affected now as that Queen was at that time For behold a greater then Salomon is here and a greater Glory is put forth in His works now then could be seen in Salomons Court She must be in an amaze when she beholds the admirable strange and unsearchable wayes of Providence towards her this last yeare He made a path for her in a wildernesse turned the drought of her Summer into fresh Springs A poore blind b Isa 42. 16. Handmaiden She her Lord leads her in paths she could never have discerned never have spyed out with all her search by a way she knew not never thought of No as hid from her eyes as were the unsearchable wayes of her first Redemption Her Adversary led her more then once as they did her Lord to the brow of the Hill c Luk 4. 29. thinking verily to cast her downe headlong But her Lord wrought gloriously for her escape For as her Lord then so She now passed through the midst of them and went away She wondred how she escap't and was at that time as one in a dreame but being well awakened and comming to her selfe she remembred her Lord whose she is and whom she serves He upheld her with His hand But what thanks and praise are due to her God Who let out the wrath of man and gave it the more Scope so as the more it was let out the more it might praise Him Who so ordered the worke of an imperious whorish woman d Ezek. 16. 30. such was the Church in name so and her works such for she wâ—s impudently bold and past all shame whom they commonly called the Church to worke thereout good to his people To cause the summoning of a Parliament To make it hold and that a caution was put in for after-times What a confluence of mercies is in all this What abundant matter of praise And that when the Priests for the most part were brutish and the people but a little more reasonable as froward as that Israelite who coâ—nted reforming a killing * Exod. 2. 4. Yâ—t such a Parliament notwithstanding Who have layd a foundation of mercy for themselves and their posterity even for all the generations to come But I must not huddle up things so nor throng them together remembring That the greatest wonder which most engageth the hearts of the Righteous was wrought before the Parliament sate Therefore I shall take leave to begin according to my proposed Method and to set downe two Moneths which are not in our late Kalenders and then the Churches collections there-out in the same order Surely September there I shall begin it shall be to us the first beginning of Months the first Moneth of our Iubile to us For in that Moneth the Lord began to bring His Church out of Egypt with a mighty hand and to set His face against His Adversaries and toward His people And because He proceeded on toward the accomplishment of what He had begun and to make Himselfe knowne and to get a Name and everlasting praise all the Moneths after in allusion to the Spirits words touching Moses I will say of this yeare There hath not been a yeare since the Redemption like unto this yeare in all the signes and the wonders which the Lord hath done in the Land of Egypt To the Pope and to all his servants and to all his Land And in all that mighty hand and in all the great terrour which the Lord shewed in the sight of all Israel * Deuâ— ult â— CHAP. VI. September 1641. The Product thereof The Overtures and strange turnings of things therein SECT I. September The Product thereof AFter a strong commotion the waters will be sometimes swell'd and unquiet so likewise in our Sea This Moneth came in boysterously partaking very much in the malignancy of the Constellation then raigning The Souldiers for we must speak plaine English in the Countrey-mans eare busled after their manner but against all expectation The Priests high and low did more hurt good I should say yet no thanke to them for the good God ordered â—t so and produced it as He did the light out of darknesse for thâ—y were more cordiall then the souldiers they prayed against the Scots heartily and would set their people a praying too They would force the people to impossibilities To blesse God and curse Man perhaps because the Priests could skill in it Blesse with their mouth and curse inwardly * Psal 62. 4. But so the Bishops ordered it and so there was praying on both sides one side prayed in paper the other in prayer d Iam. 5. 17. And that the contrary side might pray in more faith the Scots were written Rebels upon every Post and Pillar by the Secretary himselfe It was time to rage and pray too for he had but a short time But when the cry against the Scots was great and the clamour against them very grievous it pleased the Lord to come downe and see whether they had done according to the cry and behold they had not But the oppression violence and wrong done against them was according to the cry So He stirred up the hearts of the Nobles and Commons both to fall upon their knees and petition God and their King That matters might be heard and a way thought on to stop the great wrath that was pressing in like a floud Then the Nobles went towards the North there the Clouds of bloud gathered and there the Heavens were darkest with a select company of the Commons And by the good hand of God upon the King and his good people a Parliament was resolved upon and newes thereof spread apace and came posted to London the 23d. of this Moneth About this time there were many meetings of Ministers every where and grave consultations about a new Oath and damn'd it was by every mouth to the very pit whence the Bishops with their c. digged it for there was a digging to Hell to hide their counsell c. At this time also the Bishop visited by his Chancellour and the new Oath was so corrupt that it made the old one very unsavoury So the businesse was carried in a great deale of heate and hurrey just as it is when two sturdy Rogues fall a swearing that which comes next to hand is their weapon and then no wise man Will come neare them Then the Chancellor with c. turned their backs and shifted Here began the troubles which shrowdly shaked the Hierarchy with c. Thus we have the product of this Moneth as it were in the grosse summe and how the end tended to a calme with them who heartily prayed for faire weather SECT II. The Churches Collections hence yeelding matter of praise and wonder in the strange Overtures and turning of things upside downe VVE were now full of stirres a tumultuous Nation indeed but the Church a quiet habitation still Notwithstanding the contrariety of wils and motions in the
to His Name there is mercy to her people they are yet the Lords people and the judgement is upon the Priests and they shall KNOW IT Surely some strange judgement the first borne of Death o Iob 18. 19. shall devoure their strength Now the Lord make them know it for their good That whatsoever strange punishment they feele here they may not feele the wrath to come So the Church prayes and every man will say Amen 2. The Church remembers your Piety now Blessed be You of the Lord you have rescued this day from out of the hands of Spoylers Yee have recovered Your Lords Right Yee have vindicated His Name So Ye have provided for Your owne peace and prepared a way for a blessing upon all You shall doe and for Mercy upon the Nation Peace be both to You and Peace be to Your house and Peace be unto all that You have The Church wisheth unto You a blessing which containes all blessings because You have restored unto her her Lords Day which next to her Lord Christ is the fullest and most comprehensive mercy Goe on and doe yet more and be more zealous Give all diligence and let Your zâ—ale boyle yet higher it cannot boyle over Thâ—s shall Yee doe in the feare of the Lord faithfully and with a perfect heart * 2 Chro. 19. 9. for it is for the Lord His Day His House His Worship Seeke Yee that first burne in Your zeale that way and other things will come on as they doe as east in upon You by an Almighty hand for the Lord will be with the Good and He will remember You for good for You remembred His Day and His worship on His Day He will remember You for good Amen SECT III. That You have advanced Christ in the Ministery of the Gospell how efficacious that is To promote the chiefe end the Glory of God and Your end Mans Salvation ¶ 6. 2. THe Church blesseth God that hath instructed You to discretion so as You have shewen Your zeale and given all Diligence to promote the Gospell The readiest and most compendious way to Your ayme and end to bring all the designes about which vve hope are all levell to the glory of Christ and Your owne glory vvith Him at the end And now great is the company of Preachers their mouth opened now who of late were used worse than the Oxe which treadeth out the Corne. They speake boldly now as the Messengers of the Churches and the Glory of Christ That which letted shall let no longer The Scepter of the Lord Christ is advanced and the people flow in unto it The Church thinkes her Sonnes and Daughters never had a more glorious yeare since the day her Beloved and Crowne of rejoycing ascended to His Glory Never since that Day when He was lifted up from the Earth was He so openly showne to the world as this last yeare Though there had beene no other very worthy deeds done unto this Nation by Your providence yet this she accepts alwayes and in all places wich all thankfulnesse accounting it an exceeding great mercy That by Your meanes she was respited and spared one yeare longer to lay in her provision and more fully to stocke her selfe against hard and deâ—re yeares This the Church accepts as afore-said for this is the way to doe and effect the greatest things Therefore this the Church accounts an exceeding mercy The blessing of blessings and she prayeth that the blessing of Him Who dwelt in the Bush may goe along with You in this Designe in making knowne the Arme of the Lord In advancing this Glory through the whole Land that they who walke in darkenesse may see a great Light They that dwell in the Land of the shadow of Death upon them this light may shine This is the onely way to doe good to the whole Land to make it a Land of visions wherein the Lord may delight and to make his people a willing people The Church will remember You here vvhat Luther her valiant Gideon spake to the businesse now in hand I will not said he trouble my selfe any more with the Cloysters the Monkes and Schollars there those Armies of Adversaries they mind their belly that is their god and the belly hath no eares Nor will I contest with the Pope any longer he had done it and was too hard for him and all his Cardinals let the Philistines alone with their Dagon They will finde wayes enough to breake themselves and their god he would not beat and buffet the darknesse so he said also as the foole did his shadow he would set up a light then the darknesse slinkes away I know not where it is for it is a privative thing but it flies away as the cloud before the Sunne or as the beasts of prey will doe when the Sunne ariseth there is a riddance it is gone and those beasts goe to their darke Dens You know his meaning and know it for the good of the Land He would advance Christ He would set up that Standard that was his meaning and his worke To use his own word he would promote the Arke then Dagon fals breaks himselfe to peeces head and hands both cut off the Head for councell hands for action â—ll gone That 's the way indeed So You have done and so You have succeeded already You will to that worke againe and joyne shoulder to shoulder for the advancing thereof That the Lord Christ may be showen openly His glorious excellencies made knowne specially in those places where CATHEDRALS are as barren in the Churches observation to the soules of men as the Surface of that Earth where the Mines of Gold and Silver are there no meat grows for man nor grasse for Cattell The Church intreats you to remember those barren places and those darke places all over the Land where the dead bury the dead and the blind lead the blind every Day Truly the Church is perswaded that the people for the most part are as ignorant as the Monks are of Christ to speak as Luther spake or as they were of the Holy Ghost they know not whither there be any Christ or no unles a Christ of their own framing in a Table They have heard of the name Iesus and the Monkes have taught them to bend the knee unto it and that is all their Devotion according to their knowledge O that the Name indeed the glorious excellencies of that wonderfull name were made knowne unto them certainly their Hearts would bend also Blessed be Ye of the Lord Ye have laboured herein and Ye will labour yet more to advance this STANDARD to set-up this Ensigne that the mountaines may melt before you and the people may flow in unto it To make knowne this Arme of the Lord for this makes us a willing people That I may speake all in our Lord and Masters words Ps 110. In so doing you shall doe as Christ did you will give eyes to the blind feet
יהוה GOD IN THE FLAMING-BVSH EXOD. 3. 2. Moses looked and behold the Bush burned with fire and the Bush was not consumed EXOD. 3. 3. And he said I will now turne aside and see this great sight why the Bush is not burnt DEUT. 33. 16. Blessed of the Lord be His Land for the precious things of Heaven And for the precious things of the Earth and for the good-will of Him That dwelt in the Bush ESA. 63. 9. In all their affliction He was afflicted and the Angell of His Presence saved them Published for a memoriall of the first wonderfull yeare The day of the LORDS vengeance and yeare of Recompences for the controversie of Zion THE CHVRCHES THANK-OFFERING To GOD Her KING and The PARLIAMENT FOR Rich and ancient Mercies Her Yeares of Captivity Her first Yeare of IVBILE THAT IS For the Marvelous Deliverances Wrought with God the first Wonderfull Yeare since the Yeare 88 beginning at September 1640. and ending the ninth of the same Moneth following In all which time The Lord appeared for His Church as in the dayes of old out of the middest of the BVSH so the Church burn'd with fire and was not consumed In the PREFACE The THANK-OFFERING is vindicated and set free from all the Cavills and Charges against it Where also it is cleared To be as every Mans Duty so every Mans purpose To Offer Willingly now who doth not make full proofe that he falls short of Pagan Papist or Atheist and is wilfully resolved to walk crosse to the most SUPREME Law The HIGHEST Reason and The unquestionable WILL of GOD. 1 Chro. 17. 19. O Lord for Thy Servants sake and according to Thine own heart hast Thou done all this greatnesse in making known all these great things Psal 1â—6 17 I will offer to Thee the Sacrifice of thanksgiving and will call upon the Name of the Lord. Nehem. 5. 19. Thinke upon mee my God for good according to all that I have done for this people London Printed for T. V. at the signe of the Bible in Wood street 164â— TO THE LORD the most high GOD Possessour of Heaven and Earth TO IESUS CHRIST His only Son our LORD Prince of Peace King of Saints To the blessed SPIRIT the Truth and leading thereinto BLessed be Thy glorious Name which is exalted above all blessing and praise Thou alone workest wonders and in so doing hast magnified Thy Selfe and honoured man Thou shewedst signes and wonders upon Thy Adversaries for Thou knewest they dealt proudly against Thee So didst Thou get Thy selfe a Name as it is this Day and herein didst Thou use man as an instrument Dust and Ashes he is give him grace to magnifie Thee Blessed Saviour Rock of our Salvation Desire of the Nations Hope of Israel in time of trouble Thou wast content to be made of no esteeme that Thy people might be greatly beloved to be made a curse that Thy people might become a blessing content to be made low that Thou mightest exalt man So Thou hast done Thou hast exalted him even to sit in Thrones next to Thy selfe Give him an heart to exalt Thee to honour Thee to love Thee much for Thou art worthy Blessed Spirit Thou hast done great things and marvellous not by a Nihil aliundè mutuatur Deus ad Ecclesiae suae conservationeÌ„ ergò vult sibi Vni acceptam referri Ecclesiae satureÌ„ Cal. humane might nor by power but by Thy selfe b Zach. â— 6. Nec tamen omnia immediatè per se agit Deus sed tantum ostendere vâ—lâ— Ecclesiam erigi et conservari non humano vulgari modo sed mirabiliter praeter omnes spes sensus nostres Cal. in locum ô blessed Spirit saith the Lord of Hosts take to Thy selfe the Glory even all Almighty Father Sonne and Holy Ghost Trinity in Unity and Unity in Trinity unspeakably Three in One and One in Three One in Authority Will and Worship of all Three King of Kings Lord of Lords Spare Thy Servant according to the greatnesse of Thy mercy Thy hand-maid is recording Thy ancient thoughts of Grace and Peace towards Thy Servants her Sons and her Daughters Ancient mercies towards them when they lay in their blood for that was a time of love c Ezech. 16. 8. Mercies toward them exceeding Mercies when they were in the fornace of affliction for then Thou didst DWELL with them and they had ENOVGH Mercies towards her Land and People this former yeare strange Rescues wonderfull Deliverances admirable Discoveries what then can Thy Servant say now Even as Thou shalt be pleased to open her Mouth and give her inlargement She would take with her words d Hos 14. 2. but from Thy owne mouth and of Thy owne chusing Thou must give first for all things come of Thee and of Thine owne have we given Thee e 1 Chro. 29. 14. Thy servant must now speake Thy high Praises then Thou Lord must tune my spirit and raise it up else it will flag or like a Bird without wings now up and presently down How insufficient Thy Servant is for so high and excellent an imployment Thou knowest for Thou even Thou onely knowest the hearts of all the children of men f 1 Kin. 8. 39. At this present indeed now that I have some high thoughts of Thy glorious excellencies Thy Servant can speake as one brought downe to the ground whose speech whispereth out of the dust yet as one presently stolne away from her selfe she can with that Sorcerer thinke her selfe some GREAT ONE g Act. 8. 9. Lord rebuke this proud spirit and cast a spewing upon Selfe-glory h Hab. 2. 16. for truth Lord something it would be and something it would doe though a thousand experiences have told us that nothing it is nothing it can i Ier. 3. 5. but sinne against Thee Thy grace in us doth all no more power in selfe no more canning except the contrary way then can the instrument of late held in the worke-mans hand but now cast-out or lying by him Lord leave me not no not a little worke all in me and for me then worke by me for what we give to Thee is from Thy own hand to us first And though flesh and bloud would share here yet suffer it not but say where Thy voyce is there is power it shall not be so and so take to Thy self Thy proper right all the glory Let not so excellent a thing as the Spirit is so vast and capacious be lost in selfe which is nothing but let it runne forth to Thee and though it will be lost there also amidst such an Ocean yet there it finds a proportionable good even all in Thy self for Thou art All. Behold now I have taken upon me to speake unto my Lord that am but aust and ashes Thou wilt suffer this once and leade me into Thy Treasure-house to behold Thy mercies there which I am no more able to understand then I
is for we worke for a good Master * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 c. He shall have the greatest reward who workes not for a reward Isid pâ—ll l 2. p. 184. But I speak to them that will bargaine with their Lord and well know their wages else will dee no work I demand of these why should this Discourage them in their studies or cut them short in their hopes that some men with their Et ceteraâ—s shall not be â—uffered any longer to ingrosse or inclose the rich and fat pastures of the Earth to eat the fat and creame of the Land as those their Bâ—ethren before them Abby-lubbers evill-beasts flow-bellies have done while the good Schollars feed upon a poore pittance the while nay are almost starved I pray â—â—u might not good Schollars picke out many a good bit from such a place as â—auâ—s were it rid of these c. and their singing men And a very good riddance how well might they bee spared no fitter some of theâ— for a Church then a Swine for a Parlour And yet we doe not thinke that there ought to be an equall divident an equall dâ—stribution of honours and preforments in the Church but according to Desert and proportion in gifts yet we thinke the Proverbe hath some use here They are merry in the Haâ—l when beards wagg all And not when the one table have their full messes even to a surfitting and vomit the other none at all or in no proportion And so much to the complaint touching Church livings now touching Church-men Ob. a Titularis noÌ„ Tuâ—elaris Rex desuit non praesuit reipublicae 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Naz. complained that in his time they were made Bishops who made themselves the basest servants servants to their lusts ep 10. They cannot give thanks to the high Court for they have cast forth of the Church their Church-men Ans Church-men As the Iudges the chiefesto them were Common-wealths men they so sought their owne private-wealth that they left the poore subject nothing he could call hiâ— own but his misery So these Church-men they called out the Church the Church when they stabâ—ed her to the veâ—y heart Put we these together for they be Mâ—â—ches Church-men and Common-wealths men then you may saie worse of them then was said of Chilperickâ—d a bad King of Franâ—e my English will not be so good as the Latine but too good for them He was a nursing Father not in deed but inâ—rame so He was set over the Common-wealth as a golden head there but he did not the office of an head of a foot rather and so stamped the Common-wealth to powder These good men are cast-out and good reason for they were as unsavourie salt neither fit for the Land nor yet for the Dung-hill but men cast it out a Luk. 14. 34. as the unprofitable wood of the fruitlesse vine were they meet for any vvorke b Ezech. 15. 4. But who cast them out and how It is worth our labour the inquiring out Surely the Lord God did it the God of recompences for the controversie of His Zion c Esa 34. 8. He did it even by His owne right-hand But so and there we set a marke as their owne mischiefe did returne upon their owne head And Ps 7. 16. his violent dealing came dovvne upon his ovvne pate The conclusion is The Lord cast them out by the helpe and violence of their owne hands It is true and but equitable That we should give all dues to man here for he was a noble and glorious instrument in Gods hand for the effecting this worke and disburthening the Church of these oppressours but we must resolve all into Gods Hand and unto the violence that was found in their owne hand It was the Lord That BENT Judah d Zach 9. 13. for Himselfe and FILLED the BOWE vvith Ephraim we may fitly allude to that place He hath raised up thy sonnes from the North and from the South O Zion against thy false sonnes and made them as the SWORD of a mighty man against those mighty Adversaries His arrovv vvent forth as the lightning against them He went out with VVHIRLE-WINDS of the South and North a CONTINUING k Ier. â—0 23. Whirlevvind and it fell vvith paine on the head of the vvicked We may reade on The fierce anger of the Lord shall not returne untill He hath done it and untill He performe the intents of His Heart For see what the intents of these Church-men were against the Lord even to make His Land desolate and His Church forsaken To set Ephraim against Manasses and Manasses against Ephraim snatching on the right hand and on the left so eating every man the flesh of his ovvn arme And yet their wrath is not turned away no not yet The same e Ier. â—0 23. ver 24. Esa 9. 20. malice boyles still and runnes over This is their worke at this Dait and these the intents of their hearts That the sword may be bathed in our HEAVEN That the Land may be filled with blood from corner to corner Observe againe what they have done and how they have prepared their own way for the bringing in the Deluge of wrath They have let the vineyard of the Lord lie waste and have broken downe the Hedge now a Serpent has bit them according to the threat f Eccl. 10. 8. removed the ancient Land marke made the Heritage of the Lord as a speckled bird g Ier. 12. 9. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Vol. bom 31. exposed it to the spoyle of Foxes and to grievouâ— Wolves Here Chrysostomes words would astonish them were they well pondred on I will but point at them in the margent h 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 c. in Ep ad 1 Cor. 3 Hom. 3. The same Father doth make it cleare to the whole world even now i That they have taught yea commanded Atheisme all over their Diocesses so Preachers doe saith the Father indeed they preach not at all when they spend an houre in a daie in Chrysostomes daies they preached every Daie in laying the Foundation of Repentance from dead workes and of Faith towards God k Heb. 6. 1. And the rest of the Day and whole weeke after turne their backes upon what they said in a lewd and wicked carriage This makes their hearers Atheists it commands l Suadeâ— lingua iubet vita Gen. 18 19. An example hath the vertue of a Command nay it is a Compulsion Cogi cos dicit qui exemplo Petri iudaiâ—abaâ—t Gal 2 14. Beza Atheisme and so we have a little of that much whereby the Father reproves the blasphemie of Ministerâ— in his Daies whose examples destroyed what their preaching built up and so they taught flat Atheisme Our Church-men have done so too as is cleare to all the world and their judgement will be as manifest Now the Lord is beginning with them noâ— is the yeare of Gods
cast it away we will thinke it may catch and hold something and so to our Net we will sacrifice that is to our owne strength and wisdome That did it God did nothing g Adrete reâ—â—rrâ—â— hoc est puâ—aâ—â— DiuÌ„ nihil esse Hab. 1 16. vid Calv. If the arme of flesh be strong we looke not after we regard not at all the Arme of the Lord the Right-hand of the Almighty But was the arme of flesh strong now nay was it considerable surely the Lord seemed now to cut Israel short h 2 Kin. â—0 30. Iacob was then very low as a worme now very small Surely it might be questioned now as once it was O Lord God forgive I beseech thee by whom shall Jacob rise for hee is SMALL i Am 7. 2. But see I say what hearts we have still warping nay still departing from the Lord. If there be any thing of the arme of flesh discernable whereat to take hold there we take our hold-fast and thereon we rest Just so wee did here Here wee saw Head and Tayle and multitudes and their King also all confounded Thanke the Country-man for this so they say and so they abate of the wonder and from the glory of the work We will examine the truth of that It is said the People in the Country were at this point wise enough and provident enough That 's true wise enough in their Generation wiser then the children of light and provident enough too for what For their owne private-wealth their particular interests Take them otherwise and in the lumpe and out of their owne tractes and they have little wisdome or providence at all True it is they were pinched now and that made them looke up from the ground wheron they are still poring They did howle because of their Task-masters which made them looke out for helpe and be a little more provident then ordinary They that pressed Ship-money should never have their voyces so they were resolved so tender they were in their owne ease and where it pinched but for the cause of Christ and His Church it is little in their thoughts I know the manner of men well enough by making enquiry into mine owne heart and the manners and customes there As our interests leade us and our relations stand there is the BIAS that way we goe and there we cast our voyce considering no more but that he is our most honoured Lord and Master Thanke the Country-man who will the Church will not till she heare of such an one who against his owne interest private-wealth and speciall Relation minded the Common-weale and so cast his voyce She will praise the Lord as vvell as she can and call upon all so to doe and blesse His Name for His good Servants vvhose voyces vvere sent up in corners And so we may count it a mercy that such a choyce was made but for the marvellous worke and the wonder we read it before and this that followes makes it yet more wonderfull That vvhen the Worthies came altogether and made a full Court then and there The Lord did so stirre-up their spirits as that they vvere carried some of them above themselves yea and I appeale to themselves against themselves I meane against vvhat they thought and intended vvhen they vvere entring the doores of the House Doubtlesse so it vvas else such things had not bin done as are done had it not beene even so But it is wonderfull in our eyes for it is the Lords doing Who when His vvorke is in hand vvill frame and mould the spirits of Men according to His good pleasure There is yet something more in it and greatly to be observed that the Lord sent forth a dry wind which sifted and sifted this Court now one was blown away anon another Now this man vvent his way and the other did flee away All this that it might appeare to all the vvorld that the Lord intended assuredly to doe His Church good by this Court with His whole heart and with His whole soule * Ier. 32. 41. We must learne now from all these 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 great things vvrought these two Months these vvonderfull administrations and picke out great lessons therefrom CHAP. VIII Certaine Uses or Conclusions from the premises clearing forth unto us The Church by the DEFENCE that is still upon the GLORY their stability and innocency then our duty from all SECT I. Wee know the Malignant Church by their envy at the People the true Church because they are the But against whom Malice bends her Bow and yet is not able to over-throw them They are delivered still after that sort c. ¶ 1. THis will helpe us to decide a greâ—t controversie There are two parties both say They are the Church not in name but in deâ—d whom may we believe Enquirâ— and vve shall have full satisfaction What party have a Malignancy in them both you will say that 's true enough but I meane a professed enmity against God and goodnesse If vve can resolve our selves in this point Who these are We may take full satisfaction to that question It is said There are no Malignant persons in our Church none that have a professed Malignancy in them No! Is there no Malignancy in that monstrous Head nor in it's appâ—â—rtenancies and adherents None in that Tayle those lying Prophets Is there no Malignancy in their ungodly deeds and hard speeches None in those words which corrupt and eat as doth a Canker k 2 Tim. 2. 17. None in all this Perhaps it will not be granted that there is a Malignancy in the Divell who is their King and hath the keyes of the bottomlesse pit But in courtesie I demand and let them answer me as Men actions we say make the fullest discovery what spirit we are of was not that a fruit of utter enmity of desperate Malignancy madnes to hurry thâ— Church to drag her to the very brow of the Hill there shocking her againe and again that she might 3 Kingdoms at one shock fall down head-long from that precipice or pinnacle Certainly this must be granted to be a fruite of Cankered Malice Surely then by the fruits you shall know them to be no Church but in name so and that name is a Malignant Church Wickednesse â— 1 Sam. 24. 13. proceedeth from the Wicked as saith the Proverb and that 's the first Conclusion clearely evidencing Who is That Church and Who is the Church indeed And now I proceed to make further Discovery at this point Who is the True Church ¶ 2. We must enquire Against whom doth Malice bend her bow with full strength and shootes her Arrowes Against whom doe these Malignants bend their hand Vâ—godly Deeds and their Tongues hard words and their hearts destructive intentions Who is the Butt The white the Marke Who are they against whom in the puâ—suance of their most Destructive Designes these Malignants do carry all their ungodly Words
WHOSE FOVNDATION WAS OVERFLOWNE WITH A FLOOD The Church applies all this right even to the Judges and would have them apply it so too for they are able Surely they can looke backe and enquire of the dayes of old which will tell them that their Fathers in whose steps they trod consulted shame to their house Because of Mens bloud and for the violence of the Land g Exod. 22 22 23 24. shame devoured the labours of their Fathers h Hab. 2. The stone cryed out of the Wall and the Beame out of the Timber answered it woe to him that buildeth a House with bloud and establisheth it with iniquitie And so it was and is for these houses are consumed away by the heate of Gods displeasure as if they had been made as we reade Ier. 2. some houses are in Gothland of SNOW i O lauâ— dâ— rit Gent. Septen lib. 1 Châ— 23. The Lord grant they may consider this and trust to their Repentance and free acknowledgement of their crimes to that BLOOD above all which yet speaketh rather then to their Apologies which some thinke and all say are smooth and plausible A SAGE of their owne is cleare against them Thus the Lord Cooke speaks where he speakes as we may understand him Latine and English both and full to this purpose for I may not hit of his words being long since I read them The Law is cleare for free Subjects in point of Priviledge and property if the Client through ignorance and the Lawyer through wilfullnesse doe not darken it The Law showes a way very discernable to a cleared sight betwixt Mine and Thine If the Lawyer be at a fault here surely there is dust cast into his eyes and he deales treacherously because he will doe so not because he wants wit or knowledge but because he is subtle and wicked for he goes by the clearest Lights not single but plurall that any Science in the world hath the light of Nature and of Reason and of conscience all three Therefore the Sage concludes A knowing Lawyer whom wee commonly call good must necessarily be a good man or c. the Contrary as the Country man calls him who calls a Spade a Spade And the best excuse he can make why he dealt contrary must be his feare that made him clash against the Law feare of present drowning if he did not swim with the stream and not ignorance of the Law But here also our Chronicles gives us a famous example of a good Judge and a good man Sir Iohn Markham by name late times yeeld us one or two more King Edward the 4. outed him his place But the valiant Knight valiant for the Truth no Iudge thereof now gloried in this as well he might that Though the King could make him NO IVDGE he could not make him a DISHONEST MAN He could doe nothing against the Truth but for the Truth k 2 Cor. 13 8. notwithstanding all provocations and forceiâ—g to the contrary Our Iudges the worst part of them cleane contrary nothing for the Truth but against the Truth nor were they so much forced as they used forcing Then Iudgement was turned away backward and Iustice stood afarre off for Esa 59. 14. Truth sell in the street and equity could not enter c. For it followed just so Therefore Gods Arme brought Salvations He put on the garment of vengeance for cloathing and was clad with zeale as ver 16 17. 18. a cloake According to their deeds He did repay fury to His Adversaries recompenâ—e to His enemies Thus the Lord did for a peeled people that we might set OVR HOPE in Him and not forget His workes But behold we are turned backe we are not stedfast This is the Truth which appeareth thus ¶ 2 We mind our Covenant no further then as it may be a Covenant of Salt to assure us our outward Priviledges for ever That 's our great errour the Church confutes it and instructs us to Discretion VVE are not stedfast in the Covenant farther then it concernes our private wealth so far we will hold-fast to it as it doth maintain our outward Rights We are resolved upon the Question and let us now be begged for fooles or madd men if we doe not by all lawfull meanes maintaine the peace of our King His Crowne and Dignity and the Priviledges of Parliament for herein we must have a principle of profit to carry us the Rights and Liberties of the Subject are maintained Vowes are upon Him and Them the Oath of God is betwixt us the strongest engagement that can be to maintaine thâ— LAW and then the Law will maintaine us and all the fore-mentioned And that is all we looke after We consider not how spirituals strengthen Politickes that both King and Kingdome are established by Righteousnesse Therefore the Church mindeth us of a great principle of State government which is this That true Religion and Godlinesse is the root of all true virtue and the stay of all well ordered Common-weales And to keepe the true Religion pure and unstained ought to be the highest of all cares appertaining to publicke Regiments and the peace therof Did not thy Father Iosiah doe judgement and justice and it was well with him l Ier. 22 â—â— While he was yet young he begun to seeke after the God of his father and to purâ—e Iudah and Ierusalem m 2 Chro. 34. 3. And there was never any King before him or since that liveâ— so desired or dyed so lamented No not one But his son Iehoiakim not so His Eyes and his Heart were for oppression and for violence to doe it n Ier. 22. therefore he was buried with the buriall of an Asse they lamented not for him saying AH LORD or AH IS GLORY But what is this to the people much every way as what concerned the HEAD then concernes the BODY now because of that sympathy and nearest Relation betwixt them and what concernes the BEE concernes the BEEHIVE and vvhat doth good or hurt to the one doth the very same to both Therefore this is added They then and They onely doe seele the weight of Duty towards their Prince and Country they know the just bounds of observation towards both who can in a gracious freedome of Spirit arising from Their innocency and independancy except on the living God stand out notwithstanding all shockes against all corruptions in Doctrine and manners having a tender sense of both that there be no corruption in either And so doe wish from an entire and ingenious heart O KING LIVE FOR EVER It is not the strength of all united hands that can set the Crowne fast upon a Kings head not the pollicy of as many heads can make it flourish there nor can all the Arme of flesh put out to it 's utmost strength confirme to us our Liberties and establish the Right of Subjects No but it is RELIGION kept in it's purity Iustice maintained in it's
in the â—yer without a bottome Hee that builds without hands upholds without pillars So God doth man cannot doe so I am right thus farre Indeed the maine Question is touching the Method and the good stumble at it Why there is a Thank-offering for dayes of Captivitie I conceive there is great reason for that and had I failed at that Point I had no way answered the mind of the Church Therefore it was my chiefe care and I knew it was the Churches pleasure so To remember her Nights of Affliction for she never profited so much as in that Schoole though she sate in the darke her daies of e Zach. 1â— 10. Captivity for she never felt such enlargements as then The time when she sate as a widdow for then she remembers the Lord was a Husband unto her when she sate an Orphane fatherlesse and motherlesse nay childlesse for then she was in bitternese. A Father and Mother both are carried forth to the place of silence laid in their darke beds and little is said and lesse is done but for ostentation and show for the most part but the child is carried â—orth to that place and behold there is Lamentation and bitter mourning as Rachels was f Ier. 31. 1â— This sad time must be remembred too for the Church can say now That then the Lord was to her better then ten Sons The immediate comforts are the strongest comforts are then powred in when the vessell is emptied Creature comforts are denied or drained forth and self confidence is gone-out for then prayers are powred-out too g Isa 26. 16. at other times there was but a dropping a powring forth now when she is in bitternesse or a sufferer in bonds or imprisonment for the cause of her Christ c. Enquire of him or them that have been pillored for the cause of Christ it must still be remembred The cause makes the Martyr then separated to the winds these will tell us the same which my eares have heard that then came-in the greatest Spring-tide of comfort when they were at the lowest ebâ—e of distresse then their soules were ravished then they felt a joy unspeakable when the Adversary had made them a GAZING STOCK by Reproaches and afflictions d Heb 10. 13. A SPECTACLE to the world Angels and men e 1 Cor. 4. 9. It was so with our brethren as with the Apostles in ancient times when the Adversary stopt up every crevice that no light might come-in then behold a light shineth f Act. â—â— 7. when the Adversary layeth load upon the loynes and makes fast the barres then behold strange enlargements for God workes then all difficulties remove and the iron-gate opens g ver 10. Hab. 3. 18. When there is no supply from the Field nor from the Fold nor from the Stall Then God comes-in What then Then it followes I will rejoyce in the Lord I will joy in the God of my Salvation I could fill the Margin and line both and to some purpose but the casâ— is plaine and the duâ—y is evident The Church hath thrived best when 2 Chro. 28. 22. her pasture vvas shortest Adversity hath slaine a thousand and yet I cannot tell that for I reade but of one that was not bettered by it and that was King Ahaz his name is doubled for he rebelled under Gods rod in a time of distresse But prosperity hath slaine it's ten thousand perhaps more for I never read of any more then one that had his eyes opened by eating hony h 1 Sam. 14. 7. Few or none have bin battered by the sweets of prosperity many have bin undone But I forbeare only noting this He that feasteth upon the sweets the Creature yeelds taketh full liberty there is not acquainted with the righteous mans joy who then and never but then sceles rivers of living waters flowing-in flouds of bony and butter when he hath stop'd and dommed up in affection and judgement all his fresh springs from below And so much to cleare the Method at that point as the Church is preparing still for the houre of Temptation so they are joyfull in it and thankefull for it This is of great concernment to us who are at the heights in our joyes and at the depths in our sorrowes For the Remainder let it answer for it selfe Surely I stood bound to God and man both undertaking that worke fitter for another but another did it not till I was so farre as past hearing a callbacke to begin with that yeare and mouth when God did worke most wonderfully for then â—ee wrought alone His arme was bare there was no covering of flesh Thence I proceed to those vvorkes that man VVROUGHT vvith God and I bring them in as the bearers did the fruits of a good Land thrust and throngd together like Grapes in a cluster Yet so as all may see how pleasant the Land is our Nobles would bring us also to The meaning is you shall have but an Abstract here an abridgement of many particulars largely debated on in their place and there making up a full Volume which the Authour keepes entire knowing very well if there be cause of it He that suggested it and brâ—ught it to his hand will bring it forth in due time In the meane time he could not forbeare but he must send forth this Abstract in the Churches name For though Epitomies are deemed by a nobâ—e Schollar the Moates and Cankers of History yet considering the season that the time is quick and may be short they are the fullest in sense and quickest for use It is indeed in two or three hâ—ads too large for an Abstract but it is considerable whether there was not just and necessary reason I should give it enlargement there more then ordinary But whether it pleaseth or not I am not carefull I was carefull with all my care to doe my duty and I have done it according to my measure with all my strength and above it and if my heart deceives me not in truâ—h and uprightnesse I would not deny to man one graine weight of his dues Nor can I give him one graine more then what my soule can goe-out with in tendring unto him no not for a returne of a pound weight of his Favour I esteeme mans favour as the favour of a man can thank him for it and heartily And mans frowne as the frowne of a man can make use of it and yet neglect it If I might make a short Apologie for my long Preface it would be this The vile Priest and his brutish people did presse me with very hard words against them That have done us all the right that could be And Pamphlets from their side were stuffed with such contradictions such an inconsistency in matters such incongruities as these That all they who contend for the cause of Christ are Rebels and yet not one Irish amongst them hardned and brawned in villanies All Traitors who contend
as one man hand in hand heart with heart in the same way perfectly joyned together in the same mind and in the same judgement g 1 Cor. 1. 10. I shall then take these many under one single Notion also as one person and so goe on to tell the Churches engagement but to her God first As the King said if the Lord doe not helpe whence could he helpe out of the Barne-floore or out of the wine-presse h 2 Kin. 6. 26. The same may be said touching all created power if the Lord had not helped neither this nor that could have helped The proud helpers doe stoope under Him i Iob 9. 13. But when the yeere of Recompences for His Zion is come k Esa 34. 8. when He will be avenged of His Adversaries who have made voyd His Law when He workes salvations l 1 Sam. 11. 13. in Israel as He hath done this Day when He doth arise to judgement to save all the meeke of the Earth m Ps 76. 9. What then Then He breaks the Arrowes of the Bow the Shield ver 3. and the Sword and the battle aye God doth it and so doth it that all may say The hand of the Lord is here He hath done it of a truth Then he spoyles the stout hearted then he cuts off the spirit of Princes so as when they would oppose the way and worke of the Lord those men of might shall not find their hands but it shall be with them as once it was when the Charet and Horse were cast into a dead sleepe ver â— 6. and then the weake shâ—ll say They be strong n Ioel 3. â—0 their Armour though as contemptible in mans eyes as David and his Armour was is of proofe and shall doe exploits upon His Churches enemies He goes not unweaponed that carries the revenge of God along with him though he carries but a sling a scrip and a pibble * Sam 17. 40. Such despicable instruments are chosen of God whereby He will performe exploits so as He may have all the glory putting into them Heroicall Motions for atchieument Surely all this hath the Lord done for His people this last yeare all these Scriptures have bin fulfilled in our eyes How hath Hâ—e disappointed the Hopes and Helpes of the Adversary how did Hee rise uâ— against the helpe of evill doers p Esa 31. 2. how did Hee starve the gods of the Earth how did Hee make the faces of the wicked as flames q Esa 13. 8. And that this last may not be forgotten how did He set the face of the Righteous like a flâ—nt against the faces of them who turned thâ—ir backs upon God and went contrary to Him in all His commands Truly it is wonderfull in our eyes but behold we therin the Churches engagement to their God Surely if we shall well consider what deliverances the Lord hath wrought this yeare we must say of this day as was said in ancient dayes The Lord hath wrought Salvation in Israel But we shall r 1 Sam. 11. 13. find our Deliverance exceeding that Salvation and paralell with that Deliverance in the following Chapters where we reade thus That the Philistines had so beslaved Israel that they had neither weapon nor Smith left amongst them * â— Sam. 13. 19. And yet in this miserable low condition This naked peeled people marched on two leading the way and over-comming the difficulties therein for the terrour of the Lord went before and then no matter whether few or none followed after against a mighty Legion a numeâ—ous and well furnished Adversary thirty thousand Charriots and six thousand Horse-men and people in multitude as the â—aâ—d on the Sea shâ—re t â— Sam 13. 5. and returned from those adâ—ersaries laden with armâ—s and victâ—â—y â—oth The â—hurches victory over her Adversarâ—es this last yeare equals that in some things and exceeds it in other some There the Lord â—rmed a naked people with the revâ—nge of a God and behold they did exploits Here He did as much for He raised up the fallen spirits of a beslaved Kingdome also He wroâ—ght exâ—loits by a few chosen instruments and put into their heâ—res heroicall motions for atchievement so as a few went out against mighty Legion a numerous and proud adversary against light and treacherous Prophets against heards and droves of Priests and of Malignants as thâ— sands of the Sea-shâ—re are for multitude But being â—rmed with the revenge of a God they did explâ—its as appeares this day So farre the Salvation wrought then and now runne paralell Here now our Salvation exceeds for behold the Lord wrought the greatest Salvation by contrary meanes such as threatned a sore desolation and so onely a God can doe Who at the first brought light out of the wombe of darknesse By a most idolatrous Service-booke composed of purpose to establish that abomination hath he confounded that Idolatrous Service and cast it out By the works of an imperious whorish woman u Ezra 26. 30. such were the works of the Bishops hath he confounded them and their works By the strength of the Adversary He hath trod downe his strength By giving Scope to the foot of pride He hath spoyled the proud and stout-hearted By lawlesse men their violent deeds and devouring words He hath wrought forth the redemption of our Lawes and establishment of the same By a Popish Party a most malignant generation He hath confounded them and their abominations By sonnes of Belial who know no yoake nor will beare any He hath wrought for the vindication of our Religion Lives Lawes Liberties Thus Iehovah can doe The great and dreadfull God He can by most contrary meanes and Wils bring to passe the good pleasure of His owne Will He can by such cursed Instruments which threaten dâ—solation to a Land worke forth Salvations for the same Thus God can doe and no god besides Him For man to say that so he will doe by out-lawed men maintaine the Lawes were blasphemy in his mouth Thus far to shew the Churches engagement to their God The Church will tell her engagement to you but first she blesseth God Who hath instructed you to discretion That you doe so well understand your engagement to Him which is To walke before Him and to be perfect God hath wrought gloriously by you ye will walke honourably before Him The Church is confident you have engaged your hearts upon this thing x Ier. 30. 21. Ye are workers together with God ye will labour to be Holy as He is Holy What yee condemne in others ye will hate in your selves knowing well He that will cast a stone at an offendor must be free himselfe otherwise he condemnes and executes himselfe in anothers person Ye are as good Samuel was he did first cleare his owne Innocence ere he duist charge the people with their sinne y 1 Sam. 12. Innocency and uprightnesse becomes every man especially
after-birth For all this made their birth more vigorous strong and Man-like SECT IV. The Church returneth Praise and Thanks for all the good She received from That The World cals evill IT is not possible to reckon up the heads and particulars of the Churches accounts nor how She hath gained by her losses nor what â—ealings She hath had from her stripes nor how enriched by her poverties nor how enlarged by her straights But abundantly thankfull She is for former yeares and for all that which happened to her then and was as She thought against her being evill dayes and the yeares of her captivity for all that which happened to her then helped marvellously to cleare her vessell and She is as thankfull for that as for filling the same with Glory All that fitted made her meet a for after Glory 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Col. 1. 12. All that their Adversary did against them then his madnesse and rage his breathing out threatenings all tended much to their advantage These smitings of the hand and tongue hewed them polished them as the stoneâ— of the Temple in the out-Court so making them as lively stones built up a spirituall house These preparations These fittings This making meet for glory are more to the Church though these are blowes prisons inquisitions fire faggot sword and the like These I say are more and of more account with the Church then Glory it selfe Their way thither to Glory I meane sometimes hedged about with thornes and blocked up against them as with hewn stone This way is as pleasant to thinke on when it is passed over as is the Crowne at the end The Summe is The Church gives thanks unto the Father Who hath strengthened Her with all might according to His Glorious Power unto all patience and long-suffering with joyfulnesse and so hath made her meet hath fitted hath prepared her to be partaker of the inheritance of her Brethren and Sisters the Patriâ—â—kes Prophets Apostles Disciples Martyrs of all the Saints by Calling while here below in this darke world now Saints in light And so the Church hath after her measure offered to her God the sacrifice of Praise and Thanks for His good and gracious dealing with her in former times the dayes of her captivity O what her enlargements then Their straights helpt to set their feet in a large place Their bonds made them free indeed Their wounds healed them Their distractions united them Their unquiet motions setled them Their â—eaths quickned them Their sorrowes comforted them The shâ—me for Christ is their Glory Their reproach for Him their Crowne Who would not serve this God Who would not feare Him He turneth sicknesse into health weaknesse into strength mourning into Songs of rejoycâ—ng The shadow of Death into the Morning * Amos 5. â— Who would not seeke this Lord Who would not feare Him This by the way we goe on This is written for our instruction whose minds are taken up with present things which fill us with so much hope as that we cast away feare oâ— with so much feare that we cast away hope We are in an extreame about them still either over-grieving or overjoying full of stirres we are a tumultuous people the Lord knowes A Gracious heart not so he can indite Psalmes not onely when out of â—fflictions but in the night of his sorrow even the deepest afflictions When flying before the enemy When persecuted and distressed When in darknesse of spirit yet then he can indite a Psalme Heman did so for he was the wisest man upon earth next unto King Salomon b 1 King 5. 4 31. but so sorely â—fflicted and suffering such terrours that in his sence he was distracted c Psal 88. 15. A Good heart can make the greatest sorrowes that he hath felt or doth feele matter of blessing and praise alwayes an hint for prayer How-ever it is to sense yet God is good to Israel still and doth good Therefore all the worke he hath to doe with his owne spirit is this To serve His God heartily and to submit to Hiâ— will patiently yea comfortably for many experiences have told him That the end will be good The Righteous know well That no Condition here below is like the Hill Olympuâ— some say wholly cleare a 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 without clouds No They expect windes and stormes both which when blowne over The aire is the clearer and wholsomer for it They have made application and counted their Cost and those happy who endure and so can wait patiently having seene the end of the Lord b Iam. 5. 1â— CHAP. IV. Before the Church can Record the late wonderfull Works wrought for her by the ministery of Man She will put some things to our Consideration which observed may make us wise and fit us for the Times how hard fierce and perillous soever SECT I. What the Church is most taken with Whom She looks unto in all administrations What settles and calmes her spirit in the greatest Commotions THus we have cleared That the former Dayes Dayes of trouble are to be recorded for Gods Deliverance out of them is wonderfull and they have yeelded the Church in all ages a peaceable fruit of righteousnesse Now before She can Record these fresh and late works of wonder wrought with God this Day The Church will give us some Considerations from her owne practise to take along with us first so shall we understand the works and our selves and the Church the better ¶ 1. One Work only wonderfull and to be admired THe Church can muse on the workes of God and ponders them in her heart She can call them wonderfull works and marvellous But She can admire nothing but the riches of Grace those hidden misterious and unsearchable wayes of her Redemption There is matter of admiration and there only for other Works She laboureth to search them out and her Thoughts thereon are very precious But in this light path which so dazleth her eyes and amazeth her She stands admiring and it is her Lords pleasure She should doe so d 2 Thes 1. 10. ¶ 2. A Gracious spirit is not much taken with under-moone matters IF at any time we finde the Churches mouth wide open to Praise and Thanks Then we must know her heart is much more enlarged About what yes that is a necessary Question so is the Answer Evermore about spirituall matters such as concerne the soule the welfare and prosperity thereof At that point She is enlarged She is not over-much taken as we of the common sort are with under-moone matters She is not taken with the flâ—wing in of Oyle and Wine nor with the recovery of Flaxe and Wooll of Soape and Salt and Leather and the like She observes the crooked wayes of men and carriage of things very well rejoyceth and mourneth in her measure but I say She is not taken with them as we are For we finde quicke flesh lively and stirring affections onely
World She could stand still waiting the salvation of her God though indeed she sâ—w plainly That she was in a wildernesse where she saw no path Then the Church remembred the Lord and was comforted He is wonderfull in all His Administrations but especially in these which He worketh in a wildernesse Now the Church could leane on her Beloved O how willingly did she reach forth her hand to Him who is given a Leader and Commander to the people a Isa 55. 4. Marke that He is a sure Leader to His Church Who The Lord Christ for He commands her The Church heares no other voice obeyes no other but as commanding from His mouth and leading unto Him This in passage But I say how willingly and confidently did the Church reach forth her hand to this Leader and Commander she did assure her heart a 1 Iohn 3. 13. He would leade her because He doth command her He could and is able to leade her because He maketh a way in the Sea and a path in the mighty waters He bringeth forth the Charet and the Horse the Army and the Power b Isa 43. 15 16. c. The Lord did the same thing now He made a way in the Wildernesse and Rivers in the Desart So He lead His people even those Ver. 19. that are commanded by Him The manner how commands our Marke He brought the blinde by a way He lead them in paths that they have not knowne He made darknesse light before them and crooked things straight These things He hath done unto them and not forsaken them c Isa 42. 16. Truly This Scripture is this day fulfilled in our eyes The Church commands us to observe it in these particulars wherein it will appeare That the Lords Thoughts Thoughts of Mercy and of Peace were as high above mine or yours nay above the Churches Thoughts as the Heavens are above the Earth It appeareth d Isa 55. 8. â— thus SECT III. What our Thoughts were how high the Lords thoughts were above the Churches thoughts ¶ 1. OUr eyes were in the Heavens as in such times it is our manner a Sol nisi cum de sicit speâ—tatorem non haâ— â— c. Sen. â—nd behold they were very darke and covered with thick clouds Our thoughts were and strait-way thus we said there will be a great storme So it was a Starme indeed haile-stones and coles of fire beating sore â—gainst all expectation upon the hairy scalpe of the wicked Man but a sweet shower to the City of God sweetely and seasonably refreshing them as the after-raine the parched ground We looked up againe to Heaven whether else should we looke for peace seem'd to be taken from the Earth but behold it was very red I purposely speake in the Almanack-Mâ—kers Dialect strait way we said for such our Thoughts were it will be wind and so it was against all expectation and that which was threatned b Ier. 4. 11. a wind indeed but not a dry wind for it did fan and cleanse even a fâ—ll wind â—gainst high places scattering the wicked as with the breath of Gods mouth and so they did flee as the chaffe before the vvind or as they fled from before the Earth-quake c Zach. 14. 5. So they did flee but hearken what the Lord such He that fleeth of them shall not flee away and he that escapeth oâ— them shall not be delivered d Am. 9. 1 2 3. Thus the Lord hâ—th said for after-time and thus He hath done now ever blessed be His Name ¶ 2. VVE heard of warres and nothing but rumors of warres preparation thereto on every side strait way we said for our thoughts were The Sword will be bathed in Heaven e Esa 34. 5. it will be made drunke vvith the bloud of the slaine And so it was in part but it was in the bloud of the Men of blouds that were to call forth to battle and to be leaders thereunto A wonder this also and wrought by Him Who spake of old and made it good now Behold they shall surely gather together but not by Me whosoever shall gather together against Thee shall fall for thy sake f â—sa 44. 15 16 17. c. ¶ 3. VVE beheld here a Troope and there a Troope straight-way we â—aid Lord these are called forth to destroy Thy Iudah and to curse Thy Israel And it was so in the intention of the Adversary and a â—â—kely choyce he had made for they were of that number and choyce ones for that purpose to vvhom their spirituall Fathers so they will be called because they savour so much of the Spirit gave an Advousion of liberty and choyce of sports cryed downe by the Heathen g Aug. de civ Dei cap. 31 32 33. vvhich they might take on the Lords-day Certainly said Dion h 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Dion Orat. 79. speaking of Liberty Hee made bad Lawes indeed he gave a wicked Liberty and writ grievousnesse who prescribed such Decrees and gave such a Liberty which could please none but the bad Such a Liberty was this on the Lords-day which the Bishops gave to the people And see the luck of it the Bishops grant was too large it gave the people more scope then in manners they would take on the Lords-day and so thus they requited their great Dons vvhen it vvas expected that these people vvho had such an Advousion of Liberty as this from the hands of their good Lords should now gratifie the said Lords in fulfilling the whole pleasure of their will they did cleane contrary for vvheras they were called out to curse even these in their manner blessed altogether i Num. 23. 11. and threw-out vvhat the Bishops had brought-in the Rails and Mock-gods there What this people did more needeth not my Relation â—t is vvell known every vvhere all the Land over and vvell observed it vvas even as a vvonder in the eyes and ears of all ¶ 4. VVE saw some of these Troopes hasting towards the North gathered into a mighty body there Instruments of cruelty prepared and sent downe All meanes used vvhich Achiâ—ophel could suggest vve remember vvhat his councell vvâ—s even to make an irreconcileable difference betweene Father and Sonne all to set Ephraim against Manasses and Manâ—sses against Ephraim both against THY IVDAH And so it vvas in the intention of the Adversary But to say so now as one hath done vvhen he praid too vvere a bold arrogant and impious speech if not blasphemous for behold to the admiration of the vvorld Angels and Men the Breach made up a peace concluded and so concluded That it is a Statute now and an Ordinance in Israel That Iudah must rejoyce and Israel must be right glad So they vvill and they vvill tell it to their children and so down-ward and not barely so and no more but they vvill speake thereof vvith rejoycing vvhat the Adversary intended how the Lord disappointed
Nâ—w every considerate man was very jealous of the Clergy of England as corrupt then every whit as once it was in the Iewish Church vvhen head and heart all vvas sicke and faint from the sole of the foot â—ven uâ—to the head there vvas no soundnesse in â—t but vvounds and bâ—uâ—ses and putrified sores So it was in the Church a Esa 1. 5. No better in the Common wealth for where Gods Law is insulted over Mans law will be trodden under such a confusion there vvas in the Kingdome The Pillars were so wrested out of place Prerogative so strayned Priviledges so broken and underfoot such vexations there vvere on every hand such breaches in the great house such clefts in the little house b Am. 6. 11. such a howling for vâ—xation and oppression That it had beene a wonder if a Parliament had not beene summoned Ai but to see two Parliaments in one yeare and to see one hold so long and to give Cautiâ—n against so long a vacation to that High-Court is a wonder sure No none of all this time was when a Parliament was called twice a yeare and oftner as the affâ—ires of the Kingdome might require So I remember a great Sage of the Law râ—pâ—rts Therefore I have no warrant from the Church to call this a wonder the having two Parliaments in one yeare or the having â—ne every third yeare it is rare with us but every thing that is rare is not a Wonder Naturall causes can produce and so did all this The breaking of the one Naturally and Rationally work'd for the producing of another and to make it hold and to put in Caution for after-time We never exclude the first cause That we suppose goes along with us still as the Needle before the Threed and then no wonder is all this but a very great Mercy as we heard and shall heare And all this we have heard is but to prepare the eare to let in the Wonder and that it may not stay there but linke downe into the heart SECT IIII. Gods marvellous workes for the Church and with the PARLIAMENT That it wrought for her Liberties and enlargement every way YEs that is the marvellous worke indeed not that she hath a Parliament and that continued c. But that the Church hath received so much good from a Parliament the finger of God is there most remarkably there The Church hath as much cause to complaine of Parliaments as to speake good of them though she can blesse God for all She was never trod downe never set under-foot till a Parliment had set their foot upon her You may beleeve her the Church did tremble and had fainted but that the Lord was her staffe and stay when she heard newes of a Parliament Therefore she bestirred her self and used her weapons to purpose Prayers and Teares and so became Israel a prevailer with God The Church doth acknowledge That she never received such enlargements from any meanes here below of humane institution as from the hands of a Parliament nor ever cast into such straits and bondage as by the same hand That Court ever made her happy or miserable it laid the foundation ever either for the greatest blessing or the sorest curse either it lifts up a Nation making it honourable or sinkes a Nation making it the basest of Kingdomes That this Parliament did not doe the later make her Desolate and leave her as forsaken That will be the Wonder the marvellous working of a God towards His People if wee consider I might say first the Trust and Confidence we put in that High-Court We rested-upon it more then upon God we waited for it as for the raine and opened the mouth wide as the parched ground for the latter raine So we did well but our eyes which should be single to God only were single b Iob 29. 23. towards it as the only means that could doe us good and recover our sicke and languishing State And this our vaine Confidence might have spoyled all for as God doth curse bold and daring Attempts so he doth shrinke-up and wither the Arme of flesh when man will make it his arme depend and rest upon it for then his heart departeth from the Lord c Ier. 17 5. There is but one thing wherein is assurance and strength strong confidence d Pro. 14. 26. and the Lord doth commonly reject all other confidences so as man shall not prosper in them e Iet â— 37. But I passe this for the Lord hath passed it over not charging upon His servants their vaine Confidences ¶ 1. THis we must chiefly consider That it was the great Designe of the Adversary This they plotted and contrived for this they spent their pretious spirits that such might be chosen who might draw to their side and establish their wicked and mischievous Devices by a Law wherein the HEAD and TAYLE both work'd together the HEAD contrived the TAYLE put forth it is sting and therewith did much hurt All conteâ—â—ed and contended and altogether not only to make the hope of the righteous Null as they call it invalid and of no force but to take them away from the Earth Root and Branch that they might be no more a people or if so then the most despicable and peeled people on the face of the Earth Thus HEAD and TAYLE contrived and contended Who are they I thanke the Reader that he will not conster my words before I have explained them By the Head I doe not meane the Ruler of the People but him that presumes to rule the Nations and that with a Rod of Iron which he cals seeding f Rom. 2. 27. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Not him that beareth the Sword but him that challengeth two Swords and hath right to neither I meane him that is the Head of Heads and Lord of Lords the POPE I meane I confesse I never heard him speake but I have heard some of his flatterers say That a Priest is so much above a King as a Man iâ— above a Beast Tantum Sacerdes praestat Regi quantum homo praestat Bestiae quantum Deus praestas Sacerdâ—ti tantum Sacerdoâ— praest as Râ—gi Qui Regem anteponiâ— Sacerdoâ—â— is anteponis Creatu ram â—reatoâ—â— Stanu laus Ovichovius I find it in M Iuâ—ls Apol. 4 par as much as God is better then the Priest so muâ—h is the Priest better then the King He that setteth the King be ore a Priest setteth the Creature before the Creator Then how farre thinke you doth a Pope exceed Kings and Emperours How much then is that Head above other Heads It is answered wâ—th liberty enough for they take leave to pen â—heir owne Châ—rter He is as much higher above Kings as the Sunne is above the Moone He sits iâ— the very ZENITH of the Church in the highest place there as hiâ—h above your Head as you can looke with your eyes There 's a tall Man indeed True but he
then once to quicken up His servants to more caution about themselves and their worke and the manner of performing their Masters charge But here is the point we drive unto vvhen Deliverances come-in unto His people with the seale and impression of the wisdome and power of God upon them this is ever because they are His people He delights in them there is innocency in their hearts and their hands are pure from that great evill suggested against them Such Salvations the Lord wrought for David They had the impresse of the Almighties hand upon them Saul hunted him like a Partridge God would not deliver him into his hands Hee rescued him here and there and every where It had not beene so if innocency had not beene found in his hands and integrity in his heart towards Saul his peace and dignity for he was the Lords annoynted The Text is plaine it needs not my Comment but I 'le apply it comparing the Salvations then and now together for their accusation is the same crimes objected the same their defence or apology the same and God the same in rescuing them and clearing their innocency as the Noon day The servants of the Lord are thus accused at this day they are enemies to their King they seeke his hurt they have driven him away c. These servants of the Lord answer God forbid for who can doe so against the Lords annoynted and be guiltlesse They seeke the hurt of their King their consciences beares them Record and God also they seeke God for the King and are not weary Grace Grace unto him Peace Peace unto him and that is all Peace bee both to him peace to his house and peace be to all that he hath a 1 Sam. 25. 8. peace peace unto him and peace be to his helpers for their God helpeth them b 1 Chro. 12. 18 They enemies to their King the Lords annoynted So they are to their own souls for so they pray for him They have driven him away from them As a man drives away the candle vvhen he is in the darke and must walke but would not stumble They quench the light of Israel As they would the light and influence of the Sunne vvithout vvhich they could not move the least finger As they would quench the light and motions of Gods Spirit in them without which they sit in miserable darknesse and move not or move to their owne destruction They secke his life They doe indeed heare them in the Church or in the Closet O King live for ever The eternall God be thy Refuge and underneath the EVERLASTING ARMES Deut 33. 27. They deliver their King up into his enemies hands they set him in the Front of the battell As they would set themselves at the mouth of a Cannon or thrust themselves into the mouth of a Lyon or Beare bereaved of her whelpes which will teare the Cawle of their hearts So they cleare themselves and their innocency at this point Ai but a man is not justified by the words of his own mouth Well be it so that their owne vvords cleare them not See how the Lord cleares them How They behave themselves wisely and God is with them They proceed on and doe exploits as Men made wise by the wisedome of God and mighty in the strength of His power They can strengthen their hand in God They can encourage themselves in Him He hath made an hedge about them and about their house and about all that they have on every side He hath blessed the worke of their hands and prospered the very thoughts of their hearts These were to promote Christ the Glory for He is worthy He hath constantly shin'd upon their counsels He or they that can observe and can speak by the Spirit must say concerning this people as Amasai did concerning David Thine are we thou blessed of the Lord and on thy side thou daughter of Zion Peace peace be unto thee and peace be to thine helpers for Thy God helpeth thee d 1 Chro. 12. 18. Indeed He doth and in all the peoples sight They can see the Salvations of a God comming in unto them with the seale impresse and inscription of the Wisdome Power Majesty of a God upon them These servants of the Lord can say as David did My soule was among Lyons but the Lord shut the mouth that Devourer could not swallow-up e Ps 57. 4. They did lye among them who were set on fire yet their garments did not smell of the smoake But for the wicked it shall not be so with them not so with them that seeke the hurt of their King They may triumph for a short time and joy for a moment but how oft is their candle put out how oft commeth their destruction upon them f Iob 21. 17. God distributeth sorrowes in His Anger The wicked shall be as stubble before the wind and as chaffe that the storme carrieth away The Lord rewardeth the wicked and they shall know it Thus and thus shall it be to the wicked but thou Lord Ps 5. 12. wilt bâ—esse the righteous with favour wilt thou compasse him as with a shield That 's the Conclusion That the salvations of God great salvations are evermore the portioâ— of the Church the Israel of God who seeke the pâ—ace and life of their King and so they can commit their righteous cause unto a righteous God Whose eyes are upon the Truth and will blesse those that are children of blessing even according to the innocency of their hands and integrity of their hearts in this matter even so Amen ¶ 1. I shall passe-over now a chiefe thing vvhich must be concluded also from the premises and containes much I shall name it only and no more and so put a Marke upon it for observation †1. That the Lord hath a time to bring downe Hâ—s Adversaries When Then when they are a float when the flood of their pride riseth to the highest When they say in their hearts They will climbe up above the heights of the clouds and be like the most high d Esa 14. 14. They had an arme like God such were their proud thoughts Who changeth the times and the seasons ramoveth and setteth up a Dan. 2 21. they could slâ—y whom they would and whom they would they could keep alive They could set up whom they would and whom they would they could put down b Dan. 5. 17. When their heart was thus lifted up then they came downe mightily then the Lord was above them in all wherein they dealt proudly c Exo. 18. 11. and made them know that they are but Men d Ps 9. 10. Vehementissimèag nâ—scant Iun. But this knowledge is too high for them they will not know in good earnest that they are but Men. For truely wee are a stubborne Generation as our fore-Fathers vvho vvhen they saw their fellowes killed vvith plagues yet they Repented not of the workes
and hard Deeds levell unto Looke which way is the Malignants aime and that will point your eye directly to the Righteous Man Whom do they hurry and drag unto the Brow of the Hill The righteous evermore and because they do the thing that is right therfore doth that Head that monstrous Head and Tayle that Serpentine generation and those multitudes with the King over them bend all their councells policies and strength against theese people because they see the thing that good is So it hath beene from the beginning so it will be to the end of the world And so vve conclude from the sacred Writ and from the present times where are cleare and manifest proofes That the Church must be tryed as Silver and Gold is tryed That Legions of Adversaries doe seeke and vvait her destruction that whole Armies of troubles afflictions and sorrowes doe abide her but Her God vvill deliver her from and out of all that 's her comfort The Gates of Hell are against her but shall not prevaile that is her conclusion We proceed on to give hints of things that vve may magnifie the arme of the Lord and raise our spirits in the high praises of the Churches God ¶ 3. When vve have made full enquâ—ry into these present and last Times let us search the Records of all times and enquite there Who it is over vvhom the fire hath no power Who it is that God doth rescue out of the Mouth of the Lyon Whom doth He suffer to be carried to the brow of the Hill and then makes way for escape Whom doth He bring to the mountaine of streights and there is gloriously seene in their Salvations For vvhom doth He divide the Sea and makes paths in the great vvaters For His enemies you wilâ— say Yes that they may pursue then fall and sinke like a stone and rise no more But for whom doth He open a way that they may goe over It must be answered He doth this for His Church His Israel His ransomed ones The redeemed of the Lord vvill say so He delivers them so such Salvations He vvorketh for them and them onely He delivers them after THIS SORT l Dan. 3. 29. What sort None delivered as are these after such a strange vvonderfull and miraculous way after THIS SORT The fire had no power over them But for their enemies the flame of the fire slew them and for those enemies that are suffered to goe on in their furious March He takes off their Charet-wheeles makes them drive heavily then When When they are upon the very heele of the righteous then the vvaters over-whelme them and they are made as still as a stone m Exod. 15. 16. The Conclusion is the Lord never made His Arme bare of flesh He never appeared in the Mount of straits but for His Church and against His Adversaries but so He hath appeared this day ¶ 4. Who are they vvhom we see guarded fenced hedged about â— what more There needs no more and yet to assure their security and that there is not a chinke open whereat danger shall enter to doe them hurt there is more added and on every side n Iob 1. 10. See their security Whose security the Churches the Righteous mans security ever-more They are hedged about and on every side not a cranny hole left open whereat danger can come-in to doe them hurt No no. Object This carries not the face of Truth you will say See we not these sort of men hurried and spoyled and peeled exposed to all danger from the tongues and hands of violent and bloody men Are they then hedged about and on every side when dangers come in upon them at every turne and they are made now Magor-missabib o Ier. 20. 3. beleaguered-about and terrour on every side Answ Yes and yet notwithstanding all this they are so hedged as was said and nothing shall come unto them for their hurt They may be hurried and peeled and spoyled and killed too and yet all for their good Reader this will not seeme strange unto thee if thou readest and considerest with all thy heart that seventy yeares Captivity was for their good p Ier. 24. 5. Therefore we must set a marke upon these words No cranny is left open whereat danger can enter to doe this people hurt They are a protected people still hedged about still and on every side God keepes their persons from troubles or He delivers them by troubles or supports them in troubles as He did Iob a miracle of patience never any man so tryed as he never any man so supported as he or opens a dore and passage through dangers so bringing His Servants to the place where they vvould be The Divell spake good Divinity the Servants of the Lord will say so Thou hast made a hedge about him and about his house and about all that he hath on every side This then is the conclusion Surely there is no inchantment against Jâ—cob neither is there any divination against Israel according to this time it shall be said of Jacob and of Israel what hath God wrought q Numb 13. 2â— SECT II. From what God hath done The Church gets assured confidence for time to come SEe againe for we have observed the premises here was an Head against the Church that monstrous Head the Tayle against Her That serpentine Tayle that bulky-body as the sand for multitude all these against Her with their King over them yet could doe Her no hurt Behold I give unto you power to tread on Serpents and Scorpions and over all the power of the enemy and nothing shall by any meanes hurt you q Luk. 10. 19. These are good words and comfortable and now are they fulfilled in our eyes All these enemies did what they could to sting and poyson the Church but they were not able All these blowed hard to quench the light of Israel yet could not doe it the Lord kept His Church alive as a sparke which is said of Noah r 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Chrys Tom. 5. Ser. 6. in the midst of the roaring Ocean Who would not feare this God Who would not serve Him None but a God can deliver after this sort That was the conclusion and none are so delivered but His Church He reprooveth Kings nay Hee breaketh the Head of the Leviathan in peeces for His Churches sake And this is the Churches confidence for ever from all these things which her God hath done they can assure their hearts for the time to come That when they shall be brought againe to the Brow of the Hill to her mountaine of straits their God will appeare there He that brake the Heads of the Leviathan to peeces Pharaoh and his great Hoast Å¿ Ps â—9 14. Annona fuit huâ—â— reposita qua vesceretur populus Cal. in loc gave that deliverance for meat to His people inhabiting a wildernesse i. e that when they should be in straights then