INSULAE FORTUNATAE.  
A DISCOURSE, Showing the Happiness of these NATIONS Under our Present GOVERNORS & GOVERNMENT; OR, How they may be happy if they will themselves.  
Delivered for Substance in a SERMON On a late Solemn Day appointed by Authority, for Imploring the Blessing of God upon his MAJESTY, AND The Present PARLIAMENT.  
By R. A. Pastor of the Church at Henfield.  O Fortunatos Nimiùm bona si sua Nôrint Anglicolas! 
London: Printed by J. C. for the Author. 1675.   

To the Honourable Sir John Pelham, Sir Cecil Bishop, Sir John Fag, Baronet's; Henry Goring, Edward Blaker, and Richard Bridger of Combs, Esquires; and to the rest of the Honourable Members of Parliament, and Justices of Peace for the County of Sussex.  
Honourable Patriots;  
THe unthankful Murmurs and Complaints of unreasonable men, wherewith they much obscure the Great Merits of our Pious King and Religious Parliament, gave occasion to this Discourse; wherein I have endeavoured to prove, that they have no just cause of complaint, but only in themselves: For his Majesty, like a Skilful Pilot, hath Steered a right and strait Course to the safe Harbour of Peace and Tranquillity; as appears clearly in his many Pious Motions, Orders, and Proclamations: and if we are not yet arrived, our General Disobedience is the greatest Remora. The Honourable Parliament have done great things for the good of the Nation, specially in securing our Religion against the Intrusions of Popery, whereof our Forefathers were quite weary; as appears by that Prayer in the Old Litany, From the Tyranny of the Bishop of Rome, Good Lord deliver us. And if their Pious Intentions have not attained the Desired End, our general unthankfulness is the undoubted cause of it. Our Distempers are high still; the Lord direct you to fit and proper Remedies. My humble Petition to his Majesty, and the Honourable Parliament, is for the Church of England; She hath been terribly shaken with late Storms; and the Enemy cries out still, Down with her, down with her, even to the ground. We desire not the Life of our Enemies, nor the trouble of any that are Peaceable; conceiving it none of the best ways to settle Peace and Truth. But after all these Storms, if the Church were well settled upon her own Foundations or Principles, her Breaches repaired with her own Materials, and good Discipline restored, She would be the Glory of the Nation, the Honour of his Majesty's Reign, the Joy and Comfort of all good Subjects, and a most hopeful means of composing most of our greatest Differences. The Church lies in the Bowels of the Commonwealth; and if the Church be disquieted, the Commonwealth cannot be at rest. And I humbly beseech your Honours to remember the Ministers of the Church, to deliver them out of the many Oppressions which they are under; and that they may enjoy the small remainder of their Ancient Patrimony with more Peace to the Church, and less Scandal to Religion. The whole Land is overwhelmed with Impiety and Licentiousness, all manner of Debauchery and Profaneness; Drunkenness, Lying, Swearing, Oppression, etc. insomuch that we have just cause to fear, that God hath a Controversy with the Land, the issue whereof may be some Fearful Judgement. Good Laws are trodden under foot, Dignities reviled, Authority outfaced with the Insolence of unreasonable and wicked men, the Word of God despised; and the Word of the King, in his Pious Proclamations, not at all regarded The Nurseries of all Vice, and Corrupters of Youth, throughout the Nation, Taverns and Tiplinghouses increase beyond number, to the dishonour of God, and disquiet of the Realm; being great occasions of profaning the Lords Day, and of many other disorders against the Peace of the Nation. A Cardinal Archbishop of Saltzburg said once, That he knew there was need of Reformation; but that a poor Monk should do it, was not to be endured. I meddle not with it, but leave that to your Honour's Wisdoms; Humbly conceiving, that a well-setled Ministry would be no small help to it.  
Your Honour's humble Servant, RIC. ALLEN. Feb. 15. 1674.   

TO THE READER.  
IN Athens every Citizen took an Oath to maintain the Professed Religion after this manner: Pugnabo pro Sacris, & solus, & simul cum aliis. If Pagans were so zealous for their Idolatrous Religion, how much more ought we to be for the Gospel of Christ, the Power of God unto Salvation! especially they that are called to the Ministry of it.  
I have no spirit of bitterness, I use no bitterness of speech against Recusants, but deal with them as friendly as Truth will give me leave. But if angry Fellows among them will never be quiet, but provoke us daily; revile our Church, slander her Doctrine, vilify her Famous Doctors, abuse and seduce her People with Old threadbare Stories; no man can justly blame us for standing up in our own Defence.  
A Learned Benedictine at this day (once one of us) would fain divide our Church; and to that purpose, reports falsely of her Doctrine. If ever he understood it, he may be ashamed; if he never did, yet sure he will be sorry, if he be so ingenuous as he professeth: But if they are so uncharitable one to another, as a Famous Friar (P. W.) of the Order of S. Francis at this day makes sad complaint, we must look for no better. For this present undertaking, I thought myself obliged unto it in a threefold respect. First, as a Christian, to maintain the truth of the Gospel Secondly, as a Minister, to maintain the Doctrine of our Church. Thirdly, as a Subject, to maintain the Honour and Dignity of our Gracious Sovereign, and to let his People see some Reasons to bless God for him, who deserves better of the Nation than every one takes notice of.  
Our good King and Parliament have applied several Remedies to heal our Breaches; but if we will neither receive Instruction, nor endure Correction, our condition may be worse than we commonly fear: For as Philotimus in Plutarch told his Patient, Non est de Reduviis negotium, etc.  
Now if any think it much that I prefix so many Great Names to so small a Book, let them take notice, that the Piety and Zeal those Honourable Persons have for the true Protestant Religion, emboldened me; and that brevity, for some Reasons, was the greatest part of my Study.  
If any mistake my honest meaning, or slight my little Book, (as I know some will, and I know their reasons without ask) let them know, that I can solace myself with the Conscience of my own good intentions, and bid them hearty  
FAREWEL.   

ERRATA.  
PAge 2. line 18. for then, read him. Page 14. line 17. for need, read cause.   

Insulae Fortunatae, etc.  EZRA 7.27. 
Blessed be the Lord God of our Fathers, who hath put such a thing as this in the King's Heart, to Beautify the House of the Lord which is in Jerusalem.  
THe House of the Lord was then the Temple at Jerusalem; but now every place set apart and Consecrated to the Worship and Service of God, is, and may be rightly called his House.  
The Temple at Jerusalem was burnt with Fire by the Chaldees, restored again by the Kings of Persia; Cyrus laid the Foundation, Darius finished the Building, Artaxerxes furnished the House with all Necessaries for the Service of God; for he sent Ezra the Scribe, with Presents of Gold and Silver to buy Meat-Offerings and Drink-Offerings, Bullocks, Rams, and Lambs, to offer upon the Altar of the House of God, as the God of Heaven had Commanded: And thus he Beautified the House of God.  
At the same time the Jews were restored to the enjoyment of many Temporal Blessings and sweet comforts in their own Country, a Land flowing with Milk and Honey: But Ezra passeth by all these, as of small value, in comparison, and blesseth God for restoring his Holy Worship and Service in his own House at Jerusalem.  
Obs. 1. That true Religion, the pure Worship and Service of God, is the fairest Beauty of God's House; Faithful Pastors, and Godly People, the richest Ornaments.  
Obs. 2. That of all Blessings under Heaven, the Truth of Religion, the Purity of God's Worship, and the enjoyment of them in his Ordinances, is the chiefest, choicest, and most precious.  
It is as the Ark of God to Israel, and to the House of Obed-Edom; the glory, riches and strength of a Nation. As the Temple was then (Ezek. 24.21.) such is now the House of God, beautified with the truth of Religion, and purity of Divine Worship: It is the Excellency of our Strength; the main Bulwark of our Peace and Safety; the surest Ground or Foundation of all true Happiness, National or Personal. Our Saxon Ancestors, in their Witten-Gemotts, used, in the first place, to consult about Affairs of the Church, and Matters of Religion; and when those things were well settled, then followed Affairs of the Commonwealth: Our Pious Ancestors rightly conceiving, that Religion was the principal and most precious; and that if God's Business were done first, their own would thrive the better; according to that of our Saviour (Matth. 6.33.) Seek ye first the Kingdom of God, and all these things shall be added. There is no loss of time in seeking God's Kingdom first.  
Now it cannot be denied, but that this Nation hath received of God, by the hands of our Gracious Sovereign, many rich Mercies, which call aloud for returns of Thankfulness unto God, of Love and Loyalty to our Sovereign; but instead hereof, we hear unthankful murmurs and complaints. The World was ever given to it; and we can expect no other of men, who never know when they are well: But we have as much cause to bless God for our Good King, as ever Ezra had for the Great King. To stop the mouths then of such querulous people that are never content, I shall endeavour to show you, how much we are bound to return all Loyalty, Love and Obedience to our Pious Sovereign, with due Honour and Respect to our Religious Parliament, for all the good they have done us, enough to make us an happy People, if we will ourselves.  
First, It is not so long since, but that we may remember, when we were under the Conduct of Blind Guides, who knew not what they did, nor whither they were roving; for they were in the Dark themselves, (witness their own confession in the Army's Remonstrance) and led us into such a miserable Confusion, that none but our Sovereign did, or could save us from utter Desolation: and had it not been for his great Prudence and Moderation, we might have been in as bad a condition again.  
Secondly, His Majesty was no sooner returned to the exercise of his Royal Authority, but his first care was for the House of God, to cast out the Filth and Rubbish, and to prepare a people for the service of God. In his Proclamation (May 30. 1660.) against Impiety and Licentiousness, Drunkenness, Swearing, Railing at good things, etc. against Vicious, Debauched and Profane people, who in in truth (saith his Majesty) have discredited my Cause, and are a discredit to any Cause they pretend to favour. Nothing so much polluteth the House of God, nothing such a shame and scandal to our Church and Religion, as the vicious Lives and lewd Conversation of too many that pretend to hold Communion with us.  
Thirdly, His Majesty's next care for the House of God, was in his Proclamation (Aug. 20. 1663.) for better Sanctifying or keeping Holy the Lord's Day, that his Holy Service might be more frequented, and his House filled with the Incense of Prayers, and the Sacrifice of Praise and Thanksgiving for all his Mercies. The Lord's Work must be done on the Lord's Day, or else it is not his Day, but ours.  
Fourthly, His Majesty took care of Beautifying the House of God, in his Order for Augmentation of small Benefices, for the encouragement of Faithful Pastors, to adorn the House of God with sound Doctrine, and their Doctrine with Holy Life. A worthy Member of Parliament (Sir B. R.) once told the House, that Scandalous Live make Scandalous Ministers, both in Life and Doctrine.  
Fifthly, His Majesty's special care for the House of God, appeared in his Gracious Condescensions to the Honourable Parliament. His Majesty's Invitations of that Great Assembly to prepare Laws against the Growth of Popery, and to prepare more severe Laws against Impiety and Licentiousness, are a sure Evidence of his Pious Resolution to maintain the true Protestant Religion, Piety and Virtue: And their Return of Thankfulness to his Majesty for those Solemn Endearing Invitations, and their making such good Laws for securing our Religion, Peace and Safety (whereto also the Royal Assent gave Life and Being) give assurance of their Faithfulness, Piety and Zeal for the Glory of God, and good of their Country. Blessed be God for this sweet Union; and let all the people say Amen.  
The Kings and Parliaments of England, from time to time, have always kept the Papal Power at Staves-end: K. Henry 8. shakes it quite off; K. Edward 6. restored the true Protestant Religion that had been under Restraint. It was not called by that Name, till the Assembly at Spires: but yet that Religion that Protestants profess, was taught by Christ and his holy Apostles, and hath continued to this day. The Famous Qu. Elizabeth maintained the same against all opposition, and raised a Fort-Royal out of Holy Scripture in our 39 Articles, against the future Invasion of Heresy, Idolatry, and Superstition. The Noble K. James, with his Learned Pen, gave the Adversary such a Deadly Wound that can never be healed: Our late Dear Sovereign, like a Glorious Martyr, laid down his precious Life n defence of the true Protestant Religion; and our Dread Sovereign that now is, like a Royal Confesfor, made open and constant Profession of it, in the midst of strong Temptations to the contrary.  
And now our Pious Sovereign, insisting in the steps of those glorious Princes, his most Noble Progenitors, hath done like a Tender Father of his Country; and the Honourable Parliament, like Faithful Patriots, in maintaining the Church of England, and the true Protestant Religion, against the Encroachments of Popery, and the Church of Rome; and that for divers weighty Reasons, concerning both our Temporal and Spiritual State.  
First, Because the Church of Rome sets up a Power over Sovereign Princes, to control them in their own Dominions, to the great disturbance of Public Peace. Pope Gregory the Third Excommunicated the Emperor Leo, called Iconomachus; which caused such a mischievous breach in the Empire, that proved the Ruin of Christendom. But the Church of England teacheth Obedience to Princes, according to the Word of God: and we are bound by our Oaths of Supremacy and Allegiance to withstand the Papal Power, because it cannot stand with the Peace and Safety of the Nation.  
Secondly, Popery is stained with much Blood, and charged with Treachery and Cruelty; whereof our Fifth of November is a Perpetual Memorial, and the World a Witness. The Church of England teacheth us to love one another, and pray for our Enemies.  
Thirdly, Popery is an Heavy Burden without benefit, in a long Train of unnecessary people, who at once rob the Church of her Patrimony, and devoured the riches of the Land: Insomuch that a Noble King of this Nation used to say, Monks have too much, and Princes too little. Hereupon they began to fear him, and conspired against him; but were prevented by a very strange Providence. The Ministers of the Church, at this day, live most upon their leave, and Starve themselves to Feed you.  
Fourthly, Because the Church of Rome is such an hard Mother to her Children, in locking up from them the Bread of Life, and true Food of their Souls, which their Heavenly Father so freely gives them; and instead thereof, feeding them with Trash, Fabulous Legends, Dreams, Visions, Revelations, etc. teaching for Doctrines the Commandments of men, and making the Word of God of no effect, through their Traditions: But the Church of England lays open before you the Holy Scriptures of Truth; sets before you the Bread of Life, and feeds you with sincere Milk of the Word, drawn from the Breasts of the Old and New Testament.  
Fifthly, Popery polluteth the House of God with Idols, and the Land with Idolatry, in their Image-worship, Adoration of Saints, and their Relics, etc. Pope Boniface the Fourth, who begged the Pantheon of Phocas the Emperor, in place of the Heathen Gods and Goddesses set up the Images of the Virgin Mary, and all Saints; changing the Names of the Idols, but not the Nature of the Idolatry. For (1) The Heathen had Tutelar Gods and Goddesses for Countries, Cities, Hills, Dales, etc. so now there be Titular Saints for all places and purposes; Vigilius, the Tutelar Saint of the Valley of Trent, etc. (2) The Heathen acknowledged one Supreme God, accounting all the rest as Mediators of Intercession; examples whereof may be seen in their Poets. The Saints are now put in that Office: Prayer was made in the Council of Trent for Divine Assistance, by the Intercession of Vigilius. (3) The Heathen were not so brutish to take Idols of Wood and Stone for God's able to help them; but in the Idol, or Image, worshipped some Deity represented thereby. Our Adversaries, at this day, make no other Excuse. Some wiser Heathens disliked Images for a twofold Reason: (1) Because they drew men from the true Worship: And (2) From the true knowledge of God. For this Reason, the Pagan-Romans at first had no Images, accounting it Sacrilege, etc. (Plutarch in Numa.) The Council of Trent hath made some provision against the superstitious abuse of Images, Relics, etc. but to no purpose: For we are exhorted (1 Joh. 5.21.) to keep ourselves from Idols; not from Idolatry, but from Idols: For the holy Apostle knew well the corrupt Nature of Man is such, that if Idols be in sight, Idolatry will certainly follow. For this cause, not only the Adoring, but the very Making of Images is expressly forbidden by the Law of God. Now the Church of England, as a careful Mother, cast out the Worship of Saints, their Images, Relics, etc. to keep her Children from the great peril of Idolatry; a Sin so heinous, that it provokes the fierce Wrath of God against a Nation, and excludes for ever out of Heaven.  
Sixthly, The Church of Rome is very unreasonable, in requiring us to believe things that they scarce believe themselves; to receive for Truth, that which the Word of God saith expressly is false; to agree with them, who could never yet agree among themselves: They are angry with us, because we will not take their bare word without proof, nor grant that which they could never yet show us any certain ground for: for Councils have erred, Popes have been deceived, and divided in thirty Schisms; have Condemned one another, Decreed one contrary to another, and used one another very uncharitably, to speak the best: Their last Council laid a Foundation of Religion that cannot possibly hold or stand together. A Learned Carmelite warned them of it, and opposed it with such solid Reasons, that the Council could not answer, but thought fit to stop his mouth with a Check. And how can any man rest satisfied in the Judgement and Decision of men, that understand not the matters in question? For in the Debate between Soto and Catharinus about two most important Articles of Faith, some of the Prelates confessed openly, that they understood not the differences. (Hist. Coun. Trent) But the Church of England builds her Doctrine upon sure grounds, even the Foundations of the Apostles and Prophets; upon the pure Word of God contained in holy Scripture.  
What shall we do now with Roman Catholics? Labour to outshine them in Holy Life, and outdo them in Good Works; the best way either to win them, or put them to silence, or force them to confess, that of a truth God is amongst us. There would soon be less Controversy, if more Conscience were made of those things that be without Controversy.  
And now our Religion is secured and safe, what is there else that any man can murmur at?  
Is it Monarchy? that is asserted by its worst Enemies, who after they had marched through all forms of Government, at last saw a necessity of retiring back to a Single Person, who wanted nothing of a King but Right and Title.  
Do any distaste our Liturgy? that is allowed for sound and good, in the Doctrinal part at least, by Learned and Pious Adversaries.  
Do our Laws dislike any? they are justified by our late Reformers themselves, who after long Consultation could find nothing to amend, save only in the practice, and that they made much worse; and so judged by a Learned Lawyer and Commissioner of the Seal, who refused to act upon their new Rules.  
Is Trade decayed? that's the complaint; raised, or made use of by some, to bring a scandal upon the Government; whereof I could give you a notable instance. But it may be real and true; and than whatever other causes may be, there be two specially; one observed long since by that Noble Knight (Sir W. R.) and both in Traders themselves, which they may amend when they will.  
What is wanting now to make us an happy people? we have a Land flowing with Milk and Honey, with plenty of all things; and whilst other Countries are in great trouble and perplexity, we enjoy a sweet peace, and none maketh us afraid.  
Blessed be God for our Gracious Sovereign, under whose Shadow we enjoy these comforts.  
But if King and Parliament had every one of them the Heart of David, and the Head of Solomon, yet could they never do us good, if we will not be good to ourselves: They have done their parts, now let us do ours; and I will show you in few words what you are to do, that his Majesty may rejoice in his people, as they have cause to rejoice in him.  
1. Submit yourselves to the Higher Powers; to the King as Supreme, to the rest as sent by him; for they are the Ministers of God for your good; both Temporal good of the Body, and Spiritual good of the Soul, and Eternal good of both. Be obedient to the good Laws made by the King and Parliament, and consider who hath the benefit and comfort of your Obedience but only yourselves. The King's Laws against Impiety, Licentiousness, Drunkenness, etc. are but a Transcript or Copy of God's Law, in keeping whereof there is great reward, (Psal. 19) In keeping whereof you do good to yourselves and your Children after you, (Deut. 4.40.) In keeping those good Laws, you glorify God, honour the King and his Government, but do yourselves most good: the King hath the honour, but you have the benefit; as I could show you in many particulars.  
2. Submit yourselves to them that have the Rule over you in the Lord, and watch for your Souls: Be obedient to your Mother the Church of England, who hath bred you, and brought you forth to the first light and knowledge of Christ, who hath fed you with the sincere Milk of God's Word; but now they are grown up, some run after Painted Harlots, and follow New Lights, that darken Counsel by words without knowledge, (Job 38.) are weary of the Heavenly Manna, longing after Onions and Garlic. O foolish people, who hath bewitched you, to forsake the Truth, and follow after Lies; to venture your precious Souls upon such weak grounds; to build your precious Faith upon the credit of one sinful Man! Popery can never settle your Conscience in peace; and those New Lights will leave you in darkness and perplexity of mind, whereof I have known many examples; but be not you Companions with them. In the Church of England the pure Word of God is plainly taught, the Sacraments duly administered, the precious Legacies that Christ hath left you are faithfully delivered unto you; nothing kept under Lock and Key in a Mystery; nothing of all the Counsel of God kept from you, but all made plainly known to you, that ye may find rest unto your Souls.  
3. Let every man study to be quiet, and follow his own business (1 Thes. 4.11.) Keep within the compass of your own Calling, meddle not with things too high for you. There were once Emendatores Apostolorum, as now there be Church-menders and State-menders; men that speak evil of things they understand not, to the great disquiet of the Nation. There was a late Cry, All undone; and now we may be ashamed of our folly: for by the goodness of God things are so ordered, that we may well say with Themistocles, We had been undone, if we had not been undone.  
4. Leave off all your unthankful murmurs and complaints: It is a common thing for men to complain the Times are bad, when they make it so themselves; and if any calamity happen, blame their Superiors both unthankfully and unjustly. (1) Unthankful they are to God and Man, to murmur at those whom God hath made Instruments of so much good to us. (2) Unjust they are, to blame those for things whereof themselves are the cause. David was a Man after Gods own Heart, yet fell into a great Error, for a Judgement on the people for their sins, (2 Sam. 24.) Again the Anger of the Lord was kindled against Israel, and he moved David to say, Go, number Israel and Judah. David 's Fall was the people's fault. If Princes stand, it is for our good; if they fall, it is for our sins: Begin at home, amend yourselves, and then all will be well.  
5. Break off all your sins by speedy Repentance; all your Debauchery, Drunkenness, Profaneness, etc. for (Hos. 4.) it is sin that makes a Land mourn, and the people languish. Vicious, debauched, and profane people are the Troublers of our Israel: These are the Schismatics that make such a Rent in our Church by their disobedience to her holy Orders, that may probably be the most cause of our troubles. Let Ministers lead lives as pure as their Surplice, and then that Garment will not be such an Eyesore: Let the people lead holy lives, answerable to our holy Liturgy, and then that service will be better accepted. It is our sins that dissolve the Bond of Peace, that disturb, and will destroy our Nation, if not prevented by Reformation.  
6. Learn of this Holy Scribe to bless God for these Mercies we enjoy, and for them by whom we have received them. Unthankfulness stops the Current of God's Mercies, and provokes him to blast those we have: but Thankfulness preserves those we have, and procures more, (Psal. 67.5, 6.) Let the people praise thee, O God; and, then shall the Earth yield her increase.  
Lastly, One thing specially we are commanded this day, to excite you to pity the Poor in this time of scarcity: I never found, but most of you are ready enough to this Duty; but take heed you do not relieve them with one hand, and oppress them with another; as those do that keep in their Corn to make a Dearth. There be men that slander Heaven and Earth with a noise of Dearth, when there is no need of scarcity, but only the hardness of their own covetous hearts. Take heed how you oppress the Poor, who are a part of God's Great Family as well as you; and you are but Stewards for them: Take heed, your time is but short, your account is at hand; and then, those that show no Mercy, shall find none. But do all what can be done, there will still be unruly people, and disorderly; and those we must leave to the severity of Laws, for the Magistrate beareth not the Sword in vain.  
FINIS.   

The CONTENTS.  
THat True Religion is the fairest Beauty of God's House.  
That True Religion is the Glory, Riches, and Strength of a Nation.  
That his Majesty hath many ways beautified the House of God, and advanced Religion.  
That his Majesty hath done like a true Nursing Father of the Church; and the Parliament like Faithful Patriots, in defending our Religion against the Intrusions of Popery: With Reasons.  
That our Government, Ecclesiastic and Civil, is justified by Adversaries themselves.  
That there is nothing wanting to make us happy, if we will ourselves: With ways and means to do it.