AN Armour of Proof, brought from the Tower of David, to fight against Spannyardes, and all enemies of the truth, By R. C. The name of the Lord is a strong Tower: the righteous run unto it, and are exalted. Pro. 18. 10. Imprinted at London by G. Simson and W. White. 1596. To the right Honourable Gilbert Talbot, Earl of Shrewesburie, Lord Talbot, Furnivall, Strange of Blackmeare, Verdon and Lovetoft, Knight of the most noble order of the Garter: Roger Cotton wisheth grace and peace in Christ jesus. THe Lord our God (Right Honourable) who in great mercy hath caused by his spirit, the holy Scriptures to be written for our learning: hath also commanded, that all men should study therein both day & night: that so by the help of the same spirit, men might write them in their hearts. The end hereof is, that thereby they may recover the Image of that new man, which again is created after the likeness of God in knowledge and holiness. And while the people of Israel observed this: they enjoyed peace throughout their borders, and great plenty within their Palaces. And such fear God struck into the hearts of their enemies round about, that none durst stir against them. But at what time they cast off this, and chose new Gods, and made no account of the knowledge of the true God, nor of the learned, that should to them the same God teach: Then was there war in the gate, and no peace to any that went in or out, but great troubles arose to all the inhabitants of the earth. For nation destroyed nation, and City destroyed City, and God troubled them with all manner of adversities. This standing thus, and God remaining unchangeable, I assure myself of all kingdoms (to whom the word of God is sent) this may be spoken. That they, Elias, I mean, the men like Elias: josua, Samuel, David, Daniel, and such: whose delights are in the law of the Lord, are the Horses and Chariots of a kingdom. O noble Sir, I beseech you therefore consider well thereof: and let those gracious words of good king Asa, when ten hundredth thousand came against him: and those of King Abiah, when eight hundredth thousand came against him: and those of joab the Captain, when the Ammonites & Aramites came against David, be writ most sure in your noble heart: that so they may proceed from your lips, to the encouragement of the common sort; whose hearts often fail in rumours of troubles. I know your Honour needeth not to be taught, how Nobility given to the holy word, must be the strongest pillars of the Church. Israel through all ages so stood firm: but otherwise fell. josua being equal to a Prophet, conquered the land through his constancy and courage in divinity. But after him great contempt of Religion arose: wherefore much of their land again they lost: and greatly troubled was that state, until the days of Samuel. For as they often fell away, so the Lord often sold them into the hands of spoilers: whereby in the end that state became Ichabod, no glory. For the glory of God the space of seven months departed from them: yet by means of good Samuel, faithful in religion, was again settled in Israel: and so by him, the state was well held up all his days: who although he descended from rebellious Corah, yet is he for Levy a conqueror of better than Sichemites: and as he, so, or more, did that noble and valiant David, even by divinity, recover wholly the land first conquered by josua: and David's title is not so evident for a warrior, as it is for the pleasant in songs to Israel. For to this day, most sweet is the voice of that sweet singer, to all that rightly understand his tune. But he that should understand him to the full, had need of the spirit of an Apostle. A true pattern indeed (Right honourable) of true Nobility. But yet full soon was this true pattern lost: whereupon ten parts of that stately kingdom became in short time, not only Israel and Loruchama, but Loammy also. For full often did the Lord visit them with the sword, aswell at home, devouring one an other, as by the enemy abroad: and in the end suffered them to be carried quite away by the Kings of Asshur. And God took no pity: but even as they had cast off him from being their Lord, so he cast of them from being his people. Now as jeroboam the son of Nebat, of the virtuous joseph, is set forth as a pattern for discommendations to all that followed his wicked steps: so noble David of the house of juda, is the pattern set forth for commendation to all that had care to walk his godly paths. Therefore no further in story for sample to true nobility need I here to seek. Yet in so much as the fame of one of your own most noble progenatours soundeth in our ears to this day, I trust it shall of none be thought amiss, if I lay him before your Honourable eyes, as an other example. That noble Earl JOHN TALBOT is the man: who neither lived as languishing in idleness, riot, or excess: nor died as having surfited with vain pleasures, and fond delights: but of manly wounds received in open field, after he had valiantly warred four & twenty years in defence of his Princes right: a death and life most honourable to them that are truly noble and valiant. Even so this worthy peer, together with his valiant Son the Lord Lisle, in that sore battle fought at Castilion in France, their sweet lives did end: where a monument of the Earl remaineth unto this day, and this inscription following, engraven thereupon. Hear lieth the right noble Knight john Talbot Earl of Shrewsburie, Earl of Washford, Waterforth and Valence, Lord Talbot of Goodritche and Vrchingfeilde: Lord Strange of Blackmeare, Lord Verdon of Alton, Lord Crumwell of Wingfeilde, Lord Lovetoft of Worsoppe, Lord Furnivall of Sheffeilde, and Lord Falconbridge, Knight of the most noble orders of S. George, S. Michael, and the Golden Fleece, Great Marshal to King Henry the sixth of his Realm of France, who died at the battle of Castilion near Bordeaux, Anno. 1453. Now as this, and other your noble ancestors, have been always at home most honourable for their faithfulness towards the Crown of England: and for their service both at home, and abroad against the enemy, in so much that even the very name of the Talbot to them, hath been tirrible: so no doubt there is, but that yourself will show yourself, in all nobility, as descended from such. A most noble warrior, and faithful subject unto his anointed Prince was he, whose example therein you follow. Therefore one point more I beseech your honour, learn of that noble David your pattern. And as you and your honourable fathers have followed him in the other two most honourable qualities of true nobility, so let yourself surmount them all in the third. The point desired, is, his great love and zeal to the Church & house of God: which was such, as no scoffs of wicked contemners could stay him from preferring of the same: but by how much more he seemed as a fool, and vain in the sight of such, for so doing, by so much more cared not he, to become more vile, & low in his own eyes, if by such means, he might do good thereto. Therefore if it might please your honour to follow him in this, as you have in the other: you shall be sure that honour which he there speaketh off, will follow you with great increase. And moreover, then shall that speech which good Abygall used unto him your noble pattern, take full effect in you. For the Lord hath not only promised to make my Lord a sure house, because he is ready to help his noble Deborah to fight the Lords battles, and because he is so faithful towards his anointed, that no evil can be found in him: but also for the third point, that which is much more; even the soul of my Lord shall be bound up in the bundle of life with the Lord your God, and the soul of your enemies shall God cast out, as out of the middle of a Sling. Thus, being every way over bold with your honourable patience, I crave pardon. I am no Scholar, but a Draper: therefore not able to contrive my speeches in such sort, as willingly I would. My trust is, your honour will the rather pardon me, and accept the affection of my heart, and not weigh the rudeness of my pen. I was borne in Whitchurch; which, as I think, is one of your honours principal Lordships: where my Ancestors have of long time been poor well willers unto your noble Progenitors, as at this present my eldest brother there, and we the rest of his brethren here in London, are to your honourable self. These things considered, together with your honourable inclination towards good things, made me bold to make choice of you, to be the patron of this my small work of meditation against the enemy. I beseech your honour accept thereof, according as the matter requireth, and not as the skill of the writer deserveth. The matter is good, though rudely handled. That God, who is able to do both for your Honourable self, and that virtuous Lady the Countice your wife, far exceeding abundantly above all that I can ask or think, give unto you both, all honour, with increase thereof here in this life, and in the life to come, that crown of glory, which he hath prepared for all those that love and honour him in Christ jesus. Amen. Your honours to command, R. COTTON. To the christian Reader. FOr as much (dear Christian) as many weak ones are often terrified with rumours of troubles more than they should, and many others less regard them then they ought: I thought good to put forth a few rude verses, of my poor Meditation thereupon: partly to encourage the weak and feeble in faith towards God, and partly to call the rash hardy, to learn better the cause thereof, if any such befall us. As some times God revengeth sins, where men little look for punishment: yea and full often and many ways God striketh, when seldom the strocken, consider whose hand it is, or for what cause it is. Therefore my small work tendeth to show unto such, who it is that striketh, and the cause why so many and sundry ways we are strucken: I trust none of right modesty can despise my good meaning herein. And as I would gladly accept the like encouragement from others, so I trust this of mine, shall be taken in good part: and somewhat move some unto meditation upon God's word, which is an help ready to all that come with care to seek salvation: to which word, I pray God give you grace to fly unto in all distress, as unto your chiefest hold and Tower. Amen. Yours in the Lord, R. C. An Armour of proof, brought from the Tower of David, to fight against Spannyardes. WHen God of hosts in eighty eight had brought, jer. 25. 8. 9 & Esa. 10. 5. 6. an host of men, our Country to annoy: in that distress the Lord by us was sought, Haba. 1. 6. whereby our woes were turned then to joy. But yet full true to us may this be said, in your distress, Esa. 26. 16. you only seek my aid. For then in deed, and only than we seek, when troubles great, and grievous plagues arise: But those once past, jere. 2. 20. & 5. 23. no promise made, we keep, nor yet by them can learn to be more wise: But as the Sow in filth again doth wallow, Esai. 1. 5 so we our sins of former times do swallow. 2. Pet. 2. 22 For great and small, jere. 8. 6. no sins of old forbear. No rich, Pro. 20. 9 no poor, can say in heart, I joy: For garment white, reve. 19 8. & 3. 5. which I now daily wear, but steed thereof, Esai. 3. 16. to the end. we feign and frame each toy, each toy, yea toys and tails, such to behold, with wire and hear, 1. Pet. 3. 3. & 1. Tim. 2. 9 that monsters be we would. Yet few there be whose hearts consider well, what sins are wrought each day by men of might. No one there is that thinks how God doth tell, his own misdeeds he worketh day and night: Psal. 56. 8. yet doth the Lord the least of them regard, Hebr. 2. 2. & Pro. 24. 12 and will in time, give each his full reward. But how, judges. 2. 11. to 15. to whip by Spain, as some men deem? Not so be sure, josu. 23. 15. & 24. 20. those Rods would prove to sore: For never yet, the Lord his sold I ween, to sword of foe, jere. 25. 6. & Deu. 4. 26. 27 & Psal. 78. 58 to 63. unless Gods they had store. But rather with his own most gentle hand, he hath and will still beat a sinful land. But wilt thou know what is the sin of sins: Pro. 13. 13. & jere. 6. 10. to 21. & 7. 23. 30. & 8. 9 11. chap. & Rom 1. 28. judg. 2. It is contempt of Gods most holy word: for that cast off, Idolatry gins, false Gods then sought, God draweth out his sword, his sword? yea all his plagues therewith are sent, when on false Gods the minds of his are bend. Levi. 26. & Deu.. 28. Alas, jere. 5. 7. how then can we escape his hand? Have not all sorts his holy word off cast? Not so, Of Ohim, Zim, & gem, read Esai. 13. 21. & 34. 11. to end. for than nought else but plagues in land, and it to lie both desolate and waste. Wast? nay worse: for Ohim therein then should dwell, yea Zim and gem in stead of men to tell. For wilt thou see for this, 2. King. 25. & 2. Cho. 36. what God once wrought on his own seat, jerusalem of fame? In dust she lieth, by Babel first so brought: once built again: yet Rome hath spoiled the same. Too grievous were her harms all to be told, Ezra, Nehemiah, Aggay, & Math. 24. & Luke. 21. she lieth in dust, that glittered so with gold. Even she, whose beauty shone so clear and bright, that all the world, Lamen. 2 15. Perfection did her call: Yea, Psal. 48. 2. & Lamen. 2. 15. she, the joy of all that were upright, none such there was, nor never like there shall: yet down she is, Dan. 9 27. & Math. 24. & Luk. 21. 20. to 34. and never shall be built: thou mayest so see in God's book, if thou wilt. And so Aholah sister she likewise, before her long, Ezek. 23. 4. with Asshur's rod was whypt: for that new gods amongst them did arise, 2. King. 17. God's word cast off, Micha. 6. 16. and Omries laws well kept, from Ahabs' house their manners still they sought: Esai. 28. and Ezek. 23. and jer. 3. & Hos. wherefore to dust, their glorious crown was brought And so in days of judges, long before, the Lord his sold, judg. 2. to spoilers round about: because their gods they daily did adore, and praised them, whom God had bid thrust out: but quite forgot the Lord, who did redeem their necks from thrall: him did they not esteem. And hath not this of us yet taken hold? Not full I hope: for though great store there be who make them Gods of wealth and wedge of gold, job. 31. 24. & 1. Tim. 6. 17. & 2. 3. 4. of lusts of flesh, and pleasures of the eye: All those who love their wealth or pleasure more than they do God, Math. 6. 24. to them, Luke. 16. 13. Gods they are sure. Phelip. 3. 19 But yet this sin on all hath not laid hold, For though on some, yet many more there be, who never sought to Gods yet made of mould, Deut. 4. 19 or Sun or Stars: Psal. 65. 2. for such ne hear nor see, To one they call, Psal. 19 and Deut. 4. 10. & Psal. 147. 19 20. who can their suit well hear, and doth to them by word and works appear. To God alone we seek in hope to find, Psal 50. 15. by means of Christ, Math. 18. 19 eternal son of his, who did our sins and foes to tree fast bind, Colo. 2. 14. 15 when he on earth God's statutes none did mis: Psal. 40. 6. 7. 8 yet death he took, Heb. 10. 5. to 11. the wages due for sin, and so by death, Rom. 6. 23. Heb. 2. 14. spoiled him that death brought in. Who after death, john. 17. 5. & Luke. 24. 26. all glory was to have: which erst he had with God before all time, and there doth sit, 1. joh. 2. 1. 2. & Heb. 4. 14. & 7. 24. 25. & 9 & 10. & john. 17. in shape of man to crave, the like for all that are of him true vine. Wherefore by him our prayers we present, which are to God a sweet and pleasing scent. We marvel much what foolish dolts do mean, to fall to blocks, Seeing God hath sworn that every knee shall how to him. or call to Saints on high: since none on earth or heaven yet doth reign, but God alone, Esai. 45. 23. who can our thoughts espy: For Abram knoweth us not, doth Esai Esai. 41. 26. say, Psal. 65. 2. & 139. 2. and jacob wanteth ears to hear us pray. Esai. 63. 16. That Virgin pure, Yet she needed a saviour, & rejoiced in him, even in Christ her son & Lord. most blessed was in deed, in whose small womb the Lord of life did dwell: yet for to know what time we stand in need, she hath no skill, the Scripture plain doth tell: for God alone, Psal. 65. 2. our prayers all doth hear: wherefore to him by Christ we still draw near. Heb. 10. 21. 23. We hold them fools that labour so in vain, to call on Paul, Seeing the lord hath commanded to call on him. psal. 50. 15. 1. or Peter, or on Pope: for had they eyes, saint john hath told them plain, that who now sins, joh. 2. 1. 2. Christ now must be his hope: for he now only mediator is, cause Aaron's trade our sins could not dismiss. Heb. 10. 1. 2. We have God's word to teach us faith and fear, We learn not from the precepts of men, as those in Esay and the Papists do. we learn by it, all secrets meet to know. No writ of man, to us yet is so dear, or like esteemed Gods counsels us to show: We are most sure that God by it must gain, such wandering souls as must with Christ here rain. We have the Sacraments in perfect sort, Math. 26. 26 27. &. 1. Cor. 11. 23. to 30. as Christ himself at first did them ordain. Our foes are false, It is the spirit that quickeneth, the flesh profiteth nothing. who give us this report, that we hold not, that Christ doth there remain. But how? not Really, as they do teach: but there by faith, john. 6. 63. as learned here do preach. For the heavens contain his body until the end of the world. Acts. 1. If this be true, that all God's truth we hold, what need we then of Spain to be afraid: For God I say, hath never yet such sold to sword of foe: but still hath sent them aid. The truth we have, Now from south, as of old from north, but not to have the like success. yet therein walk not we, wherefore oft times God hisseth for a be. In deed? Then must we all look for the same, for few there be, that will of God do seek, but all degrees, contemn his holy name: Few rich or poor, jer. 17. 21. to end, & Esai. 58. 13. 14. one Saboth true do keep: and all are bend their own wills to obey, but will of God, we seek it no one day. For whereas we should spend our lives and time, josh. 1. 8. & john. 5. 39 in Gods own Book, his will to see therein: great store there be, Ephe. 5. 17. that never sought one line, to write in heart, Deut. 6. 6. that so they might know him. And so Gods will of us not being known, jere. 6. 19 & Rom. 1. 28. he casts us off, to follow ways our own. O England, Be instructed o jerusalem; and let not the great things of the law, which for thy sake are written, be counted of thee as strange things, jere. 6. 8. and Hose. 8. 12. then consider well thy state, oft read God's word, and let it bear chief sway within thy heart, or else thou canst not scape the wrath of God: for he will surely pay. Yea divers rods the Lord of Hosts doth use, to chasten such, Read Leuit. 26. & Deut. 28. as do his word refuse. His sword thou knowest, Levit. 26. 25. & Deut. 28. he threatened sore to draw, in eighty eight; but then he did thee spare: yet since that time, in thee great sins he saw: wherefore for thee great plagues he did prepare. The Pestilence through out thy coasts hath been, Levi. 26. 25. & Deut. 28. 21. and now with sword, to threat he doth begin. Thy land as hard as Brass hath oft been made. Levit. 26. 19 & Deut. 28. 23. Thy heavens have as Iron been likewise: they both conspire to stay their wont trade, whereby to thee great darthes' and famine's rise. Thy corn fair grown, with blasting hath been spoiled well gotten in, yet mildew hath it soiled. Thy Trees, Levit. 26. 20. & Deut. 28. thy Vines, thy Cow, and clothing Sheep: all fruitful things, to thee oft fruitless are, because with God, jere. 5. 25. thou promise none dost keep, thy fields and faith, jere. 2. 19 20 & 5. 23. 25. through barrenness are bare: In stead of rain, much dust abroad doth fly: for want of dew, Deut. 28. 24. thy ground doth burned lie. Thy Ox and Cow with blains and murrens mad, thy Sheep with rot destroyed oft have been: Thy house with fire, thy goods thy foes have had, thy land and right, Deut. 28. 31. the, vile oft times do win. Thy troubles great by law do daily rise, 1. Cor. 6. 5. 6. 7. 8. because God's word can not yet make thee wise. And for this cause oppressed thou art with wrong, Deut. 28. 29. 33. yea pilled and polled by tithes, by toules, by rent, by Landlords bad, who think thy Lease too long: by neighbours ill, to mischief that are bend. Thy own bad mind to law oft moveth thee, 1. Cor. 6. 8. and wilt not cease, till all be spent on fee. Thy foes and adversaries daily do arise, God stirreth them thy troubles to increase: 1. King. 11. 14 23. But good David was so wise. 2. Sam. 16 10. 11. And all for this, yet art thou not so wise, to know that he doth make them break thy peace: But rather thou the like for like dost lend, As would the sons of Ȝeruiah have had David to done to Shemei. whereas by them thou shouldst thyself amend. Thy Servants they rebellious be and nought, they fyltch, they steal, they rob, & seek thy spoil, in goods and name, The wicked give heed to false lips, and a liar hearkeneth to the naughty tongue. pro 17. thy hindrance they have sought they run & range, they dance, and keep a quoil, Thy neighbour's tongues by them are set on talk, for prate and hear they must, as they by walk. And when a tale to some of them is told, they can well add, What good comes of these praters & tale bearers, read Pro. 26. 20. 21. 22. and 1. Tim. 5. 13. to bring thee in disgrace: for thy dear name for nought, by them is sold, to many more that dwell in further place: And by and by as ware that rots with them, they make great haste to sell it other men. And thus the land with wicked tongues is fraught, whereby one may in manner plain descrne, jame. 4. 11. 12 that God's pure law by them is judged nought: When the wicked can do no other harm, then will they smite with the tongue, as they did good jeremy. ler. 18. 18. for else by it, to speak well they would learn. Wherefore as men from flesh do wisdom take, so fleshly rods do often times them wake. And what else more, for this cause dost thou feel? Thy body sick with agues cold and hot, Levit. 26. 16. & deut. 28. 22 with grievous pains from head down to thy heel, because of this, Deut. 28. 35. doth fall unto thy lot. Yet were it well, if bodies pain were all: but soul for this is still in bonds and thrall. For it, They shall wander from sea to sea, from north to south, to seek the word, but shall not find it. Amo. 8. 12. & pro. 1. 20. to the end. as blind and lame doth range about, and plunged is in pits of crosses store, and there doth lie, when God's word helps not out: and so oft times with such floods is forlorn, but justly then to help doth it refuse, since oft it would, but thou wouldst not it use. And what now wants of all God's plagues to thee? now surely store; Read Leuit. 26. all, and Deut. 28. all. there is yet more behind. But yet this one I would thee wish to see, the which to view, I pray thee be not blind: the spaniards now with Armour brave them dight, in hope to find thy faith, but vain and light. Remember then thy former love and zeal, which thou to God, reve. 2. 5. and to his word didst bear: and let them now again with thee prevale: and so no force of foreign shalt thou fear. Esai. 55. 7. None shall then move thy Candlestick from thee, ●eue. 2. 5. if thou from it a light wilt take to see. But is there nothing else for to be done? Yes sure; we are to have both Shield and Spear, good Armour bright, with Arrows, Bows & Gon. These being had, we need not Spain to fear. But if thou trust in these, jere. 17. 5. and strength of men, then know, as broken Reeds, shall all prove then. For woe to them that Egypt's help do seek, Esai. 31. 1. or trust in store of Horse, and charets strong, or wit of man: jere. 17. 5. for none of these could keep those anciant Towns, or yet their peace prolong: for noble pears of Zoan proved fools: Esa. 19 11. 13 yea so did all, that wrought by such like tools. samaria's Ox, nor Bethels Calf of gold, 1. Kin. 12. 26. to the end, & Hose. 8. 5. & Ezek. 23. 5. 7. 9 nor jeroboams fine device for wit, could save ten Tribes, when God had them once sold to Asshur's Rod, no help could save from it: For all such wisdom, drunkenness became, yea all device of man did then prove lame. And so will now, if these we make our aid: Wherefore again, Psal. 108. 12. & jere. 17. 5. best help I will thee show. To turn to God, Esai. 55. 6. 7. & Mala. 3. 7 to 13. for so himself hath said: and that well done, will prove best fence I know: But how? to cast on mourning for a day? No no, Esai. 58. such fasts with God can bear no sway. But this is it that shall thy Lord well please, Psal. 1. 1. 2. & john. 5. 39 to read his Book with all delight and care, both night and day, joshu 1. 8. 9 until thou know his ways: and that his laws within thy heart writ are: Deut. 6. 6. to 10. Which laws well kept, for weapons have the name, then for thy help, I will bring forth the same. When Sinai hill, Exod. 19 18. & Deu. 4. 10 and Horeb mount did burn, Deut. 33. 2. and thunder claps made Seir with them to shake. Exod. 19 13. 19 When trumpet shrill did sound, Exod. 19 16. & 20. 18. & Ebr. 12. 20. 21 & loud blue horn, than jacobs' sons for fear thereof did quake: they quakde for fear, Deut. 33. 2. though God from Paran came, with laws to save all those that keep the same. Deut. 4. 5 & 30. 15. to end. Yet thou dear friend needst not to fear or quake, Ebre. 12. 21. & Exo. 19 16 & 20. 18. though Moses did, and thousands more with fear: for now no Sinai terror shall thee shake, because a Lamb in Zion doth appear: Ebre. 12. 22. 23. 24. & reve. 14. On Zion hill there stands a Lamb most meek, who bids thee come in peace, Rom. 10. 4. God's laws to seek. Ten thousand Saints did God attend, Deut. 33. 2. when he those glorious Laws, Exod. 20. in sayings ten proposed: In which thy debts towards God are all to see, Math. 22. 37. to 41. yea all thou ow'st towards men are there enclosed, enclosed are thy duties all therein: Rom. 13. 8. to 11. the which to learn in time thou must begin. Ephe. 6. 4. & Pro. 22. 6. First then, Exod. 20. the Lord requires of thee to hear, that he alone from Egypt's thrall thee brought. None other Gods before thee must appear, What folly is in them that break this commandment, read Esai 44. and 46. nor none such serve, as may be made of nought: Of nought some Gods are made, which men do serve, as those of Wood and Stone, which fine they carve. But such, Deut. 4. 15. to 25. the Lord commands thee not to make, nor any thing that may him represent: To whom will ye make me like or equal, or compare me? that I should be like v●to him. Esay 46. in heaven or earth, or yet from sea or lake, one wight to take, whereon thy mind is bend: one wight to take from none of these thou art, to bow unto, or worship in thy heart. For if thou dost, the Lord thy God is he, a jealous God, Exod. 20. and therefore will not spare, to punish sins to third and fourth degree, on those whose hearts on feigned gods set are: Wherefore on him, Blessed is the man in whose heart are thy ways. plas. 84. 5. let all thy heart be set, so mercies great to thousands thou shalt get. Thou must not take the name of God in vain, Bring the blasphemer without the host, and let all that heard him, put their hands upon his head, and let all the congregation stone him. Exod 24. 14. but thereof speak with trembling and with fear: for if thou dost, he hath in store great pain, to power on thee, and those that do him tear: him tear by oaths, or speeches else profane, not meet to use on his most holy name. The Saboth day remember well to keep, both thou, thy Man, thy Maid, thy Ox thy Ass: Thy own affairs in that day do not seek, Thou shalt not follow thy own ways, nor seek thy own will, nor speak a vain word on my Saboth. ne from thy gate then let the Stranger pass: for in six days thou labour mayest full free, and God will cause thy blessignes store to be. Esai. 58. 13. Like as himself, the heavens all did make, the earth, the sea, and all that is therein, within six days, and seventh rest did take: so would he have thee sample take by him: by him, the seventh day was sanctified, in which thy soul on him must be employed. Unto thy Parents honour thou must give. Exo. 20. 12. & Ephe. 6. 1. 2. Thou must not kill, nor whoredom once commit: to steal abhor, but labour hard, to live. And witness false to bear, Pro. 25. 18. let none thee get. To covet house, or wife, or man, or maid, or ox, or ass, of neighbours be afraid. These are the sum, In burnt offering & sin offering hadst thou no pleasure. Then said I, lo, I come: a body hast thou ordained me, & within my heart thy laws are writ, and of me it is written, that I should do thy will, O God. psal. 40. and Heb. 10. of many more, all pure: of which poor store, though none canst thou fulfil, yet have no fear: for all are writ most sure in Christ his heart, and he hath done Gods will. The will of God, that Lamb hath done for thee, and bids not fear, his precepts all to see. These Laws so pure (good friend) do thou esteem above the gold, the pearl, the precious stone: all jewels rare, The commandments of the Lord are pure, and more to be desired than gold, yea then much fine gold. psal. 19 8. shall nothing then be seem, thy Neck like them, if thou wilt put them on: If all God's laws within thy heart thou hold, more strength will be, then can with pen be told. Thy soul to God they will convert and turn. The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul, it giveth light unto the eyes, wisdom unto the simple, sharpness of wit unto the dull of spirit. Thy sight so dim, they will make clear and bright. Thy thoughts so foul, they will consume and burn. This will they do, if thou with them thee dight, if dight thyself with armour this thou wilt, thy soul 'gainst sin shall daily strong be built. The Tower of David they will be to thee, Thy neck is as the tower of David, built for Defence, a thou●and shields hang therein, & all the targets of the strong men. Can. 4. 4. wherein a thousand shields and targets strong: yea many weapons more therein will be, for thy defence, 'gainst those that would thee wrong: That would thee wrong in soul, in goods, or name, 'gainst every harm, a weapon for the same. A Shield for Faith it is, Ephe. 6. 16. both sound and good. A Sword for Spirit, Ephe. 6. 17. a Plate for Breast well tried. A Helmet for thy health, not made of Wood, but made of Right and Truth, which will abide. Which will abide, thy health still to procure, if to thy sides thou wilt them fasten sure. Thy Loins must be still girt with Verity, Ephe. 6. 14. thy Feet still shod the Gospel's peace to seek: Ephe. 6. 15. 18 Thy shoot to God in prayer each day let be, that from thy foes he would thee safely keep: He would thee keep, from ghostly foes great store, which thee to spoil, seek daily more and more. Since than thou art each day (my friend) to fight, For this cause take unto you the whole armour of God, that so ye may be able to resist in the evil day. Eph●. 6. 13. against the Flesh, the World, and Ghostly foe: with armour tried, thyself each day bedight: so shalt thou from their harms still safely go, still safely shalt thou go, 'gainst fiend so fell, if all God's laws within thy heart do dwell. Thus to conclude, For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities and powers. Ephe. 6. 12. dear friend, be strong in God, put on the armour whole which he hath made: which is his word, from end to end each iod, and so no foe thy strength shall then invade: invade can none, ne yet thy soul annoy, if every part thereof thou wilt enjoy. Stand up therefore, Have not I commanded thee, saying: be strong and of a good courage: fear not, for I the Lord thy God will be with thee where so ever thou goest. losu. 1. 9 and courage to thee take. Cast off thy sin, and clothe thyself with right, and then no noise of Spanniardeses shall thee shake, or yet once quail thy wont force and might: Thy might, say I, no, God thy might hath been, and still will be, if turn thou wilt to him. Return thou then, Can. 6. 12. return o Shulamyte, return to God, Whom hast thou railed on, & against whom hast thou exalted thy voice, and lifted up thine eyes? even against the holy one of Israel. and so thy foes shall see, an army great, with men of might to smite, all forces down, that shall rise up 'gainst thee: 'gainst thee, nay, 'gainst thy Lord they shall then fight, when thou from sin returnest clear in sight. 2. Kin. 19 22. Awake therefore, These words which I commandethes this day, shall be in thy heart. Deut. 6. 6. and to the Lord give ear, thy heart likewise unto his Laws incline: print all therein, that so they may appear to give thee light in dark estate of thine, and so no plagues of Spain, or Egypt old, shall light on thee, Deut. 7. 15. the Lord hath thee so told. For what if Spain, Psal. 3. 6. and thousands ten such more, should hem thee in, or cumpas thee about: yet will the Lord, as Captain go before, and fight thy field, Deut. 31. 3. 4 against the proud and stout. Since than he hath this promise passed to thee, be not afraid, Deut. 31. 6. if Spannyardes thou do see. For what are they? Deut. 9 2. Are they of Anake sons? Suppose they were: yet be not thou afraid: for though with slaves such speech of terror runs, yet come 'gainst thee, they are full soon dismayed. For thou a noble people art of name, thy valiant acts sound through the world with fame. Thy God hath thee now almost forty years, as his old folk, in Wilderness safe kept: A wonder through the world, as it appears. When they at war, Psal. 3. 5. & 4. 8. then quiet thou hast slept: and yet much more, in this time hast thou won, for now to all thy terror is begun. We are the men, not Spannyardes, well I know, to whom God saith: Deut. 2. 25. This day do I begin, to send thy fear through out the world to show what God it is, whose service thou art in. The Lord of Hosts is he, whom we do serve: But Gods of Spain, are metals which they carve. What need we then of them to be afraid? For when they call, their gods are oft a sleep: or else abroad; 1. Kin. 18. 27. as one of old hath said, and can not hear: wherefore they howl & weep. For though their gods the like gods do subdue, yet fight 'gainst ours, Esai. 37. 18. 19 their cases thus they rue. Wherefore if they should ask to fear the weak, what were become of Sepharvaims' gods? Or what of Indians, 2. King. 19 13 & Esai. 37. 11 to 14. which they daily break? with many more: all which have felt their rods. Yet answer thou, They had no Gods at all, no marvel then, Esa. 37. 18. 19 though spaniards gave the fall. And what if they should once demand again, As that proud beast Sanaherib did to good king Ezekiah. 2. king. 18. 13. to the end, & 19 & Esai 36. & 37. and ask thee of samaria's gods likewise? and tell how Assors Rod is now in Spain? And as he then, so they shall now surprise. Yet answer thou again thou mayest full true, samaria's Gods were then of Heathens hue. 1. King. 12. 28 Even so are all the Gods quite round about, where ever yet the spaniards bore the sway: though Christians names yet are they none no doubt: for Christ by them, is driven quite away, and Cakes of bred with them, are Gods in deed, as Calves of gold, ●. King. 12. 28 to ten Tribes as we read. Yet thou jerusalem, Eber. 12. 22. & Apo. 3. 12. which we now are, hast no such Gods, And will neither slumber nor sleep psal. 121. 3. 4. for thine in heaven dwelleth: who doth for thee all good things still prepare, and wounds thy foes, thy blood so dear that spilleth yet doth he thee, by them sometimes correct, but if thou turn, Apo. 19 2. & Deut. 32. 43. he doth thee not reject. jere. 30. 11. Return therefore, return thou Shulamyte, return to God, Can. 6. 12. and his pure word embrace: Return in time, Zach. 1. 3. & Mala. 3. 7. and he thy foes will smite, when tears of grief shall trickell down thy face: Esai. 37. 16. to 21. and joyful than his holy ones will be, to strike thy foes, Esai. 37. 36. that would have sore stroke thee. For wilt thou see, Esai. 27. 7. & jere. 25. & joel. 3. how God of old did deal with all the foes of his own folk that were? now sure to hell he sent each common weal, that bent their force, Esa. 13. & 14 & Ezekie. 32. 17. to the end. his own poor folk to tear. no Rod there was, which God for his did hire: but if too sharp, he cast the Rod in fire. For didst thou Babylon, Esa. 13. & 14 & 21. & 46. & 47. & jer. 25. 26. & 27. 7. & 50. & 51 & Dan. 5. 26 old Rod scape free? Or hadst thou Rome, new Rod, for this, cause peace? No Babylon, thy blows all men may see: And thou, O Rome, thy plague shall never cease. Two instruments, jere. 50. 29. too hard for wrathful ire, were for that cause, Apo. 14. 9 10 11. & 18. & 19 well mollified with fire. What Rome? why, Two proper speeches in the 17. of the apocalypse do so plainly Describe Rome, that no man can Deny, but that Rome is there meant: as this. The. 7. heads are. 7. hills: they are also 7 kings: & the woman is the great city that reigneth over the kings of the rarth. she is up a fit again. But what for that; Shall she as chief reign still? No, no, her beauty can not long remain, but low in dust with Babel must she dwell: As she of ancient Babel beareth name, so both a like, for mischiefs, shall have shame. But what became of Assur, Ephraim's rod? Did he escape, for service done 'gainst him? No sure: for he the whip, would needs be God: the axe be he, Esai. 10. and 37. 36. 37. 38. who did the helve put in: But he that took this instrument to hire, Read the Prophet Naum. his work once done, set instrument on fire. And what became of Egypt, Counting from the time that Ishmael began to persecute Isaak, unto the last year of pharoh his rage. that hard rod, that rod, which did four hundredth years long last? Would not the Lord then show himself a God, to burn the same, which did his people waste? He did not burn: Exod. 14. but it in Sea he drowned, Exod. 1. 22. because therewith his people they did wound. Read more of Egypt's plagues long after these days, in Ezek. 30. And what of Edom and of Pallistine? Of Tyer and Zoan, jere. 25. 15. to end, & Esai. 14. 29. to end, Obadyah and Ezek. 36. and 37. 38. & Esai 34. & 23. & 19 of Us and Buzz withal? Hath not the Lord to all these, drunk in Wine? Yes wrathful Wine, more bitter than was gall. Which cup of gall, to Elam kings he sent: yea javan drank, till all that wrath was spent. So now, O Lord, cause all thy foes to drink, this bitter cup, jere. 25. & Esai. 34. 2. 8. which thou of old didst fill, to Nations all, whom thine to spoil did think: but yet could not, one straw breadth pass thy will. Repay them Lord, For it is a righteous thing with God, to trouble them that trouble us. 2. Thes. 1. 6. with thine eternal fire, for thou hast said, that such shall be their hire. And curse, O Lord, yea Meroz folk curse still, which now are slack, judg. 5. 23. thy poor flock to defend. But bless our QUEEN, the handmaid of thy will: who doth with jael, thy foes sound blows still lend. Our gracious QUEEN, judg. 4. 21. to end, and. 5. 24. to end. above all let be blest: because alone, she fights against the beast. Be thou O Lord, Psal. 18. 1. her buckler and her shield, her strong defence, against all foreign power: yea 'gainst all foes, that forces now do yield to help that Beast, Apo. 13. & 17. cahpe. thy people to devour. confound them Lord: their faces fill with shame: And help our QUEEN, for honour of thy name. Be thou her peace, 2. Thes. 3. 16. her plenty, and her might. Arm her with faith, Ephe. 2. 14. thy Gospel to defend. 'Cause thou her Crown, Ephe. 6. 16. to shine long, fresh, & bright: yea David's days, Psal 132. 18. twice double do her lend. Cause her in peace, 2. Sam. 5. 4. with Sallomon to reign, 1. Kin. 4. 21. 24. in spite of all, that now are joined with Spain. Make her, O Lord, a mother old and grave: for she to us true Deborah hath been, judg. 5. 7. So keep her still, thy people long to save, from those new Gods, judg. 5. 8. which former days brought in: and let them not such Gods again erect, for feign they would: but Lord do them reject. For if they should, they would then brag and vaunt, and say to us, Where now is he your God? Yea thus they will thy servants mock and taunt, Psal. 79. 10. if now at last they should be made thy rod. For the enemy is proud. Lam. 1. 9 Wherefore O Lord, thy glorious name regard, and burn these rods, Psal. 79. 9 that so would thine reward. Psal. 79. 12. So will we praise and magnify thy name, Psal. 79. 13. thy glorius name to ages we will show: which is, reve. 1. 8. that was, and still will be the same, to all that seek, thy face in Christ to know. Christ is the end of Law, Rom. 10. 4. & john. 6. 47. & Acts. 16. 30. 31. for righteousness: Believe in him, God's kingdom then possess, FINIS.