‛ Ελεοθζιαμβοσ ' '  
Or the Triumph of Mercy In the Chariot of Praise.  
A TREATISE OF Preventing secret and unexpected Mercies with some mixed Reflections.  Psal. 21.3. Thou preventest him with the blessings of goodness. 
LONDON, Printed for John Hancock, at the three Bibles in Popes-head Alley in Cornhill, 1677.   

To the unknown Dispenser of a considerable Kindness, on Thursday Febr. 4. 1674.  
Honoured Sir,  
WHen I lay faint and weak in my bed, under a dispiriting and wasting Distemper of the Yellow Jaundice; by the holy dispensation of the alwise God, an unknown Messenger comes from an unknown Benefactor with a Token of value, who determined, that his left hand should not discern what his right hand did; 
Mat. 6.3.  but the Eye of God saw both. Though, Sir, my Tongue as yet hath not found you out, yet I hope my Pen may reach you. Should I never arise to that happy Cognizance; yet I could not suffer your kindness to lie hid under the clods of ingratitude; but hearty return a public Testimony by these Papers, which I have enjoined the duty of diligent searching out the path to the same hands, and to kiss them in the dark by a private reception. Aelian reports of Democritus, that great Thracian Philosopher, [〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉] That he most earnestly coveted to lie hid, though a great Benefactor to the world by his learned Studies. You have traced his footsteps in trampling-upon the airy bubble of vain glory; desiring to be good rather than seem to be so. Kindnesses done to others with a single Eye to God, are consecrated into Free-will-offerings: For with such Sacrifices God is well pleased. 
Heb. 13.16. Lamprid. in Sever. Lug. B. p. 378.  Alexander Sever the Roman Emperor, when an Ambassador had presented his Empress with Two Oriental Pearls, of price invaluable, caused her to dedicate them to the Temple and Statue of Venus, judging the too splendid to hang in the Ears of Mortals. Happy persons, that present of their gain and substance to the God of the whole Earth! 
Mic. 4.13.  Cold water in the name of a Disciple shall be warmed at the Hearth in Zion, and run to account. Nay it will turn into a more precious Liquor than Gold potable, and prove more Cordial than all Earthly Treasure. Suidas relates, 
Suid. p. 1197.  That Hercules used to secure the oppressed before he was entreated; and being of a generous temper wrenched the three Apples of Anger, Pleasure and Covetousness from the mouth of the Dragon of Lust: to intimate that no covetous man can be truly beneficent or noble minded, especially to relieve the indigent with unexpected kindness, and to reap no harvest but the satiating of an enlarged heart; 
Upton de milit. offic. p. 172.  like the Princely Eagle that disdains to eat of his prey alone. Though kindnesses are to be given freely, and not put to the usury of return, either by open praise, or secret requital; yet who will blow upon the rocks, or scatter his precious seed upon the sands. The whole circle of Nature teaches the duty of Gratitude. The wise Athenians enacted a Law, 
Valer. max. l. 5. c. 3.  ●hat ungratefulness should bear an action in their Courts; and the Roman state made a Decree, that Women should take the upper hand in streets, because two Noble Matrons had prevailed with Coriolanus their Son and Husband, not to invade their City. From whom, during their abode in Britain, it's likely that Custom might be derived to us.  
To contract: Let this little Treatise be hung up like a votive Table in the Temple of praise, and your Honourable Name be engraven on the bowls of the Altar, 
Acts 10.4.  when your Prayers and Alms rise up like Incense for a memorial before God. If any demand, why these Characters came in so late for Sculpture upon the Marble Pillars? Know, that some showers and storms of afflictive providence from Heaven detained the Votary.  
If others of uncandid breasts doom these Lines precarious, I hope I may safely reply, they are of a more generous Offspring, and like the Lark which sings praises in a May morning, flies up towards Heaven, disregarding tattling Travellers. Their vicious breath, like that of Cats, brings Hectics to such as hug them, and distils corrosive Salt upon their own Lungs. The cheerful Rose with a ruddy blush smells sweetly among the prickles of Envy, and much sweeter when set among rank Onions.  
I know not your Noble Personage, nor can divine whether my Pen be plucked from so dextrous a wing as to fly to your bounteous bosom, and utter complaints how I have weltered in the shame of silence. I bless God 'twas a seasonable mercy, and I trust some secret mercy of more inestimable value will in due time find you out. I magnify God, 
Prov. 30.8  I am in Agurs station, and for those that have strengthened it to help some charge, I beg the blessings of the God of Jabez; 
1 Chron. 4.10.  enlarging my grateful thoughts towards the Heavenly Mansions: and as the Speakers before the Conference in Plato's Timaeus went to prayer; so let this Preface lift up its hand toward his Holy Temple: That the scent of your name may be fragrant as the Field which the Lord hath blessed: 
Gen. 27.27. Eccl. 9.8.  That your Head may lack no Ointment, and your Garments be always white and odoriferous, taken out of Cedar Chests of the growth of Lebanon: 
Num. 24.6  That the perfuming Trees of Lignaloes of the Lords planting may grow thick and shady about your Tabernacle, as in their native and genuine Soil: That the Spices of Eden, and the Heavenly Indies and Diamonds more orient than those of Borneo may lad your Vessels: That a greater than Solomon, even the true proprietor of the Isle of Ceylon (the ancient Ophir) would invest your Soul with Faith, 
Psal. 45.9. Rev. 3.18.  that true cloth of Gold; with the meekness of our blessed Saviour, more soft than the Oils of Zant, or the Silks of Smyrna: That your hopes of Glory may flower more pleasant and lovely than the beautiful Blossoms of the Pistachia in the Gardens of Syria, and send them as experienced Tokens to your Children, as holy Jacob did to his beloved Joseph. 
Gen. 43.11. Rev. 2.8.  That the first and last who was dead and is alive, would wreathe your Temples with a Crown of Life, and keep you from hurt by the second death. That the wealth of the Terra Incognita, the Land of Promise may be your inheritance, so little known to rambling Mortals that pant after the dust of Egypt. 
Suid. in Dioclet.  That the fatness of Heaven may drop down upon your heart; 
Deut. 33.13, etc.  the dew and the deep which coucheth beneath may run by your roots, the precious fruits thrust forth by the Sun and Moon, and the chief things of the Eastern Mountains, and the choice things of the lasting Hills, and the costly things of the Earth and its fullness from every corner; above all, the good will of him who dwelled in the bush of Horeb defend all your flourishing Mercies from flames of wrath; and like that marching Pillar of Fire, conduct you to that City above, whose builder and maker is God, where your feet may tread that malleable pavement of transparent Gold, 
Rev. 21.18.  and your thirst after righteousness quenched with the Living Water of the Well of Jacob, 
Joh. 4.14.  that Water of Paradise which issues from the Throne of God, 
Rev. 22.1.  and be replenished with those 12 sorts of Fruits which hang upon the Trees of Life, and drink abundantly with the beloved Spouse of Christ, 
Song 5.1.  of the spiced Wine of the Kingdom, in the presence of the Father and his Holy Angels, at the Marriage Supper of the Lamb.  
Samuel Lee Febr. 8. 1676.   

Triumph of Mercy. A TREATISE OF Preventing, secret and sudden Mercies.  

CHAP. I. The Beneficence of God, the Spring and Source of preventing Mercies.  
THE infinite goodness of God bestows more Mercies upon us in the method of prevention, then of answer to particular Prayers. We enjoy most things before we ask, and oftentimes more excellent in kind, and more abundant in measure than we ask. The Lord began thus with Man at the first Creation, when there was none as yet to know his mind, 
Rom. 11.35.  or sit in Council with him. He framed the stupendious and glorious Fabric of the Universe. 
Job 26.7  By his Wisdom he stretched out the North upon the empty place, and hung the Circle of the Earth upon nothing. He thrust up its Glebe into aspiring Mountains, 
Isa. 40.22.  fashioning their Concave Heads for Springs, their Bowels for a Matrix to Minerals, and their external Convexities and Declivities for beautiful Prospects. He commanded some Portions to subside into humble Valleys, and to be extended into Champain Plains. He clothed its surface with stately Cedars, shady Palms, and Sea travelling Pines, with all the Fruitful, Medicinal, and Sweet-sented Groves, Balsamic Shrubs, and wholesome Herbs, graceful and various in curious Flowers, wherewith the lovely Meadows laugh and sing at the return of their shining 
Psal. 19.5.  Bridegroom in his vernal Progress. He spread its native Landscapes with that green Carpet of Grass woven by the hands of the blue Nitre of the Air, and the yellow Sulphur of the Earth into that delectable Colour, which salutes the eye of Man with so grateful a pleasance when painted upon its inward Vestment or Coat the Retina. He enjoined the Ocean to compass and embrace the habitation of Man, to minister Rain to the Bottles of Heaven, and Liquor to the bubbling Fountains when strained through the Veins of the Earth. And lastly, for support to Ships for Navigation and Commerce. 'Twas the work of his Hand to interweave the Fertile Vales with Crystal Streams in their sporting Meanders, 
Psal. 104.10.  curing the fat Pastures of anxiety about Summer droughts, relieving the chafed and sweltering Air with cooler Vapours, and indulging to the neighbour Villages easy conveyance, and many delicious pleasures.  
Neither was his Divine Bounty withheld from the dark Caverns of the Earth, replenished with his hid Treasures: Those deep and gloomy Regions being impregnated with various Salts, with subterraneous Steams and Juices to give origin and food to Metalline Concretes, for the service of Manual Arts, and for the cure of the more obstinate Diseases in the bodies of Animals, shortly to be form out of the same congenial Earth.  
Then his Curious Pencil embroiders the Land with rare variety of living Creatures, and his Voice inspires the healthful Air with Vocal Music from the winged Choristers that sing among the Branches; 
Psal. 104.12.  whose warbling notes are not more pleasant to the Ear, than their painted Feathers beautiful to the Eye of Man. His Hand furnishes the liquid Seas with numerous Passengers, who Sail under water, fearing neither storms nor stifling.  
At length, having established the Heavens by his Wisdom, he casts a glittering Canopy over all his Sublunary works, admirably garnished with spangling Stars, glorious for Lustre, harmonious for Motion, and powerful in Influence.  
Lo, these are part of his ways, 
Job 26.14  but how little portion is heard of him! We are in deep darkness to what's visible: The essence of a small pebble gravels our stupid understandings; the Eye of our Reason is so blunt, that it cannot pierce into the shape or Emerald Colour of the growing Green-sword. How much less able to Anatomize the Entrails of the Earth of some thousand mile's Diameter? Who can account for the Sand's being a bound to the Ocean; though the Waves toss themselves, yet they cannot prevail; though they roar, 
Jer. 5.22.  yet cannot go over it? Who can solve the flux of the Sea, either by the Moon or the Earth's motion? 
Lydeat. Spagnet Enchir. philos. c. 20. & l. 12. c. 22. l. 13. & c. 15. Austin confess. l. 13. c. 32.  Or who so hardy to dive to the top of the under-wave Mountains, or set their foot on the ridge of those hidden Ararats? What Philosopher ever fathomed the Air, and all its Meteors, in his Arms, or form a genuine conception of that liquid Aether, wherein the Stars do swim, or of those waters above the Heavens? 
Gen. 1.7; Psal. 148. 4.  What Telescopes (those curious Spectacles of our late Astronomers) ever pierced into that Saphire pavement beyond their Convex, 
Exod. 24.10. Ezek. 1.26. Eph. 4.10.  the Place of the Blessed, and the Seat of our Lords Glorified Body, where Angels and Saints stand trumpeting his Praises through voluminous stations of Eternity, who is wonderful in Counsel, and excellent in Working. 
Isa. 28.29.   
Whose Infinite Power and Goodness having finished his six days wonders, and prevented the wishes of Man by these excellent preparations for him; last of all forms the Head of the visible Creation, and exalts him into the Chair of Dominion over all this capacious Theatre, antedates his most ample desires, rarefies his Heart with sacred wonder, and installs him for High Priest of the whole Creation, to offer their Tribute, to worship, adore and love him, and to sing his Praises.  
But oh heedless Man! being fixed upon the Pinnacle of the Temple of Honour, was soon enchanted by a vertiginous blast of the subtle Serpent, 
Jer. 17.13  and forgot his Sovereign, the Fountain of Living Waters; and falling headlong, drank deep of the muddy Cistern invenomed by his poison, and became like the Beasts that perish. But being sensible of his shame, and confounded at his base disloyalty, and afraid of Gods awful Majesty, fled into the Woods to hid his distrustful Countenance, yet found no shelter for his guilty Conscience. Justice might now have pursued him with the flaming Sword of Cherubims; but preventing Mercy steps into the close and shady Thickets, and proffers a Covenant of Grace, to the amazement of Angels, and admiration of them that believe. A Covenant flowing from the good pleasure of his Will, 
Eph. 1.5.  and founded in the mystical Union of the Son of God with the Nature of Man in the promised Seed, and established upon better promises. Hence issued that Living Fountain of all that beneficence, that comforts his chosen Flock in the state of Grace, and beautifies their Souls in Glory.   

CHAP. II. The Government of the World administered by preventing Providences and Mercies.  
THe most Wise and Holy God having finished all in number, weight and measure, and adjusted all the proportions of Heaven and Earth in his Sacred Balance; that not the least Atom of dust in the Mountains, or Drop in the Ocean, or Vapour in the Air, but came out of his accurate Scales, and settled in their due place by his arbitrement. Neither is his Infinite Wisdom more radiant and magnificent in the composure of the vast circumference of the Celestial Bodies, then admirably curious and stupendious in those minute and numerous Creatures, which by reason of their smallness fly the sight of man. Insomuch that the Majesty of God is most illustrious and conspicuous in those lesser Being's; which the world never understood till he blessed it with the rare invention of Microscopes. By which we are assisted to contemplate his Glory, while sitting under he shadow of a Plant that grows it a cankered Rose leaf, 
Hook. Micrograph. p. 124.  as well as of he tallest Cedar. May not admiration be inflamed to view the quick and voluble motion of those Eels that swim up and down in their little Sea of a drop of Vinegar, more than when Mariners from their Ships gaze at the tumblings of Whales in he Atlantic Ocean? Or when we consider the fineness of those Spirits that agitate the Nerves of Mites, or of those supposable Creatures that may draw their origin from the corruption of those little bodies, or creep among their hairs while yet alive: 
As Mites in Spiders. Power, p. 19  Or when we view by the aid of those discovering Glasses the 8 Eyes in a Spider, or the 24 Teeth in the mouth of an Ant, as black as Ebony, as well as those vast Ivory Tusks in the head of the generous Elephant: Or when we delight our Eyes in the rare textures of vivid marbling colours in the flowers of Eye-bright, Panzies, or the chequered Fritillary, as well as the prophetical varieties in the Rainbow: We may well cry out with Pliny, while he descants on the great voice of a Gnat flying about in a Summer's Evening, Rerum natura nusquam magis quam in minimis tota sit. 
Plin. l. 11. c. 2.  That the great God of Nature is never more admirable then in framing the least of Being's.  
But howsoever unspeakably and unimaginably glorious his Divine Providence shines in the management and government of all his works: It is yet most admirable in his preventing goodness to the sinful sons of Adam, and much more to his own chosen Inheritance.  
As to Man in general, he makes his Sun to rise every morning upon the unjust, and his Moon to fill her Orb with light upon the Turkish Crescent: 
Psal. 65.11.  His paths in the Clouds drop fatness upon the fields of bloody Tyrants, and his Ocean is open, and sweet Western Gales often swell he Sails of rambling and roving Pirates: The Earth is full of his goodness. 
Psal. 119.64.  He spread and filled the Tables of Heliogabalus with his hidden Treasures. No Inhabitant but is laden with his benefits, however abused to their luxury, pride, and wantonness: His Mercies are over all his Works: He makes the out-going of the Morning, 
Psal. 65.8. & 121.8.  and Evening to sing: He preserves the go out and come in of the Children of Men.  
All the operations and influences of second causes are primarily ascribed to him. 
Psal. 139.15.  The formation of our bodies, when curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the Earth, was of his secret texture. The race of the Sun, the bright appearance of Venus like the Moon, and the nimble motions of Mercury and the 4 Planets dancing their measures about Jupiter, and all the Ordinances of Heaven, they are his, he sets the dominion of them in the Earth. He binds up the sweet influences of the Pleyades in April, 
Job 38.33  and looseth the frosty bands of Orion in November when he pleases: he is the Father of the Rain, and the pearly drops of Dew he hath begotten them from the Morning Womb. 
Amos 5.8.  He calleth for the waters of the Sea, and poureth them out upon the face of the Earth, the Lord is his Name. He sends the turbulent and tempestuons winds out of the hollow of his Hand. 
Psal. 104.32.  He looketh on the Earth and it trembleth, he toucheth the Hills and they smoke, he shook lately the Cities of Ragusa and Rimini into ruins. He cast up out of the bowels of Aetna the late dreadful River of sulphureous flames to run six mile's breadth by the City Catania into the Sea. He kindles the Lightnings in the Regions of the Air, and they answer to him, 
Job 38.35  here we are. 'Tis the voice of his Thunder that breaketh the Cedars of Lebanon, and makes Mount Sirion to skip like a young Unicorn. 
Psal. 29.5, 6.  Whatever he pleaseth, that he doth in Heaven and Earth, 
Psal. 135.6.  in the Seas, and in all deep places. He causeth Grass to grow for the Cattle, 
Psal. 104.14, etc.  and Herbs for the service of Man, the Wine to rejoice his Spirits, the Oil to make strengthen his heart. He gives life his face to shine, and Bread to strengthen his heart. He gives life and food to all Creatures, they wait upon him to receive their meat in due season, he opens his Hand every morning, the Fowls of the Heaven fly to his feet and are filled with good. The Gardener may plant, and his servant may water, but 'tis God that gives increase to the stature of Vegetables, their Verdure, their Flowers and Fruits. 
1 Chron. 3.6. Mat. 6.28.  He clothes the Tulips of Persia, those Lilies of the Plains of Shushan, with more Royal Attire then solomon's.  
As to the Church in special, he often and mercifully prevents the fears of his people. How graciously he dealt with Jacob in the case of Laban, 
Gen. 31.24  commanding him in the night not to speak roughly to his servant from good to bad, and made the face of Esau to shine upon him as the face of God. 
Gen. 33.10  In the time of Famine he planted a Cornfield in the bottom of a barrel of meal for Elijah, and an Olive-yard in a cruse for the Widow of Sarepta, and opened as it were the Windows of Heaven in the time of Elisha, and poured out Corn among the poor in the streets of Samaria.  
Such stupendious Mercies, which the ungrateful world calls hap and fortune, are the sudden and sweet dispensations of his Heavenly and Holy Providence. He is pleased out of his munificent bounty to prevent our expectations with sudden and surprising benefits to amuse, yea amaze, us under the sense of Divine Goodness, and to draw our Hearts with the silken cords of love.  
It's his favour that drops the inclinations of affection into the hearts and tempers, the reciprocal tides in the breasts of such whom he ordains for conjugal relation. His Eye guided out-cast Hagar to a shrub in Paran; 
Gen. 24.39, 40, 58. & 29.11.  and rather than her son should perish for thirst, an Angel must point out a Well to slake her sorrow.  
Wonderful are the instances both in sacred and civil Story in discovery of means, ordering of method, guiding of accidents to the prevention of dangers, and preservation of life, and the sudden issuing of sudden distresses. No less admirable are many quick and stupendious deliverances out of Dungeons and Prisons to great and famous Advancements; and by providences to us occasional and accidental, flow high and exalted manifestations of God to his Church and people.  
Not to be curious in ranking under distinct heads, give leave to mention a few mixed Examples in various kinds.  
Pharaohs Daughter coming occasionally to the River's side, 
Exo. 2.6.  had compassion on little Moses weeping in his Cradle of Bulrushes. Her heart wept over the tears of Moses, & she brought him up like a Prince in Egypt to be Prince of Israel. Thus God makes his enemies to foster their own Supplanters, and to build up their own destroyers. After this, the Humanity of Moses to the Daughters of Jethro in watering their Sheep, advanced him to be Son in Law to the Prince of Midian. A poor Captive Maiden in the Land of Syria, by a few words, was the occasion of the cure of Naaman's Leprosy both in soul and body. And another finding favour in the eyes of the great King of Persia, was the occasion of delivering the Jews from destruction in 127 Provinces; and the Reading of that Kingdoms Chronicles opened a door to Mordecai's Glory and Haman's Infamy. Joseph and Daniel arrived to unexpected Preferment by exposition of Prince's Dreams, whereby the Church of God was strangely preserved, and at length delivered from Exile. Simeon and Anna coming into the Temple, at an instant of Providence met with the Lords Anointed, and saw his Salvation. Many of the choicest Mercies fall under this head. The first and primary Mercy to the World, the Protevangelium, the preaching of the Gospel to Adam by God himself, transcended the thoughts and imaginations of our fallen Parents. The sending of the Messiah's Sceptre out of Zion among the Gentile Idolaters, who sought him not; and the Conversion of whole Nations to the Obedience of his Spiritual Law, was performed by preventing Grace to the whole world; and the particular turn of Rebellious Souls to God are often managed by secret instincts. Austin would needs sail over Sea to Rome against the prayers and tears and fears of his holy Mother. She dreaded his being corrupted by the debauchery of Rome, but God sent him to Milan to be converted by Ambrose: and as he speaks sweetly of God's denial of her prayers as to his journey, 
Confes. 1. ● c. 8.  Sed tu alte consulens & exaudiens cardinem desiderii ejus, non curasti quod tunc petebat, ut in me faceres quod semper petebat. But thou in wise counsel didst regard the hinge on which her desires turned, didst reject her present prayer, to give in the effect of her constant petitions. Many times such who run from the means of their own Salvation, fall into the happy snares of Divine Mercy; and such who are naturally unwilling to be saved, 
Austin.  (praevenisti ut vellem) the secret Wisdom of Providence allures to become a willing people in the day of his Power. Should I enlarge upon the many rare cases of special preventing Mercies, this Discourse would run over the banks of Volumes. Famous is the Instance of that man, whose Horse in a dark night wafted him over a Plank laid upon the breach of Rochester Bridge, and the next day coming to see the place of his strange deliverance, sunk into the deep waters of Amazement and died away. Great Salvation did the Lord work also for a Friend of mine, 
M. Charles Morton.  who riding in the night along the High Way at Menegizy Cliffs in Cornwall, which was fallen down into the Sea at a vast depth, might have perished inevitably, had not a man suddenly stepped out of his door at his passing by, and prevented the mischief. More admirable the safe fall of a Butcher upon his Sheep from the Cliff at Dover Castle, as the Inhabitants report. How did an impulse upon Mr. Dods Spirit to visit a Friend two miles off in the night, prevent the Self-murder of that person by a Halter, who was esteemed truly gracious, but overwhelmed by direful tentations? How did an unexpected Fog prevent a second Battle between the English and Dutch in the late Wars? And the like happened in the days of King Edward the Confessor upon the Navies addressing to fight. How admirably have many persons been cured, preserved, delivered by sudden accidents? Memorable is that story in Tilingius, of one who being cured of a Dropsy by the poison of a Toad designed for his destruction, became the Publisher of that Specific. Some by Falls into Rivers have been cured of Madness; others by sudden frights restored to the use of their Limbs; and others by Shipwreck have escaped Piracy. And (which is distinct as to relief unexpected in deep poverty) that of Accesilaus is remarkable, who caused a Bag of Money to be conveyed under the pillow of a sick Friend, modestly hiding his poverty, that he might find it rather than receive it. And others that have let fall Money into the laps of persons from a window, as if it fell from Heaven.  
As to preventing Mercy in reference to prayer. 
●. 65.24.  Sometime before we call God is pleased to answer. When the Heart is but a tuning, he discovers the Lesson and turns it into a Song of praise. 
Ps. 32.5.  When David was under resolutions of Confession, God actually forgave the iniquity of his sin. 
Gen. 24.15, 45.  Before Eliezer had done speaking in the case of Isaac, out comes Rebecca with the answer of prayer. When Hezekiah was praying and weeping, 
2 Kings 20.5.  Turn again (says the Lord to Isaiah) and tell the Captain of my people, I will heal thee. And Gabriel told beloved Daniel, 
Dan. 9.20, 21, 23.  that at the beginning of his Supplication he was commanded to fly more swiftly down to Daniel, than his prayer could fly up to Heaven. So ready is our gracious Father to smell a savour of rest, when the Incense of prayer is but newly kindled.   

CHAP. III. The Numerousness of Preventing Mercies.  
THE glittering Stars of Heaven, the drops of the briny Ocean, and the Sands upon the winding Shores, the Dusts of the Earth, and the Atoms that swim in the Sunbeams, are not so numerous as these excellent Mercies. Archimedes could write a Treatise of the Sands, but no person that ever appeared on the stage of Being, though he should spend all his time in writing Volumes of his own Life, could trace the measures of his Mercies, were he never so observant, or did pry never so curiously into the passages of Divine Providence. Every draught of Air into the Lungs is attended with Mercy. When it carries out the fuliginous Vapours of the Heart, who can attract it in again for the refrigeration of the Blood, and mixing the volatile balsam of the air to circulate that purple liquor in its motions. The pulses of providence are quicker than chose of our Wrists or Temples. How manifold are his mercies? 
Ps. 139.14.  The soul of David knew right well their multiplicity, but could not multiply them aright by any skill in Arithmetic. Nay, the very sum or chief heads of divine kindnesses were innumerable. His wonderful works and thoughts towards him could not be reckoned up in order by him, they were more than could be numbered. 
Ps. 40.5.   
It's impossible to follow the footsteps of these mercies: Heaven itself is not sufficient for a finite capacity to measure them. They endure to eternity in preventing our lapse from happiness. Let's try a little speculation on 2 heads. 

1. On some gracious occurrences in the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, the compass of day and night; and  
2. The preventing mercies that are laid up in the bowels of afflictions: both as to subsequent sins and dangers.    
As to the first, When we rise in the morning, that sudden palsies do not unloose our Nervs, or painful Convulsions shrink them up; that we are not able to descend our Stairs; that when we are down, some Messenger of Death doth not appall us with terrible tidings, and give us a bitter breakfast; that we have Hearts and Spirits to call upon the God of our mercies in our Families, as an Antidote against the evils of the succeeding day. When we come into our Shops, that the rapines of night Villainies hath not stripped us naked of all our Goods, and that we find all our Relations in health and peace when we walk abroad; that we suck not in Contagious Atoms from the Air; that the East wind does not blast us; that sudden violent rains in hasty walking do not cool our sweats into Surfeits, or that we hurry not the blood into fermentations for new and surprising distempers. In vain should we be wary, if holy providence were not wakeful. That the earth we tread on doth not suddenly open its mouth to swallow us as it did the Rebels in Numbers. 
Num. 16.32.  That we dash not our feet against a stone, our Shins against Posts, 
Ps. 91.12  or strain our Ankles in plain ground; that the Tiles or Timber falling from Houses, or the sweep of gutters, do not brain us; that mad dogs infect us not with an Hydrophobia by their venomous bitings; that wild Oxen let forth by careless and wicked Butchers do not gore us. or Carts crush us, or damnable Hector's stab us; or that casual arrows, bullets, or stones do not dispatch us. The memorial of such a mercy stands upon the top of the Free school and Alms-house at the South end of Islington, 
Lady Owen  where Iron arrows are planted to signify the gratitude of a poor Milk Maid to God's mercy, who upon escape of an arrow that was shot into her clothes, vowed to build it if she risen to an estate; and at length being raised to the degree of a Lady performed her vow. We ought to be thankful that coachmen's whips do not accidentally scourge out our eyes. That in the days of general Training or public Shows strange disasters brings us not to the evenings of our lives. That meddling with unconcerning quarres in the ring of a tumult, twist us not into danger through our own folly; since wise Solomon hath warned us, 
Pro. 26.17.  He that meddleth with strife belonging not to him, is like one that taketh a dog by the ears. When we ride that every step is not a path to the grave: that the Horse stumble not, or the Wagon break not, or the Coach overturn not. That we sink not into unfenced Gravel-pits overwhelmed with quicksands, overflown with waters. That Lightnings do not lick up our spirits, or hot Thunderbolts rend us in sunder. We should reckon our mercies not by miles or hours, but by steps and moments. When we come to our meals that fitting refreshes, when many by painful Fistula's pine away into Consumptions, and cannot repose their bodies into any grateful posture. That we bring appetites to our Tables, and are not by cares and vexations from abroad rendered snappish and currish to a tender Wife and sweet obedient Children at home, and our stomaches stuffed with choler, unfit to crave a blessing or receive it. That we have our lovely Vines to cheer us and our Olive plants about our Table to soften and sweeten our spirits; 
Ps. 128.4.  So shall the man be blessed that feareth the Lord. That some of us behold our Tables spread with furniture from the Air, from the Seas and Rivers, from the Mountains and Valleys, from the Fold and Stall; nay some with Olears from Spain, and curious rarities from Turkey, Muscovy, and both the Indies, and served up in Porcelain Dishes from China, in Silver from America, & Gold from Barbary, and 12 sorts of wine in Venice glass from Murano, and yet like Jesurum was fat and kick. That any one of these curious Viands meet not with an ill-habited Scurvy in the blood, and especially all confused together carry not thousands from the Table to the Pillow, and thence to the chambers of death.  
When at our meals what a mercy that every bit doth not strangle us, since story remembers some to have received their last by a raisin stone, a fly, a hair. When our daily food passing over the Larynx, the bridge that covers the windpipe, that it doth not choke us, as the rump of a Capon did the Earl of Colrain. When after meals in our repose, or walking in Gardens or Fields, no sudden accident attaches us, and spoils Concoction. That when we have eat and drunk, that we can render our urine and uncover our feet, thousands perish by stopping the channels of Nature. Let's daily bless the Lord for Evacuations as well as Ingestion. It's wonderful that men's cutting their Hair tends not by distillations on the Lungs to Consumption, or by letting blood that an Artery be not cut, as some who have lost their Arms. Or so inconsiderable a thing as the cutting a Corn does not rankle to death, as in the Lord Fairfax.  
When we sail upon Rivers or Seas Oh what mercy that the Vessel founder not, that the Sands suck us not in, nor the Rocks split us, nor sudden Gusts overturn us, and wandering Pirates catch us not; that he makes the waves to obey his word, and the stormy wind to fulfil his pleasure.  
When we converse that Pride and Passion do not entangle us, or Captious or Suspicious tempers do not wrest us to displease or distrust our ancient Friends or raise new Enemies.  
When we sleep that the House do not entomb us by stormy blasts, or secret failing in the Timber. That fire by careless servants or other latent causes, does not burn us to ashes, as the Merchant in Lothbury.  
That Armies of Weasels, Rats, or Mice, 
Munster. Cosmog. p. 606.  do not feast upon us, and knaw out our bowels, as they did to Hatto that wicked Bishop of Mentz.  
That we are not scared by Visions and terrified by Dreams; 
Job 7.14.  and Satan's Chain let out upon us. It was the case of Job, a better person than any of us.  
That sudden Noise and Alarms of the night do not fright us to awakening, so hurtful to the Animal spirits. That we can sleep quietly, 
Ps. 122.2.  that he gives his beloved rest. That some greater persons are awakened by Music, and meaner by the sonnets of Birds near their houses, could we but praise him with joyful lips when we comfortably behold the morning light.  
Of the innumerable evils these are some few touches, and the innumerable mercies that instead thereof we enjoy. O that man would learn to praise him for his wonderful works to the children of men! 
Ps. 107.8.   
Let's treat a little of the second, he prevention of evils by afflictions, both the evil of sin and danger. As to sin, we ought to present God as a Father in afflictions. 
Prov. 29.16.  An uncorrected child brings his parents to shame. We should shame Religion and our holy Profession, if God did not often hedge up our ways with thorns, that we may search out the paths of holiness. 
Hos. 2.6.  It's a sweet argument of Divine Love. We weed the Gardens wherein we delight to walk, file off the rust of useful Instruments and refine the rugged Oar by the fire, and purge our own bodies from that feculency in the bowels, that might produce obstructions. We lose nothing but dross and corruption in the fire. Our Spiritual Physician lets out nothing but impure blood by his Phlebotomy. Nay sometimes God prevents sin by sin, preserves from fouler sins by lesser falls; and it proves very profitable to some proud and presumptuous spirits to stumble into sin, thereby receiving a check to their haughty, stomachful, and censorious tempers. Such trials and afflictions embitter sinful courses. We are dangerously addicted to present enjoyments, and to put confidence in the arm of flesh, and value the vanities of this Life. Sanctified afflictions drive us from the World to God, teach us to live by Faith, warm the Spirit in prayer, and whets prayer into crying, as it did to Moses. We usually send up faint prayers in times of prosperity, when Halcyon calms are upon our Tabernacles. In stormy times we fly toour Rock, and mourn like holy doves in the clefts of the Mountains: we are more mortified to the World, weaned from troublesome and peevish Relations, relish spiritual motions, and have a sweet savour of the Promises upon the Souls , are fortified against Death, and prepared for the Kingdom. We learn to bless God for crosses, who makes the worst of a Christian to work together for the best of a Kingdom. We learn to make peace, not so much with the Instruments as God the principal cause. For affliction cometh not out of the dust, but drops down from Heaven; and therefore piously turn the eye and the heart to him that smiteth. Not to fight with the Rod, or by't at the Stone, as carnal persons; but to be very humble and seriously penitent like Hezekiah, who chattered like a Crane under his sorrows, but went softly, (as in Sackcloth and Ashes) all his days; and (like David) not only pray for present pardon, 
Ps. 51.10.  but for a free spirit to walk holily in time to come. No false heart can truly desire preventing grace, as the sweet Singer of Israel after cleansing and purging mercy begs establishing grace. That repentance in sickness is always, sincere, which hungers after grace more truly than it hankers after recovery, knowing that the end of the Rods discipline is then accomplished.  
Lastly, as to danger both temporal and eternal, What's the Life of Man but a Sea of dangers? what's the Mercy of God but the haven of deliverance? Every affliction should be a Memorial of the day of Judgement, and teach men to call their ways to account, and esteem all to be mercy so he save us at last. Many by sin bring the affliction in kind, shorten their own days, cut off the thread with their own Knives, and put out the candle of Life with their own Extinguishers. God sanctifies the approaches of such bitter dangers to a sight of corruption, and to saving repentance before the dying hour, to such as are elect according to the purpose of grace. Good men may be judged of the Lord; may drink of bitter cups, 
1 Cor. 11.32.  as the Corinthians were sick, and weak, and slept, for unworthy receiving; that they might not be condemned and perish with the world. We must learn to justify God, yea to praise him here for afflictions; for which hereafter we shall fully glorify him. Our troublesome pilgrimage must be sweetened with songs of praises to him who crowns our prickles with roses, 
Ps. 65.11.  and plants our low Valleys with fragrant myrtles, and at length will beautify our musing temples with Diadems of joy and glory; 
Ps. 25 10.  For all his ways are like a Fathers, full of mercy and truth, to such as keep his Commandments and Testimonies.  
To conclude: Such is the divine grace, that the bitterest potions of this life are given to prevent the deadly draught of the Stygian Lake of Hell. Nay, in this day how many of the Saints afflictions have been rises and preparatives for greater mercies. Patiented Joseph first dragged his irons in prison before he was drawn in Pharao's second Chariot, and adorned with chains of Gold.  
The strongest storms often precede the most sunshine calms, and when winds blow highest they scatter the thick Clouds with greater vehemency. The darkest calamity of the Church ushers in the most glorious times. It was so in Egypt, Babylon, and Shushan, and after (the Decumanus fluctus) the tenth persecution risen up famous Constantine, and so it shall be again. The last stroke of Papal sury in the state of the Witnesses burial, shall open a door for their rising and ascent to a Heaven of Church Ordinances, and outward Grandeur never to be conquered or oppressed more. Out of her Cinnamon ashes shall arise a new and most Illustrious Phoenix, to fly with delicious Songs through the whole World.   

CHAP. IU. The excellency and pleasantness of preventing mercies.  
THe Rainbow of the Heavens knows not more rare and delightful colours, than the rainbow of the Covenant, under which our Saviour hath placed his Throne. The beauty of a picture shines in variety: 
Rev. 4.3.  which sets such a delicious and pleasant lustre upon prospects and Land-shapes, where Hills and Dales, Woods and Plains, Rivers and Seas, Castles and Cities, and the carcases of ancient ruins and hanging Rocks, are curiously drawn by the Pencil of nature. Nay the sweet singer of Israel depaints the Church's garments Ex opere Phrygionico, 
Ps. 45.14.  like Joseph's Coat with changeable Silks, and the 
* Ps. 68.13. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Isa. 54.12.  greene's of gold compared with the flowing colours that wave in the necks of Doves. The Evangelical Prophet and the bosom Disciple build up the Towers of Zim, the streets and walls of the new Jerusalem with Saphires, Carbuncles, agates, and pleasant stones; & lay the pavement of that glorious City with malleable transparent Gold. There is nothing renders our preventing mercies so illustrious and glittering in glory as their wonderful changes and successive varieties in all ages and times of life. When we first hung on the breasts of our Mothers, we sucked in the sweet nectar of preventing mercy: we drew our milk out of the milky way in Heaven. Yea, as prudent Physicians cure an infant by a potion to the nurse, thus hath our gracious God by hidden means transmitted frequent cures to hidden maladies. How hath our youth flowed with fragrant mercies, and riper years smelled deliciously like a Garden of Pomegranates? 
Cant. 4.13.  How hath the goodness of God crowned grey hairs with a wreath of holiness, honour, and happiness? How have the loving Angels carried some triumphant to Heaven, who feared their setting in a dark cloud of horror and despair?  
Let's take some turns in this Garden of Eden, and eye the curious walk of secret, sudden, and various mercies.  
1. Secret mercies, whereof some are never fully known in this life; like mazes and labyrinths and close arbours, which the vulture's eye could never discern: strange and unforeseen deliverances, whereof ensuing providences have made beautiful discoveries; as Saul and his men went on one side of the Mountain, when David escaped on the other in the Wilderness of Maon. Some have been preserved by a Cobweb, others by a Hen laying of eggs, others by shoals of fish in time of great persecution. When afflictions themselves have been Seminaries of mercy, and the dark and stormy showers of April have reigned down flowers of savour, end plentiful crops of summer deliverances.  
2. Sudden mercies in plunges of distress. When the Church hath dreamt of nothing but drinking the Wine of astonishment, yet awakened at the brink of streams in the South. How have the Saints been supported, 
Ps. 126.4.  sustained, enlightened? How have doors opened on a sudden, and Iron shackles been struck of by Angels, and Jailers bathed with their tears the prints of their own stripes? How have the oars struck light in a dark tempest, and the Ships we sail in ploughed up sparkles from the briny billows of the Ocean in a stormy night, there being a native fire in salt, from which the rapid motion, hath extracted light? Affliction itself hath taught a way to the haven of deliverance. Nay usually, when we begin to be willing and humble and patiented, to set down by the affliction, and to consider Gods gracious deal in the depths of correction, to erect us into some thankful, cheerful, and admiring thoughts, that it is not worse, that thousands drink of more bitter cups, and all out of hell is stupendious mercy. Many times the wind of Divine favour blows from a fresh corner, and our feet are set upon the rock that is higher than us.  
3. New and various mercies. God seldom delivers in the same methods. There was never the same face of Heaven from the Creation to this day. The aspects, clouds, and weather do always vary, as the shells on the Seashore, and the pebble-stones, none exactly alike. No veins on the handback, no lines in the palm, no features in the millions of faces, no voices from the windpipe, no gate in the postures of walking, but if curiously observed do differ to admiration. No temptations, no graces, no afflictions, and no deliverances are fully conformed to an union. We have new songs for every moment, had we hearts to tune them. When God's wisdom takes one mercy away, his beneficent bounty sends another. When some setting Stars dip their flaming rays in the Western Ocean, new ones glitter in the East. Never did the same water bubble from the same fountain: but as God is the inhexhaustible spring of new and amiable Mercies: So we find he adorns the Out-rooms of the World, and the Chambers of the Tabernacle of his Church, with the Diaper and Tapestry-hanging of the curious Needlework of his Providence. Such Wisdom dwells with Prudenee, 
Pro. 8.12.  and finds out the Knowledge of witty Inventions. All the curiosities of Art, and the cunning devices of Artificers are from God: the swarthy Ploughman derives his seasons and management of his Lands, 
Is. 28.26.  Tillage, and Culture from Heaven: The Women that sit at the Wheel, 
Exod. 35.25, 26.  turn it about by the direction of God, for the Ornaments of the Tabernacle: The Weaver, the Embroiderer, and the ingenious Lapidary, learned all in the School which is above the Stars; 
Exod. 35.35.  the most admirable of all Inventions have dropped into the Fancy from the Celestial Intelligence. For what the vain, unthankful world calls casualty, is a graft upon the minds of Men, cut from the Trees of Paradise. Accident is the Mother of far more excellent Inventions than Industry. Glass was found out by the Tyrian Merchants, 
Polyd. V●r. gil. l. 2. c. 22.  when boiling or broiling their Meat upon lumps of Nitre on the Sands of the River Belus. 
* Munst●r Cosmogr. l. 1. c. 173, 174.  Gunpowder was found out by a Monk, A. 1354. and Printing by a Soldier, A. 1440. and the Mineral Spa at Tunbridge by a Page: 
The purple colour by Hercules his Dog, as 'tis storied in Pollux, l. 1. c. 4.  and thousands of the like which were pleasant to recite, did they not over-swell the proper place. And shall we not think that infinite wisdom cannot always present new and ravishing wonders of Mercies upon the Stage, 
Tully's Offices first printed A. 1466. Salmuth in Pancirol. p. 244, & 246.  from him who is unconceivable in counsel, and as admirable in working? When we study in this Library, we still find new Lines and new Editions; we sail upon new Coasts, and see new Stars as in the Southern Hemisphere, and enjoy a new set of Creatures, and smell at many Leagues distant fragrant odoriferous Sents; as, of Cinnamon from the Mountains of Ceylon in India; of Rosemary from Spain; Cedar from Lebanon, that perfume the very thoughts of a Saint; and the further we travel, the more delicious are the surging Tops of the Hills of Canaan; and the more we taste, the more surprising sweetness astonishes our Palates: like the Queenpine in Barbadoes, that supplies and transcends expectation with new and rasive savours, and tunes our vocal Instruments for new Songs to bear a part with the Harmony of Angels for ever.   

CHAP. V Of the Instruments used for conveyance of these Mercies.  
WHatever Hand presents our Mercies, or whosoever's Heart was inclined to hand them, all flows from the grand Original: Every Mercy is the Fruit of the Thoughts of God. When David was poor and needy, 
Ps. 40.17.  Gods thinking upon him enriched his Spirit. But Instruments must have their due place in our respect and reverence, since God honours them. They were Golden Pipes that conveyed Golden Oil in Zechaery; 
Zech. 4.12.  Heavens Ambassadors deserve Angelical Salutations; remembering what's due to Servants without prejudice to Divine Glory; who bends and inflects the hearts of of men to show that Benevolence, which passes through them as a River between its Banks, but springs from the infinite Fountain of Divine Mercy. Few, or no Enjoyments but have their enameled means and methods of Providence; and when its Beryl Wheels move towards us full of Eyes and Glory, 
Ezek. 10.13.  we may cry out with admiration of God, O Wheel! Our Health, Beauty, Feature, Strength, good Name, Estate, Utterance, or any other Endowment of Soul or Body, are the Product of Divine Love, though second Causes may intervene; for those very causes have their Creation, Motion, and Direction, and Success from God. Children are the Heritage of the Lord, 
Ps. 127.3.  and yet the fruit of the Womb, by his Reward. 
Prov. 18.22.  He that findeth a Virtuous Wife (as if by casualty) obtaineth favour of the Lord by the Designation of Heaven. Whoever wishes, he receives those wishes dropped into his Heart from higher influence. 
Gen. 24.31.  And faithful Eliezer must be called the Blessed of the Lord, when he knocks at the Door and brings the Tidings. The Presents which David sent from the Spoils of Amalek to his Friends, though taken from his Enemies, 
1 Sam. 30.25.  yet were given of the Lord. Senders and Messengers may vary, but all comes from Heaven. God is pleased sometimes to send an Olive-Branch by the Hand of a Dove to Noah; Food by the Mouth of a Raven to Elijah at Cherich, and sometimes by a Jay to others: sometimes a Star passes before the Zabii, the Wisemen of the East, and enlightens them to Bethlchem; and otherwhile an Angel is employed to the Prophet at Rithmah; and many times the Methods of great Mercies are deep and intricate, and we can never dive to the bottom of Wisdoms Ocean. The stately River Nile rises from a latent head, and the foundations of Famous Cities are under ground. The Great and Holy God sometimes stirs up the Hearts of Relations, most times Strangers, and now and then even Enemies themselves are turned to help and favour his People. 
Ps. 106.46.  Rare is that story of a good Woman at Sandwich imprisoned by the Major for a Religious Meeting, and being asked by him how she would do in Prison being poor? She replied, I serve such a Master, that rather than I shall starve, I shall be fed from your Table. The Magistrate's Wife overhearing her confidence in God, sent every day constantly from the Major's house a portion of Meat for about three Weeks, being the time of her Restraint. So that whatever are the Motives in the Hearts of inferior Agents, still the Supreme and Heavenly Cause is to be eyed with Adoration and Worship. Many may unwillingly profit us, we then own not the benefit to them, but the great Incliner, the Sovereign Mover of Hearts. Let us not trouble our Spirits about that question, Quo animo? with what design their Favours are calculated to our use. Ignoble Spirits may perform some noble Actions upon a superstitious or vainglorious aim; as to merit Heaven, to gain applause, to restrain the barkings of Conscience, to stop the Mouth of Reprovers, and to oblige men to their humours, or some base intrigue or other. Of all persons, Ministers should be most sagacious, and the Seers of the Temple must be blind in such Emergencies. When sordid tempers exact difficult Secrecies for a little pelf, while themselves spend ten times more on a base lust; like those that fat their Horses for a riding, or their Slaves at Algiers for to sell in the Market at a higher Price: Homines vaenalis animae, that buy and sell their souls for advantage, and are mere Merchants of all the Benefits they exert to others. Some men's Favours are like Crystal Glasses, of a curious frailty, every. Spider of suspicion cracks them. He that ponders too much upon the Publican return of his benefits, gratifies the trade of gain and covetousness, not his Conscience to God, or the genuine good of others. There be many that take a pride to be counted liberal, when they let fall a few drops of charity upon famished poverty, and love that the Sun should shine upon their forward bounty, and make their Cock crow at the scratching out a few Corns from their lofty Dunghills; that can empty their laden Stomaches into China, Dishes, and hang Jewels and Pearls, the price of whole Cities, upon their Ears; and vest themselves with the Tribute of large Territories, and make as great a noise in scattering their Offals among the Poor, as when the Russian Emperor blows his Trumpet after Dinner; and all the World must know when they give that which their high-fed Lap-curs many times refuse. They'll wear Silk Garments like the Roman Matrons, of such a fine Web, that neither their Bodies are defended from weather, nor their Chastity from observation. but think much of a few Rags to cover a poor Lazarus at the Door. God gives them Hundreds by the Year, and they carry single Pence in their Pockets, or brass Farthings, to buy off the Clamours of Conscience. But yet such as are inward Enemies to true Evangelical Charity, shall be Instruments, sore against their will, to preserve the Soul of the Needy from death and ruin: Wicked and debauched Persons, 
Prov. 13.22.  shall in the issue lay up Treasures for the Righteous.  
But when Instruments act generously, like wise Stewards of the manifold Talents of God's Mercies, they are to be highly esteemed, like the Gold Ring that encompasses an Orient and Sparkling Diamond: They are to be nourished and cherished like the Doves of Aleppo, to whose Feet the Missives and Letters of Merchants are tied for speedy conveyance. Ambassadors are Sacred Persons, and are to be sacredly handled. The very Feet of them that bring glad tidings of Peace and Mercy, are to be washed and anointed with Oil, and counted beautiful. There's a Glory shines upon the Sandals of them who come down from Heaven; and we ought to crows the Footsteps of the Messengers of Heavenly Favours, with Branches of Olives; and the persons sent back to Heaven with grateful Acclamations to the Harps of Joy, to hold in consort with the Host of Angels, praising the Divine Beneficence.   

CHAP. VI The Beneficial Improvement of sudden and unexpected Mercies.  
Wondered Mercies speak wonderful Language, and call aloud for admirable and joyful returns. Lessons sung to Shoshannims, the seven-stringed Instruments of Adoration and Honour. Let's hear the ravishing Music in these seven succeeding Chapters, that may be cordial to the very Hearts of Angels.  

1. Of the excellency of Love under the fence of Mercies.  
2. The Honourable Duty of Gratitude.  
3. The Exaltation of the Divine Name for his Munificence.  
4. The Anatomy and Unboweling of Secret Mercies.  
5. The Ingenuous melt for sudden Sins.  
6. The softening Leniment of sudden Sorrows.  
7. The Contemplation of the permanent Mercies in Heaven.   
I shall begin with the First, and treat it as the Subject of this Chapter, what an excellent Frame of Spirit is kindled by the sense of Mercies.  
The most noble and generous love is that which streams from Heaven, to ingratiate the hearts of Enemies by Springs of munificence, to sweeten the tartest and sourest tempers; to break Flints upon Pillows, to melt adamantine hearts in the warm blood of affection, to lead Lions in Chains of Gold, and tame Hyrcanian Tigers into Doves. Masculine and Heroic Love changes the frame, and altars the constitution and texture of hostile Hearts. Suspicion, 
Suspicions.  which is the very Bane and Poison of Love, is by this Art fermented into a brisk, volatile, and balsamic Liquor. To stand upon the Guard and watch, to eye and try, is but a feminine and childish trifling; to subdue others by kindness, is Godlike; to melt the Rocks of Caucasus by flames from Heaven. Weak and low-statured Love insists upon the catch, and so becomes touchy and waspish, puts forth its captious sting at every buzz of false Flatterers and Backbiters: Noble Love is like the Ointment of the right hand, 
Pr. 27.16.  which bewrays itself; like a soft River of Oil that runs down speedily in a direct Channel of inclination into the Ocean of enjoyment. He that can command his Love when attracted by the Magnetic Influence of genuine Friendship, has but little true love under his Obedience.  
Suspicion and Distrust grows upon the Root of a weak Love: Generous and Noble Spirits had rather be deceived than distrust. True Love is not easily provoked and thinks no evil; 
1 Cor. 15.5.  it beareth, believeth, hopeth, and endureth all things. To lay heavy load, upon sudden conjectures, is to tread upon quick sands, and walk among the Irish Bogs. Such a Friend did not so courteously salute me in the street, did not invite me among others, broke off his speech abruptly, looked not so pleasantly, and turned suddenly out of my company.  
Suspicion blinds the understanding, and is a Cloud that an evil temper turned upon the Sun of affection. It cast Eve out of Paradise, and leads fretful persons into deserts full of Briars and Thorns: It mischiefs the owner, and presents to himself a Cup, to drink up his own Poison. 
Pro. 5.22.  That Person is held with the cords of sin, and may complain with Eve, The Serpent within hath deceived me. When Men can out-wit the Devil in Policy, and be too strong for Divine Justice, than they may walk in the shades of this Fool's Paradise. Men never gain by the ill bargain of Suspicion, but at last their very thoughts will upbraid them with weakness and folly. Dew not long Arguments from the slender twine-thread of Suspicion: We need a Dovelike simplicity, and a benign estimate of every Accident. Words misplaced must not hurry our raw conjectures into Passions. It's the sign of an evil temper to construe the worst, when a fair Gloss may be more sweetly, truly, and decently given. Believe nothing but what's manifest; use both your ears and your heart too, before you whet your tongue; and when suggestions once appear to be vain, chide your too frequent credulity. Be not hasty to conceive an injury, lest you bring forth a lie; the frequency of self-rebuke through experience will pair away sudden reflections. Let not little touches and small scratches set you in a flame of anger. Because your drink is not warm enough, or your servant slow, or the Table totters a little at Meat, or the Door is not presently shut, to be in a scurvy Fever of wrath, betrays dirty blood and sordid spirits within. Because a Flea or a Fly troubles you, or a pot falls, or a pipkin boils over, or a glass broken, or children make a noise, or a thing is misplaced, or ancient people cough, or (as Myndyrides) because the roses in his bed were a little doubled, to be in a rage; shows a proud, weak, and effeminate Spirit, deserves the rebukes of silence, on deserting their company as unfit for humane converse. Some persons have Souls good for little but to salt their bodies, and exercise the graces of others, and are alive by providence for increase of wisdom, patience, and pardoning mercy in their Alliances: Like Vermine subtle to do mischief, and whet men's fancies to devise traps and gins to catch them; spend their days in trifles to spin perishing Webs, catch Flies, and spit their Venom.  
Let's turn our eyes from miserable deplorable forlorn Creatures, to him whose Throne is in the Heavens, and counts it a condescending humility to behold the Angels. 
Ps. 113.6.  All his works praise him, 
Ps. 145.10.  and his Saints bless him. Let's set out the glory of his Excellency, and admire the operation of his hands with heart and tongue. We are too like the poor Disciples that wondered at the Marble-buildings of the Temple; 
Mark 13.2.  are these things fit for a Saints wonder? Let's adorn our time by comparing Precepts with Providence. The rule of his Wisdom with its product and issue, and narrowly espy how God glorifies every Attribute in the management of Heaven and Earth. Providence comments on the Text of Prudence, and delights in Mercy and Love as the Issue of his own glorious Bowels. What stirred up Divine Wisdom to plot the mutual kiss of Righteousness and Peace together; but rolling bowels of compassion towards perishing man? when Angels fell from Heaven without recovery, yet according to the Multitude of his tender Mercies, [Wombs full of Mercies] hath blotted out our transgressions. 
Ps. 51.1. Hebr.  Let us be inflamed with Love to God, that sweetly provides for our bodies out of his Store house from the Air and Woods, from Seas and Rivers, from Hills and Plains; not only for necessity, but delight and ornament, withholding nothing from us that's good for grace or glory. But the Masterpiece, the Top, the Flower of love shines forth in the beauty of Gospel-Mercy. Let's dwell in the Temple of Meditation upon the infinite Love of God in Christ, till our hearts he enlarged and amplified with flames of affection, service and praise; when Divine Love is the Fountain of ours, we shall need no other arguments of bounty to Saints, than the sweet apprehension of his Love to us. We need no motives from Plato, Tully, or Seneca, who range up and down the Mountains of Fancy, and tyre their Pens to enforce particular Duties. That one Topick of Paul suffices us, 
2 Cor. 5.14.  The Love of Christ constraineth me. That love which is called by Solomon, 
Cant. 8.6.  the Flame of God.  
I shall enlarge no further than a few points from these 3 Springs of consideration; Whence we are, what we are doing, and whether tending.  
1. We came (say some) from the red clay in the Valley of Damascus, and tend toward the pale earth in the caves of Hebron. Nay, we crept out of the bosom of nothing, & are less than nothing and vanity, to compare with the Holy one that formed us, 
Is. 40.17.  and are able to do nothing without his Aid in whom we live, move, and have our being; 
Act. 17.28.  and shall such nothings be proud of any thing? What have we that is not received? and what's received, must be returned to the account of the Heavenly Donor in Joy and Praise.  
2. We are the Pictures of Old Adam drawn to the life by the Pencil of Satan, and sin is inspired into us by his venomous breath, and inflamed to lust after every red-cheeked apple of Sodom; proud of every Fig-leaf, and jet it about in Aprons made of the skins of Sacrifices, sporting in our own shame, cast down at the wagging of every Leaf: Gild makes us tremble at every bush. Rejoice not spiritually in any mercies, can neither act good nor bear evil; stumble at straws, and shrink at every silly taunt against God and Holiness, quake at the loss of a few shillings for any pure Ordinance or truth of Christ. O miserable Man, who shall deliver us! Had not the Dayspring from on high visited us, we had sunk into the bottom of woe and misery.  
3. We are passing creatures, and whether tend all our glittering shows but to dust and rotteness? The Scheme and Pageantry of this World it whirls away in a moment, and at judgement are stripped of all, but shame and confusion; what should puff us up and blow this bladder of pride, which is pricked with the least pin of Divine displeasure, and we vanish away. Let's admire and adore free grace, that hath opened a way through the blood of sprinkling into the Holy of Holies, and always contemplate and apply the magnificent Gift of Righteousness, which infinite Love hath consigned to us, that Mercy and Truth may follow us all our days, 
Ps. 23.6.  and we dwell in the House of the Lord for ever.   

CHAP. VII. The honourable Duty of Gratitude.  
GOD is the Supreme Lord Paramount of Heaven and Earth, and therefore the highest Homage is due to his Name. All Rivers spring from, and swim into the bosom of the Ocean. The Sunbeams reflect from the Earth to the Sun again: Fragrant Flowers perfume the sweet Air, which opens them. All must be received with thanksgiving; and being thus sanctified, prove double Mercies. Every enjoyment must turn to improvement: our comforts must be exalted into helps; the Viatica and Supports of our Pilgrimage while Travelling with Peace-Offerings towards Zion.  
We must prevent God by early Praise as well as Prayer: 
Ps. 57.8. Ps. 60.10.119.147.  The God of my Mercy shall prevent me, sings David; and every Child of David must prevent God again with his Songs. Jehosaphat delighted God with Instruments of Music before his Deliverance. 
1 Chron. 20.21.  Faith must tune an 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, a Psalm of Victory before the Triumph. Praise is the ingenious Mother of future mercies: As the Virgin Mary sang at Hebron before the birth of her Son at Bethlehem: 
Luk. 1.46.  O Heavenly Contention between Mercy and Duty!  
The Eye of Man has a Musclè, which Anatomists call the Levator to help him to look up to Heaven: A grateful Muscle! Unthankful persons cut out that excellent Organ, and corrupt the Crystalline humour of their memories by tears and poring too much downward upon their Afflictions. Many men's mercies through ill digestion ferment into Bane and Poison: 
Zwelser Append. ad Animadvers. Fol. 1667. p. 67.  As the learned Zwelfer, late Physician to the Emperor Leopold, tells us of a Noble Germane, almost slain by the powders of Pearl, Coral, and other Cordial Species: that which should have cherished his Spirits, wrought towards a dry Consumption. Many like Jesurun wax fat with mercies, and grow lean in praises, and kick with that strength which mercy gives them, and trample on those bowels that roll towards them; like great men's stomaches surcharged with dainty viands, grow sick and squeezy, overeat their appetite, and confound concoction with various mixtures of flesh & fish & luxurious Sauces; & then complain of splenetic fumes and flushes: Like Israel quarrel at Quails and make light at Manna, while qualms and maukish phlegm and bitter choler flings up from their Hearts. Ungrateful persons are the Grave of mercies, and often cast up their rotten matter. It's an Argument of a vicious stomach, to turn wholesome food into sour humours. 
Borrichus de Egypt. p. 282. Fol. 14. p. 239.  Hermes after wine took a grain of Mastic or Frankincense to hinder its coagulation into Tartar: And Arnoldns orders Bdellium to be taken with Scammony, to preserve the bowels from Ulcers. After Kindnesses we should take in Medicines against Ingratitude. There be many black instances of this base and degenerous Temper. Aristotle hath many a sinister bend in his Infamous Scutcheon portrayed by Borrichius, but for three most memorable; in betraying Stagira his Native City, in scorning at Plato his excellent Tutor, and for dipping his finger in a design of poisoning Alexander his munificent Prince.  
Another was that of the lean and pale Brutus, 
Sueton. in Caesar. c. 92. Plut.  to whom (being found among the bloody Conspirators in the Senate-house) Caesar replied, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, What thou among them, What thou my Son? Being deemed his natural Off spring by Servilia the Sister of Cato.  
A third may be that Nobleman, 
Wigandus in praefat. ad Herb. Borussiae.  who being near death by a dangerous bleeding at nose, was cured with the blood red Burnet by a Germane Doctor, but denied him his Reward, because the Herb was found near his own Palace. Were not others of a more noble genius, it might shrink beneficence into a Mushroom, and blast the Flower of Love with a nitrous East Wind into the Dust. Such wretches are like the beastly Capraemulgi in Aelian, 
Aelian de animal. l. c. 39  that suck the poor Goats, and by their venomous mouths shrivel and dry up their Udders, that they never give milk more. Impudence is the Fruit of Ingratitude, and genders to all manner of lewdness.  
Gratitude is a high piece of justice, and feasts the owner with a joyful Conscience. A thankful, and cheerful person walk together, and is a grand Ornament to his profession: The three Graces tread their measures before his door in Crowns of Myrtle: 
Chartarius Imag. Deorum, p. 336.  They were form by Ancient Statuaries in shape of naked Virgins, cheerful and smiling upon each other, to teach that kindnesses must flow without fraud, with a candid, 
Rom. 12.8.  simple, and delightful spirit, Yea, Holy Page recommends it when done, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 with singleness of heart, with a generous frame, casting no squint-eye, or nourishing any base aim, either to elevate the crest of pride, or debase others into servile offices. And this deportment ingener●tes a sweet temper in the Hearts of Receivers. Love is the Cement of the Universe and humanity is twisted into unity by kindness and concord. Virtuous Heathens numbered the graces among their Deities, noting it for a Species of Sacrilege not to return Favours with an aimiable Gratitude.  
The Dispenser of Love should have a slippery memory, but the Recipient should engrave it on Pillars of Marble and Pyramids of Brass: The Giver should shut his Eyes when he opens his Hand. Dissimulation without blame, to cheer an unknown person, or to hid his knowledge; 
Prov. 19.17.  such a one lends to the Lord, and makes Heaven his Debtor; and surely there is Treasure enough to requite him: while he that accepts gratefully makes God his Paymaster by Prayer.  
If by giving we expect returns, we fit like Publicans at the Receipt of Custom, and give to ourselves what we pay to others: Self-love is never truly magnificent. To pour out benefits upon persons unknown or unable to return shows delight in bounty; and the pleasure of Love to see such walk at liberty, whose Iron bands we have unloosed incognito. A liberal man deviseth liberal things like a Prince, 
Is. 32.8.  and seeks out Objects to exercise friendship, that so great a Grace may never lie idle. A brave Spirit judges he receives the kindness which he bestows; as M. Antony said, Whatever I give, that I have. The Europaeans purchase whole Territories with a few Beads, Knives, and Hammers of the naked Indians: much more happy who gain an Eternal Inheritance by a few Penies. Such a one bestows himself, whose Coin comes warm from the Mint of his Heart, and shall be melted into a Crown of Life.  
He that seeks a debtor does but drive a Trade, hearkens to the promise because of payment: He gives proudly and worships his own ambition, and sacrifices to the Drag of Covetousness: He deals a Loaf, but full of Grits to break the teeth; and a Scorpion instead of Fish, to sting the Stomach. Be kind to such as are hoising sail to the Indies, and send precious Cordials to such as swelter under incurable maladies; or those that hold out their needy hands in a dusky even. Scatter your morsels to them that come from far in a Pilgrim's Habit and a transient Staff, 
Heb. 13.2.  and so entertain Angels at unawares: 'Tis the ready way to find Treasure Trove, to enjoy plentiful Crops reigned down from Heaven, and Ships blest into the Ports from Storms and Pirates. Others spend their unsanctified returns in vanities, while the bowels of Saints almost cleave to their Backs, and the next year their credit sinks at Land and their ships at Sea; or find the way to the French Harbours, while others sail in safe by the breath of Prayer. We may stand in need of the meanest before the Sun shines again from the Northern Tropic, and those that scrape in dunghills and rake for Nails in Chapels, may ride in pomp upon Velvet Saddles before twelve Moons be wained. The Old Man of Winchester found it by experience, being cast into the depth of poverty by one whom he had oppressed in youth. Haman may climb the Tree of Justice though planted for Mordecay; and blind Samson may see well enough to pull down a Playhouse upon 2000 Philistines. Who knows what evil may thunder upon the Earth, and where the Bolt may hit? A scoffing Noble was trod to death in the Gate of Samaria, 
2 K. 7.29.  who had mocked a Prophet, and jeered at the Windows of Heaven but a day before. Cast your Bread upon the sliding waters, 
Eccl. 11.1.  which though swallowed in the Sea, return through the Caverns of the Earth into the same River after many days. A prudent man foresees the evil and flies into the Temple of Charity, and there meditates upon both fortunes: He reaps at present the plentiful crops of Peace in the Champain of a good Conscience, and makes a continual Feast to himself upon the dones let fall to others.  
He that gives to Princes and rich Equals, 
Prov. 22.16.  may come to poverty by outvying. Such as expect returns are like Merchants in the Port, Physicians in Cities, and Victuallers is in Camps; and such as sun their Fancies in the Usurer's Walks. They are Traffickers and not Benefactors, and are often out-witted by Expert Sophisters, who are wonderful officious in hopes of gain. Like Crows that fit kawing upon an old stump watch dying  with much ceremony, and with fawning flatteries hop about them till they pick out their Eyes. But whatever be the frame of the Givers Spirit, the Receiver must not pry too narrowly into the Patron's Conscience, but make his kindness the seed-plot of renown.  
Happy are those Noble Souls who so give as to stir up a sweet memorial before God and man. The amiable frame of the Giver out shines the Gift itself, and cherishes Gratitude in the leanest Soil. Praise is comely for Saints, 
Ps. 33.1. 2 Sam. 24.23. Mat. 5.45.  especially when men with Ornan give like Princes; when Jebusites act like Israelites or like God himself, whose Sun warms the House of the Evil, and his Rain pours down upon the Field of the Wicked. It becomes us to let God hear from us, when we hear from him, and all his Mercies to turn into Sacrifices. A thankful Spirit is like a Musical Echo in the Star-chamber of Heaven. Man must not only be a Concha but a Canalis; 
Bernard.  not a Shell to retain, but a Channel to derive mercies. Like marble Basins at Fountains, when full, run over to others and water the parched Plains. Our Cornfields must grow for the Poor and the Levite, 
Deut. 12.18, 19.14.27, 29.16.11, 14.  as well as to swell our barns and cram our Garners; that others hearts and faces may shine with the Oil of Joy and Thankfulness both to God and us. That like the cheered Lark when enlivened by morning warmth, mounts up with singing out of our sight towards the Sun's Chariot, and thanks him with a Sonnet, and makes him rejoice to run his Race.  
We should learn his Lesson, and praise the Fountain of Israel's mercies at the dawning day. Scruple not to leave the Rosy-fingered Morn a-bed in Tithonus Arms. Leave the Sun a Sluggard sweeting in the watery Embraces of the Eastern Ocean. We need not the glittering Lamp of Venus to find out the Palace, or knock at the Gate of Heaven. The blessing of former, the sense of present, and the hope of future Mercies, should all inflame us. Our Souls from experienced observations of former Mercies, like expert Astronomers, should predict benign Configurations before the distilling Influences, and praise him at the dawning and daybreak of Mercy. Nay, our lives should be a whole Tenor of praises, since we are hemmed in and compassed with kindness. We are laden with benefits, & Angels encampabout. us in Chariots of fire to protect both us and the mercies given. We should raise up a Temple of praise with walls ringing Marble. Every breath we draw in should go forth warn with Anthems. The bloods Circulation should run round in Songs, like the Hydraulick Instruments of Water Music; and every Pulse should beat upon the Strings of David's Harp. The wholesome Herbs should cure our Murmurs, 
Ps. 148.2, etc.  and all the Creatures of Air, Land, and Water should by our hands pay tribute of praise to God. The pleasant Rivers should convey our Songs to Paradise, and in the fragrant Flowers smell the goodness of God. The showers that cool the Summer's heat should inflame our Love, and make our Palm-trees flourish with fat Dates in the Courts of God. 
Ps. 92.12.  In Medicinal Baths and Springs we should hang up our Testimonical Crutches, and write a votive Table. The precious Metals, whose marks above ground betoken the enamelling of natures Bowels, the divining Rod and skill to dig them and melt their Oars into plate, should all be form into Golden Flagons to be consecrated and hung up in Zions' Sanctuary. When the May-Quiristers sing with a Thorn at their Breasts by night, to allure us from the Thorns in ours, and delight us when we cannot sleep, or awake us like Princes with the Music of their Spring Lyries; we should answer their praises of our Holy Mutual Maker (like the Musician in Strada) with sweeter Elegance, and cause the Nightingale to fly to us, and pant upon the strings of our Lutes in transcending praises, and confess themselves conquered; and at the ceasing of our warbling melody, die in consort. We dwell in this World as in a sumptuous Palace arched over with spangling Stars and transparent Saphires, which fears neither fire nor falling. Should not we set up Jacob's Pillar, or Solomon's Jachin, and Boaz in the porch? Yea, let every House be a little model of the Universe; anoint pillars in memory of protecting and providing Mercies, and consecrate them daily unto God. Set up Monuments in each Valley of Bacah, and pen Psalms for the Birth of every favour, and our Right Hands never forget their cunning. He crowns the year with his goodness; let's compass his Altar with Songs. Let annual Mercies dictate perennial Melody, and perpetuate his Bounty by graving every jota and Tittle of Mercy on the Empiraean tables of our hearts. Let's remember God, the Glorious Original of all Enjoyments; and the Gifts of each Beneficent Hand let's portray upon both our palms, to be lifted up to Heaven at morning and evening Sacrifice; and call upon all Creatures in order from the Heavens to the meanest Atom in an Universal Diapason of Praise and Triumph in God.   

CHAP. VIII. The Exaltation of the Divine Name for his Munificence; and in particular for Secret Mercies, in the structure of Man and his Preservation.  
DID the Ancient Heathens erect their Hermaea or Statutes of Stone to the honour of Mercury in Memorial of some casual and contingent happiness; 
Suidas.  and shall not we anoint Jacob's Pillar with fresh Oil to the true ●nd living God, with whom all contingencies are determinations of Mercy? Gracious Souls delight in his precepts because wonderful, 
Ps. 129.129.  and admire the Ocean of his benefits because unfathomable. Reverence to his Majesty is the Mother both of Obedience and Gratitude. We cheerfully obey him, because we love him; and he loves is the more, because we obey him. His love is the free Spring and the munificent Reward of all sincere services. He excites and enables us to Holiness, and then crowns us. A genuine Child takes pleasure in conformity to the Father's Will, and this Heavenly Father makes them conformable to his Son's Image. He plants the Spices of Lebanon in our Hearts, then breathes by his Spirit, 
Son. 4.16.  walks in his Garden, and eats his pleasant Fruits. A rare Master! that strengthens his Servants to work in his Vineyard, and then leads them into his Joy. 
Mat. 5.21.  There's no mercy but he helps us to improve as a clue to Heaven: No duty but he forms into a Ladder to Glory. Whether we eat or drink, or whatever we do, 
1 Cor. 10.31.  let's do all to the Glory of God and Christ, who died for us; 
1 Thes. 5.10.  that whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him. Let's sleep to refresh our Spirits for service, and when we awake, let's be still with him. 
Ps. 139.8.  He holdeth our eyes waking to ponder on his Mercies, and watcheth our eyes while sleeping, to serve him with more alacrity. We cannot sufficiently prise that secret Mercy that lodges with us every night within our Curtains. 
Sleep.  How many fiery Fevers doth cool sleep extinguish? From how many deaths does that brother and Image of death deliver us? Those silver slumbers are golden mercies: How great a favour, that temperate repast should send up cooling vapours to the brain to tie up our Senses, while we repose our limbs from labour? Nor let us pass the lovely Fields in Harvest without remark, when wise Nature hath crowned the Wheaten Ridges with numerous heads of Poppies, to minister both Food and Physic. 
Wedelius de Plani p. 17. Hook Microgr. p. 155.  And whereas one ingenious Physician hath observed, That the the Salt of humane Skull; so another curious Searcher hath delivered, That the Seed of Poppy (which causes sleep) is also of an Hexagon, or six-cornered Figure; and it may be its Salt may be yet more curious. As if the Atoms of the Fumes of Poppy were fitted and cized to the Texture and Cells of Man's Noble Capitol. Should we give a glance at the Eye when waking as well as sleeping, greater wonders would appear in opening its Humours, Coats, Nerves, 
Seeing.  and Muscles. And yet further contemplate the goodness of God in these later days in blessing the world with those perspicacious inventions of convex Glasses to help and delight our sight, by Spectacles, Telescopes, Microscopes, and Chamber-Landscapes. Such exquisite Glasses have so been form & polished, as some have conceived they have had a prospect beyond the Stars into the glitterings of the Empiraean Heavens, to their ravishment and amazement, and have been carried as it were into the Seat of the Blessed.  
Nor less marvellous is the contrivance of the great Architect of Nature as to the Sense of hearing. 
Hearing.  With what Artifice are these gristly Portals of the Ears set before and round about the inward cavity both for beauty and benefit, that great sounds may not enter with violence, and be defensitives against immoderate heat and cold? And that musical Tunes, by the fallacy of its circuit, may be received with the more delightful sweetness: and when entered, what curious Organs are fashioned within the Drums of the Ear, when the Hammer strikes words, and articulates them upon the Anvil, and sends its lively Mercurian Messengers to the common Sensory? That the Oil of a Snake, that quick-hearing Animal should cure the deafness; and those useful new inventions of the brazen Otacoust and the Stentorian Trumpet should be presented to us by the hand of Providence; the one to admit, the other to convey, voices at a great distance?  
Neither shall I enter the delicious Field of Anatomy in opening the Sense of Smelling: 
Smelling.  How the little spongious Bones, being portions of the Ethmoides, do drink up the moisture descending from the Head, lest it should be continually dropping from the Nose; and serve likewise to fence off dust and impure mixtures in the Air; that when the mouth is shut, it may be purely distributed both to the Brain and Lungs. Nor shall I treat of the Sievelike Tablet, or the Mammillary Processes, which being over-moist by defluxions or rainy Seasons, impairs the quickness of Sent. Nor may dwell in this Tower of Lebanon, 
Song 7.4.  where that watchful Porter has his Lodge over the mouth to give warning by scent, that no unwholesome rank or unsavoury Meat may pass within the door of our Lips; nor intimate further how the quickness and acuteness of this Scent may be preserved and increased by the smelling of Fragrant Flowers. 
Arnoldus, de vill. nova, p.   
Should we descend into the mouth and pry into the Instruments of Taste, 
Tasting.  we might relish much of secret Mercy in the frame of those Organs. I shall mention but a few: 
Bartholin. p. 365.  The Palate has a Coat common to the Gullet and Stomach, whence arises a great content between them; that so we may preconceive what's delectable and useful, or what's offensive and inconvenient for nourishment. 
Arnold. de vill. nov. f. 86. b. & quod bene sapit, nutrit. Id. f. 66. a.  For it is well observed by Arnoldus, Vtiliora sunt quaecunque delect abiliùs recipiuntur, That Food is most beneficial which is most delectable; if we spice his Aphorism with a grain of Salt, it's true and savoury. Again, the Tongue, another Organ of this Sense, has a thin porous Coat, that savours may descend into its fleshy part, which drinks in fumes and vapours from the predominant humours in the body; 
Riolanus,  an Index to the learned Physician by its roughness, whiteness, or blackness, of vicious and peccant qualities in time of sickness. And by the way let's remember, that under the Tongue and another member not to be named, Nature hath framed a Bridle, to mind us of a memorial restraint of walking, feeding, and other carnal inclinations. Besides the many excellent uses of this Sense, we may by savours in some measure discern the virtues of vegetables and many concretes both simple and compound, to the great pleasure of the expert Herbarist and Student in the Mineral Kingdom. And to conclude, as this Sense is impaired and mortified by the Palsy, and some other offensive Diseases in the Genus nervosum; so it may be quickened by hunger, 
Arnoldus, p. 16. b.  and cured often by Volatile Salts and Spirits.  
Let's touch a little upon the Sense of Feeling, 
Feeling.  whose Instrument is the Flesh (not the common, 
Spigelius, p. 303.  so called) but that which is soft and replenished with nervous Fibres. This Sense by the several Conjugations of the Nerves, and the fine Spirits gliding through them, is dispersed over the whole Body; and where ever 'tis lost, the use of that Member perishes. So terrible are those Distempers when the Nerves are obstructed by Viscous and Tartarous matter in knobs, wens, gouts, and the like; or contracted by sharp and acid Juices, as in Cramps and Convulsions, and Side-pains or Stitches, or their Tenor relaxed as in Palsies; or the Spirits within astonished and brought to a sudden sistency without motion, as in Frights and Apoplexies, which often proceed also from the inordinate use of Tobacco, Coffee, Henbane,- seed, Opium, Mandrake, and the like, either in Medicine or by negligent Customs. So that we have wonderful reason to break forth into the praises of a Gracious God, that so often preserves from Thousands of Deaths by his wakeful providence; 
Act. 17.27.  that very Heathens might learn to feel after him, and find out some portions of the power and wisdom of his Deity. To let pass the Mercurian Medicines, I mean not the ordinary in Shops, but such as Arnoldus, Paracelsus, and Rhumelius magnify in these cases to the learned in Physic; I shall only take notice of a rare Experiment of the Honourable Boil about a blind Dutchman, 
boil, of Colours. p. 44.  named John Vermaasen, not far from Maestricht, who could discern seven several Colours by the touch of his Fingers if he were fasting, according to the asperity or smoothness of the surface of the Ribbons. But by what means to help those Distempers that impair and obstruct this so useful a Sense, I dismiss to the Learned and Experienced in the Art of Physic.  
To proceed a little further in the admiration of God in the curious secret Frame of Humane Bodies, but particularly the stupendious operations of the Bowels, and the other great Wheels that move continually for the fabric of Chyle, Blood, and Spirits. Oh what wonderful Cookery and Housewifery is exercised by that noble Viscus of the Stomach? 
Tiling. de fermentatione, p. 58.  how the Relics of the last Meal growing acid prepares a ferment or leaven for the next, whereby the milky Chyle after the first digestion is concocted, and from the bowels conveyed in numerous Veins filled with that white Liquor, 
Perquet. experim. Anatom. 6.  and dispersed through the Mesentery into a Cystis or common receptacle, and thence carried up along by the Vertebrae till it's poured down into the Heart, the true and genuine officine of the blood, which a little above it, and before its entrance, in dissections of Dogs newly killed appears half tinctured, as I may compare it to Cream died with bruised Strawberries. Hence it's communicated to the Lungs and Liver, and other parts of the body, and after by circulation in the Arteries is reduced into a finer crimson texture. Here I might insist to show how incommodious to the body of Man it is to admit of frequent Phlebotomy; by the loss of Blood, Dropsies, Consumptions, and other formidable Diseases have their Original; 
Helmont.  as the learned Helmont hath observed, when upon much evacuation of blood for the Cure of Pleurisies such dangerous effects have ensued. It is not here a season to gather up Arguments from Scripture, 
Deut. 12. Leu. 3.17, 10, 11, 13.14. Gen. 9.4.  showing that the Life of Animals runs in the blood, or to manifest that it is the very Balsam of man's body for the prolongation of life: And therefore with what care and sedulity the discreet Physician does usually order the letting of blood; what sign, what vein, what distemper, 
Burgravii Biolich. p. 86.  what time of the Disease, what age of Life, what habit and strength of Spirits, what quantity, what day, what hour, what cordials, what care after it; what observations about Women with Child, how endeavouring to prevent abortion often cause it, especially when near their time, as is observed by Hypocrates. I leave these things to be contested about between the learned Galenist and the experienced Chemist. 
Hippocr. Aph. 30. l. 5.  And by an Argument from the Cure of many Diseases by the Spirit and essence of humane blood digested and circulated. I might here discuss how studious, and solicitous, and wary, the learned in medicine should be to prepare the blood of a Goat against Pleurisies; and of Sal Prunellae, or other Remedies against the Quinsy, if possible to prevent the emission of humane blood, since it is the Fountain of those rare Spirits that are distilled in Nature's Alembeck of the Head, to be the Instruments of Motion, Sensation, and all vital Actions. There are other great wonders in the curious Fabric of this crazy Tenement of the Soul, which pose the most equisite in Anatomy: to determine the use of the Spleen whether to secern the Melancholy; whether it have a secret meatus or passage into the Stomach; to constitute helmont's duum virate of life, and what ferment is elaborated by those 400 Arteries supposed to be in it by that inquirer of Nature: Or the Cystis Fellea, to drain choler from the blood, and convey that Saline compost by the ductus biliarius into the Bowels, to carry off the Excrements; which if it be stopped and obstructed, produces that yellow Tincture to the body, and giveth denomination to the Yellow Jaundice: The delivery from which Disease is the ground of these Lines of Praise to my gracious Creator and Redeemer. Or what a rare Engine of the Cribrum or Sieve of the blood Nature hath form in the Kidneys, to stop that Liquor and let pass the Amber Urine by the Ureters into the Bladder; which if it be corroded or eaten through by acid Tunbridge Waters, or other sharp Saline Humours, procures a mixture of Blood with Urine, and sometimes so large, that life is endangered; or if it be obstructed by Gravel and consistent Stones, what acute pains succeed woeful experience teaches: In which case the Aroph Paracelsi, which is a Chemical preparation of the essence of Saffron, called by them the Aroma or Spice of the Philosophers, hath wrought efficacious benefits. The last and greatest Wonder in Nature are the Seminal Vessels, composed for the continuation of Mankind; every of which, with their Balsam of Life contained in them, deserve a double Volume. One to describe their Texture, connexion, and Use, with the Remedies to preserve from, and cure their Incident Diseases: The other full of Hymns to our most glorious Creator. But these and the like I dismiss to Spigelius, Riolanus, de Graef, and others of that Learned Nation; not omitting that Ingenious Tract of our own Countryman Dr. Smith on the 12th of Ecclesiastes. Let us cry out with David, I am fearfully and wonderfully made, Opere Phrygionico, 
Ps. 139.14.  with curious needlework, of the Divine Hand in the lower parts of the Earth. Did we but see and search a little into the admirable frame of Man's Body, and upon what slender Golden Wires and nice Labyrinths in those Wonderful Passages in the Clockwork of our Bodies the continuation of Life did depend, we should be astonisned at God's Mercy; and instead of wondering that we live so long, might stand amazed at living but one minute. For if either the Vessels be disordered, or the Liquors contained within them, we should soon pass away and be no more.  
Nay, if the five External Senses were every way complete in their Organs and Spirits; 
Fernel. de anim. facult. l. 5. c. 3.  yet if the inward Crasis of the Brain be touched, what becomes of the inward Sensory, which is the Centre whereinto all the Rays of External Objects are brought, there to be judged, exercised, and acted upon by the Imagination; to be laid up as in a Cell or Promptuary by that great Lord Treasurer of the Soul, the Memory? Whereof Holy Austin cries out with great admiration of God, 
Austin de Confess. l. c. 01.17.  [Magna ista vis memoriae, nescio quid horrendum Deus meus, profunda & infinita multiplicitas! etc.] O the great power of Memory! O my God, I know not what an horrible thing it is! O the profound and infinite variety in it! Behold what walks in the Fields, what lies hid in the Dens and innumerable Caverns of my Memory! etc.  
These and other powers and faculties of the Soul, though in themselves of admirably useful, delightful; yet were it not for the constant influx of divine mercy, might soon be impaired and decay; that men of the highest pitch and grandeur of parts might soon shrink into mushrooms and idiots, and prove miserable Objects of scorn and pity. But besides their being subject to natural waste, what he said of death in general may be applied to any sense or faculty in particular. Mors seni à foribus, juveni ab insidiis; Death stands before the door to old Men, but behind the door with Traps and Gins for Youth. This would be very apparent should we enter the Lists of discourse only about the various Poisons which lurk in all things for the destruction of Man, without the secret contrivance of such wicked wretches as Pope Alexander the 6th. I shall hint but a few Memorials in reference to the 4 Elements so called, with which we daily converse. Not to mention what pits and delves lie in ambush for the lives of Travellers in the Tin-works of Cornwall, 
Earth.  the Mendip of Somerset, or the Peak of Derby; what quaking bogs in Ex or Dartmore, and in the Crags of Carmarthen, especially when covered with Snow. But this falling under the conduct of accidental providences, it's more expedient to mention the frequent use of Antimony, Quicklime, Vitriol, Sulphur, Steel, Alum, Bolearmenick, Lapis Lazuli, Nitre, etc. appointed for compositions in most Dispensatories; which oftentimes by their unskilful preparations prove deadly poison, as might easily appear both by reason and example: And especially in the use of Quicksilver, which although sublimated into a Mercurius dulcis, and counted safe by many, and often proves so; yet there want not great examples of its mortal Venom, & that poor Children find by sad experience. And this is a certain rule of Helmont about all preparations of Mercury, Quamdin resuscitari potest est venenum, nec boni viri remedium; That so long as it can be revived again by Art its Poison, and no Medicine for an honest Man to use: And how easy it is to revive Mercurius dulcis, an ordinary Chemist can determine. But I shall not insist here, nor hint about the Earth, that the very Soil where Corn grows gives a various Tincture to it, and makes some more wholesome than others; as may be considered in reference to Grain produced in Mineral Countries.  
Should I amplify about Waters, 
Water.  it might overflow a Volume. But this Element being truly Terra fluens, Earth in Flux, is impregnated with the various Salts and Sulfurs that it finds in the bellies of those mountains whence discharged, and in the Channels of those Champions where it sports and plays in curious Maeanders and pleasant Turn: And therefore according to its differing imbibitions is sometimes wholesome and often pernicious to humane bodies; 
Schoockius de cerevisia. Bochart, de animal. par, 1. p. 292. 2 Kin. 2.19. Untzer. p. 967. Willis. Henr. de Rochas.  and hence 'tis of great concern in Brewing and all Offices of the Kitchen. For instance: The Waters about Jericho were naught, causing Women to miscarry. The Waters among the Alps procure the Kings Evil. The Water of the River Po breeds the Stone. Those at Watford in Northamptonshire make men bald at 30; and those at Carleton in Leicestershire induce a wharling in the Throat, 
Veget. de remilit. l. 3. c. 2. Juvenal. sat. 13. v. 161.  and generally the stagnant corrupt Waters of Fens are dangerous by naughty Ferments for the Pestilence. Such as are taken up at Fountains, are replenished with the Atoms of that Earth whence they spring; and such as are near great Cities are not so wholesome, especially when conveyed home by Leaden Pipes, and landed and kept in Cisterns of the same Metal; 
Plin. l. 31. c. 7. Vitruu. Lang. Ep. Albert. de Met. l. 3. c. 4. Majer. Symbol. p. 494.  as Pliny, Vitruvius, Albertus Magnus, Langius, Majerus, and other of the Learned have observed, that Griping of the Guts, Bloody Fluxes, and Kings Evil, are tormenting Diseases to such Inhabitants, which I could wish were attended by the worthy Citizens of London, my dear native City.  
If the Earth and Water minister so many inconveniencies to the prosperous Health of Man, 
Air.  how can the Air be free which is always filled with Vapours and Steams from both? Whence some Solutions may arise to the questions about the various Products of different Winds blowing from the Horizon. Why the Nitre of the North makes the Air so bitter, and the Sulphur of the South so contagious. Why the East so parching and blasting, being mixed with mineral Atoms from the Mountains of Germany, Hungary, and Thrace; and in Jewry from the Mine Hills of Arabia; though there may be other latent Causes intermixed. Are not some places noxious to the Brain by vegetable Fumes, as Arbours of Night shade, Walks of Walnut, and Woods of Box? Nay, do not many Animals (where frequent) infect the Air, as Naturalists have observed, and to name but one for warning sake? 
Arnold.  It's noted by Arnoldus out of Avenzoar, that the continual usage of Cats is so unwholesome to the Body of Man, that it often produces the Physic and Consumption of the Lungs: And so do many Learned Physicians testify by experience. 
In Ramsey of Poisons.   
But to hasten; 
Fire.  it may not be unfit to observe that the Air may be much impaired as to wholesomeness by the very culinary Fires which we use; where scarcity of Trees forces many to use dried Cowdung, Turf, Peat, Seacole, and Canol instead of Wood The crude Sulphur & Arsenical Fumes that fill the Air of our city, are doubtless great causes of the multitudes of Consumptions within those Walls, by drawing so constantly those corroding Fumes into the Lungs. Not to mention that the very Body may be much molested by Itches, and Scabs in sitting by Seacole Fires; 
Arnold. siquis, p. 64. b.  and the very Meat that's roasted and Beer warmed by them, is not so wholesome. 
Bacon, Nat. Hist. p. 202.  Let the Learned Bacon vouch my fears, who affirms, that the vapours of Sea-coal as well as Charcoal in a close Room, hath killed many; and stealing in by little and little, induces only faintness without any manifest strangling. And to this I can attest with great thankfulness for my deliverance, being forced to sit in a close Room for a long time in a late Winter, and found evident recovery by change of Fuel. O what cause have we to magnify the Name of God for the sweet Air we breath in, and to sweeten it more with the Music of our Praises; and that all within us should bless his Holy Name. That every Western Wind with its fresh and wholesome Gales should open the Flowers of Thankfulness; that every sense and all their Organs? that every Nerve should strive to string the Harp of Praise: 
Ps. 139.4.  not a thought in our Heart, or word in our Mouth, but should be known to him altogether in the Echoing and Resound of his Gloey. That our Spiriturl Senses should be ever exercised in making him their lovely Object, 
Heb. 5.14.  and his Holy Bosom the Centre of all their Songs. Shall the Holy Psalmist lead the Choir?  
Praise him all his Angels and all his Hosts. 
Ps. 148.1.  Praise him Sun and Moon, with all the Stars of light. The Heaven of Heavens, and the Waters above the Heavens. The Dragons and all Deeps, Fire and Hail, Snow and Vapour, Stormy Wind, fulfilling his Word of command; Mountains and all Hills, Fruitful Trees and all Cedars, Beasts and all , creeping Infects, and flying Fowl; Kings of the Earth and all People, Princes and all Judges, Young Men and Maidens, Old men and Children, Praise ye the Name of the Lord, for his Name is alone excellent, his Glory is above Earth and Heaven.  
Let every bright Lamp of the Firmament prove a falling Star, and worship at his Footstool. Let the cold Influences of the Moon wax warm with motion in the Chariot of Praise upon the mighty Waters. Let the healing Balsam of the Sun, which cherishes the surface of the Earth & its Inhabitants from Pole to Pole inflame every living Creature with his Glory. Let the Sea roar, and the fullness thereof: Let every River wash the Pavement of his Temple, 
Ezek. 47.1.  and run under the Threshold of his Sanctuary. Let the savage Lions hasten, and the ravenous Eagles fly to his Altar and pant to expire in its Flames. Let all the Spices of India and Arabia perfume the Mansion of his Honour. Let all Minerals, Rocks, and Mountains, pour out streams of Oil to attend his Sacrifice. Let all the Vines of Lebanon, Eschcol, and Sibmah thirst to empty their blood-red Liquor for Drink-offerings. Let mighty Aetna, Vesuvius, and Hecla cast up their flaming Bowels upon his Hearth in Zion, 
Isa. 31.9.  and turn all his Sacrifices into ashes. Let his Priests be clothed with Salvation, and his Saints sing aloud for joy, for the Lord reigneth. Let the whole Earth rejoice, and the multitude of Isles be glad thereof. Let the Holy Angels answer from Heaven with their Silver Trumpets, Glory be to God in the Highest, peace upon Earth, and good will to Man; whose grand employment should be to study, discern, and applaud the Infinite Love of God in all his Mercies, which in a few words shall close this Period.  
1. When we taste some sweetness and relish the goodness of God in every Mercy; which is that Divine Symploce on David's Harp, or an elegant Complication of two figures, the Anaphora and Epistrophe together. O give thanks to the Lord, 
Ps. 136.1.  for he is good, his Mercy endureth for ever, That as the Name of God in our native Tongue is from good, so our Souls should spell the nature of his goodness, and every passage of his Providence.  
2. When Mercies return down to us upon the wings of Ejaculations sent up to Heaven; when enlargements of heart follow straits in prayer: What Divine Benefits shine out suddenly like Stars in a dark night?  
3. Then mercies come in love when they flow in by sucking at the Breast of a Promise; for hence we know that God is in covenant with us. For then the Spirit seals our interest, when he who penned the Promise writes it in our Heart, when he that breathes them, warms us by them.  
4. When we feel supporting strength in a dark night, when ready to faint, feel sudden Cordials, when trouble is nigh and God is nigher: When the Heart fails, and God enlivens. 
Ps. 73.26.  A Saint may perceive it by the suddenness, sweetness, soul-calming quietness of a word within, consonant to the word without; and encourages a Saint to carry every new Emergency upon the memory of former experience in a Chariot of Love to Heaven. That no sudden accident knocks at the Door of our Hearts or Houses, but we as suddenly knock at the Gate of Heaven. If any tentation, new motion, or weighty affair surprise us at unawares, we instantly carry it through the Roof of our Closets into Heaven, & then our Spirits are in a holy calm, as gracious Rebekah found it, 
Gen. 25.22. Prov. 15.24.  knowing that the sudden desires as well as the set Prayers of the Righteous shall be granted. And now it's high time to conclude this Chapter with God; its whole Scope being to recount some portions of his manifold mercies, and to adore him for all his bounteous beneficence to us; who is the only first Spring, and principal Mover and Conductor of all the Kindnesses we receive from Men, being his Instruments, Servants, and Ordinances.   

CHAP. IX. The Anatomy of Mercies.  
FOR the Higher Advancement of Divine Goodness in all our Enjoyments, and to learn that excellent Lesson of Godly Contentment in all Estates, it were expedient to peruse, consider, and unbowel every mercy that comes down from Heaven. We have little reason to expect any when we remember our inability to merit, unskilfulness to improve, our ingratitude in slender returns of the least Benefits wherewith we are laden every day. It's mere free grace that showers down Kindnesses upon our barren, murmuring, and repining Spirits. Did we but refresh our memories with the many thousands better than us who are yet below us, 
Ps. 37.1.  we should never fret at the prosperity of the wicked, that are above us. In what a pleasant Paradise might our thoughts expatiate, did we beautify our Meditation with the prospect of the Flowery Meadows interwoven with Crystal streams, and the gentle rising Hills crowned with lovely Groves, more delicious than those of Woodstock? when we contemplate the various numbers, curious methods, amazing circumstances, the unexpected ends, and surprising designs in the Lawns and close Walks of Mercy. When we poor upon sins, pry too curiously into afflictions, grieve too smartly for imbitterments by Relations, and toil our Spirits with the losses and crosses of this Life; we disquiet ourselves in vain, and are too subject to mutter at every little disappointment and inconvenience. We augment our troubles, prolong our miseries, and run upon the brink of danger to charge a Gracious God foolishly. Let us then turn our eyes into the Anatomy-School of Mercies, and cut open the Inwards, and spend a diligent view on the curious Situations and various turn, and smaller Arteries of every Divine Favour; and holding up hands with Holy Jacob, 
Gen. 32.10.  proclaim our unworthiness of the least of mercies; and while we are musing what might comparatively be esteemed the least, as that we have a Being, and Life, and draw one Breath of Air, the Original conducts us into his Courts with praise and gratefulness, 
〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉  Katonti. I am lessened in mine own eyes before every mercy; the least of which should humble and lay us low in the sight of God. What am I, and what is my Father's House, that the great God should cause to great faithfulness and truth to shine before us, and lighten our Path to Glory? The School of Salerne writes of the Body of Man, [Ex tricentenis decies sex quinquéque venis,] That it consists of 365 Veins, one for each day of the Year. To be sure there is not one particular Mercy but yields matter of Contemplation all the days of our Life. We should cut open the Root, climb the Branches, smell the Flowers, and taste the Fruit of Divine Love in every Mercy.  
O rare Employment, when we ride, or walk, or sit, or lie waking in the Night, 
Ps. 77.5.  to ruminate in the days of Ancient times, & run over the state of the Church from Genesis to the Revelations, and compare our case with any of the Saints of old, and work our hearts into praises, as David often gins his Psalms with mournful Elegies, and concludes with joyful Ecstasies. As the Ancient Church sprang in Egypt, passed through Paran to Sinai, and at length sat under their Vines in Canaan. So every Saint enters his life with a Tragedy, but ends in Heaven.  
The first curiosity of each mercy lies hid in the Texture of a minute seed, which though exceeding small, yet by the influence of Heaven ferments and swells into a mighty Cedar. Who would think that the spreading Oaks of Bashan should sleep under the shadow of a small Acorn, and the sweet-sented Trees of Lebanon in a petty Berry. What vast Crocodiles of Nile break Shell from a small Egg? What Rivers of Fire, the first little sparks of Sulphur, do kindle from the bowels of Aetna? What little distaste at first overthrow mighty Empires at last? and what great Estates and Dominions start out of little casualties? The grand Ottoman Empire arose first out of the Flight of Mahomet, and Darius by the neighing of a Horse road into the Throne of Persia. One glance upon a poor captive Maid brought Esther to a Kingdom, Haman to the Gallows, and Israel to deliverance. David brought Cheeses to the Army, perhaps in the same Bag wherein he carried stones to fling into the Forehead of Goliath, and in the same brought back his Head to Saul. Nay Saul himself, when seeking of Asses, found a Holy Prophet and a glittering Diadem. The magnificent Kingdom of Solomon was almost all quite rend from his Son Rehoboam by a few harsh inconsiderate words to his People. A Dream hurries Joseph from Canaan to Egypt. and a Dream hands him out of Prison into Pharaoh's Chariot. 
2 Kin. 7.6.  A mere rumour saves Samaria from Famine, and a Kingdom from ruin. 
Ezek. 38.10.  An evil thought in the Heart of Gog in the later days shall bring the Turkish Armies into the Mountains of Israel, and there to a fatal slaughter in the Valley of Harmageddon.  
The motions of Hearts are sometimes infused, but always conducted by God. Sacred Story derives from Heaven the kindness of Abimelech to Abraham, of Laban and Esau to Jacob, of Ruth to Naomi, of Boaz to Ruth, and Jonathan to David. When others think of kindness to us, 
Ps. 40.17.  let's imitate David, 'Tis the Lord that thinketh upon me, and forms those thoughts within their hearts. This should calm our Spirits, when a former Friends heart is alienated by rash admissions of false suggestions, or when any faithful Jonathan expires his Spirit into the bosom of God. It should not be lost what Hobson, the late noted Carrier of Cambridge, said to a young Student receiving a Letter of the sad tidings of his Uncle's decease (who maintained him at the University) and weeping bitterly, and reciting the cause of his grief, he replied, Who gave you that Friend? Which saying did greatly comfort him, and was a sweet support to him afterward in his Ministry. The everliving God is the Portion of a living Faith, and he can never want that hath such an Ocean. He that turns the Hearts of Kings like Rivers at his pleasure, turns all the little Brooks in the World into what scorched and parched ground he pleases.  
The Seed-plots of Mercy are often moistened with soaking showers of affliction, before they sprout and appear above the ground. Our hopes may be long buried under clods of pressing troubles; the Blade nipped and withered by keen Frosts, and lie foot deep under Mantles of Snow before the quickening Spring. Jacob had the Seed of the Promise in his bosom, and carried it to Padan in Mesopotamia, and 20 bleak Winters must blow over him before he comes to set one foot upon his Rich Inheritance. Joseph's Feet were hurt in Irons, to fit him to tread more delicately in the King's Palace at Zoan; and when the Lord's time was come, 
Ps. 105.18.  by the same stairs which wound him into the Dungeon, he climbs up into the next Chariot to Pharaoh's. Few can bear great and sudden Mercies without pride and wantonness, till they are hampered and humbled to carry it moderately. Many heads run round in a maze of folly, if their haughty stomaches be not well cleansed with the Wormwood-wine of adversity. The prints of the Babylonian Iron fitted the Neck of Manasseh to wear a Chain of Gold, and the weight of his Fetters pressed down his Knees to Prayer. Some are forced to stoop like Camels and take up their Loads, and trace many a weary trot in a sandy desert, and drink their own Tears to slake their thirst, lest they should kick when Provender-pricked with prosperity. Such insolent Spirits, like Beggars suddenly advanced on horseback, will ride most tyrannically on the backs of others, because never made to by't on the Bridle. Did not wise providence in great mercy to their Souls, by breaking a Leg or an Arm, break their Hearts, the Earth were not able to bear some proud, impotent, insulting Rufflers. Wise, and wary, and well-advised persons remember that the Wheel is always turning, and that they who have been low may below again. Solomon had seen Servants on Horseback, 
Eccl. 10.7.  and Princes walk on foot upon the Earth. Bajazet was a mighty Emperor, commanding a great and puissant Army in the morning, and shut in an Iron Cage by night. And Valerian the Roman Prince that ruled from Euphrates to the Atlantic Ocean, was made a Footstool for Sapor King of Persia to ascend on Horseback, 
Mathias Hist Rom. p. 263. Ex Agathiae, l. 4. Goth. Eccl.  and at last had his Skin flayed off, and his Body seasoned with Salt, and perished miserably. Let none boast of to morrow, for who knows what bloody Rain may follow upon a red evening. It hath been reported, that a Learned Doctor of Oxford hung up his Leathern Breeches in his Study for a Memorial to Visitors of his mean Original. The truth I avouch not, but History tells us of Agathocles, who arose from a Potter to be King of Sicily, and would be served in no other Plate at his Table but Earthen Ware, to mind him of his former drudgery. 'Twere well if some would remember whose Shoes they have cleaned, whose Coals they have carried, and whose Money they have borrowed, and deal gratefully with their Creditors, 
Fox Martyrol. vol. 2.  as the good Lord Cromwell did by the Florentine Merchant in the time of Henry the 8th, when Woolsy like a Butcher forgot the King his Master. 'Twas otherwise with Holy David, who being in Kingly dignity, 
Ps. 78.71.  graciously calls to mind his following the Ewes great with young, when now feeding the Sheep of Israel. His Golden Sceptre points at his Wooden Hook, and he plays the old Lessons of his Oaten Pipe upon his Algum Harp, and spreads his Bethlehem ' Tent within his Marble Palace on Mount Zion.  
There be profound Mysteries of Mercy in the deep of Affliction, and golden Oar is often dug from the dark Caves of restraint, and great deliverances slide into us upon the streams of Sorrow. God sometimes sets our Corn fields on fire, to enlighten our path to himself. Storms in the Voyage to Tarsus drive Jonah 
2 Sam. 14.30.  quite back to Nineveh. He shuts our Shops, that we may open our Souls to him. Many break and are undone here, that they may be made for ever. A cracked credit heals a Shipwrecked Conscience. Their Coin is melted by a London Fire, that the Heart may not trust in uncertain Riches; and a melted Heart is more worth than a Kingdom of Bullion. Naked Job when scraping his Boils on the Dunghill, was clad with the rich Array of Humility, and his Ruby Botches glittered with patience, and became a more honourable Person than in Purple among the Elders at the Gate of Aezia. Earthly Riches take wings and fly up to Heaven to receive a new disposal, 
Pro. 23.5.  and Heavenly Riches fly down and make a happy change. When poor and sordid Spirits are listed up by a yellow Muck-hill, 
Is. 4.6.  God is pleated to sink their Ships by a south-west wind, that they may learn in their old Age to swim naked to the Rock of Ages. When Estates flow into men's Chests, and their aflections ebb from God; if good in the main, no wonder if shortly their Ears tingle with a rousing Hurrican, and a Moth of envy & reproach eat up their credit, and a Worm sent to gnaw at the Root of their Substance. Many blustering Storms split carnal hopes, that in broken planks of mercy they may recover the port of happiness.  
The Paths of Mercy are wonderfully intricate, that we may study and learn to descry the wind of Providence. God led his people by a right or strait way, says David, but in a very crooked and winding way according to the Stations set down by Moses. 
Ps. 107.7  The cloudy Pillar gave them many a weary turn to chastise their crooked hearts. Their Journey took them up 40 years, which might have been performed in passing over but 92 Miles from the Border of Egypt to the Southern City of Canaan: For Pelusium or Sin in the Land of Sinim, the last City of Egypt, was distant but 92 Miles from Rhinocurura or Nahalmizraim, 
Is. 27.12.  the first City of Canaan, on the brook in the South of Simeons' Tribe, called the River of Egypt in Scripture; as appears by the Itinerary of Antonine the Emperor, which at 10 Miles a day, considering so vast a multitude, makes but 9 days journey to arrive at the Land of Promise. Yet in what vast wander to and fro in that howling Wilderness did they roll about? Four several times they were commanded to turn about. 

First, 
Exod. 14.2. Numb. 33.7. Numb. 14.25. Deut. 1.40. Deut. 2.3. Numb. 14.34.  from Etham to Pihahiroth.  
Secondly, from Mount Horeb to the Mount of the Amorites.  
Thirdly, from Zinkadesh by the Amorite Mountains, quite back again to the Red Sea.  
And Fourthly, from the Red Sea northward again; besides other Special Turns according to the various Stations in the Wilderness to bear their Iniquities, and know God's Breach of Promise, which though failing to them that believed not, and so first broke with him; yet was fulfilled to a tittle with their Children, whom the murmuring Fathers had consigned to be a prey in the Desert.   The posterity of those Repiners were taught better manners by the Briars and Thorns of Sinai. We never carve well for our selves, when we snuff at the portion cut out to us by the Hand of God. The way to our old Lovers is hedged up with merciful thorns, to turn us into the right way to the new Jerusalem. 
Austin. Confess. l. 9 c. 9  Austin says of his Mother Monica; She had learned the Lesson of a Virtuous Wife, not to resist her offended Husband, [Non tantùm factor, sed nè verbo quidem,] Not by an unseemly word, much less in carriages. How much more obsequious behaviour own we to the Father of our Spirits, that we may live in his love; and to that Heavenly Husband of all gracious and meek Souls, to gain his delight in our persons by resembling himself? Then out of seeming discouragements we may draw real and experienced comforts, 
Is. 12.3.  and out of the deep Wells of trouble the Waters of Salvation and Joy. As the Woman of Canaan by our Lords calling her a Dog to try her Faith, proved herself to be one of the lost Sheep of the true Israel, which he came down to find.  
We must behave and quiet ourselves like weaned Children under all 
Ps. 131.2.  the toss and tumblings of their Mothers. Holy contentation and lowliness of Spirit must hush all the proud whimpering of our minds in the hour of Trial, till we become like little Children, if we would enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Jacob served for a Wife, 
Hos. 12.12.  and for a Wife kept Sheep in Aram, says the Prophet; though by an unkind brother was frighted thither, and by an hard Uncle was hurried back, by untoward Children forced from Shechem, and by a threatening famine compelled into Egypt; and all to this end, that God might nourish the People of Shem in the Land of Ham, to prepare them for the Milk and Honey of the Land of Canaan, at that time the possession of Ham's Posterity.  
God glorifies many an Attribute in one single Mercy, and teaches us to pry into every one, and to gaze upon the Lustre and Tapestry-work of all his Mercies. Though God is never the holier or wiser, more powerful or just, by our glorifying his Name; 
Joh 25.6.  yet 'tis our duty and his tribute, our homage and his condescending savour to accept it. The 3 glorious persons did glorify each other before all worlds, and do still. The Son was always rejoicing before the Father. 
Prov. 8.30.  The Son prays, Father glorify thy Name; and a Voice from Heaven answers, 
Joh. 12.28.  I have both glorified it, and Will glorify it again: And the Son prays, 
Joh. 17.5.  That the Father would glorify him with that Glory which he had with him before the World was. And speaking of the Holy Spirit, he saith, He shall glorify me; 
Joh. 16.14.  yet he is pleased to set forth his Name, that we should ascribe the Honour due to it. 
Ps. 29.2. Ps. 50.23.  He that offers praise glorifies him. To this end ought we to observe what wisdom shines in contrivement, what power in management against all opposition, and what mercy in finishing and landing such a Favour in our Bosoms. So that when we little dream such an Affair can come to pass, it suddenly surprises us with admiration and astonishment, by unspeakable Mazes and winding Labyrinths without our trouble; that as we now stand still and see his Salvation, so we may all our lives sit still and solace our Spirits with the curious Embroidery of Divine Providence. We may say as Naomy to Ruth about Boaz, 
Ruth 3.18.  Sat still, for the man will not be at rest till he finish the thing this day. Resignation of our concerns to the Wisdom of God should cure all anxious and querulous thoughts about Events and Issues. If God design such a Mercy, all the Powers on Earth cannot hinder it; and if it be against his secret Will, all the Princes on Earth cannot further it. Yea, if never so near to attainment, yet a trifling surmise shall blast it. Fellow the conduct of Providence by the Lamp of the Word, and this, Ariadnes' Thread will lead through all secret and dark turn, into the pleasant Fields of Enjoyment. This consideration, as it should stay our Spirits in reference to all outward Mercies, so more especially as to eternal. Where Election hath pitched an eye of Love, the Hand of Mercy will certainly guide to Heaven, If an elect Vessel could be imagined to be in the centre of the Earth, the very Bowels of the Earth should open, and a Golden Chain of Mercy be let down to draw up that Soul into the Centre of Heaven. I knew a Holy man, Mr. Christopher Hewling, who living in a profane Village in the Forest of Dean, had a Godly Minister sent thither on purpose to convert him, as that Reverend person professed himself: For he was there but a little time, I think about a year; and as soon as my Friend was converted, the profane people risen up against his Ministry, and chased him away. Not unlike a more glorious Instance of our blessed Lord, 
Joh 4.4▪  who (the Spirit of God says) must needs go through the Province of Samaria, that he might convert the poor old Woman of Sychar or Shechem at the Well of Jacob. How should we admire God, who is often pleased to go out of the ordinary way of Providence, to bring some into the way of Paradise!  
Meditation must sweeten our thoughts of God, by pondering on his Mercy, and what special goodness is wrapped up in every divine kindness. The circumstances of time and place, the methods, the means, the straits and exigencies, the persons, and speeches, and thoughts, of heart are transcendent in contributing to, and producing of admirable ends and issues. 
Gen. 22.14.  In the Mount will the Lord be seen. When the Psalmist's Feet had well nigh slipped, 
Ps. 73.2. v. 24. Ps. 66.11, 12.  yet was continually, with God, and held by the right hand of his Counsel till received to glory. He brings us into the Net, causeth men to ride over our heads, and carries us through fire and water into it wealthy place. When the Oil scarce wets the bottom of the Cruse, and the Meal spent from the Barrel, then comes the Prophet with a Miracle. 
1 K. 19.6.  When Elijah was faint under a Tree at Rithmah, then comes the Angel and bakes a Cake for him with Juniper Coals while yet asleep, and awakes him to eat it. When Moses, lay crying in a Cage of Bulrushes upon the River Nile, instead of a Crocodile to devour him comes the Daughter of Pharaoh to relieve him, and nurse him up for a King; nay to pay his own Mother for nursing her own Son. We should nourish sweet thoughts of God, when afflictions minister sharp to Sense. We may be nourished by the Meat from the Eater, and suck Honey from Flowers that grow on Thorns. God hath ordained varieties and successions in all. The Night, the Storms, the Winters and Wilderness of a Saint, shall end in a glorious Sunshine day, and an everlasting Summer in Heaven; that so in the midst of all anxious & perplexing thoughts within us thy Comforts may delight our souls. 
Ps. 94.19.  It's a double word or a quadrate-root in the Hebrew, and signifies to play or sport with delight and excessive Joy, 
〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉  and is used by the Prophet Esay to note the exuberant felicity of the Church in the later days, when she shall be dandled and danced over and over upon the knees of prosperity and mercy. 
Is. 66.12.   
The aims and ends of God should be eyed in every providence. Sennacharib was sent to correct and not destroy his people; 
Is. 10.7.  howbeit he meant not so, but to cut off Nations not a few. Stay, says the Lord, shall the Axe boast against the Hewer, and the Saw shake against the Handler? Let the Staff know itself to be but wood. For yet a very little while and mine indignation against Jerusalem shall cease, and mine anger shall end in the destruction of Nineveh and Babylon. When men determine, they must ask leave of God, or else they shall suck the Venom of the Cockatrice Eggs which themselves have laid. Like that infamous Pope, 
Baleus in Alexand. 6. p. 485.  who was himself poisoned with the same wine he had prepared for his Cardinals. Joseph's Brethren meant his ruin, 
Gen. 50.20.  but God meant it for good to save much people alive, to nourish his Father just 17 years in Egypt, the same number that he was nourished by his Father in Canaan, and to lay the foundation of a People that should be the ruin of Egypt's Armies. 
Ps. 37.6, 7.  Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for him, and he shall bring forth thy Righteousness as the light, and thy Judgement as the noon day. 
Jam, 5.11.  Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and seen the end of the Lord; he is very pitiful and of tender mercy. Although my house be not so with God, 
2 Sam. 23.5.  says David; yet he hath made with me an Everlasting Covenant, ordered in all things and sure. Let's finish this Chapter with some Inferences.  
The Anatomy of former Mercies puts an Argument in the mouth of Prayer, a Glass to the Eye of Faith, and a Harp in the Hand of Thankfulness. Whoso knows and considers he is worthy of nothing, will be meek and sweetly satisfied with every dispensation of God. 
Zeph. 2.3.  Seek the Lord all ye meek of the Earth. A meek Spirit is of a praying and thankful frame.  
Holy contentation is the Fruit that grows upon the Tree of Observation of foregoing Providences. All former storms have issued in spiritual calms. When the Disciples Ship was full of Waves, 
Mat. 8.26. Mark. 6.48.  Christ comes and treads the boisterous billows into a smooth plain under the Foot of his Command. Who can divine what infinite wisdom is doing? who knows what errand a flight of Snow, or a clap of Thunder, or ashower of Rain, is sent upon? When a Gentleman once riding furiously was stopped by a terrible storm, and forced into a Smith's Shop; demanding of him, for what particular use some of his mechanic Tools might serve? He replies in a chaff, He knew not: Then says the good man, How much less can you tell for what ends the wise God may send this forcible Rain from the Clouds! 
Judg. 5.21.  A Lion was once forced into a Pit by Snow, and perhaps many a life saved, and the valour of Benajah tried and proved. 
1 Sam. 12.10.  Samuel obtained a Victory upon the Philistines by thunder. 
2 Sam. 23.20.  Great Rains from Heaven overflowed the Banks of Kishin, and swept away the Canaanites into the Gulf of Destruction.  
Experiences of the precedents in former conducts teach a Saint not to ask riches, preferment, or health, or success, or any outward mercy with an impotent and impetuous Spirit; but with submission to, and consistency with the love and good pleasure of God. Say upon thy knees, Blessed Lord, I beg to have, and see, and taste thy love in every mercy. Nay, to discern that every cross is the fruit of fatherly Love, and every deliverance sweetened by the straits and pressures which turn the answer of prayer into an experience to fortify faith. If then we are instructed by former escapes to carry our Cross to Golgotha with our Lord and Simon, we shall certainly rise from Mount Olivet to a Crown in Heaven.   

CHAP. X. Repentance of Secret and Sudden Sins.  
THE Divine Visitation, by secret, sudden, and unexpected Mercies, lays strong Bonds and Obligations upon us to repentance and watchfulness against secret sins. They are always in the light of God's countenance to discern, 
Ps. 90.8.  and aught to be in the light of our Conscience to prevent. David sets a precedent to hid the word within our Hearts, 
Ps. 119.11.  to preserve from hidden offences. Set up the strict Judicature of Conscience upon heart inquiries, to testify both thy sincerity and gratitude. He that always makes conscience of secret duties and secret sins, is a sound and sincere Christian. A good conscience is a continual feast, and makes a cheerful Christian: 
Pr. 15.15. Pr. 15.13. Pr. 17.22.  And a cheerful heart does good like a Medicine, and places a man in a Paradise of peace and delight. One of the most dreadful roar in Hell will most probably flow from the neglect of the warning voice of conscience upon earth. That's the Salamander which lives in perpetual Flames, and stings like a Scorpion both with head and tail; looking backward upon ill-spent life, scorning the rebukes within, and forward upon endless and remedyless misery. What makes men so fearful here at the noise and alarm of any temporal judgement without, but guilt within? As Juvenal mourned over the Varlets of Rome in his days, 
Hi sunt qui tripidant & ad omnia fulgura pallem  
Cum tonat, examines primo quoque murmure coeli.  
At every flash of lightning they wax pale,  
When distant thunder rumbles villains quail.   
O happy Man that makes peace betimes with that inward Viceroy, 
Sueton. lib. 6. c. 48. Commertar. Schild.  before the thunderbolt overthrows the luxurious Table, and strike the Cup out of his Hand, as it did to Nero! Obey the faithful counsel of Conscience now, and he'll prove a faithful friend at death and judgement. Let him be thy present Counsellor, and he'll be thy future Comforter. He that's sound at Coat needs fear no searching. Whoso hath judged himself already, may with peace and comfort expect the judgement to come. 
1 Cor. 11.31.  Upon sincere scrutiny of thine own Spirit, thou mayest with some Holy Confidence lift up that gracious Prayer, 
Ps. 139.23. Ps. 19.12.  Lord search and try me, and cleanse me from secret sins. In the close, renew holy covenants, purposes, and resolutions with God, 
Col. 1.11.  and in the might of his glorious power to perform. If thou find thy heart thus sincerely engaged in the Court of Conscience, to condemn and arraign thyself, to ponder and consider thy ways; hence will arise a Fountain of unfeigned repentance under the Threshold of this Tribunal, as in Ezekiel's Vision: hence thou mayest conclude that thy sins are pardoned; and a Christian may surely know it by these Signs.  
1. If after deep Humiliation and serious care of Holiness the Soul find some inward relish, and some lively sweetness from the Hope of Pardon.  
2. If he finds that the Spirit of God infuses some sweet inclinations to lay hold of the Covenant founded in Christ, and closes with him on Gospel-foundations; that is, the mere grace and mercy of God in Christ to lost Sinners coming weary and heavy laden to his Throne: That man is in the happiest condition in the whole world. The consequence will shine out most illustriously when God shall heal iniquity graciously, 
Ps. 103.1.  by pouring peace into the Conscience, and subdue iniquity victoriously, 
Mic. 7.19. Ps. 19.12.  that no sin shall have dominion over him.  
Secret tears for secret sins are an excellent sign of an Holy Heart, and a Healing Balsam for broken Spirits. God well understands the Language of half words interrupted with sighs, and interprets them as the Steems and breathe of a broken Heart. My groaning, says David, 
Ps. 38.9. Ps. 69.5. Ps. 69.6.20.  is not hid from thee. And as all our foolishness is before him to cover it, so is all our heaviness to ease it; and therefore shall our Souls praise and please him more than a Bullock with young Horns and Hoofs upon his Altar. 
Bochart. de animal. vol. 1. col. 944.  Holy mourning keeps out carnal sorrow, and produces spiritual Joy. It stirs up the Heart of a Saint to beg preventing grace, which no false heart can perform without secret reserves. This inward sorrow prevents open shame. God will never give up such a soul to be trampled on by spiritual Enemies, who are already humbled by themselves. In Saint's humiliation there's a door opened for secret hope, because of the precious promises that are plighted to it, and especially of preventing future Sin by strengthening grace. 
Jam. 4.6.  For as the Love of God is the Fountain of all true repentance, so 'tis the attractive of more incomes of divine Love to the Soul. According to our Love so is our Faith and Trust in God, and according to our trust such is our freedom at the Throne of Grace. Trust in him, 
Ps. 62.8.  and pour out your hearts before him, pour them out like water in joyful tears. For when the stone in the heart is melted by mercy, the eyes will issue like a fountain of tears. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, Good men have melting Spirits. 'Tis a branch of the Covenant, 
Ezek. 36.26.  and a fruit of the effusion of the Spirit of Grace. It's asserted by the Learned in Chemistry, that no Menstruums are so powerful as Sulfureous and Oily Liquors to melt down the hardest Minerals: To be sure there's nothing like the Oil of Mercy so potent a Solvent for an Iron Heart.  
A true Holy Soul takes up his time within, and begs the presence and assistance of the Spirit: He principally labours at inward corruptions, to hack down that cursed thorn and stub it up by the Roots. He judges himself for secret iniquities, because God being a Spirit, has a special eye upon the frame of Spirits. Not the issues of the Tongue and vaunting of High Attainments is pleasing in his Sight, but the Spiritual issues of a humble Heart. God abhors that person who wallows in hearts defilements, and much more if he has a Golden Tongue tipped with Hypocritical Eloquence. The numbers of heart sins as to their kinds, are many; as to their acts innumerable. Yet an Israelite indeed is continually bending his Bow, and shooting forked Arrows into their bowels. Such are inward anger, pride, envy, revenge, earthiness, sloth of Spirit, security, unthankfulness, unpreparings of heart for Holy Communion, and the like. I might spread forth the odiousness of some of these inward Sins, and lay open the sources and springs of many outward enormities, which break out into the life, but shall surrender that Province to Moral Philosophy, or rather the Divine Ethics of Solomon, to cure these inward corruptions; and advise all Christians to beware of the first motions and conceptions of the Heart, to set a guard against sudden Tentations, and to startle at the first occasions to sin.  
A gracious person may be surprised and fall suddenly among Thiefs that lurk behind the Bushes. 
Occasions.  Nay, very holy men, unless wonderful wary, may be quickly tripped up by sudden Questions and unexpected Emergencies. Who knows the subtlety of sin, and the deceitfulness of his own heart? Take heed of answering quickly, and send up sudden Ejaculations to Heaven before you reply to a weighty and doubtful motion. 
Ps. 106.33.  Abraham fell twice in the case of Sarah. Moses spoke unadvisedly with his Lips at the Waters of Meribah. Asa was too quick with the Prophet; and Jonah was inflamed by sudden anger when the Sun scorched his head, and the Worm his Gourd; fretful passion burnt his heart into adust choler. Good Hezekiah was suddenly lifted up after a humbling sickness: And holy Josiah was too precipitant in the case of Pharaoh Nechoh. Slippery places may fling up the heels of great Giants, and little tentations may overthrow well-grown Christians. A sudden short Gust in a chopping Sea may overset a stately Ship when all her Top-Gallants are out, if not very well Ballasted.  
Strength of grace and powerful assistance are known by sudden onsets. To save credit, or stop a loss, or divert an inquisitive temper, puts many a good heart to a venture. If God withdraw, and guards be asleep, we may be blown down by the breath of a silly Maid: As poor Peter fell sorely, and broke his face upon the Pavement in Cajaphas' Hall. They do ill that put snaring questions and interrogatories; but they do worse who watch not a trapping tongue. Deliver a Saint from sudden exigencies, and he'll do well enough ordinarily as to any deliberate sin. Our Mother Eve was catched by a question, lost a whole Paradise of Fruit trees by a tempting Apple. David by an enchanting glance at Jerusalem kindled a flame, which had almost blown up his Kingdom: And what straits he was in at Maon, and Engedi, and Ziglag, his trembling Harp does tune it in mournful ditties. Had not Joseph been strongly supported, his black Egyptian Mistress had smutted his Soul and slain his chastity. We are too ready for sudden fear to join issue, and betray our Souls before we can recover our Spirits.  
Blessed is the Man who feareth always, 
Pr. 28.14.  and treads gently that he may walk securely. Can a man take Fire in his bosom and not be burnt? Take heed of sparks, to avoid flames▪ Beg pardoning grace for former slips; renewing, strengthening, and preventing grace against future invasions. Take heed of security after prosperous victories. Cyrus' the Persian, and Harold the Saxon, lost their lives in a new Battle after a late Victory. Upon great success sound your Trumpets in the Valley of Humility. God never seals assurance upon a proud Spirit; 
Is. 66.2.  he looks smileingly on the humble, and the contrite Soul that trembles at his word. Maintain secret communion, and heavenly strength will maintain your ground. The brighter the light of communion shines into the Soul, the clearer will a Saint see into the dark corners of a filthy heart, and keep his garments pure, and wash off his daily spots in the Laver of repentance. Every prayer must have its sighs, because every day we contract some blemishes. Delay estranges God, and makes a Spot to sink the deeper.  
Asclepiades the great Physician of Bythinia said, It was the Doctor's duty, 
Cells. de r●med. l. 3. c. 4.  [ tutò, celeriter, & jucundè curet;] To cure his Patients safely, suddenly, and pleasantly. Celsus adds, [Ferè periculosum est nimium, & festinatio, & voluptas;] That haste and pleasantness are mostly dangerous. Repentance, if sound, is never too swift; and the more bitter its potion, the more pleasant in Issue. Repentance that's hurried must be repent over. Much filth requires soaking showers. To set a Bone too hastily, may induce a Callus, and doubles the sorrow to break it again for a right placing. Be not earnest in time of affliction to use inordinate means to speed deliverance. Jacob was too nimble in bending his Knees for his Father's Blessing, it cost him 20 years' exile, and a shrunk Sinew before he obtained it fully from the Angel. Stay God's time, and the Mercy will ripen more kindly. Summer Fruit will rot before Winter, and such as are green gathered are windy and griping. Beasts that struggle in the Net are more entangled, and impatient Birds by fluttering in the Twigs, Bird-lime all their Feathers and stick the faster. It's no wisdom to eat the Iron Bars with Aquafortis, and break Prison unadvisedly; he may leap to the Neck in the Castle-ditch and sink in the Mire, or bruise his Bones in the Foundation-jettings for an Almanac in his old Age. 
Ps. 6.2.  Though David found some marrow in his vexed Bones, yet upon change of weather the aches brought Sin to remembrance. Our troubles will end more auspiciously when Angels are sent from Heaven to open the Iron Gate as they did to Peter, and lead him to the house of prayer. Thou mayest know when God intends a Salvation, the Shackles will fall off easily, and the Gates will fly open at night; and strange opportunities shall set thee in the Church's State, 
Ps. 126.1.  who was like them that dream, when God turned her captivity like streams in the Sandy South.  
Let every gracious Soul wipe off his sliding Tears with the hand of Hope. 
Rev. 18.5. Ps. 56.8. Ps. 108.4.  Though his Sins have seemed to reach to Heaven, yet his repentant trickling are laid up in bottles within the Heavens, and the Divine Mercies are infinitely above the Heavens of Heavens. Let thy grateful returns kneel before the Throne of of Grace in secret, firm Resolutions against Secret Sins, to prevent them, for the Honour of his Holy Name, who now jades us with Secret, and will crown us with Open, Mercies.   

CHAP. XI. The Leniment or Mitigation of Sorrows by pondering on Sudden Mercies, and the Sanctified Fruit of Afflictions.  
HOW brittle and uncertain is the State of all things? nothing under the Sun that's constant and permanent. What various Events confound the Counsels of the deepest Politicians, every Age demonstrates. Confidence of future prosperity, because a man stands upon the Pinnacle of honour, is a token of the extremity of Folly. Between the highest fortune and the darkest Gulf of misery, a day sometimes does not intervene. 
Dan. 5.30. Xenoph. Cyrodad. l. 7.  Belshazzar carousing in the Temple of Belus with the captive Flagons of Jerusalem in the day time, was the very next night found drinking off a deadly Cup mixed with his own blood. He that stands on the top of the Wheel may justly fear a whirling precipice. Physicians observe, That persons in the height of health are often nighest to some dangerous sickness, and need preventing Physic; while such as are in a recovering state are a great deal safer. When the Sun is in his Meridian Glory, than he gins to decline, and after the darkest time of night the morning Star gins to glitter out of the East. Sudden vicissitudes ought to render men cautious, and let the proudest Nimrods' take heed of being imperious. When Gales are very benign to the Sail, yet the Keel of a Ship may be near sharp Rocks and swallowing Quicksands.  
What's matter of caution in prosperity, should be comfort in adversity. Qui jacet in fovea non habet unde cadat, One fallen to the ground has no further to fall; his next turn is to rise. Former experiences of Gods wonderful Mercies in wonderful straits should stay and erect the Spirit in hope of future deliverance. The Lion and the Bear comforted David against Goliath. 
1 Sam. 17.34.  Receipts of former sudden Mercies may obviate our present Sorrows, and heal the breaches of sudden Afflictions; especially when we consider them as Trials of Patience, Whetstones of Fortitude, and Preparations for Service. Every Storm escaped adds to the prudent Mariner dexterous skill to work his Vessel in succeeding Tempests. The Memory of Evasion in the Adriatic Sea, fortifies his Spirit to hope a better issue in the Atlantic Ocean. 
Virgil.  [O passigraviora, dabit Deus his quoque finem;] We have born greater brunts, and God may give a happy event to these. 'Tis truest of a Saint, all whose Storms do but hasten him to, and land him in Heaven at last. Mean while all his sufferings are Heavenly Gifts, 
Phil. 1.29.  and all his troubles are sanctified in order to a Halcyon Calm. If God smites, 'tis with a healing hand, 
Hos. 6.1.  and when he casts down he revives us again. It's said by Arnoldus that famous Physician of Villa Nova near Barcelone, 
Arnold. f. 305. b. de simple. c. 426.  that an Incision with a Golden Knife never swells. And Serapion asserts, that Cauteries made with Gold raise no bladders, and are quicklier cured. The most cutting afflictions do but let out heart corruptions, and the Instrument itself brings a present cure. When God brings his People out of the Furnace, the dross is lost in fumes or in the Cople, and their persons come out shining like pure Gold, and God will say of them, It is my Golden people refined by the fire of affliction. 
Zech. 13.9. Poterius, p. boil of Colours, p. 413, and 415.  They are like the Bononian Stone, that after calcination in the fire shines in the darkest night: Or like that wonderful Diamond mentioned by the honourable Mr. boil, which being briskly rubbed, would send forth a glimmering light almost like a Glow-worm. The Graces of Saints are never more resplendent than in times of adversity, and their succeeding growth is most apparent. Husbandmen say, that Thunder showers make Grass to grow that we may almost see it; by the sulfureous Rain and the Sunshine following it shoots amain. Let's beware of a lowering Spirit, when clouds of affliction gather, 
Ps. 65.11.  which drop fatness into the Soul. Those Sinners are most healthful that have many Aprils, and the ground most fertile that drinks in the later as well as former rain. Let afflicted persons remember, that continual Sunshine scorches a Land into barrenness; and many a good Soul loses much of its verdure and greenness by fair weather; and that our Heavenly Father always takes his Rod into the hand of Love, and when he whips his dear Children, 'tis with Twigs cut from the Balsam-Tree of Judaea, though it smart and wheal, yet it quickly cures. If the North wind blow boisterous and bleak, it makes a Saint to keep his Garments close that men see not his shame; 
Rev. 16.15.  and besides, it may turn in a moment. Numerous instances occur of sudden troubles, and of as sudden escapes. Every Church and Nation, every Age and Person, ring aloud these changes. Some hints of happy Evasions in deplored cases in Physic may secure hope in like Distresses.  
A Patient having taken a Decoction of Liquorish, 
Arnold. f. 343. b.  etc. vomits it with a fright; but upon search, the unwashed strainer was found to have been newly used with Hellebor, and the scare was over. Another having drunk up a decoction of Maidenhair, vomited very terribly. To satisfy the Physician upon strict inquiry where 'twas gathered, the Attendants found the Carcase of a Toad just by the place where it grew. A third had almost lost his Eyes by an Ointment administered to preserve them, received answer; that the Preparer had powdered much Verdegreese the day before, part whereof was casually mixed with it. A fourth labouring under a Flux, and no Medicine prevailing, the Physician found out he used Water from a Cistern newly plastered. The last to be named was deep in a Hectic, and lay in a new whited Chamber, and grew worse till removed. To warn Physician and Patients to be careful what persons they employ in preparing Medicines, and what Ingredients they use, and what Circumstances may attend. Upon such twine threads hangs the Life of Man, and by directing providence many sudden and notable escapes.  
'Tis related of one so struck with fear in a Dream, 
Arnold. f. 28. b.  that his Hair turned grey. Of another under the Duke of Alva's Tyranny (as I remember) who was all white in one night under fear of Execution. And another being Lame at worship in a Church, the Popish Soldiers rushing in to murder, forgetting his Crutches, ran away; and his Spirits being briskly agitated by the fright, received the perfect use of his Limbs. Sudden unexpected deliverances drop down from Heaven. When Daniel was letting down into the Den, the Angel flew down faster and stopped the Lion's Mouths before the Prophet came to the bottom. Sometimes Holy Persons are not presently and fully delivered, yet meet with sustaining help. Our blessed Saviour, though not delivered from the Cross, and its Issue till the Resurrection; yet while he fainted under its weight in the dolorous way, met providentially with Simon of Cyrene to aid him, and inward support to strengthen his Spirits. O happy Simon! How often might Christ from Heaven help him afterward to bear his Cross upon Earth. To the upright rises light in darkness, a beam in obscurity. 
Ps. 112.4. Is. 58.10. Gen. 22.13.  Suddenly, like the Vision in a mountain of Thickets and Brambles. When Abraham's Knife was up, the Angel's Arm came down, and ventures the gashing of his hand to save the cutting of Isaac's Throat. Jeremy is cast into a miry Dungeon by some of the Courtiers, 
J●r. 38.10.  another Courtier as suddenly helps him out. Jonah in a stormy Sea was cast into a Whale's Belly, and by a sudden storm in the Whale's stomach was cast out upon dry Land. 
Exod. 14.10.15.1.  The Children of Israel stood crying and roaring upon one shore, and in a few hours were dancing and singing upon the other shore of the Red Sea. 
1 Sam. 30.4.  David weeps at Ziglag till he could weep no more, and then tires himself after Amaleck, overtakes, overcomes, overturns, and gets such a noble Spoil; that he who even now was but a needy Captain of a few Outlaws, sends rich presents to his Friends, taken from the Lords Enemies. So that he who had spent his tears in Sorrow, finds a new rivulet of tears streaming for joy. 
Ps. 30.11.  Thou hast turned our morning into dancing, and we became like men that dream. 
Ps. 126.2.  When thou turnedst our captivity in Negeb, the barren sandy Desert in the South of Judah.  
The Church's State in this life is mixed, 
Rev. 12.1.  while under the Moon 'tis changeable; but when clothed with the Sun in John's Vision, she will be illustrious, and tread the Moon under her Feet.  
The Church has a time to sing the Song of the Lamb more melodiously than the Song of Moses. 
Rev. 15.3.  Moses his Song was a mixed Song; there were Amorites to conquer after the Egyptians were sunk in the Mighty Waters. After songs of deliverance come the bitter waters of Marah and new Elegies. The Church sings that Song upon Earth, but this Song of the Lamb in Heaven, where no more troubles.  
The Church in Apostolical times had a Sea of Glass as clear as Crystal, 
Rev. 4.6.  wherein to see their faces and wash their spots: 
15.2.21.1.  In Antichristian times of persecution, a Sea of Glass mingled with Fire. They enjoyed pure worship, but attended with fiery trials. But in her Heavenly state there shall be Sea no more. A State of perfection needs no more washings for communion in glory.  
Here God wisely mingles comforts and crosses to keep us in a holy awe of sin, and to encourage us in spiritual Services. We contract much dust and soil from worldly company, and need washing and purging every day, whereby to save ourselves from this untoward Generation. 
Act. 2.40.  Israel had lain among the pots in Egypt, and needed scouring in the Wilderness, that the Thorns of Sinai might fetch the Onions of Egypt out of their squeazy stomaches. Nay, God's people enjoy not only successive, but temporary mixtures: For in the midst of sorrows arises spiritual joy to support and quicken, and in times of prosperiry are exercised with spiritual sins and heart-sorrows to humble and keep them steady. Nabal and Haman (like other wicked wretches) were either all joy or all sorrow, and by turns overwhelmed with both; 
1 Sam. 25.36.  their hearts were as light as a feather, or else sunk like lead. Let's beware when fattened with mercies, lest we kick with Jesurun; and when were are brought to the salt waters of Marah, lest our imbittered Spirits fret against the Holy One of Israel; while we proclaim our anger against instruments, let's take care that our clamours reach not the ear of God himself. Men often mask their impatience at God under colour of shooting at others miscarriages. We may grieve under afflictions, and carry our sins by prayer to Heaven for pardon, and our troubles to the Mercy-seat for relief. I poured out my complaint before him, 
Ps. 142.2.  says David; I shown before him my trouble. Mourn we may, 
Ezek. 7.16. Is. 51.20. Songs 2.14.  but murmur and mutter we must not. Mourn like Doves without Gall in the Clefts of the Rock, but not toss the Horn and roar like wild Bulls in the Net, full of the fury of the Lord.  
When we have mourned meekly and patiently for sin, 
Mic. 7.9.  and born the Indignation of the Lord, we may look up for mercy till he plead our cause, and execute judgement for us, and say, fiducially, God's our God, which is often the last stroke upon David's Harp. Does God choose us for his, 
Is. 48.10.  and choose us in the Furnace of Affliction, and refine us, but not with Silver, non quasi argentum, not as if we were pure Silver already before refinement, but in the midst of our dross and feculency, to make us bright for Temple-service; then let us take him for our gracious and watchful Refiner, and reflect his Love back again to Heaven. Choose him before all the Angels in Heaven and the sweetest familiars on Earth, 
Ps. 73.25.  and then all afflictions will work kindly, when the Fire of Love and the Fire of Affliction melt the Soul together: and as the flaming beams of the Sun extinguish our Kitchen Fires, so the heat of Divine Love will damp and put out the sense and smart of all, and the most fiery trials here below. Let but a Saint recollect his thoughts, that there's excellent reason why God afflicts, and as the waters cannot, 
Song 8.6.  so neither the fires out burn the vehement flames of Divine Love, 
〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉  called by the Wise Man the Flame of God. [Succurrat non tantùm quid patiamur, sed quid fecerimur.] 
Senec. Ira. l. 2. p. 33.  Remember what we have done as well as suffer, said the Spanish Moralist. Compare our merits and sufferings, and then our unworthiness and mercies together, and we have little reason to complain, since there is less reason why we should draw a breath in the Land of the Living. 
Lam. 3.39.   
Mercies flow from the innate Bowels of God, Judgement is his strange work. 
Is. 28.21.  Kindness flows from the Divine Essence more naturally than streams from a Fountain or beams from the Sun, but sin and affliction is rooted in us. Justify God in all, and that will extinguish, murmurs. 
1 Cor. 11.30.  Sometimes there's a particular cause for affliction, which though many times latent, is always just. Let's search and try our ways, 
Lam. 3.40.  and turn unto the Lord.  
Ask the inward Viceroy, and he'll tell thee. As Clocks strike clearest in stormy times, so does Conscience in the hour of Judgement, though we top and clog it never so much in the fair weather of prosperity. wouldst thou know the plain truth, harken what thy heart condemns and smites; for in the hearing of a searching Sermon sometimes Affliction itself points at its relative sin. Adonibezek deprived of his Thumbs, 
Judg. 1.7.  could tell upon his fingers the 140 Royal Thumbs which he had cut off. Is a dear Relation taken, consider thy sins both in it and toward it. Si res angusta domi; If poverty pinch, remember abused plenty and careless expenses. Does God withdraw his shining face, it may be thou hast grieved his Spirit, and therefore he grieves thine most righteously. Hast thou cooled and quenched his Heavenly Motion, wonder not if he stop his ear at thy cries, and at length leave thee to coolness and deadness of heart. 
Rev. 3.16.  Thou art lukewarm in his cause. Grumble not at Laodiceas Portion to be spewed out of his mouth. Art thou puffed up with parts which are but gifts, Gods, not thine; repine not if others prick thy swollen Bladder with the pin of infamy. Want of pity and relief to thy Brother, reaps just unkindness in time of straits. Censorious persons must run the gauntlet patiently, and a lashing Tongue needs a Launcet to let out its Salt and fiery Blood; or may be pricked with Pins, as Fulvia dealt by Cicero. 
Cassius l. 47. p. 331. d.  Angry persons often meet with sturdy matches as good at fifty cuffs as themselves. It's usual for men to be measured by their own bushel, and for froward affronts to meet with divine requital, unless for sins of daily infirmity, sudden tentations and disorderly provocations from others. Then, to mourn, watch, and pray, is a Saints Armour, and go to Heaven with Elthu, 
Job 34.33.  that which I see not teach thou me.  
A gracious Soul not stung in Conscience by former miscarriage, when he sails in a Storm calmly ponders that a milder Gale may breathe from the South, and better days may come: He may as suddenly be drawn out of, as cast into the pit. The rattling Hailstones may be melted by a warmer Sun, and a dark thundering night may end in a bright morning to cherish his vital Spirits. [Junge nigra candidis,] as Bernard, 
Bernard. Epist. 78. f. 195. b. Songs 2.12.  Set black by white, and clouds by clear, and winter by spring, and remember the singing of Birds will come, when bitter and deadly Gourds are in the Pot, 
2 K. 4.44.  Elisha may come with a handful of Meal and cure both taste and danger. When bitter afflictions fill a Cup to the brim, cast in the fine flower of a Sanctuary offering, and pardon will come, and mercy will fly down with silver wings and a shining countenance from Heaven; and then the ravishing sense of divine love will extinguish all discontents from earthly sorrows, Nothing can be very sharp on the back of a Saint, when God's Love sweetens his heart. We are as we love; if worldly, then earthy love and earthly losses break an earthy heart; if holy and spiritual, than treasures, pleasures, and affections, all suit and centre in Heaven. And what affliction can make him miserable, whose heart's above it? Every Saint does gradually arrive to a Masculine, Heroic, Angelical Spirit.  
Be patiented then, 
Rom. 8.28.  and things will work together wonderfully for the good of such as are called according to purpose. When we poor upon the down-end of the Cross we are ready to faint, as if it could never be pulled up: As the Romans dismayed at an inauspicious Omen, when their Eagle Ensign could not be haled for a March. But let's consider the upper end reaches Heaven, and the same Hand that fixed it can rear and raise it at pleasure. And remember there is an appointed time for every Trial, months and days, that it cannot pass: Though the Waves toss themselves yet cannot prevail, 
Jer. 5.22.  they roar yet cannot tumble beyond the Sandy Banks opposed by an Omnipotent Arm. Israel came out of Egypt the self same night according to the Promise of 430 years to Abraham. 
Exod. 12.42.  Affliction is the Church's Physic, and will certainly work cum summa euphoria, with great success and ease. Earthly Physicians often complain of Ineffectual purges; but here, stay a while, and the Event will issue happily: When affliction makes us jealous of sin, it gins; when sick of sin, when hateful to it, when holy resolutions rise against it, than it works to purpose: When we see the depth of Corruption in the Floods of Affliction, 
Rom. 5.3.  'tis then sanctified, and the Love of God is shed abroad in the Heart.  
Afflictions are known to be sanctified when sin gins to whither, 
Affliction sanctified.  and is in part mortified. The rust is filing off, when persons begin to shine in meekness, humility, and patience, and accept correction; when discontented fumes are scattered, and the Thorns of fretfulness are burnt up. Oh how pliable and capable of gracious impressions, when the Wax is melted by the fire of trouble: Take heed then of being rough and furious again when danger's over. Ask Pharaoh, if this be not the fruit of a proud and hard heart?  
Again, 
1 Tim. 2.8.  'tis then sanctified when it whets prayer to lift up Holy Hands without wrathful revenge and despondent diffidence; when it deadens the Spirit to worldly enjoyments, and crucifies the heart to carnal vanities: 
Gal. 6.1.  When it renders us compassionate and tenderhearted, forgiving and forgetting injuries, remembering how ourselves were tempted; when it sweetens Heaven and prepares the heart for a holy departure; and while here, makes us ready for service in every good work, knowing that all shall end well with a Saint; when every tear shall be turned in an Oriental Pearl to adorn his Crown in Glory. Are such great Mercies sown in the furrows of affliction, and suddenly wax green even in the winter and under cold blasts of adversity? With what submission and expectation of issues should we behave ourselves under the hand of a Wise and Holy Father? Set Faith to work in its Heavenly Employment of thirsting for Christ, 
Rev. 21.6. Is. 45.22. Joh. 6.35. Joh. 1.12. Songs 8.5. 4 Pet. 5.7. Luk. 23.46. Heb 3.14.  of looking towards him, of coming to him, receiving of him, leaning upon him, a casting the cares of our Souls into his Bosom, and commending our spirits into his hands: and after all in fainting times, cast not away the beginning of your confidence, but hope to the end, 
Phil. 1.8. 1 Cor. 1.8. 1 Th●s. 5.24.  since he will perfect what is begun to the Day of Christ, and confirm us to the end. From reflection upon Faith, if careful of Holiness, in due time will rise assurance by beholding our Faces in the Glass of Promise, when the Soul has been sometime nourished by the sincere Milk of the Word; at length it may take off the Cream of Joy and Assurance, 
1 Joh. 3.19.  which lies in persuading the Heart of the Love of God: So that a sound Christian may arrive to this Heavenly Pitch by discerning the true Acts of Faith, and the lively workings of it in times of troubles; by the growth of the fruits of the Spirit in times of Tentation, and a vigorous conflict against Sin, with success, and by the immediate Testimony of the Spirit of God, witnessing with our Spirits that we are the Children of God. 
Rom. 8.16.   
These things have I mentioned as preservatives of the Heart in the Floods of many Waters, and as preparations for sudden mercies; which will season the Spirit to bear up valiantly in our present stations and qualify for emergencies of future Joys. For when the Soul sits down quietly under hatches in a present storm, and buckles to it with an even frame, light arises suddenly, shines illustriously, and beautifies the Soul with joyful and abiding Deliverance.  
Let's conclude this Chapter with a Memorable Story of Mr. Leverton's Escapes in his West-India Voyages, contracted out of the Manuscript of my good Friend Mr. Ch. Morton, which thirsts for light; to show what wonderful methods God sometimes uses in bringing out of deep and amazing distresses.  
This Gentleman putting to Sea from the Isle of Sr. Christopher in a French Frigate commanded by Monsieur de Who of Rochel, after a fortnight's sail fell under a dead calm in the vast Atlantic Ocean. Victuals being almost spent, they stinted each person to 8 Spoonfuls of Pease and one pint of Water in a day; till at last they grew black with famine, and their Backs and Bellies shrunk together. Twice a day he prayed with and fed them with Spiritual Food; they hung upon his Lips with greedy attention. They had much Manna though no Corn, and streams of Honey though little Water. The French, though Papists, expressed their affections with briny Tears, and beating their famished Trunks with loud cries [Mon Dicu, mon Dicu; My God, My God.] Cleannesses of Teeth sharpened their Appetites to the Bread of Life. At length they kept a Solemn day of Prayer, when every day was a continual Fast. Duty ended, a Lad from the Topmast-head descried a Vessel, and Heaven sent a benign Gale, which soon brought them together: She proved a Bermudas Merchant to their excessive joy, which took in Mr. Leverton with his English, supplied the Rochellers wants, and so they parted.  
Upon conference, the chief Person in the Ship being the Governor of Bermudas, tells Mr. Leverton that that their Ship came newly from England, and at her arrival fell in between two Rocks. To get her off they took out their Guns and heavy Wares. The next Tide rises with a violent Storm, while most of the Seamen were ashore, and hurries them among the liquid Floods, where the French found them, on purpose to bring deliverance at the end of prayer. After that, a fair Gale conducts them safely to Bermudas; where they who had embraced the Throne of Grace in their absence with Holy Hands, now embrace their Friends with happy Arms, and entertain them joyfully, who had been both carried out and brought in by Prayer.  
Here we have a French Calm at Sea, awakened into a Breeze for a Haven Enjoyment; and an English Calm in Haven roused into a Storm for Sea-adventures, and both excited by Prayer. The French have a storm within the Ship, though a calm without; and the English have a storm without, to bring to the former a calm within. O the vehement power of Prayer that raises storms & quells the boisterous Waves at pleasure! Here's a Ship full of Provision hurried out to the Main to fetch famished Orators to the Harbour of Plenty. What manner of Man is this, 
Mark 4.41.  said the Disciples of our Lord, that the Winds and the Sea obey him? O invincible Faith! O Sovereign and Imperial Prayer, that commandest both Calms and Storms. Master, carest thou not that we perish? 
Mark 4.38.  cries Prayer. Christ delights to be awakened by his Holy Spouse, and lays Storms asleep. Christ always sails in the Ship of Prayer, and though this Pilot be asleep, yet he steers safely, he sees the hidden Rocks and secret Shelves, and needs no Star nor Compass. He knows the Mystery of Longitude, and wants no Tables of the four Planets attending Jupiter, or the Spots of the Moon, or Minute Watches to give the Distance of the first Meridian. But who can measure the Length of his Love to the Church, 
Eph. 3.18.  or fathom the Depths of his Wisdom in manifestations of his Love? He fins the Sails of the Church's Ship with prosperous Gales to bring her into safe Chambers. He turns Calms into Storms to obey his Church's cries, 
Ps. 107.29.  and raises the Waves of the Sea, (to invert the Psalmist) that Saints are glad because of a Storm, to bring them to a calm Haven. O happy Storms that drive the Saylant Church to Heaven! O happy Heaven that enjoys a perpetual, an everlasting Calm!   

CHAP. XII. The Centemplation Mount, or the Permanent Mercies of Heaven.  
MOSES and XERXES took a view of their puissant Armies, the first from a Mountain in the Plains of Moab, 
Deut. 3.25.  the other in the Plains of Abydus. One rejoiced to see the Land of Canaan and the goodly Range of Lebanon, extending 40 Miles in length, which Israel was now ready to possess. The other wept that his burdensome bulk of Barbarous Nations within a 100 
Herod. l. 7. p. 401.  years would raise so many heaps of Bones, or tumuli slightly turft over, where on Death might stand and blow his Trumpet of Triumph. Saints have but Jordan's Valley to pass through into Eternal Joys; while others wasting their precious time in vain designs suddenly, slip into eternal wo. Saints militant after many a sharp Combat enter victoriously into Paradise: And although some may encounter with Fainting, Drooping Qualms, yea it may be, set in a Cloud; yet what an ecstasy of spirit will surprise them, who after many Labyrinths and Mazes of trouble unexpectedly enter the ravishing Glories of Heaven! The best may labour under fears and tears, but one hour there makes amends for all. When these Mists will be scattered in that Radiant Morning, and all Tears washed away in those Rivers of Pleasure, which run through the Streets of New Jerusalem.  
Here the Inhabitants of the Earth build, plant, travel, sail, and fight upon an Atom. The whole World is but an invisible point to the external Convex of Heaven, and all its Inhabitants like the small Dust of the Balance, 
Is. 40.15.  or a drop perishing from the Bucket; nay, less than nothing, less than vanity. The smallest Atom that rejoices in the Sun Beams at a Chamber Window, far transcends the whole Globe of Earth and Water, if a Man were imagined to stand in one of the fixed Stars, it could not be discerned by the most curious Glasses; nay, if one stood in the Sun, this circumference of about 21000 Miles could not be discovered. For if the Sun be about 167 times bigger than this Earth, 
Gassend è Ptol. in Epicur. p. 784.  as some Astronomers have determined (while others enlarge the Sun's Diameter to to much vaster extension) and yet appears to us not to exceed 32 Minutes of such a Degree, whereof 360 measures the Circumambient Line of the Ecliptic, being its Race round about the Heavens: Then the Earth must needs shrink into the visibility of a few seconds or less. Nay more, some have conceived by calculation, that the whole Orb of the Earth's supposed motion about the Sun, who is very probably the Centre of that Planetary Vortex, as the Cartesians call it, wherein we subsist, is but a point to the Systeme or Sphere of the fixed Stars; and that if the Earth & all its annexed Being's were utterly annihilated, it would not be wanted, as being comparatively so insiderable a Particle of the Universe. 
Plutarch. de placitis. l. 2. c. 13.  Heraclides and the pythagoreans held every Star to be a World.  
What a smoke and smother do miserable Mortals raise about a petty Kingdom? when Geometrical proportion may prove a Molehill to be vastly more considerable to the earth, than the Earth is to the Empyraean Circumference; then may an Ant shine upon a straw a more glorious Emperor than we imagine.  
If then the inferior Pavement of Heaven, if the out Offices of the starry Chambers be so magnificent, what's the Chamber of Presence! that are those Supercelestial spaces, 
Mat. 13.43.  where the Saints shall shine like so many Suns in the Kingdom of their infinitely Blessed Father? Let's a little contemplate the glorious State of the Saints after the Resurrection, as far as we with sobriety and submission in this our Valley-state may inquire into those deep Mysteries by light from the Holy Scriptures.  
The Bodies of Saints at that day shall be perfect and entire, lacking nothing in that 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in that Day of Refreshment, 
Act. 3.21.  that Day of the Restitution of all things. They shall be as excellent & as perfect as Adam's created in the vigour of youth; as perfect as Christ's, who suffered and risen in the strength of his years. Into that Sarctuary above, 
Rev. 1.6.  where all shall be Kings and Priests to the Father; no lame nor impotent person, 
Leu. 21.23.  no crooked or maimed, no blind or deaf, no dwarf or child, none blemished with redundancy or deficiency of limbs, shall be admitted to sacrifice the Everlasting Praise. But all the Holy Ones of God that died under such inconveniencies, shall be raised without spot or wrinkle; as the Spouse in the Song; Thou art all fair, 
Song. 4.7. Phil. 3.21. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉  my beloved, there's no spot in thee. For the Bodies of our Humiliation shall be like unto his most Glorious Body. Blind Isaac shall grope no more, and Lame Jaakob shall halt no more: Withered David shall need no cherishers, and Solomon's Ecclesiastes shall weep no more Elegies over the Hoary head, and Palsy Hands, and the Trembling Legs of stumbling Age. Then all the inward senses of Fancy, Imagination, and Memory shall flourish in a perpetual Spring.  
For the Body shall be incorruptible, no inequality of temperament but a perennial consistency between the active form and the impressed (but scarce passive) matter. The Peripatetic School fancies the incorruption of the Heavens to arise from its composing Quintessence distinct from the sour Elements: But the contrary is evincible by the spots in the Sun, by certain nebulous appearances near the South Pole, by generation and abolition of Comets above the Moon; as that in Cassiopeía, A. 1572, etc. Whatever may be determined in these points, yet 'tis most true of the glorified bodies of the Saints, 
Act. 13.34  that they shall remain incorruptible. 
1 Cor. 15.42.  They shall neither hunger nor thirst more, nor be subject to the Influxes of Heavenly Luminaries on digestive matter. 
Rev. 7.16.  Here we feed upon and drink in the materials of Corruption: But there neither Sun nor any heat shall light upon them, which are the great Fomenters of Corruption in purifying subjects.  
For, 3dly. the Saints shall have glorious bodies. The Apostle opposes 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, 
1 Cor. 15.43.  Glory to 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, Dishonour: Want of Beauty renders the Body uncomely or dishonourable. Three things make up a perfect Beauty; 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, Symmetry, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, Genuine Colour, and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, Vivacity, when the Spirits fill the Face with a lively vigour and a cheerful brisk Alacrity. There will be no more bleak, meager, fixed Visages; no more livid, leaden, blue, and pale; no more white, wan, or greenish Aspects, but as the Angels are represented like Young Men with sprightly and orient Countenances. 
Mark 16.5.  Some say the Lustre of Adam's Body drew the Creatures in Paradise to gaze upon his Beauty: How much more will they admire him hereaster, if they shall remain as Spectacles of Divine Wisdom; 
Rom. 8.21.  when the Exquisite Joy, running like Nectar in his Spirits, shall beautify him with most attracting Aimiableness? when he shall play upon his Celestial Harp, like an alluring Orpheus, and all the Animals of the Woods and Mountains shall tread his Musical measures? When the Saints shall shine transparent like Moses from Mount Horeb, or as Christ in the Vision to Habakkuk with Horns, 
Hab. 3.5.  i. e. with Beams flaming from his Hands; 
Dan. 12.3.  or as that glorious Triumvirate in the Mountain of Tabor. Then shall all the Senses sparkle in their 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 or transcendent Vigour, to render Heaven most delicious, when their Eagle Eyes may pierce into the Centres of all the Luminaries, and their quickened Ears shall pleasantly air the Melodious Music of Legions of Angels.  
Their Bodies likewise shall be wonderfully powerful without the least gravitation; as our Blessed Lords, which ascended up from Mount Olivet at his pleasure, and appeared to Stephen and Paul when and where his Heavenly Wisdom thought meet. I need not here insist upon the nature of Gravity as a quality existent in heavy Bodies, but rather as a force impressed by a Magnetical Attraction of the Earth: So that whatever body is without or beyond the Atmosphere of the Earth, knows no further gravitation or ponderosity, but may walk at liberty in the Etherial, Regions; so that it is no incongruity to conceive, that Luminous Bodies being freed from the dark clogs and impediments of grosser matter, as the Saints Bodies being like so many Stars, and fit for motion, may walk on the Sea, in the Air, and within the Heavens at pleasure; if these concretes shall then abide. 
2 Pet. 3.13.  Neither shall they be touched with any weariness more, receiving a continual afflux of spirits from the beatific Vision; and shall hence evade to be of immense strength, insomuch that some have fancied them to be of ability to transplant Mountains, nay the Earth itself, without the Engines of Archimedes: Like the Celestial Intelligences that do circum agitate the Heavenly Bodies of the Stars. 
Ps. 103.10.  For they shall be like to Angels, who excel in strength.  
The Bodies of the Saints are also styled Spiritual, in that they shall yield no reluctancy or renitency to the Agitation of their Spirits. They shall need no sustentation or reparation by Meat or Drink, no relief by intervals of sleep and rest; there will be no night to raise cool vapours for the Brain, 
Ps. 104.23.  but shall be supported, quickened, and enlivened by the Emanations and Impressions from the Soul; and these Spirits influenced by Everlasting Inundations from the Spirit of Christ, the Head of the Mystical Body. The Sheaths of their Bodies shall not waste or wear out, 
Dan. 7.15.  or be cut in pieces by the two-edged swords of their Spirits. We faint, and are soon dispirited by continuance even of Heavenly Duties. Our strength is not that of stones, 
Job 6.12.  nor our flesh of Copper. Our Animal Spirits here in the Valley are grosser and more unwieldy, than our Bodies shall be in the Mount of Glory to motion, agility and delight in Spiritual Objects. [Spiritualia erunt, 
Austin. de civ. l. 14. c. 22.  (says Austin) non quia corpora esse desistent, sed quia spiritu vivificante subsistent;] Our Bodies shall be Spiritual, not that they shall cease to be bodies, but shall be sustained by a quickening Spirit: And during the persistency of that Spirit which is of immortal Lineage, they shall continue with an indissoluble Union.  
For the Spirit of God hath declared this future Immortality of the Body, 
1 Cor. 15.53.  which is a degree of excellency beyond incorruption, because the external source of sword and fire, of water and pressure, may destroy that Body, which otherwise hath no internal principle of dissolution. So that though there were granted such a Noble Balsam of Life as the Adeptists glory of their Elixir, yet would it not avail against External Invasions. But here our Gracious God hath brought Life and Immortality to light by the Gospel purchase: 
2 Tim. 1.10.  Here 'tis appointed for oil once to die: But there, 
Heb. 0.27.  Statutum est non mori; It's a statute Law in Heaven, 
Rev. 21.4.  there shall be death no more, nor sickness or pain, those warning Canons, those presaging Bells, that ring the loud Lectures of Mortality. There will be no Titans to raise any Babel Towers against those sublime and solid Mansions. When once the Saints have dipped their Bodies in the River of Jordan, and gone into Canaan, they are beyond the story of Achilles, invulnerable and impenetrable all over. 
Rev. 22.2.  The Leaf of the Tree of Life is tasted as soon as ever they come within the gates of Paradise & is Medicine for without as well as within; 
1 Pet. 5.4.  and the Chaplet or Immortal Crown which they wear in Heaven is form of the Leaves of that blessed and everliving Tree.  
Since we have touched a while upon the Harp of the Body, let's take some view of that Divine Musician the Soul, who is then ready to sound the Praises of his Blessed Redeemer, who will find no ill humour to affect him resulting from the Body's Temperament, or the Copula, the connexive medium between them both: For clear, serene, and joyful Spirits will nimbly circulate through all the Nerves, to associate in the Council Chamber of the Brain, where the Animal Soul sits as Queen Regent on the Glandula pinealis, the Pine Kernel, to dispatch her winged Ambassadors. There will be no inflammations, adustions, or corruptions of Blood, but all perfect sanguine without impure mixture, no infected Air, no seculent Food to alienate the state of Complexion. All the Humours will stand in aequilibrio, in exact poise to a Grain: No inconvenient objects to surprise, irritate, or discompose the Spirits to the least alteration.  
The Old Philosophy held nothing to be in the understanding but what was first in Sense; which if universally spoken, is but a Fable. For what are the connate and concreated notions of the Soul urged by the Platonists? And what are those spiritual infusions poured into the Hearts of Believers from Heaven, 
Job 32.8. & 38.36. Eccls 2.28.  but clear Evictions that that Soul can act independent from the Body?. But how much more when they shall be enthroned in Glory; 
1 Cor. 15.28.  when God shall be all in all, and the Soul shall be drawn into more immediate contemplation of God? Corporeal Species are in vain to suck and draw in the Marrow of. Incorporeal Objects, when the Understanding and all its Powers shall equal, if not transcend, Heaven itself in purity.  
Then all the Faculties of the Soul shall be intended and amplified into a grand and august capacity, to entertain more noble conceptions of the Mystical Union of our Redeemer to the Deity, and of the Saints themselves to their Beloved Saviour; of the sevenfold Luminaries of the Spirit of Christ to the Saints; 
Rev. 3.5.  of his Divine Communications and influences into the Soul: They shall behold those streams of the Rivers of light: They shall be able to discourse with Angels without Interpreters; the Language of spirits shall be familiar. That Phrase so frequent in the Hebrew Original of Scripture of God's speaking to the Heart, 
Hos. 2.14.  which is here sometimes sweetly perceived by Saints, shall be then explained. The gentle Voice which Austin heard in the Garden by Milan, 
Confess. l. 9 c. 12.  that melted him into tears, and from whence he dates his. Conversion, shall be then more audible and more intelligible. Then, what is now one great portion of misery in our lapsed state, that we so little understand the nature of our own Souls, that Christians run to Heathen Oracles to know what's 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, and the first Act of an Organical Body, and such Barbarous obscurities, shall be hurled into the Ocean of Oblivion. Then we shall see the Face of our own Souls in Glasses of our own Polishing. Here we see 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in a Riddle, 
1 Cor. 13.12. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Hesych.  in a dark saying; and those that would expound the soul confound it more. If they had stepped with Endymion, they had dreamed more pleasantly. Butthen the Eye of the Mind shall know no humour but Crystalline; the Retina shall be a capacious Net indeed to cast over the Ocean of the Universe. There will arise a most perfect Union between the understanding, will, and affections, and no such Combats about them, as some nice Quidditarians assign. There will be no inferior Appetite to suggest or abstract from its refined Notions.  
The gracious Habiliments of the Soul shall be more superefluent; Gracious habits, nay, rather activities in perpetual motion springing up to the brim and flowing over. God will pour in such an unction of the spirit, that shall invigorate the wheels of the soul full of eyes to move by the Spirits instinct & conduct, like the vision of Cherubims to the Prophet Ezekiel. 
Ez. k. 1. & 10.  Such a fullness of excellency that swallows up all sinful emulation and envy. Saints shall know with better satisfaction what are the Dimensions of the Love of God in Christ Jesus, 
Eph. 3.19.  which will so adequately fill the Soul, that the Body shall require no sustenance, but the Ambrosian Food of Divine Love and Glory.  
Who could have imagined the Soul of a Man could have been Hypostatically united to the second person in the Glorious Trinity? so that as he is the Son of Man he is said to know the Thoughts of Men, 
Mat. 9.4, 6. Act. 17.34.  to forgive sins and to judge the world. To to glorious an extent can Omnipotent Power exalt the Soul of Man by union to the Deity.  
The Saints moreover shall rise up in some manner to that Excellent Estate of Intuition, 
Luk. 20.36. 1 Cor. 13.8.  like to the Holy Angels, who draw not the Water of Knowledge out of the deep Well of Inferences and long Consequences. This manner of gathering Intelligence per discursum shall then probably vanish and perish, and be extinguished by that Meridian Light of Eternity. Here we argue by premises ex concessis ignota. We lay down Maxims, Positions, and Theorems; take some data & postulata, and deduce mediums from several common places of Arguments: As if we would search out the Nature of a Star, an Animal, a Vegetable, or Mineral. We argue, if we can, à priori, from its Causes and component Principles; or, a posteriori, from its Effects, and Properties. For instance in Antimony, when we consider its Sulphur, its Salt, its blood-red Oil, its Phlegm and Vinegar, its Faeces or Terra damnata, having opened it by Chemical Anatomy and other. Methods, we may infer something, though but rudely of its Nature: Or when we observe its Power in several Effects, and Experiments, in cleansing the Blood from Leprosies and Scorbutical Infections, or the Head and its Nerves from dizziness, swimmings, and paralytical or waterish resolutions of the Tone of any its curious Engines by its Volatile Tincture: We conclude its powerful virtue in Physic, though as to the modus operandi, the Methods and Manner of its influence, we are still at a loss.  
But alas! an Angel hath an other-guess Knowledge by an intuitive speculation into the profundity and depth of its Nature, without Argument or Process of Medicinal Trials; which Method of ours is but a mean, low, and crazy inquisition, and subject to foul Errors.  
But in that Angelical manner we may deem, that the Soul shall arrive to that high dignity of penetrating into its Objects, by intuition far beyond what Adam, or Noah, or Solomon ever attained. What pleasant work will the Material Being's (which may then survive. the fatal Fire) administer to the Souls Contemplation in that happy Pitch, 
2 Pet. 3.12, 13.  whereby to glorify and honour the infinite wise Creator of all? When as these things which we now handle by sense, and the dwindling light of the Soul like, a Rush-candle in this Night of ignorance, being the Objects of our laborious and erring speculations, are but middle beings between thousands transcending these in Magnitude and Glory, and such innumerable minute essences, vastly beneath us as to our power of inquisition, as the others are in sublimity beyond and above us. So that it may be questioned, whether the Majesty of our infinitely to be adored Maker will in that day shine forth more radiantly in the Heavens, and other stupendious portions of his Workmanship for greatness or the unspeakable curiosity of Nature in the lesser Fabrics, which sink beneath our observation for excess of littleness, which the Acumen of our Eyes are not able to discern.  
Besides these, upon what immaterial Objects may we (a little) imagine shall the Soul than feastits Paradisian Faculties? Such as may entertain our thoughts with sacred wonder, and sit down in the dust of astonishment, that their unconceivable varieties will fill up the capacity, and run beside the august and comprehensive Spirits of the Cherubims; and yet the Saints shall have and enjoy some cognizance of these transcendent pleasures.  
For the Soul in Glory shall have a nearer Union to Christ then now; nay than Angels themselves: 
Heb. 2.16.  For he took not upon him the Nature of Angels. 
Joh. 17.22.  And our Blessed Lord prays that the Saints may be one, even as the Father and the Son are one: They shall constitute one mystical body with the Son in a purer and closer Union than possible in this wilderness state. The Hypostatical Union of Christ to the Deity is of a sublimer nature than the most Glorified Creature can unfold: For the Angels do 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, stoop and pry into the Mystery of the Golden Mercy-seat, 
1 Pet. 1.12.  and were fixed in that place continually to abide; and therefore the Cherubims in that Emblem were made of one piece of Massy Gold together with the Mercy-seat, 
Exod. 25.19.37.7.  to show not only the standing of the Elect Angels by the virtue of Christ's Mediatorship, 
1 Tim. 5.21.  but also to indicate that they could never exhaust and drink in the Knowledge of the Mystery of that Union, 
Mat. 18.10.  though they are constantly beholding the Face of our Heavenly Father. Yet still this Mystical Union implies a Glorious Approximation of the Saints to Christ in some similitude with Christ's Union to the Deity: 
Joh. 17.12.  For the Glory which the Father gave unto Christ hath Christ given to the Saints, who are blessed in Heavenly Places in Christ, and shall sit down with him in his Throne, 
Eph. 1.3.  as he is set down with the Father on the paternal Throne; 
Rev. 3.21.  and as all Judgement is committed to the Son, so shall Saints also judge both the World and Angels. A glimpse of this Glory in this State shines into the heart from the Spirit of Christ dwelling in Saints. They that are joined to the Lord, Paul says not, shall partake of, but, are one Spirit, 
1 Cor. 6.17.  and thereby in an unspeakable manner become Partakers of the Divine Nature. Yet we must ponder on these Deeps with sacred caution: For this Mystical Union is infinitely distinct from Hypostatical. The Spirit of Christ, as he dwells in the Head though in a more eminent manner, yet so he also does intimè pervadere, enter into the Essence of the Souls of Saints: and this Inhabitation may be embleme● by the Rational Souls dwelling in the Animal Spirits of the Blood. But in Christ the Head he dwells fully, and in the Members according to distinct measures and proportions. 
Col. 2.9. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉.   
Again, the state of the Soul shall be admirable, not only in the Limpid Crystalline clearness of its glorified Eye, but the unclothed Majesty of the Objects without Vails and Curtains, and the pure Emanation or Eradiation of their Beams into the Soul. Saints shall be like unto God, and see him as he is; a word that has no bottom, which Heaven itself cannot sufficiently expound to a finite capacity. We shall see him without the Glass of Reflection by Argument, as here, inferring his Divine Power and Godhead from the Works of Creation, and without the Magnifying Glass of Ordinances, to help the weakness of our spiritual senses, and without the Perspective Glass of Faith and promises. They shall behold his Face, 
1 Joh. 3.2. Rev. 22.4.1 Cor. 13.12. Joh. 14.8. Exod. 33.20, 23.  and know as they are known. Philip's desire of having the Father shown shall then suffice indeed; when glorified Saints shall enjoy what was denied to Moses, not only to contemplate the Being of Being's, but as the Causality, the Fountain, and Principle of all Essences; yea and comprehend with all Saints by the Spirit the unlimited, 
Eph. 3.16.19.  unfathomable Love of Christ, and be filled with all the fullness of God; and hereaster conceive more how the three infinite Persons stand in relative Glory, and enjoy more ample light as to the Sons Eternal Generation, and the Spirits Divine and Everlasting Procession. They shall drink of the River of Light that flows from his Essence. Here upon Earth we behold the Sun at a distance, but cannot mount up to walk in those Mountains of brightness: But then the Church shall be clothed with the Sun of Righteousness. 
Rev. 12.1.  There was of old a little spark of Glory in the Temple; 
Ps. 27.4.  and Holy David desired to see that beauty which shined in the Sanctuary: But Oh what perfusions of Glory shall animate the soul in Heaven, when it shall be illustrated with the morning knowledge of Angels. We may justly wonder at the ravishing delight of those Holy Spirits, wherewith they are nourished to ever-springing and soul-fustaining Ecstasies in their Ministration before him, and studying the beautiful Volumes of his Essence. Saints shall see him as distinct from all Creatures, and unvailed of all Relation, and yet take superlative pleasure, in that all the Excellencies in their God are in him as an Everlasting Father; and he that sitteth on he Throne shall dwell among them, 
Rev. 7.15, 17.  and the Lamb in the midst of the Throne shall feed them in the Pastures of Glory, and lead them to Living Fountains of Water.  
In that day it's likely they may understand more of his Eternal Counsels of Election, Creation, Redemption, and Salvation, than now; and dive into the Ocean of his inscrutable Providences, and walk among those Coral Rocks and Mines of Pearl that now lie hid in the great Deeps. It's no small advantage to this withering old Age of the World to reflect upon the Passages of all successive Generations both before and since the Flood, both before and since the Incarnation of our Blessed Saviour. 'Tis a Cordial to refresh our drooping Spirits in this sink and sullage of times, to recall the state of the three Worlds in Peter, 
2 Pet 3.6, 7.  and to gather Maxims for direction in difficult and stormy Deluges. To revolve the Prophecies, and their fulfilings as to the rise, growth, decrease, and fall of the 4 mighty Monarchies in Daniel; and to observe that when they touched upon the Church the Apple of his Eye, how then they began to totter and decline to ruin; and thereby to encourage us as to the fatal Destruction of all the Adversaries that shall arise till the Glory of the New Jerusalem. That all the Toes of daniel's Image shall as certainly be broken in pieces as the Head and Shoulders, 
Dan. 2.35.  the Legs as the Breast and Belly, and the Statue shall become like the Chaff of the Summer thresning flowers, which the Wind shall carry away and no place be found for them; and the Stone that smites that Image shall become a great Mountain, a Glorious Kingdom filling the whole Earth. But these, though such Illustrious Fruits of the Eternal Counsels of God, are small things in comparison of what the Saints shall see perfectly in the Mount of Glory. Then the reasons of all the motions of the Wheels in Ezekiel conveying the Chariot of Cherubims shall shine as bright as the Wheels▪ themselves: Then they shall admire at Heavens Reasons of state, for all the Intricacies, Perplexities, and afflictions of the Church in all Ages and Nations, & the Foundation of the glory which then shall follow. Then shall the saints behold an object which shall transform the Subject of the Spectator into the same refulgent Glory, to be like him as he is: 
1 Joh. 3.2. Ps. 34.5.  As they in the Psalmist were enlightened by vision, and the longer they behold, the optic Nerve of the Soul will advance stronger into the depth of Intellectual beauties, 
2 Cor. 3.18.  and be changed from Glory to Glory.  
Yea when their countenances shine beyond the Sun in his strength, they shall sit down in the Kingdom of their Father at a Glorious Supper, where blessed Angels shall attend the great Lord and Bridegroom of his Church. They shall drink abundantly, 
Songs 5.1. Hebr. Mat. 26.29. Rev. 2.9.  be inebriated with new Wine, and eat of the Tree of Life in the midst of the Paradise of God, alluding to that of Eden in the State of Innocence.  
While the Learned dispute about that Trees real existence in nature, 
Danaei mund. antiq. p. 31. Ep. Augustin. de civ. l. 13. c. 21. Junius, etc.  though hid from mortals in the Regions of Mesopotamia; while others fancy it to be the Imputrible Cedar, and that a first Ens or Balsamic Oil may be extracted from it for prolongation of Life; 
Helmont. Grembs.  while they argue, let us determine that Saints shall then seed upon the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 that Tree of Life, 
Is. 65.22.  the Lord Jesus himself; when the union of our nature in and by him to the Divine shall communicate to all his Mystical Members Eternal Life not only by donation, but influence. The Jews affirm, 
Joh. 10.28.  that Manna tasted to the Palate of their Fathers, according to every one's wish and sancy: However that story stands, we are certain that in this Bread of Life the very desires and wishes of Saints shall be transcended. It hath not entered into the Heart of Man to conceive what is prepared for them that love him. 
1 Cor. 2.9.   
That Heavenly Feast will be soul-satisfying to the utmost. When I awake, says David, i. e. in the Resurrection Morning, I shall be satisfied with thy Likeness. For in the Presence or Face of God will be fullness of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 a word used for the Exhilaration of the Spirits by Wine. 
Ps. 17.15.16.11. Judg. 9. 1●. Eccl. 10.19.  For infinite Grace and Glory will shine from the Light of his Countenance. Rivers of Eden (or pleasure) flow at his Right Hand for evermore, 
Ezek. 47.7.12. Rev. 22.1.  to nourish the delicious Trees of Paradise for Food and Medicine, whereby to preserve a Glorious Immortalily in the Life to come. In that Triumphal Coronation and Nuptial Feast, there will be satiety without cloying, satisfaction connexed with longing, a continual enjoyment of the same delights without fear or sense of deprivation.  
For its Duration shall be everlasting. It shall never be sung— Tibi deserit hesper Olympum, No evening shadows shall darken these Olympian Mountains: Saints shall never rise from that Festival Table, 
Is. 35.10. Rev. 7.17.  but everlasting Joy shall set upon their heads and hearts, and the everlasting Father shall wipe away all Tears, yea, the spring of Tears out of their Eyes. There King Solomon will sit down with all his Glory in that day in the gladness of his Heart: 
Song. 3.11.  There will be present the everlasting Comforter abiding with the Saints for ever. 
Joh. 14.16. Rev. 22.17. Heb. 12.22.  The Spirit faith, Come, as well as the Bride. There will be an innumerable company of Angels, 
Luk. 24.4.  in their Gorgeous Attire of white and shining Raiment, and Crowns of Gold upon their Heads. 
Rev. 4.4.  Oh what a glittering show will stand round about the Celestial Saphire Throne! Whenas one Angel in his magnificent pomp and splendour were enough to extinguish the Sun and all the bright Lamps of the inferior Heavens. 
Rev. 21.23.  There will be the whole Congregation of the First born from Abel to Enoch, from Noah to Abraham, from Moses to Samuel under the waving Standards of the Tribes of Israel, solacing in each others communion. Lazarus talking in the Arms of Abraham, and beloved John once again ask questions in the Bosom of Christ. The persecuted Thessalonian Brethren shall be the Joy and Crown of Rejoicing to Holy Paul at that day in the presence of Jesus Christ. 
1 Thes. 2.19.  Then, the Refusers of the Headstone of the Corner shall see the Ancient Patriarches in the Kingdom of God, 
Luk. 13.28.  and themselves thrust out. Then shall Moses and Elias prosecute their ancient Discourse with our Blessed Lord, all the Disciples hearing, 
Mark 9.7.  upon a higher Mountain than Tabor; and no Cloud to  more.  
At that Banquet there will be Music that will hold a Comfort and Symphony with all the Powers of the Soul. All the Doric and Lesbian Strains are but discords and ungrateful scrape to those Heavenly Amphion's, whose Harps and Voices echo against the Crystalline Jasperwalls of the New Jerusalem. 
Rev. 21.11.  When all the Prodigal Sons shall come to themselves, and taste of the Fatted Calf. What ravishing Songs shall amaze the Spheres, and the 7 Sirens of Heaven? 
Plato in Macrob. de somn. Scip. l. 2. c. 3. Max. Tyr. ser. 21. Luk. 2.8, 13. Ps. 22.22. Heb. 2.12. Rev. 14.3, 4.  when the Heavenly Intelligences themselves shall sing Glory to God in the Highest, and the Shepherds of all the Churches shall be present. When the King of the Church himself shall begin the Psalm, and sing aloud in the midst of the Congregation above, and all the undefiled Virgins shall follow, playing with Harps and answering with Voices to the New Song of the Lamb before the Throne, & the 4 living Creatures (in allusion to the 4 Cherubims in Solomon's Temple) and the 24 Elders, representing the 24 Orders of Priests. Though none can learn this Song but who are redeemed from the Earth, yet 'tis composed, and laid before those Heavenly Spirits by the Pen of the Beloved Disciple. [Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power be unto him that sitteth upon the Throne, 
Rov. 5.8.  and to the Lamb for ever and ever.] And while this Song is melodiously answered by the warbling Harps, the joyful Guests are entertained with fragrant Odours, perfuming the Celestial Mercy-seat, and the spikenard of the Gardens of Zion, of the Forest of Lebanon, sends forth its delicious Smell as the King of the Church in all his Royalty sits at his Table in Glory. 
Song. 1.12.   
But alas, who can reach the Lustre of that day which will amaze Angels themselves? It sinks our Spirits to think of Eternity: 'tis a bottomless Gulf to the thoughts of most raised Souls. But as we cast ourselves here by Faith upon the Heart and Love of Christ, so must we rest in his Love to fulfil all his glorious Promises, 
Zeph. 3.17.  and capacitate the Soul for these Accomplishments.  
But before that august and resplendent day, which will sit upon the Throne of Magnificence, we must remember and ponder seriously upon the awakening Trumpet of the Archangel at his own appearance, 
Job. 5.28.  when the Bodies of all the Saints in order to these unmatched Enjoyments shall be raised out of their embalmed dust, where they lay perfumed by the Spices of their Lords Sacred Body: 
Is. 26.19.  Which Doctrine of Resurrection to life, not only the Holy Scriptures amply confirm for a Foundation of Faith, but there are some no contemptible sentiments of the same in many varieties of Nature. Every Morning utters it, and every Spring revives it: Every Trumpet over the new Moon proclaims it, and every emersion of the Planets from under the Sun's combustion darts a Beam upon this notion. Every Insect that starts from the corruption of dissolved Animals is no ignoble Emblem. Any Metal or Mineral calcined and revived by a proper menstruum yields us a pleasant specimen. Not to enlarge upon those rare experiments, which the learned Chemist's style by the name of the Trees of Philosophers, some whereof are represented both in Gold and Silver, 
French distil. p. 181.  and one in Copper first corroded by Aqua fortis, and revived into Sea green branches, like Coral growing in a G1ass by help of the Liquor of Sand or Pebbles I have sometimes shown. This curiosity is more tightly set forth in Vegetables, 
Borrichius contr. Conring. p. 36●. Borelli. observ. p. 325. Beck. experim. p. 244. Quercitan de herm●●. p 293. Libav. syntag. arcan. chymic. l. 1. c. 22. p. 48.  as the Learned well know by the Writings of Borcllus, Borichius, Beckius, and others, to whom the inquisitive may repair. Give leave a little to enlarge on that story in Quercetan, of a Polonian Doctor, who had above 30 Glasses hermetically sealed, wherein were the Ashes of so many Plants, as the Marigold, the many coloured Poppy, the Rose, etc. chemically prepared (it may be after the manner of a Clyssus as they term it) wherein lay hid the Tinctures, Spirits, Salts, and Oils of each Vegetable; and at the request, of Visitants would set the gentle heat of a Candle under any Glass, and by and by the Plant would begin to rise into a Stalk, Branches, Leaves, and then present a double-flowered Rose, as if it were a Corporeal, but really a Spiritual Idea, and yet endowed with a spiritual essence; and wanted nothing to give it the complete assumption of a solid body, but committing it to the impregnating Salt in a fit and congenial Earth; which upon withdrawing of the warmth would slide down gradually, and sink into its former chaos in the Glass. The truth of which Story I leave to the faith and veracity of that grave, learned, and experienced Writer; not busying our thoughts too much with these faint resemblances, nor with imitation of those people in Herodotus, who entombed their Friends in Glass, or of the Egyptians who embalmed with Myrrh and Aloes, etc. or that ingenious fancy of Kerkring, 
Kerkring, see in Morhof ' ' Epistle to Langelot, p. 50.  to invest the body in Amber; while we by a steadfast faith rely upon the word of our adored Creator, not doubting but Infinite Power is able to perform what Infinite Wisdom contrives, and Infinite Faithfulness hath promised to accomplish.  
Let us with Holy Peter look to, and hasten after this Glorious Day, 
2 Pet. 3.12.  and labour to be found in their number who makeup the unspotted Bride of Christ, and daily study to prepare and adorn our Souls for that Festival Triumph; to have our Loins girt, our Lamps burning, 
Zach. 4.14.  and our Vessels filled with holy Oil from the two anointed ones that stand before the Lord of the whole Earth, 
Rev. 11.4.  the two Witnesses that dispense the Sanctuary Oil for the Candlesticks of the Church; 
Mat. 25.6.  that so at the great cry at midnight, Behold the Bridegroom, cometh, go forth to meet him; that being ready, we may enter with him to the Marriage in the Bride Chamber. 
1 Cor. 11.7 Pro. 12.4.  As a Holy Wife is the Glory of a Holy Husband, and reflects the Graces of his Heart in the Glass of her Pious Life: If he be gracious, she is likewise, and becomes his Glory by reflection: His excellency shines in her deportment, like the Moon deriving all her nocturnal beauty from the Sun; 
E●e. 1.14.  so must Saints shine by the comeliness of Christ. And as a Gracious Husband labours to change his Spouse into his own Image and likeness by kindnesses, precepts, and example, that he may take the more delight in her person: 
Ps. 45.10.  So does our spiritual Solomon change the hue of his Egyptian Queen, to deem of things and persons as her Lord and Husband judges, and frames her Spirit to delight in doing his Will and Pleasure, and take the highest solace in obedience, to enjoy a heavenly freedom mixed mith aimiable and joyful reverence: He roots out of her heart all changeable affections & worldly fancies, and hankering long after the fond fashions of Shechem, 
Gen. 34.1.  and all carnal inclinations to the Daughters of Canaan's Lineage, and all the beggarly humours of the besotted world, and to pass by with a Holy scorn all the pitiful Pageantry of this perishing and fading life, and rise to a mean estimate of the Baubles and trifles that inchant a carnal Heart. At length she arrives to a noble and generous judgement; counting all but dung and dross that she may win Christ. As her Prince of life was crucified by the World for her Redemption, so she gins to be crucified to it in token of conformity to him, and at length becomes all glorious within. She takes down the Pendants of folly, 
Ps. 45.13.  and hangs all her Jewels within. Her Pearls and Diamonds are the gracious Sermons and dying Prayers of her Holy Lord; they hang at her ears, 
Songs 1.13.  they lie between her Breasts all night. Her clothing is of the Gold of Ophir made with Needlework of divers colours, 
Judg. 5.30.  twined by the Daughters of the New, Jerusalem. The 12 precious Stones in the breastplate of Aaron are upon her Heart. She is Holy like him, and goes about doing good with the ornament of a meek and quiet Spirit, with a Crown of Carbuncles of flaming love to Christ upon her Head; and thus reflecting the Glory of Christ here, is preparing and fitting for fuller visions and brighter reflections of Glory hereafter.  
Here's nothing but noise and confusion in the dust and smoke of folly. This World is like the Sea in Habakuk, 
Hab. 1.14.  where the great Fish swallow the small; storms and pirates, rocks and sands, shipwrecks and new furprizing dangers every moment. Let's long and pack up for our best and sweetest home; looking upon every secret Mercy, every joyful income of the Spirit as so many earnests of glory, as so many bend tokens put in hand to secure Heaven. Let's draw off and wean our affections from sublunary vanishing Vapours which perish in the very use. Carnal persons in their heights have but a worldly Heaven, and Saints while here in their lowest depths, by the Sunshine of divine Favour, have a sweet portion of Heaven here upon Earth. Oh what a Heaven shall they have in Heaven itself! Here though sometimes deep in the mire of affliction, yet when conscience sings 'tis fair above head, still travelling towards Zion. Since our natures are changed like a Cion or Graft inserted into the Vine of the Church, we shall in due time be transplanted to Paradise.  
Strengthen assurance by perseverance, and both by the promises to each, and mix prayer with Praises. Our Harps must always sound while our Sacrifice burns on the Altar. Every day adds to the treasury of evidence. Like laborious Bees increase your stock from the flowers of Scripture, and the Honey of Assurance will sweeten every Prayer, and cheer persevering grace, and enliven the strings of praise, till we come with Harps in our hands well tuned to the Gate of Heaven. Let our chaste Souls be a Garden enclosed to Christ: Our eyes, ears, 
Song. 4.12.  affections sealed and shut up from worldly communion. Harken, O Daughter, 
Ps. 45.10, 11.  and forget thine Egyptian people, and thy Father's house in Zoan: So shall the King of Glory greatly desire to see and enjoy thy beauty, for he is thy Lord, and worship thou him.   

Some Passages to be inserted in page 26. which through a casualty did happen to be misplaced.  
AS that Person in Bisseter Market, who having a piece of Bread in his Mouth, and turning suddenly to answer a question while the Bread was swallowing, was immediately choacked; and though he survived about two or three days, yet no remedy prevailed.  
Remarkable was that providence of a poor Tailor at Reading choked with a bit of Mutton, having wished it to himself as he was eating, if he had stolen the Stockings whereof he was accused: Which story is set down in the Register of one of the Parishes of that Town.  
A sudden accident also befell Colonel Rossiter, endeavouring to crack a Plum-stone, (as I am informed) broke a Tooth, and thereby lost his Life.  
I would not let pass two or three stories more of signal providences as to sudden accidents.  
There lived some time since in Grassechurch-street LONDON, a Vintner Mr. Fowler by name, who playing with his little Child a-bed received a scratch of a Pin: First it rankled and cost him a Hundred Pounds-under design of cure; but at length his Arm was cut off, and shortly after lost his life.  
There happened also a notable memorial of Divine providence upon a Child in Bishopsgate Parish (where sometime the good hand of God was pleased to use my poor labours in the honourable service of the Ministry:) This little Child looking up through a wooden case to a ponderous Jack-weight; in that very moment the Weight dropped down and killed it.  
I have also received intelligence of a Person worthy of credit, that a Woman having a very fair Hand molested by a Wart, and submitting to the skill of a Chirurgeon at Thomas Hospital in Southwark in order to cure: But the sore place began to be angry at the improper Medicines and Festers, and shortly receives from his hand the cure of all her Diseases.  
To end with a comfortable story: My good Friend Mr. Ch. Morton then at Sea, and yielding to the advice of a Ship-Chirurgeon to lay the Lapis Infernalis to eat down a Wart; his Arm swollen very dangerously, but the Lord delivered him. So true is that saying of Paracelsus, That the greatest Wounds may issue prosperously, and little Scratches may end disastrously; since the Keys of Life and Death are in the Hand of God.   
FINIS.   

Books printed toy and are to be sold by, John Hancock, at the Sign of the three Bibles in Pope's Head Alley in Cornhill.  

TWelve Books lately published by Mr. Tho. Brooks, late Preacher of the Gospel at Margaret's New Fish-street.  
1. Precious Remedies against Satan's Devices, or Salve for Believers and unbelievers Sores; being a Companion for those that are in Christ or out of Christ.  
2. Heaven on Earth: Or a serious Discourse touching a Well-grounded Assurance of Man's Everlasting Happiness.  
3. The Unsearchable Riches of Christ held forth in 22 Sermons.  
4. Apples of Gold for Young Men and Women: Or the Happiness of being Good betimes.  
5. A String of Pearls: Or the best Things reserved till last.  
6. The Mute Christian under the Smarting Rod, with Sovereign Antidotes against the most miserable Exigents.  
7. An Ark for all Gods Noah's in a Stormy Day.  
8. The Crown and Glory of Christianity, in 48 Sermons on Heb. 12.14.  
9 The privy Key of Heaven: Or a Discourse of Closet Prayer.  
10. An Heavenly Cordial for such as have had or escaped the Plague.  
11. A Cabinet of choice Jewels, or a Box of precious Ointment: Containing special Maxims, Rules, and Directions in order to the clearing up of a Man's Interest in Christ, and his Title to all the Glory of another World.  
12. London's Lamentations.   
The Godly Man's Ark, in several Sermons. To which is added Mrs. Moor's Evidences for Heaven. By Edmund Calamy, B. D. at Aldermanburic.  
Christ's Communion with his Church Militant. By Nicholas Lockyer.  
Sin the Plague of Plagues, by Ralph Venning.  
A true Narrative of those two never to be forgotten Deliverances, one from the Spanish Invasion in 88, the other from the Hellesh Powder Plot, Nou. 5. 1605. By Mr. Sam. Clark.  
The Accurate Accountant, or London Merchant: Being Instructions for keeping Merchants Accounts. By Tho. Brown, Accountant.  
Short Writing; the most Easy, Exact, Lineal, and speedy Method that hath ever yet been obtained, as thousands in this City and elsewhere can from their own experience testify. By Theophilus Metcalfe.  
Also a Book called a Schoolmaster to it, explaining all the Rules thereof.  
A Word of Advice to Saints, or a choice Drop of Honey from the Rock Christ.  
A Copy Book of the Newest and most Useful Hands, with Directions for Spelling and Cyphering.  
Bridges Remains: Being eight choice Sermons. By the late Reverend Mr. William Bridge of Yarmouth.  
A Dissuasive from Conformity to the World. Also God's Severity against Impenitent Sinners. By Henry Stubbes, Minister of the Gospel.  
venning's Remains, being the substance of many Sermons. By Mr. Ralph Venning; prepared by himself for the Press a little before his Death.  
The Poor Man's Family book. By Richard Baxter.  
Luther's 34 special and choice Sermons.  
Comae Berenicis, or the Hairy Comet; being a Prognostic of Malignant Influences from the many Blazing Stars wand'ring in our Horizon.  
Gospel Love, Heart Purity, and the Flourishing of the Righteous: Being the last Sermons of that late Eminent Divine Mr. Joseph Caryl.  
The Young Man's Guide to Blessedness, or seasonable Directions for Youth in their unconverted estate. By R. Matthew, Minister of the Gospel.  
Causa Dei, or an Apology for God; wherein the Perpetuity of Infernal Torments is evinced, and his both Goodness and Justice defended. Also the Nature of punishments in general, and of Infernal ones in particular, displayed by R. Burthogge.  
The Legacy of a Dying Mother to her Mourning Children; being the Expiences of Mrs. Susanna Bell: Published by Tho. Brooks.  
King James his Counterblast to Tobacco. To which is added a Learned Discourse touching Tobacco by Dr. Maynwaring; wherein Men may see whether Tobacco be good for them or no.  
Strength in Weakness; being a Sermon preached at the Funeral of Mrs. Martha Brooks, late Wife of Mr. Thomas Brooks, Minister of the Gospel. To which is added some experiences of the Grace and Deal of God, observed and gathered by a near Relation of the said Mrs. Brooks.  
An Excellent Cathechism, by the late Reverend Mr. Jeremiah Burroughs.  
A Discourse of Christ's Coming, and the Influence which the Expectation thereof hath on all manner of Holy Conversation and Godliness: By Theophilus Gale.  
The Shepherd's Legacy, or forty years' experience of the Wether.  
The Young Man's Conflict with, and Victory over, the Devil by Faith: Or a true and perfect Relation of the Experiences of Tho. Powel, begun in the fifteenth, and continued till the seventeenth year of his Age.  
Theological Treatises; 

1. Production of Man's Soul.  
2. Divine Predestination.  
3. The True Church Regiment.  
4. Predictions of Messiah.  
5. Christ's two Genelogies.  
6. The Revelation revealed.  
7. Christ's Millenary Reign.  
8. The World's Dissolution.   By Robert Velvain.  
Christ's certain and sudden Appearance to Judgement; by Samuel Malbon.  
A brief D●scription of New York, and the Places thereto adjoining, with Directions and Advice to such as shall go thither; by Dan. Denton.  
A Cry for Labourers in God's Harvest: Being a Sermon preached at the Funeral of Mr. Ralph Venning: By R. Bragge, Minister of the Gospel.  
Christian Directions, showing how to walk with God all the day long; by Th. Gouge.  
The Young Man's Guide through the Wilderness of this World to the Heavenly Canaan; by Tho Gouge.  
Conscience the best Friend upon Earth, or the Happy Effects of Keeping a Good Constience; by Henry Stubbes.  
Patience and its Perfect Work under sudden and sore Trials.  
Orthodox Paradoxes Theoretical and Experimental, or a Believor clearing Truth by seeming Contradictions: With an Appendix of the Triumph of Assurance over the Law, Sin, World, Wants, etc. To which is added, The New Command Renewed, or Love one another; with Ten Rules for the Right Understanding of Scripure; by Ralph Venning, A.M.  
An Awakening Call from the Eternal God to the unconverted, with Seasonable Advice to them that are under Convictions, to prevent their miscarrying in conversion; by Samuel Corbyn, A. M.  
Now in the Press a Rebuke to Back sliders, and a Spur to Loiterers, published to awaken a Sleepy Age; by R. A. Author of Vinditiae Pietatis.  
FINIS.