Mephibosheths' HEARTS-IOY Upon his SOVEREIGN'S SAFETY. To be imitated by the Subjects of this Land upon the happy Return of our Prince CHARLES. Delivered in a Sermon in the Church of Great Yarmouth in Norfolk, the 19 day of October. 1623. By THO: REEVE Preacher of God's Word there. LONDON Printed by Aug: Math: for Robert Milbourne and are to be sold at his Shop at the great South door of Saint Paul's. 1624. TO THE RIGHT WORSHIPFUL THOMAS THOMSON and LEONARD HOAMES Bailiffs of Great Yarmouth. AND TO THE ALDERmen and the rest of the Commons, of that worthy INCORPORATION. MEPHIBOSETH'S Hearts-Ioy upon his Sovereign's Safety. Text. 2 SAM. 19.30. Yea let him take all, seeing my Lord the King is come home in Peace. OH how joyful was the safety of Israel's Worthy! David's danger being great, his delivery gracious, En quanta exultatio, quanta congratulatio! Behold how great exultation, how great congratulation was there for it! His Subjects come to behold him like the Darling of Heaven, the Delight of the Earth; for where the Finger of God had wrought so wonderful a Preservation, oh how are the people's hearts set on fire to come and admire it! their feet are like Hind's feet to set forward unto it, and their eyes are like the Lions, but halfe-sleeping, till they have enjoyed a sight of it. What is our King past this peril? Is David that was given over for dead yet alive? Cur in Tentorijs? Why stay we still in our Tents? Let us out, and salute him, that so we may make the world to ring with our joy, and the Sky to resound with our gladsome melody, singing in songs, and warbling forth with the loudest, loftiest streynes. En Gaudium Cordium Oculis Revisum! En Gloriam Israelis, Gloria spirantem! En Regem A Rege Regum Protectum! Behold the joy of our Hearts returned to the sight of our Eyes! Behold the Glory of Israel breathing yet in Glory! Behold our King by the King of Kings protected! For this end ye may see the GRANDEES, Peers, and all sorts of People issuing forth, Apes▪ Praesepibus, like a swarm of Bees out of their Hives, to see and solemnize so miraculous and memorable an accident. Israel spurring on one another why they should be so a Verse 10 slow; b Verse 15 judah coming down to Gilgall to meet the King and conduct him over jordan. Nay not so much but that dead Dog Shimei that before had railed and reviled upon David and cast stones c Verse 16 hasted, and came down; yea and as if he had thought it unfiting to come alone, he gathers up the people of the Country, and appears Magna stipante caterua With a great train at his heels, for he brought a d Verse 17 Thousand men of Benjamin with him. And is here all? No, Zibah servant of the House of Saul is there with no small retinue, but hath his e Verse 17 fifteen Sons, and twenty servants with him: Nay, behold a man ready to go dwell with the Worms, creeping forth to see this sight, one that was capularis senex, a man as mellow for the Grave, as the Summer Apple for the Pomary, which for very pure Age had neither f Verse 3● taste of his meat, and drink, nor could hear the voice of Singing men and Singing women, yet he cannot keep in; for g Verse ●● Barzillai the Gileadite came down from Rogelim, and went over Jordan with the King, to conduct him over jordan. Oh gracious DELIVERANCE magnificently selebrated! Oh HAPPY FAVOUR of GOD accompanied with WORTHY OBSERVANCE from men! Oh but amongst all these loyal Subjects full of such ardent expressions of joy. Vbi MEPHIBOSHETH filius Jonathae? Where is MEPHIBOSHETH the Son of jonathan? What doth he not remember the ancient love and strict covenant that was between his Father jonathan and David? h 2 Sam 17. jonathan loved David as his own Soul, and a vow was made that there should be firm love i 1 Sam 42. between them and their seed for ever, and when Jonathan was dead David wept and mourned for him, k 2 Sam 26. Woe is me for thee my brother jonathan: very kind hast thou been to me, thy love to me was wonderful, passing the love of women. How are the mighty overthrown, and the weapons of War destroyed? Now then, Vbi MEPHIBOSHETH filius Jonathae? Where is MEPHIBOSHETH the Son of Jonathan? Proverb. Thy Father's friend shalt thou not forsake, saith Solomon. But what are all sparks of old love extinct? Are all kindly affections perished? Are there no remnants of the former amity and unity? Vbi MEPHIBOSHETH filius jonathae? Where is MEPHIBOSHETH the Son of Jonathan? Quid cogitas? Quid moliris? What plots, and devices hast thou in thy head? What art thou casting about for the Kingdom? So Zibah indeed inform that MEPHIBOSHETH stayed at jerusalem, hoping that the m 2 Sam. 3. House of Israel would restore to him the Kingdom of his Father: but they were but in blandae mendacia linguae, the whisperings of a false tongue. Zibah played the Foxe-part; for MEPHIBOS: was an honest man, and here is found in the midst of this Chapter full of the commendablest devoyre, as the Son is in the midst of the Planets full of Radiant splendour: Now because MEPHIBOSHETH is the party upon whom I must fix my chief discourse; Let us make his Description in this Chapter as the entrance to the rest, as Salomons Temple had a Beautiful Gate before the going in. Three things are remarkable in him. First, His mournful behaviour till the Note. 1 Kings return; for n Verse 24▪ He had neither washed his feet, nor dressed his beard, nor washed his , from the time that the King departed until he returned in peace. Oh rare spectacle of prime fidelity! What is he else but a MIRROR of a Truehearted Subject? How could a man express more passionate respect unto his Prince? Secondly, His innocence from the least Note. 2 taint of that calumny, and reproach, that was craftily and maliciously cast upon him by Zibah; For, he stay at jerusalem for the revolution of the Sceptre unto saul's stock in his person? No, Absit, Fare be it from him, his innocent heart never harboured such a wretched thought. There was laid to his charge a thing that he knew not; for he counted himself bound for ever to David for his life, and means, that out of mercy he had vouchsafed unto him: For o Verse 2 All my Father's house were but dead men before my Lord the King, yet didst thou set thy Servant among them, that did eat at thine own Table. Siccine igitur rependam? What therefore for such gracious favours shall I return such black requital? No, if it please the King to understand the truth, there was one went between me and home, that Sycophant Zibah dealt perfidiously, and fraudulently with me, for I spoke to him (being my servant) to saddle mine Ass that I might at the first have gone with thee, Verse 26 and drunk of the same cup, but he went and took the beast for himself, and left me at home, through lameness, not being able to follow; and thus what with his presents, and glozing speeches hath he raised up an evil report against me; But, oh King, thou hast wisdom enough to see his subdolousnesse, my uprightness; to thee therefore do I refer it, p Verse 27 My Lord the King is as an Angel of God, do therefore thy pleasure. Thus MEPHIBOSHETH assoil and acquit himself from the imputation of that bitter slander, showing that he stayed not at jerusalem to stir up sedition, nor upon this occasion of David's troubles to work his own ends, and advantages, but was constrained there to remain, and all the while of the King's absence continued a peaceable and well-wishing Subject. Thirdly, His generous answer upon David's too too moderate satisfaction; for before upon Zibahs' smooth tale David had given away all MEPHIBOSHTHS Lands to Zibah, q ● Sam. 16 Behold, thine are all that pertained to MEPHIBOSHETH. But now perceiving MEPHIBOSHETH to be guiltless he thought it unmeet, unreasonable, but that some restitution should be made him, therefore adjudge he, r ●erse 29 Thou and Zibah divide the Lands: Now though Zibah deserved rather to have been divided in pieces, then to have any division of the Lands; yet, doth MEPHIBOSHETH carry himself discontentedly? No, Non frendet, non labrum mordet; He shows no token of dislike, for see his notable demeanour, nay, hear his resolute and Laudable answer. It is not my goods, saith he, that I care for, but the King's life, and therefore (that I may appear to be what I plead for, a well affectionate subject) My Lord the King being come home in Peace, I am so ouerioyed with it, that I respect no worldly wealth, and that I may manifest it, I submit myself to thy determination, that Zibah should have half my means, nay, that he should possess the whole portion. Yea (saith good MEPHIBOSHETH) Let him take all, seeing my Lord the King is come home in Peace. This Alabaster Box of MEPHIBOSHETHS' matchless answer do I purpose to open amongst you, and to pour out the precious spikenard in the same, that the whole house may be filled with the savour of it, and all of us incited to some semblable joyfulness upon the happy return of our Illustrious Prince. In the words there are two parts. A wonderful transporting. A cause of weight importing. 1 The wonderful transporting, Yea let him take All. 2 The cause of weight importing, Seeing my Lord the King is come home in Peace. First, for the wonderful Transporting, Yea let him take All. This Transporting seems to be wonderful for three respects, of The Person Him, Yea let him The Proffer Take, Yea let him take The Portion All, Yea, etc. First, for the transporting as it seem wonderful in respect of the Person. Him. Let him, Zibah. Had it been some ancient friend, or entire approved acquaintance, it had been less marvelous, but Let Him. What the treacherousest Miscreant that ever MEPHIBOSHETH had against him? He that had bruised his heel, impeached his credit, that dead fly that had made the sweet ointment of his fame to stink? That faithless wretch who being one of his own Household, had laid a wound under his side? What Let him? Yes, Let Him, saith MEPHIBOSHETH: Observe. Oh, what see we here but a heart offended, relenting, and inclining to peace? Was he ever grieved against Zibah? Were it so, yet Nescit odisse, he knows not how to hate: as David will keep his eyes from looking upon vanity; so Mephibosheth his heart from musing upon vengeance: He will pour coals of fire upon his Enemy's head for, Let Him. How choice and conspicuous is this Pattern? How many amongst us can thus hide reproofs in our bosoms? and when our cheeks are nipped, our faces smitten, long furrows made upon our backs, not feel the smart of the same? No, it was a true speech of s Laert. lib. 5. cap. 1. Aristotle who being demanded, what was the first, and what was the last thing that waxed old, answered, Gratia & Jniuria: a good turn first, a bab turn last: because of kindnesses we are so soon forgetful, but of unkindness, valdè tenaces such long remembrancers. t Prou. 19.11. The glory of a man is to pass by an offence, but this glory is esteemed of many the greatest ignominy: for, what forget an indignity, bury a grievance, oh this were a Dastardly thing indeed? no, wreak our teen, feed our eyes with the ruin of our Adversaries, this is manly, this is glorious: — scribunt in marmore laesi. The dust is no fit Register for wrongs, but they writ them in Tables of Marble, and till they see due repayment there is no true content; an eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth, we are rather Esau's then Mephibosheths': As it is reported of u Herod. lib. 5. Darius that having received an abuse from the Athenians, he shot up an arrow into Heaven, and fell into an extreme rage, withal commanding one of his servants that every Supper time he should say, Here memento Atheniensium, Master remember the Athenians. So fares it with us upon the least ill turn, we fall into furious behaviour, and use all means whereby the memory of such things might remain fresh with us continually. But oh in the mean while where is the power of divine grace? Have we so learned Christ? Is this the light that God's blessed truth instructeth us in? No, The w jam. 3.17 Wisdom that descend from above is peaceable, easy to be entreated. x Prou. 24.29. Say not, I will do to him as he hath done to me, I will recompense every man according to his works. y Rom. 12.2 Be not overcome with evil, but overcome evil with goodness. Away then with those vindictive and implacable Spirits, which boil with nothing but rancour, and thirst after the overthrow of their foes, and adversaries. Oh let Asps have these galls, but in the bosoms of Saints let them never be found! Amongst us let there be rather Jndolentia then Jnuidia, yea so tractable and flexible let us seem to be to our deadliest enemies, that we be ready rather to benefit them, then infested and mischief them. See here a renowned example, Zibah had grossly, deeply, basely abused Mephibosheth; yet see his sweet nature, to this man will he be courteous, For, Let him take all. Now let us come to the Proffer. Take. Had it been let him enjoy a gracious look, or a good word it had been much; but let him Take, what see we here but a most fair Proffer? Observe. Would Mephibosheth thus to his enemy part with some of his Estate rather than stand, after David's judgement given, contending? Oh, might not this serve to charm our wearisomlesse Law-wormes, which are given to interminable Suits, and many of them not (as Mephibosheth might have stood out here for) due right, but for such Possessions as have been tyrannously gotten, and are violently kept. How many of these are there whom no judge's mouth can satisfy, nor juries equally chosen, and impartially dealing can bring to a cessation of their troublesome Courses? No, there are such, which of their Rights are never resolved till their estates begin to be dissolved; the Lions cannot endure to part with spoils gotten once into their jaws: for let evidence and oath declare never so clearly; yet they see nothing, they yield nothing, but bend themselves to another pleading, another trial: many there are that have these grievous Vexators continually molesting them, as the Poets feign Prometheus had a Vulture continually gnawing at his heart, whose lengthened Suits are as famous as Bellum Decommale Troiae, as the ten year's Siege of Troy. Ye may know by some Sergeants and Counsellors fat cheeks, if there be not such a pestilent breed; for who know not these are the Pleaders good Benefactors? Let a Lawyer be never so poor at the first; yet, if he can but happen upon such a Booty, a wilful Richling, the lean Kine will soon eat up the fat; the Offerings of Moloch at the seven Aumbries were never more costly and chargeable, (save that of the living Child) than the Lawyer's Oblations; as Pharaoh made the Israelites gather straw, and make brick for him; so these make their Clients to gather and spare, rack, rend & tear to discharge their Writs and Fees. I speak the truth in the Lord, I lie not. Yet let the expenses be never so great, where there are great Spirits, men will not be daunted; many there are that had rather spend half of their means upon such, then to part with a quarter to make restitution for their il-gotten goods: and whereas God hath given men wealth to maintain good Neighbourhood, and to live comfortably in their own Families, rather than these men will satisfy what conscience requireth, if either their own power or their Councillor's wit can withhold it; let Hospitality be neglected, and the whole family eat the bread of carefulness. Oh curuae in terris animae & coelestium inanes. But for these endless contentions, are not the Pleaders as deep in the guilt, as the gains? Yes. Who know not that many of them when they see the cause never so clear against their Clients, and in Conscience they ought to wish them to stir no further, but to let the honest man have his due; yet seeing hope of profit coming, they tell them this Demur may be made, and that Quirk of Law pleaded, which fuel being administered, a great flame soon breaks forth: therefore as a Pardall meet with a Lion to beget a Leopard; so the Pleaders conjoin with their Clients to breed unjust wearisome Suits; when the Clients are at their wit's end, and their spirits wax blunt (for want of knowledge of any further scruple to be found and stood upon) to prosecute further quarrel, they go to these as the z 1 Sam. 13 20. Israelites went to the Philistimes to sharpen their Mattocks and their Axes: and is it not much for these to disanimate Clients desirous of contention? Yes, it is as hard for Lawyers not to incite men to Suit, as it is for Panders not to entice men to uncleanness, they know what will come of it, Incidit in Scyllam qui vult vitare Charybdin. He that will eschew in this kind an evil conscience, there will be small custom, little come in, he must walk in a thried-bare gown, and course up at Terms without buxom Attendants, and this Lawyer's fever commonly worse than the claws of Belzebub. All this while I trust I am not run into Scandalum Magnatum, but have only endeavoured to break Capita Draconum: I thought it conscience, meeting them thus rightly, to smite them friendly, it may be a means to do them more good then to break their heads with precious balms, and to justify their abominable courses with the a Eccl. 7.7. Songs of Fools, as Solomon calls flattering speeches in a bad cause. Thus ye see how I have reproved the indefatigable Contend, and the heartening Pleader, and can there in this any injury be done to either? Horat. No, Arcades ambo— both of them deserve the black Coal. Well if this Fire can kindle it may be a means whereby there shall be no long variances, but quick agreements, though it be with loss; like to the course of Mephibosheth here, whom David adjudged to divid the Lands with Zibah; now he being of no proterne refractory disposition, nor having no prompting Ploydon at his elbow to tell him he might make more work, and bring about again, yielded something, as ye may see already, in this Proffer, for Accipiat, Let him Take. But now let us come further, and consider the Portion. All. Let him take All. Not Half, Observe. but All: What see we here but that ingenuous people, good natures perform more than is required, wheresoever this virtue shines, it is a kind of a bright Image of God, for he use to give more abundantly than we can ask or crave. As Solomon desired but wisdom of him, and not only that is vouchsafed him, but b 1 Kin. 3.13. Also (saith the Lord) I have given thee that which thou hast not asked, both Riches and Honour, so that among the Kings there shall be none like unto thee all the days of thy life: and this good God good people desire, endeavour to resemble, as c Ruth. c 2. Booz when Ruth craved leave to glean in his Field, not only granted what she requested but added, that she should have victuals and sustenance with his Servants: So d 2 Sam. 24. Araunath when David desired but to buy the Threshing-floor, yet he offered (though afterwards David would not accept any thing but upon purchase) most freely, Let my Lord the King take and offer what seemeth him good in his eyes, behold the Oxen for the offering and Chariots, and the instruments of the Oxen for wood, and it is said, All these things did Araunath as a King give unto the King. In like manner e Neh 5. Nehemiah when the people complained that they were oppressed with the Usury of their brethren, did not only cause that to be released, but would not take the bread of the Governor, and maintained a hundred and fifty jews continually at his Table: so that so prompt are all well devoted persons that they exceed expectation; and are not their practices answerable to Christ's counsels? Yes, f Mat. 5.40. ●1. If any man will have thy coat, let them take thy cloak also, and whosoever will compel thee to go with him a mile, go twain. How much are they to be blamed then, who are so fare from doing more than is desired; that they are backward to do that which is meet and requisite, which satisfy no lawful desires but slenderly and grudgingly; yea, with a repining, and cheerless Spirit do they stretch out their hand to any good duty, & were it not happily that shame may move them, or authority force them, they would turn the All into Nothing. Nabal sent David's messengers away with an empty answer, and Dives will not vouchsafe to Lazarus so much as the crumbs: and so indeed if many might have their own wills, little it is that should be given to Poor, Church or State, be the occasions of demanding never so forcing, the reasons of requiring never so just. But at last, let such be ashamed of their nigardizing, and endeavour to have bowels enlarged, so that they may not only fulfil, but exceed just motions, let them not be too much set upon the world like Mephibosheth, there Let him take All. Thus much for the wonderful Transporting briefly handled, because I aim not now so much at Explication, as Application. Let us now come to the cause of weight Importing, wherein there are three things likewise to be considered, The Man Matter Measure The Lord the King is come home In Peace. First for the Man, Since my Lord the King. Was this the inducement that made him so free? no, some good thing that happened to his Lord the King. Then from hence observe, Observe. that both the Persons, and blessings of Kings ought to be precious in the people's eyes, and accounts: for if they be enriched with any singular favour, this aught to be to them singular joy.. Oh whensoever Heaven's Power is gracious unto them, they should even be rapt and ravished with the same? For a rotten member is that that feel no comfort when the HEAD is anointed with Balm, all should seem sweetly to participate of the Superiors felicities. g 2 Sam. 18 3. Thou art worth ten thousand of us, and therefore whatsoever beneficial thing such enjoy for glory and dignity should be highly esteemed of all them that belong to them. Oh wretched they therefore which have little mind of their Lords their Kings, either concerning their persons or blessings, they live in a Common wealth, as in a house over which they remember no Master to be set; for let the distillations of Gods love be never so plentiful, it works in them no admiration, no delectation. But what are such divided branches? If not, Why do they not rejoice in the sap of their Root? every one should stand blessing of himself in the happiness of his Sovereign, as we use to bless ourselves when we behold the Sun rising in brightness. Thus fared it with Mephibosheth here. Let him take all since my Lord the King. But is David here called Mephibosheths' Lord and King? Why so? for two reasons. 1. For Defence. 2. For Command. First, for Defence: For gracious Sovereigns must be the People's Lord-Protectors, by their power they must preserve them in safety, as the Cherubims kept the way of the Tree of Life with the blade of a fiery sword shaken. The Lord cryeth out against the h Zach. 11.17. Idol Shepherd that left the flock; so indeed a miserable thing it is when the Prince hath no care of the welfare of his poor Subjects, they must carry their people in their bosoms, and i Numb. 11 12. as a Nurse carrieth a sucking Child; that is very regardfully and tenderly, ready to shelter them from them that seek to mischief them, and to hold them up in their Princely arms from falling into any dangers: It is not enough to be known to be a Sovereign as Augustus Caesar was, by taxing his whole Dominions; but chief in safe guarding the people's Persons and Estates. Secondly, they are Lords & Kings for command, for what are they to be used only as walls of an House to keep out dangers, or as Floodgates to keep out Inundations, Indeed so many; too many carry themselves unto them, they are nimble to dispute what a Sovereign should do; but they cannot hit of the vein to conceive what he should have, how he should be respected, how reverenced, how obeyed; for their honours are slightly given them, their commands coldly performed, their Tributes murmurringly paid, and all things wherein their Kingly Sovereignty consists, faintly executed. Where is now then that of our Saviour, k Math. 22.21. Give unto Caesar that which is Caesar's; and that of the Apostle; Admone eos Principibus & Potestaribus subditos esse, l Tit. 3.1. Put them in remembrance that they be subject to the Principalities and Powers. Famous is the commendations of Mutezumaes' Subjects, who durst not look upon his face for very reverence, and if he did but send his Ring from his finger to the greatest Commander under him (as it appeared in the dismal Story of Qualpopoca at the instigation of Cortes) in all the Dominions of the Mexicane Empire, though it cost him his life, out of obedience he would not deny to come, and whatsoever by way of Tribure he demanded, or by Edict published, all his people with the greatest alacrity shown their loyalty. Oh therefore, as we ought to pray unto God that our Sovereigns with all care, conscience, compassion may defend us: So we ought to beseech God to give us grace that in all submission and subjection we may obey them. But are the Lords and Kings for defence of us and for command over us? then who see not here the necessity of Royal Authority? for, how should we ever be in safety of our lives without their defence? and how would we ever live in any virtuous manner▪ without their commands; take away the first, and we are but like Sheep without a Shepherd, ready to be torn in pieces by every beast of prey; take away the second, and we are but like wild Asse-Colts, snuffing up the wind at our pleasure, prone to do nothing but that which is good in our own eyes: Siccine habet? goeth the matter thus? Let no man think then the Calling of Princes to be only a matter of State and Pomp, where they might sit in a Chair of Magnificence, wear a Crown, shake a Sceptre, but of use and worth. m Rom. 13.4. He is the Minister of God for thy good, Rom 1●. 4. Let those mean conceits therefore of the Regal Office be banished, ever think highly of this Ordinance; for ye see it is not so much for Superiority and pre-eminence, as it is for utility and emolument. Now let us come to the matter, is Come home, Since my Lord the King is come home. Quid deinde? What of that? Is that so great a matter? Yes, with Mephibosheth it was a motive of great validity. Observe. From hence than who see not, that the absence of Princes from their people, is a great darkening of their joy? For, how can they miss them but with as great want as the want of the Sun out of the Firmament? the Wife without her Husband hath no solace, nor the Kingdom without the King any true comfort; how can the Corner stone be taken from the building, and not great deformity? how can the chief string be wanting from the Instrument, and not faint Music? So, how can there be any hearty delight when the Lord the King is not in the midst of the people? n 1 Sam 9 Did Saul think that if he were wanting but three days, that his father would begin to sorrow for him, and not much more the Subjects even languish in themselves when their Princes are in remote Parts: o Psal. 82. I have said ye are Gods: Oh, how do the People rejoice in the presence of their Gods, be it but to eye them, and behold such royal Vessels wherein the rich Treasures of their bliss and happiness are stored up. So that seeing the presence of Princes is so great a comfort, Mephibosheth here you see had matter enough to be wonderfully affected. For The Lord his King was come home. Now let us come to the measure, In peace: Seeing my Lord the King is come home in peace. This word peace I know hath many acceptions; but if my judgement fail me not, for these three things it is here put. First, for freedom from former dangers; that whereas before David was in great straits, he is now escaped out of them, God's rod and staff having comforted him when he was almost walking through the shadow of death, as the Israelites had many Egyptians pursuing after them, but when they looked back they were all drowned: So, though this royal Prince had many fears & terrors marching after him; yet now if he look back, they are all swallowed up, David is now in peace. Secondly, for health of body, That David is not come home to lie on a Couch, or to be wrung with some pangfull Disease, that he needs not the Physicians to prescribe recovering Receipts, but that he find his body in good temper, and himself every way healthfully disposed. David is thus in peace. Thirdly, for the good liking of his Subjects. That coming into his Territories he is not enforced to take Castle, nor to enter into conditions of peace for the settling himself in his Kingdom, but that all his Subjects as yet are well affected to him, and that Mephibosheth see not a man that lifts up his head, or threatens future molestation unto him. David is in peace. But is this the extent of Mephibosheths' weighty cause importing? is this that fill up the Cup of his delight unto the brim? Then who see not that Subjects can never have perfection of comfort in their Princes, unless all their dangers be removed, if they be not in peace, how should the people be in joy? It is a preposterous thing for the Subject's foreheads to smile, when the Sovereign's forehead hangs down; yet how many are there that can be delightsome and mirthful enough, in the midst of their Rulers perils, and can triumph in the midst of their troubles? For my own part, I think these know not what it is to have a Superior Power over them, for then the People with their Kings would like those two famous Twins, weep when they weep, and laugh when they laugh: Mephibosheth I am sure did so, all the while the King was in danger ye heard how disconsolately he behaved himself, as though he had been a man careless of himself; and doth he express any joy, when is it? when he sees his Lord the King in health and happiness, safety and security. For, Let him take all seeing my Lord the King is come home in Peace. Thus at last have I run short descant upon the celebrious ensign, notable carriage of Mephibosheth. Oh Mephibosheth, with renown would I still follow thee, I would I could blow a silver Trumpet in thy praise, and set a Crown of immortal honour upon thy Head. Floreat, splendeat semper Mephibosheth. Let Mephibosheths' esteem ever flourish, ever flourish, and let it glister like Phosphorus in his brightness. Quid ultra, What yet remaineth? To see whether we have such joyful cause, that so we may betake ourselves to the like joyful carriage. Indeed to the Letter we cannot hold; but we can come as nigh to it as the Princely Eaglet come to the Kingly Eagle; for not the Lord our King is come home in peace, but the Lord our Prince is come home in peace: As for the Lord our King, he being old stayed at home, in the midst of his Nobles, wearing the writhe, plaited Crown of Thorns in taking care for the welfare of his People, hearing and answering foreign Embassages, and consulting how there might be a speedy concluding of the troublesome affairs of Christendom, and as his chiefest work fitting himself for his grave, and preparing his Soul for God. As for the Lord our Prince he being yet young, and the Sceptre being not yet in his hand, he undertake hard Voyages, and being accompanied with some few Nobles (yea Ipse uno graditur comitatus Achate) venter's to see the fashions of other Countries. Virgil. and the lustres of other Courts. Well then, though the Lord our King went not forth, so that we might rejoice at his coming home, yet it was Filius Domini Regis, Adolescens secundus, Spes Imperatoris, Jmperij, the nearest to him in blood, the dearest unto him in love, the pleasure of his eye, the stasse of his age, the joy of his life, he for whom he sacrificed both morning and evening. So that upon the person we need not much to stand. But what was the Lord our Prince in any great danger like David? Yes, he might say with Paul, that he was p 2 Cor 11. In perils often, in perils by Land, in perils by Sea, in perils by Robbers, in perils in the City, in perils in the Wilderness, in weariness and painfulness, etc. Doubtless so great were his dangers that there might have been but a hand-breath between him, & death; and had not the Lord sent his good Angel with him, as he did Raphael with Tobith he might have miscarried between Niniveh and Rages. 1. For who know not that his passage over was troublesome. 2. His speedy journeying very wearisome. 3. His possibility of being discovered in a strange Country, something dangerous. 4. His venturing through Dales, Forests, solitary Plains, hazardable. 5. His living so long in a Kingdom (and that in the scorchingest time of Summer) not agreeable to his Nature, and when (as it is reported) a Plague overspread the Land, perilous. 6. And at last (after his sumptuous entertainment, and belike Magnificent welcome) having with honour and mutual respects taken leave of the Court of Spain, entering into his Navy (than with what more uncertain Horat. Myrtoum pavidus nauta secat mare) by Winds, Tempests, Rocks, Sands, etc. He might have miscarried, or wandered along while upon the Seas, for Virgil. Errabant acti fatis maria omnia circum, was it said of the Trojans. But is there any such sad news (at which our ears would have tingled, our eyes dropped out of our heads, our hearts broken within our bosoms, yea, we even given up the Ghost as Phineas wife did to hear that the Ark of the Lord was taken) to be at this time published amongst us? No: behold better news, welcomer tidings, for to the joy of the King, the delight of the Nobles, the comfort of the Clergy, the recreement of the whole Land, the Lord our Prince is come home in Peace. 1 To the joy of our King. For Omnis in Ascanio charistat cura Parentis: no doubt all the King's Care was settled upon the safe return of his Charles; yea, I doubt not much, whether (after he had sent for him, and his Return was determined) his Eyes took any quiet rest, or the meat that he did eat were sweet unto him, or the light he did behold pleasant, till it pleased God to grant him a sight of him; as David cried, Oh my Son Absalon, Absalon, my Son, my Son, would to God I had died for thee. So, doubtless, our King groaned within himself, Oh my Son Charles, Charles my Son, my Son, would to God I might set mine eye upon thee. 2 To the delight of the Nobles: For, must not they needs be joyed to see the Mirror of Blood and Progeny (upon which they stand so much) and that rare Flower of the Court presented again before their eyes? Doubtless, Yes: they cannot but bless themselves, to live to that day to see their Lord their Prince, come home in Peace. 3 To the comfort of the Clergy. The whole School of Shiloh rejoice in it; much mirth and melody is there at Naioth for it, yea every Priest and Levite is ready to sing Hosannah in the highest, to hear of it. He hath been, is, and we hope ever will be our Fulcimentum, and therefore he formerly hath been, now is, and ever shall be our Delectamentam. 4 To the Recreement of the whole Land. For must not the whole Land be much cheered in this his safe Return? Yes, if they would duly consider the precious worth that is in him. For, what is he? Even such a one that if he were to come to his Throne by Election, as he is by Succession; doubtless, their votes should be given for him: and as the Elders of Israel went and seized jephtah out of the Land of Tob, and said, q judg. 11. ● Come and be our Captain: So he should be seized out of what place soever he remained in, and with the like entreaty, Veni & esto nobis Rex, Come and be our King. What Nation would not be glad to have such a one if it might be to sit in their throne? He bears in him the Image of a Ruler as Zebah and Salmanah said of the brethren of Gidion that they looked like the Children of a King. r judg. 8.18 What can be desired in him (set aside a freedom from that natural, humane, hereditary frailty, that we are all borne with, and shall ever be burdened withal) but in some measure, yea in an eminent degree in him may be espied? First he is true to our God. The Fear of Isaac is that that he worships, from the God of his Fathers will he not departed. Doubtless of the mind of Ischyrion, Sexcenties potius mori quam quicquam de Religione amittere. That he had rather dye six hundred deaths then lose the least syllable of his profession: his praise is in the Gospel, his Fame spread throughout the Christian World for his constancy to the Faith he hath been brought up in, no leagues, nor bonds of Affinity will make him mutable. Secondly, He gins to be of a valiant disposition, continually exercising himself in the feats of Arms, and in the times of Peace fitting himself for the times of War, showing in his tender years good testimonies of sprightly courage and puissant valour, like to be Mart Ferox, & vincinescius armis. Thirdly, He is Prudent. How can it be otherwise, when our Cyrus hath had so many a worthy Zenophon to instruct him, and he himself by Nature taking delight scarce in any thing more than in the company of the Learned and being of the number of them that do even— Impallescere chartis, Persius. by all sort of Learning, endeavouring to adapt himself for his Throne, which God in his gracious appointed time is like to bestow upon him: and as it was a great help to Paul that he was brought up at the feet of Gamaliel, for his knowledge of the Pharisaical Profession: So doubtless a great help for all kind of Knowledge hath it been to our Prince, to have been brought up at the Feet of so sage and discreet a Parent: for who knows not, that Jacobus noster Rex & Magus, Rex & Philosophus? Yea the Mirror of the World concerning Wisdom, either in Church or State Points. Oh who can imagine then that the Father that desires to leave this Son the Successor of his Kingdoms and Fame, but he will overly him with the purest gold he can, and as he hath communicated to him his humane nature: So likewise will he endeavour to infuse into him his intellectual spirit, that he might live in him when he is dead, and shine in his Son when he is gathered to his Fathers. And beside, hath he traveled so fare only to see Cities, and to embrace Compeers? No doubtless, that old Nestor knew well enough what he did when he parted for a while with his Son, he considered that by this Voyage he should be much more enabled for Rule and Government by his diligent observing and careful marking of the fashions, and governments of other Nations: So that being by nature studious, by education so well trained up, and having been thus long amongst the Wits of the World, and the Craftsmasters for all sort of Discipline, and Policy, he cannot but have Crura thymo plera. Fourthly, he is like to be no sucker of your veins, nor pillar of your profits, but to live so fare as may be of his own Royal Demeanes, accounting that money base (as Tiberius was wont to say) that was gotten with the tears and groans of the people; for he hath shown himself hither towards of a Princely disposition, and to be no gripple gatherer. Fiftly, He is like to be of no hasty humour, ready to quarrel with his neighbour Princes, or in sudden moods and ires to send challenges of defiance to his adjoining friends, which might make the sides of his own Kingdom to bleed, yea the heartstrings of Christendom to ache: but he is of a stayed carriage, which will enter into no quarrels but upon mature deliberation and well-pondered resolution, — Patrem sequitur sua Proles. Sixtly, He is just, not being a Protector of Varlets; for when did he ever bow his knee, or open his mouth to his Father in a wicked man's cause? No, he hates them all right sore, and hath not dissembled to be their good friend when opportunity have been given. And if they have been under his own wing, how soon hath he chased them from him? For how many of his Attendants, if he have once perceived them to be of any deperdit debaushed carriage, and in their execrable manners grew incorrigible, how soon hath he dismissed them. So now then, En Principem, behold your Prince: Oh, how should that people be even transported that have received by the mercy of God such a Prince out of danger in safety; me thinks their hearts should leap for joy to hear such tidings of him, and they should go up and down their streets, and with the greatest melody sound it abroad as their Paean, Principem iterum habemus, Principem iterum habemus, We have our Prince again, We have our Prince again. The Woods have not destroyed him, the Floods have not devoured him, the Air hath not infected him, Principem iterum habemus. Principem iterum habemus. We have our Prince again, We have our Prince again. I read upon happy events, many people wonderfully affected, When Abraham had received that Divine Promise, that Sarahs' womb that seemed dead should wax fruitful, and that she should be the Mother of many Nations, and that Kings should come of her, s Gen. 17. 1● He fell on his face and laughed: And was it not thus with jacob? Yes, when news was brought him that joseph, whom he thought long before to have been torn in pieces by a wild beast, to be yet alive, and by the Chariots that were sent he plainly perceived it. t Gen. 45.27 21, v. The spirit of jacob revived, and he said, I have enough, joseph my son is yet alive. And were not the jews in this degree of excessive gladsomeness? Yes, for wh●n Mordecai was exalted, and the cruel Edict of Haman reversed, and comfortable letters sent in the stead u Est. 8. All the City of Shusham rejoiced, and there was joy and gladn●sse, a Feast and a good day. And shall we not find Rhoda, and the Saints of God at Peter's miraculous deliverance out of Prison, just in this case? Yes, Rhoda hearing him knock at the door, and by his voice knowing it to be him w Acts 12.14, 16. Opened not the door for very gladness, and when the Saints saw him, they were astonished. And not only in the Sacred Scriptures, but in Sacred Histories this extraordinary joy we do find upon extraordinary events. x Euseb. P●●p. Hist. lib. 9 c. ●. Eusebius reports, that when Maximius the Eastern Tyrant had sent commandment to his Precedents, that the Christians which were persecuted should be released, that the noble Champions of godliness which before were in the Mine-pits, passed through every City with valiant and cheerful courage, with unspeakable joy, and replenished with inexplicable liberty of mind, and that they sung Songs and Psalms in the mid highways, in the market places, and all frequented Assemblies. y Euseb. ibid. c. 9 In like manner it is reported that Constantine having conquered Maxentius that truculent oppressor coming to Rome, immediately with cheerful countenance, and from the heart he was received of all both Men, Women and Children, Senators, and other Noble Personages, & of all the People of Rome with gladsome shouts, and unspeakable joy, as a Deliverer from opppression, and general Benefactor to all. z Socrates' Scholast Ecc. Hist. lib. 7. c. 23. So likewise when by the Prayers of Theodosius that virtuous Emperor the usurping Tyrant john was brought to his end by valiant Aspar, all the people set all at nought, and passed the Theatre, (where before they were celebrating their shows and spectacles in Circo) sounding out thanksgiving together with the Emperor with one voice, and straightway went to Church, and spent there the whole day: so that all the City seemed to be but as one Church. And not only in sacred Scriptures and in sacred Histories, but among the Heathens upon occasions of happy betides, much expression of joy have been manifested. It is reported that when the people of Rome heard how Germanicus (whose life and welfare they much feared) was in safety; as if they had been overcome with the news, they went and rend open their Temple doors, and cried out, Salua Patria, Salua Civitas, saluus Germanicus. Our Country is safe, our City is safe, Germanicus is safe. And of Cicero we read, that returning from banishment in the Consulships of Pompey and Lentulus, that Tanta fuit urbis laetitia, ut (quasi awlsa sedibus suis Roma) omnis aetas ordosque hominum obuiam procederet. That there was such rejoicing in the City, that Rome was as it were shaken and plucked from her seat, all ages and orders of men going out to meet Cicero. What should I seek to abound? The drift of my speech is, that as it is natural to all men with memorable chances to be delighted, so we for this late favour of God vouchsafed unto us should be, supra modum dulcedine laeti. fraught and replenished with joy beyond measure, even fall on our faces and laugh, have our Spirits revived within us, have amongst us a feast and a good day, yea in the highest manner we can express our jubiliation and exultation? Oh they have dead hearts that are not now quickened, dumb mouths that do not now sound forth joyful out cries: if ever there were a time for the Timbrel and the dance, this is it, the return of our Prince into the Land should be like return of life into a swooning body; we should have as much gladness for the having of him, as we should have had sadness for the wanting of him; if he had perished, how should we have mourned? being preserved, and in all sort of peace returned, how should we triumph? our joy should be like the joy of Harvest; yea men that are dividing spoils should not be more cheerful than we: Our Saviour saith in the Gospel If these should hold their peace, the stones would speak; so if we should not rejoice, the senseless Stars would teach us joy. Our Prince went out with a wonder, and came home with a wonder: out with a wonder; for the Thames your Channel, many other places in the Land strangely ebbed and flowed, as if the waters had been out of course, that a Prince of such matchless worth should be wafted ere long over them to pass through many dangers: came home with a wonder, for being past all his dreads, and arrived again upon his own shores, the fame of his return being scarce spread throughout all the parts of this Kingdom; yea the very day the tidings came amongst you, the two great Lights of Heaven in an astonishable manner appeared, there being three Moons in the night, three Suns in the Morning, to signify unto us that the Heir apparent (if my conjecture be not too curious) of three Kingdoms was now in safety rerurned, yea that the Lord our Prince was come home in peace. Therefore as Solomon saith, Go to the Pismire O thou Sluggard; so go to the Lights of Heaven and lighten thee unto joy, O thou dull-hearted Subject. But I must needs confess I need not be overmuch vehement for this duty in this place. For as the Woman from the wall commended the City of Abel, that it was a faithful and peaceable Daughter in Israel: so for this I may safely commend you, that you have shown yourselves full of ardent love and surpassing joy; yea, as Jacob said of LuZ in respect of the divine Vision of the Ladder, which reached up to the Heaven, and the Angels ascended and descended upon it, that it was no other but the House of God, and the Gate of Heaven: So, having beheld the Ladder of your joy reaching as it were with the excelse and sublime exultations to the height of Heaven, and yourselves ascending and descending upon it, I cannot but acknowledge, that this is no other but a Port where the King and Prince have truehearted & freehearted obeisants. Who that did but see or shall but hear of the number of people that here was met once before and now again, such a marvelous Congregation, as if your Houses were emptied to fill the House of God, and besides your Church-ioy, your Streets-melody, your Instruments of Music, your Banners displayed, your Ordnance roaring, your Bonfires flaming, but must needs confess that ye have been very forward to give unto this successful, prosperous, long-wished for betide due solemnity? Many Daughters have done worthily, but thou surmountest all; All, considering the bigness or rather smallness of the Town: Many of your aged Fathers, with countenances astonished, and with drops of joy trickling along their cheeks, acknowledging that such triumphing they did never behold: Well, your works shall praise you in the Gates, your egregious acts gain you Illustrious Fame, they shall make your friends to extol you, your enemies to admire you, and both friends and enemies in all your wants ready to relieve you. Go on therefore thus loyally and affectionately to celebrate the return of him, who came from Strangers Borders with honour, and who ought to be received into our Coasts with ravishment. But will some say Corda tremunt, Interiora quatiunt, our hearts tremble, our inwards shake within us, we cannot be joyful as we would, because though our Prince be come home in peace; yet we shall never be in long peace under him; for a Spanish Match will come, and then the Papists they fear may draw him from his Religion. Curse not the King, no not in thy thoughts; so curse not the Prince in thy private conceits, conjectures. He hath deserved the best opinion and worthiest estimation of us. Hath he been constant to the faith in Spain, and will he here be a Reed shaken with the wind? Did he there so stoutly stand, and will he here so readily fall? No doubtless, the heart of our Prince is more confirmed against the Romish Church then before; the sight of their Abominations have bred in him greater detestation. And howsoever the King for some overtures to us undisclosed, may purpose, yea prosecute the Match; yet the heart of the King, as Solomon saith is deep, we cannot search it, he hath some high and deep Project in hand; but harmless, no doubt, is his intention to us; and persuade yourselves both King and Prince know the Beast and his Locusts well enough; they will take heed of bowing their neck under that heavy unsupportable Yoke, the miserable examples of their Predecessors, their Neighbours, their selues, cannot out of their hearts: therefore though so fare as we through our dark crevices can discern, could wish matters might go otherwise, and we would give the eyes in our heads to obtain it; yet because we see but the outside of things, and the inward secrets we cannot ransack, nor pry into, there being such wise Pilots at the Stern, let us commit all unto them with quietness, trusting that they will not suffer the ship to miscarry. And therefore let this stone of offence be removed, let us not be troubled with any fears of great miseries ensuing; we are like to sit under our own Vines, and our own Figge-trees in peace, and therefore let us confidently and intrepidly go on to be joyed; yea even over-ioyed with the enjoying of that jewel which a while we wanted, for this let our hearts be inflamed, our spirits filled with marvelous iucundity; yea let us even know no measure nor moderation in the comfort that we take in the same, beside a little, let us endeavour to tract Mephibosheths' steps in forgiving, and giving. First in forgiving; for as he forgave Zibah, so let us forgive: 1. Our enemies. 2. Our Debtors. Our Enemies: For how unsightly a thing would it be that they with come to rejoice at the same Temple, and which go triumphing in the same Streets, should look with evil aspects, like Malignant Planets, one upon another? Where there is joint Rejoicing▪ there should be joint Reconcilement; Oh how acceptable would it be to the Lord, our Prince if he might be welcomed home with the Nobles and Commons, laying down all their private spleenenes? They could not be more joyful to see him in Peace from Dangers; then he to see them in Peace from Grudges: their hearty concord would without all question be his hearty consolation; but if their eyes look cheerfully upon him, but are ready to look asquint one upon another, and their mouths shoot in joy of his Return, but are ready to glow with Rage, and to spew out scandals, ignominies, opprobrious, calumnious speeches one against another; if they clap their hands in his honour, but ready to smite with the fist of wickedness, as the Prophet saith, or to strike their hands in token of indignation as Balack did against Balaam: How great a a quenching will this be to the Lord our Prince, for that true full joy he should take in the People's Melody-making? Oh therefore let all bitter roots be plucked up, all old greevances removed, all indignities, abuses forgiven, be Mephibosheths'. Our Debtors: For, can we truly rejoice in our Princes Return, and yet suffer others to mourn in the House of Bondage? Is their means wasted, their Estates so decayed, that they are not able to satisfy, and yet will ye suffer them in Prison, rather to pine away then yield to release them? oh remember this is not a time with all rigour and extremity to exact debts; therefore now let us ease burdens, free enthralled men, and give them liberty upon this gladsome tidings. Secondly, in giving, and that towards the Poor, and Prince. First, towards the Poor. For upon this occasion should not rich men's houses be like the Courts of Charity? Yes, for a Nabal he is indeed, that now eats his bread & his flesh only amongst his Sheepe-shearers, therefore bring forth the raiment for the naked, the silver for the needy, the sustenance for the hungry & thirsty, give Portions to seven and likewise to eight. To the Prince. For this voyage must needs have been costly and chargeable. Princes' whensoever they travel must be Liberal to honour the State from whence they come: and should not these expenses be made up by us? Yes, whensoever he call we should have our presents ready; for will we bestow nothing but a little sounding of Cornets, and Sackbuts, Powder and shot, Bonfires and ringing of Bells? This were poor congratulation, cheap welcome. Let our Coffers therefore be opened, our Estates set forth, and seeing the Lord our Prince is come home in Peace let him take amply, freely. But amongst all these Solemnities, let us not forget the Fat of the Peace offering. How came the Lord our Prince thus home in Peace, but by the Providence of God? Give unto God therefore that which is Gods, Let him take 1. Present Devotion. 2. Future Duty. First, Present Devotion. For, Bring unto the Lord oh ye Sons of the Mighty, bring young Rams unto the Lord, ascribe unto the Lord the honour due to his Name. Come into his Courts with Thanksgiving, and show yourselves glad in him with Psalms. Let not so precious a benefit be received without praise, nor so Gracious a Favour without condign commemoration. It becometh well the Just to be thankful. Let his name be extolled, his mercy magnified. Secondly, Future Duty. For hath not God tried by his favours to Win us, by his blessings to draw us unto him? Yes, the Lord might have paid us home at one stroke, but he hath spared us, to see if we will open our eyes and see his goodness, open our ears and hear his will, open our hearts and follow his precepts; Oh therefore with the Cords of his love let us be pulled unto him, let this unspeakable favour bring us unto unfeigned duty: Yea, Seeing the Lord our Prince is come home in Peace, let him take All. All Service both of Body and Soul. By this time I trust I have taught you how your Cup might run over with the oil of gladness, and how you might rightly and fully discharge what belongs to you upon this blessed Event. What last shall be done? Let us set our mouths toward Heaven, & implore Divine assistance for after times for our Prince. The Lord water him with the dew of Heaven, endew him with his further graces, cause his face still to shine upon him, his mercies still to keep him, his Spirit still to direct him, that our joys may abound under him, our happiness increase as his years increase, that if this worthy Prince survive that matchless Father, as now we receive him with Triumph into the Land, so than we may receive him with Triumph into his Throne, and at last he may be received by the Angels, and Archangels with Honour and Glory into Heaven. Amen. FINIS.