous Lambe : Parsume him with the sweete sauour of Christes merites , thy mercies : Let the Blood of his Aduocate pl●…ade for his pardon : Naile all his sinnes to the Crosse of thy Sonne Iesus . Rid out of his heart all doubts and difficulties , draw his eyes from looking vpon himselfe , make thine own selfe the object of his sight in the mirrour of the Gospel , wherein as with open face hee may behold as in a glasse , the glorie of the Lord , and bee changed into the same image from glorie to glorie , euen as by the Spirit of the Lord. Seeing a good man is mercifull to his beast , how much more wilt thou bee , who are mercie it selfe ? Thou who art most plenteous in mercie , vnlocke wee intreat thee the treasures of thy mercies and affoard vnto thy seruant such graces whereby hee may come to thy Glorie Send a Seraphin for to kindle hi●… zeale and affection toward thee ▪ Publish & proclaime vnto his Sou●… that thou art pacified , and that tho●… hast receiued a ransome . These days by past , LORD , thou ha●… him trained vp with diuerse fearefu●… temptations , whereout of let it please thee now to giue him an out gate ▪ O put thy quickening Spirit within him , that by the force of thy life he●… dying vnto sin , may liue vnto The●… who art our life , and lengthening of our dayes : Thine eare hath heard the heauie groanes of his hearte , which haue made thine heart to bee turned within thee : O now let thy compassions bee so kindled together that hee may in all boldnesse come to the Throne of thy Grace , permit him such familiaritie with thee , whereby hee may cast his burden vpon thee . Giue him , LORD , a full resolution to submitte himselfe alwayes to thine appointments , that his heart neuer anie more repine nor grudge at thy proceedings : By the finger of thy Grace frame fullie his heart for the following of thy will. Gracious Father rouse vp his Soule and raise vp the good motions of thy Spirit within him : Make him in mercie to growe in Grace , which may worke a deepe detestation of all bygone slippes , whether secret or knowne , with an eager and earnest striuing to bee renewed in the Spirit of his minde . O thou whose bowels rumble lowd with compassions , pacifie and calme all the clamours of his Conscience : Thy mercie is most magnified when it relieueth the extremest miserie : Thy light is most precious when it shineth into the depth of discomfort and darknesse : O pittie and pardon him , besprinkle him with the Blood of vertue , that beeing purged from all carnall and spiritual vncleanneste , hee may grow vp vnto full holinesse in thy feare , and so may end his life in thy fauour , the surest Sāctuarie of a troubled Soule ▪ Pittie the distressed members of thy Church : Many a time haue they afflicted her from her youth : The plowers plowed vpon her backe , making long furrowes , let them all bee comfounded and turned backe , that hate Zion : confound all hatchers of Here●…ies , let them bee as the grasse vpon the house tops , which withereth afore it groweth vp , wherewith the Mower filleth not his hand , nor hee that bindeth sheaues his bosome : Protect Her by thy cloud by day , direct Her by night by the pillar of fire , let neuer the bright star of thy Gospel goe downe , which pointeth out vnto vs the Sauiour & Saluation of our Soule O righteous LORD , thou hast juste cause against this Church to make Her Sunne goe downe at noone , and darknesse to surprise vs in the cleare day , with a sudden and ineuitable sin prizall and destruction : ( ) GOD , blesse vs with an holie vnion , and banish farre off the Deuill of diuision . Blesse our gracious SOVERAIGNE the Kings Majestie : Mak him to joy in thy strength , & greatlie to rejoyce in thy Saluation : Direct His Heart & His mouth by thy Spi●…it , & giue him his hearts desire , and with-hold not the requeast of his lips : Giue to Him the courage of Dauid , and the wisdome of Solomon . Be fauourable to His Royall Match : Inflame Her Heart with the loue of thy deare Sonne Iesus : Let all Her desire be to know him crucified : Make Her an happie Mother of happie Children , euen a blessed Mother in Israel . Blesse our Nobilitie , make them noble like the men of Berea ▪ so that they may haue courage for the Truth And seeing , LORD , that as wee may see in this our deare Friende , man is like to vanitie , and that his dayes are as a shadow that passeth away : Take vs to thy schoole and teach vs to number our fewe and euill dayes , that wee may apply our hearts to wisedome & to wel doing . Let it please thine Highnesse to grant vs these out sutes for the onely sake of Iesus , the Author and finisher of our faith , the verie Anchor of our Soule , the onelie stay and staffe of our hope , the ende and rest of all created desires , the true substance of ceremoniall shewes and shadowes . To Him with Thee and thy Spirit of Grace , bee praise and thankesgiuing , glorie and dominion , now and euermore , AMEN . If your sleepe in the night be interupted cause read vnto you the Booke of Ecclesiastes , the strong enemie of all worldlie vanitie : Moses his psalme which is the ninty Psalme shal be meete for your meditations , cause reade also the 1 Pe●…er chap. I. The LORD sanctifie all your spirituall exercises , to the comfort of your wearied Soule : The GOD of all mercie blesse the little sparke of Grace enkindled by his Spirite in you , till it spread into a big flame : GOD with a little Dewe of newe Grace can so bl●…sse & prosper another Grace alreadie giuen , that Hee will make it , though so little like a graine of mustard to growe towardes a tree . Blesse GOD , who hath not suffered you to tread the fearefull and desperate path of these who from the beginning of their life vnto the end haue beene nothing but disturbers of peace , waues of the Sea foaming out their owne shame , and casting vp mire and dirt vpon the shore of their whole couersation . The LORD edge the little measure of your weake Faith , with a longing desire after fulnesse of perswasion : And season your heart with sauing Grace . The Lord make his most Sacred and powerfull Word so to enter into the secretes of your Soule that it may strike a dead stroke at the sweetest of your sinnes , that your sinnes being slaine , your Soule may liue , and haue a portion in Gods new Ierusalem , till yee come there , the LORD guard you with an inuincible troupe of his blessed Angels . The Loue of the Father , the Grace of the Sonne , with the Peace his Spirit bee with you for euer . THE FIFT DAYES Conference . Of the last Iudgement . The sicke Man. OVanity of vanities , O vanity , of vanities , all is vainity : this whole night I haue dreamed of vanitie : I thinke that my Dreameproceedeth from vesterdays Conference , for Solomon saith , that a dreame cōmeth through the multitude of businesse : * Well is the man that is well occupyed in the day , for in the night such businesse maketh an impression into his Spirite : An euill doer in the day cānot often dreame of good into the night : * Happie is the man that hath made the Lord the onelie leuell of his life : What houres can it now bee ? I long for a sight of my louing and comfortable Pastour . The Pastour . Heere I am Sir , come againe for to see what progresse yee haue made into your Christian pilgrimage : Ye●… heard yesterday of the vanitie of all things that are below : I desire now to know how your heart hath beene affected since . The sicke Man. I haue Sir all this night d●…eamed that this world is but vanitie , a lifting vp for a fall , a race vnto a ruine ▪ I see nowe that all the profites and pleasures thereof are but lik a rotten Nut , when men thinke to cracke the kernell they find nothing but worms with rottenesse & bitternesse which prouocke the eater to spit . O how the pure and cleane streames of diuine grace are stained with the stirring of the foule puddle of corrupt nature . I am greatlie oblished to my God , who hath giuen to me such patience in my sicknesse , that I haue beene able to heare that heauenlie discours which ye had yesterday concerning earthlie things : This life as I perceiue is nothing but a toilesome task of cares , the best of our time is but labour & sorrow , our ease is a disease , and wee rot in our rest : Mine heart is no more in this world He is but a foole , and so shall hee feele who euer hee bee that is too bent for the transitorie trashes thereof . * Heere is not our rest : Rest heere is not our best : As water by standing becometh stinking , so the Spirit rotteth by carnall rest : The ease of the flesh is the disease of the Spirit : If wee bee without God in the world , in our well we shall find but woe , in our wealth but want , in our loue but l●…cke , in our mirth but mone : In laughing the heart shall be sorrowfull , and the end of that mirth shal be heauiness●… Without God in greatest compan●… is greatest melancholie . Hee whose eyes the god of th●… world hath not blind-folded , may easilie perceiue that all that is heere is but vanitie which vexeth the spiri●… * What follie is this to take pleasure in such perishing things , which can bring no comfort at the conclusion of all , when dust must returne to the earth as it was ? Oh , that wee were wise to consider that while wee are heere , we are compassed about with a bodie of sin , in a world of wickednesse : All sortes of euil in this world with eager pursute persecute the Soule of sinfull man , all the depthes of Sathan and policies of Hell concure into this worke . Now Sir I intreat you seeing yee haue spoken so heauenlie of the earth , that it would please you to say some-what concerning the last judgement & the j●…yes of Heauen . The Pastour . Such a matter is verie vnpleasant , yea , very fearefull to a naturall man : It is written that while as S. Paul reasoned of Righteousnesse , Temperance , and Iudgement to come , Felix , who was but a naturall man , trembl●…d all while hee heard him , and therefore desired him to leaue off preaching any more , and to goe his way till a more fitte and conuenient time : * Thogh the wicked tremble at this discourse , yet it is cōfortable & profitable into the godly : * I wish at God that I had that tongue of the Learned , that thereby I might produce these reasons of S. Paul which hee vttered while hee reasoned vpon this matter before Felix . This Sir yee must first know that the day of Iudgement shall bee a great day a day of Law ▪ when all the Sonnes of Adam must compeare before the eyes of him who seeth our thoughts a farre off , euen to the very depths of our heart . The sicke Man. First of all , I desire to heare of the time that Christ shall come into the Cloudes for to judge both quicke and dead . The Pastour . As for the particular time of that great and glorious comming of the Lord , no man can define whē it shall bee whether in the night or in the day , at mid-night or cock-crow : It was a time hid from Christ himselfe as man , while hee was heere in the dayes of his flesh , neither thought hee shame to tell it : His vvords and his counsell concerning that , are of great weight : But that day , said hee , and that houre knoweth no man , no not the Angels which are in heauen , neither the Sonne , but the Father : Now what was his Counsell therevpon ? Take heede , said hee , watch and pray , for yee know not when the time is : For the Son of man is as a man taking a far journey , who left his house , and gaue authoritie to his seruantes , and to euerie man his work ; & commanding the Porter to watch : Watch ye therefore , for ye know not when the Master of the house commeth , at Euen or at mid-night , or at the cock-crowing , or in the morning , lest comming suddenlie hee finde you sleeping : And what I say vnto you , I say vnto you all , watch . S. Peter saith , that hee shall come as a Theefe in the night . * By all this it euidentlie appeareth that no man can designe the particular time of the comming of the Lord vnto Iudgement : No tongue can tell whether his comming shall bee in the night , or in the day , in the morning , or in the euening , at the prayer , or at the preacing : * Watch yee therefore , saide Christ , and this he doubled againe , And what I say vnto you , that I say vnto you all , watch . The sicke Man. What can bee the cause wherefore God hath kept vp to himselfe the particular knowledge of that great day ? The Pastour . * God in great wisedome hath hidde from all flesh the time of his comming , as hee hath concealed from all men the houre and forme of their death , that all may striue to be readie at all times . The sicke Man. Though this Day bee not particularlie knowne , thinke yee not but it is verie neere ? The Pastour . S. Iames in his dayes saide , The comming of the Lord draweth neere . The sicke Man. But since hee said that , it is more than a thousand and fiue hundreth yeares , and yet all thinges remaine euen as they were , haue I heard some men say . The Pastour . * These bee the words of them whom S. Peter calleth Scoffers : Knowing this first , saith hee , that there shall come in the last days scoffers , walking after their owne lustes : And saying where is the promise of his comming ? for since the Fathers fell a sleepe , all things centin●…e as they were from the beginning of the Creation : * This is as much as if they had said , If there were a God indeede for to come to judgement , hee would not bee so slacke in his comming : But what saith S. Peter●…o ●…o that ? The Lord is not slacke concerning his promise ( as some mē count slacknes ) but is long suffering to vs ward , not willing that any should perish , but that all should come to Repentance . The sicke Man. I see now that no man can be certaine at what time Christ shall come , It is a secret which God hath kept vp from all the liuing into his owne bosome . The Pastour . Indeed Sir , it is such a secret tha●… may not bee searched : Christ after his Resurrection , said a wise word to his Apostles , It is not for you 〈◊〉 knowe the times or the seasons which the Father hath put in his owne power : * This is the wisedome of God , who hath concealed such things from the knowledge of all men as well learned as vnlea●…ned , as well Kinges as Subjects , that all flesh at all times be in readinesse when the Lord shall come to judgement : This made the Lord so carefullie to waine his Disciples to watch . The sicke Man. The Lord graunt that wee may euer haue our loynes girded & ou●… Candles in our hands , waiting for the comming of that Lord. The Pastour . That should be our daylie prayer ▪ * This should teach vs not to lye downe to sleepe , like foolish Virgines , without Oyle in our Lampes , le●… before wee , waken the Bridegrome come vpon vs vnprouided , & enter in his Chamber , while we shall bee seeking that which we shal not find . The sicke Man. Now Sir , I pray you proceed and declare to mee howe the Lord shall come downe from Heauen for to judge this world wherein we dwell . The Pastour . He shall come downe not as King Agrippa & his Queene Bernice came down 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 with much phantasie or vaine shew , which is nothing indeede but a foolish phantasie : But , O the vnspeakable Glorie that shall bee seene at the comming of the Lord. The sicke Man. I requeast you earnestlie to continue into that purpose , for it affecteth mine heart verie much . The Pastour . I reade in the Gospel that while Christ was sitting vpon the Mount of Oliues , his Disciples came vnto him priuatelie , saying , Tell vs when shall these things be ? and what shall be the signe of thy comming , and the end of the world ? Christs answere was , That they should take heede that no man deceiue them , because , saide hee , many shall come into my Name , saying , I am Christ , and shall deceiue many . The sicke Man. But did hee not declare anie particular signes or tokens that should appeare before his comming ? The Pastour . The Lord hath declared that before that great & terrible day come , The Sunne shall bee darkened , and the Moone shall not giue her light , and the Starres shall fall from heauen , and the powers of heauen shall bee shaken . The sicke Man. I wish to heare the exposition of these words , for they seeme to bee full of difficulties . The Pastour . Some think that these words are but an allegorie of the callamities that were to befall to the Church and to the whole world before the comming of Christ : Others of the Learned tak these words to be spokē properlie : And for to cleare their opinion to bee true , they alledge the words of S. Peter as a Commentarie vpon Christs wordes : The Heauens shall passe away , saith hee , with a great noise , and the Elements shall melt with feruent heat , the Earth also , and the works that are therein shal be burnt vp : And a little after hee subjoyneth , Looking for and hasting vnto the comming of the day of God , wherein the heauens beeing on fire shal be dissolued , and the Elementes shall melt with feruent heate . The sicke Man. These bee wonderfull wordes of wonderfull workes , yee will bee so good as to make them m●…e cleare . The Pastour . * First it is said , That the heauens sh●…l passe away praeteribunt , not that they shal be turned to nothing , or shall ●…o passe away that they shall bee no more , but they shall passe away in that they shall bee changed : * According to this the Psalmist speaking of the heauens saith , That all of them waxe olde as doeth a garment : As a vesture shal●… thou change them , and they shall bee changed : * Though in our life-time because it is so shorte , wee cannot sensiblie perceiue any decay in the heauenlie influences , yet it is certhat taine the heauens are but cretures ordained for the seruice of mā , creatures subject to faile , weare , and waxe olde bee . The sicke Man. What a change Sir , thinke yee that , that shall bee ? The Pastour . It shall bee a change altogether for the better : All the Elementes shall be melted as mettell into a furnace whereby it is refined : After that they are melted they shall bee ●…ast into a new mould , for to receiue such a ●…orme as it shall please the most High to giue vnto them . * I compare all these great creatures of the world , as the Heauens and foure Elements to an olde peece of money stamped so long since , that hardlie can it bee knowne who●…e superscription is in it , all the Letters being worne off with the vsing : * It is euen so of the Heauens and of the Elements in these latter dayes : It is so lōg since they were stamped , that the letters of Gods name vpon them are growne dim & are not so legible as they were wont to bee : But in that last day the Lord shall make the old Heauens and this olde Earth all to melt into a fire , and thereafter shall stampe them like a newe stricken Crowne : Then hee shall giue them such a temper that they shall neuer waxe olde any more : * Gods first impression on his creatures hath by sinne beene dimmeded and darkened , but this secunda cura , the second coyning of these creatures shall be so durable that nothing shall be able to deface it : For God then shall bee All in all : * Then Tempus edax rerum , Time that eateth all things , yea , all times , as yeeres , moneths , days , nights , houres , lik floods shall all runne in into the sea of eternitie , where they with all such vnconstant things shall bee swallowed vp in victorie . The sicke Man. What is that to say , That the Heauens shall passe away with a great noise ▪ What sort of noise shall that bee ? The Pastour . * The worde in the originall is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , which the French hath termed auec vn bruit siflant de tempeste , that is the roaring of a tempest , which commeth with such a thudde , that it casteth downe both Trees and Houses , making all to shake , and also lifting vp dust and straes and all in the aire as with a whirle wind : Erasmus termeth it , In morem procellae , like a Tempest : * Such a Tempest was neuer heard since the world was founded : It shall bee a Tempest which shall shake the worlde of its foundation . Aboue and below all shall bee shaken with such a roaring and cracking tempest , that no mortall heart can conceiue : The Heauens , the Earth , the Waters , the Aire , the Sunne , the Moone , and Starres , shall bee so shaken with that tempest as though they were but pickles of dust , and caried with a whi●…le wind : My minde is in a maze to think vpon the greatnesse of that day : * My pen while I haue beene writting of it , hath fallen out of my hand , so haue I beene rauished with admiration of that day : O what a day shall that be when all that euer God made shall bee sette on fire ? The Heauens being sette one fire , saith the Apostle , shall bee dissolued , and the Elements beeing set on fyre shal melt with feruant heate . Isaiah saith , That the Heauens shall vanish away like smoke : What fearfull tempest must that bee which shall put all the worlde into a burning flamme ? All shall bee sette on fire , the Heauens aboue , the Earth beneath , the waters also must be burnt and melted into that wonderfull furnace : By this fire all things must bee purged . The sicke Man. It would seeme by Scripture that those heauens which are now , shall bee altogether abolished : The Lord saith in Isaiah , Loe , I will create new Hea●…ens and a new Earth , and the former shall not ●…ee remembered nor come into minde . To create a thing is properlie to mak something of nothing : What then , ●…hall the Heauens and Elements which are now bee red●…cted to nothing ? The Pastour . It is most certaine that they shall not bee put to nothing , but according to their earnest expectatiō they shall bee deliuered at the last day from the bondage of corruption into the glorious libertie of the Sonnes of God. * It is not Gods custome so to reward his old seruants , as to put them from their beeing , that so hee may bee quite of them : * As for that which Isaiah saith , that he will create new Heauens and newe Earth , and that the former shall not be remembered , it is not to bee vnderstoode of the last day : The Lord by these wordes did onelie declare this to that people , that hee would so alter & change the state of his Church at the comming of the Messias , that it should seeme to dwell into another world . The sicke Man. I took euer that passage otherwise , but I hold that exposition best : But behold what S. Iohn saith concerning the Heauens , the Earth , and the Sea , I saw a new Heauen , and a new Earth , for the first Heauen , and the first Earth were passed away , and there was no more Sea. What is that to say ? The Pastour . * The first Heauen and the first Earth are said to haue passed away , not that their substāce was no more , but as one sayth well , because alia ejus videbatur facies , it was so changed that men would thinke that it could not bee that cloudie Heauen and clattie Earth which was before : The Sea also was no more such as it was before . The sicke Man. But S. Iohn sath , That hee saw a white Throne and One sitting on it , from whose face the Heauen and the Earth fledde away , and there was found no more place for them : By this it would seeme that they shall bee altogether abolished . The Pastour . I answere that they shall not be abolished , but they are said to flee away from the face of God , as most learned Diuines thinke , ad declarandum eorum terrorem & animum ad fugam paratum , for to declare their feare to compeare before the face of so great a Majestie , till they be forbished & scoured of the roust of their vanity wherevnto they haue beene made subject , they thinke shame of their vncleannesse before such eyes of puritie : * It is said , That there was no place found for them not that they wanted a place , but because of such a Majestie , they did goe about to hide themselues : It is well said by a Learned interpreter vpon these words , Quorum locus non reperitur , illa latent & occulta manent , whose place is not found , they lurke and remaine hidde , not that they shall want a place , but because no man can find out by searching what shall bee their place : By this is onelie declared that till the Heauens and Elements bee reneued , they shall in a manner goe and hide themselues from before the face of that heauenlie Majestie , as a ragged man who thinking shame to compeare among those who are richlie arrayed , withdraweth himselfe vnto some darke corner that hee should not be seene , till he be better arrayed : After that all shall bee made cleare and cleane by the fire , they shall appeare before God in their appointed place . The sicke Man. Thinke yee that it shall bee a long time before that all can bee refined by that fire , as also before that the dead bee raised vp and gathered together . The Pastour . * All this shall bee done in a moment : In the twinkling of an eye the dead shall bee raised , and the liuing shall bee changed where euer they bee found , whether grinding at the Mile , or walking in the fieldes ▪ or lying in their beddes , they must all compeare either for to bee taken or to be forsaken , all other thinges shall bee speedilie dispatched . The sicke Man. O but he is a great God who by his word keepeth in store the Heauens and Earth which are nowe , reseruing them vnto fyre against the day of Iudgement : Great must hee bee who shall kindle such a fire : Nowe after that this fire shall bee quenched , what shall bee done ? The Pastour . After that by the fire the Lord hath cleansed all his creatures from their roust , and scoured them from all their drosse , hee shall forme them by his word the breath of his mouth : * As a maker of Glasses , by the blast of his mouth formeth as hee pleaseth the soft melted liquour taken out of the fornace : * But wherevnto can we compare the most High in his most wonderfull workes ? * Thē the Heauens which of before hee had rolled vp like a scrole , shall bee vnfolded , and put out of their roll , and the Earth beeing purified and fined , shall bee made a Lodging for righteousnesse , according to his promise , saith S. Peter , Wee looke for new Heauens and new Earth , wherein dwelleth righteousnesse . The sicke Man. What is that to say , That righteousnesse dwelleth into the new Heauens and into the newe Earth ? These words seeme to bee difficile . The Pastour . The opinions of men are diuerse concerning the sense thereof , some thinke that Righteousnesse shall dwell in that new Heauens & new Earth , vnderstanding by Righteousnesse , the righteousnesse of Christ : According to this S. Pauls greatest desire was that hee might bee found in Christ , Not , said hee , hauing mine owne righteousnesse which is of the Lawe , but that which is of the Faith of Christe , the Righteousnesse of God by Faith : Others by a Metommie vnderstand that righteousnesse dwelling on the new Earth , to bee taken or all faithfull and righteous men who shall be the Citizens of that new Heauen and of that new Earth : * O if wee knewe the glorie of these new things ! they would surelie rauish our heartes , so that wee would all cry , Come Lord Iesus come : * These new Heauens shall neuer be ouer-cast with clouds , there shall bee none ecclipsing of light any more : * As for the new Earth , there shall be no more sweate of browes : All toiles and turmoiles shall cease : Sinne the cause of all our woe shall bee no more there : * The most barbarous and barren parte that is now on earth , shall bee more pleasant than euer was Paradise , for then God shall be All in all : * All the Earth shal be lik that Holie of holies , but without a partition wall ▪ In that Holie of holies in Canaan , none but one , & that but once in the yeare might enter : But in the new Heauens and newe Earth all the Faithfull shall haue their perpetuall residence , where they shall follow the Lambe whither-so-euer it shall please him to goe : There shall they for euer bee courting his countenance . * Fye that men will not liue well for a little space , that they may liue with the Lambe for euer , among these pleasures for euermore : Fye that men for stinking pleasures should losse the comfort of these places wherein nothing but righteousnesse shall bee able to dwell . The sicke Man. Seeing the heauens and the earth shall bee made new , yee thinke that they shall change for the better . The Pastour . That is most certaine : They haue in their owne kinde beene obedient seruantes vnto their God , and God shal also glorifie them with a kind of glorie which his Wisedome shall thinke fittest for them : The heauens like a garment are waxed olde at Gods seruice : * God will not cast off his olde seruants , but after their seruice he will reward them : * If their cloths bee worne at his seruice , hee will giue them a new coate : * If their first powers bee shaken , he will put new powers into them againe : * It was truelie said by the father of lyes , That none serue God for nought . * It shall not bee for nought that the Heauens by their motions , and the Earth by its birth haue declared the glorie of God omnipotent . The sicke Man. But is it possible that such creatures haue any knowledge while they serue God , that he will reward them at the last day , that therby they may bee incouraged at his seruice ? The Pastour . * They haue indeede a certaine secret instinct from GOD , which worketh in them a sort of longing for the last day , which shall bee the day of rewardes , the day of their deliuerance : In this the Apostle is plaine , For ▪ saith hee , the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestatiō of the Sons of God : for the creature was made subject vnto vanitie , not willinglie , but by reason of him that hath subjected the same in hope ▪ because the creature it selfe also shall bee deliuered frō the bondage of corruption , into the glorious libertie of the Children of God. * For this cause the whole creation is said , To groane and to trauell together vntill now . The sicke Man. O the great secrets of God! I pray you Sir , to let me vnderstand these wordes by some breefe exposition ▪ First what is that which hee calleth the earnest expectation of the creature which waiteth for the manifestation of the Sonnes of God ? What creature is that ? What expectation can that bee ? The Pastour . By the creature are not vnderstood these little creatures , as Frogs , Flees , Midges , Beastes , Fowles , Fishes : * Such creatures haue none expectation of better things to come , for in the world to come there shall bee no vse for them : * But by the the creature is to bee vnderstood the whole worlde , viz. The Heauens and all the Elements , as Earth , Fire , Water , Aire , which now are all so knit in loue , that euery one as it were taketh another into its bosome : * Because they are so fast coupled together and so neere to other ▪ that nothing can come betweene them , for this cause as if they were all but one thing , they are called in the singular number , the creature ▪ * As for it expectation , it is called by the Apostle 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , a stretched out of the hand : In which word the waiting of the world for the comming of the Lord , is set out like a woman standing vpon her tip-toes stretching out her head for to see if she can see her husbād comming a farre , whom shee looketh & longeth for hourelie : * See howe liuelie the Apostle declareth the secret instinct of the worldes desire for the comming of Christ Iesus : In a most powerfull word hee letteth vs see the Heauens and the Earth , and all the Elements , all as it were a man or a woman standing vpon their tip-toes , and holding vp their heads for to see if Iesus bee comming according to his promise . All the Faithfull who are the Spouse of Christ ▪ groane within them selues , sighing till they see their Sauiour in the Cloudes , so also this creature hath the owne groanes and sighs till Christ come for its deliuerance : * And as the Churches desire , maketh Her to cry , Come Lord Iesus come , so in this creature there is a secret instinct and earnest expectation which moueth it in the own language to cry for Christes comming . The sicke man. What vnderstandeth the Apostle while hee saith , That the creature was made subject to vaniue ▪ not willinglie but by reason of him that hath subjected the same in hope ? First how is it said , That it is made subject to vanitie ? Can the Heauens and the Earth bee saide to bee subject to vanitie ? The Pastour . The most Learned thinke that by this subjection of the creature to vanitie is to bee vnderstood , ejus fluxa & evanida conditio , that is a condition subject to change , corruption ▪ wearing away , or waxing olde : As for the Earth , it is euident , as for the Heauens , Scripture is plaine , They waxe olde as doeth a garment : * This is the vanitie of these creatures : Heere is also another vanitie wherevnto they are subject , in that they are made seruants to these that will not serue God whō they serue . That the beautifull Sunne should furnish light to these that delight in Spirituall darknesse , it is a vanitie and a drudgerie wherevnto the Sun is subject : That the Earth should bea●…e and bring foorth fruites for to feede the blacke mouthes that blaspheme its Maker , is a great vanitie wherevnto it is made subject : * The Sea groaneth vnder the Shippes of Pyrats and Robbers : * See what an vproare was in that Element for Ionahs rebellion : * So long as he was in that Shippe , Gods scourged the winds with his worde of command : The windes scourged the Seas , the Seas scourged the Shippe wherein Gods Rebell did lye till hee was cast out : * The Sea euer seethed with the fire of Gods wrath , the waues euer tumbled vp and down breaking one vpon another with rushing and roaring , till it tooke order with the rebellious man , there was no resting for its waues . The sicke Man. But how is this that it is said , that the creature is subject to vanitie but not willinglie ▪ It would seeme by that , that they obey God but against their will. The Pastour . The Heauens , or Earth properlie haue neither a willing nor a nilling , but onelie a secret instinct , which is like a will : * This secret instinct which God hath put into his creature is that , Omnis natura conservatrix suiest , euerie creature striueth to keepe & maintaine it selfe : Now while by God it is made subject to such changes , weakening and wearing , which is against the working of that instinct , it is said in Scripture language to bee subject to vanitie , but not willinglie . Neither for that must wee thinke that the creature in that rebelleth or repineth against God in any wise , as if it had a will striuing against Gods will , no not : * But in some measure it may bee saide to haue an instinct like that will of Christ at the drinking of the bitter Cuppe : Christs Naturall instinct was that the Cuppe should passe from him , and yet for all that his prayer was , Not my will but thy will bee done . * It is euen so in some manner of the instinct of the Heauens and of the Earth : They naturallie shrinke from bondage & abuse , as also they incline to keepe themselues frō corruption and vanitie , neither for that is their will contrarie to Gods will : Hee who is called a seruant should not care for it : But yet if hee may bee made free , the Apostles direction is , That hee vse it rather : The sick man may will life , and seeke cure for to preserue his life , though Gods will bee that hee die , if so bee that he submit vnto Gods will his whole desire , as Christ did , euen while hee desired the Cuppe to depart which hee knew to haue beene put into his hand for to drinke it : * A will that is diuerse from Gods will if it bee subacted , & subjected vnto Gods wil , may bee free of sinne : * So the Heauens and the Earth are subject vnto vanitie , but not willinglie , because they incline to bee free of the bondage of mans corruption : But seeing it is their Lords will that they beare the burden , and bee subject to such changes , they become subject , but withall they are euer groaning and longing for their redemption : * As a woman in trauell naturallie desireth to be deliuered , and yet submitteth her selfe to Gods wil , as naturallie these creatures of God haue an instinct to bee deliuered from the burden of their bondage : But seeing their instinct or desire to bee made free , is not so soone effectuate , neither can bee , before the world end , the Lord their good and kinde Master for to encourage them vnder the burden of their bondage , lest ▪ they should faint , hath giuen vnto them another secret instinct , which the Apostle calleth their hope . For to cleare this to you in a word : * There is in this world groaning vnder the corruption of the wicked , a certaine instinct like Hope . whereby it looketh for to bee made free from the bondage and burden of this corruption , as a woman in trauell is comforted with hope of deliuerance : This is that whereat the Apostle pointeth , when hee saith , that God hath subjected the creature in hope The sicke Man. In my judgement vee speake pertinentlie : In that difficultie I haue full satisfaction : But what is this that is subjoyned vnto the verse following ? I vnderstand not the words well . They are these : * The creature at last shall bee deliuered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious libertie of the Children of God : What is this libertie of the Sons of God ? or how can the Heauens and the Elements bee said to bee made partakers of that liberty which belongeth to the Children of God ? I confesse mine ignorance heere , in this point I desire to bee instructed . The Pastour . This is the libertie , whereof they shall bee partakers with the Childrē of GOD , they shall then haue all their will , they shall no more be subject to that whereof they would desire to bee ▪ free : * Not willinglie shall bee no more in them in all their subjection : * They shall bee no more slaues to serue sinners , but shall serue God and his Saintes which is true libertie : Thus in so farre as they shall bee free of all that foresaid bondage , they are said to be deliuered into the glorious liberty of the Children of God : * This shall bee a part of the libertie of Gods Sainctes in Heauen , not to bee subject to the wicked any more , not to wearie nor waxe olde , all this shall they haue commond with the creature : * But O what a glorie shall the Children haue greater than all the creature shall receiue ! Euen a farre more and exceeding weight of Glorie . The sicke Man. I will not now inquire concerning that weightie glorie , I reserue it to afterward God-willing : One thing I desire to know , whether or not the Lord shall come downe before the World shall bee refined with fire , or if it shall bee after . The Pastour . In my judgement before that the Lord come down , the Heauens shal be new , and the earth & all shal be new : As a Citie before the entrie of a King , prepareth all before hand , maketh the wayes cleane , and causeth sweepe off the streets the dung-hils , so all the steertes of the Heauens ▪ and of the Aire , and of the Earth muste bee made cleane before the comming of the Sonne of man : * While in the dayes of his flesh hee entered into the Citie of Ierusalem in qualitie of a King , riding vpon an Asse-Colt , all the streetes were couered with cloathes & greene branches of trees , so that the foote of his Asse scarclie culd touch the ground , all that was there range with the sound of Hosanna , Hosanna : * Euen so in my judgement when that great Lord shall make his entrie into the world as a King from Heauen , the world shall all bee made new , it shall look with another face then it doth at this day : * If our gracious Soueraigne King CHARLES , ( whom I pray the Lord to blesse with a prosperous reigne ) were comming from Londō for to enter into this Citie , we would all cloth our selues in comely apperall , we wold receiue him with great applause , all shouting , GOD SAVE KING CHARLES . Would we doe this to a sinfull man Whose breath is in his nostrils ? What thinke yee then shall these creatures doe , whose neckes are yoked vnder the bondage of corruption euer till the Lord IAH our God come downe riding vpon the Skie with sound of libertie for euermore ? Mine heart here faileth me while I thinke of that great applause and welcome to the world that Christ shall get when hee shall bowe the Heauens and come downe into the Aire : Shal he who in the days of his flesh , in the dayes of his disgrace , was so honoured at his Royall entrie in Ierusalem , not bee much more honoured at his Royall entrie into the worlde , which is groaning after that houre of his comming , as a woman in trauell , earning after the houre of her deliuerie : At his second comming , all his wayes shal be prepared , and the Hosanna Hosannahs of Ierusalem shall bee turned into Halleluiah Halleluiah : * Before Christ came first to appeare among men , hee sent a Messenger to prepare his ways : The voyce of One crying in the wildernesse , Prepare yee the way of the Lord mak his paths straight : Euerie valley shall bee filled , and euery hill and mountaine shall bee made low , and the crooked shall bee made straight , & the rough ways shal be made smooth . * Seeing in his humilitie his wayes were prepared before his comming , there is greater appearance that before hee come backe to this worlde againe with his millions , this new earth and all shall bee prepared . * It is a disgrace for a Citie to be cleansing streetes , while the King is alreadie within the portes : It is but rusticke manners to sweepe an house after that an honest man hath entered , whereby the dust that is vnder his feete is carried vp to his hat and betweene his shoulders . The sicke Man. It is your opinion then that all shall bee cleansed with a fire before the Lord come downe . The Pastour . It is indeed : And it seemeth also to haue some ground into Scripture , for Christ while hee was declaring in the Gospel the things that should be fall before his comming , hauing said , That the Sunne and Moone should bee darkened , and that Starres should fall from Heauen , which declared the change of this world : In the next verse hee declareth that after that appeared the signe of the Sonne of man in Heauen . The sicke Man. According to your discourse it would seeme that before the comming of the Lord , at the renewing of this world , there shall be a strange stirre among all the Creatures . The Pastour . That is most certaine , and that both aboue and belowe : S. Luke saith , That there shall bee signes in the Sunne , and in the Moone , and in the Starres , and vpon the Earth , Pressura gentiū , distresse of Nations , with perplexitie , the Sea and the waues roaring : Mens heartes failing them for feare , and for looking after these things which are comming on the Earth ; for the powers of Heauen shal be shaken : Thē shal they see the Sonne of Man comming in a cloud with power and geart glorie . The sicke Man. All these wordes bee wordes of great weight : It would please you to giue mee the intepretation thereof . The Pastour . In these words the Euangelist letteth vs see howe this bigge olde world shal be broken downe for to bee made new againe : Some of the Learned expound these wordes by way of similitude taken from man the little world , while as hee is olde and failed , the humours of his body like elements are troubled and shaken together : His two eyes like the Sunne and Moone are darkened , and his other senses like the Starres fall downe and decay : His minde and his reason lik heauenlie powers are shaken , so at last man like an olde house all decayed , falleth downe into his dust : * As this little worlde decayeth , so doeth this great world , wherein wee liue , all is failing about vs , aboue vs , till at last the verie voutes of heauen shall bee rent , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , with a noyse and shall bee melted with fire , and as it were cast into calmes whereout of shall come a new world , which shall neuer any more waxe olde . The sicke Man. That is well said for the generall : I perceiue now that the Lord by his infinite power shall spread the Heauens like paper or par●…hment , and that they shal be melted like mettall : Let me now 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 these wordes of S. Luke as they are written into his Gospel ▪ First hee saith , Thi●… there shall bee sigues in the Sunne , and in the Moone , and in the Starres : What signes shall these be ? The Pastour . Some of the Learned thinke that these signes shal be 〈◊〉 whereof God from these heauenlie bodies shall make a shew vnto then vpon the earth : Some thinke that this is spoken of great and strange ●…clipes that shall go●… before that day . Some thinke that there shall bee such a great and glorious light that shall goe before Christes comming , that both Sunne and Moone shall bee darkened as the Starres in the morning are darke 〈◊〉 at the rising of the Sun , so that they cannot any more bee seene , beeing obscured by a ●…ater light : Some by an allegorie referre these great ecclipses to great learned men , great lights in the Church making defection and Apostasie from the Trueth . The sicke Man. But S. Matthew , sayeth That the Starres shall fall from Heauen . The Pastour . These words also be diuerslie interpreted : Some by these fallen stars vnderstand glorious professours of the truth falling away by Apostasie , such Starres are these whom the Dragon is said to draw downe with his taile : These bee the words of S. Iohn , And there appeared another wonder in Heauen , and behold a great red Dragon ▪ And his taile drew the third part of the starres of heauen ▪ and did cast them to the earth : * By these starres as a learned man saith well , are vnderstood these whose names in outward appearance were written in Heauen , lik the Angel of Sardis who had a name to bee liuing , and yet was dead : * Wicked men for a space may blaze like Comets and seeme to bee starres fixed in their orbe ▪ and yet at last proue to bee nothing but a bundle of filthie matter , like these shote starres , that come not from Heauen but from the Aire , whereof the Deuill is the prince : Others are of the opinion that this bee spoken of the starres of heauen , viz. That they shall fall downe . The sicke Man. But seeing one starre is so many times bigger than the whole Earth , as Philosophers esteeme , how can they fall ? Or if they fall , whither shall they goe ? The Pastour . One answereth verie well to that , that it is verie difficile to pronounce , but the day of the Lord shall reueale all : * In my judgement by the falling of the stars with other such like things , is vnderstood the decaying and passing away of the Heauens which shall in that day as S. Peter testifieth , passe away with a noyse●… * An house while it is olde , and readie to bee taken downe , will all bee full of cliftes and riftes , so that the olde ●…yling that was once fast joyned together with nailes will begin to cling , and then to gape , the nailes also will become loose and hing out ▪ All signes and tokens of an hastie ruine : It shall bee euen so of that heauenlie house , when it is decayed and neare a fall , the stars which are like golden nailes into the ●…yling of the world , are said to bee loosed and to fall downe , for to declare the falling and ruine of the world : Some thinke that the Starres reallie shall fall downe like the leaues of a tree nipped with a winter frost : S. Iohn speaking of that strange change and perturbation that shal be both aboue and below before that great day ▪ saith , That the starres of heauen shall fall downe vnto the earth , euen as a figge ▪ tree casteth he●… ▪ vntimelie figges , when shee is a shaken of a mightie wind ▪ In these wordes wee see first the infinite power of that Majestie who shall shake the fixed starres out of their firmamēt , againe obserue that the starres are said to bee shaken like vntimlie and greene figges , and not like figges that as wee say are drop ripe , which droppe downe of w●…ll without any violence ▪ * By this it wold appeare that this world might stand lōger than it shall stand I think that if the Lord shuld suffer the heauens to turne about some hundreth thousands of yeares , that then the stars should fall downe to the earth , nor like greene figges , but like fruite that is ripe at the falling ▪ But the Lord as wee see will shake the starres●… , ere they bee ripe ▪ and that as some thinke for the Elects sake : For the Elects sake , said Christ , these dayes shall bee shortened In the Greeke it is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , decurtabuntur which is to shorten or mutilat . I know that the most Learned interpret these wordes of the calamities of the Iewes which God would not suffer to bee distressed for many yeares . The sicke Man. Mine hearte wonders at these words of the Reuelation concerning the starres which shall fall downe to the earth like vntimelie figges shaken with a mightie winde : I thinke your obseruation therevpon verie pleasant . The Pastour . Indeede Sir , the words are wonderfull , but the worke shal be more wonderfull : * For in all appearance the heauens beeing dissolued , that is , all shaken asunder and the stars shaken loose falling downe to the earth , and all the Elements beeing melted together , in all appearance , Starres ▪ Sunne , and Moone , Clay , Water , Fire , and Aire , shall become for aspace like a Chaos a confused lump or masse without forme as they were at the first , and that till the God of order hath refined and purified all by his refining fire . Some thinke otherwise , but the day of the Lord shall reueale all . The sicke Man. That shall bee a terrible worke : * Now let mee know what S. Luke vnderstandeth by these words ▪ That vpon the earth shall bee distresse of Nations with perplexitie . The Pastour . * That is , men of all Nations shall bee so troubled at the sight of such thinges , that like a man in a straite they shall not wotte to what hand to turne them , euen as Dauid was whē he said , I am in a great strait , that is , perplexity : As for that which S. Luke saith of the Sea , viz. The sea and the waues roaring , by these words hee declareth that the sea shall be all stirred to the bottome , so that the●… waters and all shall bee muddie an●… drumblie : * The word Salum turened heere , 〈◊〉 , signifieth properlie ▪ mare turbatum , a raging troubled and tempestuous Sea. All these things that shall appeare ▪ are called , Fore runners , sent before to tell all the Faithfull that when they shall see them , that they lift vp their heades and looke vp for to see their Redemption that is neere ▪ S ▪ Luk compareth the time of all these things that appeare before the Lords comming to the spring time , when trees begin to budde , When the buds shoote foorth , saith hee ▪ ye●… know that Summer is at hand : So likewise yee ▪ when yee see these thinges come to passe●… know that the Kingdome of God is nigh at hand . The sicke Man. All these fore-said things bee bu●… buds as I see forewarning vs of the Summer season ▪ wherein the Lord shall come : But what is that which S. Matthew saith , that after all these thinges shall appeare the SIGNE of the Sonne of man in Heauen ▪ What is that which hee calleth the SIGNE of the Sonne of man in Heauen ? What SIGNE thinke yee that to bee , that shall bee seene in Heauen after that the world shall bee made new ? The Pastour . The interpreters varie much in their opinions concerning this Signe what sort of Signe it should bee . Some thinke that it shall bee the signe of the Crosse vpon which the Lord hang : This SIGNE as some think shal be seene into the Aire before the comming of the Lord : Such a signe as some write , was that which Constantine saw in the Aire while he was going to battell against the enemies of Christ : With this signe was heard a voyce vttered in these words IN HOC SIGNO VIN●…HS . Others thinke that by the SIGNE of the Sonne of man , is to bee vnderstood Christ Himselfe , who is called , The Signe of the Sonne of man , as Circumcision in Scripture Language is called , The signe of the Circumsion . * I incline rather to thinke with Beza that , that signe shall bee some great Majestie and vnspeakable glorie aboue all compasse of comparison glorious , which shall appeare , whereby the comming of that Lord shall bee knowne to all , not to bee the comming of a creature , but of Him who is Lord of all the creatures , hauing a name aboue all names : * The Kings and Princes of the earth while they are among the multitudes of their Subjects by some glistering jewell will be discerned from all the rest , or by the great respect that is carried to their persons , by these that are about them : * All sheaues fell down before Iosephs sheaues : So all creatures at his approach shall fall downe before him : * As before Ioseph , in his progesse was a cry Abrech , how the knee , so at the comming of this Lord the Angels in a manner shall cry , Abrech : At his Name euerie knee in Heauen and Earth and vnder the Earth shal bow ▪ * Before , behind , and aboue that Bodie of God both white and ruddie the chiefest among ten thousand , shall bee such a glorie and throng of Majestie as shall bee a certaine signe ▪ that it can bee none other but the Prince of Eternitie , hee being among his most bright and glorious Angels like a Sunne among the Starres : The wordes of the Earth cannot beare such a signification as may expresse the glorie of this Signe . * Mine hearte is without mee while I think vpon the glorie of that Lord , whom all cyes shall see ▪ that day with his golden Head and bus●… Lockes : Christ shall bee clothed in his triumphing apparell with such a brightnesse , that the Moone shall be confounded and the Sunne ashamed , as these who beeing clothed in course rayment , are ashamed to be seene among these who are pasmented with gold : * In a word , at his presence all powers shall shake , and all creatures at his b●…cke shall obey . The sicke Man. After that , that Signe shall appeare : What thinke yee shall bee done ? The Pastour . When Christ the desire of all Nations shall bee readie to come , Hee shall send before him ▪ his Angels with a great sound of a Trumpet , and they shall gather his dispersed and despised Elect from the foure winds , from one end of Heauen to the other ▪ S. Paul saith ▪ That the Trumpet shall 〈◊〉 , and the dead shall arise : This shall not bee a brasen Trumpet , but a ●…stiall , which shall found so shrill with a princelie noise ▪ that all the creatures on Earth ; in Heauen , and Hell , shall heare it . * S. Paul hath three notable sayinges concerning the sound that shall bee heard at Christs comming : First hee saith ▪ That hee shall descend with a shoute , Secondlie ▪ With the voyce of the Archangel , Thirdlie , With the Trumpet of God. The sicke Man. The remembrance of that shout maketh mine eares to tingle and my heart stringes to tremble : What a shout thinke ye that , that shall bee ? The Pastour . Some thinke that it shall bee a great noyse & dinne , such as is heard into hudge great assemblies : * It may bee a shout of victorie or of praise : * The Angels and millions of Sainctes , who sing his praise continuallie , cannot keepe silence that day : They shal be all about Christ that day shouting for the joy of that desired day : * The worde shout in the originall is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , which properlie signifieth that sounding voice which the Mariners vse to others , euerie one for to moue another to row : Others thinke it to be like a cry of Souldiers , qualis est militaris convasatio , while they trusse all their baggage for to remoue . The sicke Man. For what cause chieflie shall this shout bee ? To whom shall it bee directed ? The Pastour . It shall bee chieflie for the Glory of God : * It shall bee directed to the dead , who are to bee raised vp by the power of God , and by the meanes of his Seruants the Angels , who at the raising vp of all creatures shall shout like Mariners , heauing vp that which is heauy by force of their armes . * What Archangel that shall be or what shall bee that voyce : One saith verie well , Dies Domini revelabit , The day of the Lord shall reueale it . The Lord prepare vs for it : O what a Glorie when Christ shall appeare with hands as gold rings set with the Berill ; and with a bright Bellie ouer laid with Saphires . The sicke Man. Is it your judgement that Christ the Iudge of the World shall come downe from Heauen with a great Majestie ? The Pastour . It is certaine , of the day of his comming againe may well bee said , that which was said of his first comming , This is the day which the Lord hath made : In that day hee himselfe shall come downe in a Charet of a Cloude as hee ascended into a Cloude : All the Glorie of Heauen shall bee seene that day : The Father shall bee there in vnspeakable Glorie : The Holie Ghost shall bee there with vnspeakable Majestie : All the Saintes and Angels shall bee about Him like burning Lampes and glistring Suns . The sicke Man. What passage of Scripture letteth vs see clearlie the Glorie of his comming to judgement ? The Pastour . That passage of Daniel is verie formal 〈◊〉 beheld , said hee , till the Thrones were cost down , and the Ancient of dayes did ●…ite , ●…base Garn●… was white as snow , and the Haire of his Head lik the pure wool ▪ 〈◊〉 Throne was like the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , and his wheele●… as burning fire ▪ A fie●…e streame issued , and came foorih from before him , tha●… sand thousands ministred vnto him ▪ 〈◊〉 ten thousand times 〈◊〉 thousand stood before him : S. Iohn faith , that the number of them was ▪ ten thousand times ten thousand , and thousand 〈◊〉 thousands : * Let these brutish 〈◊〉 phemers here by 〈◊〉 way ●…ak a 〈◊〉 son , who say ▪ That if many be dam●… ned God shall ride with a thinne Court , words 〈◊〉 to bee scourged with a thousand hels : Away yee barking blasphemers , God hath no neede of you nor of your like : * Hee who could of stones raise vp seede vnto Abraham , and make stones to cry , Hosanna , Hosanna , needeth not wāt multitudes of these that will sing his praises : * But hath he not Angels in Heauen alreadie , who are in number tenne thousand times tenne thousand , and thousands of thousands : But though they were none but himselfe , is hee not that great SHADAI , God al sufficient who hath neede of none , of whome all haue neede ? If I were hungrie , said hee , I would not tell thee ▪ for the worlde is mine and the fulnesse thereof . The sicke ▪ Man. This would I learne of you , viz. If when the Trumpet of the resurrection shall blow , these that are then liuing shall die first . The Pastour . The Scripture saith , That they shall bee changed : This change which shall bee into the twinkling of an eye , shall stand vnto them in steade of death : In that is the word fulfilled , It is appointed to all men once to die . The sicke Man. Thinke yee that these that then shal be aliue , shall win first to Christ ? It would seeme that they haue a fore start of these who are rotten in the Graue . The Pastour . The Scripture is plaine : This we say vnto you by the word of the Lord , that wee which are aliue , and remaine vnto the comming of the Lord , shall not preuent them which are asleepe . Some gather vpon these wordes , that these who are dead shall preuent them who are aliue , and shal be sooner at Christ than they , viz. That Adam and Eue shall bee with the first , and in the first ranke , and so that at that Conuention these who first were dead shall preuent them that shall bee aliue : But that hath no sure ground in Scripture , for though it bee said , That these who shall bee aliue shall not preuent these which are asleepe , it will not follow that these which are asleepe shall preuent these which are aliue : The Apostle himselfe saith , That we shall all be caught vp together in the Clouds : As for who shall bee formost , Dies Domini revelabit , The day of the Lord shall declare it . The sicke Man. I see thē that your opinion is that all flesh that day must arise and compeare before God , and that none must be excepted . But how is it that the Godlie onelie by Christ are called , The Children of the resurrection ? By that it would appeare ▪ that none shall arise but the members of Christ ? The Pastour . It is most certaine that all shall arise : All that are in the graue shall heare his voyce , and shall come foorth they that haue done good vnto the Resurrection of life , and they that haue done euill vnto the resurrection of damnation . As for the Godlie , indeede properlie they are the Children of the Resurrection , because they shall arise willinglie out of their beddes , and because by the vertue of Christs Resurrection they shall arise , hee being the Head and they the members , which must follow after that Head. As for the wicked they shal be scourged out of their Graues , the force of wrath shall draw them out , that as Malefactors they may come & heare their doome pronounced against them . The sicke Man. I heare you say according to Gods worde that all that are in the graues shall heare his voyce , and shall come foorth : If that bee , where shall the little Children that died without Baptisme bee ? The Romane Church teacheth that such goe to a prison where they shall neuer see the face of God : Shall not their bodies come out of their Graues ? If the Heauens and the Earth passe away , what part can they be in where they shall not see Gods face ? The Pastour . Indeede Sir your reason refuteth that errour sufficientlie : For certainelie their bodies must come out of their Graues : It is not possible but in that day they shall see Christ. * Truelie to put such into an euerlasting prison for such a cause , were to blame the Lord himselfe of injustice : The Lord hath said , The sonne shall not beare the iniquitie of the father : What if the father by negligence shall neglect to cause baptize his Childe ? shall the Childe for his fathers negligence be clapped vp into euerlasting prison ? If that were , should not the prouerbe bee true , The fathers haue eaten sower grappes , and the Childrens teeth are set on edge . It was well said by Bernard . Non privatio Baptismi sed contemptus damnat . That is , not the want , but the contempt of Baptisme condemneth : If any condemnation bee , the Father who contemneth , and not the Childe who contemneth not , shall bee damned . S. Ambros speaking of Valentinian , who disceased before he culd come to him for to bee baptized , said , Quem regeneraturus eram amisi , sed ille non amisit gratia●… quam poposcit . That is , I haue lost him whom I was for to regenerate , but hee hath not lossed the grace which he sought : * None but baptizers of Bells will be against this trueth . The sicke Man. I am well satisfied in that point : I wonder much howe men should goe so farre astray : Where shall these bodies of little Children bee in the day of the Resurrection ▪ if they shall not compeare before Christ the Iudge ? I thinke this argument can hardlie bee answered vnto . Another difficultie heere may be moued concerning Baptisme , which the Apostle taketh as an argument to proue the Resurrection : What shall they doe , saith hee ▪ which are baptized for the dead , if the dead rise not at all , why are they then baptized for the dead ? The wordes seeme verie difficle . The Pastour . Indeede Sir , they want not difficultie . Some interprete the words for the dead , That is , Vice & loco mortuorum . The custome was among the Christians as S. Ambros recordeth , that if any dyed without Baptisme , some of the liuing came to the bed where they were dead , or to their Graue , and there were baptized for them : Chrysostome and Epiphanius declare that this was a custome among the Marcionites , which they reproue as a vaine inuention ▪ Others interprete these word●… of these who on their death-beds were baptized , that thereby all by-gone sinnes might bee purged away . Others interprete , To be baptized for the dead , That is , in the faith of the Resurrection of the dead : For these who were to be baptized , first did rehearse the Creede , and when they came to the Resurrection of 〈◊〉 dead , at these words they were baptized . Others of the Learned take the wordes 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 about the dead ▪ The custome beeing of olde , that these who were baptized , were baptized about the Graues , where the dead did lye , for to testifie that they did belieue the Resurrection from the dead . Some by baptising heere vnderstand that washing and ablution of dead bodies : After this signification ▪ Cuppes are said 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to be baptized or washen : This washing of the dead bodies before their buriall , as some thinke , was common to the Iewes , who in hope of the Resurrection , did both them and make them cleane : This was also a custome among the Pagans ▪ to wash and anoint the dead bodies : Such were called Pollinctores ▪ This also appeareth to haue beene done in the dayes of the Apostles by the Christians : In the Actes it is written of Tabitha , that being dead , they washed her ▪ and layed her in an vpper Chamber : All these baptizings and washings , were in hope of the Resurrection ▪ As for the Pagans , they wrought the wroke as Peter on Tabor spake , not knowing what hee said , or as Cajaphas prophesied ▪ not vnderstanding the prophecie which hee preached : This by the moste Learned is approued . Others interprete to bee baptized for dead , not for the dead , or about the Graues of these that are buried ▪ but for dead , say they , that is , as dead to sinne , for to destroy and mortifie sinne , which is the chiefe ende of Baptisme : This say they , is a maine argument for to proue the Resurrection : For if there were no Resurrection , to what purpose should men crucifie their sinnes ? * Behold how these few words : To bee baptized for dead , hath troubled so manie braines : Where wee may learne the shallownesse of mans witte : God with that little Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 hath giuen all the Doctours of the Church a taske that may teach them humilitie , an Antidote for to cure our swelling knowledge . The sicke Man. That which ye say is trueth : Oh ▪ that men were wise in this point ▪ that they could consider the weaknesse of their wits . But to come to our purpose concerning the Resurrection : Manie a time haue I in my Spirit wondered at the greatnesse of that worke . The Pastour . It shall be a great worke indeede ▪ * But if anie Saducean spirit would doubt of it , it must also doubt more of the creation : I take the creation to haue beene a greater worke : It is more to haue made our bodies of nothing , than to gather their dust together which is now but dispersed : This was a Fathers argument . Vtique idoneus est reficere qui facit : quare miramur ? quarenon credimus ? Deus est qui fecit : Considera authorem & tolle dubitationem . That is , It is easie for God to mak ouer againe that which he hath once made , why marueill wee ? yea , why belieue wee not ? God hath made all : Consider the Maker , and doubt no more . The sicke Man. Let mee heare some-thing out of Scripture concerning this point . The Pastour . There bee many moste famous passages for the probation of that great worke , both out of the olde and New-Testament : I know , said Iob that my Redeemer liueth , and that hee shall stand at the latter day vpon the earth , and though after my skinne ▪ wormes destroy this bodie , yet in my flesh , shall I see God ▪ whom I shall see for my selfe ▪ and mine eyes shall beholde , and not another , though my reines bee consumed within mee . Daniel is cleare in this : Many of them that sleepe in the dust of the earth shall awake : Some to euerlasting life , and some to shame and euerlasting contempt . The Prophet Ezekiel by way of similitude setting the deliuerance of Israel , pointeth at the Resurrection , Behold , O people , saith hee , I will open your Graues and cause you to come vp out of your graues . Christ in the New-Testament made numbers of the Sainctes to come out of the dust of death : What they were , no man can tell their names , whether it was Moses , or Ioshua , Samuel , Dauid , Iosaphat , Iosiah or who , no tongue can tell : But this wee know , that after Christ arose by the power of his Resurrection , hee made manie to come out of their Graues : The graues were opened , and manie bodies of Saints which slept arose , and came out of the graues after his Resurrection , and went into the holy Citie , and appeared vnto manie . The sicke Man. O but that was wonderfull ! Think yee that after that , they did returne to their Graues ? The Pastour . The most Learned esteeme that they neuer did returne back to dust , but that they waited on Christ vntill the day of his Ascention , in which day they did accompanie him vp to the Heauens , where with their Head Christ , they were receiued into Glorie , with the great applause of all Angels and Sainctes , whose Spirits aboue are desiring continuallie to see the day when Soule and bodie shall bee joyned for to bee glorified together for euer . The sicke Man. After that the dead are risen and the liuing changed , what thinke ye shall immediatelie follow before we meete with the Lord himselfe ? The Pastour . In the judgment of some so soone as the dead shall bee raised and the liuing changed , before that we shall meete with Christ into the cloudes , there shall be a sore mourning both among the Godlie and the wicked , for the piercing of that Lord : Euery one of the Godlie in that day shall say as the Butler said to Pharaoh I 〈◊〉 remember my faultes this day . Such a mourning was neuer heard since the world was founded , as shall be heard that day for a space ▪ Christ himselfe hath declared this , saying , Then shall all the Tribes of the earth mourne , when they shall see the Sonne of man comming into the Cloudes : All shall bee agast at the first sight of that High and loftie One , that inhabiteth Eternitie : S , Iohn saith , Behold , hee commeth with Cloudes , and euerie eye shall see him , and they also which pierced him : And all the Kinrides of the Earth shall waile because of him . The Prophet Zacharie compareth this mourning to the mourning of Hadadrimmon in the valley of Megiddon , for the death of good Iosiah . Some thinke that onelie the wicked shall mourne in that day : In my judgement it is the most true opinion : Others by reason of these foresaid passages , thinke that all both Godlie and vngodlie at the first sight of Iesus , shall uaile with great lamentations , while they shall behold him whom they haue pierced . * All at the sight of him who was pierced for and by our sinnes 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 plangent , that is , shall strik their brests with their hands , the signe of great doole . After that the Lord hath suffered his to mourne for a space in his sight , Hee shall incontinent command them to come , and by vertue of his word they shall all as with winges flie vp into the Aire , there for to meete their Lord , * The strength of their heart , the joye of their glorie , the desire of their eyes , and that whereupon they sette their mindes . So soone as they shall come to him hee shall wipe all teares from their eyes : * Then shall these mourning Mordecais put off the Sack-cloth of their doole , for to bee arrayed with the Kings royall apparell , the a White linnen of heauen , the glorious Liuer●… of Christ Iesus : * These hauing b celestiall Crownes vpon their heads , shall glaunce in glorie like shinning c Suns , that all that euer took breath may see d how it shall bee done to them whom the King of Heauen will honour : * When the Godlie shall see themselues so powerfullie deliuered from so fearefull dangers , they shall cry to Christ as the Israelites said to Gideon ▪ e Reigne thou ouer vs , because thou hast deliuered vs : According to their desire hee shall reigne ouer them in all prosperitie : Then shall his f curled Lockes bee fullie dryed of the g Dew and doole droppes of the night of all afflictions . The sicke Man. When the Lord shall come to Iudgement , in what place thinke yee that hee shall sit downe as Iudge for to pronounce his sentence ? The Pastour . It is thought by some that Christ and all his Angels shall come down to the Earth , that the sentence may bee pronounced in the presence of the wicked , who for feare of distresse and destruction , like creeping wormes shall striue to hide themselues vnder Rockes and Mountaines , for to couer themselues from the face of the Lambe : Glad would they be for to haue the cliftes of the rockes , and the secret place of the Graue for a Shelter in that day : * That shall be a day of trouble and of treading downe , a day of perplexitie , and of crying to the mountaines : Then shall the Wicked in fearefull qualmes of griefe beeing haltered with horrours , wish that the Rockes and Mountaines would skippe like Rammes for to leape vpon them , that thereby they might bee hid from the Lambe . But from that Royall Presence there shall bee none escape : * The Angels of great power shall haile them away by force before his great Tribunall , where all the euill they haue committed and all the good they haue omitted , both publicke scandales and secret sinnes , shall bee ript vp and set in open view before all the world to their perpetuall infamie . This is the trueth of Gods word : Iudge nothing before the time , saide S. Paul , vntill the Lord come , who both will bring to light the hidden thinges of darknesse , and will make manifest the counsell of the hearts . * O mercifull God! what is this ? What can foolish man thinke in himselfe while hee concealeth his since Behold here it is written , that at that day God shall make manifest the counsell of the hearts : The world saith often that Thought is free : * But behold here how the verie euill thoughts of the wicked in that day shal be spread out and laide in broad-band before the face of God , of Angels , and of men . * What an aw●…and should this bee for to make vs watch better ouer our most secret thoughts , seeing in that great day before so many famous witnesses , GOD , Sainctes , and Angels , the most secret counsels of the heart shall bee made manifest ? * O then , then , shall the blacke Mores hiddes and Leopardes spottes clearelie bee seene : Then shall all the hidde murthers and all the counsels therof be made manifest : Were hee a King , hee shall not bee able to couer himselfe : Then shall all the hidde Fornications and Adulteries , yea , the verie plots and counsels for such things , though not effectuate , all shall bee brought to light : O yee most vyle hearts , in that day ye shall bee vnboweled and anatamised before the eyes of all that euer breathed on earth . * What thinke yee , O sinners , who will not remember this ? Will yee not thinke vpon this , that the day is fast comming , except that by speedie repentance yee preuent the wrath , God shall discharge vpon you the thunder-bolts of his vengeance ? Vengeance shall beate vpon your braines and breastes wherein your sinnes were bred . The sicke Man. * Oh , that men were wise for to lay such meditations neerest their heart , alas , such thoghts in our hearts are often but rawe and euill digested ▪ Wee oftest misse the corne and choose the chaffe , such are the follies which are euer afloate in our braines . But to come to the maine purpose which wee haue in hand , let me see what warrand these haue in Scripture , who say , That Christ shall come downe to the Earth for to sit in his last Assise . The Pastour . They ground their Assertion vpon the wordes of Iob , who saith , I knowe that my Redeemer liueth , and that hee shall stand at the latter day vpon the Earth : In the French version it is . Il demeurera le dernier sur laterre . That is as our o●…version hath , Hee shall stand the last vpon the earth . By this it would appeare that Christ the Iudge shall come downe to the Earth , where hee shall haue a Iudgement seate for to * doe Iustice vpon that Element where sinne did most abound . Other learned Diuines thinke otherwise , viz. That Christs Throne wherevpon he shall sit that day , shall bee erected in the Aire . The sicke man. Seeing some are of that opinion that Christ shall judge , hee beeing vpon the earth , what place thinke they that hee shall choose for to sit downe into ? The Pastour . As for the particular place where that last Iudgement shall be giuen , some think that it shal be into the ●…ire ouer the valley of Iehoshaphat , neere by the Mount of Oliues , which is not farre from Ierusalem : Their chiefe ground is , from that of Ioel : I will , said the Lord , gather all Nations in the Valley of Iehoshaphat , and will plead with them there : There will I sitte to judge the Heathen round about . The opinion of some is ▪ that where Christ was crucified and put to open shame and railed vpon ▪ there shall he chiefly in that day make manifest his Glorie . * This great Iudge in all appearance shall judge the world in righteousnesse , and conuince the world of sinne and of righteousnesse , where hee himselfe was most vnrighteouslie judged and condemned . Many of the Learned Schoole men thinke that he shall come down toward the mount of Oliues : Their ground is this , That Christ ascended from the mount of Oliues , and that there the Angels said vnto the men of Galilee that were gazing vp toward heauen , that as they had seene him goe into heauen , so should hee come againe . These bee probable conjectures : But in my judgment no man can assuredlie tell in what particular place this great Iudge shall sitte downe for to pronounce his Iudgement : This is most certaine that hee shall come downe : Behold hee commeth , saith S. Iude , with ten thousand of his Saintes , to execute judgement vpon all , and to conuince all that are vngodlie among them , of all their vngodlie deeds which they haue vngodly commited , and of all their hard speeches , which vngodlie sinners haue spoken against him . The sicke Man. After what forme thinke ye that Christ shal come downe from Heauen at doomes-day that great judiciall day ? The Pastour . In the most glorious forme that is possible to him , with whom nothing is impossible : That glorious King shall bee accompanied with all the Armies of heauen . Before him in die illo decritorio , in that judiciall day , shall bee heard a shout a voice of an Archangell : The most shrill Trumpet of heauen shall sound so high with a rebounding noise that the dead in their Graues shall awake and arise out of their beddes like sleeping men that are wakened in the morning with the sound of the Drumme , or fift houre Bell : At that sound all the dead must come out of their Graues , as men after sleepe arising out of their beddes : * None then must lye still with the Sluggard , who turning himselfe on his bed as a doore on its hinges , saith , Yet a little sleepe , a little slumber , a little folding of the hands to sleepe : No , not : At the first shout , at the first voyce of the Archangell ▪ at the first blast of the Trumpet , all shall arise and compeare before the face of that Iudge in the day of that great general Assemblie , whē God shal comfort his owne , and mak a speedie riddence of the wicked ▪ whom he shall denoure by the fyre of his jealousie : None shall bee able in that day to award his blowes : There shall bee such paines which no damned Soule shall bee able to auoide , or abide : But the Godlie most gladly like Eagles about dead bodie shal flock about their Lord. The sicke Man. I heare by your discourse that the LORD shall come downe in great pompe and magnificence : After that hee is come downe into his Charet with his thousand thousands , what shall bee done next ? The Pastour . Daniel saith , that the Iudgement shall bee set and the Bookes shall bee opened : After that Christ by his power hath cast downe all the little thrones of Emperours and Kings , he himselfe shall sitte downe vpon a Throne of infinite Majestie : His Garments shall bee white as snow , and his Haire like pure wooll : This is said by Daniel , for to let vs see that the Iudge of the world shal be vpright & spotlesse in his Iugdement : To this is subjoyned by the Prophet , That the judgement was set . The sicke Man. I vnderstand not well these last words ▪ What is that to say , That the Iudgement was set ? The Pastour . * It is in the Hebrew Dinaiethib : In the Latin Iudicio considonte , or as Arius Montanus hath turned it Iudicium sedit , that is ▪ The Iudgement sat downe , that is , as who would say , The Session sat downe . * By this Iudgement some of the Learned , vnderstand Christ and his Saints with him , as Assessours ▪ in that jurie all sitting , Christ for to judge , & they for to approue his Iudgement . * This then know , That when the Sonne of man shall come in his Glorie , not with a scornefull Reede in his hand , but with a celestiall Scepter , hee shall separate the Godlie and the wicked one from another : His God ▪ head which in the dayes of his flesh did lurke , shall in that Session most ardentlie appeare with such a brightnes as shall make the eyes of deuils to dazle . The Iudgement beeing thus orderlie set , the Bookes shall bee opened . The sicke Man. What Bookes are these which shall bee opened ? The Pastour . S. Iohn speaking of that last Session day , saith , I saw the dead great and small standing before God , and the Bookes were opened , and the dead were judged out of these thinges that were written in the Bookes according to their workes . Your desire is to knowe what Bookes these bee which shal be opened in that great Day : In my judgement there shall bee two Bookes opened that day : * The first is that golden Booke of the Godlie called , The Booke of life , which in the Chapter following is called , The Lambes Booke of life : These whose names are written in that Booke , are said in Isaiah , to be written among the liuing in Ierusalem . This is that Booke whereof Moses spake when hee said to God , If thou wilt not forgiue this people , blotte mee I pray thee out of the Booke which thou hast written : This may bee called , The predestination Booke , which is kept in Heauen : Rather re●…oyce , said Christ to his Disciples , that your names are written in Heauen . The sicke Man. Thinke yee Sir , that God hath anie matteriall Booke , wherein the names of his Saintes are written ? The Pastour . No , not : * But as one saith well Infallibilis Dei memoria & aeterna ad vitam ▪ electiò , liber dicitur : That is , The infallible memorie of God , and his eternall electiō vnto life , is called a Booke : Wherefore that ? Will ye say , because that which is written in our Booke is most surelie kept : If we haue a thing to day in our memorie , wee may forget it incontinent : But if it bee well written in our Booke , wee are sure of it : * According to this God for to shew vnto his deare Ones how well hee remembereth them , hee saith , That hee hath written them vpon the palmes of his hands : This is that Booke of rememberance , whereof speaketh Malachie . One of the Learned calleth well the Booke of Life Symbolum electionis , the signe or badge of our election : * This is that which the Prophet Ezekiel calleth , The writting of the house of Israel , and secret of the Lord. The sicke Man. But how is it said , That this Book shall bee opened ? The Pastour . The Book of Life or of predestination is said , to bee opened when it shall appeare to all the world , who they are whō God hath predestinate : * So long as the Godlie are heere , they are Gods secret Ones no more knowne to the world , than a man is able to read that which is within a closed Booke . While it shal be seene by all what they are , then that Booke is said , To bee opened : When these off-scourings of the world , the most despised among men , shall bee seene vpon Thrones shining like a Sunnes about their God , b the Sunne of righteousnesse , then shall all the wicked read as in an open Booke , that these whom they once did despise , were truelie the Saintes of God. * The Booke of predestination is like that Booke of the Reuelation , which was so fast sealed that no man could open it , but the Lyon of the tribe of Iudah , without the force of a Lion , such seales could not bee lifted vp . The sicke Man. I haue heard concerning the Book of the Godlie . Now let me know what be these Bookes wherein were written all the workes of the wicked , according to which S. Iohn saith , that they shall bee judged : * By this it would appeare that all the sinnes which they in their life did commit vnder the curtaine of darknesse shall then bee set in open view : O the deepe displeasure of our God : Happie they who are highlie in his fauour : I would gladlie know what a blacke bible is that which is called , the Book of the wicked . The Pastour . * When Christ the Ancient of dayes sitting vpon his Throne , readie for to judge the wicked , shall bee vpon the touch of their tryall , the Books of accounts shall bee laide open : The Book of the Godlie is but one Book called , The Booke of the Lambe , and the Booke of Life ▪ But as for the wicked while the Scirpture speaketh of them , it speaketh of Bookes in the plurall number : The Bookes ▪ were opened , saith . S. Iohn , And the dead were judged out of these thinges that were written in the Bookes . * By these Bookes some vnderstand the Law of God , and their own Conscience : Their bosome Booke like Vriahs Letters ▪ containing their own death : Let mee also add●… vnto these two a third Booke , ei●…en the Booke of the Gospel . First of all , the Lord shall open his Law Book vnto the wicked , where they shall see what they haue done , that God hath forbidden , and what they haue not done , that hee hath commanded : * At the breach of euerie command they shall see curles of Woe , woe , woe , annexed like the reekie taile of a Comet ▪ which are nothing but the smoke of Gods wrath . After that with sore sighing & griefe of minde they haue read through all the Book of the Law , & haue clearlie seene what filthie breaches they haue made , to them shall bee presented the Booke of the Gospel , wherein they shall see that they haue sinned against the reemeede of sinne by refusing grace offered vnto them , and by treading vnder their vncleane feete the precious Blood of the Lambe , the price of their Redemption . * Thogh the wicked shall indeed be judged according to their workes , yet the maine cause of their condemnation shall bee , because they would not belieue in the Son of God : For this cause the Gospel which is that Book of Faith , shal be Gods chiefe Booke of Iudgement , according to this S. Paul plainelie saith , That in that day God shall judge the secrets of men by Iesus Christ according to my Gospel . * Nowe lest the wicked should thinke God anie wise to bee vnrigh ▪ teous while hee judgeth , the third Booke , like Iosephs Cup where by hee did diuine , shall bee produced , euen their bosome Booke , the Booke of their owne Conscience , the Booke of Nature and of Nations , which euerie one of them had in keeping within their brest , since they could discerne good by euill : * What euer they haue spoken , wrought , or thought , there shall they finde it written , in most black Characters , & as it were subscribed with their owne hand , so that they shall not be able to haue a face for to deny , no more thā a man can denye his owne hand write . * The Letters of that Booke shall be printed with so great a Character that all the Godlie who shall bee Christs Assessours in that Iurie , for to passe their Verdict vpon them shall see easilie a farie off all the shame of the wicked , which was once closse ▪ couered vnder ▪ vanished colours of great godlinesse . O in that day all their filthy thoghts and craftie conueyances , and secret conspiracies , and hidde murthers , and adulteries , and all other mischiefe , the vnhappie cockle & darnell of their heartes , whereof they were secretlie guiltie , shall be sette in open view before GOD , Angels , and men : All their faces shall be couered with the filthinesse of their menstruous clouts : All their sins both knowne and secret , shall God set in order before them , that all eyes of men and Angels may beholde their abominations : O short so●…r sweete pleasures , with long euerlasting tailes of sorrow . * O but the Saintes of God shall wonder in that day to see so manie whom they while they liued iudged in Charitie to bee godlie and well set persons : O , say I , but they shall wonder to see them in ba●…e bondage , among the blacke band , hauing the Books of their Consciences blotted with so many Items of i●…lle and wicked thoughtes , which in this life could neuer be taken within the walk of humane justice : * After the Items of their vile thoughts , shall appeare the Items of idle and wicked words : After all , shall bee seene the most filthie Items of their most vile & abominable works , which they thought had beene buried in eternall obliuion : The dashing tempest of Gods wrath shall wash out all the varnished paintings of their hypocrisie ▪ Mercifull GOD ▪ what shame in that day shall come with confusion vpon all the faces of the wicked ▪ When such secret sinnes as hid murthers , by Sword or by poyson , hid adulteries , incest , stollen inches & false weights , & all other such iniquities whereof this world is full , and that vnder a faire colour and shewe of godlinesse , when all these hid sianes ▪ say I , shall bee singled out and shall come to light , the Godlie whome they once reputed precise fooles and simple Fellowes , shall wonder at the sight thereof : * Then shall they point at such persons , saying among themselues , Fye , fye , out vpon him , out vpon her , Ohshame : who could haue thought that euer hee had beene such a man , or that shee had beene such a woman ? was this the life that these dapper & delicate persons did leade vnder the faire colour of such a glorious profession ? Ah stinking hypocrites , formall Pharisees with your sodered shewes , to whom poore poore Publicans seemed to bee no bodie , because while yee sinned , God kept silence yee thought that hee was altogether such a one as your selfe : But now hee shall reproue you , and shall set all your sinnes in order before you : It shall bee clearlie proued vnto your faces & false hearts , that ye were but painted Tombes and whited walls : The Lord in his furie shall hurle you out of your place ▪ Hee in his rage shall push you all downe like a rotten and tottering wall ▪ Nothing shall bee able to dazele or deceiue the eyes of your Iudge . The sicke Man. The Lord bee mercifull to my sillie Soule : The Lord cast all my sinnes behind thy backe , and burie them in the bottome of the Sea. It is euident then as I see that all secret sinnes shall come to light in that day , and shall bee seene written with Letters great like mountaines ▪ for to be seen by the eyes of all these that euer tooke life , and that to the euerlasting shame and infamie of these who in the dayes of Gods patience , turned his grace into wantonnesse . The Pastour . It is most certaine that there is nothing which shall not bee seene that day : * All the closse corruptions where ▪ with the wicked were stuft and swelled , shall bee sette in open view , all the wicked shall be known , yea , euerie mothers sonne of them , shal be clearelie seene vnmasked and vnwizored , yea , stript starke nacked of all their cloakes of craftinesse : What haue they thought or wrought , it shall bee sought and found : The Lord by the light beames of his eyes ▪ Sonnes of thunder , and of lightning , shal●… seeke and scearch thorow the secrets of all hearts , after that manner wherof Zephaniah hath written : At that time , saith the Lord , will I search Ierusalem with lamps , and visite the men that are frozen in their dreg●… ▪ and say in their heart , The Lord will neither doe good nor euill : Then shall bee seene who sported in Meshech ▪ and who ruffled in the tents of Ke●…ar ▪ contented themselues with painted and guilded graces . After that the Lord hath found out with this light all their abominations and hath set them in order before them , then shall hee cry , Ah , I will case mee of mine aduersaries That said , hee shall fling contempt vpon their faces . The wicked then shall bee so pined with such pinches , yea , so astonished , as that no tong can expresse : They who while they had time to repent , would not shed a teare for to get Gods mercie , would then , when the Sun-shine of their glorie is past , be glad to please God , by powering out the dearest drops of their blood into teares , wherewith they might bath the feete of Iesus . * O the terrors of that day : That day shall bee moste fearefull , it shall bee like a day of Battell , wherein nothing is to be heard but noise , squeaking & yellings , nothing to be seene but gaping of wounded men , and tumbling of garmentes into blood : al these who on earth were rotten at the heart shal be ranked in the number of that bashfull band . O what vnspeakable feares and tremblinges shall then seaze vpon these wretched soules : In all partes they shall bee wounded : Three restlesse plagues , Sorrow , Shame , and Feare shall continuallie nettle them , till an heaped treasure of wrath come rushing vpō them with breath of kindled Iuniper : Sathan shall continuallie fl●…sh in their face , fire whose flammes shall beefed with riuers of Brim stone kindled with an euerlasting wrath : The great God with the Hammer of his vengeance shall strike thorow the rebellious loynes of their pride , and shall breake the yron sinews of their obstinacie : * Then would they giue a world for an hole in heauen for to relish the least pleasures that be there : No tongue of man or Angel can fullie expresse the least part of these woes : * Manie millions of their earthlie pleasures shall bee deare boght with one minute of such paines : Their best shall bee the ●…rie contrarie of that which they like best : For all shall goe to all : Reeling shal be their rest , & paines their pleasures , mourning shall bee all their mirth , and their Bone musicke shall be but gnashing of teeth , euen in the presence of their Iudge before whom they shall stand lik abominable monsters , and spectacles of amazement : * Thus as is well said in the Psalme , The way of the wicked hee turneth vp side downe : At the first dash he shall break in pieces the claspes & haspes of their foolish hopes , wherein once boldlie they did sinne , that grace might abound . The sicke Man. O how fearefull shall their condition bee , while like Tinder before the fyrereadie to bee consumed , they shall stand araigned before the Barre of Gods justice , with the volumes of their sinnes written in Letters great like mountaines , so that euery eye may read them . * The Lord as I think out of a sower , seuere , & imperious austeritie , shall behold that cursed band with glauncing eyes of vnuterable wrath , wherefrae shall come nothing but wilde fyre , brim-stone , and gun-powder , for the euerlasting firing of their Conscience . * Not onelie shall the Lord behold their vilanies , but to all eyes that euer saw sight , hee shall anatamize their guilefull heartes wherein all their most filthie plottes and deuices shall bee seene vnto their euerlasting shame and infamie : O what shame and confusion of face : O what feares and tremblings , shall seaze vpon these who on earth for a point of their hose would bee at daggers dr●… ▪ wing with the greatest . Then shall these who were bold to sinne in their life , despising God , and his threatnings : Then shall they shake and quake like a man whose neck is laide vpon the blocke waiting for nothing but the dead st●…ok from the instrument of death : The●… 〈◊〉 their comfort shall bee turned 〈◊〉 confusion : Then shall they know howe foolishlie they conceiued an imaginarie Hell , while pressed down vnder a sinnefull load , the wrath of God like a Mile-stone shall cruch them downe to the deepes of despaire , where one sorrow succeeding , shall foreuer presse at the heeles of another . The Pastour . O these vnspeakable terrours ! It is most certaine that Belshazzar neuer did speake , so while hee saw the hand writting on the wall , as the wicked these doolefull wights shall doe when they shall stand before God with the Bookes of the Law Gospel , and of Consciences , laide open before them : Horrours shall bee heaped vpon them with terrours & torments , wherof a created Nature can be capable : O then what g●…ashing of teeth and volumes of woes ! They shall bee so soacked in teares and facaked with sorrowe , that who shall see them , shall see the ve●…ie image of Death , and yet none shall pitie them : There shall they stand script starke n●…cked before their ludge , ●…ik criminals vpon the pannell , looking for nothing but present condemnation both of soul●… and bodie , which God shall make the eternall fu●…ll of euerlasting fla●…es : The Soule and bodie combined mates in miserie , shall mourne for euermore . The sicke M●…n . O Lord , season my Soule with the graces of thy Spirit , reuiue it with the spirituall vigour : Let mee liue the life of the righteous , and let mine end b●…e like vnto theirs . I haue heard you Sir with great attention declare that when Christ shall sitte downe to judge , hee shall separate the wicked from the Godly as Goates from the Sheepe , and that the wicked with all the hoast of hell lapped vp in that same bundle of condemnation ▪ shall s●…and at his left hand , and that the Godlie shall litte vpon Thronos at his right hand . Nowe I desire to knowe of you what shall bee the case of the Godly at the right hand before that the ludgement bee pronounced . The Pastour . It hath beene tolde you that the Wicked who on Earth made the world to tremble with their boisterous brags , shall at Gods Left hand bee standing in disgrace , discount , & discountenance with their Iudge : There shall they stand all trembling , hauing before them the Booke of the Lawe , where they shall see all their Sins , of Thoughts , Words , & Workes : While their guilted Consciences shal be crying guiltie within them at the sight of the Lawe Booke of their transgressions , the Lord for to aggrauate their griefe , shal present before them the Book of the Gospel , wher they shall see how by vnbeliefe they haue sinned against the remeede of sinne : * With these two shall bee joyned the Booke of their Consciences , ratifying vnto them that what is cōtained into the other two Bookes , is an vndoubted trueth : At the reading of these bloodie Bookes , as yee haue alreadie heard , their Consciences shall be ●…ortured with vnspeakable amazement & feare : Their Soules all agast , pricked & perplexed , shall yawne for a drop of comfort , which no creature aboue or below shall bee able to affoorde . Now ye desire to know what shal be in that time the estat of the god●…lie Christes right hand , before that the Iudgement bee pronounced . It is certaine that they all in great Glorie , wearing the shining Crownes of immortalitie , shall sit vpon 〈◊〉 beeing more bright , than the Sunn●… at the noone-day : In judgement they shall passe verdict on the wi●…ked : They shall all in that summ●…r processe sit as Christs assessours , for 〈◊〉 judge the Angels , that is ▪ For to approue Christs ●…udgement pronounced against the Deuils the euill ●…gels & against all that cursed crue of the Reprobates , who in their life liuing vnder maskes of mischiefe , branded them with the nik-names of puritanisme , proud hypocrisie , glorious singularitie , & phā●…astick precisenes who in a word , in hight of stomacke ruffling & swashing , did tread vpon Gods Turtles , accounting them the most vile off-scourings of the Earth . O but the wicked who on earth were swelled with selfe conceit , shall wonder to see these to bee the Assessours of their Iudge in highest fauour with God , whose life once they counted madnesse : O what a wonder shall it seeme to the worldlie wise , when they shal see these simple Ones , whose life they loathed , whom they counted fools on earth , al decked & adorned with rarest jewels , so high set vpon Thrones with the most glorious Angels of God : O how shall they whom their life reposed in a beddes of Yvorie , be amazed to behold Gods b little ones so brightlie c shining like Suns with glistering Crownes & glorious Garlands possessing fullie Wealth , Honour , Health , and Hearts desire , yea , pleasures vnparalleled by any that heart of flesh can wish . * The wicked beholding this , shall be swallowed vp with griefe and groanes , for then shall they remember how on Earth they haue drowned the good motions of the Spirit in vaine ryots , prophanenesse , and revillings of good fellowship . I say againe , that the wicked who once in their swaggering humour , & accursed gallentnes , were wont to braue it out with the best , with the great contempt of Christs little Ones shall wonder , and wonder againe at the sight of these whom God in that day shall honour : * Are these they , shall they say , whom some times wee had in derision , and of whom we made a pa●…able of reproach ? Are these the men and women whom wee in hight of stomacke disdained to beholde ? Behold , now wee see that they are indeede that which on earth they were called , euen Saintes , Gods most excellent ones . Certainelie the glorious glaunces of these blessed and beautified bodies , sitting all in royall apparell shall strike the wicked in a wonderfull maze , while they shall behold such jewels of joye , they shall be striken into the dumbe dumppes of saddest melancholie : O the follie of such miserable mucke-wormes , who count it now an heauen to creepe and crawle in oyled and buttered paths of carnall prosperitie ! But in short to proceede in this purpose orderlie . When all things shal be put to an order , the wicked beeing at the left , and the Godlie at the right hand , in my judgement there shall be a great silence , that the Iudge may haue audience : All men shall beestedfastlie looking for to heare what GOD the LORD shall say : Then God shall lay judgement to the Lyne , and righteousnes to the Plummet : Thē shall the Lord rise vp as in mount Perazin , and shall bee wroth as in the valley of Gibeon , that hee may doe his worke , his strange worke , and bring to passe his act , his strange act : O that cleare and bright shining Eye , which nothing in that day shall bee able to escape ! The sicke Man. To whom thinke yee that Christ in that Iudgment shall first addresse his speach ? Whether shall he speak first vnto the Godlie , who in a sacred violence did tak the Kingdome , or to the wicked , vvho in the dayes of their flesh did sleepe most softlie in the downes of securitie , caring for nothing , but their Purses and their Paunches ? The Pastour . The Lord shall speake first vnto his owne , who are the chosen generation , the royall Priest-hood , the holy Nation , the peculiar people : * To these sitting at his right hand , first shall hee say with his Lillie lippes dropping sweete Myrrhe : Come yee blessed of my Father , inherite the Kingdome prepared for you from thee foundation of the world . * At the hearing of these words of their Lords most louing inuitation , all their senses shall open like floode gates for to receiue vnspeakable Ioyes . What tongue can tell what joy the Lambes Bride with her purple Head and Doues Eyes , shall haue whē She shall see with what a Bridegrome Shee shall bee matched that day . After that the Lord hath comforted his owne , hee shall turne him to the Goats , that bashfull band , trembling at his left hand : * Before that hee open his mouth to speake , hee shall behold these bruite beastes made to bee taken and destroyed : With fierie lookes , with kindled eyes , sparkling furie , and rage , and fl●…shes of lightening , hee shall behold these deuils droiles , doolefull creatures : In his countenance they shall reade the Characters of awefull terrours euen of the horrours of hell : At the first sight of that angrie Majestie , with brent browes and his sterne countenance , a Torrent of terrours shall violentlie rush vpon their Soules , dashing them with a dazling astonishment . Then shall they wish in these flamming horrours vexing them to the quicke , that mountaines would fall aboue them for to hid them from such angrie eyes : Thē shal they know how foolish they were in their life-time to think that while they sinned , the Lord was but a stocke or a stone which could not perceiue them . * O that glauncing wrath , which like fire shall greaslie appeare in the eyes of that Iudge , tenne thousand times brighter than the Sunne ▪ The glaunces of that fierie furie shall so dazle the sigh●… of the Reprobate , yea , shall so dash them , that they shall not bee able to abide his countenance ▪ No , not ; though their eyes were of steale , or of yron , nothing then shall stand in the gappe against the irruptions of such a fierce and fierie vengeance . * While these prophane men liued on earth in a blazing prosperity they thought their mountaine so strong , that they could neuer bee moued : In their life-time they liued in gladnesse : At their end they deceased fairely in the eyes of the world : They seemed Saints , because that in their death were no bands : But O the terrours that abide them . * At the first sight of their Iudge a Torrent of terrours shall most violentlie rush vpon their Soules standing in an heauie dumpe & waiting on their dreadfull doome : While they liue heere , the stone of their heart is like an grauell stone , so bedded in the bladder , that it cannot be painefull : Little dreame the wicked now that such fearefull and hellish horrours are preparing for them : But O their euerlasting woe is presentlie in hatching and hammering : It is neerest to the birth while the wicked are most secure : Sudden destruction is neerest , while the preaching of peace are doubled by crying , Peace and saftie . * Happie is the man to whom the Lord doeth vouchsafe the grace in this world to waken out of the drousie slumber of sin , for to repēt in time ? Woe to these in whose hearts the long forebearance of Gods wrath hath wrought a more frozen coldnesse & presumptuous securitie , wherein being lulled , they are carried in a most sweete and sound sleepe , to places where their eye-lids shall neuer bee refreshed with rest any more : O how shall they fling and cry , when they shall feele themselues stung & galled vpon thesore . * After that the Lord hath brow-beaten them with the biggest lookes of his wrath , and hath terrified them with his piercing eyes of fire , and after that he hath disclaimed all interest that euer hee had into them , hee shall cause take these Foxes that spoiled his vines : That done , he shall vnsheath the flamming sword of his vengeance with these most fearefull wordes of excommunication , Depart from mee yee cursed into euerlasting fyre prepared for the Deuill and his Angels ▪ In that fire like dry chippie burne-wood they shall burne , but in this they shall bee like Salamanders , that they shall neuer bee consumed . By that moste fearefull blast of wrath the LORD shall chase them all away from before his face as the chaffe of the mountaines before the winde , and like a rolling thing before the whirle wind : * The mightie Lord lowring with a darke and cloudie countenance , shall then in great furie lay about him with the heauie hammer of his judgements , and that with full weight : With one stroke , without any iteration of strokes , from the best strength of a diuine Arme : Hee shall bring downe their hairie scalpes to the lowest dungeon of Death , euen to euerlasting burning brimstone beames , which no mercie shall be able to coole or quench : There shall they drinke in cuppes of wrath for euer . * If these miserables could bee put out of paine vpon the sudden , they should not be altogether comfortlesse : But the mercilesse vengeance of Gods wrath shall adde leasure and lingring to their dying life and liuing death , that sensiblie they may feel death in a life of vntollerable sufferings : No mercie , no pittie , no regard shall bee had vnto them , no , not but the Lords justice shall charge the edge of his flamming sword vpon the heads and heartes of these doolefull creatures of infamous ranke : These fearefull blowes of Iustice shall bee without any mixture of mercie ▪ * He who created them without any labour , shall destroy them without any losse : Snaires , fire , and brimstone in that day shall raine downe vpon the hairie scalpe of euerie one which in their life-time did goe on in their sins without ●…emorse : In this perplexitie & anguish besieged with judgements both felt & feared , shall they slād before their Iudge all trembling and waiting vpon the sentence of that doolefull doome . The sicke Man. What shall become of the wicked after that the Lord hath dischairged them his presence any more , by commanding them to depart ? The Pastour . * So soone as the Lord hath pronounced these words of euerlastingexcommunication , they shall all incontinent goe downe to Hell in heapes , for to bee scorcht & parcht with the euerlasting burninges of a deuouring wrath : They who haue bene intrapped in their sins , shall be entombent in Gods plagues . There shal be no more abiding for them , in his presence : they shal be chassed frō their God , vnto euerlasting exile in dungeons of Deuils and of darknes ▪ where they shall bee pestered with vnspeakable doole in floods of fire , wherin they shall waile and yele for euer . Gods most heauie vengeance lik a Barley Loafe tumbling from aboue , shall thrust them downe and crush them altogether like the Tents of the Midianites : Sathan then with all the spight he can shall lay on load with milstones of miseries hung about their neckes : Hee shall drawe them down with chaines of curses to the dungeons of darknesse : Thus Hell with a gaping gulfe shall swallow them all at once : They shall goe downe most fearefullie with grappling Deuils with squeeles & roaring voyces , which beeing heard by the blessed ( in whose eyes and sides they once were prickes and thornes ) shall rouse vp their hearts wonderfully to rejoyce and sing with such an high tune that shall mak the whole world to resound with a reboūding noise . Mine heart trembleth to thinke vpon these torments which the wicked shall suffer into the fierie Lake after their departing from before their Iudge : All wordes faile mee , I finde my conceptions too weak in thinking vpon that infinite wrath : * O then these who enjoyed once all the pleasures which could bee purchased on Earth , shall want all the good which they can desire , and receiue all the euill which they can deserue : * They shall for euer be dying in a life which shall neuer end , that they may dye continuallie , and that in vtter darknesse , where Sunne neuer shined , where Day shall neuer dawne : because that in the days of their flesh on earth they wold not so liue to die , that they might die to liue , they shall for euer in the Hell dye to liue , that they may liuing to dye , a liuing death & a dying life a life & death of woes . These miserable creatures shal be so perplexed , that they shall both grieue to liue and feare to dye : They shall desire absolutelie neither death nor Life , & yet in a manner shall they wish for both , but all in vaine : The full bended Iustice of God shall giue no truce to their teares , nor place to their plaints . Vnto all these terrours of Gods wrath shal be joyned , another feare , euen Sathan the king of feare , hee in most bitter spight shall besiege these trembling Soules with vnspekable terrours : * For he shall stare them in the face with most grizlie formes and terrible representations : Hee in great furie shall hunt out vpon them most fearefull gnawing wormes which shall feast on their Consciences . The thoughtes of such thinges should pierce , as I thinke ▪ euen vnto the verie center of leared Consciences . O but the assurance of happinesse in many is false and misgrounded : Obstinate sinners , whose hearts are hard paued with obstinate rebellion , think now that they shall neuer see that day , because God now keepeth silence ▪ they thinke that he is lik vnto them : But the slower Gods hand be in comming on , the fadder and ●…orer shall his stroake bee : While the wicked most securelie snort in their sinnes , dreaming of saftie and suretie , euen then their judgement lingreth not , and their damnation is not in a slumber : This shall they know by sense and feeling when Gods most fierie jealousie shall breake foorth vpon them like the sorrowes of a woman in trauell : No sorrow can be heere like vnto their sorrowes : Fire ▪ chaines , rackes , and lashing whips cannot expresse the shadow of one infernall tor tour : All the woes that euer were heard on earth are nothing to the least of these vnpittied plaints . The sicke Man. I haue one question for to propound to you : It is concerning the order of Christes proceeding into Iudgement : What reason is there thinke ye that the Iudge in that day shall first absolue the godlie , by bidding them Come with his Fathers bl●…ssing , before that he speake a word vnto the wicked , whose hearts in their life-time for the most parte were sealed vp by the spirit of slumber . The Pastour . I finde two probable reasons , first because the great God of mercie is more bent to shew mercie toward his creatures , than to powre vengeance vpon them , and that for to teach all Iudges to execute Iustice with Grauitie and griefe . Beholde heere howe our God , while hee is euen come vnto the last periode , giueth vnto the wicked who in their life with Whoorish fore-heads , out faced the Sunne , behold , I say , how hee giueth them a certaine respite ▪ and a delay from Hell in that space while hee is speaking vnto the Godlie : And yet the more slowlie hee striketh , the surer shall hee sette his blow , which shall shake euerie sinew of their bodie and each power of their Soule . * The other reason wherefore he speaketh first to the Godlie such words of comfort and of comming , is that the wicked who in the dayes of their vanitie combined sport with spight against him , may see how good a God hee shall bee to all these which haue serued him heere in Faith and trueth . * O what shall the trembling Soules of these vvorldlre brates that would not serue Christ in their life thinke when they shall heare that Lord so sweetlie in so sweete heauenly & honey vvords , say vnto al his Saints his dearest Darlings , whom they as out-casts despised on Earth , Come yee blessed of my Father , come and be all Kings , with mee for euer more : Come from the ●…awes of Death to the joyes of an euer blessed Life : Such wordes shall make the heartes of the Godlie to daunce and leape within them for joye ; but shall make the heartes of the wicked to droope and to bleede for sorrow . O what would Diues in the fyre boyling Lacke then giue for to bee in the place of Lazarus ! * Manie Kings of Princelie but prophane blood , which haue borne the Crowne and swayed the Scepter aboue the heades of many thousāds being drunke with idolatric : * Secret murther of their Parents for to sit vpō their Throne , shal thē spue and fall , but shall neuer rise againe : They all drenched in a poole of vvrath , shall wish in that day that they had vvept and vvypt the feete of Le●…s with the haires of their head , yea that they had beene borne Beggers , hauing the Faith and feare of Iesus . My heart trembleth to think how so many thousands who deemed & dreamed once to bee saued , shall with damned Deuils rush downe to the snakie poole of perdition , because like Swyne in their life they trampled vnder feete the precious pearle of mercie , purchased by the Blood of Iesus . The sicke Man. After that the sentence shal be pronounced , whether thinke yee that the wicked shall first goe to paine , or the Godlie vnto pleasure ? The Pastour . It would seeme by the words of the Gospel , that the wicked ▪ that base brood of corruption , to whome Christ hath spokē last , shal first goe to torment : After that the doome is giuen out with a roaring thūder , it is said , & these shal goe away to euerlasting punishmēt , but the righteous vnto life eternal : After that the wicked are like chaffe chaissed away to brimstone beames , the Armes of Christ and the Gates of Glorie shall stād wide open for to giue entrance to the righteous , whō the Father Christ of Iesus shall receiue with most cordiall embracements vnto their euerlasting comfort : Blessed are they who nowe cast their bread vpon the vvaters , looking neither for thankes nor recompence from men , for then they shall bee richlie rewarded by God. The sicke Man. What reason thinke yee can bee of that order ? that before the Godlie goe to Glorie , the vvicked all in a r●…ue shall bee hurled away to euerlasting punishment , beeing thrust downe into the dominions of darknes , most fearfull spectacles of amazement ? O how these so mi●…ie men shal then bee pensiue and perplexed . The Pastour . This would seeme to be the maine reason , viz. For thereby to kindle vp so much the more the loue of the Godlie toward their God : The bitter bickering and fearefull squeeles of the Reprobate hurling downe to hell , beeing heard and seene by the Godlie , shall make the joyes of heauen to relish the sweeter vnto them . * If while a people were in a Church , the Church should fall downe and smother the one halfe , not doing any harme vnto the other , these who should escape , should by beholding the crushed and bloodie bones of others , much more be rauished with the joy of such a deliuerance than if the house had not fallen at all * When Dathan and Abiram with their companies sanke down to Hell in the sight of all Israel , what joye thinke ye had these whom the earth did beare aboue ? Manie who neuer in their life gaue God thankes for that the sward of the earth hath borne them aboue , if they should see such a sight as of Dathan and of Abiram , they would regard the benefite the more , and would giue God moe thankes for that one mercie , than for all by-gane fauours shewed vnto them since they beganne to vvalke vpon the ground : Wee thanke God little that the earth beareth vs aboue because wee see it not swallow vp sinners with a gaping gulfe : * while men see the miserie of others it wakens into them the sense of Gods mercie toward them . * O how glad shall the Godlie bee then , that they haue serued God , when they shall see the Deuil & his Darnell the wicked seede , cast into a fierie Lake ! when these blessed soules shal see the hels opē , & the black deuils flashing fire into the faces of the wicked , & hurling away these damned spirits with fearfull cryes & shrikes downe to the dungeons of distresse , & to most vile Vaults of darknesse entrinched among gnawing wormes stinking Scorpions and hissing Serpents , then they who were wont to weepe for the sins of the wicked in this life , shal haue no cōpassion on them ; but shall laugh to see them lashed , rejoycing in the justice of their God powred out vpon ▪ these , that in a selfe liking of their owne estate , despised the ▪ sweetenes of his mercie : O happie they who gather themselues before the decree come foorth . * Behold , and consider what a change is this : These who mourned of before for their sinnes shall then solace themselues in their sorrowes : The shriks & squoakes of these damned soules falling down to hel which shal be to the wicked a song of judgement , shal be to the Godlie in that day quite otherwise , euen a song of mercie full of mirth and of Musicke : O how sweete then shall mercie bee to the Godlie when they shall see what Gods fearefull vengeance shall work on the wicked , whom their life by an accursed Alchymie , turned the grace of their God into wantonnesse ! O how rejoyced shall their heartes bee , when that great IEHOVAH shall begin to sway with his Almightie Arme , that mace of yron for to dash these fore-lorne limmes with paine both of sense and of losse . Then shall the Theefe wish that both his hands had beene maimed and mutilate : Then shall the vncleane person whose eyes are filled with adulterie and filthinesse , wish that he had beene borne blind : Then shall the Drunkard wish that he had beene borne without a mouth : Then shall the Blasphemer a man of bloody oathes wish that his tongue with a Turkesse had beene torne out of his throat : * This also for a surplus shall bee joyned to their anguish , none shall bee for to wish them well , or for to condole their miserie . * The decree beeing once come foorth , and the doome of damnation beeing once pronounced with these wordes of command , Depart from mee , &c. All the vngodlie in scarlet abominations , who in their excessiue pride rousted on high as in Eagles nests ▪ shall in that day fall down with Deuils into that Dungeon and ward house of Hel , wher ther is no light but for to let these which are tormented see their miserie , no darknesse but that which may hid from their eyes all sortes of comfort : Then all their by-past burning pleasures shall bee quenched into the fire of Hell lik●…ed hote yrō quenched into water with an extinguishing noise : Nothing shal be then but shouting & gnashing of teeth , sighing , sobbing , and fearfull groanes , a Fewell of fire , and garments rolled in blood : All wicked Soules shall that daye bee drencht into an Occan of desperat displeasure , and shall bee carried away with an invnding spaite of spitefull wrath . O what joye shall bee kindled into the heartes of the Godlie , when on the one hand they shall behold the miseries of the Theiues , Drunkards , Adulterers , Fornicators , and Blasphemers , who were wont wantonlie to stretch out their throates into high blastes of blasphemie , & whē on the other part they shall consider how God in mercie hath fastened them as nailes into a sure place , which cannot bee shaken ! O what gladnesse of heart shall the Saintes haue , after that they haue seene the wicked tumbled downe into Hell , to see what companie they shall be into among Angels of light & loue with Christ himselfe , in whose face is fulnesse of joye , at whose right hand are pleasures for ouermore . * These pleasures vnspeakable , for the greatnesse of themselues , shal bee commended vnto the Godlie by two by-respects : First , by the consideration of that infinite woe and hellish virulencie , without anie mixture of mercie , whereinto they shall see the wicked to be plunged , wherof they shall bee free : Secondlie , by the rememberance of the miserie whereinto they liued , while they did dwell on earth , during the dayes of their vanitie , their estate changed to the better , shall become the sweeter : Are they not these who are called Lillies among the thornes ? doeth Scripture call them , These that are come out of the great tribulations ? Their by-past tribulations shall wonderfullie commend their present felicitie . This wee see to be of great force by daylie experience ▪ The considerations first of other mens woes , & of the calamities wherewith at other times vvee haue beene perplexed , are like Hunger which like good sauce giueth rellish and taste to course things which at other times wee thinke to bee no dainties : To the hungrie Soule euerie bitter thing is sweete : How sweete thē shall the sweetnesse of Gods face be to the Godlie after all their terrours are past , & after they haue seene the wicked these fearfull & mis-chappen brats tumbled down the steepe precipes of eternall destruction ? What pleasures I pray you shall these bee , when pleasures for euermore shall be joyned with the rememberance of all these tribulations wherin wee were enwrapped while our feete stackefast in the myre ? All these considerations joyned together with vnspeakable pleasures shall make the a Harpes of God sound b Halleluiah , Halleluiah for euer and euer : Such meditations ouerflow my Soule , dyuing in such depths . Now Sir yee haue heard of the last thinges which shall bee done in this world , heere is the conclusion of the last judgement , The wicked as S. Matthew saith , shall goe away to euerlasting punishment , but the Righteous to Life eternall . The sicke Man. * O but mine heart is sore moued within mee , while I thinke of that deepe Gulfe whereinto all wretched Soules shall bee plunged : O yee who in the dayes of your vanitie drink vp the very Creame & flower of the earth , al your pleasures now , thē must be gone : Oh that euer & anone we culd applie this vnto our hearts . My soule is look one liking down from an high and steepie place : The meditations of these woes of the wicked , makal my senses to be troubled , & al my spirits to be confusedlie shuffled together : my heart within me is so tossed to & fro , that it is come like a squissed egge , whose yolke is mingled with its white : All my thoughtes are confounded as one that is into an hurlie burlie . Good Lord , let thy visions bee vnto my Soule visions of peace . The blessed God preserue vs from all these woes : Lord , make vs all to cleaue to thee with full purpose of Soule . Now to come to the purpose : In your discourse ye haue powerfullie let mee see the wicked swallowed vp in a fearefull gulfe : Let mee heare now what becommeth of the godly . The Pastour . After that Christ hath giuen them his Blessing , saying vnto them , Come yee blessed of my Father , &c. They all beeing crowned and clothed in royall apparell shall all in good order goe triumphantlie in Charets vp to the Heauen of heauens with such shoutes of triumph and of Ioye , of Loue , and of Laud , as was neuer heard since the world was founded . * Then shall that prophecie bee fulfilled , God is gone vp with a shout , the Lord with the sound of a Trumpet : Sing praises to God , sing praises : That shal be the Lambes marriage day , a day that shall neuer bee darkened with a night , a Feast that shall neuer bee followed with a Fast. * The day of the bringing of a Queene to the King of the Land is a day of great joye : What pleasure can bee had of Mirth or Musicke , shall not bee away that day . But alas , what can the earth affoord , simile aut secundum , that is like vnto that joy , which shall fill & ouerflow all the hearts of the godly , whē Christ shal bring vp to the Heauens his Church , which is his Wife , his faire Loue , hauing Doues eyes within her Locks , being cloathed and crowned with the glorie of himselfe ? what tong cā expresse ? nay , what heart can conceiue what joy & glorie shal be there where the Lambes Wife shall bee dected with her Husband Christ , who shall enliue Her with marchlesse joye and glorious immortalitie ? This is that great wonder which S. Iohn in his Reuelations , saw in Heauen viz. A woman cloathed with the Sun , and the Moone vnder her feete , and vpon her head a crowne of twelue Stars : Behold , & consider the Lambes Bride all enuironed with Light , clothed with Christ her Sunne , and crowned with glistring starres of glorie , heauenlie jewels , diuine Dyamonds : Behold her making a foote-stoole of the Moone , the second great Light of Heauen : See how shee treadeth vnder her feete that most inconstant creature , for to declare that constancie of her loue toward her Lord , which shall last for euer , without anie change : O the beautie of that Bride whose cheekes shall bee comelie with rowes of Iewels , whose necke shall bee dected with the chaines of Christs merites . * The Angels themselues , beholding this Bride so royallie attyred , shall wonder at her beautie : When these Noble Spirits shall see and consider that great familiaritie that shal be betweene Christ & his Spouse , they shall wonder , & shall say one to another , Who is this that commeth up out of the wildernes , leaning vpō her wel-beloued ▪ After that the Church the Lambs Wife , who on earth was betrothed by grace , shall in the Heauens bee maried by glorie , and conuoyed vnto his euer greene bed , all Eternitie shal be in the Heauens lik a mariage day , decored & trimed with all sortes of Flowers , & of Fruits , of feastings , & of Musick , and of all contentment that can be conceiued , heard , seene , sauoured , or touched by a creature : There our wants shall bee turned into wishes : That which there shall bee least , shall bee many thousand degrees aboue all that anie mortall heart heere can desire . * All our senses shall be possessed and filled with pleasures , our mind shall bee enlightened : Our will shall bee contented : All our affections shall bee satisfied : * The Angel in the Reuelation gaue a command vnto Iohn , to write in a Booke concerning the Lambes feast prepared for his Mariage in the day of the gladnesse , of his heart , but not being able , neither hee to indite nor S. Iohn to write , all the dainties of that Feast he desired him to write that all were blessed which were called vnto it : Write , said hee , Blessed are they which are called vnto the Mariage Supper of the Lambe : Lest Iohn should haue doubted whether it was so indeed or not , the Angel subjoyneth , these are the true sayings of God. * Let vs conceiue this much of these pleasures , that they cannot bee conceiued : All that wee can conceiue shall bee lesse by manie degrees than the least thing wee shall receiue : * Then all our desires shal be enlarged & made wider : Open thy mouth verie wide , & I shal fill it vnto thee : God himselfe beeing All in all , all our desires shall bee fullie satisfied and though they shall bee alwayes satisfied , they shall neuer bee cloyed : All wordes heere are full of wants , for these bee things which passe all humane sight and search . The sicke man. The consideration of such things enliueth my Soule , & looseth mine heart wonderfully frō the loue of all worldlie things , and draweth my heart with a feruent desire of a sight of that day : It is no wonder that the whole creation groaneth and trauelleth in paine together vntill now : If wee had hearts to belieue , we should finde into our hearts an earnest expectation and a waiting for the manifestation of the Sonnes of God : Alas , that our deuotion should bee so rotten and vnsound : * If wee could gette but a glimpse of our God heere behinde , it should stirre vp all our desires to see his Face . The Pastour . That is most certaine : * By this desire shall a man know whether he bee a spirituall man or a carnall : Hee that is but carnall neuer desireth to goe out of this world : It is good for vs to be heere will he say , as ●…eter said on Tabor : But hee that hath receiued the Spirit will finde better motions in his heart : Wee our selues , saith S. Paul , which haue the first fruites of the Spirit , euen wee our selues groane within our selues , waiting for the adoption , to wite , the redemption of our bodie . The sicke Man. Alas , wee all are heere naturallie of a temporising temper , wee linger and delay to returne to our God. O Lord of eternitie , be fauourable to vs that we may feare thee , let thy grace worke such groans in our hearts , that thereby we may know that wee haue certainelie receiued the first fruites of the Spirit : So long as wee are heere make the current of our affections to runne the way of thy Commandements . There is a difficultie now come in my minde , whereof I gladlie desire to be cleared : It is concerning Christ himselfe , of him it is said , That hee shall deliuer vp the Kingdome to God his Father , after hee hath subdued all his enemies . The Pastour . I remember well where these wordes are written : The Apostle speaking of the Resurrection of the last judgement , saith , Then commeth the end , when hee shall haue deliuered vp the Kingdome to God his Father , when hee shall haue put downe all rule , authoritie , and power : For hee must reigne till hee haue put all his enemies vnder his feete , &c. And when all things shall bee subdued vnto him , then shall the Sonne also himselfe bee subject vnto him that put all thinges vnder him , that God may bee All in all . The sicke Man. These bee the wordes indeede of my difficultie : I pray you to make mee vnderstand them : What is that to say , That hee shall deliuer vp the Kingdome to his Father , and that after he hath subdued all things , he himselfe must become subject to him , that put all things vnder him ? It would seeme that Christ our Lord shall lose by this meanes : For first it is said , That hee must deliuer vp the Kingdome , and rule no more : Secōdlie , that he must become subject to God the Father : I desire you Sir to loose this knottie difficultie : * These who plowe with Gods ▪ Hyfer may easilie finde out the darkest Riddles . The Pastour . I shall loose these knots easilie : By that change the Lord shall bee no loser : * As for that it is said , That he shall deliuer vp the Kingdome to his Father , after that hee hath put downe all rule , authoritie , and power : It is not to be vnderstood absolutely that Christ there after shall reigne no more , but that hee shall reigne no more after such a fashion as he did of before , viz. By fighting against his enemies , who then shal be no more , neither by comforting or protecting his friendes from dangers , who then shal be free from all danger . It is certaine , that the Father reigneth now by the Son , and that the Sonne shall reigne eternallie with the Father , but that shal be in another manner after the last judgement , then hee doeth now : * Now hee reigneth like a Prince , fighting his Fathers Battels : Then shall hee reigne for euer , triumphing ouer all his enemies . This is the interpretation of some learned writers : But in my judgement it declareth not plainlie what it is to giue vp the Kingdome to the Father . I lik Beza his exposition best ▪ * His words are these , Dicitur Christus regnum Deo patri traditurus vltimo demum illo die quo profligatis omnibus ad unum hostibus , omnes quos a patre gubernandos accepit , illi veluti in manus tradet aeterna gloria coronandos . That is , Christ is said to deliuer vp the Kingdome to his Father at the last day , when hauing subdued all his enemies hee shall deliuer into his Fathers hand all these whom hee had receiued from the Father for to guide and gouerne , for to bee by him crowned with euerlasting glorie . By the Kingdome I vnderstand the godlie who are the Children of the Kingdome : Christ then is said , To deliuer vp the Kingdome to the Father , when hee deliuereth vnto him these whom the Father had giuen to him : * All the Godlie haue beene giuen by the Father vnto Christ the Mediator : And Christ againe must bee countable to the Father for them : Holie Father , said hee , keepe through thine owne Name , those whom thou hast giuen mee : And againe , These that thou gauest mee I haue kept , and none of them is lost , but the Sonne of perdition . See heere how the Father is said , to giue , and Christ is said to haue kept these whom the Father hath giuē him : * while Christ maketh his count & randereth them againe to his Father , hee is said to giue vp the Kingdome to his Father . * Neither must wee heere thinke that while the Father gaue this kingdome to the Sonne , hee wanted it himselfe , or that the Sonne when he shall giue vp the Kingdome to his Father , shall reigne no more : No , not : All mine are thine , said Christ , and thine are mine : * I confesse that there is no such giuing among men as can expresse sufficientlie how the Father is said to giue any thing vnto the Sonne : And againe , there is no such giuing vp among men , as can clearelie declare how the Son is said , To giue vp the Kingdome vnto the Father : There bee no Mines nor Thines among men which can fullie expresse the Mine and the Thine of the Father and of the Sonne . The sicke Man. Indeede Sir yee speake well : Wee must all reuerence the high misteries of God , not darring to abbridge his infinite wisedome within the boūds of a braine that is not of a span long : The wordes of Moses are words of great wisedome , The secret things are for the Lord our God , but these that are reuealed are for vs , and our posteritie for euer . That then which is reuealed is for vs , and that which is for vs in Scripture , it is our part to seeke it and to search it . O Lord , guide mee by thy counsell , keepe my thoughts within compasse : Suffer not my Soule to turne awrie from thy trueth : Sequester mine heart from all vanitie , that I bee not curious in the knowledge of that which thou hast not alotted for mee , as are these whose heartes are filled with dreames and deceitfull dotages : Let my Soule neuer be sowred with such leauen as to presume to search that which thou desireth not to reueale The secōd difficultie I obserued in these words which ye haue recited out of that Chap. to the Corinthians , is in these words , viz. That Christ must reigne till hee hath put all his enemies vnder his feet : What is that to say ? The Pastour . That is , Christ muste rule this world till God the Father hath subdued vnto his Sonne Christ , all the enemies of his glorie , and of mans Saluation , who from the hight of their sinnes shall bee brought down into the fiercest flamme and lowest pitte of perdition . The sicke Man. It would appeare by the words that Christ shall reigne no m●…e after that all shall bee subdued : Seeing it is said , That he must reigne till he hath put all his enemies vnder his feete , it would seeme that when that shall once bee done , Christ shall reigne no more . The Pastour . The word Till declareth not that Christ shall reigne no more after that subduing , for example it is written of Michal , that shee had no Children till the day of her death . It is not therefore to bee thought that after death shee had any Children : The opinion of many great Diuines , is that Marie neuer maried Ioseph though shee had beene betrothed vnto him , and yet it is saide , That Ioseph knew her not , till shee had brought foorth her first borne : So God said vnto Iaakob , I will not leaue thee VIVTILL I haue done that which I haue spoken to thee of : Such formes of speaches are verie common : I will say to my friend at Euen , God bee with you , till wee meete againe : It is not that I desire God to bee with him no more so soone as wee shall meete againe . Thus as ye see when it is said , that Christ must reigne Till hee hath put all his enemies vnder his feete , it will not import that , that once beeing done Christ shall reigne no more . Gabriel said to his Mother , That of his Kingdome there shall bee none end : * If there bee any change , it shall onelie bee in the forme of his reigning and ruling : Now hee reigneth & ruleth by a Scepter of yron , and by the Scepter of his word preached : The one is for to conuert the most stubborne hearts of the Elect , the other for to dash the wicked in pieces lik a potters vessell : * All that forme of doing then shall cease , for as for the wicked they shall be committed fast to the low dungeons of Hell , for to bee vexed for euer with the infernall Burrios : Christ then and all his members shall bee quite of all their persecutions : As for the Godlie they shall bee made perfect : They shall neede no more the preaching of the word : The Law then shall not bee needfull , for all the Godlie shall bee a Law vnto themselues : The Gospel shall bee of no vse : It is a Doctrine of Faith : Then shall bee abolished : * When thinges absent are made present , Faith hath no more adoe . The sicke Man. That point is made cleare indeede : But what is this to say , That Christ the Sonne shall reigne , Till the Father hath put all enemies vnder his feete ? It would appeare by these words , that Christ ouercommeth his enemies by another force than his owne , seeing it is said , That the Father is he who shall put all things vnder his feete . The Pastour . The most learned Diuines haue considered that the Apostle there speaketh not of Christ as hee is Filius Dei eternus simpliciter , simplie the Sonne of God , but as hee is in the fo●…me of a seruant , for that cause , as is well remarked by the best wits , none can affirme that in Christ is , Secundaria divinitas , a Diuinitie of a baser rancke . * This wee must all know , that Christ the Sonne & the Father beeing but one GOD , worke with one , and the selfe same power : As God the Father and hee are one , so what power Christ man hath in subduing his enemies , it may bee said to bee from the Father , Because the Trinity is such a deepe mysterie , as no humane Wit can search it thorow , so the actions of the three Persons are such , as no man can clearelie discerne them : It is much for our shallow-wits to know the borders of Gods ways : * It is good in Gods mysteries s●…pere ad sobrietatem , that our wisedome bee sober and not drunke with a giddie curiosity , neither must wee d●…aw to the other extremitie , as to flatter our selues in a sluggish dulnesse , hauing no care to search the Scriptures with the men of Berea for to knowe that which it hath pleased God to reueale to vs : * It is good to seeke out carefullie , though not curiouslie the knowledge of Gods reuealed will so farre as can make for the comfort of our Soules . The sicke Man. Certainelie the knowledge of such things is verie needfull for the comfort of these that are for to leaue this world : And therefore , I who loo●… not for long sojourning heere , desire to know the more earnestlie what good things the Lord hath prepared for his owne into that other world . The hope of Glorie is like a strong hold against the feare of Death . * O●… that I were that which I would bee . There is now resting only one difficultie in the words of the Apostle , which I neuer as yet could well vnderstand : It is said , That when all things shal be subdued vnto the Father ▪ then shall the Sonne also himselfe bee subject vnto him , that put all thing●… vnder his feete : Is not the Sonne euen now subject vnto the Father ▪ If not , how is it said , That hee shall bee then subject vnto him ? The Pastour . Christ as God , is not at all subject vnto the Father , but , all the Godlie are subject both to Him and to the Father : But as man Christ , is with vs subject vnto the Father : * According to this a Father said well , Christus in quantum Deus est , cum illo nos subjectos habet , in quantum sacerdos , nobiscum illi subjectus est . That is , To Christ as God wee are subject as to the Father , but as Christ is our Priest , hee is with vs subject vnto the Father . Moreouer it may bee saide , that after the last Iudgement Christ shall bee subject vnto the Father , because then all the Faithfull which are his Mysticall bodie , shall bee perfectlie subject to the Father , Christ the Head of the Church , since his incarnation , hath in his owne Person bene subject vnto the Father perfectly , and so is hee yet : But in his mysticall members below there is a miserable rebellion of flesh against the Spirit : * But when all shall bee gathered together in one Bodie into Glorie , thē shall Christ be perfectlie subject vnto God both Quoad naturam suam tum quoad corpus mysticum . In his humane Nature and in his mysticall Bodie , which are the faithfull : When all the Elect with their Head Christ shall be perfectlie subject vnto God , then shall Christ bee fullie and finallie subject to the Father : This seemeth to bee the true meaning of the wordes : This is made cleare by the wordes following , viz. That this subjection shall bee that God may bee All in all . * But this wee must vnderstand , that this subjection of Christ and of his mysticall Bodie , is not anie disgrace or disparagement to our Head Christ ▪ or to vs : The trueth is , that it is a moste Princelie honour to bee the Prince of Heauens subject : * It were better to bee the least subject of Heauen , than the greatest commander of Hell : The seruice of our God is greatest libertie : The more perfect this subjection be , the greater is our Glorie : * The subjection of a creature to God , is the verie Image of God in the creature : Gods Image in Adam was chieflie in his subjection to Gods will , which was defaced by his rebellion , which is the verie Image of the Deuill . The sicke Man. Wee are much beholden to our God , who in his great mercie hath reuealed vnto vs all these things into his word : His word may well bee called , A Lanterne vnto our steps , a light which enlighteneth the eyes , burning clearer thā any Cresset-light warning from dangers . The Pastour . Indeede Gods word is a word of life and of light : It is a sauing word , the power of God to Saluation : This power is onelie peculiar to the mightie operation of this word . * There bee in the creatures words and lines of words , for to declare vnto man that there is a God , that so man may be without excuse : Day vnto day vttereth speach , and night vnto night sheweth knowledge : Their Line is gone out through all the earth , and their words to the end of the world : But all these wordes and lines are but lines of words concerning the creation : All that they can say , is but that there is a God , a mouer , a primum ens a first Be-ere , whereby all things haue their beeing : But in all these lines of words there is not one word of Christ the Redeemer : There is not a day where the Gospel shinneth not , that can vtter any speach ▪ or shewe any knowledge of that which concerneth mans Saluation , wrought with the bloodie sweate of God : There is not a word let bee a line in any worke of Nature , concerning the great mysterie of Godlinesse , Christ manifested in the flesh , justified in the Spirit seene of Angels , preached vnto the Gentiles , beleeued on in the world , and receiued vp into glorie . The sicke Man. O words worthie to bee written with the point of a Dyamond : Seeing it is so , this should mak vs to esteeme so much the more of the glorious Gospel which is the power of God to saluation of all beleeuers . The Pastour . The Gospel indeede is like a m●…st rich treasure digged into a fielde , for which a man that hath found it will goe and sell all that hee hath , that hee may buy that fielde for the treasures cause . This Gospel is like a Sunne newly created in the heauens , which shineth both day and night , both in life and death with most glistring & wholesome Beames , wherby the vnwholesome cloudie night aire of iniquitie is rarified , scattered , and dispersed ▪ * As the Sun in the heauens by its heate maketh al the earth in the Spring to grow greene , and the Cornes to come vp at the first with small green points , and after to shoote vp to the shot bled , & after that to come to the Seede , that at last beeing cut downe in a white ripenesse , it may be lay●…e vp into Girnels : Euen so the Gospel like a Sunne shining from the heauens , commeth after the colde frostie season of the dead Winter of our Nature , and by its Beames warmeth vs , and wakeneth vp the seede of grace sowen into our heartes by the good hand of God : After that , with its heate by little and little it ripeneth these sowne graces , at last while wee are ripe , and while the graces of God in vs are come to their perfection , the Lord sendeth his seruāt Death to cut vs downe with a sickle : After that by Death we are cut downe , the Lord treasureth vs vp into euerlasting Tabernacles , the Girnels of the Prince of Heauen , farre from the keene rasors of lying tongues . Now seeing the day is f●…r spent , here I shall pause , leauing that which hath bene said , to your nights meditations : By that grace of God I shal returne in the morning earelie : He that made Peter safelie to walk vpon the swelling waues vphold you so , that ye sinke not at the rising of any boisterous blaste of temptation : * Gods Children in this world are lik these three Children in the fierie furnace , though such fire seeme to bee a consuming fyre , it shall not bee able so much as to sindge their apparell . The sicke Man. But before yee goe Sir , according to your good former custume , by your deuote prayers , committe my Soule to the armes of my Sauiour : I euer feare that my false heart giue mee the slippe : As God hath giuen you a diuine tong , so Lord , giue me a sanctified eare , the sweetest spirituall musick and harmonie of Gods seruice : Oh , that with Peter I could gird my coate , and swimme thorow all the swelling seas of temptations , that I might come vnto my Lord. Offer vp I pray you Sir , for mee the Christian sacrifice of prayer : Resigne my Soule into his mercifull hands : Oh that I could with you homage mine heart vnto God in feruent supplications ! wee are not able as I see to stand a moment in the right way without Gods vnderpropping hand . Alas , Sir , I finde in my prayers great distractions , which wonderfullie blunt the edge of my deuotion ▪ while my mouth is speaking to God , my minde is speaking with follies and phansies : * If a man speaking vnto a Prince , should nowe turne him vnto this man , and now to that man , would not that Prince at last commaund , him silence enjoyning him with all speed to packe him out of his presence , as being a man who knoweth not what is matchable to such a Majestie : Many a time , alas , haue I at prayer babled out with my lippes many sauourles words , which haue wrought nothing but the sadding and grieuing of Gods Spirit . O Lord , make this meditation of mine owne vnworthinesse , bee like a whet-stone to my prayers , that by helpe thereof I may pray better than euer I did before : Giue mee grace at all times , but speciallie in prayer to keepe watch and ward ouer my thoughts , that I neuer let loose the bridle vnto them as most foolishlie often I haue done , rushing my Soule ouer head and eares into the myres of earthlie mindednes : Now good Lord , make mee fresh and nimble in my Spirit for prayer : Oh , for that Spirit of spirituall groans , which maketh intercession for the Sainctes , according to the will of God. I desire your helpe in prayer : The night is noysome , I lye downe , I say , when shall I arise , and the night beginne I am full of tossing vnto the dawning of the day . The Pastour . I rejoyce with my Soule to heare you : I know no surer token of Gods Spirit within a man , than a ben●…nes to prayer : Reprobates with Herod may gladlie heare Preachers : But they all in Scripture are branded with this blot , They call not vpon God ▪ Desire of conference with God , is a most sure token of friendship betweene God and man : Can two walke together except they bee agreed ? Can two speake together except they be friendes ? Hypocrites I knowe will make long prayers , which are but lip labour , which our Lord calleth much babling : But their heartes in their prayers wander from God , & goe to worldly toyes , so that while they are speaking one thing with the mouth , their hearts are vpon another subject : Thus Scripture calleth , A drawing neere to God with the mouth , while the heart is farre off : * God cannot bee scorned , but knoweth howe much is behind , though Ananias would seeme to bring all . * Hee who can pray from his heart , by his prayer as with a piercing keye , is able to vnlocke the celestiall treasures of God , where out of hee will draw comfortable cordials for distressed Soules , in their gasping agonies . Let vs now bend our knees most humblie before our Maker , and worship him both with heart & mouth , the most pleasant harmonie of a Christian Soule . The Lord set all our hearts rightlie on worke : For the heart of man in prayer is most bent to play reakes in wandering from God. A Prayer for the sicke Man. O Great and Omnipoten●… GOD , whose Eyes are ten thousand time ▪ brighter than the Sunne at Noone Day : Our sinnes cannot bee hidde from The●… Faine would wee confesse them , but alas , for this hardnesse of hear●… Smite , O LORD , smite these our hearts of yron , soften them with the fire of thy Spirit , till my : sighs & sobs they melt within our boweles : O●… LORD , who shall not feare thee , to whom is giuen all power both in heauen and earth . When we remember thy last Sessions which shall bee in that great & last judiciall day , it maketh all the haires of our head to start vp : Wee are instructed by thy diuine Word that the fashion & figure of this world shall passe away , and that all Thrones shall bee remoued , that that most Royall & glorious Throne may bee erected for the comming of the Son of man. O LORD , in that great and terrible day all thinges must compeare naked before Thee : Then shalt thou bring to light the things which were hidde in darknesse , and shalt make manifest the most secret counsels of mens hearts : From thy face nothing shall bee able to procure escape : Happie shall that Soule be on whom in that day thou shalt bleink with a reconcealed face . O gracious GOD , whose goodnesse is bottomlesse , and greatnesse immeasurable : Now speake home to the hearte of thy seruant heere , who in his fainting weaknesse hath desired me to powre out this prayer for him : All his desires are toward thee , stampe vpon his Soule the Image of thy selfe : Giue him a pawne and a pledge of thy fauour , make him assured that in that day hee shall finde thee a fauourable Iudge , who shall cry on him among the rest of thy Children , Come yee vnto mee yee blessed of my Father , and receiue a Kingdome . Let this consideration beare out in the stormie houre of the last assaults : Set a strong Guarde and a narrow watch ouer his heart , lest he bee vnawares surprised by Sathans craftie plots : Let the Sconce of thy mercie fence off the partching hea●…e of Sathans most fierie temptations kindled in a bone-fire : Furnish him now with such grace whereby hee may possesse his Soule in patience , looking for that blessed hope , and appearing of thy glorie in the cloudes . It was long since written by thy blessed Pen-men , That the Iudge standeth before the doore , and that the end of all things draweth neere : Now seeing sin is come to such an hight , that thy Iustice cannot much longer forbeare , but that thou must come shortlie to put an end to this most corrupt world : LORD , cleanse quite away all our corruptiōs before thou come . Grant that continuallie with the wise Virgines wee may haue our Lampes of oyle trimmed for the comming of our Lord , the blessed Bridegroome of our Soules : Graunt that in that day with gladnesse wee may lift vp our heades , beeing assured of a gracious welcomming vnto our Masters joy . Keepe this euer fast in our memorie as an aweband aboue our heades , for to keepe vs from sinne , that Christ the determined Iudge of the world shal come for to render to euery one according as he or she hath done in the days of their flesh : grant therefore that whether we sleepe or we wak , the shrill Trumpet of Gods voyce may be as if it were euer sounding to our Soules , Arise for to compeare in judgement . O LORD , enlighten our mistie mindes , that with an vndazeled eye euerie one of vs may try and descry clearelie our owne estate in this world , In a more speciall manner let it please thee to regard thy poore prisoner heere in this bed of languishing , whō Satan hath soght to sift that his Faith might faile : Waken his Soule softlie with a mercifull motion of thy Spirit of comfort : Let him not bee like these who in a dull , dead , and senslesse securitie not thinking on Death , chop in the earth before that euer they bee awares , neither suffer Sathan to quench his clearest comforts with the dampe of despare : By this heauie sickenesse which daylie increaseth , thou is now Summoning thy seruant here to a perticular and personall compearance before thy great Tribunall : Let him finde thy Royall seate to be a mercie seate : Proclaime vnto his Conscience in his inward partes , that thou wilt neuer enter into judgement with him : Assure his Soule that hee is one of thine , and that there is no condemnation to these that are in Christ Iesus , who vnto all his faithfull is like a little Sanctuarie . Let the graces of thy Spirite bee all night like a bundle of Myrrhe into his bosome : Seale vp in his heart this comfort , that hee who shall bee his Iudge , is hee , euen hee , who is now his Aduocat , interceeding at the right hand of the Father for him : Giue him strength couragiouslie to fight out this bloodie Battell , that in the ende thou may set on his head that neuer fadding Crowne of righteousnesse Let Sathan be now chained vp that hee bee not able any more to set by the eares the corruptions of his nature with the motions of thy grace . He confesseth LORD , before thee that if presentlie thou should pronounce his doome , and suddenlie plunge him in the deepest Hels , that righteousnesse in so doing should belong to thee : This from his heart would hee acknowledge being willing , that thy Name may bee glorified , to take to himselfe shame and confusion of face . O LORD , whose bowels euer rumble with cōpassions raine downe vpon thy seruāts heart here a showre of grace , for it is parched and dryed with greiefe and sorrow : Pittie him for he abhorreth himselfe as a stained sinner stript of all good things , worthie to be crushed vnder the mountaines & milstones of thy vengeance , Neither dar he , neither will he plead against thee for his innocencie : Here hee is readie to subscribe all thy will were it with the best arteriall blood of his heart : His confessiō is , that thou art most just though from thy presence thou should banish him to the blacke lacke and woefull dungeon of darknesse , where is nothing but weeping and gnashing of teeth . Out of a sore sense & aboundance of feeling , hee powreth out this most plentifull & sincere confession before thee : Behold , him here Lord , opening the bosome of his confession and selfe condemnation before thee . O thou , whom his Soule loueth , tell him where thou feedest , and where thou makest thy flocke to rest at noone in the time of parching and most piercing heate of temptations : O coole this fainting Soule with thy blessed breath comming from the foure windes : Besprinkle it with the sauing and sacred Blood of Iesus . Thou , LORD , who is the chiefe Paterne and examplar of all true Kindnes , Pittie , & Loue : Let his groanes and supplications get entrie into thine eares : Send downe the Ladder of Iaacob , the ministring Spirits for to waite vpon him , who is one of thy Redeemed ones , that when his Soule shall bee seuered from his bodie , they may carrie it into the blessed bosome of Abraham the father of the Faithfull : Giue him a sound & a Sanctified heart , say vnto his Soule as thou said of olde concerning thy beloued Children , I will delight to doe him good : Take away the trespasse of thy seruant , and saue him ; for hee distrusting his owne worth , is now fledde to the hornes of thine Altar , euen to the crosse of Iesus , the Sanctuarie of troubled Soules . As Elishah was first inuested with a single Spirit and thereafter with a doubled Spirit , so now in thy tender compassions double thy graces vpon him , which were but single of before : Let thy fauours falling downe vpon him , bee like the raine which falleth first in small droppes , and after powreth downe in grea●… aboundance : O quicken and enliuhis Soule with a supernaturall vi gour and life of grace , that by no lowring tempest of temptation his holie Faith bee dashed out of countenance : Let not his Hope bee like the Spiders webbe which is easilie sweept away with the least blast of winde : The weaker his bodie grow , increase so much the more his spirituall strength : Verifie that Text in him , To him that hath shall bee giuen : Thou who giuest repentance to the sinner , giue pardon to the repenter : In the boisterous blasts of most fearfull temptations let his sillie Soule finde a shelter vnder the shadow of thy fauour : There is no succour but vnder thy wings from the plagues of God , and curses of the Law : Thy Blood onelie is able to purge & purifie him from the froth and filth of all his iniquities . Seeing hee hath dealt vnpartialie with himselfe , by condemning himselfe , let thy mercie for the sake of thy Sonne his surtiship now absolue him , draw out the keen arrows of thy wrath which thou hast made to stick in his ribbes , the poyson whereof hath drunken vp his Spirit : O how fearefull haue thy terrours set themselues in aray against him : Beginne Lord , and continue to slacke thy wrath Be with him now in thy great mercy , O LORD , and conuoye him by the graces of thy Spirit thorow the snakie field & wildernesse of this world wherein hee hath beene like a Pilgrime , or a Traueller passing from Towne to Towne , till hee come into his Inne , where he hopeth by thy mercie to bee exempt from all mixture of miserie : Hee is now in the heate of his journey : Let some cooling droppes of thy comforts bee send vnto him , for to coole and quench his drougth in the scorching heate of this spirituall skirmish : Thou who made waters to rush out of the jaw bone , for the refreshing of Samson after his fight with the Philistimes , giue vnto this wearied soule a drink of that water whereof if a man drink hee shall neuer thirst any more . And now seeing in all appearance he is not for to remaine manie dayes vpon this Earth , make him to be still looking all the dayes of his appointed time till his changing come : grant that when it shall come , hee may change for the better , and that for the glorie of thy great Name , and for the euerlasting rest ▪ peace , and joye of his sillie sorrow beaten Soule : O crush the head and breake the heart of euerie sinne , that lurketh , within his breast , left they choke the Soule of this thy Turtle Doue : Bee no more sowre vnto him : If thou should appeare grieslie with a sterne countenance vnto sinners , how soone should they bee out-faced , if thou straitlie m●…iniquitie , who shall stand ? But O , mercie is with thee : Let that mercie that is with thee come to him , wherby all his floating thoughts may bee made to sink & soake into the Blood of the Lambe , the softner and soupler of stiffe and hardened heartes : In the darkest houre of death bee thou the comfort and darlling del●…ght of his heart : O Pastour of Israel , now put an end to all the cloudie and darke dayes of his distresse . Tak in this silly Soule , thy little Lambe within the compasse of thine heauenlie folde , till it winne there , refresh it with a baire in its journey , let no meanes bee deficient , til in it thou crowne thy graces with thy glorie . LORD , blesse thy Church vniuersall , the deare Spouse of Iesus , as they are all members of one Body , make them all to bee of one heart , that in an heauenlie harmonie , they may all thinke one thing : Stop the mouth of the red Dragon from spewing out the red bloodie floodes of persecution against Her , if not , giue Her the winges of Faith whereby Shee may flee to the wildernesse for Her escape : O cloth her Priests with Saluation , that all her Saints may shout a lowd for joye : Giue them one mind and one mouth : But , alas , Icabod , where nowe is that glorie ? Preserue our gracious SOVERAIGNE with his Royall Match : Send down a princelie Spirit vpon him : Keepe them as the Apple of thine Eye : As thou hast bund their bodies into the bond of wed locke , so bind their Soules into the bandle of life : Make the Heauens to rejoyce at her Majesties conuersion : Loue Her , LORD , as thou loued Lidea , by the opening of her heart . Make both Crowne and Court seruiceable to thee the greatest Majestie aboue . Sanctifie all our Nobles , make them lik the men of Berea , couragious for the Trueth , Plants of renowne . Guide vs all in the way of righteousnesse , and weane vs from the loue of this Worlde : Prepare vs for the last Battell of the Soule : Suffer neuer Sathan with the mood of his temptations to trouble or distemper the cleare Riuers of thy comforts , wherwith thou refresheth thy beloued Ones : Suffer neuer that prince of darknesse to put out with his dampes the glorious Light of thy Gospel , which now most orientlie shineth among vs. LORD , perfume all our vnwhorthie prayers with the sweete smelling righteousnes of Iesus Christ our Lord & Master , in whose most blessed Name wee pray , as hee hath pleased him to teach vs , Our Father which art . &c. By Gods grace Sir , I shall returne the Morrow earelie : The Spirit of Iesus print into your heart the best comforts of his Treasures : Remember Sir , that all our goodnesse is of him , for naturallie wee are hewen out of a sinfull rocke : All our guises are but guile , till we bee cast into another mould by the Spirit of regeneration . Striue more and more to bee constant and couragious till this bitter Battell bee ended : For euerie Battell of the Warriour is with confused noise , and garments rolled in Blood. Now the night is fallen downe : while deepe sleepe falleth on mē , strin●… to bee acquainted with the Teacher of the reines in the night season : If the paine of your sicknes rob your eyes of sleepe , cause read vnto you this night Dan. 7. 1. Cor. 15. 1. Thess. 4. The LORD pul off your Soule al the filthie menstruous cloutes of your corruptions , and cloath you with the most rich & invaluable Robe of Christs righteousnesse : The Lord fill your heart with the inspirations of the Almightie : His Grace bee with you . THE SIXT DAYES Conference . of Heauens Glorie . The Pastour . ACcording to my promise Sir , I am heere come againe for to see what it shall please God to doe with you at last , waite constantlie on your God : * His mind is to doe you good in the latter end : I earnestlie now desire to know what the meditation of the last judgement hath wrought into your heart this night bygone . The sicke Man. * Except that a man bee well occupied in the day , his heart in the night will swarme with worthlesse & witlesse thoughts : Sathan the lord of the night , is euer busie by secret foisting in of corruptions into mans thoughts , to justle out of his heart all holie and heauenlie meditations , All this night it seemeth vnto me that I heard the shrill sound of the last Trumpet sounding most fearefullie the Alarum of the Resurrection at the second and sudden comming of our Lord : All Saintes and Angels seemed to bee present at that great Iubile . I thought in my sleepe that I saw the Sonne of man enuironed with innumberable Charets of fyre comming downe with vnspeakable pompe , Glorie and Majestie , I thought him more glistering than the Sun , while he sbineth in his greatest force : Mine eyes were dazeled with the brightnesse of his Beames : All thrones made roome vnto his Throne : Mine heart was neuer so rauished as it hath bene this last night by-past . In the thoghts of mine heart in the night , while deepe sleepe falleth on mā , there came into my memorie some passages of Scripture concerning heauens glorie , wherof most gladlie I desire now to heare : The Apostle S. Paul speaketh of this with great power , Wee faint not , said hee , but though our outward man perish , yet the inward man is renewed day by day : There bee some other good words following , but my memorie faileth mee . The Pastour . I shall helpe you Sir in that matter : The verse following is , For our light affliction which is but for a moment , worketh for vs a farre more exceeding and eternall weight of glorie . The sicke Man. These bee the words indeede , I finde great difficultie in these words , I pray you to make them cleare : What is that to say , Though the outward man perish , yet the inward man is renewed day by day . The Pastour . The interpretation of these words is , that the corruption and decaying of the outward man by diuerse crosses and calamities , Servit renovando homini interno , is a meanes for the renewing of the inward man , that we may grow in godlinesse : By the outward man is vnderstood the bodie : By the inward the Spirit & the mind : By the weakening of the bodie the Spirit is made strong . The sicke Man. But what say yee of these words , that our light affliction , which is but for a moment , is said , to worke for vs or to cause vnto vs an exceeding and eternall weight of glorie ? Is that the merite and worth of affliction ? The Pastour . The Romane Church expounds it so , that by such afflictions men merit euerlasting glory : Indeed the words in the original seeme much to fauour that exposition : The wordes are these , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Cauficit parie operatur nobis , that is , Causeth or worketh that glorie . * But it is certaine , that affliction y● is light , & for a moment both light & short , cannot be properlie a cause of an euerlasting and infinite ●…ight of glorie : A moment cannot be the mother of eternitie : That which is so light can neuer bring out an infinite weight : But God who is infinite in po●…er , maketh affliction a meanes for to bring vs vnt●… glorie as good works are via reg●… causa reg●…di , the way to the Kingdome , but not the cause of reigning , so through the way of manie tribulations wee must enter into Gods Kingdome . The Scripture is the best interpreter of it selfe : Abraham who was the Father of the Faithfull , was not justified either by his doinges or his sufferings : If Abraham were justified by workes , hee ●…th whereof to glorie , but not before God. * Shame shall come vpon him who glorieth of that whereof hee may not glorie before God : I darre boldly glorie before God , of his mercie , and of my Lords merits , but to glorie of mans righteousnesse a monstrous cloth , is an abomination before GOD : * If sufferinges and calamities could efficientlie cause & merit that infinite weight of Glorie , how did S. Paul reckon , when hee said , I reckon that the sufferings of th●… present time are not worthy to be cōpared with the glorie which shall bee reuealed in vs ? This maketh the matter cleare that our light afflictions of a moment cannot efficientlie and meritoriouslie purchase vnto vs an exceeding and eternall weight of glorie : they are indeed good meanes wherby our Soules are fitted and furthered in the way to Glorie . The sicke Man. I euer hold that the surest ground that a man be little in his own eyes ▪ Sinfull flesh cannot bee too humble before God : * That Religion which giueth greatest glorie vnto God , & casteth mans own worth most down , hath the clearest marke of trueth : Daniel pointeth at this while hee saith , O Lord , righteousnesse belongeth vnto thee , but vnto vs confusion of faces ▪ I am now satisfied in the exposition of these wordes , wherein I did euer finde much difficultie . Now Sir , if your memorie serueth you , can yee tell what is said , by the Apostle in the Chapter following ? I remember that some notable thinges there be spoken of immortall Glorie . The Pastour . Indeede in the beginning of that Chapter there bee notable wordes , For wee know , saith the Apostle , that if the earthlie house of this Tabernacle were dissolued , wee haue a building of God , an house not made with sand , eternall in the heauens : For in this wee groane earnestlie desiring to be clothi●… vpon with our house , which is from heauen . If so bee that beeing ▪ cloathed , wee shall not bee found naked ▪ For we that are in this Tabernacle doe grone , being burdened , not that wee would bee v●…cloathed , but cloathed vpon , that mortalitie might bee swallowed vp of life ▪ &c. While wee are at home , in the bodie , wee are absent from the Lord ▪ &c. Wee are confident and willing rather to bee absent from the bodie , and to bee present with the Lord. The sicke Man. These indeede bee the words : I could neuer well vnderstand them , doubtles they be words full of comforts , for these that are looking for a better Life : I pray you Sir , to giue mee the exposition thereof . The Pastour . Indeede Sir they want not great difficultie , neither doeth that which I say make for the doctrine of papists ▪ who affirme that the Scriptures are obscure , and therefore must not bee reade by the common people . * It is by reading that men purchase vnderstanding : The Doctors themselues before they read are ignorant , neither was it euer heard that Scriptures was abused so much by the common people , as by ▪ these who are most Learned : Where heare wee that the Merchand , the Artifan or rurall men beginne Heresies ? * Are not they forged in the vnsanctified braines of these in who are lodged the oppositions of science falsely so called : It is oftest seene that throgh Philosophie and vaine deceit : The Soule of man are spoiled & not by ignorance of the simplest sort . There is none obscuritie in Gods Word , that should debarre the people young or olde from the reading of it : * The Letter which my God hath written vnto me , I may open it , and read it , and see what my Fathers will is : The Spirite of God in S. Iohn , leading his hād , hath set down these wordes , I write vnto you , Fathers ; &c. I write vnto young men , &c. I write vnto you little Children ▪ &c. Who hath power to forbid any man to read the Missiue Letter which his God hath written vnto him ▪ Moreouer , there is such a Light in Gods word , that will make a blind man to see : * The light of the Sun will shew and discouer hid things in darknesse unto him who hath eyes ▪ but cannot make a blind man to s●… ▪ But the light of Gods word Meira●… Hena●…m facit ut oculi videant , it maketh the eyes for to see : In that Psalme also it is said , That the Law of the Lord maketh wise the simple : It is a great ignorance for Papist Doctors to close & claspe their Bibles from the hands of the ignorant & simple ones , seeing by this word the simple are made wise , It is written to the euerlasting praise of the men of Berea ▪ that after Paul had preached , they searched the Scriptures , for trying of his Doctrine : These be the words of their praise . These were more noble than these in Thessalonica , in that they receiued the word with all readinesse of minde , and searched the Scriptures daylie , whether these thinges were so . * As for difficulties , we acknowledge that there bee many and great in Scripture , but as for that which is absolutè & simpliciter absolutelie & simplie necessarie for our Saluation , it is clearelie set down in Scripture : if there be any difficulty in one place that which is there obscure will bee made cleare in some other parte of Scripture : This much by the way concerning the obscuritie of Scripture . Now to come to the wordes of S. Paul : In the first verse it is said , For wee know that if the earthlie house of this Tabernacle were dissolued , wee haue a building of God , an house ●… made with hand , eternall in the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . Some after this manner expour●… these words after that this body like a Taber n●…ele is takē away from 〈◊〉 Soule , the Soule shall bee in a be●… estate , euen in euerlasting Glorie ●… to the Heauens . The French marginall note vpō this , is that that eternall house in the he 〈◊〉 is the bodie after the resurrection●… * So long as we are here in the sinfull bodie , the bodie is but like a Tubernacle , vnconstant ; weake , fra●… ▪ But in the heauens , it shall be like 〈◊〉 house that is constant ; firme , strong : So corpus & gloriosa ejus conditio , the bodie and its glorious estate in th●… opinion of some is heere called 〈◊〉 house , by that house then wee must vnderstand the glorie that is prepared for the Sainctes in he iuen , which for its constancie and commoditie ●… called an house : According to th●… the Apostle in the secōd verse saith , That wee groane earnestlie desiring to bee cloathed vpon with our house which is from heauen : That house from heauen , is that Glorie which is from heauen . Others of the Learned interpret that worde Superindui to bee cloathed vpō vt siquis ind●…tus est thorac●… ▪ & superinduitur pallio : Pu●…o autem sic . Explican●…um ex versa 4 Sancti capiunt corpore c●…lesti it ●… indui , vt no●… prius exvantur corpore mortali●…sed superinduantur c●…lesti S●… immortali ▪ hoc est ●… per 〈◊〉 trans●…tationem absorbiator 〈◊〉 ab immortalitate . Thus would hee say , That the Sainctes beeing huing at the end of the world , desired not to cast their mortall bodies from them ▪ but desire them to bee changed and cloathed aboue with immortalitie ▪ Mortalitie is one 〈◊〉 which must be put off , that immortalitie may bee put on ▪ Others thinke that there be mention heere made of a double cloathing : Alijs placet , saith Beza , primam vestem dici Christi justitiam , alteram vero illius justitiae praemium quorum sententiae nolim praejudicium afferre , the one they make to bee the righteousnesse of Christ , the other the glorie purchassed by that righteousnesse . * S. Ambrose speaking of these words , In this wee groane , &c. If so bee that beeing cloathed , wee shall not bee found nacked , saith , Vt haec sit sententia destruendum quidem hoc tabernaculum morte sed ita tamen ut non p●…reat : Imo ut corruptibilitate deposita restituatur nobis immortalitate induendum . That is , The Tabernacle of this bodie shal be dissolued by Death ▪ not so that it shal perish , but that all corruption being taken away , it may put on incorruption , euen euerlasting glorie . For if the bodie did perish , then in that case the Soule should bee naked : Now while wee are in the Tabernacle of the bodie , beeing burdened with sinne and corruption , wee grone , not desiring to bee vncloathed , that is altogether to want our bodie , but that putting off the corruptions of the bodie , wee may bee cloathed with immortalitie of life , which shall swallow vp mortalitie with all cumbers and inconuenients whatsoeuer . * The Soule of man hath an ardent desire to bee clothed with immortality , but hath not will to want its bodie , without which it thinketh its selfe naked : according to this the Apostle saith , In this we groane earnest lie desiring to be cloathed vpon with our house , which is from Heauen , That is , With glorie and immortalitie fast & firme like an house : If so bee that beeing cloathed , wee shall not bee found naked . That is , Shall not want the cloathing and couering of our bodies . The sicke Man. My braine is so sore troubled that I cannot bend my Spirits so high for the vnderstanding of these things which are so far aboue my reach : Happie is hee who with Dauid is not exercised in great matters which are too high for him . Lord , inlighten my mistie minde , and make mee to know thee and thy Son Iesus Christ , and him crucified : Lord also helpe mee in the knowledge of all that may increase the knowledge of him into my Soule . I haue heard you Sir at large vpon the last judgement , and all the proceedinges thereof : Yee haue also cleared some difficulties which this night did runne into my minde : Nowe lest vaine thoughts should draw mine heart aside vnto toyes , let ●…t please you to turne your purpose concerning the joyes of Heauen . * While I did behold but the out●…id of Heauen , mine heart was euer rauished at the sight of that Tapestrie , embroydred like most glorious Arrasse cloath : O what Glorie muste bee within ▪ where the Lord himselfe is with all his endenized Citizens of glorie : Let me heare you a little ▪ therevpon : There by the grace of my God , I hope to bee within a little space , O what place of perfection and blisse my Soule longeth to dwel into that azured Palace . Let mee heare of its Glorie . The Pastour . * The prince of Philosophers most subtile in Naturall Science , speaking of the heauens , said , That it was much to get any little knowledge therof : All his knowledge c●…ld reach no further but from motion to motion , till hee come ▪ to the fi●…st Mouer , who by the force of his Almightie arme turneth about these relestiall bodies : * But hee knew no more the great Mov ●… , th●…n yee would know a man a 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 vp●…n the toppe of an Hill displaying a●… Ensigne or Standart : While the Mouer were casting his Standart , yee might perceiue the motion of a Banner , and by that motion yee might easilie judge that there bee a Mouer , and yet for all that be ignorant , not knowing the man who is the ca●… of all the motion , whether he were your foe or your friend . * The Pagans saw the motions of the heauens , as wee see the shaking of a tree moued by the winds : I see the Tree shaken and the Branches rushing one vpon another , I heare also the noyse , I also know that the Mouer is that which wee call the Wind : But whence this mouer commeth and whether it goeth , or what moueth it , no earthlie tongue can tell . * Pagans which haue not Gospel writtē in quicke Letters by the dead knowledge of Nature , will come from ens to ens that is , from beeing to being , till they come to ens entium him that is a Being , which causeth all beeings : From motions men in nature will come to motions , till they clime vp to Primus motor , the first Mouer : * On him will they looke as a man in an high Feuer , to whome this man & that man will say , Know yee mee ? know ye mee ? The sight of the braine is so dazeled , that it is paine & much labour but to heare these three words , Knowe yee mee ▪ * Braine sicke Nature can by no meanes know God , till the Feuer of nature bee cooled with Grace : After that the coole of Grace hath broght a sweate wherwith the Soule is purged from the rotten humours of iniquitie , then the Soule becommeth like a man after a Feuer , come to himselfe againe : * According to this it is said o●… the Forlorne , that he came to himselfe after that hee was cooled of his foolish Feuer . Till we come to our selues by Grace , wee shall neuer be able to know the Lord by Nature : All that the most wise Pagans culd doe by the whole helpe of Nature was to come from beeing●… to him that is the cause of all beeing , and from motion to the first Moue●… : * But who that Mouer was , the feuerof Nature made their braine so giddie that they could not discerne him . * When all the Clergie of Athe●… into that Famous Colledge of Gre●… , had sought out this God , to feele 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , and finde ▪ him , they wandred 〈◊〉 and downe in their imagination●… 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Sodomites about ▪ Lots 〈◊〉 , no●… beeing able to finde it : All their 〈◊〉 knowledge which was but 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , could no wi●…e reach vn●…o him : For this cause they set vp an 〈◊〉 into their moste learned Citi●… with this in●…tion written into great Letters ▪ TO THE 〈◊〉 ▪ 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 * Behold , where the true God was vnknowne , euen in the Citie where Socrates , Plato ▪ and Aristotle●… ▪ the great lights of Nature had reached publicklie ▪ The verticall point●… all their knowledge could I neuer reach vnto the borders , nay not vnto the base of the Gospel : * Behold and see where Science was to be sold in greatest aboundance , there was a profession of the ignorance of the true God written vpon their Altar in great Letters , for by the greatnesse of the Letters , to declare the grosse dulnesse of their ignorance . * Hee who knoweth not God , were hee neuer so learned , what can hee speake of Heauen ▪ 〈◊〉 * What should Heauen it selfe bee without the presence of God , but like a Citie laide wast , or like an olde Dungeon not inhabited , where Iim and Zijm resort ? * As for vs ▪ blessed bee God , we know that there is a God into the Heauens , the sight of whose backe partes made the face of Moses so to shine , that no eye vndazeled culd behold him : What a Majestie must this bee whose backe-partes printed such a light into the face of a man , that no man could behold the face of a sinner stamped with a second impression ? This is he who as Scripture teacheth dwelleth into an inaccessable light , of which a learned Pagan hauing seene some light impression , not in the face of Moses but onelie into the face of Nature , said a great word , * Lumen est vmbra Dei , Deus est lumen luminis . All light which wee see is but a duskie shadow of God : * But God , is the Light of light , a liuing Light ▪ the Life of light , the Sunne that shineth to the world aboue , and the Candle of Heauen : Christ the Sunne of righteousnesse in Heauen shall bee without any shadow of the Earth ▪ which is the cause of ou●… night : Hee shal be a Sun which shall shine continuallie both round about and in all the partes of the Heauen , for there shall bee no night there : For to come thither man should bee content to pluck out his right eye , euen his sweetest bosome delights . The sicke Man. Mine hearte is wained from the loue of the base lump of this Earth . I desire to heare some-thing more cōcerning these celestiall buildings , which Scripture calleth , euerlasting Tabernacles , the resting place of all created desires : Seeing there after Death wee must sojourne eternallie , let mee hea●…e of the Glorie of these heauenlie Mansiōs prepared for Gods most precious jewels : * O these blessed burnished vauts all beset with diuine Dyamonds : Let mee heare a description of that Palace . The Pastour . The matter is high , Our creeping wordes of Babel cannot reach to the ancles of such loftie matters , are but of yesterday , and know nothing : As I know I shall in my stammering tong and mussling speech doe what I can for to allure you to the loue thereof . As for the structure , furniture and beautie of that Palace of our God , it is wonderfull : By no skill can any mortall hand chalk them out : There is that blessed Bridegroomes chamber garnished with an azured Curtaine which is embrodered and spangled with starres of light , as with golden studs , whose beautie no mortall tongue is able fullie to expresse : * Well may wee say and sing of that Citie that which Dauid sang of its figure : Glorious thinges are spoken of thee , O thou Citie of our God , nay , let mee rather say of the figured Citie , such glorious things are in thee , that they cannot bee spoken , O thou Citie of our God. * All the glories we see without are but sparkles of these infinitlie bright blazing perfections , which are within , euen things which eye neuer sawe , eare neuer heard , and which cannot enter into the heart of man : One said verie well ▪ * Res verae sunt in mundo invisibili , in mundo visibili vmbrae rerum . That is , In Heauen the invisible world is the substance of thinges indeede , but in this visible world on earth is nothing but shadowes of thinges , which are lesse than accidents . * The greatest glorie that wee see in the out-side of the Heauens is but a vaile that couereth the glorie that is within , as the Badgers skinnes couered the Arke of glorie and the Tabernacle : * But because wee are in this world as childrē in the wombe , wee cannot conceiue what can bee without this world , wee haue made a great conception , if wee can conceiue that it cannot bee conceiued , wee muse well of Heauen , if while wee muse we bee amazed , counting all joye , pleasure , profite , and preferment below to be both losse & doung in comparison of thinges that are aboue which infinitlie goe beyond all created comprehensions : If these who goe downe to the deepes see the wonders of the Lord , what wonders shall they see who are in the hights of eternitie ? What rest can a man looke for till hee bee into the Heauens ? * There the blasts of winds , and tempests of tongs & terrours of Cōscience are not : there the Church the Lords Lillie is no more among the thornes : There the heart of man is no more greiued nor ouer clouded with lowring Melancholie , all is in peace within : All is calme & cleare . * There is day without night , heauens without cloudes , mirth without mourning joy without sorrow , and beautie without blemish . * All good thinges muste abound there , where God shall bee All in all : When wee shall bee there , our God shall enlighten our minde , and shall giue our will its will without controlement : Then shall no man say , I doe the euill that I would not , and doe not the good that I would doe : nay , but wee shall doe all the good wee would , beeing in no wi●…e troubled with the euill wee would not : Then shall wee rest from all our labours , refreshed vnder the euerlasting shadowes of Christ , that most pleasant Apple Tree , whose fruite is sweete to the taste : Nothing in a word shall bee inlaking that may rejoyce all the senses of our body without , & all the faculties of our Soules within : All the Godlie these blessed Denizens of Heauē shall euer in a Quire sing the praises of the Lambe ▪ Halleluiah Halleluiah vpon the loud Cymbals , Harpes , Organes and Timbrels of God. * O Lord , one day in thy Court is better than a thousand else where said the Psalmest , speaking but of the figure of heauen : Is it so of the figure of heauē : what shall it be thē to be in heauen it selfe ? euen in these new heauens Let it be but the tenth better , according to that one day in Heauen , shall bee better by ten thousands times than the best day that euer man did see on earth ▪ * There is no serenitie below ▪ which is not ouer clouded with some dumpes of heauinesse , while the flesh is vpon the Soule it shal be sorrowfull : Pure & sincere joys cannot dwel in the valley of teares in this muddie mortalitie : One day aboue is more bright and better than tenne thousand below : Is it so of one day in Heauen ? Mercifull God , what shall it be thē of these dayes without number , euen of that euerlasting of dayes , euen that eternal day of light , life , & libertie , cleare without all g●…mie clouds of sicknes & of sorrows ▪ * O for a sight of the light of that countenance a light of continuance which no mistie vapour shal for euer bee able to ecclips : O Day neuer to be darkened with a following light ! O euer fresh pleasures which no sorrow shall bee able to fret , waste , or weare out ! O Eternitie , Eternitie , neuer to haue an end ! O that faire heritage ! vnto all these that are there , The lines are fallen in pleasant places . * If wee had heartes to belieue , the thoughts of such Glories should waine our heartes from the milkie transitorie trashes below , which worldlings dreame to bee an heauen , not to bee changed with any such preached pleasures : O when shall our Soules get them , with the Spouse to these high Mountaines of Myrrhe and hills of frankincense ! * The consideration of this happinesse made Ignatius a Scholer of S. Paul , to defie all the tormentes that cruell Burrios could inuent for the tormenting of his bodie : Fire , Gallowes , beasts , said he , Crushing of my bones , quartering of my members , breaking of my bodie : Let all the torments of Sathā seaze vpon me together , I care not for them , so that I may enjoye my Lord and his righteousnesse . O that all the thoughts of our heartes were made subordinate and contributarie to such spirituall and diuine desires . The sicke Man. O Lord , in the multitude of thy thoughts within mee , thy comforts delight my Soule . Cōtinue your speach I pray you concerning the beautie of the Heauens within which is the Presence-Chamber of the great King. The Pastour . * S. Iohn describes it with such wordes as men are able to vnderstand or imagine : The vnderstanding of man concerning the beautie of a Place , reacheth no further , than to Gold , Glasse , Crystall , Pearles , and precious stones , which indeed are nothing but like Coales , or drosse in comparison of these heauenlie bodies . * Before that the man of God beganne to declare what hee had seene of Heauen , hee said that there came vnto him an Angel that carried him away to a great & high mountaine , & shewed him the great Citie the holie Ierusalem a type and figure of Heauen : Glorious thinges are spoken of thee , O Citie of our God , euen of thee Ierusalem . Because that Ierusalem was a type and figure of Heauen I shall first speake a little thereof . As for the earthlie it was a Citie in Iudea builded as some thinke by Melchisedec : Otherwise it was called , Salem , and Iebus or Iebusi : After that , it was called Aelia , from Aelius Hadrianus the Emperour , who builded a part thereof , and enuironed Mount Caluarie , Christes Sepulchre , and Golgotha with a wall . This Citie had two parts , the vpper part and the lower : The vpmost part thereof with the Temple was builded vpon mount Moriah . * Because in this Citie the Lord had his residence and did shew himselfe more familiarlie than into any other part of the world , it was called The perfection of beautie and joye of the whole earth : It is written that in circuite & compasse it was foure miles : In forme it was foure square , hauing twelue gates : Ioseph recordeth that it was Dauid that first called the Citie Ierusalem : In the time of Abraham , said hee , it was called , Solyme : Some also say , that Homere called it Solyme , which in the Hebrew tong , saith Ioseph , signifieth a Fortresse . Thus much concerning the earthlie Ierusalem , which now is in bondage with her Children , the most cursed Citie in the world , since that desperate voyce of blasphemie was heard in it , His blood bee vpon vs and vpon our Children . The sicke Man. That is a fearefull desolation . The Pastour . Great was that desolation : It is called , The abomination of desolation , a desolation abominable , or foresignified by an abomination . The sicke man. I remember well of these words of that Gospel : This I remember that Christ did speake them with a Nota , Who so readeth let him vnderstand : Often while I did reade these words I found my selfe secretelie accused of negligence , in that I tooke paines to vnderstād the saying which Christ desired the Reader to vnderstand , I pray you Sir let mee vnderstand the words . The Pastour . The wordes are these , When yee therefore shall see the abomination of desolation , spoken of by Daniel the Prophet , stand in the holie place , ( who so readeth let him vnderstand ) ▪ Then let them which are in Iudea , flie into the mountaines . The wordes of Daniel are these , And after threescore and two weekes , shall Messiah bee cutte off , but not for himselfe : And the people of the Prince that shall come , shall destroy the Citie , and the Sanctuarie , and the ende thereof shall bee with a floode , and vnto the end of the warre desolations are determined : And hee shall confirme the Couenant with many for one weeke , and in the midst of the weeke hee shall cause the oblation and the sacrifice to cease , and for the ouer ▪ spre●…ding of abominations hee shall make i●… desolate , euen vntill the consummation , and that determined shall bee powred vpon the desolate . These bee the wordes of the Prophet , of which Christ said , Who so readeth , let him vnderstand . * The meaning is this : By this 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 abomination of desolation , The most learned vnderstād that Romane armie , which vnder Vespasian and Titus , fearefullie wasted the land of Iudea , & sacked the Citie of Ierusalem : It was said , To stand in the holy place that is , in the holie Land of Iudea neare vnto Ierusalem the holie Citie : In these wordes Christ foretold of the ruine of that Citie , according to Daniel who of before had particularlie set downe the time : Thus as yee see the Romane armie was called , The abomination of desolation that is , Abominatio desolans seu vastans , abominablie destroying . This is more cleare in S. Luke , When yee shall see Ierusalem compassed with Armies , then know that the desolation thereof is neare : When that destroying and abominablie desolating Armie compassed that holie Citie , then did the abomination of desolation stand in the holie place : * Some of the Learned interpret this abomination standing in the holie place , to bee that profanation of the Temple , Collocata ibi Aquila , & multis patratis quae per legem non licebant : vnde etiam m●…x sequutum est Templi & vrbis & geni●… excidium : By placing therein the Eagle the Romane Ensigne , and by doing diuerse other thinges forbidden by the Law , wherevpon the desolation of Temple , Citie , and of Nation did ensue . The sicke Man. I thinke now that I vnderstād by you that which by reading hitherto I haue not vnderstood : What other thing could ensue , but an abomination of desolation where the Messiah was cut off ? If for the blood of Cain vengeance was to be taken on the murtherer seuen-fold , & for the blood of L●…mech , if his brags were true , seuentie and seuen fold , what vengeance must bee taken vpon the shedders of the Blood of God ? which not onelie with the blood of Abel did cry vnto God from the ground , but also from the heauens , wherein the Sun cloathed in doole & wrapped for a space in his mourning weede would not looke vpon that creature wherevpon his Master was slaine ? But for to leaue this Ierusalem which is now abominablie desolate : Let me heare something of the spirituall Ierusalem . The Pastour . * The spirituall Ierusalem is called , Ierusalem which is aboue ▪ & also the Citie of the liuing God , the heauenlie Ierusalem , and also the holie Ierusalem descending out of heauen from God. The sicke Man. Thinke yee that in all these passages of Scripture Ierusalem bee taken after one sense . The Pastour . I answere that the spirituall Citie Ierusalem in Scripture is taken two wayes , either for the Church below , wherein God as in a Citie calleth the Godly to immortalitie and happinesse : Or it is taken for the heauens where the Godlie actuallie possesse that which they had heere but in hope . In the first sense the Church militant on earth is called Ierusalem aboue , and the heauenlie Ierusalem . The sicke Man. Seeing by that Ierusalem is vnderstood the Church heere below , wherfore is it called , Ierusalem aboue , and the heauenlie Ierusalem ? I thoght euer that such a Ierusalem did signifie the heauens . The Pastour . * It is called , Aboue and heauenlie , because all the true Godlie the denizens thereof , minde the thinges that are aboue : Though their bodies bee heere , their heartes are into the Heauens . For our conuersation , as S. Paule saith , is in heauen . For this spirituall exaltation of heartes , the Church in the New-Testament is called ▪ The mountaine of the Lords house established in the top of the mountaines exalted aboue the hill . * One speaking of this Ierusalem which S. Paul. called Ierusalem aboue , the mother of vs all , noteth quickelie these things . In hoc quod dicitur sursum , originis altitudo . Quod Ierusalem , Pacis multitudo . Quod mater , Foecunditatis amplitudo . Quod nostrum omnium , Charitatis latitudo . It is called Aboue from the highnesse of its Kinred a●…d pedegree . It is called Ierusalem from aboundance of peace . It is called Free from its great liberties . It is called ●… Mother because of its fruitfulnesse . It is called the Mother of vs all to teach vs charitie and loue . Are wee not all the Children of the Church our Mother ? Why then as Ioseph said to his brethren , See that yee fall not out by the way . The sicke Man. I haue often heard of Ierusalem ; that most famous Citie of the Land of Iurie , but I could neuer well know wherfore it was so called Bethlehem , Bethel , & Bethauen , are easilie known by their significations , viz. House of Bread , house of God , & house of wickednesse : But as for Ierusalem I vnderstand not its signification . The Pastour . * Learned men are of diuerse opinions concerning the name thereof : Some thinke that it bee so called from Iebus , which was its name while the Iebusiens dwelt there : Hierom thinketh that it is so called from 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 a Greeke word , which signifieth holy , according to this in Scripture it is called , The holie Citie : others are of the opinion that Sem the sonne of Noah called it Salem , that is Peace , and that Abraham called it Iehouah I●…eh , The Lord will prouide or see : Thus at last Salem & Iireh put together by Dauid ; made Ierusalē , that is , Vision of Peac : while it was called Salem , Melchizedech was King thereof called by the Apostle , King of Salem . The sicke Man. Let mee heare a little of the situation of that Citie , and of that Land of Canaan . The Pastour . From Britaine it lyeth toward the South East : One calleth it Centrum & terrae vmbilicus , the Center & nauell ▪ of the Earth : In it were two moūtaines of great renown , mount Sion & moūt Moria : Sion like an halfe Circle as writters record , did lye at the South side of Ierusalem : On it was builded the strongest Fortresse of the Citie : There before Dauid's tyme was the strong Hold of the Iebusites , so strong as they thoght , that blind & lame mē were able to keepe it against whomsoeuer : This Mountaine was higher than all the rest : Sion signifieth drynesse , because the Hill was dry without any myre or dirt . As for mount Moriah , this was the Hill wherevpon that Temple was builded : Then Solomon beganne t●… build the house of the Lord at Ierusalem in mount Moriah : The ground wherevpon that statelie House did stand , was that threshing floore of Ornan the Iebusite , which Dauid wold buy from him for the full price : The occasion was this ; Dauid hauing caused number the people , the Lord was exceeding wroth , so that in reuenge , hee sent out his Angel who killed with the sword of Pestilence threescore and ten thousand men : At last Dauid lifting vp his eyes , saw the Angel betweene the heauen and the earth , with a drawne sword , stretched out ouer Ierusalem ; which hauing seene , hee and the Elders of Israel cloathed in sacke ▪ cloth , fell vpon their faces : At that tyme Ornan with his foure Sons , while they were threshing Wheate , saw also the Angel , and hid themselues : Dauid vpō that occasion bought the floore , and offered Sacrifices with prayer , and God answered him by fyre vpon the Altar of brunt offering , and so God was pacified : After Dauids death Solomon builded the Temple there : It signifieth the feare or doctrine of GOD , The sicke Man. Let mee heare a little of that glorious Temple . The Pastour . It was seuen yeares in building : The length thereof was threescore cubites , and the breadth thereof twentie cubites , and the hight thereof thritie cubites , all the stones were readie for the wall before they were brought thither : So that there was neither Hammer , nor Axe , nor any toole of yron heard in the House , while it was in building . Those that write of this Temple diuide it in three parts : First toward the West was Sanctum Sanctorum , the Holie of holies , called also the Oracle . This by a vaile was diuided from all the rest : At the death of Christ this Vaile was rent from the top to the bottome : Before that no man might enter into it but the hig●… Priest , & that but once in the year●… , not without blood : There stood the Arke wherein was the Pot of Mannah , and Aarons Rod , and the Tables of the Couenant . The sicke Man. While I was a Scholler I heard that passage confronted with another , which declareth that neither the Mannah nor the Rod were in the Arke but onelie the Tables . The Pastour . Indeede it is written that the Mannah was layed vp before the Testimonie or Arke : In another place it is plainlie said , There was nothing in the Arke saue the two Tables of stone : So indeede in that passage of the Epistle to the Hebrewes the Greeke word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 signifieth juxta beside the A●…ke . The second roome of the Temple is called by the Apostle , The first , That is the first part of the Tabern●…cle : Not first in dignitie , but in regard of entrie , if it bee compared with the Holi●…st or Oracle ▪ This part is called Sanctum & Sanctuarium , & 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Sancta , which word some of the Learned take to bee corrupt as also 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 for 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 : In this middle roome was the Candle sticke and the Table of the Shew-bread , and the Altar of incense The third parte of the Temple toward the East , was the Porch called Atrium : Heere stood the Brasen Altar wherevpon the burnt offerings were burnt sub dio , vnder the open aire , as some think on this altar was kept that fire which came downe from Heauen : Heere stood also the Molten sea ; set vpon twelue Oxen. &c. The sicke Man. I haue heard concerning mount Sion and mount Moriah , and of the holie Temple with great contentment : Now I intreat you to let me heare of the mount of Oliues , while Christ was nigh vnto the Mount , hee sent his Disciples into a Village for to bring him the Asse , whereon hee rode thorow Ierusalem the day the little Children cryed , Hosanna , Hosanna . The Pastour . Indeede this Mount is well renouned by Christes often resorting vnto it : While hee was sitting vpon the mount of Oliues , hee taught his Disciples most diuinelie concerning the destruction of Ierusalem , and the signes preceeding , as also of the end of the world , & of the signes of his comming to Iudgement : It was vpon the mount of Oliues that Christ told Peter that before the Cocke cre●… twise hee should deny him thrise : It was to the mount of Oliues that he came out of Ierusalem , after his last Supper , for Matthew saith , That after they had sung an Hymne , they went out into the mount of Oliues : It was at the descent of the mount of Oliues that Christ said , That if men should holde their peace the stones would cry ou●… his praise . It was in Gethsemane a valley at the roote of the mount of Oliues where Christ suffered the bloodie agonie : While hee there in a colde night did sweate blood , there the Disciples slept : With himselfe hee tooke a part Peter , Iames , and Iohn , to whom hee said , My Soule is exceeding sorrowfull vnto death , tarrie yee heere and watch : There the Lord fell on the ground , praying , that if it were possible the houre might passe from him : all this befell to our Lord at the roote of the Mount of Oliues : At last from the mount of Oliues our Lord ascended vnto Heauen . As for the Mount it selfe , it is so called , because of the Oliue trees which grew there in great aboundance . S. Augustine calleth it , The mountain●… of vnction , because of its great fertilitie : Others calleth it , the mountaine of health , because of diuerse Herbes good for Physicke , which growe there . Ierom writteth that vpon this mount the red Cow was burnt , whose ashes were prepared by the Priest●… for separation and purification . This Mount was s●…uate toward the East from Ierusalem , some thing more than a mile , between it & Ierusalem runneth the Brooke Kidron . The sicke Man. Mine heart is sore wounded to heare of these places which hath bene so renouned by the pen of God. I haue heard of Sion , & of Moria , and of the mount of Oliues : Now let mee heare of Hermon . The Pastour . The Hill Hermon is also made glorious by Gods word , wherein mention is made thereof . The heauens are thine , saith the Psalmest , the earth also is thine : The North and the South thou hast created them : Tabor and Hermon shall rejoyce in thy Name : Dauid speaking of brotherlie loue and of the communion of the Sainctes , compareth it to the oyle that ranne downe vpon the beard of Aaron : To this hee subjoyneth , As the dew of Hermon , and as the dewe that descended vpon the mountaines of Zion : In the Song of Solomon mention is made of Shenir and Hermon . This Hill hath three names , the Iewes call it Hermon , the Amorites call it Shenir , and the Sydonians call it Sirion : Moses by the figure Syncope , t●…king out two Letters , calleth it Syon : From Aroer to Arnon , saith he , euen vnto mount Syon , which is Hermon . This Mountaine is thought by some to bee higher than mount Syon that is in Ierusalem : It is neare the Iordan , not farre from the mountaines of Gilboa where King Saul was slaine . Some will it to bee called Hermon from Heren res devota , a thing consecrate to God or to an holie vse . The sicke Man. There is a passage in the Psalme concerning Hermon whereof I know not well the sense . O my God , saith the Psalmest , my Soule is cast downe within mee : Therefore will I remember thee from the Land of Iordan , and of the Hermonites from the hill of Missar , or the little hill . The Pastour . These wordes want not difficultie : In our poesie they are turned after this manner , And thus my Soule within mee , Lord , doeth faint to thinke vpon The Land of Iordan , and record , the little hill Hermon . In the French paraphrase it is after this manner , Car t'ay de toy souuenance Depuis out●…e le Iordain , Et la froide demourance De Hermon , pais ha●…tain : Et de Mizar antre mont , &c. In the French paraphrase made by Beza , & also in the English and French versions it is turned , the hill Missar which is some other hill lesse than Hermon as the Hebrew word doth import : In my judgement our paraphrase is not so correct as the French , for Hermon was not a little Hill as our meter calleth it , but as it is esteemed by the Learned was higher than mount Sion . By the Land of the Hermonits the Learned vnderstand that hillie space of the countrey where is mount Hermon , and by Missar they vnderstand some other parte where there be little hils towards the border of Israel ; as Iunius expoundeth : By these three places of the Psalme , viz. The Land of Iordan , Hermon , and Missar , are vnderstood , saith hee , three diuerse Borders of the Land of Israel : The Riuer of Iordan bordering at the East , Hermon at the North towards vs , and Missar these other little hils bordering at the South . In the Papists version these be the wordes of the Psalme , Memor ero tui de terra Iordanis , & Hermonoim a monte modico , That is , Fro●… the little hill Hermonoim : whether that bee mount Hermon or no●… , saith one of their most learned inte●…preters non liquet , I cannot tell . The most part of these that wri●… mount Hermon , thinke that there were two mountaines of this name : The one was beyond Iordan neere vnto Libanus towards the Northeast , distant from it an hundreth twenty & two myles . The other was neere to mount Tabor towards the North From Ierusalem : It is from Ierusalem to it but about fourty myls : of this the Psalmist seemeth to speak where hee saith , Tabor and Hermon shall rejoyce in thy Name . The sicke Man. It rejoyceth my Soule to heare the names of things which were said to rejoyce in God : Now speake of Tabor . The Pastour . Tabor is mons rotundus & sublimis , a round and high mountaine , lying towards the North from Ierusalem about fiftie myles : It is esteemed to bee one of the chiefe Hils that are in all the Land of Candan , both for highnesse and fruitfulnesse : Some esteeme that it bee foure myles and more of hight : It is decored with all sorts of Herbes and Trees : S. Ierome speaking of it saith , Ex omni parte finitur aequaliter , it is an exceeding round Hill into the partes of Galilee . Of this Mount frequent mention is made in Scripture : In Ioshuah wee see that it bordered the lotte of the Land of the tribe of Issa●…har whose coast reached vnto Tabor : It was neere vnto Tabor where Deborah & Barak ouerthrew the Armie of King Iabin with his Captaine Sisera : For Barak beeing vpon the Mount with his men of warre by the counsell of Deborah hee went downe from moun●… Tabor , and tenne thousand men after him : It was vpon this Mount that Zebah & Zalmunna the Kings of the Midianites slew the brethren of Gideon : What manner of men , said hee vnto them , were they whom yee slew a●… Tabor ? It was at the plaine of Tabor where Saul after hee was anoynted by Samuel , met the three men going to Bethel with Kids , Loaues , & wine . This Hill was so steepe and so strong , that Ieremie from thence took his comparison , saying , That Nebuchadnezar King of Babylon should ouerthrow Pharaoh and his Armie , though they were as Tabor among the mountaines . It is the opinion of all , that vpon this Mount Christe was transfigured when Moses and Elias came downe and con●…erred with him touching his sufferings . The sicke Man. From Tabor proceede to Carmel by the sea ▪ I finde within mee great heauinesse of heart , while I thinke vpon these places where God once did shew so many tokens of his loue : The Pastour . I finde also mine owne bowels moued with a mourning r●…otion : Oh , that that people had beene wise : O ●… their example may teach vs to feare to offend so great a Majestie : If God hath not spared the naturall branches , wee should not bee high minded , but should feare : If wee continue not in his goodnesse , hee will also cut vs off . But to the purpose . As for Carmel it is the name of a Citie in the tribe of Iuda Maon , Carmel , and Ziph were Cit●…es there . It is also the name of that most fertile mountaine which had a valey most fruitfull lying hard by it : For its fertilitie in Scripture language , all fertile places are called Carmel : The flourishing estate of Christes Kingdome is called , The excellencie of Carmel . It is not farre from P●…lemais , neere vnto the Sea , for which cause the Prophet Ieremie called it Carmel by the Sea. It was at mount Carmel where Elias by his prayer made fire to come downe & consume his sacrifice with the water in the ditch , wherby he confounded the Priests of Baal , & proued the Lord to bee God by fire : It was vpon the top of this mountaine where Elias cast himselfe downe vpon the Earth , putting his head betweene his knees when his seruant spyed the Cloud like a mans hand arising out of the Sea. The sicke Man. O but mine heart bleedeth to remember of these holie places wherin is nothing now but desolation . The Pastour . We haue to pray with Moses , That the beautie of the Lord our God be vpon vs : All these beauties of Canaan are past and gone : That glorious Ierusalem , is razed and sacked with all her pompe : Invndations of woes are vpon that Land which once did flow with Milke and Honey , the land hath spewed ou●… its habitants : All this should bee for to teach vs to minde these better things which are aboue : While that Land was at its best it could not containe the shadowes of these pleasures that are aboue . Melle fluit terra hoc promissa & lacte redundat . Ast ea quo sursum est nectare & Ambrosia . This haue I thus Englished . With honey milk that holy Land , did richlie ouerflow : But Nactar sweete and Ambrosie , aboue doe richlie grow . While wee remember of that peoples desolations , let vs bee instant with God , that hee would call them in : They haue stumbled not that they should fall , but that by their fall Saluation m●…ght come to vs for to prouocke them to jealousie : If they abide not in vnbeliefe they shall be graffed in : Let vs be earnest in prayer for them : While they had court with God , they were careful for vs Gentiles : In their familiaritie with God , they spake of vs and for vs : Wee haue a little Sister , said they , What shall wee doe with her in the day shee shall be spoken for : The sincere Iewes euer groned for the fulfilling of Noa●… prophecie , that God would perswad Iaphet to enter into the tents of Sem. LORD of thy mercie bring back Sem that he may remaine with Iaphet in the Church of God , Amen . The sicke Man. I haue heard sufficientlie concerning the earthlie Ierusalem , & diuerse parts of the holie Land , & that with griefe of heart , because in that Land where God once was well knowne , now the enemies of God dominire : The cry of Christs Blood is yet still against it , so that it hath spewed out the ancient inhabitants . Lord , make all Nations by its example learne to stand in awe to prouoke so great a Majestie . Now let vs come to that Ie●…usalem which is aboue , the Palace of the great King , where God is seene of his Sainctes face to face : In what place of Scripture is mention made of it ? The Pastour . In the two last Chapters of th●… Reuelation that heauenlie Ierusalem is described . The sicke Man. How can that bee , seeing it is said that Iohn saw that heauenlie Ierusalem descending out of heauen from GOD. The Pastou●… . As Ierusalem Gods Church heere below is call●…d Ierusalem which is aboue , because her heart is in heauen with a great desire to bee there : So Ierusalem the triumphing Church aboue may bee said , To descend out of heauen , because of the great desire they haue to see vs all well heere below : Daylie they pray in Heauen for the Sainctes heere fighting on earth vnder the bloodie Banne●… of Christ Iesus : * They pray fo●… them all in generall , which cannot bee without great affection descending from the reflexe of their loue toward our God : If by some Angel they heare the report of the conuersion of sinners , there is great joy●… in Heauen : That good will and affection they beare vnto the Sainctes below , in Scripture language is called a descending out of Heauen . The sicke Man. O but ae I thinke that Citie must be glorious ! The Pastour . No glorie is comparable to that which is there : That Citie is called an holie Citie : Holinesse is the chiefest beautie that is : This was good Moses his prayer , Let the beautie of the Lord our God bee vpon vs , that is true holinesse . * This most excellent beautie of the heauens , is typified by the most bright glauncing of precious stones : Her light , saith S. Iohn was like vnto a stone most precious , euen like a Iasper stone cleare as Crystall , two creatures colour greene and cleare , most pleasant for the sight of the eye . By all this this Citie had twelue gates , and at the gates twelue Angels , whom I may well call Coelestes Ianito●…es , the blessed doore keepers of Heauen . The building of the wall was of Iasper , and the Citie was pure Gold like vnto cleare Glasse : * The foundation stones which are laid in our buildings are but of the commonest sort : But all the foundation stones of this Citie vnder whose Vaults wee sojourne here , are most precious , stones as Iasper , Saphir , Chaleedonie , Emerald , Sardonix , Sarduis , Crysolite , Berill , Topas , Iacinct , Amethyste : If such glorious stones bee the foundation stones , what glorie must bee aboue in the Palace top , where is the busking of Beautie ? As for the gates , The twelue gates were twelue Pearles , euery seuerall ga●… was of one Pearle : Wonderfull gates of wonderfull Iewels , for who euer on Earth sawe a Pearle so great as an Apple ? * Behold and wonder how the greatest doore of Heauen should bee of one Pearle . As for the streetes of the Citie they were pure gold as it were transparent glasse : * This Glasse one calleth it , Aliquid auro nobilius quod non est inrerum natura . That is , Some thing more precious & excellent than gold , which thing is not in this worlde to bee found . O mercifull God , what stupiditie is this in man , that hee cannot so feruentlie loue this God , who hath builded for his Soule & bodie such a pleasāt Palace where he shal sojourn for euer in most happy immortality ! O mercifull God , what a deadnesse & dulnesse is this in our spirits , that we cannot but after many reasons & arguments be content to remoue from these our sinfull Tabernacles of clay for to goe dwell with our God in his golden Citie & Palace of siluer , where the Lord for euer shall feast vs with the joyes of his countenance among these purer Spirites , his excellent Ones the Angels of glorie ! The sicke Man. It is certainelie a great blindnesse : Lord , put the eye salue of Grace to our carnall & naturalleyes , that our sight beeing cleared thereby wee may get some glimpse of these Palaces and Pleasures that are aboue : O Lord , hoise vp mine heart , & raise it out of the muck of this earth : mak the relish of Heauen to dash out of mine heart all earthlie desires . It is marueilous how the Soule of man shuld be such a stranger to heauen : * When I consider howe the Soule that diuine proportion , so noblie furnished with powers of great e●…euation , euen of most high contemplation , should so deba●…e it selfe among myre and dirt , not hauing a face to behold the heauens , it putteth mine heart into a wonderfull maze : What can a Soule find either in heauen or earth , except God alone which is able to satisfie the desires of its so wide Capacitie ? * O the beautie of these celestiall buildinges , all Gold and Azure ▪ But rather O the beautie of GOD himselfe in whose presence is the greatest glorie of that painted Palace ! O the beautie of beauties of him whose mercifull presence shuld turne the hels of paine into heauens of pleasures for euermore ! O let the beautie of the Lord our God bee vpon vs : * O what a fickle follie is this for man to losse eternitie of happinesse for the minute of a miserable life , in worldlie pleasures wherein is more sensible paine ; than joye that can bee enjoyed ! But to follow out our purpose intended concerning heauens glorie : I haue Sir alreadie heard of the beautie of that Citie , nowe let mee heare of its Boundes : None as I thinke shall bee there troubled for want of Elbow-roome . The Pastour . * O the vnspeakable bounds that bee there : S. Iohn saith that it was measured with a golden reede : The measure thereof as the word of God testifieth , was Twelue thousand furlongs , which is more than fifteene hundreth myle : Numerus indefinitus pro definito . A Citie greater in boundes , than who should joyne together in one that great Niniuie , Paris , Rome , London , Venise , Alexandria , Constantenople , and that great Alcaire , or Babylon a citie containing in circuite foure hundreth foure ▪ score furlongs : Nay , joyne all the Cities of the world together in one , and they shall in no way bee comparable vnto this Citie of our God , as it is ●…et downe in the Cart of the Reuelation . Let a man behold the Cart of the world , and in it hee shall easilie couer with his hand all the bounds of Europe : But behold how the Heauens in that Cart of God occupie more than fifteene hundreth myles . What I pray you , is all this Earth in comparison of these heauenlie Mansions , but an hand-breadth in comparison of fifteene hundreth myles ? * What wonder seeing as the most learned Philosophers haue obserued , the least fixed conspicuous starre which feemeth to bee but a golden naile fixed into this seiled house containeth the greatnes of the earth eighteene ▪ fold : Others of the greater sort are esteemed to bee more than an hundreth sold greater than the whole earth . It is most certaine that if the whole bodie of the earth were where a star is , it should not appeare so great as that little blacke spot that we see into the Moone : Nay , certainelie though an hundreth Earthes as great as all this were joyned in a cluster or in one masse , they should not there appeare so great as a little more in the Sun : for seeing a star which is of such a bignesse and such a brightnes , seemeth to bee but a sparkle ; as much of earth as would come to the greatnesse of a starre , beeing corpus opacum , a bodie darke and duskish shuld not in any way bee able to bee an object for our sight heere below . * Fye on foolish Atheimse that will not looke vp to the Heauens for to consider what an Arme it can bee which turneth about with a continuall whirling Bodies of such a quantitie . The sicke man. Oh , that wee could vnder ▪ value our selues as wee should , to acknowledge our stupiditie : * Hee is not a man indeede but a beas●… , that can not say and thinke with that wise Agure , Surelie I am more brutish than any man , and haue not the vnderstanding of a man. The Pastour . Oh , that wee were wise , for wisedome is better than Rubies : Oh , that wee were wise , for the man that wandreth out of the way of vnderstanding , shall remaine in the congregation of the dead : Wee are such muddie worldlings that wee cannot thinke of that immortalitie of pure and refined pleasures that are aboue . The sicke Man. But to the purpose : Is there not a Temple in Heauen wherein the Sainctes conueene for the seruice of their God ? The Pastour . S. Iohn saith , That hee sawe no Temple therein , for the Lord God Almightie and the Lambe are the Temple of it . The sicke Man. I vnderstand not howe the Lord God can bee said to bee the Temple thereof . O Lord , sette bounds and limi●…s to my curiositie : Let the loue of thy selfe haue the preheminence in swaying all my desires . A Temple or Church properlie signifie a particular house appointed for Gods seruice : for so it is that such an house should not bee in heauen : But the Lord himselfe ▪ shall bee to all the Sainctes in steede of such an house ▪ The Temple is a place properlie for offering vp of sacrifices for instruction of ignorants , for comforting of these that are afflicted . * To declare vnto vs that there shall bee no neede of such thinges the Scripture teacheth that there shall bee no Temple , but that the Lord and the Lambe shall bee the Temple , that is , shall bee in steede of sacrifice , instruction , comfort , joye , & all other good things vnto his owne , so that hee shall bee All in all : No created Spirit is able to conceiue & wade thorow such mysteries . The sicke Man. The summe of your discourse , as I perceiue , is that though that Citie want a Temple , God himselfe by his presence shall bee in steede of all thinges which are helpefull vnto vs heere : But it would seeme by another place of the Reuelation , that in the Heauen there is a Temple : There was giuen mee a reede like vnto a rod , saith S. Iohn , and the Angel stood saying , Rise and measure the Temple of God. The Pastour . * By that Temple is to bee vnderstood the Church of God on earth , as the most Learned esteeme . * They also thinke that this Calamus mensorius measuring Reede . is the rule of holie Scriptures , wherby Sectes , & Heresies are discerned from the trueth of Religion . By this Temple heere I say , Wee must vnderstand the Church of Christ , according to this it is said to the Faithfull , Know yee not that yee are the Temple of God , and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you ? The hearts of all the faithful are a Temple which God hath consecrate vnto himselfe for his Spirit to dwell in . The sické Man. O my God , keepe still mine heart in an holie spirituall temper : Soften and season it with the dew of thy Grace : Inlighten the eyes of my mistie minde , that beeing made quicke and nimble , they may sharplie discerne , and with a liuelie vigour apprehend their blessed object euen God himselfe , the Soueraigne felicitie of my Soule : O Lord of immortalitie , make heauenlie meditations only to lodge into mine heart which may bread therein thoughts of a more noble and spirituall temper then ordinarlie arise and are fostered in earthlie minded men ' who drinke vp iniquitie like water and feede vpon it as the horse Leech vpon corruption . The Pastour . The Lord giue eare to your desires : Oh , that wee could consider how our drousie thoughts , and dull affections are so glued vnto the vvorld as though Eternitie of happinesse were lodged vpon earth , and the short time of pleasures had its residence onelie in the Heauens : Such follies and fancies by the subtilitie of Sathan , are moulded into vnstable and vnhallowed braines . There is a secret influence of folie from the corruption of our Nature , whereby except that Gods Grace stand in the gap and debarre it , all the wisedome of God shall seeme to bee but follie vnto the Soule of man. The sicke Man. The Lord giue vs wisedome in all things . But to follow our purpose , seeing wee are now speaking of that heauenlie Ierusalem , I would gladlie heare you declare the differences that are betweene the heauenly and the earthly Ierusalem . The Pastour . There bee many notable differences worthie our obseruations : 1. * The earthlie was builded into dust , and now it hath the salt of Gods curse sown vpon it : The other hath its foundation into the Heauens blessed for euer . 2. That which is below had not a gate for euerie Tribe neither were all Israel free Denizens therein . * But as for the Citie aboue , The gates thereof , said Ezekiel , shall bee after the name of the Tribes of Israel : The name of the Citie from that day shall be IEHOVAH SHAMMAH , The Lord is there : S. Iohn saith , That hee saw this Citie enuironed with a wall both great and high with twelue gates , and at the gates twelue Angels , and names written thereon , which are names of the twelue Tribes of the Children of Israel . 3 That which was earthlie was abhorred by the Gentiles , and at last by them destroyed , and now by Turkes possessed and subdued : * But as for Ierusalem aboue , The Nations of them which are saued , shall walke in the light of it , & the Kings of the earth doe bring their honour & glorie into it . 4 These of the earthlie Ierusalem could not see without the light of the Sunne by day , and of the Moone by night : It behoued them to haue fire and Candles in the night time as in any other Citie : * But to Ierusalem aboue , God hath said , The Sun shall no more bee thy light by day , neither for brightnesse shall the Moone giue light vnto thee : But the Lord shall bee vnto thee an euerlasting light , and thy God thy Glorie : Thy Sunne shall no more goe down neither shall thy Moone with-draw it selfe ; for the Lord shall bee thine euerlasting Light. 5 In the earthly Ierusalem , often in place of Iustice was a seat of malice : * But in the new Ierusalem euill judges shall haue no sitting , but the Throne of God and of the Lambe shall bee in it an appointed seat , for the righteous Lord who shall lay judgment to the line and righteousnesse to the plummet . The sicke Man. O but my Soule is going to a pleasant Palace : O thou my Soule rejoyce within mee , that God hath prepared such pleasures for thee : O how ami●…ble are thy Tabernacles , O Lord of hostes : Mine heart is in heauen : Glorious things are spoken of the●… , O thou Citie of our God. The Pastour . It is certaine that mans heart can not conceiue the beautie of these buildings within : * If the house of God on earth seemed so pleasant to King Dauid that hee counted this the one thing hee would seeke , that hee might dwell into it , what shall wee thinke or say concerning Gods Palace in the Heauens ? One thing , said hee , haue I desired of the Lord , that I will seeke after that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the dayes of my life , to behold the BEAVTIE of the Lord. Lords mercie , what dulnesse and deadnesse of heart is this , that wee seeke not after the same ? should not this be our one thing ? euen our onelie hearts desire to dwell with God aboue , for to behold that BEAVTIE of the Lord , these euer g●…eene pleasures in his celestiall arbours . * There is nothing heere below which can bee sufficient for to expresse the image , nay , not the shadowe of these things that are aboue : In the most glorious creatures which are below , as Gold , Glasse , Crystall , Pearles , and precious Stones , we may see some thinges like shadowes of these glorious thinges aboue : But there is no creature heere which can carrie to our imagination the shadow let bee the image of the glorie that is vp into that Holie of holies : O but God is wonderfull in counsell and excellent in working : But our Soules are so sleepie and sluggish that they cannot consider : * The fancies and folies of the earth bring vs quite out of conceite with celestiall pleasures : Alas , in the best of vs the seedes of grace lye buried vnder the thornes shamefullie ouertopped by them : The little dramme of goodnesse in our hearts is waighed down with weightie talents of wickednes : a mighty streame of earth●…y thoghts and worldlie desires lik a Torrent carieth our Soules down the hill from all heauenlie contemplations : The clawing flatterers of our worldly affections whisper vnto vs that it is good for vs to bee heere . The sicke Man. The Lord subdue the master sinne which like a Ring-leader and head of all wickednesse , maketh all our purest conceptions of heauen to be come moodie and drumlie . O Lord , let thy graces in mee bee presentlie vp in armes for to remoue all such earthlie mindednesse from mine heart , by the power of thy diuine Armerouse vp this drousie soule , that it may seeke thee afresh by a renewed act of Faith and Repentance : Make mine heart to detaste all earthlie pleasures which are but rotten at the heart : Kindle in mine heart a loue of thy Palace aboue , stirre vp all my desires with a foretaste of the pleasures that are there ; that finding the comfortable relish thereof I may most willingly desire to be dissolued and to bee with Christ in the heauens for euer : O Lord , in stead of all meanes both outward & inward , supplie mee aboundantlie with the presence of thy Spirit : Waine my Soule from the loue of the earth , that thou may winne it to the loue of the Heauens . O happie they who studie to pietie and puritie for no vncleane thing shall bee able to enter into these mansions . O Lord , let vs not bee like these who after that they haue seemed to disgorge their stomackes most filthilie with the Dogge , swallow vp their owne vomit againe : O shelter mee and saue me from the vnsoundnesse and vnsettlednesse of a deceitfull heart , that I lash not out into the excesse of supperfluitie of wickednesse : now while wee are speaking of the heauens , make all the loue of the earth hencefoorth to bee cryed downe into my Soule . The Pastour . Lord , heare thou in Heauen : I am rejoyced that while we are speaking of the heauens , the Spirite of grace furnisheth you with such heauenlie prayers which would hearten any man , to runne thorow hell to Heauen , except that hee bee of the number of these who thinke it but a tricke to goe to hell . The sicke Man. I pray you now Sir , to continue into that purpose concerning the glorie of Heauen , for it affecteth much my Soule : Your powerfull speach maketh my minde to stay in a feeling meditation vpon these beauties that are aboue . * If I heard not such good purpose , my mind would either feede vpon dull and fruitlesse melancholie , or else should gade and runne ryot in reuellings and in a world of foolish and fond imaginations . * The thoughts of man cannot runne long without rubor interruption in Spirituall things , except that God in mercie both support them outwardlie and sinew them inwardlie by the finger of his Spirit : The hearts of men are so light in their gading that moste easilie are they moued to glide ouer the best things , and either swinishlie to wallow infilthinesse , or furiouslie to follow these whose whole pregnancie of witte is spended vpon trifles : Thus mirrilie they passe away that tyme wherein they should redeeme the time that is past . I wish that mine heart by your discourse were confined to celestiall meditations : Proceede now I pray you where yee left at last . The Pastour . My speach was that all the most glorious creatures that wee can either see aboue or below are lesse thā shadowes , types or figures , of things that are within the Heauens . * In them as in a Glasse we see weaklie the invisible things of God : As a man not beeing able to face the Sun beholdeth him in a Basen , full of water , and yet not without some dazeling of his sight : That weakened light will mak his eyes to water , and teares to trickle downe : If the glory of one of Gods seruants be so glistering in robes of light , that no man can behold him but into the glasse of another creature , and that also with great paine . It is certaine that God must put many moe creatures betweene himselfe and vs , that the glorie of his beames beeing weakened by diuerse reflexes from one creature to another , man with his weake tender eyes may looke vpon his light . * If a man cannot beholde the Sunne in the day , hee may in the night behold his beames vpon the bodie of the Moone : If his sight yet cannot suffer that , hee may behold him in his second reflexe by beholding the Moone in a glasse : If as yet his sight dazle , there is a third and weaker reflexe : By another glasse thou may gette the reflexe of that glassen reflexe . * Certainlie there must bee manie reflexes of Gods brightnes from one creature to another , before that his invisible things can bee seene by vs : What glorious beames of Gods face thinke yee be these which shine within that highest Heauen called , Coelum Empyrium , the fierie Heauen ? not that there is fire , but because ( as the most Learned thinke ) it is purer than al the other heauens as much as the fire is purer than the other Elements : O what shining brightnesse of God is to be seene there where all is more glauncing and cleare , than that fire which Moses saw in the Bush. * Let vs come down from thence to behold the glorious Stars the twinckling eyes of Heauen , laughing vpon the godlie with their celestiall smyles : O these bright and peerelesse Pearles . Let vs from thence come downe to the two great Gouernours of the day and of the night from thence descend to the cleare pureaire so glauncing with the light of the Sunne as if it were all of Azure : Come downe yet , and vnder that are Aquae limpidae , the cleare waters , the mother of Pearles and of precious gold , for the weakest eye there is terra opaca that thicke da●…ke , duskish , and lumpish masse of earth which a bleare eyed Leah , may behold , for in it to see without watering eyes the invisible thinges of God , were it by looking vpon a Lillie , or a Rose or vpon a Snaile or a Snaike . * Behold the goodnesse of God , who hath sette his creatures by degrees in distance from the place of his inaccessible light that thereby the bleared eyes of men may get some glimpse of the shadowes of his invisible thinges which are of truest worth . * But O , O , O , what a glorie and matchlesse fairenesse is there where God the King of Glorie is seene face to face O the glorie of the God-head : The knowledge of the least sparkle of that glorie is not attainable by any carnall capacitie . * Because of that brightnesse that was in Moses his face by the reflexe of that Light which hee had seene but in IEHOVAHS backe partes , it behoued him to couer his face with a Vaile when hee came for to speake vnto men : Was the skinne of the face of a sinner so inlightened with bright beames from the Back of God , that no man could behold it , nor looke toward it till it was couered with a Vaile ? How many Vailes must God put betweene his face & ours , lest we should be dazeled with his glorie ? I take all the circles of the heauens , the Fire and Aire aboue vs to bee as many obscuring Vailes which the Lord hath cast betweene the Glorie of his face & the eyes of sinful man : * And yet in the Sunne hee hath fastened such a sparkle of his glorie , that by his heate & his brightnes , he will cause man the king of creatures to bee ashamed to behold him : Hee will cause him flie vnto the shadowes , and goe with Gogle eyes of Glasse , for to saue his eyes of flesh from the reflexe of his beames thogh blunted vpon the darke and duskie element of the earth : See how mans sight is so weake that it cannot abide an earthlie blunted reflexe of that celestiall creature . What shall I say more of the heauens which are so farre aboue vs ? * Let vs come downe and learne humilitie at the feete of creatures below as at the feete of a Gamal●… euen in this elementare ▪ Region of corruption : * Behold there is such a whitenesse into the snow which is but frozen and congealed blacke water , that it will mak the dull sight of man so to dazle , that when hee is entered into his owne house , hee is not able to know the faces that are his owne , yea , many by such brightnes , at last haue lost their sight : Let mee yet come to an obscurer bodie : The small printed Letters which wee read must be darkened with the blacknesse of inke ; and yet because the whitenes of the Paper scattereth so the sight , it must bee gathered with the greenish colour of glassen Spectacles . * Now I pray you , how should man behold that passing glory of his God , who cannot behold the whitnesse of Paper but with borrowed eyes of Glasse ? Let men heare learne in his weaknesse to bee humble , and to reuerence him that hath made so many creatures , which for brightnesse he is not able to behold : * If poore man cānot behold the apparrell of Gods creatures clothed with light , or with colours not seene without light : If such a little glaunce is able to dazle his sight , how should hee bee able to behold the King of creatures , euen the great Creator him selfe ; whose backe partes are brighter than tenne thousand Sunnes . Because of this great weaknesse caused into man by sinne , man is remoued farre from the presence of this King , lest hee should bee destroyed by the brightnesse of his beames : * If while the Sunne shineth with his beames darded directlie down , the creatures are so parched with heate below that they are constrained to gaspe , what should become of vs , if Gods glorie should appeare at our verticall point without the interposition of many other creatures betweene him and vs ? If a little sparkle of his Glorie in the Sunne many thousand myles from vs , maketh a man to faint , sweate , and gaspe , what should become of vs , if God himselfe the consuming fyre should approach vnto vs ? If the Sunne which seemeth to bee but of an hand-breadth hath such light and heate , what should it bee if all the heauens were inlightened like the Sunne ? Though all the heauens were turned into a Sun , they should not be of such brightnesse as are the backe-parts of IEHOVAH : The Sun with all his light and heate may mak the face of man more obscure and duskie , but cannot inlighten it : But the backe partes of God , printed such light into the face of a man , that for brightnesse no man could behold it . * Mercifull God , what stupiditie is this in man , that hee will not consider what a Majestie this must bee , whose obscurest parts are more bright than the Sunne , and who with all is not confined with natural dimensions , as with breadth or length , but is aboue the Heauens infinitlie with infinite bounds and brightnesse the least sparkle whereof is more bright than if the whole Heauens were wholie tarned into a shining Sunne . * If men knew the pleasures that are there , they wold not losse them for the painefull pleasures , or rather vnpleasant paines of this sinfull life : Alas , that we are so carelesse of the attainment of such a weight of glorie : Alas , that wee gaze so greedilie vpon the painted and varnished vanishing glorie of things below which all perish with the vsing . * If men knew what relish is into these dainties that are aboue prepared for the Sainctes , they would not so glut themselues with the swinish ●…uskes of earthlie thinges , but would reserue their lust , for that whereof there is no loathing : Fye on men that for follie should losse such an inheritance that fadeth not away . * In this world wee haue Bethel the house of God , but aboue is Peniel the place of Gods face , wherein are pleasures for euermore : Below all pleasures ebbe and flow with discontent and comfort : But aboue is an euerlasting full sea of joyes which could neuer enter into the heart of man : Vnder the Law God was hid vnder a vaile : In the Gospel wee see him in a glasse : But in heauen we shall see him face to face , and that indeede euen as hee is . The sicke Man. Mine heart by these wordes is possest with a secret louelier auishment : Continue I pray you to declare what more beaucie is within that Paradise : * Let me heare of these pleasures , which the Sainctes there haue in the presence of their God , and what bee the order and chiefe ornaments of that Palace , what bee the attyre of these that follow the Lambe , & what be the forme of their feasting at table with Abraham , Isaac , & Iaacob . The Pastour . * Such things are transcendent to all the wits of Nature and to all created inuentions : It is good that wee beware to launch too farre into such a boundlesse and bottomelesse Ocean . * What is the compasse of mans braine little like a Nut-shell , that it should containe conceptions of that which is infinit ? God who killed the Bethshemites for looking into his Arke , and reproued the Galileens gazing vp to the Heauens , will not allow men to pierce and prye curiouslie into his misteries which surpasse all created capacitie : * Our greatest wisedome shall bee to wonder at that which passeth the reach of all reason and reuelation : * It may well content the most curious Soule to bee of Gods Court though it be not of his secret Counsell : * In nothing mans reason appeareth more reasonable , than to cease from reasoning in that which is aboue his reach . The matter is heere so high that all words forsake mee as it were confessing that they are neither fit nor able to expresse such wonderfull misteries : * As the heauens could not bee measured but with a Reede of gold , so cannot these heauenlie things bee declared but in the golden language of heauen which our sinfull mortalitie can neither speake nor vnderstand : * It is dangerous for man to be curious to learne what God esteemeth not necessarie to teach : Man must not haue eares to listen where God hath not a tongue to speake , Gods silence should teach all men sobrietie in searching . In that royall Palace of pleasures aboue without doubt bee comfortes & contentments , yea , and such , I am perswaded , as greater the Sunne and Moone the two eyes of Heauen neuer saw : What say I greater ? The image of such thinges could neuer enter into the heart of man. * In my judgement all the Godlie at the first sight of heauens glorie shall bee like men in a dreame : As it is written of Gods people , When the Lord brought againe the captiuitie of Zion , wee were like them that dreame : All such glorie , beautie , and pleasure shall bee things so excellent and beyond expectation that for a space they shall seeme to the Saincts incredible , for a space in my judgement the Godlie shall bee like these that dreame , wondering how so great a glorie can possiblie bee . My minde is now dazeled with such high considerations . O , O , O , these so vnspeakable beauties that are within that Holie of holies ! O the order that is there ! O the dainties that are on these Tables : O the Table of that Ruler where all may take of all without , Putting a knife 〈◊〉 their throat ! O the apparell of Gods seruāts there : O these fairest flowers which shall decke their garlands of Majestie , O these peerelesse Pearles of price ! O these louelie Iemmes ! O these celestiall crownes spangled with jewles more glistering than ●…tarres ! O yee Angels and Archangels ! O yee all of that heauēly Queire : Cherubins , Seraphins , Princes , Powers , Thrones , Vertues and Dominions , all inflammed with most glorious diuine beames of light ! O yee Noble followers of the Lambe all decked with glorie and garlands of immortalitie ! O the amazing beauties of these celestiall Mansions ! O ye blessed eternized Denizens who liue there into an eternall vnitie of loue , which no jarres , strife , or debate shall for euer be able to vntwine ! O purest Spirits purged from all drossie mood of sinfull mortalitie ! O Palace of pleasures wherin Angels & Sainctes all around with celestiall Harpes make all to ring with Holie , Holie , Holie , Halleluiah , Halleluiah , Halleluiah ! O yee purest ple●…sures of perfection which no fretting canker of time shall bee able to out-weare , or to cancell the owlish eyes of my mind are not able to reach within the bounds of so bright an Horizon : The most I can conceiue is lesse than the least and lightest glory that shall bee there where Soules are solaced without stresse or strife in immortalitie . * O glorie , glorie , glorie , without any veine of vanitie : Mine heart is rauished and is no more within me . * When the Queene of Shebah came to Ierusalem to see the glorie of Solomon , after that shee had considered the meate of his Table , and the sitting of his seruants , and the attendance of his Ministers , and their app●…rell , & his Cup bearers , it is said , That there remained no more spirit in her . All her spirits in a manner ran out of her by the holes of her senses , for to come & sit downe & wonder at the glorie of the man : Thus wondering shee remained for a space , as if shee had beene amazed , till her stupified spirit returned into her againe : then shee began to speake , It was a true report that I heard in mine owne Land of thine actes and of thy wisedome , howbeit I belieued not the wordes vntill I came , and mine eyes had seene it : And behold the halfe was not told mee : Thy wisedome & prosperitie exceede the fame which I haue heard : Happie are thy men , happie are these thy seruantes which stand continuallie before thee , and that heare thy wisedome . * Consider how the glorie of a man in its greatest not comparable to the glorie of a Lillie , drew the spirite so out of the Queene of Shebah , that for a space shee was not able to speake : Shee wondered at that which shee saw , but what shee had seene shee could not vtter in words , bu●… onelie said in generall , that shee had heard a true report which she could not belieue vntill shee came , and her eyes had seene it : And nowe whe●… shee hath seene , shee declareth that the halfe had not beene tolde her . Consider well I pray you : * If the beholding of the glorie of an earthlie Prince so rauished the heart not of a rusticke that will easilie wonder at any thing , but of a Queene , yea , and so that no more spirit remained in her , what should it bee if we should get but as through the gra●… one sight thorow the heauens of that great God of Solomon sitting vpon his Throne ? * If but for the quarter of an houre wee might see the meate of his Tabl●… , and the standing of his seruants ▪ & the attendance of his Ministers , Saincts & Angels casting downe their Crownes at his feete , if , I say , wee could see these things as they are this our Spirit shuld be caried toward him wit●… such a strong bent affection , tha●… 〈◊〉 should not tarie within vs , but being rauished should runne out of this body of clay for to goe abide with him that made it among pleasures perfectlie abstracted from paine . * If God as hee is should appeare vnto vs were it neuer so little , the bonds of our bodies should not be able for to fetter so our Soules , but at the first sight of God they with a most flagrant desire should flutter out of sinfull clay , for to enjoye his most amiable presence , wherein are pleasures exempted from all hazard of surprysall . * That which I say giueth some light to these wordes which God said to Moses , No man can see my face and liue : As for the wicked I giue this interpretation , that the sight of Gods face shuld kil them ▪ as light killeth darknes , or as the day is the slaughter of the night : But God who killeth not but quickeneth the killed of his owne chosen , if by them hee were seene in the face on earth they shuld dye not a violent death , but they should die for loue to bee at him : At the first sight of his Face their Soules would not remaine any more in clay , but loathing their bodies , they should make haste for to flie to their God : So soone as Steuen saw the Heauens opened , & the Son of man standing at the right hand of God , his Soule tooke post to the heauens : Albeit the Burrios thought that they chaised it out with stroakes and with stones , yet it is certaine that fra once hee got that sight , his Soule was more desirous to bee out of his bodie , for loue of Heauen , than the Soule of the most wicked man can bee desirous to abide still within for feare of Hell. * There is such an attractiue loue in Gods countenance , that if the Soule in flesh could once see it , the bodie should not bee able to keepe it any more within , no not for the space of a moment : As the load stone draweth vnto it the yron by a secret and vnspeakable draught , so in the face of God there is such an attractiue force , that of neede force the godlie Soule at the first sight of it must flie vp vnto it : As the Sun by the force of his beames raised vp the vapours towardes heauen , euen so if God would but turne his face to anie Soule , with the least blinke thereof , hee should draw vp that Soule vnto himselfe like a vapour raised vp by the force of the Sunne . * Consider how the sight but of his backe partes maketh many a well resolued Christian to cry vp vnto him Cupio dissolvi , I desire to bee dissolued : What is that but the faithfull Soule haling like an Hawke for to flie from the mortall heart as from the hand of a stranger , for to come home to her Lord in eternitie ? O thrise happie hee whose name is in the Booke , and whose Soule is in the bundle of life . * O the gaine that wee haue by the mercie of God in the fall of Adam : In Paradise man might liue or die : On earth hee now liueth and must die : But in Heauen wee shall so liue , that wee can no more die : O blessed life of eternitie neuer to haue an end into that other world : Oh that wee could spend this life in a sacred violence in pursute of that celestiall crowne of immortalitie : * Happie is hee who keepeth a narrow watch ouer all the stirringes and imaginations of his heart in consideration of that day . * Happie is hee who maketh all his joys & pleasures and all his best beloued thinges below to bee by standers waiting on the seruice of that one thing which onelie is necessarie . The sicke Man. My Soule is so rauished with you●… speach that it flutters within mee ●… haleth to bee away from this mortalitie for to goe dwell into these heauenlie Mansions with the God of glorie : Our best thinges below in their verie quintessence are defiled with the moode of home bred corruption : All haue neede to be renewed in the verie spirit of their minde . Let it please you Sir yet to continue in describing the beautie of Paradise . The Pastour . If man o●… Earth could belieue the beautie of the Heauens to be in any measure such as it is , hee would bee glad at his heart to forsake the moulding cottages of clay : Seeing the out-sid of heauen is so glorious what must bee the in side ? Solomons Temple was a type of Heauen : The further a man went in , he saw the greater beautie : In the out most ▪ Cou●… was but an Altar of brasse , for the s●…crificing of beastes : Into the inward Court ▪ stood an Altar of Gold for offering of incense & of sweet persum●…s ▪ But that which was in most , viz ▪ Sanctum Sanctorum the Holie of holies was all full of Glorie : There God himselfe was heard in a voyce beetweene the Cherubins : There was the Ark called , a The Glorie , wherin were the b Tables of Gods word , Aarons flourished Rod & the Manna : There was the Word for the instruction of the Soule : There were the Almond floorishes like a pleasant Spring for rejoycing of the eye : There also was Mannah for meate , the type of that euerlasting Soule ▪ feast in the Heauens Behold a compend of the three most pleasāt seasons of the yeare : First , there was the seed of the word ; & after that the Summer flowers of pleasure in the flowrishing Rod : And last there was the fruitfull haruish of Manna for meat : In a word in that Holie of holies the figure of Heauen was the Merciesea●… the speciall place of Gods residence : But all the beautie of that Temple were not sufficient to expresse the shadowe of these that are aboue the starres . * S. Paul after that hee had beene rauished vp to the third heauens got a charge from God that hee should not tell what hee had heard or seene there : Onelie this hee declared after that hee was come downe , that vp into Paradise hee had heard vnspeakable words which no tongue of flesh could bee able to pronounce : But though such words had beene speakable the Apostle declareth that it was not lawfull for a man to vtter them . * Alas , what can the earthlie low creeping wor●…s of our highest eloquence expresse of these joyes that are aboue the Heauen of heauens ? Hee who with penne and inke would set out the greatnes of that glory which is to bee seene within that blessed Building , should bee as who would foolishlie tak paines to paint the Sun with a coale : In vaine shall a man prease to expresse that which cannot be spokē but into vnspeakable words ▪ Words come shorter than thoghts , and thoughts come shorter infinitly than the thing it selfe . The sicke Man. I haue heard with great ioye of the vnspeakable glorie of God himselfe , & of the beautie of his Princelie Palace : I desire now to heare some thing more at large concerning the estate of the Sainctes wherein they shall be when they shall dwell with God after the resurrection . The Pastour . It is most certaine that they shal be there into a farre better estate than wee can imagine : * For if Da●…id thought one day in Gods earthly hous●… better th●… a thousand else where , what shall it bee when wee shall bee in Heauen , the Citie of our GOD , whereof God is the House and the Temple ? The Saincts shal be in such glorie there , as that no earthlie tongue can tell : * If in this world by be : holding in a glasse the glorie of the Lord , wee are changed into that same Image from glorie to glorie , what a change shal bee made when we shall see not Gods Image , not in a glasse , but himselfe face to face ? If the sight of his Image in the glasse of his Gospel hath such a working power as to change vs into the same Image heere on earth , what a change shall bee made of vs in the Heauens , when we shall see God euen as hee is ? All the godlie Gods warriours then shall liue in peace and rest : * As their life on earth was a continuall battell , so shall their life in Heauen bee a perpetuall triumph : Then the winter of their affliction shall bee past : The stormes of their miserie shall blowe no more : * On Earth joyes and sorrowes are combined together : In Hell is sorrow without any joye : In Heauen shall bee joye without anie sorrow : There they all in bleached coats of righteousnes shall blaze brighter than the Sunne : God beeing in them shall burne in them as hee did in the Bush : They shall burne but not bee consumed . While S. Iohn was rauished in the Spirit , he behelde a great multitude which no man could number , all standing before the Lambes Throne cloathed in white robbes which had beene bleached from their blemish by the blood of the Lambe : * hauing the testimonie of two Senses , he reporteth what hee saw and heard : With his eyes hee saw them cloathed with white robes and Palmes in their hands : The one was their innocencie , the other was their victorie : With his eares hee heard the songs of their triumph . They cryed , said hee , with a loude voyce , Saluation to our God which sitteth vpon the Throne : With them were Angels & Elders roūd about the Throne , all falling down vpon their face , and singing , Blessing , and glorie , and wisedome and thankesgiuing , and honour , and power , and might bee vnto our God for euer and euer : Then with vncōquerable comforts shall all Christes crouding Turtles bee loueinglie comforted : * Then shall all their sighes bee turned into songs : Then joyes vnspeakable shall fill all their senses without any surfet : Euerie Sense shall receiue more than all mortal hearts can conceiue : * But which is of all good things the sweetest relish , there shall bee such vnspottednesse of life and loue among the Saincts as the heart of man here cannot conceiue : Euery one shall rejoyce of anothers wel as much as they shall doe of their own felicitie : The enuious man seeds-man of all strife & debate shall not be there : * All selfe-loue which is of a niggardlie nature enuious of the good of others , shall be quite away , & in the place therof shall come such an heauenlie loue that shall make all the joyes of Heauen to be common : * As was in the primitiue Church so shall bee there , but in greater perfection , a communitie of goods : One shall not say , This is mine or that is thine : But as wee shall bee all in Christ , & Christ in vs , so shall wee bee all one in another filled one with anothers joye : All state of strife then shal be farre away . In Ierusalem aboue an euerlasting peace is within her walls , and perpetuall prosperitie within her Palaces : All the godlie glistering like starres , shall rejoyce one into anothers light : * Euerie one of them by twinkling and be●…kning vnto other with celestiall smiles shall bend all their force for to giue glorie to the Sunne of righteousnesse the fountaine of all their light . * All Soules there shall bee most wonderfullie beau●…fied with internall , externall , and eternall happinesse : There God onelie shall speake peace vnto his people and vnto his Sainctes , who shall neuer returne againe to their folies . * Mans chiefe contentment in the heauens shal be in loue , first with God , and then of one with another ▪ O these euerlasting streames of contentmentes which shall flowe into these blessed breastes sequestred for euer from all doole and distresse . The sicke Man. Lord , make all these thinges to liue freshlie in our memories : My Soule is inflammed with loue to heare of that loue which shall bee betweene God and his Saincts and among the Sainctes themselues : Your discourse Sir , with a plausible and pleasant insinuation windeth it selfe into the affections of mine heart : It hath alreadie winne mine heart to him to whome it most justlie belongeth : Blessed bee his Name for euer . Seeing yee were speaking of that vnspeakable loue that shal be between God and vs , and also among our selues , I pray you to say some thing more concerning that matter . The Pastour . I shall doe what I can brieflie : * As for God , euery Soule shall loue him better than it selfe , because it shall then perfectlie know that God hath loued it more than euer it was able to loue it selfe . As for all the Saints , wee shall loue them equallie with our selues , as beeing all members of that mysticall Bodie : * Then and not till then shall bee the perfect practise of that second great command the summe of the second Table which is , to loue our neighbour as our selues : * If the Soule of this naturall Bodie in the toyle of our pilgrimage hath such a commande ouer our naturall affections , that it maketh vs to loue all the members , and euerie member to worke equallie well for the good of another : O mercifull God , what greater loue shall proceede from that Spirite of Loue , which shall bee in the Heauens , euen the Soule of that mysticall bodie of all the Elect ? * Looke how much grace surpasseth Nature , and Glorie surpasseth Grace , the Spirit of God which shall animate this bodie , shall so much more straitlie make the members thereof to liue in Loue : * The holier the Soule bee within a man the greater loue & concord is betweene his members : But if the Soule be not holie , all the members will shortlie discord : The one Hand will cut off the other : The Hand will wound the Heart , or cut the throat ; and the Mouth will bite the Fingers : But O , what loue shall bee then among the members , when our Sanctification shall bee made so perfect , that nothing more can bee added vnto it ! O what loue , peace and concord shall bee there , where God who is loue like a more powerfull and noble forme shall in an vnspeakable manner informe all the members of that mysticall bodie ! Wee all then shall accord to one thing : All our wils shall bee according to Gods ▪ will : And eue●…ie one of our wills with another shall bee like our two eyes whereof the one cannot so soone turne , but the other must follow after it for to behold the same object . * Wee cannot now comprehen●… this : For mans reason heere on earth is like a riuen vessell which can not containe the discourse of immortalitie : Our mindes are so drossie & ●…mpish that they cannot conceiue euerlasting matters . Wee speake now of Loue : O but Loue now is litle among men : * we may say of it in this last age ▪ as Lot said of Bel●…h ▪ Is it not a little one ? Though it bee little now , it shall bee great in these dayes : Then shall it defie all sickle and foolish changes . * In this worlde belowe three graces dwell into the Soule of man like three sisters , viz. Faith , Hope ▪ and Charitie , two of them conv●…ye the godlie Soule vnto the doores of Heauen , viz. Faith and Hope , but Charitie entereth in : The Lord openeth his Doore to Loue : * Faith beeing a substance of things not seene , so soone as the Soule commeth to sight , it ceaseth to be , because there is no such substance there : Hope being of things to come , so soone as the future is become present , it hath no more a doe : But Loue entereth in , and as fyre posteth vp to fyre , so Loue swiftlie flieth to God , for God is Loue , and for to speake so , the verie element of Lou●… Till Loue bee at him it is like a thing out of its element the place of its ●…ost ▪ there shall our soules feede on his Loue : In such a feeding they shall bee as if they were euer hungrie and as if they were euer satisfied : * As the heauens hunger is without any laking , so is its fulnesse without any loathing : * On Earth as it is said , Voluptates commendat rarior vsus . Single vse maketh pleasures the more agreeable : But in Heauen the more our Soules shal haue , the more they shall desire : The more they shall desire , the more they shall receiue : So by an infinite multiplication , joyes , and pleasures , and contentments shal be heaped vpon godlie Soules for euer , like fyre in fuell , which , suppone the fuell be infinite , can neuer die out but day lie increasseth , as it were from a sparkle to a flame . What shall I say more ? There shall bee such a fulnesse of all good thinges , that no Soule shall bee able to receiue a greater desire of more : All shall bee content , all shall bee vnspeakablie glorious and made perfect : There shall be no blemish into our bodies , nor sinne in our Soules : Iaacob shall not halt , Mephibosheth shall goe straight , blind Isaac then shall see , & Leah shal no more be bleared ▪ the deafe shall heare , & the dumbe shall speak : The lame man shall leape as an Hart , and the dumbe mans tongue shall sing : Then shall these words bee perfectlie performed , There shal be no more a pricking briar vnto the house of Israel or any grieuing thorne of all that are round about them . * Then shall our wearied Soules find aboue the highest circumference of Heauen , the Centre of our rest . God then shall bee our Sanctuarie in whom we shall haue joye and gladnesse without feare of ending : O folie , folie , folie ! Why should we for such earthlie toyes losse such celestiall joyes ? * Hee that for so little pleasure losseth that which Christ hath bought with so great paines , as said a Father , Stultum Christum reputat mercatorem . That is , Hee thinketh Christ to bee a foolish buyer , while indeed he himselfe is a most foolish seller : * When one day with prophane Esau he shall bitterlie repent his bargane , then shall hee know what a pennie-worth hee hath of all his pleasures . The sicke Man. Alas , that men cannot consider ▪ O my God , master and mortifie all such corruptions within mine heart , that they be not able to lay my soule open to Sathans temptations . But to proceede in our purpose , what thinke yee shall bee the chiefe exercise of Soules in Heauen ? The Pastour . It shal be to sing Psalmes of praise , and to follow the Lambe whether soeuer hee goeth , from East to West , or from South to North. The sicke Man. * Alas , that for this pricke of earth men should doe that which shall debarre them from that Palace of pleasure : Our bodies as yee thinke shall not then bee wearied in following the Lambe , were it to goe neuer so farre . The Pastour . O not : * Then shall our Soules bee refined from the drosse of sinne : Then shall wee bee free of all this lumpishnesse of clay caused by sinne , wherewith now wee are both cloyed and clogged : * Our motion then shall bee swifter than the Sunne in his course : As with a●…thought our hearts will compasse the Heauens ▪ so shall wee goe most swiftlie whether wee desire : As by the motion of the Eye wee looke from East to West , or as the Sunne beames while he ariseth are suddenlie darted from the one end of Heauen to the other , so shall it be of our motion then , for we shall bee carried with the infinite power of God , which shall not be subject to the Lawes of naturall motions below : As for example , here can be no motion without resistance : * All motions whether from aboue or siō below or ouerthwartlie ▪ finde enemies by the way opponing themselues to that which is moued , as Edom did to the Israelites , saying , Thou shalt not passe by mee : The stronger the opposition bee , the motions are the slower : Man cannot wade thorow waters so swiftlie as runne thorow the aire vpon the earth , because the partie is stronger which is against him , all things goe so below , but aboue no bodies shall oppose themselues to the Children of God : What euer bee aboue , all shall goe with them , they shall bee like shippes before the winde , carried with a mightie gale : There is nothing heere like vnto that that shall bee into that celestiall Fabricke . But not bee curious to diue into such deepes : * This is certaine , that the Sainctes shall bee carried there with the force of an vnspeakable power , and that without anie wearinesse : They shall runne , saith the Prophet , and not bee wearie , they shall walke and not faint : What can these want who beeing companions of the blessed Angels , shall abide with him in whose face is fulnesse of delight : * There all our pleasures shall bee so pure that no vncleane inclination shall be able by any juggling feat of conueiance to cogge in it selfe into our heartes any more : O the foolishnesse of mans blind and bewitched heart , that for a moment of toylesome time should losse that Eternitie of joye . The sicke Man. Thinke yee that in Heauen wee shall bee of diuerse ages , Children , men , or olde men , as wee were here when wee deceased ? The Pastour . It is hard to tell wee must not swerue from the wisedome of Gods word : Scripture heere is silent : But seeing Heauen is the place of perfection , it is probable as some Diuins thinke , that in Heauen all shall bee in greatest perfection : Seeing say , they , that infancie is imperfection and olde age is defection , none of two are conuenient for bodies that are perfectlie glorified : * As the Sunne taketh the mid course of Heauen , so shall the godlie , who shall shine like Sunnes , abide in the middest beeweene the Poles of all extremities , for there shal be the perfection of Vertue , Age , Stature , Beautie , and of all that shall concerne them : * All shall bee content , for all shall drinke their filles out of the Riuer of the vnmixed pleasures & perfections of God , which neither Man nor Deuill , the strength of Hell , or length of eternitie shall euer bee able to trouble or make drumlie . The sicke Man. There is one thing which earnestlie I desire to know , viz. Whether or not wee who on earth haue liued together , and loued one another , shall know each other into Heauen . The Pastour . It is thought that so shall be , and that because of the presence of God , in whom is such a Light that by it wee shail see and know these whom wee neuer did see or know on earth . * When Christ was transfigured vpon mount Tabor , down came Moses & Elias whō the Apostles had neuer seene of before : Though they had neuer seene them before that , yet by the light of Christes transfiguration they were so inlightned that they did perfectlie know what they were : If the sight of that figured light , gaue such a knowledge vnto sinners that they knew these whom they had neuer seene , what shall it bee when all obscure figures and also our sins ▪ which maketh all good thinges obscure , shall bee remoued ; and God shall bee All in all . * But though we should all know one another : as I thinke indeede we shall ▪ all these carnall respectes which are heere ▪ as of Father , Mother ▪ Wife & Childrē , shall all fall from vs , lik the mantle of Elias , before wee enter into Heauen for to enjoye these Empyrian pleasures which are so far aboue the fadome and reach of all changable mortalitie . * Wee thinke much now of such earthlie respectes which are indeede Coagulum hujus vitae , the verie curding and joyning together of greatest naturall contentments . But seeing all such things are but things of Child-hoode , they shall not enter into our thoughtes when wee shall bee perfect men into the Heauens , the presence-Chamber of our God : When I was a Childe , saide S. Paul , I spake as a Child , I vnderstood as a Child , I thought as a Childe : But when I became a man I put away childish things . So long as a man is into this world if hee be compared with that which hee shall bee , hee is but a Child , hee vnderstandeth as a childe , hee speaketh as a Child , and hee thinketh as a Childe : All the dearest naturall respects that are heere , are but childish things : Seeing they are so , when we shall come to Heauen where we shall bee perfect men , they all shall bee put away . * I will let you see this in a natural figure : In this world we haue that which wee call Child hoode , and that which we call the perfection of a man : Now tell me I pray you , should it be seemelie for a graue Senatour sitting before his Prnce , and confering vpon the most weightie matters of the Kingdome , to beginne and speak what he did with this Child and that Childe , with whom he was wont to ride vpon Reedes ? Would hee beeing a wise man at such a time beginne to discourse how with these little companions hee builded vnder a bowre little houses into the sand , or how in their childish conuentions they made their litle feastes of Pieres ▪ Nuts , and Apples ? Would a wise man thinke ye in the presence of his Prince put off the time with such purpose ▪ No , not . When the foolish Child is become a wise man , hee speaketh no more as a Childe , neither vnderstandeth hee as a Childe , neither thinketh he as a Childe : Such childish thinges in Heauen shall not so much as once come into his thought , for that were to thinke as a Childe : That which is now in part shall bee done away , at the comming of perfection , which shall bee in that Coronation day . * Because we are heere but children , wee cannot now vnderstand the wisedome of the words & thoughts that wee shall haue aboue : Languages then shall cease : One shall not speake English , and another French , and another Spanish : That Babylonish confusion of tongues shall bee taken away , and wee all shall speake the Language of the Lambe : * God then shall speake no more vnto his people with stammering lippes and with another tongue : Then shal be no difference of contrie-men or estates , whether they were borne in Asia , Europe or Affrica : There shall it not bee looked to whether they were Kings or Subjects , Masters or Seruants , bond or free . In the Heauens is neither Greeke nor Iewe , Circumcision , nor vncircumcision , Barbarian , Scythian , bond or free : But Christ shall bee All in all : * What can bee laking vnto man , where God shall bee vnto him All in all , yea , and the Soule of his Soule . As the Soule is in the whole man , & whollie in euerie part , so shall the whole diuinity in the heauens informe the whole mysticall bodie , and bee in it whollie , and that into the least member thereof , God beeing All in all : Then , and not till then , we shall bee satisfied aboundantlie with the fatnesse of Gods house , and drinke of the Riuers of his pleasures , yea and our Soules , shall feast themselues by all our senses vpon vnmixed joyes free from the mudde and distemper of all displeasures : In a worde our heartes shall bee fastened to our God with such cords of loue which no thing aboue or below shall bee able to vntwine . Heere is our journeyes end , heere is our resting place from our labours and toilesome trauels : Heere is absence of all euill , and presence of all that is good : * Heere the Lambe is the Temple , and the Light ▪ and the Tree of Life that bringeth foorth fruite euerie moneth , euer new joyes without perishing of the olde , euer new pleasures without any loathing of the former , euer new light without any darkning ▪ euer new life without any dying euer new delightes , without any dolours , euer new Glorie without any grudge , euer new mirth with out any mudde of miserie : * Bodilie pleasures worke a great desire aye till they bee gotten : But spirituall delights as a Father said , Cum non habentur sunt in fastidio . Cum habentur sunt in desiderio . Before they bee gotten they are loathed : But are they gotten ? they are loued : * So long as our Soules are led hoode-winkt in this our moody and mistie mortalitie , wee cannot thorowlie perceiue this . O that wee had heartes to consider ! O that wee could rightlie mind the thinges that are aboue ! * O that our hearts were wained frō this our natiue soile , a place of hunger and cold , a place of nakednesse , sicknesse and sorrow , that wee might earnestlie desire to bee into that holie Land , where wee shall feast on the Tree of Life , and drinke of that Crystall Riuer with pleasures for euermore ! So long as wee are in this our mortalitie wee must bee still looking till our change come , which being once made wee shall neuer change anie more : * O then the sweetnesse of the Crowne shall for euer allay the sow●…enesse of the Crosse. The sicke Man. Mine heart is wonderfullie rauished with such purpose : I finde my Soule silent within mee , that it may hearken and giue good heede to that which ye say : Blessed be he who createth the fruite of the lips : O Lord , come & let thy Spirite take houseroume into mine heart . Now let vs come to our purpose againe : So farre as I can obserue your minde is that we all shall know one another in Heauen , but without regard to anie carnall consideration ▪ whether they were our Father o●… Mother , or our Sister ? The Pastour . It is euen so : * For if any particular respect should be had to any it should be of a man to his wife , or a wife to her husband , who must leaue both father & mother and cleaue vnto another for to become one flesh : Yet so it is that in Heauen , there shal be no more particular respect betweene them , than these whom they had neuer seene before : The Lord hath made this plaine : The Saducees who scorned the Resurrection , hauing told Christ that there had beene seuen brethren in Israel , which all had married one wife one after another , and that last of all , the woman died also : Now said they , In the Resurrection whose wife of them shall shee bee ? Iesus answered , and saide , The children of this world marie , and are giuen in marriage : But they that shall bee accounted worthie to obtaine that world , and the resurrection from the dead , neither marrie , nor are giuen in marriage : Neither can they die anie more , for they are equall vnto the Angels , and are the Children of God , beeing the Children of the Resurrection : * Certainelie at that day none of these seuen brethren will claime any more acquaintance vnto that woman , than vnto her whom they had neuer seene before that day . * What created thing can allure the eyes of the creature , where the Creator is visiblie seene as hee is ? Whom haue I in Heauen but thee ? said , the Psalmist : * As the Sunne by his beames at his first rising darkneth all the glorious stars , of light so that they seeme to flie away from his presence quite out of the heauens : So shall the loue of God hims●…lfe like a greater Light darken and dazle all other desires whatsoeuer : No by-respects shall bee able to hinder vs to haue ou●… eye to the maine : Wee shall loath all thinges that we may feast on his fac●… wherein is fulnesse of joye . The sicke Man. I desire Sir to know of you whether or not there shall bee degrees of Glorie in the Heauens , or if all shall bee alike in honour . The Pastour . The most part are of that opinion ▪ that there shall bee diuerse degrees : their opinion is founded vpon these words , There is one glorie of the Sun , and another of the Moone , and another glorie of the Starres : For one star differeth from another star in glory : So also is the Resurrection of the dead , it is sowen in corruption , it is raised in incorruption : * Some of the Learned who esteeme that there shall bee diuerse degrees of glorie in Heauen , think that no such thing is intended in these wordes , but onelie as one Starre differeth from another in glorie , so shall the bodie after the Resurrection differ farre in glorie from the estate wherein it was in this life : according to this it is said , It is sowen in corruption , it is raised in glorie , for to declare the different estate of the godly heere and heereafter . * For this assertion concerning degrees of glorie this seemeth to bee most cleare , which is said by Christ to his Apostles : Behold , saide Peter , wee haue forsaken all and followed thee , What shall wee haue therefore ? And Iesus said vnto them , Verilie I say vnto you , that yee which haue followed mee , in the regeneration when the Sonne of man shall sit on the Throne of his Glory yee shall also sit vpon twelue Thrones , judging the twelue Tribes of Israel . The sicke Man. Before yee proceede I pray you to cleare these words , That yee which haue followed mee in the regeneration when the Sonne of man shall sitte on his Throne , yee also shall sitte vpon twelue Thrones : I vnderstand not well what the word Regeneration signifieth there ▪ To follow Christ in the regeneration ▪ what can that bee ? The Pastour . These wordes bee diuerslie read ▪ Some reade them this way , Yee who haue followed mee in the regeneration : Others reade them , after this mane●… joyning there-with the following words , In the regeneration when the Sonne of man shall sitte on his Throne , yee also shall sitte : If the words be so joyned , Yee who haue followed mee in the regeneration , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , the word Regeneration is taken as the most Learned esteeme for the preàching of the Gospel , which Christ brought into the world , whereby a new creation or regeneration of mens heartes and Soules hath beene made in the world : So to follow Christ in the Regeneration is to embrace his Gospel whereby we are regenerate . * But in the opinion of the most part 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Regeneration heere is rather to be joyned with the words following after this manner , In the regeneration they shal sit vpon Thrones , according to that In regeneration , is as if he had said , In renovatione mundi vel post renovationem mundi in alterò seculo , That is , In the renewing or after the renewing of the World : Indeede regeneration here seemeth ●…hieflie to signifie the Resurrection and restoring of our bodies . The sicke Man. It would appeare by that saying of Christ in S. Matthew , that the Apostles shall sit vpon twelue Thrones in greater dignitie than anie others . The Pastour . It would seeme so to be : As for Moses , Enos , and Elias , and so many worthie Prophets most glorious instrumēts of Gods grace in this world it would seeme that their glorie there should bee greater than that of common persons : Manie of them that sleepe in the dust of the earth shall awake : And they that bee wise shall shine as the brightnesse of the firmament , and they that turne many to righteousnesse , as the starres for euer and euer . The sicke Man. That & as much is said as well of all the Faithfull as of Prophets & Preachers : thē shall the righteous shine forth as the Sunne in the Kingdome of their Father : Behold , how all the Righteous shall shine foorth as the Sunne : Likewise , Deborah in her song said ▪ Let them that loue the Lord , bee as the Sunne when hee goeth foorth in his might : By this it would seeme that seeing they all shall bee like Sunnes that their glorie shall bee equall . * Moreouer , let mee reason as I ( when I was a Scholler ) haue heard reason in the Schooles , wee are not saued by anie worth that is in our selues , but onelie by the righteousnes of Christ Iesus : Now for to be saued , a man by Faith must apply vnto his soule the whole righteousnes of Christ , for Christs righteousnesse diuided cannot saue : Seeing then I a poore Crafts-man or labourer b●… my Faith receiue the whole righteousnesse , I receiue as much as Moses , or Elias , Peter , Iames , and Iohn , & so seeing that Righteousnesse is the onelie meritorie cause , I hauing it all by imputation , muste also receiue the glorie in as great a measure as they : For what can they haue , except that righteousnesse , which can deseiue at Gods had any thing that is Eternal ? Though a man should giue his bodie to bee burnt for the cause of Christ , hee doeth nothing but that which hee is oblished to doe : By this then it would seeme that seeing by the on lie righteousnes of Christ eternall happinesse is merited , and that all that haue Faith , must apply vnto themselues that whole righteousnesse without any diuision , that whosoeuer hath Faith to bee saued , shall receiue as great a degree of glorie as any of the Apostles : Otherwise if ye make difference , ye would seeme to attribute some part of heauens glorie to the worth of mans doings or suff●…rings . The Pastour . Indeede Sir the m●…tter is full of difficulty , many things would seeme to make for that opinion : Particularlie the Parable of the Talents , for to him that had gained but two Talents with his two , as well as to him who had gained fiue with his fiue , shal be said , Intra in gaudium Domini , Enter into thy Masters joye : To all was said alike , Enter into joye : Not thou enter into the greatest joye with thy tenne Talents , and thou into a lower Chamber with thy foure Talents . * Indeede the arguments are both strong , for , and against both the opinions ; yea , so strong that they made a verie learned man after reasoning to and fro , to say , Vtramque sententiam esse probabilem , & habere argumenta ex Scripturis : Neutram tamen ex Scripturis certo confirmari posse . That is , Both the opinions are probable and haue argumentes out of Scriptures , but by no argument out of Scriptures can it bee certainelie prouen that there shall bee degrees of glorie in a greater measure in some than in others . And therefore , that learned man seeing the matter so vrged with most forcible arguments , leaueth it vndiscussed , as beeing a thing the knowledge whereof is not absolutelie necessare for Saluation : * There bee manie deepes in Scriptures where the grossest Elephants must swimme : Things absolutelie necessarie for Saluation , are into the plaine shallow foords of the Gospel , where the litle Lambes of Christ may wade ouer for to enter into Canaan : So long as wee are heere , wee know but in part : Multa sunt reservanda futurae scholae : * There be many things here whereof wee must leaue off the searching out , till from these little Classicke Schooles below wee passe Master into Gods celestiall Vniuersitie aboue : * It is great wisedome for man to learne heere , Sapere adsobrietatem , To bee sober in his search . The sicke Man. I thanke GOD for this well imployed time : Oh , that all my words had beene from my youth concerning such spirituall purposes : Alas , for euill spent yeares : Oh , that yong men would learne in time to spend well their golden houres : * Happie is hee who weareth out the short time of this sinfull life at the sincere seruice of his God : My Soule now with the pinched forlorne is returning home to the good fare of my Fathers house . Haue yee yet any more to say concerning the thinges that are aboue ? The Pastour . If ye would haue a short description of all these things , take it vp in these few words , Eye hath not seene , nor eare heard , neither haue entered into the heart of man the things which God hath prepared for them that loue him . * No man can so imagine of such joye , pleasure , and contentment to bee there , but the thing it selfe shall bee manie stages aboue all humane imaginations : It shall bee our wisedome to imagine that they cannot bee imagined . * When I thinke of that euerlasting and exceeding weight of glorie which passeth all vnderstanding , my meditation is dazeled , and my tongue is tacked , the one not beeing able to conceiue , nor the other to describe these thinges , which eye neuer saw , eare neuer heard , and which could neuer enter into the heart of man. * This is the godlie mans non vltra , his outmost bounds : There is no created capacitie on earth which can conceiue an euerlasting and exceeding weight of glorie . The greatnesse of this glorie putteth mee to silence : * Sight , and Sense , Feeling and Fruition shall one day teach vs that which now eye can not see , nor care heare , nor heart conceiue : So soone as we shall see God as hee is , wee shall know him , and his glorie , as wee are knowne : Then shal we see with our eyes , that which now wee belieue with Faith , which is the substance of thinges hoped for , & a demonstration or euidence of things not sene : So lōg as we are here in this muddie mortalitie , we liue in a valey of teares , where wee are forced to hange downe our heades , and hange vp our Harpes , as beeing captiues in Babel : Aboue are the comfortes of Syon , where joyes afresh are infinitlie redoubled . Now Sir , according to your desire I haue spoken at large of this worldes vanitie , and also of the last judgement , and of Heauens glorie , and of Hells horrour : thinke ye that this discourse hath made any motion in your heart , for to make you striue with a stronger straine , to draw neerer vnto your God ? The sicke Man. I thank God from mine heart that mine heart is in another temper and tune , than when yee came first vnto mee : God by his Spirit in your words , as by a soft & sweete breath hath refreshed my Soule : By Faith my spirituall eye I see nowe Christ the Sunne of righteousnesse arising vpon mine heart with the brightnesse of his beames . Mine heart now burneth within mee , and panteth with an vnuterable longing for a sight of the face of my God : * Nowe , Lord , drawe the Curtaine that some glimpse of joye may yet more clearlie appeare for the recreating of my wearied Soule : O deare Redeemer , no tong can tell how much poore sinners are beholden vnto Thee , who with a strong Arme hast brought them out of a dry pitte wherein was not a drop of comfort . O that deepe and darke dungeon of sinne that I haue beene into ! O these blessed beames which my Soule fealeth comming from his countenance ! O the Light of that Face which putteth more joye into mine heart , than all the worlde can haue when their Wheat , Wine , and Oyle doe most abound . * O infinite weight of glorie ! O pleasures euer to be spoken of though vnspeakeable ! O joyes euer to bee thought of , though none heart bee able to conceiue them ! O pleasures most pleasant to the eye , though eyes below cannot see them ! O , O euerlasting mirth of Musicke ! O yee celestiall Tunes , most worthie to bee heard , though eares of flesh cannot heare you ! O Tree of Life most sweete to the taste , though sinfull tongues may not taste of thee ! O Crystall River proceeding out of the Throne of God and the Lambe , when shall my soule drinke of thee with a full Cuppe ▪ * Mine heart like an Hart panteth & brayeth after these water brooks : Oh , when shall I come and appeare before God ▪ O my God , keepe mine heart vnder some spirituall serise of these blessed delights , till perfectlie I enjoye thee into the armes of my Soule , with the contentment of all contentmentes , then which there can bee no greater . The Pastour . It is the Lord who with the Eye-Salue of his grace hath enlightened your minde : He hath taken out the mots of temptations which of before did mak the eyes of your Soule so to water till they become drumlie : Now Sir yee know full well what it is of God and his goodnesse in the Heauens , where faithfull Soules shall be fed with the bread of Angels and feasted with the daintiest delicates that are aboue . * The wicked in this world are like blinde men which eate many moats and flees : They eate them because they cannot sec to discerne them : * All the knowledge of the wicked is but ●… carkase and carion of knowledge : To know God & his Son Christ & him crucified , is the verie marrow & kernell of true happinesse : * A Soule whose eyes the Lord hath enlightned with grace , can no more rest off its God , than an element out of its own place : It may well bee detained & with-holden from its place by some stronger power , but no power can make it to rest , till it be there where God hath appointed it to rest . Your Soule now Sir , is drawing neere vnto its Rest : The neerer 〈◊〉 bee vnto it , let your motion towards it bee the swifter : * In this , Grace is like Nature , swiftest at the end of the motion which tendeth vnto rest . Vp still with your heart , & rejoyce in your God ▪ * Happie are yee who now are flitting from this worlde wherein the sillie Soule as a Ball in a Tenice is tossed from wall to wall , & scourged with the Racket of diuerse temptations , which by course one after another are readie to catch it at euerie rebound . * Let your Soule now altogether rejoyce in your Sauiour : That is the only joye which shal neuer be taken from vs : All other joyes are but li●… flying moats in the aire , toyle and toyes , toylesome toyes , For euen in laughing the heart is sorrowfull , and the end of that mirth is heauinesse . The sicke Man. Blessed bee my Lord for euer : I finde now the beginning of these joyes , which passe all vnderstanding ▪ My Spirit hath receiued the earnest of immortalitie : * I finde now my Soule in the kindlie temper of a spirituall constitution , which as I am fullie perswaded shall neuer bee troubled with anie moodie mixture of distempered mortalitie , if once this Battell were ended : O the blessed beames of that righteous Sun which shine so brightlie vpon my Soule ▪ They shall neuer be intercepted by any earthlie interposition of sinfull shadows : * Hence foorth nothing shall bee able for euer to ●…et God & my Soule at oddes : O now nothing shall bee able to affright my Soule any more with dreadfull distempers ! to God alone belongeth the glorie . Well may I say , If the Lord had not helped mee , it had not failed but my Soule should haue beene put to silence . * I esteeme all the joyes which I feele to be a Cluster of Canaan which my faith lik a trustie Spy hath broght vnto mee , that thereby I may know the goodnesse of that Land : But because I cannot tell what assaults my Soule may yet suffer , for I finde my former joyes a little ouerclouded : I pray you Sir to conceiue a prayer to God for mee , that the assurance of his pardons may more and more be sealed vp into mine heart that death bee not vnto mee as a king of feare , but rather as a passage and an entrie to life eternall : Make earnest requeast for mee , that I die not as the wicked , whose hope doeth perish with their breath , hauing their Soules goared with sinne the sting of Death . O Lord , bring mee an Out . law by Nature , within the bounds of thy Sheep-folde : Fill nowe my Soule with spirituall and heauenlie inspirations : I haue alas , the most parte of my life , beene like roustie yron , vnfitte for anie worke : It hath fared with mee as with the Eye which seeing other thinges , seeth not it selfe ▪ nor the face wherein it is fixed : In knowing other things I haue remained ignorant of my selfe , a great stranger at home into mine own bosome , from my youth , my Soule sicke of ●… spirituall dropsie did swell in a conceit of its owne excellencie : Now ▪ Lord , wound this pride of life within mine heart , wound it in the head ▪ and craze it in the braine : Separate all iniquitie from mee that nothing wherewith thy Spirit may bee grieued , may harbour in mine heart : Vpon this earth there hath beene none hoe with my desires , which lik the sore crauing Horse-Leach culd say nothing but Giue , giue : Now , Lord , make my Soule to loath that which I haue too much loued , prepare my Soule , emptie it of all that is euill before it come before thy Face , wherein is fulnesse of joy for all Saints and Angels which are aboue . Now , Lord , after that thou hast cleansed mee by the fierie tryall by beating and battering mine hard heart , let the workman-ship of thine holie hands be to refine me more & more till I become perfectlie a newe creature : O powre this heart into the calmes of thy compassions , that therein as in a mould it may receiue thy liuelie Image : Weede out of mine hearte all carnall and earthlie desires . The Pastour . I blesse the Lord , for such working of his Spirit : According to your desire wee shall bend our knees to God in prayer : While wee are praying , lift vp your heart vnto God and pray with your Spirit : Set now all your affections in bensell before the Lord : Let vs all humble our selues heere before our Maker . A Prayer for the sicke Man. O LORD , prepare our heartes to prayer : Let vs not be rash with our mouth , nor hastie with our heart to vtter any thing before Thee . O glorious GOD , and all mercifull Father , which art the true Physicion both of Soule and bodie ; we must humblie bend our knees before Thee intreating thee to be with thy seruant heere whom thou hast now laide into this bedde of languishing : Let not his sinnes whereof hee hath beene guiltie from his youth vp , prouok thy wrath any more against him : Knit them all in a bundle , and cast them all behind thy mercifull back , burie them al into the bottomlesse sea of thy compassions , that they neither bee able to accuse him any more in this worlde , nor yet to condemne him in the world to come . Though his sinnes , LORD , were like Scarlet and Crimsin , there is vertue into the Blood of thy Lambe to make them white like woole , and whiter than the Snow For thy Sonnes sake remoue all his transgressions as far ▪ frō him as the East is from the west . Hell , LORD , & Destruction are before thee , how much more the hearts of the Sonnes of men ? Thine All seeing Eye , pryes most clearelie into the in-most closet of mans heart : Look with the Eye of thy compassions within the Doores of this wearied heart of thy Seruant : Looke in and proclaime mercie and pardon vnto his sillie Soule . Let him know that neither Death ▪ nor Life shal be able to separate him from thy Loue : O LORD , assist him and stand fast by him in this houre ▪ Desert him not in his greatest & last agonie : Let thy Spirit possesse him so fullie that there be none entrie or roume for Satans temptations : whē the Temper is bufiest ▪ let thy Spirite bee strongest : Arme him with all Pieces against the last conflict of this bloodie battell : Honour him with the Lawrels of victorie : Let thy strength be made perfect in his greatest weak nesse : Doe the turne by thine owne force , and take all the glorie to thy selfe . By the vertue of thy Christ crucifie into him the olde Man and his vvorkes : Make him to die into him , that hee may liue to Thee , vvho to all the Faithfull is aduantage both in life and death : Hee is now , LORD , walking betweene thy Mercie and thy Iustice through many-temptations : Gouerne thou his steppes vvith such vvisedome , that the feare of Iustice may keepe him from presumption , and the hope of mercie may preuent despaire : Increase his patience vvith his paine ▪ Sanctifie his Sickenesse , make it as Bellowes to thy graces , that thereby they may be kindled and blowne vp to a greater flame . Enamour him vvith the loue of thy goodnesse : Powre in the oyle of thy mercie into his bruissed hearte , which hath bene filled with mournfull groanes . And seeing now thou art calling him to repetitions , to see vvhat hee hath profited in thy Schoole , cast into his rememberance all the good things that hitherto hee hath heard or meditate for to comfort this houre ▪ Bee strong in him now in this time of tryall : Applye vnto his wounds the Balme of Gilead : Hee is weake ▪ and therefore , O LORD , forbea●…e him in thy mercie . O pittie this wounded man as did that Samaritane : Powre Oyle into his wounds , bind them vp , and take him to thine Inne : For thy mercies sake remember him : Forthy Sonnes sake pittie him : For thy promise sake forget him not : Free his Soule f●… the maze of all worldlie cares : Inspite into him the life of grace with a most fresh vigout and feruent heate of zeale to thy Glorie : Hee , LORD ▪ in his most piercing paines knoweth not what to doe , but his eyes are on Thee : In thine handes is both Life and Death : Thou bringest to the Graue , and bringest backe againe . In thy greate mercie , O LORD , make all his bedde in his sicknesse , make his bedde to be a Schoole vnto him , wherein hee may not onelie learne the hudgnesse of his owne miserie , but also the greatnes of thy mercie : Let neither Death fright him , nor the Graue grieue him : Let him knowe that Death is but a sleepe for the friendes of Christ , and the Graue a bedde for the resting of their wearied bones : Let not the weight of mortalitie beare downe his Spirite frō minding the things which are aboue Make him content to quite gladlie all earthlie pleasures and contentments for to goe & dwell with Thee his GOD in immortalitie . Let neither the sweetnesse of the Figge , nor the grapes of the Vine , nor the fatnesse of the O liue hinder his desire to reigne in heauen : Against the feare of death comfort him with hope of the glorious Resurrection : Assure his Soule though his bodie goe to bee eaten of the wormes , that hee in that bodie againe shall see his Redeemer and none other for him : Furnish him with spirituall courage vnto the end : Giue him boldnesse to march without feare thorow the valey of death for to come to Thee , yea ▪ to run were it thorow Hell for to come to Thee in Heauen . Tell vnto his Soule that his paines dismay him not , seeing his trauell is to bring foorth eternall life ▪ Let thy Iustice seate trouble him no more , seeing Christ hath payed his debts : Let him not bee afraide to come before the Face of his Iudge , seeing the Iudge himselfe is his Brother , who hath both cut & cancelled that hand-writting of the Law , which no flesh was able to performe . Pittie him , LORD , pittie him , for loe hee is nowe in thine handes looking pittifully vp to Thee for thy mercie : Some of thy setters are yet vpon him , none can loose him but the hands which haue bund him : Pittie good LORD , and pardon , set vnto this Soule the seale of thy pardons by the Spirit of adoption : Heale and sweetlie close vp the wounds of his Spirit by the vertue of thy most blessed Blood. This is our confidence , that thou who hast stricken him is able to heale him , and will also doe it , if it bee for thy glorie and his well , if not , Lord , in judgement remember mercie . If it bee his best that after some dayes sicknesse he depart out of this mortall life , let these paines which hee suffers nowe bee like Ionathans arrowes which were not shot for to ●…urt but to giue warning . Giue him grace that like an obedient Childe hee may as w●…ll kisse thine hand while it beateth as while it blesseth . If thy decree be come foorth that hee must remoue from this World , assure him of a better place ▪ where pleasures are in greater number th●… the starres : Teach him by thy Spirit that by death hee shall change a mortall habitation , a dungeon of darknes●…●… cage of corruptions for euerlasting T●…bernacles , most heauenlie sacred M●…sions where constant peace & vnmi●… joyes remaine : Weane his heart from the loue of all things that are vnder the Sunne : Let the beautie and glorie of the Heauens whereof hee hath heard at length this day , drawe the desires of his heart to abide into that P●…lace of pleasures , where there is Light without Darknesse ; Mirth without Sadnesse , Health without Sicknesse ▪ Wealth without want , & Beautie without blemish : For the sake , of thy dea●…e Selfe , seale vp into his Soule the assurance of thy loue , that in all bol●…nesse through the bleeding bowels of Christes compassions hee may come to the Throne of thy grace , & frō thence he may enter into glory ▪ O LORD , the comfort , the joye , and the glorie of Israel . Bee fauourable to thy distressed Sainctes dispersed vpon the Earth : Thy Church here below is like a shippe on the sea : Though it floate aloft , it is fore tossed to and f●…o with wind and with waue : thou therin ▪ seemeth whiles to sleep : Now , LORD , at last awake , in these boisterous blastes : Master , Master , saue vs , for wee perish : Awake , O LORD , and rebuke the winds : Alas , O LORD , thou seemeth now to lowre in thy wrath , by driuing all our petitions from Thee with a darke and cloudie countenance , so that these that trust in Thee are cleane dashed out of countenance while they heare the scorninges of the aduersaries who nowe waste and hauocke thy Vine . Arise , O LORD , as a man of war : Awake , as one out of sleepe , and like a mightie man that shouteth by reason of Wine : Smite thou all the enemies in the hinder partes , and put them to a perpetuall reproach : Take the Cudgell into thine hand and stricke a way these Dogges which follow Thee but for crustes : Let vs neuer bee colde or carelesse in the distresse of others , but for to assure vs that wee are all members of one Bodie , giue vs this pledge of mourning with these that mourne : Make vs all to bee grieued for the affliction of Ioseph . Blesse our gracious SOVERAIGNE with the Spirit of Wisedome and of Grace , Rescue Him from all dangers both bodilie & ghostlie : Thogh Hee bee a Prince among men , yet Hee is thy Subject : Thou who by Grace hast made Him to reigne ouer thy people on earth , at the end of his appointed time when the dayes of His Reigne shall bee happilie finished , exalt Him highlie in the heanens among thy Sainctes and Angels : So long as Hee is heere , let Him know that it standeth Him fast in hand to bee an Hornager vnto Thee : Direct him so in all His cariage that His whole life may bee to all His Subjects an holy patronage of good example : Let Him neuer retract nor repeale that vow which Hee made at His Coronation for to maintaine the puritie of thy Gospel , and for to bee a louing Father vnto thy people : Cloth his enemies with shame , but vpon Himselfe make His Crowne to flourish . Blesse His Royall Match : Make Her to striue & stretch all the powers of Her Soule by prayer in searching the sincere knowledge of thy truth ▪ LORD , in Her carefull search make Her to say at last with the Spouse , I haue found him whom my Soule loueth , I will not let him goe : Thou , LORD , louest Trueth in the inward partes , and therefore , so sanctifie Her Hearte , that She may day lie thriue in the power of Godlinesse : Though all outward meanes should faile Her , bee Thou to Her in stead of all meanes , aboundantlie supplying Her with the power and presence of thy Spirit : Leuell , LORD ▪ Her Heart directlie to the loue of Christ & of him crucified , that by a true & liuelie Faith in him Shee may shine among the Sainctes in Heauen like one who in a great measure hath beene receiued in Grace on earth : Let thy Preastes bee cloathed with righteousnesse . Blesse all our Nobles , mak them truelie noble , not like Ephraim , whose righteousnesse was like the morning dew : Let them neuer for feede or fauour slinke or shrinke back from the puritie of thy Gospel established in this Land : Giue vnto vs all courage for the Trueth , that wee may bee bold to resist euen vnto the blood ▪ not beeing like these who at the first in an hote and hastie zeale promise faire with Peter , but anone at the first womanlie temptation start aside like deceitfull bowes : Suffer no sinne to goe current with vs without check : Let vs neuer follow the sway of tymes , with sewed Cushions vnder our Elbowes . LORD , abide with vs this night : As thou hast drawne the night Curtaine of darknesse vpon the face of the earth , so bee thou a pillar of the cloude betweene vs and our enemies : Hide our soules from Sathans temptations , as by the cloudie pillar thou hid the Israelites from the Egyptians : Make vs this night to sleepe softlie and soundlie in thine Armes , that our bodies beeing refreshed with sleepe , may bee the better enabled to morrow for to sette foorth thy Glorie in the work of our Vocation . LORD , let these our weake prayers come vp before Thee like Pillars of smoke perfumed with the liuelie sauoure of thy Son , To whom with Thee and the Spirit of Grace , bee endlesse Glorie and Dominion for euer . Now Sir , wee haue recommended you God , to who is stretching out the Armes of his mercie , readie for to receiue your Soule , into the bosome of his Loue : Make you nowe readie for him , for in all appearance ye are not farre from the doores of death : Bee vigilant in prayer , lest Satan yet put in his leauen into the Spirites dough , and so by sowring it , make it distastfull to the Lord : By a little droppe of filth the pure webbe of the Spirit will become a menstruous cloath . The sicke Man. The lost Sheepe is found : I giue you most heartie thankes for that feruent prayer : I pray God that it be heard in the Heauen , as Solomon prayed for these that prayed in the Temple which he had builded , saying , Then heare thou in Heauen : Lord , graunt that these comforts and contentments bee not deceiuable feelinges and flashings of joye : O Lord , let not the Spirit of Grace in this new birth recoyle , as once Zarah in Thamars wombe . Seeing God hath furnished me with a new spirituall strength . I wish that I culd imploy it well for the short space that I haue to liue among mortall wightes in this region of corruption . O Lord , stirre all the streames of mine affections toward thy selfe : Wound , ward , weaken , & wasle all my delightfull and darling sinnes , that my whole joye may rest on Thee : command & confine all my thoghts to thy selfe , that by Faith my Soule may seaze and lay hold on the merits of Christ the celestiall Pearles of price : Disburthen my soule of euerie weight that hangeth so fast on ; lest that thereby it should bee swayed away from Thee . I finde mine hearte stirred with a feruent desire to powre out it selfe in prayer before God : I pray you all that sit by , to joyne your affections with mine into this worke . The sicke mans Prayer for himselfe . O LORD , the Father of mercies , and GOD of all Consolation , bee present in thy great mercie with mee thy vnworthie seruant , into this time of trouble , suffer mee earth and ashes to speake with thy mercie : In the multitude of thy compassions , blot out my transgressions : wash me throghlie from mine iniquitie , and cleanse mee from my sinnes , where by the seed of thy grace within mine heart hath beene choaked and starued . Let the depth of thy mercy swallow vp the deepes of my miserie : Bridle my sinnes and spurre forward thy graces within mee : Set all mine affections on foote , that they may follow after Thee : Put a fairer flame into my smoking slaxe , and more strength into this bruisedreede , that the bones which thou hast broken may re●…oyce . O Lord , with thine eye salue cleanse and open the eyes of my poore Soule , that I beholding these things that are aboue , may gladlie desire to be dissolued for to be there with my Lord , and Sauiour : Lord , let thy Spirit carrie still a strong hand ouer me : Furnish mee with such measure of thy graces whereby I may patiently waite vpon thy will : Except that by a speciall fauour thou vphold mee , I shall neuer bee able to secure my feete in so slipperie ground : While I haue beene hearing most glorious speaches of the Heauens , the shadowes of earthlie things haue ecclipsed my minde like a Moorie : O make such shadowes to flie away , that the horizon of my spirituall sight beeing cleared , I may in some measure see thy backe partes , whereby my Soule may bee enlightened like the face of Moses : Though often I haue beene deafe at thy preachinges , bee not thou dumbe at my prayers : O Father of mercies , listen vnto the groanes of my drooping spirite assailed with diuerse temptations : Heare the sighes and crouding of thine owne Turtle Doue . O LORD , leade mee into the Land of vprightnesse , and make thy grace to seat it selfe into mine heart ▪ Store my memorie with these good lessons which I haue heard preached in mine health : Let mee neuer ouer-pryze anie good thing that is within my selfe : Though Iames and Iohn bragged that they were able to drinke of thy cuppe , scarce could they abide to see Thee drinke it : O Lord , make mee euer to vnder-value thy greatest worth , that thorow the valey of humilitte I may come to these euer lasting exaltations . Come LORD , for loe thy seruant commeth : I am willing , Lord , helpe my vnwillingnesse : If it bee thy will to loose me out of this sinfull prison , when I shall leaue this earth to earth , appoint thine Angels to carrie my Soule vnto Abrahams bosome , where I may sing with thy Saincts Halleluiah for euer : Come , Lord , now and seeke thy lost groate ▪ Fetch home vpō thy Shoulders this wandering Sheepe , and make all the Heauens to rejoyce : Despise not that which in the creation thou diddest ennoble with thy liknesse : Giue mee a warrand and a token to bee admitted within the Gates of thine euerlasting Tabernacles : Till I come there make my Soule to burne still in holie feelings . Lord , heare mee for the deare sake of thy Sonne to whom with Thee and the Spirit of grace ( as it is most due ) wee render all praise , glorie , and dominion for euer , AMEN . The Pastour . Blessed be God , Sir , who maketh his Spirit to worke so powerfullie within you : Wee are all greatlie refreshed with your comforts : It hath beene a great joye to vs all to heare that most sweete & feruent prayer , full of the groanes of the Spirit of Iesus : * In you haue wee seene the trueth of that Text , The Spirit helpeth our infirmities , for wee know not what wee should pray for as wee ought : But the Spirite it selfe maketh intercession for vs with groanings which cannot bee vttered : I am assured that that same Spirite hath made intercession for you with groaninges in that prayer which now yee haue vttered . And againe , while I consider in what weakenesse and faintnesse I found you at the first I wonder at such a vigour of Spirit which I petceiue now to be into you : * Truelie the word of God is most true ▪ God giueth power to the faint , & to them that haue no might hee increaseth strength : Euen the Youths shall faint and bee wearie , and the young men shall vtterlie fall : But they that waite vpon the Lord , renewe their strength : They shall mount vp with winges as Eagles . * Many in their afflictions either desparatelie rage , or weaklie wa●…le : But God in great mercie hath at last filled you with true Christian courage and comfort in your greatest smart : Hee hath listened to all your desires , beeing moued with that sacred Loue , which alwayes burneth in his bosome : * His Grace like the Notherne Pole , hath giuen you aime and direction whether to bend your course . Now the darkenesse of the night beginneth to ouer-cloud the earth : By Gods grace I shall returne in the Morning so soone as the birdes shall begin to chirpe at the spring of day . * Because while the spirit of man is idle , it weareth and wasteth it selfe away with barren and lumpish melancholie : While yee shall awake , cause reade Scripture vnto you , and particularlie these places , Psalme 27. Psalme 84. Psalme 87. 1. Corinthians 15. 2. Corinthians 12. Reuelation 21. Reuelation 22. His Grace bee you . THE SEVENTH DAYES Conference . The sicke Mans last wordes to his Pastour , Friendes , Wife , and Children . The Pastour . THE Lord blesse you Sir : According to my promise yester-night I am come againe earlie : All this night mine heart hath earned to knowe of your estate : How haue yee passed this night ? The sicke Man. O the mercie of my God towards mee , that hath moued you to take such paines for mee an vnworthie worme : By your most holy Sermons yee haue furnished and supplied my minde with store of holie and heauenlie meditations : Ye haue beene both a Paul for to plant mee in the true Faith , and an Apollos for to water mee : Christ the Master builder by the Finger of his Spirit hath laide the foundation of his Temple within mine heart : Hee hath made choise of you , a skilefull Workeman to aduance the worke , till in mercie at last hee shall roofe his graces in mee with celestiall Glorie : By the word of God yee haue comforted mee , that is onelie the word of comfort : * Of all other words were they neuer so eloquent , I will say with a Father , In a thousand talents of worldlie wordes a man shall hardlie finde an hundreth pence of spirituall & heauenlie wisedome : This life is like the Haw thorne , more pricking than pleasant : Ye haue rauished my heart with desire of immortalitie aboue : I blesse God Sir that euer I saw you The Pastour . All these good things are to bee ascribed to the working of GODS Spirit : All the juice and sappe whereby the branches spring and liue , ensueth and riseth from the roote of the tree : We who are Pastours are but the Lords Spouts and Cocks of his Conduits , wherby his graces are conuoyed vnto the heartes of our hearers : If the Spirit of God mak not a mans Saluation sure , hee will incessantlie reele from one doubt to another , from one temptation to another , like a drunken man from wall to wall . It is good therefore that yee summon your hearte and your glorie to giue praise vnto your God : Let not a thought of your heart absent it selfe from this point of seruice : God must not bee serued by halfes : As for mee : I am but the Lordes weak Instrument for your well : Giue God the glorie . The sicke Man. Blesse the Lord , O my Soule , & all that is within mee , blesse his holie Name . I desire now to come with Dauid to my last words . A speach of the sicke Man. to his Pastour . First of all , I addresse my speach to you my worthie Pastour : Gods mercie in you toward mee hath beene great , for yee haue soundlie vnfolded all the intricate difficulties wherwith my Soule hath beene fearefullie entangled : Yee are one of these that may well say , Wee haue the mind of Christ : God by his Grace haue made you that one of a thousand : you haue I found to bee like Ionah the sonne of Amittai , that is the sonne of trueth : Happie is that Preacher who is ledde in all trueth . O the Majestie of that message : O the wisedome of these that gaine Soules vnto Christ : Wisedome hath said , That hee that winneth soules is wise : O but my Soule loueth you : * My loue toward you assureth mee of Gods loue toward mee , for by this wee know that wee are translated from death to life , because wee loue the Brethren . I loue you Sir in the dearest blood I haue , for yee haue beene the good instrument of God for my conuersion : ye in all my troubles , while mine heart was toucht to the quicke and my Conscience ransackt to the bottome , haue beene to mee a Barnab as a sonne of consolations , where with as with splents , ye haue bound mine heart : God in great mercie hath giuen vnto you the tongue of the Learned , with lippes touched with a coale from his Altar for the relieuing of my wounded Conscience with words of comfort . O but that is true , a whole some tong is a tree of life : By the sword of the Word ye haue cut the twisted bonds of my greatest temptations wherein my Soule lay fast fettered . Mine heart hath beene greatlie rejoyced to heare you resoluing al my doubts and difficulties : O howe beautiful are the feete of these that bring go●… tydings ! Now I finde that of Solomon to bee true , The word of the wi●… are as goads and as nailes fastened by the Masters of assemblies , which are giuen from one Shepheard : Christ that great Shepheard of the flocke 〈◊〉 with your words , as with goades ●… nailes so fastened me to himselfe that Death it selfe shall not bee able to seuer vs : * Yee haue wonderfull●… restored my sicke Soule with flagon●… of the most sweete juice of the cluster of wine : Ye haue bound vp my bro●… ken joynts with the spirituall splen●… of diuine comforts . * O in what woefull plight , O in what seas of gall was I plunged when yee came first vnto mee ! there was nothing sound into my Soule●… All was full of botches , boiles and pu●…trifying sores : But yee like a cunning Surgeon in curing tumours haue broght the matter to an ●…ead ▪ and at last with great skill ye haue launced the boiles of my corruptions , whereof nowe ▪ God in mercie hath made mee free . I tremble to remember these fearefull temptations wherewith yee found mee at the first beset and besieged : * These were indeede such temptations as Bernard called . Terribilia de fide , horribilia de divinitate . * Sathan hath assaulted mee both in a blacke shape and into an Angel of light : By your sweete comforts my Soule hath beene reuiued like that dead man that liued by touching the bones of Elisha : Yee haue fed my Soule with the doctrine of your breastes bigge as Towers : Yee haue strengthened and sinewed my weake Soule with comfortable words wouen and wrought out of a feeling heart by the strength of holy meditations . And now happie are yee who haue beene the instrument of my conuersion : I hope to bee one day one of these that shall stand at your backe , when yee shall say to your Master Christ , Behold , heere I am , and the children that God hath giuen mee . Account me Sir one of these Talents that yee haue gained with the Talent of your gift : Your wordes haue stricken home vnto mine heart with powerfull and particular applications of comforts , whereby my disaffected Soule hath beene wooed and wone vnto the loue of my Sauiour Iesus : account me therefore a seale of your Ministerie : Ye know better than I what God hath promised to these that with a readie minde shal conuert a sinner from his euill ways , such ( as God himselfe hath promised ) shall bee like the starres in the Firmament for euer : From your lips is come the sweetest balme that euer dropt from the penne of God vpon the leaues of the Booke of life . Blessed bee my God , who by his good Spirit into your mouth hath breathed most sweete comfortes into my Soule : * Woe to all Doctours of dispaire : Blessed bee your lips wherein God hath placed the preseruation of knowledge : Your tongue to mee hath beene like a siluer watch bell to rouse and waken vp the gifts of God within my Soule : God by his words in your mouth declaring vnto man his righteousnesse , hath blowne vp his Graces which were weake into mine heart like a smoking flaxe , or a sparkle of fire vnder greene wood : Blessed bee my God , who by your diuine instructions hath made mee to bee acquainted with himselfe : Your comforts hath beene cordials and lenitifes to the ranking and festered sores of my Soule : To God bee glorie , who hath made you moste cunning of that great Arte of sauing sinners . O my deare Pastor , by the refreshing Balme of your consolations ye haue infinitly indeered my soule , you to g●…s one of a thousand : * I am assured that God hath made you faithfull with Ieremie , for to take foorth the preciou●… from the vile . Nowe my God , with whom I thinke to bee shortlie , bee with you in your Ministerie , & make you his faithfull seruant vnto death , that ye may bee a worthie wooer for Christ , for to bring home manie straggling sinners vnto him the blessed Bridegroome of our Soules . Farewell now my faithfull Pastour : My Soule now is glad to flitte from this house of clay : * As for my bodie it must goe to the graue where for a space it shall bee confined but not confounded , for I looke assuredlie for the day of the Resurrection . O Lord , seale vp in my Conscience the discharge of all my sinnes , that I may gladlie lay downe this Tabernacle . The Pastour . Mine heart rejoyceth with an exceeding great joy to reape such fruits of my labours : But this know , that what good yee haue by mee , it is not from mee , but from him that sent me : * It is God that giueth life & Soule vnto the Word that is powerfull to Saluation . Paul may plant and Apollos may water , but it is God who giueth the increase : * The best of all Preachers , are but like Iohn the Baptist , the voyce of a Cryer , who could not make all the crooked straight , nor the rough plaine . If any good bee conuoyed vnto your Soule by mee , I am but the Instrument or Channell wherethorow the Spirit of Iesus hath made his Graces to flow vnto you : To Him alone belongeth the Glorie and the Thankes : * It is not humane eloquence which conuerceth Soules : One word quickened and enliued with his Spirit , is more fruitfull than all the glorious eare-pleasing pompe of mans wordes , which like Agrippa and Bernice are full of phantasie : All the good that man can doe either by word or worke is like the honie in the combe gathered out of many flowers : But the euill is lik the Spidders webbe drawne out of our owne bowels . The griefes of your heart Sir haue bene very great , but now ye are mercifullie comforted : * Manie in this world plod on from sin to sin marching merrilie & feareleslie towards the plagues of Hell : But O , how much are yee beholden vnto your GOD , who in all your wearisome mazes hath supported and sinewed your Soule by his sauing Grace . Because Sir there be here diuerse of your Friendes and other acquaintance vnto whom it may be ye wold desire to speake , I giue place to them that now they may learne something of you : * The last words of a godlie man are verie forcible vnto the liuing : And therefore Sir , while ye haue breath , spend your short time vpon this , that by your good counsell yee may doe good to these that are for to liue after you : That once done ▪ commit your Soule to God as a faithful Creator : He himselfe hath said , I will not leaue thee , neither will I forsake thee . A speach of the sicke Man. to his Friendes . And now yee my trustie Friends whose age God hath crowned with ripenesse of judgement , I turne my selfe to you : But first of all , let mee speak vnto you my spiritual & special Friend , who in my deepest plunge while I was fast sticking into the myrie clay , did vphold me with your comforts : * Your counsell to sende for my Pastour hath prouen a speciall salue for my sore : God by that man of whom yee spake hath now healed my Soule of all its harmes . O blessed be that vnspeakable mercy of my God : * Though Sathan had bereaued mee of my puritie he could not bereaue my God of his pittie : * The Lord of light hath brought my Soule out of that long and loathsome night which is in the valley of the shadow of death , in comparison whereof the most palpable darknesse of Egypt might haue beene esteemed to bee day : O that pleasant Sunne-shine wherewith my Soule is nowe inlightned : O my God , breath more & more into my Soule the life of grace . The spirituall Friend . Glorie bee to God for his wonderfull mercies towardes you : The Lord , now set your Soule on wing that swiftlie like an Eagle it may flie vp to its God : * Many a sore assault haue yee suffered since I spake with you at the first ▪ Satan & his temptations with the world & the corruption of Nature had gathered themselues against you like Gebal , Amon and Amaleck against Israel : Of them may yee well say nowe , They compassed mee about like Bees , they are quenched as the fyre of thornes ▪ To Sathan may yee now say , Thou hast thrust sore at mee that I might fall , but the Lord hath helped mee . When I mette with you first yee were compassed with a chaine of calamities , one linked into another : * To mee yee appeared to bee hanging ouer Hell by the slender twined threed of a lifelesse hope : Yee were plunged deeper downe than Iona●… was , when hee went downe to the bottome of the mountaines , where the weedes were wrapt about his head ▪ Now let your Soule say with Ionah , I will sacrifice vnto thee with the voyce of thankesgiuing , I will pay that that I haue vowed : Saluation is of the Lord. The sicke Man. Blesse the Lord , O my Soule , and all that is within mee blesse his holie Name : Blesse the Lord , O my Soule , and forget not all his benefites : Farewell my trustie Friend . Now as for you mine other friends I turne my selfe to you : * Hee that is conuerted with Peter should labour the conuersion of others : Hee whose weaknesse the Lord hath helped should strengthen his brethren . It is nowe time to take our last good night ▪ Heere in your presence , I say , Farewell O world , wherein I haue liued which I haue too much loued : Learneye in time to set your affections vpon God : None of you can tell if God shall giue you such laiser to repent as he hath granted vntome : * If yee forsake not in time the sweete pleasures of your sins , feare lest at last that that be found true which Abner said to Ioah ▪ Knowest thou not that it will bee bitternesse in the latter end . * There is no sinne so sweete to man in his life but before his death it shall bee dissweetned and turned into gall and wormewoode within the bellie of the Conscience . I speake by experience as one who hath knowne the terrours of the Lord : * O my deare friendes looke ouer your shulder back to your bygone life , and consider how grieued yee shall bee for the sinnes of your pleasures when yee shall bee warded into your death beddes , readie to compeare before the great Iudge of the world : As yee see mee this day , so shall others see you ere it bee long : I haue often beene glad among you : Yee see now by mee what it is of all worldlie ●…oye : * With a little blast of sickenesse such comfort like chaffe are chassed away : Your time is fast comming : Your Glasse is running my sicknesse cryeth vnto you , Learne of the estate of this your olde Friend , to make your selues readie for another world : To mee to day to you to morrow : Where the tree falleth , there shall it lye : Whether the Glutton and the Begger are gone , thither must wee all ; that is , either to 〈◊〉 hams bosome or to the Deuils 〈◊〉 * The death of one is like a 〈◊〉 charging all others to bee readie 〈◊〉 flitte and remoue . Happie , yea , thrise happie is that man who in these 〈◊〉 and desperate dayes is not dulde with securitie : Bless●…d is hee who is for●… warned , striue to bee forewarned . Blessed is that man who is eue●… vpon his watch , hauing his loine●… girded and his Candle in his hand waiting for the comming of his Lord. A dew my louing Friendes : * Seeke in time the friendship of your God ▪ Striue to be worthie the stile of Abraham that was called , The friend of God. O my deare Friends let mee now tell you what the Lord hath done to my Soule : * Hee hath at last beene sensiblie gracious to my poore Soule , which Sathan hath long hunted vp & downe like a Patridge on the 〈◊〉 : The Deuill like a dogged Doeg hath sought to sucke out the heart blood of this trembling Turtle : Blessed bee the Lord for euer who hath disappointed him . The Pastour . I feare Sir that long speach trouble you : Your affection carrieth you aboue your strength : Contract your speach in as few wordes as yee can : What counsell will yee giue to your Spouse heere ? It is good that she heare your directions ; for I see that Gods Spirit is mighty in you . The sicke Man. If anie naturall man were heere for to heare mee , hee might willinglie thinke that I were Verbosus , a man of manie wordes : * But alas , that I haue spokē so few of this sort : From Morning vntill Euening my tongue in health like the penne of a readie writter was swift to speake of too manie things , whereof now I repent from the bottome of mine heart : If Nature bee so windie in vaine pratling , should grace want wo●…ds in that which may be profitable to the hearers ? I care not what carnall men thinke for my manie words : * I am shortlie for to compeare before him , before whō mans improbatiō or approbation is of little weight or worth : My strength so long as I can speake , shall bee spended into that which may doe good to these whom I shall leaue behind : * I shall doe what I can both feelinglie and faithfullie to warne others to flie from the wrath to come . Bee not offended I pray you Sir , if I bee free with you : The last motions of Gods Spirit in this mortall life wold be verie charitablie thoght of : I pray you Sir to pardon mine hastie and cankered Nature , if I haue spok●…n anie thing amisse , whereat yee may take exception , The Pastour . The Lord blesse you Sir : Praised bee his Name who hath touched your lips with a liue coale takē with a tonges from off his Altar : The Lord is with you ; speak so long or so little as yee please : Glad am I to heare the motions of that Spirit of Grace which is lodged into your heart . Heere is your Spouse , Sir : Let her heare your last directions . The sicke mans speach to his Spouse . As for thee my Spouse , now shortlie thou art for to bee a Widow : I counsell thee that first of all thou marrie thy selfe to Christ , let him be thy spirituall Spouse . * As for other marriage the word concerning widowes is plaine : It is good for them that they abide so : But if they cannot containe , let them marrie , for it is better to marrie than to burne : * No marriage , as thou seest , is directlie appointed for Widowes , but for these that cannot containe : Otherwise the Apostles wordes are true : It is good for them that they abide so : * If so be that thou marrie , plant not a Thorne where a Vine should grow : Dishonour not the fi●…st bed , and preferre not purse or portion to the worth of the person : If GOD call thee to marriage , see that thou call GOD to thy marriage , if Christ bee at thy marriage , that is , if thou marrie in Christ , thy water shall bee turned into wine , which was Christes first miracle : * The water of wearinesse of trouble and of sorrow which thou hast drunke with mee , shall bee turned into wine of joye , gladnesse , peace , and prosperitie . But if thou marrie not in Christ , but make thy choice by thy sight , and not by sighes to God in prayer , then shall thy wine bee turned into water : God shall manifest a new miracle vpon thee to the worse , that is , All the prosperitie , peace and contentment thou had with mee , shall bee changed in miserie , pinch , and pouertie , & manie a woe is mee : Then had thou neuer such cause to put on thy doole weeds at when thou shalt put it off . Take good heede to thy selfe : Now is the last age of the world , this life is full of dangers : Sathan hath laide moe snaires on earth , than there bee starres in heauen . Remember well this watch-word , Watch and pray , hauing euer thine eye vpon thy God : Keepe thy selfe from all apperance of euill : A flee great of wickednesse will cause all thy perfume to stinke : * Sinne is like a Riuer which at the source is but small : A scandell is like a scab that beginneth with itching , but endeth into blisters , boiles & putrifying sores Tak good heede to thy cariage & to thy , companie , euil cōpany vaine cōmunicatiō , & rotten words , wil work vpō the conceptions of the mind , lik Iacobs pilled rods set in the gutters and watering troughes before the flockes : The flockes which conceiued before the rods brought foorth Cattell ringstroaked , spekled and spotted : In euill companie at the hearing of vaine , idle or rotten words , what can the heart of man or woman conceiue but that which after it is brought foorth shall appeare both spekled and spotted ? An euill thought is a sinne which besides its owne particular sting , is able to trouble sore the Conscience by awaking the old sinnes of our vnregeneration . Let my counsell bee acceptable vnto thee : * Haunt neuer the man whose name is pitched with a blacke report : It is hard to touch pitch , and not to be defiled : It is not good for men were they neuer so good to be haunters of women : Christs Disciples wondered that hee spake vnto a woman apart , a great argument that Christ was neuer with that Sexe but in companie : It is no better for women to haunt the companie of men : Fire and flaxe are easilie kindled , the least sparkle of fire will kindle Tinder : * Good outward meanes are helpful to inward motions the mothers of our actions . Some I know will say , that they feare none euill , and that they are cleane of all such pollutions : If it be so , it is a benefite of God : But yet learne the lesson . Caute & casiè . None stand so well but they haue to take heede lest they fall : * Were thou neuer so holie thou hast neede to say the Lords prayer , whereof Lead vs not into temptation , is a petition : Enter neuer into that , whereinto thou desireth not to bee ledde : None at the first dash be brought to the height of corruption : S. Peter willeth that womens chast conuersation bee coupled with feare : Feare alwayes if thou bee wise : Hee or shee that would auoide a sinne , must shune the occasion : * The least shewes or appearences of euil are these litle Foxes that spoile the vines : How little leauen will sowre the whole lumpe ? What is the best of all sinfull flesh , but like Gun-powder ? a sparkle of temptation may kindle in a moment that which in our whole life time we shall not be able to quen●…h with many teares , no more thā Esau could recouer the blessing which after it was solde , hee sought with manie teares : That which we may be tempted to , wee may fall into . Let all flesh suspect its owne frailtie : Scorners may speake as they please , but daylie doolefull experience will subscribe the trueth of my words . * In this last age , alas , many godlie persons in appearance lik shooting starres fall downe in diuerse places with their blazing profession from Heauen vnto Earth , a most sure token of a tempest to come : * Too manie , alas , shame goodnesse by seeming good , like Frogges infro●…kes Vice in the habite of Vertue . While inwardlie the heart is rotten , nowe or then corruption must burst out into scab & scandel : Many with their faire profession are like Rowers in a Boat , who look one way but goe the cleane contrarie . For this cause I intreat thee to studie the substance of godlinesse , and not to bee like these whose chiefest care is spended vpon shewes : S. Paul speaking of the life of the Godlie , saith , That it is hidde with Christ in God : * It is so hidde there that none shall bee able to find it for to steale it away , or to take it by force , but not so hidde but that it must also appeare in all the effects of godlinesse . * When God commanded Ezekiel to p●…each vnto the drye bones , that they might liue , hee ordained for him this Text , Thus saith the Lord God , come from the foure windes O breath , and breath vpon these slaine that they may liue For to apply this , where there is a life after slaughter , I speake of a spirituall life , a life hid in God , the●…e must appeare foure effectes from the foure winds : From the East , the Orient of that life , there must bee an arising from sinne : From the West , there must bee a dying to sinne , euen a setting and going downe of wickednesse : From the South , must come the heat of zeale moisted with showers of teares of true repentance : At last from the North , must come a chill colde of trembling feare to offend God , whereby wee make an end or worke out the worke of our Saluation with feare and trembling : These bee the foure partes of godlinesse wherein all Christian Soules must bee carefullie exercised : In this is the substance of true godlinesse ▪ It is better to bee starke naught , than to double our sins by seeming good : It is easie to juggle the outward eye of flesh , but that inward Eye which seeth our thoughts a farre off , nothing shall escape : There is not a Crowne of life for carnall liuers . Hearken vnto mee mine heart : Bee busie in prayer , joyne fasting therevnto , lest that the high feeding of the flesh make the bodie to kicke against the Soule , which is too farre in loue with the bodie : * Of a pampered bodie may the Soule often say , in some measure as Christ said of Iudas , He who hath eaten bread at my table hath lift his heele against me : * All fleshlie pleasures are both vaine and vile : They are like blisters which beginne with itching , but end in swelling sores : Beware of such succred poyson . * My counsell is that often thou reade the holie Scriptures , and particularlie the thirtie one Chapter of the Prouerbes where thrift and godlinesse are joyned together : Bee carefull and painefull in thy manag●… : Think surely that Idlenesse is the mother of all mischiefe : Seeke Gods grace both earnestlie and earelie : A little with Gods blessing is a rich heritage : An handfull of meale and a little oylein a cruse was sufficient for the Prophet and the Widow of Sarept●… till the famine was past : That blessed handfull was better , than the best prouided Barne or Girnell in the Land : * The grace of God is an heritage of greatest and surest rent : Vnsanctified prosperitie is but a seeming Sun-shine which vnauoidablie must perish : Blessed is the woman who with Marie in some measure is receiued in grace . Tak good heed to thine heart watch well ouer thy thoughtes , though thoughts be called light , the sinne of thought is heauie : from the inward thoughts spring and sprout all outward mischiefes . As for thine outward carriage ▪ meddle not in other mens matters : * Curious searchers of the life of others are often carelesse correcters of their owne : Manie neglecting the hudge beame in their owne ye , must needs bee tampering with the little mots that are in others ▪ A slacked tongue and a slacke hand keepe other companie : An idle woman must bee a pratler , when the hand cannot practise , the tong must prattle : To such it is scorne to preach , that for euerie idle word wee must all bee answerable . My deare Spouse I must tell thee all that I thinke concerning thy wel , for I desire thy Soule to bee knitte with mine into the bundle of life : Take good heede to thy selfe , these who in this world haue a name to li●…e , haue great neede to rule well their life : The nearer a bodie bee to a lighted Candle the greater is the shadow thereof , so the nearer the bodie of sinne bee to one that is inlightened , the greater is the Scandale thereof : * Put the breadth of thy finger hard neere to the Candle , & it shall make a shadow greater , then all your bodie : but the farder it be remoued the lesse it will appeare : Remember I pray thee how neare thou art to the Candle of a bright & glorious profession , a little Mot of euill will bee called a mountaine in thee , because thou was my wife , and because wee haue liued with good report : * The wicked are most faine to take the Godlie but tripping in a lesser fault , of their infirmities they make bucklers for the defence of their maliciousnesse . V●…e my counsell for feare of scandale , and for to flee all appearance of euill , Hatte the verie garment spotted with the flesh : Watch well ouer thy selfe both alone and in companie : Striue neuer to seeme to bee that , which thou art not indeede : * Many haue much more than they shew ; but moe shewe much more than they haue : The Religion of the greatest part for all their pretences , is but a smoke , a shadow , a blast , or a sound : * Substance without appearance is better than appearance without substance : * The Soule which hath but a forme of godlinesse is most deformed in Gods sight : Ordinarlie shee who is most farded is most filthie : * Vices are most vile when they are shrouded and ouer-cast with a countenance of Vertue , a vizard of pietie maketh one a monster in Gods eyes : * There is no such villanie as that which is varnished ouer with colours of godlinesse . Sinners may cloake sinne and couer it for a space , but they cannot stand long , for wickednesse shal be broken as a tree . Let therefore thy Faith within , appeare in thy life without : * All the Faithfull should be like the roule of that Booke which Ezekiel saw in a vision which was written within and without : If there bee no Letters of life written without , there is no liuing Faith within , but a dead carion of Faith for Faith without works is dead . For this cause flee the foggie lithernesse of the flesh , and striue for the fruites of Faith : * Aboue all be earnest in prayer the preseruer of honestie : Heare Gods word with reuerence as good newes from a farre Countrey : Let this word be a straight rule to direct thee in all the cariage of thy life : let no worldlie businesse with-draw thee from it , while it is preached : * These who eate their bread with greatest sweate eate not the sweetest bread : It is not earlie rising , nor late going to bedde that enricheth : * Though for a time Marthas toyling and troubling her selfe about many thinges , seeme to bring much profite , it shall bee seene at last that it is the grace of God that enricheth . * This is most certaine , the ●…urest fastning in this world is but loofenes without God , in whom alone is the certainty of that which shal neuer perish . * In all thine affaires , in all companies remember that in the secrete closets of thine heart thou haue frequent ejaculations vnto thy God , that hee may guide and guard thee while thou shalt encounter with temptations , hardlie shall shee bee caught that feareth the snare : Sathan with his baites & lures is euer waiting for to catch his prey : * Hee hath three great gunnes , three great impoysonners whereby hee wasteth the graces and good names of many , viz. The lust of the flesh , the lust of the eyes , and the pride of life : It shall bee thy best to arme thy selfe against these three , by holding continually a wakening and jealous eye ouer thy whole conuersation : * If the euill thought be stiffled so soone as it beginneth to stir into the heart , it shall neuer bee able to produce an euill action into the hand ▪ For this cause wise Solomon gaue a precept which I may call a spirituall Cordiall ▪ which is , that aboue all watch and ward men and women should keepe their heartes : * Manie with Hypocrites may seeme to haue their hands in heauen by giuing almes with the Pharisee , while indeede their proude loftie & faithlesse heartes are in Hell , God looketh not so much to the outward action as to the inward affection ▪ * The Lord cannot away with the painted superficiall flourishes of holines of these that are false hearted and meerelie formall : The Israelite indeede , in whose heart is no guile , is the Lords delight : Studie therefore I intreate thee to the puritie and power of godlinesse : Bee carefull to write all these heart precepts vpon the palmes of thine handes , lest that vnawares thou bee woefullie caught and ensnared in some scandalous sin whereby thou shalt shame thy profession : All mortall feete are feeble and stand in a sliperie ground . O what danger is in giuing way to our first sinfull motions , while sin is least feared it is most to bee feared : Sathan is most dangerous while hee is transformed into an Angel of light : Poyson confected with Sucre is moste piercing and deadlie : Smiling Ioabs are most cunning in smiting , faire alluring & tickling temptations oftest preuaile : * Manie are like the Larke , which while it playeth with the feather and stoupeth to the glasse is suddenlie enwrapted in the Fowlers net . There is nothing more dangerous than securitie : While Peter thought himselfe stronger than all men , Sathan was hatching three abominations in his heart , which at last brake out , first in lyes and last in perjurie : stand in awe and sinne not : One sin draweth on another lik links in a chaine . Wee haue sinned , wee will goe vp , that is wee haue sinned , wee will sin : Keepe euer GOD in thy sight , and bee humble . Bee carefull in all thy cariage to liue in good example : Allow not thy selfe in that which is euill , flee the folies of this age which is wonderfullie giuen to new guises of decking the bodie , most womens hearts are sowred with this leauen . * Let spirituall joyes be thy jewels , & the good works of thine hands , let them be the gold rings of thy fingers the matter of thy pleasures : There is nothing more pleasant than to doe wel : * For this cause good workes are in that Song of songs called , a gathering of Lillies and flourishing of the Vines : She who is too curious of the outward decking of the Backe , cannot bee carefull of the inward trimming of the heart : * Fard and foolish vaine fashions of apparell are but ▪ Bawds of allurement to vncleannesse : * Away with these dyed Dames whose beauty is in their Boxe , such dawbinges are soone washed off from these painted Iezabels , such melting faces are not meete for marterdoome , for the cause of Iesus , vnder such false faces is no lodging for true and honest hearts . In all things striue thou to be sobe●… : * Beware to out ▪ runne thy rank or to out weare the fashions by attyring thy selfe too gorgeouslie : Soft appparell is but for Kinges houses : What are such Cuts and Cordons , Silkes and Satins , and other such superfluous vanities , wherwith manie aboue their ranke and place are so disguised , but infallible tokens of an vnsanctified heart ? * With such follies often are joyned libertine eyes & wandering in wanton ▪ glaunces . Let my counsell please thee , Idol not thy bodie with these who habour in their bosome the snake of pride : * Let thy chiefe care bee to decke the hidden man of the heart : A meeke and humble soule is a great ornament in Gods eyes : This is Scripture , The ornament of a meeke & quiet spirit is of great price in the sight of God : Shee whose heart is truelie godlie , will be most carefull to put on that which most will please the Lords eye : Consider well what I say : Follow not the fickle fancies of vaine womē , whose minds are like the Moone in a continuall change , but rather bee a Schooler of these whose wisedome is constantlie contrarie to all new fangled follies : * Too curious busking is the mother of lusting lookes , the Iuy-Bush hung out for to inueigle vnsanctified hearts vnto folie . * What are these finest silkes the fairest feathers of our pride ? What are they , but wormes worke & moathes meate ? Striue for the power of mortifying grace : while the flesh is lusty and at a full sea , the Spirit is at vnder ▪ euen at a low ebbe : The pampering pride of life is the bane and poison of spirituall graces , beware of it : It is an high treason against the most High , it is a sinne which first lifteth vp , and after bringeth downe with a shamefull fall that which it hath once lifted vp . * The heart of man is lik the shell-fish , which pride as an Eagle taketh vp into the aire , but while it is come to a great hight , it anone letteth it fall vpon the rockes of shame and disgrace ; where after that it hath dashed it in pieces it greedilie deuoureth it : * Hee who in Heauen could not dwell with Pride will neuer on Earth harbour in that heart wherein it lodgeth : Outward counterfeit humilitie may for a time jug ▪ gle the eyes of the beholders , such a varnished pride is a double abomination : O howe detastable vnto God are these who beeing vainlie puft vp in their fleshlie minde , haue no lodging for humilitie , but into their mouthes : And yet who can haue patience to giue ●…are , shall at last heare a Sibboleth some swelling word , which by the accent , shall giue notice ▪ that they are not such as they say . * Certainelie Humilitie is one of the fairest flowers in the whole garland of spirituall vertues : Whereas Pride a spirituall tympanie bloweth vp the heart , and maketh the Arteries to swell with vncleane spirits , Humilitie tempereth the blood , and quieteth the Spirit with such a calmenesse , as that wherein the Lord appeareth to Elijah . Some if they bee not Whoores or Theeues , they thinke that they cannot faile , and yet in one sinne are all sinnes , for who faile in one , faile in all : * That which God said by his Prophet is notable , If a man beget a sonne that is a Theefe or a Murtherer , or that doeth any one of these thinges : Obserue the words , Anie one , Thogh hee doe all these things , Shall be liue ? hee shall not liue : He hath done all these abominations : See howe hee who hath done but any one is heere also said to haue done all these abominations : See how all sinnes by a little bore creepe in with a deceitfull pace : If one poisonfull herbe bee in the Potte death is there . What shall I say more of Humilie , the rarest vertue in women ? This I will say , The lowliest heart is euer in highest in Gods account , it euer hath the best share of his fauours : * As streames of waters runne to the lowe valleyes , so doe the graces of God flow to the humble Soules : Shame and confusion of face is the ordinatie end of all the puffes of pride and of all vnlawfull daliance : This sentence neuer lighted false , Pride must gette a fall : This is Scripture , Though the Lord bee high ▪ yet hath hee respect vnto the lowlie : But the proud hee knoweth a farre off . Bee constant in all thy wayes : striue to keepe peace with thy neighbours : * For this end set a porter at thine eare , for to hold out fal●…e reports : an open eare and a loose tongue are two deadlie foes to all sacred friendshippe : Where such are , triffles are taken for truethe after that a matter it throughlie sifted , most mens r●…ports are found to bee but babbling . * Let the true feare of God harbour in thine heart continuallie : The feruent zeale of many is agueish lik feuers which come & goe by fits and starts : Ahab could crouch whē hee heard that the Dogges should licke his blood . Till Pharaohs sorcerers were fearefullie plagued , none of them could pronounce , This is the finger of God ▪ Bee not like the wicked who neuer feare God but when hee is in a tempest : Fooles are so stiffe and steelie that for God they will not stir an inch , till his judgement cause them to stagger . Striue to liue by precept & not by example : Many thinke themselues to bee well , beause they are not so euill as many others : * In this they are like the Drapers who giue luster to a Karsey by laying it to a Rugge : The deeper damnation of some in the poole and puddle of perdition , shall bee a verie small comfort for these that are in the shallow foordes of the floodes of fyre , kindled with the brimestone beames of euerlasting burnings : * The fore-skinne of an vncircumcised heart is so thicke and brawnie that no precepts can pierce through it , till the Spirite himselfe make a way . Oh then , seeing wee are all a broode of corrupt loynes , it standeth thee in hand to bee earnest with that Spirit of grace , that he would teach thee to keepe watch and ward ouer all thy wayes . * If any creature offende thee , bite not at the stone , but lift vp thine eyes to God : None euill is in the Citie but that which hee hath done . At diuine Seruice be not chill nor colde : Bee feruent in thy prayers , while thou speakest to God with thy mouth , suffer not thine hearte to wander vpon toyes , it is more difficile to pray than to preach , wicked men may preach , but they cannot pray , God hath branded them with this blot they call not vpon God : * The Lord put into thine heart the juice and sappe of his Grace . My Spirit is so wearied that I am not able to expresse my minde . The Pastour . The Psalmest said well , The Lord will perfite that which concerneth mee : Hee who hath begun in you his graces , shall perfite that which concerneth you , yea , and shall make his grace to bee made perfect in your weaknesse . The sicke Man. O my Lord , lead mee in the land of vprightnesse : O God , with Thee is the Fountaine of life : In thy Light wee shall see light : Reuiue mine heart , O Lord , with some new supplye of strength from aboue : Let the wordes of my mouth and the meditations of mine heart bee acceptable in thy sight , O Lord , my strength & my Redeemer . Aboue all thinges my louing Spouse , beware of euill companie , the corruption of good manners ; and fuell of folie : * It is good to vse companie as Moses did his Rod , so lōg as it remained a Rod he remained with it , but so soone as it became a serpent incontinent he fled from before it : Bee not like these most vile persons , who for to varnish their appearances of euill with alledging innocencie , say , That they care not what men say of them , and that they cannot hinder men to speake : Away with such wordes , such vaine partlings cannot secure the Conscience , neither content the scandalized beholders of euill appearances : If thou doe not euill , doe not euill lik : Be not altogether carelesse what others say of thee , but in all securitie of life striue for a good name , which is better than precious oyntment : There is no such folie as folie practised with profession of wisedome : Hypocrites may warilie watch ouer their words and outward actions , but none but Nathanaels , haue hearts without guile . Consider well I pray thee , that wee are now come to the dregges of dayes , and extremities of time , and also to the extremities of sinne , for auoiding of the sands , we rush vpō the rocks : We liue in the last and most corrupt age , wherein the verie confluence of all the corruptions of former ages haue made their Randie-vowes : So , ( as all may see ) it is vtterlie impossible , except the Lord work wonders that anie keepe themselues so passinglie pure from all spice of contagion , but some one infection or other shall sticke vnto them , vnto Gods dishonour , and their owne disgrace : O how manie rubs are in the way to life eternall ! My best beloued let such instructions sinke deeplie down into thine heart , that thou bee not like Hypocrites , who are more thoughtfull for plausible conueiances and outward plastering appearances , than for anie substance of godlinesse : Bee truelie godlie , and not prophane , like these who say what the Prophets will , must into the house of Rimmon , one thing or other must they doe , wherein God must bee mercifull vnto them . * As for thee bee a Church wife and also an House-wife : It is not seemelie for women to bee gading heere and there shee is most happie who in this sinfull time is least known of the world , so that shee truelie striue to know God and her selfe : Wise Solomon who in his wisedome excelleth all , as also in number of wiues spake by experience , that wandering Women were not chast , by this special marke hee brandeth the whoore , That her feete abide not in her house , but nowe shee is without , and now in the streetes : By Solomons record , shee that gadeth abroad cannot bee well thought of : With Wisedome shee hath cracked her credit : If Dinah had taried at home while shee went abroad , shee had not beene deflored , which was the cause of great blood-shed , which made her brethren Simeon and 〈◊〉 afterward to bee diuided in Iaakob , & dispersed in Israel : The occasion of all that euill was from the vanitie of the Damosell , her folie is registred in Gods Chronicles for all Ages to come , that women chieflie may read it , and bee wise by her example : The wordes are these , And Dinah the daughter of Leah , which shee bare vnto Iaakob , went out to see the daughters of the Land. Remember well I pray thee these few p●…ecepts : Bee carefull & sincere at the seruice of thy God : Serue him not by halfes : * Hee who is onelie holie , must bee serued wholie : Take good heed to thy self , beware of clawing flatterers , who for gaine wil varnish thy vices , for to make them seeme vertues . Labour for a good name , perrell it not for trifflles : If for light matters it bee mainelie hazarded it shall bee easilie cut off , where euer thou bee , bee content with thy lot : See that in anie wise thou neuer harbour in thine heart a discontented mind : Beware of an euill tongue , which is an vnruelie euill , within the compasse of the mouth wherein it is , is a vvorld of vvickednesse . Bee carefull both for the inward and the outward of thy conuersation , for many eyes will looke and spye what shall be thy life after me : Bee therefore euer vpon thy guard , sinne neuer in hope of secrecie , for none can sinne without a witnesse : Sequester thy selfe from all occasions of euil , if thou wold haue grace to bee dearelie and deepelie rooted in thine heart : Where euer thou art , thinke God thereto be present : Tak him at all times to bee an eye-witnes of thy thoughts : * Thogh ali be barred out , the Lord is within : Feare God & liue in peace with thy neighbours : * Let the good thoughts of thine heart put the ouer in the handes of practise , first know & thē doe , which is compleate Christianitie : Grow in grace , grone for sins past , escape relapses , haunt the godlie , flie these that are of a prostitute Conscience : Sinne is like a Ring-worme of a contagious and spreading nature , from lesse to more ouer Shooes ouer Bootes like Hezekiels waters from the Ankles to the Knees , and so higher and higher from scabbe to scandale : Shune all appearance of euill , so shall thy conuersation sauour like oyntment , and most sweete perfume . Now the Lord bee with thee : Kisse mee , and so farewell . The Pastour . Heere Sir are your little Children waiting for your blessing , it is good that yee say some-thing to them for their instruction : The last words of a Friend or of a Father are often of greatest weight , and beare most into the rememberance of these to whom they are spoken . I feare that ye faint in your weaknesse , and therefore bee as summar and short as yee can . The sicke Man. I thanke God , though the strength of my bodie decayeth , my Spirit is become stronger like Samson , after that his haire beganne to grow : My force & courage within is renewed like the youth of the Eagle by casting of its bill : Blessed be he who giueth power to the faint , and increaseth strength to them that haue no might . O Lord , mould mine heart after the heauenlie modell of thy Law : Emptie mine head , and disburden mine heart of all earthlie cares , that my thoughts may be whollie and entirelie spent vpon thy selfe without any turning awry from holie and heauenlie meditations . The Pastour . Seeing God is with you in such a spirituall power , spend your short time the best yee may for his glorie and for the well of these whom yee desire to bee best in this world after you . * That new strength which appeareth in you at the sight of your Children remembereth me of old Iaakob lying on his death-bedde , when it was tolde him that Ioseph whom he loued was come to see him ▪ it is said , That Israel strengthen himselfe , and satte vpon the bed . The sicke Man. I finde the like mercie , though not in such a measure . O my God , fit and furnish my Soule with the sanctifying grace of thy spirit : Rouse vp my Spirit , whet vp my minde to feeke the thinges which are aboue : Lord , put a liuing Soule within this dying bodie . A speach to his Children And now yee my Children gather your selues together and hearken vnto your louing Father , that ye may remember well his last words . Come neare mee I pray you , and receiue your old Fathers blessing : Let mee lay both mine handes vpon your heads that I may make my last prayer for you . The Angel which redeemed mee from all euill blesse the Lads , and lette them grow in multitude as fishes , God make you as Ephraim and as Manasses . Behold ▪ now my deare Childrē , I goe the way of all the earth ▪ keepe the charge of the Lord your God ▪ to walke in his wayes , that yee may prosper in all that yee doe , and whther soeuer yee turne your selues : By instant prayers to God hemme in the folies of your youth : * In this wicked euill world striue to bee like fishes which keepe their fresh taste while they liue in saltest waters . Bee carefull to consecrate the first yeeres , euen the flower and pryme of your life vnto the Lord , which shall bee a meanes for sanctifying the rest of your age : * The first borne ▪ and the first fruites vnder the Law of ceremonies were the Lords : The substance thereof in the Gospel , is that wee giue the Lord the best of our yeeres and the flower and strength of our age : * Most men in the prime of youth are both hote and headie : Happie is hee who in a sober moode and colde blood passeth the time of his sojourning heere chieflie , while hee is in the strength of youth : By carefull culture & manurance the fiercenesse of Beares and Lyons will be mitigated and tamed : It is a great slight of Sathan to make young men sport in their sinnes , vnder hope they may repent when they are olde : But alas , who is so young that can say , that he shall liue vntill morrow ? * Is it not seene that there bee as manie little as great skuls in Golgotha ? As soone , say wee , commeth the Lambe skin to the market as the olde Sheepes : * But thogh they who are yong were assured to become old , they could not be assured of repentance which is the gift of God , which hee giueth to whom and when it shall please his Majestie : That which is the gift of Gods good pleasure , is not a thing which a man may haue whē he pleaseth : Youth is lik the time of the stirring of the poole , a gracious time , if it be wel imployed : Christ I knowe may cure a Soule that hath beene sicke of the palsey of sinne eight and thirtie yeeres , but that must bee counted a most rare miracle : * Late repentance is seldome sound : But alas , though a man were assured that in his olde dayes he should repent truelie of all the folies of his youth , how bitter a thing is that which Gods word calleth Repentance ? * A Pagan hauing gotten some little glimpse thereof , while he conferred the pleasures of sin with the paines of repentance , refused to bargaine for his pleasures , saying plainelie , Non eme●…im tanti poenitere , that hee would not buy repentance so deare : Most men in the heat of their sinnes lay about them to finde some pretence for the lessening therof , lest they seeme vgelie . Oh , that youth would bee wise , our youth is either a great friend or a great foe vnto our olde age : If we get a fill of Gods mercie in the morning of our age , wee shall bee glad and rejoyce all our dayes : * The rememberance of a well spent youth , is in olde age lik the casting of the Eagles bill whereby its age is renewed : * O the siluer coloured gray head of that olde man , who from his youth in the maine of his life , hath walked in the wayes of righteousnesse ! Grace frō the Cradle is of great expectation : * Happie is that youth which is old in grace : If yee get grace to your youth , yee shall get glorie after age : God it is who giueth both grace and glorie . which two I may call the * euerlasting twinnes conceiued into the breast and bowels of that Mercie that is aboue . Take heede my Children : In your first dayes striue to bee like the Auncient of dayes : * A good Conscience well kept in youth is a perpetuall feast for olde age : That mans youth is a great friend to his old age who can say with Obadiah , I feare the Lord from my youth : A well spent youth is a blessed seede time for Heauen : A well spent youth is spirituall physicke vnto olde age , which of it selfe on Earth , is a sicknesse drawing vnto Death . As the well spent youth is a friend vnto old age , so if it bee euill spent , it is a most fearfull foe ; a foe full of woes : * woe to him whose old bones are sores with the sins of his youth : the Lord hath taken the penne in his hand wherewith after he that hath narrowly searched his wayes , hee shall write bitter thinges against him , and shall make him possesse the iniquities of his youth : * Beware therefore to set your corruption to worke , for to giue the Prime of your life vnto pleasures : Bee wise in time , lest Sathan shely foist in and closelie conuay corruptions into your young and tender heartes by tickling and tempting you to folie : * It is more easie while it is time to spend well the time , than after to redeeme the mispent time : Why would yee trouble your olde age with young folies ? If yee sawe the seede of folie in your youth , ye shall vndoubtedly reapesheaues of sorrows in your old age : It is a sore troublé to sow in laughter & reape in teares : * In the best man that liueth , there is sufficient mater of mourning for his cloudie and rainie yeares : The old man hath enough to suffer vnder sicknes , though hee had no cumber of his sinnes : * O how pleasant is the bitter haruest of a foolish youth ! O folie , hath not olde age paines sufficientlie in the bodie , though it bee not surcharged with the troubles of the Spirit : What wisedome is this to surcharge the weakest age with the heauiest burden ? * Thinke chieflie vpon this , seeing the goodnesse of God followeth the whole life of man from his mothers bellie to his buriall , it is reason that his whole life as well youth as olde age , bee framed for to expresse his thankfulnesse . My first and chiefest direction to you is , that yee giue to God the first fruites of your age : * Suffer not sinne in your tender yeeres to get hold & haunt in your heartes : A godlie Youth hath a speciall promise 〈◊〉 God , these that seeke mee earelie 〈◊〉 finde mee : This parable was forged in Hell , young Saincts old Deuils , that is , A good Lad will bee an euill man : And this is turned ouer againe by the prophane world , viz. An euill Lad will bee a good man : Nay , but an euill Lad is in the way to proue an olde wag-string : A young scoffing Ismael will become an olde swaggering reueller . Children in Scripture are called Plants : If in the Moneth of May a 〈◊〉 bee without leafes or buddes , we conceiue little good hope of anie fruites to bee had in the haruest time thereafter : will a tree bring foorth fruites before it flourish ? When flourish time is past without anie blossome , shall wee looke for anie fruite for that yeare ? Learne of the trees to know your seasons : * Solomon sent the sluggard to Doctour Pismires schoole for to learne wisedome , to prouide for the euill day : Striue with the trees in your youth to get a spring of grace , which may app●…are in the sprout and blossome of dispositions vnto vertues . Mu●…ium est ass●…escere a teneris . * To beginne well or euill is to bee in the midst of the journey : Most powerfull are the first impressions lik the loue of women which ordinarlie is greatest towards her first Match the guide of her youth , who tulit primos amores , hath gorten the prime of her loue : It is hard to fall from her first loue : * See what a liking these who are in Kings Courts will haue to remember of the Cottage or rurall village whereinto they were borne and brought vp : The secret draught is so powerfull that hardlie can anie expresse the cause : This made a Pagan to say , Nescio qua natale solū dulcedine cūctos Ducit , & immemores non sinit esse sui . By this yee may see how by a certaine secret instinct wee euer loue the places where wee haue beene borne & brought vp : * Obserue the lesson of this , if yee passe your youth in sin & in the pleasures therof , hardly shal yee euer forget that company , doe what ye can , ye shall euer haue a certaine secret loue , which your Soule darre not auouch , toward that which yee once loued while ye were yong . * If your sinnes bee your Companions in your vouth , they will bee your Counsellers in olde age : Rehoboams fall was in this , that he took counsell of the young men that were growne vp with him : If sinne bee brought vp with you in your youth , there is danger that ye take its counsell in your olde age : The time of youth is most dangerous , for in it the affections are boiling , in it reigne and rage vnhallowed heate , and passionate distempers , which except they bee repressed with the strength of grace , breake out into the thunders and tempestuous stormes of vncleannesse , of ryot & of drunkenesse , and such like , which make most fearefull breaches and deepe gashes into the Conscience . Beware therefore at the first to sinne , lest at last ye sinne by custome : The hardening custome of sinne is in Scripture called , An yron sinew in the necke , and a brasen brow : * If custome of sinne make you impotent in well doing , it shall at last mak you impudent in euill doing : * Hee who manteth or stammereth in his speach while hee is young , will in all appearance speake so vntill his dying day : * Fooles dreame that man is like March , if hee come in with an Adders head , they thinke that hee shall goe out with a Peacoks taile , as if an euill beginning were the way to an happie end . Bee wise in time my deare hearts , from your youth consecrat your selues Nazarites vnto the Lord , that is , Bee pure and holie , touch no vncleane thing , giue not prouocatiō to the flesh , but rather abstaine from all fleshlie lustes which warre against the Soule : What shame for Gods sons to bee sinnes slaues . If ye wold liue long , liue well : * The wicked , saith Solomon , shall not prolong his dayes which are as a shadow , because hee feareth not before God : * For this cause it shall be your best to take the first handsell of time for well doing : Resist the Deuill in the beginning of sinne : * Fight against iniquitie as against a foraine enemy at the borders of your heart , euen at the first landing , before it get fitting in fast and stable groūd : While it is fleeting , fight it off the shore : * Sinne is like a Cockatrice it must bee killed into the shell before it come out with piercing venemous lookes : * Satan in this last and most corrupt age hath with manie blots branded earelie holinesse : As for you my counsell is , that with great care yee striue to beginne well earely in the morning of your age , and that thereafter yee constantlie goe on till like a Sunne yee come to the Noone of grace in glorie . * In three times of our age wee should striue to three degrees of holinesse : In Child-hood wee must bee good , in Youth head wee must grow better , in olde Age wee must bee best : * Hee who is not best at last in mine opinion , was neuer good at all . In all Ages tak heed to all your ways be neuer wedded vnto any sin , thogh it seeme like Zoar but a little one : There is no sin so base that it wil goe alon without a Page at its back : while yee heare of others faults , practise Plato his Precept , Numquid ego tale ? Haue I done any such lik thing my selfe ? Striue in all your affaires to be vpright before God and man : Be euer of these that stand on the Lords side for the good cause : Let no consideration of profite or preferment mak you to stiffle the voyce of your owne Conscience : Shute not your eares at its cry like the Adder at the voyce of the charmer . Bee not loth to know your selues , trye and examine well your inward parts . Doe neuer with great confidence that which yee can not doe with a good Conscience . If yee sinne , delight not in sinne , such pleasures are too deare , & bought at too high a rate . In your whole like reuerence your Pastour though subject to manie infirmities , for wee faile all in many things : Elias refused not his meate because a Rauen an vncleane fowle brought it vnto him : Best men often are signes and wonders euen in Israel . Oh , that I had words of motion , that might stirre you vp to all Christian dueties : Beware I exhort you to follow anie euill example giuen by mee : * Striue by grace to bee better than the Rocke wherout of ye haue beene hewen : Manie a time haue I started aside and stumbled in the way : It is a rare mercie of God that hath brought mee thorow this world with honesty : It is only Gods guarde euen his sauing grace which hath kept my life from scab & scandale , for in trueth , I speake it to my shame , that God may haue the glorie : I haue beene like a foolish Flee that flutters about the Candle : It is by the meere mercie of my God that the winges of my profession haue not beene scorched with the flammes of some one temptation or other , which should haue beene to me the cause of some filthie downe-fall : * A scandalous sinne is like a dampe which quencheth the bright Candle of a glorious profession . Let these that are forwarned striue to bee forearmed : Happie is he who in time beateth downe his own corruptions , and tameth his wild heart like an horse whom the Ridder breaketh , that hee may trauell him the parts and the pace as he best desireth : It it onelie Gods mercie which hath stopt the torrent of my corruptions : Learne therefore of mee to passe the time of your sojourning heere in feare : The euill which man least feareth , he is nearest to fall into . Take heede my deare Children , and giue eare vnto my counsell : * Where euer yee bee , thinke shame to commit that which yee would think shame to confesse : In all things striue to have a cleare Conscience toward God and man : Respect more goodnesse than greatnesse and its sway : Bee alway courtesse : * Cut not a man in the current of his speach , bee not selfe conceited , but bee little in your owne eyes : Striue rather to bee good , than to seeme to bee so : Obey your betters , hearken to the wise , reuerence the gray haires found in the way of righteousnesse : * Suffer rebuke patientlie , for it is better than secret loue ; faithfull are the wounds of a friend : Haunt euer the companie of the godly : In all affaires be like the Bee , such out of all things the best , and leaue the worst , seeke out the honie , leauing the venome to the Waspe : Let euerie day bee to you as your last day : * Before you goe to bed at night make your score euen with your Iudge : Be daylie carefull to fit your count ▪ so shall ye haue the lesse to account for at your finall reakoning : In all things be vpright and doe well , for as Iehosaphat said , The Lord will bee with the good : If ye would dye , the death of the righteous , striue first to liue the life of the righteous : * If ye would come to the end , ye must not leape ouer the meanes : While yee are young , kill your sinnes in their youth , euen in their first motions , while they touch but the spirit of the minde , before they bee hatched out from vnder the affections : Breake betimes the Cockatrices egge , lest at last it breake out into a Viper : Beware to conceiue mischiefe , lest ye bring forth iniquitie : * By the corruptiō of our corruptions , is the generation of our regeneration . Pamper not the Carion : * Beasts fed on the bare commons are not so neere the slaughter as these that goe into fatter pastures : B●…ware of all vncleannes : Make a couenant with your eys not to behold wine & women : keepe carefullie your vessels cleane in sanctification and honour : * If yee slippe in anie sinne , beware to sleepe in it , for that is death , Vita in vigilia est : * Godlie men in olde age regretting their former haunts , are lessons from God to teach Youth not to plot the pleasures wherewith God is displeased : Manie sinnes of Youth be called tricks , but it is a terrible tricke to goe to Hell : * People foolishlie cloake Fornication with a tricke of youth , but the Spirit of GOD giueth it a scarlet cloake dyed in red with the blood of three and twentie thousand . Bee yee wise in time , let the rememberance of the shrill sound of the last trumpet euer hold your heart in a stirre so soone as yee see the least appearance of euill : * Thinke no sin litle , seeing it is against so great a Majestie : For eating of a tree Ada●… was banished out of Paradise : For touching the Arke shaken with the Oxen , Vzzah lost his life ▪ For looking into it fiftie thousand three score and tenne men were slaine at Bethshemeth : For gathering sticks vpon the Sabbath , God declared that the man should bee stoned vnto death without the Campe : Such thinges are written for our learning : As for you , stand in awe to sinne in a thought : To clippe the Kings Coyne were it neuer so little , is an high ●…reason : Be affraide at the first gloumes of your GOD : Crouch so soone as hee beginneth to shake his rod at you : In all companies be constantlie godlie ; like the Sunne in his light : Too manie like the Moone , now glister with reflexes of light , and anone are darkened : Now and then they appeare with diuerse faces , now with Saul , they are Prophets among the Prophets , and anone as reuoking all former godlinesse , they runne rȳot with gluttons and reuellers : O my beloued , thinke neuer shame to be godlie among scorners : Care not that by your conscio●…able cariage the wicked bee gauld and grieued , in their madde moode they will call all godlinesse but outwardnesse and formalitie . Tak good he●…d to all your ways , set a guarde about your thoughts , and a watch before your mouth : * Seeing the tongue is mans glorie , let it not bee abused with rotien words : Let not your eares bee open for to receiue the scowring of other mens filthie mouthes . Bee calme and quiet in all your wayes : Bee not rash or hastie , looke before yee leape , bee not selfe-willed , proude contemners of your betters : Aspire not aboue your pitch : * Care not so much for mans d●…spight as for Gods displeasure : Let God be the caruer of all your car●…s . Abhorre to be idle like these who sitting in the Chire of sloth : passe their time at handie dandie : Loyter not while yee should labour : * The first word that Pharaoh said to Iaakob & his sonnes was , What is your treade or occupation ? Be painefull and faithfull in your calling , liue not litherlie as these that are giuen to sleepe the sluggardes lingring sicknesse : Hee is of a base spirit who sluggishlie gaping and stretching himselfe , lyeth lusking on the downe : Vp , vp from the feathers earelie in the morning striue with the Cocke in watchfulnesse , and rise with the chirping of the birdes : Ioyne watching against euill , with wishing and prayers for that which is good : * It is good that the bodie bee moistned with the morning dew , earelie rising bringeth health to the bodie and increaseth the number of mans dayes : * I remember of a verse which while I was young serued for a wakener for to rouse mee from my morning sleepe . Sanctificat sanat , dit at quoque surgere mane . That is it maketh holie , whole and rich to rise earelie in the morning , for this cause earlie buckle your selues to your businesse : Bee wise and watchfull : In all your enterprisses haue an eye vpō your God , doe all as into his sight , bee not too cast down in aduersitie , nor too puft vp in prosperitie : * If mans applause make you to ouerweene your selues at anie time , chasten your loftinesse with the memorie of manie infirmit es which are nested within you , in all thinges feare the worst , and hope the best : * That which seemeth to man vnliklie , is not with God impossible . Let your life in a godlie sober , & ciuill cariage shine before men that they seeing it , may glorifie your heauenlie Father : Striue not to bee called Doctours and Rabbies though ye bee men of letters , but aboue all striue to bee teachers of others by good example and not by word onlie , lest yee bee like the Fyle which smootheth all other thinges , but it selfe remaineth rough : * Beware of all sinfull pleasures which like faire Ladies come with alluring propines to woo and catch the vnstable soule : * In the verie throng of all your adoes draw your selues to a set dyet of priuate deuotion . Mine heart beginneth to faint , of force I must make a pause : After that I am refreshed with a little rest , I shall declare to you all that is in my minde and memorie . O my Soule , seek & sigh for grace : Be carefull for a neerer acquaintance with the Lord of Heauen : Shortlie thou shalt embrace him whom the Fathers by faith saluted but a farre off . The Pastour . Lord , heare thou in Heauen the groanes of thine humble supplicant , mak him fullie & freelie to taste and partake of the pleasures of thy graces til he come to glory : Roll his wearied Soule within these compassions , which in thy mercie are rouled together : O deare Iesus , besprinkle thou his heart with thy precious Soule-sauing blood which is euer louelie to the mercifull eye of the Father . Take breath a little Sir , that yee may continue in such precepts : such heauenlie sentences were neuer bred nor brewed vpon the earth : The Lord himselfe hath put the Roll of these things into your mouth which yee haue eaten , and which make your breath to haue the sauour of life vnto life : Certainelie in some measure the Lord Iesus hath breathed vpon you , as hee did vpon his Apostles , when hee said vnto them , Receiue the holie Ghost . The sicke Man. Lord imprint thine Image into my Soule afresh . My Spirit is reuiued , a new power is entered into mee : Blessed be hee who giueth power to the faint , and who increaseth strength to them that haue no might . Giue eare now againe vnto my speach . O yee my deare Children : Incline your eares vnto the wordes of my mouth : * See that yee liue in loue ; a rent is the forerunner of a ruine : If yee would liue & die in honestie , practise all Christian dueties : Feare God , loue the Church , honour your King , bee faithfull to your Countrie , reuerence your Mother : Bee pitifull , bee courteous , liue in loue together : * Your strength is in vnitie , like a sheafe of arrowes : A three-fold cord is not easilie broken : * Our Lord after that he had ended his last Supper prayed fiue seuerall times , That his Disciples might be one : The smallest graine of discord will at last grow to such head & heare , that it will part these who are most intire in loue : Let the falling out of Paul and Barnabas that blessed paire of most worthie worke-men , teach all good men to liue in loue : * Men of a waspish nature cannot worke Honie with the Bees : Bitter poyson is onlie to bee found in their Combes . So farre as is possible haue peace with all men : Seeke Peace , and follow after it : * Bee not braggers nor brawlers like Ismael the wild man whose hand was against euerie man , and euerie mans hand against him : Returne neuer euill for euill , lesse euill for good , but rather good for euill : Be not like Lyons , which while they are young are gentle till their tallons grow long : Haue peace with all so farre as is possible , and the God of peace shal abide with you . * Be not busie bodies in other mens matters for feare of after-claps if anie thing bee amisse : * One saith verie well , In little adoe much rest , in much adoeno rest . Learne of Peters fall to flee all euill companie , lest in the end yee come home with a weeping crosse : It were better to suffer colde without , than within to bee warmed with such as S. Peter met with in the high Priestes hall , such warmenesse is but a colde comfort : If yee fall in loue with any sinne striue not onelie to leaue it , but also to loath it . The Lord giue you wisedome in all things : Be neither giuen to much company neither to sancie singularitie : Enterprise nothing rashlie without conferring first with God and with some godlie friende : * Before yee intend a worke , cast first the costs lik the wise Builder in the Gospel , hold euer your minde vpon God and honest things : * In most secret places thinke on Gods eye which seeth our thoughtes a farre off : Bee feruent in prayer : Grieue not the Spirit of Grace : Neglect not his graces within you : What euer they be , let them be carefullie imployed : See that ye be faithfull in traffiqueing with your Lords Talents . for to returne them with profite : Away with these who loue to lurke in a lazie luskishnesse . This age is defiled with filthie Belghes of blasphemie : To sweare and roare is counted good fellowship : Bridle yee your tongues , beware of the language of Hell : * By little and little in oathes the tongue is inured till it strike at Christs wounds with bloodie blowes : * Cursed shal they bee who dye their tongue red in that blood , which is the ranso●…e of the world . Consider this I pray you , stand in awe and sinne not : * Bee not like the worlds fooles who beeing loose without anie bridle of feare , care not what bee their end , so that their way bee pleasant : Belieue not all reportes : * Try before yee trust : B●…e not like the blind whelpes which sucke euerie thing that is put into their mouth , thinking it to bee the teates of their mother : While ye liue in the world bee not worldlings : The most worthie are not most wealthie : Eutrapeles heaped riches vpon these whom he hated , for to burden them with cares . Vse the thinges of this world rather with hand than heart : Consider all things with a nature & impartiall suruey of all circumstances : Let neither Loue nor Lucre mak you to sway from the square and rule of righteousnesse : * All things below are but tottering and transitorie trashes set vpon a whirling wheele : There is none earthlie thing of such worth for which a man should mak a breach in his Conscience : If yee studie to be rich , ye will fall into manie temptations , it is hard to win much soone and well : * A short care is fittest for a short life : * Most mens heartes so are curbed with carnall that spirituall meditations take vp their heartes but at reuersion by fitte and starts . Bee in good example one toanother : * Yee who are elders bee like the great wheeles of the Clocke whereof if one be set a going , it will moue its fellow , & that y● other which is next vnto it : * Let all your strife bee in this , who in the Christian course shall out stripe his fellow in well doing , as Iohn and Peter ran a race who shuld be first at the Lords graue . * In all affaires see that your hearts bee euer downe right for the good cause : If yee would walke circumspectlie in all your wayes , haue euer an eye vpon your compt : None of you can tel how soone ye must compeare in judgement . While yee are tempted vnto sin , aske first your heart but these two questions , 1. What answere shall I make for tbis to my God at that great day ? 2. Would I bee content that another did the like vnto mee ? Bee wise like Serpents and innocent like Doues : Let your life bee harmeles ; for in that day Righteousnesse shall beare & weare the Crowne . If God spare your dayes , & blesse you with yeares , beware to celebrate new yeares with olde sinnes : * An old Father said of himselfe that when in his tender age hee had once lost the tenor of an holie life gray haires were got about his head before that hee could recouer it againe : Gray haires in the way of righteousnesse are called , a Crowne of glorie : But seeing while yee are young yee haue no particular promise of long life , dreame not of manie dayes : It is hard to sit fast vpon a sandie foundation : Delay not your repentance in a loitering lasines : But as a man that hath a set time for his taske daleyes not , but carefullie listeneth to the Clocke and counteth his houres , so doe yee : Bee euer vpon your watch vntill the time of your changing come : In the prime of your dayes bee thinking on your end : Be instant with God , like Moses that he wold so teach you to number your dayes that yee may apply your heartes to wisedome and to well doing : * Waste not the short Candle of your life at idle playe , which God hath allotted to light you vnto bed : There is no such foe to repentance , as to thinke that we haue time enough to repent , or that we may repent when wee please : * Hee that will not while hee may , shall not when hee would . Be not prophane like Esau : Liue not in a customarie grosse sin : Loose not the reines to your corrupt affections : If yee fall with the Sainctes , striue also with the Saincts to bee recouered out of your falles : * Manie speake of Dauids fall who neuer remember Dauids rising : The repentance of the Godlie is set downe not to teach sinners to sinne , that af●…er they may repent , but rather to driue them from sinne , by letting them see howe a short sweete is followed with a long sowre : * What a foole is hee , who seeing his Neighbour breake his legge in breaking of an Orchard for an Apple , would leape the same loupe , beeing assured of as much , and all because hee seeth that now his neighbour is soundlie healed , and feeleth no more paine ? If yee wander from God , hasten your returne : A man out of the way must come back againe : The soone●… hee returneth the lesse is his labour : If yee fall in sinne and rise againe , beware to bee relaps : * An Horse comming by the same place where hee caught a fall , will starte a backe : Neither for Spur nor Wand will ye get him into the same hole againe : Dauid no doubt after once would not count the Tribes againe , neither would Peter after that awefull looke of Christ , denye his Master againe ; neither would Iob seck anie more to dispute with his God againe : They all know by experience how bitter a thing such sins were , and therefore abhorred all such things at the verie rememberance thereof . * Remember well I pray you that olde age will inquire what youth hath beene doing : This now know , that all youthlie pranking pleasures are followed with pages of paines , which cry vnto others , that they listen not to the allurementes and deceitfull charmes of their filthie flesh : While Dalilah lulleth in her lappe , shee is armed with Sissers for to cutte the haire of our strength . It is good that both old & young haue their loynes euer girded & their Candles in their hands , waiting for that comming of their Lord : Learne of the foolish Virgines , how dangerous a thing it is to sleepe without oyle in your Lampes : Let neuer sinne reigne in your mortall bodies : Subdue the flesh to the Spirit : * If yee liue in Gods feare , looke to die in Gods fauour : * Happie is the man that keepeth a Calender of his days , wherby hee may bee roused vp to thinke euerie day his last : * It is certaine that our life like a shippe vpon the Sea is caried with a strang gale : There is none abiding heere ; our Sunne is fast posting to the West , as hee arose so shortlie must hee fall . And therefore though yee dwell one earth mind the thinges that are aboue : Let your Soules here in earth , & on earth soare vp toward the euerlasting Tabernacles . * Too manie Soules bee Trewands from God , onlie minding the thinges that are below : Beware that thornie cares choak in your Soules the seede of grace : To be worldlie minded is death : Aspire not aboue your pitch : * Thrust not yourselues in offices : An office is well called , A Calling , because man should waite till hee bee called vnto it : It is better to bee haled by force of others to great offices , than to rushrashlie vpon them vndesired : It were to bee wished that rather men want Offices , than that Offices want men answereable to their discharge . Affect not to bee singular in glorious shewes of profession without substance , like Pedlers who hang out more than they haue within : There bee none so peeuish as prattling professours without the power of practise : * The new creature in actions is the truest outward witnesse of the trueth of the inward affections : Affection bewrayeth the euill affections . Malo esse probus quam haberi . It is better to bee good , than so to seeme . Among all humane dueties bee carefull to keepe loue with your Neighbours : So farre as is possible winne the good word and will of all men : Bee not contentious nor stirrers vp of discordes : God hath blessed the peace makers , The Apostles Precept is plaine , Let brotherlie loue remaine . Forget not the poore : Hide not yourselues from your owne flesh : The rich and the poore will meete together , saith Solomō : That is , One good turne may bee requited by another : If they cānot recompence you , they will pray for you : * Though that which yee giue vnto them at the first seeme to be lost , like seed sowne into a running water which carrieth it away , the Lord , who brought backe the Iordan shall bring back your lost seede with a plentifull increase : Cast then your bread vpon the waters , for yee shall finde it after many dayes : Christs counsell is , that rich men mak vnto themselues friends of the Mammō of vnrighteausnesse : If ye receiue the poore in their neede into your earthlie mansions , they by their prayers shall receiue you in your greater neede into euerlasting Tabernacles : * When Diues hath dyned let Lazarus haue the crums : * Cursed Adam was couered but with figge leaues , and Christ cursed the fig tree for hauing leaues without fruites : While ye giue almes let all be done without a desire to be seene or praised of men : Let not your left hand know what the right hand giueth , and God shall reward that humble secrecie with open honour : What euer bee done , see that it bee done in Faith , without which most glorious workes are but glistering sinnes , and Pharisees almes , beggers of praise , things done to be seene . Bee meeke and gentle toward all : * The Spirit of God cannot light vpon a Soule but in the shape of a Doue : Euerie way of a man is right in his owne eyes : But the Lord pondereth the hearts . My Spirit fainteth , my breath shorteneth , mine heart sickeneth , I finde Death now besieging my Noble partes : I cannot tell how soone God shall fetch away my Soule : It is most certaine that I drawe neare to the doores of death . I haue yet some-thing in my mind for to tell you , O my deare Childrē ; but for weakenesse I cannot , till I be refreshed with a little rest : Within a little space I looke to bee lockt in my graue . O Lord , say vnto my Soule , I am thy Saluation : Refresh mine heart , rejoyce my Soule with a sight of thy reconcealed face , before that I goe hence , and bee seene no more . The Pastour . Lord , heare thou in Heauen . O how much fruite groweth off one stalke : GODS grace in you hath brought foorth a large haruest of comforts to all that haue heard you . The Lord renew your strength , and put his Spirit within you : The Lord sanctifie your Spirit , which is the Candle of the Lord , searching all the bowels of the bellie . The God of all grace hath cleansed and purified your words throgh the stramer of his great mercie : * So soone as ye haue gathered strēgth let vs heare the rest of your counsell to your Children : In it is wisedome for to be learned of old age , recouer your force a little , that yee may conclude that which yee haue begunne : * It is good in good things to goe throgh stitch . The sicke Man. O Lord , perfect thy strength in my great weaknesse . My deare Children hearken vnto mee : It is not possible but in this euill world yee shall bee troubled with great and grieuous afflictions : In my great griefes I was euer wont to comfort my selfe with that wise speach of Solomon , When a mans wayes shall please the Lord , hee shall make euen his enemies to bee at peace with him : If anie man offend you , or is offended against you , perswade yourselues that some of your wayes please not the Lord , and therefore if yee would please good men , or haue good men for to please you , walke in the wayes which will please the Lord : All mens hearts are in his hands like riuers of water : Hee can make a foe of a friende , and a friende of a foe : * If yee neglect this counsell , yee shall at last be forced to stand at staues end with the whole world : Hee who is at variance with his God , will neuer agree with himselfe , and so shall bee in discord with all , for as the Pagan said well , Conveniet nulli qui secum dissidet ipse . Hee who is not good to himselfe , can bee good to none : Though commonlie men say of some , Hee is , or was euill to none , but to himselfe : A wise man in this land hath made a good replye to that speach , viz. It were almes to hang him that is not good to himselfe . Now yee are young , yet breath is in the bodie , Worke while it is light : * Bee carefull to keepe a Callender as it were of your dayes which may call vpon you hourelie , bee diligent for the time is short : By years , dayes , and houres , our life is continuallie cut and sklised away . What shall I say more ? The Lord giue you wisedome in all thinges : Godlinesse is true wisedome : Best spirited men are not euer most spirituall : As for you ▪ striue truelie to bee religious Nathanaels Israelites indeed . Euerie night before ye goe to bedde , set before your eyes the mercies of that day : Muster them orderlie and take a view of them carefullie , that vpon your knees from your heartes yee may giue God his praise ▪ While ye are gone from the publick prayer of the Familie vnto your priuate bed Chamber , remember Gods mercies afresh : While yee remember them , let this bee your last collation drinke before yee goe to bedde ; take with Dauid the cup of Saluation and call vpon the Name of the Lord : * As trades men haue a day Booke for daylie receites , it were expedient that all the godlie haue a register wherein may bee written the noble actes of the Lord , for to helpe ou●… weake memorie , lest wee suffer his mercies to slippe out of our minde : * If yee either forgette your sinnes or Gods mercie , remember that yee haue a Conscience which is a daylie obseruer , a night watch , and a secret spye into your Soules . In all your adoes striue to be righteous before God , and vpright before men : See in a short verse what shall bee the end both of the godlie and wicked The memorie of the just is blessed : But the name of the wicked shall rotie . O my deare Children , lay vp carefullie these wordes into your hearts which I your olde Father haue spoken with much paine : * Thinke vpon this , one day Death will inquire what Life hath beene doing . As for my worldlie affaires , as Rents or Goods , if they bee great lippen not to them : If they be little , little with Gods grace is enough : If yee bee godlie , God shall bee your Father and your feeder : If yee abound bee not prodigall : Make not a god of your Bellie : Beware to tipple or quaffe , or with the glutton to feede delicatelie : Care not for panch pleasures : Iohn liued on locusts : * It is better to liue on Cake and water with a godlie Elias than to feast royallie with a foolish Nabal : Though feasts bee pleasant they are dangerous : When the dayes of feasting were ended Iob sent & sanctified his children , & rose vp earelie in the morning for to offer burnt offerings for them al : for Iob said , It may be that my sons haue sinned & cursed God in their heart : Single feasting is fittest for the Soule and most wholesome for the bodie : God sendeth sluggardes to the Pismire as to a Master of worke for to direct them from loitering to labour . * Let gluttons whose dearest delightes , are in panch-pleasures from morning vntill euen learne of the Swallowes who sit not down to dine but feede while they flee : As they feede on flees , so they flee while they feede : What should man doe with his Bellie , but feede it as in a flight : Let the winges of sobrietie carrie you from glutting plentie before yee bee ouer-taken with that which shall make you to be ashamed to morrow : While yebegin to drinke , beware of after-clapes : Men by a litle distemper at the fi●…st contract easily an habit of sine : * S. Augustine speaking how his Mother MONICA , learned to tipple , ●…aith , Primoribus labijs sorbebat exiguum : Itaque ad illud modicum quotidi●…na modica addendo in eam consuetudinem lapsa erat vt prope jam plenos mero calices inhianter hauriret . That is , At the first shee began but to kisse the cuppe , and to sippe a little of the wine while shee filled the Cup to her Parents , but anone shee came to this , that shee made no bones to sucke drie full Cups of wine : See how from sipping at last shee came to carousing . Oh , but that is a deare drink , which costeth a man a Spot in his name & a blot in his conscience : Experience telleth that pleasures is more dangerous than paine , and feasting thā fasting : Remember Iobs children , see in what a feare that godlie Father was concerning their ●…easting : Certainelie his feare was not a foolish feare without anie ground : It is set down in Scripture for to teach men feare in feasting : * Too manie at such times turne themselues into barrels and beastes swinishlie ouerturning all reason & judgement that is within them : As for you , be yee sobber if yee would bee holie : God will not tarie into that heart which hath a god in the bellie : * Hee who would lodge the Arke must chasse Dagon to the doore like a dogge : * Manie who neglect the bellie ▪ haue pride printed in great capitall Letters vpon their backe : Bee yee not sumptuous in apparrell : * Let God giue you the coat according to the cold : Follow not new fashions : Beware of euill example : Woe to the world for scandales . As yee should not bee prodigall , bee not also misers , pinch-pennies : Defraude not your selues of your graunted good : Bee thankfull to God for all his giftes : Away with these who after they haue receiued that which they sought , haue done with God , till they neede him againe . In all the course of your life striue to hold the Ballance equall , vertues in the midst : * Extremities are like Border Theeues not subject to the Lawes . Bee neither too nice , nor too pert , too scurrile nor too silent : * In worldlie wealth trye before yee treasure : If yee bee rich , glorie not in your riches ; if yee bee poore , pray God to keepe you from the extremitie of pouertie , lest that yee put foorth your hand to steale : * If God send pouerty be not discouraged : Though it bee sore , it is no sinne : Lazarus with his ragges was welcomer to God than Diues with his purple : Hee who begged from that rich man on earth , saw the rich man a begger into Hell : Hee is rich enough who hath the fauour of his God : * In good life is long life . Nequities vitae non sinit esse senem . The wickednesse of life abbridgeth the life . Bee more desirous to liue well , than to liue long : Too too manie liue to spend their grace-right with their Birth ▪ right : Such like wanton Widowes are dead while they liue ▪ If yee fall in sinne , vp , vp , make haste to returne vnto your God : Repentance delayed in youth is a strengthening of sinne against the olde and weaker age : The least sin entertained maketh a way for more : * The least drop of the juice of euill is lik leauen that sowreth the whole lumpe ▪ If in this world yee prosper , bee not taken vp with selfe foolish conceit : Take not outward prosperitie to bee the ell and measure of Gods loue : * Whether yee wither or yee flourish in worldlie thinges , thinke vpon this , that your miserie or happinesse can be in nothing but in that which is eternall : * Goe where ye please , the justice of God one day shall try the foote-steppes which ye haue troden . The chiefe Legacie which I leaue to you all is the Charter of Gods promise , which I haue receiued by the hand of Faith : In it is an Heritage of lines fallen in pleasant places , VIZ. That not onelie hee should bee my God , but that he should be a God to my Childrē vnto thousand generations keepe fast this promise into the Charter Chists of your heartes : In confidence of this promise depend vpon your God in well and in ●…oe , in wealth and in want : Though hee should slay you , yet say with Iob that yee will trust in him . Nowe for to drawe to an ende , for my breath faileth , and mine heart fainteth , I desire you aboue all things to bee earnest in prayer with God : * By prayer morning & euening dresse your Soules like the Lampes of Gods Tabernacle : Fill them of the pure oyle-oliue of his grace , that alwayes they may shine . * Eliphaz charged Iob chieflie with this , as beeing the chiefe cause of all his woe , that hee restrained prayer before God : With this the Psalmest hath branded the wicked , They call not vpon God , and againe , They call not vpon God : * It is obserued by the most cunning Physitions that paine in speaking and loathing of meate , be two symptoms of a diseased & distempered bodie : A Soule while it prayeth , it speaketh ; while it heareth it eateth . If there be paine in the one and loathing in the other , that Soule cannot bee well : Thrise a day Dauid was wont to pray , at morning , euening ▪ and at noone : * This zeale also wakened him while others were sleeping : At mid-night he arole for to pray vnto his God : Happie is that mā , who shal so spend the short time of his life in this valey of mortalitie . Let this in all things bee an awband aboue your heades , that the eye of the Almightie God is euer vpon you , and that hee is acquainted with all your wayes : Where euer yee bee thinke your selues euer to be in that most awefull presence : make Conscience of all your thoughts , for the verie thought of foolishnesse is euill . Beware of the lustes of youth : Striue with God in prayer , that hee would so ingage you in his grace & loue , that your corruption proue not strongest while your wittes are weakest : Intreate earnestlie the Lord that hee woulde make perfect his strength in your weaknesse . When yee finde anie good beginnings of Grace within your selues , waite stedfastlie vpon the due accomplishment thereof in Glorie : Whom the Lord loueth hee loueth to the end , his calling and gifts are without repentance . If this yee doe carefullie , ye shall bee like twigges which hauing a vigorous life , sprout and flourish till they come to trees . And now at last for to conclude and summe vp the whole brieflie : If ye would haue God to dwell into you , bee yee an holie Sanctuarie for his Spirit : If yee would haue God to rest in you as hee did into his holie Temple there must bee in you as was in his Temple an Holie of holies : * As were within Gods Arke so must yee haue within your heartes , the Tables of Gods Law the summe of the Olde Testament , and with them the potte of Manna , euen Christ the bread of life the substance of the New Testament . Loue this word ; honour this word , bleed for this word , yea , & die for it . Manie in this world be like these Pultrons and base spirited men of Thessalonica , who had no courage for the t●…ueth : As for you , striue to bee like these of Berea , who were better borne & of a more manlie breeding in that they were couragious for the Trueth . Striue to the keeping of Gods Commandments for like friends they are so linked together that if one bee offended , all the rest will interest themselues in its quarrell , faile in one , and faile in all Pray feruentlie , that ye may practise all these my precepts This doing ye shal neuer find your selues fatherles : The great God shal be your Father : To this Father now I giue you , irtreating him to bee a Father vnto you in all times to ensue . The Father of mercies , the Sonne of his loue , and the Spirit of c●…mfortes , so guide you in all your cariage that ye may carie an incorrupt Conscience to the Graue . The God of all grace mak you perfect ▪ stablish , strengthen , settle you , & leade you in the Land of vprightnes : The Lord blesse you all with his best blessings : My blessing I leaue you : Kisse mee , and so fare well . Now the day is fatre spent , and my strength beginneth to faile mee , seeing all things as the Apostle saith , are sanctified by the word of God and prayer , let vs conclude this dayes conference with our humble supplications vnto our God. My deare Pastour offer yee vp this Euening Sacrifice : The Lord perfume it with the spirituall incense of Christs merites , that thereby our Soules being perfumed , the Lord may finde a smell as the smell of a fielde which the Lord hath blessed . Pray earnestlie for me , that the Lord giue me both strēgth and courage for the fighting out of this Battell , that in the ende I may bee crowned with the Laurels of an euerlasting victorie . The Pastour . My Soule rejoyceth to haue heard so manie good wordes from your mouth : Solomon said verie well and wiselie , A word spoken in due season how good is it ? According to your desire wee shall conceiue a Prayer to GOD for you . The Lord powre vpon all our Soules that promised Spirit of grace and of supplications . A Prayer for the sicke Man. Sore weakned with sicknesse . MOst gracious GOD , most deare & louing Father , Let the word of our mouth , & the meditations of our hearts bee acceptable in thy sight , O LORD , our strength and our Redeemer . By thy Spirit banish all stragling thoughts , and keepe our mindes steddie and attentiue in this chiefest worke of deuotion . Beholde , LORD , and consider heere thy poore Seruant fainting in great weaknesse of bodie , But thogh flesh and friends , health , & wealth , and all should faile him , thou , LORD , will neuer faile him : Hee is thy Seruant , he is thy Seruant , the son of thy hand-maide : Thou hast most powerfullie hitherto supported and vpholdē him by thy mercifull hand : Now leaue him not while he is drawing neare vnto his long home . It is easie to perceiue that his age is departing from him , like a shepheards tent , and that thou art readie to cutte off his life like a weauer : His desire , LORD , is to bee with Thee , Thou hast heard the sighings of this prisoner , and thou hast vnderstood the groanes of thine own Spirit : As thou hast begunne the good worke in him so perfect it in due time : As thou doest with the yeare crowne it with thy goodnesse : with-draw not thy Grace from him till it bee made perfect in weaknesse . Thou , LORD , hast manifested thy loue to him wonderfullie , by putting into his minde and mouth such diuine preceptes and counsel●… to his Friends , Wife , and Children , that all that haue heard them haue beene forced to wonder at the glorie of thy grace . Now deare Iesus let thy force be with him in his fainting , but the nearer hee draweth vnto his end , l●…t thy Spirit the Comforter enable him the more , till victoriouslie hee hath put an end vnto this Battell : As the strength of his bodie shall beginne to decrease , let the comfortes of thy Spirit increase in his Soule : Seale vp in his heart that peace which thou hast purchased by the blood of the Prince of peace : Assure him of the rest of these joyes which are to bee reuealed , whereof hee hath alreadie receiued the earnest : O , say vnto his Soule , that thou shalt bee his Saluation . In the silence of the night while deepe sleepe falleth on man , make thou his reines to instruct him : Suggest vnto his heart the sweetest wordes of thy comforts which may bee vnto him like apples of gold in pictures of siluer : Waine his heart daylie more and more from the loue of things below : Make thou his Soule to soare vp with Eagles wings towardes the heauenlie Mansions . Prepare nowe his Soule to the last conflict : Put vpon him all the Armour of God : Strengthen his Faith , that hee may holde fast by Thee , yea , so resoluedlie , that though thou should slay him , yet hee may trust in thee . When the force of sicknesse shall tak away the vse of his tongue , make his heart to groane vnto Thee in the secret language of thy Spirite , ●…hat in thine hands he commen●… 〈◊〉 his Soule and that he desireth thee to come quicklie for his reliefe . Let not the increasing throes and pangues of death discourage him : In greatest anguish vphold his enfeebled heart with the hope of Glorie : Look on him , Lord , with the eye of thy mercie , incline thine eare to the sighes of his heart , make haste to come for his Soule is longing for his appointed time , till his change come : As thou art the Lord of life , so vnto thee belong the issues of death : Let strength proceede from thee like vertue from Christes garment , whereby hee may bee encouraged against the fearefull assaults of death , which shortly in all appearance shall besiege his noble parts , for to bring him vnto dust frō whence hee came ? Make thy Spirit to enter into his hearte for to vphold him against this feare & smart of his last and most heauie houre . Let him know that if the earthlie house of his Tabernacle bee dissolued that he hath a building of God , an house not made with hand eternall in the heauen : Make his Soule more and more earnestlie to groane for to bee cloathed vpon with his house , which is from Heauen : Seeing while hee is heere at home in the bodie , hee is absent from the Lord , make thou him confident and willing rather to bee absent from the bodie , that hee may bee present with Thee in the Heauens . Let the hope of the Resurrection vphold him against all the terrours of the Gra●…e : Perswade his Soule that at the sound of that shrill celestiall Trumpet , his bodie shall arise , and with these same eyes shall beholde his Redeemer , and none other for him . Innumerable euils , Lord , haue compassed him about : Nowe the time approacheth that thou wilt deliuer him from all his feares : Make haste , Lord , Come Lord Iesus , come . Rebuke Sathan wee intreat thee , that in the darksome night he interrupt not the comforts of thy Spirit : Suffer neuer that slie and craftie one , to bereaue him of the pledges of thy loue : Make him to holde fast that which hee hath , that none bee able to take his Crowne : O mercifull God , take notice of all his wants and necessities ; and bee thou to him SHADAI GOD all sufficient for to supplie them : Let him not want that Grace without the which hee cannot serue thee : Through thy selfe make him to push downe all the enemies of his Saluation : Through thy Name make him to treade them vnder foote that rise vp against him , for he hath not forgotten the Name of thee his God , neither hath hee stretched out his hands to a strange God. While his eye-stringes shall bee broken , and when the throes of death shall make his heart to tumble within him , then bee thou the strength of his heart , the health of his countenance , and his God. In his greatest griefes anoynt his Soule with some droppes of that oyle of gladnesse wherewith thou once anointed our Lord and Sauiour aboue his fellowes : Let thy Graces like that precious ointment that ran downe vpon the beard of Aaron flowe down from thee aboundantlie vpon all the powers of his Soule : Let spirituall vertues drop downe vpon him as the dew of Hermon , and as the dew that descended vpon the mountaines of Zion . O thou the perfection of beautie shine vpon his Soule : Indue him with a melting and relenting heart . Bee mercifull to thy distressed Church , comfort Her in all Her teares and troubles : Pittie Her deformities : Adorne Her with Puritie and Vnitie : Though Shee bee outwardlie 1. duskie because the Sun hath withered Her , yet Shee is the Kings Daughter whose 2. whole glorie is within : 3 Awake , O North Wind , and come thou South blow vpon Her Garden , that the spices thereof may flowe out : Declare vnto Her enemies that if they 4 touch Her , they shall touch the Apple of thine Eye . Let them all know that it is 5 hard to kicke against prickes , and that if they perlecute thee , Thou wilt throw them to the ground . Bee mercifull to our gracious SOVERAIGNE the Kings Majestie , as by thy Grace thou hast made him a King , so by thy Grace make Him a good King : Powre down a princelie Spirit vpon his Soule , that Hee may haue courage for the Trueth : Make Him answerable to his most honourable Style , Defender of the Faith. Vouchsafe thy mercie vpon his Princelie Spouse : Let the beautie of the Lord Her God bee vpon Her , Make Her like the Kings Daughter which is all glorious within : Make Her a Mother in Israel , a Nurse Mother to thy Church , an happie Mother of blessed Children . Be mercifull to all the Nobilitie of our Land , fixe fast their heartes vpon the thinges that are aboue , Blesse our Pastours , make them painefull & Faithfull at thy Seruice , that they may gaine with the Talents which thou hast committed to their keeping : Make them to striue more then for states to bee in thy fauour : Let their chiefest care bee to winne and wooe manie Soules to the loue of Iesus , the blessed Bridegroome of the Church . Good LORD , bee mercifull to vs that are heere humbled before thee : Encrease our Faith , and better our feeling and apprehension of thy loue Look graciously vpon this our euening sacrifice which wee doe heere render vnto thy Majestic perfumed with the merits of thy Sonne in that prayer which hee by his most sacred wisedome hath taught vs saying , Our Father which art , &c. The sicke Man. Before the market time of my life be ended , O my deare God , let me haue a rich pennie-worth of thy mercie : Thou who biddeth vs buy without money , giue vs grace to tak the aduantage of the Market , before the Sunne of our life bee set . O that in this our day wee could know the things belonging to our peace , that in an holie zeale the corruptions of our affections wherewith our hearts heere bee in●…hralled and sold vnder sinne , may bee justled out and tread vnder foote . THE EIGHTH DAYES Conference . A Conference with a carnall Friend concerning his Buriall : Concerning Funerall Sermons : Diuerse prayers : Death approaching : A Soliloque●… betweene the Soule and the bodie in a trance , their last adewes : The last gaspes : Michael and Sathan disput for the Soule . The sicke Man. THE troublous toyles of this world are the bane of Mans life , they surfet his minde with car●…s : My Spirit is much wearied , Oh , that I had wings lik a Doue , then would I flie away and rest : * O with how manie rootes are wee fastened vnto this earth : The World , Wife , Life , and Children , but most of all our owne corruptions are burdens which hang so fast on , that none hand but that of the Almightie is able to shake them off : So long as wee haue health and wealth wee stalke in our vanities , like Nebuchadnezar in his palace of confusion : Wee neuer perceiue that wee dwell in Bable till one judgement or other bring vs to confusion : Wee will not suffer to bee reproued while the time is fittest for repentance : Wee are offended at the word except that it glyde by our faults : Wee will not with Peter bee with-stood to the face : * The Preacher must whisper his reproofes behind our backes , or he must speake vnto vs as vnto Princes into Parables : Wee heare like stones , and goe like snailes : Fye vpon vs ; Oh , that wee were wise . A carnall Friend . What are yee now doing Sir ? In all appearance yee are shortlie for to leaue this world , yee haue said all your adewes and haue turned your backe vpon all worldlie things as Hezekiah did when hee turned his face to the wall . I desire Sir ▪ to knowe of you but one thing , Where would yee bee buried ? Were it not expedient that your Corps lye into the Church , where are buried these which are in greatest account in this world ? The sicke Man. What haue I to doe with this world ▪ or with the fashions of this worlde ▪ which passe away ? * Wherfore should I make the glorious House of my God a flesh pot of corruption ? Fye vpon our folie : Should it be conuenient that my stinking bones cast vp anie noysome vapours , for to trouble the liuing at the seruice of the euerliuing ? What aduantage shall it be to my Soule to come and fetch this bodie out of a Church more than out of a Church yeard ? What prerogatiue shall it bee to my bodie in that day , that it hath beene buried into Gods House ? Gods House in Scripture is called , An House of prayer ; but in no place is it called , A place of buriall : Let no mā mak me an euill example after my death : * What is this ; How long shall foolish man goe round in his course and compasse of vanitie , like a blind horse in a Mill ? The carnall Friend . But would yee not at least haue a Tombe Sir , and your name written vpon it with this , Heere lyeth such a man ? The sicke Man. * Vaine man is glutted with vanitie euen vnto the gorge pype : Why trouble ye me with vanitie in death , who is now mourning for the vanitie of my life ? mine accoūt is cast vp for another world : My name is written into the Booke of life , what care I for Letters into stones ? away with such Banners of pride : Such things are but cold comforts to a wearied Conscience : Such thinges are but vanities of none abode : Where are nowe the Mausels and most glorious Tombes of Emperours : It was well said by a Pagan , Sunt etiam sua fata Sepulchris . That is for to giue a glosse to these words , Tombes wherein the dead are buried , will bee buried themselues : Nothing is heere permanent , Triumphs haue their Tombes , and Crownes haue their compasse . O my God , faste●… and fixe the eyes of my Soule vpon that which is eternall . O the folies of mens hearts , who vainelie and needleslie waste vpon their dead vanities that which might builde houses for the poore : But let proud men lye vnder their statelie Towers , such lifted vp stones must at last fall downe as he fell who now lyeth vnder them . I like well of Beza his answere on his death bed to one that spak to him of a Tombe , Sub cespi●…e viridi , said he That is ▪ Lay mee vnder the greene Turfe : A notable word of humilitie : Good Deborah was buried vnder an Oke tree : Manie may lie vnder painted stones whose Soules are pined into Hell : God will neuer inquire of a mans Soule where was thy bodie buried ? But how hast thou liued into that bodie ▪ shall he say : Lay mee then vnder the greene Turfe : * How manie Martyres haue beene burnt into ashes which haue beene cast vp into the winde , and scattered vpon the waters ? Coelo tegitur qui non habet vrnam . Hee is couered with the Heauens who wanteth a graue . Facilis jactura Sepulchri est . The losse of buriall is no great losse . O that my Soule ▪ were truelie humble : * I haue alas in the dayes of my vanitie beene too much pined with the prid of life , scādalously appearing without : but , O , O , O , Si trabes in oculo strues in corde , a litle beame of pride in the eye telleth that there is a stake of it in the heart : And yet in this Turfe of humilitie which I cry for , I spy a lurking pride : Pride is a secrete thing so small spun that hardlie can it bee discerned : A man will bee proude that hee is not proude , or rather because hee will not seeme to bee proude : This is priuie pride : The humblest heart is not euer couered with coursest apparell , yet certainlie it is good both in life & in death to shew good example : Lesser sins at the first make way , and paue a causey for greater : folies framed by some are followed by others : Woe to the world for scandales . The chiefe thing at burials whereof men would take heede , is that the dead burie not the dead ▪ Woe to these buriers when these who are dead in sinne burie them who are dead for sinne : As for you Friend , bee wise in your words , The lippes of the foole , said the wise man , will swallow vp himselfe ▪ In many men the affections keepe captiue the vnderstanding . The carnall Friend . I pray God to make mee wise . In all this which I haue spoken there is no great matter of follie : Seeing the pompe of buriall displeaseth you , yee may bee willing that a funerall Sermon bee ▪ made for your praise & commendation , no man of anie worth now wanteth this honour . The sicke Man. So manie men so manie mindes : Away with the flattering panegyricks of such funerall praise : Let Christ be preached and not sinfull man : Away with that preaching whereof man is the Text : * Solomon speaking of the good wife , sayeth wiselie , Let her owne workes praise her in the gates : So let the by past life of a man praise him in his death : All men are lyers , but Dummie cannot lye . * If I haue liued well , my life shall grace and praise mee sufficientlie : If not , wherefore should I make the Trumpeter of truth to become a libeller of lyes ? Vivorum sunt haec solatia non mortuorum . Such comforts are onelie for the liuing but not for the dead : O the vanitie of stinking pride which blasteth the soules of men with most filthie staines . * Tell mee I pray you who made Christs funerall Sermon when hee was laide into the Graue ? Hee whose life could neuer preach , is not worthie to bee preached vpon after his death : If while wee liue our life preach , it will preach also after our death : * The best funerall Sermon a man can haue is when his life maketh all his godly neighbours to say , This man while hee liued 〈◊〉 a Nathanael an Israelite indeede , without anie fraude or guile : Hee was a man who truelie and sincerlie liued in the feare of his God. But men must be preached , will yee say , for such is now the fashion : Well , if men will be preached with Seraphicall tongues , let him who preacheth their vertues also preach their vices , as the Prophets did of olde , not sparing Kings : Dauids treachery and his adulterie , his murther and his numbering of the people are as well set downe as his desire of the building of the Temple : So Solomons idolatrie and foolishnesse is as well put in write as his wisedome : So Hezekiahs pride , and Iohoshaphats louing of these that ha●…ed the Lord , and Iosiahs rashnesse in battell against Pharaoh Neco , are plainelie declared & faithfullie penned , that all the world may knowe that they were but poore sinners : It is written of Gods beloued people , that for their sinnes God deliuered his strength into captiuitie : By this appeareth euidentlie that the best Kinges and best people are in Gods word as well painted in their vices as in their vertues . He who would rightly draw a mans portrature must paint his blamishes as well as his beautie : In such a case his wrats & his wrinkles must be wroght with the pinsell , that his image may bee like vnto himselfe : * If men be onelie portreyed in their vertues , the halfe of their face shall not be seene : What is the most part of mans life heere but a sinning against God , and a prouocation of the eyes of his glorie ? * The best men that liue here in the greatest perfection of Gods image are like a quarter Moone , inlightened but in a fourt part : How many haue but a sharpe edge like the Moone first seene after the change ? If funerall Sermons were made after this fashion , that mens vices were as well reproued , as their vertues commended , the Preacher should bee desired to keepe silence . If yee would preach my vertues , ye must also preach my vices , and then when should that Sermon haue an end ? Fye on the pride of life , which all good men chieflie at their death should both condemne and contemne . Of olde in Scripture wee read of the pride of life : But now in this last age Satan hath hatched a new pride called , The prid of death , euē of death which bringeth all men low : * Pride printed into stones cryeth to the liuing , Heere lyeth a proude Fellow : Hee that will bee proude in death , when shall hee bee humble ? * Away with that which is both hatefull vnto God and hurtefull vnto man. For all that is said , I would not absolutelie blame Funerall Sermons ; for the death of Gods Saincts is precious in his sight : * That which is precious in the eyes of God , may bee declared glorious in the eares of men . But yet with leaue I must say that with reason in a great part of our Churches they haue beene abrogate and casseered because of abuse : * Seeing the Brasen Serpent which was made at the first by Gods own appointment was broken in pieces for the abuse thereof and disdainefullie called , Nehushtan , a lumpe of Brasse , much more things which God neuer commanded in his word for to bee , beeing filthilie abused , may be rejected ▪ * For is it not now come to passe and that to the great disgrace of manie Preachers , to the hearkening and hardening of lewd liuers that men whose life was full of scab & scandales , their names being rotten fore their bodies , are so decked & busked vp with flowers of Rethorick , so wrapped vp into hyperbolicke commendations as it were into a seare-cloath , for thereby to keepe close within smothered the stinking smell of their most filthie memorie . Let all abuse bee taken away : As for me I would not that men should bee too contentious and eager in things neither bidden nor forbidden by God : * Paul and Barnabas for an indifferent thing came at last to such an heate , that they departed one from another : But I cannot reade that euer they met againe . * If none but these whom God set out as lights of life were praised after death for to bee a spurre vnto the liuing , for to follow their footesteppes , it should not bee a misse brieflie to say some-what to the praise of the defunct : * Why should not the glorie of Gods graces in his Saints passe along & glaunce clearely in the eyes of these that are aliue ? But let euer the bodie of the Sermon run vpon Christs life & death wherefrae issueth all the grace and vertue of mans life , within one periode of a preaching the praise of anie mā may find sufficient bounds ▪ Now I thanke you louing Friend for your kindnesse and good will : But also let mee intreate you not to bee so worldlie minded : It may be that shortlie as I am now , so shall ye bee : Mans life at the longest may bee measured with a spanne : Behold , said the Psalmest , thou hast made my dayes of an hand-breadth : Mine age is as nothing before thee : Our life is but a vapour and a wind which once passeth away returneth not againe : It should therefore bee your best in time to prepare your selues for a better life and not with many to relye securelie vpon a possibilitie of pardon : If yee bee wise , venter not vpon such broken staues which faile in greatest neede . The carnall Friend . Thinke not the worse of mee Sir , if I desire you to be honoured with the best in Buriall , bee not too precise , I hope that wee all shall come to heauen at last , wee are all sinners : I hope before I die , to repent mee of all my sins . The sicke Man. * S. Augustins wordes are of great power . Metuendum est ne te occidat spes : & cum multum speres de misericordia incidas in judicium . It is to be feared that while men hope for nothing so much as mercy , euen then they fall into damnation . I pray God that such hopes deceiue you not : * Many foolishlie make a packe horse of Christs merites and Gods mercies , not caring what burdens they lay on : * A broken heart is onelie an heart qualified for the pardons of heauen : If Christ Iesus his wordes bee of anie credit among men , this wee must hold that none shall come to heauen but by the narrow way . * Sathan with his temptations hath bored out the eyes of many as the Philistins did to Samson : But alas , who hath the courage of Samson to seeke to be ledde to the chiefe pillars that he may pull them down for to bee reuenged vpon his foes ? Alas , this is the fashion of this world , men like the sluggard liue in delayes in steepe and in sloth ; Yet a little while , and yet a little while : No man will build an Arke vntill the floode come : Lot himselfe did linger to saue himselfe from a brime stone fyre : * Men haue no leasure to bee saued ; so hard is it for the most part to pluke their feete out of the clouches of this world : * If wee could ouercome the loue of this worlde which is the great Goliah of our enemies then shuld we easilie ouercome the pride of the Philislins and the feare of Israel : But carnall men know not what it is to mortifie olde Adam with his corrupt lustes : * Fooles feede on folies , and tickle their fond fancies with imagined contentments , not knowing the strick & narrow course of sanctification : Such mens speach is often both vnseemelie and vnseasonable . * Blessed bee my God who hath giuen mee the staffe in the hand , and the stone in the scrippe wherewith I haue stricken all my strongest corruptions in the temples : Sathan is tread vnder foote , my flesh is subdued , mine heart is in Heauen , I care for the worlde no more , neither desire I to speake anie longer of clay , or of anie thing below : My minde is aboue farre from the dirt & drosse of all earthlie thoughts . O my heauenlie Father wrap my Soule , wrappe it vp in the righteousnesse of thy Sonne : Let that bee the white long robe of my Soule while my body wrapt in its winding sheete shal lye rotting into the graue : O my God , fill my fainting heart with a joyfull confluence of the precious sufferings of Iesus , of the promises of life & of the joyes of heauen : mak mine ende with that of the vpright man to bee peace : Bee not cast downe my Soule , neither bee thou disquieted within mee : Hope in God , for I shall yet praise him , who is the health of my countenance , and my God. Oh , but mine heart is sicke : Oh , where is my deare and louing Pastour ? His conference is most comfortable vnto my Soule . The Pastour . I am heere Sir , waiting till I see the end of your Battell : I haue heard all your wordes with great contentment : I haue plainelie perceiued that Gods Angels these noble Spirits attend both to guide & to guarde you : God by the arme of his power hath brought you out of the thicket of thornes and pricking thistles of monie temptations : He who hath made all things in number , weight , and measure hath not surcharge your Soule aboue that which he hath made you able to beare . God in great grace hath made you first to know your selfe in your offences and miserie , and after that to know him in his Majestie and mercie : The Lord God in great kindnesse hath furnished you with firme Faith , constant Hope , and sincere Loue : He hath led you thorow many trauerses and perplexities : Now haue ye passed the most dreadfull & darkest houre of all your temptations . Now the dawning of a new day approacheth , now labour might & maine to be prepared for you : God within a short space Christ the Sun of Righteousnesse that day spring from on high shall arise vpon your Soule neuer for to goe downe : Continue in your prayers to God , that he wold possesse your Soule with true hearted holinesse , without which no Soule shall see Gods face : What now Sir are yee doing ? The sicke Man. My sillie Soule is heere waiting till Death come and open the prison doore , that she may flee to her God & to her Contrie from whence she came : Fogs & mists arise before mine eys . O my God , from the Throne of thy Grace r●…ine downe vpon my wearied Soule the refreshing showrs of thy most iender mercies : Vouchsafe vpon mee some crummes of thy comforts . Oh , that I had the wings of a do●…e for to flee to the woundes of Iesus as to the holes of the Rock : * My poore Soule in this bodie is like a Bird in a Cage looking through the wyres , Faine would it bee free of this sinfull captiuitie . O but my Soule panteth fast after my Sauiour : * What now shall stay mee from my God , from my Christ , from my Father , & my brother , and my Comforter , & my dearest Darling of delight ? I long to bee in Heauen the place of my rest : My desire is to goe to Goshen the Land of light , of Life , and of Libertie : Mine heart is fast linked vnto Christ in loue : O Lord , what is man that thou art so mindfull of him . O man what is God that thou art so forgetfull of him ? O my GOD , prepare mee to meete thee with a bruised Spirit : Melt my sinnes into sighes , and my troubles into teares : Let thy good Spirit leade mee into the Land of vp ▪ rightnesse : Lord , let neuer this clay returne to clay till my Spirit be readie to goe to him that gaue it : O quicken & sharpen my care of heauen dulled and blunted with earthlie thoughts : Make sound wisedome and discretion to bee life vnto my Soule and grace to my necke : Make my Soule trimme with that costly wedding Garment bought with thy Blood : O Iesus , the blessed Bridegroome , who hast by thy Gospel of Grace betrothed my Soule vnto thee , in righteousnesse in judgement , in louing kindnesse , & in mercies , come now and perfect the marriage in glory before the Sainctes and Angels that are aboue , where pleasures are for euermore . The Pastour . Amen , Amen : The Spirit of God Sir is with you , & within you : Continue in such holie and heauenlie thoughtes : Contemne still the transitorie triffles of this world , that gladlie yee may desire to goe dwell with your God. Naturallie all men are so stiffe-necked , and so steele hearted that they cannot submit their will to the good pleasure of their God : O that men would bee wise in time , and could consider how they must bee accountable for euerie houre of time they haue imployed in their life ! * Our Soules , alas , are so sensuall , that they will not knit into acquaintance with Right and Reason , but like factious & ligged lieges rebell stifelie against their Lord : Hardlie will mans heart rander vnto that petition which is often in his mouth , viz. Thy will bee done in earth as it is in heauen : * The pride of mans heart perketh it selfe aboue the Lawes of humble obedience . Blessed bee God , whose mercie hath made you a resolued man : such wordes as I haue heard of you were neuer teached in the Schoole of Nature : Nature cannot speake the language of Canaan : We haue nothing to rander vnto God for his working mercies but the mites of praise . O but ye are much beholden vnto GOD , who hath endued your Soule with his loue , & subdued the raging power of temptations whe●…with your Soule at the first was caried lik chaffe or dust before a gale & mightie winde : O but your heart at the first was fearefullie hacked and mangled with most terrible temptations ! O but the Spirite of Iesus hath wrought wonderfullie within you : Now by him are ye made free from all the terrors of temptations which like venemous hornets did flie in your face . The sicke Man. I finde now all that to bee true : Glade is my Soule that euer it knew that Lord : Full welcome is his Spirit to me : Christ is now my Loue & mine hearts delight : Hee hath ridde my Soule of all mine heauie-hearted thoughts : By his blessed Spirit hee hath perswaded mee , that my Soule hath a true and reall enterest in these blessed tidings of peace and Saluation , which hee by his Blood hath bought and broght from the Heauens . O the mercie of my God! O the Ocean of his compassions , which hath swallowed vp the most hudge mountaines of mine iniquities ! O what a redemption is this ? to bee deliuered from so great a death ? wherin the damned must die so long as God shall liue ! * O death of torments without anie end ! O life of continuance without anie ease ▪ O the immortalitie of that death , wherein sinners shall euer bee dying , but neuer dead , wherein the least touch of paine cannot bee counteruailed with the millions of pleasures ! O the tumbling and tossing that shall bee there where the wrath of God shall infinitelie burne ! Now Christ the Lord of life hath made mee free of all these fear●…s : I hope shortlie to bee with him : I rejoyce in hope of the glorie of God : To him will I say as hee said to Zacheus , Today I must bide with thee : I long to bee out of this state of strife : My bodie is weake and mine ●…eart fainteth within mee . O Lord , recreate and refresh my Soule with the blessed Blood of the Lambe orientle streaming thorow the channell of his wounds : Giue mee a constant assurance that all my sinnes are blotted out of thy Register : Where no woode is , there the fyre goeth out : Where sin is taken away , there wrath ceaseth to bee : O Lord , conduct the Ruther of my Soule , till it hath sailed thorow al the seas of sorrows and become to the Port of pleasures for euermore ? The Pastour . Take courage and continue so : Lift vp your head , with the eye of Faith behold the other Shore , euen the Land beyond the riuer , The Land of vprightnes , Canaan which is aboue : Bend vp all your heart-strings with hauenlie desires : Fixe fast your eyes vpon that Crowne of immortalitie : Let now all your thoughts claspe fast about the mercies of your God : Hee nowe imbraceth you , his hand is a sure hold fast , which neuer letteth slip , that which it once hath seized on : In al appearance your Battell is neare an end : Waite stedfastlie vpon the Lord : Christ shortlie with a soft hand shal loose the knot of your life , that your Soule may goe free to the place of its rest , your Soule alreadie by the mercifull Arme of Iesus hath beene deliuered from the painefull racke of repentance , and now is sette vpon the rocke of your Saluation : The gracious God hath beene your Father , Feeder , and Defender : Your desirs which of before , were grappled to the ground , now only aspire to things which are aboue : * Afflictions to the Soule is like the gade to the Oxe a teacher of obedience . Finde ye now the tempest of your Conscience so allayed as yee would wish ? Is all calme and at quiet within ? I hope that the blessed droppes of the Lambes Blood haue quenched that wilde fyre wherewith once your troubled Conscience was enflammed : Yee as I esteeme are no more troubled for your sinnes , as though God neither would nor were able to forgiue : I pray God that yee may boldlie say with a godlie Father . What shall I returne vnto my gracious God , that I darre now looke my sinnes in the face , and not bee afraide ? The sicke Man. My sinnes , I blesse God , fright mee no more : O the rich bowels of Iesus wherein is a Myne of mercie . I remember now of a sweete saying of a godlie mā on his death-bed . * When mine iniquities , saide hee , are greater than thy mercies , O God , then will I feare and despaire . The comfortes of my God now refresh my Soule lik the Riuer of Siloah that watered the Citie of God : I blesse God for all my try all & troubles which hee hath made to worke together to my well : * Grace in the heart is often like fyre in flint insensible vntill it bee beaten . It is good for vs that wee bee afflicted : The bluenesse of the wound purgeth away euill : My Saluation now is surelie sealed by the hand of the Spirit : By his seale it is made sure and authenticall : O how my Soule hath with a bright eye discouered the fauours of his face : * O if God forsake a man , hee will shortlie with Iudas passe from the horror to the halter : O the mercies of God towards me . The Pastour . O how much are yee beholden vnto God , who by his Spirit hath so directed your heart and mouth , with wordes perfumed with the sauour of life vnto life , yee haue refreshed all our Soules as with a sweete breath : * If the Spirit of Grace guided not our tongues in our temptations , our mouths to our euerlasting shame , should breath out stiffe and stinking blastes of blasphemie against the Lord our Creator : Praised be the Name of the most High , who hath borne and broken that vnspeakable burden of wrath where with yee were surcharged at our first meeting . The sicke Man. Amen , Amen : Blessed bee the Name of Iesus : At that Name the knees of my Soule bowe in a most humble manner to the ground , for to kisse it with my mouth a thousand times vpon Conscience of my bygone miserie , and of his present mercie : All mine affections are set on foote and are so cheered and rauished with the loue of my God , as no tongue can expresse . O happie , & thrise happie change : * Once I feared damnation , nowe Christ is my Saluation : Once I sat in darknesse ▪ hee is now my Light ▪ Once I was in Death , hee is now my Life : Once I was in bondage , hee is now my Libertie : Once I was in want , hee is now my Wealth : Once I was in sicknesse , hee is nowe mine Health : Once I was in shame , hee is nowe my Glorie : What shall I say mo●…e ? Hee is mine onelie Deare , and and dearest heartes desire : Hee is my strongest Tower : I haue none other Arke to saue mee from the flood . Mine heart is prepared , mine heart is prepared : * Oh that I were where without let I shall sing Halleluiah for euer , where all earthlie objects shall seeme but filthie abjects in comparison of him . Now Sir I intreat you to conceiue another Prayer , that thereby as by the Charet of Elijah my Soule may bee carried vp into Heauen : Commend my Soule into the hands of Christ the Redeemer : Yee the Lords Priest stand still with the Arke till my Soule hath passed the Iordan for to enter into Canaan . O Lord Iesus , pittie this poore Soule that panteth at thy feete , draw it out of this clogge of clay : B●…e with mee vnto the end : Graue thine owne shape deepe within mine heart , that it may bee in judgement as a piece of euidence , that the Heauens are mine heritage : O look vpon mee , who am heere , waiting vpon that blessed hope : Comfort & refresh mee with the sweetest breath of thy blessed Spirit : Set my sillie . Soule upon Pisga the sight hill of Canaan : Guarde mee with the invinsible troopes of thine Angels : O thou whose Name and Nature is mercie , take my wearied Soule and lull it sweetelie in the softest armes of thy most tender compassions . Ioyne your prayers vnto mine : The effectuall feruant prayer of a righteous man auaileth much . The Pastour . According to your desire Sir wee shall worsle with God in prayer that your end may bee peace . The Lord gather all our scattered thoughts , that beeing as twisted together into one threede , they may be like the three-fold corde which is not easilie broken , powerfull to draw downe Gods Graces from aboue . Let vs pray . A Prayer for the sick mā . O Lord , settle earnest prayer in our Soules vpon true sense of our neede : Let not our prayers be tumultuous : Tune thou our words by thy Spirit , while our lips walke , make our hearts to moue : Preserue vs from vaine babyling , lest our prayers bee turned into sinne . O God , the God of all Spirites who hast the keyes of Heauen and of Hell : Thou steeketh and no man openeth : Thou openeth and no man steeketh : Open now thy mercifull doores vnto this poore Soule which panteth after thee as the chassed Hart panteth after the water brookes : Let none of his sinnes stand betweene thy face and him for to ecclipse his Soule the light of thy countenance : Seale vp in his heart by thy Spirit ▪ the free & full forgiuenes of all his transgressions . Thou who by the vertue of thy death made the vaile of the Temple to rent for to mak an open way to the Holie of holies , mak also the partition wall of all his iniquities to cleaue from the toppe to the bottome , that his Soule remoued from his bodie , may get entrie to the Highest and holiest of the Heauens where thine honour dwelleth : Make thy Graces in him to growe like Elias his cloud which at the first no bigger than an hand , at last by and by did ouer spread the whole skie . Sanctifie his Soule and soften his heart , with the diuine dew of thy Grace : Say vnto his Soule , I am thy Saluation : Behold , Lord , his Soule is seeking thee , let nothing in his search carie him on the by . Keepe fast in his remembrance the blessed bloodie passion of his Redeemer Iesus : When Death shall come , let him die with thy Christ in his Armes . Strengthen and increase his desire to be dissolued , assuring him that it shal be much better for him : Furnish him with strength , whereby he may row against the strictest streams of all temptations , till hee arriue into the hauen of the Heauens ▪ the sole and safe harberie of Saluation . And seeing no vncleane thing can enter into Heauen , Lord , wash this thy seruant , and wash him throughlie , that by the vertue of thy Blood , his sinnes though they were red like scarlet and crimson , may bee made white like wooll , and whiter than the snow . Pull off his Soule the menstrous cloath of his owne righteousnes , and cloth him with the righteousnes , of him whose statelie style is , THE LORD OVR RIGHT TEOVSNES . Thou who hast alreadie added strength vnto his Faith while it was scant like a smoking flaxe , let not the sparkle which once thou hast kindled for euer bee quenched : Amid the sight of his sins , make him to lay hold vpon the merite and full satisfaction of his Sauiour : Let him with all the Faithfull receiue of that fulnesse , and grace for grace . And seeing nowe , Lord , hee is comming vnto thee thorow the snakie fielde of manie temptations , lette his feete bee shod with the preparation of thy Gospel : Thou , Lord , wilt neuer suffer anie that trust in thee to bee confounded : Hee followed thee constantlie in his life , nowe let thy Spirit tryst him at the houre of death : Hee disclaimeth all hope of helpe by anie other than by thy selfe alone : Though hee knoweth not perfectlie what to say , yet his eyes are on thee : Thou who is Alpha and Omega hast begunne this good worke in him , crowne it with the perfection of thy goodnesse : Let him more & more feele that hee is euerlastinglie acquite by the Blood of the Lambe from the terrors of Gods Tribunall : Refresh his Soule more and more with celestiall spirituall joyes proceeding from the Spirit of Grace : Let him feele himselfe assuredlie knit & vnited to thee : O thou preseruer of men ▪ that in and by thee hee may be presented blamelesse before thy Majesties Iustice-seate . Furnish his minde with light , and his memorie with strength , that hee may vnderstand and remember that Christes death is an absolute and all sufficient Sacrifice for remouing the guilt of all repenting sinners : Shewe him a signe of thy loue : Multiplie in his heart the pledges of thy kindnes : Make him faithfull vnto death , that hee may receiue the Crowne of life . Thou hast alreadie subdued in him alloue and liking of this world : Nowe graunt that the hope of that glorie , which is to bee reuealed , may bee so strong in his Soule , that it may shield and fence him from the force and furie of the last assaults : The nearer he draweth vnto death , inlarge the chanell of thy graces like a Riuer which is broadest towards the end of its course : Make his heart in the ●…orest pangs of death to bee still lifted vp towards thee . And seeing Death and the Deuill mans two last enemies are euer busie the one for to fright , the other for to tempt : Prepare him , Lord , and furnish him so with thy Graces , that hee may proue victorious in this last assault . O gracious GOD , assist him by thy force against the most violent blustering winds of the last and most fearefull temptations : If Satan looke in at the doores of his heart , seeking for an entrie , let him neuer get so much as one chamber-roome set a part for his sojourning : Make thy grace vnto him like a Sunne , like a Bridegroome comming out of his Chamber to disperse the darknesse of his mistie minde . Vnto his last gaspe direct him so by thy good Spirit , that his Soule may cleaue so fast vnto thee that neither sinne , nor sicknesse , life , nor death ▪ may bee able to separate him from thee : Thogh thou shuld slay him yet wil hee trust in thee : Faile him not now in time of neede : vphold his heart in this heauie houre : Let his Soule lurke vnder the winges of thy mercie , till the tempest of wrath bee calmed & past ouer : Bee thou to him a shelter against the heauie showers of the last agonie . O gracious Lord , in wrath remember mercie : In the multitude of thy compassions blot out his transgressions , and that for the dearest drops of that sacred Blood that gushed vpon the cursed crosse : Rinse and cleanse his heart from all vncleannes : Giue him courage in his greatest fears : Let not Death bee vnto him as a king of feare , nor hee as one of the wicked , whose hope doeth perish with their breath : O Lord , let thy Name bee vnto him like a strong tower for to hid him into the time of trouble : Let this bee the cleare candle of his comfort neuer to bee quenched , that Christ by his death hath for him and all the Faithfull , ouercome Death and disarmed it of its sting : Declare by the inward motion of thy Spirit to his Soule , that the nature of death by the death of Christ is changed into a sleepe vnto all the friends of Christ , who by the infinite power of his diuine Nature , hath swallowed it vp in victorie , and hath so digested it , that now the bitternesse thereof is past . As the Arke was to Noah , and Zoar vnto Lot , so bee thou a refuge to this faithfull Soule fighting thy battels , not onelie against flesh and blood , but against principalities and powers , against the gouernours of darknesse of this world , and against spirituall wickednesse in high places : Let thy strength bee made perfect in his weaknesse : As thou hast vp holden him hitherto by the strength of thy Spirit , so continue with him vntill the end : The battell is the Lords , fight Lord , for thine own cause , euē for this Soule one of thy redeemed Ones : obtaine thou the victorie , and take the glorie to thy selfe . O God , both of grace and glorie seale surely vp in his bosome the pardon of all his iniquities : Perfect the comfortes which thou hast begunne , say vnto his Soule ; That heauen is not so high , nor hell so low , nor the world so wide , as are thy mercies towards him : All thy creatures haue their owne dimensions , but thy mercie , Lord , like thy selfe is without measure : Out of these infinite compassions make this sillie Soule partaker of the dearest mercies that euer rould together , the relenting bowels of thy tenderest loue . Heare vs , Lord , in all these our sutes , and that for the sake of thy best beloued and onelie begotten Sonne the Lord Iesus Christ , in whose Name , and at whole command wee powre out our heartes to thee in that prayer which by his own sacred and most blessed mouth hee hath taught vs , Our Father , &c. The sicke Man. Lord , heare thou in Heauen : Blessed for euer be thy Name , for such spirituall comfortes , for so manie mercies , I can rander nothing but the little mites of praise and thankesgiuing . Mine heart is filled with songs of Gods mercie : If his Spirit of grace had not vpholden mee in my first feares while ( as I thought ) I was wrapped into an infinite wrath , I had certainelie beene swallowed vp with ouermuch sorrow : But now blessed eternallie bee the Lord who hath made the earth to swallow vp all the floodes of temptations and tribulations , which that red Dragon the Deuill a bloodie murtherer hath cast out of his mouth after mee for to carrie my Soule down head-longs to perdition : Now finde I Gods word to bee true , that hee is ouercome by the Blood of the Lambe : Except that the Lord had beene on my side , O in what a dumbe dumpe had my poore Soule beene driuen into ere now . The Pastour . Hee who followed a Adam thorow the thicke bushes , and b Ionas in the bottome of the sea , Hee who c blessed the crooked man , and made the d barren fertile , and the e dumbe to speake , the f deafe to heare , and the g blind to see , hath made his grace perfect in your weaknesse : He best feeleth the pulse of our heartes and the force of our life . Loth would hee bee to breake the bruised reede , or to quench the smoking flaxe : * All men by nature are but like an vncleane Dung-hill of drosse , their heartes at the first are but a den of Dragons : But so soone as the Spirit of grace hath begunne to drawe the draughts and lineamentes of Gods image within the soule of a man , nothing shall bee able to deface or mangle that liuelie image : To all sorts of temptations Gods wisedome shall finde an out-gate : * Neither the traines of Sathan , nor the treason of our bosome sinnes , nor the terrors of hell , nor the trashes of the world shall euer be able to preueale against Adirim Gods excellent Ones : According as Zacharias filled with the holie Ghost prophecied , It is granted vnto vs that wee beeing deliuered out of the handes of our enemies , may serue him without feare . The sicke Man. I blesse God for such inestimable comforts : Sathan hath shrewdlie assaulted mee , but could not preuaile : My corruptions haue beene subdued and awed by the Majestie of the Spirit of Iesus : My Soule rejoyceth in GOD : In the merites of Christ as in a glasse I see him a meeke & a mercifull Father : I am not now afraide to come to a tryall at his Tribunall , I am no more dismayed for the vnquencheable flammes of the fierie lake . I thinke certainelie that there was neuer a man so much beholden to my God as I am : Truelie may I sing with the Psalmest , I waited patientlie or the Lord , and hee inclined vnto mee , and heard my cry : Hee brought me out of an horrible pitte , out of the myrrie clay , and set my feete vpon a Rocke , and established my goings : He hath put a new song into my mouth , euen praise vnto our God : many shall see it and feare , and shall trust in the Lord. O that I had breath for the setting foorth of his praise ! Happie is he who while he may vtter words , praiseth God continuallie : Blessed is that man who may call his tongue his Glorie : * O my Soule , I charge thee by the Roes and by the Hindes of the fielde , that thou cease not to praise his Might ▪ his Mercie , and his Majestie : O my Soule , take heede and listen vnto his voyce : O Iesus , the great Deputie of mercie sent by the Father , forsake mee not in this heauie houre . Now I sore sicken , so that all naturall ▪ force faileth me : My words now so wea●…ie mee , that I thinke ere it be long this bodie shall bee lodged in the place of silence : But let mee intreate you Sir ; so long as ye shall perceiue life to bee in mee , let it please you to continue in some good purpose concerning the world to come : By some holie discourse rouse vp my drousie Spirit , hold mine heart vpon an edge : Let me not die like a senselesse Nabal , of whom it is written , that his heart died within him , so that hee became like a stone : Manie blindlie and boldlie rush into hell . I beseech you Sir : to waite well vpon mee till yee see the ende : I thinke that ere it bee long my Soule shall bee at the farthest tryst . O Lord , warme my frozen Soule with the sense of the kindled compassions of the bowels of thy loue ▪ Inlighten my mistie minde & cleare it with thy countenance : Bee thou the comforter of my Conscience , vntil the day break and the shadows flie away . Take now Sir my Soule into the armes of your prayers , lift it vp and lay it into that blessed bosome of my Lordes mercies : Bend yet againe your knees before God in prayer , that hee for his mercies sake would receiue mee into my Masters joye : O but my Soule fluttereth fast within mee for to bee at my God : Let it please you to bee feruent in prayer for mee , that I may foile vnder my feete the Deuill , Death , and all the powers of hell : The Deuill in death will not faile to giue mee a furious assault at the chiefest fortresse of my Saluation , for to batter it downe to the ground : Intreate the Lord that his mercie may bee a strong rempart and a blessed Bul-wark against all the Engines of hell which are readie bent to waste and hauock all Gods graces within mee . O Lord , campe thine Angels about mee : Place thy Pauilions of war betweene mee and mine enemies : Refresh mee more and more with thy comforts : Giue mee the earnest of these joyes which passe all vnderstanding : Possesse mee with the Spirit of gladnesse , for that thou in mercie hast forgiuen mee my sinnes : Continue so vnto the end , that in the heauens for euer this may be the burden of my song , For his mercie indureth for euer . Let it please you Sir on whome God hath vouchsafed the Spirit of Prayer in a good and great measure , to assist mee with your comforts and prayers , lest by temptations I should beginne to slacke off my care and watchfulnesse . The Pastour . Hold fast your eye vpon Christ your Redeemer : Follow him thorow the valey of death , for hee hath not onelie pointed out our path , but as Captaine of our Saluation , hath troden euery steppe before vs : Yee may well sticke a little in the narrow throate of Death , but that one steppe being past yee enter into Rehoboth a place of roome , farre from the reekie smoke , vaine shadowes , and dreames of earthlie vanitie , and perishing pleasures : * Bee glad Sir , to flit from this barren moorish ground and muddie mortalitie for to goe to a paradise , a Palace , a place of pleasures for euermore . According to your desire wee shall returne to God by prayer . A Prayer for the sicke man drawing neare to the doores of death . O Father of mercies and God of all comforts in whom all goodnesse and graces are treasured , let it please thee fauourablie to regard the soule of this thy seruant here , whose heart panteth after thee , as the wearied Hart panteth after the water brookes : Refresh his Soule with the diuine dew of thy grace till it bee entered in at the gates of Glorie : Powre into his hearte the sweete streames of thy loue : Settle his soule in a right and vpright course , so long as it remaineth in this mistie & muddie mortalitie , send out thy light and guide it by thy Grace , till it hath passed the straites of Death for to enter into the Land of vprightnes . O Father of mercies , perswade him by thy Spirit , that the comming of Death shall bee to him a time of discharge , a time of freedome from sicknes of bodie , anguish of Spirit , trouble of Conscience , and from all possibilitie of sinning anie more : Let him know that while hee is going to the Graue , hee is going to a bedde of ease , where most quietlie he shall rest from all his toylesome labours . Turne all feare of Death into a chearefull expectation , and longing for the houre of dissolution : Make quiet his Conscience , that he may die with comfort . O thou Sauiour of mankind , whose boweles are filled with mercifull compassions , spreade the wing of thy righteous garment ouer this Soule of thy seruant : Thou hast shaken him with thy terrours in diuerse assaults : Thou hast broght him low for to make him a fitte passenger for the little doore which leadeth vnto Glorie . Leaue him not now , Lord , in his greatest neede : Make thine Angels camped about him , powerfully to assist him against al the last assaults of that euill one : Thou who hast heard all his groanes , registrat thou his sighs , and put all his teares into thy bottels , suffer not thy kindled zeale to coole in him : In an holie despaire of his owne worth , make him whollie to relye vpon thy meere mercies in Christe , the onelie salue for sicke Soules , and remeed for broken bones . While hee is weakest , work with thy Spirit feelinglie and powerfullie into his hearte : Subdue euerie euill motion that may arise therein for the troubling of his soule : Draw vp his desire aboue the pitch of all natural knowledge : Banish all earthlie thinges cleane out of his minde , and make all his thoughts to attend vpon thee : In thy diuine might rebuke Sathan , that hee interrupt not thy comforts : Let him not bee able by his secret craft and vyles to steale from him the pledges of thy loue . O Sonne of GOD , O Sunne of Righteousnes , send a quickning heate with a shining light into his sillie Soule : Make thy blessed Beames to strik on his heart for to warme it with thy loue : Set all his desires a floate from the moode of sinful mortalitie : Thou at diuerse times hast affrighted him fearefullie with dreadfull visitatations of Conscience : His Soule hath bene sore racked with the pitifull perplexities of a vexed minde : Now death is approaching : Sight & senses & all are failing , but thou Lord will neuer faile him : While the naturall eyes of his bodie beginne to growe dimme , then cleare thou the spirituall eyes of his soule , that hee may with Stephen see the heauens opened , and the Sonne of man readie to receiue him : And alwayes , Lord , as the time of death shall approach , so let his Soule draw nearer vnto thee , that while sicknesse shall take away the vse of his tongue , his heart may cry to thee , Come Lord Iesus come , in thine hands I resigne my Spirit . Nowe Father of mercies , seeing thy Girnels are prepared for him , by the power of thy grace fanne this Corne cleane from its chaffe that it may bee treasured vp therein : Put his life in a readinesse , that hee may giue thee a chearefull account of all wherein hee hath imployed thy Talents : Let him heare these words of joye , Faithfull seruant come and enter in thy Masters joye . Long hath his Soule beene wooing the heauens with weake fluttering desires : Nowe open the window of thine Arke and let in this wearied Doue crouding for thy Rest Manie depthes bee betweene vs and heauen : One deepth calleth vpon another deepth , for flesh and blood there is no possibilitie of passing thorowe : But , Lord , that which is impossible with men is possible with thee : Let therefore the vertue of thy death be to him like a Bridge for to sette him safe ouer all the gulfes of miserie : In his journey to thy Kingdome remoue all rubbes out of the way . O Lord , listen to our cry : Put these our vnworthy prayers into thy golden Censer : Perfume them with the incense of thy righteousnesse , and offer them vp to thy Father vpon the Altar of thy diuinitie : And thou Fatherof mercies , for the merites of thy Son his all sauing death which hee hath suffered for al repēting sinners : Receiuein mercy this Soule which Sathan hath sought to sift : Receiue the deare price of the Blood of thy Son : Let thy Iustice say , I am satisfied : Let thy mercie so smile vpon him , that it may bee the health of his countenance and the comfort of his Conscience : While hee shall finish his course , finish thou his Faith with perfection whereby hee may die , hauing a settled assurance of that blessed Inheritance and massie Crowne of immortalitie , which Christ hath conquised by his bloodie merites : To whom with Thee and the Spirit of Grace , bee all Glorie , honour , dominion and euerlasting power for now and euer , Amen . The sicke Man. Lord heare thou in Heauen . O blessed God , and Father of eternity , seeing my time nowe is short , giue mee grace to manage it well : Shute not thine eares to my sighes , while my tong in the jawes of death shall cleaue fast to the roofe of my mouth : O follow me with thy fauours , euē thorow the valey of the shadow of death : O Lord , because thou art faithfull , & cannot lie , I look shortlie to receiue in hand that which I haue in hope : O come now and put an ende to the dayes of my vanitie . The Pastour . Blessed & magnified be the Lord of eternitie for such wonderfull mercies towards you : * He most powerfullie & most wonderfully hath brought you back from the corrupt course of Nature , as a Boat rowed against the streame by the force of Armes and of Oares : Behold , now ye approch vnto your Heauen Be of good heart Sir , ye are neare vnto your rest , the place of pleasures for euermore . Nowe seeing the ende draweth neare , yee haue to remember well if yee haue anie grudge against anie ; that before yee decease , they may be fetcht and friended with you . The sicke Man. I wish all men to be well : I hope that no man wisheth otherwise to mee : * My desire was neuer either to reuile or to reuenge : I am readie to satisfie where I haue failed , and to forgiue where I haue receiued the greatest wrong : Mans wronges against mee are but light in comparison of my wickednes against God : * Hee is not worthie that God shuld forgiue him his sinnes who will not forgiue his neighbour an injury : My good God hath forgiuen mee all : As hee hath forgiuen mee , so I forgiue all men , and desire the lik to be done by others vnto mee : * My Soule abhorreth these words of ranckour , I may forgiue him , but I will not forgete him : The softning Spirit of God cannot dwell where there is such stonie steelie hardnesse of heart . O Fountaine of Grace , powre the powers of thy Spirit within my breast , that , my Soule , may bee refreshed with thy blessed balmie comfortes of sauing grace : Draw vp my spirit toward the Tabernacles of immortalitie : O when shall I come and appeare before God! Put to the Spure to this dull jadde of my foggie flesh , that I may make more haste in my journey . The Pastour . Lord , heare thou in heauen . Seeing God hath blessed you with Wealth , I doubt not but that ye will doe some thing for the well of Colledges & Hospitales : * Colledges are the Seminaries or seede-plotes of vertues , out of which come these who become Rulers of the Church & Common-wealth : Hospitals are shelters for the poore the friendes of Christ : Christs counsell to the rich is that they make friendes of the Mammon of vnrighteousnes : Such words were not spoken by our Lord without great and weightie reasons . The sicke Man. All these things were done in my Testament , while I put mine house to an order : I haue not forgot that point of duetie : Hee is not worthy to be called a faithfull man who leaueth not behind him some fruits of his Faith : * That Faith which cannot justifie a man by good works before men , will neuer justifie his soule before God : Remember mee , O Lord , cōcerning this , & wipe not away my good deedes which I haue done for thy glory . Let men dreame of Saluation as they please , S. Iames his precept is , that men shewe their Faith by their workes : * Though Pharisees doe all that they doe for to bee seene , men must not in mens sight forbeare to doe well : Because Hypocrites come to preaching & prayers publicklie , true Israelites for that must not sitte at home : The Godlie must not bee so base in heart as to abstaine from all publicke good , because the wicked worshippe but outwardlie : Shewes without substance in some , should not bee able to banish the shewes of substance from others . The Pastour . Indeede Sir yee speake wiselie : As the tree is first seene in the budde and then in the flourish , and after in the fruite , so muste the life of man bee : Because the barren figge tree had nothing but leaues , the fruitfull tree must not grow bare , the leaues of the tree haue their owne vse among the fruites : So haue godlie shewes good vses when they are joyned with true substance : * The Faith of a Christian should not think shame to shew her faire face , because Hypocrisies face seemeth to be faire while it is fairded : No not : God will haue true faith to come out , that the world may see her into works : Shew mee thy Faith by thy workes : Christ who desireth that the niggard or ambitious left hand know not or see not the liberalitie of the charitable right hand , commandeth that wee let ou●… light so shine before men , that they may see our good works , and glorifie our Father which is in heauen . The graces of Gods Spirit in a man are like a light candle : No man light a Candle , and put it vnder a bushell , but on a Candle-sticke , & it giueth light to all that are in the house : * The good life of the godlie man should bee like a Citie sette on an hill which cannot bee hid : * The labourer soweth not his seede on the ground that it may still remaine hidde vnder the cloddes ; neither doeth God sow his graces in our heartes that there they may lu●…k & still abide secret : * I like not these who feare to seeme godlie left they should bee thought to be Hypocrites : Euen in that are they Hypocrites , that for feare they seeme to affect godlinesse , will not doe good that may bee seene which would moue the true Israelits to glorifie our Father in heauen , yea , and also allure these to come to God who as yet are strangers from the Common-wealth of Israel . I confesse that fewe bee troubled with such a feare : It is a sin whereof verie few in this Land are guiltie , yet seeing it is a sinne , it would bee carefullie auoided : * Because Papists whollie relye on their workes , Protestants with great scandale will onelie bragge of their Faith : Thus both the one and the other against the truth of doctrine separate that which God hath joyned together . The sicke Man. O Lord , GOD of gods , O Father of euerlasting compassions , whose blessed bowels did bleede vpon the crosse for to saue sinners , pittie heere a fraile & feeble creature yet tugging and wrestling in the Barras of this sinfull flesh : Furnish mee with strength , whereby I may surmount and vanquish all difficulties which are betweene my Soule and the place of its euerlasting rest : I am weake , forbeare mee , Lord , in thy great mercie : Ioyne thy Grace with my grief●… : O that I were with my Christ , the Marke whereat I aime , the Port whereto I saile , the rest of my desires : Let thy good Spirit , O Lord , assist mee : Let thy fauour and grace bee my vade-mecum till I come to thy Glorie : O who shall giue to my soule the wings of a Doue , that it may flee out of the Douket of this bodie vp to its God : O deare Sauiour , set mee as a seale vpon thine heart : Draw mee and wee shall runne after thee : Holde mine heart aloft , that it may onelie minde the things aboue . The Pastour . Lord , heare thou in heauen , and grant the sute of thy seruant : I feare Sir that yee bee wearied with speaking : As I perceiue yee force your selfe in your words aboue the reach of your strength : Seeing yee trauell thus in paine of your speach , spend the little space of life that resteth in holie meditations concerning the bloodie wounds of Christ your Sauiour . The sicke Man. Christ now is onelie my comfort : I loue him with the best bowels of mine heart : In the bowels of his mercie I reade by the eye of Faith most faire lines of his loue , all written in great Capitall letters of an heauenlie impression : * Christ is to mee in stead of all , for alreadie in my neede hee hath stood mee in more stead than all . O in what a pitifull plight my sillie and forlorne Soule was once into ! Bl●…ssed bee hee for euermore who in so great kindnesse hath shined vpon me with the blessed , bright , and vnspotted beames of his mercy . O but my Soule panteth after him ! Oh , how this heart of mine is euill to breake ! What a piece of clammie teugh clay is this that settereth so my Soule , that by no meanes can it bee loosed from it , that it may soare vp to its God , from griefe to glorie : O that I were with him with whom I shall not want the thing that I can wish : Now , Lord , the time is come ; pull off mee the dull wiede of sinfull mortalitie and cloath my soule in white with the Robe of Christes righteousnesse , that it may followe the Lambe : O but I am wearied : My Soule longeth to see the Face of my God. The Pastour . Waite vpon the Lords will , when it is time hee will open the prison doore and let your Soule flie vp to your Glorie : Thinke on Heauen still : * Mount vp your minde to your Maker , who shall shortlie roofe with Glorie the graces which hee hath reared vp into your heart : Let the hope of these thinges hearten you in the mudde and myre of this sinfull mortalitie . The sicke man. O Lord , pittie this Soule , which I haue defiled and defaced with scarlet transgressions and crimsin iniquities . Thou hast begunne the good worke in me : It is now neere to perfection : Put to now the last hand , and perfect the worke : Rub out perfectlie with the Blood of thy Lambe the least staines which sticke in my Soule , that while thou shalt look vpon mee , thou may know mee to bee thy redeemed one by the stampe of thine owne Image . O Lord , fixe mine heart so into thine owne heart , that nothing bee able to pull it out , without pulling out thine owne : It hath beene like a crooked twigge , O writh it so nowe the right way , that it may bee according to thine owne heart . The Pastour . Lord , heare thou in Heauen , and graunt the sute of thy Seruant : Let nothing bee able to tickle , tempt , or trouble his Soule . Be of good heart Sir , the Battell is neare an end : Fight out the good fight , finish your course , and keepe the Faith , hence-foorth is laide vp for you a Crowne of righteousnesse which the LORD shall giue you at that day . Make now full proofe of your courage , which shall shortlie be couered with a Crown . Hold out still in your holie exercise till your change come . The sicke Man. I wearie of this cottage of claye : I am at a point with all that is vnder the Sunne : I care not for this worlds fauour , no more for its frowne : But O but my Soule longeth to be with my Lord , that I may see his face with fulnesse of joye . O thou with whom nothing is impossible , make the scales of mortalitie to fall from mine eyes , that I may fee thee before euen as thou art : My Soule longeth to be out of this myry lak of miserie , for to dwell with thee into the Pallace of immortalitie : O when shall I get ridde of these sinfull bonds ! O Sauiour of mankind giue eare vnto my sute : Deliuere mee from this seeming life , that I may die to liue the life of ple●…sures for euermore : O drawe , drawe out this Soule entombed into this bodie : Before thou separate them s●…ale surelie thy pardons within my Conscience , and doe perfectlie away all my transgressions : Guarde mee & assist mee and harnesse my Soule against Sathan his last on-sette . Let my Soule graspe with an holy greedinesse in the hand of Faith , such spirituall comforts as thou , O Lord , makest to come from the boundlesse and bottomelesse fountaine of thy mercie toward all these whō thouloueth : Let my soule feele more and more sensiblie these mercies which fairelie & oriently streame thorow the bloodie wounds of my blessed Sauiour Iesus the 〈◊〉 : wash and bath my drooping Soule in the well of life : Giue vnto it a drinke of the riuers of thy pleasures . O Lord of loue , shedde thy loue into mine heart thorow the bleeding bowels of my blessed Sauiour : O blessed Redeemer of lost mankinde , O Pelicane of pittie , whose heart did euer melt with m●…rcifull compassions , pittie my Soule in this painefull plight : Mine heart strings are racked , my bowels are rent , the house of the Soule is falling downe , nowe open the doore of thine euerlasting Tabernacles , that my Soule may goe from Grace to Glorie : Make the power of thy loue like a load stone for to draw mine heart after thee from the mudde of this mortalitie . The Pastour . Lord , heare thou in heauen , and fulfill the sute of thy Seruant , burie all his sinnes and his sorrowes in the bottomelesse sea of thy mercie : Entombe in the Tombe of Iesus where they may lye for euer without anie hope of a resurrection . The sicke Man. I waite for the Lord , my Soule doe●…h waite & in his word doe I hope : My soule waiteth for the Lord , more thā they that watch for the morning : I say , More thā they that watch for the morning : My Soule is wearied of this earthlie Tabernacle : O when shall I come and appeare before God ? O that I were at my wished home : O nowe moue the poole of thy mercie , and moue my Soule to runne into it . The Pastour . It is likly that within an hou●…e God shall grant you your desire : Could not you watch with mee but an houre ? said Christ to his Disciples : Yee haue nowe but an houres absence from your God : Yee haue but an houres voyage from the bodie to the sight of Gods face the place of your rest : Fixe fast your eyes vpon the Crowne of immortalitie , till your Soule be past from toilesome Time to Eternitie : Yet a little while & God shall retire you from the tyring trauels of this life : Watch but an houre , and your end shall bee peace . The sicke Man. The Lorde sende a good houre wherein I may lay downe the loade of this mortalitie : Alas , manie an houre haue I euill and idlie spent in pam pering this foggie flesh with the light and loose pleasures of this life . O Spirite of Grace , drawe neare vnto my Soule : Make thy residence into this broken heart : Correct , cure , and couer all the corruptions of my Nature . Beginne and end & crowne the worke with thy goodnes : At last close in me thy graces with thy glorie : O make mine eyes to see , and mine armes to carrie and mine heart to bee filled with thy Saluation : Conuoye vnto my Soule the warmest blood that euer heated the heart of Iesus : Let that euer recking blood wherein is a Sauour of life vnto life : Comfort and vp-holde my Soule in this last heauie houre . Now Sir , seeing the end draweth neare , helpe mee to spend well this houre , which in all appearance shall be my last : I wish that all my thoghts and affections bee nowe so bended toward my God that they neither sway nor swerue from him by anie idle wandering of minde . O Thou that art high and excellent who dwellest in the high and holie place : Thogh thou be high , thy promise is to dwell also with him that is of a contrite & humble spirit : According to thy promise reuiue the Spirit of the humble , and giue life to him that is of a contrite heart : O Lord , according to thy wonted grace make mee in my last agonie , to possesse my Soule in peace and patience : Disapoint Satan in all his craftie fetches : O couer this sillie Turtle vnder the mantle of thy mercie : All other couerings are but light and slight like Spiders webbes which cannot endure the breath and blast of thy mouth . The Pastour . Lord , hearken thou in heauen , & giue eare vnto the sute of thy Se●…uāt . I perceiue indeede that now your words wearie you : Lest yee faint I shall tak the speach vpon me : If it be your will I shall let you heare a most diuine discourse taken from a godly preacher on his death-bed , the words surely are weighty & of great power : If ye please I shal let you heare them , while I speake them , meditate yee , and in your minde make them your owne wordes . The sicke Man. I intreate your Sir , for to let mee heare them : I shall follow you in mine heart as I can : I finde that my tongue almost now faileth mee . O God , while I heare , let the Spirit of grace take harbour into mine heart : Set all mine affections on bensell , that I may carefullie giue eare vnto thy comfortes the cordials of thy Gospel : O cleare the sight of my minde , dazeled with the mist of my corrupt affections . The Pastour . Lord , heare thou in heauen , and forgiue the sinnes of thy seruant . After this manner Sir , the man of God spake vpon his death-bedde . I owe to God a death , as his Son died for mee : Euer since I was borne I haue beene sayling to this Hauen , and gathering patience to comfort this houre ; therefore shall I bee one of these Guestes nowe , that would not come to the banket when they were inuited ? * What hurt is in going to Paradise ? I shall lose nothing but the sense of euill : And anone I shall haue greater joyes than I feele paines : For mine Head is in Heauen alreadie , to assure mee that my Soule and bodie shall follow after . O Death , where is thy sting ? Why should I feare that which I wold not escape , because my chiefest happines is behind , & I cannot haue it vnlesse I goe vnto it ? * I wold goe through Hell to Heauen : And therfore if I march but through death , I suffer lesse than I would suffer for God : * My paines doe not dismay mee , because I trauaile to bring foorth eternall life : My sinnes doe not fright me , because I haue Christ my Redeemer : The Iudge doeth not astonish me , because the Iudg●…s Sonne is mine Aduocat : The Deuill doth not amaze mee , because the Angels pitch about me : The Graue doeth not grieue me , because it was my Lords bedde : Oh , that Gods mercie to mee might moue others to loue him : * For the lesse I can expresse it , the more it is . The Prophets and the Apostles are my fore-runners : Euery man is gone before mee , or else hee will follow after mee : If it please God to receiue mee into Heauen before them which haue serued him better , I owe more thankfulnesse vnto him . And because I haue deferred my repentance till this houre whereby my Saluation is cutte off , if I should die suddenlie : Loe how my God in his mercifull prouidence , to preuent my destruction , calleth mee by a lingring sicknesse , which stayeth till I bee readie , and prepareth mee to mine ende like a preacher , and maketh mee by wholesome paines , wearie of this beloued world , lest I should depart vn willing like them whose death is their damnation . * So hee loueth mee while hee beateth mee , that his stripes are plasters to saue mee , therefore who shall loue him , if I despise him ? This is my whole office nowe to strengthen my bodie with mine heart , and to bee contented as God hath appointed , vntill I can glorifie him , or vntill hee glorifie mee : If I liue , I liue to sacrifice , and if I die , I die a sacrifice , for his mercie is aboue mine iniquitie . Therefore if I should feare death it were a signe that I had not Faith , nor hope as I professed , but that I doubted of Gods trueth in his promise wh●…ther hee will forgiue his penitent sinner or not . * Hee is my Father , let him doe what seemeth good in his sight : Come Lord Iesus , for thy seruant commeth , I am willing helpe mine vnwillingnesse . Heere is the end of that godlie mans speach . As at that Brydell in Cana , the best wine came last , so shall it be heer●… : After the words of a godlie man I shall let you heare the words of God spoken by a man inspired by his Spirit , euen the last words of Dauid the man whose praise is this , that hee was a man according to Gods owne heart . The last words of Dauid . Dauid the sonne of Iesse said , and the man who was raised vp on high , the a●…ointed of the God of Iaacob , and the sweete Psalmist of Israel said . The Spirit of the Lord spake by mee , and his words was in my tongue . The God of Israel saide the Rocke of Israel spake to mee : Hee that ruleth ouer men must bee just , ruling in the feare of God. And hee shall bee as the light of the morning , when the Sunne riseth , euen a morning without cloudes ; as the tender grasse springing out of the earth by cleare shining after raine . Although mine house bee not so with God , yet hee hath made with mee an euerlasting couenant , ordered in all things and sure : For this is all my Saluation , and all my desire , although hee make it not to growe . But the sonnes of Belial shall bee all of them as thornes thrust away because they cannot bee taken with hands . But the man that shall touch them must be fenced with yron , and the staffe of a speare , and they shall bee vt●…er lie burnt with fyre in the same place Alittle before his death at the inauguration of his Sonne Solomon he spake manie notable words ; among others these bee of great weight . O Lord , wee are heere but strangers before thee and so●…ourners , as were all our fathers : Our dayes on the earth are as a shadow , and there is none abiding . O Lord God of Abraham , Isaac , and of Israel our Fathers , keepe this for euer in the imagination of the thoughts of the heart of thy people , and prepare their heartes vnto thee . That hundreth and two Psalme is excellent : It is intituled a prayer of the afflicted when he is ouerwhelmed and powreth out his complant before the Lord. Heare my prayer , O Lord , and lette my cry come vnto thee hide not thy face from mee in the day when I am in trouble , incline thine eare vnto mee : In the day when I call , answere mee spe●…dilie . For my dayes are consumed like smoke , and my bones are burnt like an hearth , &c. Seeing , as wee see , that nothing is stable in this world but as it is in that Sermon of the Preacher , vanity of vanities , and all is vanitie , wee haue to intreate the Lord earnestlie as Moses did a little before his death ; That hee would so teach vs to number our dayes that we may applye our hearts to wisedome , and to well doing : All things below wither and decay , our best beauties are w●…ithed and wrinkled by time : But the beautie of the Lord is of euerlasting continuance : Let the beautie of the Lord our God bee vpon vs. O the beautie of the things aboue : O the beautie of the Firmament : O these azured Curtaines spangled with stars of light : What jewels of joy are within , no mortall tongue can tell . Looke vp nowe Sir with the eye of your Faith and visite these heauenlie Mansions and blessed buildinges for immortaltiie : Yee are shortlie for to change for the better . So long as our sillie Soules are here , they are but poore Soules reading and meditating the mercies of God within a cottage of clay , hauing nothing to see with but the weak light of the small Candle of grace ; a light dimmed and darkened with the reekie smok of our sinfull corruptions : But so soone as wee shall bee dissolued by Death , we shall come to the euerlasting Beames of a Sunne which by nothing is able to bee ecclipsed , alight which knoweth no darknesse , euen that Light which bringeth light out of darknesse . Now Sir , vp with your heart saile out your course : Be like the Pylot who while hee hath hand on the Helme , hath his eye fixed on the heauen : Take now the Cuppe of Saluation the great Mazer of his mercie , and call vpon the Name of the Lord : Hee is worthie to bee praised for his vnspeakable fauour toward you : * He in great mercy hath toward you turned all the sharpe corrasiues of the Law into most sweete cordials of the Gospel : He hath now made you free of all these terrours whereinto yee found your selfe once lyable . Oh , Lord , how did once the sharpe edge of thy Law laide to his mourning heart , cutte him thorow the verie gall ! But blessed bee thou , who in thy great mercie hast cut the Cartropes of his sinnes where with hee was once kept fast vnder the most heauie bondage of Hell. What say yee now Sir : How is it of all ? Haue yee heard all these words , and laide them vp into your minde ? The sicke Man. I haue heard them all , & that with great comfort ; now mine heart is in heauen : Christ by the vertue of his vnualuable Blood-shed hath takē away the gall of my guiltines : * Now my bodie is wholly dead to its paine and my Soule is whollie aliue to its glorie . * I see a Crowne of immortalitie which my Soule would not sticke to fetch thorow the brimstone beames of hell : My Soule seeth the face of its Redeemer : Christ with a soft hand is now loosing all the bondes of my miserie : * His most sacred Blood hath melted my marble heart . Nowe come Lord Iesus come : Long haue I looked for thy Saluation : Nowe let thy seruant depart in peace , for mine eyes haue seene thy . Saluation . O my deare Soule I summond thee with all thy powers and faculties to bee thankfull vnto thy good and gracious Lord : O what tribulations am I come thorow ! O with what balmie comfortes hath the Lord asswadged the dolours of my Soule , O my Soule I charge thee by the Roes and by the Hynds that thou haste thee vnto thy God in thy strongest affections : Keepe nowe tryst with the Spirit of thy God , who is now here waiting till thou bee readie . The Pastour . My Soule and all that is within mee praise the Lord , for the powerfull working of his Spirite within you , whereby hee hath made such a change as is wonderfull . * This particula●… remembereth mee of a certaine Martyre who beeing condemned to bee burnt , could feele no working of the Spirit within his hearte till hee came neare to the stake : But beeing once come there , with a cry hee clapped his hands , and crying out amaine , said , O Austen , hee is come , hee is come : The Martyr was called Master Goner . The sicke Man. By the grace of God I hope shortlie to say as much : My Soule is readie bent waiting for his comming : O come Lord Iesus come : Let this mine hungrie Soule win in now at the ports of thy Palace for to get a share of the mariage supper of the Lambe , in hope already I feast vpon the joys of eternitie : * In my Soule is now the Charter of my Saluation sealed with that most pure and purifying Blood of the immaculate and spotlesse Lambe that came to take away the monstrous and menstrous sin●…es of the world : * In the vertue of his Blood is my strongest comfort and highest resolution : By it alone all my blacke and bloodie sinnes are clensed from their crimsin colour . The Pastour . Indeede Sir , it is onelie that Lambes Blood that can purge away sinne and iniquitie : * Though man should wash himselfe with nitre , and take him much sope , yet for all that shall his iniquitie bee marked before God , except that hee bee bathed into this blood of sprinkling . Seeing now your Charter is well sealed , hold fast these writtings , that nothing aboue or belowe , no not principalities and powers bee able to wrest them out of your hands . Happie is your heart now wherein is that white jewell of the Reuelation euen the white stone wherein is a new name which no man can knowe except the receiuer : * O the boundlesse bleeding bowels of Gods compassions ! O that infinite store-house of Christs merites and mercies , which no sinne were they neuer so hainous , can bee able to stint or restraine before the repenting sinner get a parte of that purchase : Neither Death , nor Life , things present nor to come shall be able to with hold a mourning sinner from a share in our Lords dearest compassions . Christ now Sir is readie to receiue ●…ou : Make your selfe readie for him : Lift vp your hea●… , for your Redemption draweth neare : The ende of your time and toile is fast comming : The Angels of God are here waiting vpon your Soule , which is now looking out to Christ as the morning , faire as the Moone , cleare as the Sunne , and terrible as an Armie with Banners : Wherevpon is your minde nowe fixed ? The sicke Man. All mine affections are bended toward God : * O what shall bee able to hold or hinder me from hastening to my Lord , the repairer of life , the destroyer of death , the conquerour of Heauen , & the vanquisher of Hell ? * O my Sauiour come neerer yet vnto mee , let my Soule creepe in by thy wounds , euen to the verie bowels of thy mercie : Warme it like a Chicken vnder the vvinges of thy loue ▪ The Pastour . In Christ alone is Saluation : Out of his side did issue the water that hath quenched the vnquencheable fyre of Gods wrath , with the Blood that taketh away the sinnes of the world . * His holie Heart was racked , his Armes of compassiō were stretched out vpon the Crosse for to declare to all repenting sinners the infinite widenesse of his mercies : * His sacred Head hang down bowed for to giue eare vnto the gronings of his prisoners : * His blessed Bowels rumbling with compassions rolled together , made him to proclaime that Oyas of mercie , Come vnto mee all yee that are wearied and ladened with sinne and I will ease you . Much hath hee suffered for our cause : * Like a painefull labourer hee powred out sweate not onely of water but of blood , at the working the great worke of mans Saluation : At last by laying downe that Life of loue , hee achieued the victorie ouer Sathan , flesh , the world , & all the enemies of mans Saluation : Them all hee hath crushed and trodde vnder foote : Stand fast by Iesus : In Faith and Hope thrust your heart vpon him : What now , Sir , thinke ye vpon ? The sicke Man. Christ hath bund vp all my woūds ; he hath perfectlie closed them with the blessed Balme of his comfortes : Now at the end of mine appointed time I am waiting earnestlie till my changing come : I hope ere it be long to bee translated from grace to glory . The Pastour . O Lord , set this Soule as a seale vpon thine Hearte , and as a seale vpon thine Arme : Out of thy great loue make this Soule beautifull as Tirzah , comelie as Ierusalem terrible as armie with banners : Thou , Lord , who crownest the yeare with thy goodnesse tak in thine hand the crowne of immortalitie & in this Soule crowne thy graces with thy glorie . Now Sir , yee are neare the borders of Canaan , three or foure steppes more would set you in that Land of life and loue . The sicke Man. Mine heart like an Hart braying after waters , panteth after God : O when shall I come and appeare before him ? Now mine heart shiuers within mee , I am so sicke that I feare to faint . The Pastour . O Lord , now be mercifull & shew fauour toward this thy seruant : Distill thy graces into his heart vvith a blessed influence from the Spirit of thy loue , pull in all his spirits to Thee , and thrust out all distractions : O Lord , of Life and Loue breath into his soule the life of immortalitie . Take heede now vnto him ye who are neere about him , for death now approacheth with its last assaultes in all appearance : Looke well to him for hee seemeth to bee fallen into a sowne . THE SICKE MAN IN A SOVVNE , A SOLILOQVEE , Or a priuie conference betweene the Soule and the bodie of the sicke Man lying in a sowne . The Bodie . MY Soule desireth thou now to leaue mee that haue borne thee about mee so manie yeares ? If thou goe from mee I must no longer remaine among the inhabitants of the world , but incontinent after thy departure I a vassell of death must bee hid vnder the dust among crawling wormes , farre from the eyes of the liuing : These who were once glad to kisse my mouth shall abhorre to see my face : Is not the Graue a Babel a place of confusion ? Doe not Iim and Zim resort there ? Doe not the Satyres and the Fairies daunce there ? Mine haire startes all vp for feare , while I thinke vpon these solitudes and mansions of silence , I faint at the verie thought thereof : Oh , my deare Soule wilt thou abide with mee no longer ? If thou depart , my Beautie , my Colour , my Conference , my Companie and all is gone : Oh , shall all my senses now bee closed vp ? shall I speake no more , heare no more , see no more than if I were a stone ? Must I nowe goe remaine into the myre of mortalitie , the place of silence ? Must I abide the long nights among the Graues , places fearfull to the liuing , where men make no resort ? O wretched weakling that I am , by Death , as I see , I shall bee grapled to the ground where I shall bee forced to make my bedde in the da●…ke . The Soule . My Bodie bee not thou disquieted , I am but for a little space going before thee for to take seasin of Heauen for thee and for mee . Though I bee absent for a space , I shall neuer forget thee : In Gods appointed time I shall come againe and fetch thee out of the muddie moulde of mortalitie . At the first blast of the last Trumpet I shall come downe , & shall enter into thee and quicken thee againe : At that time God shal cleanse thee from all thy corruptions , and shall mak thee like an Angel of God. My sillie Bodie wee haue taken much pains together for to get a rest which we haue looked long for , but culd not find : now goe to thy rest till come againe for to bring thee to eternall repose : If thou were cōmanded to goe to labour & to pains , thou should haue some cause indeede to whine and to shrinke , as one hampered in a snare : But the Lord is now desiring thee like a wearied man to goe to thy rest for to sleepe soundlie into a bedde wherein thou shalt no more bee disquieted with dreames or with visions : When thou shalt once awake , thou shalt bee still with Iesus : If in mercie hee hath made mee to preuent thee in the possession of eternitie , let not his fauour toward mee worke in thee anie heart rising against that Majestie , who as the Potter doth with his clay , may doe with all his creatures what hee pleaseth . The Bodie . But , O my Soule , the Graue is fearefull : It is a retired solitude and a place of silence , a place of filthie stinke : I abhorre to thinke of it , how that in that dungeon of darknesse , and denne of corruption I must lye downe naked implunged in myrie slime among wormes , a lumpe of most vile and lifelesse clay . Alas , my Soule . The Soule . My Bodie bee not discouraged : * The Graue is a place where the bodie must lye till with the Eagle there it cast its Bill , a meanes for to renew its youth : * So soone as once there it hath cast the old slugh of Nature , incontinent thereafter it shall become a new creature : Except , saide Christ , that the corne of wheat fall into the ground and die , it abideth alone . Haue patience but a little : New corne will come at the day of the resurrection : The dayes of mans mortalitie are the Lords seede time : The bodies of the Saincts are his seede , the Church yard is his fielde : Suffer now the Lord to sowe his owne ground . Bee not disquieted nor cast down with griefe : It shall bee thy gaine to goe downe to the graue : There shalt thou be sowne in corruption , but thou shalt bee raised in incorruption : Thou shalt be sowne in dishonour , but thou shalt bee raised in glorie : Thou shalt bee sowne in weaknesse , but thou shalt bee raised in power : Thou shalt bee sowne a naturall bodie , but thou shalt bee raised a spirituall bodie : See what by Gods mercie shall bee the great gaine of the Graue . After that the Graues of the godlie shall bee ripe , the Lord by an infinite power shall make all their bodies to bee taken vp , for like fine wheate to bee laide vp within his heauenlie Girnals : When thou shalt arise , it shall bee to an immortall happie life . Haue patience for a little space , and bee not crabbed : Yet a little while and I shall not see thee , and againe a little while after the resurrection & I shall see thee , when thou shalt bee transchanged into the blessed estate of glorious immortalitie : Then shall I dwell in thee without anie spot or wrinkle : Let the hope of this , temper thy present griefe . Let not the Graue afray thee my deare Body , for it is the last bed which euerie man must sleepe in : Lye downe into it gladlie : Bee content with the silke worme an argument of the resurrection to bee enwrapped for a space in thy Winding sheete , till the chill colde winter-tide of this mortalitie bee pas●… : At the glorious spring of eternitie ; at the returne of the Sun of righteousnes so soone as the heat of the beating beames of Gods loue shall pierce in vnto thy Graue , in a moment in the twinkling of an eye thou shall be quickened and raised vp , yea , renewed and refined from the sinfull dust of corruption , and after that carried aboue the brightest azured skies vnto the place of immortalitie among pleasures for euermore . The Bodie . I cannot but lament and waile to bee depriued of thy companie : My dearest Soule full deare art thou to mee : If two strangers had beene but some fewe dayes in their journey together , they will haue a certaine regret for to leaue one another : What wonder is it then , that wee two who haue beene of such olde acquaintance , mourne at this last and long adew . The Soule . As thy loue is great toward mee , so is mine also great toward thee my Bodie : But seeing it is the will of him who married vs together that nowe wee bee put asunder , wee must submit our selues vnto his good pleasure . This separation shall be but or a little space , and that for the well of vs both : * The husband will saile the seas and goe farre from home , in hope to returne with aduantage : The same hope encourageth his wife to liue lik a vvidow for a space : At last the husbāds returne with expected profite , is welcomed with greater joyes thā was his former presence . It shall bee so with vs my deare Bodie : At my returne in the day of the Resurrection there shall enter such a joy into thee , as eye neuer saw , eare neuer heard , yea , & which neuer could enter into the heart of man. As the long dark night maketh the morning seeme sweete to the wearied watch , who hath long looked for it , so shall our little absence be a certaine commendation of that presence , which after the great day shall bee for euer . Cease in time I pray thee to stick at such earthlie conceits : I may no longer tarrie with thee , the Crowne of immortalitie is alreadie in sight . The Bodie . But alas , howe is this that thou should goe to glorie before mee ? and leaue mee in the dust of death , a peace of moulding clay ? Haue I done anie wrong but by thy counsell and direction ? What haue I beeene but the instrument of thy sinne ? All the action is from thee : Of all that is done amisse thou hast beene the inuenter the contriuer and arch-plotter : God is no accepter of persons or of parties : What then is my guilt , that I shuld be behind thee left into the Graue a fearefull denne of death and pite of corruption ? What a miserie is this for me that I should lye vnder the power and bonds of Death , a Carion vnder a Turfe warded in deaths most loathsome denne and abhorred jayle ? There must I lye chill with cold stinking and rotting with my mouth full of earth and my bellie full of wormes , closed in a Coffine . O what matter of melancholie is this , that within a few dayes where are my two beautifull twinkling eyes , shal be nothing but fearefull eye-holes in a rotten skull , which shall bee nothing but a nect of clockes and abominable creeping thinges : Within a few yeares this head which nowe lyeth softlie vpon this Pillow shall bee rolled and trinnelled vp and downe by the feete of the posteritie : Heere a bone and there a bone , and not a bone together , all shall lye scattered heere and there : the dogges shall play with some and Children shall playe with others ; some shall lye drying before the Sunne , and others shall be bruised into pieces , and grund into powder : O what a change is in this our mortalitie ! Behold presentlie what a starueling I am , beeing nothing but skinne and bone : Behold , and anone all shall be turned into stinke . The Soule . All such thoughtes are all but worldlie , heauie , dull , and formall : Suffer the Lord to sow his owne seede : Thou art afraid for the Turfe of the Graue : Care not for the Turfe , for vnder it shalt thou bee as a pickle of Corne vnder a clod : The Spring time of the Resurrection is not farre froe , when thou shalt rise vp more beautifullie in honour , power , and glorie , than euer thou was before . Shall anie thing bee impossible vnto God ? Hee who in his death reuiued manie Sainctes , vvhose bodies Death had fast vnder the key of its power , shall with a blast of his voyce make open G●…aues to let out all these who were prisoners of death , from Adam vntill that day . Let this comfort cheare vp thine heart my Bodie : The Graue shall not bee able to keepe thee long * As Ionah was vomited out of the Bellie of Hell , so shalt thou bee deliuered from that Monsters mawe . The Bodie . But in the meane time what reason is it that I a carrionlie carkase shuld bee bund ●…oth hand and foote and committed close prisoner to the graue a cold and chillie house , while thou art set at libertie ? Behold , how alreadie I am both withered and wanzed The Soule . The Graue to the Godlie is no prison , but a resting bedde from their labours , where God re●…resheth with sleepe the wearied bones of his beloued : The Prophet saith , That they rest in their beddes , and that they enter in peace : * While the moulds are cast on them in the Graue it is but the drawing of their Bedde curtaine : The buried bodies of the Saincts are in their graue lik Babs lapped in swadling clothes in their Cradles : As a tyred man will not bee offended if hee bee sent to his bedde for to sleepe , neither should the wearied bodie bee grieued to goe to the Graue the place of rest and quietnesse . Bee not peeuish nor peruerse my Bodie ; enuie not mine happie estat : Though the Graue should bee to thee a prison , why should thou complaine because I am set at libertie ? If it hath pleased God in mercy to bee good to mee , why art thou offended ? May not the Lord say vnto thee , Is thine eye euill because I am good ? What happier should thine estat bee , though God should command mee to bee buried besides thee ? May not God doe with his owne as hee pleaseth ? Hee might haue taken thee to Heauen , and haue shute mee a prisoner in the Graue : In his justice hee might haue cast vs both into Hell. Thinke it then a mercie that hee is so good vnto mee , who shall neuer count my glorie full till wee bee both crowned vvith immortalitie in the heauens : * Bee not offended at the Lords good will towards mee , but rather thank him that he hath made death to bee temporall in his mercie , which was eternall in his threatning : * Of a corrasiue hee hath made a cordiall . Haue patience O distressed Body : Suffer a little , that God may be true , Dust thou art and to dust shalt thou returne : Dust beeing once deliuered from the power of the Graue , shall reigne with God in glorie : * The Bodie is like gold which cannot bee rid of its drosse , till it bee molten and dissolued . Againe as this death is not total neither shal ●…t be perpetuall for at that first sound of the last trumpet all the beried bodies of that faithfull shall lik the Eagle cast the bill of their mortalitie . Now mine olde companion and yoke-fellow art thou not content to goe to bedde and there to sleepe till the morning of theresurrection come ? That day shall mak an amends for all that we haue suffered in this valey of teares : Then shall all thy confusion bee turned into comforts . Let vs nowe bee content that the Lord loose the pines and slacke the cordes of this our Tabernacle of clay . The Bodie . Now glad am I my deare Soule that euer I had such a Soule as thee : now my deare Turtle goe with my blessing to the seruice of our God : Goe from the Crosse to the Crowne , from a prison to a Palace , from the mourning-weede to the wedding-garment : Goe dwell with the Lord and the Lambe , waite well vpon him : Goe nowe from the blacke and dismall dayes of drooping distresse and dirtie distractions , to joye , to peace , to pleasure , to light , to life , to libertie : Goe heare that happie harmonie of heauenlie Musitians in heauenlie Mansions where mercies blesse without judgments blasts : Goe heare the voice of all the Menistrels of that celestiall Quire. Bee thou aboue the Starres , while I am vnder a Turfe : All my comfort is in this that wee shall meete againe in Blisse : * Now blessed Soule prepare thy Lampe , powre out thine oyle , the heauenlie wooer the Bridegroome is come for to take thee to his Chambers of Charitie wherein are pleasures for euermore . In hope of the Resurrection I goe gladlie to my Graue , whereout of I am assured to arise for to meete my Redeemer in the clouds : This Candle of my comfort shall neuer bee put out . Nowe before wee shedde , let vs shedde some teares : * The last raine of our afflictions , wherewith we may bath the bruises of our Lord which he in loue did suffer for our glorie . Now I goe to rest in the dust a prisoner of hope : Goe thou to thy God , attend well his seruice , and court his Countenance for euer in his most pleasant Yuorie Palaces : I am nowe refreshed with a cooling taste to immortalitie to come : Farewell my deare Soule and truest Turtle , mount vp nowe to the Heauens : Thou hast alreadie past all toyle and turmoyle : The way that rests vnto the Kingdome is both smooth & euen , without anie rubbe of opposition thou shalt enter into immortalitie : O the showres of grace and mercie which raine downe vpon vs both : Farewell till that desired day of the Resurrection come . The Pastour . His eyes stirre a little , they are full of teares the tribute of Repentance : He beginneth to shake , he now seemeth to bee wakened out of his traunce : I will inquire what his minde is set vpon . What meditations are these Sir that yee are vpon ? Yee seeme to haue beene in some good motion . The sicke Man. My Soule Sir and my bodie after a blessed agreement haue beene taking their adewes one from another : They haue bene blessing each other , be●…ause they haue serued God together , they looke to bee one day both glorified together . A sea of comfortes hath rained downe vpon my Soule from the Heauens in most sweete and pleasant showers . The Pastour . Surelie that is a worthie exercise : Such good motions are plants of God and impressions of his finger : Happie are the Soule & the bodie that can serue God together with one shoulder : At that last day they shall haue a joyefull meeting , they two shal be clasped together in loue with such contentmentes as tongues of Angels are not able to expresse . But O when the vvicked soule shall returne from hell to take vp its bodie for to carie it to euerlasting torments , then shall they curse each other with manie a woe for their Fornications , Adulteries , Lyes , Deceits , Ryot & Drunkenesse : Then would the bodie if it could haue intelligence of the soules comming wish that a rock or a mountaine would fall vpon it for to hide it from the Soule , that beeing voyde of life , it might bee free of feeling . But the decree is come foorth , of necessitie they must bee joyned together : O but they then shall looke one to another like Lyons : Their feede shall receiue none agreement , no not : They shall neuer agree in anie thing but in this , to 〈◊〉 together that their comfortlesse dolours may bee doubled : * This is a deare pennie-warth , so little pleasure for so much paine : In that day all the wicked shal bitterlie repent such barganes . Now happie is your Soule Sir , and your bodie both , that are so well resolued to depart : Yee are certainelie blessed that euer yee were borne : * Behold , nowe yee rest in hope of the resurrection , which shall bee in that great day of Gods generall assemblie , when all that euer tooke breath shall compeare before Christ the Iudge of the World , for to receiue that which they did in the flesh , bee it good bee it euill . Now Sir , seeing yee are an inrolled Citizen of Heauen , and an adopted haire of God , vp still with your heart towarde that heauenlie Heritage , with sighes and grones beate on still at the doores of Gods mercie : God giueth vnto prayer victory against himselfe . Nowe the time draweth neere Sir , your houre is come to a quarter , fight out the good fight , fixe the eyes of your Faith vpon the bloodie wounds of Iesus : Lay hold on him , listen to his voyce , ere it bee long yee shall heare these words of joye , Come faithfull seruant and enter into thȳ Masters joye . O Lord , the giuer of grace and of glorie ; out of the blessed bowels of thy mercie bath and wash this Soule with that arteriall blood which sprang thorow the pierced filme of the heart of his Redeemer : At the beginning of this Battell , Lord thou did see howe his poore Soule was scorched with the flames of hellish temptations , which did burne the verie marrow out of his bones : this is thy ordinarie dealing with thine owne : Hell on earth is for the heires of Heauen : But heauen on earth is the portion of the heires of hell : Now , Lord , from his hell bring him to thine Heauens : Mak his Soule more clearelie to look vp toward the blessed bloodie wounds of his Sauiour , wherein hee may perceiue the props of his protection : Make his Soule now to be fullie possessed with an entire loue to the fairenesse of thy face , wherein are pleasures for euermore . The sicke Man. Lord Iesus make clay againe with thy Spittle for to anointe my dimmed eyes , that clearelie with Simeon my Soule may see thy Saluation : We in our life receiue but the first impositiō of handes like the man that saw men walking like trees : Now , Lord , at death giue mee the second imposition , that I may see thee euen as thou art . The Pastour . Lord , heare thou in Heauen●… Maintaine the life of his loue towards thee : Now vvater the seede vvhich thou hast sowne : Weede out the tares vvhich Sathan hath sowne : Pittie and pardon : Lay all his sinnes vpon the Sonne of thy loue Now let his feete be shod for the journey which hee is making to a better place : Inspire his Soule with the spirit of grace , till his life bee expired : Saue him by thy blood which saued thē that spilt it . The sicke Man. I finde Death besieging my heart with sēsible blowes : O bring out my Soule out of this bricke of bondage of the bodie : Mine heart stringes are so racked within mee that they are like to breake : The hope that is deferred is the fainting of the Soule : Lord , helpe mee in this heauie houre . The Pastour . Lord , heare thou in heauen , and satisfie his hearts desire . The sicke Man. Pray , pray , that the Lord vphold mee in the throng of these throes wherewith mine heart is gripped , lest I be whollie swallowed vp of despaire . The Pastour . O Sauiour of mankinde , who out of thy meere mercie and loue came vnder the charge of his accounts : Mak now answere for him as his Aduocat before that high Tribunall , before which his poore Soule is now arraigned to cōpeare : Turne all thy wrath in mercie , and thy Iustice-seat in a Throne of grace : Call home all his wandering thoughtes , settle and them vpon thy selfe : Maintaine the life of his loue : Make death to him a Messenger of mercie , and his paines a meane to bring him to thy pleasures : O Captaine of his Saluation vnder whose bloodie banner hee hath in his life made warre against the enemies of thy glorie , at death ouercome thou all the enemies of his Saluation : With thy Trumpets and Lampes terrifie all these merciles Midianites : Make them like a wheele & as the stubble before the winde : Graunt the victorie vnto thy weake Seruant heere , that in the Heauens thou may crowne his Soule with glorious garlands of immortalitie , Lord heare vs for the sake of thy Sonne vnto whom with thee and the Spirite of Grace bee all glorie and honour , Amen . Now Sir , vp with your heart to the Father of mercies : Fight out couragiouslie the fight of Faith : Christ now is holding out the Crowne , your Saluation is sealed , yee neede not feare , yee haue your warrant vnder the Broad Seale of the King of Heauen . The sicke man. O My deare Pastour , hee is come hee is come whom my Soule loueth : I am my Beloueds & his desire is towards mee : The lost sheepe is found : The vnthriftie Son is come home againe : All the snares of destruction are broken : My Soule is escaped like a Birde : I am now at a point , infinitlie desirous rather to goe to my God than to sojourneanie more on earth : Mine heart is more in God , than in my selfe I haue a begunne possession of Heauen by the first fruites : I looke for perfection in fulnesse of joye and pleasures fore euermore . O blessed Iesus set me as a Seale vpon thine heart : O deare Sauiour , the Roote and the Rocke of my Saluation , loe I come : stretch out thine Armes and take my Soule into thy bosome , yet a little while and I shall bee no more a stranger vvith thee and a sojourner . The Pastour . O blessed bee our God for euermore who hath made you to triumph so ouer all your enemies after such vnuterable groanes of griefe where your mind was sore perplexed at the first : Hold fast now that which yee haue : Your heart is now richlie stored with the true treasures of godlinesse : Yee are but sipping of these joyes wherof in Heauen ye shal drink in a full cup. The sicke Man. Christ the Lord is mine : Hee is mine : Hee is to mee hoth in life and death aduantage : My comforts are in my Bosome : The Angelicali Guardes are heere about mee : I dye in the Faith of Iesus : Come euen Lord Iesus come quicklie and loose this Soule a prisoner in clay groning to bee at liberty : O my Soule returne vnto thy rest , for the Lord hath dealt bountifully with thee : Now may I say , This poore man cryed and the Lord hath heard him & deliuered him out of all his troubles . The Pastour . The Lord is with you , who ere it be long shall fulfill all your hearts desires , yea , hee shall doe aboue all that yee can thinke or wish : Now Sir , yee haue him whom your soule loueth : His Spirit is in the verie bosome of your heart : Hold fast the grip yee haue : Dye in his Armes , sleepe in the blessed bosome of your God : Full libertie is at the doore readie to enter in : Yet a little and yee shall haue a joyfull meeting with Christ and all his Angels in the Kingdome of your Father : Till yee come out of this bodie sticke fast by Faith to Christ your Redeemer : Claime boldlie that which hee hath deerelie purchased by his Blood. O deare Iesus , his Staffe and his Strength , wrape now his Soule into the white winding-sheete of thy righteousnesse : While hee hath life liue thou in him , that while he breaths hee may liue to thee , and after death may liue with thee for euer : Let neither life nor death bee able to separate him from thy loue : The neerer death approacheth for to separate his Soule from his bodie , d●…aw thou the neerer vnto his Soule , till thy Spirit the Spirit of Life fullie & finallie in all perfection liue into him the Soule of his Soule . Fixe your eye nowe vpon the heart of Christ , deadlie wounded for your transgressions : Behold that Speare-hole in his heart , which hee suffered for to sa●…e you : Consider his bleeding woundes all dropping the balme of mercie , which hath proceeded from the bowels of his compassions : Hee it is who hath died for your sinnes , and is risen againe for your righteousnesse . The sicke Man. I know that my Redeemer liueth , his blood of an vnualuable price is the onelie ransome of my Soule : Hee onelie is the joye of mine heart , and the health of my countenance . The Pastour . Holde fast that confidence : Let your Soule repare vnto the euerlasting Armes of his loue : Shroud & shelter your selfe vnder the winges of the Almightie : Yee are nowe neere the ende of the Race : The Lord guarde you with his Grace , that no temptation of Satan be able trippe your heele before that yee be entered in his rest : Nowe the lowring showring seede-time of teares is past , and the Haruest of joye is hard at hand : Now Sir , Christ is at the doore : Beholde , hee standeth at the doore and knockes , hee is nowe for to suppe with you on earth , that yee may suppe with him for euer in the Heauens : Behold , hee is with you . The sicke Man. I haue found him whom my Soule loueth , I will surelie hold him , and will not let him goe : My Soule hath already taste of the fruite of Canaan by the report of the spye of my faith : Christ now is mine . The Pastour . Seeing yee haue him , wrap your soule into the bowels of his euerlasting compassions : waite on , perfectiō is the last gift : Lift vp continuallie the eyes of your spirit to the worthy woundes of Iesus : In them behold & read in great Capitall characters the vnspeakable loue of the Father . The sicke Man. O Lord ▪ I haue waited for thy Saluation : Remember mee nowe while as thou art into thy Kingdome : Father into thine handes I commend my Spirit , my Soule I giue to thee who hast giuen it to mee . The Pastour . Now Sir , your wished houre is come : Christ is laying his Arm●…s about you for to receiue your Soule in his bosome : Solace your selfe in your Sauiour , who hath made it free of al weights , that swiftly without anie let it may flee vp to its God : O the loue of Iesus towardes you : Hee hath not onelie beene an Inte●…cessour to pray for you , but an Advocatalso to pleade for you : By the vertue of his Blood your cause is win : And therefore homage ye now your heart sealed with the sense of his loue : Yeelde and surrender your Soule into the Armes of his mercie , that hee may perfect his graces in you with glorie in immortalitie . The sicke Man. Lord Iesus receiue my Spirit , and glad it with thy glorie . The Pastour . He againe is fallen into a traunce : His battell is now neere an end : Let vs waite a little & see what he doth . Hee now beginneth a little for to stir : There is yet some life into him as I perceiue . Now Sir , be glad : Christ is knocking at the doore for to call foorth your Soule from bondage to libertie , from your banishment to an heauenlie home , from a prison of paine to a palace of pleasures for euermore . That we may haue assurance that ye die in the Faith of Iesus , shew vs some signe : Lift vp your hand in token that yee are assured to goe to God Behold how he hath lifted vp his hand . Cortenet quod lingua tacet . His hande telleth what is in his heart : O but this poore Soule since the beginning of this bloodie Battell hath beene miserablie mangled , howed and hacked vpon by most bitter and bloodie temptations what carnall , what spirituall : Now blessed bee God , from all his troubles he is come to his good things : We are all oblished to giue praise vnto God , who hath set out this man before vs as an excellent example and mirrour of his mercie . It is the custome of God , as we see , to put his dearest Ones to the hardest proofe , as wise Builders put the greatest timber and the heart of the Oake to the greatest stresse . * Manie thinke that Heauen standeth hard by their Bed-side , and that a light , Lord haue mercie , will make the doore of Heauen to goe wide open to the wall , no not : Through man●…e tribulations we must enter into that Kingdome : * As Aprill showers goe before the May flowers , so must our teares trickle before our Triumphs : Wee must smert before we smile , and grone before wee glorie : All Christian Soules like Christ himselfe , must enter by the port of paines vnto the palace of pleasures for euermore : No co-reigning without a co-suffering . O let vs consider what paines this godlie man hath suffered in this fierie tryall since this Battell beganne : O with what difficulties hath hee swimmed thorow so many temptations : If the righteous scarcelie bee saued , where shall the vngodlie and the sinner appeare ? * O sowre Apple of Adams pride , many teeth hast thou set on edge . The Sparrow by wandering & the Swal . low by flying may escape , but where sin hath beene once , there must also be sorrow before that the sinner can come to joye : It is not so easie as manie men thinke to winne in at the doores of heauen , as though one Gods-mercy were enough for to doe the turne : * Before that a man be able to winne in at the straite gate for to enter into his euerlasting rest , hee must be buffeted with diuerse temptations , and broken with sorrowes till his heart become contrit that is , grund & bruished small as if it were corne in a Querne : * There is none entrie into rest for man before that in great griefe hee hath pluckt out his right eye , euen his dearest darling & best bosome pleasure : * Hee that would lodge with God in eternitie muste heere lay holde on his Kingdome with an holie violence : What wonder that he auen be hard to win , seeing with all the infernall powers of darknesse , legions of our owne corruptions combined , oppose might & maine the grouth of Gods graces in our Soules . Manie foolishlie in the idle rowings of their braines content with a blush of zeale , thinke that Heauen may bee winne with wishes , and therefore in their life skippe wantonlie ouer the threatnings of the Law , in hope that easilie at death they may catch at the promise of the Gospel : But who had seene this holie man of GOD vpon the painefull racke of repentance , would count all the perishing pleasures of sinne too deare bought pleasures : * Sinne at the beginning is like poyson in perfume , pleasant at the first , but not long after it worketh deadlie , except that it be repelled with some stronger Antidote : The way to heauen as wee see is not like the way to great ma●…ket Townes easilie discerned by the multitude of footesteppes . Our good Friende is nowe in the verie panges of death : A patient and Lambe ▪ like death is this : His life is on his lippe : This wearied Traueler is nowe neare the ende of his journey : Seeing that the ende of a worke crowneth it , let vs conceiue a Prayer whereby wee may lay his Soule into the bosome of his God , who shall refresh him with euerlasting comforts : O Lord , by the vigour of thy Spirit giue wings to our groueling prayers . A Prayer for the sicke Man approaching vnto Death . O GOD of mercle and of mans Saluation , who thinketh nothing too deare for a repēting soule , were it to giue it a draught of the heart Blood of thy Sonne ▪ wee heere vpon the knees of our hearts humbled againe before the foote-stoole of the the Throne of thy Grace , put vp to thee our most humble sute for this thy seruant who is nowe comming to thee : His words now faile him , but thou , Lord , wilt neuer faile him : In stead of wordes let the crouding sobbes the Turtle finde roome into thine eares : Heaue vp his heart to thy mercie seate with the requests of thy Spirit , in sighs which cannot bee expressed . O charitable Almes giuer open the hand of this Begger and thrust the money of thy mercie into it : Seale fast vp in his heart the remission of all his sinnes in the blood of Iesus : Burie all his transgressions in Christes Burial : Establish thy free Spirit within him : Take from him all dulnesse and deadnesse of spirit , all secure and hardened thoughts , all that may hinder him from comming vnto thee : Continue his comfortes begunne : Bee thou the ende and the ender of his worke : Lorde , disapoint Sathan who by his charmes and cunning traines hath gone about both by force & fraud to catch this Soule of thy seruant . Now Death is approaching : To thee belongeth the issues of death : Thou killest & thou makest aliue : thou bringest downe to the graue , and againe thou raisest vp : Now as euidentlie appeareth , thou art for to remoue this thy seruant from the Land of the l●…uing , and thy will must bee done : Wee could haue wished the continuance of his Christian fellowship with the lengthening and enlarging of his dayes : But most humblie wee submitte all our affections vnto thy good pleasure and will. O Father of mercies in whose boundlesse bowels are moste pittifull compassions without anie passion , shew thy selfe mercifull , louing , and kinde towardes this Soule , which in the dayes of its fleshe hath beene with thee but a stranger and ●… sojourner : His Soule now is saying to thee with Iohn his two Disciples ▪ Rabbi , Master where remaineth thou ? Answere it as thou answered them louinglie , Come and see , and after that tak it home to thine own house as Iohn tooke home thy Mother . O deare Father of our Sauiour by Nature , O our dearest Father by adoption ; bee fauourable to this thy seruant , euen for that blood wherewith thou art passing lie pleased : Forget and forgiue all his sinnes whatsoeuer : Lay now thy louing Armes about him : Claspe him hard to thy bosome , and keepe him fast till hee be surelie and softlie placed into the heauens . Now , Lord , thou hast begunne to loofe this Soule out of its prison : Let earth goe to earth , and his Spirit returne to thee that gaue it : Place it into one of these heauenlie Mansions which thy Sonne is gone to prepare for these that are thine : Strengthen him now at the last and highest point of his tryall . O Great IEHOVAH , who neuer hucketh to giue mercie to heart broken sinners , let him finde more and more that thy bowels ouerflowing with mercie , are readie to receiue him : In the bottomelesse sea of thy mercie make his sinnes all to bee choaked , and his Soule deliciouslie to be bathed with euerlasting comforts . And because Sathan in his last assaults is most furious , bee thou most powerfull in him by the vertue of thy Spirite : Blunt so the edge of all his temptations that they bee not able any more to wound his Spirit : Let thy secret loue bee vnto his Soule lik a Secret or jack in this bloodie battell , whereby he may be shielded from the bloodie blowes of a most cruell aduersarie : Put on him , Lord , the compleate armour of God , that hee may bee able to with-stand in this euill houre , and hauing done all , to stand : Before this Battell end make him with stomacke and courage to runne all his enemies throgh with the two edged sword of thy Spirit . Haue now , Lord , a speciall care of him : Hemme in all his thoughts within the compasse of thy will : Possesse him so with the fulnes of thy presence , that in him there be found no roome for any ill motions : Furnish him with the supplie of all these graces which thou knowest to bee wanting into him : Let thy Spirit make residence in his heart , as in an house of God. Now , Lord , while it is time to saue , saue the Soule of thy Seruant which is now readie to remoue : Open vnto it that euer-flowing fountaine promised to the penitent of the house of Dauid for to tak away sinne and vncleannesse : O Fountaine of Grace , wash him and wash him throughlie with the blessed Blood of thy satisfaction : After that thou hast made him perfectly cleane , hold out thy succouring & helpful armes vnto this Soule and take it into thy bosome : Let it there taste of the honie of thy Compassions . In this time of gloummines & darknesse of death , inlighten his Soule with the light of thy countenance : Turne thy face now vnto it : Hitherto it could see nothing but the Back-parts of Thee that Great IEHOVAH , which bringeth joye but in parte : From such parts now bring him vnto the fulnesse : Turne thy selfe vnto this Soule that it may fullie see thy face wherein is fulnesse of joye . And seeing no man can see thy face & liue , let this thy Seruant now see thy face and die , that after death hee may liue with thee for euer in the Heauens : Let neither the loue of life nor the feare of death turne his eyes from the prize of the high calling of God : Make him now with a long steppe from the earth to the heauens to step in into immortalitie . Now , Lord , engraue deepelie this Soule into the palmes of thine hands Set it as a seale on thine heart : Wrap it within the Mantle of thy mercie , war●…e it within the bowels of thy loue , lappe it in thy bosome with that vnspeakable joye which Christ hath purchased with vnspeakable paine , euen through the bloodie merites of his most bitter passions : His wordes now are failed : Square thou all his thoughts by the rule of thy Spirit of grace . Lord , make these our weake prayers , to mount vp lik Pillars of smoke parfumed with the mercifull merites of thine onelie Sonne : To him with thee his Father , and with the Spirit of Grace , be all Glorie , Praise , Power , and Dominion for euer . AMEN . The spirituall Friend . O deare Friende whome I haue seene a sorrow beaten sinner ; Rejoyce now in your Sauiour , whose mercies haue beene the Bane of all your sinfull miseries : Cleaue still fast vnto your Sauiour : Let not him goe whom your soule loueth , till ye come to Peniel where yee shall see him face to face . The Lord refresh your wearied soule with the soft & sweete breath of his Spirit : The Lord kned into your heart these spirituall meditations which are of the purest straine : O Father of mercies giue vnto this soule a most sure Infef●…ment of heauen by the hand of thy Spirit : Make some drops of thy Myrrhe to enter in by some litle creuice of his heart : Put in thine hand by the keye hole of the doore that his bowels may bee moued for thee : Let such a strength now repare from thee vnto him , that the world may see that thy strength is made perfect in weaknesse . It shall bee expedient that nowe yee his Pastour in a short prayer recommend him to God againe : Behold him now at the last gaspes , his eye stringes are broken : The water of death trickleth downe ouer his cheekes : His life is now drawen to an haire . O Lord , while bodilie sight and senses faile , make spirituall sight and sense succeede in a greater perfection : Make a spaite of thy grace with a mightie streame to carrie him to glorie . O deare Friend vp with your heart to your God : Nowe all your sins shall die with your sicknesse : The Rocke of your Saluation Iesus hath shiuered them in pieces : There is 〈◊〉 condemnation to these that are in Christ , who out of the pangs of loue suffered that paines of hell for mans Redēption ▪ His Angels Sir are heere waiting vpon your Soule for to carrie it to pleasures for euermore : Yet a little while and loe yee shall bee at the vpshotte of all your woe : Yee are nowe vtterlie out of the reach of all the powers of hell , euen vpon the borders of euerlasting pleasures , vnmixed pleasures , which shall turne all your teares into triumphes . The Pastour . Now Sir , Gird vp the loynes of your minde , make haste to your God , who shortlie shall put into your hād the palme of victorie : Sathan is chained vp now for doing you anie more harme : The night of your trouble is past : Christ that blessed Day spring hath brought a morning mercie vnto your Soule : His graces in you hath shined more and more and so shall doe vntill the perfect day euen vntill your Soule carried on Eagles winges reach the hight of Heauen , where without teares or tediousnesse are pleasures for euermore . Though your tongue now faile you Sir , let your heart be busie with God in prayer , hee will hearten and encourage you in all the businesse : Your taske is at an end : Heaue vp your heart to Christ crucified with vs , and that with sighes and sobbes the groanings of his owne Spirit . Though your bodie now be cold , the Spirit of Iesus shall by a free and vitall operation maintaine the heate and vigour of your Soule . The Spirit of comfort conueye vnto your soule the warmest blood that euer heated the heart of Iesus . Let vs pray . The last prayer for the sicke Man in the verie jawes of death . O LORD , whose mercies are aboue all thy workes , it was neuer thy custome to send away a broken heart without comfort : Now heare the secret g●…oanes and sighes of thy seruant , whose soule is ready in this gasping agonie to come out of its Tabernacle for to cōpeare before thee : Thou who hast giuen him thy Son for a ransome , giue him thy Spirit for a pledge : Furnish him with force for to fight and finish this Battell in victory : As thou hast bene at the beginning of his beeing euen the beginner of his beeing , so now bee thou the ende at which hee aimes , euen the ende of all his woes . And seeing hee is now in the narrow throat of death , helpe him by thy power , till hee hath past this passage ▪ Put now into him a fresh li●…e that in a strong vigour hee may runne with the feete of the Hinde till hee come to thee in ete●…nitie : Make him now supple and nimble while he is neere the ende of his race : His sillie soule hath beene sore weather-driuen with many temptations , now let his battell take an end : Receiue his soule in thy Rest. and lull it in the bosome of thy pleasures . Bee a shield and a shelter vnto him for to hidde and couer him from the last blowes and painefull thrusts of his enemie the Deuill : Disapoint that euill one , while hee looketh for the greatest victorie : Let him receiue the foulest foile . Loose now sweetlie these two which thou hast joyned together , that after his eyes with olde Simeon haue seene thy Saluation , he may depart in peace . Seeing the Battell is nowe come to the la●…f stroke , make thy Spirit , O Lord , in him to fight it out , that hauing ouercome , thou may put the palme of victorie into his hand after that the dayes of dangers are past : O draw this soule now vnto thee with the strongest cordes of thy loue : Proclaime vnto his Conscience a full & a finall remission of his sinnes , whether Originall or actuall , whether of Commission or of Omission : Subscribe his pa●…don with the arteriall blood of thy blessed Sonne . O Father of mercies , the Spouse of all faithfull Soules , receiue this Spirit into thy wed locke-bedde : It was betrothed vnto thee by thy faire promises in the Gospel , now according to thy promise accomplish and fulfill that blessed Band in the presence of thine Angels : Long , Lord , hath hee thought on it , and earnestlie longed for it : Seale thou it now with the sense of thy loue : Fulfull it , Lord , and this day be thou the Bridegroome of his Soule : Heere hee hath seene but the Copie of thy countenance , let him now come where he may see thee euen as thou art : As thou gaue him his measure of grace in the world , so nowe giue him his portion of glorie b●…sides thy selfe : Let nothing sway his thoughts from thee in this last ag●…nie : Season so his heart with thy loue that there bee no roome in his heart for any thing by thy selfe . Now loose the pinnes of the Tabernacle , while his soule shall bee out of the bodie let it enter into the Palace of pleasures : Say vnto it as Laban said to Abrahams seruant , Come in thou blessed of the Lord : Thou who hast clasped his name within the Booke of life : Bind now his soule into the bundle of life : Drawe it out of this myrie mortalitie , & place it among the Angels and spirites of just men , who are alwayes in thy presence courting thy countenance , wherein i●… fulnesse of joye . Vnto the end and in the end , keepe his heart vnblameable in holinesse ▪ that Sathan that roaring Lyon bee neuer able to catch him within the reach of his paw : Preserue the true rellish and sound joyes of thy Spirit of grace within him , till from grace thou bring him vnto glorie , where thou shalt crowne thy giftes and graces with thy goodnesse . O now open the euerlasting doores & let in this Soule decked with the lawrels of victorie : Let all the Heauens welcome this conuerted sinner with songes and shoutes of joye . O Spirit of Comfort , thou hast guided him thorow many seas of sorrowes , sit still at the Helme till thou haue brought him to his Hauen . O now crowne thy graces with thy glorie : Lord Iesus receiue my spirit . To the Father , Sonne , and holie Ghost , be euerlasting praise and dominion for euer , AMEN . Michael and the Deuils dispute for the ' Soule of the sicke Man alittle before its departure out of the Body . Sathan . ▪ I Haue many things to lay to this mans charge : I am the Lordes Proctor and Acturney appointed to plead for his justice : I haue alreadie sifted his life : Of force this Soule must bee damned : None Assise can cleanse it : It is now taken red hand in the path and passage of sinne . The Angel Michael . I will not vse against thee a railing accusation , neither darre I for my Master the God of mercie and of meekenesse : It hath pleased his royall Majestie to license thee to accuse the soules of men : Thine accusations are euer most bitter and most bloodie : I am heere standing on my Masters side for to defend this Soule which hee hath bought with his blood . But what can thou say against this man whose Soule is committed to me for to be carried vnto Paradise : I know thee of olde to bee the accuser of the brethren : I remember well how once I contended & grappled with thee for the bodie of Moses which was buried sore against thy will : It is likelie that of it thou thought to make an idole . Loose now thy leach and let all thy hell-hounds come forward : Come , come with thy most foule mouthed objections : what cā thou now alledge against the soule of this man before that it come out of this bodie : Thou art heere a Lyon against a Lambe : Declare now what thou can in this Assise : Thou can say no more than he hath alreadie said against himselfe : But come on , f●…aime thine inditement against him : Discharge thy fie●…ie dartes with the outmost of thy force . Sathan . Knowest thou not that there is a large haruest for Hell , manie called but few chosen . Hee is my Vassall , I require but Iustice : Let him receiue but according to his deseruinges : Heere is a Bill of inditement able to conuinee him : In his wickednes he turned to his course as the horse rusheth into the battell : Both fiercelie and feareleslie marching vnder my collours in the pursute of his pleasures hee ranne ryote in the way of wickednesse . The Angel Michael . Is not God a God of mercie , able to forgiue ? But what hath hee done ? Sathan . Beholde , the pieces of Euidence which I produce against him : Let all the actions of his life bee brought to a true touch , and it shall appeare what a monster hee hath beene . In his youth hee scorned at the Thunder of Gods word , counting it but Paper shot : His soule was neuer grieued to grieue the Spirit of grace : seldome came hee to the Church , hee was of the kinred of Noahs Raùen delighting to flie about the Arke , not willing to enter into it : Gods hony word of vnspeakable sweetnesse was vineger to his teeth : The pure commandement of the Lord which inlightened the eys was lik smok vnto his eyes the cause of blearednesse . In all pointes he was disloyall vnto his God : Hee misregarded his Parents : He burned with lust like an Ouen heated by the baker : Hee so loued his lust that it was his law : His hands were full of pickerie , his eyes were full of adulterie , and his heart was full of guile and his tongue full of lyes , euer gaggling like a Goose. He was a cunning clawbacke & a paunchpike thanke : His custome was to defile the aire with most filthie belghs of blasphemie : Hee sported at all reproofes : O the noble jugling . There , there , this geare goeth trimme . By hooke & by crooke he sought for gaine : Howe hee wanne it hee cared not if men perceiued not his fraude : With Iudas hee was whollie giuen to the bagge and baggage of his couetousnesse . Shall this man come where God is ▪ who neuer walked in his way ? In all his wayes he did euer goe awry lik a Childe that scribleth without a rule : All his good intentions were but like false conceptions which are buried before their birth : let me now tread him vnder foote , that I may lay him dead straight like a worme : O the infamous man whose name doeth goe with a brand vpon it like Cains marke : Hee followed Christ for loaues : But O when the corne was spent the Rate left the Barne . His whole life was but a myre of mischiefe : All men can tell that hee was but an vntrustie Pilferer , a foole hardie fellon rushing in rebellion against God & man : If so bee that he was exalted , he cared not that God was dishonoured : In the pride of life he walked like Nebuchadnezar strouting in his Palace with bragging words boasting of his Babel : Gods patience hath long suffered . In his sufferings hee hath comforted himselfe in this , When I see a conuenient time then will I execute judgement : Nowe is the time of execution come : Either now or neuer , for his sinne is now ripe and readie for the sickle . I am wearied with accusing , what shall I say ? His heart was euer swelled with pride : By costlie apparell he gaue euill example : With his pleasures hee was tyed like a dog in a leach : He could neither suffer a Superiour nor comport with à Companion : The blue enuie in his heart made him hate to see others thriue besides him : The praise of other mens vertues , was as who had dispraised himselfe in his face : Hee was euer malcontent at Gods graces into others : He was like a Swine vnder an Oake feeding , and foiling Gods benefites lik Acorns : But who euer saw his face lifted vp with thankes to the shaker of the tree ? Hee was full of peppered sausinesse , sporting himselfe with checkes and taunts : As hee had a babling tongue to speake euill , so had hee a bibulous eare thirstie after false reportes . O what filthy dung hilles & heapes of sinnes were hoodred in his heart : If hee did not any euill , it was not for lacke of will , like the frozen serpent hee hissed when hee could not hurt , but so soone as hee beganne , hee lustilie lashed on . All his meditations were mould in malice . As for his Religion hee vsed his libertie as a cloake of maliciousnesse : While hee come to the Church it was but for the fāshion , for to shew the frindges of his hypocrisie : Hee thought a long Sermon a surfet , as Iudas thought the oyle spent that was powred vpon Christ , so thought hee all the time alloted to Gods seruice : Hee was euer cold in well doing as one of the frozen generation : A proude man was he in his own conceit while he found himselfe inlightned with some cāfused glimmerings of light glauncing vpon his heart thorow the deceiuing glasse of a temporarie faith : His necke was an yron sinew and his brow brasse : In a word all his affections were out of order as bones beside the joynt . It were more easie to count the sand than his sinnes of omission and of commission with excesse of riot . I seeke but Iustice , now his life is neere an ende , let Gods vengeance take him at the rebound . The Angel Michael . That is a bloodie Lybell , if all be true that is said by the father of lyes : Though his sinnes were thus bloody as thou accuses , there is a redeeming Blood in Iesus for his ransome , his wounds are the holes of the Rocke of refuge : All that accusation is but founded vpon surmise . But though hee were guiltie as thou affirmes , is there anie sinne so great that God cannot forgiue ? There is no sinne so red but Christs Blood can make it white : Gods word is true , sinne dyed in Scarlet-red lik crimsin , may by God be made white lik the wooll & snow : Thou cryeth for Iustice , Christs Blood cryeth for mercy ; which of you two shall best bee heard ? Sathan . But can Gods mercie bee against his justice ? shall mercie against justice plead for the whitnesse of a Rauen ? shall a most vile sinner escape damnation ? shall not Iustice bee his bane ? Let mee now giue him a knocke with the barre of judgement : While hee had strength to walke hee left the narrow path , for to goe croude with the wicked in the broad waye : Now let him suffer for all his riotes , let the doors of heauē be bared in his teeth , Gods mercies must not bee against his justice : Let mee now giue him a yercke with my whippe . The Angel Michael Auoide , there is no breach in justice while his sinnes are pardoned , for Christ his Lord hath suffered for him , he hath satisfied for all his debts at the b●…rre of justice , and that to the vtmost farthing : When all was payed , Christ cryed with a loud voice that heauen and earth might heare Consummatum est , that is , A●…l is payed , the whole worke of mans Redemption is finish●…d This was h●…ard by the deuils themselues , & not one durst stand vp to say the contrarie . Thou c●…yeth for Iustice , 〈◊〉 is Iustice , heere is Iustice : Christ his Cautioner hath payed all his d●…bts : * It is against Iustice to require one debt to bee twise payed : By Iustice then hee must be saued , because Christ in great mercie towards him hath made full satisfaction to the Iustice of God : * His Lords passion is his pardon , for the droppes of his Blood his Father hath giuen him in exchange life euerlasting for all repenting sinners , what needes him to feare who hath Christ for his Cautioner . Sathan . Christ would neuer be Cautioner for such a Reprobate goate as hee : In wickednesse he hath out-stripped all others , he put on Christ like an Hat which goeth off to euery one that wee meete : The wine pynt and Tobacca Pype with sneesing pouder prouoking sneuell were his heartes delight . His life hath beene a stumbling blocke vnto manie : His best vertues were but splendida peccata glistering sinnes : His most precious pearles are but of pewter . Away with this Child of Belial , out vpon him with all his faire wordes , all his Religion was but scroofe and scumme : Would Christ euer bee Cautioner for such a Banquerupt as hee , who all his dayes hath beene a boisterous reueller , the chiefe of a knot of knaues . The Angel Michael . Hee who is not in debt needeth not a Cautioner : I came , said Christ , to call sinners to repentance : Though his sins were manie as thou objectes , no miserie in man can ouer-reach the mercie of his God : Christ in all will bee answerable for him . Sathan . What hath Christ to doe with this stubburne and steele-necked Bebell who was in his whole conuersation both hote & hardie ? The voyce of his Conscience within was out-cryed , & all honestie out-faced by his corruptions : After y● euill turne was done he had his excuse readie at his fingers ends . Thinke ye that Christ will bee Cationer for all men , or that all men shall bee saued ? The Angel Michael . Not for all , neither shall all men bee saued : But this man is one of Gods because of his Faith. Sathan . How could he haue Faith ? Faith is by the Word . The Word had none abode in him a pettie-fogger a trouble towne : What could such a smatterer as hee learne at the hearing of the Word ? Hee hath beene but a Bungler delighting into gewgowes : Hee was a leaking vessell , letting thinges runne out as fast as they came in , his Faith was euer fained . The Angel Michael . Though his Faith was weake , yet was it neuer fained , God quencheth not the smoking fl●…xe : * Hee looketh not so much to the strength as to the trueth thereof : Thou art fertile in foolish words which are the summe of the Deuils dictionarie . Sathan . I heare thee bragge much of his Faith , but who did euer see it ? I know not what the euidence of things not seene signifi●…th : I could neuer vnderstand that Theologie : I vnderstand S. Iames better , shewe mee thy Faith , saith hee : If hee had Faith let it bee seene : To say that hee had Faith , is but a vaine blast : What hath his life bene but a web of vices ? What hath hee beene but a fruitlesse shrubbe in the Lords garden , where hee but marred the ground ? What hath hee beene but a ●…luttish sluggard a Gore-bellie , a Bellie-god , petting himselfe with paunch-pleasures , his mouth like a Bung-hole was for nothing but for the filling of his bellie among his drunken Gosips : Hypocrisie hath so enwouen it selfe into his heart , that all his thoughtes are become as blacke as hell : His heart was euer voyde of all Charitie : If he was well hee cared not for others in their calamities : This was his ordinarie speach concerning the afflicted : What haue I to doe whether they sink or they swim ? Euery vessell must stand on its owne bottome : Let euerie man shift for himselfe : the well & wealth of others was to him an eyesore : curse now this barren ground which hath beene a soyle onelie fitte for weedes . The Angel Michael . These bee but accusations or rather cauillations without any groūd . The Godlie saw that he was among them a fruitfull tree , whose branches were bowed downe that men might pull the fruites with their hand . Sathan . What fruites Could such a thorne as hee beare grapes ? Could such a Thistle as hee beare figges ? Where are these fruites of his Faith ? What was hee euer but a monstruous person all mouth , tongue , and voyce , without heart or hand to thinke or doe good : he seemed to bee wise while indeede all his actions were contriued but by quirkes of vvite : Hee could giue God his lips in stead of his heart : He had many faire sweete wordes like the sounding of golden Bells , but vvhere are his Pomgranates fruites worthie amendement of life ? All might see that hee was like that cursed ground vvhere Thistles growe in stead of Wheat , and Cockle instead of Barley : Let him nowe cracke of his Cockle and boast of his Barley . The Angel Michael . These bee but calumnies and ●…orged slaunder and detractions : He was indeede like a tree planted by the riuers of water that bringeth foorth the fruite in his season . Sathan . What was hee but a knottie , barren , rotten scrubbe , marring the groūd ? Shew mee his Faith if thou can ? make search of his workes : Try them and tell me what they are in thy best s●…raphicall discourse . The Angel Michael . This and this and this hee did : And if God had spared his dayes he was well minded to doe more : God euer preferreth the willingnesse of mans minde to the worthinesse of his wo●…ke : For if there bee first a willing minde , it is acceptable according to that a man hath , and not according to that hee hath not . Sathan . All that was but hypocrisie for to bee seene and praised of men : His chiefest care in that was fool shlie to gaine an opinion of more than ordinarie pietie , as if hee had beene a Rabbi in Israel : But O inwa●…dlie in his Soule hee jested at hell not caring for Heauen : Gods boaste seemed to him but Bugges thinges made to feare Children . His heart was a verie Vice of vices turning from euill to worse . The Angel Michael . God alone knoweth the heart : Mala mens malus animus : Thou judgest others to be like vnto thy selfe : * Because when thou art Lucifer an Angel of light a white deuill in appearance , then art thou most set on blackest darknesse , thou thinkest others to bee likewise disposed for to juggle . Sathan . But can he denye his sinnes ? Are they not all written into mine accusation Booke ? His debts are so hudge that he cannot be able to pay : A way to prison with this Banquerupt , neuer pleade more for him , for his sinnes are so manifest that they cannot bee couered : Did not his open scandals strike the Drum of rebellion against the heauens ? Who can denye his sinnes ? Let mee nowe sheath this dagger in his bowels : The pleasures of his sinnes are past , nowe let him finde the sting of guilt . The Angel Michael . It is trueth that hee hath sinned , but also thou cannot denye but that hee hath confessed his sinnes : By the blessed blood of Iesus they are cancelled and blotted out of the Booke of Gods rememberance . O despightfull Spirit thou art first 〈◊〉 craftie tempter and after a cruell tormenter : Thou are euer picking quarrells with Gods redeemed ones . What euer hee hath done amisse , hee hath sore repented it . Sathan . Hee but seemed to repent : His heart which men thought to bee a seate of sinceritie was but a sinke of sinne : If it were vncased and laid open this should clearelie appeare : At preaching , the word without and the dumbe choppes of his Conscience within could not moue him to doe well : At his prayers , before men hee could chirppe like a gras-hopper : But wher are the teares of his Repentance ? The Angel Michael . His prayers were not chirping , but crouding euen the crouding of the Doue : As for his teares the holie water of grace , & most pleasant dewe of Repentance , the Lord hath put them into his Bottalls : Manie a teare since this Battell began hath trickled down his cheekes for the grieuing of his God His eyes like two water sluces runing continuallie . Sathan . W●…at is that ? Hypocrites which are but peeuish hyrlings and miserable wretches with their deceitfull rubbinges can wring water from their eyes : By such craftie conueyances they cūningly bleare the eyes of mē who can see nothing but outward appearance : There be manie counterfeit teares in the world . The Angel Michael . The teares of Iacob while hee wept made supplications were not the worse because prophane Esau could shed teares . The teares of the Godlie are like precious pearles , in Gods eyes . Sathan . I know his treacherie better than yee , hee was cunning in the arte of seeming : I euer knew him a doubling & dissembling C●…mpanion ; a Dragon with Lambes hornes : Well could hee straine the vtmost veane of his wittes for to bleare the eyes of men : The way of godlinesse in his heart was as the way of a man with a maide most close from all accesse : Manie a time could this craf●…ie Bible-carier wring out a teare in the Church for to catch the applause and vaine breath of mans praise : But in secret he could prophanelie laugh in his sleeue and scorne at sinceritie : Among such as himselfe his mouth was blotted with blasphemies , among the Godlie againe hee could pratle much of pietie : His chiefe studie was to dawbe the outward man withfaire shewes like a Rogue in a stage with the apparell of a Prince : While he did heare the word and his Bible before him , it was but of course and custome and not of Conscience : He like Nimrod was a mightie hunter not of beastes but of vaine praise and applause : When hee gaue almes , hee caused blow the Trumpet that others might know when he did any good in appearance : Hee in his bragges was like the Hen which cackleth at euerie egge shee lay●…th : To his lusts hee was a voluntarie vassell : Among his neighbours hee was like a Cormorant : Hee was like an emptie boxe with a faire title written vpon it , an ●…smaelite in the coate of an Israelite : All his religion was but an outward aperie of profession , a signe hanging without , hauing nothing within : When hee hang downe his head lik a Bulrush , it was but for a day , so soone as the morrow came and hee to his olde byas againe : His best thoughtes were like a false conception which is buried in the birth ; like a stalled Oxe hee set vp himselfe a fatting after his fasting : For the great treasures of Gods graces he neuer returned the tribute of glorie ; such was his vnthankfulnesse : Now let me dri●…e him to my denne , that I may flash fire into the face of this most wretched forlorne sinner , who in his heart hath hatched all sortes of mischiefe . The Angel Michael . Well hast thou bene called the accuser of the brethren : away with thy slanderous lybell , not worthie that I shuld shape it an answere : what this poore man hath done amise deare hath he bought it , with manie a sore sigh and groane to his God , hath he both loathed and lamented his faultes : God hath heard him & hath sealed vp his pardon with the blood of his Sonne : The sweete & soft breath of Iesus hath refreshed him with comforts , and now his Spirit which vvas once sore troubled and distempered is made free from all his feares , God in his fauour hath seasoned his heart with a sauing grace : Thine hid malice hitherto confined vvithin the bounds of thy bosome , is now broken out into great distemper of vvordes . Sathan . Behold , behold , the great velumes of the compt bookes of his conscience : Look vpon these scarlet & crimsin letters of his transgressions : Shall this short and abrupt deuotion of his in his sicknesse , bee counted Repentance ? Will not the most vvicked vvaile vnder Gods hand vvhile it is vveightie vpon them ? * There is no Crowne of life for carnall liuers : How easie is it to hang downe the head like a bulrush for a day ? While hee had time to doe vvell hee vvas both colde and coward in well doing : All his good vvorkes were but in externall forme , shewes without substance : Cunninglie could he tricke and trim the outward man : But hee neither loued the trueth in the inward partes : As he was double minded so had he a heart & a heart , which he did apparell with faire Mantles of godlie appearance . While vnder faire collours of Religion hee did heare the world in hand that he stood for God , & vvas zealous for the good cause , he in his priuie practise vvas my close factor , seruing mee for his profites and his pleasures : Glad was hee to gogge the worlds eyes with the distinctions : Of v●…urie he made a byting & a toothlesse : lyes , hee diui-ded in Officio●…s and pernicious : His greatest faultes he could well cloake with mincing and excusing . O the deepe dungeon of hypocrisie that is within that breast : O how cunninglie hath all his wickednesse beene concealed hitherto ? None hath beene vpon his priuie counsell but I and his owne corruptions : O that heart of his a pit and a puddle , a denne and a dungeon both darke and deepe ! Who can see it ? who can sound it ? But why spend I time in the vnsauorie raking of this dung-hill . Good Lord , it is a strange thing how thou whose clearest eye hath seene him most perfectlie in the inmost closet of his heart , shouldest sende downe an Angel to plead for him : O how cunningly could he with his fists beate the breast with the Publican , beeing no lesse in his heart presumptuous than the Pharisee ! Here lyes in this bed a painted Tombe faire without : But O what rottennesse is within his heart ? none eye could abide to see it , if it were perced with a gimlet . Shall this man come where God is , who neuer walked in Gods wayes ? Like a blinde horse he stammered & rushed in euerie myre : His heart was nothing but a kneding ●…rough of wickednesse , yea , a gulfe and groope of vncleannesse : Let nowe the heauens cry shame on him . The Angel Michael . Thou art shamelesse in thine accusations and dogged in thy malice : Thou with thy bellowes , of temptations fi●…st bloweth at the coale of si●…ne , and after that thou cryeth for judgement which should chieflie be directed against thy selfe , the father of all mischiefe . But in this last point of thine accusation thou hast plainlie bewray●…d thy murthering malice in taking vpō thee to judge of the sinceritie of the inward partes : Thou presumeth far aboue the reach of thy knowledge : God alone is the searcher of mens hearts : * It is hee alone who hath an eye witnesse within vs. Sathan . Though God onelie knoweth the heart , yet by the fruits the tree is known : It is easie to gesse of his heart by the copie of his countenance , hee had a swift & a souple tongue : But his hand was heauie to practise : What hath hee beene all his life-time but a bag of imbred malice , a most filthie excrement into the Church ? Behold how hee is altogether berayed vvith ordure : Let mee now vvith the besome of iustice sweepe him outat Shel●…coth the dirt porte of Gods house : What shame shall it bee to the heauens to receiue such a dunge hill & lump of filthin●…sse whose disbanded corruptions haue defiled the aire ? It shall bee justice that now hee bee washed in the Kettle of Hell. The Angel Michael . What God hath cleansed that call thou not common : Christ by his blessed Blood hath made him cleane : The Lord of glory vvho openeth and no man steeketh , hath opened the euerlasting doores for to let in his soule : I am heere waiting on for to carie it to glory : It is in vaine that now thou sets thy temptations on foote & on fire : By thy craftie cosening thou shalt not be able to robbe or to filch from him the least graine of grace . Sathan . What ? shall this bastard professour and runnagate escape the doome that is due to his villanie ? While hee had time hee liued in pleasures , and feasted while others fasted : His seuen yeares of plentie are past , now let him smart vvith the Glutton into hell : Let him there bee refused of a drop by him to vvhom heere hee refused a crumme : Can God looke vpon his iniquities and not kindle a consuming fire in his vvrath against such a varnished hypocrite , vvhose vvhole religion vvas in a mouth filled with great swelling words of vanitie ? In such deceitfull cunning colouring , hee among all did carrie away the Bell. The Angel Michael . God will neuer looke vpon his iniquities , for hee hath cast them all behind his backe : God beholdeth none iniquitie in Iacob ; neither doeth hee see peruersenesse in Israel : * The Lord judgeth not his Children by the remnant of their olde corruptions , but by the beginnings of his renewing grace : * The mercifull God is more pleased vvith a dram of grace , then prouoked with a pound of iniquitie : Sinnes are not sinnes before God , except that they bee done vvith pleasure : That which I say is from that trueth : Hee that is borne of God sinneth not . Auoyde Sathan : Thou art euer couered vvith rage as vvith a rayment : When thou seest anger kindled thou art euer readie to adde tinder to that fyre : Thou art cunning and craftie to clok thy bloodie massacres vvith pretences of seeking justice . Sathan . What say I but trueth ; His whole delight vvas in sinne : While he was in health and strength , he did weare my Liuerie : Who did euer see him beare Christes cognisance ? All his godlinesse vvas but cloake and colour vvithout life and vigou●… : Thogh hee sinne not now there vvhere h●…e lyeth , he hath not left sin , but sin hath left him : If his tongue could speake . hee could not for his heart denye it : Scribitur in facie : Beholde his fierce and kill-bucke countenance : While he had youth and vigour hee obeyed no lawe but his lawlesse appetits : Was hee challenged ? Then hee fathered his sinnes vpon mee . The Angel Michael . Thou in thy fond humour hast euer byting corrasiues , for bleeding Consciences : In his members I confesse there was a lawlesse law indeed , but in his minde vvas Gods Lawe warring against the law of his members : From his heart hee hated that law of his members : But his whole delight was in the Law of the Spirit : * After that hee had sinned he 〈◊〉 cast the first stone at him selfe . Sathan . All these be but faire cloakes and couers for to hide his transgressions : But they will not preuaile : The heauens know that he was but the carrion of a Christian , aglozing hypocri●… , hauing the carkase of knowledge without the life of loue & the power of practise , euer fickle lik a Chameleon : Hee is nowe in his good moode , but if he shuld yet liue a space , all shuld soone see that in his heart is nothing soūd settled & sincere : what need I more ? this Soule must bee mine , hee hath sinned , and therefore hee muste bee cursed , and so hee must bee mine : Behold his Band and Obligation : By the Lawe of God hee is mine : Now must hee runne into ruine : Let mee giue him a girke with my rodde . The Angel Michael . Avoid that bloody Bande hath bene cancelled by the blood of God , that Obligation long since hath beene ●…uen with the nailes of the Crosse of Iesus : That which the Law had 〈◊〉 , hath beene loosed by the Gospel : What his workes could not doe , Gods grace hath perfected : By fauour the mercifull Lord hath chosen him out of the lost masse of mankind : Seeing his ransome hath cost God his blood , all accusations must bee sealed with silence : In despite of the vtmost rage of all infernall force this Soule shall bee saued : Though all the powers of hell prodigiouslie madde should rage , rampe , and roare , they shall not be able to vn●…ye the knot of Faith and Loue where with hee is vnited vnto his Sauiour . Sathan . I feare fore now that hee slippe the collar and goe from mee : At least seeing in his whole life I haue beene his Master , let him bee diuided , let mee haue any part and let God take his choice in the partner-ship . The Angel Michael . Auoyde Sathan with thy wittie wickednesse , whereby woluishlle thou woulde worrie this red●…emed Lambe . Thy shaire is not with God : Thou hast neither parte nor lot in this matter : The whole man is Christes who hath bought him with a price . Away with thy gun-pudered humour : Attempt no more to touch him : Thou shalt neuer grippe him any more within thy cruell clouthes , nor inwrap him in thy snaires : Wo●… to that Soule that serueth thee : * It is like a Bird on a bush which is smitten in her song of the Archer for whom shee had tuned her song : In the vtmost of all crueltie thou hast discharged the vtmost of thy gall vpon this wearied heart : I will enter no more in parley with thee . Now come our thou fillie Soule vnto him that breathed thee in that bodie : Come to thy rightfull owner : Come into mine armes that I may carrie thee vp the Ladder of Iaacob vnto blesse : Christ thine Advocat hath pleaded for thee , and hath winne the cause : Come now Soule out of that body , flie like an Eagle vp to the blessed Carcase of thy Lord , where is constant peace , vnmixed joye , and blessed immortalitie : Now thou art Christs & Christ is thine : Hearkē & heare the cry of thy Spouse , Rise vp my Loue , my faire One , and come away : Rejoyce wearied Soule , lift vp thine head , Saluation is come : The Heauens are opened goe enter into thy rest . The Battell of the Soule is now ended : Now deare Soule come out to eternity , come out to thy Bridegrome who now calleth thee : Bee clothed with royall apparell : Put on the massie & bright crowne of immortalitie with the glorious Garland of celestial Lawrels spangled with Iemmes of joye : Come out wearied Traueller from doole , dolour and distresse , for to enter into pleasures for euermore . FINIS . A COMFORTABLE Speach for the Widow of the defunct . M. WEE daylie may see the trueth of that in Iob , Man that is borne of a woman is of few dayes and full of trouble : Hee commeth foorth like a flowre and is cut downe : He fleeth also as a shadow and continueth not : Of this is a necessitie , For it is appointed vnto all men once to die : The decree is come foorth against all flesh , All flesh is as grasse , &c. The grasse withereth , the flowre fadeth , because the Spirit of the Lord bloweth vpon it : Surelie the people is grasse : All must goe to the vast gulfe of the Graue : Be cause all haue sinned , all are mortall without exceptiō of persons : prince people , great and small , all must goe to Golgotha : To great men God hath said , Yee are gods , but yee shall die like men . What man is hee , said the Psalmist , that liueth and shall not see death ? Were a man Monarch of the whole world , Iob saith , That his dayes are determined , the number of his m●…neths are with God : Hee hath appointed his boundes that hee cannot passe : As the enemies of Christ could not laye handes on him till his houre was come , neither Death the 〈◊〉 enemie touch the Sainctes till the houre of their change come . As for you M. whom now the Lord hath made a Widow , yee haue to take patience , and holde your peace with Aaron : Dauid said to God , I was dumbe and opened not my mouth ; because thou diddest it : A Widow in the holie tongue is called Almanah from a worde that signifieth dumb , a word warning her to lay her hād on her mouth for to seale it with a reuerend silence , because God hath done it : Let his decease prouoke and enkindle your desire to goe to him , for hee will no more come to you . God , M. hath not left you comfortlesse , for now happie is your Husband who hath drunke of deaths cuppe so peaceablie euen a sleeping drinke wherewith hee hath gone to sleepe with these righteous , who are said by the Prophet to rest in their beddes : The friendes of Christ die not , but softlie with Lazarus that friend of Christ , they sleepe in their Graues , where they lye still and are quiet . Trauell M. with your owne heart that it bee silent . O but yee haue to blesse God , who hath dealt so mercifullie with your dearest hearte whome hee hath so powerfullie vp holden in so bloodie and bitter a Battell against the enemies of his Saluation wherein by the strength of God in his weakenesse : After bitter bickeringes hee hath obtained so glorious a victorie which hath made all the heauens torejoyce . Now assuredlie M. yee may say , My deare Husband the desire of mine eyes is now a Prince in heauen crowned with the euer greene Lawrels of immortalitie : Hee hath changed a fraile life , a wind in a worme for eternitie of Glorie . Faithfull Iob patientlie blessed God , by whose permission Sathan in a whirle-wind crushed all his Children together vnder the ruines of an house , howe much more comfortablie may yee say , The Lord gaue , & the Lord hath taken away , blessed bee the Name of the Lord. * How manie good and godlie persons haue their Husbands taken by Pyrates , pyned in Galleyes , rotting in prisons , slaine by poysō , stobbed in duells , murthered by Traitours , killed in warre , drowned in Riuers , sunke downe in Seas with their whole substance , and diuerslie taken away in most doolefull manner ? But be hold , which may blunt the edge of your dolours , your husband peaceablie deceased in his bed hauing his eyes closed with the finger of a Friend : Though all the sortes of death of Gods beloued Ones be precious in his sight , yet it is most comfortable for the liuing when these whom they loue best are remoued in this outward peaceable manner , both spirituallie and temporallie comforted : This Iob calleth to die in our nest . If God had done otherwise to you in the rigour of his Iustice , who durst controll him ? This also ye must remember for the settling of any drūblie mood of impatiencie that may be in your heart , that hee was but lent vnto you for a space , and so contracted yee at the first to tarrie but a space together : for if yee will take leasure to reade your Contract of m●…rriage , yee shall finde that therein is made mention of the death of you both : Let mee yet come neerer , after hee had taken you by the hand before the 〈◊〉 on your marriage day , your handes a little after few wordes spoken did goe asunder againe , euen for to tell you that none immortall knot can bee had of any things heere below : happie shee whose hearte is plyable and obsequious to the will of her God. I confesse that yee cannot but mourne , beeing depriued of such 〈◊〉 pleasure the fairest jewell of all your worldlie joy , the staffe of your estate on whō your greatest comfortes did depend : what wōder ? for many days haue ye bene glad together , so that it is no possible were ye neuer so sāctified , but your heart must be deeplie wounded : Why not ? Gods will was neuer against anie moderate mourning for the dead : * Grace maketh no●… men and women Stoicks and stockes that cannot bee moued for anything : Nay , God permits vs to mourne but not to carke & care as these which haue none hope , who ●…ugging out their haire and downe their cheekes powre out their roaringes as waters , beeing swallowed vp of discouragement , hauing none hoe in their griefe , they some out myre and dirt . It is permitted to mourne when Gods hand is gone out against vs : It is naturall : True grace is not against it , but against its corruption in excesse : In the Olde-Testament Abraham mourned for Sarah : For the death of Deborah Rebeccas Nurse was sore weeping , for which cause y● Oak-tree vnder which she was buried was called , Allon Bachuth , the Oake of weeping : Iacob wept exceedingly for Ioseph , whom hee thought by some wilde beaste to haue beene rent in pieces : After that Iacob had gathered vp his feete & yeelded vp the ghost , Ioseph fell vpon his face and wept 〈◊〉 him and kissed him : Naomi after shee had lost both Husband and Children , would no more bee called Naomi , that is pleasant : Call me not Naomi , said shee , that is pleasant , but call mee Marah that is bitter , For the Almightie hath dealt verie bitter 〈◊〉 with me : I went out full , and the Lord hath brought mee home againe emptie : Why then call yee mee Naomie , seeing the Lord hath testified against mee , and the Almightie hath afflicted mee ▪ These all were interested , and therefore they mourned , beeing pinched with the smart . Behold , M. how in the Olde-Testament God by taking away by death hath afflicted his dearest Ones & for to vse Naomis words hath testified against them : consider also how they haue mourned . In the New-Testament Christ himselfe groaning in himselfe wept at Lazarus his Graue ▪ The wordes are these , And Iesus wept : The sight of Christes death was by Simeon foretold to his Mother Marie : This Simeon called a sword which shuld pierce her thorow the Soule . * Thus as yee see a Christian heart is not a Marble heart but a mel●…ing heart furnishing teares the tribute of our loue appointed for the funeral obsequies of our best beloued , whose appointed monethes of life are expired : * Indeede where grace is , it stayeth at the course , stoppeth the ●…ent and the streame of Natures blind and bold corruptions , bringing our most violent affections into an holie compasse of an humble submission vnto Gods will : But it neuer dissalloweth a tempered Turtle crouding for the absence of our dearest comforts : Such cleare crystall teares the Lord will put vp in his Bottels : But as for these drumlie and barmie teares of fierce and vnrulie passions comming from the muddie fountaine of an vnhallowed heart , the Lord will not respect them no more than 〈◊〉 regarded the sacrifice of Cain : * Suc●… teares are like the waters of jealousi●… to the whoorish woman which mad●… her thigh to rotte & her bellie to swell : None but humble and godlie grieuances shall bee noted in Gods Register for to be asswaged and allayed with comforts . By all that which wee haue saide M. yee see that yee haue licence to mourne like these that haue hope : Ye haue indeede nowe to mourne , but first for your sins which might haue beene some occasion of his remoue from you : What is the best of our hearts , but a filthie sinke-hole and stinking dung-hill : That done , first ye may mourne thereafter for 〈◊〉 losse : If the first yee doe sincerelie ▪ God in his appointed time shall bee the repairer of your losse with doubled contentmentes as hee did to Iacob who mourning sore for Benj●…mine , in a clap recouered both I●…seph & Benjamin : But how can that bee ? will yee say : For him whom I haue lossed can I neuer in this world recouer : * Know yee not what Elkanah said to his Wife Hannah weeping for want of Children , Why weepest thou ? said hee , and why eatest thou not ? and why is thine heart grieued ? am not I better to thee than ten Sonnes ? Shee is not worthie to bee comforted who thinketh not God to bee better to her than ten thousand Husbands : Hath not the Lord who sitteth at the Sterne , ruling all thinges aboue and below , proclaimed himselfe to the worlde to bee that great IAH , The Father of the fatherlesse , & a Iudge of the Widowes ? Dauid was confident in this 〈◊〉 my father and my mother for sake me , ●…aid ●…e , then the Lord will take mee vp . As for your childrē lay fast hold vpon the promises of your God , who hath oblished himselfe in a Precept of his Law , to shew mercie vnto the posteritie of the godlie and that vnto thousands : There is Gods Obligation , whose word is faster than all the writs of men subscribed with a thousand Noters : Such is his loue to the posteritie of the godlie that though the Mother shuld forget the fruit of her womb , yet can hee not forget them whom hee hath printed vpon the palmes of hi●… hands : Hee who hath made the Egyptian to fauour his people , and caused the fi●…rie flint to yeelde water for the thi●…stie , & moued the deuourer to affoord foode : Though he suffer the Lyons to lack and suffer hunger : They that seeke the Lord shall not want any good thing . All worldlie comforts may deceiue vs , as a Broo●… as the rising of the Riuers they passe away : But God whose bowels are euer earning ouer vs is euer fast and sure : With him is no shadowe of change : This comforted the Psalmest in the failinges of his flesh and heart : God , said hee , is the strength of mine heart and my portion for euer : This may vvell content vs except that wee bee heartlesse cowards . I know and am fullie perswaded that yee would gladlie haue still enjoyed your Iewell for some number of yeares , euen vnto the last date of mans dayes , euen vnto his threescore and tenth yeare , or to four score the vtmost feare of sinfull life set for these in whō is the reason of strength : This I know would haue bene your desire : But bee yee thankefull to God , for the blessed time yee haue enjoyed him alreadie : How many bee Widowes before that their first yeare bee ended ? * And yet though so should haue beene done with you or with all these that liue godlie : A good marriage were it but for a day , it is in Gods Count Book reckoned to bee of long continuance : Many dayes make not the long life , but well spent dayes : A Childe of God though an Infant of dayes , dieth an hundreth yeares olde , but the sinner an hundreth yeares olde shall bee accursed ; hee is but as of yesterday . As for your Husband M there is no neede now of lamentations for him , for he is well : He is now among these ransomed of the Lord , obtaining joye and gladnesse , where sorrowe and sighing haue none abode . God in great mercie hath taken him away , that hee should not see the euill to come . This was a fauour granted to good Iosiah , that he should be remoued in peace before the breake of weather : Behold , said the Lord , I will gather thee vnto thy fathers , & thou shalt be gathered into thy graue in peace , & thine eyes shall not see all the euill which I will bring vpon this place . * In these last Dreggie dayes of the world the dead could speake to the liuing , they might well say to them as Christ said to the weeping women of Ierusalem , Weepe not for vs , but weepe for your selues , for behold the dayes are comming , &c. In all appearance behold in this Age the dayes are comming fast on wherein that of Ieremiah shal be said to the liuing , Weepe yee not for him that is dead , neither bemone him , but we●…pe for him that goeth away , for hee shall returne no more , nor see his natiue Countrie . There bee such fearefull calamities now brewing for this Land that by all liklie-hood , when yee shall drinke the cup of wrath , our griefes shall so goe beyond all such sorrow , lik that of Ezekiel , that neither shall the Husband mourne for his Wife , nor shall the Wife waile for the Husband at their buriall : Beholde , a Paterne . Sonne of man , said the Lord , Behold , I take away from thee the desire of thine eyes with a stroake : Consider well the sodainnesse , the increaser of griefe , yet neither shalt thou mourne nor weepe , nor teares runne downe : Forbeare to cry , make no mourning for the dead : Bind the tyre of thine head vpon thee , and put on thy shooes vpon thy feete , and couer not thy lippes , and eate not the bread of men : All this was to declare that such calamities shul●… ouer-take that people , that all such mourninges for the death of Husbands , W●…ues , Children , &c. should be swallowed vp by a greater griefe . This is plaine by the wordes following , Yee shall not mourne nor weepe , but yee shall pyne away for your iniquities , and mourne one towardes another . Let vs speake in Conscience : May not the Lord most justlie as he did threaten there , take from vs our strength , the joy of our glorie , the desire of our eyes & that whervpon we set our minds , euen the Gospel the Arke of his couenant ? O let vs die before that euer that Glorie depart from this Israel . This consideration may sufficientlie teach you and vs all moderat mourning in so mercifull a visitation : It shall therefore bee your best in your deepest doole to Behaue and quiet your self lik a child that is wained of his mother : The choisest argument of comfort which the Apostle could finde concerning the dead , is founded vpon the Resurrection , the day of the generall meeting of all Saints : I would not , said hee , haue you ignorant concerning them which are asleepe , that yee sorrow not euen as these which haue none hope : For if wee belieue that Iesus died , & rose againe , euen so them also which sleepe in Iesus , will God bring with him . For this wee say v●…to you by the word of the Lord , that wee which are aliue and remaine vnto the comming of the Lord , shall not preuent them which are asleepe . For the Lord himselfe shall d●…scend from heauen with a shout with the voyce of the Arch ▪ Angel and with the Trump of God , and the dead in Christ shall rise first . Then wee which are aliue , and remaine shall bee caught vp together with them in the cloudes , to meete the Lord in the Aire : And so shall wee bee euer with the Lord. VVherefore comfort one another with these words . Consider well and weigh these words which that great Pen-man of God hath set downe with a precept that with them wee should comfort one another while wee are in doole for the dead . Finallie this M. yee must know that all earthlie sorrowes were they neuer so sharpe , will at last growe blunt , and will bee meekened and skinned ouer by time : Nowe that which Time can doe to a Pagane , let Grace doe it to a Christian. I intreate the Lord of all Grace and kindnesse to cast downe his compassionate eye vpon your afflicted & grieued case that your mourning beeing tempered with mercie ye may in your greatest griefe rejoyce in your God , Amen . A compendious Epitaphe fit for a godlie Man deceased . To long Eternitie from toylesome Time , His Soule is past , his Body sleepes in Slime . A COMFORT for the fatherlesse . MY deare heartes bee not dismayed in this grieuous affliction : But take it in patience , seeing it is from the Lord , who maketh all thinges to worke to the best of th●…se that loue him . As Father Iob said while hee was made Childlesse , so muste yee say while yee are made fatherlesse , The Lord hath giuen , the Lord hath taken away , and blessed bee the Name of the Lord. * If yee can blesse him for the remouing of his blessinges , hee shall double his blessinges vpon you , and shall make them to meete you at euerie turne . The fatherlesse Children of the faithfull whether their Fathers haue beene poore or rich , haue a rich Legacie left vnto them ? ●…or to them belong that promise of shewing mercie vnto thousands : Such as bee blessed of him , saith the Psalmist , mist , shall inherite the earth : In another place hee saith , The generation of the righteous shall bee blessed . Wee knowe nothing on Earth more tender than a mother toward the fruit of her wombe : This made the Lord to say , Cā a mother forget her sucking Childe , that she should not haue compassion of the fruite of her nombe ? But what answered the Lord to that question ? Yea , said hee , they ●…ay forget , yet will I not forget thee : Behold I haue grauen thee vpon the palmes of mine hands : This was Dauids greatest comfort that though his Father and his Mother should for sake him , yet the Lord would take him vp : If yee would heare of sensible Experience , My flesh , said hee , and mine hearte faileth : But God is the strength of my heart and my portion for euer . Thus as yee see Father , and Mother , Sister , and Brother , flesh and Friendes , Heart , Health , and Wealth , and all will faile vs , but our God is onelie and euer fast ; hee is the strength of our heart and our portion for euer . Seeing it is so , let your hearts relye vpon your God alone : What euer your distresses bee ( as Abraham said to his Sonne ) The Lord will prouide : * Will yee heare Experience ? I haue bene yong , said Dauid , and now am old , yet haue I not seene the righteous forsaken nor his seede begging their bread : * Though the children of the godlie bee but Children of poore fathers , yet heere is their comfort , their godlie fathers before they die treasure vp for them many prayers in Heauen , and leaue vnto them the rich Legacie of Gods fauour . Yee knowe certainlie that your Father was one that feared the LORD from his heart , whereof , to all our comforts , hee hath giuen a good proofe : And ther●…fore yee may boldlie by the hand of faith laye holde on the promises of God which belong to all the faithfull and to their Children vnto many generations . Ye may know by the writen word howe God feedeth the Rauens and clotheth the Lillies : Though they neither toile nor spinne , and though they neither sowe nor reape , and though they neither haue store-house nor Barne , yet are they sufficiently prouided : * How much more are ye better than Fowles or flowers ? Christs precept is of profitable practise , Seeke first the Kingdome of God , and the righteousnesse therof , and all other things shall bee cast vnto you : Pray the Lord not coldlie and careleslie , but most earnestlie , that hee would cleanse & scoure your hearts from all these worldlie cares , of what yee shall eate , and vvhat ye shall drink , and vvhat yee shall put on : Learne in time to cast your burden vpon the Lord , who desireth you so to doe , and that with a promise , that hee shall sustaine you : * A little with Gods blessing is enough : It is like that Widowes handfull of meale and little oyle which failed not : The vessels of Gods grace are like that other VVidowes pot of oyle , which yeelded out oyle continuallie so long as there were vessels to receiue . If yee bee earnest with God in prayer , hee will not repell your prayers with a deafe eare : The Lord himselfe hath taken vpon him to bee your Iudge and defender : If anie goe about for to molest you by a violent & boisterous course , he will certainelie bee their bane , like dung hee sh●…ll swee●…e them away from the face of the Earth . Seeing then yee haue such faire promises of GOD , made both to your faithfull Father and to you also in the day of your Baptisme , beware by a lewde life to forfeite such Bandes and Obligations : Beware to followe the euill examples of this Worlde , in following the droue , which either by secret hypocrisie or publicke prophaning , biddeth Battells to all the Preceptes of Gods Lawe : Sharpe is that sauce which commeth after the sweet●…st worldlie pleasures : Let them bee as pleasant as yee please , there is an Hooke in the Bate : The most part of this world is but a rabble of Reprobates , an hoste of damned sinners rushing vpon their owne destruction : Their cleanest Garments are spotted with the flesh : They are more clammie than pitch : None can touch them and not bee defiled . Bee euer earnest to doe well : Though ye come faire short of that you should and also would doe , yet bee not discouraged : Gods strength at last shall bee made perfect in your weaknesse : It cannot bee auoided but manie will trouble you by fraud & by cusenage , and by other diuerse afflictions : * Though such things bee tedious to the flesh and goe against the streame of your affections , yet in the latter end all shall worke both to your well & contentment . Let not sorrow ouerwhelme your hearts : Mourne not as these that haue none hope of the Resurrection : Let the meditations of Gods mercie and promised fauour rouse vp your Soules from that lumpishnesse and melancholious drowsinesse which may creep in into your hearts in this troublous time : * Striue to bound and fence your heartes about deligentlie with the thoughts of Gods Fatherlie fauour , who shall neuer leaue you fatherlesse : * Though your father be dead , yet God is aliue . Now Sir , yee who a●…t the elder bee yee the more thankfull to God , who hath giuen you the first place : Shew good example vnto the yonger : Oppresse them not , but rather bee a father vnto them : By your good counsell striue to make them plyable and frameable to Gods will reuealed in his word . As for you who are yonger ones , bee not discouraged , for often grace maketh the yonger to bee the elder , and sinne maketh the elder the yonger : So Iacob found the bl●…ssing , though Esau was the first borne : * It is Vertue that maketh the Heire . Let your heartes therefore relye vpon the Lord : Let him bee the caruer of all your cares : If yee depend on him yee shall not want : * Hee who created the world without matter and preserueth it without meanes , is God all sufficient who can easilie finde out meanes for the maintenance of al these that by faith can laye claime to his promise : If wealth bee expedient for you , the Lord will giue you a large allowance , till hee make your Cuppe to ouer flow : * But if otherwise hee hath appointed to exercise you with pouertie , know that he who hath the hearts of all men in his hands can easilie for your comfort stirre vp some who by their liberalitie towards you shall prouide themselues bags vvhich waxe not olde . If yee can bend your whole endevour to the seruice of your God hee shall satisfie you with the prouisions of his mercie : * But if otherwise yee become lewde and prophane haunting euill companie the verie canker and cut-throate of all godlinesse , yee shall neuer prosper ; no not though by a painefull drudgerie ye should draw out the verie life-blood of your hearts : It is not earlie rising no●… late going to bedde , but Gods blessing that enricheth . Now the Lord of grace blesse you mine hearts : The Lord teach you to set & seale these comforts with prayers & patience vpon your hearts : And seeing the dayes are now euill euen the dregges of dayes : I intreate the most High to graunt you grace hour lie to ren●…w and strengthen your watch , that your hearts & spirits may be preserued vnblamable , and that vntill the day of his most glorious appearance . AMEN . A diuine and heauenly discourse fit to be read to these that are conueened in the house of mourning , that thereby the liuing may be remembered of their mortalitie . DEarlie Beloued , this our godlie Friend one of Gods excellent Ones is now deceased , & that peac●…ablie like a Lambe into the armes o●… his God , who hath euer lasting lie fast bund his Soule in the bundle of life ▪ The death of such is often a fearfull pre●…age of much anger and euill to come . His Soule is now glorious in the Heauens like a Starre new created in the Skie : It is now liuing the life of God aboue , where it is filled with the infusion of that 〈◊〉 which wee haue heere on earth 〈◊〉 by imputation : Hee hath now al●… God and all that is in God in ●…speakable perfection beeing in that place where God is all in all . At last after sore fighting and bitter bickering , as diuerse godlie persons haue seene , through the bent browes of an angrie Iudge hee hath seene the yearning and relenting bowels of a louing Father : Now after his Battell ended , he hath 〈◊〉 the Spirit : * Clepsydr●… 〈◊〉 his houre glasse is now runne out , and his Soule is come to its wished home where it is free from the fetters of flesh : Nowe from the ●…hanging turnes of time , hee is at last come to Eternitie : * Thorow many seas of ●…orrows both bitter and brimie hath he sailed before that hee could ariue at that blessed Port. Our hearts cannot be but sorrowfull to bee depriued of such comfortable companie as was ●…is : But here i●… our comfort and the matter of our joye , hee is well and shall bee so for euer : * By the mercie of his God hee is now passed ouer th●… knoppes of the mountaines of miserie and thorow the muddie myres of sinfull mortalitie , thorow fearefull tryals and troubles , euen from the dyets of grace to the dainties of glorie , from the a Villages of this world vnto b euerlasting 〈◊〉 , farre aboue the rolling wheele of all changeable pleasures and smarting paines . Poore mans life on earth is like a restlesse whirle-gigge whirled about : The mouing heauens are the place of our rest ; and the resting earth is the place of our restlesse motions : * The way of this life as wee may see is not adorned with Violets and Roses : No not : It is full of rubs and thornes and pricking whinnes of piercing griefe : O with what paines hath his sillie Soule sought vp the sweete streames of Gods mercie 〈◊〉 to the Fountaine it selfe which is 〈◊〉 to the Heauens ! God in great mercie hath now 〈◊〉 last after manie dolours and bitter bickerings put his Spirit into the ac●… tuall and full possession of his 〈◊〉 all joyes : Through fyre and water 〈◊〉 Lord hath broght him out into a 〈◊〉 place : Now he is free from the bodie of bondage which did hang so fast 〈◊〉 His Soule is set out of the reach of 〈◊〉 troubles and sublunary toyes : Now blessed bee our God , hee is no 〈◊〉 lyable to our sinfull mortalitie into this earth a gulfe of corruption , God at last hath recompenced his light affliction with an euerlasting weight of glorie : O but he hath had a painefull time in his sicknes ! with manie deepe sigh and heauie groane hath hee beene heard in his feares : His face could neuer bee dryed for teares continuallie trickling ouer his cheekes : * Happie is hee now for all the cloudes of his sinnes haue bene dissolued by the raine of mourn●…full teares where with all Soules must be baptised before that they can be members of the Church Triumphant : Now blessed bee God , all his teares and his trauels are turned into triumphes : If men shedde not ●…eares on earth , God cannot wypt them away in heauen : All , as wee , must fight the good fight before ●…hey can catch the Crowne . * Let vs all learne in him , and in ●…his House of mourning to see and con●…der the end of vs all , that while wee are liuing wee may lay it to our hearts and make it a matter of our nights meditations : * Happie and thrise happie is hee that can practise that saying of Iob , All the dayes of mine appointed time , will I waite , till changing come . It is good that wee euer bee watchfull vpon our guarde well prepared for our last departure and finall accounts : * No man can ●…ll how soone hee shall bee arraigned in the great Iudge his Consistorie : The day of this life wherein onelie wee can worke , declineth a pace : The fearfull night cloud hath taken post ▪ So soone as it shall come , man shall bee discharged to worke any more . It is good often to consider ( le●… wee should dote and dreame of Immortalitie heere ) that the short threed of this life will bee soone drawne out to an end ▪ that by such thoughts we may learne in time not to bee taken vp with abortiue earthlie pleasures which perish in the budde . What is this earth but a muddie myre ? What is poore mans life on this earth , but a map of miserie ? * The best of it is white and blacke checker work mixed with paines & pleasures , lashes and laughters : Euen in laughter the heart is sorrowfull , and the end of that mirth is heauinesse : This godlie mans death should bee warning for vs : * Death knocking at our neighbours doore should remember vs of our mortalitie : There is no case of humane calamitie , but it is insident to all : In this our old friend wee may see and reade that we haue none abiding heere : Hee is nowe gone to his long home by the way of all flesh : * Aboue the rolling circumference of heauen hee hath found the center of his rest : Natures necessitie subjecteth all flesh to mortalitie : Hee is gone before vs from the land of the shadowe of death thorow the valey of the shadow of death vnto euerlasting felicitie , and we all soone o●… since must all treade the same way : Let vs prouok our watchfulnes with this , that wee shall goe to him , but hee shall no more come to vs : Let vs worke while the day lasteth : * Before wee bee benighted by death , let vs wot where we shall get a lodging ▪ So long as wee haue breath and being let vs like Moses bee instant with God in prayer , that hee would so teach vs to number our few and euill dayes that vvee may apply our heartes to vvisedome and to vvell doing . Wee haue all great neede to goe to this Schoole for the learning of that lesson , because death in this narrow passage of mortalitie stealeth vpon vs all with insinsible degrees ▪ The course of our dayes is like the course of the Sunne the ruler of the Day , whom our owlish eyes cannot perceiue to moue , though hee rejoyce as a strong man to runne a race : we know him to be more swift than winde , yet while wee behold him in his course , wee cannot perceiue his motion : It is euen so of our life : Our dayes runne fast away , but wee perceiue not how : * It is not long that wee stand , but when wee beginne to fall , wee are like the Yce which thaweth sooner than it froze : Our life like smoke or chaffe is carried away as with a gale winde , and yet we cannot consider : Oh , that this meditation like the Rowell of a Spurre could pricke vs forward in our voyage from grace to glorie . * Nature hath taught the ●…sillie Birdes , the Cranne , Storke , and Swallows our winter strangers , to know their seasons : As if they had numbered the dayes of their absence , they come precisely at their appointed Spring : The Salmons also in their season returne to the place where they were spawned : They like skilled Airthmeticiens number well the dayes of their absence , and for no rubs in the way will they be moued to cracke their tryst . All this haue they learned in the Schoole of Nature : * But men who should haue grace with Nature , forget to desire to returne to their God who at the first spawned or as Scripture speaketh breathed within them their liuing Soules : Men are often worse than the beasts , who wold faine know their duety , but cannot : Many mē can , but will not , lik these whom S. Peter calleth Willinglie ignorant ▪ The God of grace giue vs wisedome , that before our day bee spent and our Sunne set , wee may weigh well and consider how wee may so liue to die , that wee may die to liue ▪ * Happie is the man whom God his white man , hath in this life marked with the mourning marke : The way to Heauen is not so easie as manie dreame : Oh , how many lets bee within vs and without vs ! * Oh howe manie weightes hang ●…o fast on , whereby the vnstable Soule of man is tossed and swayed hither and thither . Seeing this holie man of God such a strong Oake hath beene so sore shaken , what may we poore little shrubs expect ? O but we haue great neede to coffer vp some comfortes against the euill day : All worldlie helpes depart from vs , when we depart out of this life , but Gods fauour faileth neuer : When all thinges haue forsaken vs , then onelie hee will stand by vs , and at last will draw vs out of this myrie lake of miserie . Happie and thrise happie is the man that is holie heere , whome the Spirite of God may point out with an Ecce , Behold a true Israelite : Such a man after death shall obtaine a name , which shall giue him after death a second life : O thrise blessed is hee whom God in mercie remoueth in time , that his eyes should not see the euill to come . The world now is come to its dregs : From little to little our zeale is come to its last gaspe : Now , if euer , the Church is a Lillie among the thornes : Our sinnes are become like Oakes : but our vertues are pinched smal lik graines of mustard seede : * Wee look in drumblie waters , and therefore we cannot see our sinfull blots and blamishes . Lord , teach vs to grow better that so long as we sojourne in these mansions of dying wightes , wee may striue without guile to glid thorow this world , that at last following this our olde deare friend wee may come to him and to all the Sainctes into to that celestiall Palace , a place of plentie , peace and pleasures for euermore . Another discourse of the same sort . O How hard a thing is it for the liuing to remember that wee are but weedes of a day fading and flying vanities . * Wee are all heere like poore Trauellers who haue farre to goe and little to spend : In our most constant estate below we are like Ionahs gourd that sprang vp into a night , & withered into another , euen a ●…oish vanitie . This life , said a Father , is miserarable : Our death is vncertaine : If it surprise vs vnawares , whither shall wee goe ? & where shal we learne that which wee haue neglected heere ? Men for the most part wallowing in their sins , while they looke most for life , are by their expectation surprised of Death : But , Oh then , whether shall they goe ? Alas , that we cannot consider while we haue time and breath : * Man naturallie is so dull and dumpish that hee cannot imagine that he is possest with a melting mortalitie : * The best of vs in spirituall matters are pure blind : Wee cannot see farre off , no , that which is neere , euen this mortalitie among vs , yea , within vs : * That which hath breath can hardlie thinke of buriall : * A morning mementomori is not able to waken vs , so fast are wee lulled asleepe in carnall securitie , euen while the dead Bell soundeth wee forget o●… niortalitie : * The House of mourning is become an house of drinking , of snuffing and of sneuelling with Tobacca : Though wee bee warned , wee are not wiser . In Solomons dayes , the liuing in such places laid such thinges to their heart : But , alas , euen while in the thoughts of the gastlie visage of death we are carrying others to the graue our hearts are not molten and liquified for sinne the cause of our mortalitie : * While wee put our hand to the Beire wee may get some light sudden flashes of deuotion , but anone we forget that within a short time as wee doe to others , so shall bee done to vs : Euen while wee walke with the dead to the Graue , wee dreame of immortalitie ; forgetting our borrowed dayes : * If there bee any heate of zeale in our hearts how soone is it cooled : Mans heart is like water which as the Learned obserue , becommeth more cold after the heating than it was before : Such heate because it is not naturall and kindlie , but forced by fire , it cannot continue , but must bee foorth-with extinguished : * Man is like an Horse that naturallie ●…rots , though by industrie hee bee broken and made to ●…mble for a space , yet euer and anone hee preaseth to goe out of his amble for to enter into his trot : While we are at the Beire and the dead corp●… in sight , an ambling sorrow for a space may make the bowels of our bellie to wamble : But haue wee once turned our backe vpon the Graue , and wee anone to the olde trot of our former folies . While wee should learne to die , wee plant our selues in the face and glorie of the world : * Wee are so troubled with Marthas many things that wee forget Maries best par●… : * Many come to their death-bed before that they had euer earnestlie thought of their life : They die euen then whē they thought to begin to amend their life : Thus as ye see they die deceiued in their delayes : they die before they know wherfore they liued ▪ Their Sunne setteth while they are entering on the journey . The euening of their life is the morning of their task : By by & base respects their mind●… are caried on the by : * Foolish fancie●… creepe in by stealth & slilie insinuate and winde in themselues into their heartes wherein beeing once fast cogged , they keepe the minde musing on vanitie till the Sunne of their life bee set . While their time is thus spent , they can doe nothing but lament the losse of that which they cannot recouer . Vitae summa brevis , spem Nos vetat in choare longam . * A short life is not for long and large projects . * Poore man is sent vnto this world for a great businesse to bee done in a short time : Hee must first of all glorifie his God , and in that doing hee must worke out the great worke of his Saluation : All the time alloted to this businesse is but threescore and ten yeares or foure score at the most : But , alas , most men sleepe both the morning and noone of their life : And yet which is worse , euen while they see their Sunne going downe , and posting to the west , they haue no care to redeeme the time : At the comming of death , their assigned businesse is scarchlie well begunne : * Most men are so miserablie muffled that they cannot see the sand of their houre glasse in a continuall course : Oh that we were wise to bee forearmed for death whereof wee are forewarned : As the Cananitish woman picked comfort out of the reproachful name of Dogge , so out of all thinges should wee without daintie nicenesse bee storing vp comforts for to vphold vs in our last and most heauie houre : But Oh , where is the man who in time is carefull to redeeme his euill & idly spent houres ? O foolish man , fye vpon thee , shall the sickle follie of an houre cost thee the lose of that glorious immortalitie ? Wilt thou not thinke in time that grimme Death shall come at last like an armed man for to bereaue thee of thy Soule , thou neither can tell how , when , nor where : * Happie is that man whose journey , time , businesse and breath , are finished together : Happie shall that t●…yst be when these foure shall finish in immortalitie . It is good that in time wee set all the powers of our Soule vpon Christ , that out of his Sacred person wee may suck the influence of his goodnesse , whereby wee may bee saued from the traines & treasons of the Deuill : * He is euer readie to strik fyre with his frezell and his flint , if wee will find him tinder : Oh , that our hearts continuallie could minde things that are aboue : All things below are vnconstant , as water they sl●…d away , but Gods fauour is more fixed than Mount Syon . What an heart-scald should this bee vnto vs , that wee haue so long neglected this best part , not remembering our latter end ? Let vs now therefore consider in time that wee are all into this world but Tenants at will : Prince , people , great and small , all must leaue this Cottage of clay , at the first warning : Pale Death at its first approach will anone change the copie of their countenance . Stat sua cuique dies . Euerie mans day is set : None can transgresse his appointed houre : God absolutelie at Death must bee obeyed : None by force or fauour may sit his summonds : Wee by the death of others are all lawfullie forewarned to flit & remoue : All things aboue vs , beneath vs , about vs , cry vnto vs , that wee must shortly leaue this world for to goe sleepe in slime : No contentment of man below can out-last the date of foure score year●…s : O Lord , open our eyes , that we may see how the sickle figure of this world passeth away . * Happie and thrise happie is hee who after the bitter and bloodie Battell of this life is with olde Simeon departed in peace : As the life of the godlie is gracious , so is their death precious : This wee learne in Scripture : Precious to the Lord is the death of his Sainctes : * But as for all the wicked who while they liued did justle out of their hearts all feare of God , they shall be so wrapped in his wrath that their hearts shall bee slitted with sorrow : * While the godlie with Elias shall bee princelie carried into Gods royall Coach vnto heauen , the wicked Ahab shall be sent into a bloodie Charet vnto hell , depriued of all these comforts which they on earth did most eagerlie desire : All their princelie pleasures shall be followed with pinching paines : * Such will boast boldlie before death come , but at the slight and light touch of a Feuer or Fluxe they quickelie plucke in their snailes hornes like Ahab lowring in sacke-cloth : When sicknesse beginneth to lay siege to their noble parts , they weakly waile & womanly lament : Then know they but too late that mans life is but a winde in a worme . * O happie is that man in whose heart Christ hath grauen deepe the shape of himselfe in this world : when Death shall come then shall he know what blessed treasures of contentment , God hath stored vp for his beloued : When the Soules of the faithfull which on earth haue beene endued with a matchlesse concurrence of diuine graces , shall come out of their bodies , Christ the Father of mercies shall cast the armes of his cōpassions about their necks : At their first entrie into Heauen , hee shall giue them the comfortable kisses of peace . Lord , soften our stonie hearts , & enlighten our mistie minds , that all our joye may bee in enjoying thee in whom is fulnesse without dislike : O satisfie vs yearely with thy mercie the fairest flower of the Garland of thy Majestie . While wee remember the death of others , make vs carefullie to studie vnto newnesse of life , that in this life wee dying vnto sinne , may after death liue vnto Thee , and with Thee vnto the vtmost bound of the euerlasting Hills , AMEN . FINIS . A. H. emblem THE LAST BATTELL OF THE SOVLE IN DEATH , 2. Volume . Carefullie digested for the comfort of the Sicke : By Mr. ZACHARIE BOYD , Preacher of Gods Word at Glasgow . Bernard in Serm. Novissima sunt quatuor , MORS , IVDICIVM , GEHENNA , GLORIA : Quid horribilius morte ? Quid terribilius judicio ? Quid intolerabilius gehenna ? Et quid incundius gloria ? Idem . Senibus mors est in ianuis , Iuvenibus vero in insidijs . Printed at Edinburgh , by the Heires of ANDRO HART . 1629. TEMPVS emblem TO THE MOST EXCELLENT PRINCESSE ELIZABETH Queene of Bohemia , &c. MADAME , IN corporall troubles let vs seeke for spirituall Comfortes : Dayes of sorrow are dayes of drousinesse : For the remeede of such sorrowes heere followeth a Discourse of heauens Happinesse , with diuerse other Christian comforts which I must humblie and heartilie dedicate to your Majestie . If MADAME I were more able to present your Majestie with some matter●… of greater worth , my will should not bee deficient to mine Abilitie . Thus presuming out of your Royall bountie that this little Offer from One of SCOTLAND your Majesties natiue Soyle shall bee graciouslie accepted , I most humblie present it to your Majestie for to bee receiued and shrouded vnder your Royall safe-gard and louing protection . After manie feruent and vnfained prayers made to God for the esta blishment of the Crowne vpon your Majesties Royall Heads , and also for spirituall Graces to bee aboundantlie powred vpon you , and vpon the rest of these Royall Plants , which by the great mercie of God haue branched from You both , I humblie take my leaue . Your Majesties most humble and most obedient Oratour and Seruant : M. ZACHARIE BOYD Preacher of GODS word at Glasgow . From Glasgow the 12. day of Februrie 1629. THE QVEENES Lamentations for the death of her Son. O But GOD is most terrible , when hee is angrie , He hath called as in a solemne day my terrors round about : surelie against mee is he turned , hee turneth his hand against mee all the day , My flesh and my skinne hath he made olde , hee hath broken my bones : Hee hath builded against mee , and compassed mee with gall and trauell : He hath set mee in dark places , as they that bee dead of olde : Hee hath hedged mee about that I cannot get out : Hee hath made my chaine heauie : Hee hath turned aside my wayes , and pulled me in pieces : He hath made me desolate : He hath bent his Bow & set me as a marke for his arrowes : He hath caused the Arrowes of his Quiuer to enter into my reines : Hee hath filled mee with bitternesse : Hee hath made mee drunke with worme-wood : The verie Sea monsters are carefull for their young ones : They drawe out the breast to giue them sucke . How should I bee like the vnnaturall Ostrich which leaueth her egges in the earth , and forgetteth that the foote may orush them , or that the wild beast may breake them ? Shee is hardened against her young ones , as though they vvere not hers : God hath depriued her of wisedome , neither hath hee imparted to her vnderstanding . Alas , alas , the joye of our heart is ceased : our dance is turned into mourning : The crowne is fallen from our head : Woe vnto vs that wee haue sinned , for this our heart is faint , for these thinges our eyes are dimme . Wherefore , Lord , doest thou forget vs for euer , & forsake vs so long time ? Thou hast vtterlie rejected vs : Thou art verie vvroth against vs : O that mine eyes were a liuelie Spring of teares which day and night might trickle downe for the lamenting of my losse . O yee Daughters of Britaine my natiue Soile : Conueene your selues together : Come all and joyne your sorrowes with mine : Come contribute teares in aboundance , that wee may deplore our domage : Come , come and helpe mee to mourne for my first Borne : It is Gods will , it is Gods commandement that yee mourne with these that mourne : With whom will yee mourne , if yee refuse to mourne with mee ? O noble Ladies of Britaine , think vpon my sorrows : My griefe is great , mine heart is broken , mine eyes doe faile with teares : Come yee all and condole with mee : Cast off your Rayments of joye : And thou BOHEMIA with the PALATINAT mak to your selues new Robes of doole : Fill al the Lāds with mourning like that mourning in Zacharie , The mourning of Hadadrimmon in the valley of Megiddon , for the death of good Iosiah . Mine heart is sore gripped with griefe : Iam lik the Pelican in the vvildernesse : Mine eyes doe faile with teares ; my bowels are troubled , my Liuer is powred vpon the earth : I was at ease , but hee hath broken mee asunder : Hee hath also taken mee by the necke and shaken mee to pieces , and set mee vp for his marke : His Archers compasse mee round about : Hee cleaueth my reines asunder , and doeth not spare : Hee powreth out my gall vpon the ground : Hee breaketh mee with breach vpon breach : Hee runneth vpō me lik a Gyant : My face is foule with weeping , and on mine eye-lids is the shadow of death : My Friendes scorne mee , but mine eye powreth out teares vnto God : When a few yeares are come , then I shall goe the way whence I shall not returne . The Lord hath made me as a by-word of the people : Mine eyes are dimme by reason of sorrow , and all my members are as a shadow : Know now yee all that God hath compassed mee with his net : Hee hath fenced vp my way that I cannot passe , and hee hath set darknesse in my pathes : Hee hath stript mee of my Glorie , and taken the Crowne from mine head : Hee hath destroyed mee on euerie side , and I am gone , and mine hope hath hee remoued like a tree . His troupes come together and raise vp their way against mee , and encampe round about my Tabernacle : He hath put my brethrene far from mee : My Kins-folke haue failed and my familiare friendes haue forgotten mee : Haue pittie vpon mee , O yee my Friendes for the hand of God hath troubled mee . O my Sonne , my dearest Sonne is gone : Hee is lost , where shall I finde him ? O FREDERICK my Son where art thou ? Shall I see thee no more ? Shall I neuer kisse thy mouth againe ? Once did thou lye in my bellie neere vnto mine heart ▪ but now alas , thou lyes sleeping in slime : Now thy bedde is made among the crawling wormes : Thy Princelie Bodie now lyeth in the place of silence : O where is thy Coloure now ? Where is thy Countenance ? Long shall it before I see thy smilling Face and twinkling Eyes : My deare Heart FREDERICK , Long may I cry before that thou make answere : How haue I lost Thee ? How past thou from mee ? When said thou thy last adewes ? What were thy last adews ? what were the last words thou spake vnto me ? Where saw I thee last ? Oh , if I had knowne when I last saw thee , that I would neuer againe see thee aliue : Then would I haue kissed thee , then would I haue more constantlie considered thy countenance : I would haue said in my selfe , Is this the Face that I shall neuer see againe ? Is this the Mouth that shall neuer speake againe ? Are these the Eares that shall neuer heare againe ? Are these the Eyes that shall neuer see againe ? That Mouth , that Nose , these cherrie Cheekes and lillie Lippes , these Eares and Eyes would I haue kissed tenne thousand times kissed and ouer againe . Alas that I should haue so journed so neere vnto the Waters : Alas that euer I knew that mercilesse Element . O cursed Waters ! O Waters of Marah full bitter are yee to mee : O Element which of all others shall bee most detestable to my Soule ! I shall neuer wash mine handes with thee but I shall remember what thou hast done to my best beloued Son the Darling of my Soule , I shall for euer be a friend to the Fire which is thy greatest foe . * Away Riuers , away Seas , Let me see you no more : If ye were sensible Creatures , my deare Brother CHARELES Prince of the European Seas should scourge you with his Royall Shippes ; with his thundering Cannons hee should pierce you to the bottome . * O Seas of sorrowes , O fearefull Floods , O tumbling Tempests , O wilfull Waues , O swelling surges , O wicked waters , O dooleful deeps , O peartest Pools , O botchfull butcher Boats , was there no mercie among you for such an hopfull PRINCE ? O that I could refraine from teares and that because they bee salt water like vnto your selues : Away with you Seas of sorrowe , for yee haue robbed mee of my dearest Darling of account , hencefoorth yee shall neuer bee able to repaire my losses : O my Sonne FREDERICK , my Son , my Sonne FREDERICK , would God I had dyed for Thee , O FREDERICK my Sonne , my Sonne . A. H. TEMPVS emblem mine or the water took away the life of my Children , than that a bloodie Herod should cutte all their throats most cruellie embrewing himselfe in their blood : While Dauid was in a great strait doubting of what plague to make choise , at last hee resolued saying , Let vs fall into the hand of the Lord , ( for his mercies are great ) and let mee not fall into the hand of man. O but will your Majestie say , To die and to be suffocate in the waters that is a matter of great sorrow : If he had died in a Battel honourablie ; that had affoorded mee some comfort : Then would I haue heard of his valiantnesse : The Colonels and the Captaines & others of Martial Spirits had beene the Trumpeters of his praise , so should hee haue died with great honour . Let it please your Majestie to wiegh the matter well in the Ballance of the Sanctuarie . Indeede MADAME , to die in a Battell is by men accounted honorable : To die fighting with a bloodie Sword in the hand , is by men called , The Bedde of honour : * But in my judgement it is better for the Soule to die in water , than in war : For in the one man is often in a rage , thirsting like an Horse-leach after the blood of his Brother : At that time there is nothing sound or settled within him : All his thoughts are in an hurlie burlie : If instantlie hee die the Sunne of his life goeth downe vpon his vvrath : His whole desire is bended for to destroy his Brother : But in the water his chiefest desire is for to saue himselfe : To die in war is to die by the hand of man , but Water is like the Pest which that great Warriour called , The hand of God. O but alas , will your Majestie object such as die so ▪ get not space once to cry Gods mercie . God forbid MADAME that our Saluation should depend vpon the last words of our life , or vpon a prayer at the last gaspe : Our Saluation is better fastened than so : There is no condemnation to them which are in Christ Iesus . Your Majestie knoweth that the day of Iudgment shall come in an instant vpon both the Godlie and the wicked : Then shall they all bee changed in the twinkling of an eye : Not one of all the men and women then liuing vpon earth shall get so much time wherin they might but say these few words , God be mercifull to me a sinner , & yet for all that shal we think that that suddē change shall bring any prejudice to the Saluation of Gods Elect & chosen ones ? God forbid : Whom God loueth hee loueth to the end : His giftes and graces are vvithout repentance . I know that your Majestie would haue earnestlie desired that hee had bee found aliue , and that a Preacher by a prayer had commended his Soule into the hands of his Sauiour . For answere , I am assured that that young Prince was so well trained vp by your Majestie in the Schoole of pietie , that morning & euening hee was accustomed to be earnest at his priuate deuotion : It is the opinion of learned Diuines , That who carefullie in the morning hath cast his Soule into the Armes of his God , shall thereafter all the day finde the vertue of that prayer preuailing with God , though at the moment of death hee bee not able with his tongue to speake vnto GOD : The prayers that were conceiued before cry vp to God at the last gaspe for mercie , peace , grace and reconciliation , through the blessed blood of Iesus , which cryeth for better thinges than the blood of Abel . Now seeing that without any doubting your Majestie is assured of his Saluation , consider these joyes of heauen which his Princelie Soule now enjoyeth : These joyes haue I described as I can in this second Volume of the Last battell ▪ which I haue dedicated to your Majestie : There yee shall clearelie see that hee hath changeth for the better : * While hee was aliue hee was but a Prince on Earth , and now the Lord hath made him a crowned King. Thus intreating the most High to send vnto your Majestie the COMFORTER himselfe , who can most cunninglie cure the wounded heart , I humlie take my leaue . Your MAIESTIES most humble and most obedient Seruant M. Z. B. From Glasgow the 12. of Februarie 1629. TO THE QVEENE Of BOHEMIA . OVR poore life heere is not of single Ioyes , But mixt with Gall , and worme-woode of annoyes : The dint of Winds , and waues , and stors mie streames , Wee must endure before wee reach to Heauens : Paines heere wants pause , all is but losse and labour : A thousand cares Within our hearts doe harbour . The life of man on Earth is but a blaste , I●… comes with Teares and endeth with a gaspe : All that is heere is with a speedie flight , On jangling wheeles soone hurled out of sight . All that is heere is out of Tune and tast , All whirles about , but Rest will come at last . VVaite still vntill that Day spring from on High , Come downe with thousands brighter than the Skie . Then mistie Cloudes of sorrowes shall depart , When that Aurora shall rejoyce our Heart . ANOTHER . HEere bubbling Waters Seas of sorrowes dash , Heere Waues , heere Winds which make the Cloudes to clash : Heere Feuers , Fyres , heere fickle vanities , Combined are to bring Calamities To mortall man ( not sparing young or olde ) Whose life is like vnto a tale that 's tolde , Now happie hee who free from all distresse , Rests in the Heauens , far from this wildernes . A Prayer for the afflicted . MY troubled Soule Lord counsell and comfort , My Sternelesse-Boate conduct thou to her Port From cloudie cares my muffled Spirit redresse , And of mine heart the griefe and groanes represse : My Spirit to Thee its Maker high aspires , VVho art the Zenith of my best desires . Your MAIESTIES most humble & obedient Seruant and Oratour M. Zacharie Boyd ▪ Preacher of GODS Word at Glasgow . Faultes escaped in printing .   Faults Corrected 69 feast fast 142 tyred tryed 172 wakened weakened 176 waken weaken 177 spake space 191 lperous leprous 198 Bairnes Barnes 213 Skes Skies 259 againe against 2●…8 desperati desperate 293 frine farre in 307 Tophel Tophet 308 Companiourie Companionrie 332 slubber slumber 332 slumbert slubbert 345 men mee 345 haire heite . 355 for with 370 that after after that 376 missacrours mass●…crours 387 directeth directed 405 carcing carking 4●…9 Burriors Burrios 4●…4 mortall immortall 487 his of of his 516 men man 544 reignam regna●…i 563 co●…sation conuersation 597 hand head 602 commond common 603 sterts streetes 609 spread shread 620 found sound 633 wr●…ke worke 649 decritorio decretorio 659 vanished varnished 664 vnwisored vnvizored 669 sacaked the godly sacked at Christs right 672 Christes right hand hand 689 liuing liue 695 whom who in The 2. Volume   Faults Corrected 760 absurbiator absorbeatur 804 hoc haec 807 ac at 851 haruish haruest 960 habour harbour 98●… pleasant vnpleasant 1003 nature mature 1053 hearking heartenin●… 1132 about mee about with mee TEMPVS emblem Notes, typically marginal, from the original text Notes for div A16539-e290 Prov. 1●… . 7 a 1 Sam. 15 , 23. b 1 Sam. 28 7 c 1 Sam , 13 14. d 2 Sam 11 8. e 1 Kin. 3. 9 f 1 Kin ▪ 11 9 g 1 Kin 12 ▪ 14. h 1 Kin. 16 2●… i 2 Kin. 16 ▪ 31 k 2 Kin. 23 ●… . l 2 ●…hr . 20 , 3 * Note * Note * Note Ioh. 1. 47. Reuel ▪ 17. 18. Gen. 27 , 27 , Grego . Mors ipsa cum venerit vinci●… tur si prius quam veniat semper timeatur . Iob. 5. 27 * Note ▪ Neh. 13. 17 vers . 18 vers , 19. vers . 20. vers . 21. verse . 22 * Note 1 Chr. 28. 9 Sicut potentes po●… tenter t●…r ▪ menta patientur , sic & justi●… pr●…mijs fruentur plenius si recte exercue ▪ rint potestatē . * Note psal . 28. 6. Iob. 21. 33 Notes for div A16539-e1860 Bonne la mort qui donne la vie . Eccles. 12. 3. Isa. 40 , 6. vers . 7. Prou. 31. 30 Beauté sans bonté est comme vin e s●●enté . Psal. 45. 14 Notes for div A16539-e2510 2 Tim. 1. 8 phi . 2. 27. August . Nescis qu●… hora 〈◊〉 et mors : S●…mper vigila vt quod nescis quando veniet , paratum te inveniat quum ve●… nerit : Ad hoc forte nescis quando veniet , vt semper parat●…s sis . Notes for div A16539-e3600 Deut. 32. v. 22. * Note Dan. 5. 9. * Note Act 3 ▪ 7. Iam. 5. 16 * Note * Note Isa. 42. 3. * Note Heb. 12. 12. * Note Prov. 6. 13 * Note * Note * Note 1 Sam. 2. 25 * Note Senec. * Note * Note * Note Revel . 6 ▪ 8 Heb. 3. 15 * Note Isa. 25. ●… . * Note Ioh. 11. 11 Ioh. 11. 26 * Note * Note * Note 2 King. 2. 11 * Note 2 Sam. 14. 14. Iob. 2 4. * Note * Note 1 Sam. 15 32. * Note 2 King. 4 40. 2 Cor. 1. 10 2 Sam. 22 5. vers . 6. * Note * Note Iudg. 14. 14. * Note * Note * Note 2 Sam. 14. 14 Luk. 2. 29 * Note * Note 1 King. 21 20 * Note * Note Nazian . in vita Basil. * Note Ioh. 14. 6. * Note Psal. 23. 4. Psal. 1●…7 . * Note Isa. 49. 15 Heb. 12. 18 * Note * Note Psal. 91. 1 * Note * Note * Note Ioh. 11. 11 1 Cor. 15 3 * Note * Note Psal. 102. 24. * Note 1 Cor , 15 31. 2 ●…et 1. 14 * Note * Note Isa. 57. 1. * Note * Note * Note Io●… . ●… . 19. Matth. 8. 11 Philip ●… 23. * Note Gen. 19. 16 * Note D●…n . 6. 16 11 Ier. 38. 6. Exod. 20●… 2. Rom. 7. 24 Psal. 105. 18 Iam. 4. 14. * Note Matth. 6. 11 * Note * Note Amos. 2 , 11 * Note Rom. 6. 23 * Note Gen. 9. 13 * Note Psal 16. 11 * Note * Note * Note Luk. 658 Luk. 16. 9. * Note * Note Isa. 2 , 22. Gen. 15. 31 * Note Rom. 7. 24 * Note * Note * Note Philip. 1. 23 Iona 4. 8. Rom. 7. 24 * Note Philip. 1. 23 Isa. 38 , 10. * Note * Note * Note Isa. 38. ●…1 * Note Rom. 7. 24 * Note Ruth . 1. 2●… 2 Sam. 14. 14 * Note Virgil. * Note Iob. 19. 26 27. * Note * Note Psal. 16. 11 Isa 26. 18. * Note Iudg. 8. 18 Isa. 38. 12. * Note * Note Psal. 78. 71 * Note Isa. 38. 12. * Note * Note Isa. 38. 12. Isa. 42. 3 * Note Isa. 28. 21 * Note * Note Prou. ●…0 . 30 * Note Isa. 38. 12. 2 Cor. 12. 9. * Note * Note Iob. 4. 13 14. 15. 16. * Note * Note Isa. 38. 12 * Note * Note Numb . 16. 32. Exod. ●…4 ▪ 21 Luk. 13. 4 Iob. 1. 19. Psal. 81. 12. 1 Sam. 31 4 Matth. 27. 3 2 Sam. 17 23 * Note * Note . * Note * Note * Note Psal. 16. 11 * Note * Note 1 Cor. 6. 13. * Note * Note Ioh. 12. 6 Luk. 16. 20 1 Sam. 25 36. vers . 37 * Note * Note * Note Eccles. 2. 18. vers . 19. 1 King. 12 13 * Note * Note * Note * Note Habuk. 2. 6 Philip. 3. 8 * Note * Note * Note * Note * Note Danites . Gen. 49. 17 Iudg. 18. 23 vers . 25. * Note * Note * Note Prov. 13. 22. * Note 1 King. 17 16 * Note * Note * Note Gen. 41. 3 Iudg. 9. 9. * Note Col. 3. 1. Luk. 10. 41 * Note * Note Luk. 10. 41 * Note Luk. 21. 34. * Note * Note Ioh. 2. 16. Luk. 20. 35 * Note 1 King. 19 21. * Note * Note * Note Iob. 8. 14. * Note 2 Cor. 12 4 * Note Psal. 45. 13 * Note Psal. 82. 6 * Note * Note Col. 3. 1. Hab. 1 ▪ 6. * Note * Note Numb . 21 21 , * Note Matth. 14 31 * Note Psal. 116. 11. Heb. 6. 18 Exod. 20 , 6 * Note * Note Isa. 38. 11 * Note Exod. 7. 12 * Note * Note * Note Luk. 7 34 vers . 33. * Note * Note 2 King. 2. ●…3 * Note * Note * Note * Note * Note * Note Luk. 3. 16. Eccles. 1. 2 * Note * Note Psal. 19. 4. * Note Psal. 90. 9. * Note * Note * Note Psal. 90. 10 * Note * Note Eccle. 8. 18 * Note * Note 1 Sam. 14 14 * Note 2 Tim. 4. 7 Iob. 14. 1. * Note Gen. 47. 1 * Note * Note Psal. 39. 5 * Note * Note * Note Cabul , that is dirtie . * Note Gen. 28. 17 * Note * Note 1 King. 22 8 ▪ 2 King. 20 19. * Note * Note * Note Lam. 1. 9 * Note Ephes. 5. 16 Isa. 55. 1. * Note Reuel . 14 13 Eccles. 7. 3. * Note Psal. ●… . 7. * Note * Note * Note Iona. 4. 7. * Note * Note 2 Sam. 2. 26. * Note * Note * Note Iob 4. 19. * Note Psal. 42. 3. * Note * Note Ioh , 12. 27 vers . 28. * Note * Note Heb. 12. 6. * Note Prou ▪ 19. 18. * Note Hose . 4. 14 * Note * Note Ioh. 18. 11 * Note * Note * Note 2 Cor. 12. 9. * Note Exod. 17. 11 Ioh. 12. 27 * Note * Note * Note * Note * Note Ioh. 6. 27. 1 Cor. 15. 55 Hose . 13. 14 Isa. 57. 2. Gen. 24. 31 Cant. 3. 7. ●… 8 Iam. 5. 16. Luk. 2. 29. * Note * Note Prov. 18. 14. * Note Psal. 41 , 3 * Note Psal. 38. 3. Heb. 2. 10 Mar. 14. 34. * Note Iob. 6. 4. * Note * Note * Note 2 Pet. 2. * Note * Note * Note Heb. 2. 13 Non ignara mali miseris succurrere disco . Heb. 4. 15 * Note Heb. 5. 8 * Note Piscator . Caluin . * Note Beza . Lam. 3. 39 * Note Ioh. 9. 2. * Note * Note * Note * Note * Note Ierm . 12. 5 * Note Luk. 19. 3. Rom. 13. 13. * Note * Note 2 Sam. 16. 22 2 Pet. 2. ●…3 * Note * Note * Note * Note * Note * Note Isa. 1. 18. * Note * Note * Note Psal. 107. 18 * Note Revel . 3. 1 15. * Note * Note * Note 2 Pet. 2. 13 * Note Iob. 5. 6. Lam. 3. 39 * Note Ios. 7. 16. Heb. 12. 29. * Note Isa. 63. 17 * Note * Note * Note * Note Gen. 45. 1. * Note Iob. 38. 1. Iob. 41. 7. * Note Luk. 22. 62. * Note * Note * Note Ierm . 2. 19 * Note Matth. 16. 23 Psal. 141. 5. * Note 2 Pet. 2. 9 * Note * Note * Note Matth. 3. 16. Psal. 107. ●… 29. * Note * Note 2 Kin. 9. 18 * Note * Note * Note Luk. 18. 11 * Note * Note * Note * Note * Note 1 Sam. 20. 37 * Note * Note * Note Isa. 7. 9. Matth. 15 28. * Note * Note * Note * Note * Note Luk. 13. 4 Dan. 9. 8. * Note Mal. 4. 2. * Note * Note * Note * Note 2 Cor 14. 4 * Note * Note * Note Isa. 29. 10 * Note * Note * Note Isa. 66. 2. * Note * Note Luk. 18. 13 * Note Exod. 9. 31 vers . 32. 1 King. 21 19. * Note vers . 29. * Note * Note * Note Matth. 11. 12. * Note * Note * Note * Note * Note Matth. 11. 28 Deut. 29. 20 * Note * Note Matth. 11. 29. * Note Reuel . 3. 10 * Note * Note Matt. 17. 1. Exod. 33 , 11. Ioh. 13. 23 * Note Luk. 2. 8 , Luk. 8. 44 * Note * Note * Note * Note * Note a Luk. 2. 30. b Reuel . 3. 7. c Ioh. 16. 33. d Matth. 3 15. e Ioh. 14. 6. f Isa. 63. 3. * Note g Isa. 30. 21. * Note Deut. 13. 10. * Note 1 Kin. 1●… . 44. vers . 45. * Note 1 Kin. 18. 42. * Note Heb. 12. 12 * Note Isa. 7. 14. Rom. 8. 1 * Note Psal. 42. 7 * Note * Note * Note * Note Psal. 46. 4. * Note * Note Ier. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 * Note 2 King. 2. 14. * Note Ioh. 3. 16 * Note Ier. 12. 5. * Note ●…sa . 1. 18. * Note * Note * Note * Note 1 Kin. 20. 31. * Note * Note Ioh. 14 12. * Note * Note Matth. 1. 2●… Col. 3. 3. * Note * Note * Note * Note * Note * Note * Note * Note * Note Act. 4. 12 * Note * Note * Note 1 Cor. 2. 2 * Note Matth. 24 28 Cant. 8 , 5 * Note * Note * Note * Note * Note * Note * Note Isa. 1. 18. * Note Act. 2. 37 * Note * Note * Note * Note * Note * Note * Note * Note * Note * Note Ioh. 8. 36. * Note * Note * Note * Note * Note Matth. 18. 13 Luk. 15. 8 Luk. 15 , 18. * Note Matth. 19. 30. Colos. 3. 3 Isa. 1. 6. * Note * Note * Note Heb. ●…0 . 29 * Note * Note * Note * Note * Note * Note * Note Bernard . Ioh. 10. 27. * Note * Note * Note * Note * Note * Note * Note Isa. 49. 15 * Note Matth. 7. 11 * Note * Note Exod. 14. 15 * Note * Note * Note Luk. 7. 44 * Note * Note * Note * Note * Note * Note Isa. 63. 17 * Note * Note Iona. 2. 6. * Note Ro. 11. 29. * Note * Note Luk. 14. 29 Philip. 1. 6 * Note a 1 Sam. 10 24 b 1 Sam. 15 11 c Mat. 25. 28. * Note Luk. 1. 20. Iob. 1. 21. * Note * Note * Note Isa. 42. 3. * Note * Note Mat●…h . 27 46 * Note * Note Malach 4. 2. * Note * Note * Note * Note * Note * Note * Note * Note Psal. 116. 7 * Note * Note Psal 57. 1. * Note * Note * Note * Note * Note * Note * Note * Note * Note * Note * Note Gen. 4. 13 * Note * Note Psal. 50. 21 * Note * Note Reuel . 3. 16 Zach. 13 , 1 * Note 2 Kin. 5. 1. * Note 2 Kin. 5. 10. * Note * Note * Note * Note Psal. 120. 4. * Note Iugde . 6. 38. Reuel . 21. 4. Iob. 41. 24. Heb. 3. 13 * Note * Note Mic. 7. 9. * Note * Note Ier. 20. 3. Reuel . 3. 5. * Note Luther . * Note Exod. 14. 14. * Note Exod. 14. 13 Iob. 40. 4. Gen. 49. 18 Isa. 1. 4. Bernard . * Note * Note Heb. 2. 10 Rom. 7. 18 * Note * Note * Note Philip. 3. 14 * Note I●…phes . 2 1. Psal. 21. 4. * Note * Note Zepha . 2. 3 Matth. 7. 7 * Note * Note * Note * Note * Note Isa. 44. 3. * Note * Note Isa. 57. 17 * Note Isa. 63. 9. * Note * Note 2 King. 3. 13. * Note 1 Sam. 3. 5. * Note 1 Ioh. 4 1. * Note * Note Isa. 54. 8. * Note Psal. 91. 1. 1 Tim. 1. 19 * Note * Note Iudg. 18. 7 Gen. 31. 27 ▪ Isa. 45. 15. Reuel . 1. 14 Prou. 5. 21 Deut. 32. 22 Proa . 5 : 22 Prou. 15. 13. Prou. 3. 5. Matth. 11. 7. * Note 1 Ioh. 3. 20 * Note * Note * Note * Note * Note * Note * Note Gen. 27. 15. Ion. 2. 2. Ion. 4. 11 * Note * Note 2 King. 4. 27 * Note Ion. 1. 5. * Note * Note * Note Matth. 8. 1●… * Note * Note * Note * Note * Note Gen. 41. 13 * Note * Note * Note * Note * Note * Note * Note * Note * Note * Note * Note * Note * Note * Note * Note Iudg. 6. 12 vers . 13. * Note * Note 1 Sam. 17. 45 * Note Iam. 4. 7 * Note Micah . 6. 7 * Note * Note * Note * Note * Note * Note * Note Isa. 57. 21 * Note Luk. 22. 31 * Note * Note * Note * Note * Note * Note * Note * Note * Note * Note * Note * Note * Note * Note * Note * Note * Note * Note * Note Deut. 32. 22 * Note * Note 1 King. 19 1●… . * Note * Note * Note Matth. 11 28 * Note * Note * Note * Note * Note * Note Psal. 24. 7 * Note Psal. 81. 8. Psal. 141. 5 * Note * Note * Note * Note * Note Exod. 14. 13 * Note Exod. 8. 26 * Note Exod. 14. 14 Isa. 28. 28 * Note * Note * Note Psal. 126. 6. * Note * Note * Note * Note * Note Ier. 3. 3 * Note Gen. 19. ●… 37. * Note * Note Psal. 43. 5 * Note Gen. 7. 13 * Note * Note * Note * Note Psal. 66. 2. Iam. 5. 13. Psal. 137. 2 * Note * Note * Note Iona. 4. 7. * Note Psal. 16. 11 Psal. 130. 1. Psal. 150. 5. * Note * Note Hos. 4. 17 * Note Iona. 2. 2. * Note Iona 2. 4. vers . 10. * Note Iona. 2. 6. * Note * Note Isa. 54. 8. * Note Mala. 4. 2 * Note * Note * Note * Note * Note 2 Tim. 4. 8 Cant. 1. 9 Heb. 12. 19 Psal. 18. 8. Iob. 42. 10 Cant. 4. 16 Isa. 42. 3. 2 Cor. 12. Can. 7. 13 Heb. 4. 12 Mica . 7. 18 Psal , 141. 5 Iosh. 10. 10 Iudg 7. 13 Prou. 3. 2●… . Isa. 38. ●…5 Prou. 4. 18 Isa. 4. 5. Psal. 73 , 24 Gen. 31. 40 * Note Psal. 90. 10 * Note Zach. 2. 8. * Note Isa. 42. 3 Matth. 14. 31 ▪ * Note * Note Mar. 6. 56 * Note Ioh. 16. 7. * Note Luk. 17. 6 * Note Matth. 14. 32 * Note Numb . 21 9 * Note * Note * Note * Note * Note * Note * Note * Note Philip. 2. 2 * Note * Note * Note Numb . 21. 9. * Note Luk 19. 3 * Note Luk. 23. 32 * Note * Note Psal. 107 27 * Note * Note Heb. 5. 7. * Note Matth. 17. 16. * Note Psal. 73. 26 * Note * Note * Note 2 Kin. 5. 10 Ioh. 1. 28 * Note * Note * Note Mal. 4. 2. * Note * Note Gen. 1. 16. * Note Malc . 4. 2. * Note Luk ▪ 1. 17. Can. 4. 6. * Note * Note Hab. 2. 3. * Note Leuit. 26. 25 Psal. 141. 5. Deut. 28. 65 Deut. 32. 25. Zach. 3. 2. * Note Psal. 101 , 〈◊〉 . * Note * Note * Note Heb. 6. 6. Rom. 2 5. Mar. 3. 28 Matth. 12. 31 1 Ioh. 5. 16 Mar. 3. 18. vers . 29 Matth. 12. 31 vers . 32 * Note * Note Opera trinitatis ad extra sunt communia . * Note Matth. 23. 2 Mar. 8. 15 1 Sam. 10. 11 1 Sam. 22. 18. * Note * Note Iam. 2. 10 * Note * Note * Note 1 Cor. 2. 8 * Note Ioh. 7. 28. * Note 2 Thess. 2. 10 * Note Rom. ●… . 25 Rom. 1. 28 Heb. 1. 6. Heb. 10. 26 vers . 27. * Note Galat. 1. 13 1 Tim. 1. 13. * Note 1 Tim. 1. 13 * Note 1 Sam. 16. 1. Ioh. 17. 12 1 Ioh. 5. 16 * Note Heb. 10. 28 vers . 29. * Note * Note * Note Luk. 11. 15 * Note Ephes. 2. 2 1 Thess. 5. 22 * Note Act. 26. 28 * Note 2 Kin. 21. 16 2 Chron. 33. 12. * Note Act. 26. 11 1 Ioh. 5. 16 * Note * Note Act. 8. 2. Prov. 26. 23. * Note * Note * Note Gen. 15. 11 * Note Gen. 3. 24. * Note 1 Sam. 1. 15 Isa. 38. 14 Psal. 50. 2. Isa. 38. 15 * Note Ruth . 1. 2●… * Note * Note Numb . 33. 9 * Note * Note Psal. 16. 11 * Note * Note * Note * Note * Note * Note * Note Heb. 12. 11 Psal. 65. 11 * Note * Note Mal. 4. 2. Lam. 1. 16 Ioh. 16. 22 * Note * Note * Note * Note Psal. 16. 11 Reul . 2. 28. * Note * Note * Note Iona. 2. 2. Iona. 2. 4. Psal. 107. 28 Psas. 16. 11 * Note Zach. 5. 3. * Note Isa. 49. 15 * Note Gen. 35. 17 * Note Zach. 12. 12 vers . 13. vers . 14. * Note Zach. 12 , 10 Heb. 12. 11 * Note * Note * Note * Note * Note * Note * Note ●… Kin. 18. 33. Prov. 20. 30 2 Cor. 12. 9. * Note * Note * Note * Note * Note * Note Rom. 7. 18 * Note * Note * Note * Note * Note Psal. 57. 1. * Note Matth. 8. Psal. 121. 4 * Note * Note * Note * Note Psal. 73. 5. Matth. 8. 29. Mar. 15. 34. 1 Cor. 11. 32 * Note * Note Iud. 5. 23. Isa. 50. 20. Psal. 34 , ●… * Note Can. 2. 2. * Note * Note Gen. 15. 12 * Note * Note * Note * Note Iona. 2. 6. * Note * Note * Note Exod. 15. 10 * Note * Note Iona. 2. 6. Vers. 2. Iona. 2. 6. * Note * Note * Note Dan. 3. 21 * Note * Note * Note Exod. 13. 21. * Note * Note Isa. 1. 18. * Note Exod. 15. 1. vers . 20. * Note * Note Act. 14. 21 Rom. 15. 13 * Note * Note Isa. 42. 3. * Note * Note * Note * Note Prov. 33. 31. * Note Prov. 33. 32. * Note Mar. 10. 25 * Note Rom. 4. 18 Hos. 2. 18. * Note Ioh. 20. 25 * Note vers . 29. * Note Isa. 8. 17. Isa. 49. 15 * Note * Note Psal. 72. 11 * Note * Note * Note * Note Mat. 7. 7. * Note * Note * Note Luk. 5. 4. 5. vers . 7. * Note * Note * Note * Note Gen. 2. 19 * Note * Note Reuel . 3. ●… 14. * Note Heb. 6. 18. * Note * Note * Note Matth. 15. 23. 24. vers . 27 * Note vers . 28. * Note * Note 2 Cor. 12. 7 vers . 9. Hos. 12. 4 * Note M●…tin . 26 42 Mar. 14. 39 * Note * Note Luk. 11. 9 vers . 8 , * Note * Note Heb. 10. 29 * Note * Note * Note * Note Matth. 27 4 * Note * Note * Note * Note * Note * Note Psal. 34. 19 Psal. 37. 37. * Note * Note * Note * Note * Note Cant. 1. 6. * Note * Note * Note * Note * Note * Note * Note * Note Psal. 68. 13 * Note * Note Matth. 25. 23. * Note * Note * Note Ephes. 6. 15. * Note * Note Psal. 58. 4. * Note Matth. 23. 5. Numb . 22. 25 * Note * Note Matth. 11. 28 * Note Ma●… . 10. 49 ▪ * Note Cant. 5. 2. Luk. 18. 13 * Note G●…n . 3. 12 * Note * Note * Note * Note Prou. 30. 2 * Note Prou. ●…8 , 10 Mal. 4. 2. * Note * Note Ier. 20 ▪ 3. * Note * Note Liuit . 26. 27 * Note * Note * Note * Note Micah . 6. 8 Iud. v. 20 Iob. 13. 2. * Note * Note * Note Heb. 2. 20 * Note Eph. 4. 8. * Note Rom. 8. 1. * Note * Note * Note 〈◊〉 . 28. 2●… * Note Psal. 103. 13. 14. * Note * Note * Note * Note Luk. 21. 2. * Note * Note * Note * Note * Note * Note * Note * Note * Note Iud. v. 8. * Note Gen. 19. 20 * Note Gen. 39 9. * Note Ioh. ●… . ●… . * Note Iob. 33. 24 * Note Prou. 12. 10 * Note * Note Gen. 4. 13 * Note Matth. 27. ●… . * Note Matth. 26. 49 ●… King. 21. 27. * Note * Note Psal. 10●… . 4. * Note Psal. 145. 9 * Note Luk. 17. 4 * Note Luk. 18. 13 * Note * Note * Note * Note a 2 Sam. 11 4. b Gen. 19. 33 c Gen. 9. 21 d Gen. 34. 25. e Act. 8. 3. f Matth. 26 74. Ezek. 33 : 11. Ioh. 3. 16. * Note * Note Ioh. 15. 13. * Note * Note * Note Rom. 5. 7. ●… . * Note * Note Luk. 15. 7. Heb. 1●… . 29. Iudg ▪ 13. 22 ▪ vers . 22. Psal. 22. 2. Dan. 9. 23. * Note * Note * Note Isa. 4●… . 15 * Note ▪ Osea . 1●… . 3 * Note Isa. 53. 3. * Note * Note * Note * Note Note 1 Cor. 3. 21 vers . 14 * Note * Note * Note * Note * Note * Note Exod. 33. 22. Gen. 8. 9. Isa ▪ 33. 24 * Note * Note * Note 2 Sam. 10. 4. * Note * Note Ezech. 33. 1. Ezek. 16. 5 * Note vers . 6. * Note * Note * Note * Note * Note * Note 2 Cor. 5. 14 * Note * Note Matth. 11. 28 * Note * Note * Note * Note * Note * Note * Note Isa. 11. 8. * Note Gen. 8. 9. Isa. 42. 3. Matth. 14. 31 * Note Luk. ●… . 44 * Note Matth. 17. 20 Rom. 5. 1. * Note * Note * Note * Note Philip. 4. 7 * Note Psal. 5●… . 1 vers . 7. vers , 12. * Note * Note Luk. ●… . 78. Heb. 2. 17 vers . 18. Psal. 90. 11 * Note Ier. 2. 19. Eccles. 10. 20. Psal. 73. 5. * Note vers . 18. vers . 20. 1 Thess. 5. 3. * Note * Note * Note * Note * Note * Note * Note * Note Can. 2. 7. * Note Ioh. 11. 12 * Note * Note 2 King. 9. 20 * Note * Note * Note Prou. 17. 12 Rom. 5. 1 Matth. 14. 31 Numb . 21 9. * Note * Note * Note * Note Psal. 6. 5. * Note Psal. 136. * Note * Note * Note * Note Psal. 13●… . * Note Numb . 20 8. vers . 10. 1 Cor. 10. 4. Heb. 6. 6. Rom. 12. 8 2 Cor. 1. 3 Ephes. 2. 4 Hos. 11. 8. * Note * Note * Note * Note * Note * Note * Note * Note * Note Luk. 23. 43. Numb . 23 19. * Note Psal. 55. 22 Rom. 4. 18 Act ▪ 17. 23 * Note 1 Ioh , 4. 8 Matth. 4. 16 Psal. 19. 14 Isa. 1. 9. 1 Pet. 5. 4 * Note 1 Tim. 1. 19 * Note * Note * Note * Note 2 Cor. 10. 5 Psal. 123. 2 Psal. 42. 1 Heb. 4. 16. Ioh. 8. 44 Heb. 4. 16. Matth. 11. 28. Luk. 2. 30. 31 2 〈◊〉 . 12. 7. Isa. 42. 3. Psal. 73. 25 Cant. 1. 7 Psal. 51. 12 Luk. 22. 31. Col. 3. 3. Psal. 16. 11 Cant. 2. 2 Psal. 45 10 Act. ●…711 . Ioshu . 10 ▪ 12 Psal. 90. 12 Prou. 14. 32 Rom. 4. 18 Psal. 32 , 1 * Note * Note Amos. 3. 7 Psal. 124. 8 Act. 19. 15 1 Sam. 10 11 Act. 8. 10. * Note Matth. 14. 3 * Note * Note * Note Heb. 6. 4. * Note * Note * Note * Note Rom. 1. 21 * Note vers . 28. * Note Matth. 16. 28 * Note * Note * Note Iud. v. 13. * Note * Note * Note * Note Gen. 19. 11 2 Kin. 6. 19 * Note Isa. 6. 9. * Note * Note * Note * Note Mal. 4. 3. * Note * Note * Note Ioh. 21. 17 * Note * Note * Note * Note * Note Ioh. 5. 35 Luk. 24. 32. * Note * Note 2 Cor. 11. 14 Reuel . 3. 14 * Note * Note * Note * Note * Note * Note Hos. 6. 4. * Note * Note * Note Act. 16 14 * Note * Note * Note 1 Sam. 18. 18 * Note 2 Sam. 9 8 * Note * Note Luk. 15. 16. * Note * Note * Note Luk. 16. 25 * Note * Note * Note * Note * Note * Note Ioh. 1. 47. * Note Ioh. 15. 16 vers . 23. * Note * Note * Note Cant. 5. 2 vers . 5. Psal. 10. 4. Act , 16. 14 * Note * Note Heb. 10. 29. ●… * Note * Note Act. 8. 17 Act. 8. 18 * Note * Note * Note Rom. 2. 20 2 Tim. 3. 5 * Note * Note * Note * Note * Note * Note Act. 8. 9. * Note * Note Deut. 8. 48 * Note * Note * Note 1 Sam. 16. 6 vers . 7 ▪ Iudg. 12. 6 2 Sam. 20. vers . 9. * Note 1 Kin. 21. 27 1 Sam. 17 6 * Note * Note Ier 17. 9. * Note * Note 1 Sam. 10. 12 Matth. 7. 22. vers . 32. * Note Matth. 26 50. * Note Mar. 6. 20. * Note * Note Mar. 6. 28 * Note Reuel . 3. 4. Esa. 17. 6. Luk. 12. 32. * Note Act. 8. 13. Heb. 12. 17 Luk. 1. 78 Mal. 4. 2. * Note * Note * Note * Note * Note * Note * Note * Note * Note * Note * Note Iud. v. 23. * Note * Note * Note * Note * Note Reuel . 2 ▪ 17 2 Cor. 12. 4. * Note * Note Gen. 19 ▪ 20 * Note 2 Tim. 4. 8 Ier 31. 19. * Note 2 Cor. 12. 7 * Note Luk. 24. 26 * Note * Note 1 Sam. 4. 2 * Note * Note 2 Tim. 3 5 Prou. 30. * Note 2 Kin. 5. 18 * Note Gen. 4. 11. Ioh , 12. 6. Luk. 18. ●… . * Note Iam. 3. 2. * Note 2 Kin. 2. 13 * Note * Note * Note Psal. 16. 11 Gen. 8. 11 * Note * Note * Note * Note Gen 3. 8. Eccles. 1. 2 * Note * Note Heb. 2. 13 * Note * Note * Note Psal. 117. 23. * Note * Note * Note Psal. 109. 23 * Note Matth. 10 16 , Psal. 55. 6 * Note Psal. 102. 5 * Note * Note * Note * Note Iudg. 16. 21. * Note * Note 1 King. 4. 33 * Note * Note Rom. 8. 20 * Note * Note * Note Luk. 9. 33 * Note * Note * Note * Note Isa. 36 6. * Note * Note * Note Exod. 6. 3. * Note * Note * Note * Note Psal. 62. 6. Psal. 102. 26 * Note * Note * Note Psal. 79. 3. * Note Iudg. 16. 19 * Note Gen 49. 3. vers . 4. ●… Gen. 49. 24. * Note * Note Act. 25. 23 * Note * Note Psal. 82. 7 Act. 12. 22 Luk. 16. 15 * Note 1 Sam. 10. 22. * Note * Note Isa. 51. 12 * Note Plas. 82. 6 1 Kin. 11 6 2 King. 13 2. * Note Dan. 4. 31 * Note Psal. 30 6. vers . 7. Isa. 14. 13. vers . 14. vers . 15. * Note Gen. 3. 19. * Note Psal. 30. 9 1 King. 2. 2. * Note 2 Kin. 10. 19 Ier. 20. 2. 1 Kin. 22. 8. 2 King. 22 2. Mal. 3. 25. * Note Luk. 9. 19 * Note Act. 12. 22 * Note Le Marquis d' Ancre en soit tesmoin . Est. 7. 8. * Note Est. 7. 9. * Note * Note ●…rou . 10. 7 1 Cor. 10. ●…2 . * Note * Note 1 Tim. 5. 17 * Note Luk. 14. 34 Exod. 15. 10 Prou. 11. 22 * Note Psal. 62. 9. Hab. 2. 13. Eccles. 1. 2. * Note Isa. 40. 15 * Note * Note * Note Iudg. 9. 15 Prou. 25. 5 * Note * Note Psal. ●…0 . 6. Gen 17 39 * Note Luk. 16. 25 * Note Gen ▪ 17. 20 Gen. 27. 39 Ioh. 12. 6. Ioh. 13. 26 Gen 32. 10 Gen. 28 ▪ 20 Rom. 2. 5. 1 Tim. 16 19 * Note * Note * Note * Note * Note Hag. 1. 6. Ioh , 12. 6. * Note * Note * Note prou . 31. 30 * Note Isa. 40. 6. Psal. 90. 17 * Note * Note * Note 2 King. 6. 30 * Note Prou. 14. 13 * Note 1 Cor. 3. 19 1 Sam. 11 14. * Note * Note * Note 1 Cor. 3. 19. * Note * Note * Note Eccles. 2. 19 * Note Dan. 5. 27 Exod. 15. 10 * Note * Note Luk. 23. 26 1 Sam. 3. 13. 1 Sam. 3. 12. Iob. 2. 4. * Note * Note Iam. 4. 14. Iob. 2. 22. Isa. 2. 22. Isa. 40. 6. Psal. 90. 9. * Note * Note * Note * Note Eccles. 12. 1 * Note * Note Psal. 108. 1 * Note Gal. 1. 4. * Note Psal. 107. 18 Iob. 14. 14 * Note * Note Isa. 38. 11 Eccles. 2. 19 Eccles. 2. 19 Isa. 57. ●… . * Note * Note Psal. 103. 5 * Note * Note Eccles ▪ 122. * Note Iob. 14. 14 * Note Eccles. 12. 1 * Note * Note vers . 3. * Note * Note * Note * Note vers . 4. * Note * Note * Note vers . 5. * Note * Note * Note vers . 6. * Note * Note * Note * Note * Note * Note * Note * Note * Note Eccle. 12. 7 * Note * Note Iob , 14. 12. * Note Ma●… . 23. 24 * Note * Note * Note 2 Pet. 3. 8 * Note * Note * Note * Note * Note * Note Psal. 90. 10 * Note Iob. 14. 14 * Note Iob. 2. 4. * Note * Note * Note * Note * Note Matth. 25 34. 41. * Note Prou. 12. 10 * Note * Note Mal. 1. 8. * Note Dan. 1. 4. 2 Sam. 5. 6 * Note * Note Matth. 25 11 * Note * Note * Note * Note * Note * Note Isa. 14. 13. * Note Ez●…k . 8 13 * Note Psal. 6 6. Luk. 22. 92 2 Pet. 2. 8. Rom. 7. 24 * Note Reuel . 2. 4. * Note vers . 10. vers . 14. vers . 20 Reuel . 3. 1. vers . 15. * Note Reuel . 3. 10 vers . 11 * Note * Note * Note * Note * Note * Note * Note * Note 1 Cor. 10 12. * Note Dan. 5. 27 Psal. 82. 6. Dan. 2. 34 Psal. 90. 3 Iob. 40. 23. * Note * Note 1 Kin. 21 4 Iob , 14. 22 Dan. 5. 2. Psal. 73. 22 * Note * Note Luk. 9 33. Reuel . 15. 1 * Note * Note Ier. 22. 29. Gen. 6. 5. Matth. 12 45 * Note * Note Reuel . 14. 13 Leuit. 11. 7 2 Pet. 1. 4 Isa. 1. 18. Iob. 4. 19. Iob. 17. 14 Psal. 90. 3. Psal. 42. 1 Psal. 90 9. Coll. 3. 1. Psal. 16. 11 Matth. 19 16 2 Cor. 3. 18 Prou. 12. 10 Isa. 6. 6. Psal. 55. 22 Psal. 129. 1. 2. &c. Eccles. 5. 3. * Note * Note * Note Eccle. 2. 17 Prov. 14. 13 Ephes 4. 4. * Note Eccle. 12. 7 Act. 24. 25 * Note * Note Isa. 50. 4. Mar. 〈◊〉 . 32 vers . 33. vers . 34 vers . 35. vers . 36. 2 Pet. 3. 10 * Note * Note Iam. 5. 8. * Note 2 Pet. 3. 3 vers . 4. * Note vers . 9. Act. 3. 3. * Note Luk. 12. . 35 * Note Matth. 25 3 Act. 25. 13 Matth. 24 3 Matth. 24. 29 2 Pet. 3. 10 vers . 12. * Note * Note Psal. 102. 26. * Note * Note * Note * Note * Note * Note * Note * Note Isa. 51. 6. Isa. 65. 17 Rom. 8. 21 * Note * Note Reuel . 12. 1 * Note Reuel . 20. 11 * Note 1 Cor. 15. 51 Luk. 17. 31 2 Pet. 3. 7. * Note * Note * Note 2 Pet. 3. 13 Philip. 3. 9 * Note Reuel . 12. 17 * Note * Note * Note * Note Exod. 26. 33 Reuel . 14. 4 * Note Psal. 16. 11 Psal. 102. 1 * Note * Note * Note * Note Iob. 1. 9 , * Note * Note Rom. 8. 19 vers . 20. vers . 21. * Note vers . 22. * Note * Note * Note * Note * Note Rom. 8. 23 * Note Reuel . ll 17 Psal. 102. 26 * Note * Note * Note * Note * Note * Note * Note Matth. 26. 42 * Note 2 Cor. 7. 21 * Note * Note * Note Rom. 8. 20 * Note Rom. 8. 20 * Note * Note * Note * Note * Note 2 Cor. 4. 17 * Note Matth. 21 ▪ 9 * Note * Note Isa. 2. 22. Psal. 68. 4. * Note Luk. 3. 4. vers . 5. * Note * Note Matth. 24 29 vers . 30. Luk. 21. 25 vers . 26. vers . 27. * Note Matth. 24 29 Reue. 12. 3 vers . 4. * Note Reuel . 3. 1. * Note Ephes. ●… ▪ ●… * Note 2 Pet. 3. 10 * Note Reue. 6. 1●… * Note Matth. 24 ▪ 22. * Note 2 Pet. 3. 12 Gen. 1. 2. * Note * Note 2 Sam. 24. 14 * Note Luk. 2●… . 30 vers . 31. Matth. 24. 30. Rom. 4. 11 * Note Philip , 2. 9 * Note * Note Gen. 37. 7 * Note Gen. 41. 43 * Note Cant. 5. 10 * Note Cant. 5. 11 * Note Hag. 2. 7. Matth. 24 31 1 Thess. 4 16 * Note 1 Thess. 4 16 * Note * Note * Note * Note * Note Cant. 5. 14 Psal. 11●… . 24 D●…n . 7. 9 vers . 10. Reuel . 5. 11 * Note * Note Matth. 3. 9 * Note Exod. 6. 3 Psal. 50. 12 1 Cor. 15. Heb. 9. 27 1 Thess. 4. 15 1 Thess. 4. 16 Luk. 20. 3●… Ioh. 5. 28. 29. * Nōte Ezek. 18. 20 Ezek. 18. 2 Bernard . Orat ▪ funeb ▪ de obibitu ▪ Valent. * Note 1 Cor. 15 29 S. Chrysost . Luther . Bucanus . Piscator . Ma●… . 7. 4. Act. 9. 37. Luk. 9 33. Ioh. 18. 14 , * Note * Note Tertul. Iob. 19. 25 vers . 31. Dan. 12 : 2 Ezek. 37. 12 Matth. 27 52 vers . 53 Gen. 41. 9 Matth. 24. 30 Isa. 57. 15. Reue ▪ 1. 7. Zath ▪ 〈◊〉 ▪ 〈◊〉 ▪ * Note * Note Reuel . 21. 4. * Note a Reuel . 7. 9 * Note b Reuel . 4. 4. c Matth. 13 43. d Esth. 6. 9 * Note e Iudge . 8. 22 f Cant , ●…5 . 11 g Cant. 5. 2 Reue. 6. 16 * Note Isa. 22. 5. Psal. 114. 14. 1 Cor. 4. 5 * Note * Note * Note * Note * Note * Note Iob. 19. 25 * Note Ioel. 3. 2. * Note Act. 1. 12. Act. 1. 11. Iud. v. 14. * Note Prou. 24. 33 Matth. 24 28 Dan. 7. 10. * Note * Note * Note Matth. 25 31 Reue. 20. 12 * Note Reuel . 20. 12 Reuel . 21. 27 Isa. 4. 3. Exod. 32. 32 Luk. 10. 20 * Note * Note Isa. 49. 16. Mal. 3. 6. * Note Ezek. 13. 9 * Note a Matth. 13 43 b Mal. 4. 2 * Note Reuel . 5. 5. Reuel . 20. 12. * Note * Note Dan. 7. 9. Reuel . 21. 27 Reuel . 120. 12 Reue. 20. 12 * Note * Note * Note Rom. 2. 16 * Note Gen. 41. 5 * Note * Note Psal. 50. 21 * Note * Note * Note Psal. 50. 2●… A prayer * Note Zepha 1. 12 Isa. 1. 42. * Note * Note * Note * Note Psal. 1469 * Note * Note Dan. 5. 6. A prayer Numb . 23. 10 Matth. 25 33 Luk. 22. 30 * Note a Amos. 6. 4 b Matth. 10 42 c Matth. 13 43 * Note Matth. 10. 42 * Note Psal. 16. 3. Isa. 28. 7. a Matth. 11 12. 1 Pet. 1. 17 Cant. 5. 13 Matth. 25 34 * Note Reuel . 21. 9 Cant. 7. 5. Ioh. 3. 29. Matth 25 33 * Note ●… Pet. 2. 12 * Note * Note Psal. 73. 4 * Note 1 Thess. 5. 3 * Note * Note Cant. 2 , 15 Gen. 3. 24 Matth. 25. 41 * Note * Note * Note * Note Iudg. 7. 13 * Note ▪ * Note * Note ▪ ▪ Psal. 50. 21 2 Pet ▪ 2. 3 Ier. 3. 3. * Note * Note Matth. 21. 30 * Note * Note Matth. 25. 46 * Note * Note Numb 16. 32 * Note * Note Zepha . 2. 2 * Note * Note * Note Matth. 25. 41 a Isa. 9. 5. Isa. 22. 23 Psal 16. ●…1 * Note Cant. 2. 2. Reuel . 7 ▪ 14 Prou. ●…7 . 7 a Reuel . 5. ●… b Reuel . 19 1. Matth. 25. 46 * Note A prayer Matth. 25 34 * Note Psal. 47. 5 vers . 6. * Note Cant. 4. 1 Rouel . 12. 1 Cant. 1. 10 * Note Cant. 8. 5. Reuel . 19. 7 * Note * Note Cant. 3. 11 Reuel . 19. 9 * Note * Note Psal. 81. 10 1 Cor. 15. 28 Rom. 8 , 22 * Note * Note Luk. 9. 33 A prayer Rom , 8. 27 1 Cor. 15. 24 vers . 25. vers . 28 * Note Iudg. 14. 18. * Note * Note * Note * Note Ioh. 17. 11 vers . 12. * Note * Note Ioh. 17. 10 * Note Dan. ●…19 . 29 A prayer 1 Cor. 15 25 21Sam . 6. 23 Matth. 1. 25 Gen. 28. 15 Luk. 1. ●…33 * Note Psal. 2. 9. * Note * Note * Note * Note Act. 17. 11 * Note * Note 1 Cor. 25. 28 * Note August . lib. de Trinit . 1 cap. 10 Gal. 5. 17. * Note * Note * Note * Note Psal 19. 8. Rom , 1. 16 * Note Psal. 19. 2. 1 Tim ▪ 3. 16 Ier. 17. 1 Rom. 1. 16 Matth. 13. 44 * Note Luk. 16. 9 Matth. 14 29 * Note Dan. 3. 23. vers . 27 Iohn . 21. 1 * Note A prayer Rom. 8. 27 Iob. 7. 4. Amos. 3. ●…3 Matth. 6. 7 Isa. 29. 13 Act. 5. 2. * Note 1 Cor. 7. 31 Dan. 7. 9. Heb. 4. 13 Matth. 25. 34 Iam. 5. 9. Matth. 25. 4. Ioh. 3. 29. Luk. 21. 28 Matth. 25. 2●… Rom. 8. 1●… Ezek. 11. 16. Cant. 1. 23 1 Ioh. 2. 1. 2 Tim. 4. 8 Dan. 9. 7. Matth. 8. 12 Heb. 1 , 14 Luk. 16. 22 Isa. 59. 5. Matth. 25. 29 Iob. 6. 4. Iudg 15. 19 Ioh. 4. 14. Ioh. 14. 14. Psal. 130. 4 Psal. 132. 16 Act. 16. 14 Act. 17. 11 Isa. 9. 5. Iob. 4. 13. Psal 16 7. A prayer * Note * Note Iob. 4. 13. 2 Cor. 4. 16 2 Cor. 4. 17 * Note Bernard ▪ Rom. 2. ●… * Note Isa. 64. 6. * Note Rom , 8. 18 * Note Dan. 9. 7. 2 Cor. ●… . 1. vers . ●… vers . 3. vers . 4. vers . 6. vers . 8. * Note * Note 1 Tim : 6. 20 Col. 2. 8. * Note 1 Ioh. 2. 13 * Note Psal 19. 8. Psal. 19. 7. Act. 17 , ●…1 * Note * Note Piscator . Beza . * Note S. Amb. * Note Psal. 131. 1. Aprayer * Note * Note Aristot. lib. 1. de coelo . * Note * Note Ioh. 3. 8. * Note * Note * Note * Note Luk. 15. 17 * Note * Note 〈◊〉 . ●… . 27 ▪ Gen. 19. 11 Act. ●… . 23 * Note * Note * Note Isa. 34. 14 ▪ * Note Exod. 34. 33 1 Tim. 6. 16 * Note Plato . polit . * Note Mal. 4. 2. Reuel . 21. 25 Matth 5. 29. Luk. 16. 9. * Note Mal. 3. 16 Iob. 8. 9. * Note Psal. 87. 1. * Note * Note * Note Exod. 26. 15 * Note Philip. 3. 8 Psal 107. 23 * Note Can. 2. 2. * Note * Note Rom , 7. 19 Reuel . 14. 13. Cant. 2. 3 Reuel . 19. ●… * Note Psal. 84. 10 * Note * Note Psal. 16. 6. * Note Cant. 4. 6 * Note Hiero in Catologo●… . * Note Psal. 87. 3. 2 Chr ; 1 * Note Lam. 2. 15 Ioseph . 7 Booke chap. 3. Ma●…h . 27. 1●… Matth. 24 ▪ 15 Matth. 24 15 vers . 16 Dan. 9. 6. vers . 27. * Note Luk. 21. 20 * Note Gen. 4. 15 Gen. 4. 24. Gen. 4. 10 * Note Gal ▪ 4. 26. Heb. 12. 22 Reuel . 21. 10 Gal. 4. 26. Heb. 12. 22 * Note Col. 3. 1. Philip. 3. 20 * Note Gal. 4 , 26. Hugo Card. Gen. 45. 24 * Note Matth. 27 53 Gen. 22 14 Heb. 7. 2. Abricho mijas . Sijah , ariditas . 2 Chr. 3. 1 1 Chr. 21 16. vers . 20. vers . 26. 1 Kin. 6. 2 vers . 7. 1 Kin. 6 16 Heb. 9. 4. Exod. 16. 34 1 Kin. 8. 9 Heb. 9. 2. See Pisc. in the Heb. 9. 2 2 Chron. 7 〈◊〉 Matth. ●… . ●… . vers . ●…5 Matth. 24. 3●… Ma●… . 14. 30 Matth. 26. 30 Luk. 19. 40 Matth 26. 36 Mark. 14. 33 34. Act. 1. , Numb . 19 2. Psal. 89. 11 vers . 12. Psal. 133. 3 Cant. 4. 8 Deu. ●…3 . 9. Deut. 4. 48 Psal. 42. 6. Iunius . Bellarmin on the 42. Psalme . Of Ierusalem . Hieron . Ioshu . 19. 2●… Ioshu . 19. 22 Iudg 4. 6. vers . 14. Iudg. 8. 18 ●… Sam. 10. 3 Ier. 46. 1●… Matth. 17. 1. Ier. 46. 18 Rom. 11. 21 Ioshu . 15. 55 Isa. 35. 2. Ier. 46. 81 1 King. 18. 20 1 Kin. 18. 42 Psal. 90. 17. Rom. 11. 21 Can. ●… . 1. Gen. 9 , 27. A prayer Reuel . 21. 10. Gal. 2. 6. Reuel . 21. 16 * Note Luk. 15. 7 Reuel . 21. 10 Matth. 27 53 Psal. 90. 17 * Note Reuel . 21. 11 vers . 1●… . * Note vers . 19 vers . 20. vers . 21. * Note vers . 21 * Note Aret. in Apocalip Iob. 4. 19 Reuel . 21. 21 Cant. 8. 9 Reuel . 3. 18 * Note * Note Psal. 16. 1●… Psal. 90. 17 Reuel . 21. 15 vers . 16. * Note * Note * Note Prou. 30. 2 Prou. ●… . 11 Prou. ●…1 . 16 Reuel . 21. 22 A Godlie Prayer . * Note Reuel . 11. 1. * Note * Note 1 Cor. 3. 16 A godlie Prayer . * Note * Note Ezek. 48. 31 vers . 35. Reuel . 21. 12 * Note Reuel . 21. 24 * Note Isa. 60. 19 vers . 20. * Note Reuel . 22. 3. Psal. 129. 4 Isa. 28. 17 Psal. 84. 1. Psal. 87. 3. * Note Psal. 27. 4. * Note Isa. 28. 29 * Note A prayer A prayer A prayer * Note * Note * Note * Note * Note * Note Gen. 1. 16 * Note * Note * Note Exod. 34. 33 * Note * Note Act. 22. 3. * Note * Note * Note * Note Heb. 12. 29 Exod. 33. 23 * Note * Note * Note 1 Pet. 1. 4. * Note Psal. 16. 1●… 2 Cor. 3. 18. * Note * Note * Note 1 Sam. 6. 19 Act. 1. 11. * Note * Note * Note * Note * Note * Note Psal. 126. 1 Prou. 23. 2 * Note * Note 1 Kin. 10. 5 1 King. 1●… 6. vers . 7. vers . 8. * Note Luk. 12. 27 * Note * Note * Note * Note Exod. 33. 22 Act. 7 56 , * Note * Note * Note * Note * Note Luk. 10. 42 a 1 Sam. 4. 22 b Heb. 9. 4 * Note 2 Cor. 12. 4 * Note * Note Psal. 84. ●…0 * Note 2 Cor. 3. 18. 1 Ioh. 3. 2. * Note * Note * Note Reuel . 7. 9. Reuel . 7. 10 vers . 10. * Note * Note * Note * Note * Note Mal. 4. ●… . * Note * Note * Note * Note Luk. 10. 27 * Note * Note * Note 1 Ioh. 4. 8. * Note * Note Gen. 19 , 20 ▪ * Noet * Note Heb. 11. 1 1 Ioh. 4. 8. * Note * Note ●…a . 35. 6. Ezek. 28. 24. * Note * Note S. Aug. * Note * Note * Note * Note * Note Numb . 20 18. * Note Isa. 40 31 Psal. 16. 11 * Note * Note * Note * Note Luk. 9. 28 * Note 2 Kin. 2 ▪ 13 * Note 1 Cor. 13. 11 * Note * Note * Note Isa. 28. 11. Col. 3. 11 * Note Psal. 36. 8 Reuel . 14. 13 * Note Gregor . * Note Col. 3. 1. * Note Psal : 16. 1●… Iob. 14. 14 * Note Isa. 57. 19. * Noet Luk. 20. 33 vers . 34. vers . 35. vers . 36. * Note * Note Psal. 73. 25 * Note Psal. 16. 11 1 ▪ Cor. 15. 41 vers . 42. * Note * Note Matth. 19. 27 * Note Dan. 12. 2 vers . 3. Matth. 13 43 Iudg. 5. 31 * Note Matth. 25. 23 * Note Martyr . * Note * Note * Note * Note 1 Cor. 2. 9 * Note * Note ●… Cor. 4. ●…7 * Note * Note 1 Ich. 3. 2. Heb. 11. 1 Psal. 137. 2 Mal. 4. 2. * Note Zach. 9. 11 Psal. ●… . 7. * Note Reuel . 22. 2. * Note Psal. 42. 2. A prayer Reuel . 3. 18 * Noet * Note * Note * Note * Note * Note Prou. 14. 13. * Note Mal. 4. 2. * Note Psal. 94. 17 * Note 1 Cor. 15. 56 A prayer Psal. 16. 1●… Isa. 1. 18. Psal. 103. ●… 12 Philip. 1. 21 Luk. 10. 33 Psal. 41. 3 Ioh. 11. 11 Isa. 57. 2. Col. 3. 1. Psal , 23. 4. 1 Sam. 20. 20 Psal. 78. 65 Amos. 6. 6 Psal. 132. 18 Psal. 1. 6 Psal. 132. 9 Hos. 6 ▪ 1. Can. 3. 6. Psal. 107. 18 Kin. 8. 34 A prayer Psal. 51. 8 Reuel . 3. 18 Matth. 21. 22 * Note Rom , 8. 26 * Note Isa. 40. 2. * Note * Note * Note * Note Psal. 103. 1 1 Cor. 2. 16 Iob. 33. 23 Iona. 1. 1. Prou. 11. 30 * Note 1 Ioh. 3. 14 Isa. 50. 4. Isa. 6. 6. Prou. 15. 4 Isa. 52. 7. Eccles. 12. ●… * Note Cant. 7. 8 * Note Isa. 1. 6. * Note Bernard . * Note 2 Kin. 13. 21 ▪ Cant. 8. 10 Isa. 8. 18. 1. Pet , 5. 2 Dan. 12. 3 * Note Mal. 2. 7. Iob. 33. 23 ▪ Isa. 42. 3. Iob. 33. 23 * Note Ier. 15. 19 A prayer * Note A prayer Rom. 1. 16 1 Cor 3. 7 * Note Luk. 3. 4. * Note Act. 25. 2●… * Note * Note 1 Pet. 4. 19 * Note * Note * Note Psal. 23. 4. A prayer A prayer * Note Psal. 118. 12 * Note Iona , 2. 9. Psal. 103. 1 * Note Luk. 22. 32 * Note 2 Sam. 2. 26 * Note * Note * Note Eccles. 11. 3 Luk. 16. 22 * Note Luk 12. 35 * Note ●…am . 2. 23. * Note * Note * Note * Note Luk. 3. 7. Isa. 6. 6. 1 Cor. 7. 8. * Note * Note * Note Ioh. 2. 11 Mat. 13. 33 Eccles. 10. ●… * Note Gen. 30. 38 vers . 38. * Note Ioh. 4. 27 * Note * Note 1 Cor. 20. 12 1 Pet : 3. 2. * Note Cant. 2. 15 * Note Sidera volentia . * Note Coloss. 3. 3. * Note * Note Ezek. 37. 9 * Note Ioh. 13. 18 * Note * Note 1 Kin. 17 ▪ 12 * Note Luk. 1. 28. * Note * Note * Note Iud. v. ●…3 . * Note * Note * Note * Note * Note * Note Eze. 2. 16. ●…am . 2. 20. * Note Prou. 25. 25. * Note * Note Luk. 10. 41 * Note * Note * Note * Note Prou. 4. 23 * Note Luk. 18. 12 * Note Ioh. 1. 47. 2 Cor. 11 14 * Note Deut. 1. 4●… * Note * Note Cant. 6. 1. * Note * Note * Note Matth. 11. 8 * Note * Note 1 Pet , 4. 18 * Note * Note * Note * Note Col. 2. 18. * Note 1 Kin. 19 12 * Note Ezek. 18. 10 vers . 13 * Note Psal. ●…38 . 6 * Note * Note 1 Kin. 21. 27. Exod. 8. 19 * Note * Note * Note Amos. 3 ▪ 6 * Note A prayer Psal. 138. 8 2 Cor. 12. 9 A prayer Psal. 143. 10 Psal. 36. 9. Psal. 19. 14 * Note Exod. 4. 3. Eccles. 7. 3 Ioh. 1. 47. * Note * Note Prou. 7. 11 vers . 12. Gen. 49. 7 Gen. 34. 1 * Note Iam. 3. 6. * Note * Note Iudg , 16. 22 Psal. 103. 5 Isa. 40. 29. A prayer * Note Gen. 48. 2 A prayer A prayer Gen. 48. 16. 1 Kin. 2. 2. * Note * Note * Note * Note * Note Ioh. 5. 4. * Note * Note Psal. 90. 14 * Note Psal. 103. 5 * Note * Note * Note * Note 1 Kin. 18. 12 * Note Psal. 25. 7. Iob. 13. 26 * Note * Note * Note * Note * Note 〈◊〉 . 7. 17 Psal. 128. 3 * Note Prou. 6. 6. * Note Prou. 2. 17 * Note * Note * Note 1 Kin , 12. 10 Isa. 48. 4. * Note * Note * Note 1 Pet , 2. 11 * Note Eccles. 8. 13 * Note * Note * Note * Note * Note * Note Psal. 58. 4. 1 Kin. 17. 6 Isa. 8. 18. * Note * Note 1 Pet : 1. 17. Act ▪ 24 17 * Note * Note Prou. 27. 6 * Note 2 ●…hro . 29 11 Numb . 23. 10 * Note Eph ●… . ●…4 Isa. 59. 5. * Note * Note * Note * Note * Note 1 Cor. 10. 10 * Note 2 Sam. 5. 7 1 Sam. 6. 19 Numb . 15 39 * Note Psal. 57. 8. * Note 2 Pet , 2. 10 * Note * Note Gen. 44. 33 * Note * Note * Note * Note * Note * Note Heb. 11. 13 A prayer Ezek. 3. 1. 2 Cor. 2. 16 Ioh. 20. 22 Isa. 40. 29 * Note 1 P●…t . 3. 8 * Note Eccles. 4. 1 * Note Ioh. 17. 11 21. 22. 23. 26. * Note Psal. 34. 14 * Note * Note * Note * Note * Note * Note * Note * Note * Note * Note * Note * Note * Note * Note Ioh. 20. 4. * Note Prou. 16. 31 Iob. 14. 14 Psal. 90. 12 * Note * Note * Note * Note * Note * Note * Note * Note * Note Col. 3. 1. Luk. 16. 19 * Note * Note * Note Matth. 5. 9 Heb. 13. 11 Prou. 22. 2 * Note Iosh. 3. 16. Eccles. 11. ●… Luk. 16. 9 * Note * Note * Note Prou. 21. ●… Psal. 107. 18 A prayer A prayer Prou. 20. 17 * Note Prou. 16. 7 Prou ▪ 21. 17 * Note * Note Ioh. 1. 47. Psal. 116. 13. * Note * Note Prou. 10. 7 * Note Luk. 16. 19 * Note Matth. 3. 4 Iob. 1. 5. * Note * Note August . Confess . lib. 9 c. 8 * Note * Note * Note * Note * Note * Note * Note * Note * Note * Note * Note Exod. 20. 6. * Note * Note Iob. 15. 4. Psal. 14. 4. Psal. 5 3. 4. * Note Psal. 55. 16 * Note Psal. 119. Prou. 24. 9 2 Cor. 12. 9 * Note Ioh. 6. 35. Act. 17. 11 A prayer 1 P●…t , 5. 10 Psal. 144. 10 1 Tim. 4. 5 Gen. 27. 27 Prou. 15. 23 Zach. 12. 10 Psal. 19. 24. Eccles. 12. 5 Isa. 38. 12. Psal. 65. 11 ▪ Iob. 4 13. Prou. 25. 11 Isa. 40. 31 Ephes. 6. 11 Iob. 14. 14 2 Cor 5. 1 2 Cor. 5. 6 ●…sal . 45 , 7 Psal. 133. 2 Psal. 133. 3. 1 Cant. 1. 6. 2 Psal. 45. 13 3 Cant. 4. 6 4 Zach. 2. ●… 5 Act. 9. 5 Psal. 45. 13 Ioh. 3. 29. A prayer Psal. 55 7 * Note Gal. 2 , 11. * Note 2 Sam. 12. 1 Psa. 38. 2. 2 Cor. 7. 31 * Note Matth. 21. 13 * Note * Note Reuel . 3. 5 A prayer Beza his reply on his death bed . Gen. 35. 8 * Note * Note Eccles. 10. 12 * Note Prou. 31. 31 * Note * Note * Note 2 Sam. 11. 4 2 Sam. 24. 1 1 Kin. 11 4 2 Chr. 32. 25 2 Chr. 20 , 37 2 Chr , 35 , 22 Psal. 78. 6 * Note * Note * Note * Note * Note * Note * Note Act. 15. 39 * Note * Note Psal. 39 , 5 , Iam. 4 , 14 , Psal , 78 , 39 * Note S. Augu. * Note * Note Matth. 7. 13 * Note Iudg. 16 , 21 Prou. 24. 33 Gen. 19. 16. * Note * Note * Note * Note A prayer Plas. 37. 37 ●…sal . 43. 5. Mal. 4. 2. Luk. 1. 78. A prayer Psal. 55. 6 * Note * Note A prayer Psal. 143. 10 Prou. 3. 23 Hos. 2. 19. Psal. 16. 11 * Note * Note 2 Cor. 1. 10 * Note Luk. 19. 5. A prayer Prou 26. 20 Psal. 16. 11 Psal. 143 , 10 * Note The Hebrewes called the Gad●… Iudg. 3. 3 Malmad quod boves doceat arare . S. Aug. * Note Isa. 8. 6. * Note Prou. 20. 30 * Note * Note 2 Cor. 2 ▪ 16 * Note * Note * Note 2 Kin ▪ 2. 11 A prayer Tit , 2. 13 Iam. 5. 16. Psal. 37. 37 A prayer Eccles. 4. 12 Psal. 109 , 7 Psal. 41. 1 Matth. 27. 51. Isa. 1. 18. Ier. 23. 6. Isa. 42. 3. Ioh. 1. 16. Eccles. 6. 15 Psal. 19. 5 , Hab. 8. 2. Ephes ▪ 6. 12 Reuel . 12. 11 a Gen. 3. 8 b Ino●… . 2 , 1 c Gen. 32. 29 d 1 Sam. 1. 18 e Luk. 1. 62 f Luk. 7. 22 g Ioh. 9. 7. Isa. 42. 3●… * Note * Note psal . 16. 3. Luk. 1. 14. Psal. 40. 1 vers . 2. vers . 3. * Note 1 Sam. 25 37. A prayer Cant. 4 6. A prayer Psal. 136. 1 2. 3. &c. Psal. 23 , 4 Heb. 2. 10 , Gen. 26. 22 * Note Psal. 16. 11 Psal. 42. 1. Isa. 57. 2. Psal. 51. 8 Mal. 4. 2 Act. 7. 56. A prayer * Note Psal. 16. 11 * Note * Note * Note A prayer Psal 42. 2 , * Note Luk. 16. 9 , * Note Nehem. 13 14 Iam. 2. 18. * Note Matth. 21. 9 * Note Iam. 2 , 18 Matth. 6. 4 Matth. 5. 16 Luk. 11. 33 * Note Matth. 5. 14 * Note * Note * Note A prayer Psal. 55. 6 Cant. 8 6. Cant. 1. 4 , * Note * Note A prayer A prayer 2 Tim. 4 8 Psal , 16. 11 A prayer A prayer ●… sal . 130. 5 vers . 6 Psal. 42. 2. Matth. 26. 40 Psa. 37. 37 A prayer A prayer Isa. 57. 15. A prayer Quis hic fuit non liquet . * Note * Note * Note * Note * Note * Note Ioh. 2 , 10. 2 Sam. 23. 1 vers . 2. vers . 3. vers . 4. vers . 5. vers . 6. 1 Chro. 29 15 vers . 18. Psal. 102 , 1 Eccles. 1. 2. Psal. 90. 12 Psa. 90. 17 Ioh. 14. 2. Ioh. 1. 5. ●…sal . 116. 13 * Note * Note * Note * Note . Luk. 2. 29 * Note ●…ox . Act & monū . Fol. 1555●… . 〈◊〉 impression . Reuel . 17. 7 * Note * Note Isa. 1. 18. * Note I●…r . 2. 22. Ephes. 6. 12 Reuel . 2 17 * Note Cant. 6. 10 * Note * Note A prayer * Note * Note * Note Matth. 11. 28 * Note Iob. 14. 14 A prayer Cant. 8. 6 , Psal. 56. 11 Psal. 42. 2. A prayer Isa. 38. 1●… Isa. 13. 21. 1 Cor. 15. 52 * Note Psal. 103. 5 * Note Ioh. 12. 24 1 Cor. 15. 42 vers . 43. vers . 44 Mal. 4. 2. psal . 16. 11 * Note Luk 18. 27 * Note Iona. 2. 2. Isa. 57. 2. * Note * Note Matth. 20. 15 * Note * Note Gen. 3. 19. * Note * Note Psal. 16. 11 * Note Cant. 2. 11 * Note * Note Matth. 25. 21 A prayer Psal. 16 11 A prayer Luk. 2. 30. Mar. 8. 24. A prayer Prou. 13. 12 A prayer Cant. 7. 10 Psal. 16. 11 A prayer Cant. 8. 6. Psal. 40 7. Psa. 39. 12 Philip. ●… . 21 A prayer psal . 116. 7 Psal. 34. 6. A prayer Iob. 19. 25 Cant. 3. 4. * Note Gen. 49. 18 Luk. 23. 4●… Act. 7. 59. * Note Act. 14 22 * Note Psal. 16. 11 1 P●…t , 4. 12 vers . 18. * Note Prou. 26. 2 * Note * Note Matth. 5. 19 * Note * Note Isa. 38. 11. Psal. 39. 12 Ioh. 1. 38. vers . 39. Ioh. 19. 27 Ephes. 6. 13 Psal. 16. 11 Philip. 13. 14 A prayer . A prayer Rom. 81. ●…sal . 16. 11 * Note 1 Pet. 〈◊〉 . 13 Luk. 1. 78. Psal. 16. 11 A prayer Gen. 24. 31 Psal. 16 , 11 Iud. v. 9. Reuel . 12. 10 Iud. v. 9. Ier. 8. 6. Psal. 19. 8. Hos. 7. 4. Psal. 35. 26 Dan. 4. 30 1 F●…t , 2. 16 Isa. 48. 4. Ioh. 8 ▪ 44. Isa. 1. 18. Ioh. 19. 30 * Note * Note Matth. 9. 13 Isa 42. 3. * Note H●…b . 11. 1 , Iam. 2 , 13. Iob. 31. 40 psal . 1. 3. 2 Cor. 8 , 12 * Note Ios. 12. 4. Heb. 12. 17 Prou. 30. 19 Isa. 58. 5. * Note Isa. 58. 5. Psal. 51. 6. Iam. 4. 8. * Note Matth. 7. 16 Act. 10. 15 Numb . 23. 21 * Note * Note 1 Ioh. 3. 9. * Note * Note Cant. 2. 10 Psal , 16. 11 Notes for div A16539-e192350 Iob. 14. 1. Heb. 9. 27. Isa. 40. 6. vers . 7. psal . 82. 7. psal . 89. 48 Iob. 14. 5. Ioh. 7. 30. 1 Cor. 15. 26 , Iob. 14 , 14 Leuit , 10 , 3 Psal. 39. 9. Isa. 57. 2. Ioh , 11 , 11 Iob , 3 , 13 , Iob. 1. ●…1 . * Note Iob. 29. 1●… . 1 The●… , 4. 13 Gen , 23 , 〈◊〉 Gen. 35 , 〈◊〉 Gen. 37. 33 Gen. 50. 1 Ruth . 1. 20 vers . 21 , Ioh. 11. 35 Luk. 〈◊〉 . 25. * Note * Note * Note G●…n . 4. Numb . 5. 21 * Note 1 Sam , 1 , 〈◊〉 Psal. 68. 4. Psal 27. 10 Isa. 49. 16. Exod. 12. 36 Numb . 20 11 ●…udg . 14. 14 Psa●… . 34 10 Psa. 63. 26 Psal , 90. 10 * Note Isa. 65. 20. Isa. 35. 10. Isa. 57. 1. 2 King. 22 20 * Note Luk. 23. 28 ●…er . 22. 10 Ezek. 24. ●…6 Ezek. 24. 17 vers . 23 , vers . 25 1 Sam. 4. 22 Psal. 131. 2 1 Thess. 4. 13 vers . 14. vers . 15. vers . 16 vers . 17 vers . 18. A prayer Notes for div A16539-e195290 Rom. 8. 28 Iob. 1. 21. * Note Psal. 37. ●…2 Psal. 112 , 2 Isa. 49. 15. vers . 16. Psal 73. 26 * Note Psal 37. 25 , * Note Luk. ●…12 . 25 * Note vers . 31. Luk. 12. 22 Psal. 55. 22 * Note 1 King. 17 12 2 King. 4. 2 Iud. v , 23 , * Note 1 The●… , 4. 13 * Note * Note Gen. 27 , 33 * Note * Note * Note Psal. ●…3 5. Luk. 12. 33 * Note Aprayer Notes for div A16539-e196310 * Note * Note * Note a Cant. 7. 11. b Luk. 16. 9 * Note Psal , 66. 12 * Note * Note * Note Iob. 14. 14 * Note * Note Prou. 14 , 13 * Note Eccles. 12. 5 * Note Isa. 9. 20. * Note psal . 90. 12 Gen , 1 , 16 Psal. 19 5. * Note * Note Isa. 8. 7. * Note ▪ Gen , 2 , 7. 2 Pet. 3. 5. Ezek. 9. 2. * Note * Note Ioh. 1. 47. Isa. 57. 1. Cant. 2. 2 , * Note A prayer Psal. 16. 11 Notes for div A16539-e197660 * Note . Iona ▪ 4. 6. August . Consol. lib. 6. cap. 11. * Note * Note * Note * Note * Note Eccles. 7. 2. * Note * Note Arist. meteor . 1 ▪ 12. * Note * Note * Note * Note * Note * Note * Note * Note * Note Col. 3. 1. * Note Luk , 2. 29. Psal. 116. 15 * Note * Note * Note A prayer Psa 90. 14 Gen. 49. 26 , Notes for div A16539-e200020 Iob. 39. 14 vers . 16 ▪ vers . ●…17 . Zach. 12. 11 Psal. 102. 6 Apostrophe ad filium mortuum Apostrophe ad mare & flumina . * Note * Note Notes for div A16539-e200520 2 Sam. 24. 14 * Note Rom. 8. 1. Luk. 1●… . 13. Rom. 11. 29 Gen. 4 , 10 , * Note