THE EMBASSAGE OF God's Angel. By George Phillips. Malachi. cap. 3. verse 1: Behold I will send my Messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me. VERITAS TVA ET VSQVE AD NUBES printer's or publisher's device AT LONDON Printed for William Leake, and are to be sold at his shop in Paul's Churchyard at the sign of the Greyhound. 1597. The Embassage of God's Angel. The Text is in the 5. Chapter of the Acts of the Apostles, the 20. verse, etc. 20 Go your way, and stand in the Temple, and speak unto the people, all the words of this life. 21 So when they heard it, they entered into the Temple early in the Morning, and taught. And the chief priest came, & they which were with him, and called the counsel together, & all the elders of the children of Israel, and sent to the prison, to cause them to be brought. IN this speech, we must observe the charge that was given to the Apostles by the Angel, and then how the Apostles executed the same. If we consider these things more particularly: Go your way, is the encouragement that the Angel giveth to these apostles. Stand in the temple, admonisheth to have recourse to the ordinary place of teaching and hearing God's word. Speak to the people, is God's general calling of all people to the knowledge of his truth. 1 Tim. 2, 4 All the words of this life, doth signify the subject of our p●eaching, viz. the Gospel of jesus Christ which bringeth eternal life. But when the angel calleth them the words of this life, he hath relation to a life, which the apostles had preached before their imprisonment, as in Acts the 4, and 12. verse. Text. Go your ways. God saith of the wicked (viae meae, non sunt viae vestrae) My ways are not your ways. But here the Angel saith, Go your ways. etc. which was a notable argument to these men that their authority was good. This must needs concern us of the Ministry very nearly, Psal. 39.1 that we look to our ways like David, whether they be such as may encourage us to proceed therein with a safe conscience. For it is questionless, that because the spirits of the Prophets are subject to the Prophets: 1 Cor. 14, 32 therefore saint john willeth us to try the spirits, teaching us like wise to know, what spirits we must acknowledge for fit leaders of God's people. Acts. 8.9 In Simon the Sorcerer was the spirit of enchantment, wherewith he seduced the Samaritans. In jason the high priest, 2 Maca. 4, 7 was the spirit of Bribery, whilst he corrupted (for that office of the priest hood) Antiochus, who was corrupted again by Menelaus. Our saviour Christ himself telleth us, john 10, 1 That every one that cometh not in by him the door, Neh. 13, 29 entereth in by a wrong way. And zealous Nehemia curseth such, as profane polluters of Gods holy house, and defilers of his sacred Priesthood. And yet some have taken this calling upon them, before they could discharge it any better than Nicodemus could reason of regeneration: john 3, 9 and other have gone the wrong way to discharge their charge: jonas. 1, 3. as jonas fled to Tarshish, when he should have gone to Ninive. And the Grandbishop of our souls, 1 Pet. 2, 25 hath ordained this for a perpetual and an infallible note of a true minister of jesus Christ: john 10, 9 By me if any man enter, he shall go in and out, and shall find pasture, and shall be safe: meaning, that they whose pastures are bare, like the mountain of Gilboa, 2 Sam. 1.21 have climbed over the hurdles, or come in by some by-waie, and not by the right door. And as no learning hath let them in, so a lawful authority might shut them out, that they might return to their old occupations again, whereof they have more skill, 2 Tim. 4, 10 and wherein they have most delight (as Demas in this World) who have taken so large a leap, as it is from the shop board, to the sheepfold. They only must build in God's house, whom he hath commanded so to do, and enabled thereunto, as when he said to the apostles: Math. 28, 18 19 All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth: Go therefore and teach all Nations, etc. for God ever endueth them with a greater measure of his grace, than the common sort of his people: (As jacob said of his elder son joseph, when he blessed him: moreover, Gen. 40, 22 I give to thee one portion above thy brethren, which I gate from the Amorites with my sword & bow) That the minister may be a leg to the lame, an eye to the blind, a staff to the aged, a teacher of the ignorant, and a guide to the wandering: else, how shall he lift my feet out of the mire that is as deeply plunged in it as I am? What hope have I to escape the pit, when my guide is as blind as a beetle? How shall he uphold and strengthen my weakness, who is an unstaid man himself? how shall other be taught by him whom God himself under the person of Nicodemus reproved for his ignorance long since? john 3, 10 Thus did the people wander in that maze of popery, as in a midnight of ignorance in the days past. But (blessed be God) we may now see how truly Paul said sometimes to the saints at Ephesus, Ephes. 5, 8 ye were darkness, but now are you light in the Lord, meaning that when they were gentiles they walked ignorantly as they that were in darkness, but it pleased God to give them his son, who is the true light to enlighten every one that cometh into the world. john 1.9 john the Baptist being asked of the priests & Levites, what he was, john 1.23 said not I am a crier, but he answered: I am the voice of a crier. Many have taken the title of the Lords criers upon them, whose voices have seldom been employed in preparing the paths of the Lord. Who (if they omitted their duty of ignorance) might learn of Esay to inquire of the Lord: What shall I cry? Esay 40.6 And they which know it might imitate the same Prophets' example, who said that For Zion's sake he would not be silent, that jacob may know God's judgements, and Israel his Laws. Rom. 10, 14 15 For how shall the people hear without a preacher, and how shall they preach except they be sent? Lord, how many were there possessed with dumb devils, whilst ignorance was the reputed mother of Devotion! but in this our soul saving knowledge of jesus CHRIST'S Gospel, it hath pleased him to open the mouths of such as soundly teach us, that to know the true God and jesus Christ, whom he hath sent to save us, is eternal life. Wherefore we are as greatly bound to praise God, Mark 7.31 for opening the mouths of such men, as those Galileans who said: He hath done all things well, he hath made the deaf to hear, and the dumb to speak. 2 Chr. 13, 9 Blessed be God, the days which Ahia the Prophet complained of, are worn out of date: who said, We have such priests as the Nations that be Idolatrous round about us, as though we should sacrifice with a bullock and seven Rams, to them which are no Gods. Then could men be contented to see and suffer God's sanctuary to be a stable for the ignorant ass. Surely it argueth that men could be contented to profess well, whatsoever they performed: and to have all things well, so that it were not effected by their means. For had they regarded Gods true religion, then should not a company of unworthy men, have carried away the church's revenues for an old song, as Baal's priests consumed the king's cost, for saying O Ball hear us: 1 Reg. 18, 26 blind Prophets should not lead the blinded people (hand in hand) unto hell, nor the Devil lead captive both the seducers, and the seduced, as the Philistines ruled Samson, judg. 16.21 having cut off his hair, and bored out his eyes. Text. And stand in the Temple. This is added, to prove that God hath appointed a settled and certain place, wherein he will have his name called upon of his people: Deu. 12, 5, 6 and it hath been so ever since that Temple at jerusalem was first builded by king Solomon. 1 Reg. 6 As the Psalmist meant when he said: Thither the tribes go up, Psal. 122, 4 even the tribes of the Lord, etc. And it seemeth, that in divers ages, there were ordinary places of assembly, as well to the sacrilege committed with Idols, as for the service of the true god. For as the woman of Samaria saith, that her predecessors worshipped upon the mount of Samaria, john 4, 20 and Christ said, that jerusalem was the ordinary place where Israel should worship: 2 Reg. 5.18 So Naaman the Syrian, worshipped in the house of Rymmon, and jeroboam sometimes at Bethel, 1 Reg. 12 and otherwhiles at Dan. But it is said here unto the Apostles, stand in the Temple: for that the Christian Religion being an open faced Religion, doth likewise require a public profession. According as our Saviour Christ said to the Disciples, Math. 10.27 Quod dico vobis in tenebris, predicate in luce. What I teach to you privately, that preach you publicly. For it is not enough, sayeth saint Paul, that your heart doth believe unto salvation, Rom. 10, 10 but your mouth must also make confession to justification. Ne coelico fallaci venerentur numina cultu, lest all (like Saul) should worship God for a fashion, and not of Devotion. Supra Math. cap. 21, 12 Saint Gregory in his Morals upon Christ's going into the Temple, so soon as he came into the City saith, that this true reformer of his church, had two special respects therein. The first, to show that the negligence of the people doth much arise of the carelessness of the Pastor, who cometh not there so often as he ought. And therefore was it a part of Paul's care to say to the Colossians, Admonish Archippus to look to his charge. Colos. 4.17 Next, to advertise all higher powers, to procure the good of GOD'S house by all the lawful means they may: and in this sense Esay said, that Kings should be nursing fathers, Esay 49, 23 and Queen's nursing mothers unto it. Text. And speak unto the people. As the Apostles mighty deliverance out of the common prison, was a demonstration of zorobabel's conclusion, 1 Esdr. 4, 41 viz. that truth is strongest: So this fresh charge and new commission given to them, must teach us, that we prize not the word of God by that estimation that men of sin do value it. Math. 7, 6 Matt. 15.25 For as swine cannot prise pearls, so the crumbs of this food, are sought for by such, as know what it is worth. When the Apostles answered the counsel at jerusalem with, Acts. 4, 19 Whether it is better to obey God or man, judge you; their speech hath relation to the commandment of God (we see) as to a rule and compass, whereby his ship the Church is safe conducted in the sea of this world. For right so as God said to Moses: Exod. 5, 40 See that thou makest the Ark, according to the pattern that I showed thee on the Mount: In like manner, ought all the enterprises of a Christian life, to be leveled by the word of God's prescription. Christ saith, that when the shepherd is stricken, the flock flieth & is scattered. 1 Reg. 22, 17 And so Micaia did prophecy against Ahab the wicked king of Israel. But Christ never said: that the good shepherd doth fly from the flock, though himself be stricken: but that he ventureth his own life, john. 10, 11 to save theirs, as appeareth by these apostles, who cease not to do that which God commandeth, though it be with danger of life. As the two good midwives of Egypt would not kill the infants, because GOD hath said, Thou shalt do no murder. It was said to the sinful man in the Gospel, john 5, 14 Go thy way and sin no more, lest a worse thing befall thee. But when the Apostles are enlarged by the Angel of the Lord, they are bidden to do again as they did before. Then this is the cause why GOD is so present a help in our troubles, Psal 46, 1 Psal. 50, 15 in delivering us when we call upon him, even that we might magnify him the more. Acts. 4, 18 We charge you that you speak no more in this name, saith the counsel of jerusalem to these Apostles: But I command you, that ye speak the more in this name, saith the angel of the Lord (now ye are at liberty.) Therefore is the zeal of GOD'S Saints figured in the sacrificing fire, which might not go out but must burn both day and night (by the Levitical Law) and as our service of GOD must be perpetual, Levit. 6, 13 so must it be without fear or doubting. Should such a man as I am fly? Nehe. 6, 11 (said Nehemiah.) If the husbandman should wait until there were no wind, Eccles. 11.4 he should never sow. Or if he would not reap, till there be no clouds that threaten rain, he should never have harvest while he liveth. In that these Apostles are commanded to speak unto the people; occasion is offered to say something of those simples whereof gods catholic church is compound: viz. of the people. New jerusalem had twelve gates, not only to signify the xii. Tribes of Israel, Apoc. 21.12. but further to teach that GOD would choose his church from all parts of the world. And this is that which our saviour said long sithence: I have other sheep which are not of this fold, john 10, 16 them also must I bring, and they shall hear my voice, and there shall be one sheepfold and one sheep heard. Whereby he meant, that he would be one day as common to the Gentiles (through the preaching of his gospel) as than he was proper to the first elected jews. For S. john's vision must be effected (or else the scriptures are not fulfilled) he saith: he saw an angel flying through the Apoc. 14, 6 midst of heaven, having an everlasting gospel to preach to them that dwell on the earth, and to every Nation, and kindred, and tongue, & people. So that howsoever that be true, that the Israelites were the peculiar people of God, to whom only pertained the promise, the adoption, & the covenant of God (as saint Paul sayeth) yet now God vouchsafing a new covenant, Rom. 9, 4 Iere. 5, 31 hath comprehended all Nations therein, Acts. 2, 39 as saint Peter saith, Unto you is the promise made and unto your seed, & unto all that are yet a far off, Ose. 2, 23 even so many as God will call. And as Ose the Prophet said: god calleth them his people who were not his people heretofore, and they (now) do call him their God, whose God he was not in times past: For we were as sheep going astray, 1 Pet. 2, 25 but now returned to the shepherd and bishop of our souls, etc. Acts 10, 15 So that Saint Peter's vision being accomplished, that which God hath cleansed, man may not count it unclean: Acts 10, 28 for (now) GOD hath showed me that I should not count any man polluted, or unclean, saith he. Text. All the words of this life. This doth subscribe to the truth of him, who being the life itself, john 14, 6 Matth. 4, 3 said sometimes, that There is not one word in the book of God, but it hath his Emphasis, or powerful effect unto eternal life. Therefore, as Saint Paul found by his own experience, Rom. 1, 16 that the words of the Gospel tend all to the saving of Faithful believers: so he protesteth to the Church of Ephesus, that he kept not back any part of the Counsel of GOD, that was fit for their salvation, Acts. 20, 20 but delivered unto them all that Counsel of God. Yet we, who are the Gentiles, must say like jeremy the prophet: Thy words were found by me, jere. 15, 16 and I did eat them, and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of my heart. Or as David said: Psal. 132.6 Lo we heard of the same at Ephrata, and found it in the Wood When we come to God's house, we must attend rather what is spoken, than who speaketh, because if we regard who teacheth, we shall oft hear the successors of the Scribes & pharisees, who only would say well: and because they hold in capite (so long as they teach the truth) we must hear them, Matth. 23, 2 and hold with them in that. Ei parti favendum est quae rectum sentit in veritate. We must lean to that side, which relieth upon the truth: Therefore said Christ: Quod dicunt facite, You must do as they say. If you attend what they say, you shall find them like the Apostles, for they speak unto you all the words of this life. And it is not only the word of life, because it is spoken as from the Author of life, or because it tendeth to eternal life, but (quia creditur) because it is believed. And therefore saith Paul: Rom. 1, 16 It is the power of God able to save every believer And when Esay said, Esay 53, 1 Lord who believeth our preaching? he meant, that the want of belief is want of life. The words of the Gospel are also called the words of life, john 14, 6 because they treat of jesus Christ, who is the life of life: for in him we live, move, Acts 4, 12 & have our being. And not only Peter saith: Acts 10, 43 Non est salus in ullo alio, but huic testantur omnes prophetae. To him do all the Prophets bear witness, that through his name all that believe in him, shall receive remission of sins. The words of the Gospel are called the words of life also, because the subject of the gospel is to beget souls to everlasting life: as our Saviour himself saith, john 20, 31 These things were written that you might believe, and in believing ye might have life through Christ's name. Text. So when they heard it, they entered into the temple early in the morning and taught. This sequel showeth how faithfully the Apostles did execute the Angel's commandment; First they do hear it, Ezec. 33, 7 than they teach it: like that rule of God to Ezechiel, Son of man thou shalt hear the word at my mouth, and thou shalt give the people warning from me. 1 Pet. 4, 11 Or that of S. Peter, If any man minister, let him do it as of the ability that God ministereth to him. For our saviour saith, Math. 13.52 Every Scribe learned in the kingdom of God, is like a good householder that bringeth out of his treasure, things both new and old. Thus the means are directed to the end, as Moses received the law, to deliver it to the people. The ear to hear, and the eye to see, the Lord hath made them both saith the Wise man. Prou. 20, 12 Solomon teacheth us both the use and the author of our senses: by both the which he affirmeth that we are gods factors upon earth, and that the gifts of God are talents committed to us, to trade them over in our life, to the honour of the right owner of them. Luke 4, 16 The Evangelist Luke saith, that when our Lord came into the synagogue of Nazareth, (according to his custom) he gave them a sermon: And so doth he say likewise of the Apostles, Luke 24, 53 that they were usually conversing in the Temple, in the time of their liberty, and now also after their imprisonment. This is one great comfort to the man of god, that howsoever men may be bound for the word of God, 2 Tim. 2, 9 yet the word of God itself is not bound. And let them further understand, that as God's judgements are compared to a great deep, Psal. 36, 6 so he will not make it known unto us, why he suffereth men to ride over our heads, but only thus far forth, that we may find him most helpful, when we feel ourselves to be most helpless, Psal. 37, 25 and say like David, I never saw the righteous forsaken. And thereby learn, that because God is merciful, therefore he ought to be feared more than men, who are for the most part cruel. When it is said, that the Apostles Entered early into the temple and taught. This is spoken for the imitation of their successors: for even as the sun imparteth his light unto the moon and stars, so these moving candlesticks be not put under a bushel, but set in an open place, to enlighten all that are in God's house. john 5.35 According as the scripture saith of S. john, That he was a burning and a shining light: meaning that he consumed himself to give light to other. In some place the minister early is up, but the people never the nearer: yet these apostles enter betimes into the temple, & do teach. jesus Christ is called the day spring, or the break of the day. Luke 1, 78 And so is his word comparable to the star that conducted the wise men unto him. Math. 2, 9 Cant. 3, 1 The church wanted this light in salomon's time, 1 Sam. 3, 1 but specially in the days of Samuel. Miserable is their state who live in ignorance, for the blind eateth many a fly, as the pharisees are said to swallow whole Camels. Mat. 23, 24 Wherefore we are very happy men, 2 Titus 21 to whom the grace of GOD hath appeared. Text. And taught. Because the word of God hath parted the whole world into a vinyeard of work, and a market place of Idleness, Mat. 20.1, 3 and God hath aswell forbid loitering as commanded labouring: 2 Thes. 3, 10 therefore he taketh men from Idleness, Math. 20, 7 and sendeth them to their occupation, to teach that they only are worthy of their calling which walk according to the same: as Esay said, Esay 50, 4 The Lord hath given me a tongue of the learned, that I should know how to minister a word in due season to him that is weary. And as Paul commanded that he which will drink wine, should help to plant the vine, 2 Cor. 9 and him that liveth of the altar, to minister at the altar: and him that will eat the milk, to feed the flock. I allege not this, as though I thought them to be ignorant of this point of Discipline, to whom it specially pertaineth, but as knowing that they which should specially remember it, do chiefly forget it. There is one lesson in the scripture that many one in the ministery remembreth one half of it, and forgetteth the other half: and it was spoken by our Saviour to his Disciples, immediately after that he heard of the death of john the Baptist. The words are Come aside, Mark. 6, 31 and rest a while. Every one upon the least occasion, very readily cometh apart from labour to loiter, and is priest to take his rest: but they either forget that it is said, Rest a while, or else think a whole years ease to be but a while. But they should rest as Christ did, john 4, 6 sitting upon jacobs' well: viz. until they are refreshed, john 5, 17 and then to it again by Christ's example: for my father worketh hitherto and I work, saith he. And by jacobs' sleeping in the land of Haran: for he laid a stone under his head, in steed of a soft pillow, Gen. 28, 11 & in the next morning was packing on toward Bethel: teaching men to measure their ease, as well as their pains. So God alloweth intermission, for he will have line after line, Esay 28, 10 and precept after precept, but alloweth no Idleness: and therefore he said to those loiterers in the market place: Math. 20, 6 Why stand ye idle? And therefore Paul calleth the Office of a bishop a good work, 1 Tim. 3, 1 in that they taught the people. It maketh as much to our folks condemnation, as for their people's commendation, even as Christ saith that Saba's coming to hear Salomons wisdom shall condemn the jews in the judgement day. Math. 12, 42 Our Saviour hath also taught, what is the cause of our slow assemblies, Luke 12, 34 when he telleth that men's hearts are only there, where their treasure is. But yet even in policy, we know that wise merchants will traffic into divers countries, yea and send their chiefest wares into those parts where there is like to be longest peace and safest travail: Why then should not the spiritual merchant lay up treasure in heaven, where is all good hope of endless happiness, seeing the scripture saith (and therefore the truth saith) that there thieves cannot break through and steal, Matth. 6, 19 20 & by stealing make us bankrupt of everlasting blessedness? Text. Then the chief priest came, & they that were with him, and called the council together, and all the Elders of the children of Israel, and sent to the prison to cause them to be brought. If we regard the outward persons in this assembly, it may seem that it was very lawful: but if we consider the condition of their coming together, we shall find it most ungodly: for it is a consummation of king David's prophesy, Psalm. 2, 2 who said that mighty men should assemble themselves against the Lord, and his anointed, which is his Christ. The scripture giveth instance of divers assemblies, whereof some have come together for good ends, and some have mustered for bad intents. The godly assemblies are expressed in that of Cornelius and his company, Acts. 10.33 Acts 2, 1 and in that cloud of witnesses, the apostles assemble at jerusalem, being all together with one accord, in one place. Unhallowed assemblies, are such as those in the book of Numbers, when Korah Levies son, Num. 16, 1 conspired with Dathan and Abiram, the sons of Eliab, against Moses and Aaron. Numb. 14, 2 And when the whole congregation of Israel assembled against these two at another time. Five kings against Captain josuah, josua 10 and these counsellors at jerusalem against the men of God. Then out of this place we are advertised, how little hope there is of concluding any good, when the assembly hath neither fear nor knowledge of God. For as men in chiefest seats do commit the chiefest sins, so may we think that Commonwealth to be in the afternoon of her age, viz. in a declining state where judgement is committed unto such, as should rather be judged. It is neither here nor there, Psal. 58, 1 who are assembled, except their minds are set upon righteousness, to judge the thing that is equal. The greatness of the assembly proveth not the goodness of it, for then the five kings had foiled josuah, josuah 10 and the Council of jerusalem must needs have swallowed up these silly Apostles. But it is true, that through God's permission, the mighty often times surprise the meaner sort: and that made the Philosopher laugh in his sleeve, to see great thieves lead little thieves to prison. Christ must be crucified to the world's end, Amos 2.13 even as carts are pressed with sheaves so long as there is any harvest. Ask the shower of the Saints blood else, Mat. 23, 35 which began with the blood of Abel, and held on to the blood of Zacharias the son of Barachias. Ask the river of blood, which the enemies of God's truth have shed in war. And ask the word of truth, Matth. 2, 16 how much innocent blood hypocrisy hath broached, and it will answer you like Saul: Act 22, 4 I persecuted this way unto the death, etc. Howbeit, whensoever (through GOD'S grace) we change our nature, he also vouchsafeth us a new name, as he did turn Saul into Paul, Abram into Abraham, & jacob into Israel. But that which is here said, That the chief priest came and they that were with him, ❀ giveth us warning, how we come in company with evil associates, like Peter with the high priests servants. Luke 22, 55 But specially that we consent not to their evils, as accessaries thereto, as Saul did to Stephen's death, Acts 8, 1 Luke 22, 4 and judas to that treason against Christ's person, and Herod with Pilate to his arraignment. Luke 23, 12 If we have intent to do it, it is even as bad as if we had done it. Christ saith, that who so lusteth after a woman hath sinned in his heart. And he calleth the pharisees murderers, john 8, 44 when they only intended his death (& had not crucified him) because although their power could not perform his death assoon as they would, yet their will was not wanting: and so are all they no less guilty of evil, who willingly give consent to it, although they act it not in their own persons. When old jacob blessed his sons he said of Simeon & Levy: Gen. 49, 6 Acts. 8, 1 Into their counsel come not my soul. Paul cast not one stone at Stephen: but yet in consenting to his death, he sinned as grievously. Ahab stoned not Naboth, but yet he consented thereto, and sealed the proclamation of his death, which was as bad. So the carpenters made the Cross, the jews received it, Simon bore it, but Christ was crucified upon it, and so they made an end of him, and them. Magnis magni malis, sunt obnoxii great men do offend in great matters. Therefore be wise O Kings, Psal. 2, 10 and learned ye judges of the earth, saith the wise king's father. God refuseth zeal without knowledge, all your good intents are but as blind men, that will venture to go without a guide. Rom. 10, 2 If you set good meaning before knowledge; you set the blind to lead the seeing, or the cart to draw the horse. These magistrates consult again and again, against the messengers of GOD, for wickedness laboureth the downfall of goodness, as the jews hacked at the green tree. Luke 23, 31 The scripture avoucheth, that a man's death may be sought six ways. First by deceiving him in a case concerning his life, as the devil did Adam. Secondly, by offering violence to himself, Gen. 3, 1 as Saul and judas did. Thirdly, by denying nourishment, to hold life and soul together, as the rich man did to Lazarus. 4. By forbearing to comfort the weak, as the Levite did not regard the wounded Samaritane. 5. By commanding, as jesabel to put Naboth to death for his Vineyard. And lastly, by giving counsel, as Herodias daughter being advised by her mother, begged john the Baptistes head: and as the high priest and Saducees held a council against the Apostles. The proverb saith, that the fiercest lightnings do beat upon the loftiest towers. And the author to the Hebrues, Heb. 1, 7 Acts 5, 19 That God maketh his Angel's spirits: as is proved by the spiritual deliverance of these men of god, by the angel of God. And further, that God maketh his ministers a flame of fire, and it is dangerous to deal with fire: Yet these magistrates muster together, as to the putting out of a dangerous fire: and are as much troubled in resisting the truth, Math. 2.3 as Herod was to hear of Christ's kingdom and all jerusalem with him. Well, they were deceived: for this fire is none other but that which was figured in the Levitical law, and must burn unquenched. Levit. 6, 13 For so Christ saith: Luke 12, 49 I am come to set fire on the earth, and what is my desire, but that it should burn. As the emptiest vessels make the loudest lumbring, so the most irreligious are ever most officious: but as it is error to affirm an untruth, and heresy to uphold it: so is it cruelty to imprison without just cause, and tyranny to prosecute that suit: and as thorns were the matter whereof Christ's crown was plaited, Math. 23, 29 so affliction is the crown wherewith our mother the church honoureth us her children. Spina Christi corona nostri, Cant. 3, 11 Christ's thorn is our Crown. Text. And sent to the prison, to cause them to be brought, etc. The voice which stroke Saul to, the ground, Acts. 9, 3, 1 came not until he was near to Damascus, where he meant to make havoc of the church. And the words were, verse 4, 5 Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me, etc. First to signify, that there is no more honourable victory, then to vanquish when men are in the very pitch of their purpose: and secondly, to signify how bootless that battle is, that is waged against God. Quid me persequeris? Why persecutest thou me? Is as much as God had said: That there is no reason to be angry with God, the author of our good. It is hard for thee to kick against the pricks: signifieth, the mere folly of such, as enterprise so bootless attempts, as do hurt themselves more than harm them whom they resist. For he that kicketh against a prick, hurteth himself, and not the goad: Like the mad man that did cut himself with flints. Exo. 14, 27 While Pharaoh pursueth Israel, he perisheth. Absalon hunting after his father, 2 Sam. 18, 9 is hanged up in an Oak. aram's host labouring to get Elisha the prophet, are led into Samaria by Elisha himself, 2 Reg. 6. where (of all the places of the world) they would not be. Prou. 21, 30 There is no consulting against God, saith the wise man, for he overcometh the wise in his own wit. Therefore saith Solomon, Pro. 26, 27 He that diggeth a pit shall fall therein. 1 Esd. 14, 16 We see, that it is true that Esdras hath said, That the world will increase in evil as it groweth in age. Susan. 52 Like the judge to whom Daniel said: So thou that art old in evil. The council had first imprisoned these Apostles, and then they proceed to judge them, that they may grow from one wickedness into another. Gen. 19, 33 Like Antiochus Elephants, Maca. 6, 34 that at the sight of blood were moved to seek blood: Or as Herod, who seeing that the death of james delighted the jews, proceeded to serve Peter so to: Or like the Foxes, Acts 12, 3 which for desire of blood, kill more carcases than they can devour. The scripture mentioneth three Herod's, and they were all murderers. For the first killed the infants at the birth of Christ, the second (in his cups) beheaded john the Baptist, and the third (to curry favour with the jews) slew james with the sword, and intended the death of Peter to, but God did prevent him therein, as he did these in their purpose. There be too many such Herod's, who had rather pleasure men by committing evil, than please God by doing good. I speak it not to declaim against impiety, for that (I fear) were bootless, but to reclaim all to pity. God grant it may not be fruitless. We have many demonstrations of Gods snaky pace to revenge, who suffereth his own to be (as David saith) evil entreated of Tyrants, and yet that God that threw down the Angels when they abused their good state, Jude 6 as saint Jude witnesseth, is patiented with men, whetting his sword as threatening to strike us, and bending his bow, Psal. 64.7 as intending to shoot at us with a very swift arrow, so that we shallbe wounded, if we return not in time. He seeth Saul while he is not contented to persecute at jerusalem, Acts. 9.1 but proceedeth to Damascus too. This, I say, God seethe, & yet he suffereth it. But a● the scripture saith of Saul, first that Seruavit vestes, he held their clothes who were the tormentors, meaning that he would play small game, rather than want a part in such actions. secondly, that he consented to Steeuens death: signifying, that then he came to sin in a second degree against the Saints: and thirdly, that he made havoc of the Church of God. Acts 9, 4 Thus showing how he sinned by degrees. So when God called him, he fell down in haste, Luke 19, 6 as Zacheus posted down from the wild Fig tree. FINIS.