jehovah jireh Merito Audience, praeco Evangelicus An Angel from Heaven, OR, An Ambassador for CHRIST, Descending from God, Ascending unto God, lawfully dignified, completely qualified, HEARD (With Religious devotion) reporting his AMBASSAGE. To the honourable Societies of the Inner, and Middle TEMPLES: On Sunday the Eleventh day of December 1642. The substance whereof is commended to public view; By Edw. Tuke.  LUKE 2. 13. And suddenly there was with the Angel, a multitude of the heavenly Hosts praising God and saying, 14. Glory to God in the Highest, and on Earth peace, good will towards men. 
London printed for T. W. 1642.   

To the Worshipful, well devoted & his much Honoured friend M. john Cave Councillor at Law and of the Inner-Temple  
Worthy Sir,  
THE Rabbins to maintain Tradition, usually distinguish Gods Holy Law, into the Law written; Torah she baccathubh and Torah she begnah Peh; and their Talmud or Doctrinal, is no other than an elucidation or exposition on God's Law written, saith Elias Levila in Tisbi:  
And to take 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 or Traditioe, as we use the word in the Church, pro quavis justitutione quae ecclesiâ traditur, it may as justly refer to Prophetical and Apostolical Truths, and by consequence, not to be Abrogated: 2 Thes 2. 15, 1 Cor. 2. 15. 3, 4 As to those things whose circumstances make them mutable and whose observations is therefore free, and not of absolute necessity as Act. 15. 28 29. 1 Cor. 11. 2.  
Of this Sermon, you had first an unwritten Tradition or (as the jews say) the Law spoken, The errors which may be found in it, are with tolerable modesty better to be answered, in that it was given me (as they say their Tradition) in the Night, for I think, there is no man that shall attempt and act matters of high and useful consequence from hours stolen from his pillow, but may now and then be taken napping▪  
But such as it was, being given me to deliver, it was more than Reasonable I should deliver to them, for whom it was Given; yea to do that, was Causa sine quâ non; besides God's providence and spiritual permission; Your Patience an particular Admission, There was law to command me, the law of necessity, and necessity of preaching, against which I know no law, and I must acknowledge, I had a conscionable Motion to it at that time.  
It appertains to all, lawfully called and duly authorized, to preach God's word, And though I am yet (by Gods will) Fortune's Dwarf, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 (Religiously be it spoken) and so, not commended to any proper Pastoral cure; Yet in Saint Paul's first chapter to the Romans verse 14. I can read my Duty; To which the Syrian gives a word of such Important obligement; as may supply others (aswell as those of necessary invitation) with a paraphrastical Commentary upon this subject: mehhaicbh euoleakr●z, I am indebted to the pulpit, or in Duty to the office of a Preacher.  
From this Ground I spoke, and spoke my Conscience God bearing me witness; and from Gods Bearing me witness, I writ; and Here you have the Law written.  
I must note unto you Sir, that I do not with real Freedom expose myself to the press, much less, to the Torturing Rack of the world's harsh Censure; learning itself stands in White sheets and I think no public penance is voluntary; Mine is not such, yet if it suffer such, and look not too pale, the matter is less; White is a Symbol of Innocency and Purity, and these is some comfortable mitigation, to be persuaded; It doth penance.  
The Sinful Censurers of the Times, are as Locusts in Egypt; I speak not double when I say Arbeh is nor strained from Rabah, Multitudes from Numbers; Some for Paul, some for Apollo's, some for Lephas; From the increase of these Numbers, are drawn many Heads, which some call Divisions: These like worms, live upon the Government, and eat out the very Hart of the Tree, or as Flies in summer, putrify the sweetest sustenance.  
Sir, These send me to you; for the Declension of an age from primitive virtue, could not suffer me to come forth without Protection; an hundred to one, These are many: you may please in this matter to be all one to me: That one is that I wish for my singular esteem of you, makes me account these Pluralists nullius numen, nothing.  
To be short; Your Love, next unto God's Hand, lead me to the Temple, at that Time, and your Approbatory Testimony, compels me to prise my poor Fortune's dexterity, that hath fitted a Dedication correspondent to my desires Direction, at this Time.  
The Almighty God of heaven and earth, whose property in Divine Nature is to be merciful above offences, quicken you by his Spirit, to an heavenly Emulacia to study the Principles and Desires of his Truth, and (as far as concerns you) the Church's safety; enclose you in the volume of his Book; and Gather you into the Bosom of his Son, in whom is only True Bliss, and of whom.  
By Faith and Holiness (in this life) you shall be assured at the Resurrection of the Just; when God by his Spirit or soft and still voice, in a less minute than any man dies here, shall unite the Spirits and Bodies of all: When and Where God is All in All.  
And though his Church on Earth (as at this time never so militant) be sad round about, and his Children under Clouds and pillars of fire; yet Sursum Corda lift up your hart, and eyes unto the Hills, those mountains of Deliverance above; Take every day two or three Turns up and down jacobs' ladder, by humble Meditations and Faithful Ejaculations, Trusting unto your Redeemer with Godly perseverance; And let the Troubles, be what can be, for Condition and Duration▪ so long as there is Elijah an holy and devout soul; God will be in the Cave.  
It is my security in this Business to have thought upon your Candour; when you have kindly accepted this, you free me not of all; for in Gratitude I own you service, and in Duty prayer,  
Whilst I am a lawful Ambassador for Christ, EDVARD TOOK. From my Study December 19 1642.   

HOnoratissimis, sagaciter per sapientibus, literis mansuetioribus Disertissime locupletibus, sacrosanctâ Doctrinarum veritate (Anglicanae Ecclesia fideliter extru●tâ) Accuratissimè Fundatis  
Roberto Berkley,  
Roberto Foster,  
Francisco Crawley,  
jurisprudentibus, militibus, & judicibus, omni observantiâ colendis, venerandis.  
Et claritate virtutis excellenti, ingenuè Dapsili, Arte & legibus comptismè, integerrimèque valenti, Regales causas, scientissime Oranti  
Radolpho Whitfield, militi,  
Necnon, Generosi sanguinis, utriusque Templi, juris Candidatis, culti oris facundiâ, & venustissimo Ciceronis lepôre Relucentibus & Fragrantibus; suaviloquentiâ Festivissimâ, uberrimâque sententiarum supellectile (aurei instar Fluminis) exuberantibus; Humanitatis laude urbanioris, antecellentibus; officiorum studiosioribus; juvenibus.  
Hunc suum, Meritò Audientem Praeconem Evangelicum,  
In Concione (oratione impolitâ apud vos, praelectâ, Decembris undecimo Dominico, habitâ,) Munusculum Levidensae, ad perpetuum (in calestibus) vestrum Monumentum & em●lumentum  
Theologicâ laureâ minimè Doctoratus, suppliciter, verecundè, nec minùs rubicundè summo candore,  
Offert, Addicat, Consecratque, Decemb. 19 1642.  
EDVARDUS TOOK Presbyter Humillimus.   

CHRIST'S Lawful AMBASSADOR.  
THese meditations Infantlike unable to walk or talk by themselves as Pyrrhus in Plutarch silently and humbly entreat your Attentions, I cannot pass the ●●●ing of Rabbin Josibar, jehudah in Pirkabboth, he that learns of young men like a man that eats un-ripe grapes, or drinks Wine out of the Winepress. But he that learns of the Ancient is like him that eats ripe grapes and drinks wine that is old: And it is Pliny's direction; for more generous wine of the old Vine Tree (Antiquity was famous and had respect in those days,) Ex vetustioribus vitibus vinum melius, novellis Copiosius. And should I by Synechdochen understand Baptism, for the sum of S. john Baptists Doctrine, I hope I could not offend in humility to profess with Apollo's, Act. 18. 25. That I understand only john's Baptism. And therefore I submissively salute you in his Apology unto Christ whom he endeavoured to put of coming to his Baptism with his 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, I have need to be baptised of thee, and comest thou to me? but patiently suffer it to be so now, Me to preach and you to hear the word of the Lord, delivered unto you, from the,  2 COR. 5. 20. Now therefore we are Ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us, we pray in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God. 
MY Text in its body represents a Church and State in an ordinate unity under one head, or Domuni quandam conventionis, a certain House of Parliament, the debatements though various, yet intent the Church's happiness and determine in peace. The King and Lord Spiritual of the upper House in Heaven intimates the Treaty for the settled bliss of the Soul, is content though stabdd and pierced through with the sharp spear of daily transgressions, and insufferable injuries to pass his pardon without man's peccavi or demand, and not upbraiding our oblivion and want of gratitude endeavours by all continued Clemency, to seek us yea seek to finds us who first lost him by sending this unparalleled Embassage of peace. Now therefore we are Ambassadors for Christ, etc.  
The Poets feign the Chariot of the sun in respect of its four diversities to be drawn by four horses: at his rising it is red, at the third hour bright, at noon hot, at Evening cold; the fiction I stand not to dispute, only in this Text I can perceive four wheels as of a Chariot; running much like those four last Articles of faith, upon which wise men by rumination walk, and safely rest, whilst fools run over and over throw.  
First, Read here the Communion of Saints, which may be gathered hence, we are Ambassadors sent to that purpose.  
Secondly, See the forgiveness of Sins, if ye repent, while God beseecheth, and we pray in Christ's stead▪  
Thirdly, Expect the body's resurrection properly, and the souls Metaphorically and accidentally from the grave of death, sin, and hell, which is perfectly assured to the utmost of this life's capacity, if ye be reconciled; therefore be reconciled.  
Fourthly, Taste that all good, and good of all, life everlasting God, the rest of the rest, therefore be ye reconciled unto God▪ But I have here 4 other wheels very useful and not unfitly made fast to this Chariot.  
1. Is Magnificens Christi in presbyterio Majestus, God's power and Majesty in his Ministry, We are Ambassadors for Christ.  
2. Affectio providens, God's provident love to his people, as though God did beseech you by us.  
3. Here is Religiose unita societas, an unanimous and religious society, Christ by his Ambassadors, the Ambassadors in Christ, request your Christian conjunction, unto Christ, We pray in Christ's stead▪ be reconciled.  
4. Here is indefatigabilis & immutabilit satie as, an unwearied and unchangeable satiety of God's mercy and your peace, if ye be reconciled, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 unto God; Now therefore we are Ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us, we pray you in Christ's stead to be reconciled unto God. The first word now, stands as Abraham in his Tent door, attending the coming of Angels from God, such as these textuary Ambassadors, and serves now to instruct us of an orderly succession of Legates from God unto a strange people, and it opens the door unto Christ too, and signifies his special appointment of Shepherds over his flock, as Bishops, Pastors, and Apostles, to guide, feed, and instruct them, now therefore we are Ambassadors, saith Saint Paul.  
And this word now, by an holy and Apostolical derivation is present with us to confirm our office and authority, and to enjoin you obedience and submission to the watch man and his word for your souls, now therefore we are Ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us, we pray in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled unto God From this Illative 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, therefore, I might argue a consequent necessity of the Ambassadors coming, and your entertainment of his person and Message, as also, I might hence yield a reason invincible, of your spiritual life, by dying to the night of sin, and rising to the day of righteousness, propounded unto you, as a matter of great justice, from the death and Resurrection of our Saviour jesus Christ, ver. 13. as also, the means of accomplishing that death and this Resurrection, which this therefore seems to imply, as the compliment of your salvation, when in religious obedience, hereto you approve the dignity of the Minister over you to that effect, or to effect that, & excellentiam Ministerij, as Beza notes it, the excellency of the Ministry, and thence termed the word of reconciliation, ver. 19  
But having more than two words to speak, I speak of these two little more, though laid in my way like stones, not of offence, but defence, and as the Basis of a chief corner stone, fetched hither from the bottom of the earth, or Moses rock, which being polished, fitted and squared by sufficient explication, might prove solid grounds, for erecting us lively stones in God's building, by faithful application; Now therefore we are Ambassadors. In the first five words, are five several parts of speech, which Grammatically stood upon, would help me to avoid the tongues confusion, by which the whole work suffers, and goes not forward, but omitting that, as also the subject, copulate, and redicate, which logically, this first affirmative proposition affords, I will apply my sal●e somewhat, to the concurrence of those wheels, on which the Text last ran, and not liking many divisions in the Temple, please to observe in the moving of the first wheel, Deputationem nostram, our Deputation, we are Ambassadors, 2. Reputationem nostram, our reputation for Christ; In the turning of the second wheel, note 2. First, Commissionem, our commission; Velut Deo vos precante per nos, as though God did beseech you by us. Secondly, Conditionem, the Condition▪ Oramus nomine Christi, we pray in Christ's stead, in the third or three quarter wheel, take notice of the subjects Vos ye, be ye. 2. The subject, reconciliation, Vos reconciliamini, be ye reconciled: in the last wheel, as it turns round, see the object, God, whom I have read signified, by a wheel which turns ever and never ceaseth turning, Vos reconcilumini Deo, be ye reconciled unto God.  
Thus reverently saving to my Text, the Acclamation of Elisha unto Elijah▪ in his rapture, to a blessed translation, my Father, my Father, the Chariot of Israel, and the horsemen of Israel, I shall now upon these particulars, or some of them, sometime sit, and sometime stand, and in this divided Order. First, of the first.  
We are Ambassadors, various and as valuable are these high Titles of honour various which the great God of HEAVEN and Earth, hath collated upon the Heralds of his Law and Gospel which are Bridles to command and curb the scorn of the contemptible world, nor can any eye be so Dim and fleshly covered though overspread with a Scirrhosis but may discern those titular respects to be tutelar protects of such his Ambassadors and Messengers as the Apple of his own eye: They are silver keys which lead the Covetous Christian to the golden treasure hidden in the field: be it only Titulus isis. And it Quasi Titan illuminating the minds of the men or less Ignorant, as the sun doth the world, but they are many, and like pilate's superscription in Hebrew, Greek, & Latin, to point the jew, Gentile and Christian to Christ and his Cross, for which we are Ambassadors.  
Ambassadors, honourable men, and of God's Privy Council, fellow Commoners with God, yea Angels too: and this testimony, we receive in either Testament. Expositors mean the judging high Priest, when Ecclesiastes the 5. & 6. 'tis said, say not before the Angel; and the Jews propound that Angel, which came up from Gilgal to be Phineas the high Priest, judg. 2. & 1. And so Beza renders those Angels before whom a woman must be covered in the Church, to be the instructing Ministers. The Angels of the seven Churches, we say Bishops, (whereas others that cannot speak out, with Shibboleth,) call them superintendents. And because we preach the Unity of one full Church Celestial and Terrestrial under jesus Christ, we participate by the counterchange of names, of the nature of Angels. An Angel in Heaven is a Celestial Priest and an Ambassador in Earth is well styled a Terrestrial Angel. We are those Angels upon the ladder of jacob, jesus Christ, ascending by prayer for the people, by, and to his Divinity, and descending by Doctrine upon the people, by his Humanity, though Couched under the flat stile of an Ambassador in the text. Nor is this relation of so late news as to cause your ears to itch, but rather tingle, in dicbus illis, even in the old time before us this Doctrine was preached, the use discovered, the abuse corrected; the old world were Aurium tenus up to the ears in water, and perished as by an heavenly. Dropsy, for not obeying & esteeming Noah an Ambassador from God unto them: the lustful Sodomites were (for wickedness almost matchless) matched, being consumed by flames, and generally overthrown by one burning fever, for that they harkened not unto righteous Lot their Ambassador. Since ever there were a people God hath continued away of practice with that people either immediately or mediately, extraordinarily or ordinarily, sometime by inspiration, sometime by dreams, sometime by prophecy, sometime by visions, and sometime by revelation, all which in their Order & end considered, were as so many Ambassadors from God the great King, and as so many testimonies of his mercy and love to the people, even from Moses the great Prophet, unto Malachi the lesser, the line hath run direct, to point to the greatest of all jesus Christ, whom Saint John Baptist exactly aimed at with his 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. Behold the lamb of God which taketh away the sins of the world. Not a word without an Article to lead us to the person and Actions of Christ, for whom being come and ascended we are Ambassadors.  
In this place, I may without digression observe Gods holy and wise Economical Method: until the Law was published, God revealed himself and his will by Apparitions and Inspirations of Prophets; but Miracles and visions apparently decreased as there was an augmentation of his holy Scripture; so Vrim and Thummim at the captivity ended, and nothing was assigned to the Priest's duty, but to teach the Law when the Prophet Malachy finished the Prophets; and Esaiah the 8. 20. the people are informed to what they must look and stand, even to the Law and to the Testimony, and are evidently admonished to remember the Law of Moses from which they might conclude; no more expectation of Angels, Prophets, dreams or visions, until the coming of that great Prophet indeed jesus Christ, so lately pointed at by his forrunner john the Baptist.  
From this course we may gather the Compliment of the Law, the ceasing of further visions, of broaching of dreams, of faineing of Prophecies, of dreaming of new Revelations, and enthusiastical inspirations, and here is the Proclamation of the Gospel by God's lawful Ambassadors, at whose mouth we are directed to know Christ's will; whose lips in the Temple we are bound to prefer before the private Adoration of a God of our own setting up, though we should see him move by his itching in our garrets & chambers. We Ambassadors have Authority to preach remission of sins to all faithful penitents, assurance of Resurrection to Eternal life, to faithful souls by jesus Christ, who having sealed up all vision and prophecy, revealed the whole will of his father directed us unto God's wisdom, commands us to lay aside all Popish traditions. anabaptistical inspirations, humane unnecessary inventions, and to rest upon him in his written holy word; who is the beginning and the ending Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, And for this we are Ambassadors.  
Hence the people are taught that it must needs be an high arrogancy to add new Doctrines, because the whole will of God the Father is in these last times fully declared and manifestly published by jesus Christ his only son, and our only Saviour in his Word. And since Christ hath completely finished the whole Law of God and man's everlasting Redemption, and that this Doctrine, these Divine Ambassadors are commanded with substantial knowledge to preach to the people, the people are hence directed with all humble holiness immediately to take drift and living directions from us as the textuaries, and Apostolical Ambassadors, that so Gods written word may have evident and sound Explication, all Schisms and heresies utter exerpation, pure Devotion high augmentation significant discipline in all comeliness and decency, practical commendation, the people to whom the Ambassador comes, may receive sincere edification, the Ambassador, religious estimation; God's Ambassage deserved exaltation, and God himself, an uniform Glorification; and for this we are Ambassadors.  
Here is Officium & Beneficium, Ambassador 'tis nomen oneris aswell as honoris, a name of Office aswell as benefice, of sedulity aswell as utility, of service aswell as ceremony. We exercise an Eldership and discharge the work, as truly, as legatione fungimur we are charged with the Embassage: by the authority of Christ, we are invested and inducted into one; and by the same virtue, in nomine Christi in the name of Christ, we effect the other: Dignitas honoris, the worthiness of this honour, falls out according to the power of this Gift; and the Gift had not been sufficient, except God had endued it with power.  
Whence our Deputation first issued, and what it may understand; Saint Paul (as commenting else where upon this text) unfolds by the word of Eternal truth: He that descended is the same also who ascended up fare above all heavens, that he might fulfil all things: 1. Ephes. 4. 10. and v. 11. He gave some Apostles, and some Prophets, and some Evangelists, and some Pastors, and teachers for the perfecting of the Saints, for the work of the Ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ.  
But this deputation is no less than a work of the sacred Trinity, for the blessed Trinity, which by one consultation in word created man, do now in the word, by one work, recreate him: in this last quotation you read Donum Filij, the gift of the Son, and 1. Cor. 3. 6. you may read Donum Patris, the gift of the Father. I have planted, Apollo watered, but God gave the increase; and 1. Cor. 12. 28. And God hath set some in the Church, first Apostles, secondarily Prophets, thirdly teachers; after that Miracles than Gifts of Healings, Helps, Government, diversities of tongues.  
And Act. 20. 28. see Donum Spiritus sancti, the Gift of the holy Ghost: Take heed therefore unto yourselves and to all the flock over the which the holy Ghost hath made you overseers to feed the Church of God.  
Learned Calvin particularly interpreting Saint Paul's order of Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists, shepherds, and teachers; doth summarily concorporate them into the office and honour of an Apostolical Pastor, such as this Ambassador himself was.  
By shepherds and teachers some understand those, whose charge extended to the care of a particular Nation, and such fell somewhat short of that account, which they received, who spared no pains to preach every where.  
By Evangelists, some intimate those who walked not abroad and yet preached, as Priscilla Act. 18. 26. or those who wrote the Gospel.  
By Prophets, some mean certain which were not Apostles, and yet were Prophets, as Agabus Act. 11. 28.  
By Apostles, there are who understand such as had all things, for an Apostle is a vessel of the body more principal and lively, receiving all things from Christ himself; so saith Saint chrysostom in Ephes. 5.  
And the before cited judicious Calvin, puts betwixt the orders some difference, but that, in very modest discretion.  
By teachers, he will signify such, as applied their whole diligence to the sound interpretations of Divine writ, and whose care it was to preserve the purity of Doctrine amongst the faithful, and 'tis his observation, that such teachers intermeddled not with any Discipline or Ministrations of Sacraments to the people.  
By Evangelists, he means an order in Dignity somewhat inferior to the Apostles, yet not without some relations to them in office, such as Saint Luke and Timothy, and perhaps those 70. Disciples appointed by Christ.  
By Prophets, he intends not all interpreters of the Divine will, but such as by singular Revelation excelled others; of which kind▪ we have now none Extant, for so he argues, quales nunc vel nulli extant, vel minus sunt conspicui.  
But the power Apostolical, he confines not to any other bounds then the whole Universe, alluding to their Commission granted from the Lord Governer and Commander of the whole world, Saint Mark 15 16. Go ye into all the world and preach the Gospel to every Creature.  
And the Pastoral and Apostolical charge, not admitting the least difference betwixt them in substance or service; He concludes, comprehends all these, for thus he resolves. Pastorale autem mumus haec omnia in se continet, and now by consequence it is manifest: but what relation is or could be, in honour and office betwixt our teachers and the old Prophets; the same, more fully authorized and exemplified, have our Pastors with the Apostles, and so, in the duties of preaching, praying, praising, baptising, breaking of bread, administering of the Cup, and in all other holy actions grounded on God's word; as apperteining to the Ministry, our succession is Apostolical; for Saint Paul engrosseth not the office to himself, but verifieth an equality of execution to all such succeeding Ministers and Ambassadors. Let a man so esteem of us, as of the Ministers of Christ and stewards of the Mysteries of God 1. Cor. 4. 1. that hence, we be esteemed as Ambassadors for Christ, sent by Christ, and that the people to whom we are sent, may as from our hand, receive the rich treasure of Salvation▪ gathered for them, and distributed unto them from the holy Scriptures and Mysteries of God; And in this sense is my thesis in the text, we are Ambassadors.  
Here is honour indelible, dignity indamnable, reward interminable, dignatio magna, here, if I could build Tabernacles, the glory of the Lord would suddenly fill them. We are Ambassadors, here is or should be our Unity, and we are all Ambassadors, here is or should be our holy Community; Legatione fungimur, we are all Ambassadors, but all are not we; he mistaks the place, qui tibi hunc assumit honorem, who takes this honourable Office upon him, not being called of God as was Aaron: there are which run, whom God hath not commanded to go, but interpreting Saint Paul's mark, set before them, to be a pulpit, press forward in their senseless performances, without authentical Ordinations. O monstrum horrendum, Inform ingens cui lumen ademptum, O head and body without eyes, unparallelled wonder, here let Admiration seal up every lip, that any people should conceive that way, best profitable to mend their aberrations and step awry, by hearing and seeing a Cobbler, who perhaps would delight more to be Solus cum sola wax a Preacher, nay 'tis causa capitis and head Business, which moves my more than ordinary invectives: against such profanation, and profaners, when a dresser of Hats will seem a redresser of hearts; what can such polluted hands work save gum into men's Heads and gall into there minds, they may presume to make Sermons as good as ever was felt, though never so true as to be understood, such take not a book in hand without some colour, and though there utterance exceed there entrance, their going out; there learning nay though there shutle tongues we aver like, jig into the tumult of discourse, and stray into the timeless waist of words, against their own science, or capacity; yet though many their are, blessed be God (which cry such out) too too many there are, which cry up such, for the only zealous teachers, and commend in them God's power, with a digitus Dei, because such a Mechanical Enthusiast hath it ad unguem as he hath at his finger's end.  
What otherwise can be expected for event then making of Schisms and rents in God's Church, when a the thievish tailor, who but now hath rob his neighbour of his goods in his Stall, shall leap up into Moses Chair, and straight way rob God of his honour in the pulpit, which of you, ever heard of any King that took a Cobbler, hatter tailor, or such like; and sent him an Ambassador: and will the King of Kings (judge you) allow of such; these like Apes, show their ugliness by climbing up, these like horsleeches suck up that blood unnaturally, which nature and Art as Parents. Have bestowed upon lawful Children, these like snap-dragons, live upon the Almsbaskett of the Country, their title to the Office and honour of the true Ambassador, suits well with the harlotts claim, who when she had overlaid here own Child, with a bold and uncontracted forehead, pretended an interest in another's; persuade yourselves, that even by such instrument, the Devil may delude to destruction; whom ye report to have a Cloven foot, but think not of his Cloven tongue, yea my friend, to hear such tautological fellows, is unprofitable for you, saith Saint Paul elsewhere, and since you hear his limitation, hear a little more from this text, even your Imitation, for we are Ambassadors for Christ.  
I need not here further dispute our primitive Instalment into this Sacred function, being Confident that no truly affected Son to the Church of England, can be seduced by such senseless insolency, to deny or doubt, so positive a truth as is here uttered, we are Ambassadors for Christ.  
But not being such, or in case there be such, this text will better inform both; in which, there are credenda & agenda matters of faith, that we are Ambassadors, and such Ambassadors, and this respects ourselves, and you to believe; and matters of fact; and this concerns us, first to approve ourselves Ambassadors, and such Ambassadors, and then, it calls upon you to incline to our Embassage.  
The words respectively considered, may be compared, to an Image of juno in Lucian de Dea Syria; which looks this way, and that way, and every way; for they have an eye to us, and an eye to you, to us, as Activi Doctores, to you, as passivi discipuli, to us, as Ambassadors faithfully to report our Embassage, to you, as persons, to whom we are sent, fruitfully to receive our errand, they view us Ambassadors, as we are dignified with honour, and they look upon us, as we perform our Office.  
But committing the honour, and worth of an Ambassador, to the wise estimation of those persons, whom justly it may respect; I should pass to his work, save, that the Course might seem preposterous, except I touch a little, upon some qualifications, proper to an Ambassador, and such an Ambassador, in this transition.  
The Persians named there King and Priests Magos, neither do the Dignity of this Ambassador, nor the Excellency of his Office, lie obscure under this Appellation; since the Hebrew gives it, a Meditando & docendo, from his Meditation and Instruction, for which two, he should be ably qualified.  
The five Intellectual virtues, Intellectus, Sapientia, Scientia, Ars, and Prudentia, Intelligence, Sapience, Science, Art, and Prudence, which Arist, Ethic. 6. terms, Arma Spiritualia, Spiritual Armour, or weapons; must never be wanting to this Ambassador, nor must he need that lac Philosophia, milk of Philosophy, Grammar, Logic, and Rhetoric, by which soft nutriment, the Ancient aswell as youth, sucking, may be nourished, and by these his tender Documents growing up, may in time, more freely and with less Crudities digest his stronger Oratory.  
But for his more solid and prompt expressions, of those Metaphysical and Theological Essays, it will not dishonour him, yea much enable him▪ to incline a regular observation, of Prudence, Justice, Fortitude, and Temperance 4. Cardinal virtues, so called, as in respect of the matters, Dignity, about which they treat, so, of that certain and definite Principality, which they not improperly assume to themselves▪ as Boelius de Consol. 1. hath it.  
The Greek, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, originally issues from 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, or 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 hence 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, which is as much is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to serve and labour in tho dust, so radically, (and in genere) understood, we are servants, toylers, and tilers of the Ground.  
And so Pathetical a power hath each word in his sense, as if the earthly hearted hearer, should necessarily and effectually be moistened, by the plentoous drops of the head sweeting preacher.  
Here the sun baked, vulgar, whose Envy hath made them look a squint upon the work of the Minister, and whose busy Idleness find fault which his labours, conceaving the Curse, in sudore unlous etc. in the sweat of thy brows shalt thou eat bread, not to reach his head; or that like an usurer he lies sleeping in security, and therefore, that his maintenance takes him napping, here such may receive an infallible Conviction.  
Pierius Hieroglyphically designs and sindes out a true Scholar by the Hare, which sleeps waking, with her eyes open, and wakes sleeping with her oyes shut, that is one, who seems to contemplate Acting, and to Act in contemplation; Pity it were to start this Hare, from the form; But alas, how subject hourly is this poor Hare to a sudden surprise, yea without fair law shot at, and with such Greediness as scarce missed an Hare, In what danger sits this Hare to be torn in Pieces, flesh yea Skin and all, nor will this always suffice seldom suffocate.  
Praeda Canum lepus est vasto, non implet Hiatus, the hare is a dish for hounds, but grosser Paunches she cannot satisfy.  
Neither, have other Emblemists dealt penuriously, in their Annotations upon the serious Student, which discern him, by one eye shut, and another open, Phosphorus in his right hand, and the word of observation, vigilo, I watch; Hesperus, in his left hand, and the word, Dormio, I sleep; hence I collect they Argue, his just division of the day and night, for theoricks and practics, for Meditation, and Application.  
See, how he walks obstipo Capite, with his head awry, his eyes perceing the earth; Hear but his silent murmuring, how his Spirits are gnawn asunder and divided into pieces, by the worm of revolving invention.  
Perceive the work of his Judgement, by his two lips out stretched, which are as Balances, to weigh his sententious and ponderous expressions; yea think, how near he consumes himself, when spider like, he is ever weaving curious webs, for your soft and durable wearing, out of his own Bowels. Consider that the firmament, the world and all creatures in heaven and earth are arguments proposed for his understanding and disputation, together with that principium primum, causa prima, ens entium, that essentiâ, and trinus personis, God, that one eternal Essence of three persons, the Father, the Son, the holy Ghost, and his will to be revealed unto Christians; for the disposing and effecting whereof, as there is little need of mundane Impediment, or the people's discouragement, so great cause for the exercise of his prudence, which opportunely (I trust) with your patience I may consider, and that, very briefly.  
Cicero, saith, it is scientia & cl●ctio rerum, quas cupimus auf fugimus, the Apprehension and Election of those things, which we are bound to seek or avoid; or it is Approbatio causarum, & effectuum experientia, the Experience and account of causes with their Effects, doubtless, it is the hand that lays out for all, the foot that walks for all▪ the ear that hears for all and the very eye that constitutes all: It is (Ars vitae, saith Tully) as Physic is the Methodical preservative of our health, it is the Alarm of the Army, the Monitour of the School The watch in the Pocket, it is the predominant moral in man's Affections & Actions, that whereas other virtues do, Inclinare, move men to Civility, and their passions to Regularity, this doth Imponere, impose a necessity of wise Government in the soul: for no prudent man, as good no man.  
Nor is the virtue to be nicely disliked because Cardinal, or Confined to one office and Action of the Ambassador, but generally to all.  
To his first Admission into this holy Dignity, to his setting forth; yea it is his Companion in his journey betwixt earth and heaven, it comes along with him to the people, to whom he is sent, and to sum up all▪ It is his eye, his Ear, his mouth, his bracelett, It is every where, not circumscribed, but as infinite, as the individuals, For since moral virtue, is an habit created in man's will by the holy Ghost, moving him to honest Actions agreeable to the line of God's Law, and that prudence is one chief, Pillar of man's reasonable understanding, this Prudence wanting, or not practised, it must follow,  
A man's passions do subvert his reason, wisdom is infatuated, His Affections contemning a judicious Government, and prudent moderation, expose him violently to unbridled courses, irregular, exorbitant, and dissolute demeanours, or as the Schools have it, per actus remissos habitus virtutis corrumpitur.  
I cannot stand upon the varions distinctions of this prudence, as that personal, economical political, nor that of Cicero's pura & impura, propria & impropria, The first showing a respective wisdom, when a man feels his own pulse, and consults himself; The second, more common, when he sends to the Physician, and is advised by another, that, which this hand leads me to, at this time, is to those effects, singular, and observable, in a religious prudence, and are as attendants upon this AMBASSADOR, and they are these.  
The first is, Perfectè considerare, To consider throughly, God, themselves, their Ambassage, and the world; For, as he well replied, to an ignorant admirer, of the ill success of those things which with such deliberations were at, tempted and acted, so, here it may make our answers, Consultationum Domini Erant, they were Masters of their deliberating consultations, but not of the coming success.  
The second, is perfect determinare, to determine throughly, Deo fidelitate seipso, sinceritate, populo, sobrietate, with GOD by his fidelity, with himself by his sincerity, with the world by discretion and sobriety.  
First, That God be not dishonoured, for his want of judgement, nor himself neglected, for want of due examination, nor the world abused and blinded, in a matter of such importance, as the Ambassage of there own salvation.  
The third is perfect applicare, throughly to apply himself to God, and His Word, his Doctrine to God's people, his life for their example, and his patience for their pattern, so that the people may joyfully receive the Ambassador, and hearken his Ambassage; That they may prudently embrace it, in its purity, obey it, as there line of godly life, in its sanctity: And, that they may be wrought, to an invincible courage, against all false Ambassadors, and Ambassages; And all gainsayers of this Gospel of Jesus CHRIST, under what species of feigned holiness, and seeming reformation whatsoever, yea Contra Angelum descendentem, against an Angel coming down to such a purpose; and so much for the first virtue, his prudence.  
He that is justly prudent, is prudently just, for that is, not distinctions a badge by which, the true Ambassador is known.  
But upon, that justice, Quae sibi, & unicuique suum tribuit, morally I insist not, nor upon that Original justice, reason over sensuality; which Socrates prettily taught going thirsty to the well, there drawing, the first bucket to power down, and the next to drink of, by which he shown, the appetites submission to reason, neither upon that natural, universal, and Philosophical justice, which being insensible, and imaginary. We contemplate by inward, notions, as the Ideas of Plato, nor that other artificial, particular, and political justice, which as the leaden Lesbian Rule, is made flexible, to times, persons, and accidents, yet this way, were I to walk upon any distinction of justice in an Ambassador, I should render the division in justitiam c●mutativam, et distributivam; The first, practised betwixt themselves and others privately, and by proportion Arithmetical the second measured, and done publicly, by Geometrical proportion, whose direct aim is praemium et supplicium, reward and punishment.  
But not to prejudice my text, You, nor myself, by injustice in digression, I shall observe for my purpose, three special notes, which as debts do engage the Ambassador to a Religious justice. Deo, sibi, suis. To God to himself, to the world; Our blessed Saviour, Bipartires them, Thou shalt love the Lord with all thy heart, thy God, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and thy neighbour as thyself.  
The Ambassage in my Text, comes not short of the Angel's doxology, and tidings to the Shepherds, Saint Luke 2. Here is glory to God, peace on earth, good will towards men; And the justice of this Ambassador, must be Evangelically, Angelically, as was that Angelically, Evangelicall; He must know God, His maker, that sent him; his Lord that entrusted him, and his Lawgiver, that invested him, that as in other matters, from their knowledge issueth their honour done unto him; so in this, in them, who are sent, and them to whom they are sent, by such knowledge in the one, and revelation to the other, there must be mutual honour justly given unto God, and instructions of piety, d●e●y one to another.  
But this justice in the Ambassador, must reach higher, by raising his devoutest thoughts, to the contemplation of God's Divinity, than which higher he cannot go, for God, is terminus ad quem, the most exact endeavour of our conceits, infinitely transcending, all our ●ast and wisest aims, of mortal perfection, every Ambassador apart, may augment the Jdea, or notion of his Glory, according to the predicament of his own ability; But God is above all, in Heaven and Earth, and the perfect knowledge of him, is Essentially Himself, who being Actu infinitus, nonreperitur in ●llo praedicamento, as Arist.  
To conclude, this Ambassador must know God, so far as to do him justice by true and seasonable service, answerable to his nature, which is spiritu et veritate: in spirit and truth; And the people, to whom this Ambassador comes, must deal justly with God, likewise, by receiving his Embassage, in purity of heart and spirit, Deus est spiritus, God is a spirit, & si Deus est animus, sit tibi purâmente Colendus, if God be a spirit, ye must worship him in spirit, yea the Father seeks for such worshippers, these are only right Worshipful, a pure spirit is a sacrifice to God, an harmelesle life, a spotless soul: optimus animus pulcherrimus Dei cultus, a pure mind, is the best service to God, the most religious worshipping of God is to follow him, Amore, more, over, re, and the only true serving and honouring of God in Priest, and people, is not evil, in sum, let this Ambassador's Justice, and the people's practice towards God, meet both in this, that it be, perfecta, pura, & perpetua, perfect, that both only love him, pure, that both wisely fear him, perpetual, that both only and firmly believe in him, and rest in him.  
And let the Ambassador, herein be just, to himself; that he punctually understand, the will of his King, and the weal of his people.  
In the first, wisely and orderly to inform himself:  
In the second, soberly and fully, to instruct the people, his honesty must play the skilful Organist, to touch well and truly according to Art, nor may he, at all times interweave a discourse of Justice pharasaical and legal, to the people to whom he comes, the Christian only must be his rule; and then he is an Ambassador for Christ; when he is thus honestly just to Christians; I say honestly, for herein, what health is in the body, the same is honestly in the soul, Salus animae is honestas corporis; And to sum up all, the Prophets Basar and the Angels 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, Good and new, joyful and seasonable, Tidings, of Christ promised, of Christ exhibited, must from his mouth drop like Sovereign oil of Gladness to anoint the swelling heart of the miserable wounded man, whom the Priest and Levite, the Law could not stand to pity, or look upon to remedy; this oil, thus dropping, upon the soul of a Sinner, melted and dissolved, (by sense and sorrows for sin) to bitter tears, will in these liquids, appear uppermost; and as the oint meant upon Aaron's head, will not only supple himself, but run down upon the skirts of his Clothing, the meanest of his Auditors.  
Oh, the Excellency, of such an Ambassador, the measure, proportion and Comeliness of his body, is wisdom, and spiritual beauty, the riches of his spirit, are the Gifts of the spirit, and his sciences, and his Justice to God and man, is as that noble Aptness, which disposeth him to all virtues, and holiness, and so much for this Justice. from that I have spoken by necessary consequence you may deduce the prime strength of an Ambassador to depend upon well grounded intelligence and practical wisdom, which Moses such a man of God intimates by his Urim and Thummim, so much discipline an ordinary ear might take in, from that golden Bell and Pomegranate which surrounded the hem of the Priest's robe; this is that only delightful sound and pleasant taste, which through the application of the holy Ghost, the voice of the Father & the Son, is effectual to preserve the sin-spotted soul & dumb sinner unto purity, & Hallelujahs everlasting.  
I omit the significant illustrations unto this duty, which the inseparable and particular ornaments of the Tabernacle might lead me, and content myself with those rules which Saint Paul applied to Timothy and Titus, Hold fast a form of sound words, giving attendance to reading and doctrine, exhort and convince, be apt and able to teach, which doctrine clearly opposeth, all unfit quarrelling with words, frothy, and scummy-jangling language, and all peevish, thievish, treacherous and traitorous documents.  
Thus like the noted Musician, I have sat so long upon this Text, that I fear I have not kept time. I confess myself unprepared for farther prosecution of any part coincident to, and with this Text: I beseech you, suffer my jejune and dry oratory to express an application of what hath been hitherto propounded, which through God's assistance, and your patience, I shall thus epitomise.  
1. It instructs the Ambassador with all meet preparation considerately to undertake his Embassage, for they are the savour of life, to life, or death, to death, to the people to whom they come; and to that office must be required more than ordinary circumspection, the issues whereof are of such extraordinary concernment. Hence Moses complains of his want of utterance, and eloquence; and S. Paul, Who is sufficient for these things? 2 Cor. 2. 16. The treasures comprised in the rich Casket of sacred Scripture, with which they are by God entrusted to communicate unto the people, are for profundity so great, and for extent so large, that I may resume that of Saint Paul, Who is sufficient, etc. it justly pursues the runners of these times, which without mission or commission lay hands on consecrated things, whom I lovingly advise to stay at jericho till their beards be grown; for if Deacons must first be tried, and then Minister if they be found faithful, much more should workmen of more eminent faculty not assume unto themselves a calling, unless some Timothy or Titus duly authorised by a sacred symbol of manual imposition, give them external appointment to that function: Gods holy Spirit must give them primary and private motion, their own consciences evident and certain justification, the Church legal ordination; and though at this time there is great question about the form of ordination, yet in all ages, and in all well ordered places, there have been certain constitutions, and cannons for admitting of men upon trial into sacred orders; and I find not that ever the settled order of any Church for such purposes, hath been so calumniated and branded as at this time this of ours. Hence I shall not fear to conclude, that who ever shall prophesy or preach in this Church without examination, approbation and faculty, by present authority, cometh of himself and as a false Prophet, I take it our duty to beware of him.  
2. The name of an Ambassador implies faithfulness in the declaration of his Embassage, he comes not forth without instructions what he shall say and do, nor may he add or diminish from God's word, he must not create unto himself a fools paradise, and walk up and down there, set up a throne and judge there, he must fish in God's Sea and World, not launch into another of his own making, nor sail with pleasure in old wives fables, or issues of his own brains; if he have an itch within him to long for that which neither the place nor season affords, some unheard of unparallelled perfection in Utopia; it must be carefully adverted unto, and cured before it spread, or the people smell it: God's true Ambassador must content himself with the wonders of God discovered in the depth of his word, and the height of his works: for the blessed Spirit reveals nothing but that which is the will of the Father and Son, John 16. 14. and God's Angels we may imagine in old time spoke neither more nor less, than what they had declared unto them in heaven, and an Ambassador on earth must not dare to transgress that celestial proportion.  
3. The fanatical Zelots of our times judge all learning, but Scripture, the language of the Beast, and that there is no use of Latin, except ordinary, or as much as will keep the neck from an halter; and there can be no pure preaching of the word with them, except Universities down, and they come up, not directed by the letter, but Spirit; they object the Apostles were illiterate men, and yet by the Spirit they understood all mysteries and knowledge, and I would have them without education to their tongues, in Apostolical manner speak to the Jews, and Indians, and other like with us, and it should be to me a probable inducement sooner to confide in their abilities, to direct us in that truth in our own tongue, which they fond pretend Academics miss of, and I dare safely question, whether such by their presumptuous spirit can effect more without artificial instructions, than such as with the knowledge of Arts have the assistance of the true Spirit of God. Thence I conclude, though Gods sacred Word should especially have precedency in all learning, and all God's Ambassadors, yet how shall this word be safely interpreted, & the sense truly rendered without knowledge in the Originals, Translations, & ancient Commentaries, therefore to use humane learning as Hagar to attend Sarah, and Arts and expositors assistance, the monuments of learned men, as Joshua the Gibeonites, (who upon the grounds and landmarks of antiquity, old boots old shoes, moulded bread, were admitted to carry water for the Israel of God) is lawful, and for aught I read not in any age before gainsayed in such vulgar impudencies, and frequent insolences as in this.  
4. But how ashamed is a learned and wise King of a foolish and ignorant Ambassador, and how God suffers in his glory when Ministers want knowledge to instruct the people? Because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, thou shalt be no Priest to me, saith the Lord by the Prophet Hosea: these are the dumb Dogs spoken of by another of his Prophets, unto whom if the book be tendered, may be answered, non legit ut clericus, he dreams and sees visions, books sealed, and his profitablest document, is the people's nocument, his best doctrine is the people's scandal, wherein he must acknowledge that he is no Prophet, nor Prophet's son, he never saw the Schools of the Prophets, he is some husbandman, herdman, or at best, a cobbler, hatter, horserubber, leatherseller, or tailor, and so skipping up to reform the magnificat in the City or Country, before he had his nunc dimittis in the University, his doctrine is ignorance, his use error, the Pulpit (the true seat of spiritual judgement, and divine oratory,) is stuffed with old saddles, empty pictures, brainsick and railing superfluities: and hence it is that the hearers Chameleon like, live upon air and wind.  
But considering the weight of this spiritual Ambassage in all actions and circumstances thereto pertinent. The Tables of the Law, in the discussing whereof large Volumes will not contain the Cases of Conscience thence still emergent, considering the Ambassador's skill required in Ethics, Oeconomiques, Politics, Histories, Chronology, Geography, Philosophy, Tongues, Rhetoric, Logic, holy Scripture, mysteries of Prophecy, Fathers, Schoolmen, polemical Divinity, and Controversy.  
The Arguments of Papists, Atheists, Turks, and Sectaries, to be resolved and refelled.  
Misprisions in History, Prophecy, Tongues, Cases of Conscience, which arise (to the great disturbance and unhinging of Christian truth) to be confuted.  
Many divine sentences and other passages without conference inexplicable.  
Considering these (and infinite more of this nature) individuals to his function, what use should the true Church make of arrogant idiots, and peremptory illiterates? whose zeal without knowledge, like mettle in blind horses, destroy the riders, stumbling upon they care not, know not whom? Why do we put children to remove great timber? blind men to conduct us in unknown paths? Doth a man's curiosity restrain his wearing Apparel from a Butcher, and his distrust preserve his dying body from a Mountebank, and shall not true zeal to his souls eternal life, warrant his special care; to what doctrine, and whose spiritual oversight he submits himself? If we make no conscience of this, we make conscience of nothing, and conscience nothing.  
And by this means the Ambassador's ignorance, and the people's profaneness, sedition and heresy takes place of religion and piety, and as well sound doctrine, as ancient discipline, is transformed into a fable, and scoff, and the people having cast off all true obedience to God's law, benumbed conscience, and rejected right judgement and true holiness, make nothing true doctrine but what pleaseth them.  
But if antiquity for doctrine and discipline shall bear no authority with them, if they will not follow Moses advice, inquire of the days before them, even from one end of heaven to the other, if they account not the Doctors and Histories of the Church unpartial which lived before, such ignorance in the one, and licentiousness in the other, were so open and impudent, such blasphemies & questions were moved, as are now too frequent to the dishonour of God, Jesus Christ, and his Word, and the offence of good men: and if they will circumcise the Church to themselves only, and not to the rules of the ancient Scriptures, Apostles, and Teachers, damning all but themselves, I hope you cannot be offended if I deliberate whether I would be of such a Church, whereof for aught I know never any were before themselves: we may gird on our swords of knowledge to help us in these perilous journeys, but the best accessary for protection and direction is God's providence and wisdom to his servants, which is timely and needful.  
Having in the last use, left lawless Ignorance in the Pulpit of godly knowledge, what ungodly and improbable deductions will thence be compelled, is easy, though dismal io conceive. For doth not the Papist preach hence infallibility, and with Campian cry, Templum, Templum, the Church, the Church? and the Schismatics in their invective Pamphlets use the words of Isa. 62. 1. For Zions sake I will not hold my tongue, and for Jerusalem's sake I will not rest, and are not both our enemies, the Papists for tyranny, and the other labouring for Anarchy?  
Are not mercenary Levites abounding with us, the Devils dawbers, preaching placentia, and sowing pillows under men's elbows, speaking good of evil, and evil of good, men-pleasures, blinding Israel's sin, and taking a reward for iniquity? Do not Prophets prophesy falsely, and men love to have it so? and are not the times such, I fear not to speak, giving God the glory, that he that departs from such iniquity, maketh himself a prey? Do not profaneness, hardheartedness, murmuring, contumelies, revile, envyings, luke warmness, dwell amongst us? Are not these diseases catching, Epidemical? Is it not to be feared they possess the whole body of the land? Are not fishers of men, turned fishers of money, fishers of women? Did not the Devil tempt Eve first, and then overcome Adam? Is it not hence that silly women are led captive, laden with sinful lusts? are not they first wrought upon by strange doctrines as means to trap their husbands? what reason can you give for this, save that their weakness makes way to receive false opinions, and gives them more confident to broach them; or because they seek not God in the truth, or because their wits are short, and their tongues long.  
Are there not a generation of men risen up, which our Protestant forefathers never knew, whose hearts as if they were hewed out of hard rocks, or as if they had sucked the milk of Wolves, (as it is reported the first founder of Rome did) relent not to see their native Country made nothing else but a shambles of butchers and blood? Alexander when he saw the dead corpse of Darius, and Marcus Marcellus, Syracuse burn, and Titus Jerusalem laid even with the ground, (though enemies) could not abstain from tears: these quite contrary mourn not with Jerusalem, nor help it with prayers in this sad time of unnatural calamity.  
Are there not men pretending right to the Ambassadors calling, who have none in justice to it, men Canon mouthed, and yet living by no Ecclesiastical rule, no Logicians, yet full of fallacies, right Carters upon Seton, whip and go, bellowing like Bulls of Basan, balls of wild fire, down with her, down with her to the ground; Gunpowder arguments against Church and State, who in their own sense, notwithstanding will be martyrs, Saints, Catharists: but if those be martyrs who are murderers? if these be Saints who are Scythians? and if these be Catharists who are Cannibals?  
Lastly, this doctrine reflects upon the people, and teaches them spiritual obedience, Obey them that have rule over you: and Saint Paul to the Thessalonians, I beseech you know them that labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and have them in estimation for their works sake. To this purpose is it that God so dearly accounts them in Scripture, that the King is directed to ask counsel of God at the mouth of the Priest: and King Solomon terms them the masters of Assemblies, to this purpose, there preaching is termed prophesiing, the hearers are said to sit at their feet, and not upon their skirts; to teach them lessons of love, and religious reverence.  
But alas, this kingdom cannot smother it, The fathers have eaten sour grapes, and the children's teeth are set on edge. In old time it was Ghostly Father, but now Baal's Priest, Jesuits, Canterbury whelps, none of God's Priests, man's Priests, not inspired, nor called, nor led by the Spirit: nay the most Christian and judiciously godly Ambassadors in this City have in their charges, and in their occasional grave walkings been derided and exploded. But if national laws, and historical testimonies produce such examples of cruelties and wrongs, for the abuse & blood of Ambassadors, than I say the Lord cometh even within a little while, behold the God of Angels and men cometh with thousands and ten thousands, to take vengeance upon the men of this Nation for their barbarous entertainment of many of his Ambassadors, coming meekly unto them with Christmas in their mouths, Evangelium gaudii, a Gospel of joy, Christ Jesus an eternal Saviour, borne in the time of peace, and for their redemption.  
I will end my Sermon with the prayer of our forefathers, in a part of the first English Lytany, set out in the days of King Henry the eight, From all sedition and privy conspiracy, from the tyranny of the Bishop of Rome, and all his detestable enormities, from all false doctrine and heresy, from hardness of heart, from contempt of thy word and Commandments.  
Unto which by the assistance of God's Spirit I will add:  
From all Jesuits, Brownists, Anabaptists, Socinians, Arminians, rebels, traitors, sectaries, and turbulent spirits, good Lord deliver us.  
And that God's glory may for ever shine upon us, we pray,  
That it may please him to be still with this Church and Nation, that he would say to the destroying Angel, it is enough here, and else where.  
That the Gospel of his Son Jesus Christ, the most holy and just Lord, be sound preached, and obediently and purely practised.  
That the true Protestant Religion, I mean the whole body of Doctrine revealed in Gods written word, absolutely necessary to salvation, established in Queen Elizabeth, and King James his days, may yet and ever continue amongst us.  
That such discipline may be used, as God's Saints may serve him in his places of worship in all comeliness and decency.  
That God would still continue the King's heart in sincerity, to his glory, and the true Protestant Religion.  
That God would cover his head in the day of battle, and protect him from all his enemies, and knit fast in one truth and peace, him and his people.  
That we may all keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.  
That we may enjoy peace supernal with God, internal of conscience▪ and fraternal one with another.  
We beseech thee to hear us good Lord.  
Thus living Angellically in peace on earth, we shall by Jesus Christ the Prince of peace, partake of peace with Angels in heaven, here by participation, there by consummation; where is no place for sedition, for their bliss is orderly, and their happiness everlasting, where we shall sing this unanimous trisagion, holy, holy, holy, Lord God of Sabbath, heaven and earth are full of the Majesty of thy glory: Glory be to thee, O Lord, most high God the Father, and to Jesus Christ the everlasting soule-saving Son, and the truly God, and blessed and holy Spirit, eternally proceeding from both.  
To whom, trinity in unity, and unity in trinity, be ascribed, as is most due, from the bottom of our hearts, all honour, glory, power, praise, wisdom, righteousness, mercy and judgement, the rest of this Lord's day, henceforward, and for ever; and let all that hear me this day, say, Amen, Amen, Amen, Amen.  
FINIS.