A SERMON, Preached before the two high borne and illustrious Princes, FREDERICK the 5. PRINCE ELECTOR PALATINE, DUKE OF BAVARIA, etc. And the Princess Lady ELIZABETH, etc.  
Preached in the Castle-Chappell at HEIDELBERG the 8. of june 1613. being the next day after her highness happy arrival there. By that reverend and judicious Divine, Mr. ABRAHAM SCVITETUS, his highness Chaplain.  
Together with a short narration of the Prince Electors greatness, his Country, his receiving of her Highness▪ accompanied with tw● u● other Princes, thirty Earls, besides an exceeding great number of Barons and Gentlemen, and eight days entertainment.  
Translated out of High Dutch by JA MEDLUS D. and one of hi● majesties Chaplains.  
Imprinted at London by john Beale, for William Welby. 1613.   

DEDICATED AND CONSECRATED UNTO THE SERVICE AND NEVER DYING MEMORY OF THE RIGHT HIGH AND ILLUSTRIOUS PRINCESS, LADY ELIZABETH, PRINCESS ELECTORISSE PALATINE, DUCHESS OF BAVARIA, etc.  
AND SOLE DAUGHTER OF OUR DREAD SOVEREIGN LORD KING JAMES, KING OF GREAT BRITAIN, FRANCE, AND IRELAND, DEFENDER OF THE CHRISTIAN FAITH, etc.   

A SERMOM Preached at Heidelberg, the S. of june 1613. before the high and mighty Prince FREDERICK the 5. Earl Palatine, Prince Elector, etc. and the right high and illustrious Lady and Princess, the Lady ELIZABETH, his espoused wife, upon the occasion of their happy arrival there.  

The Entrance.  
But from whence and whereat beloved Christians, shall I begin this Sermon of thanksgiving?  
Praise ye the Lord, because he is exceeding good, and his mercy endureth for ever.  
Let Heidelberg now say; his mercy endureth for ever.  
Let the Electoral PALATINATE now say; his mercy endureth for ever.  
Let them say now, that fear the Lord; his mercy endureth for ever.  
The Lord is God who defendeth us, and his mercy endureth for ever.  
The Lord is God who rejoiceth us, and his mercy endureth for ever.  
I know not how to do better, then that we begin there where we will end, namely; of commending, lauding, and praising the most Highest, who crowneth us with mercy and loving kindness, and bindeth the people that lie far asunder one from another, firmly together in the unity of faith, love, and assured hope of the blessed salvation to come.  
Now to the end that our hearts may be the better and livelier roused up unto this laud and praise, we will read unto you an excellent Psalm of Thanksgiving: but will first for the more fruitful hearing of the same, call upon the Lord God for the gracious assistance of his holy spirit, in that form of prayer, which our LORD and SAVIOUR CHRIST himself hath taught us.  
Our Father, etc.   
Psalm 147. 
1 Praise ye the Lord, for it is good to sing unto our God: for it is a pleasant thing, and praise is comely.  
2 The Lord doth build up jerusalem, and gather together the dispersed of Israel.  
3 He healeth those that are broken in heart, and bindeth up their sores.  
4 He counteth the number of the stars, and calleth them all by their names.  
5 Great is our Lord, and great is his power, his wisdom is infinite.  
6 The Lord relieveth the needy, and abaseth the wicked to the ground.  
7 Sing unto the Lord with praise: sing upon the harp unto our God  
8 Which covereth the heaven with clouds, and prepareth rain for the earth, and maketh the grass to grow upon the mountains.  
9 Which giveth to beasts their food, and to the young ravens that call upon him.  
10 He hath not pleasure in the strength of an horse neither delighteth in any man's legs.  
11 But the Lord delighteth in them that fear him, and hope upon his mercies.  
12 Praise the Lord, O jerusalem: praise thy God, O Zion.  
13 For he hath made the bars of thy gates strong, and hath blessed thy children within thee.  
14 He setteth peace in thy borders, and satisfieth thee with the flower of wheat.  
15 He sendeth forth his commandment upon earth, and his word runneth very swiftly.  
16 He giveth snow like wool, and scattereth the hoar frost like ashes.  
17 He casteth forth his ye like morsels: who can abide the cold thereof?  
18 He sendeth his word and melteth them: he causeth his wind to blow, and the waters flow.  
19 He showeth his word unto jacob, his statutes and his judgements unto Israel.  
20 He hath not dealt so with every nation, neither have they known his judgements. Praise ye the Lord.   

The Jnterpretation.  
LIke as the weather under the heavens altereth, so that we now feel a fair warm sunshine, anon lightning and thunder, and also presently after, rain: even so do the thoughts of man change and alter. For sometime the godly man's heart is so merry and iokand, that it is as a mere sunshine, that is, there is nothing but joy and comfort perceived in him, namely, when God the Lord fatherly remembreth us with a cheerful conscience, with a healthful body, as also with bodily joy, and a good outward estate.  
But otherwhiles again, when troubles and miseries approach, it seemeth as if our hearts were overshadowed with thick black clouds, when as we hear and feel nothing else in manifold temptations, than the hail, thunder, and lightning of God's law. Now then, the greatest wisdom of a Christian standeth therein, that he assuredly know, whether it be clear or dark in his heart, how he shall so dispose of his business, that he may ever and at all times be well pleasing and acceptable unto God in heaven.  
The Apostle james prescribeth unto us a notable rule in this case, when as he saith; Is any among you afflicted? 
james 5.13.  let him pray: Is any merry? let him sing Psalms. By which words he would have us understand thus much, that we ever ought to pray unto our Lord God in time of need: and after obtained deliverance, praise him for it. According to which will of God, all the holy men of the old, and new Testament lived.  
If now therefore at this present, our affairs be likewise so changed, as that we behold with joy, our right gracious Lord & Prince, FREDERICK Count Palatine, and Prince Elector: and also the right high, and illustrious Princess Elizabeth, his highness most honoured, and best beloved spouse, to be safely come hither in health under the safe convoy of the most highest, unto the place, where we have earnestly long desired, and prayed they might be: then should we be surely most unthankful people, if we should not admonish, provoke, and say one unto another; O ye faithfully beloved: 
jer. 33.11.  Praise the Lord of Hosts, because the Lord is good, & his mercy endureth for ever. And it is true, that for the very performance of this holy work, is this illustrious company now assembled here: which that it may be done with the more fruit and profit, we will briefly expound the Psalm now read unto you. And first, consider of the Prophet's hearty admonition, wherewith he stirreth us up unto the laud & praise of God.  
And then secondly, we will observe what those benefits be, for which we ought to laud & praise God: wherein it will evidently appear, that we have at this day, even as great & weighty cause to praise him, as ever the people of Israel had in the old Testament.   

Of the first.  
As concerning the first point, the Prophet exhorteth us unto thanksgiving, not once nor twice, but thrice when as he saith: Praise yeethe Lord. 
Psal. 147. verse 1.7.12.  Sing unto the Lord with praise: sing upon the harp unto our God. Praise the Lord O jerusalem: praise thy God O Zion.  
And he concealeth not the reason, for he saith, It is good and a pleasant thing, to sing praises unto our God. Whereunto agreeth that of the Prophet David Psalm 92 saying, 
Psal. 92.  It is a good thing to praise the Lord, and to sing unto thy name, O thou most highest.  
The children of the world think it is a good thing to live every day riotously, to sing, to play, to skip, to dance, to laugh and shout, or else to rise up early in the morning, to drunkenness, and surfeiting, and to run up & down until the evening, to scratch, and scrape something unto themselves. These are the unwise men that know not, 
Psal. 6.  and the fools that understand not Gods works, as David there speaketh. But the holy Ghost saith by the Prophet, in the same place, that this is a good thing, to declare God's loving kindnesses in the morning, and his truth in the evening.  
For what is a better thing then to praise God, who only is worthy of all praise, whom also all the unreasonable creatures, every one according to his kind, do laud and praise? What is a better thing then to praise the Lord, from whom all good gifts come and descend? What is a better thing then for every one to exercise and acquaint himself daily in the service, wherein all elect Angels and men, will exercise themselves in that blessed life of glory?  
Such men as thus exercise themselves, have already begun and entered into that everlasting life: and seeing they lead a well savoured and praiseworthy life, so doth God also vouchsafe unto them at the last, a praiseworthy death: according as the example of King David showeth, who for that he always had this saying in his mouth; I will praise the Lord so long as I have any being: he also at the last yielded up his soul with a praise-singing mouth, as is to be seen both in 1. Chron. 30. and 1. King. 1.  
Such praise is pleasant, and comely, as the Psalm further saith. For as nothing is more foul & loath some then unthankful ingratitude, so there is not any thing more pleasant than a thankful soul, which knoweth what benefits she hath received of her God, and doth yield to him again that which is due to him, namely obliged thankfulness. here-hence it is, 
Deut. 32.19.  that our Lord God termeth unthankful people, not children, but shamespots. And the Prophet jeremy teacheth, that man hath an unfaithful and rebellious heart, which saith not once, I will now fear the Lord God, 
jer. 5.23, 24.  that giveth rain both early and late in due season, and safely preserveth the harvest at the appointed time.  
Yet nevertheless, it is not here to be omitted, that God will nor be praised of every one. For as any great Lord or Prince cannot at all endure to have his worthy and valiant acts to be written by a lewd varlet: so will not the Lord God by any means, endure at all to be praised of wicked persons; whence our Psalm saith, Praise the Lord, O jerusalem. 
Psal. ●3. 1.  Praise thy God, O Zion; that is, as is elsewhere expounded, Rejoice in the Lord, O ye righteous: for it becometh upright men to be thankful.  
Now the reasons are known, why God will not be praised of wicked people. For such people will not Understand the Lords benefits, but as the Prophet saith, Though mercy be showed to the wicked, yet he will not learn righteousness: 
Esa. 26.10.  in the land of uprightness will he do wickedly, and will not at all consider the majesty of the Lord. Besides, the offering cannot be acceptable unto God, which is offered unto him of an impenitent soul, but the sacrifice which a wicked man (who hath chosen his own ways, 
Esa. 66.3.  and his soul delighteth in his abominations,) offereth, it is even as much as if he slew a man, as if he cut off a dogs neck, and as if he offered swine's blood. The cause hereof is, because wicked men are of an impenitent heart, and therefore will only praise God with their mouth, whom they shame and dishonour in their heart, yea throughout all their whole life and conversation.   

Of the second.  
But sufficient of the first. 
2. Point.  Now let us consider of the second point; wherefore it is that the Prophet will have us sing praises unto God. The Prophet commendeth here three especial benefits of God: as first, that he buildeth jerusalem. Secondly that he useth his wisdom and power for the benefit of all his creatures, but most especially for man's good. And then thirdly, that he clearly revealed his word; his statutes, and his commandments unto the jewish people.  
He saith, The Lord buildeth up jerusalem, 
Verse 2.  and gathereth together the dispersed of Israel. Here is to be observed, that this Psalm was written, after that the people of the jews were brought again to jerusalem, & other places in judea, from the Babylonian captivity. Now when the Prophet saw, that jerusalem was again by little and little repaired, the Citizens come again together, that were here & there before dispersed abroad, and the true service of God established anew, he heartily rejoiced; yet not so much for the fair and goodly buildings, as for that they were come thither again, even unto the place, whereunto God had bound himself in the old Testament, and covenanted with them; and that the people did jointly again with one consent serve God, 
Rom. 9.4.  Unto whom appertaineth the addoption, and the glory, and the covenants, and the giving of the Law, and the service of God, and the promises. And in such joy of his heart he beginneth, & admonisheth all believing Israelites, to sing laud unto the Lord one with an other, and to praise our God upon the harp.  
If now the godly forefathers did so hearty rejoice before Christ's birth, & earnestly exhorted unto the praising of God, after they were delivered but from their scutcheon years Babylonian captivity, and were again returned into their beloved Country: how much more than ought we, whose forefathers were pulled out of popish Babylon, not after seventy, but after seven hundred years of captivity, and brought again together into their old country, sing laud, praise and thanks unto almighty God for it? The vulgar man considereth not, what a glorious benefit this is. To compare them a little together. Was not that a misery upon misery, when the parents were dispersed from their children, the brethren from their sisters, the husbands from their wives, here and there throughout all the Babylonian government, and must undure to be laughed at, scorned and derided of every man? The people of God themselves give witness hereunto, when they say; 
Psal. 137.1.  By the rivers of Babel we sat, and there we wept, when we remembered Zion.  
But far greater misery did our forefathers endure in popery, when many honest and well-affected hearts were forced to be kept & pressed down under the Pope's tyranny, and to behold (against their wills) shameful and horrible idolatry. But yet God did after seven hundred years space, look again favourably upon his distressed servant the Christian Church, caused the Gospel to be clearly expounded, which was before obscured, Antichrist that child of perdition to be revealed, and our beloved fathers to be set again into the liberty of conscience, and which we ever since enjoy, blessed be his name for it. Wherefore praise the Lord, O jerusalem, Praise thy God, O Zion.  
It is true, that jerusalem is often grievously afflicted, and as it were even rend asunder, either by the assaults and inroads of enemy's soldiers, or by the death of high and chief Governors, who were the Church's Patrons, and nureing fathers and mothers, as this Jerusalem of our Palatinate hath sufficiently felt about three years since, when Frederick the fourth of blessed memory departed this life. But, praised be God, who ever buildeth jerusalem again. And this he doth, when as he blesseth a country with Princely branches, who wax and grow up unto his honour, and their native country's benefit. And this he doth also effect, when he leadeth (as with the hand) unto young Princes godly and religious spouses, with whom they may comfortably live together in unity of faith, and shine before their subjects in all good example of religious holiness. And therefore praise thou the Lord, O Heidelberg, Praise thy God, O Palatinate.  
But there might some man perhaps demand, Whether it be so much to be respected, and be so great a benefit, to have the walls of jerusalem rightly builded in a country? Whereunto I answer, That every way it is much to be regarded, and is God's exceeding great benefit, when jerusalem is well and rightly builded: For in jerusalem alone, that is, in the little flock wherein God is truly served, is that done which is written in the next verse following, He healeth those that are broken in heart, 
verse 3.  and bindeth up their sores.  
We poor miserable creatures were fallen indeed amongst thieves & murderers, & grievously wounded of them, who were set against us by Satan. Should the Angel's cure & heal us? they could not. Should other creatures help and relieve us? they could not. Then God sent Christ unto us, who cometh in the Gospel, and where the same is preached, there he poureth out the supling and healing oil of grace into every repentant sinner's heart, and bindeth up all their wounds, that is, he taketh away all the great anguish and trouble of conscience, which ariseth out of the sense and feeling of God's wrath against sin, and fear of everlasting damnation.  
And here I know, that many men esteem not so highly of this benefit, and I mean them, who understand not what sin is, what Gods wrath is against sin, and what everlasting damnation is. But I know this also, that they who are assaulted with the fierceness of God's wrath, and have daily combat with their own weakness and infirmities, esteem nothing so highly in this world, as that Christ healeth their broken hearts, through the gracious forgiveness of their sins, and bindeth up the pinching grief of their consciences, in so much, that they may boast with the Apostle Saint Paul, 
Rom. 8.  there is no condemnation unto them, whose hearts are healed, whose wounds of conscience are bound up and plastered: Hereupon they live; hereupon they die; that for Christ his sake, God is become their merciful father, and they his dear and loving children. Therefore sing unto the Lord one with another with thanks, and praise our God upon the harp, even ye that do feel and acknowledge this benefit of God unto your souls.  
But the Lord God will not suffer it to rest there, that he buildeth the walls of jerusalem, but, though he be the wholly wise and almighty Lord, yet he abuseth not the same unto tyranny, and suppressing of the godly honest, but he useth his wisdom and omnipotency, first, and chief for the good of man, and then next for the benefit of all other creatures. For, 
Verse 4, 5.  He counteth the number of the stars, and calleth them all by their names. Great is our Lord, and great is his power, his wisdom is infinite: or, his government is not to be understood and comprehended.  
He surely must needs be a wise and omnipotent Lord. The star-gasers labour also and weary themselves very much, that they might tell the number of the stars. But yet themselves confess, that they only know the chiefest, the greatest, and the brightest: the tale of the rest they must leave (will they nill they) unto God, who both numbereth all the stars, and calleth them by their several names, and carrieth a goodly government over them, where the Sun, like a King, swayeth in his glorious Lordship; but other stars as servants, and attendants on him, must at several times, some at his rising, and others at his setting, perform their service unto him. Now as he doth wisely govern the stars, so doth he also powerfully uphold them, insomuch that the Prophet saith not without cause: Great is our Lord, and great is his power, which is the more comfortable for us to understand, and lay hold on, seeing the text further teacheth, that God useth his wisdom and omnipotency, for the good of man, and all creatures.  
The Lord, saith the Prophet, relieveth the needy, and abaseth, or rather throweth down the wicked to the ground. Which is as much to lay: God so useth his might and wisdom, that he advanceth the humble, and punisheth the proud. And this is, and ever hath been God's custom. Go and search throughout all the histories of the old Testament; go and search throughout all the histories of the new Trestament, and it will appear, that humility was never left uncrowned; pride never left unpunished. Pharaoh was proud and high minded, he must needs perish in the water: Moses was humble he must needs be advanced: Saul was high minded, he was brought down low: David was humble he was advanced: Sebna was high minded, the keys of the house of David were taken from him: Eliakim is humble, the neys were given unto him. Humble Hezekim had his life preserved: whereas proud Senacherib was rob of his life, and had it at ken from him.  
Hither unto appertain. God's other benefits, which are here recited, as namely, that he giveth peace unto his people, that he blesseth them will children, and satisfieth them with the flower of wheat and not that only, but that he also useth his omnipotency in general for the good of all creatures. For it is he Which covereth the heaven with clouds, 
Verse 8.  & prepareth rain for the earth, and maketh the grass to grow upon the mountains. Which giveth to beasts their food, 
Verse 9  and to the young ravens that call upon him.  
We must needs wonder concerning the clouds; and we must needs wonder concerning the rain: but yet we must needs much more admire and wonder, that God createth such things, not, that he boasteth of his omnipotency, but of his goodness therein, which also evidently appeareth in the very preservation of bruit beasts. For why doth the Lord cover the heavens with clouds? That he may prepare rain for the earth. Wherefore doth he prepare ray for the earth? That grass may grow upon the mountains. Wherefore doth he let grass grow? That beasts may have their food, and the young ravens that call upon him.  
So then we hear it well, that God careth also for the bruit beasts, as likewise for the young ravens, which call upon him; that is, they which cry for hunger, and must needs perish, if God did not nourish them. The heathen Philosopher Aristotle taught, that God only cared for the more excellent creatures, and regarded not the meaner.  
But God's word teacheth, that God also preserveth the young ravens when they call upon him, and so maketh no difference in his care for this or that beast; as also in like manner concerning man, He is no accepter of persons: but in every nation, 
Act. 10.34.35.  he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him. For as our Psalm saith, he hath not pleasure in the strength of an horse, 
verse 10.  neither delighteth in any man's legs; that is, he careth not at all whether any be proud and potent in the world; but, he delighteth in them that fear him, and hope upon his mercies, whether they be highly or basely esteemed of amongst men in the world.  
And it is not hard or heavy unto God the Lord, to nourish, preserve, and support both man, and beast. For, 
verse 15.  He only sendeth forth his commandments upon earth: that is, he only commandeth it, and his word runneth very swiftly, that is, and it is done. Will he have snow? then he giveth it: will he have hoar frost? then he scattereth it like ashes: will he have ice? then he casteth it like morsels: will he have frost? then can no man endure the cold thereof. He sendeth his word and it melteth them; 
verse 18.  he causeth his wind to blow, and the ye thaweth, so that the waters flow.  
Now that which Gods people did here praise aforetime, that are we worthily bound to extol and praise at this day. God hath mercifully of late turned his wisdom and almighty power over the Electoral Palatinate for good. He hath mightily three quarters of a year ago, led our Prince Elector out of the Palatinate into England: he hath wisely and richly blessed his highness design and purpose, and mightily hath very lately safely conveyed and returned his Princely Electoral Highness, and also yesterday the Princess Electoresse, his highness spouse, safely unto this place. Wherefore sing ye one with another with thanksgiving unto the Lord, and praise our God upon the harp: Praise the Lord O Heydelberg, praise thy God, O Palatinate.  
Howsoever we have now with the old Church, in regard of Gods now recited benefits, sufficient cause of praise and thanksgiving: yet doth the Spirit of God further lead us, unto the consideration of the most high and best good, that God can give unto any man, in a whole Country or Kingdom. 
verse 19  He showeth his word unto jacob, his statutes and his judgements unto Israel.  
O gracious Lord God, 
verse 13.  what were it, though the Bars of our gates were made fast within us, and all outward peace procured unto our borders, if in the meantime the borders of our consciences should be deprived of heavenly comfort? What were it, though our children were blessed within our gates, if we were not thereof assured, that we ourselves also be God's children? What were it, though our bodies were satisfied with the finest flower; if our souls should in the meantime ever hunger and thirst with the want of God's word and grace? Therefore the Prophet rejoiceth and triumpheth withal, for this benefit, that God offereth unto the jewish people, his everlasting grace and mercy in the word preached: and for that the true Religion was at that time altogether shut up within the cabinet of the Land of judah, he proceedeth here-hence with admiration, and saith; He hath not dealt so with every nation, neither letteth them know his judgements. Praise ye the Lord. That is, praise and thanks be given unto God, who amongst us gathereth a handful unto him▪ who know him, honour him, and fear him, whereas notwithstanding so many people live altogether without God, and are deprived, and even rob of all true comfort both in life and death.  
We, beloved in the Lord, can now at this day rejoice of that, in the Protestant Churches of Germany, whereof the people of the jews rejoiced aforetime, as namely, that God hath showed unto us his holy word, and hath let us know his statutes, and his judgements. He showeth his word unto us, that is, he clearly revealeth himself unto us in the Gospel.  
This we know and acknowledge with all Protestant Churches.  
God is the fountain of all goodness, and all the evil that is in the world, proceedeth at no hand from him, but from Satan, and man's free will. This we know and acknowledge with all Protestant Churches.  
Christ jesus is the almighty Son of God, the brightness of his glory, and the engraved form of his person, who in the fullness of time took upon him our flesh and blood, and hath purchased for us through his death eternal redemption. This we know and acknowledge with all Protestant Churches.  
The holy Ghost is the third person of the Deity, the comforter of all the afflicted, and the earnest of our salvation to come. This we know and acknowledge with all Protestant Churches.  
The Lord God hath so near a care of his faithful children, that not so much as a hair of their head is bowed, or any little bone broken in their body, without his will. This we know and acknowledge with all Protestant Churches.  
When God calleth for us before his strict judgement, be it as well in health as in sickness, and denieth unto our own conscience all comfort, so that we cannot withstand the just wrath of God at all: but yet the alone precious suffering and bitter death of our dear Lord and Saviour jesus Christ, (whose suffering and death being laid hold on with true faith,) even then stilleth the spiritual heart-beating, and quieteth the disturbed conscience. This we know and acknowledge with all Protestant Churches.  
When God sendeth us sorrow and affliction, it is so far from hurting of us, that it also turneth unto our good, and ourselves may therefore praise affliction: for it is true, that unto the faithful, tribulation bringeth patience, patience experience, experience hope, and hope maketh not ashamed. This we know and acknowledge with all Protestant Churches.  
When faith is weak, patience cold, hope in a swounde, then is there no better means to help and relieve the poor soul, then that she frequent the holy Supper of the Lord, where we do not only see before our eyes, what and how much Christ hath suffered for our sakes, but we also feel, that our hungry and thirsty souls are fed with his crucified body, and are quenched with his bloodshed, which is done, when we engrave and firmly press into our hearts by true faith, that Christ is given unto death for our sins, and his blood is shed for our transgressions, whereby faith will be stronger, patience warmer, hope more lively, the whole man will be in God more joyful, & will go home unto his house with a joyful heart, & praise-singing mouth singing, 
Psal. 23.  The Lord is my good shepherd, I shall heceforth never want any thing; he feedeth me on the green pastures of his word, he giveth me to drink of the fresh watersprings of his spirit, his goodness and mercy will follow me, all the days of my life This lastly we know and acknowledge with all Protestant Churches.  
That eternal salvation is prepared for us after this life. That is said, the Lord showeth his word unto jacob, and revealeth his grace and mercy only to Protestant Churches.  
But he showeth us not only the word of grace and mercy, but he showeth us also his statutes and his judgements. Now these are Gods statutes and judgements.  
Thou shalt love the Lord thy God, 
Math. 22.  with all thy heart, with all thy soul, with all thy strength, and thy neighbour as thyself. These be Gods statutes, and his judgements.  
Let your light so shine before men, 
Math 6.  that they may see your good works, 
Luke 6.  and glorify your Father which is in heaven. These be Gods statutes and his judgements.  
love your enemies, do good unto them that hate you, bless them that curse you, pray for them that hurt you. These be Gods statutes & judgements.  
Take heed that your hearts be not oppressed with surfeiting & drunkenness, 
Luke 21.  and with the cares of this life. These are Gods statutes and his judgements.  
To do well and to distribute forget not. 
Heb. 13.  These be Gods statutes and his judgements.  
Fellow peace with all men, 
Heb. 12.  and holiness, without the which no man shall see the Lord.  
But so, O God, do few people at this day; therefore, Praise the Lord, O jerusalem, praise thy God, O Zion. For (as we have understood out of this sermon) there is nothing more precious then to praise our God: such praise is pleasant & comely: such praise is fitting to meet God the Lord with; as he that buildeth the wales of jerusalem, as he that useth his wisdom and power, unto the defence & comfort of his Christendom, as he that yet showeth unto us in Germany his saving word, and his holy statutes.  
Who so acknowledgeth this, who so laudeth and and praiseth this, he shall find, that upon his praise singing life, a praise singing death shall follow; and he shall by death be joyfully carried into that blessed life, wherein all the faithful meet together, and shall sing: Great is our Lord, and great is his power: he maketh them that were low on earth, to be high in heaven, them that on earth were proud, and wicked, he abaseth, and throweth down unto hell. For if the honest subjects of the Electoral Palatinate did heartily so much rejoice yesterday, when they saw that our right gracious, and illustrious Princess Electoresse, was well and safely arrived here in good health, and received with joy of our right gracious Lord; what think you will be then there, when we, and all other the faithful, who are Christ's Bride, that shall have sailed over the deep, hideous, terrible, and tempestuous Sea of this world, yea the temporary death, and shall have arrived at the holy hill, 
He alludeth to a hilat Heidelberg called the Holy hill.  not at Heydelberg, but in heavenly jerusalem, where Christ will receive us, even the good Bridegroom, who hath undergone so far a journey for our sakes, as from heaven unto the earth, and hath given out his life a ransom for us? joy fully will all sing there, that can sing; and all cheerfully give piaise that can praise. The Angels themselves, will then assemble in troops, rejoice & sing, Halleluia; praise ye the Lord; the lambs wedding is come let us sing & rejoice. 
Reu. 19  That which the Bride desired on earth, that she hath, that she heareth, that she seeth, that she feeleth now in heaven. She hath the bridegroom: she heareth Angel's music: she seethe the Father in the Son, the Son in the Father, and the holy Ghost in the Father and the Son. God doth not so unto any wicked, nor letteth them see his glory, nor suffereth them to feel his joy. Therefore, praise here the Lord, ye that would praise him there: sing here unto the Lord, ye that would sing unto him there. Here must the beginning be made, the full accomplishment and fruition of all will be found there.  
Thanks be unto the Father, that so clearly revealeth his mercy unto us. Thanks be unto the Son, who hath purchased for us peace, joy, and life. Thanks be unto the holy Ghost, that bindeth us poor miserable worms on earth, in a permanent everlasting love with God in heaven. Let all the people say Amen: yea Lord jesus Amen.   

The Prayer.  
IT is a pleasant thing indeed to praise our God, and to show forth his mercy in the morning, and his truth in the evening. Therefore we return our hearts and tongues unto thee, most merciful God and Father, and praise thy marvelous goodness, which thou hast so plentifully and richly showed unto us ever until this present.  
It was thy goodness, that our Lord and Prince Electors Highness went well and sound from hence into England three quarters of a year ago.  
It was thy goodness, that his highness purpose and design came there unto a happy end.  
It was thy goodness, that his Highness arrived here so well again, after the performance of that business.  
And it is thy goodness, that his Highness best beloved spouse arrived here safely yesterday, to the great rejoicing of all the people.  
Blessed and praised be thy high and great name for this thy marvelous goodness, from this time forth and for ever.  
We beseech thee gracious God and Father, finish that work which thou hast begun, and renew thy ancient mercy and loving kindness from day to day upon this Princely new married couple; power down upon them from heaven above thy heavenly goodness and blessing, accomplish all their highness designs, hear them when they call upon thee, deliver them when they be in danger, rejoice them when they be in sorrow, bless them as thou didst bless thy best friends, Abraham, Isaac, and jacob, that so their whole country may be glad of them; and that in time, under their government, judgement and righteousness may meet together in all parts of the Palatinate, and love, kindness, and faithfulness, may kiss one each other in all houses.  
Receive likewise into thy protection and defence the Roman emperors Majesty, the King and Queen's Majesties of Great Britain, as also the Prince their Son, all other Christian Potentates, Prince's Electors, and other Princes of the Empire, especially in our right gracious joint government, together with their beloved Ladies, & all that belong unto them, and so likewise all the whole Electoral and Princely family of the Count Palatines by Rhine: bless them all in body, in soul, in honour, in goods.  
Look down from heaven upon the fruits of the earth, and speak and spread out thy blessing over them, that we may also thereby acknowledge thee, the Father and fountain of all mercy and goodness. Have mercy upon all persecuted, afflicted, and sorrowful Christians; cure that which sick is, bind up that which is wounded, strengthen that which is weak. Lastly, receive us, and give us unto thee, so shall we be a blessed people here temporally, and there eternally.   
Amen.   

TO THE INDIFFERENT Reader.  
Considering, indifferent Reader, how sinisterly some of ignorance, and others of malice, conceive of the state & dignity of the High and Mighty Prince Elector Palatine, Duke of Bavaria etc. of his Country, of his receiving his most honoured Lady the Princess Elizabeth, and entertainment of my Lords the Commissioners, and accordingly make report thereof; as also how desirous others are to be rightly informed of the truth: I could not, in my duty, knowing the place, and having certain advertisements thence from honourable personages, and others of great worth & credit, but add this short & plain yet true narration thereof, as well for the easier stopping of intemperate mouths, as for the better satisfying of all honest minds that be desirous of the truth.  
First, therefore concerning the Prince Elector Palatines original and state, though those many pedigrees published here already of his highness descent, sufficiently show his ancient and high blood, rising from many great Emperors and Kings, yet give me leave to fetch it from the very beginning.  
The Palatinate and Bavaria, were once a kingdom, yet subject (as other States) unto alteration and change. 
Chron Charian. lib. 4. Chronolog. Func.  The Kingdom continued from Adelgerius the first King, until Tassilo the last, all in lineal descent 332. years, from the year of Christ his incarnation 556. until the year 788. This Tassilo the last King, for that he would neither be subject, nor friend unto Charlemagne, was at length after much war subdued by him, taken prisoner, and both he and his son Dedon deprived of their Kingdom, and kept prisoners in the Monastery of Lanceack near unto Heidelberg, where they both ended their days in misery.  
After this, the posterity of Charles the great held those Countries, until the seventeenth year full, or mean, as is by some supposed. It is in length about 200. english miles the lower and upper Country. In the lower the Prince hath 26. walled Towns, besides an infinite number of good and fair Villages, 22. houses; and the land is very fruitful of wine, corn, and other comfortable fruits for man's use, having the Rhine & Neckar running through it. The upper Country hath not so many walled towns and princely houses, but those that are, be generally fairer than in the lower, especially Amberg and New-market.  
For her Highness receiving: After that she had passed the low Countries, the Dukedoms of Gulick, Cleve, and Mont, the bishoprics of Collen, and Trier, with a part of the Landgrave of Hessens country; in all which places she had so great welcome, entertainment, and honourable presents, as truly expressed the love and applause of the people, the affection of friends, and greatness of those Princes through whose territories she passed. She came at last happily to Cowlsome, where the Prince Elector Palatine met her highness post, with a few horse, and went together to Gavelshemi, another very small village of his, the 1. of june 1613. inconvenient for the providing for, and lodging and provisions for such a train, which was occasioned by reason Coub, Bachrahe, and all other good towns of his thereabouts were infected.  
Here the Prince Elector and Princess earnestly invited my Lords the commissioners, and others his majesties officers, who had attended in the voyage to go along with them unto Heidelberg, whereby they might not only have a better view of some part of the country, but also find entertainment to their more content. The commissioners condescended unto so gracious a joint request, and the rather to see her highness well arrive at her own home: But the other officers could not by any entreaty be persuaded to go further, desirous (perhaps) to make speedy report unto their Majesties and the state, of her Highness' safe arrival in the Palatinate, and so rescued the next day for England. And this is the cause they saw not any memorable thing worthy of praise in the Palatinate, as my Lords the commissioners did, and will not forbear to speak honourably thereof, though some have done otherwise; for answering of whom and satisfying of others, I have thought good to touch this much by the way, and no more I am informed of.  
Thence they rid the next day the 2. of june unto the City of Mentz, whither the Archbishop, and Prince Elector thereof, Chancellor of Germany had invited their highnesses, where they stayed two nights, and were of him royally entertained, with great and bounteous feasting, & sundry excellent Fireworks, the better to express their welcome, and pass out the time in princely manner.  
The 4. of june they rod to Oppenheim an ancient City with a Castle therein of the Prince Electors, and there lodged all night.  
which the Trojans drew into the City: in the night the Alarm was given, Troy fired, and the Greeks' in triumph, marched away conquerors.  
The next day the 7. of june the Princess removed towards Heidelberg, after she had Passed the walled town of Ladeberg, was met 3. miles from Heidelberg, with the Prince Elector, accompanied with 12. other Princes, the rich coach, 30. Earls, one thousand gentlemen, of the country richly attired, and bravely set out with gallant horse, armour, and other habiliaments of war. The horsemen attending the Princes, were beside these two thousand more. So that all the horse were three thousand, and all great horse. The Princes alighted, and welcomed her Highness, who ascended into her rich coach. After a while she was again encountered in three several places, with three regiments of foot, 2000 in regiment, who first welcomed their Princess with volleys of small shot, & had after the thunder seconded with 20 pieces of great ordnance. Then they marched altogether orderly in good array, conducting her to Heidelberg, where the Citizens wanted no expressions of joy, love, and duty in hearty welcoming of her, & praying for her; all windows being replenished with people of all ages and degrees, and the streets thronged with multitudes of people, drawn thither from all parts, not so much to see the Pageants that were erected to further this honourable entertainment, as to have their eyes filled in beholding of her Highness, whom all honoured and admired. And thus having passed in magnificent great state through the City, she was in like pomp conveyed into the Castle, where the Prince Electors mother, with many other great Princesses, Ladies, & Gentle women received her with all fitting honour, due to so great a Princess.  
The morning of the day following, being the 8. of june, was dedicated unto God, with singing of Psalms, prayer, thanksgiving, and this annexed Sermon, as was mere for so great mercies received from God. The next days, the 9 10. and 11. were appointed for Tilting, Tourney, and running at the Ring; the nights for fireworks and dance; two nights, after the German manner, the other times according to the English and French custom. Where let me not omit to show, that my Lords the Commissioners, and all the Princes were lodged within the Castle, in lodgings well accommodated, and richly furnished with bedding, hangings, and all other necessaries.  
The Princess and other great Ladies, with the Commissioners, being fitly placed at the Tiltyard in the Prince's garden: The first that entered the Tiltyard the, 9 day, was the Prince Elector himself, accompanied with other Princes of the Empire, gallently mounted, but were interrupted for that time from their matiall sports by night: But the next day being the 10. recompensed the same, for there came before the Prince Elector in a very stately manner, this show, which gave exceeding content unto her Highness, and all other great personages the beholders.  
jupiter came first, sitting in a very rich Chariot, drawn by two Griffins, guarded by Mercury, who was coachman juno followed next in another Chariot, drawn by Peacocks, and driven by Iris. The God of Husbandry followed close with 3. Ploughs. And after him Neptune the God of the sea entered; in a Chariot well-befitting such a Marine God, drawn by 3. Sea-horses. Neptune had to attend him a Merman, who sat behind him on a rock with a looking glass in his hand, and 3. Mermaids on an other Rock, singing and playing on musical Instruments.  
The next presentation that entered, was a Centaur, (half a man, half a horse) holding a Book in the one hand, and a Mace in the other; Arion followed him riding on a Sea-Vnicorne, and playing on a Lute. After whom followed the seven deadly sins, all chained, and driven forward by a Dragon, which did ever spit fire. Immediately followed the Prince Elector, with two others in a ship: himself resembling jason; attended on by six Squires, bearing shields and lances. The golden Fleece which jason brought from Greece, was to be seen in the Ship: at the stern whereof was Envy dragged, eating her own heart.  
Mars followed in a chariot garnished with all warlike Ensigns, having three Knights & six Squires for his attendants, bearing lances. Then came Venus and Cupid, drawn by Swans in a chariot, six virgins going before, Hercules following after, and three Knights following him, the Sun artificially gazing on the chariot.  
Next hereunto was Victory mounted on high in an Imperial Chariot (signifying Sovereignty) on whose top above there stood a displayed Eagle: on which likewise attended three Knights, and six Squires.  
In the last Chariot of Forrest-worke, garnished with living birds and beasts, was Diana, attended by six satires, playing wildly on music: six other satires leaping and dancing Anticklike: twelve satires more leading Dogs and Dear: the Woodmen followed: then came the Nymphs with bows and arrows: and last, the chariot of other Nymphs playing & singing, whom three Knights followed. These were the shows, and then began the Til●ing.  
Thus this days sports, and the night, being passed with much delight, and they come the next day again (une the eleventh) into the Tiltyard, the Prince Elector, with those other two that sat with him before in the Ship (himself still representing jason) attended upon by six Squires, eight Trumpeters, seven footmen, and seven horses of State, lead single: Two others followed him, resembling Apollo and Bacchus, who were accompanied with three Wildmen, playing on strange music; satires rustically dancing, three Nymphs on horseback, crowned with garlands. Next came Musoeus, Orheus, and Eumolpus, with music, on horseback: Midas followed with Ass' ears, riding on an Ass, for compating Pan to Apollo; and after him miserable Marsyas, and a Satire flaying off his skin, for daring to contest with skilful Apollo in music. A pretty space after followed the nine Muses, seated severally upon Parnassus' hill, and playing sweetly upon divers instruments of Music: then came the three Graces with Hercules and Mercury accompanying them: and Silenus, Bacchus his steward, with a too and a glass, which as fast as he could fill with wine, he presently drank off: which representation was finished with Bacchus himself, drawn by Dogs in a Chariot, and waited on by junius, Pamona, Hymenaeus, Zephinus, Flora, and Vertumnus.  
The last representation was a man wearing an Imperial Crown, four prisoners bound with Scarves going before him, three following him with drawn sword, and four Squires with Lances. Next came three clothed like Turks, attended upon by six Squires carrying Lances. And last of alone cameriding in, armed at all points, followed with three persons, leading barbed horses single, which sights being passed they tilted. And so the 11. days Glory and Triumph ended with exceeding great State, and Honour, and noble performance of all Courtly Ceremonies, and feats. of Arms.  
The next day after, being the 12. of june, the better to recreate their minds with taking of the air abroad, and using other sports, the Princess Electoresse, greatly attended, rid on hunting: inform the Reader of one thing not mentioned and which setteth out the Prince's Electors greatness not a little. That besides this 6000. trained footmen, who stayed there all the solemnity, and were fed by the Prance, abroad in the fields: there were every mea●e (during the abode of the Commissioners and the Germane Princes there) above ●500. Tables furnished, and about 6000. persons, guests, and servants, fed at them. Wherefore let envy, malice, and ignorance, cease ever thence forth to carp at that they cannot parallel, now they may know it: and all honest minds rest satisfied herewith.  
Thus having briefly related, indifferent Reader, that I promised, concerning the Prince Election Palatines ancient State, his Country, the receiving of his most honoured Princess, & royal entertainment which all degrees found at his highness Court, to their full content, during the whole time of these solemnities, I betake their Highnesses, and ourselves, and all the Israel of God every where, unto the Almighty's ever safe protection; who preserve his, and convert or confound all his adversaries than wish evil unto Zion.  
FINIS.