mad and Heliodorus thought a witch but he call'd my Charmes my Art my Craft is Christ and demanding respite for three days to advise what to do he repaired to the Idols Temple and in fervent prayer obtained from heaven the falling of them all like Dagon for which being set upon a fresh he made ample confession of the truth of Christ yea his tongue being cut he preached heaven-ward with his hand untill he was slâ—in rejoyceing in hopes to see God in his flesh desireing also to depart and to be with Christ. BY the Resurrection the Believer hath a privative and a possessive good the first containeth an abolishment of hell and death that they be not the portion of his cup Christs appearing to be the Son of God by it haveing brought life and immortality to light is the substance of the other 2 Tim. 1. opening the gates of Death a typ of the resuscitation of our mortal bodies having made out peace by defraying as a surity or cautioner what we were endebted to justice whereby we are accounted just and righteous before God his egressâ— from the prison of the grave testifying a discharge and maâ—s assâ—ilment whence still to our being condemâ—d there is oppos'd his rising for who shall lay any thing to the charge of Gods elect it is Christ that dyed yea rather who is risen again and in this righteousnesse it is wherein S. Paul desire to be found makeing it his own by faith and rejoyceing in his own security thereby blessing God for that victory which in Chrâ—st he himself obtained the day book of his sins being crossed and the head of his advâ—rsary bruised by the substance of the Crosse in the power of the Resurrection which so far virtuats his life that as raised in Christ he accounts not himself any more in this world haveing his conversation in heaven not regarding the knowledge even of Christ after the flesh as did not a latter Saint who seeming to behold his Saviour in bodily shape visionally cryed out Lord keep that sight from me here but let me behold it in thy own Kingdom in the other world RISE therefore from your vain conversation from your graves of lust your reward is slighting Christ or selling Christ being no other then what the Patriarchs had when they sold Ioseph or what Iudas got when he betray'd Iesus viz. shame and fear which whoso would avoid must follow him who is the way to young beginners the truth to such as affirm and life to those that persevere the way to them that ask the truth to such is have found the life to those who passe the way to them who travel the truth to them who rest and the life the righteous do enjoy all procured by the death Christ underwent IT is said the lyons whelps lying as dead three days after birth are awakned by the roaring of the Syre certain it is that after three days this lyon of Iudahs trib was raised by God the Faâ—her for thogh his rising be attributed to the Spirit of holinesse Rom. 1. as also to himself having a power to take up as well as to lay down his life John 10. yet it is also expressed to originat from the Father for God said Peter raised up Iesus Acts 2. scattering the least mist could arise from doubts temptations or surmise improving faith against all stumbling blocks the holy Trinity joining in one for Christs manumission from the grave all being reconcil'd to man in his Saviours actings upon that particular the Lord God who had sentenc'd Adam raising the Son who was God and by the Spirit who with the Father and the Son is one all equally willing equally appearing for and equally approveing what by the determinat counsel of the Father was under agitation in that affair SHEWING withall that as Christs manhood was raised by God through the Spirit of holinesse so the quickning of man against the deadnesse of sin ignorance and unbelief is the sole work of Omnipotency which alone can remand back the Spirit of sanctified illumination men possessed in the loins of their Father Adam and adapt them by a receive the holy Ghost to walk as Sons of God not of men yet as nothing quickens except it dy so neither can the sinfulnesse of sin be taken away untill man know he is sold under it and by it betrayd as by a Iudas into the hands of the Devil who hath the power of death that is of execuâ—ing not sentenceing which conviction of heart only maketh man to dy with Christ and necessarily must preceed a rising with him TO some it is true Christ is not yet born such are the lofty Spirits the touring souls behaving themselves not as Children weaned from the mothers breast but as so many Gyants begotten of some Goliah and born of some radiant Amazon which conceit maketh them conceive themselves some great body and being contrary to our Lord who was born a Child that is for humility and meeknesse debonaire and affable towards all soar in their carriage and Pea-cock like moutting in the sun-shine of their own vain glorious imagination as if with the Pea-hen all must then be in love with their mistaken transcendency and couch to the shadow of their greatnesse whereas quite contrary self denyal religious pensivenesse for the losse we have had for the things we want a reversing of the Escutcheon of that excellency which fortune or parts have bestowed because ensigns of our mysery and badges of our poverty tokens of the infamy because sinfulnesse of our birth are still in those true Children moraly and in their own esteem little ones to whom belongs the Kingdome of heaven TO others he is not yet dead these are the carnal the fearful the sensual minds who desireing to live in the affluence of flâ—shly pleasures flye from the Crosse as a bugbear and sailing in the Pleasure-boat of a bare profession in the least cloud gets into the coast snugging under the wind of alluring comforts hat 's nothing more then to ride out a storm with the warelik builded and storm prepared for Christian knowing he cannot weather out the tempest and judgeing himself no further in safety then that the next step lands him on the shore of ease delight and ticklish pleasure where loving this present world he embraceth it with both arms saying to tribulation at a more convenient time I will hear thee again in this matter and so with Peter denying any soul saveing knowledge of Iesus chuseth the warmth which the fire of the Mammon of this present world doth affoord accounting beloved Paul mad for because of the Gospel enduring a storm or abideing a night and a day in the deep judging the cargo of a soul not to be valued at so high a rate that the losse of the vessel of the body which is but the hâ—ll of man should be suffered to endure such hardship for it's security TO others he is not risen these are the
Wisdom to cure our folly righteousness to remove our irregularity Sanctification to wash away uncleannesse and Redemption to obliterat our guiltinesse AND verily she had her reward and shall have for may we not see with Elizabeth blessed is she that believeth and in temptations to pride to avarice in the surges oâ— a tempestuous world among other Saints Mary as a star may be veiwed and as a copâ—py followed in this her act of relying upoâ— Gods Testimony which is thought no sooâ—â—er to be done then Christ was conceived That Holie thing said the Angel pointing aâ— it were then at him now in her womb the person of the Son of God bodily formed of heâ— flesh bloud not by transmiting the deity into the substance of flesh or flesh into that of thâ— deity but by uniting both in one subsistinâ— person so that neither the Godhead was manned nor the Manhood Goded but both though dâ—stinct really united qualifying the Impassible to suffer the Immortal to dy and the Eternal God who had ever been to be by a Mystery not to be apprehended and is the Mystery of Godlinesse God humbling himself for men that is for their good to men because born a MAN above men for though like them he was born of a woman yet was he unlike them in so far as in her he was formed by the Holy Ghost and born of her a religious virgin in him also the God-head bodily abideing CAN we do here lesse then cry out blessed is the womb that bare thee and the paps that gave the suck the womb bearing him who is the Author of all blessednesse to us the virgin becoming Spouse to the Father Mother to the Son and habitation to the Spirit hail Mary thou art highly favoured being made the restorer of thy sex sorrow in bringing forth imposed for sin by thee not felt when from thee we received Iesus God from the Father Christ man from the Mother therefore blessed art thou among women the blessed fruit of thy Virginity expressing a blessing to all the Daughters of Eva abideing in following after or cleaving unto thy pattern set them of Simplicity and Faith even in thine in their Child bearing thou as a star emitting beams of light upon the earth from thy breasts giving food to him who giveth meat to all flesh beareth the price of mans Redemption the mean of the Angels confirmation in thy armes thou art highly favoured God workâ—ng in thy belly three wonders for our astonishment and cureing of our heart first in preserving thy Virgin purity in integrity though in flesh 〈◊〉 the Ark was covered with pure gold in frucâ—tifying thy Virginity and makeing it conceive as the bush burned and was not consumed Lastly by an meffable joining of earthly thinâ—s and heavenly together thou 〈◊〉 Iacobs ladder touching both thou art highâ—ly favoured For in thee God becomes MAN a Virgin turns a Mother and the heart of mâ—â— believes all being peâ—swaded thou aâ—t the Mother of our Lord yet thy Lords handâ—maid that is our Lords Servant for thoâ—â— was made by him and if God be terrible oâ—â— of his holy places how much more wonderfull when he appears out of thy bowels having been compass'd by thy womb Thoâ— art highly favoured therefore Hail Mary 〈◊〉 heavenly salutation while thou was upon Earth yet on Earth thy worshipping of him ought to expound unto us its robbing him of his just devoir to pray unto thee since he was born by thee to become the Author of eternal Salvation to all that believe and to thy ignorant adorer I imagine that is I conceive thou sayes Man what have I to do with thee seing he is the Lord thy God worship thou him for it s written him only shalt thou serve c. THE english word compass is known and the root Sabab is of the same sense importing round about or on every side whence some apply the word to the Church who should after much wandring and wantonnesse cleave to embrace the Lord her Husband as the barren womb doth a man but this being no new thing we make progresse in our first interpretation affirming the words sound a retreat to the Church in her unprosperous war against God perswading to a Reformation of life upon this new Creation beseeching them as els-where the Apostle by the Mercies of God and of our Lord Iesus Christ who to cultivat our barren souls had first appointed the bloud of beasts in sacrifice next our own in Circumcision and when both failed the desiâ—ned effect by this new thing his last and great work that from his mouth the mouth of a Bab the bloud of a Lamb of this Lamb of God we might be perswaded to bring forth fruit upon the sight of such pure innocency who not being heard when he thundered might be heard when he weeped yea loved and obeyed descending unto Earth that he might be kissed of such who while he sat in heaven was not feared God purposeing to ereat nothing to save the impenitent this being done to enforce abhorrency of every evill way and the newnesse of it causeing wonder might the more to enflam godliness the worthies Kings and Prophets of the former ages not knowing not seeing this that is knew it not saw it not fuâ—filled for though it be said The Lord hath created a new thing in the Earth yet the time of utterance sheweth it only to be prophesied of because of which the People of the prophets generation might be ascertain'd that it should be as if it been past and gone God speaking of things that are not as though they were and to come as though already done so in after ages A woman did compass a man ENDVED he was in probability with a rational Soul from the first instant of his glorious conception the Holy Ghost framing by his power his pure body withâ—ut those previous preparations of natural formation infusing likewise his Soul before the ordinary number of thirty six or fourty six dayes which casteth the birth upon the seventh or the ninth moneth for though he was like unto us in all things yet the exception of sin includeth such effect as emerge from it of which pain in conceiving or in bringing forth is to be exempted from his Mother or imperfection of parts or lack of a Soul from himself we speak not of the extension or delineation of his members which must be by time perfected but of his bodies organization which how smal so ever might be animated that be from the beginning mâ—ght be both God and man which of an Embrio could not properly be allowed and the body being immediatly the work of the Spirit of Power makes diffiâ—ult to grant the body of Christ to be shaped or figured according to the wonted manner of men the Scripture as leaving it doubtful expressing the Embrio which can neither be caâ—led Male nor Female fruit whereas Iesus must be reputed to have always been God and MAN and MAN here
enforceth the same conclusion the word Child in other places not enervating the inferences that being used more effectually to demonstrate the verity of his INCARNATION THIS one word MAN proved a confounding Topick to the Iews in their pungent hopes of a Messiah foretold by a reaming Prophetissa of their own who being with child predicted of a deliverer in her womb her belly indeed grew yet their hopes grew bigger untill the Chast-Damosell was delivered of a lusty Girle which brought her Country-men to bed of a brown that is a shamefull and melancholy study But our Redeemer like the true Lamb of God Exod. 12. was taken from the flock of mankind a Male a MAN without blemish without sin In the evening born in the last age of the world and to be eaten whole believed wholly in as God Christ and Man Christ without which what can be thought of these Scriptures but forgeries as that he grew in wisdom and stature Math. 2. that is as MAN or that he knew not the Judgment day that is as MAN or that he made the worlds Heb. 1 or that he was in the beginning which is to be understood only as he was God so that our Iesus is canonically I should say Levitically fitted to be a sin offering by whose Masculine Vertue through grace the sins of the world are to receive expiation let none therefore in malice or in mirth henceforward maintain the Etymon of Woman to be wo to man but derive it rather from wonder of men all fixing and centering their eyes on this woman and this MAN as objects for samplars of joy and admiration SATAN at first by the Serpents craft abused the woman into credulity perswadiâ—g her too attentive ear to betray the heart into lust by which death triumph'd over all her Sons But here is a Daughter of Eva hearkning unto the words of an Angel of light baâ—â—ling Satan believing God rather yea bâ—foâ—e her self and becometh a great instrument of salvation wounding Satans head for her Son bruised it in which his craft and tongue are both destroyed and like David with the head of Goliath erects trophees and signs of eternal conquest over the legions of Death and Hell Conceiving by â—aith bearing by faith pondering in and storeing up in her heart â—hatever could corroborat her faith unâ—ill her Son had made both his and our enemies become his foot-stool By his horn FOR he is the horn of Salvation Luke 1 i. e. his power and beauty as by the horn of a Unicorn pushing yea breaking the Devils stem not only antidoting but annihilating any poyson he can or doth lay in our way to hurt us it is true that too great confidence made Eva talk with the Serpent she being without fear whence even in a Phisical sense for her punishment there yet is a pannick dread generally in her sex at the sight even of a dead snake but thogh Mary was terrified or put out of countenance at the Angels Salutation or first appearance conceiving him as is conjectured a man she solitary whence good in the accost might be suspected let in any case spiritual horrour in Serpentine discourses or Satanick blandishments or sinful appearances staining a good report contrary to Christian modesty to the fleshes satisfaction in any debauch be always rooted in us for avoiding the wages of either of these which is Death And if any put the evill day far off yet as the seed of the woman like things long look'd for came at last so the Veracity and truth of God shall at length display it self to the terrour of all adversaries and shall prosperously publish it self in accomplishing what ever it predicted for the believers consolation as after some thousand years by and in a woman was the promise of the seed in the person of our Saviour perfected A woman shall compasse a man is not this strength out of weaknesse and visibly evident at his birth she first bringing him forth we read of no Midwife next she wrapped him in swadling cloaths we find no assistance and she laid him in a manger BEHOLD a new thing cheefly in civiliz'd Nations in honest births Tulliola the Daughter of Cicero dyed in labour Iulia the Daughter of Caesar dyed in Child-bed and weaknesse generally is found in Travel and help called for in bringing forth but this Hebrew woman was strong and in History neither had nor demanded aid Joseph her spouse not dareing to touch what he begat not or it may be was exercised about some other employment while she swadled the Child and laid him in a manger THE ancients generally record it to be of a rock and histories registrat the truth of that to have been seen of many and what more pertinent for the rock upon whom the Church was to be builded then a rock for him the Mystical foundation to be laid in But of this cum Deo we shall speak elswhere and Ioseph standing by when the shepherds entered to shun the surmise of scandal and remove the beginnings of an ill bruit apt enough to kindle in the breasts of them whose hard heartednesse drove his great bellyed mother to a stable for though there was at the birth of Iohn great joy yet at Christs save in heaven and in shepherds we read of little but that world knew no better we have more full intelligence and understand though our hearts be rocky and our bosoms as the stable common filthy and unclean yet he is born a Saviour to deliver us from both as a Moses to break the one as a Hercules pardon the comparison to cleanse the other for which let the Holy bâ— glad because here is a rule let the honourable rejoice for here is a fountain the humble for here is a pattern the dying for here is life the sinner for here is a Redeemer born who purposeth to pay their Ransome and for that end more enriched then was that Silesian Child born A D. 1585 Decem. 22. In whose mouth afterwards was found a great jawtooth of gold approaching to the Carat of Hungary for he hath precious bloud without which there is no remission which as a priâ— from his holy body he shall deposit to procure us from slavish servitude and spirit of bondage and therefore in these days it is unlawfull to be surly out of spite and unholy to be sad except for sin touch taste and see that God is good and rejoice for to you is born a Saviour Christ the Lord. AVGVSTVS about this time this good time by proclamation order'd none to call him Lord prompted sure unto it by a spirit not of flesh and bloud so let no lust rule over you but bow the knee to him of whom it 's said And let all the Angels of God worship him pay tribute unto him who is over all the world evidencing that where ever you are as Ioseph in Galile that there is peace with you towards him having either yeelded or being subdued by the
most august serene Lord Iesus who was by the Spirit given to this woman and by whom is published Heaven to be at peace with men and women uniting these two together and both unto it self that peace might be on Earth and goodwil towards each other and both give glory by submission unto God ceasing from contention Salvation comeing by Iesus and Honour with Christ to men who are but dust and ashes WHEN the Almighty doth wonderously men should be surably affected here is a Prophet created a King anointed a Priest consecrated a Phisician born what more a Saviour encompassed let this be your tydings Christ is born in Bethlehem and leave your flocks ascending to him who came down in your heart and love for in your Salvation there is utility in his Vnction swavity in his INCARNATION Majesty for he hath bowed the heavens and is to be found in the swadling cloâ—ths of Precepts Sacraments and Promises of all which the Angels of the Church have told you because of which heavenly testimonies expect not a star in the air I mean a new miracle or a new good way of your own chuseing but draw near and behold this new thing proclaiming it to each other as the two cousings Mary and Eâ—izabeth that Jew and Gentile may both rejoice together in the birth of their common Saviour and that with hast our Saviours birth as his doctrinâ— being prolifick dischargeth oscitancy and slouth having a proper work which must industriously be gone about viz. Sanctiâ—y the digâ—ity of the Spirits working in thiâ— supernatural manner having morally a coercive power to suspend terâ—en matters and carry the soul to the hilly Country by affection in the sweetest Cell of the Souls complacency and thence again to issue orders unto all faculties to abstain from filthinesse to Love the Lord to speak good of his Name CHRIST being as at this time born as at this time the Angels sang the Heavenly host praised the Shepherds glorified which in our leading pious holy and Religious lives shal also satisfactory to God and Jesus our Lord be performâ—d for which this new thing was created the World being grown old exceeding old that is thin crazy and bare Adams disobedience the Angels fall Cain's slaughter Lamech's Murder Nimrod's oppression the Giants Impurity Babels Confusion c. had so marred the visage of this Earth that the heavens groaned to be delivered from its aspect from its scent as if Mezuntus Tyranny had been anticipated who tyed living men to stinking carcasses for their death and his own sport But at last God sent his Son in flesh with water that the Earth as the Garden of the Lord being well watered and as Pharao'hs Kine made fresh faire and well favoured or as David of a goodly countenance in imitation of this woman by humility for though she was Mother of our Lord she visited First in charity for she came to help the aged Elizabeth to assist the conceived and comfort her cousing now impregnat in her dolors burthens longings faintings and domestick affairs in her Modesty she was a teeming woman and at the time of her delivery Mary the Virgin returned home in her Oratory she spake so well that the Bab of grace leaped in the others womb And lastly in her Civility for she saluted Elizabeth no question but with civil honour and Religious reverence for the Mother salutes the cousing the cousing Mary and the Baptist both all with earnestnesse and serious holinesse mixed with joy or if you please in imitation of the MAN in Love for as the Son of our Mother he is come down that we may kiss him with the kisses of our mouth in comforting the shepherds when cloathed with darknesse and it may be with sadnesse were comforted with joyfull tydings in suffering he endured the worst a stable a manger for all his innate worth and former glory he fretted not at 〈◊〉 he cryed it was for mans sorrow in doing he went about doing good and so let us compasâ— each other with Religious delight celebratâ—ing this feast very near as old as the Gospel not now only but alwayes with the Church â— Virgin yet the Lambs wife by Faith hope and Charity that they being found with us 〈◊〉 Ioseph Mary and the Bab were by the shepâ—herds may live as they soberly righteously and godlily which perfected we shal not be cast out of the heaven of the Church with Lucifer nor out of the paradise of powerâ—full ordinances with Adam but enter into the new Ierusalem which is above by vertue of this new thing created in Ierusalem beâ—neath THE method of obtaining which 〈◊〉 included in the marrow and significancy 〈◊〉 such names whose bearers were more peculiarly grandiz'd in the history of Incarnation Ioseph by interpretation is addition Mary bitternesse Zacharias minding the Lord Elizabeth peace of my God Gabriel strength or man of God and Iohn gracious now a good Name is in Herauldry accounted an accomplishment gentilizing the vertuous And we find in godly saints accrewment of honour to be attended with change of names for the case in hand let this days solemnity add one cubit to the stature of your knowledge touching the pravity and bitternesse of natural self by reflecting upon what the Lord hath now done for our indwelling with him becomeing men of God inspirited with peace when the Spirit shall write on the table of the heart Grace Grace teaching us all our life long to celebrat on Christmas that is Christs-feast in the old Saxon the holy Eve of that Eternal yule or Iubile in the holy Hebrew where old Emanuel now Iesus shal be worshipped with everlasting Jubilation FROM this MANS encompassing the Holy Ghost pleads for Israels returning and 〈◊〉 this back-sliding age would suffer a word of Exhortation I should motive for Modesty now Pharaoch's physicians wold sense a childs â—onfinement in the womb a womans nourishing of her fruit or how the Egyptian midwives would retail the particulars couched in the expression I presume not to know but there is a MAN and a WOMAN in the text and the copula joining them together is chast and comely there is mention made of the attire of an Harlot Prov. 7. and we read of the solicitations of a whore Gen. 39. but the knowledge of Christ ought to instill sobriety in all our converse Men Woman Women Men at meeting or a part contriving the contexture of their discourse the Methods of their thoughts the sentiments of their soul to be spirited with that vertue A Father observes that Ioseph gave no assistance to Mary she swadling she laying him in a manger he not dareing to touch so holy a Bab whom he Knew to be none oâ— his It 's also and there from incumbent 〈◊〉 the mystical beholding of our Lord to returâ— from our irreverent behaviour and give hiâ— his just devoir how unseemingly wil soâ—â— touch Christ in the Supper as if the 〈◊〉 were their own bread and wine when it
Arabs Mahumetans Phenicians is in high regard unto this day though some more Barbarous derids even its institution suggesting it unâ—â—table to the benignity of a merciful God to delight in beholding bloud issuing from the â—oins of a tender Baby and to injoyn it under so severe a penalty as Cutting off But this is to be wise above what 's written for to passe the Law-giver who is not obliedged to demonstrat by reason the equity of his Mandats to any much lesse to such who have forfeited their being to his justice the speciality of its rise was to discriminat Gods own people from Ethnicks and Pagans for which if man will be at no cost he is very churlish or at no pain he is very selfish and in these days gratulation is most becomeing since God in place of Circumcision in our own bloud which as a Iudge in matters criminal he required of our forefathers alloweth yea commandeth us that of water expecting in the Mystery but cleanlinesse of us as a distinguishing character AGAINST sin of old the adult whether men or women had a Sacrifice but that being in the young also whether Male or Female God accepted a few drops of bloud from the Male when all was due as an expiatory offering for both sexes in their nonage so that in this Circumcision said of Mercy and Iudgement will I sing Psal. 101.1 WE have seen God contracted into a Man let us see that Man contracted in his parts and behold why he was circumcised and why so named at his Circumcision VIEW the causes of his birth and it 's sai'd to be for us Luk. 2. and as for himself he was not born so nor circumcis'd for neither he nor his Parents sinned in God his Father there was no sin in Mary his Mother no offence i. e. in her conceiving neither was there any guile in his own heart so that he needed not be circumcis'd his being born without original guilt infallibly removeing the merits of the smart that principally eyeing the pollution transmitted by and contracted upon ordinary generation upon which score the Baptist pleaded his no need of baptism but contrary he of his Math. 4.13 unto which our Saviour yeelded as a Truth but requested of him a sufferance for that time that he viz. Christ might fulfill all righteousness i. e. both of Law and Gospel that sinners of all sorts might equally adore and accept of him as Saviour sanctifying in his own person the signs exhibited to each assureing reconciliation begun clearing that not offence but his condition as a man requir'd Iohns connivence his own condescendence being in these words It becometh us that is both me and thee for as he took upon him the form of a servant so was he to submit to such as were superiors which is righteous yea the hight of righteousnesse all righteousness for being found as a man a sinful man was it not expedient in point of honour to submit to this law for rendring himself more capable of converts and more amiable of conversse for what could now be judged would be the issue of an unbaptized Evangelist but scorn and contempt for building up of that in Doctrine which in his own practice he disdained to stoup unto BESIDES he had took upon him the seed of Abraham and purposed as the Messiah ought to be so accounted for fitnesse therefore though not for necessity to his grandour he received the impresse of the Circumcision upon his flesh whereof GOD himself was the institutor elucidly discovering thereby to the Prophets of the Christian faith the end of his mission to be the fulfilling and ending of the Law unto which Circumcision so eminently had made them debters being now exempted from its bondage Christ himself having undergone it and institued baptism a more easy sweet comfortable Sacrament in it's place being Circumcis'd through infinit wisdom for the same cause that Paul baptiz'd Timothy even to abolish Circumcision Acts 16.3 which was to endure no longer then the use for which it was appointed did endure and that was to difference Jew and Gentile which distinction Christ removeing legal Circumcision as well as priesthood was to be changed and laid aside Gal. 3. The Cabalists finding the history of Miriams death to succeed the laws referring to the red heifer or Cow Numb 19. infer the laws binding up at the approach of the Messiah that the heifer did typifie the ruddiness sanguinolency or bloodiness of a Saviour is a truth to be attested but that the Prophetess death was a prototyp of the Laws departure is not so easily to be granted yet this is clear that as Abraham ordered his servant in swearing to put his hand under the thigh whence the Son was to come in whom all was to be blessed and that Son to be GOD also is evidenced in the addition of the letter be to the name of Abraham taken from Gods own name Iehovah so our Lord the Son of God the Son of Abraham that ordains that by faith which Abraham had when uncircumcis'd which was in himself we should know whence we are hewn even from himself whose name is upon his thigh Revel 19. by spiritual generation consequentialy receiving the benefit of Sonship from both not in that legal but in this mystical begetting by vertue whereof as he we are the Sons of Abraham not of his flesh but of his faith and such are still dâ—fferenced and separatâ— from Infidels and Cananits of the world not by the Pale of Circumcision but the waters of Baptism Gala. 3.27 in which as in Noahs ark we are secure from that deluge shal fall upon the ungodly and liberat from that bondage which the Iews as servants as Scholars were under as sons of the flesh of Gods servant Abraham and as Children of Iesus the beloved Son hath the knife turned into water and what the edge of the former could hardly cut off is now by water and grace easily wash'd away THEREFORE our Lord was both circumcis'd and baptiz'd as being prince both of Law and Gospel and a corner-stone for uniting Iew and Gentile in one unto himself receiving Baptism last saying by that of it unto the Church as of the other Sacrament take ye all of this do this in remembrance of me and of Circumcision first because made of a woman under the Law hence is he called the Minister of the Circumcision being under it and preaching actually personally to the partakers of it the promises being made to such whereas to the Gentiles there was no such obligation of his truth yet by Grace did perswade to an entrance into the Covenant by his Messengers and Prophets Rom. 15.8 Mystically seen in his verâ— Baptism receiving it from Iohn by Bethabeâ—ra in the river of Iordan Iohn 1. somewhâ—â— above the place where the priests of the Lord stood with the ark while Ioshua and thâ— camp of Israel more southward passed over into the promised land where he circumcâ—â—sed the people
Christ being the substance oâ— that very ark of the Covenant he being tâ—â— mean for reconcileing unto God both natiâ—ons beginning with circumcision which hâ— received in Isaac untill he suffered in him fulâ—â—filling the figure wherefore we are said to be circumcised with the Circumcision madâ— without hands obtaining the benefit promiâ—sed unto it another way then by bloud PROVIDENCE like the goodman of thâ— house knowing not only when but how thâ— thiefes would enter frustrats by Circumcisiâ—on their design who should a vouch our Saviour not to have had a real corporal but an aerial or phantastick body for as Alexander proved himself unto his flatterers to be no God because when wounded he bled so the Gospel cleares him to be no phantasme because of the prepuce and by it casts a mist in the Devils way to abate his fury that though he might know the Angels revelation yet as truly again he might infer him guilty of sins tincture which Circumcision did mainly respect wherefore we read of no great rage that either Satan or Man had against him untill his Baptism being then more clear because of the voice from heaven yet still was there some dimnesse of his perfect Deity as appeareth in the first temptation Mat. 4. Our Saviour as a war-like Prince in his enemies country cloathing himself in the robes of that country to passe the more securely undiscerned and pardon so strong application to destroy his adversaries the more surely and make them inexcusable WHAT more the ends and uses intended by God and the profits or benefits received by the Church in the Circumcision were of old comprised in this distich and applied to Christ are proper Cauterium signum meritum Medicina Figura Exemplum fuit olim Circumcisio dura AND as an issue or cauter it emitteth putrid matter from the body was a Character or badge of discriminating the people of God from the worshippers of Idols and to them also represented their merits for sin committed which in justice might have made the whole man to be cut off by which it proved Medecine or physick some say against the Carbuncle sure it is it figureâ— lust in the Soul and shewed what puriâ—â— ought to be in the heart the corruption thereof being moraly evacuated and causing each one become a good example to another of continence and vertue BVT the design in the Circumcision 〈◊〉 the Son of God was for the fulfilling of tâ—â— Law which he came to do Mat. 5. 〈◊〉 again to abolish the law which as a shadow went before him the body untill he waâ— incarnat which being done as a shadow must go behind and at his ascending vaniâ—â— away he himself being the substance of thâ— shadow perfecting throughly what it in 〈◊〉 only endeavoured therefore must 〈◊〉 children of Israel according to the 〈◊〉 Ios. 5. be circumcis'd the second time 〈◊〉 this Ioshuah to whose law according tâ— Moses doctrine they have been circumcisâ—â— once but these leading them by Faith 〈◊〉 Christ in the Gospel they must undergo ciâ—â—cumcision the second time by which their reproach shall only be rolled away and their gathering together to be glorious YET subordinat to this it is worth considering that he opened himself unto this first fruits of his suffering for the same cause he payed tribute viz. that he might give no occasion of offence that all might splendidly adapt themselves for obedient walking and not justle with Superiors upon account of priviledges wherefore we should hammer our pernicious designs and curb our extravagant affections not as untamed heifers in a conceit of our own worth plead immunity from law or from premisses of Dignity Excellency Piety Liberty or Birth-right maintain a disorderly carriage Christ presenting himself in this as a Samplar for us to work by as a rule to act by as a law oblidging us to conform yeelding to those in authothority and laws in force though in all things we be gratified nor in all parts there be no necessity for them hence he is said not to be born but made under the law Gala. 4. whereas we are not made but born and ought the rather to be Subject THIS Sun of righteousness rising in a red cloud caveats against murmurings complainings having something in it to be seen to be loved and also to be imitated induceing to a Circumcision of the foreskin of our heart the badge of Gospel mortification and teck-merion of self denyal his bloud and name hinting at salvation even from our selves STEPHEN chargeth his impenitent country-men with Vncircumcised hearts and ears by which he understands the whole man Ears implying their hearing such doctrine as tended to depravement Hearts insinuating their peculiar kindnesse and approbation of it to that height that the eyes beheld it as delectable the palat as delicious the hands as prosperous the feet as an easy journey so that heresie impurity vanity iniquity sensuality with practice without consideration becomeâ— the love of him who is carnal and prevails to seduce the undiscerning to the subsequent way of ungodly folly the whole Man becomeing prize to the Tempter for all irregularities the universal intendment of the Soul being Guadrat to the appetits of the corrupâ— heart which therefor is to be keep'd that is circumcised above all things Prov 4.23 by which the eyes shall let in no vanity and the ears be stopped that is circumcis'd against rotten communication the Spiritual Pallaâ— shall taste and see that God and his ways are only good the lips shall be preserved from lying and the tongue from speaking guile least at any time we grieve the Holy Ghost Eph. 4.30 WE find upon record an universal Circumcision of the whole Tribs at one time by knives or sharp flint stones Ios. 5. that service being omitted in their travel through the wildernesse not because the northwind blew not for scattering the cloud which had been inconvenient as the Iews foolishly suppose holding that wind most seasonable for Circumcision but through their unfitness to admit the same in regard of tedious and uncomfortable travels which being ended and the holy land entered God thought it expedient no longer to be delayed and therefore ordered Ioshua no more to procrastinat or put off shadowing that such who would possesse Jerusalem the holy City spoyl the potent adversaries of our rest in succesful battels must by faith in Christ the rock make holocausts that is burn'd offerings of beloved lusts though as near or dear as the skin it self by declining from evill and doing good keeping the soul from rapin bloud covetousnesse and wrath solicitously by the sharp and two edged sword of the word of God which Christ brought into the world restraining every thought and bring it captive to the Laws of piety and sound reason that being a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart a divider betwixt the soul and sin CIRCVMCISION being nothing but a purgation of the soul from vice which who so scruples to deposit
whereof we our selves are witnesses and if I speak the language â—f the Prophet Arise shine for your light is come I hope you will obey the ensuing charge and lift up your eyes and see and then as convinced shew forth the praises of the Lord which is also foretold and as Gentiles come to the light Isa. 61. IT was said of Solomon the Kings of Tarshâ—sh and of the isles shall bring presents the Kings of Sheba and Seba shall offer gifts its true Tarshish was never a Kingdome but by it is prophesied what the rich Kings upon the coast of the Red-Sea near unto which Tarshish was a famous inland Town should do and what the Kings of Sheba a chief Citty of Ethiopia and Seba another in Arabia Faelix both famous for gums and pretious stones should perform as tributaries or as Favorites to Solomon a Preludium of that homage and good-will which the world owed unto and should repay unto him of whom Solomon was but a shadow even to that King whom these Wise-Men come to worship LET us veiw these holy pilgrims and their pilgrimage in there came Wise-Men from the East the place they travelled unto Ierusalem their Question in that place where is he that is born King of the Iews their errand with him we are come to worship THEY are called Wise-Men of the east otherwise Magi or Magicians of old an honorable appellation and applied not unto vizzarts or negromancers as now but to the students of Philosophy and Mathematicks observers of the motions and government of the Luminaries Sun moon or stars inferring conclusions for orderly walking in matters of regiment and intrinsick projects of state and got that name from Meditation detecting and diveing into natures deepest secrets foreseeing the probability of things were held of old men of renown by Indians call'd Gymnosophists with Grecians Philosophers Caldeans in Babylon Druydes in France Sapientes with the Latine and with Persians Magi who were of that high estimation that none was thought worthy to reign except he had studyed their art and from their Colledges were persons taken for being petty Princes and governours of countries whence it may be sprung the conceit of these Magi being reputed Kings WHENCE they came is not yet determined some brings them from Caldea they worshipping the stars others will have them of Balaam who prophesied of a star There are who fetch them from the utmost parts of the earth its most likely they came from Persia because of their gold incense c. of their motion it was east from Ierusalem from their learning there being in the Citty Susan the Kings seat near the Palace in a stately garden a Philosophical Colledge of Magi students of History Philosophy and Divinity with whom Daniel Ezechiel in the captivity conversing and by their unwearied seriousnesse in searching Records and Antiquities might arrive to the knowledge of much of the Law of Moses the promises to Abraham the truth of the Prophets and of the expected Messiah which by the weeks of Daniel might be by them now looked for not omitting the wisdome or direction of the most high to those whose acumen was to unty knots and Mysteries qualifying them to become tutors unto Daniel in all humane literature whose religious Zeal in gratitude might bequeath some of his spiritual instructions for their own and others advantage pairing off the excrescencies of their endeared studies by his life wisdom and visions that they might be more intent upon that one thing necessary whence in probability flowed at this time their worshipping of Iesus for they believed and therefore enquired and therefore offered HAD they been called Philosophers it might have been conjectured they came from Greece but the term Magi speaks them Persians being given by that nation to persons studious of knowledg only if the distance of Susa from Jerusalem be computed which is 920 miles it would be imagin'd they could not come so soon after our Lords birth as our observance will allow which is but 13 days not to speak of the swiftnesse of Dromodaries upon which in those countries men travel'd the star might appear sometime before the birth and in their travel their stay in Jerusalem something more then a year might passe for certain it is that Herod according to his information of the stars appearance slew the Children of Bethlehem from two years old and under and this interpretation seemeth more agreeable to the text though it may be the star appeared not untill the birth and hast care zeal with true piety mâ—ght cause the journey to be expede in the alloted time though in the appearance of the star Herod might be mocked there being greater slips not censured in Scripture of more experienc'd Persons in Divinity the men wisely forseeing hazard to themselves and danger to the bab TOVCHING their number they being called Wise-Men there can be no lesse supposed then two and in regard there are three sorts of gifts some will have them so many men tell you a tale of 3. Kings of Evilah where there is much gold of Magonia where there is much frankincense and are so wise that Appellius Amarius and Damascus must be their Hebrew names Galgalath Megalath and Sarachin their Greek-names Caspar Balthasar Melchior their Roman names more then twelve I have not found them to be thought it is likely there was a train a retinue of the most curious pregnant devout learned in the Society with the worshippers for they put all Ierusalem in an uproar and Herod himself was troubled when the intelligence of the Shepherds but six miles off for ought we read was not so much as headed by either THE heavens to David declaired the the glory of God and to the Magi the birth of his Son the Jewish shepherds had an Angel and tokens perswading them to belief the Gentil Philosophers had only a star yet they believe both seeing that one Christ which was then born and design'd a corner-stone for uniting these together giving them his right and left hand from the affection of his heart both being now alike pretious to him because as they he is the Son of Man The Shepherds were nigh the Magi a far off yet both received he moderating the Jews insolence because of the synagogue and illuminating the Gentiles ignorance because of his light joining them as one building himself as the corner-stone both beautifying and strengthning the structure AND into this Church as into the house with the Magi let us enter he being our Lord and saluting him let us worship they opening the door for all nations as Ambassadors of peace offering to his greatnesse the mercy of God in Christ giving ample assurance of reconciliation to all offenders though Magicians Wizzarts consulters of witches as to Manesseh when so wise as to lay aside the works of darknesse and behold his wonders in the firmament of his works and heaven of his word wherein they shall perceive that Christ is
day we may truly pronounce that the Godlesse are not this day raised the communication of those two who went to Emmaus discovers the truth of this who though sadned at their Masters Death yet were not Spiteful at the instruments thereof speaking how the chief Priests and the Rulers delivered him to be condemned without any other epithet expressing rancour there be who will have these Luke and Cleophas Luke is rising up and Cleophas hath glory in his name and surely the rising from darknesse and deadnesse with the desire of being glorious is to go to Emmaus which by interpretation is desire of counsel and how happy were it if this age would advise with and about it self touching the verity of Christ and Him risen together with the duties dâ—pending thereupon leaving Ierusalem and all its gâ—udinesse to walk those sixty furlongs Morally these two physically trod it is a number arising from multiplying of ten by six The Ten Commandments being appointed by IEHOVAH for the rule of our Actings and the renouncing this present World amending our Lives crucifying Self voyding Hypocrisie keeping of the Heart wâ—tching over the door of our Lips being the six paces to be observed in our going over the moral Law We cannot chuse but have Christ with us and our eyes to see Him with great â—oy where now because glorified He shal not only eat bread with us as in the History but shall sup with us and we with him as in the Revelation unto which a serious reflection and deep meditaâ—ion upon the Cross and sufferings of our LORD this passage examplifies to be a fertil-mean LAY your ear to the holy Communication these two had and it 's properly a devout imagination to conceit Luke speaking Brother Cleophas can you forget the clamour of the Priests against our Master when Pilat was determined to let Him go how they cryed away with Him crucifie Him not this Man but Barabbas yea a murtherer whereas our Master shed no mans bloud but went about doing good to every body and that in such a way by commanding praying advising that I should have sworn he had been the Son of God whereas now I conjecture his Faâ—her haâ— smitten them with blindnesse as he did he Sodomites with Hemroids as the Philistens with fire as did Elisha the Capâ—aiâ—s oâ— sâ—me other way had been found as by a vâ—ice from heaven for his sons delivery but to lay hold on that tattle of his appearance to the women is to be swallowed up of errour Luk 24.11 their brains their early rising their â—eaâ— hath certainly disturbed them and made them fancy they saw God knows what and as some think the bells Clâ—â—k Dear Brotheâ— might Clâ—ophas say I should almost be of yâ—ur mind but when I remember of Lazarus whom you mind me of for you know we heard a voice from Heaven I sâ—y when I think upon him How fresh how well-coloured he was raised by a Loud not Cheâ—ping voice with words we understood not dark Phrases as Conjurers and Charmers 〈◊〉 to do I must conclude him to bâ— the Son of God though I confesse I marvel he wrought no miracle to save himself from scâ—urging from dying and since he said he was King of the Iews he came not down from the Crosse that they might believe this I confesse sticks with me this I am sure of if he be alive this day he will be so to morrow and next day also and we shall see it and know it his goodnesse sweetnesse kindnesse and merciful disposition towards all in distresse but especialy to us makes me confident he will not concâ—al himself long but will come unto us and God who in the simplicity of our heart doth know we followed him not for any lucre we got by it shal setle us in the truth at last and reward us according to the integrity of our hearts therefore be not affraid at our return we shal know more and your bells clink may be retorted unto turned by a Crosse Proverb before the lame post make much of one there is few good a true axiome and holds here the women being of excellent endowments formeth hope of future comfort by a certainty of all things SVCH communication administrats such grace that it is no wonder if the fiery chariot of Religious gifts hasten to come down for conveying the heart aloft and the Spirit as at Pentecost to come with full information of all sâ—ving truths takeing the Scalls of doubtings from the eyes of the mind as Saul did from those of his body makeing it to be known for a truth that Christ is risen indeed and if he should seem as though he were to depart in the coldnesse of the heart to those conferences then be instant with thy Mane â—obiscum abide with us Luk. 24.29 the evening of thy dark and cold surmises clouds temptations and other perplexities being approaching and if serious he shal continue to the end and make appear that he is no stranger to thy affairs but well acquainted with whatso-ever hath shall or can befall thee comforting thy soul in all and all because of the Resurrection IT was a Iwell expression that fell from the mouth of the golden-mouth'd Father that at the Sun rising upon the day of the Resurrection it was defraying of just debt to begin teaching of brotherly kindness and charity applying the power of the Resurrection for cementing the hearts of men one towards another it appearing to unite God and Man yea gloriously procured it but how can these things be without a conformity to his death Not such as is fabled in the Legend of that Popish Saint Francis who is said to have the print of the nails and spear in his feet hands and side or such either as is recorded of the herb Granadille in America in which if we believe report the instruments of the Passion to the whip the piller and the thorns are visibly seen in the flour nor it may be with St. Paul to have the wales of the persecutors rod upon the flesh the gore blood lying and not cured in the blewness of the stripe upon the skin the Fellowship of his suffering even to his condemning by Pilat being to be answered by a severe sentenceing our selves singling out every sin and processing it before the barr of Conscience according to the judgement God makes thereof causing execution to follow with as much Zeal and as little delay as did the Jews after the Governours sentence of of which take one Coppy in record Take you Iesus of Nazareth a contemner of Cesar and one who calleth himself the Mesâ—iâ—h as hath been proved by the Testimony of his own Nation to the Common place of execution and in derision of his Kingly Majesty fasten him to the Cross but to evidence the uncertainty of this History â—ake it as another Coppy sayes it was I Pilat President of Ierusalem adjuageth thee Iesus of Nazareth for making thy self a King and for calling
affirm that here they are breathed upon to dispose their minds already sanctified for the Spirits reception in a more solemn manner in the dayes of Pentecost MOREOVER a religious melancholy seazing on the vitals of their Spirits and belief of their Masters proceeding from or ascending to the Father in and for their behalf the Spirit being a pledge of Salvation the strength and life of the Soul is here given by an apt similitude of a breath foâ— as the visiâ—le body of Christ was not God so neither is the breath here felt to be estimate the spirit to confirm them that as the breath came from him so should or so did the Spirit proceed from him likewise which the Greek Church to this day denys affirming his procedure from the Father only which is seen say some in their punishment in looâ—ing their Imperiable Citty Constantinople their Emperour Crown and Kingdome being taken by the Turk upon this day in the Calendar An. Dom. 1237. wherein the nature gifts and proceeding of the Holy Ghost are taught explained and truly commemorat in the Orthodox and Latine Church MANY good things our Saviour had taught especialy about his Death and Resurrection which the Spirit was appointed to bring to their Remembrance the brain of man in it self being naturally dull hereby is cleared and as his birth purifieth ours as his life instructeth ours as his death destroyeth ours as his Resurrection preceedeth ours and as his Ascension prepareth ours so his sending down of the Holy Ghost helpeth us mightily in the reflecting upon these things against all infirmity whatso-ever oyling the wheels of the Soul makeing that lift up it self being otherwise bowed down and by this is said Woman or man thou art loosed from thy infirmity causing them still look forward oâ— like a religious pulley stil haleing or pulling the soul heaven-ward to a loveing of spiritual things contrary to the carnal mind spiritually hence the Sunday betwixt his Ascension and the Spirits descension is called from the entrance of the twenty eight Psalm Dominica exaudi as if from that time the Church of old and yet now had been still calling praying for and expecting a fuller portion of the Spirit this breath being but the first fruits untill the harvest a taste only of Canaeans grapes a warm breath a refreshing gale untill the mightier and rushing wind should blow when Iesus had been glorified THERE are two principal parts of the body viz. head and heart to which in the soul corresponds the understanding and the will it being led and moved by these as greater wheels and God in his Church hath to both of these in resemblance Christ and the Spirit the head and heart of his Congregation for understanding of and being guided unto the things concerning life and by these we know he loveth us and by that knowledge procureth in us Love and Ioy by divine illumination toward himself the Spirit being that Regius or great Divinity Professor teaching from within the mysteries of God for what ever David the Psalmist Amos the Prophet Daniel the Prince Peâ—er the fisher Samuel the Sâ—er or any other Priest Prophet or Patriarch taught were but lecturs of his composing words of his frameing sentences of his drawing up directing how to believe how to live how to walk and how to talk how to love and how to adore how to weep and how to pray all with admireable wisdom holy zeal and fervent charity THE Spirit was here given about the Resurrection before the Ascension after which the spâ—ce of ten dayes reckoning from the fortieâ—h that is from the Passeover for he was given again so that we are to observe the feast of Pentecost when the HOLY GHOST came from heaven whereby they as all good men are made to look up before which we must meet and assemble so receiveing it in the Word breathed upon us on Earth this doubling of the Spirit being like the two-fold Commandement of loveing God who is in heaven and loving man who abideth upon Earth yet it 's but one command acting on different objects so it s also one Spirit given and acting for differâ—nt things or for discovery of that one great thing the Trinity FOR the Son having been visibly known among men the Father also revealed by the things that are seen there remained one thing to enforce the certainty and existance of three Persons that was the appearance of the HOLY GHOST who had once come as unto Noahs ark like a dove in the evening of the world upon Christ the Lord expressing the meeknesse peaceablnesse harmlesnesse of them who are as houses inhabited by him this was at his baptisme the next as is thought was in a cloud strengthning his constancy glorifying his purity and heating his fervency this was at his transfiguration A third was by a breath for animating a perplexed little flock about the removeal of himself from them a few dayes before his Ascension A fourth was in fire in tongues and this was after his glorious Session at the right hand of the Majesty on high giving them a noon-day knowledge to understand all Scripture power over all Devils wisdom against all Philosophers Eloquence against all Orators Patience against all Torments Gifts to convert all Nations Confidence in the love of God for subduing of unruly lusts Grace for persevering in all good works Lastly Ioy in the peace of a good conscience through Christ and him crucified whence it is sayd they were al filled with the HOLY-GHOST in contradistinction to those portions or draughts they had received before so diminute that it s said the HOLY-GHOST was not yet given q. d. in that ample and miraculous measure because Iesus was not glorified John 7.19 WHICH when done they are quasi overcharged and Speaking were thought drunk that is intoxicated which in a trope they were but not as the Jews â—uppos'd with wine but with the new-wine of the Spirit wherewith the old bottles of corrupâ—ed self could not be brimmed the Vine whence it flowed being above the liquor whereof stupâ—fied not the braine but transmented the Soul noâ— causing staggering but confiâ—ming in faith and joy as in the Citty by that River which maketh glad the Citty of God which they renewed by wind fire and tongues were capacitate to drink of the one blowing away the chaff the other heating the Spirit giving light also to the dark chamber of vain Imagination the last promoting to speak refinedly perswadingly being cleansed from carnall sordidness and earthly selfishness delighting in no talk but of the wonderfull works of God IT is usuall with Expositors to shew the analogy between things themselves and that which is represented by those things In how many wayes the Paschall Lamb and Christ doth agree the Red-Sea and baptisme the Cross and the brazeâ— Serpent Iesus and Aaron David and Ioseph is not of our province but how aptly doth wind represent the operation of the HOLY GHOST in those upon whom he cometh
a voiding so dreadfull an arrow as sentence to eternall flames or formidable mischief from so omnipotent â—n arm who can even cloathed in flesh make us feel the sting of his displeasure in first blowing and then kindling the very first streams of hell within us as he did in desparing Iudas and vagabonding Cain IT is true we pretend much to the Spirit and braves out reproof yea censure upon that score anticipating in conceit Heavens joy by the assurances we brag already to have possessed from especiall evidence above as if the mighty wind had already blown upon us whereas we are yet carnal and sold under sin having not that noted nimblenesse to perform all Religious exercise clearly observed to be in them who answer the Spirits call for though with the Publican we may come down from the tree of some conceited excellencies possibly our due and birth-right by washing the Saints feet visiting the sick feeding the hungry binding up the wounded yet really we sadly behold that through some opinion or nice punctilio we adjourn attendance upon God in expresse duty either altogether or approach with reluctancy untill with him in the Gospel We first bury our father Matth. 8.21 which equally with him maketh us unfit for the Kingdome of God for no sooner did the wind blow then the Apostles were inspired immediately not about the restoring of the Kingdome to Israel but of Israels enjoyment of the Kingome the promise vâ—z of Heaven not of the Earth being to them and to their children the Spirit hateing dull delay wherefore it was also a sudden sound from Heaven making them straight heavenly the sound being before the spirit for gathering in of their Spirits causing intense attendance upon that which was to be revealed the sound from Heaven making them heavenly minded the sound from Heaven coming suddenly confirmes the Doctrine of the spirits aversnesse from sloath the sound from Heaven that came suddenly was of a rushing mighty wind the wind rushing causing spirituall awe mighty to excit their depressed and it may be desponding souls and wind to purge their hearts from filth and blow away what in them was lurking to detard from that employment which by the Spirit they were intended for and for which like full vessels they were filled so as no earthly thing could enter there wanting room no temptation make them rail sound or roar as empty they being filled WHICH deliberatly consider'd deplorable inferences must be inferred touching the sad mistake of too â—oo many whose opinion only is the alone significant thing before others causing them to be accounted Saints or some conceit in themselves which groundâ— only to themselves the certainty of their future glory which errour shall be to it's possessors I might say Admirers what the voluptuous life of the Sophist Isaeus was to him which how delightful soever at first yet at last bâ—moned his being Tantaliz'd that is supposed to find good and rejoyced in its proximity yet still went without and was at last frustrate of all hopes thereby being but dreams and shadows for as all is not gold that gâ—â—sters so neither is every thing that ravishes by and by to be termed Divine Nor whaâ— affects yea comforts the heart to be presently surnamed types of Heaven yet where Dexterity Agility in the things of God are accompanied with Purity Peace Ioy and Heavenly mindednesse as in the Apostles here its a pâ—â—gnant proof of the in-being of the Spirit and coming down of the HOLY-GHOST whence comforts truly originat and flâ—w c. TWO thousand and odd years had mans Ambition exposed him to infamy Lewdnesse and Idolatry by Gods confounding languages at Babel stopping then from perfecting that joyntly intended Tower by dividing their speech which at this day again was transferred by plurality of tongues unto a blessing the Spirit diverssifying the Apostles tongues not to disturb the world bâ—t advance the Church in propagating Faith the readier that there needed no Interpreter every Preacher being furnished with the gift of every tongue to speak to the multitude of the devout that Iesus was the Christ Uniting them again to be of one mind and one accord for edifying themselves in love and one another in the holy Faith which is a strong Tower of defence as the Name of the LORD Prov. 18.10 and whose top indeed reacheth up to Heaven each Convert being as a stone to the building and united by the Cement of the Blood of the Eternall Covenant laid on by the hand of the Spirit who can as here turn ill to good by drawing good from it whether for mans profit or his Makers honour as Levi's curse in being scattered occasionally through grace made the Lord to be his portion and be sanctified for Priest unto the Tribes Numb 3.12 CONFOVNDING of Languages made the whole Earth to be peopled each company flocking planting building together according to that understanding they had of their neighbours speach which now brought great things to passe for the Almighties praise all Nations beholding these unletter'd men from Heaven in an instant promptly uttering the good things of Peace and Reconciliation with Him who first confounded them and of Reconciliation and Peace with all who were confounded with them all tongues expressing this one thing Love the Brethren 1 Pet 3.8 As Christ hath loved you and given himself for you THE tongue is a purifying mundifying member it can lick out viscuous matter can suck out putrid and infections corruption from the body as did that of the Lady Ellenor wife to that Prince of Chivalry Edward Prince afterward Edward the first of England her Lord being engâ—gâ—d and fortunate in the Holy war was almost assassiâ—nate by a Turk being wounded with a poysoned kniffe with which the Prince slew the Attemper but Physicians despairing of his own recovery the noble Lady her Lord sleeping is said to suck and draw the venome forth recovering her Husband she her self not being endangered thereby The tongue is a tasting member by iâ— we know the white of an egg to be unsavory it is a speaking member the Hierogliphick of a word among the Egyptians was a tongue and by it we blesse God at this day and alasse by it also we curse men setting it on fire as from hell to reform which and virtuate the doctrine of the Gospel for drawing forth of the Soul the deadly poyson of Atheism and Prophannesse by pravity and exemple thrust upon us and put in us by those watchful lusts and vigilant adversaries of our Lord and of our souls because we would regain that Ierusalem that Royal City of pure and Holy peace with God which hath been wrested out of our hands by Turk-like force Tyrrany and Cunning FOR draining us of such putrid filthiness and the whole world is the Spirit represented in that shape the first fruits whereof appeared in that first and Famous Sermon of S. Peter whose tongue had been but a few weeks before so glib for
yet with this excellent and comfortable difference that as Moses yeelds to Christ so must Sinai to Sion here was fire only their fire and smoak there was clouds darknesse and earth-quakes accompanâ—'d with fear and trembling Sinai it self quaking But in Sion only a sound as of a mighty wind to prepare the receivers and cloven tongues uniting Iew and Gentile the boundiary of the wilderness being pulled up and variety of tongues perswaded the scattered abroad that God had given the Kingdoms of this world to his dear Son that in a spirituall sence not Israel only but the Earth might become the Lords and the fullnesse thereof typified by that multitude gathered and converted by the heat fireynesse yet harmlesnesse of the Saints charity and ardor having received the remission of sin and that from heaven the self same day their Fathers received the law against which they had transgressed for both was at the time oâ— Pentecost as may be demonstrated in computing the time thus THE people came from Egypt on the 14 day of the month there therefore remained 16 dayes for travell the Hebrews always reckoning 30 dayes for a month the first day of the third month they came to Sinai 30 dayes of the second month being accounted there will with this be found 47 dayes then the Peoples encamping Moses goeing up to God his returning again to the people for clear calculation is called one day which is 48 in which going up again to the Mount he is ordered by God to order the peoples being ready against the third day which will make the 50. â—n which God appeared for reckoniâ—g from the peoples want of bread or fall of Mannah is uncertain and may be erronious this is more clear and evidenceth the Anology better betwixt that fire from God by the Ministry of Angels and writting his law on tables of stone and that by fire in the descending of the Spirit that came one the 50 day after the slaying of the Passover Christ Iesus writting his law upon the tables of the hearts of men in a fuller fairer larger and more clear Character typ or impression but note this reckoning is inclusive the other not THE Persians and some other nations adored the fire for a god because of its excessive power and force in resolving matters combustible how great so-ever into it's own substance and being and usually it 's accounted the most noble among elements being as the heavens among bodies the sun among planets yea it 's purgeing operation made it of old to be the heirogliphick of purity as if they had known the world it self was to be cleansed thereby but how hath the fire of the Spirit from Ierusalem enlarged it self making the frosted heart of the unbelieving world even to glow while it talks of the Cross from heaven which is one of the three things by wise men admired in the earth looking upon the Resurrection and Ascension far short in comparison of that conquest the Holy Ghost hath made of the Grandees of the Nations in their honourable receiving of that doctrine from the mouths of plain men so contrary to the hair of natural inclination and mark it where ever the Spirit cometh it comes ordinarly by the sound of the Gospel and by it's heat we are assured of his reception a heart touched a heart pricked is but a heart heated a heart open'd when a man crys what shall I do with Peters converts Acts 2.37 or take away the iniquity of thy Servant with David 2 Sam. 24.10 surtiship may be offered that the Spirit hatâ— spoken in a saveing way but if it be a complaint of the punishment with Cain or a remove the â—râ—gs with Pharaoh be not rash in Cautoâ—ry this being a Legal not a Gospel expression far from that request of creating a clean heart which the Iews compareth to the Holy of Holies to Solomonâ— throne to Mosesâ—ables â—ables and truly displays that the wickednesse is done away by the Spiriâ—s inhabiting his resting therein and writting thereupon the doctrine of pardon and remission provyding the man seperate himself from an untoward generation Acts 2.40 IT 'S said the Spirit sat upon each of them in which it differs from that unclean Spirit that goeth about compassing the earth to and fro seeking rest but findeth none whereas holinesse is pacifique serene tranquilling consolidating the heart in which he dwels makeing it calm in it self and causing quietnesse towards all others condemning Ambition Covetousnesse Hatred Envy Vanity and what ever els tends to the Churches disturbance in which the Spirit rests sitting in it as upon a Throne purposing to reign as on a Tribunal resolving to judge as on a Chair purposing to instruct for all which in all ages to come he represented his undertakeing on this day establishing himself upon the Apostles heads as by fire clearing them from the rust of Errour the filth of Corruption that as Patterns as well as Preachers they might be exâ—mples of Sanctity to their own generation and give infallible rules for obtaining happinesse unto all posterity for ever COMPVNCTION of heart and remission of sin are both from the Spirit of God and is that new wine which shall only be put in the new bottles of a regenerated soul whereby they shal do and speak as the Spirit shall prompt them I had almost said as the Spirit give them utterance as here the Apostles for we find the whole house was filled with the rushing wind the Majesty of the Holy Ghost excluding all in-maets and though each Apostle had the sanctifyed operation of the Spirit filling every angle and corner of the soul as the understanding with Faith the will with Love and that sin or Devil might be exiled the hands with Promptitude the feet with Solicitude the eyes with Modesty the tongue with Eloquence the whole man with Prudence the Faculty Concupiscible being filled with good the Irascible with courage the Rational with verity though they had all gifts and were all filled yet they spake as the spirit gave them utterance some had five others had two talents and S. Paul abounded and spake with tongues more then they all whereby he who expects the gifts bestowed unto all ought not to caresse himself or hug and embrace himself in the deceiving hopes of a rich ample and perfect possession of the Spirit here but rest satisfied with his gift and with being one of the eleven not envying Peters singularity for he is particularly spoken of and eminency since a pinnace a small yaught shall land as wel as a great ship with full sail under the conduct and flag of the Admiral VPON the coast of the Whit-sea there is a cap called Pentecost and somewhat east of that there is another called Bonae Fortunae q d. good-luck let this day be any mans Pentecost a time of gathering in that is of heeding the law offering the first fruits of strength unto the Lord as the Jews did this day of their
corn it shall as Godlinesse hath the promise enrich both for heaven and earth doing good to him and not evill all the days of his life by pardon the alteration of the coast and similitude giving him a trade wind for the port of his desired rest IN this last age we are not to look for miracles by a sensible feeling of the rite or significant ceremony here used yet still Christ breaths on the Elect enlargeing to that degree their bowels of Love that they â—hew him always their faces being averse neither to his Doctrine nor to his Crosse yet forget not that he ascended before the mighty strong wind blew in upon them and that there may be no mistake there are some â—pon whom the Spirit comes never being â—eft in the ignorance of nature coldnesse of the Earth rawnesse of the flesh there are oâ—hers upon whom he comes but abides not â—lowing only upon them and no more heats â—hem indeed but as warm water they are â—older soon after he washeth them yet afterward they go to the puddle and are offensive â—s before to others he cometh and abideth â—itteth upon them liveth in them fills them outwardly with heavenly ardor celestial â—eat and by fire from above causes them seem â—peaking Seraphims and inwardly with wisâ—ome understanding knowledge in the â—eepnesse whereof they may be stiled Cheâ—ubims yea gods in the liknesse of men and â—hose fiery ones too this was for the Apostles BVT alas we see not those signs to passe â—he fiery tongues of too many in this age atâ—nded with smoak and brimstone the known fewel of Hel flames it is but one of a Citty and two of a Trib in whom we see the love of God an evidence of the Spirit which is known chiefly by the loveing of man who being ready for good works to both and patient in suffering and enduring evill from both and makeing progresse from one degree of vertue to another not falling back into perdition in the sight of either this is for us unto whom the Disciples are as lights after they received the promise of the Father as a gift from Iesus in his triumphant chariot the right hand of the Father the Captain of our Salvation haveing led Captivity captive giveing gifts to men to those then to us now more dureable treasures then those offered by the Roman conquerors of old as Sanctity in fire Purity in wind Eloqution in tongues that a Hebrew man might in Roman Oratory and with Attick Eloquence publish Salvation to the respective people and even perswade and reason them by the Spirit into everlasting blesse I say by the Spirit for unlesse he signifie unto the heart the preaching in the Air wil little avail neither shal ever he be Oraly instructed for laying aside the weight that so easely besets whose mind by the Spirit is not perfectly anointed for discovering the reward designed for observers of the Law he being the principale Master Clearing the memory Refining the Reason Inclining the will by the first alwayes minding us of God by the second directing how to apply him for our good because to him that knoweth his Masters will and doth it not there are appointed double strips by the third he sweetly willingly and powerfully draws us to the practise of the good we know for our souls sake and by the mercy of Iesus and by the fellowship of the Spirit and this alwayes for tongues being the organ of expressing words manifests the perpetuity of the things heard which as by fire are to be engraven and melted into their head and heart for their subsistance in them who are sanctified as is published in the Multitude of converts their joy their union their increase though under persecution AFTER the Disciples return from Olivet we find them enter into an upper roome continuing in prayer by some learned thought to be the place where our Saviour instituted the blessed Sacrament of his body confirmed Thomas in the faith of the Resurrection and where the HOLY GHOST came down in fire upon this day And was as antiquity records the Church and Synod-house of the Apostles in Ierusalem called Coenaculum Sion being first hallowed by our Lords supper and consecrate by other appearances for holy use and service a Church being builded thereupon called the Church of Sion on the top of the mount whereof there yet remaineth some reliques confirming the History and Tradition In this place the multitude of believers about an hundreth and twentie some of them possibly of our Saviours own kinred converts and acquaintance in Jerusalem mett prayed for the Election of Mathias at which time surely God loved the gates of Sion more then all the dwellings in Ierusalem his foundation being in this Holy mount 87. Psal. 1.2 Here was Mary the Mother of Jesus it may be Martha Mary Lazarus who ever they were they continued in one accord in prayer Acts 1.14 for if men give bread when their Children importunatly ask from them and afectionatly being at peace among themselves How much more shall our heavenly Father give the Spirit to such who call for him especially if in sound faith upright heart chast bosoms holy groanings innocent thinkings with unwearied solicitings Which unweariedness is intimated in the words they continued the fire of the Spirit burning up the stinging wither'd Nettles of contention the Thorns of worldly cares the Heath or Heather of â—â—ars and dejectments opening the ground of soul and Spirit for the seed of the good husband man that they might be inriched with â—nd bring forth fruit meet for repentance and â—mendment of life blowing away as with wind the sandy vanâ—ty of self-conceit and opinion hindring growth in grace and knowledge and all triviall trash sordidness being either burned or scattered while the world is Sataniz'd by lust continuing in Gluttony Drunkenness Excess Wantoness and Pride these continue in prayer peace and expecting the promise in high and â—ervent love for the Spirit came down and filled the house where they were sitting that is in quietness together iniquity passionatness talkativenesse itch of disputing about words which gender strif contention and debate the HOLY GHOST purposeng eternaly to be estranged from THAT being known to them and of us to be heeded the Spirit expresseth more then once after the Ascension that the multitude met together in one accord sueing for the acomplishment of the promise which in few dayes that is ten they received haveing asked with the mouth for they prayed with the heart for being heavenly endowed they wenâ— no more a fishing but about the fullfilling of the Scripture Judas being gone to his own place THEY were in Ierusalem likewise which is by interpretation a City of Peace being commanded not to depart thence untill they received the promise of the Father Acts 1.4 Christ purposing to glorifie his Ascension yea all his actings with the greater splendour for there was his greatest humiliation the greatest powring forth of his
blood the lowest bowing down of his Head there at the Pasover in sight of the Nations did his Soul fly upward into Paradise leaving a naked body in the hands of the Souldiers and there again was his greatest exaltation pouring forth his Spirit at the Feast of Pentecost upon his despised Associats the firstlings of whose conversion by his power whom the Rulers had slain but fifty days before in that same City not only reviveing his memory proveing his innocency but convincing their Auditors the inhabitants of bloodinesse and sinfulnesse they thereby becomming adorers of the Cross manageing the vertue and merits thereof in gratifying the Father that is glorifying and pleasing God by rejoycing because of and in the same and of its extension unto all the world the Iew rejoycing in his own pardon for crucifying the Lord of glory the Gentile being glad in partaking of that Salvation which was from the Iews Ioh. 4.22 both now understanding the Prophet in his Out of Zion shall go forth the Law Isa. 2.3 and whence can it come fitter since it s a Law making peace then from Ierusalem a vision of peace where Christ the Prince of peace said once peace be unto you and again peace be unto you Joh. 20.21 that is as I have found you in peace I leave you in peace and abiding in peace the spirit of peace shall abide with you for which receive ye the HOLY GHOST THE Trumpets of the Temple sounded every morning at the opening of the Gates for assembling the devout unto Divine service the Spirit being breathed upon the Apostles here keep'd them together untill the sound of a mighty winde alarâ—m'd them and prepared them for more ample manifestation of his appearance And surely what the Trumpet did our Bells doth now each ting and toll saying Gather your selves together Joel 2.2 and though gathering by many be not regarded and by severall reasoned and printed against yet our falling from the shadow of Religious deportment in shutting our ears against such solemne invitations to our Churches hath not had among us such alluring mercies such beamings of heavens acceptance such self-denying and sin-subduing characters such warme breathings of Ghostly consolations nor such examples impulses to purity and good works but that yet we should go up to the house of the Lord and call upon his Name with the remnant that are left OVR Fiery tongues against Assemblies and the Masters thereof being indeed such that is fiery rather then like as fire God by them being dishonoured and the multitude of the Nations enforced to conclude there from that mystically we be drunk with the wine of astonishment and spirit of giddinesse having a knack of cursing what ever we see contrary to our intentions though urgently sought by us or wishedly endeavoured for what ever Providence doth with us though it may be in the main conform to our prayers and fasts yet in the end we pray and fast yea curse and ly against it since it is so well known the Gall which now imbitters our lives even to separation is no other then that same Gall that hath disrelished our former enjoyments Our disquiet proceeding not so much from this or that object as from our heeding the devil who is come down yea invited down amongst us having great wrath so that in some meetings there is it may be a mighty rushing wind and the sound of that throughout the land but our sitting that is our abideing in that harmonious concord peace and love attested as a badge of the Spirits future coming not being seen its fallacious to inferre the possession of Holinesse though they should speak with Tongues and prophesie OFT did the HOLY GHOST appear but never in the shape of a ravening beast or bird of prey Oyle is soft a Dove is not invective and the fire that came down at Pentecost was without smoak for that hurts the eyes and likewise without natural heat for it sindged not a hair of the head neither did the smell of fire passe on the Apostles it being but like fire an Element in which God had oft appeared as to Moses to Elias the nature of it being adapt to signifie the operation of the Spirit within these men for their own good and benefiteing of others which ardently they pursued prudently instructing and by Grace infusing in others their own acquiâ—'d and infused perfections as by fire melting the hard heart inlightning the ignorant cleansing as from rust the idle and sluggish Soul heating all through the love of ascending towards Heaven which love as oyle keepeth always aloft and without mixing it self with the affecting of things here below they being cast out as by a sink and not to be heeded that is beloved for nauseating the Soul which by the pledge or troth here received as by a Ring hath betrothed it self purely unto God HENCE we may pronounce their piety but formality and shall be more confounding then flat Atheisme who obtruds upon the world their rough hands enflamed cheeks tearing nailes their pilfring humour their slandering tongue to be constituent parts of those multiplicated gifts effused and shed abroad upon their heart by that Spirit which descended in these dayes the pernicity whereof to discover would long detain us from our Port but that of our Saviour detects the insolence by their fruits ye shall know them Matth. â— 16 Rapaciousness and blood-thirstinesse being equally remote from the soul of Him in whom the HOLY GHOST dwells as are the contentions and blasphemies of Hell and the joyes concord and peace in the highest Heavens SVCH who expect visits from great men fits their houses for reception possibly by perfuming pots the Disciples prepared for the Spirit by Vnion Prayer and Love embrace the Pattern imitate the Coppy with repeated acts of incense-like mortification of lust prejudice animositie or whatsoever savours of such nastinesse Using in opposition to these the strowings with the sweet herbs of Brotherly kindnesse meeknesse patience charity and love to God the house I should say the Soul thus scented is disposed for his admission he loving purity and religious cleanlinesse being the only delectable property he pursueth and expecteth THE Church is said to have Doves eyes Cant. 4.1 and the Dove is both a sociable and harmlesse creature refusing to nest in that cote where rottennesse or stench breeds annoyance being delighted with that house most which is furnished with glasses the bird delighting in her own shadow and rejoycing to behold it even in water The Doves eyes indeed properly unsolds the chastity of the Church looking only upon her beloved as a true Turtle and her not following strange lovers but the other known properties of that fowle countercharms the witchcraft-like enchantments that are in this age men caressing that is hugging themselves in a whimsical solitude not desiring to have a discovery of themselves unto themselves least they should relinquish their imbib'd opinions falsely called a principle and say O! who